Indian Contract Law for UK Litigators - An Essential Guide

Introduction

India, as a commonwealth jurisdiction, draws significantly from and remains deeply influenced by the English legal system. While the two systems share important similarities, notable distinctions exist in their approach to contract law. India’s regime is primarily codified under the Indian Contract Act of 1872, whereas England and Wales rely predominantly on common law principles, supplemented by targeted statutory interventions. For practitioners, appreciating these differences and nuances is essential.

This webinar aims to provide an overview of both legal systems, outline the respective contract law frameworks and statutory provisions, and highlight key points of divergence. This introductory webinar aims to equip you with the tools to navigate Indian contract matters more effectively, while offering practical insights for UK litigators advising clients with Indian commercial interests or engaged in cross-border disputes.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The Indian Legal and Court System
• Sources of Law
• Contract interpretation in India
• Commercial Laws in India
• Contract Law Framework
• Indian Contract Act 1872
• Indian Sale of Goods Act 1930
• The Indian Partnership Act, 1932
• Consumer Protection Act 2019
• Specific Relief Act 1963
• Transfer of Property Act 1882
• The Registration Act 1908
• Indian Evidence Act 1872 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
• The Information Technology Act 2000
• Remedies for breach of a commercial contract
• Specific performance
• Damages
• Key Differences
• Capacity to enter into contracts
• Intention to create legal relations
• Notice
• Fraud and Misrepresentation
• Consideration
• Privity of Contract and Third-Party Rights
• Validity of Contracts - void, voidable or invalid
• Public Policy and Unfair Terms
• Frustration of Contract
• Damages and Specific Performance
• Liquidated Damages
• Registration
• Stamp Duty

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Wednesday 29th April 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,100+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.