I.J.K. Susantha vs OIC Police Station, Kegalle – CA NO. PHC NO.40/05-2014

In the case between I.J.K. Susantha (Appellant) and the Officer-in-Charge, Police Station, Kegalle, and the Hon. Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether the Court of Appeal possesses jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of a High Court Judge acting in an appellate capacity. It was determined that, based on the precedent established in Wickremasaker v. O.I.C. Ampara [2004 (1) SLR 257], the Court of Appeal lacks such jurisdiction. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, reaffirming the principle that jurisdiction in these circumstances is restricted, and emphasizing the binding effect of Supreme Court precedent on the interpretation of appellate jurisdiction.

K.T.Chitrasiri J. — It was held that the appeal sought to challenge a decision issued by the