Actus legis nemini facit injuriam - The act of the law does injury to no one.
Actus Legis Nemini Facit Injuriam
“The act of the law does injury to no one.”
Meaning
This Latin legal maxim means that an act done in accordance with the law cannot be considered a legal wrong or injury.
Simply put, if something is done pursuant to a valid law, no one can claim it as a wrongful act or demand remedy against it.
Explanation
Laws are the rules governing society, and actions carried out as per those laws are considered justified and lawful.
Therefore, an act authorized or mandated by law, even if it causes loss or inconvenience to a person, does not amount to legal injury or a violation of rights.
The law, by definition, is the source of rights and duties; an act in compliance with the law is inherently valid.
Examples
Tax Collection:
When the government collects taxes as per law, the taxpayer cannot claim injury or wrong despite financial loss, because the collection is authorized by law.
Police Power:
If the police arrest someone under a lawful warrant, the act is not wrongful even if the person is inconvenienced.
Regulatory Actions:
Actions taken by government agencies under statutory powers, like demolition of illegal structures, are lawful acts and cannot be claimed as injury.
Significance in Law
Protects lawful acts from being challenged as wrongful.
Provides certainty and stability in governance.
Distinguishes between legal injury and lawful consequences.
Ensures obedience to the law by emphasizing that compliance cannot be deemed an injury.
Related Legal Principle
"Lex non cogit ad impossibilia" – The law does not compel the impossible.
"Ubi lex non distinguit, nec nos distinguere debemus" – Where the law makes no distinction, neither shall we.
Illustration Through Case Law
Courts generally uphold the principle that actions done in pursuance of valid statutes or rules do not give rise to legal claims.
For instance, in Union of India v. V.K. Verma, the Supreme Court held that government actions under statutory powers cannot be challenged as wrongful acts unless they are ultra vires (beyond powers).
Summary
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Lawful acts do not cause legal injury |
| Purpose | To shield legal acts from being treated as wrong |
| Application | Taxation, lawful arrests, government regulations |
| Key Benefit | Ensures legal certainty and respect for law |
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