Kulathunga vs. Officer-in-Charge, Community Police Unit, Police Station, Kottawa and Others – sllr 2021 volume 1 page 001

In the case between Kulathunga (petitioner) and the Officer-in-Charge, Community Police Unit, Police Station, Kottawa, along with other respondents, the court addressed the issue of alleged violations of fundamental rights under Articles 11, 12(1), and 13(1) of the Constitution. The court held that the arbitrary exercise of police authority—including unlawful detention and intimidation—constituted a breach of constitutional protections afforded to the petitioner. The principle reaffirmed is that state officers are bound by the rule of law and must act within the scope of their lawful authority. The decision was reached by analyzing applicable legal standards and precedents concerning arbitrary arrest, detention, and the requirement for proper supervision within law enforcement. The court g