Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Contract Act, 1872
IV · Section 37

Obligation of parties to contracts.

Synced on 13 Aug 2026Text as per India Code

Contracts which must be performed

The parties to a contract must either perform, or offer to

perform, their respective promises, unless such performance is dispensed with or excused under the

provisions of this Act, or of any other law.

Promises bind the representatives of the promisors in case of the death of such promisors before

performance, unless a contrary intention appears from the contract.

Illustrations

(a) A promises to deliver goods to B on a certain day on payment of Rs. 1,000. A dies before that day. A’s representatives

are bound to deliver the goods to B, and B is bound to pay the Rs. 1,000 to A’s representatives.

(b) A promises to paint a picture for B by a certain day, at a certain price. A dies before the day. The contract cannot be

enforced either by A’s representatives or by B.

Judgments on Section 37