Punjab & Haryana High Court Takes Suo Motu Notice of Non-Speaking Orders, Directs Training for Statutory Authorities
Justice Puri flags ‘large number’ of cryptic orders by appellate authorities, seeks Chief Secretary’s response on training programme
Chandigarh, November 7, 2025 – In a significant order aimed at improving administrative governance, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chief Secretary of Haryana to respond on implementing training programmes for senior officers who exercise statutory powers, after observing that numerous appellate authorities are passing non-speaking orders without recording reasons.
Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Bhanuj Gupta challenging orders passed by the Commissioner, Hisar Division. The petitioner’s counsel, Prateek Garg, had argued that both the impugned orders were “totally non-speaking,” particularly the appellate order which claimed thorough examination but provided no reasoning.
Taking strong note of the issue, Justice Puri observed: “It is important to note that in a large number of cases such kind of orders are being passed by the appellate authority while exercising statutory powers without recording any reasons.”
The Court specifically directed the Commissioner, Hisar Division, to file a personal affidavit explaining what she had “thoroughly studied and examined” as mentioned in paragraph 5 of her order, noting that “there is nothing on the record to show the reasons assigned for dismissal of the appeal.”
In an unprecedented move, the Court indicated it would consider appointing a legal authority to provide lectures and training to appellate authorities and other officials exercising statutory powers. The Court also sought the views of Additional Advocate General Udit Garg on whether he would be willing to provide such training to senior officers of the State of Haryana.
Mr. Garg, who accepted notice on behalf of the state respondents, requested time to file a reply and inform the Court about his availability for conducting training sessions.
The Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana has been directed to file a response on the issue of imparting training to senior officers who exercise statutory powers before the next date of hearing scheduled for November 18, 2025.
Legal experts view this intervention as significant, as it addresses a systemic problem that has long plagued administrative decision-making. Non-speaking orders—decisions that do not provide reasons—are considered contrary to principles of natural justice and transparency in administrative law.
The principle of recording reasons is well-established in Indian jurisprudence, with the Supreme Court repeatedly holding that reasoned orders are essential for accountability, enable meaningful appellate review, and demonstrate that decision-makers have applied their minds to the issues at hand.
The High Court’s proactive approach in seeking to institutionalize training for administrative authorities marks a shift from merely quashing individual non-compliant orders to addressing the root cause of the problem through capacity building.
This case could set a precedent for judicial intervention in improving administrative practices across other states as well, with courts taking a more active role in ensuring that statutory authorities are adequately trained in principles of administrative law and natural justice.
The matter will be heard next on November 18, 2025, when the Court is expected to examine the state’s response and possibly outline a framework for the proposed training programme.
– NewsArc Bureau
