Court dismisses private plaint against two cops for blocking protest
November 25, 2022 11:43 am
A private plaint filed against Colombo SSP Roshan Dias and ASP Nalin Dilruk, for allegedly blocking a peaceful protest on October 10, was dismissed by Colombo Fort Magistrate today.
The complainant accused the two police officers of putting up barricades to block the demonstration.
The private plaint, filed by media activist Tharindu Jayawardena, was called before Magistrate Thilina Gamage this morning.
On November 08, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema raised strong objections to the private plaint.
He stated that material had been suppressed by the complainant and that the Attorney General’s sanction was essential to file a private plaint.
The state counsel added that the court had been wilfully misled and “prostituted”, as held in the case of Rex v Meera Saibo, by the complainant.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, who represented the complainant, said that there was no suppression and no unlawful assembly.
Today, the magistrate gave an order, holding that the Attorney General’s position was correct. He mentioned that the police officers have acted lawfully and even filed a B Report proving their bona fides.
The magistrate, ruling that not seeking sanction of the Attorney General was fatal, dismissed the case, holding in favour of the Attorney General.
