Peach Purchase Dispute Leads to CNY 1,353.86 Judgment
A dispute over unpaid peach deliveries has resulted in a court order requiring a buyer to pay a farmer the outstanding amount. The case involved a series of transactions that occurred during the 2011 peach harvest season in an Eastern China City village. The court found that a valid sales contract existed between the parties and that the buyer had failed to fulfill his payment obligations. The judgment highlights the enforceability of informal payment receipts in agricultural sales.
The plaintiff, Mr. Li, was a farmer living in a village in Eastern China City. The defendant, Mr. Wang, operated a local purchase point for fresh peaches. According to the plaintiff, during the 2011 peach season, the defendant used the village broadcasting station to call on residents to bring their peaches to him for purchase. Over several occasions, Mr. Li delivered peaches to Mr. Wang. Each delivery was recorded by a handwritten receipt issued by the defendant. In total, five receipts were issued, covering a combined sum of CNY 1,353.86. Despite repeated requests for payment, the defendant did not pay. The plaintiff then initiated legal action to recover the amount.
The court held a hearing under a simplified procedure. The plaintiff was represented by two agents, Mr. Chen and Mr. Zhao. The defendant was properly notified by the court but did not appear at the hearing and filed no defense. During the hearing, the plaintiff submitted the five original receipts as evidence. Additionally, a certificate from the village committee was presented, confirming that the defendant had indeed used the village broadcast system to invite residents to deliver peaches to him. The court examined the documents and found that the receipts and the committee certificate corroborated each other. The evidence was accepted as credible and sufficient to establish the plaintiff’s claims.
The court found that the plaintiff had delivered peaches to the defendant on multiple occasions, with the defendant issuing receipts each time. This conduct created a contractual relationship of sale and purchase between the two parties. The court determined that the defendant had an obligation to pay for the peaches received. Because the defendant failed to pay despite the plaintiff’s repeated demands, the court concluded that the defendant was in breach of contract. The evidence clearly showed that the total unpaid amount was CNY 1,353.86.
In its legal analysis, the court applied relevant provisions of the Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China. Specifically, the court cited Articles 6, 8, 60, and 159, which address the binding nature of contracts, the duty of good faith, the obligation to perform contractual duties, and the buyer’s obligation to pay the price for goods. The court reasoned that the receipts served as written proof of the parties’ agreement and the quantities delivered. The defendant’s failure to pay constituted a violation of these legal principles. The court also noted that the defendant’s absence did not prevent a decision, as the evidence was clear and uncontested.
The court issued a judgment ordering the defendant to pay the plaintiff CNY 1,353.86 within three days of the judgment taking effect. If payment was delayed beyond that period, the defendant would be required to pay double the interest on the debt for the period of delay, as stipulated by the Civil Procedure Law. The defendant was also ordered to bear the litigation costs of CNY 25. This case serves as a practical reminder that even simple handwritten receipts can form legally binding evidence in agricultural sales disputes. Farmers and buyers alike should keep clear records of transactions to protect their rights.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.