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What happens if a party refuses to perform a contract?

What happens if a party refuses to perform a contract?

03-Nov-2025

Breach of Contract

Answer By law4u team

If a party refuses to perform a contract, it is considered a breach of contract under Indian law. This refusal can have several legal consequences for the party who fails to fulfill their obligations. Here’s what typically happens: 1. The Other Party Can Claim Damages The non-breaching party is entitled to compensation for any loss or damage caused by the refusal. Damages aim to put the injured party in the position they would have been if the contract had been performed. This includes direct losses and sometimes consequential losses if they are foreseeable. 2. The Non-Breaching Party Can Terminate the Contract The innocent party may terminate the contract and refuse to perform their own obligations. Termination releases both parties from future responsibilities under the contract. However, the non-breaching party can still claim damages for the breach. 3. Specific Performance May Be Sought In some cases, especially where damages are not an adequate remedy (such as contracts for sale of unique property), the non-breaching party can file a suit seeking specific performance. The court may order the defaulting party to perform their contractual obligations. 4. Injunction or Other Equitable Remedies The court may grant an injunction to prevent a party from acting in a way that breaches the contract. Other remedies like rescission or restitution may also be available. 5. Legal Costs and Consequences The breaching party may be liable to pay legal costs incurred by the non-breaching party in enforcing the contract. Their reputation and future business relationships may be affected. Summary: If a party refuses to perform a contract, the other party can: Claim damages for losses, Terminate the contract, Seek specific performance through the court, Obtain injunctions or other remedies, Recover legal costs.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, In cases where one of the parties is not fulfilling their side of a contract, it amounts to breach of contract. Non-breaching party can then remedy themselves through a number of legal and contractual solutions. The Consequences to the Refusal Party The primary impact is breach lawsuit that may cause one or the following remedies by the court: Monetary Compensation: This is the most widespread remedy. This is not aimed at punishing the breaching party, but rather it is aimed at putting the injured party in the same financial position as it would be had the contract been fully performed. Compensatory Damages: This compensates the actual damage and expenses that you have suffered as a result of the breach. Liquidated Damages: In the event that the contract had a clause stating a certain amount of money to be paid in case of a breach, the court in most cases will order such money to be paid so long as it was a reasonable pre-estimation of loss. Specific Performance In extreme situations where money cannot possibly rectify the situation- typically when the subject matter is a unique one (such as a particular piece of real estate or a piece of art object that is one of a kind) the court may grant an order of Specific Performance. This should be a law binding the refusing party to perform the certain action they assured in the contract. Rescission and Restitution The non-breaching party may rescind (cut off) the contract, regarding it as one that never came into existence. The court can subsequently compel restitution in which the non-breaching party has already supplied the money or property, the breaching party is required to give it back. Anticipatory Breach When one of the parties expressly states that prior to the agreed date of performance, they do not intend to perform (e.g. by email saying that I will not deliver the goods next month), then that is an anticipatory breach. The injured party does not have to wait until the due date, he or she can sue and move on to seek remedies. I hope this answer helps; if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you

Answer By Anik

Dear client, In case when a party to the contract refuses to perform a contract then it amounts to breach of contract. The failure to perform the contract amounts to breach of contract. The party who breached the contract shall either pay compensation to the party who suffered the loss or should fulfill the breached obligations as per the requirements of the party who suffered the loss. The Indian Contract Act of 1872 deals with the instances of breach of contract. Section 37 states that it is the obligation of the parties to either perform or must offer to perform their part of the obligation as per the contract they entered into. Section 39 describes the effect of the refusal of a party to perform their part of an obligation or promise completely. This Section states that when a party to the contract refuses to perform their part of the contract completely, the other party may end the contract unless the party refusing expresses their consent to the continuance of the contract. This means that the contract is voidable at the option of the party who suffered the loss. Section 73 to 75 deals with the consequence of breach of contract. Section 73 deals with the compensation for loss or damage caused by a breach of contract. The party who suffered a loss due to the breach is entitled to receive compensation for loss or damage from the breaching party. Section 74 deals with the compensation for breach of contract where a penalty is stipulated for. When a contract is breached, the party who complains of such a breach is entitled to receive an amount mentioned in the contract or any other stipulation as a penalty. In short, the following remedies are available 1. Monetary compensation that is equivalent to loss suffered. 2. Specific Performance: the party suffered can file a suit for specific performance in case there is a breach of contract 3. Rescission : the contract is voidable at the option of the part who suffered a loss So in case if one party refuses to fulfill his part then it results in a breach of contract and the remedies available include compensation, specific performance and rescission. I hope this answer was helpful. For any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.