Indian Trusts Act, 1882: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
An Act to define and amend t |
|||
- |
|||
Preamble.-WHEREAS it is expedient to define and amend the law |
|||
relating to Preamble. private trusts and trustees; It is hereby |
|||
enacted as follows:- |
|||
CHAPTER I |
CHAPTER I |
||
Revision as of 10:18, 7 April 2016
-
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
1. Short title. Commencement.-This Act may be called the Indian
Trusts Act, 1882: and it shall come into force on the first day of March, 1882.
Local extent, Savings.-2*[It extends to 3*[the whole of India
4*[except the State of Jammu and Kashmir] and] the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 5***; but the Central Government may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette, extend it to 6*[the Andaman and Nicobar Islands] or to any part thereof.] But nothing herein contained affects the rules of Muhammadan law as to waqf, or the mutual relations of the members of an undivided family as determined by any customary or personal law, or applies to public or private religious or charitable endowments, or to trusts to distribute prizes taken in war among the captors; and nothing in the Second Chapter of this Act applies to trusts created before the said day.
2. Repeal of enactments.-The Statute and Acts mentioned in the
Schedule hereto annexed shall, to the extent mentioned in the said Schedule, be repealed, in the territories to which this Act for the time being extends.
3. Interpretation-clause "trust":-A "trust" is an obligation
annexed to the ownership of property, and arising out of a confidence reposed in and accepted by the
1 The Act has been extended to Berar by the Berar Laws Act, 1941 (4
of 1941). Extended to and brought into force in Dadra and Nagar Havoli (w.e.f.
1.7.1965) by Reg. 6 of 1963, s.2 and Sch.I Extended to Goa, Daman and Diu by Re. 11 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. The Act comes into force in Pondicherry on 1.10.1963 vide Reg. 7 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. I. The Act shall come into force in the State of Sikkim on 1.9.1984 vide Notifn. No.S.O.642(E), dt.24.8.1984 Gaz. of India, Exty, pt. II Sec.3 (ii). 2 Subs. by the A. O. 1948 for the original words as amended by the A. O. 1937. 3 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "all the Provinces of India, except". Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 2 of 32 4 Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s.3 and Sch., for "except Part B States". 5 The words "and Panth Piploda" omitted by the A. O. 1950. 6 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "either or both of the said Provinces".
owner, or declared and accepted by him, for the benefit of another, or of another and the owner:
"author of the trust":
the person who reposes or declares the confidence is called the
"author of the trust": the person who accepts the confidence is called the "trustee": the person for whose benefit the confidence is accepted is called the "beneficiary": the subject-matter of the trust is called "trust-property" or "trust-money": the "beneficial interest" or "interest" of the beneficiary is his right against the trustee as owner of the trust-property; and the instrument, if any, by which the trust is declared is called the "instrument of trust":
"trustee": "beneficiary": "trust-property": "beneficial interest": "instrument of trust": "breach of trust":
a breach of any duty imposed on a trustee, as such, by any law
for the time being in force, is called a "breach of trust":
"registered":
"notice":
Expressions defined in Act 9 of 1872.-and in this Act, unless
there be something repugnant in the subject or context, "registered" means registered under the law for the registration of documents for the time being in force: a person is said to have "notice" of a fact either when he actually knows that fact, or when, but for wilful abstention from inquiry or gross negligence, he would have known it, or when information of the fact is given to or obtained by his agent, under the circumstances mentioned in the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of 1872), section 229; and all expressions used herein and defined in the Indian Contract Act, 1872, shall be deemed to have the meanings respectively attributed to them by that Act.
CHAPTER II
OF THE CREATION OF TRUSTS
4. Lawful purpose.-A trust may be created for any lawful purpose.-
The purpose of a trust is lawful unless it is (a) forbidden by law, or (b) is of such a nature that, if permitted, it would defeat the provisions of any law, or (c) is fraudulent, or (d) involves or implies injury to the person or property of another, or (e) the Court Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 3 of 32 regards it as immoral or opposed to public policy.
Every trust of which the purpose is unlawful is void. And where a
trust is created for two purposes, of which one is lawful and the other unlawful, and the two purposes cannot be separated, the whole trust is void.
Explanation.--In this section the expression "law" includes,
where the trust-property is immoveable and situate in a foreign country, the law of such country.
Illustrations (a) A conveys property to B in trust to apply the profits to the
nurture of female foundlings to be trained up as prostitutes. The trust is void.
(b) A bequeaths property to B in trust to employ it in carrying
on a smuggling business, and out of the profits thereof to support A's children. The trust is void.
(c) A, while in insolvent circumstances, transfers property to B
in trust for A during his life, and after his death for B. A is declared an insolvent. The trust for A is invalid as against his creditors.
5. Trust of immoveable property.-No trust in relation to
immoveable property is valid unless declared by a non-testamentary instrument in writing signed by the author of the trust or the trustee and registered, or by the will of the author of the trust or of the trustee.
Trust of moveable property.-No trust in relation to moveable
property is valid unless declared as aforesaid, or unless the ownership of the property is transferred to the trustee.
These rules do not apply where they would operate so as to
effectuate a fraud.
6. Creation of trust.-Subject to the provisions of section 5, a
trust is created when the author of the trust indicates with reasonable certainty by any words or acts (a) an intention on his part to create thereby a trust, (b) the purpose of the trust, (c) the beneficiary, and (d) the trust-property, and (unless the trust is declared by will or the author of the trust is himself to be the trustee) transfers the trust-property to the trustee.
Illustrations (a) A bequeaths certain property to B, "having the fullest
confidence that he will dispose of it for the benefit of" C. This creates a trust so far as regards A and C.
(b) A bequeaths certain property to B "hoping he will continue it
in the family". This does not create a trust, as the beneficiary is not indicated with reasonable certainty.
(c) A bequeaths certain property to B, requesting him to
distribute it among such members of C's family as B should think most deserving. This does not create a trust, for the beneficiaries are not Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 4 of 32 indicated with reasonable certainty.
(d) A bequeaths certain property to B, desiring him to divide the
bulk of it among C's children. This does not create a trust, for the trust-property is not indicated with sufficient certainty.
(e) A bequeaths a shop and stock-in-trade to B, on condition that
he pays A's debts and legacy to C. This is a condition, not a trust for A's creditors and C.
7. Who may create trusts.-A trust may be created-- (a) by every person competent to contract, 1* and, (b) with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, by or on behalf of a minor; but subject in each case to the law for the time being in force
as to the circumstances and extent in and to which the author of the trust may dispose of the trust-property.
8. Subject of trust.-The subject-matter of a trust must be
property transferable to the beneficiary.
It must not be merely beneficial interest under a subsisting
trust.
9. Who may be beneficiary. Disclaimer by beneficiary.-Every
person capable of holding property may be a beneficiary.
A proposed beneficiary may renounce his interest under the trust
by disclaimer addressed to the trustee, or by setting up, with notice of the trust, a claim inconsistent therewith.
10. Who may be trustee.-Every person capable of holding property
may be a trustee; but, where the trust involves the exercise of discretion, he cannot execute it unless he is competent to contract.
No one bound to accept trust.
marginal heading. No one is bound to accept a trust.
Acceptance of trust.
marginal heading. A trust is accepted by any words or acts
of the trustee indicating with reasonable certainty such acceptance.
Disclaimer of trust.
marginal heading. Instead of accepting a trust, the intended
trustee may, within a reasonable period, disclaim it, and such disclaimer shall prevent the trust-property from vesting in him.
A disclaimer by one of two or more co-trustees vests the trust-
property in the other or others, and makes him or them sole trustee or trustees from the date of the creation of the trust.
