Chapter III - Of Contingent Contracts
Section 32
Section 32: Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event happening
A contract conditional on an uncertain future event happening becomes enforceable only after that event happens; if it becomes impossible, the contract is void.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Indian Contract Act, 1872 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event happens cannot be enforced by law unless and until that event has happened.
If the event becomes impossible, such contracts become void.
Illustration (a): A makes a contract with B to buy B’s horse if A survives C. This contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C dies in A’s lifetime.
Illustration (b): A makes a contract with B to sell a horse to B at a specified price, if C, to whom the horse has been offered, refuses to buy him. The contract cannot be enforced by law unless and until C refuses to buy the horse.
Illustration (c): A contracts to pay B a sum of money when B marries C. C dies without being married to B. The contract becomes void.
Introduction
A contract contingent on an uncertain future event happening cannot be enforced until that event happens.
If that event becomes impossible, Section 32 makes the contingent contract void.
Key takeaways
Wait for the event
Enforcement depends on the stated event actually happening.
Impossibility
If the event becomes impossible, the contract is void.
Apply the rule
Identify the uncertain future event stated in the agreement.
Record whether and when it happened or became impossible before asserting enforcement.
Illustration
A payment promise triggered by obtaining a named approval cannot be enforced under this section before the approval occurs, assuming it is a collateral event.
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the event and evidence that it happened.
- Reassess if the event becomes impossible.
Avoid
- Do not demand performance before the stated happening event occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a party enforce before the event?
No. Section 32 requires the event to happen first.
What if it can no longer happen?
The section says the contract becomes void.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026