Test: Consideration - CLAT PG MCQ

Pinnel's case established that an agreement to pay a lesser sum in place of a larger one is not legally binding due to the absence of consideration. This principle underscores the need for adequate consideration in contractual agreements, although there are exceptions where certain conditions can validate such arrangements.

A key requirement for consideration under the Indian Contract Act is that it must be provided at the request or desire of the promisor. This means that consideration cannot be offered voluntarily without a request, as it would not fulfill the criteria for a binding contract. This principle ensures that both parties have agreed upon the terms of the exchange.

Lawful consideration refers to the benefits or detriments exchanged between parties that adhere to legal standards. For consideration to be lawful, it must not involve illegal activities, fraud, or actions against public policy. This ensures that contracts are enforceable and can be upheld in a court of law.

When a party is bound by a pre-existing duty to a third party, fulfilling that duty may serve as valid consideration if an additional promise is made by the promisor. This principle highlights that the context of existing obligations can affect the enforceability of new promises, particularly when they benefit someone outside the original agreement.

Under Section 25(3) of the Indian Contract Act, for a promise to pay a time-barred debt to be enforceable, it must be in writing and signed by the party liable for payment. This ensures that the promise is recognized legally, even though the debt itself cannot be recovered through standard legal channels due to the expiration of the limitation period.

For a promise made due to natural love and affection to be enforceable, it must be documented in writing and registered. This legal requirement ensures that the promise is recognized formally, safeguarding the interests of both parties involved in the agreement.

In White v. Bluett, the court determined that the son's promise to stop complaining about the unequal distribution of property did not hold value as consideration for the father's promise to release him from a debt. This case illustrates the principle that consideration must have real value and not be trivial or inconsequential.

Past consideration refers to a situation where the consideration for a promise was provided before the promise was made. For example, if someone performs a service at the request of another and later receives a promise of payment, that earlier service qualifies as past consideration. The key aspect is that the act must have been performed at the request of the promisor, ensuring the promise is enforceable.

A third party can enforce a contract in the context of family arrangements if they are a beneficiary of that arrangement. This means that if a family agreement is made that explicitly provides for the benefit of a third party, that individual has the right to claim based on that contractual provision. This exception to the privity of contract reflects the recognition of familial relationships and obligations.

Executory consideration refers to a promise to perform or refrain from performing an action in the future. It contrasts with executed consideration, which involves actions that have already been completed. In a contract, each party's promise may serve as consideration for the other’s promise, establishing mutual obligations that will be fulfilled at a later date.

In Durga Prasad vs. Baldeo, the court ruled that the defendant was not liable for the promised commission because the consideration for the promise did not arise at the defendant’s desire, but rather at the request of a third party (the local collector). This case illustrates the principle that for consideration to be valid, it must be given at the request of the promisor, ensuring that both parties are engaged in the contractual relationship.

In contract law, consideration is defined as something given in return for a promise. It can be a benefit received by one party or a detriment suffered by another. Consideration is essential for a contract to be enforceable, as it demonstrates that each party has a stake in the agreement. Without consideration, an agreement may be deemed void unless it falls under certain exceptions.

The principle of "no consideration, no contract" does not apply to gifts. According to the Indian Contract Act, an agreement made as a gift and accepted by the donee is valid without consideration. This highlights the legal recognition of altruistic gestures, provided they meet certain formalities.

Executory consideration refers to a situation where one party makes a promise in exchange for a promise from another party, with both promises intended to be executed in the future. This type of consideration is crucial in forming binding agreements, as it ensures that both parties are committed to fulfilling their obligations at a later date.

In Indian law, it is valid for a third party to provide consideration for a promise. This differs from English law, where consideration must come from the promisee. The flexibility of the Indian legal framework allows for broader interpretations of consideration, ensuring that contracts can be enforceable even when a third party is involved in fulfilling the conditions of the agreement.

Forbearance to sue involves refraining from enforcing a legal claim for a specified period, often as part of a settlement agreement. This act can be considered valid consideration, as it provides a benefit to the party being sued, potentially facilitating a resolution to the dispute and avoiding litigation costs.

While a contract can still be valid with inadequate consideration, the inadequacy can be considered by the court in determining whether the promisor's consent was freely given. This means that while the contract remains enforceable, the circumstances surrounding the inadequacy of consideration may affect how the court views the agreement.

An agreement made for a charitable purpose without consideration is generally considered void unless specific actions have been taken based on that promise. For instance, if a charity begins work based on promised funds, the promise becomes enforceable due to the reliance on that pledge. This highlights the legal principle that actions based on promises can create binding obligations, even in charitable contexts.

The doctrine of privity of contract states that only the parties involved in a contract have the right to enforce it. This means that a third party who benefits from the contract cannot sue to enforce its terms. The principle underscores the importance of mutual consent and acknowledgment between the parties involved in the contract, which is essential for legal enforceability.

The case of Kedarnath v. Gorie Mohammed is significant because it clarified that a promise to pay a subscription becomes enforceable when concrete actions have been taken based on that promised subscription. In this case, the plaintiff initiated construction based on the promised funds, which constituted adequate consideration, thus making the defendant legally bound to fulfill his commitment. This case illustrates how reliance on a promise can create enforceability despite initial lack of consideration.