Illustrations (a) A bequeaths certain property to B and C, his executors, as Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 5 of 32
trustees for D. B and C prove A's will. This is in itself an acceptance of the trust, and B and C hold the property in trust for D.
(b) A transfers certain property to B in trust to sell it and to
pay out of the proceeds A's debts. B accepts the trust and sells the property. So far as regards B, a trust of the proceeds is created for A's creditors.
1 See s. 11 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of 1872).
(c) A bequeaths a lakh of rupees to B upon certain trusts and
appoints him his executor. B severs the lakh from the general assets and appropriates it to the specific purpose. This is an acceptance of the trust.
CHAPTER III OF THE DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF TRUSTEES
11. Trustee to execute trust.-The trustee is bound to fulfil the
purpose of the trust, and to obey the directions of the author of the trust given at the time of its creation, except as modified by the consent of all the beneficiaries being competent to contract.
Where the beneficiary is incompetent to contract, his consent
may, for the purposes of this section, be given by a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a trustee to
obey any direction when to do so would be impracticable, illegal or manifestly injurious to the beneficiaries.
Explanation.--Unless a contrary intention be expressed, the
purpose of a trust for the payment of debts shall be deemed to be (a) to pay only the debts of the author of the trust existing and recoverable at the date of the instrument of trust, or, when such instrument is a will, at the date of his death, and (b) in the case of debts not bearing interest, to make such payment without interest.
Illustrations (a) A, a trustee, is simply authorized to sell certain land by
public auction. He cannot sell the land by private contract.
(b) A, a trustee of certain land for X, Y and Z, is authorized to
sell the land to B for a specified sum. X, Y and Z, being competent to contract, consent that A may sell the land to C for a less sum. A may sell the land accordingly.
(c) A, a trustee for B and her children, is directed by the
author of the trust to lend, on B's request, trust-property to B's husband, C, on the security of his bond. C becomes insolvent and B requests A to make the loan. A may refuse to make it.
12. Trustee to inform himself of state of trust-property.-A
trustee is bound to acquaint himself, as soon as possible, with the Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 6 of 32 nature and circumstances of the trust-property; to obtain, where necessary, a transfer of the trust-property to himself; and (subject to the provisions of the instrument of trust) to get in trust-moneys invested on insufficient or hazardous security.
Illustrations (a) The trust-property is a debt outstanding on personal
security. The instrument of trust gives the trustee no discretionary power to leave the debt so outstanding. The trustee's duty is to recover the debt without unnecessary delay.
(b) The trust-property is money in the hands of one of two co-
trustees. No discretionary power is given by the instrument of trust. The other co-trustee must not allow the former to retain the money for a longer period than the circumstances of the case required.
13. Trustee to protect title to trust-property.-A trustee is
bound to maintain and defend all such suits, and (subject to the provisions of the instrument of trust) to take such other steps as, regard being had to the nature and amount or value of the trust- property, may be reasonably requisite for the preservation of the trust-property and the assertion or protection of the title thereto.
Illustration The trust-property is immoveable property which has been given to
the author of the trust by an unregistered instrument. Subject to the provisions of the Indian Registration Act, 1877 (3 of 1877), 1* the trustee's duty is to cause the instrument to be registered.
14. Trustee not to set up title adverse to beneficiary.-The
trustee must not for himself or another set up or aid any title to the trust-property adverse to the interest of the beneficiary.
15. Care required from trustee.-A trustee is bound to deal with
the trust-property as carefully as a man of ordinary prudence would deal with such property if it were his own; and, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, a trustee so dealing is not responsible for the loss, destruction or deterioration of the trust-property.
Illustrations (a) A, living in Calcutta, is a trustee for B, living in Bombay.
A remits trust-funds to B by bills drawn by a person of undoubted credit in favour of the trustee as such, and payable at Bombay. The bills are dishonoured. A is not bound to make good the loss.
(b) A, a trustee of leasehold property, directs the tenant to pay
the rents on account of the trust to a banker. B, then in credit. The rents are accordingly paid to B, and A leaves the money with B only till wanted. Before the money is drawn out, B becomes insolvent. A, having had no reason to believe that B was in insolvent circumstances, is not bound to make good the loss.
(c) A, a trustee of two debts for B, releases one and compounds Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 7 of 32
the other, in good faith, and reasonably believing that it is for B's interest to do so. A is not bound to make good any loss caused thereby to B.
(d) A, a trustee directed to sell the trust-property by auction,
sells the same, but does not advertise the sale and otherwise fails in reasonable diligence in inviting competition. A is bound to make good the loss caused thereby to the beneficiary.
1 See now the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (16 of 1908),
(e) A, a trustee for B, in execution of his trust, sells the
trust-property, but from want of due diligence on his part fails to receive part of the purchase-money. A is bound to make good the loss thereby caused to B.
(f) A, a trustee for B of a policy of insurance, has funds in
hand for payment of the premiums. A neglects to pay the premiums, and the policy is consequently forfeited. A is bound to make good the loss to B.
(g) A bequeaths certain moneys to B and C as trustees, and
authorizes them to continue trust-moneys upon the personal security of a certain firm in which A had himself invested them. A dies, and a change takes place in the firm. B and C must not permit the moneys to remain upon the personal security of the new firm.
(h) A, a trustee for B, allows the trust to be executed solely by
his cotrustee, C. C misapplies the trust-property. A is personally answerable for the loss resulting to B.
16. Conversion of perishable property.-Where the trust is created
for the benefit of several persons in succession, and the trust- property is of a wasting nature or a future or reversionary interest, the trustee is bound, unless an intention to the contrary may be inferred from the instrument of trust, to convert the property of a in to property permanent and immediately profitable character.
Illustrations (a) A bequeaths to B all his property in trust for C during his
life, and on his death for D, and on D's death for E. A's property consists of three leasehold houses, and there is nothing in A's will to show that he intended the houses to be enjoyed in specie. B should sell the houses, and invest the proceeds in accordance with section 20.
(b) A bequeaths to B his three leasehold houses in Calcutta and
all the furniture therein in trust for C during his life, and on his death for D, and on D's death for E. Here an intention that the houses and furniture should be enjoyed in specie appears clearly, and B should not sell them.
17. Trustee to be impartial.-Where there are more beneficiaries Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 8 of 32
than one, the trustee is bound to be impartial, and must not execute the trust for the advantage of one at the expense of another.
Where the trustee has a discretionary power, nothing in this
section shall be deemed to authorize the Court to control the exercise reasonably and in good faith of such discretion.
Illustration A, a trustee for B, C and D, is empowered to choose between
several specified modes of investing the trust-property. A in good faith chooses one of these modes. The Court will not interfere, although the result of the choice may be to vary the relative rights of B, C and D.
18. Trustee to prevent waste.-Where the trust is created for the
benefit of several persons in succession and one of them is in possession of the trust-property, if he commits, or threatens to commit, any act which is destructive or permanently injurious thereto, the trustee is bound to take measures to prevent such act.
19. Accounts and information.-A trustee is bound (a) to keep
clear and accurate accounts of the trust-property, and (b), at all reasonable times, at the request of the beneficiary, to furnish him with full and accurate information as to the amount and state of the trust-property.
20. Investment of trust-money.-Where the trust-property consists
of money and cannot be applied immediately or at an early date to the purposes of the trust, the trustee is bound (subject to any direction contained in the instrument of trust) to invest the money on the following securities, and on no others:-
(a) in promissory notes, debentures, stock or other securities 1*[of any State Government or] of the Central Government or of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: 2*[Provided that securities, both the principal whereof and the interest whereon shall have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed by any such Government shall be deemed, for the purposes of this clause, to be securities of such Government;] (b) in bonds, debentures and annuities 3*[charged or secured by the 4*[Parliament of the United Kingdom] 5* [before the fifteenth day of August, 1947] on the revenues of India or of the 6*[Governor-General in Council] or of any Province]: 7*[Provided that, after the fifteenth day of February, 1916, no money shall be invested in any such annuity being a terminable annuity unless a sinking fund has been established in connection with such annuity; but nothing in this proviso shall apply to investments made before the date aforesaid;] Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 9 of 32
1 Ins. by Act 31 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I. 2 Added by Act 18 of 1934, s. 2. 3 Subs. by the A. O. 1937 for "charged by the Imperial Parliament
on the revenues of India".
