Pusumbahamy vs Keerala – clr volume 2 page 053_1

In the case between Pusumbahmy (plaintiff) and Keerala (defendant), the court addressed the issue of whether Dingiri Menika qualifies as the adopted daughter of Pulingurala under Kandyan Law for the purposes of inheritance. It was held that, under Kandyan Law, only a formal adoption supported by a public declaration can establish such a legal relationship suitable for inheritance, and mere upbringing does not meet this standard. This determination reaffirmed the principle that strict evidentiary requirements must be satisfied to validate adoptions for inheritance, referencing established precedents on the necessity of public declaration. The decision emphasizes the importance of clear, public evidence in cases concerning inheritance rights through adoption under Kandyan Law.

Dias J. —