M.M.Abdul Zukoor vs J anaka Bandara Thennakoon, Hon. Minister of Lands – CA WRIT 59/2013-2013

The case between M.M. Abdul Zukoor (Petitioner) and Janaka Bandara Thennakoon, Hon. Minister of Lands, H.M.S.P. Herath, Divisional Secretary, Madampe, and Abdul Wahab Raheela Umma (Respondents), addressed whether the Respondents’ refusal to release compensation for acquired land to the petitioner, based on Section 4A of the Land Acquisition Act, was lawful. It was held that a strict application of Section 4A, which deems property transfers within 12 months of a Section 2 notice null and void, should not preclude bona fide purchasers from receiving compensation. The key principle reaffirmed is that statutory provisions should be purposively interpreted to protect bona fide purchasers and effectuate legislative intent, rather than cause unreasonable hardship. The decision relied on principle