G. Savarimuthu Retty and Sons (Pvt) Ltd vs. Sri Lanka Tea Board – CA/WRIT/198/2020-2024

In the dispute between G. Savarimuthu Retty and Sons (Pvt) Ltd, operator of Uplands Tea Factory (Party A), and the Sri Lanka Tea Board with its officials (Party B), the court addressed whether the suspension of the petitioner’s tea license adhered to the rules of natural justice, specifically the audi alteram partem principle. It was held that the petitioner had not been provided a reasonable opportunity to be heard prior to the suspension, contravening procedural fairness requirements under the Tea Control Act. The established principle reaffirmed the necessity for fair notice and opportunity to respond before administrative action affecting rights is taken. Reliance was placed on relevant statutes, comparative precedents, and the analysis that adequate time existed for such hearing. The