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E-Contracts Issues

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Submitted By pckidambi
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Topic: Electronic Contracts – Issues and Challenges

Electronic Contracts – Issues and Challenges
Introduction:
Electronic contracts (e-contracts) are governed by the basic principles provided in the Indian Contract Act, 1872 applicable to regular contracts, which mandates that a valid contract should have been entered with a free consent and for a lawful consideration between two adults. Electronic contracts are not paper based but rather in electronic form and are born out of the need for speed of execution, convenience and efficiency.
Due to growing competition, organizations are focusing more on their core business activities and moving towards outsourcing of other activities and services. This business model necessitates companies to work with different vendors and partners by mutually arriving at contractual agreements in order to identify roles, responsibilities, obligations and deliverables of specific organizations and individuals. Typically, a legal contract forms the basis to regulate interactions between different parties in businesses and governs legal aspects when there is a breach of contract. The Indian Contract Act, 1872 governs the manner in which contracts are developed and executed in India. The Act governs the method in which the provisions in a contract are implemented and classifies the effect of a breach of contractual provisions. Within the framework of the Act, parties are free to choose the terms of the contract. The Act itself consists of limiting factors subject to which contract may be entered into, executed and enforced. It only provides a framework of rules and regulations which govern formation and performance of a contract. The contracting parties continue to decide by themselves on the rights, duties and terms of agreement between them. The court of law acts to enforce agreement, in case of non-performance or breach of

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