Writ jurisdiction can quash Tribunal orders lacking proper quorum, mandating reconsideration by a duly constituted body.

2 29-01-2026 Heard Mr. Tejaskar Anand along with Ms. Arpana and Mr. Mujtabaul Haque, learned GP 12 along with Mr. Vasant Vikas, learned AC to GP 12 for the State.

2. Petitioners have inter alia prayed for following reliefs in the paragraphs No.1 of the writ petition:-

“(I) For issuance of writ in the nature of certiorari setting aside the order dated 07-07-2025 passed in BLT Case No.557 of 2023 passed by Sri Ashok Kumar Chauhan, Member (Administrative), the Bihar Land Tribunal, Patna whereby and whereunder he has been pleased to dismiss the application refusing to interfere into any of the impugned order/s passed by any of the Revenue authorities namely the Circle Officer, Khizarsarai, DCLR, Neemchak Bathani and Additional Collector, Gaya.

ii. For issuance of writ of certiorari setting aside the order dated 24-04-2023 passed in Mutation Revision No.10/2015-16 passed by Additional Collector, Gaya whereby and whereunder the Additional Collector, Gaya has been pleased to drop the proceeding in view of the earlier order passed on 28-01-2023 in Jamabandi cancellation Case No.28/15-16 and also for setting aside the order dated 28-01-2023 passed in Jamabandi Cancellation Case No.28/15-16 passed by Additional Collector, Gaya.

Iii. For issuance of writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to comply with the order dated 31-03-15 passed in Mutation Appeal Case No.06/2014-15 passed by learned DCLR, Neemchak Bathani, Gaya whereby the order of mutation dated 06-12- 12 passed by the learned Circle Officer, Khizarsarai, has already been set aside and for affirming the same by this Hon’ble Court.

iv. For issuance of any other appropriate writ(s)

or order(s) or direction(s) which may be deemed fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case.”

of petitioners submitted that the order dated 07.07.2025 passed by the Bihar Land Tribunal in B.L.T. Case No.557 of 2023 is not sustainable, as the same has been passed by the member who is the Officer of the Indian Administrative Service and in this regard, he has relied upon a judgment passed by the Apex Court, in the case of State of Gujarat Vs. Utility Welfare Association , reported in (2018) 6 SCC 21

4. Considering the aforesaid submission and in light of the law laid down by the Apex Court in the case of Utility Welfare Association (supra), the matter is remitted back to the Bihar Land Tribunal for its reconsideration by proper quorum, which is required to be chaired by the judicial member. The order dated 07.07.2025 passed by the Bihar Land Tribunal in B.L.T. Case No.557 of 2023 is quashed and set aside. 5. Accordingly, the present application stands disposed of.

(Purnendu Singh, J)