Legal provisions involved: Article 226 of the Constitution of India (High Court can issue directions through writs)

Judgement by: Madras High Court

Judge/Bench: Justice G.R. Swaminathan (Single Bench)

Facts

The petitioner was the Standing Counsel for Madurai City Municipal Corporation from 1992 to 2006. He claimed that the Corporation had not paid him fees of Rs 13,05,770, though he had received only Rs 1,02,037. He filed a petition seeking payment. The Corporation said he caused delays in some cases, leading to losses, and removed him from the panel.

Key legal provisions

Writ powers under Article 226; principles of fair and proper use of public money.

Issues raised

Should the unpaid fees be paid to the petitioner? Are public funds being misused in paying large amounts to law officers? Is there a need for an audit of such payments?

Arguments of the case

The petitioner said his claim was valid. The Corporation argued that he had delayed work and caused losses.

Judgement

The Court directed the Legal Services Authority to verify the cases he worked on and asked the Corporation to pay his pending fees within two months. The Court also criticized excessive payments to law officers and said public money must be spent carefully.

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