M. A. C. M. Ameer alias M. A. C. M. Aamir and others Vs. Urban Coucil, Kalutara and others – CA WRIT/0019/2019-2019

In the case between M. A. C. M. Ameer alias M. A. C. M. Aamir and Urban Council, Kalutara, the court addressed whether the Petitioners were entitled to two separate shops in a redeveloped commercial complex based on prior tenancy and the principle of legitimate expectation. It was held that the reduction from two shops to one was arbitrary and unsupported by proper inquiry, thus violating natural justice and the Petitioners’ legitimate expectation. The principle reaffirmed was that public authorities are bound to respect clear promises or representations to individuals unless strong lawful reasons justify otherwise. This decision relied on established administrative law principles and the doctrine of legitimate expectation, underscoring that procedural fairness and good faith must be obser