M A Sumanthiran vs Returning Officer, Manthai West Pradeshiya Sabha and others – SC Writ Application No. 09/25-2025

This case consolidates multiple writ applications challenging the rejection of nomination papers by Returning Officers for local authorities’ elections. The central issue is the jurisdictional competence of the Supreme Court versus the Court of Appeal in hearing such challenges. Upholding a preliminary objection, it was determined that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction as the challenges pertain to the actions of Returning Officers, not directly to the Election Commission itself, as per Article 104H of the Constitution and precedent from Ghany v. Dayananda Dissanayake, Commissioner of Elections and Others. Consequently, the applications were dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

S. THURAIRAJA, PC, J. – Writs and fundamental rights petitions were consolidated concerning the rejection of no