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Priest petitions SC against police inaction

by Wasantha Ramanayake

The Supreme Court has granted leave to proceed in a Fundamental Rights application by a Catholic priest against the inaction of the Hatton Police to intervene and maintain peace at a citizens' meeting.

The bench comprised Justices Mark Fernando PC, D. P. S. Gunasekera and T. B. Weeerasuriya.

Petitioner, Fr. Sebastian Maria Anthony of Hatton cited ASPs Ariyatilake and Cecil Kumara, HQI Karunatilake of Hatton Police, three other police officers and six CWC supporters as respondents.

Fr. Anthony claimed that he with several others formed an organisation, called the "Up country Organisation of Democratic Rights", against the increasing crimes and human rights violations in the up country during the past few years.

He said that the inauguration of the said organisation was to be held on December 8, 2002 in Hatton. He alleged that powerful Ceylon Workers Congress supporters instigated and disrupted the meeting.

Fr. Anthony alleged that although there were around 15 police officers at the meeting, they had not taken any action to control the situation. He stated that he has a legitimate right to hold a meeting without the intervention of outsiders and it was the duty of the Police officers to safeguard his right.

J. C. Weliamuna appeared for petitioner.

The hearing was fixed for April 29. 

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