The correct answer is D.
Section 14 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 states that “Consent is said to be free when it is not caused by:
- Coercion, as defined in Section 15; or
- Undue influence, as defined in Section 16; or
- Fraud, as defined in Section 17; or
- Misrepresentation, as defined in Section 18; or
- Mistake, as defined in Section 19.”
Coercion is the use of unlawful threats to compel a person to do something that they would not otherwise do. Undue influence is the use of a position of power or authority to pressure a person into doing something that they would not otherwise do. Fraud is the intentional misrepresentation of facts in order to deceive another person. Misrepresentation is the unintentional misrepresentation of facts in order to deceive another person. Mistake is an erroneous belief about the facts of a situation.
In order for consent to be considered free, it must not be caused by any of the factors listed in Section 14. If consent is caused by any of these factors, it is considered to be invalid and the contract may be voidable.
Coercion is a serious matter and can have serious consequences. If you believe that you have been coerced into entering into a contract, you should seek legal advice immediately.