#Arbitrary State Action

Supreme Court bars states from downgrading the mandatory Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) certificate to a mere preference for ITI instructor posts. The ruling reaffirms the Centre’s 1996 directive and directs Uttar Pradesh to recruit eligible candidates despite delays.

Supreme Court invalidated Uttar Pradesh's 2014 ITI Instructor Rules for diluting the mandatory CITS certificate requirement, holding arbitrary cut-off marks fixation unconstitutional. Affected candidates must be recruited against current vacancies, reinforcing central government vocational training standards.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court directed state authorities to release Rs. 30,16,338 to a contractor within eight weeks for MGNREGS works, emphasizing the state's obligation to honor contractual commitments and prevent arbitrary withholding of payments. The ruling underscores the enforceability of writ jurisdiction under Article 226 against state inaction in public contracts.

Allahabad High Court sets aside NHAI’s termination of an EPC contract, ruling that failure to provide possession of land as per contractual obligations violates Article 14. The Court mandates project timeline rescheduling, emphasizing state authorities cannot evade contractual duties under the guise of arbitrary termination.

Allahabad HC ruled that confiscation of a vehicle under the U.P. Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act for intrastate transport without a permit is arbitrary and violates fundamental rights. The court set aside the confiscation order and directed ₹4 lakh compensation plus ₹2 lakh damages for unlawful auction and livelihood loss, reinforcing safeguards against arbitrary state action.

Allahabad HC rules that the State’s unjustified delay in terminating a mining lease under Rule 58 of the U.P. Minor Minerals Rules, 1963, renders its action arbitrary and violates Article 14. The court held that royalty liability ceases once mining operations stop, and directed adjustment of ₹70 lakh deposits against earlier installments, setting a precedent for prompt State action in lease terminations.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that non-payment of admitted dues under MGNREGS constitutes arbitrary state action, justifying a writ of mandamus under Article 226 even when statutory remedies exist. The judgment reinforces contractors' rights to seek judicial intervention for unpaid government dues, setting a precedent for similar disputes.

Kerala High Court holds that seizure of vehicle without lawful authority or procedural compliance violates property rights under Article 300A and mandates compensation for illegal detention.