Transfer of Property Act, 1882
Bare Act
Section
Section
l. Short title
This Act may be called the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Commencement: It shall come into force on the first day of
July, 1882.
Extent: It extends in the first instance to the whole
of India except the territories which, immediately before the lst November,
1956, were comprised in Part B States or in the States of Bombay, Punjab and
Delhi.
But this Act or any part thereof may by notification in the
Official Gazette be extended to the whole or any part of the said territories
by the State Government concerned.
And any State Government may from time to time, by notification
in the Official Gazette, exempt, either retrospectively or prospectively, any
part of the territories administered by such State Government from all or any
of the following provisions, namely,-
Section 54, paragraph 2 and sections 3, 59, 107 and 123.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing part of this section,
section 54, paragraphs 2 and 3, and sections 59, 107 and 123 shall not extend
or be extended to any district or tract of country for the time being excluded
from the operation of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (XVI of 1908), under
the power conferred by the first section of that Act or otherwise.
Section 2
Repeal of Acts-Saving of certain enactments, incidents,
rights, liabilities, etc.
In the territories to which this Act extends for the time being
the enactments specified in the Schedule hereto annexed shall be repealed to
the extent therein mentioned. But nothing herein contained shall be deemed to
affect-
(a) the provisions of any enactment not hereby expressly
repealed;
(b) any terms or incidents of any contract or constitution of
property which are consistent with the provisions of this Act, and are allowed
by the law for the time being in force;
(c) any right or liability arising out of a legal relation
constituted before this Act comes into force, or any relief in respect of any
such right or liability; or
(d) save as provided by section 57 and Chapter IV of this Act,
any transfer by operation of law or by, or in execution of, a decree or order
of a court of competent jurisdiction, and nothing in the second Chapter of this
Act shall be deemed to affect any rule of Mohammedan law.
Section 3
Interpretation clause
In this Act, unless there is something repugnant in the subject
or context,-
" immovable property" does not include standing
timber, growing crops or grass;
"instrument" means a non-testamentary instrument;
"attested", in relation to an instrument, means and
shall be deemed always to have meant attested by two or more witnesses each of
whom has seen the executant sign or affix his mark to the instrument, or has
seen some other person sign the instrument in the presence and by the direction
of the executant, or has received from the executant a personal acknowledgement
of his signature or mark, or of the signature of such other person, and each of
whom has signed the instrument in the presence of the executant; but it shall
not be necessary that more than one of such witnesses shall have been present
at the same time, and no particular form of attestation shall be necessary;
"registered" means registered in any part of the
territories to which this Act extends under the law for the time being in force
regulating the registration of documents;
" attached to the earth" means-
(a) rooted in the earth, as in the case of
trees and shrubs;
(b) imbedded in the earth, as in the case of
walls or buildings; or
(c) attached to what is so embedded for the
permanent beneficial enjoyment of that to which it is attached;
"actionable claim" means a claim to any debt, other
than a debt secured by mortgage of immovable property or by hypothecation or
pledge of movable property, or to any beneficial interest in movable property
not in the possession, either actual or constructive, of the claimant, which
the civil courts recognize as affording grounds for relief, whether such debt
or beneficial interest be existent, accruing, conditional or contingent;
"a person is said to have notice" of a fact when he
actually knows that fact, or when, but for willful abstention from an enquiry
or search which he ought to have made, or gross negligence, he would have known
it.
Explanation I: Where any transaction relating to immovable
property is required by law to be and has been effected by a registered instrument,
any person acquiring such property or any part of, or share or interest in,
such property shall be deemed to have notice of such instrument as from the
date of registration or, where the property is not all situated in one
sub-district, or where the registered instrument has been registered under
sub-section (2) of section 30 of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (16 of
1908), from the earliest date on which any memorandum of such registered
instrument has been filed by any Sub-Registrar within whose sub-district any
part of the property which is being acquired, or of the property wherein a
share or interest is being acquired, is situated:
PROVIDED that-
(1) the instrument has been registered and its registration
completed in the manner prescribed by the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (16 of
1908), and the rules made thereunder,
(2) the instrument of memorandum has been duly entered or filed,
as the case may be, in books kept under section 51 of that Act, and
(3) the particulars regarding the transaction to which the
instrument relates have been correctly entered in the indexes kept under
section 55 of that Act.
Explanation II: Any person acquiring any immovable
property or any share or interest in any such property shall be deemed to have
notice of the title, if any, of any person who is for the time being in actual
possession thereof.
Explanation III: A person shall be deemed to have had
notice of any fact if his agent acquires notice thereof whilst acting on his
behalf in the course of business to which that fact is material:
PROVIDED that, if the agent fraudulently conceals the
fact, the principal shall not be charged with notice thereof as against any
person who was a party to or otherwise cognizant of the fraud.
Section 4
Enactments relating to contracts to be taken as part of
Contract Act and supplemental to the Registration Act
The Chapters and sections of this Act which relate to contracts
shall be taken as part of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of 1872).
