SC Rules Arrest of Azath Salley Under PT Was Illegal

The ruling came in response to a petition filed by Salley, who had challenged his detention. In addition to declaring the arrest unlawful, the Supreme Court ordered that the respondents in the case, including former Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara and the then Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), pay a compensation of Rs. 75,000 to the plaintiff.

Salley was arrested in 2021 under the PTA, a controversial law that has faced criticism for its potential misuse against political dissent. His detention had sparked significant public debate and legal challenges, and this ruling is seen as a victory for human rights advocates who have long called for reforms to the PTA.

The Court's decision is expected to have wider implications on the future use of the PTA, which has been a contentious issue in Sri Lanka for many years. The judgment also serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual rights against arbitrary detention.