Nandadasa v. Jayasinghe, M.S., Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Others – sllr 2001 volume 1 page 014

In the case between the petitioner (a public officer) and respondents including M.S. Jayasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Public Service Commission, the court addressed whether disciplinary proceedings, orders for withholding salary, and the lack of disclosure of inquiry findings violated the petitioner’s constitutional rights. It was held that the fundamental rights under Article 12(1) and the right of appeal under Article 58(2) had been breached due to denial of natural justice and failure to provide findings or reasons. The principle reaffirmed was that public officers are entitled to be informed of evidence and findings in disciplinary proceedings, securing substantive appellate rights and adherence to natural justice. Reliance was placed on th