INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised deep concerns about the recent surge observed in custodial deaths and, criminal activity
in many parts of the country.In a statement, the association urged the government, together with other stakeholders, to impose stricter laws
and punishments on errant police officers who misuse their power and fail to fulfill their duties.The BASL went on to demand draft
the rule of law.Further, law enforcement authorities should take immediate steps to prevent criminal activity in order to protect the
proper authorities which is the base of democracy and the Rule of Law, and, the credibility and transparency of such process, must be
except by order of a competent court
killing of a suspect in police custody violated the right to life, despite the absence of an explicit right to life in the Constitution of
Sri Lanka, the BASL said further.Taking into account the repeated occurrence of custodial deaths, the Supreme Court in February 2023,
directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to formulate, issue and implement, guidelines to the police, elaborating the steps that
that custodial deaths and torture continue at an alarming rate.The association, in its statement, insists that the duty of the State is not
only to safeguard the rights of citizens but also to compensate the victims and punish those who violate the law.
