{"id":33419,"date":"2026-10-02T06:05:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T06:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=33419"},"modified":"2026-10-02T06:08:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T06:08:51","slug":"state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/","title":{"rendered":"State Liability for Torts: Can the Government Be Sued for Wrongful Acts?"},"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\">In daily life, if one person harms another through carelessness or intentional wrong \u2014 for example, if a private car driver causes an accident or a shopkeeper\u2019s negligence injures a customer \u2014 the victim can usually sue for compensation. But what happens when the harm is caused by the government or its employees? For instance, if a government bus driver causes a fatal accident, if a person dies in police custody due to torture, or if a patient suffers due to negligence in a government hospital\u2014can the state be sued like a private person?<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Historical_Background_%E2%80%9CThe_King_Can_Do_No_Wrong%E2%80%9D\" >Historical Background: \u201cThe King Can Do No Wrong\u201d<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Sovereign_and_Non-Sovereign_Functions\" >Sovereign and Non-Sovereign Functions<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#A_Sovereign_Functions\" >A. Sovereign Functions<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Examples\" >Examples<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#B_Non-Sovereign_Functions\" >B. Non-Sovereign Functions<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Examples-2\" >Examples<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#C_Simple_Difference\" >C. Simple Difference<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Liability_of_State_for_Victims_of_State_Excesses\" >Liability of State for Victims of State Excesses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Important_Landmark_Cases\" >Important Landmark Cases<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Peninsular_and_Oriental_Steam_Navigation_Co_v_Secretary_of_State_1861\" >Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. v. Secretary of State (1861)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#State_of_Rajasthan_v_Vidyawati_1962\" >State of Rajasthan v. Vidyawati (1962)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Kasturilal_Ralia_Ram_Jain_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_1965\" >Kasturilal Ralia Ram Jain v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1965)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Later_Developments_and_Liberal_Approach\" >Later Developments and Liberal Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Important_International_Case_Laws_on_State_Liability_Sovereign_Immunity\" >Important International Case Laws on State Liability \/ Sovereign Immunity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Present_Position_in_India\" >Present Position in India<\/a><\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Exceptions_and_Limitations\" >Exceptions and Limitations<\/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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Examples_of_Situations_Where_Immunity_May_Still_Apply\" >Examples of Situations Where Immunity May Still Apply<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Why_This_Area_of_Law_Is_Important\" >Why This Area of Law Is Important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer has changed over time. Today, the government can be held responsible for many such wrongful acts. However, the rules governing the liability of the state are not exactly the same as those applicable to ordinary individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-historical-background-the-king-can-do-no-wrong\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Background_%E2%80%9CThe_King_Can_Do_No_Wrong%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Historical Background: \u201cThe King Can Do No Wrong\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under old English law, the king (the state) enjoyed complete immunity. The maxim was \u201cThe king can do no wrong.\u201d Citizens could not sue the government for torts committed by its servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">England later relaxed this absolute immunity through laws. In India, the position developed mainly through court judgments rather than one single comprehensive statute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-sovereign-and-non-sovereign-functions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sovereign_and_Non-Sovereign_Functions\"><\/span>Sovereign and Non-Sovereign Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indian courts created an important distinction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-sovereign-functions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Sovereign_Functions\"><\/span>A. Sovereign Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are acts that only the state can perform as part of its governmental powers. Traditionally, the State enjoyed immunity for torts committed while performing these functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-examples\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples\"><\/span>Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintaining law and order (police functions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defence of the country and military operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administration of justice (courts and judicial acts)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collection of taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making and implementing laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conducting foreign affairs and diplomacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping custody of seized property by police (as held in the Kasturilal case)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Declaring emergency or imposing curfew<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-non-sovereign-functions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Non-Sovereign_Functions\"><\/span>B. Non-Sovereign Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are ordinary or commercial activities that private persons or companies can also perform. The State is generally liable for torts committed in these activities, just like a private employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-examples-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples-2\"><\/span>Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Running transport services (buses, railways, airlines)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operating government hospitals and medical services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Running factories, industries, or commercial undertakings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constructing and maintaining roads, buildings, or public works (when done commercially)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supplying electricity, water, or other public utilities on payment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banking and insurance activities by government corporations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educational institutions run on commercial lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hiring out government vehicles or property for private use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-c-simple-difference\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Simple_Difference\"><\/span>C. Simple Difference<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Function<\/th><th>Classification<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>If only the government could do it.