A.A.P. Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe vs Jagath Balapatabendi – CA COC/0008/21-2022

In the case between A.A.P. Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe (Petitioner) and Jagath Balapatabendi (Chairman, Public Service Commission) with other public officials (Respondents), the core issue was whether the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), established by the Constitution, is subject to the contempt jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal under Article 105(3) of the Constitution. The determination was made that the AAT qualifies as a “tribunal” under Article 105(1)(c), allowing Court of Appeal jurisdiction over contempt proceedings. It was held that considering contempt for an AAT order does not equate to reviewing or interfering with Public Service Commission decisions in a manner precluded by Article 61A. The decision reaffirmed the principle that constitutional tribunals performing jud