M. Jeganathan carrying on a Partnership Business vs Hon. Basil Rohana Rajapaksa et al. – CA WRIT/349/2021-2022

In the case between M. Jeganathan (operating as Woodlands Company) and state officials including the Minister of Finance and Customs authorities, the court addressed the validity of the petitioner’s sugar importation under the Import and Export Control Act and related regulations. The dispute centered on whether a consignment of sugar imported by the petitioner was covered by a valid and unexpired license at the time of importation, and whether subsequent detention and forfeiture actions by Sri Lanka Customs were lawful. It was determined that a part of the sugar was imported under an expired license, contrary to regulatory requirements. The challenge to the suspension notice and Customs’ forfeiture order was considered procedurally futile because the petitioner had fully participated in t