H.P Hendrik Singho Vs. Kamal Ranaweera Senevirathna and others – CA WRIT 129/12-2012

The case between H.P. Hendrik Singho (Petitioner) and Kamal Ranaweera Senevirathna (Inspector) with the Officer in Charge, Police Station, Ampara (Respondents), addressed whether notice should be issued on a writ application concerning alleged inaction by the police regarding a cheating offense. It was held that, in light of the police having initiated proceedings to charge the accused, the application had become futile. The principle reaffirmed is that writ relief will not be granted where the underlying issue has been rendered academic due to subsequent action by concerned authorities. Reliance was placed on the present facts and the procedural requirement that a writ is not issued in vain, underscoring judicial efficiency and the avoidance of futile processes.

S.Sriskandarajah J. — Up