Rules of natural justice with emphasis on Nemo Judex in Causa Sua: An insight into administrative law

Abstract

“It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive”. Earl Warren

This paper contains a brief overview of the concept of Natural Justice and how the two rules of Audi Alteram Partem and Nemo debet esse judex in popria causa forms the integral part of it. Briefly there are three rules that in totality defines Natural Justice – The first being the “rule of hearing” whereby the opportunity to be heard is to be given to all parson where a decision is let out by the panel or adjudicating authority.  Second is the “rule against bias” whereby the deciding authority should be free from any kind of bias while deciding a matter; and Lastly, the “reasoned decision” whereby reasonableness is one vital ground to be kept in mind while deciding a matter This article consists of two major parts; one that defines the principle of Natural Justice tracing its origin and development through judicial trends and the second part focusing majorly on the Rule against Bias, the origin and evolution and trends in the judicial procedures while deciding cases affecting the rights of individuals and questioning the validity of actions of the administrative authority that has civil consequence; and ultimately the conclusion that ends the topic with the controversies that surround the principle.