Court severely reprimands police

11 February 2010 12:44 pm - 117 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Farook Thajudeen

A Colombo Court today severely reprimanded the police for not carrying out their duty by arresting the armed thugs who attacked civilians during their peaceful march at Hulftsdorp yesterday and said the police should be ashamed of dancing to the tune of politicians.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Champa Janaki Rajaratne made this observation when the Colombo Crimes Division OIC Premaratne produced eight people in Court in connection with the damaging of public and private property and causing injury to bystanders.

The Magistrate released them on personal bail of Rs.500 each and warned the police not to mislead the Court by suppressing the truth with the intention of safeguarding the real culprits.

“The Police Department and the Judiciary are maintained by public funds and their duty is to serve the public and not to act according to their whims and fancies,” the Magistrate said.

OIC Premaratne in his report to Court said that those who were arrested came in a procession to protest the arrest of former Army Commander and Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka.

The OIC said that at that time a group of government supporters who had gathered near the statue of former president Premadasa retaliated against the supporters of General Fonseka.

When the Magistrate inquired from the OIC whether there were eye witnesses to the incident, the Colombo Central Crimes Division ASP Jayaratne said he witnessed the whole incident and that he advised the two factions to disperse and desist from violence but as his orders were not carried out he directed the police to teargas the crowds and fire water cannons at them.

He also said the pro Fonseka group had not obtained permission to hold the protest rally. At this point the Magistrate asked him whether the pro government faction had obtained permission. The ASP unable to answer her question remained silent.

Counsel Gunaratne Wanninayake appearing for the eight suspects told Court that the police was misleading it and that the police were protecting the armed thugs who with UPFA Municipal Councillor Ajantha Liyanage had attacked the innocent demonstrators.

Mr. Wanninayake said that while the thugs and the police were assaulting the innocent people the lawyers who were present in Court at the time had intervened in the name of democracy.

Magistrate Rajaratne ordered the police to arrest the real culprits who could be clearly identified in the photographs and warned the police to avoid twisting facts and thereby misleading the Court.

The Chief Magistrate also said that people were free to hold dissenting political views but the judiciary and the police had to carryout their duties impartially.

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Comments - 117

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:53 PM

Bravo Chief Magistrate !!!! Bravo !!!!. We need more and more people like you !!!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:53 PM

The law is with the government Judge....so there is no law in SL... Thugs rules now....

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:54 PM

Well done, Sir. Can we have hope that the Police will be tamed and put to the right track by the Judiciary at least.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:54 PM

Champa Janaki Rajaratne is a great person i guess,

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:55 PM

Well done CM. This is a real democracy.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:56 PM

A Hope for ALL

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:56 PM

Dear Magistrate,

Well done.At least I can be satisfied there are some brave srilankans.Next time put this oic hora and asp hora behind bars to teach a lesson to shit srilanka police.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:59 PM

My God, the learned Magistrate you must be a real Gentleman, unbowed and unafraid.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:59 PM

We are proud of you madam!! The Democracy loving true Sri Lankans are watching this whole Saga. Justice is all what we ask for!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:59 PM

at last there is atleast one person of authority, in the government payroll who speaks for the people!!!!!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 12:59 PM

Well done Colombo Chief Magistrate.
May we please have more of your callibre and impartiality in the judiciary, police, public service and most importantly at the top and within the Government.
A person with courage to call a spade a spade without fear or favour...a rarity in Sri Lanka these day..
Well Done your Honour

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:02 PM

Hail the judge!
law abiding citizen.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:05 PM

Nice to see that the judicary firm and giving impatial judgment. May God bless you Chief Magistrate. After all the evidance are available in pictures and videos why can't the police arrest the real culprits behind MR and Co.

IGP its over to you....

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:05 PM

We are proud of you madam! At least I can be satisfied there are some brave srilankans We need more and more people like you

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:07 PM

Hi ..I think the learned and honourable magistrta is a lady as per the name.
No offence or disrespect what so ever, but that is my observation as a few have referred to the Hon.Magistrate as a male..
Pls correct me if I am wrong...
But the main point is that this Magistrate has shown immense guts and courage to put this corrupt and hora police in their place..Hightime someone showed the way.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:08 PM

Dear Madam,
We are you proud of you, if everybody does his job impartially, These thugs will run away

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:09 PM

Well done..... Appreciate the courage and the guts. All Sri Lankans should support democracy and rightness regardless of their political alliances. Army, Policy and Media and the Public should take this as a good example

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:11 PM

This is brilliant. I cannot believe I am reading stories like this. Every cloud has a silver lining as the saying goes. I am very sure this is the beginning of radical change in the country ! Democracy will prevail.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:11 PM

Yes this must be done for ASP and OIC

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:13 PM

Thank you CM ,,...
at last ,,
I can see a silver line out of dark ,,, we need more people like you ,, please all of you at least safe surd the law and order of SL ,,, if not god bless poor sri lankans ,...

