Indian Contract Act, 1872
143. Guarantee obtained by concealment,
invalid
Any guarantee which the creditor has obtained by means of
keeping silence as to material circumstances, is invalid.
Illustrations
(a) A engages B as clerk to collect money for him. B fails to
account for some of his receipts and A in consequence call upon him to furnish
security for his duly accounting. C gives his guarantee for B's duly
accounting. A does not acquaint C with B's previous conduct. B afterwards makes
default. The guarantee is invalid.
(b) A guarantees to C payment for iron to be supplied by him to
B to the amount of 2,000 tons. B and C have privately agreed that B should pay
five rupees per tone beyond the market price, such excess to be applied in
liquidation of an old debt. This agreement is concealed from A. A is not liable
as a surety.