Explain any five circumstances under which contracts need not be performed with the consent of both the parties.

Under following circumstances, the contracts need not be performed with the consent of both the parties: i) Novation: Where the parties to a contract substitute a new contract for the old, it is called novation. A contract in existence may be substituted by a new contract either between the same parties or between different parties the consideration mutually being the discharge of old contract. Novation can take place only by mutual agreement between the parties. On novation, the old contract is discharged and consequently it need not be performed. (Section 62 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872) ii) Rescission: A contract is also discharged by recission. When the parties to a contract agree to rescind it, the contract need not be performed. (Section 62) iii) Alteration: Where the parties to a contract agree to alter it, the original contract is rescinded, with the result that it need not be performed. In other words, a contract is also discharged by alteration. (Section 62) iv) Remission: Every promisee may dispense with or remit, wholly or in part, the performance of the promise made to him, or may extend the time for such performance or may accept instead of it any satisfaction which he thinks fit. In other words, a contract is discharged by remission. (Section 63) v) Rescinds voidable contract: When a person at whose option a contract is voidable rescinds it, the other party thereto need not perform any promise therein contained in which he is the promisor. vi) Neglect of promisee: If any promisee neglects or refuses to afford the promisor reasonable facilities for the performance of his promise, the promisor is excused by such neglect or refusal as to any non-performance caused thereby. (Section 67)