Definition:
Termination of the contractual relationship between parties is known as Discharge of Contract. This occurs when the rights and obligations established by the contract reach their conclusion.

Discharging a contract involves ending the legal duties and obligations outlined in the contractual agreement between parties.

Example:
Imagine a situation in which Sarah engages James to transport a personalized furniture item by a designated date for a significant occasion. Nevertheless, unanticipated events, such as a sudden deficiency of vital materials essential for the furniture, render it impracticable for James to meet the previously established deadline. In such a scenario, the contract could be discharged due to the impossibility of performance, as the unforeseen unavailability of materials obstructs James from fulfilling his commitment. In such a case, both parties could come to a mutual agreement to terminate the contract without any consequences, acknowledging the external circumstances that impeded the successful execution of the project as a legitimate cause for discharge.

Methods of Discharge of Contract:

The followings are the different methods of discharge of contract:

By Performance (Sec. 37):

One of the most frequent methods of discharging a contract is by performing it. If both parties carry out their respective duties as specified in the contract, the contract is deemed to be discharged.

For example, if Alice employs Bob to paint her house and Bob finishes the painting work as agreed, the contract is terminated through performance.

By Breach of Contract (Sec. 39):

Should one party fail to fulfil their obligations without a valid excuse, the other party has the option to terminate the contract based on the breach, resulting in a discharge of the contract. As a consequence, the non-breaching party may pursue remedies for the violation.

For instance, if Emily hires Frank to deliver goods by a specific deadline and Frank is unable to do so without a valid excuse, Emily can terminate the contract because of Frank's failure to comply.

An anticipatory breach of contract refers to a breach of contract that occurs before the time set for performance has arrived. Actual breach may also discharge a contract. It occurs when a party fails to perform their obligation on the date specified for performance by the contract.

By Mutual Agreement or Consent (Sec. 62 to 64 and 75):

The parties have the option to mutually decide to end the contract, absolving themselves from any future obligations. This can be achieved by creating a new agreement or altering the existing contract.

For instance, if Carol hires Dave to provide graphic design services on a monthly basis but later decides to terminate the contract, they may both come to an agreement to terminate the contract before its intended end date.

1. By Novation (Sec. 62): The process of novation involves the mutual decision of the involved parties to replace one of the original parties with a new one. The new party takes on the responsibilities, and the original party is relieved of their duties under the contract. The parties have reached an agreement to substitute one of the original parties with a new one, and the new party will take on all obligations. For instance, if Liam is owed money by Kyle and they decide that Lisa will take on Kyle's debt and responsibilities, the contract will be discharged by way of novation.
    
2. By Rescission (Sec. 62): The act of rescission refers to the termination of a contract, often caused by an error, deceit, coercion, or false information. This leads to the parties being returned to their original state before the contract was made. The termination of the contract as a result of an error, deceit, coercion, or false representation. For instance, if Ian is induced into a contract by Jessica's fraudulent statements, Ian has the right to request invalidation of the contract. Rescission may be by mutual consent, by the affected party, and in voidable contract.
    
3. By Alteration (Sec. 62): Discharge of contract by alteration takes place when the parties mutually agree to vary the terms of their original contract, releasing each other from their previous obligations. For example, if a lease agreement is amended to increase the period of rent or change the rent or lease money, this constitutes an alteration. The alteration, when affected by mutual assent, originates in a new contract, and the original contract becomes void and of no legal effect. However, alteration must be with mutual consent, not by coercion or compulsion. If it is done by one party only, it can be avoided by the other. Therefore, care must be taken that the document bears the signatures of all the parties to it. They are also advised to incorporate all the variations mutually agreed upon in the document to avoid disputes later.
    
4. By Remission (Sec. 63): The discharge of a contract by remission occurs when one party voluntarily gives up the right to enforce the contract, thereby releasing the other party from their obligations. For example, if a lender forgives a borrower's debt without requiring repayment, it constitutes remission. The lender chooses to waive their claim to the debt, freeing the borrower from further repayment responsibilities. This action is usually carried out as a gesture of goodwill or as part of a negotiated settlement. Remission effectively ends the contractual obligation, relieving both parties from fulfilling their original agreement.
    
5. By Waiver of Contract (Sec. 64): When one party voluntarily gives up their right to enforce a term or condition of the contract, it effectively releases the other party from fulfilling that specific obligation. For example, if a landlord waives the requirement for a security deposit from a tenant, it absolves the tenant from providing that deposit, thereby altering the original contract terms. This voluntary relinquishment must be clear and unequivocal, demonstrating the intention to forgo the right to enforce the specified aspect of the contract. Waiver can be explicit or implied through actions demonstrating an intent not to enforce the contractual provision.

