Kumara v. Major General Lionel Balagalla and Others – sllr 2003 volume 1 page 113

In Kumara v. Major General Lionel Balagalla and others, the court examined the validity of the extension of a soldier’s service under Section 20 of the Army Act, focusing on whether the statutory requirements—specifying a period and individual case consideration—were satisfied. It was held that the extension was invalid due to the failure to meet these preconditions. The principle reaffirmed was that statutory powers must be exercised strictly according to prescribed procedural requirements. The decision was grounded on statutory interpretation of Section 20 of the Army Act and prior legal standards mandating compliance with legislative language. The outcome resulted in grant of writs of certiorari and mandamus, quashing the impugned service orders and directing release of the petitioner.