MUHAMMAD RAMZAN vs MEMBER (REVENUE) BOARD OF REVENUE and others

This petition for leave to appeal was directed against the judgment of the Lahore High Court (Multan Bench), which dismissed the petitioner's constitutional writ petition. The matter originated from the selection and appointment of a Lambardar, where the Collector appointed the respondent, the Commissioner reversed it on appeal in favor of the petitioner, and the Member, Board of Revenue restored the Collector's order on revision. The High Court dismissed the writ petition on the ground that the selection between eligible candidates falls within the discretion of the competent authority and does not constitute an act without lawful authority. The Supreme Court affirmed the High Court's reasoning, holding that choosing a better candidate rests on the administrative discretion of the competent authority, which cannot be interfered with in writ jurisdiction unless shown to be without lawful authority. Consequently, leave to appeal was refused and the petition was dismissed.