Section34
The Indian Contract Act, 1872

When event on which contract is contingent to be deemed impossible, if it is the future conduct of a living person

In force From 01 Sep 1872 Act 9 of 1872 As on 15 Oct 2026

Act 9 of 1872 Ministry Law and Justice Enacted 25 Apr 1872 In force 01 Sep 1872

Section 34 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with when event on which contract is contingent to be deemed impossible, if it is the future conduct of a living person. If the future event on which a contract is contingent is the way in which a person will act at an unspecified time, the event shall be considered to become impossible when such person does anything which renders it impossible that he should so act within any definite time, or otherwise than under fu The Act came into force on 01 Sep 1872.

If the future event on which a contract is contingent is the way in which a person will act at an unspecified time, the event shall be considered to become impossible when such person does anything which renders it impossible that he should so act within any definite time, or otherwise than under further contingencies.

Illustration

A agrees to pay B a sum of money if B marries C. C marries D. The marriage of B to C must now be considered impossible, although it is possible that D may die and that C may afterwards marry B.

Section 34, The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Act 9 of 1872).

Questions about Section 34

What does Section 34 of the Indian Contract Act deal with?

Section 34 of the Indian Contract Act is headed "When event on which contract is contingent to be deemed impossible, if it is the future conduct of a living person". If the future event on which a contract is contingent is the way in which a person will act at an unspecified time, the event shall be considered to become impossible when such person does anything which renders it impossible that he should so act within any definite time, or otherwise than under fu

How do I find court cases under Section 34 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 34, section 34 Contract Act, section 34 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 34 of the Indian Contract Act come into force?

Section 34 of the Indian Contract Act, cited as Contract Act 34, 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

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.