S. Dharmadasa vs Hon Attorney General – CA NO. 63/2013-2015

In the case between S. Dharmadasa (Accused-Appellant) and the Hon Attorney General, the court addressed the issue of whether an appeal by the accused-appellant was filed within the statutory time limit and whether a legal right of appeal existed from an order made under Section 241(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code. It was held that the appeal was filed out of time, beyond the prescribed 14-day limit, and that the law does not provide for an appeal from such an order under Section 241(3). The principle reaffirmed is that statutory limitations and rights of appeal must be strictly observed, consistent with the Criminal Procedure Code. The decision clarified that failure to comply with procedural requirements and the absence of a statutory right of appeal necessitate dismissal of the appeal.