Karunathilaka and Another v. Dayananda Dissanayake, Commissioner of Elections and Others (Enforce Ment Judgment) (Case No.2) – SLR – 183, Vol 1 of 1999 – sllr 1999 volume 1 page 183

In the case between Karunathilaka and Another (Plaintiffs) and Dayananda Dissanayake, Commissioner of Elections, and others (Defendants), the Court addressed the issue of whether the Commissioner of Elections properly exercised discretion in fixing a new poll date following a previous court order. It was held that although the time limit for setting the new poll date was observed, the selection of 1.4.99 was unreasonable due to the failure to consider relevant factors such as religious observances and the need for procedural fairness. The key principle reaffirmed was that administrative discretion must be exercised reasonably, accounting for all pertinent considerations, and the Court retains the authority to enforce its orders to ensure compliance with its directions. The decision was gro