Please punish the maximum to this kind of "hora" police at every instance , if they have a backbone ,, Sri lanka shouldnt be like this ...please send them behind the bars ,,,,

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:14 PM

We greatly respect your integrity and courage madam. We are really proud that you are also a fellow Sri Lankan.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:14 PM

Well done Judge we are proud of you we need people like you govern our country.Please keep it up

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:14 PM

Well done Chief Magistrate! Well done the MC lawyers! Let not the powers that be try to harass that Magistrate. We need this type of independent and impartial action by all State officers.
Let those cowardly Police officers remove their uniforms.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:15 PM

a very heartening piece of news in this time of national turmoil. Full of hope to see true and real justice in the days to come. The is a confirmation of an idependent judiciary..

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:17 PM

Madam you've been exemplary to others those who act like invertebrates. Never let thuggery and corruption defeat justice and righteousness. Hats off to professionals like you.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:18 PM

Your Honour. Please get the OIC to take Ajantha Liyanage for questioning. We the Tax Payers bow our heads to your Honours judgement and learnered observations.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:19 PM

It seems that "ALL IS NOT LOST IN SRI LANKA"! Well done Madam! You are a brave Magistrate under the prevailing circumstances. But be careful, your movements and house may be under surviellence by now.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:19 PM

We have to pray that God will protect Champa Janaki Rajaratne.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:20 PM

Well done your honor! If all the judges were like you these scoundrels in politician's garb will soon realize that they are not above the law.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:21 PM

very well done...

yet another proof that the judiciary system is still partly out of politics...

now these judges shud b very careful....

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:24 PM

Your parents must be really proud of you madam they have brought up a daughter who is straight forward , fearless and with a backbone.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:24 PM

I ask government to bring the sf matter in to civil court

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:30 PM

Thank you, thank you THANK YOU(:

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:32 PM

great madam great iron lady may be you would face death immediately

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:34 PM

educated people can understand the situations well. and vise versa.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:35 PM

Well done. Keep up the good work

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:40 PM

Excellent!!.I bow my head to you CM.At last there is light at the end of gruesome tunnel.Peple can have a sigh of relief.CM please take care of you.Combination of the Police with Politics has becpmes a vicious circle against peace loving public.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:42 PM

keep it up mam, thnks very much...

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:46 PM

Pls we need more of these from the respected Judiciary.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:47 PM

Well done. But, be careful with these MEGA THUGS!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:50 PM

WELL SAID!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:50 PM

Bravo madam Bravo! Hope other higher officers will follow your lead and be impartial. Thanks

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:51 PM

YOU ARE RIGHT. ITS A DICTATOR THAT RULES. BLOODY THUGS!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:52 PM

WE ARE THANKFUL & CONGRATULATE THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE WHO STOOD FOR THE CAUSE OF LAW AND ORDER. OUR COUNTRY NEEDS PEOPLE OF THIS STRATURE. WELL DONE. TKS.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:52 PM

JUDGE MUST BE A SARATH SILVA'S FRIEND

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:53 PM

Evans, you are right. THE SRILANKAN POLICE ARE BLOODY THIEVES, SHIT AND SCUM OF THE EARTH. THEY SHOULD BE SHOT.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:55 PM

OIC will come knocing at your door soon! Suba Anagathayak Champa!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:55 PM

i salute you sir.
bravo

Thursday, 11 February 2010 01:58 PM

The govt. officials may call the judge "Desha Drohi"

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:03 PM

Hails Madom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
we need ppl like u
i was so disapointed the way police was acting,hope they will learn some leason from this!!!!!
thanxx

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:04 PM

well done Magistrate,
all peace loving people are with you, but the reality is that those police officers will promote to higher rank by the Idi Ami's gorup very soon.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:05 PM

Does this mean that we still have some hope for Sri Lanka!!!!!!!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:09 PM

Wish we had more like CM

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:12 PM

An increase of salary was approved to all civil servants who support the government.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:13 PM

Such action by Courts have been long overdue. Its a little too late but better late than never.

