Dharmakeerthi vs. Governor, Sabaragamuwa Province – sllr 2021 volume 3 page 187

In the case between Dharmakeerthi (former Chairman, Embilipitiya Urban Council) and the Governor, Sabaragamuwa Province and others, the court addressed whether the suspension of the Petitioner from the office of Chairman and the appointment of an inquiry officer were lawful and reasonable under the Urban Councils Ordinance and the Provincial Councils (Consequential Provisions) Act. It was held that the executive authority to suspend an elected official could validly be exercised in response to credible allegations of mismanagement, provided that the process adhered to statutory and administrative law standards of reasonableness and procedural fairness. The principle reaffirmed is that such administrative actions affecting elected officials must withstand judicial scrutiny for lawfulness, r