Legal Rules Regarding Valid Acceptance
Acceptance is an essential element of a valid contract. The rules regarding valid acceptance are as follows:
1. Communication of Acceptance
The acceptance of an offer must be communicated to the offeror or their agent. Silence or inaction cannot be considered as acceptance.
2. Acceptance should be Absolute and Unconditional
The acceptance should be absolute and unconditional. Any qualified acceptance is considered as a counter-offer and not acceptance.
3. Acceptance should be Communicated in the Manner Prescribed
If the offer specifies a particular mode of communication, then acceptance should be communicated in that manner. If the offer does not specify the mode of communication, then acceptance should be communicated in a reasonable mode.
4. Acceptance should be Communicated within a Reasonable Time
An acceptance should be communicated within a reasonable time. The time for acceptance may depend on the nature of the offer, the mode of communication, and the circumstances of the case.
5. Acceptance should be Communicated before Lapse of Offer
An acceptance should be communicated before the lapse of the offer. If the offer specifies a time limit for acceptance, then the acceptance should be communicated within that time limit. If the offer does not specify a time limit, then the acceptance should be communicated within a reasonable time.
6. Acceptance should be given by the Person to whom the Offer is Made
The offer can be accepted only by the person to whom the offer is made. If the offer is made to a specific person, then only that person can accept the offer. If the offer is made to a group of persons, then the acceptance should be given by all the members of the group.
7. Acceptance must be Intentional
The acceptance must be intentional and not by mistake or coercion. If the acceptance is made by mistake or coercion, then it is not a valid acceptance.
Thus, these are the legal rules regarding valid acceptance that should be followed to form a valid contract.