Restraint of Trade under Indian Contract Act: An Overview
The Indian Contract Act, 1872 governs the principles of contract law in India. One of the most important clauses under this act is the restraint of trade clause. The restraint of trade clause regulates the agreements that restrict the freedom of an individual or a company to carry out its trade, business, or profession. In this article, we will discuss the restraint of trade clause under the Indian Contract Act and its implications.
Overview of the Restraint of Trade Clause
The restraint of trade clause is a contractual agreement between two parties that restricts one party from carrying out its profession, trade, or business for a specific period. This clause is added to a contract to protect the interests of the party who has a proprietary interest in the business or trade. For example, if a company has invested a significant amount of money and time in developing a technology, it can restrict its employees from using that technology to start a competing business.
Types of Restraint of Trade Clauses
The restraint of trade clause can be of two types – negative and affirmative.
Negative Restraint of Trade Clause
A negative restraint of trade clause prohibits the employee from engaging in a similar business or trade after leaving the company. For example, if you are working for a software company, the negative restraint of trade clause can restrict you from working for a competing software company after leaving the current company.
Affirmative Restraint of Trade Clause
An affirmative restraint of trade clause obligates the employee to engage in a particular profession or trade after leaving the company. For example, if you are working for a software company and leave the company, the affirmative restraint of trade clause can require you to work for another software company for a specific period.
Validity of Restraint of Trade Clause
The restraint of trade clause is valid only if it meets the following conditions:
1. It should be reasonable and not against public policy.
2. It should protect the legitimate interest of the party imposing the restraint.
3. It should not cause any undue hardship to the party being restrained.
4. It should be limited in time, place, and scope.
If the restraint of trade clause is unreasonable or against public policy, it will be deemed void and unenforceable.
Conclusion
The restraint of trade clause is an essential clause in a contract as it protects the interests of the party who has invested significant time and money in developing a technology or trade. However, it is essential to ensure that the clause is reasonable and not against public policy. As a professional, it is crucial to understand the legal implications of the restraint of trade clause and its validity under the Indian Contract Act.