Contract Law Books
Important Contract Law Books (Indian Context)
1. Anson’s Law of Contract
Author: J. Beatson (and earlier Anson)
Overview:
One of the most respected treatises on contract law, it explains the fundamental principles of contract, such as formation, validity, performance, breach, and remedies.
Significance:
Focuses on both common law principles and contract theory, often cited in academic and judicial contexts.
Key Case Laws Covered:
Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co. — on offer and acceptance
Hadley v. Baxendale — on damages for breach
2. Pollock and Mulla’s Indian Contract Act
Author: Pollock and Mulla
Overview:
This is a classic Indian commentary on the Indian Contract Act, 1872. It explains the Act section-wise, with detailed analysis, commentaries, and case laws.
Significance:
Widely used by students, lawyers, and judges in India. It is detailed and includes Indian and English case laws, giving a practical perspective.
Key Case Laws Covered:
Mohori Bibee v. Dharmodas Ghose — minors and contract
Chinnaya v. Ramayya — consideration
Ranganayakamma v. Alwar Setty — free consent
3. Avtar Singh’s Law of Contract
Author: Avtar Singh
Overview:
This book explains Indian Contract Law in an accessible manner, focusing on essential concepts, recent amendments, and landmark cases.
Significance:
Popular among law students for exam preparation and conceptual clarity.
Key Case Laws Covered:
Derry v. Peek — fraud
Harvey v. Facey — offer and acceptance
Nash v. Inman — minor’s agreement
4. Krishna De’s Indian Contract Act
Author: Krishna De
Overview:
Another detailed commentary focusing on the Indian Contract Act, 1872, with explanations of important sections and case laws.
Significance:
Used widely for academic and professional reference, with practical examples and judicial interpretations.
Key Case Laws Covered:
Hadley v. Baxendale — breach and damages
Taylor v. Caldwell — frustration
Mollow v. Court of Wards — minor’s partnership
5. Cheshire, Fifoot, and Furmston’s Law of Contract
Authors: Edited by various legal scholars
Overview:
This book is a standard reference in English contract law, but many principles are applicable in India due to the common law heritage.
Significance:
Focuses on contract formation, terms, breach, remedies, and doctrines like frustration.
Key Case Laws Covered:
Balfour v. Balfour — intention to create legal relations
Partridge v. Crittenden — offer and invitation to treat
What Do These Books Generally Cover?
Formation of Contract: Offer, acceptance, communication.
Consideration and Capacity: What counts as consideration, who can contract.
Free Consent: Coercion, undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation.
Legality: What contracts are lawful or unlawful.
Performance and Discharge: How contracts are performed and ended.
Breach and Remedies: What happens when contracts are broken.
Why Case Laws Are Important in Contract Law Books?
Case laws illustrate how courts interpret and apply legal principles.
They provide real-life examples of contract disputes.
Help understand exceptions, nuances, and practical impact.
Example: How Case Law Enhances Learning
Case: Hadley v. Baxendale
This case explains the principle of remoteness of damages — only damages reasonably foreseeable at the time of contract can be recovered.
How Books Use It:
Explain the facts, judgment, and apply the principle to other scenarios.
Final Note
For law students or practitioners, it’s best to use a combination of:
Textbooks (like Avtar Singh or Pollock & Mulla) for conceptual clarity.
Case law commentaries for understanding judicial decisions.
Bare Acts for the actual statutory language.
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