“What is meant by the doctrine of Caveat Emptor? State the conditions for its applicability and discuss the exceptions to this doctrine under the…

In case of sale of goods, the doctrine ‘Caveat Emptor’ means ‘let the buyer beware’. When sellers display their goods in the open market, it is for the buyers to make a proper selection or choice of the goods. If the goods turn out to be defective, he cannot hold the seller liable. The seller is in no way responsible for the bad selection of the buyer. The seller is not bound to disclose the defects in the goods which he is selling. It is the duty of the buyer to satisfy himself before buying the goods that the goods will serve the purpose for which they are being bought. If the goods turn out to be defective or do not serve his purpose or if he depends on his own skill or judgment, the buyer cannot hold the seller responsible. The rule of Caveat Emptor is laid down in the Section 16, which states that, “subject to the provisions of this Act or of any other law for the time being in force, there is no implied warranty or condition as to the quality or fitness for any particular purpose of goods supplied under a contract of sale”. Following are the conditions to be satisfied: if the buyer had made known to the seller the purpose of his purchase, andthe buyer relied on the seller’s skill and judgement, andseller’s business to supply goods of that description Exceptions: The doctrine of Caveat Emptor is, however, subject to the following exceptions: