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INDIAN CONTRACT ACT, 1872
Act lays down principles of
           - formation,
           - performance,
           - enforceability
                            of contracts

And, rules relating to
  Special type of contracts, viz.,
  indemnity, guarantee, bailment, pledge &
 agency.
Law of Contract
CONTRACT – S.2(h)
           “An agreement enforceable by law”
                                   or,
   an agreement made with an intention to create a legal obligation
                       (enforceable by law)
AGREEMENT – S.2(e)
        “Every promise and every set of promises
      forming the consideration for each other”

PROMISE: S.2(b)
  “When the person to whom the proposal is made
 signifies his assent thereto, the proposal is said to be
    accepted. A proposal when accepted becomes a
                        promise”

               An agreement is an accepted proposal.
What is a Contract?
Sec.2(h) – A contract is an agreement enforceable by
    law.

   The contract must be definite & its purpose should
    create a legal relationship.
The agreements must satisfy two things viz.,
i) Intention to be bound, &
ii) consideration
Essentials of Contracts
       1.   Agreement
       2.   Legal Obligation
       3.   Free & Genuine Consent
       4.   Parties Competent to Contract
       5.   Lawful Consideration
       6.   Lawful Object
       7.   Agreement not declared Void
       8.   Certainty of Meaning
       9.   Possibility of Performance
      10.   Necessary Legal formalities
Agreement
 Has 2 elements viz.,
  i) A proposal/offer, and
 ii) Acceptance of that proposal/offer
 Offeror and Offeree – 2 parties
 Same thing in same sense – consent
   A contract which is an agreement enforceable in law
   has two elements viz;
  i) An agreement
 ii) Legal obligation
Agreement
Offer or Proposal
  When a person indicates to another,
  his willingness to do or abstain from doing
 anything, with a view to obtaining an assent of
 that other person to such act or abstinence,
  he said to make a proposal or offer

Acceptance
   when the person to whom the proposal is
 made signifies his assent thereto, the proposal
 is said to be accepted.
  In other words, acceptance is the
 manifestation of the offeree of his consent to
 the terms of the offer.
Legal Obligation

 Intention to create legal relationship

 Belfour Vs Belfour Case (1919) –Social/Domestic
  agreements not contract. Parties didn‟t intend to create
  legal relations

 Commercial or social, domestic agreements must
  have some presumptions to show legal obligations to
  be a contract
Free & Genuine Consent

 Contract should not be obtained by
         - misrepresentation
         - Fraud
         - Undue influence
         - Coercion
         - mistake
 If any of above flaw exists in a contract it will be
  held as void
Parties Competent to Contract

 Who is a competent party?

 Of majority age i.e., not a minor
 Of sound mind –
 lunatic, idiot, drunkenness, status
 Not disqualified by any law to which he is
 subject

 Flaw if any, contract becomes
 unenforceable, except in exceptional
 circumstances
Lawful Consideration
 Is price for the promise of the other – need not be in
 terms of money
 If not supported by consideration – bare
 consideration – nudum pactum – contract not
 enforceable
 Must be real & lawful

 Each party must promise something and receive
 something
Lawful Object


OBJECT
 Not disapproved by law
 Does not defeats any provision of law
 Where it is not fraudulent
 Not injurious to another person or property
 Not immoral
 Not opposed to public policy
Agreement not declared Void
 Although an agreement contains all the elements
 yet, certain agreements are declared illegal or void
 agreements, such as;
 Restraining marriage
 Restraining trade
 Restraining legal proceedings
 Wagering agreements
Certainty of Meaning



 Specific (say cloth, oil type)

 Shouldn‟t be vague

 Punit Beriwala Vs. Suva Sanyal (1998) – Agreement
  to agree
Possibility of Performance
  Agreement to do an act impossible –cannot be
   enforced
 Eg; Discover treasure by magic
  Based on the maxim – Law does not compel to do
   what is impossible
   (Lex non cogit ad aimpossibilia)

  At the time of entering into contract, was capable of
   being performed, but subsequently become
   impossible or unlawful – Known as doctrine of
   supervening impossibility, doctrine of frustration
Necessary Legal formalities
 Contract may oral or in writing
 However, certain cases documented, comply with
  formalities of writing, registering, attestation, stamp
  duty
 Made in presence of a witness
 Agreements which must be writing
   - time barred debt
   - arbitration agreement
   - lease agreement for more than 3 yrs.
   - contract of insurance
   - negotiable instruments
   - memorandum & article of association
   - transfer of immovable property & so on
Necessary Legal formalities
 Contracts which must be registered:
  - promise w/o consideration out of natural love &
 affection between parties of near relation
 - documents u/s 17 of Registration Act
 - transfer of immovable properties under TPA,1882
 - Memorandum & Art. Of Association, Mortgage
 and Charges under Co.Act,1956
Necessary Legal formalities
  Instruments those chargeable under Indian
  Stamps Act,1894
- Negotiable instruments
- Insurance Policy
- Partition Deed
- Share/ Debenture Certificates
- Pledge
- Mortgage Deeds
  Unstamped or under stamped , improperly
  stamped instruments not admitted in evidence
 All essential elements must exist together in a
 contract, to be a legal and valid agreement or simply
 called a contract

 But, if any one of the elements is missing, the contract
 is either voidable, void, illegal or unenforceable in law
Types of Contracts
     Contracts are classified in terms of their :

1.    Validity or enforceability
2.    Mode of formation
3.    Performance
1. Validity or enforceable contracts
 Valid Contract
     - Has all essential elements

 Voidable Contract
 Void Contract
 Illegal Contract
 Unenforceable Contract
    - Some elements are missing
Voidable Contract


 Affected by a flaw, say misrepresentation, fraud,
  coercion, undue-influence, mistake
 which may repudiated at the option of of aggrieved
  party
 Till it is set aside, it remains valid & binding
                (patient-medical attdt-undue infl.)
Void Contract - S.2(i)
 An agreement not enforceable by either of
  the parties to it, is void (restitution)
 Such agreement is w/o any legal effect ab-
 initio (eg; engaging auditorium, destroyed – fire before function)
 eg, contract with minor, mistake of
  fact, unlawful object/consideration, w/o
  consideration, restraint of
 marriage/trade/legal proceedings, uncertain
 /wagering/impossible
 agreements, agreement to entering into
 agreement in future
 Contract valid at formation, becoming void
  later – subsequent impossibility/illegality
Illegal Contract

 Where object or consideration is:
     Forbidden by law
     Defeats provision of a law                      (Contract for wheat-Govt.
   ordnanace-sale wheat only from fair price shop)

