Validity of refund sanction orders was examined with primary...

Validity of refund sanction orders was examined with primary focus on procedural fairness and the requirement of a reasoned, speaking order. The court found the impugned administrative order failed to consider petitioner's submissions and lacked discussion showing the refund claim was legally incorrect; rejection rested on the department's inability to distinguish payment purpose without contrary material. Consequently the impugned order was held unsustainable for want of a reasoned decision and natural justice, and the matter was directed to be reconsidered or dealt with further to meet the ends of justice.

---