Unit – 1

Overview of legal world

Q1) Give an overview of the Indian Contract Act.

A1) INTRODUCTION

The Indian Contract Act, 1872 prescribes the law regarding contracts in India and is that the key act regulating Indian law.

The Act relies on the principles of English Common Law. It’s applicable to all or any the states of India. It determines the circumstances during which promises made by the parties to a contract shall be legally binding.

Under Section 2(h), the Indian Contract Act defines a contract as an agreement which is enforceable by law.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ACT

The purpose of the Contract Act is to make sure that the rights and obligations arising out of a contract are honored which legal remedies are made available to an aggrieved party against the party failing to honor a part of agreement. The Indian Contract Act makes it obligatory that this is often done and compels the defaulters to honor their commitments.

EXTENT AND COMMENCEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

The Act as enacted originally had 266 Sections, it had wide scope

At present the Indian Contract Act could also be divided into two parts:

Q2) Define Agreement and Contract under Contract Act.

A2) Agreement

The Indian Contract Act, 1872 defines what we mean by “Agreement”. In its section 2 (e), the Act defines the term agreement as “every promise and each set of promises, forming the consideration for each other”.

Now that we know how the Act defines the term “agreement”, there may be some ambiguity within the definition of the term promise.

Contract

The Indian Contract Act, 1872 defines the term “Contract” under its section 2 (h) as “An agreement enforceable by law”. In other words, we will say that a contract is anything that's an agreement and enforceable by the law of the land.

This definition has two major elements in it viz – “agreement” and “enforceable by law”. So as to know a contract in the light of The Indian Contract Act, 1872 we need to define and explain these two pivots within the definition of a contract.

Q3) What is an offer?

A3) When one person signifies to another his willingness to do or to abstain from doing anything, with a view to obtaining the assent of that other to such act or abstinence, he is said to make an offer.

Q4) What is Acceptance?

A4) ACCEPTANCE SECTION 2(B):

When the person to whom the offer is made, signifies his assent there to, the offer is said to be accepted.

Q5) What are the rules for valid offer?

A5) RULES OF VALID OFFER

Here are some of the few essentials that make the offer valid.

1] Offer must create Legal Relations

The offer must cause a contract that makes legal relations and legal consequences just in case of non-performance. So, a social contract which doesn't create legal relations won't be a valid offer. Say for instance a dinner invitation extended by A to B isn't a valid offer.

2] Offer must be clear, not vague

The terms of the offer or offer should be very clear and definite. If the terms are vague or unclear, it'll not amount to a valid offer. See example the following offer – A offers to sell B fruits worth Rs 5000/-. This is often not a valid offer since what sorts of fruits or their specific quantities aren't mentioned.

3] Offer must be communicated to the Offeree

For an offer to be completed it must be clearly communicated to the offeree. No offeree can accept the offer without knowledge of the offer. It makes clear that acceptance in ignorance of the offer doesn't amount to acceptance.

4] Offer could also be Conditional

While acceptance can't be conditional, an offer could be conditional. The offeror can make the offer subject to any terms or conditions he deems necessary. So, A offers to sell goods to B if he makes half the payment in advance. Now B can accept these conditions or make a counteroffer.

5] Offer cannot contain a Negative Condition

The non-compliance of any terms of the offer cannot result in automatic acceptance of the offer. Hence it cannot say that if acceptance isn't communicated by a particular time, it'll be considered as accepted. Example: A offers to sell his cow to B for 5000/-. If the offer isn't rejected by Monday, it'll be considered as accepted. This is often not a valid offer.

6] Offer is often specific or general

As we saw earlier the offer are often to at least one or more specific parties. Or the offer might be to the public generally.

7] Offer could also be Expressed or Implied

The offeror can make an offer through words or maybe by his conduct.

An offer which is formed via words, whether such words are written or spoken (oral contract) we call it an express contract and when an offer is formed through the conduct and therefore the actions of the offeror it's an implied contract.

Q6) How is an offer terminated?

A6) TERMINATION OF OFFER

Q7) What are the rules for valid acceptance?

A7) RULES FOR VALID ACCEPTANCE

Q8) What is consideration?

A8) When at the desire of the promisor, the promise or any other person has done or abstained from doing, or does or abstains from doing, or promises to do or to abstain from doing something, such act or abstinence or promise is called a consideration for the promise.

DEFINITION OF CONSIDERATION:

Consistent with Pollock, “Consideration is the price for which the promise of other is brought & the promise thus given for value is enforceable.”

