ISSUE:
Whether the Privy Council could decide if the Minister’s dissolution of the Jaffna Municipal Council violated the principles of natural justice?
Whether the principle of "audi alteram partem" (right to a fair hearing) applies to the exercise of administrative powers?
Whether the dissolution of the Jaffna Municipal Council was lawful without providing the council an opportunity to defend itself?
RULE:
Administrative decisions affecting rights or property must comply with the principles of natural justice unless explicitly excluded by statute.
The principle of audi alteram partem requires a fair hearing before a decision is made that impacts rights or property.