Question

An action performed by an official, corporate body, or public institution that exceeds the scope of legal authority or permissible authorization granted to them is classified as:

• A. Intra vires
• B. Ultra vires
• C. Status quo
• D. Prima facie

Hint:

Think of "Vires" as "Powers" (similar to vigor or strength): - Ultra = Beyond $\rightarrow$ Ultra Vires = Beyond legal powers (Void). - Intra = Within $\rightarrow$ Intra Vires = Within legal powers (Valid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The doctrine of validity governs the boundaries of statutory bodies, corporate organizations, and constitutional pillars. Every entity established under a statute or memorandum is bound by a defined framework of power. Any step taken outside the peripheral limits of this governing instrument raises serious questions about its legal enforceability.

Step-by-step Explanation:

• Etymological Roots: The phrase "Ultra vires" is formed by two distinct Latin terms: "ultra" meaning beyond, and "vires" meaning powers or strength. Thus, its verbatim translation is

"beyond the powers".

• Corporate Law Application: Under Company Law, if a corporation executes an agreement or engages in a trade that is completely outside the objects clause specified in its Memorandum of Association (MoA), the act is deemed ultra vires the company. Such acts are fundamentally void from the beginning (void ab initio) and cannot generally be ratified even by a unanimous vote of the shareholders.

• Constitutional and Administrative Law Application: In administrative systems, if a subordinate government department formulates rules or regulations that exceed the boundary lines drawn by the parent legislation enacted by the Parliament, those rules are declared ultra vires the parent Act and are struck down by judicial review.

Analysis of Alternative Options:

• Option (A) - "Intra vires": This is the diametric opposite of ultra vires. It translates to

"within the powers" and characterizes any act carried out well within the legitimate bounds of an entity's legal jurisdiction.

• Option (C) - "Status quo": This indicates the current existing state of affairs, conditions, or social positions. In litigation, an order to maintain the status quo acts to keep things exactly as they currently are until the case is settled.

• Option (D) - "Prima facie": This translates to

"at first sight" or "based on the first impression." It denotes a case where there is sufficient initial evidence to support a claim unless it is later disproved or contradicted by further examination.