COMMENT | One of the universal principles of law is embedded in the following legal maxim, namely ignorantia juris non excusat (Latin for “ignorance of the law excuses not”) or ignorantia legis neminem excusat (ignorance of law excuses no one).

By virtue of this trite legal principle, any person - including the police - who is unaware of provisions of law may not be absolved from liability for violating laws merely by being unaware of its content.

The recent incident involving Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy seems to portray beyond any shadow of doubt that the Home Ministry, with the greatest respect, was plainly in error for defending the alleged misfeasance in public office allegedly committed by the police.