Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event happening
Chapter 4: Of contingent contracts
Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event happens cannot be enforced by law unless and until that event has happened. If the event becomes impossible, such contracts become void.
Illustrations.
(a) A makes a contract with B to buy B‟s horse if A survives C. This contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C dies in A‟s lifetime.
(b) A makes a contract with B to sell a horse to B at a specified price, if C, to whom the horse has been offered, refuses to buy him. The contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C refuses to buy the horse.
(c) A contracts to pay B a sum of money when B marries C. C dies without being married to B. The contract becomes void.
The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act No. 9 of 1872). From the updated text on India Code, with later amendments. Being checked against the official copy; amendment notes are not shown yet.
Related sections
- 31“Contingent contract” defined
- 33Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event not happening
- 34When event on which contract is contingent to be deemed impossible, if it is the future conduct of a living person
- 35When contracts become void which are contingent on happening of specified event within fixed time
- 36Agreement contingent on impossible events void