Ultra vires: Meaning, Explanation, Examples & Case Laws

Literal meaning	Beyond the powers
Pronunciation	UL-tra VY-reez

An act done beyond the legal power of the person or body doing it. Such an act is void.

Example

A company formed to run a railway starts a bank. The act is beyond its powers.

Case laws

Ashbury Railway Carriage & Iron Co. v. Riche (1875), House of Lords: a contract outside the objects of a company's memorandum was void and could not be ratified.

Statutory link

Article 246 of the Constitution of India and the Seventh Schedule: a law made beyond the powers of the legislature is void.

Comparison table

Basis	Ultra vires	Intra vires
Meaning	Beyond powers	Within powers
Effect	Void	Valid
Example	A State making a law on a Union subject	A State making a law on a State subject

Exam tip

Asked in company law and administrative law as well as constitutional law.

Memory trick

Ultra = beyond.

Key takeaway

An act beyond a body's powers is void.