Contract Law II Kslu Notes Final
Contract Law II Kslu Notes Final
Contract Law II Kslu Notes Final
CONTRACT LAW-II
3 AND 5 YEARS LLB UNDER KARNATAKA STATE LAW
UNIVERSITY
By
ANIL KUMAR K T
Mob: 9584416446
Definition:
For example, A promises to deliver certain goods to B for Rs. 2,000 every month.
C comes in and promises to indemnify B’s losses if A fails to so deliver the goods.
This is how B and C will enter into contractual obligations of indemnity.
Discharge of Surety
A contract of guarantee shall also satisfy all the necessary conditions or elements
of a valid contract. As per section 127, anything is done or any promise made for
the benefit of the principal debtor provides sufficient consideration to the surety
for giving the guarantee to the creditor.
For example, Bharat asks Anil to sell goods to him on credit and deliver them.
Anil agrees to it on a condition that Charu will guarantee the payment of the
price of the goods. Charu guarantees the payment in consideration of Anil’s
promise to deliver the goods. This is sufficient consideration for Charu’s or
Surety’s promise.
Discharge of surety
The Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides for the discharge of the liability of surety,
in case of certain given circumstances. A surety is said to discharge from his
liability if his liability to perform the promise, in case of a default by the principal
debtor, comes to an end.
The situations under which a surety is discharged from his liability is listed as
follows:
• Discharge by Revocation
Section 130 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 states that a continuing guarantee,
i.e., a guarantee for a series of transactions can be revoked if a notice is served
to the creditor. However, revocation in case of a specific guarantee is not
possible if the contract entered into has been already acted upon.
Revocation by death
Section 131 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides that in case of death of
the surety, the liability of the surety is discharged.
Section 134 of the Indian Contract Act provides for the discharge of the liability
of the surety, in case the principal debtor is released from his liability to repay
the amount.
However, a distinction must be made by the court in relation to the time when
the surety is discharged from his liability and when it is not. For instance, in the
case where the amount of the principal debtor gets reduced to the application
of the debt relief act, the surety will be liable only for the reduced amount.
However, in case the principal debtor is discharged from the liability in case of
insolvency, the surety is not discharged.
• Act or omission
The second case is where there is an act or omission on part of the creditor that
discharged the liability of the principal debtor. In this case, the surety will be
discharged. This can happen when the creditor fails to perform his part of the
promise which discharges the liability of the debtor.
According to Section 135 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, a surety can be
discharged of his liability if there is any composition or a new agreement
between the creditor and the principal debtor. Through analysing Section 135
of the Indian Contract Act, it can be concluded that a surety can be discharged
from his liability in case of three prevailing circumstances. These are:
• Composition
Composition refers to variation in the original contract and adding something up
which was not present in the original contract. In case there is a composition in
the contract between the debtor and the creditor without surety’s consent, it
would discharge his liability.
The surety is entitled to ask the principal debtor to pay off the debt when it is
the time for repayment. However, if there is a contract between the principal
debtor and the creditor whereby the creditor has agreed to give some more time
to pay off the debt without keeping the surety into consideration, the surety will
be discharged.
However, Section 136 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides that, if the
creditor enters into an agreement to give time with a third party, it does not
discharge the surety from his liability.
If the surety has agreed to such conditions, he will not be discharged from the
contract as is evident from the phrase “unless the surety assents” in Section 135.
Discharge by invalidation
A surety can be discharged of his liability if the contract of guarantee is
invalidated. The Indian Contract Act provides for three circumstances under
which a contract of guarantee can become invalidated. These are elucidated as
follows:
Conclusion
The Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides for the discharge of the liability of surety
in case of certain given circumstances with the objective of securing the
interests of the surety, who guarantees payment of the debt in case of a default.
The situation under which the surety can be discharged from his liability can be
categorised into three different heads i.e. by revocation, the conduct of the
parties and invalidation of the contract.
1. Contract: It is the basic essential for the bailment. For the delivery of
goods Contract between the two parties is necessary. A contract may be
oral or written, implied or expressed.
2. Moveable Property: It is the main feature of bailment that it is only for
the moveable property and not for the immovable property.
3. Delivery of Goods: It is also necessary that goods should be delivered by
one person to another.
4. Change of Possession: Bailment contract also brings’ change in the
possessions of the – goods. The only be without possession is not
sufficient for this contract.
5. Purpose of Bailment: The object of bailment may be for the safety of
goods or for hire or for the use.
6. Temporary Delivery: The delivery of the goods may not be for the
permanent purpose. It is essential that delivery must be made for the
temporary purpose.
7. Ownership: Right of ownership remains with bailor and it does not
change by the delivery of goods to other people.
Case Laws
Secy of state v. Sheo Singh Rai, a man, for the purpose of cancelling and
consolidating nine government promissory notes into a single note of Rs.
48000, went to a Treasury Officer. Later, the notes were misappropriated by a
servant at the treasury and the man filed a suit against the State to hold it
responsible as a bailee. He failed as there is no Bailment without delivery of
good and a promise to return the same and the government was not bound to
return the same notes or deal with them in accordance with the wishes of the
man.
Discharge of surety
The Indian Contract Act, 1872 provides for the discharge of the liability of surety,
in case of certain given circumstances. A surety is said to discharge from his
liability if his liability to perform the promise, in case of a default by the principal
debtor, comes to an end.
The situations under which a surety is discharged from his liability is listed as
follows:
• Discharge by Revocation
1) The indemnifier will have to pay damages which the indemnity holder will
claim in a suit.
2) The indemnity holder can even compel the indemnifier to pay the costs he
incurs in litigating the suit.
3) If the parties agree to legally compromise the suit, the indemnifier has to pay
the compromise amount.
Section 168 and 169 confer certain rights on the finder of goods.
The finder of goods has no right to sue the owner for compensation for trouble
and expense voluntarily incurred by him to preserve the goods and to find out
the owner, but he may retain the goods against the owner until he receives such
compensation, and where the owner has offered a specific reward for the return
of goods lost, the finder may sue for such reward, and may retain the goods until
he receives it.
• RIGHT OF LIEN
According to section 168, a finder of goods has no right to sue the owner for
trouble and expenses voluntarily incurred by him to preserve the goods and to
find the owner. He has, however, the right of particular lien in respect of those
goods. He may retain the goods against the owner until he receives
compensation for trouble and expense voluntarily incurred by him to preserve
the goods and to find the owner
It has been noted above that the finder has the right to retain the goods until he
Is paid compensation for trouble and expense voluntarily incurred by him to
preserve the goods and find the owner. In addition to that, where the owner has
offered a specific reward for the return of goods lost the finder may sue for such
reward and also may retain the goods until he receives it.
If the goods have already been found voluntarily, and then the owner of the
goods promises to compensate the finder for his past voluntary services, the
contract is binding and the owner is bound to pay the promised amount.
