BharatNotes Ultra Vires
adjective and adverb (Latin phrase; also used attributively, e.g. "ultra vires action")Usage in a UPSC answer
When a regulatory body imposes levies for which its parent statute makes no provision, the courts will not hesitate to declare such exactions ultra vires, thereby reaffirming that every organ of the State derives its authority from, and remains subordinate to, the law.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
intra vires (phrase, antonym), ultra vires (adj/adv), No standard derived forms
Root
Latin ultrā = beyond; vīrēs (pl. of vīs) = strength, powers; phrase = beyond the powers
Etymology
From Latin ultrā ("beyond") + vīrēs (accusative plural of vīs, "strength, power"); literally "beyond the powers."
Memory Hook
"ULTRA" = going beyond the limit (like ultra-modern, ultraviolet), and "VIRES" echoes "vigour/virility" = power. So ULTRA VIRES = "beyond the power" - acting past the authority the law allows.
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