B. Nandasulochana Perera Vs. D.D. Upul Shantha de Alwis and others – CA PHC 56/2014-2014

In the case between B. Nandasulochana Perera (Appellant) and D.D. Upul Shantha de Alwis, Commissioner of Co-operative Development and Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Negombo Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of disqualification from election to the Committee of a Co-operative Society under Rule 21(i)(e) of the Co-operative Rules, 1973, specifically whether a candidate who once defaulted on a loan for more than three months but repaid the amount before election remains ineligible. It was held that any instance of default for over three months, irrespective of the timing of repayment, is disqualifying under the rule. This decision reaffirmed the principle that statutory disqualifications are to be interpreted according to their pla