In a dramatic legal twist, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear TMVP leader Pillayan’s Fundamental Rights petition challenging his arrest and detention. The petition cites violations of constitutional protections including discrimination based on political opinion and unlawful arrest procedures.
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today (July 23) granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Eastern Province Chief Minister and Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, popularly known as Pillayan. The petition challenges what he describes as his illegal arrest and detention.
The case will be heard under multiple provisions of the Constitution, namely:
- Article 12(1): Unequal treatment before the law
- Article 12(2): Discrimination on the basis of political opinion
- Article 13(1): Arrest without cause
- Article 13(2): Arrest outside the procedure established by law
Pillayan alleges that his arrest violated his fundamental rights and was motivated by political considerations, rather than any valid legal basis. The move to take up the case by the Supreme Court indicates that the judiciary is willing to examine claims of procedural irregularities and alleged political victimization.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner were Attorney-at-Law Udaya Gammanpila and President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva, both of whom emphasized the constitutional violations said to have occurred during Pillayan’s arrest.
This development has sparked renewed interest in the legal battles of former political figures, especially in a climate where allegations of politically influenced law enforcement practices are increasingly being questioned.
The date for the full hearing of the petition will be fixed in due course.
