Indian Contract Act, 1872
176. Pawnee's right where pawnor makes
default
If the pawnor makes default in payment of the debt, or
performance, at the stipulated time, of the promise, in respect of which the
goods were pledged, the pawnee may bring a suit against the pawnor upon the
debt or promise, and retain the goods pledged as a collateral security; or he
may sell the thing pledged, on giving the pawnor reasonable notice of the sale.
If the proceeds of such sale are less than the amount due in
respect of the debt or promise, the pawnor is still liable to pay the balance.
If the proceeds of the sale are greater than the amount so due, the pawnee
shall pay over the surplus to the pawnor.