According to section 2(d) when at the desire of the promisor, the promisee or any other person:

EXAMPLE: ‘P’ agrees to sell his car to ‘Q’ for Rs.50, 000 Here ‘Q’s Promise to pay Rs.50, 000 is that the consideration for P’s promise and ‘P’s promise to sell the car is that the consideration for ‘Q’s promise.

Q9) What Happens Without Consideration?

A9) If a court believes the contract doesn't have adequate consideration, it can step in and rule the contract unenforceable. This will happen for variety of reasons, including:

A party was already obligated to perform. If one among the parties is already legally obligated to do something, it is not actually consideration.

The promise may be a gift, not a contract. If one party gives something to the other party without expecting anything reciprocally, it's considered a present, not a contract. Because the other party didn't provide anything in exchange for the gift, they need no legal standing if the promise falls apart.

The exchange is past consideration. Consideration doesn't apply if the action has already taken place. For instance, a promise to pay money for a product that somebody has already given you isn't legally binding.

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Q10) Discuss the legal rules regarding consideration u/s 2?

A10) It must move at the will of the promisor: It must be offered by the promisee at the will or request of the promisor. An act done at the will or request of the third party doesn't form a legitimate consideration.

 It’s going to move from the promisee or the other person: Consideration may move from the promisee or the other person i.e., even a stranger. It may be an act, abstinence or forbearance or a return promise.

The following are good consideration for the contract:

 It’s going to be present, past or future. i. Past Consideration ii. Present Or Executed Consideration iii. Future or Executory Consideration

Consideration needn't to be adequate but it must have some value. It must be real & not illusory.

There’s no consideration within the following cases:

1. Physical impossibility 2. Legal impossibility 3. Uncertain consideration

It must be something which the promisor isn't already sure to do A promise to try to what one is sure to do, either by general law or under an existing contract, isn't an honest consideration. It must not be illegal, immoral or against public policy

 Unlawful consideration includes any activities:

Q11) What are the exceptions of the rule “no consideration no contract” as per u/s 25?

A11) EXCEPTIONS OF THE RULE “NO CONSIDERATION NO CONTRACT” (AS PER U/S 25)

1. On account of natural love & affection u/s 25(1): Such agreements are enforceable even inconsiderately.

2. for voluntary services u/s 25(2): A promise to compensate wholly or partially, an individual who has voluntarily done something for the promisor, is enforceable, even inconsiderately.

3. For promise to pay time-barred debts 25(3): A promise by a debtor to pay a time barred debt is enforceable provided it's in writing and signed by the debtor or his agent.

4. Within the case of completed gifts: The rule no consideration no contract doesn't apply.

5. Within the case of agency: to make workplace relationship consideration isn't necessary.

Q12) Write a note on unlawful consideration as per section 23.

A12) According to Section 23, within the following cases consideration or object of an agreement is unlawful:

1. If it's forbidden by law:

Where the object of a contract is forbidden by law, the agreement shall be void. An act is claimed to be forbidden if it's punishable by criminal law or any special statute, or if it's prohibited by any law or order made in exercise of powers or authority conferred by the legislature.

Example:

(1) A and B agreed to deal in smuggled goods. It is forbidden by law and thus void.

(2) A committed B's murder within the presence of C. A promise to pay Rs. 500 to C, if C doesn't inform the police about the murder

The agreement in example No. 2 given above is against the law as its object is unlawful. Besides, A and C are going to be responsible for the act of murder and its concealment under the Indian penal code.

2. If it's of such a nature that if permitted, it might defeat the provisions of the other law:

The object of an agreement might not be directly forbidden but indirectly, it's going to defeat the thing of any other law, and the agreement would be void in such a case.

Example:

(1) A failed to pay his land revenue. Therefore, his estate was sold for arrears of revenue by the govt. By the law, the defaulter is prohibited from purchasing the land again. A asks B to get the estate and afterward, transfer an equivalent to him at an equivalent price. The agreement is void because it will defeat the thing of the law which prohibits a defaulter to get back the land, for indirectly A will again become the owner of the estate.

The second agreement is additionally void because it would defeat the provision or object of the law of limitation.

3. If it's fraudulent:

If the object of an agreement is fraudulent, i.e., to cheat people, it's void. Example:

A, B & C enter into an agreement to sell bogus plots of land in Delhi the agreement is void because it is fraudulent and thereby unlawful.

