Ms. Jessie Augustine Bandara vs J.M.C. Priyadharshani – CA 675/2010-2014

In the case between Ms. Jessie Augustine Bandara (Petitioner) and J.M.C. Priyadharshani, Competent Authority, Plantation Management Monitoring Division, Ministry of Plantation Industries (Respondent), the court addressed the validity of a Writ of Certiorari sought to quash a quit notice issued under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act, and considered whether the Petitioner’s occupation of certain state land was lawful given its statutory vesting status. It was held that the application lacked merit due to the Petitioner’s failure to disclose a relevant High Court order and the absence of necessary statutory action permitting transfer of the land. The findings established that proper statutory procedure was not observed and that the Petitioner’s possession was unauthorized. This de