DELHI HIGH COURT: CRUCIAL TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN CITIZENS LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS AND UNREASONABLE DEMANDS FROM STATE

The Delhi High Court in the case Ravi Gupta v. State (Govt of NCT of Delhi) and Anr observed and has recently held that it is crucial to distinguish between legitimate or reasonable expectations and illegitimate or unreasonable demands made by citizens from the State.

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The bench headed by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the case observed and has opined that undoubtedly the citizens‘ expectation of protection of their life and liberty by the State is a fundamental aspect of governance in any society and the citizens look to their government to provide safety, security, and a legal framework that safeguards their rights and wellbeing.

However, it is the crucial distinguish between the legitimate and reasonable expectations and illegitimate or unreasonable demands when it comes to the role of the State.

The court in the case stated that the legitimate expectations may refer to reasonable and justifiable hopes that individuals have from the State, which evolve around the protection of basic human rights, rule of law, access to justice, and security.