Ashok Kumar Pandey & Ors vs State Of Bihar

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of land transfers under the Bihar Land Reforms (Fixation of Ceiling Area and Acquisition of Surplus Land) Act, 1961, specifically under Section 45B, which allows for reopening cases after a certain period. The Court held that the earlier orders dropping the proceedings were final and could not be reopened after 14 years without just cause, establishing that the principle of finality in administrative decisions must be respected. The appeal was allowed, and the reopening of the case by the Collector was deemed invalid.