Reasoned judicial orders are mandatory; a non-speaking dismissal of a revision petition was set aside and remitted for reconsideration.

A judicial or quasi-judicial order must record reasons, even briefly, to show application of mind and the link between the material considered and the conclusion reached. A cryptic dismissal that merely states the matter is dismissed does not meet this standard where arguable legal issues remain, because it frustrates appellate scrutiny and judicial review. The High Court's summary dismissal of the criminal revision without reasons was therefore unsustainable, and the matter was remitted for fresh consideration by a reasoned speaking order.

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Issues: Whether the High Court could summarily dismiss the criminal revision petition by a non-speaking order without recording reasons, and whether such dismissal warranted interference and remand for fresh consideration.

Analysis: A judicial or quasi-judicial order must disclose reasons, even if briefly, so that the decision reflects application of mind and the affected party knows why the matter has been decided against it. Reasons provide the necessary link between the material before the court and the conclusion reached, and their absence frustrates appellate scrutiny and judicial review. A cryptic dismissal, recording only that the matter is dismissed, does not satisfy this requirement where the revision involves arguable legal issues.

Conclusion: The High Court's summary dismissal without reasons was unsustainable. The order was set aside and the revision matter was remitted for fresh consideration by a reasoned order in favour of the appellant.

Final Conclusion: The appeal succeeded, and the revision petition was restored to the High Court for reconsideration on merits through a speaking order.

Ratio Decidendi: Courts and quasi-judicial authorities must record reasons sufficient to show application of mind; a non-speaking order of dismissal is liable to be set aside where substantive issues remain for consideration.

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