Order No. 10074 of 2024: Passive Legitimacy in the Liability of Public Administration

The ruling of the Court of Cassation No. 10074 of April 15, 2024, raises important considerations regarding passive legitimacy in the context of the liability of Public Administration. This specific case, concerning compensation for damages due to the non-implementation or delayed implementation of EU directives, highlights the fundamental principles governing the representation of the State and its legal responsibility.

The Context of the Ruling

In the case at hand, A. (D'ALESSIO ANTONIO) sued the Public Administration to obtain compensation for damages related to the delayed implementation of specific European directives concerning the remuneration of medical residents. The Court established that passive legitimacy for such claims belongs exclusively to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

In general. In the proceedings in which the right to compensation for damages due to the non-implementation or delayed transposition of EU directives is asserted (in this case, directives nos. 75/362/EEC, 75/363/EEC, 82/76/EEC, coordinated with Directive 93/16/EEC regarding the remuneration of medical residents), passive legitimacy belongs exclusively to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; where, moreover, another State body is erroneously summoned, in the absence of a timely and formal objection by the State Attorney's Office, pursuant to Article 4 of Law No. 260 of 1958, the lack of passive legitimacy cannot be raised ex officio, and the representation of the State crystallizes in the erroneously summoned body. (Applying this principle, the Court annulled the contested ruling which, in the remand proceedings, having ex officio noted the lack of passive legitimacy concerning the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Ministry of Health cited, condemned the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to pay what was owed to the physicians whose claims it deemed valid).

Implications of the Decision

This order clarifies that, in the case of erroneous summons of State bodies, the lack of passive legitimacy cannot be raised ex officio unless there has been a timely objection by the State Attorney's Office. This means that the representation of the State remains established in the summoned body, even if it is not the correct one. The consequences of this decision are significant for those wishing to assert their right to compensation in similar contexts.

  • Clarity on the representation of the State
  • Need for correct identification of the competent bodies
  • Reinforcement of the responsibility of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Conclusions

In conclusion, Order No. 10074 of 2024 represents an important step forward in defining the passive legitimacy of Public Administration in matters of compensation for damages. This ruling not only clarifies the responsibility of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers but also emphasizes the importance of correctly summoning State bodies in legal proceedings. It is essential for legal professionals and citizens to be aware of these dynamics to ensure the protection of their rights.

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