What is ratio decidendi and obiter dicta? Is there any difference between the two?

kumaracme
In terms of legal dictum, kindly explain the following:

What is ratio decidendi and obiter dicta? Is there any difference between the two?
umakanthan53
'Ratio decidendi' refers to the legal principle laid down in a judgment, while 'Obiter dicta' refers to any passing remarks made by a judge in a judgment that are not necessary for or related to the decision of the judgment.

Ratio decidendi has referential value to be cited as precedent in other cases, whereas Obiter dicta can be ignored as the personal view or observation of the judge who made it.
kumaracme
Dear Mr. Umakanthan Sir,

Thank you for your erudite and knowledgeable reply, which is useful for my understanding.
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