Question

Literally “ Ultra vires ” means beyond powers and it refers to

• A. actions that are endorsed by the legal authority
• B. actions lacking legal authority
• C. actions taken by the government
• D. actions taken by a corporate company

Hint:

Remember:
- Ultra = Beyond (like ultraviolet is beyond violet).
- Intra = Within (like intravenous is within the veins).
- Vires = Powers.
This simple root-word breakdown helps you remember many related legal terms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question is based on Legal Aptitude, specifically focusing on Legal Maxims.
We need to identify the literal meaning and legal application of the Latin term "Ultra vires".

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• "Ultra vires" is a Latin legal phrase.
- "Ultra" means "beyond".
- "Vires" means "powers" (the plural form of 'vis', meaning force or power).
- Therefore, the literal meaning of the phrase is "beyond the powers".

• In a legal context, it refers to any action done by an authority, government department, public official, or corporation that exceeds the scope of power granted to them by law or constitution.

• If an act is declared "ultra vires", it is considered void ab initio (void from the beginning) because the actor did not have the legal capacity or authority to perform it.

• Let us evaluate the options:
-

Option (A): "actions that are endorsed by the legal authority" - This refers to "intra vires" (within powers), which is the opposite of ultra vires.
-

Option (B): "actions lacking legal authority" - This is the exact legal definition of ultra vires.
-

Option (C): "actions taken by the government" - Government actions can be either intra vires or ultra vires, so this is not a definition.
-

Option (D): "actions taken by a corporate company" - While the doctrine of ultra vires applies in corporate law (when a company acts beyond its Memorandum of Association), the term itself is a general legal principle and is not limited only to corporate companies.

• Therefore, Option (B) is the most comprehensive and legally accurate definition.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Literally, "Ultra vires" refers to actions lacking legal authority, which corresponds to Option (B).