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Example
Case laws
Exceptions / limits
Opposite / Related
Exam tip
Memory trick
Key takeaway
Mala fide
| Literal meaning | In bad faith |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | MAH-la FY-dee |
With dishonest intention or with an improper purpose. A mala fide act is done to deceive or to harm.
Example
An official transfers an employee only to punish him for a complaint. The transfer is mala fide.
Case laws
- E.P. Royappa v. State of Tamil Nadu (1974), Supreme Court: the charge of mala fides against the Chief Minister was not proved, but the Court held that arbitrary action violates Article 14.
- S. Pratap Singh v. State of Punjab (1964), Supreme Court: a charge of mala fides against a high officer must be pleaded and proved clearly.
Exceptions / limits
The person alleging mala fides must prove it. Strong proof is needed against high authorities.
Exam tip
Asked in administrative law as a ground for judicial review.
Memory trick
Mala = bad, fide = faith.
Key takeaway
An act done with an improper purpose is mala fide and can be struck down.
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