With the recent surge in e-commerce, the use of electronic means for executing contracts in India is becoming
increasingly common. This brings to the fore the question of whether such electronic contracts (or as more
popularly known as e-contracts) can constitute valid contracts under Indian laws.

While the (Indian) Contract Act, 1872 (“ICA”) does not specifically discuss the concept of “electronic” contracts it
does not prohibit them per se. Like any other form of contract, an electronic contract is also primarily governed by
the codified provisions of ICA, as applicable to contracts in general.

Therefore, like an ordinary paper contract, an electronic contract also cannot be validly executed unless it satisfies
all the essentials of a valid contract, such as (a) “Offer” and “Acceptance”; (b) Lawful consideration; (c) Lawful
object; (d) Free consent; (e) Parties to be competent to contract; (f) Intention of parties to create legal relationship;
(g) Certainty and possibility of performance; (h) Not be expressly declared to be void; and (j) Compliance with
formalities under different laws governing the agreement. All other statutes applicable to an electronic contracts
are to be read in conjunction, and not in substitution, with the ICA.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”) accords statutory recognition to electronic contracts/records.
Amongst other things it specifically states that a contract shall not be deemed unenforceable, solely on the ground
that electronic form/means were used for communication of proposals, acceptance of proposals, revocation of
proposals or acceptances, as the case may.

The IT Act, also recognizes “digital signatures” or “electronic signatures” and validation of the authentication of
electronic records by using such digital/electronic signatures. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of India in the “Guidelines for Usage of Digital Signatures in e-Governance” observed
that the purpose of a digital signature is the same as that of a handwritten signature, thereby equating this
authentication tool at par with a handwritten signature.
In terms of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (“Evidence Act”), the contents of electronic records may be proved in
evidence by the parties in accordance with the provisions of the Evidence Act. Further, Indian courts are
empowered to presume that an electronic message, forwarded by the originator through e-mail to the addressee
to whom the message purports to be addressed corresponds with the message as fed into his computer for
transmission; without any presumption as to the person by whom such message was sent.
Conclusion of contracts through electronic means, such as through e-mail communications (or execution of
electronic contracts) has been recognized by Indian courts from time to time. For instance, in Shakti Bhog Foods
Limited vs. Kola Shipping Limited, [AIR 2009 SC 12], the Supreme Court of India held that the existence of an
arbitration agreement between the parties can be inferred from a document signed by the parties, or an exchange
of letter, telex, telegrams or other means of communication, which provide a record of the agreement.
Similarly, in the case of Trimex International FZE Limited, Dubai vs. Vendata Aluminum Ltd., [(2010) 3 SCC 1], the
Supreme Court of India held that the contract between the parties was unconditionally accepted through e-mails
and was a valid contract which satisfied the requirements of the ICA. The Court further observed that: “Once the
contract is concluded orally or in writing, the mere fact that a formal contract has to be prepared and initialed by
the parties would not affect either the acceptance of the contract so entered into or implementation thereof, even
if the formal contract has never been initialed.”
While the legal framework governing electronic contracts is still evolving and may not yet comprehensively cover
all aspects forming part of such contracts or documents, most Indian laws and Indian courts widely recognize the
widespread progression to, and reliance on electronic/digital solutions. The common legislative and judicial intent
appears to be that any legally valid acts that are ordinarily performed would continue to be valid even if performed
electronically or digitally, as long as such electronic/digital performance consists of all the attributes of legally valid
contract, as may be prescribed under the applicable laws.