Finality of judicial orders depends on formal pronouncement; a mere note-sheet entry cannot create a valid order.

A judicial order acquires legal validity and finality only when it is formally and effectively pronounced as the operative decision of the Bench. An order-sheet entry or note-sheet recording rejection, without a complete judicial act by the constituted Bench, is insufficient if the record shows the matter remained part-heard or was later reheard on merits. The Tribunal treated the 13-4-1992 rejection entry as legally ineffective because a detailed order was to follow and the proceedings continued thereafter. It therefore accepted the Department's rehearing application and directed that the matter be heard on merits.

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Issues: Whether the order dated 13-4-1992 rejecting the Department's miscellaneous application was a valid order in law.

Analysis: The order sheet entry of 13-4-1992 recorded that the application was rejected, but it also stated that a detailed order would follow. The subsequent record showed that the matter continued to be treated as part-heard and was heard again on merits on later dates. The Tribunal examined the note-sheet entries, the order-sheet entries and the requirement that a judicial decision must be the formal and operative pronouncement of the Court or Tribunal. It held that a judgment or order becomes final only when it is validly delivered and completed by the members constituting the Bench, and that an unsigned or incomplete draft or note cannot by itself confer finality.

Conclusion: The order dated 13-4-1992 was not a valid order in the eyes of law. The Department's application for rehearing was therefore accepted and the matter was directed to be heard on merits.

Final Conclusion: The Tribunal treated the earlier rejection entry as legally ineffective and restored the Department's challenge for fresh hearing on merits.

Ratio Decidendi: A judicial order attains legal validity and finality only when it is formally and effectively pronounced as the operative decision of the Bench; a mere note-sheet or incomplete entry, without a complete judicial act by the Bench as constituted, does not constitute a valid order.

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