generalLatin origin
De Facto
/dee FAK-toh/
In fact — a state of affairs that exists in reality, even without legal sanction.
Full Definition
De facto (Latin: 'from the fact') describes a situation that exists in practice even if not officially recognised by law. The doctrine of de facto officer protects third parties — acts of an officer whose appointment is later found defective remain valid.
In Indian Law
The Supreme Court in Gokaraju Rangaraju v. State of AP (1981) applied the de facto officer doctrine to judicial appointments whose selection was later challenged.