1 [And section 54, paragraphs 2 and 3, sections 59, 107 and
123 shall be read as supplemental to the Indian Registration Act, 2[1908
(16 of 1908)].]
Section 5
Transfer of property defined
In the following sections "transfer of property" means
an act by which a living person conveys property, in present or in future, to
one or more other living persons, or to himself and one or more other living
persons; and "to transfer property" is to perform such act.
In this section "living person includes a company or
association or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, but nothing
herein contained shall affect any law for the time being in force relating to
transfer of property to or by companies, associations or bodies of individuals.
Section 6
What may be transferred
Property of any kind may be transferred, except as otherwise
provided by this Act or by any other law for the time being in force.
(a) The chance of an heir-apparent succeeding to an estate, the
chance of a relation obtaining a legacy on the death of a kinsman, or any other
mere possibility of a like nature, cannot be transferred.
(b) A mere right of re-entry for breach of a condition
subsequent cannot be transferred to anyone except the owner of the property
affected thereby.
(c) An easement cannot be transferred apart from the dominant
heritage.
(d) An interest in property restricted in its enjoyment to the
owner personally cannot be transferred by him.
(dd) A right to future maintenance, in whatsoever manner
arising, secured or determined, cannot be transferred.
(e) A mere right to sue cannot be transferred.
(f) A public office cannot be transferred, nor can the salary of
a public officer, whether before or after it has become payable.
(g) Stipends allowed to military, naval, air-force and civil
pensioners of the government and political pensions cannot be transferred.
(h) No transfer can be made (1) insofar as it is opposed to the
nature of the interest affected thereby, or (2) for an unlawful object or
consideration within the meaning of section 23 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872
(9 of 1872), or (3) to a person legally disqualified to be transferee.
(i) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize a
tenant having an untransferable right of occupancy, the farmer of an estate in
respect of which default has been made in paying revenue, or the lessee of an
estate, under the management of a Court of Wards, to assign his interest as
such tenant, farmer or lessee.
Section 7
Persons competent to transfer
Every person competent to contract and entitled to transferable
property, or authorized to dispose of transferable property not his own, is
competent to transfer such property either wholly or in part, and either absolutely
or conditionally, in the circumstances, to the extent and in the manner,
allowed and prescribed by any law for the time being in force.
Section 8
Operation of transfer
Unless a different intention is expressed or necessarily
implied, a transfer of property passes forthwith to the transferee all the
interest which the transferor is then capable of passing in the property and in
the legal incidents thereof.
Such incidents include, when the property is land, the easements
annexed thereto, the rents and profits thereof accruing after the transfer, and
all things attached to the earth; and, where the property is machinery attached
to the earth, the movable parts thereof; and, where the property is a house,
the easements annexed thereto, the rent thereof accruing after the transfer,
and the locks, keys, bars, doors, windows, and all other things provided for
permanent use therewith; and, where the property is a debtor other actionable
claim, the securities therefor (except where they are also for other debts or
claims not transferred to the transferee), but not arrears of interest accrued
before the transfer; and, where the property is money or other property
yielding income, the interest or income thereof accruing after the transfer
takes effect.
Section 9
Oral transfer
A transfer of property may be made without writing in every case
in which a writing is not expressly required by law.
Section 10
Condition restraining alienation
Where property is transferred subject to a condition or
limitation absolutely restraining the transferee or any person claiming under
him from parting with or disposing of his interest in the property, the
condition or limitation is void, except in the case of a lease where the
condition is for the benefit of the lessor or those claiming under him:
PROVIDED that property may be transferred to or for the
benefit of a women (not being a Hindu, Muhammadan or Buddhist), so that she
shall not have power during her marriage to transfer or charge the same or her
beneficial interest therein.
Section 11
Restriction repugnant to interest created
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
absolutely in favor of any person, but the terms of the transfer direct that
such interest shall be applied or enjoyed by him in a particular manner, he shall
be entitled to receive and dispose of such interest as if there were no such
direction.
Where any such direction has been made in respect of one piece
of immovable property for the purpose of securing the beneficial enjoyment of
another piece of such property, nothing in this section shall be deemed to
affect any right which the transferor may have to enforce such direction or any
remedy which he may have in respect of a breach thereof.
Section 12
Condition making interest determinable on insolvency
or attempted alienation
Where property is transferred subject to a condition or
limitation making any interest therein, reserved or given to or for the benefit
of any person, to cease on his becoming insolvent or endeavoring to transfer or
dispose of the same, such condition or limitation is void.
Nothing in this section applies to a condition in a lease for
the benefit of the lessor or those claiming under him.
Section 13
Transfer for benefit of unborn person
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
for the benefit of a person not in existence at the date of the transfer,
subject to a prior interest created by the same transfer, the interest created
for the benefit of such person shall not take effect, unless it extends to the
whole of the remaining interest of the transferor in the property.
