Information Technology Act & Contracts 💻
The IT Act, 2000 gives legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures. It validates E-Contracts (Electronic Contracts).
Essentials of E-Contracts 🌐
- Legal Recognition: Section 4 says electronic records are treated as "Written".
- Digital Signature: Section 5 says Digital Signatures are equal to handwritten signatures.
- Formation:
- Offer: Displaying products on website.
- Acceptance: Clicking "I Agree" or "Buy Now".
- Communication: Via Email or Server Logs.
Types of E-Contracts 🖱️
- Click-Wrap: You click "I Agree" before installing software.
- Shrink-Wrap: Terms are inside the box (CD case). Opening it means acceptance.
- Browse-Wrap: Terms are on a hyperlink at bottom of page. (Often disputed).
Attribution & Receipt (Section 11-13)
- Attribution: An email sent from your account is deemed to be sent by you (unless hacked).
- Receipt: Occurs when the email enters the recipient's designated computer resource.
Validity
E-Contracts are fully valid and enforceable in India under the IT Act + Indian Contract Act. However, IT Act does NOT apply to: Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Sale of Real Estate.
Quiz Time! 🎯
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💡 Final Wisdom: "The law has moved from Paper to Pixels. A mouse click is now as powerful as a pen stroke!" 🖱️🖊️
🎉 UNIT I COMPLETE! You have mastered the Indian Contract Act. From Agreement to E-Contracts.
Next epic: Unit II: Sale of Goods Act - Buying and Selling! 🛍️