4. If it involves or implies injury to the person or property of another: Law protects property and person of its citizens. It cannot permit any contract which ends up in an injury to the person or property of any one.

Examples:

(1) A promise to pay Rs. 500 to B if B beats C. It involves injury to C; hence it's unlawful and void.

5. If the Court regards it as immoral or against public policy: If the thing of an agreement is immoral or against public policy, it'll be void. Morality here means something which the law regards as immoral.

Examples:

(1) A agrees to offer his house on rent to a prostitute for her immoral purpose. A cannot recover the rent of his house if a prostitute refuse to pay. However, he could also be allowed to urge his house vacated from the prostitute because it will put an end to the immoral purpose.

(2) A agrees to offer his daughter on hire to B for concubinage. The agreement is void because it's immoral, though the letting might not be punishable under the Indian penal code.

Effect of Illegality:

1. An illegal agreement is void:

It is not enforceable at law.

2. Collateral transactions to illegal transactions also are void:

Not only the illegal agreement is void but also the collateral transactions are void.

Example:

A borrows Rs. 2,000 from B to shop for a revolver to shoot C. Since the thing of the transaction is against the law, B cannot recover his Rs. 2,000 if he has given the loan, knowing that A is taking the loan to get a revolver to shoot C.

Thus, people are going to be discouraged to finance or assist illegal transaction once they know that they're going to not be able to recover their loans.

3. Law doesn't help any party:

Where the agreement is against the law, the law won't help any of the parties. The rationale is that both the parties are equally guilty and therefore the law doesn't help a guilty person. The law wants to discourage both the parties.

Example:

A promise to pay a bribe of Rs. 200 to B, if B does his work. The agreement is against the law   cannot recover the amount of Rs. 200 after doing A's work. Similarly, if A has paid the bribe in advance, he cannot get it back if B doesn't do his work.

4. Indirectly defendant is helped:

Defendant may be a person against whom the suit is filed. When the law doesn't help any of the parties, it means the party who has paid the amount won't be ready to get it back as we've seen within the above example. The party who has received the quantity is thus helped to stay the money with it and isn't asked by the Court to return it. The Court is neutral and therefore the defendant gets the advantage of the Court's neutrality. Within the example given above, B can keep Rs. 200, even if B doesn't do the work of A. The Court won't ask B to return the quantity. Thus, B is indirectly benefited or helped by the refusal of the Court to intervene.

5. in cases of fraud, coercion, etc., money or property transferred is often recovered:

Where the illegality is that the results of coercion and fraud of the other party, the Court can compel the guilty to return the cash paid or property transferred.

6. Agreement partly legal and partly illegal (Sec. 24):

An agreement may contain promises which are legal and illegal. If the legal promise is often separated from the illegal one, the legal promise is often enforced. In Such a case the illegal part is going to be void.

Where the legal promise can't be separated from the illegal one, the entire of it might be void.

Where there's one consideration for one or more unlawful objects, the agreement is void.

Example:

(1) A promise to manage B's factory, where genuine and bogus motor parts are manufactured. B agrees to pay A (Manager) a salary of Rs. 1,000 per month.

The agreement is void as partly it's legal and illegal and therefore the legal part can't be separated because the salary is for both the parts.

7. Reciprocal promises, legal and illegal (Sec. 57):

Where persons reciprocally promise, firstly to do certain things which are legal, and secondly under specified circumstances to do certain other things which are illegal, the first set of promise may be a contract, but the second may be a void agreement.

Example:

A and B agree that A shall sell a house to B for Rs. 10,000 but that if B uses it as a gambling house, he shall pay A Rs. 50,000 for it.

The first set of promise, i.e., to sell the house and to pay Rs. 10,000 may be a contract.

The second set of promise, i.e., B may use the house as a gambling house and pay Rs. 50,000 may be a void agreement.

8. Alternative promise, legal and illegal (Sec. 58):

In the case of an alternate promise, one branch of which is legal and therefore the other illegal, the legal branch alone is often enforced.

Q13) What is Capacity of parties?

A13) The parties who enter into a contract must have the capacity to do the contract.

“Capacity “here means competence of the parties to enter into a legitimate contract. According Sec 10, an agreement becomes a contract if it's entered into between the parties who are competent to contract.

According Sec .11, every person is competent to contract who

Q14) Who are the persons incompetent to contract?