Illustration
A transfer's property of which he is the owner to B in trust for
A and his intended wife successively for their lives, and, after the death of
the survivor, for the eldest son of the intended marriage for life, and after
his death for A's second son. The interest so created for the benefit of the
eldest son does not take effect, because it does not extend to the whole of A's
remaining interest in the property.
Section 14
Rule against perpetuity
No transfer of property can operate to create an interest which
is to take effect after the life time of one or more persons living at the date
of such transfer, and the minority of some person who shall be in existence at
the expiration of that period, and to whom, if he attains full age, the
interest created is to belong.
Section 15
Transfer to a class, some of whom come under sections
13 and 14
If, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
for the benefit of a class of persons with regard to some of whom such interest
fails by reason of any of the rules contained in sections 13 and 14, such
interest fails in regard to those persons only and not in regard to the whole
class.
Section 16
Transfer to take effect on failure of prior interest
Where, by reason of any of the rules contained in sections 13
and 14, an interest created for the benefit of a person or of a class of
persons fails in regard to such person or the whole of such class, any interest
created in the same transaction and intended to take effect after or upon
failure of such prior interest also fails.
Section 17
Direction for accumulation
(1) Where the terms of a transfer of property direct that the
income arising from the property shall be accumulated either wholly or in part
during a period longer than-
(a) the life of the transferor, or
(b) a period of eighteen years from the date
of transfer, such direction shall, save as hereinafter provided, be void to the
extent to which the period during which the accumulation is directed exceeds
the longer of the aforesaid periods, and at the end of such last-mentioned
period the property and the income thereof shall be disposed of as if the
period during which the accumulation has been directed to be made had elapsed.
(2) This section shall not affect any direction for accumulation
for the purpose of-
(i) the payment of the debts of the transferor
or any other person taking any interest under the transferor; or
(ii) the provision of portions for children or
remoter issue of the transferor or of any other person taking any interest
under the transfer; or
(iii) the preservation or maintenance of the
property transferred, and such direction may be made accordingly.
Section 18
Transfer in perpetuity for benefit of public
The restrictions in sections 14, 16 and 17 shall not apply in
the case of a transfer of property for the benefit of the public in the
advancement of religion, knowledge, commerce, health, safety or any other object
beneficial to mankind.
Section 19
Vested interest
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
in favor of a person without specifying the time when it is to take effect, or
in terms specifying that it is to take effect forthwith or on the happening of
an event which must happen, such interest is vested, unless a contrary
intention appears from the terms of the transfer.
A vested interest is not defeated by the death of the transferee
before he obtains possession.
Explanation: An intention that an interest shall not be vested is not to be inferred merely from a provision whereby the enjoyment thereof is postponed, or whereby a prior interest in the same property is given or reserved to some other person, or whereby income arising from the property is directed to be accumulated until the time of enjoyment arrives, or from a provision that if a particular event shall happen the interest shall pass to another person.
Section 20
When unborn person acquires vested interest on
transfer for his benefit
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
for the benefit of a person not then living, he acquires upon his birth, unless
a contrary intention appears from the terms of the transfer, a vested interest,
although he may not be entitled to the enjoyment thereof immediately on his
birth.
Section 21
Contingent interest
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
in favor of a person to take effect only on the happening of a specified
uncertain event, or if a specified uncertain event shall not happen, such
person thereby acquires a contingent interest in the property. Such interest
becomes a vested interest, in the former case, on the happening of the event,
in the latter, when the happening of the event becomes impossible.
Exception: Where, under a transfer of property, a person
becomes entitled to an interest therein upon attaining a particular age, and
the transferor also gives to him absolutely the income to arise from such
interest before he reaches that age, or directs the income or so much thereof
as may be necessary to be applied for his benefit, such interest is not
contingent.
Section 22
Transfer to members of a class who attain a particular
age
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
in favor of such members only of a class as shall attain a particular age, such
interest does not vest in any member of the class who has not attained that
age.
Section 23
Transfer contingent on happening of specified
uncertain event
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is to
accrue to a specified person if a specified uncertain event shall happen, and
no time is mentioned for the occurrence of that event, the interest fails
unless such event happens before, or at the same time as, the intermediate or
precedent interest ceases to exist.
Section 24
Transfer to such of certain persons as survive at some
period not specified
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is to
accrue to such of certain persons as shall be surviving at some period, but the
exact period is not specified, the interest shall go to such of them as shall
be alive when the intermediate or precedent interest ceases to exist, unless a
contrary intention appears from the terms of the transfer.
Illustration
A transfer's property to B for life, and after his death to C
and D, equally to be divided between them, or to the survivor of them. C dies
during the lifetime of B. D survives B. At B's death the property passes to D.
