HOSHNAK SINGH vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that a dismissal of a writ petition in limine without a speaking order does not bar a subsequent petition on the same cause of action under principles analogous to res judicata. The Court clarified that if a petition is dismissed due to the availability of an alternative remedy, the dismissal does not merge the original order with the revisional authority's order, allowing for a fresh challenge. The appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's decision that had dismissed the appellant's writ petition as barred by res judicata principles.