Petition in SC over police being prejudiced

 By S. S. Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court on Thursday (28) fixed for hearing on 13 October the right violation petition filed by a daughter and her mother alleging prejudiced police presecution. The two petitioners hailing from Kekirawa  are believers of a minority religion.

The Bench comprised Justices Eva Wanasundera, Priyantha Jayawardane and K. T. Chitrasiri.

 Petitioners Manjula Kumari (daughter) and Henalage Rosaliya (mother) cited Kekirawa Police Station OIC P. J. Pushpakumara and Acting OIC Ratnayake as well as B. A. Swarnasheeli, Anura Priyathilaka, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General as respondents.

 Pulasthi Hewamanne with Dilini Gamage instructed by Gowry Shangary Thavarasha appeared for the petitioners.

 The Court granted leave to proceed with their application on 02 October 2014 for the alleged infringement of their fundamental rights to equality, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention as well as their right to the freedom, either by themselves or in association with others, and either in public or in private, to manifest their religion or belief in worship, and teaching etc. Counsel J. C. Weliamuna supported the petition for granting of leave.

 Petitioners have been Jehovah’s Witnesses for approximately six years at the time of filing of this application.

 They filed their rights petition complaining of the alleged arbitrary arrest, detention, degrading treatment and the failure of the police officers to protect their right to worship according to the dictates of their religion.

 The petitioners stated there are several incidents in the recent past where the religious minorities, particularly Jehovah’s Witnesses, have suffered acts of persecution and violence.

 The current socio-political context is giving credence to an increase in religious extremism and intolerance, they said.