Test: Vicarious Liability - CLAT PG MCQ

The Crown Proceedings Act of 1947 established that the State could be held liable for torts committed by its servants, irrespective of whether those actions were part of legal obligations. This marked a significant shift in how state liability was perceived, allowing individuals to seek compensation for wrongs done by government employees.

There is a significant gap in legislation concerning the vicarious liability of the State in India, which means that the interpretation of such liability relies heavily on judicial decisions. This lack of clear legal guidelines creates uncertainty for citizens trying to understand their rights in cases involving state liability.

The case of Kasturi Lal v. State of U.P. set a precedent where it was determined that if a government servant commits a tort while performing non-sovereign functions, the State is liable. This principle is pivotal in understanding the limits of state immunity when it comes to the actions of its employees.

The absence of clear legislation governing state liability creates challenges for citizens, making it difficult for them to ascertain their legal standing and understand their rights regarding the State's accountability. This legal ambiguity can hinder individuals' ability to seek justice effectively.

"Course of employment" refers to actions taken by a servant that are authorized or implicitly permitted by the master. This concept is crucial in determining liability, as it establishes whether the wrongful act occurred within the context of the servant's duties and responsibilities.

The contemporary understanding of vicarious liability emphasizes public policy and expediency. This perspective highlights the importance of holding employers accountable for the actions of their employees to encourage responsible business practices and protect the public from harm caused by employees during their work.

The maxim "Qui facit per alium facit per se," which translates to "he who acts through another is deemed in law as doing it himself," establishes that a person (like an employer) is legally accountable for the actions of those they have entrusted with tasks. This principle is foundational in establishing vicarious liability, emphasizing that delegation does not absolve one from responsibility.

A master can be held liable if the servant commits a tort while acting in the course of their employment. It is essential that the wrongful act occurs during the performance of their work duties, regardless of whether the master explicitly authorized the act or not.

Sovereign functions refer to activities that can only be executed by the State, including maintaining law and order, defense, and administering justice. Understanding this distinction is crucial in determining when the State can be held liable for the actions of its servants.

The legal presumption that all acts done by a servant in the course of their employment are authorized by the master implies that the master is considered to have given the authority for those acts, even if no explicit permission was granted. This presumption plays a vital role in establishing vicarious liability, simplifying the process for plaintiffs seeking to hold employers accountable for their employees' actions.

When a servant acts outside the scope of employment, the master is typically not held liable. Liability usually arises when the servant's actions fall within the scope of their duties or are intended to benefit the master, even if those actions are unauthorized or negligent.

The distinction between sovereign and non-sovereign functions is crucial in determining the legal accountability of the State for actions taken by its employees. Sovereign functions are those that are inherently governmental, such as law enforcement and national defense, which typically grant immunity to the State from liability for torts. In contrast, non-sovereign functions involve activities like public welfare and administrative tasks, where the State can be held liable for torts committed by its employees. Understanding this distinction is essential for assessing cases of State liability in tort law.

Recent judicial trends in India have shown a significant shift towards holding the State accountable for torts committed by its employees, even when those actions are part of non-sovereign functions. This is evident in cases where the Supreme Court has emphasized the need for accountability, moving away from the earlier precedent that provided extensive immunity to the State. This trend reflects contemporary societal expectations of justice and the evolving role of the State as a responsible entity in a welfare-oriented legal framework.

The maxim "Qui facit per alium facit per se" translates to "he who acts through another is deemed in law as doing it himself." This principle establishes that when someone delegates tasks to another, they are responsible for the manner in which those tasks are executed. This is foundational to the concept of vicarious liability, where employers can be held liable for the actions of their employees carried out in the course of their work. An interesting fact is that this principle is often applied in various sectors, including business and healthcare, ensuring that those in positions of authority maintain accountability for the actions of their subordinates.

An employer can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employee if the employee was following the employer's instructions but failed to execute them with the requisite standard of care. For example, if an employee is directed to perform a task but does so carelessly, leading to harm, the employer may bear responsibility for that negligence. This principle underscores the importance of accountability in the employer-employee relationship. Interestingly, this concept encourages employers to provide proper training and oversight, as a lack of diligence in managing employees can lead to significant legal repercussions.