Res inter alios acta alteri nocere non debet
| Literal meaning | A thing done between others ought not to harm a third person |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | rayz IN-ter AL-ee-ohs AK-ta AL-ter-eye no-KAY-ray non DEB-et |
A transaction between two persons cannot be used against a third person who was not a party to it. Statements and acts of others do not bind a stranger.
Example
Two people sign an agreement to sell a house. This agreement cannot be used to bind a neighbour who had no part in it.
Case laws
- Kashmira Singh v. State of M.P. (1952), Supreme Court: a confession by a co-accused cannot be the foundation of a conviction of another accused.
Statutory link
Section 30 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 allows the court to take into consideration a confession of a co-accused. Courts treat it only as supporting evidence.
Exam tip
Asked with the evidence of co-accused.
Memory trick
Your deal does not bind me.
Key takeaway
A transaction between others does not bind a stranger.
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