#public duty

Bombay HC Nagpur Bench holds that failure to implement a Tahsildar's mutation order within a reasonable time constitutes administrative negligence, especially when coupled with allegations of illegal gratification. The court directs the Sub-Divisional Officer to ensure compliance and investigate the revenue official's conduct, reinforcing accountability in public duty under administrative law.

Chhattisgarh High Court holds that non-compliance with a Tahsildar’s land demarcation order constitutes a violation of statutory duty, warranting a writ of mandamus. The ruling underscores that revenue authorities must act within 30 days to avoid judicial intervention, reinforcing accountability in land revenue proceedings.

The J&K & Ladakh High Court reiterates that writ petitions under Article 226 cannot challenge termination of ad hoc employment by non-State bodies unless a public law duty is violated. Private contractual disputes must be resolved through civil remedies, reinforcing the boundary between public and private law.

The Bombay High Court has held that municipal authorities cannot withhold statutory NOCs for slaughterhouse operations merely because a civil suit challenging contractual validity is pending, absent a stay order. This ruling reinforces that public duties under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act must be fulfilled promptly when regulatory compliance is otherwise lawful, ensuring that administrative inaction does not derail statutory rights.

National Green Tribunal holds that public authorities cannot remain passive toward encroachments on wetlands; custodianship of state land imposes non-delegable duty to act.

Madras High Court holds that writ of mandamus is maintainable to compel tahsildar to survey and demarcate land boundaries after unreasonable administrative delay.