A. R. A. Sathar vs Chief Manager (HRM), People’s Bank – CA 195/2008-2012

In the case between A. R. A. Sathar (Petitioner, an employee of People’s Bank) and the Chief Manager (HRM), People’s Bank, as well as People’s Bank itself (Respondents), the court addressed whether a Writ of Mandamus should compel the Bank to hear and determine an appeal against the petitioner’s dismissal. It was determined that the duty to hear such an appeal was not statutory but contractual in nature, precluding the application of mandamus. Emphasis was placed on established principles that mandamus will not issue where the duty is not of a public character, drawing on authorities such as K.S. de Silva v. National Water Supply & Drainage Board and Gawarammana v. Tea Research Board. The court further found that delays in seeking judicial intervention and the petitioner’s actions before t