This paper tries to illustrate the illusory nature of the doctrine of legitimate expectation in India and how the judiciary has actually let the executive get away in almost every case. This paper also juxtaposes the application of this doctrine in India to that of the Unites States of America's ("USA") and illustrates how this doctrine's actual application protects the citizens of the USA from the arbitrary actions of the executive. The country to contrast the Indian position has been chosen as USA since the US judiciary has made the most efficient utilization of this doctrine and has set an example for the other judiciaries. This paper is divided into two parts: Part A shows how this doctrine has become a fiction in India and Part B juxtaposes the Indian system to that of USA.