If the Courts comedown hard on the Police, automatically the Police dicipline will improve so will their work.

This is the main component to diciplining. others measures will have to be introduced by the IGP and finally, streamline the numbers of police hierachy.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:16 PM

This is simply GREAT! Well done Hon Magistrate! We need more and more impartial judges of your calibre. The whole country will be proud of judges like you.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:16 PM

it is a great,at last now we know our magistrate not politicalies

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:17 PM

ASP Jayaratne says that the protesters didn't have permission and does he mean that the thugs with Ajantha Liyanage had obtained permission from the police - change the name of POLICE to NAGARA SABAWA

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:20 PM

This is what exactly happened in 83. Police and army was protecting the toughs who were killing innocent Tamils.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:20 PM

Atleast We have some judgers with a backbone.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:21 PM

"The Magistrate released them on personal bail of Rs.500 each"

That must have put a serious dent in their wallets...

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:24 PM

well done Sir, and we salute you. one impartieal institute.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:25 PM

Take the IGP to custody for not doing his Job..

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:26 PM

Hats off of the law abiding ,peace loving people for the warning given to sri lanka police by the chief magistrate.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:28 PM

A judge with real caliber and courage to assure the hope for this country.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:33 PM

Thank GOD for the small mercies bewtowed on Sri Lanka through rare and brave officials of the Judiciary. May all the gods bless you, your children and generations of yours. We have no other than the judiciary, to bring back democracy

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:34 PM

Well done , but next time they will take out the film rolls and the memory chips

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:35 PM

Well done. I'm so proud of you madam. We need more & more Judges like you.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:39 PM

Sri Lankan policemen = a bunch of uncivilzed people

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:40 PM

Now at least Court think of dirty police system. When it happens in Tamils area, Court does not say anything like this before.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:40 PM

Great Madam! Let her be an example for all other judges. We call upon all judges in SL to safe guard the Independency of the Judiciary.

God Bless Sri Lanka!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:43 PM

IGP should resign after hearing this or explain why the police protected thugs

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:43 PM

My Dear Election Commisssioner, Plz learn from this lady CM about how to uphold democatic values and how to deliver justice. I'm really happy about this judgement and it shows people still have atleast one pillar of democracy at their side.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:47 PM

Happy to hear your action. And the country needs this types of justice. Thank you so much.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:50 PM

well done CM. Surprised to see such an impartial verdict these days. You should be proud of your self.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:51 PM

GO Ms. Janaki Rajaratne!
You are the symbol of Sri Lankan democracy and justice! Your stand for justice will be remembered for eternity! Sri Lanka is proud of you!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:58 PM

This is a clarion call; the legal fraternity must live up to its hallowed integrity without being castrated by any implicit or explicit presidential decree. If the current environment is anything to go by, it definitely embraces all the hallmarks of the despotic ruler Robert Mugabe. Chief Justice downwards, don’t let the nation down.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 02:59 PM

isn't "champa janaki" a woman? What's with all this gentleman talk??

anyway, why was bail set only at 500? was it clear that those arrested were not involved...

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:00 PM

we have hope for democracy at last

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:00 PM

Thank you Your Honur
for giving Democrasy the ope to live.
Thank you

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:02 PM

MAY GOD BLESS YOU. WHAT I READ JUST NOW IS MUSIC TO MY EARS THAT WERE STARVED OF SEEING ANY DEMOCRATIC ACTIONS BY PUBLIC SERVANTS.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:03 PM

Another Sarath. Now only place people to turn. All other places such as police department,Election department,defense forces etc. should re-born. Madam you gave slight hope

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:06 PM

President pledge that he wil lmake SL another Singapore cannot be accomplished without law and order. The country is run by violence and tuggery since JR time. Unfortunately the public has accepted this as the norm

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:14 PM

Stil there are honest judges and magistrates in this country.We salute sir for your honest impartial judments

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:14 PM

I applaud th Magistrate for upholding the law as is his duty. I cannot understand the impression that this was a courageous act i.e. not afraid of government thugs. I believe the judiciary is reasonably independent. People seem to forget that Chief Justice Sarath N Silva operated for a period, also independently, nothwitstanding his views that has now come to light, of the MR Government .

