Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Consti Law - II
Consti Law - II
UNIT 1
DOCTRINE OF WAIVER
E. P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974) 2 SCR 348: (AIR 1974 SCS 555) it was held
that Article 14 strikes at arbitrariness in State action and ensures fairness and equality
of treatment.
Ramana Dayaram Shetty v. International Airport Authority of India AIR 1979 SC 1628
endorsed the above view and held that that the doctrine of classification which si involved by
the courts si not paraphrase of Art. 41 nor si the objective end of that Article.
DOCTRINE OF LEGITIMATE
It is based on reliance and expectations.
Initially the Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation was sought ot be raised in S. P. Gupta' case
Another principle was laid in Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd. v Wednesbury
Corporation [1948] 1 KB 223. it sets out the standard of unreasonableness of public body
decisions. In making The decision,.1thedefendanttookintoaccountfactorsthatoughtnottohave
been taken into account, or 2.the defendant failed to take into account factors that ought to
have been taken into account, or 3. the decision was so unreasonable that no reasonable
authority would ever consider imposing it. Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister for the
Civil Service 1983 by Lord Diplock: So outrageous in its defiance of logic or accepted moral
standards that no
sensible person who had applied his mind .
Food Corporation of India .v M/s. Kamdhenu Cattle Feed Industries AIR 1993 SC1601
Invitation of tenders - Power ot reject al tenders reserved by authorities - Art, 14 of the
Constitution of which non-arbitrariness is a significant facet. There is no unfettered discretion
in public law: A public authority possesses powers only to use them for public good. This
imposes the duty to act fairly and to adopt a procedure which is 'fairplay' in action'. Due
observance of this obligation as a part of good administration raises a reasonable or legitimate
expectation in every citizen to be treated fairly in his interaction with the State and its
instrumentalities, with this element forming a necessary component of the decision-making
process in al State actions. To satisfy this requirement of non-arbitrariness in a State action, it
is, therefore, necessary to consider and give due weight to the reasonable or legitimate
expectations of the persons likely to be affected by the decision or else that unfairness in the
exercise of the power may amount to an abuse or excess of power apart from affecting the
bona fides of the decision in a given case. The decision so made would be exposed to
challenge on the ground of arbitrariness. Rule of law does not completely eliminate discretion
in the exercise of power, as it is unrealistic, but provides for control of its exercise
In Punjab Communication Ltd. .v Union of India - 1999 (4) SC 727) Project ot provide digital
wireless telecom facility to villages - Asian Development Bank agreed to grant loan for
project - Entire tender based on loan - Subsequently loan itself stood withdrawn - No
possibility of ADB loan project being started or completed - Thus Court cannot issue any
direction to Government to seek renewal of lapsed loan or to continue the project on basis of
ADB loan. The court observed, "The principle of legitimate expectation si still ut a stage of
evolution. The principle is at the root of the rule of law and requires regularity, predictability
and certainty in the Governments dealings with the public The procedural part of it relates to
a representation that a hearing or other appropriate procedure will be afforded before the
decision is made.
Article 226, along with Article 32, plays a crucial role in the protection of fundamental rights
and the maintenance of the rule of law in India. It empowers the judiciary to act as a check on
the executive and other authorities, ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
Article 226 has been instrumental in the evolution of Public Interest Litigation (PIL),
allowing the High Courts to take suo-motu cognizance of matters affecting public interest.
meaning of this
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The statement "Article 226 has been instrumental in the evolution of Public Interest
Litigation (PIL), allowing the High Courts to take suo-motu cognizance of matters affecting
public interest" can be broken down for better understanding:
1. Article 226:
o Article 226 is a provision in the Constitution of India that grants power to the
High Courts to issue writs, orders, or directions for the enforcement of
fundamental rights and for any other purpose.
2. Evolution of Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
o Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal action initiated in a court for the
enforcement of public interest or general interest in cases where the aggrieved
party might not be able to approach the court. PIL is a judicial innovation
aimed at providing access to justice for the marginalized and disadvantaged
sections of society.
3. Suo-Motu Cognizance:
o "Suo-motu" is a Latin term that means "on its own motion" or "voluntarily."
When a court takes suo-motu cognizance, it means the court initiates legal
proceedings on its own, without any party filing a formal complaint or
petition.
