Departmental Proceedings--Whistleblower's Role Confined to That of Witness in Service Proceedings-- No Locus to Challenge Service Actions -- Locus Standi Requires Direct Legal Injury
A third party, including a complainant or whistleblower, has no locus standi to challenge service actions under Article 226 of the Constitution. Service disputes are personal in nature; only a person deprived of a legally protected right can maintain such a petition. A complainant may at best serve as a witness but cannot assume the role of an adversarial litigant. Further, an order passed without reasons and without affording opportunity of hearing violates principles of natural justice and warrants interference in judicial review.