SECTION 169 – WHEN FINDER OF THING COMMONLY ON SALE MAY SELL IT:
When a thing which is commonly the subject of sale is lost, if the owner cannot
with reasonable diligence be found, or if he refuses upon demand, to pay the
lawful charge of the finder, finder may sell it –
1. When the thing is in danger of perishing or losing the greater part of its
value,
2. When the lawful charge of the finder, in respect of the thing found
amount to two-third of its value,
The finder of the goods has also been given the right to sell the goods found by
him under certain circumstances mentioned in section 169. Such a right is
available to the finder of the lost goods when the following conditions are
satisfied:
Features
• The existence of consideration depends upon its type, i.e., the monetary
presence of consideration is not mandatory.
Section 182 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 opens by defining who an agent
and a principal are.
An agent must not delegate his authority to a sub-agent. Section 190 of the
Indian Contract Act is based on the maxim, Delegatus non-protest delegare,
which means, a delegate cannot further delegate.
Imagine going to a good restaurant because you heard their food is great.
Now, you don’t want this good restaurant to bring food from another
restaurant and serve you. Right?
Under section 209 of the Indian Contract Act, when the principal’s death or
unsoundness causes the termination of the agency, the agent must protect
and preserve the interests entrusted to him on behalf of the representative of
the deceased principal.
Section 211 of the Indian Contract Act bounds an agent to conduct the
business of his principal according to the principal’s directions or in the
principal’s absence, according to the custom of trade.
In Pannalal Jankidas vs Mohanlal (1950), the Supreme Court held the agent
liable to compensate the principal. Here, the principal told the agent to get the
goods insured. The agent charged the premium from the principal but never
got the insurance.
Section 212 of the Indian Contract Act covers another role of the agent. This
law requires an agent to conduct agency business with due care and caution.
For example, X, an agent for the sale of goods, having authority to sell on
credit, sells on credit to Z without making the proper inquiries regarding the
solvency of Z. Z, is insolvent at the time of this sale. X must make
compensation to his principal regarding any loss sustained.
Section 213 of the Indian Contract Act defines the next role. On-demand, the
agent should show the relevant accounts to the principal. It also binds the
agent to keep the money and property of the principal separate from his own.
The agent is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the property he
receives as part of his duties and providing those records to the principal on
request.
As per section 214 of the Indian Contract Act, in cases of difficulty, it is the
agent’s duty to use all reasonable diligence in communication with his principal
and seeking to get his instructions.
If the principal wishes to deal on his behalf in the agency’s business, the agent
must disclose all material circumstances that have come to his knowledge. He
must also get consent from the principal. Non-observance of this duty may
lead to:
• Under section 215 of the Contract Act, the principal may repudiate the
transaction and disclaim all losses.
• Under section 216 of the Contract Act, the principal may claim from the
agent any benefit which may have resulted in him from the
transaction.
For example, A employed B, a broker, to purchase a house for him. B sold his
house to A without disclosing that the house belonged to him. Here, A can end
the contract and reject the house.
The relationship between the agent and the principal is of mutual trust and
confidence. If an agent makes a secret profit from its agency, the principal can
demand all the profits from the agent. As per section 216 of the Indian
Contract Act, agents should not make any profit or acquire any benefit in the
course of their agency without their principals’ knowledge and consent. Such
As per section 218 of the Indian Contract Act, the agent must pay his principal
all sums received on his account after retaining all money due to him regarding
advances made or expenses properly incurred by him while conducting the
business.
Conclusion
9.Define contract of sale? Explain the distinction between the sale and
agreement to sell?
Contract of Sale
A contract of sale is an agreement between a seller and a buyer. The seller
agrees to deliver or sell something to a buyer for a set price that the buyer has
agreed to pay. With these contracts, the transfer of ownership happens when
the buyer pays and the seller delivers.
This contract changes somewhat in situations where the seller cannot yet
deliver the item that is sold. It also changes when the buyer cannot yet pay the
full price. Both parties can still agree on transferring the ownership to the
person buying in these situations—as long as the seller is ready to deliver what
is being sold. The contract is then subject to resolutory condition, meaning if
the buyer fails to make the payment, the seller takes the item back.
BASIS FOR
SALE AGREEMENT TO SELL
COMPARISON
BASIS FOR
SALE AGREEMENT TO SELL
COMPARISON
Suit for breach of The buyer can claim Here the buyer has the right to
contract by the damages from the seller claim damages only.
seller and proprietary remedy
from the party to whom
the goods are sold.
Right of unpaid Right to sue for the price. Right to sue for damages.
seller
For example, 'A' appoints 'B' to buy 50 bags of Wheat on his behalf, Here 'A' is
Principal and 'B' is Agent. The relation between 'A' and 'B' is called Agency.
Agent :
Principal :
The person for whom such act is done, or who is so represented, is called
the “principal”.
Kinds of Agents
On the point of view of the extent of their authority and the nature of the
work performed by them agents may be Classified under the following heads :
1)Universal Agent :
2) Special Agent:
for example, An agent employed to sell a Bike. If the special agent does
anything outside his authority, the principal is not bound by it and third parties
are not entitled to assume that the agent has unlimited powers.
3) General Agent:
A General Agent is one was employed to do all acts connected with particular
business or employment.
For example, A manager of a firm. He can bind the principal by doing anything
which Falls within the ordinary scope of that business. Whether he is actually
authorised for any particular act or not, is immaterial provided that third party
acts bona fide.
4) De Credere Agent:
Pakka Adatia is an agent of his constituent only up to a certain point only for
the purpose of ascertaining and giving a correct quotation of the price. But
thereafter when the transaction takes place, he cease to be an agent and
assumes towards his constituent the character of a Principal, and the
transaction must be regarded as a contract between Principal and Principal.
6) Broker :
7) Factor :
general discretion as to this sale. He may sale on the usual term of credit may
receive the price and give a good discharge to the buyer.
8) Commission Agent:
Commission Agent is a mercantile Agent who buys or sells goods for his
Principal on the best possible terms in his own name and who receives
Commission for his labours. He may have possession of course or not.
9) Auctioneers :
Easy to Start
Partnership firms are one of the easiest to start. The only requirement for
starting a partnership firm in most cases is a partnership deed. Hence, a
partnership can be started on the same day. On the other hand, an LLP
registration would take about 5 to 10 working days, as the digital signatures,
DIN, Name Approval and Incorporation must be obtained from the MCA.
Decision Making
Decision making is the crux of any organization. Decision making in a
partnership firm could be faster as there is no concept of the passing of
Raising of Funds
When compared to a proprietorship firm, a partnership firm can easily raise
funds. Multiple partners make for more feasible contribution among the
partners. Moreover, banks also view a partnership more favourably while
sanctioning credit facilities instead of a proprietorship firm.
Sense of Ownership
Every partner owns and manages the activities of their firm. Their tasks might
be varied in nature but people in a partnership firm are united for a common
cause. Ownership creates a higher sense of accountability, which paves the
way for a diligent workforce.
Unlimited Liability
Every partner is liable personally for the losses of a partnership firm. The
liability created by a partner in the partnership firm will also make each of the
partner personally liable. To limit the liability of partners in a partnership firm,
the LLP structure was created by the Government.
Number of Members
The maximum number of members a partnership firm can have is restricted to
20. In case of an LLP, there is no restriction on the maximum number of
partners.
