As per the Indian Contract Act, 1872, an acceptance must be absolute and unqualified. What is the legal effect if an offeree's response introduces a new term?
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“Qualified acceptance” = Counter-offer → Original offer automatically lapses.
It becomes a valid acceptance, and the new term is incorporated as a mere suggestion.
It operates as a valid acceptance if the new term is not a material alteration.
It constitutes a counter-proposal, thereby rejecting the original proposal.
It suspends the original proposal until the new term is accepted or rejected by the proposer.
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The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Rule of absolute acceptance.
Section 7 requires acceptance to be absolute and unconditional. Step 2: Introducing a new term.
Adding a new term means the offeree is not accepting the same offer but making a counter-offer under Section 8. Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, introducing a new term rejects the original offer and becomes a counter-proposal.