CJ says one suspect has admitted passing through 12 check-points

Chief Justice Sarath Silva told the open court that police road blocks should be technically enhanced if they are to be useful at all.

He recalled that a Tamil Tiger suspect recently arrested in Negombo has told the police that he passed through 12 police check points.

12 check-points

Tamil Tiger suspects however usually avoid security road-blocks in their operations, Sarath Silva said, quoting from police reports.

The judiciary made these remarks considering a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition by a resident in Panadura against arresting and detaining him at a check point.

The Supreme Court earlier ordered to cite Defence Secretary and Inspector General of Police as respondents in the petition filed by IS Rodrigo who was arrested by the police at Polhenagoda accusing him for allegedly not carrying a valid driving licence.

Matter of public interest

Observing that civilians are inhumanely treated at the road blocks, the judiciary earlier said the case is considered by judiciary as a matter of public interest.

The road blocks are there to protect the national security but not to check driving licences, CJ Sarath Silva added.

The ruling is to be delivered on 03 December.