Law of Torts

Unit I — INTRODUCTION TO LAW OF TORT/TORTS

Definition, Nature, and Scope of Law of Torts Malfeasance, Misfeasance, Nonfeasance · Relation of Tort with criminal laws and contract laws · Essential elements of law of torts · Theoretical approaches – Pigeon hole & Unity Theory · Parties to tort disputes- capacity of parties Joint & several tortfeasors

• Tort: Definition, Nature, Scope and object of Tort, Tort in India
• Distinction from Crime, Breach of Contract etc., who may sue, who may not be sued
• Damnum Sine Injuria, Injuria Sine Damnum
• Joint Tort-Feasors, Nervous Shock and Malicious abuse of Legal Process

Unit II — DEFENCES IN TORTS

Volenti non fit injuria Novus actus interveniens · Act of God Inevitable accident · Private defence Necessity · Statutory authority · Judicial-quasi judicial authority Parental-quasi parental authority

• Volenti non-fit Injuria, Ubi jus ibi remedium
• Extinguishment of Liability in Tort
• General Defenses and Discharge of Torts

Unit III — LIABILITY IN TORTS

Strict liability Rule in Rylands v. Fletcher case · Absolute liability Bhopal gas Leak Disaster case · Vicarious liability Master – Servant Employer- Employee Employer- Independent contractor · Vicarious liability of State · Liability under Motor vehicle Act

• Vicarious Liability: Basis, scope, Justification, Different types
• Principle of Strict Liability: Ryland V. Fletcher case with exceptions
• Principle of Absolute Liability: Bhopal Gas Disaster case and Shree Ram Food
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988- Motor Accidents Claims — Claims Tribunals

Unit IV — SPECIFIC TORTS

Nuisance – civil and criminal nature · Negligence · Defamation Libel and slander Defences · Trespass

• Trespass to Person: Assault, Battery, Mayhem, False imprisonment
• Torts affecting Property (Movable & Immovable): Trespass, Trespass ab initio etc
• Torts related to Reputation (Defamation) & Personal Relations
• Torts affecting person &Property: Nuisance, Negligence, Fraud

Unit V — REMEDIES IN TORT

Judicial remedies · Damages Remoteness of damages · Injunction · Extra- judicial remedies · Self help

Unit VI — CONSUMER PROTECTION IN INDIA

History and development of consumer protection Concept of Consumerism- caveat emptor, caveat venditor Object and significance of Consumer Protection Act 2019 · Product liability under Consumer Protection Act 2019 Duty of manufacturers and sellers of goods · Consumer Dispute Redressal Mechanism District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission · Consumer dispute redressal council · Innovation in consumer dispute redressal through Mediation Mediation Cell Matters not to be referred to Mediation

• Concept of Consumer & Consumer Protection Act 2019
• Services: Types of services, Deficiency-meaning, Denial of Services, Commercial & Professional Services, Medical Services
• Consumer Protection Councils
• Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies: District Commission, State