Doctrine of ultra vires - Indian Laws - General

Doctrine of Ultra vires Doctrine of ultra vires refers to an act done without any authority to act on that subject. The term has a broad application and includes not only acts prohibited, but acts which are in excess of the powers conferred. In simple terms it means beyond the powers or without authority . In the decision in Union of India and Others v. S. Srinivasan [ 2012 (7) TMI 710 - SUPREME COURT] referring to the rule-making powers of a delegate, it has been held that ...... If a rule goes beyond the rule-making power conferred by the statute, the same has to be declared ultra vires. If a rule supplants any provision for which power has not been conferred, it becomes ultra vires.