Muhandiram v. Chairman, No. 111, Janatha Estate Development Board – sllr 1992 volume 1 page 110

The case between Muhandiram (Plaintiff) and the Chairman, No. 111, Janatha Estate Development Board (Defendant) involved the issue of lawful occupation of State land under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act, No. 7 of 1979. It was held that the party served with summons bears the burden of establishing occupation by producing a valid permit or other written state authority. The order for ejectment was affirmed, with reliance on Section 9(1) of the Act, after a finding that requisite proof was not produced. This ruling reconfirmed the principle that documentary evidence is essential to establish lawful occupation of State land. The appellate decision provided limited temporary relief by granting a delay in the execution of the writ of ejectment, thereby acknowledging the necessity