Suneeta Devi vs. Avinash [March 11, 2024]
Background
The appeal in Suneeta Devi vs. Avinash arose from a dispute over the allocation of a plot of land by the Land Management Committee in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, intended for the construction of a school. The appellant, Suneeta Devi, challenged the order of the Allahabad High Court dated July 3, 2019, which had quashed the land allocation in favor of her, acting on a writ petition filed by Avinash and others.
High Court Proceedings
The Allahabad High Court had allowed the writ petition filed by Avinash, setting aside the resolution of the Land Management Committee and the subsequent approval by the State authorities. The High Court’s decision was based on its assessment that the allocation process was flawed. However, it was later contended before the Supreme Court that the High Court decided the matter in undue haste, without issuing formal notice to all respondents, including Suneeta Devi, and without granting them a fair opportunity to be heard.
Supreme Court’s Analysis
The Supreme Court, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, observed that the High Court had indeed acted with undue haste and failed to follow the principles of natural justice. The Court noted that the High Court proceeded to allow the writ petition and quash the land allocation without ensuring that all affected parties were properly notified and given an opportunity to present their case.
The Supreme Court emphasized that adherence to natural justice is fundamental, especially in matters involving property rights and public interest. The Court held that the absence of notice and fair hearing to Suneeta Devi and other affected parties rendered the High Court’s order unsustainable in law.
Judgment
The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, set aside the order of the Allahabad High Court, and reinstated the original decision of the Land Management Committee and the State authorities to allocate the land for the school in favor of Suneeta Devi. The Court directed that the matter should be reconsidered, if necessary, only after following due process and ensuring all concerned parties are heard.
Significance
The judgment reaffirms the necessity of following principles of natural justice in judicial and administrative proceedings, particularly where property and public interest are involved.
It serves as a reminder to High Courts to avoid deciding matters in haste and to ensure that all affected parties are given a fair opportunity to be heard.
Citation:
Suneeta Devi vs. Avinash, Supreme Court of India, decided on March 11, 2024.
RELATED Blog
0 comments