Cops kneel in Supreme Court in apology for senior citizen’s illegal arrest

19 February 2024 05:23 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 19 (Daily Mirror) - In a remarkable courtroom moment that has sparked conversations countrywide, three policemen tendered an apology while falling on their knees during a Supreme Court hearing involving an 88-year-old senior citizen they had previously arrested.

The gesture, which was seen as a rare display of empathy and reconciliation, has garnered widespread attention and praise for its demonstration of humility and acknowledgment of past actions.

Three policemen attached to the Narahenpita Police Station, a Police Sergeant and two Police Constables, tendered this unexpected apology to the petitioner Godwin Perera (88) as a part of a settlement reached between the parties into a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the petitioner in 2017.

In his petition, petitioner Godwin Perera stated that he had taken measures to inform the police about a person in trouble while collecting garbage. He alleged that he was arrested and detained by the Narahenpita Police and subsequently held in a police cell.

When the matter came up before the Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Achala Vengappuli and Arjuna Obeysekera, the petitioner expressed his willingness to settle the matter. The courtroom fell silent as the policemen offered their sincere apologies for their actions during the petitioner's arrest.

Court severely warned the three policemen to refrain from repeating similar offenses in the future.

Senior Counsel Vijith Singh appeared on behalf of the interest of the petitioner.

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Comments - 18

Chris Monday, 19 February 2024 06:11 PM

This raises so many questions, as to whether the petitioner was coerced to a settlement? And what punishment was meted out the policemen who obviously abused their power on a elderly citizen?

Amara Monday, 19 February 2024 06:27 PM

So no punishments? Is that fair?

PradeepPerera Monday, 19 February 2024 07:08 PM

Uneducated and undisciplined police men...this is Srilanka...sad situation...minimum requirement should be A/L and good famiy background

Spartacus Monday, 19 February 2024 07:12 PM

That is not enough. These are three policemen who singly decided to harrass an innocent senior citizen. They should face punishment. If I do a criminal act and fall on my knees in court, will the court pardon me and give me a warning not to do it again? This is not family and children, these are adult perpetrators.

Jeanne Tuesday, 20 February 2024 02:37 AM

@Spartacus : Yes, I agree that this is simply not enough. If that senior citizen had been my father I would be wanting much more than a hollow gesture. It is common knowledge that the majority of police officers are a bunch of ill-tempered and frustrated morons who only join the force for 3 meals a day, accommodation and other benefits - serving the public who pay their wages is the last thing on their minds. Just ridiculous that they get away with atrocious behaviour.

Joshua Monday, 19 February 2024 08:25 PM

A good lesson to these naughty policemen

Mohan Monday, 19 February 2024 08:57 PM

Reminds me of my school days, LOL!

Rip Winkle Monday, 19 February 2024 09:35 PM

Why did they wait 7 years to decide to apologise? A shrewd way out of paying heavy compensation and legal fees.

Ram Monday, 19 February 2024 09:57 PM

It is nothing but a drama to escape a payment order

Jeanne Tuesday, 20 February 2024 02:32 AM

Kneeling in apology for an illegal arrest? What a joke!!!! This is a publicity stunt by the Police department. If that's the case then the majority of the cops in Sri Lanka should be standing on their stupid heads for all the corrupt, illegal and brutal acts that they commit on a daily basis and yet, are never punished.

Mahila Tuesday, 20 February 2024 04:49 AM

Internal Departmental Inquiry is necessary to ensure that everything is above board and there is no Coercion of the victim to agree to the apology as final settlement!!?? Notwithstanding that OUTCOME, the three should be demoted as disciplinary action against action amounting to discrimination!! In the event of there being NO lower RANK in the service to DEMOTE, should be DEBARRED, any and all FUTURE promotions for 10 Years!!??

Victor Tuesday, 20 February 2024 09:16 AM

if it was a sincere apology, bravo to the three police men.

Victor Tuesday, 20 February 2024 09:16 AM

if it was a sincere apology, bravo to the three police men.

Ronnie Tuesday, 20 February 2024 09:27 AM

Teach basic human needs common sense decency behavior and to respect others women children adults seniors its so important now days.

Smh Tuesday, 20 February 2024 10:52 AM

Optics?

Nimal Tuesday, 20 February 2024 11:45 AM

These scoundrels are quite used to going on their knees in front of politicians.

visnu Tuesday, 20 February 2024 12:30 PM

Education want work. only from good family background. There are so many indiscipline persons in the high positions in Sri Lanka. example Doctors Teachers Secretaries Etc.

Human Being Tuesday, 20 February 2024 12:38 PM

if that sincere apology comes from within then it makes sense, if it is for the formality then no point in pardon them. First of all just be a good human being then a cop.

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Cops kneel in Supreme Court in apology for senior citizen’s illegal arrest

Comments - 18

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