Section 25
Conditional transfer
An interest created on a transfer of property and dependent upon
a condition fails if the fulfillment of the condition is impossible, or is
forbidden by law, or is of such a nature that, if permitted, it would defeat
the provisions of any law, or is fraudulent, or involves or implies injury to
the person or property of another, or the court regards it as immoral or
opposed to public policy.
Illustrations
(a) A lets a farm to B on condition that he shall walk a hundred
miles in an hour. The lease is void.
(b) A gives Rs. 500 to B on condition that he shall marry A's
daughter C. At the date of the transfer C was dead. The transfer is void.
(c) A transfers Rs. 500 to B on condition that she shall murder
C. The transfer is void.
(d) A transfers Rs. 500 to his niece C, if she will desert her
husband. The transfer is void.
Section 26
Fulfillment of condition precedent
Where the terms of a transfer of property impose a condition to
be fulfilled before a person can take an interest in the property, the
condition shall be deemed to have been fulfilled if it has been substantially
complied with.
Illustrations
(a) A transfers Rs. 5000 to B on condition that he shall marry
with the consent of C, D and E. E dies. B marries with the consent of C and D.
B is deemed to have fulfilled the condition.
(b) A transfers Rs. 5000 to B on condition that he shall marry
with the consent of C, D and E. B marries without the consent of C, D and E,
but obtains their consent after the marriage. B has not fulfilled the
condition.
Section 27
Conditional transfer to one person coupled with
transfer to another on failure of prior disposition
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
in favor of one person, and by the same transaction an ulterior disposition of
the same interest is made in favor of another, if the prior disposition under
the transfer shall fail, the ulterior disposition shall take effect upon the
failure of the prior disposition, although the failure may not have occurred in
the manner contemplated by the transferor.
But, where the intention of the parties to the transaction is
that the ulterior disposition shall take effect only in the event of the prior
disposition failing in a particular manner, the ulterior disposition shall not
take effect unless the prior disposition fails in that manner.
Illustrations
(a) A transfers Rs. 500 to B on condition that he shall execute
a certain lease within three months after A's death, and, if he should
neglect to do so, to C. B dies in A's life-time. The disposition in favor
of C takes effect.
(b) A transfers property to his wife; but, in case she should
die in his life-time, transfer to B that which he had transferred to her. A and
his wife perish together, under circumstances which make it impossible to prove
that she died before him. The disposition in favor of B does not take effect.
Section 28
Ulterior transfer conditional on happening or not
happening of specified event
On a transfer of property an interest therein may be created to
accrue to any person with the condition superadded that in case a specified
uncertain event shall happen such interest shall pass to another person, or
that in case a specified uncertain event shall not happen such interest shall
pass to another person. In each case the dispositions are subject to the rules
contained in sections 10, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 27.
Section 29
Fulfillment of condition subsequent
An ulterior disposition of the kind contemplated by the last
preceding section cannot take effect unless the condition is strictly
fulfilled.
Illustration
A transfers Rs. 500 to B, to be paid to him on his attaining his
majority or marrying, with a proviso that, if B dies as minor or marries
without C's consent, Rs. 500 shall go to D. B marries when only 17 years of
age, without C's consent. The transfer to D takes effect.
Section 30
Prior disposition not affected by invalidity of
ulterior disposition
If the ulterior disposition is not valid, the prior disposition
is not affected by it.
Illustration
A transfers a farm to B for her life, and, if she does not
desert her husband to C. B is entitled to the farm during her life as if no
condition had been inserted.
Section 31
Condition that transfer shall cease to have effect in
case specified uncertain event happens or does not happen
Subject to the provisions of section 12, on a transfer of
property an interest therein may be created with the condition superadded that
it shall cease to exist in case a specified uncertain event shall happen, or in
case a specified uncertain event shall not happen.
Illustrations
(a) A transfers a farm to B for his life, with a proviso that,
in case B cuts down a certain wood, the transfer shall cease to have any
effect. B cuts down the wood. He loses his life-interest in the farm.
(b) A transfers a farm to B, provided that, if B shall not go to
England within three years after the date of the transfer, his interest in the
farm shall cease. B does not go to England within the term prescribed. His
interest in the farm ceases.
Section 32
Such condition must not be invalid
In order that a condition that an interest shall cease to exist
may be valid, it is necessary that the event to which it relates be one which
could legally constitute the condition of the creation of an interest.
Section 33
Transfer conditional on performance of act, no time
being specified for performance
Where, on a transfer of property, an interest therein is created
subject to a condition that the person taking it shall perform a certain act,
but no time is specified for the performance of the act, the condition is
broken when he renders impossible, permanently or for an indefinite period, the
performance of the act.