A14) Sec. 11 declares following persons to be incompetent to contract:

1. Minors

2. Persons of unsound mind

3. Persons disqualified by any law to which they're subject.

1. MINORS

According to Sec 3 of the Indian Majority Act, 1875, a minor is a person who has not completed eighteen years of age.

 In following cases he attains majority after 21 years aged

The position of minor as regards his agreements could also be summed up as under:

2. PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND

One of the essential conditions of competency of parties to a contract is that they ought to be of sound mind.

Sec 12 lays down the soundness of mind “A person is said to be of sound mind for the purpose of making the contract if, at the time when he makes it, he's capable of understanding it and of forming a rational judgment as to its effect upon his interests.

A person, who is usually of unsound mind but occasionally of sound mind, may make a contract when he's of sound mind.

 A person, who is typically of sound mind but occasionally of unsound mind, might not make a contract when he's of unsound mind

E.g.: an individual may be a lunatic, who is at intervals of sound mind, may contract during those intervals.

 Soundness of minds depends on two facts:

CONTRACTS OF PERSONS OF UNSOUND MIND

3. PERSONS DISQUALIFIED BY ANY LAW TO WHICH THEY'RE SUBJECT

Q15) Explain Free Consent.

A15) Sec 10 of contract act states “all agreements are contract, if they're made by the free consent of parties.” in order to form a valid contract it's necessary that there should be a (a) consent & (b) Free consent. For the formation of a contract the parties should either have assented, or be deemed to possess assented, to an equivalent thing within the same sense it's called consensus ad idem.

MEANING OF CONSENT:

The term consent has been defined by many scholars are as under:

ESSENTIALS OF CONSENT:

There need to be two parties to a contract, who willingly and knowingly enter into an agreement. But how does the law determine if the parties are both these things? this is often where the concept of free consent comes in. allow us to learn more about free consent and therefore the elements vitiating free consent.

DEFINITION:

In the Indian Contract Act, the definition of Consent is given in Section 13, which states that “it is when two or more persons agree upon the same thing and in the same sense”. Therefore, the two people must comply with something within the same sense also.

 Example: A agrees to sell his car to B. A owns three cars and needs to sell the Maruti. B thinks he's buying his Honda. Here A and B haven't prescribed an equivalent thing within the same sense. Hence, there's no consent and subsequently no contract.

Now Free Consent has been defined in Section 14 of the Act. The section says that consent is taken into account free consent when it's not caused or suffering from the subsequent,

Q16) Explain coercion.

A16) Coercion (Section 15)

Coercion means using force to compel an individual to enter into a contract. So, force or threats are wont to obtain the consent of the party under coercion, i.e., it's not free consent. Section 15 of the Act describes coercion as committing or threatening to commit any act forbidden by the law within the IPC unlawfully detaining or threatening to detain any property with the intention of causing a person to enter into a contract

Example: A threatens to harm B if he doesn't sell his house to A for five lakh rupees. Here albeit B sells the house to A, it'll not be a legitimate contract since B’s consent was obtained by coercion.

Now the effect of coercion is that it makes the contract voidable. this suggests the contract is voidable at the choice of the party whose consent wasn't free. Therefore, the aggravated party will decide whether to perform the contract or to void the contract. So, within the above example, if B still wishes, the contract can plow ahead.

Also, if any monies are paid or goods delivered under coercion must be repaid or returned once the contract is void. And therefore, the burden of proof proving coercion are going to be on the party who wants to avoid the contract. Therefore, the aggravated party will need to prove the coercion, i.e., prove that his consent wasn't freely given.

Q17) Explain Undue Influence.

A17) Undue Influences (Section 16)

Section 16 of the Act contains the definition of undue influence. It states that when the relations between the 2 parties are such one party is during a position to dominate the opposite party, and uses such influence to get an unfair advantage of the opposite party it'll be undue influence.

The section also further describes how the person can abuse his authority within the following two ways: When an individual holds real or maybe apparent authority over the opposite person or if he's during a fiduciary relationship with the opposite person. He makes a contract with an individual whose brain is suffering from age, illness or distress. The unsoundness of mind is often temporary or permanent

Example: A sold his gold awaits only Rs 500/- to his teacher B after his teacher promised him good grades. Here the consent of A (adult) isn't freely given, he was under the influence of his teacher.

Now undue influence to be evident the dominant party must have the target to require advantage of the opposite party. If influence is wielded to profit the opposite party it'll not be undue influence. But if consent isn't free thanks to undue influence, the contract becomes voidable at the choice of the aggravated party and therefore the burden of proof is going to be on the dominant party to prove the absence of influence.

