Question

Legal Principle : Performance of a legal duty cannot be a consideration for a promise.
Factual Situation: 'A's wallet is stolen by a thief. 'A' lodges a complaint in the police station 'A' promises to pay a sum of Rs.500 to the person who is able to apprehend the thief and get back his wallet. The policeman's servant 'X' apprehends the thief and gets back the wallet. 'A' refuses to pay 'X' the promised Rs.500. Choose the correct option:
I.The servant is entitled to the reward.
II. The policeman would have been entitled to the reward had he been the person to apprehend the thief.
III. The policeman would be entitled to the reward even if he had not apprehended the thief.
IV. The servant would not be entitled to the reward

• A. I and III
• B. I only
• C. I, II and IV
• D. III only

Answer 1

The correct option is B I only

It is the legal duty of the policeman to catch the thief. Policeman's servant has no legal duty to catch the thief as he's not an authorised agent to do so. SO the servant cant be said to have performed a legal duty and hence he will be entitled to a reward as promised by 'A'.