From the bill filed in this case it appears that the commissioners charged with the erection and control of the Pennsylvania State Building at the Sesqui-Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia adver
These facts appearing by injunction affidavit, a preliminary injunction was issued ex parte and a date fixed for a hearing on an application to continue the injunction. Upon the date set the Attorney-General moved that the bill be dismissed, contending that it was a proceeding in effect and fact against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without authority from the legislature. It was agreed between counsel that the injunction should stand pending a determination of this preliminary question, and briefs were submitted.
We do not regard the authorities which hold that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cannot be sued, either in law or equity, as applicable to the facts in this case. If the averments of the plaintiff are true, the commissioners misled plaintiff into making the bid referred to and in delivering the certified check. Had the money actually been collected by the State Treasurer, plaintiff would have been obliged to seek redress under appropriate statutes providing for the refund of money improperly paid into the State Treasury. This money, however,’ has not as yet been realized and is not in the State Treasury. If a wrong has been done the plaintiff by the commissioners, the State Treasurer ought not, on technical grounds, to be permitted to complete the wrong by cashing the check: Mott v. Pennsylvania R. R. Co., 30 Pa. 9; Isett v. Meehan, 232 Pa. 504. We cannot believe the law contemplates that any official of the State in the performance of a mere ministerial duty can be said to be above the law.
The motion to dismiss the bill is refused.
