The Officer-in-Charge, Police Station, Pulmoddai and The Hon. Attorney General vs Siyaptha Finance PLC – SC Appeal 62/2025-2025

This case involves an appeal concerning a vehicle seized under the Forest Ordinance. Accused individuals were arrested for excavating in a conservation forest, and the registered owner, an accused, pleaded guilty. The absolute owner, Siyaptha Finance PLC, claimed the vehicle, which was initially denied by the Magistrate and Provincial High Court, but later ordered for release by the Court of Appeal. The appeal questioned the Court of Appeal’s interpretation of Section 40(1) of the Forest Ordinance, the definition of ‘owner’, and the acceptance of a belated challenge to jurisdiction. The appeal was ultimately allowed, setting aside the Court of Appeal’s decision and upholding the Magistrate’s order.

K. Priyantha Fernando, J. delivered the judgment, addressing the appeal against the Court