Pugoda Magistrate and Additional District Judge Ms. Indika Kalingawansa told courts today that people had the freedom to consume liquor in public.

She said they could not be arrested when they go about after having drinks, but could be  arrested only if they misbehaved and caused a nuisance to the public. In such instances the police have the right to apprehend them, she said.

These views were expressed by the magistrate while acquitting  three suspects who were produced in courts for consuming liquor in a public place.

The prosecution was led by SI Lal Ranjith, Sergeant Chandrapala of the Pugoda police. (Upali Ranaweera)