After the hearing, the administrative judge delivers the judgment. This may declare your appeal well-founded or unfounded, and confirm or annul the decision of the administrative authority.
Term for the judgment
The administrative judge delivers judgment:
- Usually within 6 weeks after the hearing
- In complex cases, this may take more time
- The judgment is sent to you by post
Types of judgments
| Type of judgment | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Inadmissible | Your appeal does not meet the formal requirements |
| Unfounded | The decision remains in force |
| Well-founded | The decision is declared invalid |
What happens in the case of a well-founded appeal?
If the judge considers your appeal well-founded, he may:
- Annul the decision
- Oblige the administrative authority to take a new decision
- Take a decision in the matter itself
- Maintain the effects of the decision despite annulment
Reimbursements in the case of a well-founded appeal
If your appeal is well-founded, you may claim:
- Refund of the court fee
- Reimbursement of procedural costs (standard amount)
- Compensation for damages, if applied for separately
Possibility of appeal
Against a judgment of the district court, you may appeal to:
- The Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State (general matters)
- The Central Appeals Tribunal (social security and civil servants matters)
- The Board of Appeal for Business (economic matters)
Frequently asked questions about judgments
Is the administrative authority obliged to comply with the judgment?
Yes, the judgment is legally binding. The administrative authority must comply with what the judge decides.
Do I automatically receive a new decision after annulment?
In most cases, the administrative authority must take a new decision, unless the judge takes a decision itself.
What is the time limit for lodging an appeal?
You have 6 weeks after the judgment to lodge an appeal.
Extra questions and answers
What if the judgment takes longer than 6 weeks?
If you have not received a judgment after 6 weeks, you can contact the registry of the District Court of The Hague. They can inform you about the status. In complex cases, the term may be extended, but you are entitled to transparency.
How do I know if my appeal was successful?
The judgment explicitly states whether your appeal is 'well-founded' (successful) or 'unfounded' (rejected). If in doubt, you can ask a lawyer from the Juridisch Loket Westland for advice.
Can I claim compensation for damages in the case of a well-founded appeal?
Yes, but you must apply for this separately. The standard procedural costs reimbursement is awarded automatically, but for compensation for damages, a separate procedure is required, often via a civil court.
What if the administrative authority ignores the judgment?
The administrative authority must comply with the judgment. If this does not happen, you can demand a penalty payment or file a complaint with the National Ombudsman. A lawyer can help you with further steps.
Is appeal possible in case of inadmissibility?
Yes, you can lodge an appeal within 6 weeks after the judgment. The higher instance will reassess whether your appeal meets the requirements.
How do I get my court fee refunded?
In the case of a well-founded appeal, the court fee is automatically refunded. This usually happens within a few weeks. If it does not, contact the registry of the District Court of The Hague.
What does it mean if the judge takes a decision itself?
If the judge 'provides for the matter itself', it takes a new decision instead of the administrative authority. This happens if there is no room for a different decision or if the matter is evident.