Restoration of goods lent gratuitously
Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with restoration of goods lent gratuitously. The lender of a thing for use may at any time require its return, if the loan was gratuitous, even though he lent it for a specified time or purpose. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
The lender of a thing for use may at any time require its return, if the loan was gratuitous, even though he lent it for a specified time or purpose. But if, on the faith of such loan made for a specified time or purpose, the borrower has acted in such a manner that the return of the thing lent before the time agreed upon would cause him loss exceeding the benefit actually derived by him from the loan, the lender must, if he compels the return, indemnify the borrower for the amount in which the loss so occasioned exceeds the benefit so derived.
Section 159, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).
Questions about Section 159
What does Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Restoration of goods lent gratuitously". The lender of a thing for use may at any time require its return, if the loan was gratuitous, even though he lent it for a specified time or purpose.
How do I find court cases under Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Contract Act 159, section 159 Contract Act, section 159 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type indian contract act section 159. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 159 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 159, came into force on 01 Sep 1872, having been enacted on 25 Apr 1872. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 73. Compensation for loss or damage caused by breach of contract1822 words
- 23. What considerations and objects are lawful, and what not596 words
- 74. Compensation for breach of contract where penalty stipulated for577 words
- 28. Agreements in restraint of legal proceeding void512 words
- 25. Agreement without consideration, void, unless it is in writing and registered, or is a promise to compensate for something done, or is a promise to pay a debt barred by limitation law423 words
- 16. "Undue influence" defined397 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 18 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.