Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Sri D.A. Chowdappa, an environmentalist from Chikkballapur District, filed a writ petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India before the High Court of Karnataka. He claimed to have worked tirelessly for environmental protection, particularly against smugglers of minor minerals, saving the State over Rs. 50 lakhs. He alleged that despite recommendations from governmental authorities and public requests over six years, the State had not conferred upon him the Rajyotsava Award or provided livelihood support. He sought a writ of mandamus directing respondents 4 and 5 (Principal Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture, and Director and Member Secretary, Rajyotsava Award Committee) to consider the recommendations and pass appropriate orders to commemorate him with a suitable state award and support for livelihood. The court, after hearing the petitioner's counsel and the Government Advocate, observed that there is no fundamental right to receive a state award or livelihood support from the government. The court held that the matter is purely discretionary and no writ of mandamus can be issued. Consequently, the petition was dismissed.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Mandamus for State Award - Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India - The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to direct respondents to consider recommendations for conferring Rajyotsava Award and provide livelihood support. The court held that there is no fundamental right to receive a state award or livelihood support from the government, and such matters are purely discretionary. The petition was dismissed as not maintainable. (Para 4)
Issue of Consideration
Whether a writ of mandamus can be issued directing the State Government to confer a state award (Rajyotsava Award) and provide livelihood support to an environmentalist.
Final Decision
The writ petition is dismissed.
Law Points
- No fundamental right to receive state award
- Writ of mandamus not maintainable for discretionary honors
- Articles 226 and 227 of Constitution of India
