Section 24: “Dishonestly”
Definition:
Whoever does anything with the intention of causing wrongful gain to one person or wrongful loss to another person, is said to do that thing “dishonestly”.
Section 24, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Key Points:
- “Dishonestly” is a crucial legal term defining a mens rea (guilty mind) for various offenses under the IPC.
- It requires the presence of two elements: intention and an act aimed at causing wrongful gain or wrongful loss.
- Intention alone doesn’t suffice; there must be an outward act demonstrating the intention.
- Wrongful gain can be tangible (money, property) or intangible (advantage, position).
- Wrongful loss can be financial, but also other harms like reputation damage.
