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In the illustration to section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, two people agree to marry. Before…

Section 56 makes a contract void when performance becomes impossible after it was made. Illustration (b) applies that consequence to the agreement to marry.

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In the illustration to section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, two people agree to marry. Before the agreed date, one becomes incapable of marrying, so performance becomes impossible. What happens to the contract?

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Answer and explanation

Correct answer A

Section 56 makes a contract void when performance becomes impossible after it was made. Illustration (b) applies that consequence to the agreement to marry.

Option feedback

Option A

A contract becomes void when its performance later becomes impossible.

Option B

The illustration concerns subsequent impossibility, not an unlawful object at formation.

Option C

Supervening impossibility discharges the contract.

Option D

The statutory consequence is voidness, which does not depend on a party electing to avoid it.

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