nemo est supra leges
Meaning. No one is above the law.
The maxim states that every person, whatever his rank or office, is subject to the ordinary law and the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts. It is part of Dicey's idea of the rule of law and is reflected in Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before law to every person.
Limited immunities do exist, such as those of the President and Governors under Art. 361 and diplomatic immunity, but they are exceptions created by law itself, not exemptions from law. Courts invoke the maxim when public officials or powerful persons claim to be beyond scrutiny.
Example
Rejecting the minister's claim of privilege, the court reminded him that nemo est supra leges.
In Indian law
- Article 14, Constitution of India
See also
rule of law · equality before law · sovereign immunity
Read more in the study notes
- Article 14: equality before law and the new doctrine of arbitrariness (Constitutional Law I)