<\/td><td>Sovereign<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>If a private person or company can also do the same thing<\/td><td>Non-Sovereign<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-liability-of-state-for-victims-of-state-excesses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Liability_of_State_for_Victims_of_State_Excesses\"><\/span>Liability of State for Victims of State Excesses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The State is liable to pay compensation to victims of State excesses such as custodial deaths, police brutality, illegal detention, or other violations of fundamental rights. Indian courts have developed the concept of \u201cconstitutional torts\u201d under Articles 21, 32, and 226 of the Constitution, holding the State responsible even when the wrongful act is committed during sovereign functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983), the Supreme Court ordered compensation for illegal detention lasting over 14 years. In Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993), the Court awarded compensation for custodial death and clearly distinguished this public-law remedy from ordinary private-law damages. Further, in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997), the Court laid down detailed guidelines against custodial violence and reaffirmed the State\u2019s liability to pay compensation for violation of the right to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through these landmark judgments, the Supreme Court has ensured accountability and provided effective relief to victims of abuse of power by government officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-landmark-cases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Landmark_Cases\"><\/span>Important Landmark Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-peninsular-and-oriental-steam-navigation-co-v-secretary-of-state-1861\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peninsular_and_Oriental_Steam_Navigation_Co_v_Secretary_of_State_1861\"><\/span>Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. v. Secretary of State (1861)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This early case introduced the distinction between sovereign and non-sovereign functions in India. The court held that the government could be sued for acts done in a non-sovereign capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-state-of-rajasthan-v-vidyawati-1962\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"State_of_Rajasthan_v_Vidyawati_1962\"><\/span>State of Rajasthan v. Vidyawati (1962)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A government jeep driven by a state employee caused a fatal accident due to negligence. The Supreme Court held the State liable. It observed that the old doctrine of absolute immunity was not suitable for a modern welfare state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-kasturilal-ralia-ram-jain-v-state-of-uttar-pradesh-1965\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kasturilal_Ralia_Ram_Jain_v_State_of_Uttar_Pradesh_1965\"><\/span>Kasturilal Ralia Ram Jain v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1965)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Police seized gold and silver from a person and kept it in the police malkhana. The gold was later stolen due to the negligence of police officers. The Supreme Court held that the State was not liable because keeping seized property was treated as a sovereign function. This decision faced strong criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-later-developments-and-liberal-approach\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Later_Developments_and_Liberal_Approach\"><\/span>Later Developments and Liberal Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After Kasturilal, courts gradually moved away from rigid immunity. In many cases involving police excesses, custodial deaths, and medical negligence in government hospitals, the State has been held liable. The Supreme Court has also recognized \u201cconstitutional torts\u201d under Articles 21, 32, and 226 of the Constitution. This allows courts to order compensation for violations of fundamental rights even without proving all traditional elements of a tort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-international-case-laws-on-state-liability-sovereign-immunity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_International_Case_Laws_on_State_Liability_Sovereign_Immunity\"><\/span>Important International Case Laws on State Liability \/ Sovereign Immunity<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>Country \/ Court<\/th><th>Case<\/th><th>Year<\/th><th>Key Principle<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>UK<\/td><td>Home Office v. Dorset Yacht Co. Ltd.<\/td><td>1970<\/td><td>Crown can be liable for negligence of its officers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UK<\/td><td>Adams v. Naylor<\/td><td>1946<\/td><td>Strongly pushed for ending absolute Crown immunity<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>USA<\/td><td>Feres v. United States<\/td><td>1950<\/td><td>No liability for injuries arising from military service<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>USA<\/td><td>Dalehite v. United States<\/td><td>1953<\/td><td>The government cannot be sued for money damages if the harm was caused by a government employee\u2019s policy-level decision or exercise of judgment.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>USA<\/td><td>Republic of Argentina v. Weltover Inc.<\/td><td>1992<\/td><td>Commercial activities are not protected by immunity.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ICJ<\/td><td>Germany v. Italy (Jurisdictional Immunities)<\/td><td>2012<\/td><td>States enjoy immunity for acts of armed forces<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>Kazemi Estate v. Islamic Republic of Iran<\/td><td>2014<\/td><td>Even if a foreign state (or its officials) is accused of torture, the victim (or the victim\u2019s family) cannot normally sue that foreign state in the courts of another country.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Australia<\/td><td>Firebird Global Master Fund II Ltd v. Republic of Nauru<\/td><td>2015<\/td><td>Under restrictive immunity, a foreign state&#8217;s commercial assets are not protected and can be targeted to satisfy a judgment or award, while its pure governmental assets remain immune.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Australia<\/td><td>Infrastructure Services v. Kingdom of Spain<\/td><td>2023<\/td><td>A foreign government cannot hide behind immunity to refuse payment of an ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) arbitration award.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>Just v. British Columbia<\/td><td>1989<\/td><td>Government can be liable for negligence in operational duties (e.g., road maintenance).