Semmisítés

Semmisítés is a Hungarian legal term that translates to annulment or voiding. It refers to the process by which a legal act, contract, or administrative decision is declared invalid from its inception. This means that the act is considered to have never had legal effect, as if it never occurred. Semmisítés can be initiated by a court or, in some cases, by an administrative body.

The grounds for semmisítés vary depending on the type of legal act. Common reasons include a violation of mandatory legal provisions, an act that is contrary to public order or good morals, or a fundamental defect in the formation of the agreement. For instance, a contract entered into by a minor without proper consent, or a decision made by an authority that lacks the necessary jurisdiction, might be subject to semmisítés.

When an act is declared void through semmisítés, any consequences that have already arisen from it are typically reversed. Parties involved are returned to their original positions as much as possible. This differs from termination, which typically applies to valid contracts that are brought to an end from a certain point onwards. Semmisítés fundamentally invalidates the act retroactively.