Natural justice requires a hearing before adverse orders; ex parte order quashed and matter remanded for fresh decision.

The High Court quashed the ex parte order because the petitioners were denied a meaningful opportunity to file a reply and be heard before the authority. It directed that the reply be filed within a week and that the matter be decided afresh after hearing the petitioners. The Court also refused to reject the writ petition on the ground of alternative remedy, holding that the peculiar facts and circumstances justified writ intervention.

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Issues: Whether the ex parte order deserved to be quashed for want of opportunity to file a reply and whether the availability of an appeal should lead to rejection of the writ petition.

Analysis: The petitioners undertook to file a reply within a week and expressed no intention to delay the proceedings. In the circumstances, the Court held that they should be afforded an opportunity to submit their reply and have the matter considered afresh by the authority after giving them a hearing. The Court also declined to reject the writ petition on the ground of alternative remedy, considering the peculiar facts and circumstances.

Conclusion: The ex parte order was quashed and the matter was left to be decided afresh after receipt of the reply and after giving the petitioners an opportunity of hearing.

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