Mary Beatrie and Others v. Seneviratne – sllr 1997 volume 1 page 197

In the case between Mary Beatrice and others (Plaintiffs) and Senaviratne and substituted defendants-appellants (Defendants), the court addressed the issue of whether the defendants, as lessees or successors to a tenancy, could dispute the lessor’s title to the premises, particularly after the expiry of the lease and while retaining possession under a license arrangement. It was held that the defendants could not contest the plaintiffs’ title without first surrendering possession, and claims of prescriptive title could not be maintained in these circumstances. The principle reaffirmed that a lessee or anyone occupying through the lessor is estopped from challenging the lessor’s title until possession is relinquished. Reliance was placed on established authorities and precedents, including