Farmer Awarded CNY 416 in Peach Sale Dispute

The Central China City People’s Court has ruled in favor of a local farmer in a contract dispute over unpaid peach sales, ordering the buyer to pay the outstanding amount of CNY 416 plus costs. The case, which involved a simple oral sale of fresh peaches, highlights the enforceability of informal written receipts under Chinese contract law. The defendant failed to appear in court, and the judgment was entered based on the plaintiff’s evidence and legal arguments.

The plaintiff, a farmer from a village in Central China City, alleged that during the 2011 peach harvest season, the defendant, a fellow villager, used the village public address system to call on residents to deliver their peaches to him. The plaintiff delivered peaches on multiple occasions, and each time the defendant issued a handwritten receipt. In total, three receipts were produced, showing a combined amount of CNY 416. Despite repeated demands, the defendant refused to pay. The plaintiff sued for immediate repayment. The defendant did not file a defense or appear at trial.

At the hearing, the plaintiff submitted three receipts signed by the defendant and a certificate from the village committee confirming that the defendant had broadcast announcements urging villagers to bring peaches to him. The plaintiff’s two legal representatives attended court on his behalf. The defendant, though properly served with summons, did not attend. The court examined the receipts and the village certificate, finding them consistent and credible. No evidence was offered by the defendant to challenge the plaintiff’s claims.

The court held that the receipts and the village certificate, taken together, proved the existence of a valid sales contract. Under Article 6, Article 8, and Article 60 of the Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China, the parties to a contract must act in good faith and perform their obligations. The defendant had received the peaches but failed to pay, which constituted a breach of contract. The court also cited Article 159 of the same law, which requires buyers to pay the agreed price. Accordingly, the court found in favor of the plaintiff.

The court reasoned that the receipts served as written evidence of an oral agreement, creating a binding contractual relationship. Even though the sale was informal and no written contract was signed, the receipts, combined with the village broadcast, established that the defendant had solicited and accepted delivery of the peaches. The defendant’s failure to pay was a clear default. The court also noted that, under the Civil Procedure Law, a defendant’s absence does not prevent the court from issuing a judgment based on the available evidence. The court’s decision reinforces the principle that simple commercial transactions, even in rural settings, are legally enforceable.

This judgment serves as a practical reminder that informal trade, common in village markets, does not lack legal protection. Written receipts, however brief, can be powerful evidence. The defendant was ordered to pay the CNY 416 within three days of the judgment, plus double interest if payment is delayed. The case also underscores the importance of responding to legal proceedings; the defendant’s silence did not shield him from liability. For farmers and small traders, maintaining clear records of transactions remains essential.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.