Home > Topics > Business Laws > Unpaid Seller's Rights

Unpaid Seller's Rights ๐Ÿ’ธ

Who is an Unpaid Seller? (Section 45) A seller who:

  1. Has NOT received the whole price, OR
  2. Received a cheque which was dishonoured.

Situation: You sold goods. Buyer took goods. Didn't pay (or paid with a bounced cheque). Question: What can you do?


Rights Against the GOODS ๐Ÿ“ฆ

1. Right of Lien (Section 47) ๐Ÿ”’

Meaning: Right to retain possession of goods until full payment. When can you use it?

  • Goods sold without credit period.
  • Credit period expired.
  • Buyer becomes insolvent.

Limitation: You can only HOLD the goods. You cannot USE or SELL them.

2. Right of Stoppage in Transit (Section 50) ๐Ÿš›

When: Buyer becomes insolvent + Goods are in transit (on the way to buyer). Action: You can stop the carrier (truck driver) and reclaim goods.

"In Transit" means: Goods left your warehouse but not yet reached buyer.

3. Right of Resale (Section 54) โ™ป๏ธ

When can you resell the goods?

  • Perishable goods (Vegetables, Milk).
  • Seller gave notice to buyer and buyer didn't pay.
  • Seller reserved the right to resell (in contract).

Effect: Buyer loses all rights. You can keep the profit or claim loss.


Rights Against the BUYER ๐Ÿ‘ค

  1. Suit for Price (Section 55):

    • If property passed to buyer, you can sue for the price (not damages).
  2. Suit for Damages (Section 56):

    • If buyer refuses to accept/pay, sue for loss suffered.
  3. Suit for Interest:

    • If agreed in contract or as per mercantile usage.
Resale doesn't mean Free Sale

Even after reselling, you can claim damages from the original buyer if:

  • Original price was โ‚น1000.
  • You sold for โ‚น800.
  • You can claim โ‚น200 loss + expenses from original buyer.

Quiz Time! ๐ŸŽฏ

Loading quizโ€ฆ


๐Ÿ’ก Final Wisdom: "The law gives the seller weapons to fight non-payment. But use them wisely and quickly, or you lose them!" โš”๏ธ

Next up: Consumer Protection Act - Protecting the Buyer! ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