DE MINIMIS

Literal Translation

“Minimum importance or trifling”

Definition

The literal meaning of “De minimis” is “minimum importance or trifling”. The abbreviated form of the maxim is “De Minimis Non Curat Lex”, which means “law cares not of small things”. In Lawsuits, the court applies de minimis rule to avoid trivial matters which are not worthy of judicial scrutiny. Some of common meanings are small, negligible, minor and insignificant etc.

Illustration

“A” agreed to pay ten lakhs to “B” for some goods. “A” was repaying through installments. Finally, “A” repaid RS.9,99,900. “B” asked “A” for his balance Rs.100 but “A” had no money to pay. “B” sued “A” for his loss occurred. The court dismissed the case by applying the De Minimis rule since Rs.100 is not bigger amount when compared to ten lakh rupees.

Case Law

1. Rupan Deol Bajaj and Others V. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill and Others (1995)

2. Muthu kumar and OthersV. State of Tamil Nadu (2010)

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