Indian Contract Act, 1872
Indian Contract Act, 1872
IV · Section 40

Person by whom promise is to be performed.

Synced on 13 Aug 2026Text as per India Code

By whom contracts must be performed

If it appears from the nature of the case that it

was the intention of the parties to any contract that any promise contained in it should be performed by

the promisor himself, such promise must be performed by the promisor. In other cases, the promisor or

his representatives may employ a competent person to perform it.

Illustrations

(a) A promises to pay B a sum of money. A may perform this promise, either by personally paying the money to B or by

causing it to be paid to B by another ; and, if A dies before the time appointed for payment, his representatives must perform the

promise, or employ some proper person to do so.

(b) A promises to paint a picture for B. A must perform this promise personally.

Judgments on Section 40