{"id":33016,"date":"2026-09-27T10:14:48","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T10:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=33016"},"modified":"2026-09-27T10:17:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T10:17:48","slug":"foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/","title":{"rendered":"Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law of torts governs civil wrongs that cause legal injury and provides remedies, usually in the form of compensation. For example, a person who is injured in a road accident caused by negligent driving, whose reputation is harmed by a defamatory statement, or whose property is unlawfully entered may seek redress through tort law. At its core lies a fundamental question: when should one person be held legally liable for harm caused to another?<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Meaning_and_Foundation_of_Tortious_Liability\" >Meaning and Foundation of Tortious Liability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Salmonds_Narrow_or_Pigeon-Hole_Theory\" >Salmond&#8217;s Narrow or Pigeon-Hole Theory<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Advantages\" >Advantages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Certainty_and_Predictability\" >Certainty and Predictability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Reliance_on_Established_Precedent\" >Reliance on Established Precedent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Protection_Against_Unlimited_Liability\" >Protection Against Unlimited Liability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Criticism\" >Criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#May_Restrict_Legal_Development\" >May Restrict Legal Development<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Inadequate_for_Novel_Forms_of_Harm\" >Inadequate for Novel Forms of Harm<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Pollocks_Wider_Theory\" >Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Salmonds_Theory_vs_Pollocks_Theory\" >Salmond&#8217;s Theory vs Pollock&#8217;s Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Important_International_Case_Laws\" >Important International Case Laws<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Ashby_v_White_1703\" >Ashby v. White (1703)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Rylands_v_Fletcher_1868\" >Rylands v. Fletcher (1868)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Donoghue_v_Stevenson_1932\" >Donoghue v. Stevenson (1932)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Indian_Development_of_Tortious_Liability\" >Indian Development of Tortious Liability<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_Oleum_Gas_Leak_Case\" >M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Jay_Laxmi_Salt_Works_P_Ltd_v_State_of_Gujarat_1994\" >Jay Laxmi Salt Works (P) Ltd. v. State of Gujarat (1994)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Rudul_Sah_v_State_of_Bihar_1983\" >Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Nilabati_Behera_v_State_of_Orissa_1993\" >Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Modern_Indian_Position\" >Modern Indian Position<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This question has given rise to two influential theories. Salmond&#8217;s narrower or &#8220;Pigeon-Hole Theory&#8221; treats tort law as a collection of recognised torts, such as negligence, nuisance, trespass, and defamation. Under this view, liability arises only when the claimant can show that the defendant&#8217;s conduct falls within one of these established categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pollock&#8217;s wider theory, on the other hand, regards tort law as a developing body of principles capable of recognising new forms of legal injury. For instance, modern issues such as industrial disasters, environmental pollution, privacy breaches, and technological harms may require courts to extend legal protection beyond traditional categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The debate between these approaches helps explain the evolution of tort law from classic wrongs such as trespass to land and private nuisance to modern doctrines of negligence, strict and absolute liability, environmental protection, and constitutional compensation for violations of fundamental rights. It demonstrates how tort law seeks to balance legal certainty with the need to adapt to changing social conditions and emerging forms of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-meaning-and-foundation-of-tortious-liability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meaning_and_Foundation_of_Tortious_Liability\"><\/span>Meaning and Foundation of Tortious Liability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tort is a civil wrong, other than a breach of contract or trust, for which the law provides a remedy. In simple terms, tort law imposes liability when a person&#8217;s wrongful conduct causes legal injury to another. For example, a driver who negligently causes an accident, a person who defames another&#8217;s reputation, or an individual who unlawfully enters another&#8217;s property may be held liable in tort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally, tortious liability arises when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A legal duty exists;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That duty is breached;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A legally recognised injury or damage results;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The breach causes the injury; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The law provides an appropriate remedy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The foundation of tortious liability is therefore the relationship between a legal duty, its breach, and the resulting legal injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An important principle underlying tort law is the maxim <em>ubi jus ibi remedium<\/em>, meaning &#8220;where there is a right, there is a remedy.&#8221; This principle was affirmed in <em>Ashby v. White<\/em> (1703), where the court held that the violation of a legal right may itself justify a legal remedy, even in the absence of substantial financial loss. The case highlights a fundamental objective of tort law: to protect legal rights and provide redress whenever those rights are wrongfully infringed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-salmond-s-narrow-or-pigeon-hole-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salmonds_Narrow_or_Pigeon-Hole_Theory\"><\/span>Salmond&#8217;s Narrow or Pigeon-Hole Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Sir John Salmond, tort law does not rest upon a single general principle that every wrongful act gives rise to liability. Instead, it comprises a number of specific and recognised torts, such as negligence, nuisance, trespass, defamation, assault, battery, and false imprisonment. A claimant must therefore establish that the defendant&#8217;s conduct falls within one of these recognised categories before liability can arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach is known as the &#8220;Pigeon-Hole Theory&#8221;, because each actionable wrong must fit into a recognised legal &#8220;pigeon-hole&#8221; or category of tort before the court can grant a remedy. It emphasises certainty, predictability, and adherence to established legal principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-advantages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advantages\"><\/span>Advantages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-certainty-and-predictability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Certainty_and_Predictability\"><\/span>Certainty and Predictability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The theory provides clear rules