Analysis of the imposition of fines in case of reluctance to comply with administrative orders in Colombia: The case of sanctions against Uber Colombia

Abstract

Article 90 of Law 1437 of 2011 provides a mechanism for the forced execution of administrative orders consisting of the imposition of financial fines for the reluctance of a private party to comply with such orders. Although Colombian law does not provide a specific procedure for the application of the article, this article suggests that four conditions must be met: (i) preexistence of a final administrative act that imposes a non-monetary obligation; (ii) reluctance of the person to not comply with such obligation; (iii) granting of a reasonable period to comply with the obligation, and (iv) reasonableness and proportionality of the fine to be imposed. In Colombia, the application of this rule has occurred mostly in urban planning matters, that is, in cases in which an order is issued to vacate the property or demolish a construction. In these cases, the administration imposes obligations to do. However, to date, there is only one known case in which the administration has imposed an obligation not to do, specifically against the company Uber Colombia. Thus, this article also analyzes the fulfillment of the four requirements in this specific case.

JEL CODE: K23, L62.