Source: Karnataka High Court

Why in News?

Recently, the bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit heard the matter related to existence of locus standi in the case of petitioner in original writ petition.

• The Karnataka High Court heard the case of Adichunchanagiri Maha Samstana Mutt v. State of Karnataka & Others.

What was the Background of Adichunchanagiri Maha Samstana Mutt v. State of Karnataka & Others?

• These two intra-court appeals challenge a common order by a learned Single Judge. The order set aside the grant of a site, favoring the private respondents and directing the refund of allotment value to the appellant-Mutt.
• The appellant argued that Rule 27 of the Karnataka Land Grant Rules, 1969, allowing site allotment as an exception, was not considered properly by the Single Judge.
• The appellant contends that the private respondents lacked locus standi to question the grant orders, a point not adequately addressed by the Single Judge.
• The respondent argues that the Single Judge's order, made under Article 227, is ordinarily not appealable.

What were the Court’s Observations?

• The Karnataka High Court reiterated that “In matters concerning illegal grant of State Largess, the Rule of locus standi is always liberally construed and that would serve the public interest.”
• The court held that respondent had locus standi and hence dismissed the appeal of the appellant.

What is the Concept of Locus Standi?

• Locus standi, a Latin term, refers to the legal standing or the right to bring a particular lawsuit or legal action.
• It is a concept in law that determines whether a person has sufficient interest in a case to justify bringing it to court.
  • In other words, it deals with whether a person or entity has a direct and personal stake in the outcome of a legal dispute, allowing them to be a party in the case.
• To have locus standi, a party typically needs to demonstrate that they have suffered a specific injury, harm, or have a direct interest in the matter at hand.
  • The idea is to ensure that only those with a genuine connection to the legal issue are allowed to participate in the legal process.
• Without locus standi, a person or entity may not have the right to initiate legal proceedings or participate in a lawsuit.