     Fraudulent
     Involves injury to person/property
     Immoral under law
     Opposed to public policy
     Wagering agreement (in Mumbai)
      (agreemnt div. of gains acqrd by fraud/promise-employt for payment)
 (A bets with B, losses, reqst C 4 loan, C pays B/settles A‟s loss. C cannot
    recover from A)
Unenforceable Contract
 They are neither void or voidable
 Cannot be enforced in court as it lacks
 some item of evidence such as
 writing, registration or stamping
 Unstamped /under stamped, if stamp
  required for merely revenue, defect can
 be cured by affixing required
 stamp/penalty.
 Technical defects cannot be cured.
 Remains unenforceable eg, un-stamped
 negotiable instrument
2. Mode of Formation
 Express Contract
   Where the terms of the contract are stated
 clearly in words – written or spoken
 Implied Contract
   Where terms of contract are inferred from
  conduct of parties or circumstances (Bus travel)
 Quasi-contracts
   (Essence of a valid contract is on agreement)
 Sometimes, obligation is created by law, where an
 obligation is imposed on a party & action is allowed to be
 brought by another party
       (providing necessaries for minor/ leaving goods in another‟s place by
 mistake-use)
3. Performance
 Executed Contract
 Where parties have completely performed their obligations &
 nothing remains to be done
 Executory Contract
 Where parties have still to perform their share of obligation;
 something has been left out still to be performed by both the
 parties. (Union of India Vs. Chaman lal Loona(1957)


 Uni-lateral
  (pays bus fare-one party has fulfilled his part)



 Bi-lateral
 (A contract is a contract from the time it is made & not from the time
  of performance is due.Performance can be at the time contract is
  made or it can be postponed either in full or part)
OFFER

 „When one person signifies to another, his
  willingness to do or to abstain from doing
anything, with a view to obtaining the consent
   of that other person towards such act or
abstinence, he is said to be making an offer or
                   proposal.‟
Types of Offer
                      Express Offer
                      Implied Offer
                      Specific Offer
                      General Offer

The offer is the starting point in the process of
 making an agreement

Every agreement begins with one party offering to
 do/sell something or to provide a service etc
Essentials of an Offer
i)    Terms of must be definite, unambiguos, & certain or
      capable of being made certain
ii)   Every offer should be communicated, ie., offeree must have
      the knowledge of the offer
iii) An offer cannot contain a term, the non-compliance of
      which would to amount to acceptance
iv) Offer must have a intention of creating a binding, mere
      statement does not amount to an offer
v)    Must have intention to create a legal relationship
vi) Must be made with a view to obtain assent thereto
vii) If no time is fixed within which the offer is to be
      accepted, the offer does not remain open for an indefinite
      period
viii) A offer must be distinguished from a mere invitation to
      offer
ix) Offer may be „positive‟ or „negative‟
x)    Two identical cross-offers do-not result in a contract
Acceptance
Definition:
„An acceptance is the act of manifestation by the offeree
  of his intention to the terms of offer and willingness to
   be bound by the terms of the offer communicated to
                             him.‟

 An agreement emerges from the acceptance of an
  offer.
 Acceptance is the second stage of a contract.
Essentials of Valid Acceptance
i)     Must be absolute & unqualified & according to
       the terms of offer
ii)    To be made by the offeree
iii)   Communicated to the offeror
iv)    After receiving the offer
v)     Before the offer lapses-within the time period
vi)    Mode of Communication, if any, must be as
       prescribed in the offer
vii)   In case of rejection of offer – a renewal of
       offer required
Consideration
Definition:

It is the price for which the promise of the other is
  bought.
A contract is basically a bargain between two parties,
  each receiving „something‟ of benefit to them. This
  „something‟ is described as consideration.
Eg., Price for the goods sold
Essentials of Consideration
Essentials for a valid Consideration:
i) At the desire of the promisor
ii) May move from the promisee or any other person
iii) Must be an act, abstinence or promise
iv) May be past ,present or future
v) Need not be adequate
vi) Must be real & competent
vii) Must be legal
No Consideration, No Contract
The general rule :
‘ex-nudo-pacto non-oritur actio’ i.e.,Out of a naked pact,
  no cause of action can arise.
An agreement without consideration is void.

A promise in order to be enforceable must have
  consideration, because only a consideration can
  establish legal obligation & create legal rights
  between the parties
No Consideration, No Contract
Consideration is the very essential element of any
contract to create legal rights between the parties

The law insists on existence of consideration if a
promise is to be enforced as legal obligation

The law provides no remedy to compel a party to
perform his promise on an agreement made
without consideration

A promise without consideration is null & void.
Exceptions to the Rule
Rule: (Sec.25) Agreement without consideration is void
However, consideration not necessary in:
i) Agreement made on account of love & affection
ii) Compensation for past voluntary service
iii) Promise to pay a time-barred debt
iv) Gifts
v) Agency
Doctrine of Privity of Contract
Relationship subsisting between the parties with
    contractual obligations.
Implies mutuality of will & creates a legal bond or
    tie between the parties
It has 2 consequences:
1. Person not party to a contract cannot
    sue, even though the contract is for his benefit
    & he has provided consideration.
2. A contract cannot confer rights or impose
    obligation arising under it on any person other
    than the parties to it. Eg, if there is contract
    between A & B, C cannot enforce it.
Capacity of Parties
Essential element of enforceability agreement:
Parties should possess contractual capacity (S.10)
Contractual Capacity: Not defined
     A person who is major, of sound mind, and
    is not disqualified from contracting by law
    is competent to enter into a valid contract
(S.11) – inference of contractual capacity: contracting
    parties should be capable of understanding it
    and of form a rational judgment of its effect
    on their interest. They should also not be
    disqualified by law to enter into a contract
Persons Not Competent to Contract
(S.11)
Mental Deficiency
i) Minors
ii) Of Unsound Mind
       a) Idiots b) Insane c) Drunkards/intoxicated
Legal Disability
iii)     Disqualified by law
       a) Aliens b) Foreign sovereigns & ambassadors c) Convicts
       d) incorporated institutions like joint stock companies, societies,
         trusts etc. e) insolvents f) married women (prior to 1956)
Minor
 A contract with a minor is void ab-initio
 (In England- minor contract is voidable at the option of minor)
 A minor cannot be asked to refund any benefit received under a void
    agreement
   He is not estopped to plead minority even where he falsely represents
    himself to be of full age
   A minor „s contract cannot be ratified by him on attaining majority
   He cannot be a partner in a partnership firm. He can be admitted to the
    benefits of an already existing partnership
   Minor can be a promisee or a beneficiary, He cannot bind himself by a
    contract, but there nothing in Act which prevents him from making other
    party to be bound to the minor.
   His estate is liable to a person who supplies necessaries of life to him
   His parents/guardians are not liable to a minor‟s creditor‟s on his breach
    of contract
   He can be an agent
Free Consent
(S.13) defines consent as “ Two or more persons are said
     to consent when they agree upon the same thing in
     the same sense.”
Free Consent (S.14): consent is said to be free when it is
     not caused by –
i)   Coercion
ii) Undue influence
iii) Fraud
iv) Misrepresentation
v) Mistake

