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Discuss the remedies available for coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation and
fraud, use legal authorities particularly the law of contract act and summarized
cases with its facts, issues and held
As an AI legal expert, I can provide you with an overview of the remedies available
for coercion, undue influence, misrepresentation, and fraud under the Indian
Contract Act. Please note that the information provided is based on Indian laws and
may not be applicable in other jurisdictions.
1. Coercion:
Coercion refers to the act of forcing someone to enter into a contract under duress
or threat. Section 15 of the Indian Contract Act deals with coercion. If a contract
is entered into as a result of coercion, the affected party has the following
remedies:
- The affected party can avoid the contract and refuse to perform their
obligations.
- They can also seek restitution of any property or money transferred under the
contract.
- In some cases, the affected party may be entitled to claim damages for any losses
suffered due to coercion.
Case example: In the case of Brij Mohan v. Ramesh Chander (AIR 1951 SC 344), the
Supreme Court held that a contract entered into under coercion is voidable at the
option of the coerced party.
2. Undue Influence:
Undue influence occurs when one party takes advantage of their dominant position to
influence the decision-making of the other party. Section 16 of the Indian Contract
Act deals with undue influence. The remedies available for undue influence are as
follows:
- The affected party can seek to set aside the contract on the grounds of undue
influence.
- They can also claim restitution of any property or money transferred under the
contract.
- In certain cases, the affected party may be entitled to claim damages for any
losses suffered due to undue influence.
Case example: In the case of Raghunath Prasad v. Sarju Prasad (AIR 1924 PC 60), the
Privy Council held that a contract induced by undue influence is voidable at the
option of the party influenced.
3. Misrepresentation:
Misrepresentation refers to a false statement of fact made by one party to induce
the other party to enter into a contract. Section 18 of the Indian Contract Act
deals with misrepresentation. The remedies available for misrepresentation are as
follows:
- The affected party can rescind the contract and seek restitution of any property
or money transferred.
- They can also claim damages for any losses suffered as a result of the
misrepresentation.
Case example: In the case of Derry v. Peek (1889 14 AC 337), the House of Lords
held that a false statement of fact, made with the intention to deceive, amounts to
misrepresentation.
4. Fraud:
Fraud refers to the intentional deception or dishonesty by one party to induce the
other party to enter into a contract. Section 17 of the Indian Contract Act deals
with fraud. The remedies available for fraud are as follows:
- The affected party can rescind the contract and seek restitution of any property
or money transferred.
- They can also claim damages for any losses suffered as a result of the fraud.
Case example: In the case of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. v. National Bank Ltd. (AIR
1996 SC 1219), the Supreme Court held that fraud vitiates the consent of the party
and renders the contract voidable.
Illustration 2:
A car salesman is selling a used car to a customer. The customer asks the salesman
if the car has ever been involved in an accident. The salesman, knowing that the
car was indeed in an accident, remains silent and does not disclose this
information. In this case, the salesman's silence would be considered fraudulent
because he had a duty to disclose the material fact of the car's accident history.
Legal Authority: In the case of Lalman Shukla v. Gauri Dutt (AIR 1913 All 1), the
Allahabad High Court held that if a party has a duty to speak and intentionally
remains silent, it amounts to fraud.
4. Contracts for the Sale of Shares: When selling shares in a company, the seller
is required to disclose all material information about the company's financial
health, potential risks, pending litigation, or any other factors that may
significantly impact the value of the shares.
It is important to note that the duty of utmost good faith may vary depending on
the jurisdiction and the specific terms of the contract. It is advisable to consult
with a legal professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.