Section 165 The Indian Contract Act, 1872
Section 165 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with the rights of a finder of goods.
📜 Section 165 – Rights of Finder of Goods
"When goods are found, the finder of the goods, as such, is bound to take care of them with the ordinary care of a man of ordinary prudence, and is entitled to retain them until he is reimbursed the expenses properly incurred in taking care of them."
🔍 Explanation:
If a person finds goods belonging to someone else, that person (the finder):
Must take reasonable care of the goods as a prudent person would.
Has a right to keep possession of the goods until expenses incurred in taking care of the goods are reimbursed.
✅ Key Points:
The finder is not the owner but has custody.
The finder is a bailee and must take care of the goods.
The finder can claim reimbursement for necessary expenses (like safe storage or maintenance).
The finder should make reasonable efforts to find the true owner.
💡 Example:
If someone finds a lost bicycle, they must take care of it (prevent theft or damage). If they spend money on its safe storage, they can keep the bicycle until the owner repays those expenses.
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