Hassen Lebbe Mohamed Nizam vs. Dr. M.S. Jaideen et al. – SC SPL/LA 230/2012-2016

In the case between Hassen Lebbe Mohamed Nizam (Petitioner) and Dr. M.S. Jaideen, R. W. M.S.B. Rajapakse, Dilshan Jayasooriya, the Commissioner for National Housing, and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the Board of Review had the authority under Section 32 of the Ceiling on Housing Property Law to admit fresh evidence affecting the determination of excess house ownership, particularly through the late production of a will, inventory, and probate documents. It was held that the Board of Review is empowered to admit such evidence and reconsider the matter if reasonable diligence was exercised. The principle reaffirmed was that the admission of further evidence before tribunals is governed both by statute and established legal standards, including the “Ladd prin