Pro tanto
| Literal meaning | For so much |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | proh TAN-toh |
To that extent; as far as it goes. In Francis Coralie Mullin v. Union Territory of Delhi, the Court used it for an act that offends human dignity: it deprives a person of the right to live, to that extent.
In Francis Coralie Mullin, a detenu could meet her young daughter only once a month. The Court held the rule unreasonable and arbitrary, and so invalid under Articles 14 and 21, as part of the right to live with dignity.
Quote the Court's words: every act that offends against or impairs human dignity is a deprivation pro tanto of the right to live.
Pro tanto means to that extent. Even a partial deprivation must follow reasonable, fair and just procedure under Article 21.
Pro tanto is said as “proh TAN-toh”. Its literal meaning is “For so much”. It is filed here as a general legal term.
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