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SC orders compensation for businessman
By Teles Anandappa
A businessman of Gokarella who was assaulted by the Police at a trade fair was awarded compensation this week by the Supreme Court which held that his Fundamental Rights were violated.

The petitioner A.M.V. Aligiyawanna of Gampaha Stores Nelliya cited Reserve Police Constable L.P.P. Lalith Prema and OIC N.M. Indranath Janaka of the Gokerella Police as respondents. The bench comprising Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva and justices C.J.H.S. Yapa,and Raja Fernando held that the businessman's rights had been violated and accordingly held that the first respondent pays Rs. 15,000, the second Rs. 5000 and the State Rs. 20,000.

The Supreme Court also ordered that copies of the judgement to be sent to the Attorney General, the National Police Commission, and the IGP for necessary action. The businessman claimed that at an exhibition at Gokerralla Mahavidyalaya on July 26, 2003 when they were proceeding towards the exit after a musical show he was assaulted from behind with a pole during a commotion.

When he turned he found RPC Lalith with a pole. The RPC had assaulted him further till he fell to the ground badly hurt. Mr. Aligiyawanna was taken to hospital and later when he went to the Police Station to lodge a complaint the OIC had ignored the whole matter.

Attorney Prince Perera with Suhethra Das appeared for the petitioner. Viran Corea and Riyaz Hamza State Counsel appeared for the Attorney General.

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