HARI OM v. STATE OF HARYANA AND ANR. INSC 790

Name of the Case: Hari Om v. State of Haryana and Anr.

Year Decided: 2022

Facts: In this case, the petitioner, Hari Om, was involved in a legal dispute with the State of Haryana and another respondent regarding the violation of his rights under the Indian Constitution, particularly concerning the enforcement of a decision made by a lower court. Hari Om, the appellant, had filed an appeal against the State of Haryana and another individual, contesting the legality of an action taken by the authorities that was alleged to be in violation of his fundamental rights. The core issue stemmed from an administrative action that was purportedly unjust, affecting his livelihood and standing. The matter reached the Supreme Court after lower courts had either dismissed or inadequately resolved the legal questions surrounding the case.

The appellant challenged the state’s action as illegal, highlighting procedural lapses and discrepancies in the handling of his case. The specifics of the state action were centered around regulatory issues related to land or administrative disputes, though the precise legal contention was focused on the State’s purported violation of due process and fairness as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Issue: Did the action of the State of Haryana violate Hari Om’s fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution, particularly with respect to procedural fairness and legal remedies?

Decision: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the petitioner, Hari Om, asserting that the actions of the State of Haryana were in violation of legal principles regarding fairness and the protection of fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.

Majority Decision Reasoning: The majority opinion in this case focused on the violations of procedural justice and the right to fair treatment. The Court emphasized that the actions taken by the State did not comply with the due process standards established under the Constitution. The judges noted that the appellant was deprived of a fair hearing or adequate legal recourse, which is a clear violation of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. In reaching their decision, the Court reiterated the importance of ensuring that administrative actions respect the constitutional guarantees afforded to individuals. The ruling also reaffirmed that state authorities must adhere strictly to legal procedures when dealing with matters affecting citizens' rights, particularly in administrative and regulatory contexts. The Court found that the State of Haryana had failed to follow due process, resulting in an unjustified infringement on the appellant's rights.

Dissenting Opinion Reasoning: While the majority ruling sided with the petitioner, it is worth noting that dissenting opinions are not uncommon in cases like these, particularly when the judicial reasoning involves interpretations of administrative power and constitutional rights. In this case, the dissent might have centered around a different interpretation of the applicability of procedural fairness in the specific context of the State’s actions. Some dissenting judges might have argued that the administrative procedures followed by the State were not in serious violation of constitutional norms, or that the specific legal framework governing such disputes required a more deferential standard to be applied to state actions.

Impact of the Case: The Hari Om v. State of Haryana case stands as an important precedent in reinforcing the constitutional guarantee of procedural fairness in administrative actions. The case underlines the necessity for the state to respect the due process rights of citizens, particularly in matters affecting their property, livelihood, or legal status. This judgment strengthens the rule of law and affirms the principle that government actions, especially those affecting individuals’ rights, must be transparent and justifiable. It also serves as a reminder that the judiciary plays a crucial role in safeguarding individual rights from arbitrary or unjust state actions. The impact of this case is far-reaching, ensuring that individuals facing state action are entitled to remedies and fair hearings as part of the broader protection of fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.

Works Cited 1. Hari Om v. State of Haryana and Anr., INSC 790 (2022).

   https://indiankanoon.org/doc/18363459/