Section 17 lists 5 acts constituting fraud. The Explanation explicitly carves out 'mere silence' as NOT fraud — unless there is a fiduciary relationship or duty to disclose (like insurance contracts, partnerships).

1. 1 Pick up Indian Contract Act.
2. 2 Go to Section 17 — definition of 'fraud'.
3. 3 Read the Explanation: 'Mere silence as to facts likely to affect willingness to enter a contract is NOT fraud, unless duty to speak exists or silence is equivalent to speech.'
4. 4 Options A, B, D are all listed as fraud. Option C (mere silence without duty) is explicitly NOT fraud.

The text reads: Section 17 Explanation: Mere silence as to facts likely to affect willingness to enter into a contract is not fraud, unless circumstances impose a duty to speak.