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Can verbal agreements lead to breach of contract?

Can verbal agreements lead to breach of contract?

21-Nov-2025

Breach of Contract

Answer By law4u team

Yes, verbal agreements can lead to a breach of contract, but the situation depends on the nature of the contract and the legal requirements under Indian law. Here’s a detailed explanation: 1. Validity of Verbal Agreements A contract, whether verbal or written, is valid as long as it satisfies the essential elements of a contract under Indian law: 1. Offer and Acceptance – One party must make an offer, and the other must accept it. 2. Lawful Consideration – Something of value must be exchanged between the parties. 3. Intention to Create Legal Relations – Both parties must intend the agreement to be legally binding. 4. Capacity of Parties – Parties must be competent to contract (e.g., of legal age and sound mind). 5. Lawful Object – The purpose of the agreement must not be illegal or against public policy. Therefore, a verbal agreement can be legally enforceable if these elements are present. 2. Breach of Verbal Contract A breach of contract occurs when a party fails to perform their obligations as agreed. In the case of a verbal contract, a breach can happen just like with written contracts, e.g., failing to deliver goods, not paying money, or not providing services as promised. Example: If A verbally agrees to sell goods to B for ₹50,000, and B refuses to pay after receiving the goods, this constitutes a breach of contract, even though there is no written document. 3. Challenges with Verbal Contracts The biggest challenge with verbal agreements is proof. In court, proving the existence and terms of a verbal contract can be difficult. Evidence may include: Witnesses who heard the agreement Correspondence (emails, messages, call records) supporting the terms Part performance (e.g., delivery of goods, payment made) Some contracts are required by law to be in writing (e.g., sale of immovable property, certain contracts under the Companies Act, etc.), and verbal agreements in such cases cannot be enforced. 4. Legal Remedies for Breach If a verbal contract is valid and breached, the aggrieved party can claim: 1. Compensation or Damages – Financial compensation for the loss caused by the breach. 2. Specific Performance – Court may direct the defaulting party to perform their part of the contract (in certain cases). 3. Rescission – Cancelling the contract and restoring parties to their original position. 5. Summary Verbal agreements can lead to a breach of contract if one party fails to fulfill their obligations. They are legally valid as long as all essential elements of a contract are present. The main challenge with verbal contracts is proof in case of disputes, so written documentation is always advisable. Remedies available for breach include damages, specific performance, or rescission, similar to written contracts.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, Yes, verbal or oral agreements can certainly lead to breach of contract in India, provided all the necessary components for a valid contract are present. Indian law does not require all contracts to be in writing. Such agreements are governed by the Indian Contract Act of 1872, which specifically acknowledges verbal contracts as valid, unless the law says otherwise. For example, in the case where it is for the sale of immovable property or a lease for over a year. Some things that are essential even for verbal agreements, just like any other standard contract, are given under Section 10 of the Act, like – 1. An offer and an acceptance 2. A lawful consideration 3. A lawful object 4. Free consent 5. Parties must be competent. A breach of a verbal agreement happens when one party fails to perform their promise to the other party as per the terms of the agreement. After such a breach, the other party will be entitled to a breach similar to a written contract. The main challenge with verbal agreements is the ability to prove their terms during trial, since they are not in writing. Courts always prefer and side with written proof as it is more reliable. So, in case of verbal agreements, evidence such as messages, emails, and call records, witness statements, or the conduct of the parties, depending on the case may be used to establish the existence of the oral contract. I hope this answer helps. For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, Yes, verbal Contracts can most certainly result in breach of contract in case they are legally binding. A verbal contract is usually deemed to be a valid contract, as any written contract, as long as it has the necessary elements of a contract that is legally binding. When either of the parties does not carry out their duties having signed a valid verbal contract, they have breached it. The Components of a valid verbal contract. In order to have a legal obligation that a verbal contract can be breached, it usually needs to have the following elements, although they may differ according to the jurisdiction: Offer: There has to be an offer that is made by one party. Acceptance: The acceptance of the offer should also be done clearly and without a doubt by the other party. Consideration Both parties should exchange something of value (e.g. money in relation to a service, promise in relation to a promise). Purport of Forming Legal Relations: The parties should have meant that their agreement is to be enforced in the court. Capacity: The parties should be capable of signing a contract (e.g. they should be of legal age and sound mind). Terms Certainty: The terms of the agreement should also be precise, entire and not ambiguous. Challenge of Proof The greatest challenge with a verbal contract is not its enforceability, but whether the terms were established and what they are. The party that alleges a breach will have to provide strong evidence since no written document is in place and it may include: Witness Testimony: Sentiments of individuals who were present during the time the agreement was made. Performance Evidence Proof that either or both the parties began performing to the terms that had been agreed upon (e.g. making some partial payments, opening a service). Later Communications: Emails, text messages or other written communications that mention and ratify the terms of the oral agreement. Course of Conduct: History of dealings of the same kind between the parties. I hope this answer helps; if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you