Hong Lam Integration Pte Ltd. and Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd. v. Mrs. P.S.M. Charles et al. – CA/WRIT 147/19-2021

In the case between Hong Lam Integration Pte Ltd. and Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd. (Petitioners) and the Director General of Customs and others (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of the seizure of 162.257MT of fuel oil by Sri Lanka Customs under Section 135 of the Customs Ordinance, and the appropriateness of issuing writs of certiorari and prohibition to quash such seizure and related inquiries. It was determined that the existence of contested material facts, which could only be resolved through an inquiry allowing examination of evidence and witnesses, rendered writ proceedings inappropriate. The findings established that seismic factual disputes are not amenable to summary resolution by way of writ and must be addressed through appropriate inquiry or suit. The application fo