Sehu Ismail Akbar Hassan vs A. Bodaragama, The Commissioner General of Excise – CA/WRT/0346/2020-2024

In the case between Sehu Ismail Akbar Hassan, Mohideen Pichchai Harron, Pakkeer Mohaideen Yaseen Kiyath (Petitioners) and the Commissioner General of Excise, subordinate public officers, and Arugambay Surfers Villa (Private) Limited (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of the legality of issuing and renewing liquor licenses to Arugambay Surfers Villa (Private) Limited. It was held that the licenses and their renewals were invalid due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements under Gazette ‘1R59’ and Article 140 of the Constitution, specifically concerning prescribed distance criteria and the absence of a required survey plan. The principle reaffirmed was that administrative authorities must strictly adhere to statutory requirements when exercising licensing powers. Reliance wa