- Once it is accepted that a provision is mandatory then all proceedings taken in violation of that provision are invalid — A mandatory provision must be obeyed strictly while a directory provision may substantially be complied with — An absolute enactment must be obeyed or fulfilled exactly but it is sufficient if a directory enactment be obeyed or fulfilled substantially. Umar Hayat v. Azad Govt. & 3 others 1999 SCR 243 (A)