02/08/2026
⚖️ WRIT PETITIONS: LACHES AND DELAY
Delay is an important consideration when a court exercises its discretionary writ jurisdiction. However, delay alone does not automatically defeat a writ application.
General rule
A petitioner seeking judicial review must approach the court without unreasonable delay and must disclose all material facts. Relief may be refused where the petitioner is guilty of:
• Undue delay or laches
• Misrepresentation
• Suppression of material facts
• Failure to use an available appeal or revision procedure
In CA/WRT/168/2025, decided on 17 March 2025, the Court held that where the law provides an adequate remedy by way of appeal or revision, a party should ordinarily exhaust that remedy before invoking the Court of Appeal’s discretionary writ jurisdiction.
Important exception
Courts may still grant relief despite delay where the challenged decision is:
✅ Manifestly erroneous
✅ Made without jurisdiction
✅ Ultra vires
✅ A legal nullity
✅ A blatant violation of the law
In Biso Manika v Cyril de Alwis [1982] 1 Sri LR 369, the Court held that it would be reluctant to allow a manifestly erroneous or jurisdictionally defective order to continue merely because the application was delayed.
This principle was followed in R.M.D. Wasantha v Nimal Abeysisri, CA/WRT/0497/2019, decided on 22 September 2025. The Court observed that the rule of laches is not rigid and that relief may be granted where the impugned decision is ultra vires or a nullity.
Similarly, in Ceylon Electricity Board v Hon. W.D. Seneviratne and Others, CA/WRT/0125/2016, decided on 1 October 2025, the Court declined to permit an unlawful administrative practice to continue merely because of delay, particularly where no substantial prejudice had been caused to the respondents.
Key legal position
📌 Delay is relevant, but not always decisive.
📌 The court considers the nature of the illegality.
📌 A jurisdictional error or nullity may outweigh delay.
📌 The petitioner must explain the delay.
📌 The court will also consider prejudice to respondents and third parties.
📌 Available alternative remedies should ordinarily be exhausted first.
The doctrine of laches is applied flexibly. Its purpose is to prevent unfairness, not to protect unlawful administrative action.
This post is provided for general legal education and does not constitute legal advice.