Ex debito justitiae
| Literal meaning | As a debt of justice |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | ex DEB-ih-toh yoos-TISH-ee-eye |
Something that a court must grant as a matter of right, and not as a favour. It is the opposite of relief that is within the court's discretion.
Example
A person is held illegally. The court orders his release as a matter of right, ex debito justitiae.
Statutory link
Article 32 of the Constitution of India: the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights is itself a fundamental right.
Exam tip
Short-note term, used in writs and appeals.
Memory trick
Justice owes it, the court pays it.
Key takeaway
Relief ex debito justitiae is given as a matter of right.
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