Meaning Definition and main functions of Administrative law

            Administrative Law is a branch of Public Law which deals with the relationship of the individual with the administrative authorities. Administrative law deals with the organization and powers of Administrative and Quasi-Administrative agencies. Administrative law was even earlier considered and studied as a part of constitutional law. Now it is accepted that administrative law has come into existence for the Welfare of common man and it also does not violate the other constitutional principles.

Definition of Administrative Law - 

Administrative Law is growing subject so it shall not be fair to define it at this stage.  It is also difficult to define scientifically, There is no precise and perfect definition of Administrative law. many Jurists have made attempt to define administrative law but none of these definitions completely give exact nature, scope, and contents of Administrative law. Definitions of Administrative law may also change with the changing Times.

K.C Devis -

According to K.C Devis, "Administrative law is the law concerning the powers and procedure of Administrative Agencies, including especially the law government Judicial review of Administrative action." (This definition gives emphasis on the procedure followed by the administrative agencies in the exercising their powers but it does not include the substantive laws enacted by these agencies. )

Ivor Jenning 

According to Ivor Jenning, "administrative law is the law relating to administration. Help determines the organization, powers, and duties of Administrative authorities.

F.J Port - 

According to F.J Port "Administrative law is made up of all legal rules either formally expressed statutes or implied in the prerogatives, which have as their ultimate object the fulfillment of public law. It touches the first legislature, in that the formally expressed rules are usually laid down by the body, it touches judicially, in that

    (a) there are rules which govern the judicial action that may be brought by or against the administrative person

   (b) administrative bodies are sometimes permitted to exercise judicial powers

   (c) it is of course essentially concerned with the practical application of the law.

Garner -

According to Garner, "administrative law may be described as those rules which are recognized by the court as law and which relate to regulate the administration of government".

Administrative Law deals with the following matters -

who are administrative authorities?

What powers are exercised by those authorities

what limits should be exercised while using powers

procedure to be followed while using the powers

what are the remedies available if their rights are affected/violated

Main functions of Administrative law - 

1)  to regulate the relation between the organised  powers and the common man

2)  to study the statutory bodies which translates the public policy of the government

3)  to determine the working relationship between administrative Agencies for example between minister and local authority

4)  to control and regulated ministry to discretion

5)  to ensure transparency and openness in the administration;

6)  to provide an effective redressal system for citizens grievance

Scope of Administrative law - 

    According to Friedman scope of Administrative laws is as under -

i) Administrative law deals with the law-making powers of Administrative authorities under common law and various statutes.

ii) Judicial and Quasi-judicial powers of Administrative authorities for example - court and Tribunals to deal with the problems and remedies

iii) executive powers of Administration for example - Concentration of power

iv) powers of the court to supervise the administrative authorities;

v) legal liability of public servant.

See also...

1. Characteristics of Administrative Tribunal (Administrative Law) 

2. Role of Administrative Law in a Democratic State

3. What is Administrative Law and utility of Administrative Law

4. The Union Judiciary - Composition, Power, and Jurisdiction of Indian Supreme Court

5. What is an Ombudsman? Origin, Characteristics and Need/Importance of Ombudsman