16/04/2026
Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation
The Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation is a key principle in administrative law. It protects people or groups when a public authority (like a government department or agency) creates a reasonable expectation through its promises, policies, past practices, or clear representations — and then suddenly changes course in an unfair way.
Exampl(Simple Real-Life Illustration):
Imagine a local government announces a new scheme: "We will provide free solar panels and installation to 500 low-income households in your area who apply by December 31. First-come, first-served."
Many families rely on this announcement. They stop saving for panels, cancel other plans, and submit applications.
Later, without any notice or reason, the government suddenly cancels the scheme for everyone or changes the rules drastically (e.g., only 50 households now qualify).