Dr. Tariq Kuraishy vs M.N. Ranasinghe and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO.308/2017-2021

In the case between Dr. Tariq Kuraishy (Petitioner) and M.N. Ranasinghe, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, with others (Respondents), the court addressed whether the cancellation of the petitioner’s resident visa without prior hearing or notice constituted a violation of the principles of natural justice, specifically the right to be heard (audi alteram partem). The court held that the cancellation was lawful as the visa was initially granted to facilitate proceedings in a pending court case, which had since been laid by and was no longer active. The principle reaffirmed is that the exercise of discretionary immigration powers, particularly regarding foreign nationals, does not automatically require notice or hearing in every instance, especially where the foundational purp