salus populi suprema lex esto
Meaning. Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.
A maxim from Cicero, used to justify the power of the State to restrict private rights in the public interest. It is the moral basis of the police power, of eminent domain, and of the reasonable restrictions that Part III of the Constitution allows on fundamental rights for public order, health and morality.
Courts use it as a reason, not as a rule: it does not by itself authorise any action. A restriction must still have a valid law behind it and must be reasonable and proportionate. Students should not cite the maxim as if it lets the State override rights at will.
Example
Compulsory acquisition of land for a public road rests on the maxim salus populi suprema lex esto, but the acquisition must still follow the statute and pay compensation.
In Indian law
- Article 19(2)–(6), Constitution of India (reasonable restrictions in the interests of the public)