Comity

noun (uncountable)

/ˈkɒmɪti/

Mutual courtesy, recognition, and deference shown between sovereign states, or between co-equal institutions, whereby each respects the laws, judgments, and procedures of the other. In Indian federalism, the doctrine of comity is relevant to Centre-State relations; in international law, it underpins the doctrine of comity of nations (par in parem non habet imperium) under which Indian courts generally recognise foreign judgments under Sections 13–14 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The principle of comity requires that High Courts, while exercising jurisdiction in a matter, refrain from making observations that might embarrass or pre-empt proceedings pending before a co-ordinate bench.

Synonyms

courtesyreciprocal recognitionmutual deferencediplomatic goodwill

Antonyms

confrontationnon-recognitionencroachmentantagonism

🌱 Word Family

comitas (Latin source form), comity of nations (compound noun phrase)

🔡 Root

Latin comitas (courtesy, kindness) ← comis (courteous) ← com- (together) + ire (to go)

📜 Etymology

Directly from Latin comitas (friendliness, politeness), used in the legal phrase comitas gentium (courtesy of nations) by 17th-century Dutch jurist Ulrich Huber, who articulated the basis for interstate recognition of laws. Adopted into English legal vocabulary via international private law.

🧠 Memory Hook

COMITY sounds like COMMUNITY — it is the spirit of being a good community member among nations or institutions, showing mutual respect and courtesy rather than asserting brute power.

⚖️ Polity & Constitution 📖 Seen in: Preamble of the Indian Constitution

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