Wasantha Cooray vs. Indrani Cooray – sllr 2020 volume 1 page 150

In the case between Wasantha Cooray and Indrani Cooray, the court addressed whether an irrevocable deed of gift can be revoked on the grounds of gross ingratitude. It was held that the donee’s conduct—comprising persistent use of foul language, harassment, and a physical assault on the donor—constituted gross ingratitude, thereby justifying revocation of the deed. The principle reaffirmed is that under Roman Dutch Law, gross ingratitude, even as a result of a single act when considered within ongoing ungrateful behavior, is sufficient for revocation of a deed of gift. Reliance was placed on precedents such as Krishnaswamy v. Thillaiyampalam and Manuelpillai v. Nallamma, emphasizing that the nature and context of the donee’s misconduct fulfill the legal threshold for such relief.

M.N.B. Fe