Are Coercion and Undue Influence the Same?

Coercion occurs when an overt threat of harm is intentionally presented by one person to another in order to obtain compliance. Undue influence, by contrast, occurs through an offer of an excessive, unwarranted, inappropriate or improper reward or other overture in order to obtain compliance.

How does coercion differ from undue influence?

The coercion involves a criminal act and person who commit coercion is punishable under IPC. Undue Influence involves unlawful act and person who did Undue Influence is not punishable under IPC. The coercion does not require the relationship between parties.

What things can be considered undue influence?

The definition and meaning of undue influence, in wills and family trusts, generally refers to a situation where an abuser convinces a victim to increase the abuser's inheritance, by use of threats, emotional abuse, withholding of sex or affection, or, in the worst of cases, even physical abuse.