4. Matters Affecting Public Interest:
o Matters affecting public interest refer to issues or cases that have broader
implications and significance beyond the interests of the individuals directly
involved. These could include issues related to environmental protection,
human rights, corruption, and other matters of societal concern.
5. Instrumental in Evolution:
o The statement suggests that Article 226 has played a crucial role in the
development and evolution of the concept of Public Interest Litigation. It has
provided a legal basis for the High Courts to address matters of public concern
and interest.
6. High Courts' Authority:
o Article 226, by conferring powers upon the High Courts, empowers them to
not only address individual grievances related to fundamental rights but also to
proactively intervene in cases where there is a broader public interest
involved.
7. Access to Justice:
o PIL, enabled by Article 226, has been instrumental in ensuring access to
justice for those who may not have the means or ability to approach the court
individually. It allows the court to step in to protect the rights of the public at
large.
In summary, the statement highlights that Article 226 has been a crucial legal tool in the
development of Public Interest Litigation, giving High Courts the authority to take proactive
measures and address issues that go beyond individual grievances, directly contributing to the
protection of public interest and societal welfare.
what are the any other purpose under which one can file writ under 226
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While the primary purpose of Article 226 is to provide a remedy for the enforcement of
fundamental rights, it is not limited to this specific function. The phrase "for any other
purpose" in Article 226 grants High Courts wide discretionary powers to issue writs, orders,
or directions for various purposes beyond the enforcement of fundamental rights. Some of the
"any other purposes" under which one can file a writ petition under Article 226 include:
1. Administrative Law Issues:
o Matters related to administrative actions, decisions, or policies that are
considered arbitrary, discriminatory, or in violation of natural justice.
2. Violation of Legal Rights:
o Cases involving the violation of legal rights other than fundamental rights.
This may include violations of statutory rights or legal principles.
3. Contractual Disputes:
o Disputes arising from contracts, especially those involving government
agencies or public authorities. High Courts can intervene to ensure fair
treatment and adherence to contractual obligations.
4. Service Matters:
o Cases related to employment, promotions, and service conditions, especially
when there are allegations of unfair treatment, discrimination, or violation of
procedural norms.
5. Tortious Liability:
o Cases involving civil wrongs or torts, where individuals seek compensation
for harm or damage caused by the actions or negligence of others.
6. Environmental Protection:
o Matters related to environmental issues, pollution control, conservation of
natural resources, and protection of ecological balance.
7. Land Acquisition:
o Disputes arising from land acquisition, compensation, and rehabilitation
issues. The High Court can intervene to ensure fair and just treatment in land
acquisition matters.
8. Consumer Protection:
o Cases related to consumer rights and protection, especially when there are
allegations of unfair trade practices, defective goods, or inadequate services.
9. Educational Matters:
o Disputes related to education policies, admissions, and other educational
matters. This can include challenges to actions of educational institutions or
regulatory bodies.
10. Family and Personal Laws:
o Cases involving family and personal laws, especially when there are issues
related to succession, guardianship, or personal liberties.
11. Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
o The High Court can take suo-motu cognizance or entertain PIL petitions
involving matters of significant public interest, even if there is no direct
violation of individual rights.
12. Any Other Substantial Question of Law:
o The phrase "for any other purpose" is broad and allows individuals to
approach the High Court for the protection of any substantial legal right, even
if it does not fall neatly within the categories mentioned above.
It's important to note that the discretion of the High Courts is not unlimited, and there are
certain limitations and principles that guide the exercise of this power under Article 226. The
court will typically consider whether an alternative remedy is available, the petitioner has a
locus standi, and if the matter involves a substantial question of law.
case laws on PIL
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Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been a crucial tool in Indian jurisprudence to ensure
justice and protect public interest. Several landmark cases have shaped the evolution of PIL
in India. Here are a few notable case laws:
These cases illustrate the diverse range of issues that can be addressed through PIL and how
the judiciary has played a proactive role in protecting the rights and interests of the public.
PIL has become an essential tool for promoting justice, accountability, and good governance
in India.
However, as of my last update, here are a few notable cases that were significant around that
time:
For the latest and most recent case laws, please refer to legal databases, official court
websites, or consult legal experts who can provide you with up-to-date information.
Writs:
1. Nature:
o Writs are formal written orders issued by a court to enforce specific legal
rights. The five types of writs in the Indian legal system are habeas corpus,
mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto.
