It is settled law that if a public functionary acts maliciously ...

GST

April 7, 2022

It is settled law that if a public functionary acts maliciously or oppressively and the exercise of power results in harassment and agony then it is not an exercise of power but its abuse. No law provides protection against it. Harassment by public authorities is socially abhorring and legally impermissible which causes more serious injury to society. In modern society no authority can arrogate to itself the power to act in a manner which is arbitrary. It is unfortunate that matters which require immediate attention for compliance of order of this Court, linger on leaving the petitioner to run from one end to other with no result. Therefore, award of compensation for unauthorised, arbitrary and illegal detention of the truck of the petitioner by the respondent authorities would not only compensate the petitioner for loss suffered by him but it would also help in improving work culture and public confidence in rule of law. - HC

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