New Delhi, Dec. 6 -- Emphasising that simplicity in public transactions is "good governance" and a constitutional value, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled that executive actions imposing unnecessary or excessive procedural requirements must be struck down as illegal.

In a ruling with wider significance for administrative efficiency and rule of law, a bench led by Justice PS Narasimha held that the principle that governance should facilitate, rather than burden, citizens' access to administrative processes.

"Simplicity in public transactions is good governance. Constitutional courts uphold this virtue to strengthen the rule of law and ensure access to justice," noted the court, stressing that administrative procedures must avoid "complex...