Sudhakaran v. Bharathi and Others – sllr 1987 volume 2 page 243

The case between Sudhakaran (Petitioner) and Bharathi and others (Respondents) addressed the lawfulness of an administrative decision refusing renewal of the petitioner’s liquor licences by the Government Agent of Kandy. It was determined that the Government Agent’s action, influenced by a revised licensing circular requiring agreement among Members of Parliament, did not unlawfully frustrate the petitioner’s legitimate expectation for renewal. The court held that, in the context of statutory and executive policy, no enforceable private-law right to renewal existed and that the decision did not amount to illegality, irrationality, or procedural impropriety. Reliance was placed on established principles of judicial review, including Wednesbury unreasonableness, and the relationship between