Danapala Mudiyanselage Karunawathie v Hon. Attorney General – CA PHC APN 85/2012-2012

In the case between Danapala Mudiyanselage Karunawathie (petitioner) and the Hon. Attorney General and Officer in Charge, Police Station Kandy (respondents), the court addressed whether the dismissal of an appeal by the High Court Judge, relating to the confiscation of a vehicle used to transport cattle without a permit, should be set aside via revision. It was determined that the registered owner, having admitted knowledge of the illegal transport, was not entitled to have the vehicle returned post-confiscation. The findings established that no right of appeal existed from the Magistrate’s order of confiscation in these circumstances. The decision reaffirmed the principle that forfeiture is justified when the owner is aware of the unlawful use. Statutory provisions governing the transport