Sections 6 to 10 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 explain how proposals can be revoked, how acceptance must be made, what counts as acceptance, the difference between express and implied promises, and when an agreement becomes a legally valid contract.
This guide explains each section clearly with direct answers for quick understanding.
Section 6: How a Proposal Can Be Revoked
Section 6 explains the situations in which a proposal (offer) can be withdrawn before it becomes a contract.
A proposal is revoked in the following cases:
- Notice of revocation: When the proposer communicates to the other party that the offer is withdrawn.
- Expiry of time: When the time fixed for acceptance expires, or if no time is fixed, after a reasonable time.
- Failure of condition: When the acceptor does not fulfill a condition that must be completed before acceptance.
- Death or insanity: If the proposer dies or becomes insane, and the acceptor knows this fact before acceptance.
Direct Answer: An offer can be revoked anytime before acceptance, subject to these conditions.
Section 7: Acceptance Must Be Absolute and Unqualified
Section 7 lays down the rules for valid acceptance. An offer becomes a promise only when acceptance follows these rules.
Rules of Valid Acceptance:
- Absolute and unconditional: Acceptance must fully agree to the offer without changes.
- Proper manner: Acceptance must be given in the manner prescribed by the proposer, if any.
If the proposer does not object to an incorrect method of acceptance within a reasonable time,
the acceptance is considered valid.
Direct Answer: Conditional or altered acceptance is not valid acceptance.
Section 8: Acceptance by Conduct or Consideration
Section 8 explains that acceptance does not always need words. Actions can also show acceptance.
Acceptance occurs when:
- The acceptor performs the conditions of the proposal.
- The acceptor accepts the consideration offered in return.
Example: Boarding a bus after seeing the fare notice is acceptance by conduct.
Direct Answer: Performing the act or accepting benefit equals acceptance.
Section 9: Express and Implied Promises
Section 9 divides promises into two types based on how they are made.
- Express Promise: Made through spoken or written words.
- Implied Promise: Inferred from conduct or circumstances.
Example: Paying for goods at a shop is an implied promise to pay the price.
Direct Answer: Promises can be verbal, written, or understood from behavior.
Section 10: When Agreements Become Contracts
Section 10 defines the essential elements that turn an agreement into a legally enforceable contract.
Essential Conditions of a Valid Contract:
- Free consent of all parties
- Parties must be competent to contract
- Lawful consideration
- Lawful object
- Agreement must not be expressly declared void
This section also clarifies that certain laws may require contracts to be in writing,
registered, or witnessed.
Direct Answer: Not every agreement is a contract; only those meeting Section 10 conditions are valid contracts.
Quick Summary (For Exams & Revision)
- Section 6: Explains when an offer ends
- Section 7: Acceptance must be clear and unconditional
- Section 8: Actions can amount to acceptance
- Section 9: Promises can be express or implied
- Section 10: Lists essentials of a valid contract
These sections form the foundation of contract law in India and are frequently asked in exams, interviews, and legal practice.
