Natural justice is a concept of common law and represents higher procedural principles developed by the courts which every

judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative agency must follow while taking any decision affecting the rights of an individual. It implies fairness, equity and equality the violation of which would naturally result in arbitrariness. The rule or principles of natural justice, also known as procedural fairness, have been developed to ensure fairness and reasonableness in decision-making.

 The concept of Natural Justice originated from the concept of Natural Law propounded by the Greeks. It is Aristotle who is considered to be the Father of Natural Law. This idea became particularly important in Roman legal theory, the Romans believed that some legal principles were "natural" or self-evident and did not require a statutory basis.

 Thus the right to be heard (Audi Alteram partem) no person may judge their own cause (Nemo Judex In Parte Sua), The justice should not only be done but should manifestly be seen to be done (Maxim Nemo Debet Esse Judex In Proporia Causa) became three basic legal safeguards to govern all decisions by judges or government officials when they make quasi judicial decisions.

 There are several decision of the Honble Supreme Court and these Judgments are sufficient to summarize and explain the two essential elements of Natural Justice namely
a. No man shall be Judge in his own cause b. Both sides shall be heard, or audi alteram partem

The other principles which have been stated to constitute elements of Natural Justice are
i. The parties to a proceedings must have due notice of when the Court / Tribunal will proceed ii. The Court / Tribunal must act honestly and impartially and not under the dictation of other persons to whom authority is not given by Law

These two elements are extensions or refinements of the two main principles stated above.

 In UOI V/s Tulsiram Patel [AIR 1985 SC 1416], the Supreme court recognized that principles of natural justice are part of guarantee contained in Article 14 of the Constitution of India. Violation of Rules of natural justice results in arbitrariness, which in same as discrimination prohibited under Article 14 of the Constitution of India. If the principles of natural justice are contained in Article 14 of the constitution of India or they are inseparable to the guarantee given under the Article 14, the doctrine of waiver cannot be applied to the principles of natural justice and an individual concerned cannot waive his right to natural justice.