1995 (12) TMI 380 - SC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues Involved:
The judgment discusses the rejection of review petitions and subsequent filing of a writ petition under Article 32 challenging the decision on merits and principles of natural justice.

Rejection of Review Petitions:
The review petitions were rejected after parties filed supplementary written submissions as per the court's order. The court found no merit in the additional submissions and rejected the review petitions.

Challenging Decision on Merits:
The writ petition argued that the civil appeals were not heard on merits before being decided on merits, rendering the judgment invalid for violating principles of natural justice. The court disagreed, stating that the petitioners were given an opportunity to file supplementary submissions even after the decision of the civil appeals.

Application of Antulay Case:
The petitioners relied on the Antulay case to challenge the decision, but the court clarified that Antulay does not permit reopening a final decision under Article 32. The court emphasized that Antulay was based on specific circumstances and does not apply to situations challenging the correctness of a final decision on merits.

Dismissal of Writ Petition:
The court dismissed the writ petition, highlighting that the dismissal would not prejudice the petitioner's right to seek appropriate legal remedies such as a review petition. The judgment emphasized that the reliance on Antulay in the present case was misconceived.

In conclusion, the court found no merit in the writ petition challenging the decision on merits and principles of natural justice, and dismissed the petition accordingly.