generalLatin origin
De Jure
/dee JOOR-ee/
In law — a state of affairs recognised by law, regardless of whether it exists in practice.
Full Definition
De jure (Latin: 'from the law') describes a situation legally recognised, even if it doesn't correspond to reality in practice. In property law, de jure ownership (legal title) and de facto possession can differ — adverse possession enables a person with long de facto possession to acquire de jure ownership.
In Indian Law
Indian property law recognises the de facto / de jure distinction prominently in adverse possession cases under the Limitation Act 1963. After 12 years of uninterrupted hostile possession, de facto possession ripens into de jure title.