Discharge By Accord & Satisfaction (Sec. 63):

It is possible for the involved parties to come to an agreement where a different performance is accepted instead of the one initially stated in the contract. This results in accord and satisfaction, effectively releasing the parties from their original contractual duties.

The parties mutually consent to a modified execution of the contract from its original terms. For instance, in the case where Mark owes Nancy $1,000, they may decide that Mark will render services worth $800 in order to fulfil the agreement; here accord and satisfaction resulted in discharge of the contract.

It is crucial for both parties to understand the different methods by which a contract can be discharged, as it determines the circumstances in which the contractual agreement terminates.

Discharge by Material Alteration:
Material alteration discharge arises when a party significantly modifies a contract without authorization, invalidating it. If a party unilaterally alters essential terms like price or delivery, the contract may be discharged. The altered contract deviates from the original agreement, releasing the affected party from their obligations. Material alterations render contracts void and can lead to legal disputes, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of contractual terms.

Discharge By Frustration of Purpose:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances that hinder the fulfilment of the contract's intention, the contract may be terminated due to frustration. These circumstances may involve occurrences such as natural disasters, war, or legal modifications that make it impractical to carry out the contract.

In the event that a natural disaster causes the destruction of the reserved wedding location, thus making the celebration unfeasible, the contract could be terminated due to frustration of the intended purpose.

Discharge By Impossibility of Performance (Sec. 56):
In the event of unforeseen circumstances that render performance unattainable, the agreement may be terminated. These factors may include the destruction of the object in question or the passing of a crucial individual essential for fulfilling the contract.

Certain situations may arise that render the fulfilment of a task or agreement unachievable. For instance, George may engage Hannah to craft an original sculpture, but if the necessary materials become unobtainable due to unexpected circumstances, the contract could be terminated due to the impossibility of carrying out the task.

Discharge By Lapse of Time:
The Limitation Act establishes that a contract must be executed within a designated timeframe known as the limitation period. Failure to fulfil the contract within this specified period results in the absence of any legal recourse, leading to the termination of the contract.

Discharge By Operation of Law:
Certain legal events or alterations can result in the automatic termination of a contract. Examples include the death of a party, insolvency, or actions that render the contract unlawful. In such cases, the contract is automatically discharged due to the operation of law. For instance, if a new government regulation makes a contract illegal, it may be terminated as a result.

1. By Death: When one party in a contract dies, the contract is discharged by death. Upon the death of a party, the deceased's contractual obligations generally terminate as deceased individuals cannot fulfil contractual duties. Despite the obligations ceasing, the deceased's estate remains liable for any obligations that existed prior to death. The contract may remain valid if it involves obligations that can be inherited by the deceased's estate. A contract may also continue if it explicitly states that it remains binding on the successors or assigns of the parties.
    
2. By Merger: The merger of contracts occurs when a subsequent agreement between the same parties replaces the original contract, integrating its terms into the new one. This happens when the new agreement fully incorporates and supersedes the terms of the prior contract. Upon merger, the original contract is deemed discharged, as its terms can no longer be enforced independently. It's crucial for both parties to comprehend that the new contract replaces and consolidates the terms of the previous agreement to prevent misunderstandings or disputes.
    
3. By Insolvency: A contract can be discharged due to insolvency when a party becomes unable to fulfil their financial responsibilities. The party that remains solvent may be released from their contractual obligations in such situations. Insolvency frequently triggers provisions in contracts that enable their termination or discharge. Creditors of the insolvent party may utilize legal actions like bankruptcy proceedings to assert their claims against the party's assets. The discharge of a contract due to insolvency can vary, depending on the specific contract terms and the laws governing insolvency and bankruptcy.
    
4. By Unauthorized Alteration of the Terms of a Written Contract: Unauthorized alterations to the terms of a written contract can lead to contract discharge. This occurs when one party modifies the contract significantly without the other party's consent. Such alterations render the contract invalid, releasing both parties from their obligations. The altered contract no longer represents the initial mutual agreement. This unauthorized alteration can result in legal consequences due to breaching contractual integrity. It may also lead to disputes over the contract's validity and enforceability. In summary, unauthorized alterations to a written contract can lead to contract discharge, invalidating the agreement and potentially causing legal disputes.
    
5. Rights and Liabilities Vest with the Same Person:
   Contract discharge happens when rights and obligations merge under the same person, usually due to assignment or transfer of duties. This consolidation combines the roles of both parties into one, effectively terminating the contractual relationship. For example, if a debtor assigns their debt to a creditor, the creditor acquires both the right to receive payment and the obligation to pay. This merger extinguishes the original contract, as both parties' roles are now held by the same individual or entity. It's vital to meet legal formalities to properly discharge the contract in such cases, ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding any legal complications.