Rev. Seruwila Sarankithi and Others v. The Attorney-General and Others – sllr 2004 volume 1 page 365

In the case between Rev. Seruwila Sarankithi and Others (Plaintiffs) and The Attorney-General and Others (Defendants), the court addressed the issue of whether a writ of mandamus should issue compelling the respondents to hold a poll referendum in the Eastern Province. It was determined that the petitioners’ application was without merit and should be dismissed, reaffirming the principle that judicial review cannot override the discretionary authority granted to the President under the Constitution or allow for delayed challenges to administrative acts. This decision relied on interpretation of constitutional provisions including Article 35, relevant statutes, and precedents concerning party designation, laches, and evidential standards, emphasizing that applications for writ relief must s