Sale of Goods Act, 1930
39. Delivery to carrier or wharfinger
(1) Where, in pursuance of a contract of sale, the seller is
authorized or required to send the goods to the buyer, delivery of the goods to
a carrier, whether named by the buyer or not, for the purpose of transmission
to the buyer, or delivery of the goods to a wharfinger for safe custody, is
prima facie deemed to be a delivery of the goods to the buyer.
(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the buyer, the seller shall
make such contract with the carrier or wharfinger on behalf of the buyer as may
be reasonable having regard to the nature of the goods and the other
circumstances of the case. If the seller omits so to do, and the goods are lost
or damaged in course of transit or whilst in the custody of the wharfinger, the
buyer may decline to treat the delivery to the carrier or wharfinger as a
delivery to himself, or may hold the seller responsible in damages.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed, where goods are sent by the seller
to the buyer by a route involving sea transit, in circumstances in which it is
usual to insure, the seller shall give such notice to the buyer as may enable
him to insure them during their sea transit and if the seller fails so to do,
the goods shall be deemed to be at his risk during such sea transit.