Karaoke hostess granted leave to proceed

Jayantha de Silva

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights violation petition filed by Karaoke hostess

Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Nirosha for alleged infringement of her rights. The petition cited six respondents including the IGP N. K. Illangakoon, Kollupitiya Police OIC Mangala Dehideniya , PC 63382 Ruwan, PS 64117 Jayasundara, WPC 8642 Sunethra and the Attorney General.

The petitioner interlia states: She is 21-years-old and her father is a Buddhist and her mother a Hindu and an Indian national and a resident of Danthure in Pilimathalawa. She is a Hindu. Her father is a snake charmer who reared three snakes. She is employed at the Cleopatra Karaoke in the basement of Liberty Plaza. On 28.08.12 while sleeping in her room at the Karaoke, she was visited by a Police party who queried her about a snake she was rearing in a cane box with a lock and ordered her to come with the snake to the police station.

When she queried as to the reason she is being taken into the police station the Police abused her saying that she is a prostitute.

The petitioner had an affinity towards snakes and had displayed the reptile to the Police.

At the police station she was subject to both humiliation and ridicule. Subsequently she was admitted to the National Hospital and guarded by two women constables. The Fort Magistrate visited her at the hospital but was instructed by Police not to speak to her. On 30.08.12 she was produced from remand before the Fort magistrate and was enlarged on bail, despite the fourth respondent moving the court to further remand her. She has not violated the Dangerous Animals Act. She was denied the opportunity to consult an Attorney-at-Law.

The petitioner seeks damage in a sum of Rs.2 million and any other relief the court may deem fit.