JVP gets compensation from police

The Supreme Court declared the violation of the fundamental rights of the two JVP supporters who were arrested and produced in court for pasting posters depicting text that read Stop media supression, and respect democracy. This was following the consideration of a fundamental rights petition that was filed by the JVP supporters. The Supreme court ordered the Inspector General of Police to pay damages of Rs.25,000 to each of the petitioners. The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Priyasad Depp, Sisira De Abrew and S. Gunaratne. The two JVP members were arrested on January 12, 2009. The Supreme Court Judgment also draws reference to the setting of fire to a leading media institution and the assassination of Lasantha Wickremetunga during this time period. The judgment also goes on to note that under such circumstances, arresting these two petitioners and producing them in court amounts to a violation of their fundamental rights.