JOSEPH VILANGANDAN vs THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, BUILDINGS & ROADS (P.W.D.) DIVISION

The Supreme Court overruled the Kerala High Court's decision in Thomas v. State of Kerala, establishing that a person must be given an opportunity to be heard before being blacklisted, as per the principles of natural justice. The Court clarified that the show cause notice issued to the appellant did not adequately inform him of the potential debarment from future contracts, rendering the action invalid. Consequently, the Court held that the appellant was not afforded a fair opportunity to represent his case, and thus the impugned action was deemed unlawful.