Abrupt Dissolution
A partnership firm would be dissolved due to the death or insolvency of a
partner. Such an abrupt dissolution will hamper a business. On the other hand,
the death of a partner will not automatically dissolve an LLP. Hence, continuity
of business is maintained in a LLP.
12.Discuss unpaid sellers rights of lien. How it differ from the right to
stoppage in transit.
Rights of Lien
there is an agreement between the buyer and the seller for waiving the lien
under part-delivery.
If an unpaid seller has parted with the possession of the goods and the buyer
becomes insolvent, then the seller can ask the carrier to return the goods back.
This is subject to the provisions of the Act.
(3) The right of stoppage in transit is applicable to the insolvent buyer. But the
right of lien is applicable to all persons, solvent or insolvent.
(4) The right of stoppage in transit is applied to the buyer through the earner.
Therefore stoppage means the seller's right to 'regain' the goods. But he means
the right to 'retain' the goods. Of course both the rights are applicable to goods
only.
(5) When the right of lien ends the right to stop in transit begins.
SUB-AGENT
A person appointed by an agent to perform some duty, or the whole of the
business relating to his agency. Sub-agents may be considered in two points
of view.
A sub-agent is generally invested with the same rights, and incurs the same
liabilities in regard to his immediate employers, as if he were the sole and real
principal. To this general rule there are some exceptions for example, where
by the general usage of trade or the agreement of the parties, sub-agents are
ordinarily or necessarily employed, to accomplish the ends of the agency,
there, if the agency is avowed, and the credit is exclusively given to the
principal, the intermediate agent may be entirely exempted from all liability to
the sub-agent.
What is Goodwill?
Goodwill is an intangible asset associated with the purchase of one company
by another. Specifically, goodwill is recorded in a situation in which the
purchase price is higher than the sum of the fair value of all visible solid assets
and intangible assets purchased in the acquisition and the liabilities assumed in
the process. The value of a company’s brand name, solid customer base, good
customer relations, good employee relations, and any patents or proprietary
technology represent some examples of goodwill.
Goodwill Meaning
Goodwill arises when a company acquires another entire business. The amount
of goodwill is the cost to purchase the business minus the fair market value of
the tangible assets, the intangible assets that can be identified, and the
liabilities obtained in the purchase.
Types of Goodwill
There are two distinct types:
(c) To withdraw a suit or proceedings filed on behalf of the firm; (id) to admit
any liability in a suit or proceeding against the firm;
(e) To open a bank account on behalf of the firm in his own name;
(f) To acquire or purchase immovable property for and on behalf of the firm;
Rights of a surety
Section 141 of the Indian Contract Act,1872 has mentioned the right of surety
to get a share in the security which has been kept while entering into the
contract of guarantee. The place of surety is the same as the place of the
creditor in terms of security. It is a compulsion on a creditor to share the
security with the surety; it is irrelevant whether the surety was aware of the
security or not. If the principal debtor defaults in the payment and the surety
has cleared the dues, it makes the surety entitled for a share.
Under this circumstance the creditor takes the security of the principal debtor
in case of default of payment. The surety has the right to set-off the claim in
respect to the value of security from the debt of the principal debtor.
i) Rights of subrogation
Section 140 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 has stated the right of
subrogation. The right of subrogation means forming a new contract to recover
the debt from the parties. As the surety has paid the amount due in respect to
default made by the principal debtor. Now the surety takes the place of the
creditor and the principal debtor is entitled to pay the repaid loan amount
which was paid on behalf of him to the creditor in the original contract of
guarantee.
Section 141 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 has mentioned the right of surety
in the security which is mentioned in the contract of guarantee. If the principal
debtor makes a default in payment of the loan amount and the payment is
made by surety then in this case the surety can avail the benefit of security. If
the amount is being deducted from security then in this case the surety can be
discharged.
Section 138 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 has stated that if one surety is
discharged from his liability it will not mean that all the sureties are also
discharged from his obligation. Co-sureties here means that when more than
one surety gives the guarantee or takes the obligation to pay the debt of the
principal debtor. As per Section 138 when the principal debtor fails to pay the
debt and if the creditor asks only one surety to fulfil his duty. In this case that
surety can ask the other co-sureties to fulfil their responsibility.
Section 146 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 has mentioned that the liabilities
of co-securities are joint. If the contract does not mention the liability of co-
securities as joint, it must be implied that all the co-securities will share equally
the debt not paid by the principal debtor.
The contract states that the item has to be returned by the bailee to the bailor
or disposed of in the manner specified by the bailor when the objective is
attained.
Features of Bailment
1. Contract: There must be a contract between the party who delivers the
goods i.e. bailor and the party which receives the goods, i.e. bailee, no
matter if it is express or implied.
2. Delivery of Goods: Goods must be delivered by one party to another.
3. Change in possession: Only the possession and custody of good changes,
and not the ownership. Meaning that the bailor remains the owner of
the delivered item. Further, the change in possession takes place either
by actual delivery or by any act, which results in the change in
possession of the goods, from bailor to bailee.
4. Movable items: Bailment applies to movable items only, and not to
immovable items or money.
5. Return: The bailee must return the item to the bailor. The bailee cannot
deliver any other item to the bailor in place of the actual item, even if
the other item is of high value.
17.Explain the rights and duties of pledge.
Rights of Pledger
6. Compensation
If the Pledgee without the permission of Pledger mixes the goods of Pledger
with his own goods in such a way that it becomes impossible to separate them,
the Pledger has a right to claim for the compensation for the loss of goods.
2. Duty to repay expense When the goods are to be kept or carried by the
Pledgee. It is the duty of Pledger to bear all the expense incurred on the
Pledged goods.
3. Duty to repay extra ordinary expenses If the extra ordinary expenses are
incurred by the Pledgee on the Pledged goods then it is the duty of Pledger to
repay those expenses.
4.Duty to indemnify for the defective title Where the title of goods to Pledger
is defective and Pledgee suffers loss due to such title, it is the duty of Pledger
to indemnify the Pledgee for such loss.
5.Duty to receive back goods It is the duty of Pledger to receive back goods
when the Pledgee returns them after the accomplishment of purpose
Where an organisation has been formed for a defined amount of time, liability
for its premature termination will have to be compensated if the termination
did not have appropriate justification. There was no fair warning given for the
premature decision of the department. The agent received Rs. 4000 a month.
The court was of the opinion that there should have been at least three
months’ warning. Correspondingly, a reward of Rs. 12,000 was allowed.
A principal owed his agent a sum of money and gave him an agreed exchange
bill with the authority to fill in the name of the drawer. Before the agent could
finish the bill, the principal died. His power to fill in the name of the drawer
was not considered to be terminated.
A ratification agency is when a person (the principal) approves the actions and
conduct of another (the agent) generating legal obligations or having a
consequence on a third party who reasonably believed it was transacting with
the principal.
• The principal must have free choice to ratify or disclaim the agent’s
actions
• The agent must have acted on behalf of the principal
• The principal must have the legal capacity to contract or assume legal
responsibility
• Ratification can be done expressly or implied based on the principal’s
conduct
• The principal must have had the ability to transact at the moment the
agent acted and at the moment of the ratification
• The principal must have full knowledge of the facts when ratifying the
act
• The principal must ratify the entire actions of the agent
• The ratification must be done in a timely fashion
• The ratification cannot affect third party rights
• The ratification takes effect as of the moment the agent acted
Types of Partners
Hence when an active partner wishes to retire from the firm he must give a
public notice about the same. This will absolve him of the acts done by other
partners after his retirement. Unless he gives a public notice he will be liable for
all acts even after his retirement.
