Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Contract Act, 1872
X · Section 188

Extent of agent’s authority.

Synced on 13 Aug 2026Text as per India Code

An agent, having an authority to do an act, has authority to do

every lawful thing which is necessary in order to do such act.

An agent having an authority to carry on a business, has authority to do every lawful thing necessary

for the purpose, or usually done in the course, of conducting such business.

Illustrations

(a) A is employed by B, residing in London, to recover at Bombay a debt due to B. A may adopt any legal process necessary

for the purpose of recovering the debt, and may give a valid discharge for the same.

(b) A constitutes B his agent to carry on his business of a ship-builder. B may purchase timber and other materials, and hire

workmen, for the purpose of carrying on the business.

Judgments on Section 188