A contract to be valid it is not only necessary that parties
    consent, but also that they consent freely
Where there is consent, but not free consent, the contract
    is voidable at the option of the party whose consent
    was not free
Coercion
Coercion is a committing or threatening to commit some
    act which is contrary to law
Consent is said to be caused by coercion when it is
    obtained by either of the following acts:
i)  Committing or threatening to commit any act
    forbidden by the IPC, or
ii) Unlawful detaining or threatening any property


Duress: English equivalent of coercion
Consequence of Coercion: when consent is caused by
    coercion, the contract is voidable at the option of the
    party whose consent was obtained.
Undue Influence
A contract is said to induced by undue influence where:
i)   A party is in a position to dominate the will of the
     other, and
ii) Is in a position to obtain unfair advantage over the
     other
Dominating position may be:
i)   One dominating, holds a real or apparent authority
     over other eg. Master-servant
ii) Dominator stands in fiduciary relation to other
     eg, father –son
iii) Dominator makes a contract with a person whose
     mental capacity is temporarily/permanently affected
     eg, old illiterate person
It‟s a voidable contract
Fraud
Fraud is a misrepresentation of facts made to induce
    to enter into a contract with intention to deceive
    or cheat.
includes:
a) The suggestion, as a fact, of that which is not
    true by one who does not believe it to be true.
b) Active concealment of a fact by one having
    knowledge or belief of the fact
c) A promise made without intention of
    performing it
d) Any other act fitted to deceive
e) Any such act or omission which law declares to
    be fradulent
Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation means an innocent mis- statement of
    fact to the contract made by one party to induce the
    other to enter into a contract. (no desire of deceiving
    or defraud)
Classified into 3 groups:
1. A +ve assertion, in a manner not warranted (by the
    information of the person making it), of that which is
    not true, though believes it to be true.
2. Any breach of duty which, without intent to deceive
    gives advantage to the person committing it, by
    misleading another to his pre-judice
3. Causing, however innocently, a party to an agreement
    to make a mistake as to the substance of thing which
    is subject of agreement
Misrepresentation
Consequences:
Party wronged can;
1. Avoid agreement, or
2. Insist contract be performed & he be put in position in which he
   would have been, if the representation made had been true
Unlike fraud, misrepresentation doesn‟t entitle a party to claim
   damages (subject to exceptions)
Exceptions:
 Breach of warranty of authority of an agent. Where agent believes
   that he has authority to represent the principal, while in fact he has
   no such authority, agent liable to damages, though he is guilty of
   innocent representation
 Negligent representation made by one person to another between
   whom a confidential relation exists, solicitor – client, father –
   daughter.
 However, if the party whose consent was caused by
   misrepresentation had means of discovering truth with ordinary
   diligence, he has no remedy.
Distinction between
 Misrepresentation & Fraud
1.   Fraud is committed with intention to deceive while
     entering into contract, whereas in misrepresentation is
     due to innocence, without intention to deceive or gain
     advantage.
2.   Both voidable at the option of the wronged. But, in
     case fraud, party wronged gets additional remedy to
     sue for damages. In misrepresentation claim for
     damages arises only in exceptional cases.
3.   In both cases contract can be avoided.
     However, in case of misrepresentation, if the party
     whose consent is caused had the means of discovering
     the truth with ordinary diligence, contract cannot be
     avoided.
Mistake
    Mistake means erroneous belief or wrong notion
                concerning some fact.
 Consent is not free when agreement is entered into under
   mistake. Parties entering into contracts should not be under
   any error
 They must agree on the same thing in the same sense
 „Consensus ad-idem‟ must be present
 Salomon describes contracts as “error in cause”
Consequence:
Mistakes render a contract void. Party complaining of the
   mistake may repudiate it, i.e., need not perform it.
If executed, party receiving any advantage must restore , or
   compensate for it, as soon as the contract is discovered to
   be void.
Types Mistakes
Two types:
1.    Mistake of Law
2.    Mistake of Facts


                     Mistake of Law
i) Mistake of the law of the land
ii) Mistake of foreign law
iii) Mistake of private right of the parties
                     Mistake of Fact
I)    Bilateral mistake
II)   Unilateral mistake
Mistake of Law

1.     Mistake of law of land:
     The rule is “ignorance of law is no excuse”
A contract is not voidable because it was caused by a mistake as to any
     in force in India.

2. Mistake of foreign law:
The maxim “ ignorance of law is no excuse” applies only to law of the
     country & not to foreign law.
The mistake of foreign law is treated as mistake of fact
S.21 – “A mistake as to a law not in force in India has the same effect
     as a mistake of fact.”
3. Mistake of Private right of the parties:
Mistake of the private right of the parties is also excusable.
    Such mistake stands on the same footing as the
    mistake of fact & the contract can be avoided on the
    ground of mistake
Mistake of Fact
1.    Bilateral mistake:
     When both parties are under a mistake of fact
      essential for the agreement, the mistake called
      bilateral mistake of fact & the agreement is void
(An erroneous value of the thing which forms subject
      matter is not to be deemed a mistake as to matter of
      fact)



Bilateral mistake may be:
A)     Mistake as to the subject matter
B)     Mistake as to the possibility of performance
Mistake of Fact
Mistake as to the subject matter
    The subject matter may be of reg:

i)     Existence
ii)    Identity
iii)   Title
iv)    Quality
v)     Quantity
vi)    Price

Mistake as to the possibility of performance
    If both parties believe that the agreement is capable
    of being performed though it is not, the agreement is
    void
Mistake of Fact
Unilateral mistake:
When one of the contracting parties is at mistake it is
  known as unilateral mistake. Generally in such situation
  the contract is not invalid.
S.22- “A contract is not voidable merely because it was
  caused by one of the parties to it under a mistake as to a
  matter of fact”
A party cannot be allowed to avoid a contract merely on
  the ground of his own mistake which may be due to his
  own negligence or carelessness

However, there are exceptions
Mistake of Fact
Exceptions (Unilateral mistakes):

