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Why do public hearings play a role in administrative decisions involving individual rights?

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lampoon of Interstate Commerce Commission — Administrative law Cartoon depicting a uniformed Interstate Commerce Commission officer shining a large searchlight on U.S. railroad executive Edward Henry Harriman, who is struggling to carry a large load of packages and toy trains, some labeled “merger.”

Public hearings serve as a vital mechanism in administrative law to ensure that government actions remain fair, transparent, and accountable when individual or corporate rights are at stake.1

The role of these hearings is rooted in the doctrine of natural justice, which dictates that individuals should not be subjected to decisions that disadvantage their person or property without receiving adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves. By providing a forum for interested parties to present their cases, public hearings help safeguard citizens' rights and protect executive bodies from accusations of acting in an arbitrary manner.1

Furthermore, these procedures promote the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality. Whether used for planning applications, compulsory purchase of land, or broader environmental decision making, hearings allow for the integration of public views, ensuring that administrative processes remain consistent and regular. Ultimately, these requirements act as a check on administrative power, ensuring that those affected by government decisions have a voice in the process.12