Examine the validity of the following contracts as per the Indian Contract Act, 1872 giving reasons. i) Unit - 3 ii) J contracts to take in cargo for K at a foreign port. J's government afterwards declares war against the country in which the port is situated and therefore the contract could not be fulfilled. K wants to file a suit against J.

As per Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 the subsequent or supervening impossibility renders the contract void. Supervening impossibility may take place owing to various circumstances as contemplated under that section, one of which is the declaration of war subsequent to the contract made. In the instant case the contract when made between J and K was valid but afterwards J’s government declares war against the country in which the port is situated as a result of which the contract becomes void. Hence, K cannot file a suit against J for performance of the contract.