THE CONCEPT OF LEGITIMATE EXPECTATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
AUTHOR – SREE PARVATHAVARTHINI SK, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF LAW, JUSTICE & GOVERNANCE, GAUTAM BUDDHA UNIVERSITY GREATER NOIDA, UTTAR PRADESH -201312
BEST CITATION – SREE PARVATHAVARTHINI SK, THE CONCEPT OF LEGITIMATE EXPECTATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (9) OF 2026, PG. 178-183, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
The doctrine of legitimate expectation is a significant development in administrative law, serving as a mechanism to control the arbitrary exercise of power by public authorities. It operates as a bridge between fairness and legality by ensuring that individuals are treated in accordance with representations, promises, or established practices of administrative bodies. Though not a legal right in the strict sense, it has evolved into a crucial ground of judicial review. This paper examines the origin, development, scope, and limitations of the doctrine, with particular focus on its application in India and comparative insights from the United Kingdom. It also critically evaluates its effectiveness in ensuring administrative accountability.
Keywords: legitimate expectation, arbitrary, fairness, administrative bodies, judicial review, administrative accountability