Right of person dealing with agent personally liable
Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with right of person dealing with agent personally liable. In cases where the agent is personally liable, a person dealing with him may hold either him or his principal, or both of them, liable. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
In cases where the agent is personally liable, a person dealing with him may hold either him or his principal, or both of them, liable.
Illustration
A enters into a contract with B to sell him 100 bales of cotton, and afterwards discovers that B was acting as agent for C. A may sue either B or C, or both, for the price of the cotton.
Section 233, 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.
-
… It was the lessee who handed over the Unit back to the Corporation pursuant to orders of the Legal Services Authority. At any rate, the principle under Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act, retains the liability of the lessee even on the appointment of the franchisee. It was the duty of the lessee to ensure that the franchisee was functioning in accordance with Ext.A2 agreement. The lessee continued to be liable under Ext.A2. The contention that, consequent on the …
-
… It was the lessee who handed over the Unit back to the Corporation pursuant to orders of the Legal Services Authority. At any rate, the principle under Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act, retains the liability of the lessee even on the appointment of the franchisee. It was the duty of the lessee to ensure that the franchisee was functioning in accordance with Ext.A2 agreement. The lessee continued to be liable under Ext.A2. The contention that, consequent on the …
Questions about Section 233
What does Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Right of person dealing with agent personally liable". In cases where the agent is personally liable, a person dealing with him may hold either him or his principal, or both of them, liable.
How do I find court cases under Section 233 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 233, section 233 Contract Act, section 233 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 233 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 233 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 233, 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.