Patel v Ali [1984] Ch 283 is an English contract law case, concerning the possibility of claiming specific performance of a promise after breach of contract.

Facts

A vendor of a house became disabled after the sale. If she went through with the sale she would have lost the house. The buyer of the house demanded specific performance to convey the property.

Judgment

Goulding J refused to grant specific performance, and granted only damages. As a discretionary, equitable remedy, specific performance was refused on the ground that considerable hardship would be caused.