Gigiriwala Gamage Dinosh Jelon vs Rev. Brother Janaka Fonseka, , Principal, De Mazenod College and others – CA WRT 905/25-2025

The case between Gigiriwala Gamage Dinosh Jelon (Petitioner) and De Mazenod College (1st Respondent), the court addressed the issue of the unlawful denial of a ‘No Objection’ letter to a student cricketer transferring schools. It was held that the refusal was unlawful due to improper delegation of discretionary power, adherence to an unlawful blanket policy, reliance on irrelevant financial considerations, and failure to consider the best interests of the child. This decision reaffirmed the principle that discretionary powers must be exercised individually, with reasons, and in accordance with administrative law principles and the ‘best interest of the child’ as per Ministry of Education Circular No. 03 of 2022, the ICCPR Act, and Article 27(13) of the Constitution. The decision emphasized