Q18) Explain fraud.

A18) Fraud (Section 17)

Factors Impairing Free Consent: Fraud

Fraud means deceit by one among the parties, i.e., when one among the parties deliberately makes false statements. Therefore, the misrepresentation is completed with full knowledge that it's not true, or recklessly on faith for the trueness, this is often said to be fraudulent. It absolutely impairs free consent.

So consistent with Section 17, a fraud is when a celebration convinces another to enter into an agreement by making statements that are suggesting an incontrovertible fact that isn't true, and he doesn't believe it to be true the active concealment of facts a promise made with none intention of performing it the other such act fitted to deceive.

Example: A bought a horse from B. B claims the horse are often used on the farm. seems the horse are lame and A cannot use him on his farm. Here B knowingly deceived A and this may amount to fraud.

One factor to think about is that the aggravated party should suffer from some actual loss thanks to the fraud. There’s no fraud without damages. Also, the falsehood must be a fact, not an opinion. Within the above example if B had said his horse is best than C’s this is able to be an opinion, not a fact. And it might not amount to fraud.

Q19) Explain misrepresentation.

A19) Misrepresentation (Section 18)

Misrepresentation is additionally when a celebration makes a representation that's false, inaccurate, incorrect, etc. The difference here is that the misrepresentation is innocent i.e., not intentional. The party making the statement believes it to be true. Misrepresentation is often of three types an individual makes a positive assertion believing it to be true any breach of duty gives the person committing it a plus by misleading another. But the breach of duty is with none intent to deceive.

When one party causes the opposite party to form an error on the topic matter of the contract. But this is often done innocently and not intentionally.

Q20) What is mistake?

A20) Mistake

There are two sorts of mistakes, which occurs during a contract

Example: “A” made an offer to “B” to sell his scooter. “A” intended to sell his 3G scooter but “B” believed that “A” would sell his 4G scooter. Thus, there was no proper communication and therefore the fact was mistaken. it might amount to an effective agreement.

Q21) Explain the provisions relating to legality of object.

A21) For a contract to be a legitimate contract two things are absolutely essential – lawful object and lawful consideration. Therefore, the Indian Contract Act gives us the parameters that structure such lawful consideration and objects of a contract. Allow us to take a glance at the legality of object and consideration of a contract.

Lawful Consideration and Lawful Object

Section 23 of the Indian Contract Act clearly states that the consideration and/or object of a contract are considered lawful consideration and/or object unless they're specifically forbidden by law of such a nature that they might defeat the aim of the law are fraudulent involve injury to the other person or property the courts regard them as immoral are against public policy.

So lawful consideration and/or lawful object cannot contain any of the above. It allows us to take a more intimately check out each of them.

1 Forbidden by Law

When the thing of a contract or the consideration of a contract is prohibited by law, then they're not lawful consideration or object anymore. They then become unlawful in nature. then such a contract can't be valid anymore.

Unlawful consideration of object includes acts that are specifically punishable by the law. This also includes people who the acceptable authorities prohibit via rules and regulations. But if the principles made by such authorities aren't in tandem with the law than these won't apply.

Example. A received a license from the Forest Department to chop the grass of a particular area. The authorities at the department told him he cannot expire such interest to a different person. But the Forest Act has no such statute. So, A sold his interest to B and therefore the contract was held as valid.

2 Consideration or Object Defeats the supply of the Law

This means if the contract is trying to defeat the intention of the law. If the courts find that the important intention of the parties to the agreement is to defeat the provisions of the law, it'll forgot the said contract.

Example: A and B enter into an agreement, where A is that the debtor, that B won't plead limitation. This, however, is completed to defeat the intention of the Limitation Act, then the courts can rule the contract as void thanks to unlawful object.

3 Fraudulent Considerations or Object

Lawful consideration or object can never be fraudulent. Agreements entered into containing unlawful fraudulent consideration or object are void naturally.

Example: A decides to sell goods to B and smuggle them outside the country. this is often a fraudulent transaction as so it's void. Now B cannot recover the cash under the law if A doesn't deliver on his promise.

4 Defeats any Rules in Effect

If the consideration or the thing is against any rules in effect within the country for the nonce, then they're going to not be lawful consideration or objects. Then the contract thus formed won't be valid.

