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In the law of torts, the doctrine of vicarious liability (respondeat superior) is classically founded…

Respondeat superior describes an employer's vicarious liability for torts an employee commits in the course of employment. In Pushpabai Purshottam Udeshi v. Ranjit Ginning &…

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In the law of torts, the doctrine of vicarious liability (respondeat superior) is classically founded on the relationship of:

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Correct answer C

Respondeat superior describes an employer's vicarious liability for torts an employee commits in the course of employment. In Pushpabai Purshottam Udeshi v. Ranjit Ginning & Pressing Co. (1977) 2 SCC 745, the Supreme Court held the company liable for its manager's negligent driving in the course of employment. The question concerns the classic master–servant relationship.

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Option A

Incorrect. Bailment concerns possession of goods for a purpose and is not the employment relationship in this rule.

Option B

Incorrect. A servant and an independent contractor do not stand in the classic employer–employee relationship merely by having those roles.

Option C

Correct. The classic relationship is master and servant, now ordinarily called employer and employee.

Option D

Incorrect. An independent contractor is not an employee simply because a person hires the contractor.

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