4 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "Imperial Parliament". 5 Ins. by the A. O. 1948. 6 Subs. by the A. O. 1948 for "Federation". 7 Added by Act 1 of 1916, s. 2.
1*[(bb) in India three and a half per cent. stock, India three per cent. stock, India two and a half per cent. stock or any other capital stock 2*[which before the 15th day of August, 1947, was] issued by the Secretary of State for India in Council under the authority of an Act of Parliament 3*[of the United Kingdom] and charged on the revenues of India] 4*[or which 5*[was] issued by the Secretary of State on behalf of the Governor- General in Council under the provisions of Part XIII of the Government of India Act, 1935]; (26 Geo. 5, Ch. 2.) (c) in stock or debentures of, or shares in, Railway or other Companies the interest whereon shall have been guaranteed by the Secretary of State for India in Council 1*[or by the Central Government] 6*[or in debentures of the Bombay 7*[Provincial] Co-operative Bank, Limited, the interest whereon shall have been guaranteed, by the Secretary of State for India in Council] 4*[or the State Government of Bombay]; 8*[(d) in debentures or other securities for money issued, under the authority of 9*[any Central Act or Provincial Act or State Act], by or on behalf of any municipal body, port trust or city improvement trust in any Presidency-town, or in Rangoon Town, or by or on behalf of the trustees of the port of Karachi:] 10*[Provided that after the 31st day of March, 1948, no money shall be invested in any securities issued by or on behalf of a municipal body, port trust or city improvement trust in Rangoon town, or by or on behalf of the trustees of the port of Karachi.]
1 Ins. by Act 1 of 1916, s. 2. 2 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "which may at any time hereafter be". 3 Ins. by the A. O. 1950. 4 Ins. by the A. O. 1937. 5 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "may be". 6 Ins. by Act 21 of 1917, s. 2. 7 Subs. by Act 37 of 1925, s. 2 and Sch. I, for "Central". Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 10 of 32 8 Subs. by Act 3 of 1908, s. 2, for the original clause. 9 The words "any Act of a Legislature established in British India" have been successively amended by the A. O. 1948, the A. O. 1950 and Act 3 of 1951 to read as above. 10 Ins. by the A. O. 1948.
(e) on a first mortgage of immoveable property situate in 1*[any part of the territories to which this Act extends]: Provided that the property is not a leasehold for a term of years and that the value of the property exceeds by one-third, or, if consisting of buildings, exceeds by one-half, the mortgage-money;4*** 4*(ee) in units issued by the Unit Trust of India under any unit scheme made under section 21 of the Unit Trust of India Act, 1963; or; (f) on any other security expressly authorized by the instrument of trust 4* [or by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette,] or by any rule which the High Court may from time to time prescribe in this behalf: Provided that, where there is a person competent to contract and
entitled in possession to receive the income of the trust-property for his life, or for any greater estate, no investment on any security mentioned or referred to in clauses (d), (e) and (f) shall be made without his consent in writing.
2*[20A. Power to purchase redeemable stock at a premium.-(1) A
trustee may invest in any of the securities mentioned or referred to in section 20, notwithstanding that the same may be redeemable and that the price exceeds the redemption value:
Provided that a trustee may not purchase at a price exceeding its
redemption value any security mentioned or referred to in clauses (c) and (d) of section 20 which is liable to be redeemed within fifteen years of the date of purchase at par or at some other fixed rate, or purchase any such security as is mentioned or referred to in the said clauses which is liable to be redeemed at par or at some other fixed rate at a price exceeding fifteen per centum above par or such other fixed rate.
(2) A trustee may retain until redemption any redeemable stock,
fund or security which may have been purchased in accordance with this section.]
21. Mortgage of land pledged to Government under Act 26 of 1871.-
Deposit in Government Savings Bank. Nothing in section 20 shall apply to investments made before this Act comes into force, or shall be deemed to preclude an investment on a mortgage of immoveable property already pledged as security for an advance under the Land Improvement Act, 18713*, or, in case the trust-money does not exceed three thousand rupees, a deposit thereof in a Government Savings Bank. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 11 of 32
1 Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Sch., for "a Part A State or a Part C State". 2 Ins. by Act 1 of 1916, s. 3. 3 See now the Land Improvement Loans Act, 1883 (19 of 1883). 4 Omitted and ins by Act 16 of 1975, s. 2 (w.e.f. 7-1-1975).
22. Sale by trustee directed to sell within specified time.-Where
a trustee directed to sell within a specified time extends such time, the burden of proving, as between himself and the beneficiary, that the latter is not prejudiced by the extension lies upon the trustee, unless the extension has been authorized by a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction.
Illustration A bequeaths property to B, directing him with all convenient
speed and within five years to sell it, and apply the proceeds for the benefit of C. In the exercise of reasonable discretion, B postpones the sale for six years. The sale is not thereby rendered invalid, but C, alleging that he has been injured by the postponement, institutes a suit against B to obtain compensation. In such suit the burden of proving that C has not been injured lies on B.
23. Liability for breach of trust.-Where the trustee commits a
breach of trust, he is liable to make good the loss which the trust- property or the beneficiary has thereby sustained, unless the beneficiary has by fraud induced the trustee to commit the breach, or the beneficiary, being competent to contract, has himself, without coercion or undue influence having been brought to bear on him, concurred in the breach, or subsequently acquiesced therein, with full knowledge of the facts of the case and of his rights as against the trustee.
A trustee committing a breach of trust is not liable to pay
interest except in the following cases:-
(a) where he has actually received interest: (b) where the breach consists in unreasonable delay in paying trust-money to the beneficiary: (c) where the trustee ought to have received interest, but has not done so: (d) where he may be fairly presumed to have received interest. He is liable, in case (a), to account for the interest actually
received, and, in cases (b), (c) and (d), to account for simple interest at the rate of six per cent. per annum, unless the Court otherwise directs.
(e) where the breach consists in failure to invest trust- money and to accumulate the interest or dividends thereon, he is liable to account for compound interest Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 12 of 32 (with halfyearly rests) at the same rate: (f) where the breach consists in the employment of trustproperty or the proceeds thereof in trade or business, he is liable to account, at the option of the beneficiary, either for compound interest (with half-yearly rests) at the same rate, or for the net profits made by such employment. Illustrations (a) A trustee improperly leaves trust-property outstanding, and
it is consequently lost: he is liable to make good the property lost, but he is not liable to pay interest thereon.
(b) A bequeaths a house to B in trust to sell it and pay the
proceeds to C. B neglects to sell the house for a great length of time, whereby the house is deteriorated and its market price falls. B is answerable to C for the loss.
(c) A trustee is guilty of unreasonable delay in investing trust-
money in accordance with section 20, or in paying it to the beneficiary. The trustee is liable to pay interest thereon for the period of the delay.
(d) The duty of the trustee is to invest trust-money in any of
the securities mentioned in section 20, clause (a), (b), (c) or (d). Instead of so doing, he retains the money in his hands. He is liable, at the option of the beneficiary, to be charged either with the amount of the principal money and interest, or with the amount of such securities as he might have purchased with the trust-money when the investment should have been made, and the intermediate dividends and interest thereon.
