Explain the term “Coercion” and what are the effects of coercion under Indian Contract Act, 1872. OR What are the effects of Coercion? "Whether threat to commit suicide is coercion"? Elaborate with reference to provisions of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

Coercion (Section 15) “Coercion’ is the committing, or threatening to commit, any act forbidden by the Indian Penal Code or the unlawful detaining, or threatening to detain any property, to the prejudice of any person whatever, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement.” Effects of coercion under section 19 of Indian Contract Act, 1872 i) Contract induced by coercion is voidable at the option of the party whose consent was so obtained. ii) As to the consequences of the rescission of voidable contract, the party rescinding a void contract should, if he has received any benefit, thereunder from the other party to the contract, restore such benefit so far as may be applicable, to the person from whom it was received. iii) A person to whom money has been paid or anything delivered under coercion must repay or return it. (Section 72) OR Refer Ans 43