W. Somapala Vs. P.D. Perera and others – CA PHC NO. 43/06-2015

In the case between W. Somapala (Appellant/Respondent) and G.D. Perera & others (Respondents/Petitioners), the court addressed whether the Magistrate’s rectification of his original order under Section 68(3) of the Primary Court Procedure Act—specifically, substituting the term “Party of the first Part” for “Parties of the first Part”—was lawful, and if the High Court erred in setting aside this rectification. The findings established that courts possess inherent judicial power to correct their own errors to prevent injustice, provided such correction is conducted promptly. This was based on established precedent and statutory interpretation, reinforcing the principle that such rectification is a proper exercise of judicial authority. The Court of Appeal held that the Magistrate’s rectific