Polwattage Thilanga Nadeera vs P.B.S.C. Nonis, Director General of Customs Sri Lanka Customs and others – CA Writ 739/2024-2025

In the matter of Polwattage Thilanga Nadeera and Polwattage Chandrathilaka (Petitioners) and the Director General of Customs and other Customs officials (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of challenging a Customs Charge Sheet and inquiry process while a writ application concerning vehicle seizure was pending. The court held that the application for writs was premature, reaffirming the principle that administrative processes, including inquiries, should be allowed to conclude before judicial intervention, especially when interim decisions are challenged. This decision relied on the principle that concerns regarding procedural illegalities can be raised before the Inquiring Officer, emphasizing that a ‘show cause’ response signifies accession to the inquiry.

Dhammika Ganepola, J