Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event not happening
Section 33 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with enforcement of contracts contingent on an event not happening. Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event does not happen can be enforced when the happening of that event becomes impossible, and not before. The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.
Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event does not happen can be enforced when the happening of that event becomes impossible, and not before.
Illustration
A agrees to pay B a sum of money if a certain ship does not return. The ship is sunk. The contract can be enforced when the ship sinks.
Section 33, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).
Questions about Section 33
What does Section 33 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?
Section 33 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "Enforcement of contracts contingent on an event not happening". Contingent contracts to do or not to do anything if an uncertain future event does not happen can be enforced when the happening of that event becomes impossible, and not before.
How do I find court cases under Section 33 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 33, section 33 Contract Act, section 33 of the Indian Contract Act. People searching for it also type indian contract act section 33. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 33 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?
Section 33 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 33, 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 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.