ICA Section 70: Obligation of person enjoying benefit of non-gratuitous act
Indian Contract Act, 1872 · Chapter 5: Certain Relations Resembling Those Created by Contract
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70. Obligation of person enjoying benefit of non-gratuitous act . Where a person lawfully does anything for another person, or delivers anything to him, not intending to do so gratuitously, and such other person enjoys the benefit thereof, the latter is bound to make compensation to the former in respect of, or to restore, the thing so done or delivered.
Illustrations
(a) A, a tradesman, leaves goods at B's house by mistake. B treats the goods as his own. He is bound to pay A for them.
(b) A saves B's property from fire. A is not entitled to compensation from B, if the circumstances show that he intended to act gratuitously.
Official reference: India Code, Legislative Department — checked: 29 September 2026.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 68. Claim for necessaries supplied to person incapable of contracting, or on his account
- 69. Reimbursement of person paying money due by another, in payment of which he is interested
- 71. Responsibility of finder of goods
- 72. Liability of person to whom money is paid or thing delivered by mistake or under coercion