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o Example: Paying someone to commit a crime is not valid consideration.
5. Need not be adequate, but must be sufficient
o Courts don’t judge fairness of the bargain. Even a small amount counts, as
long as it has some value.
o Example: Selling a car worth Rs. 5 lakh for Rs. 10,000 is valid if both agree.
6. Must not be past consideration (in England)
o In English law, past consideration (something already done before the
promise) is not valid.
o But in India, past consideration is valid.
o Example: If you helped me last week, and today I promise to pay you Rs. 500
for that help, it’s valid in India.
7. Must be possible
o Consideration must be something that can actually be performed.
o Example: Promising to make someone immortal is not valid.
3. The Rule: “No Consideration, No Contract”
This is the golden principle: a contract without consideration is void. Why? Because law
wants contracts to be serious, not casual promises. If there’s no exchange of value, it’s just a
social agreement.
Example: If I promise to give you Rs. 10,000 as a gift, without you giving me anything in
return, that’s not enforceable in court.
4. Exceptions to the Rule
Now comes the interesting part. There are situations where a contract is valid even without
consideration. Let’s explore them:
1. Agreements made out of natural love and affection
o If made in writing, registered, and between near relatives.
o Example: A father promises in writing to give his son Rs. 50,000 out of love.
2. Compensation for past voluntary services
o If someone voluntarily did something for another, and later the person
promises to pay, it’s valid.
o Example: You save my car from fire, and later I promise to pay you Rs. 5,000.
3. Promise to pay a time-barred debt
o If a debtor promises in writing to pay a debt barred by limitation law, it’s
valid.
o Example: A debt of 5 years ago, legally unenforceable, but if debtor signs a
written promise, it becomes binding.
4. Agency agreements
o No consideration is needed to create an agency.
o Example: Appointing someone as your agent doesn’t require payment.
5. Completed gifts
o Once a gift is given, it cannot be revoked for lack of consideration.
o Example: If I gift you a watch, you don’t need to give me anything back.