Subramaniam Sathasivam v. K.V. Dharmasiri – CA PHC 166/2007-2016

In the case between Subramaniam Sathasivam and K.V. Dharmasiri, Director General, Urban Development Authority, the court addressed whether the Appellant was entitled to have his revision application re-listed after it was dismissed by the High Court for non-appearance, and if the appeal against the refusal to re-list constituted a “final order” permitting an appeal. It was held that such an order did not amount to a “final order” within the meaning of Article 154P of the Constitution and the relevant Court of Appeal Rules, reaffirming the principle that only orders finally determining the substantive rights of parties are appealable. Reliance was placed on established precedent, including Chettiar v. Chettiar, emphasizing that mere procedural refusals do not give rise to a right of appeal.