The Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel

The doctrine of Promissory Estoppel was invoked in order to ensure that the party who acts as a promisor does not refrain from going back on their promise as it becomes detrimental to the promisee who acts on behalf of the promises which are made. This principle has been widely accepted in most of the jurisdiction as it ensures that the principle of equity and natural justice is not affected. This paper tries to delve into various applications of the doctrine by looking it from both the perspectives of Common Law and Indian Law Jurisdiction. Additionally, the paper will also try to analyse the history and origin of the doctrine in both the jurisdictions and will try to analyse the difference in application of the doctrine in both the jurisdictions. Finally, the paper will try to solve an important question pertaining to the doctrine which discusses that “Can the Doctrine Be Invoked Only Against the State in India”.