Section 160 The Indian Contract Act, 1872
Section 160 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 states:
"Obligation of a bailee to return goods bailed, on expiration of time or accomplishment of purpose."
It is the duty of the bailee to return, or deliver according to the bailor's directions, the goods bailed, without demand, as soon as the time for which they were bailed has expired, or the purpose for which they were bailed has been accomplished.
🔍 Explanation:
Section 160 imposes a legal obligation on the bailee to return the goods to the bailor once the bailment ends—either by the expiry of time or by the completion of the agreed purpose.
✅ Key Points:
The bailee must return the goods:
When the specified time ends, or
When the intended purpose is fulfilled.
The return must be without any demand from the bailor.
The return must be done as per the bailor’s directions, unless there’s a legal or reasonable cause not to.
🧑⚖️ Example:
Mr. A gives his laptop to Mr. B for repair. Once the repair is complete (purpose fulfilled), B must return the laptop to A without being asked. If B keeps the laptop beyond that, he is in breach of duty under Section 160.
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