V. Mahendran vs Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon et al. – WRIT APPLICATION NO: 315/2010-2012

In the case between V. Mahendran (petitioner) and, among others, Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon (Minister of Lands and Development) (respondents), the court addressed the legality of a Section 5 declaration and recommendation made under Section 4(5) of the Land Acquisition Act in the process of compulsory land acquisition. The principal issue was whether procedural irregularities, specifically the lack of a fair hearing as required by Section 4 of the Act, warranted quashing these administrative actions and whether a writ of mandamus should be issued to compel a proper inquiry. It was determined that insufficient evidence existed to establish that the petitioner was afforded a fair hearing or adequate notice of inquiry. Consequently, both the Section 5 declaration and the recommendation wer