Step 1: Understanding the Question.
"Vis major" is a legal term derived from Latin, meaning "superior force." In law, it refers to an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond human control, such as natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods), which excuses a party from fulfilling a contract or liability. This is commonly known as an "Act of God" in legal contexts.
Step 2: Analyzing the Options.
- Option (a) Act of God directly corresponds to the definition of vis major, covering natural events uncontrollable by humans.
- Option (b) Act of Individual refers to human actions, which is unrelated to vis major.
- Option (c) Act of other party and (d) Act of plaintiff involve human agency, not natural forces.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Vis major is synonymous with an Act of God, making (a) the correct answer. This principle is often invoked to relieve parties from liability in cases of unforeseeable natural events.