Where two or more persons are co-sureties for the
same debt or duty, either jointly or severally, and whether under the same or different contracts, and
whether with or without the knowledge of each other, the co-sureties, in the absence of any contract to the
contrary, are liable, as between themselves, to pay each an equal share of the whole debt, or of that part of
it which remains unpaid by the principal debtor.
Illustrations
(a) A, B and C are sureties to D for the sum of 3,000 rupees lent to E. E makes default in payment. A, B and C are liable, as
between themselves, to pay 1,000 rupees each.
(b) A, B and C are sureties to D for the sum of 1,000 rupees lent to E, and there is a contract between A, B and C that A is to
be responsible to the extent of one-quarter, B to the extent of one- quarter, and C to the extent of one-half. E makes default in
payment. As between the sureties, A is liable to pay 250 rupees, B 250 rupees, and C 500 rupees.