Question

Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation was discussed in the following case

• A. Ramakrishna Dalmia Vs. Justice Tendolkar
• B. M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India
• C. State of U.P Vs. Deoman
• D. Food Corporation of India Vs. M/s. Kamdhenu Cattle Feed Industries

Hint:

Legitimate Expectation is a check on the arbitrary exercise of power by administrative bodies. It ensures fairness in administrative action. Remember it as a tool to hold public authorities to their promises or past practices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation is a principle of administrative law. It holds that a person may have a legitimate expectation of being treated in a certain way by an administrative authority, even though they have no legal right in private law to receive such treatment. This expectation may arise from an express promise given by the authority or from a regular practice which the person can reasonably expect to continue. The question asks for a key case where this doctrine was discussed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
While the doctrine has been discussed in many cases, one of the leading judgments where the Supreme Court comprehensively explained its scope and application is Food Corporation of India v. M/s. Kamdhenu Cattle Feed Industries, (1993) 1 SCC 71. In this case, the Court held that the mere reasonable or legitimate expectation of a citizen may not by itself be a distinct enforceable right, but failure to consider and give due weight to it may render the decision arbitrary, and this is how the requirement of due consideration of a legitimate expectation forms part of the principle of non-arbitrariness, a necessary concomitant of the rule of law. The court emphasized that the state's action must be fair and not arbitrary.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation was discussed in detail in the case of Food Corporation of India Vs. M/s. Kamdhenu Cattle Feed Industries.