and recognised categories of liability, enabling individuals, lawyers, and courts to determine their rights and obligations with greater certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-reliance-on-established-precedent\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reliance_on_Established_Precedent\"><\/span>Reliance on Established Precedent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It promotes consistency by requiring courts to follow established legal principles and judicial decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-protection-against-unlimited-liability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protection_Against_Unlimited_Liability\"><\/span>Protection Against Unlimited Liability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every harmful or unfair act becomes actionable. Liability is confined to recognised torts, preventing excessive or indeterminate claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-criticism\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criticism\"><\/span>Criticism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-may-restrict-legal-development\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"May_Restrict_Legal_Development\"><\/span>May Restrict Legal Development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strict adherence to existing tort categories may prevent the law from responding effectively to new social and economic realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-inadequate-for-novel-forms-of-harm\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inadequate_for_Novel_Forms_of_Harm\"><\/span>Inadequate for Novel Forms of Harm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern issues such as technological misuse, environmental damage, industrial accidents, data breaches, and privacy violations may not always fit neatly within traditional tort categories, requiring the law to evolve beyond established classifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-pollock-s-wider-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pollocks_Wider_Theory\"><\/span>Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sir Frederick Pollock, later supported and developed by Winfield, regarded tort law as a broader system of civil liability based on the wrongful infringement of legally protected rights and interests. According to this view, tort law is not confined to a fixed list of recognised wrongs. Courts may recognise and provide remedies for new forms of injury where justice and legal principle require it, even in the absence of an established tort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wider approach allows tort law to evolve and respond effectively to changing social, technological, industrial, and environmental conditions while remaining grounded in established legal principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-salmond-s-theory-vs-pollock-s-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salmonds_Theory_vs_Pollocks_Theory\"><\/span>Salmond&#8217;s Theory vs Pollock&#8217;s Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Basis<\/th><th>Salmond&#8217;s Narrow Theory<\/th><th>Pollock&#8217;s Wider Theory<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th>Nature of Law<\/th><td>Tort law consists of a collection of specific and recognised torts.<\/td><td>Tort law is based on broader principles of legal liability.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Approach<\/th><td>Adopts a narrow and categorised approach to liability.<\/td><td>Adopts a broad, flexible and evolving approach.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Liability<\/th><td>Liability arises only when the conduct falls within an established tort.<\/td><td>Liability may arise even in new situations where wrongful harm requires legal recognition.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Primary Concern<\/th><td>Ensures certainty, predictability and adherence to established rules.<\/td><td>Promotes justice, fairness and the development of the law.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Role of Courts<\/th><td>Courts primarily apply recognised tort categories and precedents.<\/td><td>Courts may develop new principles and remedies where necessary.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Character<\/th><td>More restrictive and conservative.<\/td><td>More expansive and progressive.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In simple terms, Salmond asks, \u201cWhich recognised tort has been committed?\u201d whereas Pollock asks, \u201cHas a legally wrongful harm occurred that deserves a remedy?\u201d This distinction reflects the balance between legal certainty and the need for the law to evolve with changing social conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-international-case-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_International_Case_Laws\"><\/span>Important International Case Laws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-ashby-v-white-1703\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ashby_v_White_1703\"><\/span><em>Ashby v. White<\/em> (1703)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This landmark case established the principle of <em>ubi jus ibi remedium<\/em> (&#8220;where there is a right, there is a remedy&#8221;). The court held that the violation of a legal right itself can give rise to a legal remedy, even where no substantial financial loss is proved. The case remains a foundational authority on the protection of legal rights in tort law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-rylands-v-fletcher-1868\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rylands_v_Fletcher_1868\"><\/span><em>Rylands v. Fletcher<\/em> (1868)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This case laid down the doctrine of strict liability. The House of Lords held that a person who brings and keeps a dangerous thing on his land is liable for damage caused by its escape, even without proof of negligence, subject to certain exceptions. The decision became a major milestone in the development of liability for hazardous activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-donoghue-v-stevenson-1932\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Donoghue_v_Stevenson_1932\"><\/span><em>Donoghue v. Stevenson<\/em> (1932)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This famous case transformed the law of negligence. The House of Lords formulated the neighbour principle, holding that individuals must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions likely to harm persons who may be directly affected by their conduct. The decision laid the foundation of modern negligence law and greatly expanded the scope of tortious liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these cases illustrate the gradual expansion of tort law from the protection of legal rights, to strict liability for dangerous activities, and ultimately to the modern law of negligence based on a general duty of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-indian-development-of-tortious-liability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indian_Development_of_Tortious_Liability\"><\/span>Indian Development of Tortious Liability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indian courts have played an important role in expanding and adapting the law of torts to meet the needs of a modern society. While traditional common-law principles continue to apply, the judiciary has developed new doctrines to address industrial hazards, environmental harm, and violations of fundamental rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-m-c-mehta-v-union-of-india-oleum-gas-leak-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_Oleum_Gas_Leak_Case\"><\/span><em>M.C. Mehta v. Union of India<\/em> (Oleum Gas Leak