Adam Bawa Issadeen vs Sudharma Karunaratne and others – SC FR 248/2011-2011

In the case between Adam Bawa Issadeen and Sudharma Karunaratne (Director General of Customs) along with other officials, the court addressed whether the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution were violated due to irregularities in the recruitment and appointment process within Sri Lanka Customs, specifically concerning the absorption and seniority of Deputy Superintendent of Customs. It was held that the petitioner’s right to equal treatment was infringed by the failure to properly recognize his seniority and eligibility for promotion, due to improper application of the Establishment Code and Cabinet directives. The principle reaffirmed is that administrative acts altering appointment order or seniority must adhere to due process and constitutional guarant