1. Mistake as to the identity of the person
   contracted with

2. Mistake as to nature of the contract


3. Mistake as to quality of the promise
Quasi Contract
“Under certain circumstances, the law imposes,
   certain rights & obligations similar to that
     arises from a true contract, even though
     there is no contract, express or implied,
                 between parties.”
Such contracts are termed as quasi- contracts
 (Dr.Jenks)
 This is based on maxim that „no man must grow
  rich out of another person‟s cost‟.
 It is based on equitable principal, „ that a person
  shall not be allowed unjustly to enrich himself at the
  expense of another‟
Kinds of Quasi Contracts
 Claim for necessaries supplied to a person incapable
  of contracting on his account(S.68)
 Reimbursement of a person paying money due by
  another in payment of which he is interested (S.69)
 Obligation of person enjoying benefit of a non-
 gratuitous act (S.70)
 Rights and liabilities of the finder of lost
  goods(S.71)
 Liability of persons to whom money is paid or things
  delivered by mistake or coercion(S.72)
Distinction between Quasi &
 General Contracts
 In General Contract obligation is created by the
  consent of parties , whereas in quasi contract it is
  imposed by law.
 As far as claims for damages – there is similarity
  between because in case of breach of a quasi
  contract (S.73) ensures same obligations as of
  general contract
 The injured party is entitled to same compensation
  on default
Legality of Object
    In a contract consideration and object have very little
     difference. One affects the other.
    An agreement will not be enforceable if its object or
     consideration is unlawful

      According to (S.23) the consideration and the object
     of an agreement are unlawful in following
     cases;
1.   If it is forbidden by law
2.   If is of such a nature that if permitted, it would
     defeat provisions of any law
3.   If it is fraudulent
4.   If it involves or implies injury to the person or
     property of another
5.   If the court regards it as immoral or opposed to
     public policy
Performance of Contract
 A contract creates obligations
 „Performance of Contract‟ means carrying out
  these obligations
 (S.37) parties to contract must either perform or
  offer to perform their respective promises, unless
  such performance is dispensed or excused under
  provisions of the Act or any other law
Tender or Offer of Performance
 When a promisor offers performance of his
 obligation at the proper time & place, it is known as
 tender

 (S.38) If valid tender is made & is not accepted by
 the promisee, the promisor shall not be responsible
 for non-performance (nor shall he loose his rights
 under the contract)
Conditions for a Valid Tender
1.   Must be unconditional
2.   Must be made at proper time & place, where
     promisee has reasonable opportunity of
     ascertaining that the promisor is able & willing
     there and then to do the whole of his promise
3.   The promisee must have reasonable opportunity
     to see that the thing offered is the thing
     contracted for
Persons entitled to demand
 performance

1.   Promisee

2.   Legal Representative

3.   Joint Promisee

4.   Third Party
Persons bound to perform
1.   By the Parties (S.37)
2.   Promisor (S.40)
3.   Representatives (S.37)
4.   Agent (S.40)
5.   Third Party (S.41)

Rule: The personal cause of action dies with person
   concerned
Contracts which Need not be
     Performed
1.   If the parties mutually agree to substitute the
     original contract by a new contract or rescind or
     alter it (S.62)
2.   If promisee dispenses with or remits wholly or
     partly or extends the time or accepts any
     satisfaction for it (S.63)
3.   If the person at whose option the contract is
     voidable, rescinds it (S.64)
4.   If promisee neglects or refuses to afford promisor
     reasonablefacility for performance (S.67)
Termination of Contract
Termination is the discharge of contractual relationship
                      between parties
Modes of Termination of Contract:
1. By Performance or Tender
2. By Mutual consent
3. Subsequent Impossibility of Performance
4. By Operation of Law
5. By lapse of Time
6. By Breach of Contract
Termination of Contract
1. By Performance or Tender
Where parties have fulfilled whatever contemplated –
  contract ends

Tender: Tender has the same effect of as
   performance. If promisor tenders performance of
   his promise but the other party refuses to
   accept, the promisor stands discharged of his
   obligation
Termination of Contract
2. By Mutual consent:

i)     Novation ( Substitution)
ii)    Rescind (Cancel)
iii)   Alteration
iv)    Remit (Lesser fulfillment)
v)     Waiver (Relinquish)
vi)    Merger (discharge by a inferior right to superior right)
Termination of Contract
3. Subsequent Impossibility:
Inherent – void ab-initio
Void due to subsequent impossibility (Doctrine of
       frustration)
i)     Destruction of subject matter of contract (for no fault of
       promisor)
ii)    By death or disablement of the parties (personal causation)
iii)   By subsequent illegality
iv)    By declaration of war
v)     Non-existence of particular state of things

(Exceptions where impossibility does not render contract as void:
     difficulty-expensive, commercial loss, failure of third person,
     strike-lockout-civil disturbance, failure of an object)
Termination of Contract
4. By Operation of Law:

i)    By death

ii)   By insolvency

iii) By merger


iv) By the unauthorised alteration of terms
Termination of Contract
5. By lapse of Time:
   Contracts must be performed within the period of
    limitation (Limitation Act)
   The Limitation Act prescribes different limitation
    period for different kinds of contract

   If contract is not performed & the party aggrieved
    does not enforce his rights within limitation period, he
    is debarred from enforcing the contract

   After expiry period court will not enforce contract, thus
    contract gets discharged
Termination of Contract
5. By Breach of Contract:
     Refusal of performance is a breach. When one
     party refuses to perform, other party is
     discharged from its liability
i) Anticipatory breach- breach before the due date of
   actual performance by refusal to perform or does an
   act which makes the performance impossible
Consequences of anticipatory breach
a)    Rescind & sue for damages at once
b)    Treat contract as operative & wait for time of performance & hold
      party liable for non-performance
„anticipatory breach‟ does not by itself become discharge of
      contract. Discharge becomes effective on party aggrieved
      elects to rescind the contract
Termination of Contract
ii)   Actual breach –
a)    at the time when performance is due
b)    During the course of performance

      When promisor offers to perform
      subsequently, whether it should be accepted or
      refused by the promisee & sue for breach would
      depend on whether
      time was an essence of the contract
If time is an essence of the contract is voidable at the
      option of the promisee
In case time is not essence of contract, it is not
      voidable, the promisee is entitled to compensation for
      breach
Remedies for Breach of Contract
The relief available are:
i)    Rescission
ii)   Damages for loss sustained
iii) Decree for Specific Performance
iv) Injunction

v)    Suit on „Quantum Meruit‟
Remedies for Breach of Contract
i)    Rescission
     Aggrieved party may sue to treat contract as rescinded
     Aggrieved party is freed from all liabilities under the contract
     Aggrieved party is entitled to compensation(S.75) for loss
      sustained on breach of contract


ii) Damages
a.    Ordinary
b.    Special
c.    Vindictive /punitive/exemplary
d.    nominal
Remedies for Breach of Contract
iii) Specific Performance:
     Where damages is not a adequate remedy, court may
     direct the party to breach to carry out his promise
S.P not granted- a) Monetary compensation is adequate, b) Contract
      of Personal nature – to marry, c) Contract beyond objects laid in
      Mem. of Association


iv) Injunction:
A party to breach of negative terms of contract (party does something
      which he is not supposed to do), Court may prohibit him from
      doing so, through an order known as injunction
Remedies for Breach of Contract
v) Suit on „Quantum Meruit‟:

