Waltons Stores Ltd v Maher (case)

Waltons Stores Ltd v Maher is a landmark 1988 Australian case about contract law and equitable estoppel. Maher, a landowner, negotiated with Waltons Stores to lease his property, believing a formal contract was imminent. Waltons began construction based on this understanding, but later withdrew, leaving Maher in a difficult position. The High Court ruled that Waltons couldn't back out because Maher had relied on their actions and was significantly harmed. The case established that parties can be held accountable for informal agreements when one party has acted based on the belief that a contract was forthcoming.