Palipane v. Palipane and Others – sllr 2003 volume 2 page 262

In the case between the Land Officer/Acquiring Officer of Matale District (respondent) and the 5th defendant, a minor at the time of executing the deeds (appellant), along with other co-defendants, the court addressed the issue of whether deeds executed by a minor without prior court sanction under the Land Acquisition Act effectively convey title to immovable property. It was held that such deeds are voidable, not void, and confer title unless and until the minor initiates appropriate legal action to have the transaction set aside. This holding reaffirmed the principle rooted in Roman Dutch Law that the act of a minor is only voidable and not automatically void, with the remedy of restitutio‑in‑integrum available if court action is pursued. The decision relied on case precedents and statu