The phrase means „as much as is merited (earned)‟

Rule- A party which has not performed its promise to its entirety,
     cannot claim performance from the other

However, there is an exception to this rule on the basis of „Quantum
    Meruit‟



Right to claim/sue on „Quantum Meruit‟ arises where a contract
      partly performed has been discharged by the breach of the other
      party

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Indian contract act 1872 m

  • 1. INDIAN CONTRACT ACT, 1872 Act lays down principles of - formation, - performance, - enforceability of contracts And, rules relating to Special type of contracts, viz., indemnity, guarantee, bailment, pledge & agency.
  • 2. Law of Contract CONTRACT – S.2(h) “An agreement enforceable by law” or, an agreement made with an intention to create a legal obligation (enforceable by law) AGREEMENT – S.2(e) “Every promise and every set of promises forming the consideration for each other” PROMISE: S.2(b) “When the person to whom the proposal is made signifies his assent thereto, the proposal is said to be accepted. A proposal when accepted becomes a promise” An agreement is an accepted proposal.
  • 3. What is a Contract? Sec.2(h) – A contract is an agreement enforceable by law. The contract must be definite & its purpose should create a legal relationship. The agreements must satisfy two things viz., i) Intention to be bound, & ii) consideration
  • 4. Essentials of Contracts 1. Agreement 2. Legal Obligation 3. Free & Genuine Consent 4. Parties Competent to Contract 5. Lawful Consideration 6. Lawful Object 7. Agreement not declared Void 8. Certainty of Meaning 9. Possibility of Performance 10. Necessary Legal formalities
  • 5. Agreement  Has 2 elements viz., i) A proposal/offer, and ii) Acceptance of that proposal/offer  Offeror and Offeree – 2 parties  Same thing in same sense – consent A contract which is an agreement enforceable in law has two elements viz; i) An agreement ii) Legal obligation
  • 6. Agreement Offer or Proposal When a person indicates to another, his willingness to do or abstain from doing anything, with a view to obtaining an assent of that other person to such act or abstinence, he said to make a proposal or offer Acceptance when the person to whom the proposal is made signifies his assent thereto, the proposal is said to be accepted. In other words, acceptance is the manifestation of the offeree of his consent to the terms of the offer.
  • 7. Legal Obligation  Intention to create legal relationship  Belfour Vs Belfour Case (1919) –Social/Domestic agreements not contract. Parties didn‟t intend to create legal relations  Commercial or social, domestic agreements must have some presumptions to show legal obligations to be a contract
  • 8. Free & Genuine Consent  Contract should not be obtained by - misrepresentation - Fraud - Undue influence - Coercion - mistake  If any of above flaw exists in a contract it will be held as void
  • 9. Parties Competent to Contract  Who is a competent party?  Of majority age i.e., not a minor  Of sound mind – lunatic, idiot, drunkenness, status  Not disqualified by any law to which he is subject  Flaw if any, contract becomes unenforceable, except in exceptional circumstances
  • 10. Lawful Consideration  Is price for the promise of the other – need not be in terms of money  If not supported by consideration – bare consideration – nudum pactum – contract not enforceable  Must be real & lawful  Each party must promise something and receive something
  • 11. Lawful Object OBJECT  Not disapproved by law  Does not defeats any provision of law  Where it is not fraudulent  Not injurious to another person or property  Not immoral  Not opposed to public policy
  • 12. Agreement not declared Void  Although an agreement contains all the elements yet, certain agreements are declared illegal or void agreements, such as; Restraining marriage Restraining trade Restraining legal proceedings Wagering agreements
  • 13. Certainty of Meaning  Specific (say cloth, oil type)  Shouldn‟t be vague  Punit Beriwala Vs. Suva Sanyal (1998) – Agreement to agree
  • 14. Possibility of Performance  Agreement to do an act impossible –cannot be enforced Eg; Discover treasure by magic  Based on the maxim – Law does not compel to do what is impossible (Lex non cogit ad aimpossibilia)  At the time of entering into contract, was capable of being performed, but subsequently become impossible or unlawful – Known as doctrine of supervening impossibility, doctrine of frustration
  • 15. Necessary Legal formalities  Contract may oral or in writing  However, certain cases documented, comply with formalities of writing, registering, attestation, stamp duty  Made in presence of a witness  Agreements which must be writing - time barred debt - arbitration agreement - lease agreement for more than 3 yrs. - contract of insurance - negotiable instruments - memorandum & article of association - transfer of immovable property & so on
  • 16. Necessary Legal formalities  Contracts which must be registered: - promise w/o consideration out of natural love & affection between parties of near relation - documents u/s 17 of Registration Act - transfer of immovable properties under TPA,1882 - Memorandum & Art. Of Association, Mortgage and Charges under Co.Act,1956
  • 17. Necessary Legal formalities Instruments those chargeable under Indian Stamps Act,1894 - Negotiable instruments - Insurance Policy - Partition Deed - Share/ Debenture Certificates - Pledge - Mortgage Deeds Unstamped or under stamped , improperly stamped instruments not admitted in evidence
  • 18.  All essential elements must exist together in a contract, to be a legal and valid agreement or simply called a contract  But, if any one of the elements is missing, the contract is either voidable, void, illegal or unenforceable in law
  • 19. Types of Contracts Contracts are classified in terms of their : 1. Validity or enforceability 2. Mode of formation 3. Performance
  • 20. 1. Validity or enforceable contracts  Valid Contract - Has all essential elements  Voidable Contract  Void Contract  Illegal Contract  Unenforceable Contract - Some elements are missing
  • 21. Voidable Contract  Affected by a flaw, say misrepresentation, fraud, coercion, undue-influence, mistake  which may repudiated at the option of of aggrieved party  Till it is set aside, it remains valid & binding (patient-medical attdt-undue infl.)
  • 22. Void Contract - S.2(i)  An agreement not enforceable by either of the parties to it, is void (restitution)  Such agreement is w/o any legal effect ab- initio (eg; engaging auditorium, destroyed – fire before function)  eg, contract with minor, mistake of fact, unlawful object/consideration, w/o consideration, restraint of marriage/trade/legal proceedings, uncertain /wagering/impossible agreements, agreement to entering into agreement in future  Contract valid at formation, becoming void later – subsequent impossibility/illegality
  • 23. Illegal Contract Where object or consideration is: Forbidden by law Defeats provision of a law (Contract for wheat-Govt. ordnanace-sale wheat only from fair price shop) Fraudulent Involves injury to person/property Immoral under law Opposed to public policy Wagering agreement (in Mumbai) (agreemnt div. of gains acqrd by fraud/promise-employt for payment) (A bets with B, losses, reqst C 4 loan, C pays B/settles A‟s loss. C cannot recover from A)
