Tort
A civil wrong (other than breach of contract) for which the law provides a remedy in the form of damages or injunction.
Full Definition
A tort is a civil wrong � an act or omission that causes harm to another and gives rise to a civil claim for damages or other remedy. It is distinct from crime (which is a wrong against the state) and breach of contract (which is a wrong based on agreement). Essential elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damage. Key torts: negligence, nuisance, defamation, trespass, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution.
In Indian Law
India has no codified tort law � it is entirely judge-made law based on common law. In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987), the Supreme Court developed the 'absolute liability' rule (stricter than Rylands v. Fletcher's 'strict liability') for hazardous industries � no exceptions apply. Constitutional torts: the Supreme Court awards compensation for fundamental rights violations against the state (Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa, 1993).
Landmark Cases
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987) � Absolute liability for hazardous industries
Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa (1993) � Constitutional tort and compensation