5 Once they involve Injury to a different Person or Property

In legal terms, an injury means to a criminal and harmful wrong done to a different person. So, if the thing or the consideration of the contract does harm to a different person or property, this may amount to unlawful consideration. Say for instance a contract to publish a book that's a violation of another person’s copyright would be void. this is often because the consideration here is unlawful and injures another person’s property, i.e., his copyright.

6 When Consideration is Immoral

If the thing or the consideration is regarded by the court as immoral, then such object and consideration are immoral. Say for instance A lent money to B to get a divorce from her husband C. it had been agreed once B obtains the divorce A would marry her. But the court passed the judgment that A cannot recover money from B since the contract is void on account of unlawful consideration.

7 Consideration is against Public Policy

For the great of the community, we restrict certain contracts within the name of public policy. But we don't use public policy during a wide sense during this matter. If that was the case it might curtail individual freedom of individuals to enter into contracts. So, for the aim of lawful consideration and object public policy is employed during a limited scope. We only specialize in public policy under the law.

Some agreements that are against public policy:

Trading with the Enemy: getting into an agreement with an individual from a rustic with whom India is at war, void be a void agreement.

Example, a trader getting into a contract with a Pakistani national during the Kargil war.

Stifling Prosecution: this is often a pervasion of the natural course of law, and such contracts are void.

Example: A agrees to sell land to B if he doesn't participate within the criminal proceedings against him.

8. Maintenance and Champers:

Maintenance agreement is when an individual promises to take care of a suit during which he has no real interest and champers is when an individual agrees to help another party in litigation for some of the damages or proceeds.

• An Agreement to Traffic publicly Offices

• Agreements to make Monopolies

• An agreement to brokerage marriage for rewards

• Interfering with the Courts: An agreement whose object is to induce judicial or state officials to act corruptly and interfere with legal proceedings

Q22) What are the modes of discharge of contract?

A22) MODES OF DISCHARGE OF CONTRACT

We shall examine each of them as follows.

Discharge by performance

Where both the parties have either carried out or tendered (attempted) to carry out their obligations under the contract, is mentioned as discharge of the contract by performance. Because performance by one party constitutes the occurrence of a constructive condition, the other party’s duty to perform is additionally triggered, and thus the one that has performed has the proper to receive the other party’s performance. The overwhelming majority of contracts are discharged during this manner.

Discharge of Contract by Substituted Agreement

A contract emanates from an agreement between the parties. It thus follows that; the contract must even be discharged by agreement. Therefore, what's required, inevitably, is mutuality. Discharge by substituted agreement arises when a contract is abandoned, or the terms within it are altered, and both the parties are in conformity over it.

For example, A and B enter into some agreement, and A wants to change his mind and to not perform his terms of the contract. If he does this unilaterally then he is getting to be in breach of contract to B. However, if he approaches B and states that he would adore to be released from his liabilities under the contract then the latter might agree. Therein case the contract is claimed to be discharged by (bilateral) agreement. In effect B has promised to not sue A if he doesn't perform a neighborhood of the contract and thus the consideration for his promise could also be A’s promise to not sue B. Discharge by agreement may arise within the subsequent ways.

Discharge by lapse of your time

A contract stands discharged if not enforced within a specified period called the “period of limitation”. The Limitation Act, 1963 prescribes the duration of limitation for various contracts. as an example, period of limitation for exercising right to recover an immovable property is twelve years, and right to recover a debt is three years. Contractual rights become time barred after the expiry of this limitation period. Accordingly, if a debt isn't recovered within three years of its payment becoming due, the debt ceases to be payable and is discharged by lapse of your time.

Discharge by Impossibility of Performance

Sometimes after a contract has been established, something might occur, though not at the fault of either party, which can render the contract impossible to perform, or illegal, or radically different from that originally undertaken.

However, if whatever happens to prevent the contract from being performed has not been caused by either party couldn't be foreseen, and its effect is to destroy the thought of the contract then the courts will, generality, state that the contract has become impossible to perform. If that happens then the contract is discharged and neither party will have any liability there under. Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act clearly provides that an agreement to undertake to an act impossible in itself is void

The performance of a contractual obligation may become subsequently impossible on sort of grounds.

They include the next

• Objective impossibility of performance

• Commercial impracticability

• Frustration of purpose

• Temporary impossibility

Discharge of operation of law

A contract stands discharged by operation of law within the subsequent circumstances.