(e) The instrument of trust directs the trustee to invest trust-
money either in any of such securities or on mortgage of immoveable property. The trustee does neither. He is liable for the principal money and interest.
(f) The instrument of trust directs the trustee to invest trust-
money in any of such securities and to accumulate the dividends thereon. The trustee disregards the direction. He is liable, at the option of the beneficiary, to be charged either with the amount of the principal money and compound interest, or with the amount of such securities as he might have purchased with the trust-money when the investment should have been made, together with the amount of the accumulation which would have arisen from a proper investment of the intermediate dividends.
(g) Trust-property is invested in one of the securities mentioned
in section 20, clause (a), (b), (c) or (d). The trustee sells such security for some purpose not authorized by the terms of the instrument of trust. He is liable, at the option of the beneficiary, either to replace the security with the intermediate dividends and interest thereon, or to account for the proceeds of the sale with interest thereon.
(h) The trust-property consists of land. The trustee sells the
land to a purchaser for a consideration without notice of the trust. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 13 of 32 The trustee is liable, at the option of the beneficiary, to purchase other land of equal value to be settled upon the like trust, or to be charged with the proceeds of the sale with interest.
24. No set-off allowed to trustee.-A trustee who is liable for a
loss occasioned by a breach of trust in respect of one portion of the trust-property cannot set-off against his liability a gain which has accrued to another portion of the trust-property through another and distinct breach of trust.
25. Non-liability for predecessor's default.-Where a trustee
succeeds another, he is not, as such, liable for the acts or defaults of his predecessor.
26. Non-liability for predecessor's default.-Subject to the
provisions of sections 13 and 15, one trustee is not, as such, liable for a breach of trust committed by his cotrustee:
Provided that, in the absence of an express declaration to the
contrary in the instrument of trust, a trustee is so liable--
(a) where he has delivered trust-property to his co-trustee without seeing to its proper application: (b) where he allows his co-trustee to receive trust-property and fails to make due enquiry as to the co-trustee's dealings therewith, or allows him to retain it longer than the circumstances of the case reasonably require: (c) where he becomes aware of a breach of trust committed or intended by his co-trustee, and either actively conceals it or does not within a reasonable time take proper steps to protect the beneficiary's interest.
Joining in receipt for conformity.
Marginal heading. A co-trustee who joins in signing a receipt
for trust-property and proves that he has not received the same is not answerable, by reason of such signature only, for loss or misapplication of the property by his co-trustee.
Illustration A bequeaths certain property to B and C, and directs them to sell
it and invest the proceeds for the benefit of D. B and C accordingly sell the property, and the purchase-money is received by B and retained in his hands. C pays no attention to the matter for two years and then calls on B to make the investment. B is unable to do so, becomes insolvent, and the purchase-money is lost. C may be compelled to make good the amount.
27. Several liability of co-trustees.-Where co-trustees jointly
commit a breach of trust, or where one of them by his neglect enables the other to commit a breach of trust, each is liable to the beneficiary for the whole of the loss occasioned by such breach.
Contribution as between co-trustees. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 14 of 32
But as between the trustees themselves, if one be less guilty
than another and has had to refund the loss, the former may compel the latter, or his legal representative to the extent of the assets he has received, to make good such loss; and if all be equally guilty, any one or more of the trustees who has had to refund the loss may compel the others to contribute.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize a trustee
who has been guilty of fraud to institute a suit to compel contribution.
28. Non-liability of trustee paying without notice of transfer by
beneficiary.-When any beneficiary's interest becomes vested in another person, and the trustee, not having notice of the vesting, pays or delivers trust-property to the person who would have been entitled thereto in the absence of such vesting, the trustee is not liable for the property so paid or delivered.
29. Liability of trustee where beneficiary's interest is
forfeited to the Government.-When the beneficiary's interest is forfeited or awarded by legal adjudication 1*[to the Government], the trustee is bound to hold the trust-property to the extent of such interest for the benefit of such person in such manner as 2*[the State Government] may direct in this behalf.
30. Indemnity of trustees.-Subject to the provisions of the
instrument of trust and of sections 23 and 26, trustees shall be respectively chargeable only for such moneys, stocks, funds and securities as they respectively actually receive, and shall not be answerable the one for the other of them, nor for any banker, broker or other person in whose hands any trustproperty may be placed, nor for the insufficiency or deficiency of any stocks, funds or securities, nor otherwise for involuntary losses.
CHAPTER IV OF THE RIGHTS AND POWERS OF TRUSTEES
31. Right to title-deed.-A trustee is entitled to have in his
possession the instrument of trust and all the documents of title (if any) relating solely to the trust-property.
32. Right to reimbursement of expenses.-Every trustee may
reimburse himself, or pay or discharge out of the trust-property, all expenses properly incurred in or about the execution of the trust, or the realization, preservation, or benefit of the trust-property, or the protection or support of the beneficiary.
1 The words "to Govt." successively amended by the A. O. 1937 and the A. O. 1950 to read as above. 2 Subs. by the A. O. 1937 for "the Govt.". Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 15 of 32
If he pays such expenses out of his own pocket he has a first
charge upon the trust-property for such expenses and interest thereon; but such charge (unless the expenses have been incurred with the sanction of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction) shall be enforced only by prohibiting any disposition of the trust-property without previous payment of such expenses and interest.
If the trust-property fail, the trustee is entitled to recover
from the beneficiary personally on whose behalf he acted, and at whose request, expressed or implied, he made the payment, the amount of such expenses.
Right to be recouped for erroneous over-payment.
Where a trustee has by mistake made an over-payment to the
beneficiary, he may reimburse the trust-property out of the beneficiary's interest. If such interest fail, the trustee is entitled to recover from the beneficiary personally the amount of such over- payment.
33. Right to indemnity from gainer by breach of trust.-A person
other than a trustee who has gained an advantage from a breach of trust must indemnify the trustee to the extent of the amount actually received by such person under the breach; and where he is a beneficiary the trustee has a charge on his interest for such amount.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to entitle a trustee to
be indemnified who has, in committing the breach of trust, been guilty of fraud.
34. Right to apply to Court for opinion in management of trust-
property.-Any trustee may, without instituting a suit, apply by petition to a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction for its opinion, advice or direction on any present questions respecting the management or administration of the trust-property other than questions of detail, difficulty or importance, not proper in the opinion of the Court for summary disposal.
A copy of such petition shall be served upon, and the hearing
thereof may be attended by, such of the persons interested in the application as the Court thinks fit.
The trustee stating in good faith the facts in such petition and
acting upon the opinion, advice or direction given by the Court shall be deemed, so far as regards his own responsibility, to have discharged his duty as such trustee in the subject-matter of the application.
The costs of every application under this section shall be in the
discretion of the Court to which it is made.
35. Right to settlement of accounts.-When the duties of a
trustee, as such, are completed, he is entitled to have the accounts of his administration of the trust-property examined and settled; and, Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 16 of 32 where nothing is due to the beneficiary under the trust, to an acknowledgment in writing to that effect.
36. General authority of trustee.-In addition to the powers
expressly conferred by this Act and by the instrument of trust, and subject to the restrictions, if any, contained in such instrument, and to the provisions of section 17, a trustee may do all acts which are reasonable and proper for the realization, protection or benefit of the trust-property, and for the protection or support of a beneficiary who is not competent to contract.
1* * * * * Except with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original
jurisdiction, no trustee shall lease trust-property for a term exceeding twenty-one years from the date of executing the lease, nor with-out reserving the best yearly rent that can be reasonably obtained.
37. Power to sell in lots, and either by public auction or
private contract.-Where the trustee is empowered to sell any trust- property, he may sell the same subject to prior charges or not, and either together or in lots, by public auction or private contract, and either at one time or at several times, unless the instrument of trust otherwise directs.
