Right of person as to acts done for him without his authority
Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with right of person as to acts done for him without his authority. Where acts are done by one person on behalf of another, but without his knowledge or authority, he may elect to ratify or to disown such acts. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
Where acts are done by one person on behalf of another, but without his knowledge or authority, he may elect to ratify or to disown such acts. If he ratify them, the same effects will follow as if they had been performed by his authority.
Section 196, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).
Judgments citing this section
These may be obiter dicta or a precedent, for you to study. These are the judgments where this section is quoted.
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… Learned Counsel for the appellants would submit that in the event of registering the consent deeds, it would cause prejudice to the writ appellants to establish their case before the first appellate Court in A.S.No.05 of 2020. > 7. Learned Counsel for respondents would rely on Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act. However the said provision may be a good ground for the respondents but it is to be raised before the first appellate Court in the pending Appeal Suit. > 8. Learned counsel for the appellant would oppose that Rule 54 of the Puducherry Registration Rules was upheld by the Hon'ble …
Questions about Section 196
What does Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Right of person as to acts done for him without his authority". Where acts are done by one person on behalf of another, but without his knowledge or authority, he may elect to ratify or to disown such acts.
How do I find court cases under Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Contract Act 196, section 196 Contract Act, section 196 of the Indian Contract Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 196, came into force on 01 Sep 1872, having been enacted on 25 Apr 1872. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 73. Compensation for loss or damage caused by breach of contract1822 words
- 23. What considerations and objects are lawful, and what not596 words
- 74. Compensation for breach of contract where penalty stipulated for577 words
- 28. Agreements in restraint of legal proceeding void512 words
- 25. Agreement without consideration, void, unless it is in writing and registered, or is a promise to compensate for something done, or is a promise to pay a debt barred by limitation law423 words
- 16. "Undue influence" defined397 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.