Agent's lien on principal's property
Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with agent's lien on principal's property. In the absence of any contract to the contrary, an agent is entitled to retain goods, papers and other property, whether movable or immovable of the principal received by him, until the amount due to himself for commission, disbursements and services in respect of the same has been paid or accounted The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
In the absence of any contract to the contrary, an agent is entitled to retain goods, papers and other property, whether movable or immovable of the principal received by him, until the amount due to himself for commission, disbursements and services in respect of the same has been paid or accounted for to him.
Section 221, 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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… The respondent filed an application in the suit to return the passports to her. This has been allowed unconditionally by the court below. The said order is challenged by the petitioner in this original petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India. 2. The petitioner relies on Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act to contend that an Agent is entitled to retain the goods, papers and other property till the amount due to him is paid by the Principal. Reliance is also placed on the passport itself which states that 'an agent is a lawful custodian of the passport belonging to the principal'. The …
Questions about Section 221
What does Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Agent's lien on principal's property". In the absence of any contract to the contrary, an agent is entitled to retain goods, papers and other property, whether movable or immovable of the principal received by him, until the amount due to himself for commission, disbursements and services in respect of the same has been paid or accounted
How do I find court cases under Section 221 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 221, section 221 Contract Act, section 221 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type 221 contract act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 221 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 221, 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 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.