Topic
State policy in Indian law refers to official guidelines or directives issued by state governments to regulate public administration, employment, land acquisition, and welfare schemes.
Supreme Court rules that once a state adopts a regularization policy for long-serving workers, it cannot exclude others in identical circumstances without violating constitutional equality. The judgment reinforces that administrative discretion must align with legitimate expectation and non-arbitrariness under service law.
Bombay High Court rules that landowners are entitled to rental compensation under State Government Resolutions when possession is taken before formal acquisition, even without statutory backing. The court mandates 6% interest on delayed payments and clarifies that entitlement applies irrespective of the public purpose, reinforcing promissory estoppel principles.
Manipur High Court reaffirms that site selection for public infrastructure is an administrative prerogative, refusing judicial interference unless arbitrariness, mala fide intent, or public harm is proven. The ruling underscores the limits of PIL in challenging policy decisions absent demonstrable legal infirmities.
Himachal Pradesh High Court rules that reinstatement with continuity under a Labour Court award creates an enforceable right to regularization under state policy. Arbitrary denial on grounds of delayed MGNREGA engagement violates Article 14, with 6% interest payable for delays beyond three months.
Bombay High Court holds that public officials cannot evade court orders by citing pending Supreme Court proceedings when state policy mandates compliance.