FINDER OF GOODS

FINDER OF LOST GOODS

 A person who finds goods belonging to another and
takes them into custody is called a finder of goods.

 A person, who finds goods belonging to the other, is not

bound to take them into his custody or take charge of it.
But if he picks them up or take charge of the goods, he
becomes the bailee of the goods.

 Sec 71 of the Act, clearly states that a person who finds

goods belonging to another and takes them into his
custody, is subject to the same responsibilities as a
bailee.
 DUTIES OF A FINDER OF GOODS

 He must take reasonable care of the goods found.

 He must try to find out the true owner of the goods. If he

fails, he will be liable as a trespasser or a thief.

 He must not mix up the goods with his own goods.

 He should not use the goods found for his own purpose.
 RIGHTS OF THE FINDER OF GOODS
 The finder has the right of lien over the goods
for his expenses.

 In case, the owner has offered any specific

reward for the return of the goods, the finder
may sue for such reward and he may retain the
goods until such reward is paid.

 A finder has the right to retain possession of the

goods against the whole world, except the true
owner.
 According to the Sec 169 of the Act,
the finder of goods may sell if:
 The owner cannot with reasonable diligence
be found, or
 He refuses upon demand to pay the lawful
charges of the finder, or
 The thing is in danger of perishing or of
loosing the greater part of its value, or
 The lawful charges of the finder, in respect of
the thing found, amount to two-thirds of its
value.