38. Power to sell under special conditions. Power to buy-in and
re-sell.-The trustee making any such sale may insert such reasonable stipulations either as to title or evidence of title, or otherwise, in any conditions of sale or contract for sale, as he thinks fit; and may also buy-in the property or any part thereof at any sale by auction, and rescind or vary any contract for sale, and re-sell the property so bought in, or as to which the contract is so rescinded, without being responsible to the beneficiary for any loss occasioned thereby.
Time allowed for selling trust-property.
Marginal heading. Where a trustee is directed to sell
trust-property or to invest trust-money in the purchase of property, he may exercise a reasonable discretion as to the time of effecting the sale or purchase.
Illustrations (a) A bequeaths property to B, directing him to sell it with all
convenient speed and pay the proceeds to C. This does not render an immediate sale imperative.
1 Second paragraph rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I.
Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 17 of 32 (b) A bequeaths property to B, directing him to sell it at such
time and in such manner as he shall think fit and invest the proceeds for the benefit of C. This does not authorize B, as between him and C, to postpone the sale to an indefinite period.
39. Power to convey.-For the purpose of completing any such sale,
the trustee shall have power to convey or otherwise dispose of the property sold in such manner as may be necessary.
40. Power to vary investments.-A trustee may, at his discretion,
call in any trust-property invested in any security and invest the same on any of the securities mentioned or referred to in section 20, and from time to time vary any such investments for others of the same nature :
Provided that, where there is a person competent to contract and
entitled at the time to receive the income of the trust-property for his life, or for any greater estate, no such change of investment shall be made without his consent in writing.
41. Power to apply property of minors, etc., for their
maintenance, etc.-Where any property is held by a trustee in trust for a minor, such trustee may, at his discretion, pay to the guardians (if any) of such minor, or otherwise apply for or towards his maintenance or education or advancement in life, or the reasonable expenses of his religious worship, marriage or funeral, the whole or any part of the income to which he may be entitled in respect of such property ; and such trustee shall accumulate all the residue of such income by way of compound interest by investing the same and the resulting income thereof from time to time in any of the securities mentioned or referred to in section 20, for the benefit of the person who shall ultimately become entitled to the property from which such accumulations have arisen :
Provided that such trustee may, at any time, if he thinks fit,
apply the whole or any part of such accumulations as if the same were part of the income arising in the then current year.
Where the income of the trust-property is insufficient for the
minor's maintenance or education or advancement in life, or the reasonable expenses of his religious worship, marriage or funeral, the trustee may, with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, but not otherwise, apply the whole or any part of such property for or towards such maintenance, education, advancement or expenses.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the provisions
of any local law for the time being in force relating to the persons and property of minors.
42. Power to give receipts.-Any trustees or trustee may give a
receipt in writing for any money, securities or other moveable property payable, transferable or deliverable to them or him by reason, or in the exercise, of any trust or power ; and, in the Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 18 of 32 absence of fraud, such receipt shall discharge the person paying, transferring or delivering the same therefrom, and from seeing to the application thereof, or being accountable for any loss or misapplication thereof.
43. Power to compound, etc.-Two or more trustees acting together
may, if and as they think fit,--
(a) accept any composition or any security for any debt or for any property claimed ; (b) allow any time for payment of any debt ; (c) compromise, compound, abandon, submit to arbitration or otherwise settle any debt, account, claim or thing whatever relating to the trust ; and, (d) for any of those purposes, enter into, give, execute and do such agreements, instruments of composition or arrangement, releases and other things as to them seem expedient, without being responsible for any loss occasioned by any act or thing so done by them in good faith. The powers conferred by this section on two or more trustees
acting together may be exercised by a sole acting trustee when by the instrument of trust, if any, a sole trustee is authorized to execute the trusts and powers thereof.
This section applies only if and as far as a contrary intention
is not expressed in the instrument of trust, if any, and shall have effect subject to the terms of that instrument and to the provisions therein contained.
This section applies only to trusts created after this Act comes
into force.
44. Power to several trustees of whom one disclaims or dies.-When
an authority to deal with the trust-property is given to several trustees and one of them disclaims or dies, the authority may be exercised by the continuing trustees, unless from the terms of the instrument of trust it is apparent that the authority is to be exercised by a number in excess of the number of the remaining trustees.
45. Suspension of trustee's powers by decree.-Where a decree has
been made in a suit for the execution of a trust, the trustee must not exercise any of his powers except in conformity with such decree, or with the sanction of the Court by which the decree has been made, or, where an appeal against the decree is pending, of the Appellate Court.
CHAPTER V OF THE DISABILITIES OF TRUSTEES
46. Trustee cannot renounce after acceptance.-A trustee who has
accepted the trust cannot afterwards renounce it except (a) with the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, or (b) Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 19 of 32 if the beneficiary is competent to contract, with his consent, or (c) by virtue of a special power in the instrument of trust.
47. Trustee cannot delegate.-A trustee cannot delegate his office
or any of his duties either to a co-trustee or to a stranger, unless (a) the instrument of trust so provides, or (b) the delegation is in the regular course of business, or (c) the delegation is necessary, or (d) the beneficiary, being competent to contract, consents to the delegation.
Explanation.--The appointment of an attorney or proxy to do an
act merely ministerial and involving no independent discretion is not a delegation within the meaning of this section.
Illustrations (a) A bequeaths certain property to B and C on certain trusts to
be executed by them or the survivor of them or the assigns of such survivor. B dies. C may bequeath the trust-property to D and E upon the trusts of A's will.
(b) A is a trustee of certain property with power to sell the
same. A may employ an auctioneer to effect the sale.
(c) A bequeaths to B fifty houses let at monthly rents in trust
to collect the rents and pay them to C. B may employ a proper person to collect these rents.
48. Co-trustees cannot act singly.-When there are more trustees
than one, all must join in the execution of the trust, except where the instrument of trust otherwise provides.
49. Control of discretionary power.-Where a discretionary power
conferred on a trustee is not exercised reasonably and in good faith, such power may be controlled by a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction.
50. Trustee may not charge for services.-In the absence of
express directions to the contrary contained in the instrument of trust or of a contract to the contrary entered into with the beneficiary or the Court at the time of accepting the trust, a trustee has no right to remuneration for his trouble, skill and loss of time in executing the trust.
Nothing in this section applies to any Official Trustee,
Administrator General, Public Curator, or person holding a certificate of administration.
51. Trustee may not use trust-property for his own profit.-A
trustee may not use or deal with the trust-property for his own profit or for any other purpose unconnected with the trust.
52. Trustee for sale or his agent may not buy.-No trustee whose
duty it is to sell trust-property, and no agent employed by such trustee for the purpose of the sale, may, directly or indirectly, buy Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 20 of 32 the same or any interest therein, on his own account or as agent for a third person.
53. Trustee may not buy beneficiary's interest without
permission.-No trustee, and no person who has recently ceased to be a trustee, may, without the permission of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, buy or become mortgagee or lessee of the trust- property or any part thereof ; and such permission shall not be given unless the proposed purchase, mortgage or lease is manifestly for the advantage of the beneficiary.
Trustee for purchase.
Trustee for purchase.-And no trustee whose duty it is to buy or
to obtain a mortgage or lease of particular property for the beneficiary may buy it, or any part thereof, or obtain a mortgage or lease of it, or any part thereof, for himself.
54. Co-trustees may not lend to one of themselves.-A trustee or
co-trustee whose duty it is to invest trust-money on mortgage or personal security must not invest it on a mortgage by, or on the personal security of, himself or one of his co-trustees.
CHAPTER VI OF THE RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF THE BENEFICIARY
55. Rights to rents and profits.-The beneficiary has, subject to
the provisions of the instrument of trust, a right to the rents and profits of the trust-property.
