Free Consent in Contract Law Vitiating Factors and Judicial Remedies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59022/ijlp.546Keywords:
Free Consent, Vitiating Factors, Contract Law, Economic Duress, Case Law, Misrepresentation, Judicial RemediesAbstract
Free consent forms the foundation of valid contract formation, yet pressure, deception, and error often undermine genuine agreement. This study examines four vitiating factors misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, and mistake that compromise consent within contract law. Using doctrinal legal analysis, the research investigates how courts identify these factors and select appropriate judicial remedies. Findings reveal inconsistent remedy application, particularly regarding economic duress and digital contract exploitation. Pakistan's Contract Act 1872 defines coercion narrowly, excluding modern commercial pressure and standard-form contract issues. This study proposes an amendment expanding Section 15 to recognize economic duress and exploitative digital terms explicitly. The research contributes a clearer framework connecting vitiating factors to judicial remedies while addressing contemporary commercial realities. Practical implications extend to courts, legislators, businesses, and consumers navigating modern contractual relationships. This study advances contract law scholarship while offering actionable reform for Pakistani legal practice.
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