  • 24. Unenforceable Contract  They are neither void or voidable  Cannot be enforced in court as it lacks some item of evidence such as writing, registration or stamping  Unstamped /under stamped, if stamp required for merely revenue, defect can be cured by affixing required stamp/penalty.  Technical defects cannot be cured. Remains unenforceable eg, un-stamped negotiable instrument
  • 25. 2. Mode of Formation  Express Contract Where the terms of the contract are stated clearly in words – written or spoken  Implied Contract Where terms of contract are inferred from conduct of parties or circumstances (Bus travel)  Quasi-contracts (Essence of a valid contract is on agreement) Sometimes, obligation is created by law, where an obligation is imposed on a party & action is allowed to be brought by another party (providing necessaries for minor/ leaving goods in another‟s place by mistake-use)
  • 26. 3. Performance  Executed Contract Where parties have completely performed their obligations & nothing remains to be done  Executory Contract Where parties have still to perform their share of obligation; something has been left out still to be performed by both the parties. (Union of India Vs. Chaman lal Loona(1957)  Uni-lateral (pays bus fare-one party has fulfilled his part)  Bi-lateral (A contract is a contract from the time it is made & not from the time of performance is due.Performance can be at the time contract is made or it can be postponed either in full or part)
  • 27. OFFER „When one person signifies to another, his willingness to do or to abstain from doing anything, with a view to obtaining the consent of that other person towards such act or abstinence, he is said to be making an offer or proposal.‟
  • 28. Types of Offer Express Offer Implied Offer Specific Offer General Offer The offer is the starting point in the process of making an agreement Every agreement begins with one party offering to do/sell something or to provide a service etc
  • 29. Essentials of an Offer i) Terms of must be definite, unambiguos, & certain or capable of being made certain ii) Every offer should be communicated, ie., offeree must have the knowledge of the offer iii) An offer cannot contain a term, the non-compliance of which would to amount to acceptance iv) Offer must have a intention of creating a binding, mere statement does not amount to an offer v) Must have intention to create a legal relationship vi) Must be made with a view to obtain assent thereto vii) If no time is fixed within which the offer is to be accepted, the offer does not remain open for an indefinite period viii) A offer must be distinguished from a mere invitation to offer ix) Offer may be „positive‟ or „negative‟ x) Two identical cross-offers do-not result in a contract
  • 30. Acceptance Definition: „An acceptance is the act of manifestation by the offeree of his intention to the terms of offer and willingness to be bound by the terms of the offer communicated to him.‟  An agreement emerges from the acceptance of an offer.  Acceptance is the second stage of a contract.
  • 31. Essentials of Valid Acceptance i) Must be absolute & unqualified & according to the terms of offer ii) To be made by the offeree iii) Communicated to the offeror iv) After receiving the offer v) Before the offer lapses-within the time period vi) Mode of Communication, if any, must be as prescribed in the offer vii) In case of rejection of offer – a renewal of offer required
  • 32. Consideration Definition: It is the price for which the promise of the other is bought. A contract is basically a bargain between two parties, each receiving „something‟ of benefit to them. This „something‟ is described as consideration. Eg., Price for the goods sold
  • 33. Essentials of Consideration Essentials for a valid Consideration: i) At the desire of the promisor ii) May move from the promisee or any other person iii) Must be an act, abstinence or promise iv) May be past ,present or future v) Need not be adequate vi) Must be real & competent vii) Must be legal
  • 34. No Consideration, No Contract The general rule : ‘ex-nudo-pacto non-oritur actio’ i.e.,Out of a naked pact, no cause of action can arise. An agreement without consideration is void. A promise in order to be enforceable must have consideration, because only a consideration can establish legal obligation & create legal rights between the parties
  • 35. No Consideration, No Contract Consideration is the very essential element of any contract to create legal rights between the parties The law insists on existence of consideration if a promise is to be enforced as legal obligation The law provides no remedy to compel a party to perform his promise on an agreement made without consideration A promise without consideration is null & void.
  • 36. Exceptions to the Rule Rule: (Sec.25) Agreement without consideration is void However, consideration not necessary in: i) Agreement made on account of love & affection ii) Compensation for past voluntary service iii) Promise to pay a time-barred debt iv) Gifts v) Agency
  • 37. Doctrine of Privity of Contract Relationship subsisting between the parties with contractual obligations. Implies mutuality of will & creates a legal bond or tie between the parties It has 2 consequences: 1. Person not party to a contract cannot sue, even though the contract is for his benefit & he has provided consideration. 2. A contract cannot confer rights or impose obligation arising under it on any person other than the parties to it. Eg, if there is contract between A & B, C cannot enforce it.
  • 38. Capacity of Parties Essential element of enforceability agreement: Parties should possess contractual capacity (S.10) Contractual Capacity: Not defined A person who is major, of sound mind, and is not disqualified from contracting by law is competent to enter into a valid contract (S.11) – inference of contractual capacity: contracting parties should be capable of understanding it and of form a rational judgment of its effect on their interest. They should also not be disqualified by law to enter into a contract
  • 39. Persons Not Competent to Contract (S.11) Mental Deficiency i) Minors ii) Of Unsound Mind a) Idiots b) Insane c) Drunkards/intoxicated Legal Disability iii) Disqualified by law a) Aliens b) Foreign sovereigns & ambassadors c) Convicts d) incorporated institutions like joint stock companies, societies, trusts etc. e) insolvents f) married women (prior to 1956)
  • 40. Minor  A contract with a minor is void ab-initio  (In England- minor contract is voidable at the option of minor)  A minor cannot be asked to refund any benefit received under a void agreement  He is not estopped to plead minority even where he falsely represents himself to be of full age  A minor „s contract cannot be ratified by him on attaining majority  He cannot be a partner in a partnership firm. He can be admitted to the benefits of an already existing partnership  Minor can be a promisee or a beneficiary, He cannot bind himself by a contract, but there nothing in Act which prevents him from making other party to be bound to the minor.  His estate is liable to a person who supplies necessaries of life to him  His parents/guardians are not liable to a minor‟s creditor‟s on his breach of contract  He can be an agent
  • 41. Free Consent (S.13) defines consent as “ Two or more persons are said to consent when they agree upon the same thing in the same sense.” Free Consent (S.14): consent is said to be free when it is not caused by – i) Coercion ii) Undue influence iii) Fraud iv) Misrepresentation v) Mistake A contract to be valid it is not only necessary that parties consent, but also that they consent freely Where there is consent, but not free consent, the contract is voidable at the option of the party whose consent was not free
