Madappuliarachchige Oliver Gregory v Commissioner of Title Settlement, et al – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 190/2018-2021

In the case between Madappuliarachchige Oliver Gregory Ernest Fernando (Petitioner) and, among others, the Commissioner of Title Settlement and the Municipal Council of Moratuwa (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether a petitioner lacking legal title—but holding a conditional agreement—was entitled to writs of Certiorari and Mandamus to overturn title conferred upon the Municipal Council of Moratuwa under the Registration of Title Act, No. 21 of 1998. It was held that the petitioner had neither legal standing nor registrable interest, and that the statutory process for title determination and registration had been duly followed without procedural irregularity or fraud. The principle reaffirmed was that discretionary writ remedies require the applicant to demonstrate both st