Section 34
Transfer conditional on performance of act, time being
specified
Where an act is to be performed by a person either as a
condition to be fulfilled before an interest created on a transfer of property
is enjoyed by him, or as a condition on the non-fulfillment of which the
interest is to pass from him to another person, and a time is specified for the
performance of the act, if such performance within the specified time is
prevented by the fraud of a person who would be directly benefited by
non-fulfillment of the condition, such further time shall as against him be allowed
for performing the act as shall be requisite to make up for the delay caused by
such fraud. But if no time is specified for the performance of the act, then,
if its performance is by the fraud of a person interested in the
non-fulfillment of the condition rendered impossible or indefinitely postponed,
the condition shall as against him be deemed to have been fulfilled.
Section 35
Election when necessary
Where a person professes to transfer property which he has no
right to transfer, and as part of the same transaction confers any benefit on
the owner of the property, such owner must elect either to confirm such
transfer or to dissent from it; and in the latter case he shall relinquish the
benefit so conferred, and the benefit so relinquished shall revert to the
transferor or his representative as if it had not been disposed of, subject
nevertheless,
where the transfer is gratuitous, and the transferor has, before
the election, died or otherwise become incapable of making a fresh transfer,
and in all cases where the transfer is for consideration, to the charge of
making good to the disappointed transferee the amount or value of the property
attempted to be transferred to him.
Illustrations
The farm of Sultanpur is the property of C and worth Rs. 800. A
by an instrument of gift professes to transfer it to B, giving by the same
instrument Rs. 1,000 to C. C elects to retain the farm. He forfeits the gift of
Rs. 1,000. In the same case, A dies before the election. His representative
must out of the Rs. 1,000 pay Rs. 800 to B.
The rule in the first paragraph of this section applies whether
the transferor does or does not believe that which he professes to transfer to
be his own.
A person taking no benefit directly under a transaction, but
deriving a benefit under it indirectly, need not elect.
A person who in his own capacity takes a benefit under the
transaction may in another dissent there from.
Exception to the last preceding four rules : Where a particular
benefit is expressed to be conferred on the owner of the property which the
transferor professes to transfer, and such benefit is expressed to be in lieu
of that property, if such owner claims the property, he must relinquish the
particular benefit, but he is not bound to relinquish any other benefit
conferred upon him by the same transaction.
Acceptance of the benefit by the person on whom it is conferred
constitutes an election by him to confirm the transfer, if he is aware of his
duty to elect and of those circumstances which would influence the judgment of
a reasonable man in making an election, or if he waives enquiry into the
circumstances.
Such knowledge or waiver shall, in the absence of evidence to
the contrary, be presumed, if the person on whom the benefit has been conferred
has enjoyed it for two years without doing any act to express dissent.
Such knowledge or waiver may be inferred from any act of his
which renders it impossible to place the persons interested in the property
professed to be transferred in the same condition as if such act had not been
done.
Illustration
A transfers to B an estate to which C is entitled, and as part
of the same transaction gives C a coal-mine. C takes possession of the mine and
exhausts it. He has thereby confirmed the transfer of the estate to B.
If he does not within one year after the date of the transfer
signify to the transferor or his representatives his intention to confirm or to
dissent from the transfer, the transferor or his representative may, upon the
expiration of that period, require him to make his election; and, if he does
not comply with such requisition within a reasonable time after he has received
it, he shall be deemed to have elected to confirm the transfer.
In case of disability, the election shall be postponed until the
disability ceases, or until the election is made by some competent authority.
Section 36
Apportionment of periodical payments on determination
of interest of person entitled
In the absence of a contract or local usage to the contrary, all
rents, annuities, pensions, dividends and other periodical payments in the
nature of income shall, upon the transfer of the interest of the person
entitled to receive such payments, be deemed, as between the transferor and the
transferee, to accrue due from day to day, and to be apportionable accordingly,
but to be payable on the days appointed for the payment thereof.
Section 37
Apportionment of benefit of obligation on severance
When, in consequence of a transfer, property is divided and held
in several shares, and thereupon the benefit of any obligation relating to the
property as a whole passes from one to several owners of the property, the
corresponding duty shall, in the absence of a contract, to the contrary amongst
the owners, be performed in favor of each of such owners in proportion to the
value of his share in the property, provided that the duty can be severed and
that the severance does not substantially increase the burden of the
obligation; but if the duty cannot be severed, or if the severance would
substantially increase the burden of the obligation the duty shall be performed
for the benefit of such one of the several owners as they shall jointly
designate for that purpose:
PROVIDED that no person on whom the burden of the obligation
lies shall be answerable for failure to discharge it in the manner provided by
this section, unless and until he has had reasonable notice of the severance.
Nothing in this section applies to leases for agricultural
purposes unless and until the State Government by notification in the Official
Gazette so directs.
Illustrations
(a) A sells to B, C and D a house situated in a village and
leased to E at an annual rent of Rs. 30 and delivery of one fat sheep, B having
provided half the purchase-money and C and D one quarter each. E, having notice
of this, must pay Rs. 15 to B, Rs. 7.50 to C, and Rs. 7.50 to D and must
deliver the sheep according to the joint direction of B, C and D.
