Identify and summarise fundamental principles;
📘 Fundamental Principles of Administrative Law
Administrative law is governed by several core principles that ensure fairness, accountability, transparency, and legality in the actions of public authorities. These principles protect individuals from arbitrary or unjust administrative decisions.
1. Rule of Law
The government and its agencies must act within the law.
No one is above the law, and all administrative actions must have legal authority.
Case: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) 4 SCC 225
The Supreme Court held that the rule of law is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
It ensures that the government’s powers are limited by law and that fundamental rights cannot be arbitrarily taken away.
2. Natural Justice (Fair Hearing)
Every person affected by administrative action has a right to a fair hearing (audi alteram partem).
The decision-maker must be impartial (nemo judex in causa sua).
Case: A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India (1969) 2 SCC 262
The Court emphasized that natural justice applies to all administrative actions affecting rights.
It struck down appointments made by a biased selection committee member, holding that fairness in administrative decisions is mandatory.
3. Reasonableness and Proportionality
Administrative decisions must be reasonable and not arbitrary.
Actions should be proportionate to the objective sought.
Case: Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) 1 SCC 248
The Supreme Court ruled that any restriction on personal liberty must be reasonable and follow a fair procedure.
It introduced the principle of reasonableness in administrative action under Article 21 of the Constitution.
4. Legitimate Expectation
If a public authority has led a person to expect a certain procedure or benefit, it should not act contrary to that expectation without proper notice.
Case: Union of India v. Hindustan Development Corporation (1993) 2 SCC 214
The Court held that the doctrine of legitimate expectation protects citizens when government policies change abruptly without giving a fair chance to affected parties.
5. Accountability and Transparency
Public authorities must be accountable for their actions.
Transparency mechanisms like the Right to Information ensure this principle.
Case: State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain (1975) 4 SCC 428
The case laid the foundation for transparency in governance, emphasizing that citizens have the right to know how public affairs are conducted.
This principle is central to administrative accountability.
🧑⚖️ Detailed Case Law Explanation
1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Landmark case defining the basic structure doctrine.
The court said that the Constitution limits government powers, preserving rule of law.
Administrative agencies cannot override constitutional limits.
2. A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India
Challenged the role of biased officials in administrative decisions.
Confirmed the application of natural justice beyond judicial bodies.
Established that procedural fairness is a constitutional requirement.
3. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
Expanded the meaning of "procedure established by law" under Article 21 to include reasonableness and fairness.
Strengthened judicial oversight on administrative decisions affecting fundamental rights.
4. Union of India v. Hindustan Development Corporation
Reaffirmed the doctrine of legitimate expectation.
Government must follow consistent policies or provide notice when changing them.
5. State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain
Reinforced the importance of transparency.
Preceded the enactment of the Right to Information Act.
📋 Summary Table
| Principle | Case | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Rule of Law | Kesavananda Bharati | Government powers are limited by law |
| Natural Justice | A.K. Kraipak | Fair hearing and impartiality are mandatory |
| Reasonableness | Maneka Gandhi | Administrative actions must be fair and reasonable |
| Legitimate Expectation | Hindustan Dev. Corp. | Government must honor expectations or provide notice |
| Accountability & Transparency | Raj Narain | Citizens have a right to know government functioning |
🔚 Conclusion
These fundamental principles form the backbone of administrative law by:
Ensuring that government actions are lawful, fair, and reasonable.
Protecting individual rights against arbitrary state action.
Promoting good governance through accountability and transparency.
Understanding these principles and their judicial interpretation helps maintain a balance between efficient administration and protection of citizens' rights.
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