# The Indian Contract Act, 1872, Section 12: What is a sound mind for the purposes of contracting

- Act: The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872)
- In force from: 1872-09-01
- Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice
- Source URL: https://indiacode.ecourtsindia.com/contract-act/section/12/

## Text

A person is said to be of sound mind for the purpose of making a contract, if, at the time when he makes it, he is capable of understanding it and of forming a rational judgment as to its effect upon his interests. A person who is usually of unsound mind, but occasionally of sound mind, may make a contract when he is of sound mind. A person who is usually of sound mind, but occasionally of unsound mind, may not make a contract when he is of unsound mind. Illustrations (a) A patient in a lunatic asylum, who is at intervals of sound mind, may contract during those intervals. (b) A sane man, who is delirious from fever or who is so drunk that he cannot understand the terms of a contract, or form a rational judgment as to its effect on his interests, cannot contract whilst such delirium or drunkenness lasts.

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