Anoda Cocoa (Private) Ltd. vs. T. T Upulmalee Premathilaka and others – CA WRIT NO. 459/2022-2023

In the case between Anoda Cocoa (Private) Ltd. (Petitioner) and several state officers including T. T Upulmalee Premathilaka (Controller General of Import and Export) and others (Respondents), the court addressed the entitlement of the Petitioner to interim relief, specifically the stay on encashment of a Bank Guarantee and release of perishable imported goods without a cash guarantee. The matter involved the impact of Import Control Regulations, legitimate expectation arising from prior administrative conduct, and the requirements of natural justice. It was determined that proceeding to encash the Bank Guarantee at this stage could undermine the purpose of the Petitioner’s application, warranting an interim order in favor of the Petitioner. The holding reaffirmed the principle that interi