Indian Contract Act, 1872
145. Implied promise to indemnify
surety
In every contract of guarantee there is an implied promise by
the principal debtor to indemnify the surety, and the surety is entitled to
recover from the principal debtor whatever sum he has rightfully paid under the
guarantee, but no sums which he has paid wrongfully.
Illustrations
(a) B is indebted to C, and A is surety for the debt. C demands
payment from A, and on his refusal sues him for the amount. A defends the suit,
having reasonable grounds for doing so, but he is compelled to pay the amount
of the debt with costs. He can recover from B the amount paid by him for costs,
as well as the principal debt.
(b) C lends B a sum of money, and A, at the request of B,
accepts a bill of exchange drawn by B upon A to secure the amount. C, the
holder of the bill, demands payment of it from A, and on A's refusal to pay,
sues him upon the bill. A, not having reasonable grounds for so doing, defends
the suit, and has to pay the amount of the bill and costs. He can recover from
B the amount of the bill, but not the sum paid for costs, as there was no real
ground for defending the action.
(c) A guarantees to C, to the extent of 2,000 rupees, payment
for rice to be supplied by C to B. C supplies to B rice to a less amount than
2,000 rupees, but obtains from A payment of the sum of 2,000 rupees in respect
of the rice supplied. A cannot recover from B more than the price of the rice
actually supplied.