Informer reward claims and locus standi: maintainability left open for further hearing

An informer claiming reward under a departmental notification was held, on a prima facie view, to have no enforceable right to challenge the merits of the adjudication merely because reward is discretionary. The Delhi HC kept open the objection on locus standi and maintainability, and directed the parties to address that issue on the next date. No final adjudication was made on the petition, and the matter was listed for further hearing.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner, as an informer seeking reward under the departmental notification, has locus standi to challenge the order-in-appeal and whether the question of maintainability requires consideration.

Analysis: The order records a prima facie view that grant of reward to an informer is discretionary and that an informer cannot, on that basis alone, claim a right to challenge the merits of the adjudication. The parties were directed to address the issue of maintainability on the next date, and the matter was listed for further hearing.

Outcome: No final adjudication was made on the petition; the maintainability objection was kept open for consideration and the matter was directed to be listed again.

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