56. Right to specific execution.-The beneficiary is entitled to
have the intention of the author of the trust specifically executed to the extent of the beneficiary's interest ;
Right to transfer of possession.
Right to transfer of possession.-and, where there is only one
beneficiary and he is competent to contract, or where there are several beneficiaries and they are competent to contract and all of one mind, he or they may require the trustee to transfer the trust-property to him or them, or to such person as he or they may direct.
When property has been transferred or bequeathed for the benefit
of a married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of her beneficial interest, nothing in the second clause of this section applies to such property during her marriage.
Illustrations (a) Certain Government securities are given to trustees upon
trust to accumulate the interest until A attains the age of 24, and then to transfer the gross amount to him. A on attaining majority may, as the person exclusively interested in the trust-property, require Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 21 of 32 the trustees to transfer it immediately to him.
(b) A bequeaths Rs. 10,000 to trustees upon trust to purchase an
annuity for B, who has attained his majority and is otherwise competent to contract. B may claim the Rs. 10,000.
(c) A transfers certain property to B and directs him to sell or
invest it for the benefit of C, who is competent to contract. C may elect to take the property in its original character.
57. Right to inspect and take copies of instrument of trust,
accounts, etc.-The beneficiary has a right, as against the trustee and all persons claiming under him with notice of the trust, to inspect and take copies of the instrument of trust, the documents of title relating solely to the trust-property, the accounts of the trust- property and the vouchers (if any) by which they are supported, and the cases submitted and opinions taken by the trustee for his guidance in the discharge of his duty.
58. Right to transfer beneficial interest.-The beneficiary, if
competent to contract, may transfer his interest, but subject to the law for the time being in force as to the circumstances and extent in and to which he may dispose of such interest:
Provided that when property is transferred or bequeathed for the
benefit of a married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of her beneficial interest, nothing in this section shall authorize her to transfer such interest during her marriage.
59. Right to sue for execution of trust.-Where no trustees are
appointed or all the trustees die, disclaim, or are discharged, or where for any other reason the execution of a trust by the trustee is or becomes impracticable, the beneficiary may institute a suit for the execution of the trust, and the trust shall, so far as may be possible, be executed by the Court until the appointment of a trustee or new trustee.
60. Right to proper trustees.-The beneficiary has a right
(subject to the provisions of the instrument of trust) that the trust- property shall be properly protected and held and administered by proper persons and by a proper number of such persons.
Explanation I.--The following are not proper persons within the
meaning of this section:--
A person domiciled abroad: an alien enemy: a person having an
interest inconsistent with that of the beneficiary: a person in insolvent circumstances; and, unless the personal law of the beneficiary allows otherwise, a married woman and a minor.
Explanation II.--When the administration of the trust involves
the receipt and custody of money, the number of trustees should be two at least.
Illustrations (a) A, one of several beneficiaries, proves that B, the trustee, Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 22 of 32
has improperly disposed of part of the trust-property, or that the property is in danger from B's being in insolvent circumstances, or that he is incapacitated from acting as trustee. A may obtain a receiver of the trust-property.
(b) A bequeaths certain jewels to B in trust for C. B dies during
A's lifetime; then A dies. C is entitled to have the property conveyed to a trustee for him.
(c) A conveys certain property to four trustees in trust for B.
Three of the trustees die. B may institute a suit to have three new trustees appointed in the place of the deceased trustees.
(d) A conveys certain property to three trustees in trust for B.
All the trustees disclaim. B may institute a suit to have three trustees appointed in place of the trustees so disclaiming.
(e) A, a trustee for B, refuses to act, or goes to reside
permanently out of 1*[India] or is declared an insolvent, or compounds with his creditors, or suffers
1 Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for "the Provinces".
a co-trustee to commit a breach of trust. B may institute a suit to have A removed and a new trustee appointed in his room.
61. Right to compel to any act of duty.-The beneficiary has a
right that his trustee shall be compelled to perform any particular act of his duty as such, and restrained from committing any contemplated or probable breach of trust.
Illustrations (a) A contracts with B to pay him monthly Rs. 100 for the benefit
of C. B writes and signs a letter declaring that he will hold in trust for C the money so to be paid. A fails to pay the money in accordance with his contract. C may compel B on a proper indemnity to allow C to sue on the contract in B's name.
(b) A is trustee of certain land, with a power to sell the same
and pay the proceeds to B and C equally. A is about to make an improvident sale of the land. B may sue on behalf of himself and C for an injunction to restrain A from making the sale.
62. Wrongful purchase by trustee.-Where a trustee has wrongfully
bought trust-property, the beneficiary has a right to have the property declared subject to the trust or retransferred by the trustee, if it remains in his hands unsold, or, if it has been bought from him by any person with notice of the trust, by such person. But in such case the beneficiary must repay the purchase-money paid by the trustee, with interest, and such other expenses (if any) as he has properly incurred in the preservation of the property; and the trustee or purchaser must (a) account for the nett profits of the property, (b) be charged with an occupation-rent, if he has been in actual possession of the property, and (c) allow the beneficiary to Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 23 of 32 deduct a proportionate part of the purchase-money if the property has been deteriorated by the acts or omissions of the trustee or purchaser.
Nothing in this section-- (a) impairs the rights of lessees and others who, before the institution of a suit to have the property declared subject to the trust or retransferred, have contracted in good faith with the trustee or purchaser; or (b) entitles the beneficiary to have the property declared subject to the trust or retransferred where he, being competent to contract, has himself, without coercion or undue influence having been brought to bear on him, ratified the sale to the trustee with full knowledge of the facts of the case and of his rights as against the trustee. 63. Following trust property--into the hands of third persons;
into that into which it has been converted.-Where trust-property comes into the hands of a third person inconsistently with the trust, the beneficiary may require him to admit formally, or may institute a suit for a declaration, that the property is comprised in the trust.
Where the trustee has disposed of trust-property and the money or
other property which he has received therefor can be traced in his hands, or the hands of his legal representative or legatee, the beneficiary has, in respect thereof, rights as nearly as may be the same as his rights in respect of the original trust-property.
Illustrations (a) A, a trustee for B of Rs. 10,000, wrongfully invests the Rs.
10,000 in the purchase of certain land. B is entitled to the land.
(b) A, a trustee, wrongfully purchases land in his own name,
partly with his own money, partly with money subject to a trust for B. B is entitled to a charge on the land for the amount of the trust- money so misemployed.
64. Saving of rights of certain transferees.-Nothing in section
63 entitles the beneficiary to any right in respect of property in the hands of--
(a) a transferee in good faith for consideration without having notice of the trust, either when the purchase- money was paid, or when the conveyance was executed, or (b) a transferee for consideration from such a transferee. A judgement-creditor of the trustee attaching and purchasing
trust-property is not a transferee for consideration within the meaning of this section.
Nothing in section 63 applies to money, currency notes and
negotiable instruments in the hands of a bona fide holder to whom they have passed in circulation, or shall be deemed to affect the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of 1872), section 108, or the liability of a person to whom a debt or charge is transferred. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 24 of 32
65. Acquisition by trustee of trust-property wrongfully
converted.-Where a trustee wrongfully sells or otherwise transfers trust-property and afterwards himself becomes the owner of the property, the property again becomes subject to the trust, notwithstanding any want of notice on the part of intervening transferees in good faith for consideration.
66. Right in case of blended property.-Where the trustee
wrongfully mingles the trust-property with his own, the beneficiary is entitled to a charge on the whole fund for the amount due to him.
67. Wrongful employment by partner-trustee of trust-property for
partnership purposes.-If a partner, being a trustee, wrongfully employs trust-property in the business or on the account of the partnership, no other partner is liable therefor in his personal capacity to the beneficiaries unless he had notice of the breach of trust.
