The “Doctrine of Caveat Emptor” means “let the buyer beware”.
It means that the buyer while purchasing goods must act with a “third eye and ear”, i.e.,
He should be careful to see that the goods purchased will serve his purpose well.
If the buyer is not careful and he finds later on that the goods do not serve his purpose, he cannot hold the seller liable for it.
The seller is under no obligation to tell the defects of his articles.
However, in the following exceptions Doctrine of caveat emptor is not applicable:
Implied conditions as to quality or fitness. It means when buyer has specified his purpose and relied on skill of seller, the doctrine of caveat emptor is not applicable.
When goods are sold by description, it should be of merchantable quality. In such case, doctrine of caveat emptor is not applicable.
In case of edible items, implied condition of wholesomeness is applicable and goods should are not fit for human consumption then buyer is not liable but seller will be liable.
Usage or custom of trade.
When the consent of buyer is obtained by fraud, the provision of doctrine of caveat emptor is not applicable.
