Kodituwakkuarachchi v. Paramanathan and Another – sllr 2000 volume 1 page 128

In the case between Kodituwakkuarachchi (landlord) and Paramanathan and Another (tenant), the court addressed whether a tenant’s conviction for refusing to sell milk powder, contrary to the Control of Prices Act, could constitute “using the premises for an illegal purpose” under Section 22(1)(d) of the Rent Act. The court held that a direct nexus between the alleged illegal act and the actual use of the premises is required, concluding that mere storage of milk powder does not amount to such use. The holding reaffirmed the principle that an act unrelated to the use of premises fails to satisfy the evidentiary threshold for ejectment based on illegality. This decision relied on legal precedent evaluating “taking advantage” of premises, emphasizing that a refusal to sell on one occasion is i