2] Dormant/Sleeping Partner
This is a partner that does not participate in the daily functioning of
the partnership firm, i.e. he does not take an active part in the daily activities of
the firm. He is however bound by the action of all the other partners.
He will continue to share the profits and losses of the firm and even bring in his
share of capital like any other partner. If such a dormant partner retires he need
not give a public notice of the same.
3] Nominal Partner
This is a partner that does not have any real or significant interest in the
partnership. So, in essence, he is only lending his name to the partnership. He
will not make any capital contributions to the firm, and so he will not have a
share in the profits either. But the nominal partner will be liable to outsiders and
third parties for acts done by any other partners.
4] Partner by Estoppel
If a person holds out to another that he is a partner of the firm, either by his
words, actions or conduct then such a partner cannot deny that he is not a
partner. This basically means that even though such a person is not a partner he
has represented himself as such, and so he becomes partner by estoppel or
partner by holding out.
6] Minor Partner
A minor cannot be a partner of a firm according to the Contract Act. However, a
partner can be admitted to the benefits of a partnership if all partner gives their
consent for the same. He will share profits of the firm but his liability for the
losses will be limited to his share in the firm.
Such a minor partner on attaining majority (becoming 18 years of age) has six
months to decide if he wishes to become a partner of the firm. He must then
declare his decision via a public notice. So whether he continues as a partner or
decides to retire, in both cases he will have to issue a public notice.
21.Explain the procedure for registration of a partnership firm and what are
the consequences of non registration.
Procedure of Registration
According to the India Partnership Act 1932, there is no time limit as such for the
registration of a firm. The firm can be registered on the date when it is
incorporated or any such date after so. The requisite fees and fines must be paid.
The procedure for such a registration is as follows,
4] Once the registrar approves the application, the firm will be entered into the
records. And the registrar will also issue a certificate of incorporation.
And this is how the process of registration will be completed and the firm will
attain legal recognition.
agreement or does not fulfil their obligation as per the terms of the contract, it is
a breach of contract. There are a few remedies for breach of contract available to
the wronged party. Let us take a look.
1] Recession of Contract
When one of the parties to a contract does not fulfil his obligations, then the
other party can rescind the contract and refuse the performance of his
obligations.
As per section 65 of the Indian Contract Act, the party that rescinds the contract
must restore any benefits he got under the said agreement. And section 75
states that the party that rescinds the contract is entitled to receive damages
and/or compensation for such a recession.
Such damages will not be payable if the loss is abnormal in nature, i.e. not in the
ordinary course of business. There are two types of damages according to the
Act,
So if any of the parties fails to perform the contract, the court may order them to
do so. This is a decree of specific performance and is granted instead of damages.
For example, A decided to buy a parcel of land from B. B then refuses to sell. The
courts can order B to perform his duties under the contract and sell the land to A.
4] Injunction
An injunction is basically like a decree for specific performance but for a negative
contract. An injunction is a court order restraining a person from doing a
particular act.
5] Quantum Meruit
Quantum meruit literally translates to “as much is earned”. At times when one
party of the contract is prevented from finishing his performance of the contract
by the other party, he can claim quantum meruit.
So he must be paid a reasonable remuneration for the part of the contract he has
already performed. This could be the remuneration of the services he has
provided or the value of the work he has already done.
Types of Lien
The pre-requisite that is required for a possessory lien is that the possession
has to be continuous, rightful and not for any special purpose. Further, this can
be divided into
1. Particular Lien
2. General Lien
Particular Lien
Particular Lien is that which confers the right to retain a specific commodity for
which the particular debt arose. Such debts usually arise from services that are
provided or labourer or money that is spent on the goods on which the right it
is to be exercised.
General Lien
A general lien refers to the right to retain goods and securities of a particular
debt but in respect of the general balance that is due by the owner of the
goods and securities, to the individual who is in possession of the goods. This
may be conferred by an agreement to that effect or by custom and usage or by
the provisions of any statue. The right of general lien is particularly given by
law to bankers, solicitors, brokers, wharfingers and warehouse-keepers. A
banker comprises cash, cheque, bill of exchange and securities that are
deposited or any money that is due to him as a banker.
Banker’s Lien
Banker’s Lien is an implied pledged and the banker has the right to sell the
property after reasonable notice where the property comes into the hands in
the ordinary course of business. Section of the contract act lays down that a
banker’s lien can be applied if
Negative Lien
When an advance is made, the banker sometimes asks a borrower to execute a
letter declaring that the assets are free from all charges or encumbrance. The
borrower also undertakes the assets that are stated in the declaration will not
be encumbered or disposed of without a bank’s written permit. This
undertaking is called Negative Lien. The arrangement is normally drafted in the
form of an agreement. The banker cannot directly realize hid debts from such
assets. However, the interests of the banker are protected to a certain extent.
Equitable Lien
An equitable lien is an equitable right that is conferred by law to a charge on
the immovable or movable property of another until the satisfaction of certain
specific claims. An equitable lien is created by the operation of law. The
instances of the equitable lien are given below.
• Where the banker releases the pledged goods to the borrower using a
trust receipt, the sale proceeds of these goods will be deposited in the
loan account.
Maritime Lien
A maritime lien is a right for binding a ship, furniture, machinery, cargo and
freight for the payment of the claim which is based on the maritime law.
For example: According to partnership act, every partner is agent of the firm as
well as other parties. It is implied agency. On account of such implied agency
only a partner can bind over firm as well as other partners, to his activities. In
the same way according to companies act promoters are regarded as agents to
the company
For example: A and B are brothers, A has got settled in foreign country without
any request from A, B has handed over A`s agricultural land on these basis to a
farmer and B is collecting and remitting the amount of rent to A. Here
automatically A becomes principal and B becomes his agent. Agency by implied
authority is of three types as shown below;
• Agency by Necessity
• Agency by Estoppel
• Agency by Holding out.
For example: A has handed over 100 bags of butter for transportation, to a
road transport company. Actually it is bailment contract assume that in the
transit all vehicles has got stopped where it takes one week for further
movement. So the transport company authorities have sold away the butter in
those nearby villages. Here agency by necessity can be seen.
(iii)By Holding out: the principal is bound by the act of agent if on an earlier
occasion he has made others believe that other person doing some act on his
behalf is doing with his authority.
25.Who is an unpaid seller? What are his rights under sales of goods act.
According to section 45(1) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, a seller of goods is
called an “unpaid seller”, when:
We can broadly classify the rights of an unpaid seller under the following two
categories:
Section 46 of the Sale of Goods Act addresses the rights of an unpaid seller
whose property in the goods has not yet been transferred to the buyer. The
unpaid seller has the following 3 + 1 = 4 rights:
1. Right of lien
2. Right of stoppage of goods in transit
3. Right to resale the goods
4. Withholding delivery
1. Right of Lien
The right of lien means the right to keep possession of the goods until the
seller receives the due price.
