GK Question

polity hard true_false

The doctrine of estoppel (preventing party from going back on representation) applies fully against the State in administrative law, meaning government cannot resile from promises made to citizens.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Estoppel against State (Indian position): Doctrine applies with limitations: (a) State can resile from promise if: (i) Promise ultra vires statutory power, (ii) Resiling necessary for public interest, (iii) No fraud/mala fides in original promise, (b) Remedy: Fair hearing before withdrawal, or compensation for reliance loss (legitimate expectation doctrine). Balances citizen protection with State's need for policy flexibility in public interest. Illustrates nuanced administrative law: rights protection without paralyzing governance.

Topic Administrative Law - Estoppel Against State
Exam Relevance Administrative law doctrine nuance question critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams
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