The Supreme Court today ordered the Police Department to pay Rs. 20,000 in compensation to a JVP activist from Tangalle.

The petitioner told the court that he was arrested during the 2010 Presidential Election campaign period, for hosting a banner against the then government of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The banner had been hoisted to protest the burning of a JVP office by UPFA supporters.

Police violated his right of expression by removing the banner and arresting him, the JVP member said.

The Supreme Court directed that his fundamental rights have been violated and ordered the Police to pay compensation.

Tangalle Police OIC, IGP, the Attorney General and several others were named respondents. Sunil Watagala represented the petitioner.