Introduction

The importance of the term ‘misrepresentation’ can be inferred from the fact that “free consent” which is inevitable for an agreement to be enforceable under Section 14 of Indian Contract Act, 1872 is rendered negative if misrepresentation is proved. In other words, misrepresentation to any party in a contract so as to induce them for consent renders the contract void.

Section 18 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (the “Contract Act”) defines misrepresentation. This section is quoted below:

“Misrepresentation” means and includes –

(1) the positive assertion, in a manner not warranted by the information of the person making it, of that which is not true, though he believes it to be true;

(2) any breach of duty which, without an intent to deceive, gains an advantage to the person committing it, or any one claiming under him, by misleading another to his prejudice, or to the prejudice of … Read More

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