Mahesh Lalchand Hirdaramani vs The Urban Development Authority et al. – NO. 25/2017-2017

In the case between Mahesh Lalchand Hirdaramani and others (Petitioners) and the Urban Development Authority and others (Respondents), the court addressed whether the planning and environmental approvals granted for a high-rise apartment complex in Colombo were lawful. The primary consideration was the interpretation of Clause 5 of the ‘City of Colombo Development Plan (Amendment) – 2008’ regarding the extent of the Commercial Zone along Ward Place. It was held that the entirety of plots with frontage on Ward Place fall within the Commercial Zone, not merely the “front portion” as argued by the Petitioners. The principle reaffirmed was that zoning determinations are governed by the clear language of the development plan. The decision was based on the interpretation of the relevant developm