SYED SAAD ALI vs FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN THROUGH SECRETARY MINISTRY — 2026 SCMR 22 SUPREME-COURT

Case information

Citation: 2026 SCMR 22 SUPREME-COURT
Court: Supreme Court of Pakistan
Year: 2026
Reporter: SCMR
Parties: SYED SAAD ALI vs FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN THROUGH SECRETARY MINISTRY

Fields are extracted from the reported citation and judgment text. Where a detail is not stated in the record, it is not shown.

Judgment text as reported

SYED SAAD ALI VS FEDERATION OF PAKISTAN THROUGH SECRETARY MINISTRY. Expressions "ultra vires" and "intra vires"---Meaning, concept and scope---Validity of acts done by authorities. The terms "ultra vires" and "intra vires" are both Latin phrases and are diametrical opposites of each other. Held: The expression "ultra vires" means "beyond the powers". If an act is performed within the scope of legal authority and is supported by such authority, it is described as "intra vires", meaning within the precincts of lawful powers. Conversely, if an act is carried out without lawful authority or beyond the powers conferred by law, it is termed as "ultra vires". An authority can only exercise such powers as are granted to it by the Constitution, statute, rules or regulations framed under lawful authority. Any action taken by an authority beyond the limits of its jurisdiction or contrary to the enabling law is liable to be declared ultra vires and without lawful effect. The Supreme Court reiterated that the legality of any administrative or statutory action depends upon the existence of lawful authority and exercise of power within the boundaries prescribed by law.

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