2. Initiation:
o Writs are initiated through petitions filed by aggrieved individuals or entities
seeking the court's intervention to protect their fundamental rights or to correct
administrative actions.
3. Objective:
o The objective of writs is to provide immediate and effective remedies against
violations of fundamental rights or excesses of power by the state or its
agencies.
4. Scope:
o Writs are specific legal orders, each serving a distinct purpose. For example, a
writ of habeas corpus is for the release of a person detained unlawfully, while
a writ of mandamus commands a public official to perform a duty.
5. Locus Standi:
o Traditionally, writs require the petitioner to have standing or a direct interest
in the matter. The petitioner must be personally aggrieved for the court to
entertain the writ petition.
6. Reactive Role:
o Writs are typically reactive in nature, responding to a specific legal grievance
brought before the court by a petitioner.
In summary, PIL is a broader concept that allows individuals or organizations to approach the
court in the interest of the public, while writs are specific legal orders sought by aggrieved
individuals to protect their fundamental rights. PIL can involve various types of writs,
depending on the nature of the issue at hand.
Both the doctrine of reasonable classification and the principle of absence of arbitrariness
play crucial roles in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that state actions are just,
reasonable, and in conformity with constitutional values. They provide safeguards against
arbitrary and discriminatory exercises of state power.
Legitimate Expectations:
1. Definition:
o Legitimate expectations refer to the expectation of individuals or entities that a
public authority will act in a certain way based on a consistent past practice,
representation, or promise made by the authority.
2. Basis:
o This principle is grounded in the principles of fairness and good
administration. It ensures that individuals who have relied on the actions or
promises of a public authority are not unfairly treated if the authority later acts
in a manner contrary to their expectations.
3. Sources:
o Legitimate expectations can arise from various sources, including explicit
promises, established practices, or consistent past decisions of an
administrative authority.
4. Protection:
o The protection of legitimate expectations involves ensuring that individuals
are not subjected to arbitrary or unfair administrative actions that violate their
reasonable expectations.
5. Scope:
o Legitimate expectations can arise in various contexts, such as contractual
agreements, procedural fairness in decision-making, and the enforcement of
policies or rules.
• Contract Law: A party may waive a contractual right, such as a right to terminate a
contract for a breach, by choosing not to exercise that right.
• Tort Law: In personal injury cases, a person may waive the right to sue for damages
by accepting a settlement offer.
• Constitutional Rights: Individuals may waive certain constitutional rights, such as
the right to remain silent, as long as the waiver is knowing, voluntary, and intelligent.
Understanding the doctrine of waiver is essential in legal practice as it often plays a role in
negotiations, settlements, and the enforcement of legal rights. It is crucial for parties to be
clear and explicit in their intentions when waiving rights to avoid ambiguity and disputes.
doctrine of waiver case law
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The doctrine of waiver is a well-established principle in law, and numerous case laws
illustrate its application in various legal contexts. Below are a few examples where the
doctrine of waiver has been discussed or applied:
2. Enlightenment Era:
• Natural Rights Philosophy: Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke,
Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, contributed to the development of the
concept of natural rights. They argued that individuals possess inherent rights by
virtue of their humanity, including rights to life, liberty, and property.
• U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776): The Declaration enshrined the idea of
unalienable rights and influenced the subsequent framing of the U.S. Constitution and
Bill of Rights.
4. Influence on Constitutions:
• U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights (1787): The U.S. Constitution, with its Bill of
Rights, became a model for many subsequent constitutional systems. It explicitly
enumerated certain fundamental rights and limited the powers of the government.
• Post-World War II: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): The
atrocities of World War II prompted the international community to codify human
rights principles. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted
by the United Nations, asserting a broad range of fundamental rights for all people.
6. Contemporary Developments:
• European Convention on Human Rights (1950): The Council of Europe
established the Convention, creating a regional system for the protection of human
rights.
• Constitutional Courts and Judicial Activism: Many countries, through their
constitutional courts, have played a crucial role in interpreting and safeguarding
fundamental rights. Judicial activism ensures the protection and enforcement of these
rights.
The evolution of fundamental rights reflects the ongoing development of legal and political
thought, adapting to the changing needs and challenges of societies around the world. These
rights serve as a cornerstone for the protection of individual freedoms, dignity, and justice
within constitutional democracies.