Title
Kurukulasuriya Vs SLRC and others (2021)
Description
Fundamental Rights Case
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has delivered its verdict on a Fundamental Rights petition filed against the unannounced suspension of transmission of the ‘Ira Anduru Pata’ live discussion on Rupavahini on 4 November 2008.
Delivering its historic ruling in a case which was heard for over 13 years, the Supreme Court held in two connected cases – SC FR Application 556 and 557/2008, that fundamental rights of a media professional – Colombo Telegraph Editor and Convenor of the Free Media Movement (at the time) – Uvindu Kurukulasuriya (First Petitioner) and a viewer – J. K. W. Jayasekara (Second Petitioner) guaranteed under Articles 10, 12(1), 12(2), 14(1), 14(1)(a) of the Constitution were infringed and ordered the State to pay compensation.