Meaning of Specific Goods
Specific Goods are defined under Section 2(14) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 as goods that are identified and agreed upon at the time of making the contract of sale. Unlike generic or unascertained goods, specific goods are clearly earmarked, and both buyer and seller are aware of their exact identity. These goods are important in contracts of sale because the transfer of ownership and risk depends on whether the goods are specifically identified. Once specific goods are agreed upon in a contract, the buyer acquires rights over those particular goods, subject to payment.
Legal Relevance and Characteristics
The Sale of Goods Act makes a distinction between specific, ascertained, and unascertained goods, with specific goods being the most concrete. Under Sections 18–20, the transfer of ownership in specific goods depends on the parties’ intention and whether the goods are in a deliverable state. If the parties have agreed on specific goods, ownership passes immediately when the contract is made, unless conditions are attached. This principle ensures legal certainty by tying the contract directly to the identified goods, which reduces disputes over delivery, ownership, and risk allocation.
Importance in Commercial Law
In commercial transactions, specific goods play a central role as they give both buyer and seller clarity regarding the subject matter of the contract. For students of law, understanding this concept is vital because it demonstrates how risk and ownership shift in legal terms. If the specific goods perish before the sale without the seller’s fault (Section 7), the contract becomes void, showing how tightly linked ownership is to the identification of goods. Hence, specific goods establish legal certainty in trade and commerce.
Real-Life Example
Suppose Ravi agrees to buy a red Maruti Swift car, registration number MH-12-AB-3456, from Shyam. Since the car is specifically identified and agreed upon at the time of the contract, it qualifies as specific goods under Section 2(14). If this car gets destroyed in an accident before delivery (without Shyam’s fault), the contract becomes void under Section 7, because the subject matter no longer exists. This illustrates the importance of identifying specific goods in contracts.
Mnemonic to Remember – “I-D-P”
To remember the concept of specific goods, think of I-D-P:
- I = Identified at the time of contract (Sec. 2(14))
- D = Deliverable state needed for transfer (Sec. 18–20)
- P = Perishing of goods voids contract (Sec. 7)
Think: “Specific Goods = I-D-P (Identified, Deliverable, Perishing).”
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Master the concept of Specific Goods under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 with detailed explanations, case examples, and key provisions at Lawgnan.in. Our easy-to-understand notes cover Section 2(14) along with Sections 7, 18–20, explaining when ownership and risk transfer in contracts involving identified goods. With real-life examples and the simple mnemonic I-D-P (Identified, Deliverable, Perishing), we make learning smooth and exam-focused. Visit Lawgnan.in now to access complete LLB notes, previous year question papers, and expert resources designed to help you excel in law exams and build a strong legal foundation.
