After a legal battle spanning over two decades, the Supreme Court has ruled against an overholding tenant who refused to vacate a property after their rental agreement expired.
The plaintiffs, Bopage Martin and Indrani Bopage, father and daughter respectively, sought ejectment of three defendants from 'New Lanka Stores' in Horawpathana town.
The defendants claimed long possession and title by prescription.
However, the Court determined the defendants were monthly tenants and upheld the plaintiff's case. Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena emphasized the clear tenancy agreement and the breach thereof, dismissing the need for further proof of ownership.
A three-judge bench, including Justices Gamini Amaraekara and Yasantha Kodagoda, deemed the defendants' possession unlawful since 2003. They were ordered to pay Rs. 600,000 in legal costs to the plaintiff.
