Description
Section 2 (h) of The Indian Contract Act, 1872 defines contract as an agreement enforceable by law. It is a legally binding document that regulates the duties and rights of two or more parties. The process of stating an agreement’s terms and conditions in writing is known as contract drafting, and its aim is to produce a written document that is as clear and reflective of the parties’ intentions. Drafting is suggested to be done by a Legal Practitioner, so that the legalities involved in the matter can be explicitly written down.
OVERVIEW
ESSENTIALS
- Capacity: Every person is competent to contract who is of the age of majority according to the law to which he is subject, and who is of sound mind, and is not disqualified from contracting by any law to which he is subject
- Offer and acceptance: In order for a transaction to take place, one party must make an offer (such as money, services, rights, etc.) and the other must accept it.
- Consideration: When, at the desire of one party, the other party or any other person on behalf of him has done or abstained from doing something is called a consideration. This may include any monetary advantage or any other service, in exchange of something. The consideration has to be something not forbidden by law and that has some value in the eyes of law.
- Mutuality or intention: The knowledge that each party anticipates being held to the terms of the agreement and carrying out their part of the agreement is called their intention to perform the contract.
- Legality: Every central, state, and local law must be complied with by the contract. A contract for something unlawful is not enforceable.
AVANTAGES
- Clear Terms and Conditions:
Clear and unambiguous terms and conditions are one of the main advantages of a professionally drafted contract. A professionally drafted contract, as opposed to a standard agreement template or handshake deal, provides security to the parties. There is less chance of miscommunication or conflict because all duties, responsibilities, and expectations are clearly outlined.
Legal protection at the time of a disagreement or dispute can also be obtained through a professionally drafted contract. A well-drafted contract can reduce the risk of litigation and offer a framework for resolving disputes outside of court by outlining each party’s rights and obligations specifically.
- Specific Obligations and Responsibilities:
Ensuring that all parties understand their responsibilities and obligations is another benefit of having a professionally drafted contract. This can guarantee that everyone has the same understanding from the start and help to avoid misunderstandings or arguments later on. A professionally drafted contract can help ensure a successful and seamless transaction by clearly defining the scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and other important details. Also, specifically mentioning the rights and duties enables one party to obligate the other one for complying.
- Effective Contract Negotiation:
A solid and functional legal agreement must be created, and this requires effective contract negotiation. You can make sure that each party’s needs and interests are taken into consideration and that the final draft agreement accurately represents the intentions of all parties involved by cooperating with the other party or parties. This can guarantee that everyone is happy with the outcome in the end and help avoid misunderstandings and arguments later on.
FAQs
- What are Social Agreements? Are they legally binding?
An agreement may be a social agreement. A social agreement is that which does not give rise to legal consequences. In case of its breach the parties cannot go to the Law Court to enforce a right.
- What are essentials of a valid contract?
A Valid Contract must meet the following requirements:
- Competent parties as per Section 11 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Agreement defining rights and duties of the parties
- Valid promise and lawful consideration
- Free Consent of the parties to enter into the contract
- Legally binding
- Can a third party claim rights arising from a contract?
Yes! Following people can sue for a violation in a contract even if they are not parties to it:
- Beneficiary in a trust
- Assignee
- Beneficiary in case of family arrangements or settlements
- Agent of any party
- When is a contract Voidable?
When consent to an agreement is caused by coercion, fraud or misrepresentation, the agreement is a contract voidable at the option of the party whose consent was so caused.