Impunity

Meaning

Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

Origin / Etymology

Latin impunitas, in (not) + poena (punishment) + itas (state of)

Synonyms

Exemption Immunity Freedom from consequences Unaccountability

Antonyms

Accountability Liability Culpability

Example Sentence

"Civil society groups argued that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants security personnel virtual impunity from prosecution for actions taken in conflict zones."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS2 and GS4 (Ethics) answers on rule of law, accountability, AFSPA debates, and international humanitarian law. The phrase 'culture of impunity' signals failure of governance. Also relevant to ICC (International Criminal Court) and its inability to prosecute sitting heads of state.

Relevant Subjects