Karunadasa v. Unique Gem Stones Ltd., and Others – sllr 1997 volume 1 page 256

In the case between Karunadasa (the workman) and Unique Gem Stones Ltd. (the employer), with the Commissioner of Labour and the Assistant Commissioner of Labour as respondents, the court addressed whether the dismissal of the workman contravened Act No. 45 of 1971, specifically section 2(1), and whether natural justice required the provision of reasons in administrative decisions. It was held that the failure by the Commissioner of Labour to provide a reasoned order, and to produce the inquiry recommendation, constituted a breach of natural justice, rendering the decision arbitrary. The principle was reaffirmed that a fair administrative process necessitates the granting of adequate reasons, drawing upon authorities such as Padfield v. Minister of Agriculture. The case was ordered to be re