In response to the fundamental rights application filed in connection with the eviction of hundreds of Tamils from Colombo on 7 June 2007, the Supreme Court orders that future evictions should not take place unless in accordance with the law and with a judicial order.
The petitioners argued that evicting Tamils from Colombo is wrongful, unlawful and illegal and violates the fundamental rights of those persons who were so evicted. Subsequent to the interim order of the Supreme Court on 8 June, many of the people evicted were brought back by the police to their lodging houses.
The petition held that the evictions violate the fundamental rights of those persons who were so evicted, guaranteed by Article 11, 12 (1), 12(2), 13(1), 13(2) and 14(1)(h) of the Constitution. Article 11 provides no person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 12 provides that all citizens are equal before the law and ensures that no citizen shall be discriminated against grounds specified in the Constitution. Articles 13 (1) and (2) provide protection from arbitrary arrest and detention. Article 14 (1)(h) provides for the freedom of movement and the right to choose his residence within Sri Lanka.
Source
Centre for Policy Alternatives, Press Release, 5 May 2008.
Related events
7 June 2007
26 July 2007