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-present-position-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Present_Position_in_India\"><\/span>Present Position in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is no complete code on state liability for torts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The State is generally liable for torts committed by its servants while performing non-sovereign functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The distinction between sovereign and non-sovereign functions is still mentioned, but courts apply it less strictly today.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When fundamental rights (especially the right to life under Article 21) are violated, the State can be ordered to pay compensation even if the act was done in a sovereign capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vicarious liability principles apply: the state is responsible for the wrongful acts of its employees done in the course of employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The old English maxim \u201cthe king can do no wrong\u201d has no place in modern Indian law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-exceptions-and-limitations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceptions_and_Limitations\"><\/span>Exceptions and Limitations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though the State\u2019s liability has expanded significantly, it is not absolute. The State can still claim immunity in certain limited situations, mainly when the act falls under pure sovereign functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-examples-of-situations-where-immunity-may-still-apply\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples_of_Situations_Where_Immunity_May_Still_Apply\"><\/span>Examples of Situations Where Immunity May Still Apply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acts related to defense operations and military activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial acts performed by judges in their official capacity (judges are generally protected for decisions taken while discharging judicial duties)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain high-level policy decisions involving pure governmental functions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, courts today apply this immunity very narrowly. The overall trend in Indian law is towards greater accountability of the state. Even in cases involving sovereign functions, if there is a violation of fundamental rights (especially the right to life under Article 21), the courts often direct the State to pay compensation to the victim. Thus, the old idea of complete immunity has largely given way to a more balanced and citizen-friendly approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-this-area-of-law-is-important\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_Area_of_Law_Is_Important\"><\/span>Why This Area of Law Is Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a modern democratic state, the government performs a wide range of activities that directly affect the daily lives of citizens\u2014from maintaining law and order to running hospitals, transport services, and public utilities. When government employees cause harm through negligence, carelessness, or abuse of power, ordinary citizens must have an effective legal remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State liability plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability. It prevents the government from hiding behind the old doctrine of immunity and forces it to take responsibility for the wrongful acts of its servants. At the same time, it provides justice and compensation to the victims, thereby protecting the rights and dignity of individuals. In short, this area of law strengthens the rule of law and builds public trust in the system.<\/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\">State liability for torts has travelled a long journey\u2014from the old doctrine of complete immunity to the present position of substantial accountability. Although the distinction between sovereign and non-sovereign functions still exists, Indian courts have steadily expanded the liability of the State, particularly in cases involving violation of fundamental rights. Today, the government can no longer hide behind the outdated maxim \u201cthe king can do no wrong.\u201d The law continues to develop in the direction of greater responsibility, transparency, and stronger protection of citizens\u2019 rights.<\/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\/bridging-the-gaps-balancing-the-rule-of-law-with-doctrine-of-sovereign-immunity\/\">Bridging the gaps; Balancing the Rule of Law with Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/no-means-no-even-in-marriage-the-legal-void-of-marital-rape-in-india\/\">No Means No \u2013 Even in Marriage: The Legal Void of Marital Rape in India<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/putting-the-past-to-rest-how-legal-claims-in-tort-law-come-to-an-end\/\">Putting the Past to Rest: How Legal Claims in Tort Law Come to an End<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-high-court-permanently-restrain-arrests-or-fir-registration\/\">Can a High Court Permanently Restrain Arrests or FIR Registration?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/origin-and-evolution-of-the-law-of-torts-in-india-from-english-common-law-to-constitutional-and-social-justice-jurisprudence\/\">Origin and Evolution of the Law of Torts in India: From English Common Law to Constitutional and Social Justice Jurisprudence<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction In daily life, if one person harms another through carelessness or intentional wrong \u2014 for example, if a private car driver causes an accident or a shopkeeper\u2019s negligence injures a customer \u2014 the victim can usually sue for compensation. But what happens when the harm is caused by the government or its employees? For<\/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-33419","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 v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>State Liability for Torts: Can the Government Be Sued for Wrongful Acts? - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn when the Indian State is liable for torts, sovereign immunity, constitutional torts, custodial deaths and key Supreme Court cases.\" \/>\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\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"State Liability for Torts: Can the Government Be Sued for Wrongful Acts?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn when the Indian State is liable for torts, sovereign immunity, constitutional torts, custodial deaths and key Supreme Court cases.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/state-liability-for-torts-can-the-government-be-sued-for-wrongful-acts\/\" \/>\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=\"2026-10-02T06:05:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-02T06:08:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. 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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\/33419","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=33419"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33419\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33499,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33419\/revisions\/33499"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}