Gnanasambandan Shanmuganathan vs. Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation – CA CASE NO. 262/2000-2000

This case involves an appeal against a District Court judgment concerning a Deed of Transfer for two land lots. The key issue was whether the Plaintiff was compelled to include Lot 1 in the sale of Lot 2 for Rs. 2 million under economic duress, as opposed to an initial agreement for Lot 2 only. The appeal examined contract law principles, including the elements of contract formation and vitiating factors such as duress.

A.H.M.D. Nawaz, J. delivered the judgment, affirming the District Court’s decision to dismiss the appeal. It was determined that while an initial agreement for the sale of Lot 2 for Rs. 2 million existed, it was not legally enforceable due to non-compliance with the Prevention of Frauds Ordinance. The Corporation subsequently offered to purchase both Lot 1 and Lot 2 for th