Case)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This landmark decision marked a major development in Indian tort law. The Supreme Court held that enterprises engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous activities are subject to absolute liability for any harm caused by such activities. Unlike the rule in <em>Rylands v. Fletcher<\/em>, no exceptions are available as a defence. The case demonstrated the Court&#8217;s willingness to create a stricter and more effective rule suited to Indian conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-jay-laxmi-salt-works-p-ltd-v-state-of-gujarat-1994\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jay_Laxmi_Salt_Works_P_Ltd_v_State_of_Gujarat_1994\"><\/span><em>Jay Laxmi Salt Works (P) Ltd. v. State of Gujarat<\/em> (1994)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this case, the Supreme Court recognised that tort law is not a rigid or closed system. The Court observed that the principles of tortious liability continue to evolve with changing social and economic realities. The judgment emphasised the flexible and dynamic nature of tort law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-rudul-sah-v-state-of-bihar-1983\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rudul_Sah_v_State_of_Bihar_1983\"><\/span><em>Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar<\/em> (1983)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court awarded compensation to a person who had been illegally detained even after his acquittal. The decision established that compensation may be granted as a constitutional remedy where fundamental rights, particularly the right to personal liberty, have been violated by the State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-nilabati-behera-v-state-of-orissa-1993\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nilabati_Behera_v_State_of_Orissa_1993\"><\/span><em>Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa<\/em> (1993)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expanding upon <em>Rudul Sah<\/em>, the Supreme Court held that monetary compensation can be awarded in cases involving custodial death and gross violations of fundamental rights. The Court clarified that such compensation is a public law remedy, distinct from a private action for damages in tort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Together, these decisions demonstrate how Indian tort jurisprudence has moved beyond traditional common-law principles to provide effective remedies for industrial accidents, environmental harm, and violations of constitutional rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-modern-indian-position\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Indian_Position\"><\/span>Modern Indian Position<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indian tort law follows a balanced approach. Courts continue to apply established torts such as negligence, nuisance, defamation, and trespass, while also developing new legal principles when traditional rules are insufficient. The doctrines of absolute liability and constitutional compensation are examples of how Indian courts have adapted tort law to meet modern social and legal challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The foundation of tortious liability lies in the protection of legal rights and the provision of remedies for wrongful harm. Salmond&#8217;s theory emphasises certainty and predictability by requiring a claimant to establish liability within a recognised tort, whereas Pollock&#8217;s wider theory views tort law as a flexible and evolving branch of law capable of addressing new forms of legal injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern tort jurisprudence, particularly in India, reflects a balanced combination of both approaches. While courts continue to apply established tort principles, they have also developed new doctrines to meet changing social, industrial, technological, and constitutional challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thus, tort law seeks to maintain a balance between certainty and justice, precedent and progress, and legal stability and social development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/understanding-tortious-liability-principles-and-the-calculus-of-risk\/\">Understanding Tortious Liability: Principles and the Calculus of Risk<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-jurisprudence-of-responsibility-unpacking-tortious-liability-and-the-doctrine-of-strict-liability\/\">The Jurisprudence of Responsibility: Unpacking Tortious Liability and the Doctrine of Strict Liability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/legal-personality-of-unborn-child-and-dead-person\/\">Legal Personality Of Unborn Child And Dead Person<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/a-jurisprudential-analysis-of-legal-liability\/\">A Jurisprudential Analysis of Legal Liability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/tortious-liability-across-borders-can-traditional-conflict-rules-handle-transnational-harms\/\">Tortious Liability Across Borders: Can Traditional Conflict Rules Handle Transnational Harms?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The law of torts governs civil wrongs that cause legal injury and provides remedies, usually in the form of compensation. For example, a person who is injured in a road accident caused by negligent driving, whose reputation is harmed by a defamatory statement, or whose property is unlawfully entered may seek redress through tort<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[99],"tags":[3552],"class_list":["post-33016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-torts-law","tag-torts-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand tortious liability in India, Salmond\u2019s Pigeon-Hole Theory, Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory, and key tort law case laws.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understand tortious liability in India, Salmond\u2019s Pigeon-Hole Theory, Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory, and key tort law case laws.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-27T10:14:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-27T10:17:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. 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Imran Wahab\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\"},\"description\":\"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/md-imranwahab\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Understand tortious liability in India, Salmond\u2019s Pigeon-Hole Theory, Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory, and key tort law case laws.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View","og_description":"Understand tortious liability in India, Salmond\u2019s Pigeon-Hole Theory, Pollock\u2019s Wider Theory, and key tort law case laws.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-09-27T10:14:48+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-09-27T10:17:48+00:00","author":"Md. Imran Wahab","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@legalserviceind","twitter_site":"@legalserviceind","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Md. Imran Wahab","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/"},"author":{"name":"Md. 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Imran Wahab","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","caption":"Md. Imran Wahab"},"description":"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/md-imranwahab\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33016"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33016\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33043,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33016\/revisions\/33043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}