If a party signs a contract without reading it, does that affect its validity?

• A. It makes the contract void
• B. It should not impact on its validity
• C. It makes misrepresentation possible
• D. It invalidates the contract under all circumstances

Answer: (B)

Signing a contract binds you to its terms even if you haven’t read them. A contract is valid when there is genuine assent and no vitiating defect (like misrepresentation, duress, incapacity, or illegality). Not reading the document is not itself a ground to invalidate or void the agreement. You’re expected to take reasonable care to understand what you sign, but the absence of reading does not create a defect in validity. If there were misrepresentation about the terms or some other fault, then a remedy might be available, but simply not reading does not make the contract invalid.