The Supreme Court today (31) granted permission to hear the fundamental rights petition filed by Mr. Anuruddha Bandara, a social activist, challenging his arrest, alleging that he had released the phrase ‘Gotha Go Gama’ on the Internet.
The petition was called today (31) before the bench of Justices Vasantha Kodagoda and Arjuna Obeysekera.
Twelve persons, including the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Western Province, Deshabandu Tennakon and the Attorney General, have been named as respondents.
The bench concluded that the petitioner’s right to freedom of expression, right to freedom from unlawful arrest, and right to equality were violated by the arrest.
This is considering the statements made by President’s Attorney Saliya Peiris, who represented the petitioners along with lawyer Tanuka Nandasiri, and the petition has also requested to collect a compensation of 100 lakh rupees from the respondents.