civilLatin origin
Caveat Emptor
/KAV-ee-at EMP-tor/
Let the buyer beware — the buyer purchases at their own risk and must investigate the quality and fitness of goods.
Full Definition
Caveat emptor (Latin: 'let the buyer beware') was the traditional rule of commerce — the seller had no duty to disclose defects unless expressly asked. Modern Indian consumer protection law has largely replaced this with implied warranties and mandatory disclosure obligations.
In Indian Law
The Sale of Goods Act 1930 (Section 16) includes caveat emptor as the default with exceptions for implied conditions of fitness. The Consumer Protection Act 2019 provides strong remedies against defective goods and services, making caveat emptor largely obsolete for routine consumer transactions.