Section 47 of the Sale of Goods Act provides that an unpaid seller (as agent or
bailee of the buyer) in possession of the goods has the right to keep possession
of the goods until payment or tender of the price in the following cases:
The unpaid seller delivered the goods to the carrier for transmission to the
buyer, and in the meantime, the buyer becomes insolvent, then the seller has
the right to stop and retain the goods in transit. Thus, the unpaid seller
resumes possession of the goods as long as it is in transit.
The unpaid seller can exercise the right of stoppage in transit only if he fulfils
the following conditions:
• The seller must have parted with the possession of goods, i.e., the goods
must not be in the seller’s possession.
• The goods must be in transit.
• The buyer must have become insolvent.
As per section 46(1) of the Sale of Goods Act, under the following
circumstances, the unpaid seller may resell the goods, if the goods are:
• Of a perishable nature, or
• When the unpaid seller exercised his right to lien or stoppage in transit
and gave notice to the buyer of his intention to resale.
We must note here that in such cases, on reselling the goods, it also
entitles the seller to:
• Recover the difference between the contract price and the resale price
from the original buyer as damage.
• Keep the profit if the resale price is higher than the contract price. But if
the unpaid seller does not give any notice, that shall not entitle such
unpaid seller to recover such damages, and the buyer can claim the
profit on the resale.
Withholding Delivery
As per section 46(2) of the Sale of Goods Act, where the property in goods has
not passed to the buyer, the unpaid seller has, besides other remedies, a right
to withhold the delivery.
It is also known as the seller’s remedy for the breach of a contract of sale.
These rights are as follows:
As per section 55 of the Sale of Goods Act, if the property in the goods has
passed to the buyer and he neglects or refuses to pay for it according to the
contract, the seller may sue him for the price of the goods.
As per section 56 of the Sale of Goods Act, where the buyer wrongfully
neglects or refuses to accept the goods and pay for the goods, the seller may
sue him for damages for non-acceptance of the goods. For the measure of
damages, section 73 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 applies.
As per section 60 of the Sale of Goods Act, if the buyer repudiates the contract
before the due date for delivery, the seller may treat the contract as
subsisting (maintain, survive, keep active) and wait until the due date of
delivery or treat the contract as rescinded (revoke, cancel) and seek damages
for the breach.
As per section 61(2) of the Sale of Goods Act, a seller may sue the buyer for
interest or special damages in the event of a breach of contract while suing for
an amount owed to him.
Introduction
According to Section 3 of the Indian Majority Act, a person who has not attained
the age of majority i.e. 18 years, is known as minor.
Section 4 of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, defines partnership and partner
as follows:
‘Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the
profits of a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all. Persons who
have entered into a partnership with one another are called individually
“partners” and collectively a “firm”, and the name under which their business is
carried on is called the “firm name”.
Rights of Minor
• Such minor is not entitled to take part in the conducting of the business
as he has no representative capacity to bind the firm.
• Where the minor becomes a partner by his own choice or by failure to
give within the specified time i.e. six months after attaining the age of
majority, he becomes personally liable to the third parties for all the
debts of the firm retrospectively from the date of his admission to the
benefits of partnership.
Liabilities of minor
Sub-section 3 of section 30 says that “such minor’s share is liable for the acts of
the firm, but the minor is not personally liable for any such act.”
In Addepally Nageswara Rao and Bros v. CIT, the Andhra Pradesh High Court
held that:
“In case he contributes capital or is entitled to get benefit in the profits of the
firm, it is to that extent that the liability can be fastened on the minor. But in no
case, the person of the minor or his other property which he has not brought
into the assets of the partnership can be held liable. That is the purport and
scope of Section 30(3) of the Indian Partnership Act.”
Sub-section (5) to (9) of section 30 of the Indian Partnership Act deal with
consequences of a minor partner attaining majority as follows
• He is given six month’s time to decide whether he should leave the firm
or continue in it by becoming a full-fledged partner. This is called the
minor’s choice, namely the right to opt out of the firm or stay in
it. [Section 30(5)]
• Where the minor claims that he had no knowledge of his admission
and, therefore, he should be allowed six months from the date of
knowledge, the burden of proof lies on minor that he had no
knowledge.[Section 30(6)]
• When minor becomes a partner
“Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the
profits of a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all”
Thus as per the above definition, there are 5 elements which constitute of a
partnership namely: (1) There must be a contract; (2) between two or more
persons; (3) who agree to carry on a business; (4) with the object of sharing
profits and (5) the business must be carried on by all or any of them acting
for all.
All the five essential elements of the partnership must be present to form a
partnership. There can't be a partnership if any of these are missing. Listed
below are the 5 elements:
1. Partnership Agreement: A contract results in a partnership. Social
standing, the rule of law, or inheritance has nothing to do with the
partnership agreement.
2. A Partnership can have a Maximum of 20 Partners: Because a
partnership is the product of a contract, at least two people are required
to form one.
3. Operation of Business in a Partnership: The parties must have agreed to
carry on a business as the third necessary ingredient of a partnership.
"Business" is the term that is used broadly to refer to any trade,
occupation, or profession. As a result, if the goal is to do some charity
work, it isn't a partnership.
4. Profits Sharing in Partners: one of the main elements of partnership is to
show that the agreement to do business must have as its goal the
distribution of profits among all partners. Therefore, if a business is
carried for the sake of charity and no profit sharing is there between
partners then there will be no partnership.
5. Mutual Agency between Partners: Another important aspect of the
definition of a partnership is that the business must be carried on by all
the partners or by any (one or more) acting on their behalf of them, i.e.
joint agency.
Termination of Agency
When the relationship between principle and agent comes to an end, it’s known
as termination of agency. Section: 201 – 210 deals with termination of agency.
Modes of termination: The provisions relating to the mode of agency are defined
under Section 201 of the Indian Contract Act – 1872. Section- 201 which provides
termination of agency is not comprehensive. We can divide termination of
agency into two parts:
For Example- A empowers B to let A’s house. Afterwards A lets it himself. This is
an implied revocation of B’s authority.
Revocation by the Agent: The Agent also can revoke the agency by serving
notice to the principle. As per section 206 of the Indian Contract Act 1872, the
agent must give proper notice of renunciation / revocation of his principal.
Otherwise, he shall be liable to make good for the loss to the principal for such
notice.
By operation of law:
The following points are included in this:
Example: Mahesh employed Sachin as his agent to sell his house in China when
the house was sold by Sachin, it automatically terminates the contract of agency
between Mahesh and Sachin.
By the end of time- The agency can also be terminated by the end of time. If the
agency is created for a specific period of time, then it expires after the time
period is over.
Death or insanity of principle or agent: Section 209 of the Indian Contract Act
deals with it. If there is a death of the principle or agent, the business or agency
of the firm may be terminated in this situation.
For example – any agency is made for sale of airplanes, if the airplane catches
fire before the sale then, this agency can be terminated because airplane are
the subject of this contract.
