Understanding Bailment
Bailment is a legal term that refers to the temporary transfer of possession of goods from one party to another, where the ownership remains with the original owner. This concept is essential in various transactions, including storage, repair, and transportation of goods.
Key Features of Bailment:
- Temporary Delivery: The hallmark of bailment is that it involves a temporary delivery of goods. The bailee (the person receiving the goods) is entrusted with the property for a specific purpose and must return it after fulfilling that purpose.
- Possession vs. Ownership: While the bailee has possession of the goods, the ownership remains with the bailor (the original owner). This distinction is crucial; the bailee cannot claim ownership over the goods.
- Purpose-Driven: Bailment is typically created for a specific purpose, such as repair, safekeeping, or transportation. Once the purpose is accomplished, the goods must be returned to the bailor.
- Duties of the Bailee: The bailee has a duty to take reasonable care of the goods and return them in their original condition, barring normal wear and tear.
Examples of Bailment:
- Dry Cleaning: When you take your clothes to a dry cleaner, you temporarily deliver your garments for cleaning. The dry cleaner is required to return them once the service is complete.
- Parking Services: When you leave your car with a valet, you are temporarily handing over possession of your vehicle, but you retain ownership.
In summary, bailment is fundamentally about the temporary delivery of goods, making option 'A' the correct answer. Understanding this concept is essential for various legal and business transactions.