P. Selvanathan Vs. V. Ravipriya – CA WRIT APPLN. NO. 378/2019-2019

In the case between P. Selvanathan (Petitioner) and V. Ravipriya (Director General of Customs, Sri Lanka Customs) and others (Respondents), the court addressed whether writs of Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus should be issued against actions of the customs authorities under Article 140 of the Constitution. It was determined that, upon motion by counsel for the Petitioner, the application was allowed to be withdrawn and the proceedings were dismissed pro-forma without adjudication on the substantive merits. The outcome reiterates that courts will permit withdrawal by petitioner’s motion, resulting in dismissal when requested, with no impact on the underlying legal dispute or future rights.

Sobhitha Rajakaruna J. — It was recorded that the Counsel for the Petitioner moved to withdraw