Hypothecation provides security to the lender against the loan advanced, due
to security as collateral pledged by the borrower. Hypothecation usually arises
in the case of movable property, for instance, hypothecation of any
Benefits of hypothecation
Hypothecation is beneficial to the borrower in three ways:
In a contract of sale, parties may make certain statements about the stipulation or
the course of trade. These stipulations in the contract of sale are made with
reference to the subject matter of the sale. These stipulations may either be a
condition or in the form of a warranty.
The provisions of the conditions and warranty are provided in the sections 11 to
17 of the Act. The stipulations are the essence of the contract of sale and a breach
of these stipulations provides a remedy to the grieved party.
However, it may be noted that stipulations as to the time of delivery of the goods
are usually the essence of the contract. In Section 11 of the Act, the topic of the
stipulation as to time has been discussed. The Sec 11 states the follows:
This means that whether the stipulations as to the time of payment of the price is
of the essence of the contract or not depends on the terms of the contract. Unless
the terms of the contract specify something different than this.
Conditions
A condition is a stipulation essential to the main purpose of the contract, the
breach of which gives the right to repudiate the contract and to claim damages.
(Sec 12 (2)). We can understand this with the help of the following example:
because the seller made the stipulation which forms the essence of the contract.
In this case, the mileage was a stipulation that was essential to the main purpose
of the contract and hence its breach is a breach of condition.
Warranty.
A warranty is a stipulation collateral to the main purpose of the said contract. The
breach of warranty gives rise to a claim for damages. However, it does give a right
to reject the goods or treat the contract as repudiated. (Sec 12(3)). Let us
understand this with the help of an example below.
A man buys a particular car, which is warranted to be quite to drive and very
comfortable. It turns out that after some days the car starts to make a very
unpleasant noise every time it is operated. Also sitting inside it is also not very
comfortable.
Thus the buyer’s only remedy is to claim damages. This is not a breach of the
condition but rather a breach of warranty, because the stipulation made by the
seller was only a collateral one.
If an unpaid seller has parted with the possession of the goods and the buyer
becomes insolvent, then the seller can ask the carrier to return the goods back.
This is subject to the provisions of the Act.
There are certain circumstances in which non-owners can make a valid pledge.
these are –
1.Mercantile agent (sec 178) – A mercantile agent is an agent having the right
to buy/sell goods on behalf of his Principal and can consign goods for the
purpose of sale or raise money on the security of goods. Such agent with the
consent of principle can make a valid pledge.
2.A person in possession under voidable contract (Sec 178 A) – Person having
possession under voidable contract can make a valid contract of pledge of
goods, provided that the contract has not been cancelled at the time of pledge
and the pledge has acted in good faith and without knowledge of pledger’s
defective title.
3. Pledger having Limited interest (sec. 179) – where a person pledges goods
in which he has limited interest, the pledge is valid to the extent of his interest.
thus, a person having a lien over goods can pledge it upto the extent of his
interest.
4.Seller in possession of goods after sale ( sec 30(1) of sale of goods act)– A
seller, left in possession of goods sold, is no more owner of the goods, but a
pledge created by him is valid, provided the Pawnee has acted in good faith
and has no knowledge of sale of goods to the real owner. in this case, the
original buyer can obtain damages from the seller but cannot recover the
goods from pledgee.
4. Co-owner in possession – where there are two or more than two co-
owners in possession of goods anyone of them can make a valid pledge
after taking consent of co-owners.
32.Explain the rights of finder goods and liability towards the true owner.
Section 168 and 169 confer certain rights on the finder of goods.
The finder of goods has no right to sue the owner for compensation for trouble
and expense voluntarily incurred by him to preserve the goods and to find out
the owner, but he may retain the goods against the owner until he receives such
compensation, and where the owner has offered a specific reward for the return
of goods lost, the finder may sue for such reward, and may retain the goods until
he receives it.
• RIGHT OF LIEN
According to section 168, a finder of goods has no right to sue the owner for
trouble and expenses voluntarily incurred by him to preserve the goods and to
find the owner. He has, however, the right of particular lien in respect of those
goods. He may retain the goods against the owner until he receives
compensation for trouble and expense voluntarily incurred by him to preserve
the goods and to find the owner
It has been noted above that the finder has the right to retain the goods until he
Is paid compensation for trouble and expense voluntarily incurred by him to
preserve the goods and find the owner. In addition to that, where the owner has
offered a specific reward for the return of goods lost the finder may sue for such
reward and also may retain the goods until he receives it.
If the goods have already been found voluntarily, and then the owner of the
goods promises to compensate the finder for his past voluntary services, the
contract is binding and the owner is bound to pay the promised amount.
When a thing which is commonly the subject of sale is lost, if the owner cannot
with reasonable diligence be found, or if he refuses upon demand, to pay the
lawful charge of the finder, finder may sell it –
1. When the thing is in danger of perishing or losing the greater part of its
value,
2. When the lawful charge of the finder, in respect of the thing found
amount to two-third of its value,
The finder of the goods has also been given the right to sell the goods found by
him under certain circumstances mentioned in section 169. Such a right is
available to the finder of the lost goods when the following conditions are
satisfied:
• Rights of Pawnee
1. Right to retain the pledged goods [Section 173]:
The pawnee is entitled to keep the goods pledged not only for the payment of
the debt or the fulfilment of the promise but also for the interest on the debt
and other required expenditures paid by him in connection with the possession
or maintenance of the pledged goods.
Example: Where ‘M’ pledges stock of goods for a certain loan from a bank, the
bank has a right to retain the stock not only for adjustment of the loan but also
for payment of interest.
for which they are pledged; nevertheless, such contract shall be inferred in
relation to subsequent advances made by the Pawnee.
3. Pawnee’s right to extraordinary expenses Incurred [Section 175]:
The pawnee is entitled to a repayment from the pawnor for extraordinary
costs paid in the maintenance of the pledged property. He does not, however,
have the right to keep the items for such costs.
• Duties of Pawnee
1.To take reasonable care of the goods pledged: The act states that pawnee
must have to take reasonable care of the goods pledged.
2. Not to make unauthorized use of goods pledged: The act states that the
goods must be used for the purpose mentioned in the contract of Pledge and
not otherwise.
3. To return the goods: The act States that, the pawnee has a duty to return
the goods pledged after the purpose is accomplished.
4. To return any accretion that increases to the goods: The pawnee is bound to
return the added accrued value from the goods pledged.
5. Duty not to mix the goods: Pawnee has a duty not to mix the goods pledged
Illustration
If A bails 100lt of petrol to B against the loan of Rs.13000. It is the duty of the B
to not mix the goods of A with his goods.
Rights of a pawnor
As the bailor of goods pawnor has all the rights of the bailor. Along with that
he also has the right of redemption to the pledged goods which is enumerated
under Section 177 of the Act.
Duties of Pawnor:
1.Duty to reimburse ordinary and extraordinary expenses.
Illustration
If A bails his cow to B for Rs.8000. B paid all the expenses like food for cow,
shelter etc. Here A has a duty to pay the expenses back to B.
Conclusion
The pawnor transfers/bailed his assets to the Pawnee as security for the sum
he gets from the Pawnee in the pledge. The pawnor is responsible for paying
the sum back to the Pawnee, and the Pawnee is responsible for returning the
goods once the pawnor has paid the amount. If the Pawnee makes illegal use
of the items bailed to him, he will be responsible for compensating the
pawnor.
