The general proposition of law is that no decision should be taken so as to adversely affect the interests of a person without first giving him a hearing according to the principles of natural justice or fairness. The concept of natural justice or right to fair hearing is an integral part of administrative law. Right to hearing prevents administrative authorities to take decisions in ignorance of facts and other relevant circumstances and ensures that the administration does not make any elementary mistake to arrive at the right decision. The Supreme Court of India has held that duty to act fairly lies on any authority whether administrative or quasi-judicial and the distinction between quasi-judicial and administrative has been discarded. The Constitution of India envisages that no civil employee dismissed or removed or reduced in rank except after an inquiry in which he has been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of those charges.