The partners having such notice are jointly and severally liable
for the breach of trust.
Illustrations (a) A and B are partners. A dies, having bequeathed all his
property to B in trust for Z, and appointed B his sole executor. B, instead of winding up the affairs of the partnership, retains all the assets in the business. Z may compel him, as partner, to account for so much of the profits as are derived from A's share of the capital. B is also answerable to Z for the improper employment of A's assets.
(b) A, a trader, bequeaths his property to B in trust for C,
appoints B his sole executor, and dies. B enters into partnership with X and Y in the same trade, and employs A's assets in the partnership- business. B gives an indemnity to X and Y against the claims of C. Here X and Y are jointly liable with B to C as having knowingly become parties to the breach of trust committed by B.
68. Liability of beneficiary joining in breach of trust.-Where
one of several beneficiaries--
(a) joins in committing breach of trust, or (b) knowingly obtains any advantage therefrom, without the consent of the other beneficiaries, or (c) becomes aware of a breach of trust committed or intended to be committed, and either actually conceals it, or does not within a reasonable time take proper steps to protect the interests of the other beneficiaries, or (d) has deceived the trustee and thereby induced him to commit a breach of trust,
the other beneficiaries are entitled to have all his beneficial interest impounded as against him and all who claim under him (otherwise than as transferees for consideration without notice of the breach) until the loss caused by the breach has been compensated. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 25 of 32
When property has been transferred or bequeathed for the benefit
of a married woman, so that she shall not have power to deprive herself of her beneficial interest, nothing in this section applies to such property during her marriage.
69. Rights and liabilities of beneficiary's transferee.-Every
person to whom a beneficiary transfers his interest has the rights, and is subject to the liabilities, of the beneficiary in respect of such interest at the date of the transfer.
CHAPTER VII OF VACATING THE OFFICE OF TRUSTEE
70. Office how vacated.-The office of a trustee is vacated by his
death or by his discharge from his office.
71. Discharge of trustee.-The trustee may be discharged from his
office only as follows:--
(a) by the extinction of the trust; (b) by the completion of his duties under the trust; (c) by such means as may be prescribed by the instrument of trust; (d) by appointment under this Act of a new trustee in his place; (e) by consent of himself and the beneficiary, or, where there are more beneficiaries than one, all the beneficiaries being competent to contract, or (f) by the Court to which a petition for his discharge is presented under this Act. 72. Petition to be discharged from trust.-Notwithstanding the
provisions of section 11, every trustee may apply by petition to a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction to be discharged from his office; and if the Court finds that there is sufficient reason for such discharge, it may discharge him accordingly, and direct his costs to be paid out of the trust-property. But where there is no such reason, the Court shall not discharge him, unless a proper person can be found to take his place.
73. Appointment of new trustees on death, etc.-Whenever any
person appointed a trustee disclaims, or any trustee, either original or substituted, dies, or is for a continuous period of six months absent from 1*[India], or leaves 1*[India] for the purpose of residing abroad, or is declared an insolvent, or desires to be discharged from the trust, or refuses or becomes, in the opinion of a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction, unfit or personally incapable to act in the trust, or accepts an inconsistent trust, a new trustee may be appointed in his place by--
(a) the person nominated for that purpose by the instrument or trust (if any), or Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 26 of 32
1 Subs. by the A. O. 1950 for "the Provinces".
(b) if there be no such person, or no such person able and willing to act, the author of the trust if he be alive and competent to contract, or the surviving or continuing trustees or trustee for the time being, or legal representative of the last surviving and continuing trustee, or (with the consent of the Court) the retiring trustees, if they all retire simultaneously, or (with the like consent) the last retiring trustee. Every such appointment shall be by writing under the hand of the
person making it.
On an appointment of a new trustee the number of trustees may be
increased.
The Official Trustee may, with his consent and by the order of
the Court, be appointed under this section, in any case in which only one trustee is to be appointed and such trustee is to be the sole trustee.
The provisions of this section relative to a trustee who is dead
include the case of a person nominated trustee in a will but dying before the testator, and those relative to a continuing trustee include a refusing or retiring trustee if willing to act in the execution of the power.
74. Appointment by Court.-Whenever any such vacancy or
disqualification occurs and it is found impracticable to appoint a new trustee under section 73, the beneficiary may, without instituting a suit, apply by petition to a principal Civil Court of original jurisdiction for the appointment of a trustee or a new trustee, and the Court may appoint a trustee or a new trustee accordingly.
Rule for selecting new trustees.
Rule for selecting new trustees.-In appointing new trustees,
the Court shall have regard (a) to the wishes of the author of the trust as expressed in or to be inferred from the instrument of trust; (b) to the wishes of the person, if any, empowered to appoint new trustees; (c) to the question whether the appointment will promote or impede the execution of the trust ; and (d) where there are more beneficiaries than one, to the interests of all such beneficiaries.
75. Vesting of trust-property in new trustees.-Whenever any new
trustee is appointed under section 73 or section 74, all the trust- property for the time being vested in the surviving or continuing trustees or trustee, or in the legal representative of any trustee, shall become vested in such new trustee, either solely or jointly with the surviving or continuing trustees or trustee Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 27 of 32 as the case may require.
Powers of new trustees.
Powers of new trustees.-Every new trustee so appointed, and
every trustee appointed by a Court either before or after the passing of this Act, shall have the same powers, authorities and discretions, and shall in all respects act, as if he had been originally nominated a trustee by the author of the trust.
76. Survival of trust.-On the death or discharge of one of
several co-trustees, the trust survives and the trust-property passes to the others, unless the instrument of trust expressly declares otherwise.
CHAPTER VIII OF THE EXTINCTION OF TRUSTS
77. Trust how extinguished.-A trust is extinguished-- (a) when its purpose is completely fulfilled; or (b) when its purpose becomes unlawful; or (c) when the fulfilment of its purpose becomes impossible by destruction of the trust-property or otherwise; or (d) when the trust, being revocable, is expressly revoked. 78. Revocation of trust.-A trust created by will may be revoked
at the pleasure of the testator.
A trust otherwise created can be revoked only-- (a) where all the beneficiaries are competent to contract-- by their consent; (b) where the trust has been declared by a non-testamentary instrument or by word of mouth--in exercise of a power of revocation expressly reserved to the author of the trust; or (c) where the trust is for the payment of the debts of the author of the trust, and has not been communicated to the creditors--at the pleasure of the author of the trust. Illustration A conveys property to B in trust to sell the same and pay out of
the proceeds the claims of A's creditors. A reserves no power of revocation. If no communication has been made to the creditors, A may revoke the trust. But if the creditors are parties to the arrangement, the trust cannot be revoked without their consent.
79. Revocation not to defeat what trustees have duly done.-No
trust can be revoked by the author of the trust so as to defeat or prejudice what the trustees may have duly done in execution of the trust.
Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 28 of 32
CHAPTER IX OF CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS IN THE NATURE OF TRUSTS
80. Where obligation in nature of trust is created.-An obligation
in the nature of a trust is created in the following cases.
1* * * * * I
1 Repealed by Act 45 of 1988, s. 7 (w.e.f. 19.5.1988)
83. Trust incapable of execution or executed without exhausting
trust-property.-Where a trust is incapable of being executed, or where the trust is completely executed without exhausting the trust- property, the trustee, in the absence of a direction to the contrary, must hold the trust-property, or so much thereof as is unexhausted, for the benefit of the author of the trust or his legal representative.