The effect of a contract that an agent makes differs according to the situations
under which the agent contracts. The agent may contract under the following
three situations:
1. Disclosed Principal
Where the name of the principal is disclosed and an agent enters into a contract
on his behalf, he usually incurs no rights and liabilities under such contract. He
drops out of the contract as soon as it is made.
Thus, the contract is between the principal and the third party and also the rights
and obligations arise between them only. The legal effect of such a contract is
the same as if the principal himself directly contracts with the third party.
The legal effect implies that all the acts of the agent within the actual or
ostensible authority bind the principal. It is noteworthy here that the acts though
out of the scope of the actual authority of a general agent but within his
apparent authority are binding on the principal. Thus, any secret restrictions on
the powers of the agent do not bind the third party.
2. Undisclosed Principal
In this case, where the agent discloses that he is only an agent but hides
the identity of his principal, he is not liable personally. Thus, the principal when
discovered is liable for the contract made by his agent and is also responsible for
the acts of the agent.
3. Concealed Principal
Where an agent seems to be contracting in his own capacity without disclosing
that he is an agent or the name of his principal, he becomes personally liable. In
this case, the third party may sue the agent or the principal on discovering him or
both.
However, if the third party sues the principal and not the agent, then he shall
allow the principal the benefit of all payment that he made to the agent. He is
also eligible to obtain the benefit of anything that he pays to the agent under
the contract.
In a case where the principal discloses himself before the completion of the
contract, the third party may refuse to fulfil the contract if he shows that:
1. If he knew the principal he would have not entered into the contract.
2. If he knew that the agent is not the principal he would have not
entered into the contract.
Principal Liable for Agent’s Misconduct
When an agent commits a wrong or tort or fraud while acting within his actual or
ostensible authority, the principal is liable for his acts.
An agent is also personally liable in this case and can be sued also. Even if the
agent commits such fraud for his benefit and against the interests of the
principal, it renders the principal liable.
Admission of Partner
As subject to section 30 of The Indian Partnership Act, 1932, no one can be
introduced as a partner of the respective partnership firm until and unless
agreed by the other existing partners. The partnership firm’s cardinal principle
is the existence of a mutual agency among all its partners. However, the
person being introduced as a partner of an existing partnership firm will not be
liable for any acts of the respective firm that have been done before their
admission.
automatically gets the right to share the respective firm’s assets, liabilities, and
profit.
During the entire admission procedure, the new partnership firm (including the
new partner) must agree to carry forward all the debits and credits of the old
partnership firm. And hence, all the creditors of the old partnership firm may
discharge all the old partners and accept the new partners as their debtors.
However, it should be noted that to operate all these transactions, the
creditor’s consent is extremely important.
Retirement of Partners
According to Section 32(1) of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, a partner of an
existing partnership firm can successfully retire only with the consent of all the
other partners of the respective partnership firm. The retiring partner needs to
have an expressed agreement concerning all the firm’s other partners. In case
of a partnership at will, the retiring partner must provide a written legal notice
to all the other firm partners stating his intention to retire from the
partnership firm.
Once the partner is retired from the partnership firm, they are not liable to any
third party dealing with the firm. Such an agreement is implied once the
partnership firm is reconstituted. However, the retiring partner will be liable
for all his past acts before the retirement until they give the public notice. As
mentioned in section 32 (2) of this act, the public notice can be given by the
retiring partner or any other partner.
partnership firm even after the retirement. The liability continues until the
public notice of their retirement is given. A retired partner is not liable to any
third parties dealing with the partnership firm without knowing that they were
a partner.
Such a kind of agreement between the partners may be implied by a course of
dealings between the reconstituted firm and the third party. In the partnership
at will, if the retiring partner does not provide a written notice intending his
retirement, he will continue to be liable for all the acts of the respective
partnership firm.
BASIS FOR
CONDITION WARRANTY
COMPARISON
BASIS FOR
CONDITION WARRANTY
COMPARISON
Conclusion
At the time of agreeing to the contract of sale, both the buyer and seller puts
some stipulations regarding payment, delivery, quality, quantity, etc. These
stipulations can be either condition or warranty, which depends on the nature
of the contract. Every contract of sale has some implied conditions and
warranties.
Passing of Property
There are four primary rules that govern the passing of property:
Section 21
Specific goods to be put into a deliverable state (Section 21) – Imagine a contract
for the sale of goods where the seller has to do something before the goods are
ready for delivery. In such cases, the passing of property happens only after the
seller does the things and informs the buyer.
Example: Peter buys a laptop from an electronics store and asks for a home
delivery. The shopkeeper agrees to it. However, the laptop does not have a
Windows operating system installed. The shopkeeper promises to install it and
call Peter before making the delivery. In this case, the property transfers to Peter
only after the shopkeeper has installed the OS making the laptop ready for
delivery.
Section 22
Specific goods are in a deliverable state but the seller has to do something to
ascertain the price – Imagine a contract of sale of goods which are in a
deliverable state but the seller has to do something like weight, measure, test, or
perform any other act on the goods to ascertain the price. In such cases, the
property does not pass until the seller does the act and informs the seller.
Section 23
Further Section 23 lists two important rules for the passing of property of
unascertained goods:
39.What are the rights available to seller and buyer for breach of contract?
A buyer also has certain remedies against the seller who commits a breach.
These are:
1. Suit for Damages for Non-Delivery- When the seller wrongfully neglects or
refuses to deliver the goods to the buyer, the buyer may sue the seller for
damages for non-delivery. This is in addition to the buyer's right to recover the
price, if already paid, in case of non-delivery.
2. Suit for price- Where the buyer has paid the price and the goods are not
delivered to him, he can recover the amount paid.
3. Suit for specific performance- When the goods are specific or ascertained, a
buyer may sue the seller for specific performance of the contract and compel
him to deliver the same goods. The court orders for specific performance only
when the goods are specific or ascertained and an order for damages would
not be an adequate remedy. Specific performance is generally allowed where
the goods are of special significance or value e.g. a rare paining, a unique piece
of jewellery , etc.
5. Suit for Damages for Repudiation of contract before Due date-Where the
seller repudiates the contract before the date of delivery, the buyer may adopt
any of the following two courses of action --
1. He may treat the contract as rescinded and sue the seller for damages.
This is also known as 'damages for anticipatory breach'. The damages
will be assessed according to the prices prevailing on the date of breach.
2. He may treat the contract as subsisting and wait till the date of delivery.
The contract remains open at the risk and for the benefit of both the
parties. If the seller subsequently chooses to perform there shall be no
damages otherwise he shall be liable to damages assessed according to
the prices on the day stipulated for delivery.
6. Suit for interest- The buyer may recover such interest or special damages, as
may be recoverable bylaw. He may also recover the money paid where the
consideration for the payment of it has failed.
In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the court may award interest, to
the buyer, in a suit by him for the refund of the price in a case of a breach on
the part of the seller, at such rate as it thinks fit on the amount of the price
from the date on which the payment was made.
40.Explain the doctrine of “Caveat emptor” state the exceptions to this rule.