(b) In the same case, each house in the village being bound to
provide ten days' labor each year on a dyke to prevent inundation. E had agreed
as a term of his lease to perform this work for A, B, C and D severally
require E to perform the ten days' work due on account of the house of each. E
is not bound to do more than ten days' work in all, according to such
directions as B, C and D may join in giving.
(B) Transfer of immovable property
Section 38
Transfer by person authorized only under certain
circumstances to transfer
Where any person, authorized only under circumstances in their
nature variable to dispose of immovable property, transfers such property for
consideration, alleging the existence of such circumstances, they shall, as
between the transferee on the one part and the transferor and other persons (if
any) affected by the transfer on the other part, be deemed to have existed, if
the transferee, after using reasonable care to ascertain the existence of such
circumstances, has acted in good faith.
Illustration
A, a Hindu widow, whose husband has left collateral heirs,
alleging that the property held by her as such is insufficient for her
maintenance, agrees, for purposes neither religious nor charitable to sell a
field, part of such property, to B. B satisfies himself by reasonable enquiry
that the income of the property is insufficient for A's maintenance, and that
the sale of the field is necessary, and acting in good faith, buys the field
from A. As between B on the one part and A and the collateral heirs on the
other part, a necessity for the sale shall be deemed to have existed.
Section 39
Transfer where third person is entitled to maintenance
Where a third person has a right to receive maintenance, or a
provision for advancement or marriage, from the profits of immovable property,
and such property is transferred, the right may be enforced against the
transferee, if he has notice thereof or if the transfer is gratuitous; but not
against a transferee for consideration and without notice of the right, nor
against such property in his hands.
Section 40
Burden of obligation imposing restriction on use of
land
Where, for the more beneficial enjoyment of his own immovable
property, a third person has, independently of any interest in the immovable
property of another or of any easement thereon, a right to restrain the
enjoyment in a particular manner of the latter property, or
Or of obligation annexed to ownership but not amounting to
interest or easement : Where a third person is entitled to the benefit of an
obligation arising out of contract and annexed to the ownership of immovable
property, but not amounting to an interest therein or easement thereon,
such right or obligation may be enforced against a transferee
with notice thereof or a gratuitous transferee of the property affected
thereby, but not against a transferee for consideration and without notice of
the right or obligation, nor against such property in his hands.
Illustration
A contracts to sell Sultanpur to B. While the contract is still
in force he sells Sultanpur to C, who has notice of the contract. B may enforce
the contract against C to the same extent as against A.
Section 41
Transfer by ostensible owner
Where, with the consent, express or implied, of the persons
interested in immovable property, a person is the ostensible owner of such
property and transfers the same for consideration, the transfer shall not be
voidable on the ground that the transferor was not authorized to make it:
PROVIDED that the transferee, after taking reasonable
care to ascertain that the transferor had power to make the transfer, has acted
in good faith.
Section 42
Transfer by person having authority to revoke former
transfer
Where a person transfers any immovable property, reserving power
to revoke the transfer, and subsequently transfers the property for
consideration to another transferee, such transfer operates in favor of such
transferee (subject to any condition attached to the exercise of the power) as
a revocation of the former transfer to the extent of the power.
Illustration
A lets a house to B, and reserves power to revoke the lease if,
in the opinion of a specified surveyor, B should make a use of it detrimental
to its value. Afterwards A, thinking that such a use has been made, lets the
house to C. This operates as a revocation of B's lease subject to the opinion
of the surveyor as to B's use of the house having been detrimental to its
value.
Section 43
Transfer by unauthorized person who subsequently
acquires interest in property transferred
Where a person fraudulently or erroneously represents that he is
authorized to transfer certain immovable property and professes to transfer
such property for consideration, such transfer shall, at the option of the
transferee, operate on any interest which the transferor may acquire in such
property at any time during which the contract of transfer subsists.
Nothing in this section shall impair the right of transferees in
good faith for consideration without notice of the existence of the said
option.
Illustration
A, a Hindu who has separated from his father B, sells to C three
fields, X, Y and Z, representing that A is authorized to transfer the same. Of
these fields Z does not belong to A, it having been retained by B on the
partition; but on B's dying A as heir obtains Z. C, not having rescinded the
contract of sale, may require A to deliver Z to him.
Section 44
Transfer by one co-owner
Where one of two or more co-owners of immovable property legally
competent in that behalf transfers his share of such property or any interest
therein, the transferee acquires, as to such share or interest, and so far as
is necessary to give, effect to the transfer, the transferor's right to joint
possession or other common or part enjoyment of the property, and to enforce a
partition of the same' but subject to the conditions and liabilities affecting
at the date of the transfer, the share or interest so transferred.
Where the transferee of a share of a dwelling-house belonging to
an undivided family is not a member of the family, nothing in this section
shall be deemed to entitle him to joint possession or other common or part
enjoyment of the house.