  • 42. Coercion Coercion is a committing or threatening to commit some act which is contrary to law Consent is said to be caused by coercion when it is obtained by either of the following acts: i) Committing or threatening to commit any act forbidden by the IPC, or ii) Unlawful detaining or threatening any property Duress: English equivalent of coercion Consequence of Coercion: when consent is caused by coercion, the contract is voidable at the option of the party whose consent was obtained.
  • 43. Undue Influence A contract is said to induced by undue influence where: i) A party is in a position to dominate the will of the other, and ii) Is in a position to obtain unfair advantage over the other Dominating position may be: i) One dominating, holds a real or apparent authority over other eg. Master-servant ii) Dominator stands in fiduciary relation to other eg, father –son iii) Dominator makes a contract with a person whose mental capacity is temporarily/permanently affected eg, old illiterate person It‟s a voidable contract
  • 44. Fraud Fraud is a misrepresentation of facts made to induce to enter into a contract with intention to deceive or cheat. includes: a) The suggestion, as a fact, of that which is not true by one who does not believe it to be true. b) Active concealment of a fact by one having knowledge or belief of the fact c) A promise made without intention of performing it d) Any other act fitted to deceive e) Any such act or omission which law declares to be fradulent
  • 45. Misrepresentation Misrepresentation means an innocent mis- statement of fact to the contract made by one party to induce the other to enter into a contract. (no desire of deceiving or defraud) Classified into 3 groups: 1. A +ve assertion, in a manner not warranted (by the information of the person making it), of that which is not true, though believes it to be true. 2. Any breach of duty which, without intent to deceive gives advantage to the person committing it, by misleading another to his pre-judice 3. Causing, however innocently, a party to an agreement to make a mistake as to the substance of thing which is subject of agreement
  • 46. Misrepresentation Consequences: Party wronged can; 1. Avoid agreement, or 2. Insist contract be performed & he be put in position in which he would have been, if the representation made had been true Unlike fraud, misrepresentation doesn‟t entitle a party to claim damages (subject to exceptions) Exceptions:  Breach of warranty of authority of an agent. Where agent believes that he has authority to represent the principal, while in fact he has no such authority, agent liable to damages, though he is guilty of innocent representation  Negligent representation made by one person to another between whom a confidential relation exists, solicitor – client, father – daughter.  However, if the party whose consent was caused by misrepresentation had means of discovering truth with ordinary diligence, he has no remedy.
  • 47. Distinction between Misrepresentation & Fraud 1. Fraud is committed with intention to deceive while entering into contract, whereas in misrepresentation is due to innocence, without intention to deceive or gain advantage. 2. Both voidable at the option of the wronged. But, in case fraud, party wronged gets additional remedy to sue for damages. In misrepresentation claim for damages arises only in exceptional cases. 3. In both cases contract can be avoided. However, in case of misrepresentation, if the party whose consent is caused had the means of discovering the truth with ordinary diligence, contract cannot be avoided.
  • 48. Mistake Mistake means erroneous belief or wrong notion concerning some fact.  Consent is not free when agreement is entered into under mistake. Parties entering into contracts should not be under any error  They must agree on the same thing in the same sense  „Consensus ad-idem‟ must be present  Salomon describes contracts as “error in cause” Consequence: Mistakes render a contract void. Party complaining of the mistake may repudiate it, i.e., need not perform it. If executed, party receiving any advantage must restore , or compensate for it, as soon as the contract is discovered to be void.
  • 49. Types Mistakes Two types: 1. Mistake of Law 2. Mistake of Facts Mistake of Law i) Mistake of the law of the land ii) Mistake of foreign law iii) Mistake of private right of the parties Mistake of Fact I) Bilateral mistake II) Unilateral mistake
  • 50. Mistake of Law 1. Mistake of law of land: The rule is “ignorance of law is no excuse” A contract is not voidable because it was caused by a mistake as to any in force in India. 2. Mistake of foreign law: The maxim “ ignorance of law is no excuse” applies only to law of the country & not to foreign law. The mistake of foreign law is treated as mistake of fact S.21 – “A mistake as to a law not in force in India has the same effect as a mistake of fact.” 3. Mistake of Private right of the parties: Mistake of the private right of the parties is also excusable. Such mistake stands on the same footing as the mistake of fact & the contract can be avoided on the ground of mistake
  • 51. Mistake of Fact 1. Bilateral mistake: When both parties are under a mistake of fact essential for the agreement, the mistake called bilateral mistake of fact & the agreement is void (An erroneous value of the thing which forms subject matter is not to be deemed a mistake as to matter of fact) Bilateral mistake may be: A) Mistake as to the subject matter B) Mistake as to the possibility of performance
  • 52. Mistake of Fact Mistake as to the subject matter The subject matter may be of reg: i) Existence ii) Identity iii) Title iv) Quality v) Quantity vi) Price Mistake as to the possibility of performance If both parties believe that the agreement is capable of being performed though it is not, the agreement is void
  • 53. Mistake of Fact Unilateral mistake: When one of the contracting parties is at mistake it is known as unilateral mistake. Generally in such situation the contract is not invalid. S.22- “A contract is not voidable merely because it was caused by one of the parties to it under a mistake as to a matter of fact” A party cannot be allowed to avoid a contract merely on the ground of his own mistake which may be due to his own negligence or carelessness However, there are exceptions
  • 54. Mistake of Fact Exceptions (Unilateral mistakes): 1. Mistake as to the identity of the person contracted with 2. Mistake as to nature of the contract 3. Mistake as to quality of the promise
  • 55. Quasi Contract “Under certain circumstances, the law imposes, certain rights & obligations similar to that arises from a true contract, even though there is no contract, express or implied, between parties.” Such contracts are termed as quasi- contracts (Dr.Jenks)  This is based on maxim that „no man must grow rich out of another person‟s cost‟.  It is based on equitable principal, „ that a person shall not be allowed unjustly to enrich himself at the expense of another‟
  • 56. Kinds of Quasi Contracts  Claim for necessaries supplied to a person incapable of contracting on his account(S.68)  Reimbursement of a person paying money due by another in payment of which he is interested (S.69)  Obligation of person enjoying benefit of a non- gratuitous act (S.70)  Rights and liabilities of the finder of lost goods(S.71)  Liability of persons to whom money is paid or things delivered by mistake or coercion(S.72)
