News
Film importers’ petitions end in anticlimax; CA dismisses case
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
The Court of Appeal (CA) has dismissed three writ petitions filed by a group of film importers and distributors requesting an order preventing government authorities including the National Film Corporation (NFC) from interfering in the process of importation, distribution, and exhibition of films.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Sampath Wijeratne and Wickum Kaluarachchi dismissed the petitions on the grounds that the circular in question issued under the title ‘National Film Policy and Guidelines’ had been subsequently cancelled by the Cabinet.
The petitioners had noted that private distribution circuits had entered into formal agreements with the NFC, which allowed the circuits to import and distribute films in Sri Lanka. However, in a letter dated June 19, 2018, the NFC informed the petitioners to immediately stop the distribution of films.
The petitioners’ contention was that the decision was illegal and bad in law. The NFC and other respondents countered that the relief sought by the petitioners had been rendered futile by the Cabinet’s decision to cancel the circular. They also argued that writ jurisdiction could not be invoked in respect of the termination of a contract between the parties.
The judges said they were of the view that the petition had become futile following the subsequent Cabinet decision. Furthermore, in this instance, prerogative remedies could not be invoked in respect of the termination of the contract, the court ruled, dismissing the petitions.
Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, PC appeared for the respondents.
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