Illustrations (a) A conveys certain land to B-- "upon trust," and no trust is declared; or "upon trust to be thereafter declared," and no such declaration is ever made; or upon trusts that are too vague to be executed; or upon trusts that become incapable of taking effect; or "in trust for C," and C renounces his interest under the trust. In each of these cases B holds the land for the benefit of A. (b) A transfers Rs. 10,000 in the four per cents. to B, in trust
to pay the interest annually accruing due to C for her life. A dies. Then C dies. B holds the fund for the benefit of A's legal representative.
(c) A conveys land to B upon trust to sell it and apply one
moiety of the proceeds for certain charitable purposes, and the other for the maintenance of the worship of an idol. B sells the land, but the charitable purposes wholly fail, and the maintenance of the worship does not exhaust the second moiety of the proceeds. B holds the first moiety and the part unapplied of the second moiety for the benefit of A or his legal representative.
(d) A bequeaths Rs. 10,000 to B, to be laid out in buying land to
be conveyed for purposes which either wholly or partially fail to take effect. B holds for the benefit of A's legal representative the undisposed of interest in the money or land if purchased.
84. Transfer for illegal purpose.-Where the owner of property
transfers it to another for an illegal purpose and such purpose is not carried into execution, or the transferor is not as guilty as the transferee, or the effect of permitting the transferee to retain the Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 29 of 32 property might be to defeat the provisions of any law, the transferee must hold the property for the benefit of the transferor.
85. Bequest for illegal purpose.-Where a testator bequeaths
certain property upon trust and the purpose of the trust appears on the face of the will to be
1 See now the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act 5 of 1908). 2 The Bengal Land-Revenue Sales Act, 1859.
unlawful, or during the testator's lifetime the legatee agrees with him to apply the property for an unlawful purpose, the legatee must hold the property for the benefit of the testator's legal representative.
Bequest of which revocation is prevented by coercion.
Marginal heading. Where property is bequeathed and the revocation
of the bequest is prevented by coercion, the legatee must hold the property for the benefit of the testator's legal representative.
86. Transfer pursuant to rescindable contract.-Where property is
transferred in pursuance of a contract which is liable to rescission or induced by fraud or mistake, the transferee must, on receiving notice to that effect, hold the property for the benefit of the transferor, subject to repayment by the latter of the consideration actually paid.
87. Debtor becoming creditor's representative.-Where a debtor
becomes the executor or other legal representative of his creditor, he must hold the debt for the benefit of the persons interested therein.
88. Advantage gained by fiduciary.-Where a trustee, executor,
partner, agent, director of a company, legal adviser, or other person bound in a fiduciary character to protect the interests of another person, by availing himself of his character, gains for himself any pecuniary advantage, or where any person so bound enters into any dealings under circumstances in which his own interests are, or may be, adverse to those of such other person and thereby gains for himself a pecuniary advantage, he must hold for the benefit of such other person the advantage so gained.
Illustrations (a) A, an executor, buys at an undervalue from B, a legatee, his
claim under the will. B is ignorant of the value of the bequest. A must hold for the benefit of B the difference between the price and value.
(b) A, a trustee, uses the trust-property for the purpose of his
own business. A holds for the benefit of his beneficiary the profits Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 30 of 32 arising from such user.
(c) A, a trustee, retires from his trust in consideration of his
successor paying him a sum of money. A holds such money for the benefit of his beneficiary.
(d) A, a partner, buys land in his own name with funds belonging
to the partnership. A holds such land for the benefit of the partnership.
(e) A, a partner, employed on behalf of himself and his co-
partners is negotiating the terms of a lease, clandestinely stipulates with the lessor for payment to himself of a lakh of rupees. A holds the lakh for the benefit of the partnership.
(f) A and B are partners. A dies. B, instead of winding up the
affairs of the partnership, retains all the assets in the business. B must account to A's legal representative for the profits arising from A's share of the capital.
(g) A, an agent employed to obtain a lease for B, obtains the
lease for himself. A holds the lease for the benefit of B.
(h) A, a guardian, buys up for himself incumbrances on his ward
B's estate at an undervalue. A holds for the benefit of B the incumbrances so bought, and can only charge him with what he has actually paid.
89. Advantage gained by exercise of undue influence.-Where, by
the exercise of undue influence, any advantage is gained in derogation of the interests of another, the person gaining such advantage without consideration, or with notice that such influence has been exercised, must hold the advantage for the benefit of the person whose interests have been so prejudiced.
90. Advantage gained by qualified owner.-Where a tenant for life,
co-owner, mortgagee or other qualified owner of any property, by availing himself of his position as such, gains an advantage in derogation of the rights of the other persons interested in the property, or where any such owner, as representing all persons interested in such property, gains any advantage, he must hold, for the benefit of all persons so interested, the advantage so gained, but subject to repayment by such persons of their due share of the expenses properly incurred, and to an indemnity by the same persons against liabilities properly contracted, in gaining such advantage.
Illustrations (a) A, the tenant for life of leasehold property, renews the
lease in his own name and for his own benefit. A holds the renewed lease for the benefit of all those interested in the old lease.
(b) A village belongs to a Hindu family. A, one of its members,
pays nazrana to Government and thereby procures his name to be entered as the inamdar of the village. A holds the village for the benefit of himself and the other members.
(c) A mortgages land to B, who enters into possession. B allows
the Government revenue to fall into arrear with a view to the land Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 31 of 32 being put up for sale and his becoming himself the purchaser of it. The land is accordingly sold to B. Subject to the repayment of the amount due on the mortgage and of his expenses properly incurred as mortgagee, B holds the land for the benefit of A.
91. Property acquired with notice of existing contract.-Where a
person acquires property with notice that another person has entered into an existing contract affecting that property, of which specific performance could be enforced, the former must hold the property for the benefit of the latter to the extent necessary to give effect to the contract.
92. Purchase by person contracting to buy property to be held on
trust.-Where a person contracts to buy property to be held on trust for certain beneficiaries and buys the property accordingly, he must hold the property for their benefit to the extent necessary to give effect to the contract.
93. Advantage secretly gained by one of several compounding
creditors.-Where creditors compound the debts due to them, and one of such creditors, by a secret arrangement with the debtor, gains an undue advantage over his co-creditors, he must hold for the benefit of such creditors the advantage so gained.
1* * * * *
95. Obligor's duties, liabilities and disabilities.-The person
holding property in accordance with any of the preceding sections of this Chapter must, so far as may be, perform the same duties, and is subject, so far as may be, to the same liabilities and disabilities, as if he were a trustee of the property for the person for whose benefit he holds it-:
Provided that (a) where he rightfully cultivates the property or
employs it in trade or business, he is entitled to reasonable remuneration for his trouble, skill and loss of time in such cultivation or employment; and (b) where he holds the property by virtue of a contract with a person for whose benefit he holds it, or with any one through whom such person claims, he may, without the permission of the Court, buy or become lessee or mortgagee of the property or any part thereof.
1 Repealed by Act 45 of 1988, s.7 (w.e.f. 19-5-1988).
96. Saving of rights of bona fide purchasers.-Nothing contained in
this Chapter shall impair the rights of transferees in good faith for consideration, or create an obligation in evasion of any law for the time being in force. Collected by the All India Christian Council, www.christiancouncil.in Page 32 of 32 THE SCHEDULE (See section 2.)
STATUTE
Year and Chapter Short title Extent of repeal
29 Car. II, c. 3. The Statute of Frauds. Sections 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
ACTS OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL IN COUNCIL
Number and year Short title Extent of repeal
XXVIII of 1866 . . The Trustees' and Mortga- Sections 2, 3, 4, 5,
gees' Powers Act, 1866: 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37. In section 1*** 43 the word "trustee" wherever it occurs ; and in section 43 the words "management or" and "the trust- property or".
I of 1877 . . . The Specific Relief Act, In section 12 the
1877 first illustration.
1 The figures "39", and by implication the word "and", rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I.
Content
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2011) |