Section 45
Joint transfer for consideration
Where immovable property is transferred for consideration to two
or more persons and such consideration is paid out of a fund belonging to them
in common, they are, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, respectively
entitled to interests in such property identical, as nearly as may be, with the
interests to which they were respectively entitled in the fund; and, where such
consideration is paid out of separate funds belonging to them respectively,
they are, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, respectively entitled
to interests in such property in proportion to the shares of the consideration
which they respectively advanced.
In the absence of evidence as to the interests in the fund to
which they were respectively entitled, or as to the shares which they
respectively advanced, such persons shall be presumed to be equally interested
in the property.
Section 46
Transfer for consideration by persons having distinct
interests
Where immovable property is transferred for consideration by
persons having distinct interests therein, the transferors are, in the absence
of a contract to the contrary, entitled to share in the consideration equally,
where their interests in the property were of equal value, and, where such
interests were of unequal value, proportionately to the value of their
respective interests.
Illustrations
(a) A, owning a moiety, and B and C, each a quarter share, of
mauza Sultanpur, exchange an eighth share of that mauza for a quarter share of
mauza Lalpura. There being no agreement to the contrary, A is entitled to an
eighth share in Lalpura, and B and C each to a sixteenth share in the mauza.
(b) A, being entitled to a life-interest in mauza Atrali and B
and C to the reversion, sell the mauza for Rs. 1,000. A's life-interest is
ascertained to be worth Rs. 600, the reversion Rs. 400. A is entitled to
receive Rs. 600 out of the purchase-money, B and C to receive Rs. 400.
Section 47
Transfer by co-owners of share in common property
Where several co-owners of immovable property transfer a share
therein without specifying that the transfer is to take effect on any
particular share or shares of the transferors, the transfer, as among such
transferors, takes effect on such shares equally where the shares were equal,
and, where they were unequal, proportionately to the extent of such shares.
Illustration
A, the owner of an eight-anna share, and B and C, each the owner
of a four-anna share, in mauza Sultanpur, transfer a two-anna share in the
mauza to D, without specifying from which of their several shares the transfer
is made. To give effect to the transfer one-anna share is taken from the share
of A, and half-an-anna share from each of the shares of B and C.
Section 48
Priority of rights created by transfer
Where a person purports to create by transfer at different times
rights in or over the same immovable property, and such rights cannot all exist
or be exercised to their full extent together, each later created right shall,
in the absence of a special contract or reservation binding the earlier
transferees, be subject to the rights previously created.
Section 49
Transferee's right under policy
Where immovable property is transferred for consideration, and
such property or any part thereof is at the date of the transfer insured
against loss or damage by fire, the transferee, in case of such loss or damage,
may, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, require any money which the
transferor actually receives under the policy, or so much thereof as may be
necessary, to be applied in reinstating the property.
Section 50
Rent bona fide paid to holder under defective title
No person shall be chargeable with any rents or profits of any
immovable property, which he has in good faith paid or delivered to any person
of whom he in good faith held such property, notwithstanding it may afterwards
appear that the person to whom such payment or delivery was made had no right
to receive such rents or profits.
Illustration
A lets a field to B at a rent of Rs. 50, and then transfers the
field to C. B, having no notice of the transfer, in good faith pays the rent to
A. B is not chargeable with the rent so paid.
Section 51
Improvements made by bona fide holders under defective
titles
When the transferee of immovable property makes any improvement
on the property, believing in good faith that he is absolutely entitled
thereto, and he is subsequently evicted there from by any person having a
better title, the transferee has a right to require the person causing the
eviction either to have the value of the improvement estimated and paid or
secured to the transferee, or to sell interest in the property to the
transferee at the then market value thereof, irrespective of the value of such
improvement.
The amount to be paid or secured in respect of such improvement
shall be the estimated value thereof at the time of the eviction.
When, under the circumstances aforesaid, the transferee has
planted or sown on the property crops which are growing when he is evicted
there from, he is entitled to such crops and to free ingress and egress to
gather and carry them.
Section 52
Transfer of property pending suit relating thereto
During the pendency in any court having authority 3[4[within
the limits of India excluding the State of Jammu and Kashmir] Government or
established beyond such limits] by the Central Government of any suit or
proceedings which is not collusive and in which any right to immovable property
is directly and specifically in question, the property cannot be transferred or
otherwise dealt with by any party to the suit or proceeding so as to affect the
rights of any other party thereto under any decree or order which may be made
therein, except under the authority of the court and on such terms as it may
impose.
Explanation: For the purposes of this section, the pendency
of a suit or proceeding shall be deemed to commence from the date of the
presentation of the plaint or the institution of the proceeding in a court of
competent jurisdiction, and to continue until the suit or proceeding has been
disposed of by a final decree or order and complete satisfaction or discharge
of such decree or order has been obtained, or has become unobtainable by reason
of the expiration of any period of limitation prescribed for the execution
thereof by any law for the time being in force.
