Nemo judex in sua causa is a legal principle that states that no person can be a judge in their own case. This principle is based on the idea that a person who is involved in a dispute cannot be impartial and fair in making a decision about that dispute. It is a fundamental principle of natural justice and is recognized in both common law and civil law systems around the world.

The principle of nemo judex in sua causa is rooted in the idea of impartiality and fairness. A person who is a party to a dispute cannot be considered an impartial and fair judge, as they will have a vested interest in the outcome of the case. This is because they will be motivated by their own self-interest and will be more likely to make decisions based on their own biases and prejudices, rather than on the facts of the case and the law.

The principle of nemo judex in sua causa is particularly important in the context of administrative law, where government officials and agencies are often called upon to make decisions that affect the rights and interests of individuals and organizations. For example, an administrative agency that is responsible for enforcing regulations may be called upon to make a decision about whether a particular company is in compliance with those regulations. If the agency is also responsible for issuing the regulations, it would be in a conflict of interest and would not be able to make an impartial and fair decision.

In India, the principle of nemo judex in sua causa is recognized and protected by the constitution. The constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to an impartial and fair judge. The judiciary in India has also recognized the importance of the principle of nemo judex in sua causa and has struck down administrative decisions that were made by officials or agencies that were in a conflict of interest.

For example, in the case of Suk Das v. Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh, the Supreme Court of India held that an administrative decision made by an official who was also a party to the dispute was invalid as it violated the principle of nemo judex in sua causa. Similarly, in the case of Union of India v. S.D. Aggarwal, the Supreme Court held that an administrative decision made by an official who had a financial interest in the outcome of the case was invalid as it violated the principle of nemo judex in sua causa.

However, there have been instances where the principle of nemo judex in sua causa has been disregarded in practice, particularly in the context of administrative tribunals. The tribunals are the bodies which are usually appointed by the government and are responsible for hearing disputes related to certain specific subject matters. There have been instances where the members of the tribunals have been appointed from the same department or organization as the parties involved in the dispute, which raises questions about the impartiality and fairness of the tribunals.

To conclude, nemo judex in sua causa is a legal principle that states that no person can be a judge in their own case. It is based on the idea that a person who is involved in a dispute cannot be impartial and fair in making a decision about that dispute. The principle of nemo judex in sua causa is particularly important in the context of administrative law, as it helps to ensure that government officials and agencies make decisions that are impartial and fair. The principle of nemo judex in sua causa is recognized and protected by the Indian constitution, but there is room for improvement in the practice, particularly in the context of administrative tribunals.