The Indian Contract Act, 1872
§189 — Agent’s authority in an emergency
An agent has authority, in an emergency, to do all such acts for the purpose of protecting his principal from loss as would be done by a person of ordinary prudence, in his own case, under similar circumstances. Illustrations (a) An agent for sale may have goods repaired if it be necessary. (b) A consigns provisions to B at Calcutta, with directions to send them immediately to C, at Cuttack. B may sell the provisions at Calcutta, if they will not bear the journey to Cuttack without spoiling.