Can a Writ Petition Be Entertained When Rendered Infructuous Before Decision? — Precedent on Judicial Discretion To Dismiss as Infructuous Upheld

The court reaffirmed that when a writ petition becomes infructuous prior to adjudication, it must be dismissed as such without any determination on merits. This judgment upholds well-settled judicial procedure and serves as binding authority within Andhra Pradesh, clarifying the approach when cases become moot during pendency.

 

Summary

Category Data
Case Name WP/14239/2019 of M/s. 14. Reels LLP, Vs THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
CNR APHC010307642019
Date of Registration 20-09-2019
Decision Date 03-09-2025
Disposal Nature DISMISSED AS INFRUCTUOUS
Judgment Author B V L N CHAKRAVARTHI
Court High Court of Andhra Pradesh
Precedent Value Binding within jurisdiction

Practical Impact

Category Impact
Binding On All subordinate courts in Andhra Pradesh

What’s New / What Lawyers Should Note

  • Expressly reaffirms the established procedure that writ petitions should be dismissed as infructuous if circumstances change such that no effective adjudication is possible.
  • No costs awarded in case of dismissal as infructuous, unless specifically provided for.

Summary of Legal Reasoning

  • The court determined that since the writ petition had become infructuous prior to adjudication, no purpose would be served by a decision on the merits.
  • Judicial discretion was exercised to dismiss the matter as infructuous, adhering to established practice.
  • No order as to costs was made.

Factual Background

  • The writ petition (WP/14239/2019) was filed before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Before the date of decision, circumstances rendered the petition infructuous, making any further adjudication unnecessary.
  • The petition was accordingly dismissed as infructuous on 03-09-2025.

Alert Indicators

  • ✔ Precedent Followed – Existing law on dismissing infructuous petitions is affirmed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

No comments to show.