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Rule of Law
It has been derived from the French phrase las principle de legalite, which translates to Principles of legality'. It refers to a Government that is based on principles of Law and not of men.
It refers to state of affairs in a country where, in main, the law rules. It provides protection to the people against the arbitrary action of administrative authorities.
Definition
Garner defines rule of law as, the state of affairs in a country where law is observed and kept.
Origin
The theory of rule of law was first given by Sir Edward Coke. He expressed that the king should be under god and law. It was originated to protect the individuals from unlawful action of the government.
Later A.V. Dicey developed and established this concept. Rule of law has three meanings. Supremacy of existing law it implies that a man maybe punished for a breach of law but cannot be punished for anything else. No men is above law-it means equality before law. It excludes the idea of any exemption to officials or others .
Principle of judicial decisions-it implies that the general principles of the constitution are the result of judicial decisions determining the rights of individuals in cases brought before the court .
Article 20(1)- it states that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence , Article 20(2)- no person shall be prosecuted or punished for the same offence more than once . Article 20(3)- makes it clear that no person accused of the offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.