THE RIVER STEAM NAVIGATION CO., LT.D versus SHYAM SUNDAR TEA CO., LTD.

THE RIVER STEAM NAVIGATION CO., LT.D versus SHYAM SUNDAR TEA CO., LTD.

Appellants, by their conduct, publicly professed to carry goods indiscriminately for all persons from Dillibari to stations on their main steamer route, thus acting as common carriers and liable for loss, irrespective of negligence or absence of special contract.

Parties
Appellant: The River Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.; Respondent: Shyam Sundar Tea Co., Ltd.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
05 May 1961
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Decision
Outcome
appeal dismissed with costs
Legal Topics
Common Carrier Liability, Carriage of Goods, Carriers Act 1865, Negligence, Contractual Liability

Case Brief

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Parties

The River Steam Navigation Co., Ltd.

Appellant

Shyam Sundar Tea Co., Ltd.

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Decision

  1. 1 Whether the appellant steamer company was a common carrier in respect of carriage from Dillibari Ghat to Desangmukh and Calcutta under the Carriers Act, 1865
  2. 2 Whether the absence of fixed rates, regular service, or profit in feeder service negates common carrier status
  3. 3 Whether the Forwarding Note absolved liability for loss of goods

Ratio Decidendi

Appellants, by their conduct, publicly professed to carry goods indiscriminately for all persons from Dillibari to stations on their main steamer route, thus acting as common carriers and liable for loss, irrespective of negligence or absence of special contract.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed with costs

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs.
  • No need to pass any order on C.M.P. No. 40 of 1960; application to be filed.