#Administrative inquiry

Punjab & Haryana HC quashes caste certificate cancellation orders issued without affording petitioners a fair hearing, reinforcing that administrative actions violating natural justice are void. The ruling mandates fresh inquiries with proper evidence presentation, impacting reservation policies and Scheduled Caste rights.

Madras High Court rules that writ jurisdiction cannot be invoked to expedite or override an ongoing administrative inquiry governed by a statutory standard operating procedure (SOP). Courts must allow the prescribed process, such as drone surveys for illegal quarrying complaints, to conclude before intervening, ensuring due adherence to procedural safeguards.

Bombay High Court holds that inquiry against a Sarpanch under Section 39 of the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act requires prior sanction; unauthorized initiation violates statutory scheme.