C.P. Kalpage vs Central Environment Authority – CA WRIT 331/2008-2014

In C.P. Kalpage v. Central Environmental Authority and others, the court addressed the issue of whether writs of certiorari and mandamus should be issued to quash decisions by environmental authorities and compel approval for construction on state land subsequently designated as an Environmental Protection Area. The holding determined that the petitioner was not entitled to such writs, as the authorities’ refusals were neither arbitrary, unreasonable, nor discriminatory, and no procedural rights or legitimate expectations had been violated. This decision reaffirmed the principle that statutory and procedural safeguards under environmental law may restrict private development to protect public interest. The court relied on relevant Gazette notifications and statutory duties within the envir