Randhir Singh v. State Of Punjab And ORS

CWP-14505-2025

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-14505-2025 Date of decision: 20.05.2025 Randhir Singh

...Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab and others

...Respondents

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE AMAN CHAUDHARY ***** Present :

Mr. Umesh Kumar Kanwar, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Charanpreet Singh, AAG, Punjab.

***** AMAN CHAUDHARY, J. (Oral) 1.

Learned counsel states that the orders dated 17.04.2025 and 04.07.2022, whereby the application for grant of arms license has been rejected and the one in appeal are non-speaking and cryptic, a fact which learned State counsel despite best efforts is unable to rebut and justify. 2.

A perfunctory, mono-linear disposition, bereft of proper contemplation of facts and circumstances of a case, stands in brazen contravention of principles of natural justice, as eloquently expounded by Hon'ble the Supreme Court in M/s Kranti Associates Pvt. Ltd. And Another vs. Masood Ahmed Khan and Others, 2010(9) SCC 496, wherein it was observed that the face of an order passed by a quasi-judicial or administrative authority affecting the rights of parties, must speak and must not be like the inscrutable face of a Sphinx. The authorities are under a legal obligation to give reasons while passing an order, which are the essence and virtually a part of the due process.

3.

Administrative authorities are mandated to articulate the rationale behind their decisions, ensuring transparency and fairness in the HAMANT 2025.05.22 19:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-14505-2025 decision-making process, which not only assists the Court in scrutinising the case effectively but prevents a revolving door of appeals to the same institution.

4.

As a fall out of the above, the orders dated 17.04.2025 and 04.07.2022 are set aside and the District Magistrate is directed to consider the matter afresh, in accordance with law, taking note of the grounds taken in appeal filed by the petitioner and pass a reasoned order, within a period of 4 months, after affording an opportunity of hearing to him. 5.

Disposed of accordingly.

(AMAN CHAUDHARY) JUDGE 20.05.2025 Hemant Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes / No Whether reportable :

Yes / No HAMANT 2025.05.22 19:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document