ICA Section 32: Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event happening
Indian Contract Act, 1872 · Chapter 3: Contingent Contracts
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32. Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event happening .- Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event appends cannot be enforced by law unless and until that event has happened.
If the event becomes impossible, such contracts become void.
Illustrations
(a) A makes a contract with B to buy B's horse if A survives C. This contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C dies in A's lifetime.
(b) A makes a contract with B to sell a horse to B at a specified price, if C, to whom the horse has been offered, refuses to buy him. The contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C refuses to buy the horse.
(c) A contracts to pay B a sum of money when B marries C. C dies without being married to B. The contract becomes void.
Official reference: India Code, Legislative Department — checked: 29 September 2026.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 31. "Contingent contract" defined
- 33. Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event not happening
- 34. When event on which contract is contingent to be deemed impossible, if it is the future conduct of a living person
- 35. When contracts become void which are contingent on happening of specified event within fixed time
- 36. Agreement contingent on impossible events void