Ex turpi causa non oritur actio: From a base cause.
In suit to recover possession of a house bought from the defendant, the defence was that the sale was made for the purpose of raising money ‘to be given to certain third parties as a bribe to induce them to withdraw a charge of criminal breach of trust against the defendant, held, that as there was no evidence to show either that the plaintiff knew of the agreement to suppress the criminal prosecution or that any money had been paid in pursuance of such unlawful agreement, he was entitled to a decree. [Rajkriisto v. Koylash, 8 Ca1 24]. Where, again, it is no part of the contract between the lender and borrower that control over the application of the money he is not prevented from recovering the money on the principle of ex turpi causa non oritur actio. [Natarajulu v. Subaramanian, 45 Mad 778; Pragilal v. Ratan Lal, 131 IC 546]. Thus, where amongst the Naikins singing is not necessarily acquired by women for the purpose of prostitution, mortgage bonds stating that the object of the loan was to enable the mortgagor to teach his daughter singing are not void. [Khubchand v. Beram, 13 Born 150]. [Section 23. Indian Contract Act].
No action arises from an immoral cause. [Inderjit Singh Grewal v. State of Punjab, (2011) 12 SCC 588]. [Section 12, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005].
See also Oswal Agro Furane Ltd. v. Oswal Agro Furane Workers Union, (2005) 3 SCC 224; MD, Army Welfare Housing Organisation v. Sumangal Services (P) Ltd., (2004) 9 SCC 619.