Supreme Court Orders Rs. 25,000 Each for Tying and Assaulting Meegodawewa Youth in Anuradhapura
In a landmark ruling that could reshape police accountability in Sri Lanka, the Supreme Court has held two Police Sergeants responsible for brutally assaulting a young man from Meegodawewa in Anuradhapura. The officers, in a shocking display of misconduct, tied the victim’s hands and legs and assaulted him in a bid to force a confession related to a robbery. When the victim refused to confess, they instead framed him by planting heroin on him and subsequently placed him in remand custody.
This decision comes after the victim filed a fundamental rights petition, prompting a three-judge bench to scrutinize the actions of the police. The Court found that the officers’ conduct not only violated the victim’s basic human rights but also reflected a broader pattern of abuse within the force. As part of its judgment, the Court ordered that each officer pay a compensation of Rs. 25,000 from their personal funds, with the settlement to be completed within one month.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have hailed this judgment as a significant step forward. Forced confessions and the planting of drugs have, regrettably, become all too common in parts of Sri Lanka, often leaving victims without recourse. By holding the officers personally accountable, the Court has sent a clear message: such abuses of power will not be tolerated.
The ruling not only provides justice for the victim but also sets a crucial precedent for future cases involving police misconduct. It underscores the urgent need for reform within Sri Lanka’s law enforcement agencies to ensure that all citizens’ rights are protected and that those who overstep their authority are held responsible for their actions.
This case stands as a powerful reminder that every individual is entitled to dignity and justice, and that the legal system must act as a robust safeguard against the abuse of power.
