Nazeer and Another vs. Wijeweera and Another – sllr 2019 volume 2 page 407

In the case between Nazeer and Another (petitioners) and Wijeweera and Another (respondents), the court addressed the issue of whether an admission of facts made by counsel is binding and whether automatic forfeiture under the Customs Ordinance is subject to judicial review. It was held that admissions by counsel on matters of fact are binding and irrevocable, and that goods forfeited “by operation of law” are not subject to judicial review via writ proceedings. The court reaffirmed the principle that where the statute prescribes an alternative legal remedy, such as an action for a declaration of title under Section 154 of the Customs Ordinance, the propriety of administrative forfeiture is not reviewable by writ. This decision relied on established precedent and statutory interpretation,