Examveda

A frustration of contract entails if the performance is

A. Commercially impossible

B. Restricted by Government rules & regulations

C. Destruction of subject matter

D. All of the above

Answer: Option C

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Frustration of contract refers to a situation where the performance of a contract becomes impossible due to unforeseen events, without the fault of either party.

Commercially impossible
If fulfilling the contract becomes commercially unviable due to unexpected circumstances (like drastic changes in the market or supply chain collapse), courts may consider it as frustration, especially if the cost becomes exorbitant or the benefit of the contract is lost.

Restricted by Government rules & regulations
If a government law or regulation directly prohibits or restricts the performance of the contract, it constitutes frustration as the legal environment changes beyond the control of either party.

Destruction of subject matter
If the core subject matter of the contract is destroyed (e.g., a specific item to be sold is destroyed by fire), the contract becomes void as its performance is no longer possible.

Therefore, all the situations mentioned can lead to frustration of contract, making Option D the correct answer.

This Question Belongs to Law >> Indian Contract Act

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Comments (1)

  1. Abdul Ghaffar
    Abdul Ghaffar:
    4 months ago

    The correct answer is:
    D. All of the above

    Explanation:
    Frustration of contract occurs when an unforeseen event makes the performance of the contract:

    Commercially impossible (e.g., extreme increase in cost or impossibility to proceed in a meaningful way)

    Restricted by Government rules & regulations (e.g., a legal ban on export/import or restrictions making the contract illegal to perform)

    Due to Destruction of subject matter (e.g., the goods or property essential to the contract are destroyed)

    Under Section 56 of the Contract Act, 1872, a contract becomes void when the performance becomes impossible or unlawful due to events beyond the control of the parties — this is known as doctrine of frustration.

    Thus, option D (All of the above) is correct.

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