Thursday, 11 February 2010 03:17 PM

Well Done Judge.. We need a President like you

Thursday, 11 February 2010 05:42 PM

The Sri Lankan Police are really helpless as they cannot be impartial. If they do their duty correctly, they are either transferred to some god forsaken place and will never get a promotion. The police department has been politicized since 1956. So do not expect the Police to be impartial and act justly or correctly. They have to abide by what the Politicians say and do. They are just political lackeys. There is no real independent rule of law in Sri Lanka.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 06:32 PM

I must say that truly independent thinkers should always be vigilant about vigilantes. Also, most people who have posted comments here refer to the learned judge as "he" or "him". I think people should read carefully and write carefully too, whilst not offending the sensibilities of the judge and others.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 07:01 PM

My humble request to all Judges - please 'follow suit' ! 'Hats-off' to Chief Magistrate, Champa Janaki Rajaratne !

Thursday, 11 February 2010 07:08 PM

I notice from the majority of comments (not 2/3 but 99%), how relieved the people of this country are, with this great judgment, from this great madam ! This shows the frustration that the majority are going through.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 07:14 PM

WE NEED AN ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER, LIKE YOU, AS WELL!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 07:37 PM

Bravo, to the Judge. May her life be protected !

Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:26 PM

Well done, your honour!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:10 PM

Your hounour, thanks for the great decision you have given! We are very proud of your honour's trying to bravely 're-start' democracy, in SL!

Thursday, 11 February 2010 09:27 PM

Applause to the CM ! But, what next ... ?

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:15 PM

Bravo, judge! But, watch your 'back,' 24/7 !

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:34 PM

Madam Chief Magistrate, we hope that other Judges and Magistrates will uphold the Law, as you have done. God bless you and keep you safe! A glimmer of hope for SL.

Thursday, 11 February 2010 10:41 PM

It is possible that the CM may be 'transferred' to some other place, akin to the transfer of Magistrate, Kaduwela (the 'Nipuna' case).

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:45 PM

Well done, Madam ! A lot of men must feel ashamed, at your courage, in such a lawless jungle. How humanity is capable of surprising us with the spectre of such precious virtue. Even in 'backward' Sri Lanka, priceless gems like you, exist. I hope that a treasure like you is fully protected, in this evil and lawless land !

Thursday, 11 February 2010 11:45 PM

Very well done, your honour. Sri Lankans have some hope in its judicial system, because of honourable judges like you.

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:00 AM

Its not 99%... From the comments its 100%.....

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:03 AM

I wish the Suprem Court Judges too will act with the same courage and guts when Sarahth Fonseka's Fundermenal Rights application is decided by them.

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:09 AM

Madam, I take my hat off to you. You articulated it in clear terms.

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:13 AM

Well done Your Honour We salute for upholding democracy
You didi what a man couldn't do.

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:20 AM

Mrs Rajaratne, your efforts to protect democracy in Sri Lanka when it is under severe threat is highly commendable. Our country needs more people like you to be in high office.

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:34 AM

MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU FOR YOUR BRAVERY AND MAY ALLAH GIVE YOU HIDAYATH

Friday, 12 February 2010 07:51 AM

We need more brave people like you, every one let's show that people's voice can be one of the Dangerous weapon in the world.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:01 AM

The independent judges are the true heroes.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:09 AM

I WISH MORE JUDGES WILL AS FORTHCOMING AS THIS ONE, INSTEAD OF DANCING TO THE TUNES OF THE ELITE AND BEING POLITICAL LACKEYS
WELL DONE JUDGE.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:13 AM

sir, u all the right person to say independently, be confident, go ahead sir

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:14 AM

Another memorable day in SL, recently the Gangodawila magistrate too gave a great decision. I only ask God to bless her and her family. May god protect you!
Mr. Election Commissioner you need to get some advice from this great lady how to be fearless, straightforward, honest and with a backbone.
Three Cheers to SL!!!

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:20 AM

Well done CM... Policemen don't have back born to catch real thugs.......

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:20 AM

Bravo Bravo. I pray that other judges will also act accordingly.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:21 AM

THE BEST ACT OF THIS NEW YEAR . BESST REGARDS FOR THE MAGISTRATE.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:23 AM

Well done CM... Policemen don't have back born to catch the real thugs.............

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:40 AM

well done. atleast we can trust you among the gvmt. servivers. we are proud of you madam. God bless you and please stand with us to save our nation.

Friday, 12 February 2010 08:41 AM

AT LAST, JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE.
May God be with you Madam for having the courage to stand up against injustice.
The whole judicial system must be proud of you

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Court severely reprimands police

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