Unauthorized material alteration of a document

A party can treat a contract discharged (i.e., from his side) if the other party alters a term (such as quantity or price) of the contract without seeking the consent of the previous.

A contract stands discharged if not enforced within a specified period called the ‘period of limitation’. The Limitation Act, 1963 prescribes the duration of limitation for various contracts. as an example, limitation period for exercising right to recover an immovable property is twelve years and right to recover a debt is three years. Contractual rights become time barred after the expiry of this limitation period. Accordingly, if a debt isn't recovered within three years of its payment becoming due, the debt ceases to be payable and is discharged by lapse of your time.

A discharge in bankruptcy will ordinarily bar enforcement of most of a debtor’s contracts.

A contract also stands discharged through a merger that happens when an inferior right accruing to party during a contract amalgamates into the superior right ensuing to an equivalent party. As an example, a hire a factory premises from B for a couple of manufacturing activity for a year, but 3 months before the expiry of lease purchases that very premises. Now since A has become the owner of the building, his rights associated with the lease (inferior rights) subsequently merge into the rights of ownership (superior rights). The previous rental contract ceases to exist.

Discharge by Accord and Satisfaction

To discharge a contract by accord and satisfaction; the parties must suits accept performance that's different from the performance originally promised. It’s getting to be studied under the next sub-heads.

Accord

An accord is an executor contract to perform an act which can satisfy an existing duty. An accord suspends, but doesn't discharge, the primary contract.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is that the performance of the accord, which discharges the primary contractual obligation.

If the obligor refuses to perform the oblige can sue on the primary obligation or seek a decree for performance on the accord.

Q23) What is breach of contract?

A23) BREACH OF CONTRACT

A contract is breached or broken when any of the parties fails or refuses to perform its promise under the contract. Breach of contract is a legal cause of action in which a binding agreement is not honoured by one or more parties by non-performance of its promise by him renders impossible.

Section 37 of the Indian Contract Act,1872 provides that the parties to the contract are under obligation to perform or offer to perform, their respective promises under the contract, unless such performance is dispensed with or excused under the provisions of the Indian Contract Act or of any other law.

According to Section 39, where the party has refused to perform or disabled himself from performing, his promise in its entirely, the other party may put an end to the contract, unless that other party has expressly or impliedly signified its consent for the continuance of contract. If the other party chooses to put an end to the contract, the contract is said to be broken and amounts to breach of contract by the party not performing or refusing to perform its promise under the contract. This is called repudiation. Thus, repudiation can occur when either party refuses to perform his part or makes it impossible for him to perform his part of contract in each of the cases in such a manner as to show an intention not to fulfil his part of the contract.

Q24) Explain the remedies to Breach of contract.

A24) A legal remedy may be a writ that seeks to uphold a person’s rights or to redress a breach of the law.

 When one party breaches a contract, the opposite party may ask a court to supply a remedy for the breach. The court may order the breaching party to pay money to the non-breaching party.

TYPES OF REMEDIES

SUIT FOR RESCISSION

 The term Rescission refers to the cancellation of contract.

In such cases, if one party has broken his contractual relations, the opposite party may treat the breach as discharge and refuse to perform his part of performance.

Thus, just in case of rescission of contract, the aggrieved or casualty is discharged from all his obligations of the contract.

UNDER FOLLOWING CASES THE COURT MAY REFUSE TO GRANT RESCISSION:

• The parties can't be restored to their original positions thanks to changed circumstances.

• The party(s) has acquired rights in straightness and value during subsistence of contract.

• Only a neighborhood of the contract is rescinded and this part can’t be separated from remainder of the contract.

• But if an individual rightfully rescinded, he's entitled to compensation for any damage which he has sustained through non fulfillment of the contract by the opposite party.

EXAMPLE:

'A' contract to provide 10kg of tea leaves for Rs.8, 000 to 'B' on 15 June. If 'A' doesn't supply the tea leaves on the appointed day, 'B' needn't pay the worth. 'B' may treat the contract as rescinded and should sit quietly reception. 'B' can also file a ‘suit for rescission’ and claim damages. 12 A B Breach of contract when ‘A’ doesn’t supply to ‘B

SUIT FOR DAMAGES

Damages are a monetary compensation allowed to the casualty for the loss or injury suffered by him as results of the breach of contract. The elemental principle underlying damages isn't punishment but to compensate the aggrieved party for the loss suffered by him within the original position as he would fare.