Caveat Emptor” is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. What
exactly does this mean? Does the seller have no responsibilities? The answers lie
in the Doctrine of Caveat Emptor.
The doctrine of Caveat Emptor is an integral part of the Sale of Goods Act. It
translates to “let the buyer beware”. This means it lays the responsibility of their
choice on the buyer themselves.
A seller makes his goods available in the open market. The buyer previews all his
options and then accordingly makes his choice. Now let’s assume that the
product turns out to be defective or of inferior quality.
This doctrine says that the seller will not be responsible for this. The buyer
himself is responsible for the choice he made.
So the doctrine attempts to make the buyer more conscious of his choices. It is
the duty of the buyer to check the quality and the usefulness of the product he
is purchasing. If the product turns out to be defective or does not live up to its
potential the seller will not be responsible for this.
So if the goods are not of marketable quality then the buyer will not be the one
who is responsible. It will be the seller’s responsibility. However if the buyer has
had a reasonable chance to examine the product, then this exception will not
apply.
5] Sale by Sample
If the buyer buys his goods after examining a sample then the rule of Doctrine of
Caveat Emptor will not apply. If the rest of the goods do not resemble the
sample, the buyer cannot be held responsible. In this case, the seller will be the
one responsible.
For example, A places an order for 50 toy cars with B. He checks one sample
where the car is red. The rest of the cars turn out orange. Here the doctrine will
not apply and B will be responsible.
7] Usage of Trade
There is an implied condition or warranty about the quality or the fitness of
goods/products. But if a seller deviated from this then the rules of caveat emptor
cease to apply. For example, A bought goods from B in an auction of the contents
of a ship. But B did not inform A the contents were sea damaged, and so the
rules of the doctrine will not apply here.
41.What are the rights available to seller and buyer for breach of contract.
Please refer Earlier Answer
42.Whe can a court order for dissolution of a firm.
According to section 44 of the Indian Partnership Act, a partner can approach the
court asking for the dissolution of the firm. As per the discretion of the court, it
may order a dissolution under certain circumstances.
1] Partner of Unsound Mind
The insanity (temporary or permanent) does not automatically dissolve the
partnership. However, the guardian of the unsound partner or any other partner
can file a suit with the court for dissolution of a partnership firm. The dissolution
will be effective from the date of the court order.
2] Incapacity of Partner
If a partner has become incapable in a permanent capacity, for example blind,
paralytic etc. then the court will dissolve the firm if a suite is filed by any partner.
3] Misconduct by Partner
If the misconduct of a partner is adversely affecting the business and their
reputation, then the court will consider dissolving the firm in response to a suit
filed by any other partner of the firm. For example, the gambling addiction of
one particular partner is adversely affecting a firm, the court can order
the dissolution of the firm.
4] Breaching of Agreement
If one of the partners is persistently breaching the partnership agreement then
the other partners can approach the court. One point to note is that the partner
must be repeatedly breaching the contract, and continues to do so even after
warnings. An on-off breach does not warrant the action. But persistent breaching
will result in the court ordering the dissolution of the firm.
6] Losses
If the business is operating at a loss and the courts are convinced that the
business cannot turn a profit, it will dissolve the firm.
43 Sharing a profit is only a prima facie evidence to show that there exist
partnership discuss.
Sharing of Profit
Facts- Benjamin Smith and Josiah Timmis Smith carried on business as iron
specialists and corn vendors under the name of B Smith & Son. They were
obligated to pay a lot of money to the creditors as they had taken loan earlier.
So, a meeting took place, amongst whom were Cox and Wheatcroft. An
arrangement deed was executed by more than six-sevenths in number and
value of the creditors. The trusts were identified and the rent was fixed at 21
years. They were to carry on business under the name of “The Stanton Iron
Company”. The deed likewise contained a condition which kept them from
suing the Smiths for existing obligations. Cox never went about as trustee, and
Wheatcroft surrendered following a month and a half after which no trustee
was appointed.
Issue- Now the issue was whether or not the defendants (creditors) including
Cox and Wheatcroft are liable to the Hickman?
Judgement -It was held by the House of Lords that there exists no partnership
and hence Cox was not liable. Lord Cranworth stated that- “Participation in
profits is not the decisive test of a partnership”. The court also said that the
deed was just to pay the creditors out of the existing profits and the profits
that the business would earn in future. Thus, this relationship is not enough to
constitute a principle- agency relationship.
There are some more situations which have been found contradictory to the
partnership:
Under Section 6, the real attention between the parties must be given regard
by looking at the relevant facts while determining the existence of a
partnership. This rule doesn’t seem as simple as it is stated, its application is an
intricate part.
Auction Sale
An auction sale is a public sale. The goods are sold to all members of the public at
large who are assembled in one place for the auction. Such interested buyers are
the bidders.
The price they are offering for the goods is the bid. And the goods will be sold to
the bidder with the highest bid.
The person carrying out the auction sale is the auctioneer. He is the agent of the
seller. So all the rules of the Law of Agency apply to him.
But if an auctioneer wishes to sell his own property as the principal he can do so.
And he need not disclose this fact, it is not a requirement under the law.
2] Completion of Sale
The sale is complete when the auctioneer says it is complete. This can be done by
actions also – like the falling of the hammer, or any such customary action. Till
the auctioneer does not announce the completion of the sale the prospective
buyers can keep bidding.
The auctioneer also cannot accept such bids from the seller or any other person
on his behalf. And any sale that contravenes this rule is to be treated as
fraudulent by the buyer.
5] Reserve Price
An auction sale may be subject to a reserve price or an upset price. This means
the auctioneer will not sell the goods for any price below the said reserve price.
6] Pretend Bidding
But if the seller or any other person appointed by him employs pretend bidding
to raise the price of the goods, the sale is voidable at the option of the buyer.
That means the buyer can choose to honor the contract or he can choose to void
it.
7] No Credit
The auctioneer cannot sell the goods on credit as per his wishes. He cannot
accept a bill of exchange either unless the seller is expressly fine with it.
Section:146
A contract of guarantee refers to a contract to perform the promise or discharge
the liability of a third person in case of any default by him. Surety is the person
giving the guarantee. The person for whom the guarantee is given is the Principle
Debtor. The person to whom the surety gives the guarantee is the Creditor. A
guarantee may be oral or in writing.
Where two or more persons are co-sureties for the same debt or duty, either
jointly or severally, and whether under the same or different contracts, and
whether with or without the knowledge of each other, the co-sureties, in the
absence of any contract to the contrary, are liable, as between themselves, to
pay each an equal share of the whole debt, or of that part of it which remains
unpaid by the principal debtor.
Illustration
(a) A, B and C are sureties to D for the sum of 3,000 rupees lent to E. E makes
default in payment. A, B and C are liable, as between themselves, to pay 1,000
rupees each.
(b) A, B and C are sureties to D for the sum of 1,000 rupees lent to E, and there
is a contract between A, B and C that A is to be responsible to the extent of
one-quarter, B to the extent of one- quarter, and C to the extent of one-half. E
makes default in payment. As between the sureties, A is liable to pay 250
rupees, B 250 rupees, and C 500 rupees.
BY