Urban Development Authority v. Jayanthi Wijelatha – C A PHC/136/2016-2018

In the case between the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Jayanthi Wijelatha, the court addressed whether due process was followed, particularly regarding proper service of summons, before the Magistrate ordered demolition of an alleged unauthorized construction under the Urban Development Law. It was held that substituted service had been duly effected in accordance with legal requirements, thus validating the Magistrate’s demolition order. The decision reaffirmed the principle that substituted service is sufficient when executed as per statutory procedures and recorded in court. The court relied on the court journal entries and fiscal’s reports, holding that the Provincial High Court erred in setting aside the Magistrate’s order and in allowing potential compensation to the Responden