Revocation where authority has been partly exercised
Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with revocation where authority has been partly exercised. The principal cannot revoke the authority given to his agent after the authority has been partly exercised, so far as regards such acts and obligations as arise from acts already done in the agency. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
The principal cannot revoke the authority given to his agent after the authority has been partly exercised, so far as regards such acts and obligations as arise from acts already done in the agency.
Illustrations
(a) A authorizes B to buy 1,000 bales of cotton on account of A, and to pay for it out of A's moneys remaining in B‟s hands. B buys 1,000 bales of cotton in his own name, so as to make himself personally liable for the price. A cannot revoke B's authority so far as regards payment for the cotton.
(b) A authorizes B to buy 1,000 bales of cotton on account of A, and to pay for it out of A's moneys remaining in B's hands. B buys 1,000 bales of cotton in A's name, and so as not to render himself personally liable for the price. A can revoke B's authority to pay for the cotton.
Section 204, 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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… Contract Act, 1872 is as follows: "203.When principal may revoke agent's authority.—The principal may, save as is otherwise provided by the last preceding section, revoke the authority given to his agent at any time before the authority has been exercised so as to bind the principal." (Emphasis Supplied) 30.Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 is as follows: "204.Revocation where authority has been partly exercised. —The principal cannot revoke the authority given to his agent after the authority has been partly exercised, so far as regards such acts and obligations as arise from acts already done in the agency." …
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… Further, an Agency which has been acted upon, can never be revoked, in reference to the acts already performed by the Agent. Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 reads as follows:- ''204. Revocation where authority has been partly exercised.- The principal cannot revoke the authority given to his agent after the authority has been partly exercised, so far as regards such acts and obligations as arise from acts already done in the …
Questions about Section 204
What does Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Revocation where authority has been partly exercised". The principal cannot revoke the authority given to his agent after the authority has been partly exercised, so far as regards such acts and obligations as arise from acts already done in the agency.
How do I find court cases under Section 204 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 204, section 204 Contract Act, section 204 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type 204 contract act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 204 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 204, 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.