Reasoned quasi-judicial orders are essential; failure to address all legal questions led to remand for fresh consideration.

A quasi-judicial order deciding only one of several legal questions without reasons on the remaining issues is unsustainable because reasons show application of mind, enable the parties to understand the decision, and permit effective review. Where important questions raised in reference applications are left unanswered, the omission amounts to non-application of mind and causes prejudice. The Tribunal's order was therefore set aside and the matter remitted for fresh consideration on all questions by a speaking and reasoned order after hearing the parties.

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Issues: Whether the Tribunal's order, having dealt with only one of several questions raised in the reference applications and having recorded no reasons on the remaining questions, could be sustained, or whether the matters had to be remitted for fresh decision by a speaking and reasoned order.

Analysis: The reference applications sought consideration of multiple questions of law, but the Tribunal had addressed only one issue and remained silent on the others. The Court reiterated that reasons are an essential component of judicial decision-making, since they disclose application of mind, enable the affected party to understand the basis of the decision, and permit effective appellate review. An unreasoned or cryptic order, particularly where important legal questions are raised, amounts to non-application of mind and causes prejudice. Applying this principle, the Court held that the Tribunal's failure to record reasons on the remaining questions rendered its order unsustainable.

Conclusion: The matter was remanded to the Tribunal to reconsider the reference applications afresh on their own merits and to pass a speaking and reasoned order after hearing the parties.

Ratio Decidendi: A quasi-judicial or judicial order dealing with multiple legal questions must record reasons on the issues decided or refused; failure to do so vitiates the order and warrants remand for fresh consideration.

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