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• To take reasonable care of the goods: It is the duty of the bailee to take
reasonable care of the goods bailed to him/her by the bailor. According to
section 151 of the Indian contract act 1872, the bailee is to take care of the
goods as a man of ordinary prudence would, under similar circumstances, take
care of his own goods of the same bulk, quality and value as the goods bails”.
Section 152 states that If, In spite of taking all reasonable care, the goods are
damaged or destroyed in any way, then the bailee is not liable for the loss,
destruction or the deterioration of the goods bailed.
• In Coldman vs Hill (1919) 1 K.B. 443 : In this case some cattle belonging to A
were given to B for feeding them grass against payment. Without any
negligence on the part of B the cattle were stolen. B did not inform the owner
or the police or make any effort to recover the cattle, because he thought it
would be useless to do so. It was held by the Court that B was liable for the
loss to A.
• Not to make any unauthorized use of goods: The bailee is not to use goods in a
manner, which is inconsistent with the terms of the contract. If he/she uses the
goods in an inconsistent manner then he/she is liable for loss of or any damage
to the goods bailed.
• Not to mix goods bailed with his/her own goods: The bailee is to keep the
goods bailed to him/her separately from his/her own goods.
• To return the goods
• In Shaw& Co. vs. Symmons & Sons (1917 )1K.B. 799: A delivered some
books to B for binding. He pressed for their return, but B neglected to return
them although more than a reasonable time had elapsed. A fire accidently
broke out on B’s premises, and the books were destroyed. He held, B was
liable for the loss, although he was not negligent, because of his failure to
deliver the books within a reasonable time.
• Bailee should not setup adverse title.