Declaring Police Curfew on 9th July 2022: SC grants leave to proceed against IGP

The Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with two Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the imposition of Police Curfew on 9th July, 2022 in the western province preventing protestors from arriving in Colombo. 

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Shiran Goonaratne and Mahinda Samayawardena granted leave to proceed under Article 12(1) - right of equality, 14(1)(a) - freedom of speech and expression, 14(1)(b)-freedom of peaceful assembly, 14(1)(c)- freedom of association, 14(1)(h) freedom of movement. 

Senior Counsel Thishya Weragoda,  Hijaz Hisbullah, Prathap Welikumbura, Dilan Nalaka, Yasanga Senadheera, Shiffan Maharoof and Chamodi Wijeweera appeared for the petitioners. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)