Pathirana v. Victor Perera – sllr 2006 volume 2 page 281

In Pathirana (General Secretary, Organization of Parents and Family Members of the Disappeared – OPFMD) v. Victor Perera (DIG Personal Training Police) and others, the court considered the validity of a police circular reinstating interdicted officers charged with serious offences, the petitioner’s standing, and the timeliness of the writ application. It was determined that the petitioner, directly affected and representing a public interest group, possessed sufficient locus standi due to the relaxed approach in writ jurisdiction for matters of public concern. The court further held that delay in filing could not bar relief where the impugned order was null and void and where the delay was not due to the petitioner’s fault. The circular’s reinstatement direction was found ultra vires as it