Understanding Natural Justice

Natural justice refers to fundamental principles of fairness and impartiality applied in legal and administrative processes. It ensures that decisions are made justly, without bias, and with an opportunity for all parties to be heard.

Analyzing Assertion (A)

Assertion (A) states: "Natural justice is justice of the nature where the lion devours the lamb and the tiger feeds upon the antilope". This describes a 'might is right' or survival-of-the-fittest scenario. This concept directly contradicts the core principles of natural justice, which are designed to protect the weak and ensure procedural fairness, not to validate predatory power dynamics. Therefore, Assertion (A) is incorrect.

Evaluating Reason (R)

Reason (R) claims the statement in (A) originates from the case Union of India v. Tulsiram Patel. The actual case of Union of India v. Tulsiram Patel (AIR 1985 SC 1416) is a significant judgment that upholds and elaborates upon the principles of natural justice, particularly concerning procedural fairness in disciplinary actions. The case is foundational in establishing rules against bias and ensuring the right to a hearing. It does not contain or support the distorted definition of natural justice presented in Assertion (A). Thus, Reason (R) is also incorrect.

Conclusion on Assertion and Reason

Since Assertion (A) misrepresents the concept of natural justice and Reason (R) incorrectly attributes this misrepresentation to a case that actually supports natural justice, both statements are false.

Correct Option: 4. Both (A) and (R) are incorrect