#Statutory Authority

The Allahabad High Court quashed orders directing an officiating headmaster to surrender charge to an ad hoc principal, ruling that government officials cannot assume the statutory functions of a non-existent Committee of Management. This sets a critical precedent for school governance: administrative actions in educational institutions require compliance with statutory bodies, not unilateral directives.

Karnataka High Court rules that dismissal of a Deputy Registrar by an authority lacking statutory power is void, even if later ratified. The judgment reinforces that ratification post-petition cannot cure jurisdictional defects, entitling the petitioner to reinstatement with full arrears and costs under service law principles.

The Karnataka High Court reaffirmed that only the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) holds statutory power under the Electricity Act, 2003 to fix or revise supervision charges for self-execution works. The Court quashed KPTCL’s unilateral fee revision and directed a refund of excess payments with 8% interest, reinforcing regulatory compliance over arbitrary executive action.

Rajasthan High Court rules that Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)-approved qualifications override conflicting advertisement requirements for special education teacher recruitment. B.Ed. General with a 1-year diploma in special education is held equivalent to a 2-year diploma, ensuring statutory compliance over administrative terms.

The Allahabad High Court holds that a District Magistrate cannot be held in contempt for not acting on a tenant's direct representation, as the legal obligation to challenge demolition rests with the property owner. This reinforces that tenants must seek redress through landlords under existing precedent, clarifying the limits of administrative accountability in tenancy disputes.

ITAT Delhi rules that statutory development authorities like Aligarh Development Authority qualify as charitable entities under Section 2(15) of the Income Tax Act. Funds earmarked for infrastructure development under state directives are not taxable income if utilized for statutory public purposes, reinforcing the principle of diversion of income by overriding control.

ITAT Delhi rules that statutory urban development authorities like Hapur Pilukhuwa Development Authority qualify as charitable institutions under Section 2(15) of the Income Tax Act, entitling them to exemption under Section 11. The tribunal affirms that development activities for public purposes fall within the ambit of 'charitable purpose,' rejecting the Revenue's argument on commercial receipts.

Jharkhand High Court rules that statutory authorities under the Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004, lack inherent power to condone delays in mining lease renewal applications, even by a single day, unless expressly permitted by law. The judgment reinforces that Section 5 of the Limitation Act applies only where statutory rules explicitly incorporate it, impacting mining leaseholders and administrative bodies.

The Calcutta High Court has held that the Regional Transport Authority, and not the District Magistrate or local municipality, is the sole statutory authority to approve new auto rickshaw routes under Rule 182 of the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. This clarifies jurisdictional boundaries in public transport planning and prevents administrative overreach by non-designated bodies, directly impacting urban mobility policy and local governance in West Bengal.

Bombay High Court holds that once a liquor licence shift is approved, authorities cannot revisit it years later solely on reassessed distance-review power requires explicit statutory basis.

Bombay High Court holds that MHADA need not obtain consent from all cooperative societies for redevelopment when it remains legal owner of land and buildings under DCPR 2034.

Bombay High Court holds that Registrars lack statutory power to issue NOCs for cooperative housing society redevelopment under Section 79A of the MCS Act, 1960.