Vatapatha Viyannalage Ekman Singho alias Edmon v. National Gem and Jewellery Authority – WRIT/120/2016-2016

In Vatapatha Viyannalage Ekman Singho alias Edmon and others v. National Gem and Jewellery Authority and others, the court addressed applications for writs of certiorari and prohibition to challenge the issuance of a gemming license to the 6th Respondent relating to certain land. The court held that notices should not be issued and declined all interim and final relief, primarily on the grounds of laches and unresolved factual ambiguity as to the identity and entitlement related to the two land parcels cited (Schedules A and B). The established principle reaffirmed was that delay and lack of clarity on fundamental facts preclude intervention through writ jurisdiction. Reliance was placed on the parties’ past consent judgment and delays in seeking relief, with determination that ownership a