Commentary on Judgment no. 8713 of 2024: The Enforceability of Default and the Solve et Repete Clause

The recent ruling no. 8713 of April 2, 2024, by the Court of Cassation offers an important reflection on the enforceability of default in contractual obligations. In particular, the judgment focuses on the application of the solve et repete clause, as provided for by Article 1462 of the Italian Civil Code. This article provides a clear framework regarding the management of contractual defaults and the legal consequences that arise from them.

The Context of the Judgment

The Court declared the appeal against a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Milan inadmissible, which had declared the request for a determination of the illegitimacy of the billing for the supply of electricity inadmissible. The appellant, M. R., had not demonstrated having made the payment during the course of the trial, an essential element for the acceptance of their request. This aspect is significant, as the solve et repete clause is based on the idea that payment must occur in order for disputes regarding any defaults to be examined.

ON THE ENFORCEABILITY OF DEFAULT Solve et repete clause - Effects - Subsequent performance during the proceedings - Prior performance - Procedural prerequisite - Exclusion - Case. The solve et repete clause, as provided for by Article 1462 of the Civil Code, having a fundamentally substantive law content, fulfills its function even if the performance occurs during the proceedings and as a result of a non-definitive judicial provision, with the consequence that the prior performance cannot be classified as a procedural prerequisite and the exception or counterclaim potentially affected by the operation of the clause can be examined when, even during the proceedings, the satisfaction of the right has occurred. (In this case, the Supreme Court declared the appeal against the judgment that had declared the request for a determination of the illegitimacy of the billing and the request for payment of the consideration for the supply of electricity inadmissible, since the appellant had not alleged or proven that they had proceeded with the payment during the proceedings).

Implications of the Solve et Repete Clause

The solve et repete clause plays a crucial role in contracts, as it establishes that in order to oppose a payment request, it is necessary to demonstrate performance. This principle proves fundamental even in judicial contexts, where the proof of performance becomes an essential prerequisite for the validity of the raised exceptions. The main implications of this clause are:

  • Payment request: the obligated party must demonstrate payment to contest the legitimacy of the request.
  • Default: it is not sufficient to claim a default; it is necessary to prove that performance has occurred.
  • Procedural effects: performance during the proceedings does not preclude the examination of counterclaims.

This ruling, therefore, clarifies that performance can occur even during the trial, without preventing the possibility of examining claims related to default.

Conclusions

Judgment no. 8713 of 2024 by the Court of Cassation represents an important milestone in understanding contractual dynamics and issues related to default. The confirmation of the validity of the solve et repete clause emphasizes the importance of respecting contractual obligations and the necessity of proving performance to contest any requests. For professionals and businesses, this ruling offers significant insights in managing contractual disputes, highlighting the importance of proper documentation and a well-structured defense strategy.

Bianucci Law Firm