Bona fide
| Literal meaning | In good faith |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | BOH-na FY-dee |
Honestly, without fraud or intent to deceive. A bona fide act is done honestly even if done carelessly.
Example
A buyer buys goods from a seller who looks like the owner, with no reason to doubt him. The buyer is a bona fide purchaser.
Case laws
- Derry v. Peek (1889), House of Lords: an honest belief in a statement, even a careless one, is not fraud.
Statutory link
- Section 3(22) of the General Clauses Act, 1897: a thing is done in good faith if it is done honestly, whether negligently or not.
- Section 52 of the Indian Penal Code (now in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita): good faith needs due care and attention.
Exam tip
Note that the General Clauses Act and IPC definitions differ.
Memory trick
Bona = good, fide = faith.
Key takeaway
Bona fide means honest and without intent to deceive.
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