M. I. M. Safiyulla vs Divisional Secretary, Ridigama. – CA WRT 0293/20-2025

The case between M. I. M. Safiyulla (Petitioner) and the Divisional Secretary, Ridigama (Respondent), addressed the issue of quashing an eviction notice concerning land claimed by the petitioner based on a prior District Court judgment declaring title by prescriptive possession. The court held that a District Court declaration cannot alter the character of land already settled as State Land, and the subsequent registration of title under the Registration of Title Act, No. 21 of 1998, superseded the District Court’s findings. This decision reaffirmed the principle that statutory declarations of State title prevail over prior District Court judgments lacking specific findings on the disputed State Land, emphasizing the availability of an alternative remedy under the State Lands (Recovery of