Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Legitimate Expectation
Constitutional & Public Law Doctrines
Definition
A public law principle where a person has a reasonable expectation of being treated in a certain way by an administrative authority due to past practice or express promises, entitling them to fair procedure and consideration before that practice is changed arbitrarily.
Example
An industrial incentive policy promises capital subsidies to investors establishing factories before a set deadline. An entrepreneur spends ₹10 crore relying on that scheme; the State cannot abruptly scrap the subsidy without showing an overriding public interest.