The Supreme Court has granted permission to pursue the fundamental rights case of Tariq Ahmed, who was tortured by a group of police officers in Dharga Town, Aluthgama.
That Supreme Court Judge B.P. Aluvihare, Murdu N.B. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Fernando and Achala Wengappuli.
Tariq Ahmed (15), a mentally retarded child, was assaulted by police officers on his way back to Welipenna on a bicycle from the police post near the petrol station at Ambagaha Junction in Dharga Town on 25-05-2020. It is said that gave. It was later revealed that he had been riding his bicycle towards Welipenna when he signaled to stop.
Tariq’s father had lodged a complaint with senior police officials as well as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the SSP in charge of the Kalutara Division had taken steps to suspend three police officers, including a Sub Inspector who was on duty at the time.
However, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court against the Aluthgama Police under SCFR (A) / 322/2020) for violating the fundamental rights of Tariq Ahmed / torturing police officers.
Accordingly, the panel of judges which considered the facts of this petition has granted leave to proceed under Article 11 12-1 of the Constitution. The bench also directed the respondents to file preliminary objections within six weeks and the petitioner to file counter objections within three weeks and to be heard again on September 21.
President’s Counsel Sumanthiram appeared for the petitioner, Tariq Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Wazir, along with Attorney – at – Law Dilanda Silva and Attorney – at – Law Armisa Tigel on the instructions of the Command Law Firm.
The Attorney General appeared for the respondent.