Mohamed Thamby Lebbe Noor Mohamed vs N.M. Abdul Hameed – SC APPEAL 04/2013-2018

In the case between Noor Mohamed Ahamed Saheed (substituted plaintiff-respondent-appellant), representing the interests of Mohamed Thamby Lebbe Noor Mohamed of Rajarata Furniture, Kaduruwela, and N.M. Abdul Hameed (defendant-appellant-respondent), the court addressed the issue of land possession under a license arrangement and whether such disputes constitute rei vindicatio actions requiring strict proof of title or are governed by the lessor-licensee framework, precluding challenges to title by the licensee. The court determined that upon termination of the license, continued occupation by the licensee became unlawful, and the licensee was precluded from disputing the licensor’s title. The appeal was allowed, the High Court’s judgment was set aside, and the District Court’s decision in fa