Changing contract scope or price

At a glance

Record the authorised change and its effect on price, time and obligations before relying on it. A request for extra work is different from agreement on every consequence.

Law and context

Section 62 of the Contract Act addresses alteration and related arrangements, while the contract may prescribe a change process and authority limits. Conduct and correspondence can also be relevant to the dispute.

Practical next step

Preserve the original scope, change request, approval and revised commercial terms. Identify who could authorise the change and keep the final agreed version with the contract.

Important qualifications

This page does not say every oral change is ineffective or every email binds both sides. Required formalities and the full facts need assessment.

Document checklist

• Original scope
• Change request
• Authority and approval
• Revised price and timetable

Sources

• The Indian Contract Act, 1872 — 62
• The Indian Contract Act, 1872 — 182-188

General information. The appropriate course depends on the complete facts, documents and applicable law. Editorial process and website disclaimer.