Section169
The Indian Contract Act, 1872

When finder of thing commonly on sale may sell it

In force From 01 Sep 1872 Act 9 of 1872 As on 17 Oct 2026

Act 9 of 1872 Ministry Law and Justice Enacted 25 Apr 1872 In force 01 Sep 1872

Section 169 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with 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 charges of the finder, the finder may sell it— (1) when the thing is in danger of perishing or of losing the greater part of its value, The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.

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 charges of the finder, the finder may sell it—

(1) when the thing is in danger of perishing or of losing the greater part of its value, or,

(2) when the lawful charges of the finder, in respect of the thing found, amount to two-thirds of its value.

Section 169, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).

Questions about Section 169

What does Section 169 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?

Section 169 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "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 charges of the finder, the finder may sell it— (1) when the thing is in danger of perishing or of losing the greater part of its value,

How do I find court cases under Section 169 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 169, section 169 Contract Act, section 169 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type 169 contract act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 169 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?

Section 169 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 169, 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

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 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.