Definitions of express and implied authority
Section 187 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with definitions of express and implied authority. An authority is said to be express when it is given by words spoken or written. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
An authority is said to be express when it is given by words spoken or written. An authority is said to be implied when it is to be inferred from the circumstances of the case; and things spoken or written, or the ordinary course of dealing, may be accounted circumstances of the case.
Illustration
A owns a shop in Serampore, living himself in Calcutta, and visiting the shop occasionally. The shop is managed by B, and he is in the habit of ordering goods from C in the name of A for the purposes of the shop, and of paying for them out of A's funds with A's knowledge. B has an implied authority from A to order goods from C in the name of A for the purposes of the shop
Section 187, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).
Judgments citing this section
These may be obiter dicta or a precedent, for you to study. These are the judgments where this section is quoted.
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… For, the sequitur of finding this issue in favour of the Plaintiff would be that Defendant would then become bound by the acts of K.C. Mehta and Co. in engaging the Plaintiff and approving the invoices raised by the Plaintiff. 10.1. At this stage it will be apposite to refer to Sections 182 and 187 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 which reads as under: "182."Agent" and "principal" defined.—An "agent" is a person employed to do any act for another, or to represent another in dealings with third persons. The person for whom such act is done, or who is so represented, is called the "principal" . 187. …
Questions about Section 187
What does Section 187 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 187 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Definitions of express and implied authority". An authority is said to be express when it is given by words spoken or written.
How do I find court cases under Section 187 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 187, section 187 Contract Act, section 187 of the Indian Contract Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 187 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 187 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 187, 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 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.