Abdul Vahid Shaul Hameed et al. v. P.M.S. Charles et al. – CA WRT/19/2020-2022

In the case between Abdul Vahid Shaul Hameed, Arumugam Paneer Selvam, Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Rizvi (Petitioners) and P.M.S. Charles and other Sri Lanka Customs officials (Respondents), the issue concerned the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka Customs to conduct inquiries under Section 8(1) of the Customs Ordinance in matters relating to foreign currency, and the authority of Customs officers to search transit passengers under relevant statutory provisions. It was held that Sri Lanka Customs retains jurisdiction to conduct such inquiries and to search even those in transit, provided there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. This ruling reaffirmed the principle that statutory powers under the Customs Ordinance may continue concurrent with the Foreign Exchange Act, so long as reasonable grounds exi