WorldAugust 17, 2026

colourable

KULL-er-uh-bul

Definition

Appearing to be legal, valid, or legitimate on the surface, but actually executed for a deceptive or illicit purpose.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'colorabilis', referring to something that can be 'colored' or disguised, the term evolved in legal English to describe actions that maintain a deceptive facade of legitimacy.

In the news

The word was used in a legal challenge where a petitioner argued that the government's plan to sell alcohol online was a 'colourable' exercise of power, meaning it disguised an improper or illegal action under the appearance of lawful authority.

LiveLaw Madras High Court Weekly Roundup: August 10 to August 16, 2026

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Live Law

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