Supreme Court says FR of British national with Buddha tattoo violated; orders state to pay compensation

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the fundamental rights petition filed by a British tourist who was arbitrarily arrested and detained for displaying a tattoo of Lord Buddha on her upper arm and ordered the state to pay her Rs500, 000 as compensation.

The Court also ordered that the petitioner Naomi Michelle Cokeman of 8, Waveley Road, Coventry, England be paid another Rs. 200,000 as costs.

Additionally the second and third respondents in the case Police Sergeant Upasena and Police Inspector Suraweera were also directed to pay Rs. 50,000/- each as compensation to the Petitioner.

The bench comprised justices S.E. Wanasundera P.C.,Actg. C.J. and Nalin Perera

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