What is Section 10 of the specific performance of a contract?

Asked by: Vince Klocko  |  Last update: July 1, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)

Section 10 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963 (as amended in 2018) mandates that courts shall enforce the specific performance of a contract, moving away from discretionary enforcement. It makes performance a general rule rather than an exception, subject only to limitations in Sections 11(2), 14, and 16. India Code +1

What is Section 10 of the contract?

All agreements are contracts if they are made by the free consent of parties competent to contract, for a lawful consideration and with a lawful object, and are not hereby expressly declared to be void.

What is specific performance of a contract in simple terms?

In simple terms, specific performance is a resolution in the court system for when someone breaches a contract. Also called a remedy, specific performance is enforced by a court or a judge, and requires a party to fulfill their contractual obligations.

What does specific performance mean in contracts?

Specific performance is an equitable, non-monetary remedy in contract law where a court orders a breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations, rather than merely paying damages. It is generally granted only when the subject matter of the contract is unique—such as real estate or rare goods—and monetary compensation is inadequate to remedy the breach.

What are section 10 essential elements of a valid contract?

A valid contract satisfies all the essential elements laid out in Section 10 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. It includes elements such as offer and acceptance, free consent, lawful consideration, capacity of parties, and lawful object.

Specific Performance of Contracts Explained | Section 10 | SRA | StudyIQ Judiciary

33 related questions found

What are the five essential elements that make a contract valid?

For a contract to be legally enforceable, it must contain five core elements: Offer (a clear proposal), Acceptance (unconditional agreement), Consideration (exchange of value), Capacity (competence of parties), and Legality (lawful purpose). These components ensure the agreement is mutually binding and recognized by a court.

What makes a contract unconscionable?

A contract is unconscionable if it is so one-sided, oppressive, or unfair at the time of signing that it "shocks the conscience" of the court. It usually requires a combination of unfair bargaining (procedural) and,, overly harsh terms (substantive), often arising from unequal bargaining power, deception, or a lack of meaningful choice for one party.

Is specific performance of a contract mandatory?

The Supreme Court of India has held that under Section 19(a) and (b) of the Specific Relief Act, 1963, specific performance of a contract can be enforced against either party thereto and any person claiming under him by a title arising subsequent to the contract, except a transferee for value, who has paid his money in ...

What is an example of specific performance?

Specific performance is a legal remedy where a court orders a breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations, often used for unique items rather than monetary compensation. A common example is real estate, where a seller breaks a contract to sell a home, and a court forces them to complete the sale.

What happens if someone doesn't comply with specific performance?

If someone already in breach of a contract refuses to fulfill the requirements established in an order of specific performance, a judge could declare them in contempt of court. There could be numerous other consequences for their continued failure to fulfill their contractual obligations.

What are the three types of performance of a contract?

These three types of contract performance are: Complete performance. Substantial performance. Breach of contract (aka non-performance)

What is the landmark judgment on specific performance?

The Indian Supreme Court confirmed that specific performance is an equitable and discretionary remedy. The judgment clarified that courts are not bound to grant this relief simply because a contract is valid, but must exercise their discretion based on sound judicial principles and fairness.

What are the risks of specific performance?

Specific performance also may impose a substantial risk on the seller in comparison to the expectation measure. Under specific performance, the seller is faced with the risk of bearing a cost potentially as high as the loss he would suffer were he to perform.

What is Section 10 of the Contract Act 2010?

Capacity to contract. (1)A person has capacity to contract where that person is— (a)eighteen years or above; (b)of sound mind; and (c)not disqualified from contracting by any law to which he or she is subject.

What are the 4 types of contracts?

Four common types of contracts based on formation and legal characteristics are express, implied, unilateral, and bilateral contracts. These define how agreements are made, the obligations involved, and how they are enforced in business and daily life.

What is the Article 1 Section 10 contract?

The Contracts Clause, located in Article I, Section 10, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, prohibits states from enacting laws that impair the obligation of contracts. It restricts state governments from interfering with private and public contractual rights, limiting their ability to pass legislation that cancels debt or alters contract terms.

What is specific performance of a contract?

Specific performance is an equitable, non-monetary remedy in contract law where a court orders a breaching party to fulfill their contractual obligations, rather than merely paying damages. It is generally granted only when the subject matter of the contract is unique—such as real estate or rare goods—and monetary compensation is inadequate to remedy the breach.

What contracts are eligible for specific performance?

Specific performance is an equitable remedy that requires a party to fulfill contractual obligations when money damages are inadequate. 2. When do courts grant specific performance? Typically in cases involving real estate, unique goods, or custom-made items that cannot easily be replaced with money.

Which of the following is the best explanation of specific performance?

Specific performance is a contractual remedy in which a court orders a party to fulfill their obligations as closely as possible to what was promised in the contract, rather than simply paying damages for failing to do so.

Is specific performance a breach of contract?

What is specific performance of a contract? Specific performance of a contract is a legal remedy that may be available to a party when the other party breaches the agreement by failing to perform their obligations.

What is the specific relief act of sec 10?

Specific performance in respect of contracts (Sec. 10): Relief may involve the court ordering the performance of a specific act as required by a contract or legal obligation. In other words, it means forcing the party to do exactly what they promised.

Which contracts need not to be performed?

Contracts that are void or unenforceable due to illegality or mistake are not required to be performed. Contracts made under coercion or undue influence are also voidable, meaning they can be declared invalid by the affected party.

What are 6 things that void a contract?

We'll cover these terms in more detail later.

  • Understanding Void Contracts. ...
  • Uncertainty or Ambiguity. ...
  • Lack of Legal Capacity. ...
  • Incomplete Terms. ...
  • Misrepresentation or Fraud. ...
  • Common Mistake. ...
  • Duress or Undue Influence. ...
  • Public Policy or Illegal Activity.

How to prove unconscionable conduct?

In cases of unconscionable conduct, the court will focus on the bargaining power of the parties and in particular that of the stronger party and their conduct. The onus of proof will be upon the stronger party to show that the transaction was fair, just and reasonable.

What are four types of mistakes that can invalidate a contract?

If signed under error, fraud, intimidation, or duress, the agreement can be challenged.