Leader Publications (Pvt) Ltd. v. Ariya Rubasinghe, Director of Information and Competent Authority and Others – sllr 2000 volume 1 page 265

In the case between Leader Publications (Pvt) Ltd. (Plaintiff) and Ariya Rubasinghe, Director of Information and purported Competent Authority, along with associated respondents (Defendants), the court addressed the legality of orders issued under Regulation 14 of the Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions and Powers) Regulation No. 1 of 2000. The court held that the appointment of the Competent Authority was not legally effected under the applicable emergency regulations and the Public Security Ordinance, and thus the orders restraining publication and possession of the printing press were invalid. The legal principle reaffirmed was that substantive statutory authority is required for valid exercise of administrative power, especially where fundamental rights may be affected. Reliance was pl