ICA Section 43: Any one of joint promisors may be compelled to perform
Indian Contract Act, 1872 · Chapter 4: Performance of Contracts
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43. Any one of joint promisors may be compelled to perform . When two or; more persons make a joint promise, the promisee may, in the absence of express agreement to the contrary, compel any one or more of such joint promisors, to perform the whole of the promise.
Each promisor may compel contribution. Each of two or more joint promisors may compel every other joint promisor to contribute equally with himself to the performance of the promise, unless a contrary intention appears from the contract.
Sharing of loss by default in contribution.-If any one of two or more joint promisors makes default in such contribution, the remaining joint promisors must bear the loss arising from such default in equal shares.
Explanation.-Nothing in this section shall prevent a surety from recovering from his principal; payments made by the surety on behalf of the principal, or entitle the principal to recover anything from the surety on account of payments made by the principal.
Illustrations
(a) A, B and C jointly promise to pay D 3,000 rupees. D may compel either A or B or C to pay him 3,000 rupees.
(b) A, B and C jointly promise to pay D the sum of 3,000 rupees. C is compelled to pay the whole. A is insolvent, but his assets are sufficient to pay one-half of his debts. C is entitled to receive 500 rupees from A's estate, and 1,250 rupees from B.
(c) A, B and C are under a joint promise to pay D 3,000 rupees. C is unable to pay anything, and A is compelled to pay the whole. A is entitled to receive 1,500 rupees from B.
(d) A, B and C are under a joint promise to pay D 3,000 rupees, A and B being only sureties for C. C fails to pay. A and B are compelled to pay he whole sum. They are entitled to recover it from C.
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
- 37. Obligation of parties to contracts
- 38. Effect of refusal to accept offer of performance
- 39. Effect of refusal of party to perform promise wholly
- 40. Person by whom promise is to be performed
- 41. Effect of accepting performance from third person
- 42. Devolution of joint liabilities
- 44. Effect of release of one joint promisor
- 45. Devolution of joint rights
- 46. Time for performance of promise, when no application is to be made and no time is specified
- 47. Time and place for performance of promise, where time is specified and no application to be made
- 48. Application for performance on certain day to be at proper time and place
- 49. Place for performance of promise, where no application to be made and no place fixed for performance
- 50. Performance in manner or at time prescribed or sanctioned by promisee
- 51. Promisor not bound to perform, unless reciprocal promisee ready and willing to perform
- 52. Order of performance of reciprocal promises
- 53. Liability of party preventing event on which the contract is to take effect
- 54. Effect of default as to that promise which should be first performed, in contract consisting of reciprocal promises
- 55. Effect of failure to perform at fixed time, in contract in which time is essential
- 56. Agreement to do impossible act. An agreement to do an act impossible in itself is void. Contract to do act afterwards becoming impossible or unlawful
- 57. Reciprocal promise to do things legal and also other things illegal
- 58. Alternative promise, one branch being illegal
- 59. Application of payment where debt to be discharged is indicated
- 60. Application of payment where debt to be discharged is not indicated
- 61. Application of payment where neither party appropriates
- 62. Effect of novation, rescission, and alteration of contract
- 63. Promisee may dispense with or remit performance of promise
- 64. Consequences of rescission of voidable contract
- 65. Obligation of person who has received advantage under void agreement, or contract that becomes void
- 66. Mode of communicating or revoking rescission of voidable contract
- 67. Effect of neglect of promisee to afford promisor reasonable facilities for performance