(1) The muitimodal transport operator shall be* liable for loss resulting from—
(o) any loss of, or damage to, the consignment;
Reservation in tho multimodal (rajisport document.
Evidentiary effect of the multimodal transport document.
Responsibility of the consignor, Basis of liability of multimodal transport operator.
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(b) delay in delivery of the consignment and any consequential loss or damage arising from such delay, where such loss, damage or delay in delivery took place while the consignment was in his charge:
Provided that the multimodal transport operator shall not be liable if he prows that no fault or neglect on his part or that of his servants or agents had caused or contributed to such loss, damage or delay in delivery:
Provided further that the multimodal transport operator shall not be liable for loss or damage arising out of delay in delivery unless the consignor had made a declaration of interest in timely delivery which has been accepted by the multimodal transport operator.
Explanation,—For the purposes of this sub-section, "delay in delivery" shall be deemed to occur when the consignment has not been delivered within the time expressly agreed upon or, in the absence of such agreement, within a reasonable time required by a diligent multimodal transport operator, having regard to the circumstances of the case, to effect the delivery of the consignment.
(2) If the consignment has not been delivered within ninety consecutive days following the date of delivery expressly agreed upon or the reasonable time referred to in the Explanation to sub-section (1), the, claimant may treat the consignment as lost.
14.. (1) Where a multimodal transport operator becomes liable for any loss of, or damage to, any consignment, the nature and value whereof have not been declared by the consignor before such consignment has been taken in charge by the multimodal transport operator and the) stage of transport at which such loss or damage occurred is not known, then the liability of the multimodal transport operator to pay compensation shall not exceed two Special Drawing Rights per kilogram of the gross weight of the consignment lost or damaged or 666.67 Special Drawing Bights per package or unit lost or damage, whichever is higher.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, where a container, pallet or similar article of transport is loaded with more than one package or nnit, the packages or units enumerated in the mu'timodnl transport document, as packed in such container, pallet or similar article of transport shall be deemed as packages or units.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), if the multimodal transportation does not, according to the multimodal transport contract, include carriage of goodvs by sea or by inland waterways, the liability of the multimodal transport operator shall be limited to an amount not exceeding 8.33 Special Drawing Rights per kilogram of the gross weight of the goods lost or damaged.
Limits of liability when the nature and value of the consignment have not been' declared and stage of transport where loss or damage occurred is not known.
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15. Where a mulitimodal transport operator becomes liable for any loss of, or damage to, any consignment^ the nature and value whereof have not been declared by the consignor before such consignment has been taken in charge by the multimodal transport operator and the stage of transport at which such loss or damage occurred is known, then the limit of the liability of the multimodal transport operator for such loss or damage shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the relevant law applicable in relation to the mode of transport during the course of which the loss or damage occurred and any stipulation in the multimodal transport contract to the contrary shall be void and unenforceable.
16. Where delay in delivery of the consignment occurs under any of the circumstances mentioned in the Explanation to sub-section (I) of section 13, or any consequential loss or damage arises from such delay, then, the liability of the multimodal transport operator shall be limited to the freight payable for the consignment so delayed.