Introduction- Legitimate Expectation means that a person may have a reasonable expectation of being treated in a certain way by administrative authorities owing to some consistent practice in the past or an express promise made by the concerned authority. According to this doctrine a public authority can be made accountable in lieu of legitimate expectation. Thus, the doctrine of legitimate expectation pertains to the relationship between an individual and public authority.
What is legitimate expectation ? Whether it is a Legal Right ?
It is not a legal right. It is an expectation of a benefit, relief or remedy that may ordinarily flow from a promise or established practice of administrative authority.
Origin of Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation- This doctrine is not a specific legal right engraved in a particular statute or rule book. The first time, an attempt was made to establish the principles of the doctrine were in the case of Council of Civil Service Union and Others Vs. Minister for the Civil Services (1985) AC 374