Kahapolage Kithsiri Palitha Fernando Vs. The Registrar General and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 43/2012-2015

In the case between Kahapolage Kithsiri Palitha Fernando (Petitioner/Notary Public) and the Registrar General and the Registrar, High Court of Kaluthara (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of continued notarial practice after non-renewal of a license and the entitlement to writs of certiorari, mandamus, and prohibition. It was determined that a writ of mandamus cannot be issued against an official designation instead of a natural or juristic person, and that discretionary relief is inappropriate where the petitioner has alternative remedies and is at fault through unauthorized practice and delay. The court thereby reaffirmed that the strict requirements for writ jurisdiction, including alternative remedies and proper parties, must be met, referencing statutory rules and authori