A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. It is enforceable by law. The key components to form a contract are:
- Offer: An offer is a proposal to enter into a contract. It must be made by one party to the other. The offer must be clear and unambiguous, and it must be communicated to the other party.
- Acceptance: Acceptance is the assent to the offer. It must be communicated to the offeror in a manner that the offeror can reasonably understand.
- Consideration: Consideration is something of value that is exchanged between the parties to the contract. It can be money, goods, services, or anything else that has value.
- Intention to create legal relations: The parties to the contract must intend to create legal relations. This means that they must intend that their agreement will be legally binding.
- Legality: The contract must be for a lawful purpose. It cannot be for an illegal or immoral purpose.
Essentials of a Valid Contract in Banking
In addition to the general requirements for a valid contract, there are some additional requirements that apply to contracts in banking. These include:
- Capacity: The parties to the contract must have the legal capacity to enter into a contract. This means that they must be of legal age and sound mind.
- Form: In some cases, the law may require that a banking contract be in writing. For example, a contract for the sale of real property must be in writing.
- Notice: In some cases, the law may require that one party give notice to the other party of a change in circumstances. For example, a bank may be required to give notice to a customer of a change in interest rates.
MCQs on Key Components to Form a Contract and Essentials of a Valid Contract in Banking
- Which of the following is not a key component to form a contract?
- Offer
- Acceptance
- Consideration
- Capacity
- Legality
- Answer: Capacity. Capacity is not a key component to form a contract. It is an essential element of a valid contract.
- Which of the following is not an essential element of a valid contract in banking?
- Offer
- Acceptance
- Consideration
- Legality
- Form
- Answer: Form. Form is not an essential element of a valid contract in banking. However, it may be required in some cases by law.
- A bank offers to lend money to a customer at an interest rate of 10%. The customer accepts the offer. Is this a valid contract?
- Yes, this is a valid contract. It has all the essential elements of a contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, and legality.
- A bank employee promises to give a customer a loan if the customer agrees to pay a bribe. Is this a valid contract?
- No, this is not a valid contract. The bribe is an illegal consideration, so the contract is void.
- A bank customer signs a contract without reading it. Is this a valid contract?
- Yes, this is a valid contract. The customer’s signature indicates that they intended to create legal relations. However, the customer may be able to challenge the contract if they can show that they did not understand the terms of the contract.