Rules regarding damages

• The damages must naturally arise within the usual course of things from such breach i.e., the damages must be the proximate or direct consequence of the breach of contract.

• The aggrieved party must have suffered damages by breach of contract.

• Damages are awarded to compensate the loss caused by a celebration but to not punish the party at default for the breach of contract.

• Amount of damages is often decided at the time of agreement by the mutual consent of both the parties.

Types of damages

• Ordinary

• Special

• Exemplary

• Nominal damages

• Damages for inconvenience and discomfort

• Liquidated damages and penalty

• Stipulation for interest

• Forfeiture of margin there are 8 sorts of damages

EXAMPLE: Mr. A to pay 3 lacs to Mr. on 1st April. Mr. doesn't pay the cash thereon day. Mr. B is unable to pay her debts and suffer a loss. Mr. A is susceptible to pay B principal amount and also interest thereon. 16 A B Breach of contract when ‘A’ doesn’t give money to ‘B’. Payable money

SUIT FOR QUANTUM MERUIT

It means “AS much as EARNED” or “in proportion to the work done.”

Right to ‘Quantum Meruit’ literally means a right to say the compensation for the work already done.

EXAMPLES Mr. engages Mr. a contractor, to create a 3 storied house. After a neighborhood is made ‘A’ prevents ‘B’ from working any longer. ‘B’ the contractor, is entitled to urge reasonable compensation for work done under the doctrine of quantum merit additionally to the damages for breach of contract. 18 Breach of contract when ‘A’ told ‘B’ to prevent building construction. A B

SUIT FOR PERFORMANCE

Suit for performance means demanding the court’s direction to the defaulting party to hold out the promise consistent with the terms of contract Cases where suit for performance isn't maintainable

 i. Where compensatory damages arising from breach aren't measurable

ii. Where monetary compensation isn't an adequate remedy.

Example agreed to sell an old painting to Y for Rs50, 000. Subsequently, X refused to sell the painting. Here, Y may file a suit against X for the precise performance of the contract.

 SUIT FOR INJECTION

It means demanding court’s stay order.

An order of the court which prohibits an individual to try to a specific act

A party to a contract does something which he presumed to not do; the court may issue an order prohibiting him from doing so.

EXAMPLES: A, a singer contracts with B the Manager of a theatre to sing at his theatre for one year and to abstain from Singing at other theatres during the theatre. She absents herself, B cannot compel A to sing at his theatre, but he may sue her for an injunction restraining her from Singing at other theatres.

G agreed to require the entire of his supply of electricity from a particular company. The agreement was held to import a negative promise that he would take none from elsewhere. He was, therefore, restrained by an injunction from buying electricity from the other company.

Q25) What are Quasi contract and Contingent contract?

A25) Quasi Contract: Quasi contracts are based on principle of Equity hence a person should not receive or accept any benefit unjustly. If so, he has an obligation to give it back to the right owner. Such obligation is called “Quasi Contractual Obligations”.

In such situation a person is obliged to compensate another although the basis of this obligation is neither a contract between the parties, nor any tort on the part of the person who is bound to compensate.

Every Contract has two parts:

Formative: It gives procedures as to how contract is formed step by step e.g., offer, acceptance, agreement etc.

Consequential: It gives rise to rights and liabilities of the parties.

For valid contracts both the parts should be present

i.e., Formative part + Consequential part = Absolute Contract

But when Formative part of the contract is absent but Consequential part is present, such situation gives rise to Quasi Contracts.

The basis of the obligation under quasi contracts is that no one should have unjust benefit at the cost of the other. For example:

a) A leaves his hand bag at B’s house by mistake. B has quasi contractual obligation to return it to A.

b) A and B jointly owe Rs. 100 to C, A alone pays the amount to C and B not knowing this also pays Rs. 100 to C.  C is bound to repay the amount to B or A.

c) A receive some money in his account by mistake of bank.

Contingent contract: The word contingent means when an event or situation is contingent, i.e., it depends on some other event or fact. Section 31 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 defines the term ‘Contingent Contract’ as follows:

‘A contingent contract is a contract to do or not to do something, if some event collateral to such contract does or does not happen’.

In simple words, contingent contracts are the ones where the promisor performs his obligation only when certain conditions are met. The contracts of insurance, indemnity, and guarantee are some examples of contingent contracts.

Illustration A contracts to pay to B Rs. 70,000 if B’s house is burnt. This is a contingent contract.

Essentials of Contingent Contract are as follows: