Liability of party preventing event on which the contract is to take effect
Chapter 5: Of the performance of contracts
When a contract contains reciprocal promises, and one party to the contract prevents the other from performing his promise, the contract becomes voidable at the option of the party so prevented; and he is entitled to compensation 1from the other party for any loss which he may sustain in consequence of the non- performance of the contract.
Illustration.
A and B contract that B shall execute certain work for A for a thousand rupees. B is ready and willing to execute the work accordingly, but A prevents him from doing so. The contract is voidable at the option of B; and, if he elects to rescind it, he is entitled to recover from A compensation for any loss which he has incurred by its non-performance.
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
- 50Performance in manner or at time prescribed or sanctioned by promisee
- 51Promisor not bound to perform, unless reciprocal promisee ready and willing to perform
- 52Order of performance of reciprocal promises
- 54Effect of default as to that promise which should be first performed, in contract consisting of reciprocal promises
- 55Effect of failure to perform at fixed time, in contract in which time is essential
- 56Agreement to do impossible act