David Raja vs. Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development and Others – sllr 2020 volume 1 page 310

In the case between David Raja and the Minister of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Development and Others, the court addressed the legality of the Director General’s refusal to issue annual fishing permits, allegedly on the basis of violation of leasing conditions. It was held that the decision was taken without adequate inquiry or proper communication to the petitioner, resulting in a violation of natural justice. The principle reaffirmed was that administrative recommendations protecting individual rights, such as those by the Human Rights Commission, are enforceable by superior courts through writ jurisdiction. Reliance was placed on Sri Lanka Telecom Ltd v. Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, establishing that public authority decisions must adhere to due process. The decision resulted