The Supreme Court yesterday allowed proceedings, in a rights violation plea filed by two JVP members, of the Hambantota District, against the Tangalle police. The petitioners claimed the police failed to investigate a complaint made by the JVP, following the burning down of the JVP office at Tangalle on September 18, 2009, by UPFA supporters.

Subsequent to the burning of the office, the JVP had displayed a banner at the site of the office, protesting against the unreasonable acts of the Rajapaksa government.

The petition said that subsequent to the display of this banner, the second petitioner, Danister Gunasekera, had been arrested by the Tangalle police on September 24, 2009.

The first petitioner in the case is U. S. R. Wahalathanthri.

The second petitioner was produced before the Tangalle Magistrate and was remanded. He was granted bail on September 30, 2009.

The petition alleged, illegal arrest arbitrary treatment, discrimination on political opinion and a violation of the freedom of expression. The petition will be argued on March 2, next year.

The petition was supported by J. C. Weliamuna, instructed by Sunil Watagala.

The Bench comprised, Justice N. G. Amaratunga, Justice P. A. Ratnayake and Justice S. I. Imam.