A valid contract requires a true meeting of minds (Consensus ad idem). Under Section 14 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, consent must not only exist—it must be completely free.
This comprehensive unit explores the five "vitiating factors" that corrupt consent—Coercion, Undue Influence, Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Mistake. We will examine their distinct legal differences, statutory provisions, and their direct impact on the validity of a contract.