Meaning and Definition

of Administrative Law
Opinion of Various Authors and
Thinkers on the subject
Basic Idea
Administrative Law has a tremendous social function to perform.
Administrative Law becomes that body of reasonable
limitations and affirmative action parameters which are
developed and operationalized by the legislature and the courts to
maintain and sustain a rule-of-law society.
Basic Bricks of foundation of any
Administrative Law
1. Checking abuse or detournement of administrative power;
2. Ensuring citizens an impartial determination of their disputes
by officials;
3. Protecting citizens from unauthorised encroachment on their
rights and interests and
4. Making those who exercise public power accountable to the
people.
Difficulty in defining the
Administrative law
It is impossible to attempt any precise definition of
Administrative law which can cover the entire range of
administrative process because in almost every country,
irrespective of its political philosophy, the administrative process
has increased so tremendously that today we are living not in its
shade but shadow. (As I.P. Massey opined)
Ivor Jennings’s Definition
Administrative Law is the law relating to the administration. It
determines the organisation, powers and duties of the
administrative authorities.
Criticism- It does not include the remedies available to an
aggrieved person when his rights are adversely affected by the
administration.
According to Wade
Administrative Law is the law relating to the control of
governmental power.
According to him the primary object of
Administrative Law is to keep powers of the government within
their legal bounds so as to protect the citizens against their abuse.
The powerful engines of authority must be prevented from
running amok.
K C Davis
Administrative law is the law concerning the powers and
procedures of administrative agencies, including especially the
law governing judicial review of administrative action.
According to him, administrative agency is a
governmental authority, other than a court and a legislature which
affects the rights of private parties either through administrative
adjudication or rule making.
Garner
Administrative Law may be described as –

“Those rules which are recognised by the Courts as law and

which relate to and regulate the administration of Government.”
Jain and Jain
Administrative Law deals with the structure, powers and
functions of the organs of administration, the limits of their
powers, the methods and procedures followed by them in
exercising their powers and functions, the methods by which
their powers are controlled including the legal remedies available
to a person against them when his rights are infringed by their
operation.
Conclusion regarding Definition of
Administrative Law
Taking into account the ambit and scope explored through all
these definitions, we may define administrative law as following:
( As C. K. Takwani ventures)- Administrative law is that branch
of Constitutional Law which deals with powers & duties of
administrative authorities, the procedure followed by them in
exercising the powers and discharging the duties and remedies
available to an aggrieved person when his rights are affected by
an action of such authorities.