  • 57. Distinction between Quasi & General Contracts  In General Contract obligation is created by the consent of parties , whereas in quasi contract it is imposed by law.  As far as claims for damages – there is similarity between because in case of breach of a quasi contract (S.73) ensures same obligations as of general contract  The injured party is entitled to same compensation on default
  • 58. Legality of Object  In a contract consideration and object have very little difference. One affects the other.  An agreement will not be enforceable if its object or consideration is unlawful According to (S.23) the consideration and the object of an agreement are unlawful in following cases; 1. If it is forbidden by law 2. If is of such a nature that if permitted, it would defeat provisions of any law 3. If it is fraudulent 4. If it involves or implies injury to the person or property of another 5. If the court regards it as immoral or opposed to public policy
  • 59. Performance of Contract  A contract creates obligations  „Performance of Contract‟ means carrying out these obligations  (S.37) parties to contract must either perform or offer to perform their respective promises, unless such performance is dispensed or excused under provisions of the Act or any other law
  • 60. Tender or Offer of Performance  When a promisor offers performance of his obligation at the proper time & place, it is known as tender  (S.38) If valid tender is made & is not accepted by the promisee, the promisor shall not be responsible for non-performance (nor shall he loose his rights under the contract)
  • 61. Conditions for a Valid Tender 1. Must be unconditional 2. Must be made at proper time & place, where promisee has reasonable opportunity of ascertaining that the promisor is able & willing there and then to do the whole of his promise 3. The promisee must have reasonable opportunity to see that the thing offered is the thing contracted for
  • 62. Persons entitled to demand performance 1. Promisee 2. Legal Representative 3. Joint Promisee 4. Third Party
  • 63. Persons bound to perform 1. By the Parties (S.37) 2. Promisor (S.40) 3. Representatives (S.37) 4. Agent (S.40) 5. Third Party (S.41) Rule: The personal cause of action dies with person concerned
  • 64. Contracts which Need not be Performed 1. If the parties mutually agree to substitute the original contract by a new contract or rescind or alter it (S.62) 2. If promisee dispenses with or remits wholly or partly or extends the time or accepts any satisfaction for it (S.63) 3. If the person at whose option the contract is voidable, rescinds it (S.64) 4. If promisee neglects or refuses to afford promisor reasonablefacility for performance (S.67)
  • 65. Termination of Contract Termination is the discharge of contractual relationship between parties Modes of Termination of Contract: 1. By Performance or Tender 2. By Mutual consent 3. Subsequent Impossibility of Performance 4. By Operation of Law 5. By lapse of Time 6. By Breach of Contract
  • 66. Termination of Contract 1. By Performance or Tender Where parties have fulfilled whatever contemplated – contract ends Tender: Tender has the same effect of as performance. If promisor tenders performance of his promise but the other party refuses to accept, the promisor stands discharged of his obligation
  • 67. Termination of Contract 2. By Mutual consent: i) Novation ( Substitution) ii) Rescind (Cancel) iii) Alteration iv) Remit (Lesser fulfillment) v) Waiver (Relinquish) vi) Merger (discharge by a inferior right to superior right)
  • 68. Termination of Contract 3. Subsequent Impossibility: Inherent – void ab-initio Void due to subsequent impossibility (Doctrine of frustration) i) Destruction of subject matter of contract (for no fault of promisor) ii) By death or disablement of the parties (personal causation) iii) By subsequent illegality iv) By declaration of war v) Non-existence of particular state of things (Exceptions where impossibility does not render contract as void: difficulty-expensive, commercial loss, failure of third person, strike-lockout-civil disturbance, failure of an object)
  • 69. Termination of Contract 4. By Operation of Law: i) By death ii) By insolvency iii) By merger iv) By the unauthorised alteration of terms
  • 70. Termination of Contract 5. By lapse of Time:  Contracts must be performed within the period of limitation (Limitation Act)  The Limitation Act prescribes different limitation period for different kinds of contract  If contract is not performed & the party aggrieved does not enforce his rights within limitation period, he is debarred from enforcing the contract  After expiry period court will not enforce contract, thus contract gets discharged
  • 71. Termination of Contract 5. By Breach of Contract: Refusal of performance is a breach. When one party refuses to perform, other party is discharged from its liability i) Anticipatory breach- breach before the due date of actual performance by refusal to perform or does an act which makes the performance impossible Consequences of anticipatory breach a) Rescind & sue for damages at once b) Treat contract as operative & wait for time of performance & hold party liable for non-performance „anticipatory breach‟ does not by itself become discharge of contract. Discharge becomes effective on party aggrieved elects to rescind the contract
  • 72. Termination of Contract ii) Actual breach – a) at the time when performance is due b) During the course of performance When promisor offers to perform subsequently, whether it should be accepted or refused by the promisee & sue for breach would depend on whether time was an essence of the contract If time is an essence of the contract is voidable at the option of the promisee In case time is not essence of contract, it is not voidable, the promisee is entitled to compensation for breach
  • 73. Remedies for Breach of Contract The relief available are: i) Rescission ii) Damages for loss sustained iii) Decree for Specific Performance iv) Injunction v) Suit on „Quantum Meruit‟
  • 74. Remedies for Breach of Contract i) Rescission  Aggrieved party may sue to treat contract as rescinded  Aggrieved party is freed from all liabilities under the contract  Aggrieved party is entitled to compensation(S.75) for loss sustained on breach of contract ii) Damages a. Ordinary b. Special c. Vindictive /punitive/exemplary d. nominal
  • 75. Remedies for Breach of Contract iii) Specific Performance: Where damages is not a adequate remedy, court may direct the party to breach to carry out his promise S.P not granted- a) Monetary compensation is adequate, b) Contract of Personal nature – to marry, c) Contract beyond objects laid in Mem. of Association iv) Injunction: A party to breach of negative terms of contract (party does something which he is not supposed to do), Court may prohibit him from doing so, through an order known as injunction
  • 76. Remedies for Breach of Contract v) Suit on „Quantum Meruit‟: The phrase means „as much as is merited (earned)‟ Rule- A party which has not performed its promise to its entirety, cannot claim performance from the other However, there is an exception to this rule on the basis of „Quantum Meruit‟ Right to claim/sue on „Quantum Meruit‟ arises where a contract partly performed has been discharged by the breach of the other party