Section173
The Indian Contract Act, 1872

Pawnee's right of retainer

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 173 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with pawnee's right of retainer. The pawnee may retain the goods pledged, not only for payment of the debt or the performance of the promise, but for the interest of the debt, and all necessary expenses incurred by him in respect of the possession or for the preservation of the goods pledged. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.

The pawnee may retain the goods pledged, not only for payment of the debt or the performance of the promise, but for the interest of the debt, and all necessary expenses incurred by him in respect of the possession or for the preservation of the goods pledged.

Section 173, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).

Questions about Section 173

What does Section 173 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?

Section 173 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Pawnee's right of retainer". The pawnee may retain the goods pledged, not only for payment of the debt or the performance of the promise, but for the interest of the debt, and all necessary expenses incurred by him in respect of the possession or for the preservation of the goods pledged.

How do I find court cases under Section 173 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 173, section 173 Contract Act, section 173 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type indian contract act 173. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 173 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?

Section 173 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 173, 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.