Quantum Meruit (QM)

Quantum meruit is a Latin phrase meaning “what one has earned”. This doctrine is based upon the rule of restitution. This remedy is not a contractual remedy rather it is a quasi-contractual remedy. As a general rule if the party has contracted to do a particular work, but he did not complete because of refusal of one of the parties. Here as per QM doctrine the aggrieved is remunerated for whatever he has already done. For example, if A agrees to deliver B 500 bags of wheat. A has already delivered 100 bangs and B refuses to accept any further supply. Here A can recover from B the value of 100 bags of wheat which he has already delivered.

Section 75 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 deals with remedy as quantum meruit for breach of contract (BoC).

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Compiled by Team LegalMines