Kanapathipille Waidyalingam Darmaraja vs Hon. Attorney General – CA NO. 52/2008-2013

In the case between Kanapathipille Waidyalingam Darmaraja Thunbale (Accused-Appellant) and the Hon. Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of whether an appeal should proceed when the accused-appellant has died during its pendency. It was held that, upon the confirmation of the appellant’s death, the appeal must be abated, and no further proceedings should be continued. This determination reaffirmed the principle that criminal appeals become abated with the death of the appellant, ensuring that no costs or resources are expended on a matter that cannot legally proceed. The decision relied on established judicial practice and administrative procedures, directing the return of the original case record to the High Court of Jaffna, and underscored the finality of abatement in such cir