Section 53
Fraudulent transfer
(1) Every transfer of immovable property made with intent to
defeat or delay the creditors of the transferor shall be voidable at the option
of any creditor so defeated or delayed.
Nothing in this sub-section shall impair the rights of a
transferee in good faith and for consideration.
Nothing in this sub-section shall affect any law for the time
being in force relating to insolvency.
A suit instituted by a creditor (which term includes a
decree-holder whether he has or has not applied for execution of his decree) to
avoid a transfer on the ground that it has been made with intent to defeat or
delay the creditors of the transferor shall be instituted on behalf of, or for
the benefit of, all the creditors.
(2) Every transfer of immovable property made without
consideration with intent to defraud a subsequent transferee shall be voidable
at the option of such transferee.
For the purposes of this sub-section, no transfer made without
consideration shall be deemed to have been made with intent to defraud by
reason only that a subsequent transfer for consideration was made.
Section 54
"Sale" defined
"Sale" is a transfer of ownership in exchange for a
price paid or promised or part-paid and part-promised.
Sale how made : Such transfer, in the case of tangible
immovable property of the value of one hundred rupees and upwards, or in the
case of a reversion or other intangible thing, can be made only by a registered
instrument.
In the case of tangible immovable property of a value less than
one hundred rupees, such transfer may be made either by a registered instrument
or by delivery of the property.
Delivery of tangible immovable property takes place when the
seller places the buyer, or such person as he directs, in possession of the
property.
Contract for sale: A contract for the sale of immovable
property is a contract that a sale of such property shall take place on terms
settled between the parties.
It does not, of itself, create any interest in or charge on such
property.
Section 55
Rights and liabilities of buyer and seller
In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the buyer and the
seller of immovable property respectively are subject to the liabilities, and
have the rights, mentioned in the rules next following or such of them as are
applicable to the property sold:
(1) The seller is bound-
(a) to disclose to the buyer any material
defect in the property or in the seller's title thereto of which the seller is,
and the buyer is not, aware, and which the buyer could not with ordinary care
discover;
(b) to produce to the buyer on his request for
examination all documents of title relating to the property which are in the
seller's possession or power;
(c) to answer to the best of his information
all relevant questions put to him by the buyer in respect to the property or
the title thereto;
(d) on payment or tender of the amount due in
respect of the price, to execute a proper conveyance of the property when the
buyer tenders it to him for execution at a proper time and place;
(e) between the date of the contract of sale
and the delivery of the property, to take as much care of the property and all documents
of title relating thereto which are in his possession as an owner of ordinary
prudence would take of such property and documents;
(f) to give, on being so required, the buyer,
or such person as he directs, such possession of the property as its nature
admits;
(g) to pay all public charges and rent accrued
due in respect of the property up to the date of the sale, the interest on all
encumbrances on such property due on such date, and, except where the property
is sold subject to encumbrances, to discharge all encumbrances on the property
then existing.
(2) The seller shall be deemed to contract with the buyer that
the interest which the seller professes to transfer to the buyer subsists and
that he has power to transfer the same:
PROVIDED that, where the sale is made by a person in a
fiduciary character, he shall be deemed to contract with the buyer that the
seller has done no act whereby the property is encumbered or whereby he is
hindered from transferring it.
The benefit of the contract mentioned in this rule shall be
annexed to, and shall go with, the interest of the transferee as such, and may
be enforced by every person in whom that interest is for the whole or any part
thereof from time to time vested.
(3) Where the whole of the purchase-money has been paid to the
seller, he is also bound to deliver to the buyer all documents of title
relating to the property which are in the seller's possession or power:
PROVIDED that,
(a) where the seller retains any part of the property comprised
in such documents, he is entitled to retain them all, and,
(b) where the whole of such property is sold to different
buyers, the buyers of the lot of greatest value is entitled to such documents.
But in case (a) the seller, and in case (b) the buyer, of the
lot of greatest value, is bound, upon every reasonable request by the buyer, or
by any of the other buyers, as the case may be, and at the cost of the person
making the request, to produce the said documents and furnish such true copies
thereof or extracts there from as he may require; and in the meantime, the
seller, or the buyer of the lot of greatest value, as the case may be, shall
keep the said documents safe, unconcealed and undefaced, unless prevented from
so doing by fire or other inevitable accident.
(4) The seller is entitled-
(a) to the rents and profits of the property
till the ownership thereof passes to the buyer;
(b) where the ownership of the property has
passed to the buyer before payment of the whole of the purchase-money, to a
charge upon the property in the hands of the buyer, any transferee without
consideration or any transferee with notice of the non-payment, for the amount
of the purchase-money, or any part thereof remaining unpaid, and for interest
on such amount or part from the date on which possession has been delivered.
(5) The buyer is bound-
(a) to disclose to the seller any fact as to
the nature or extent of the seller's interest in the property of which the
buyer is aware, but of which he has reason to believe that the seller is not
aware, and which materially increases the value of such interest;
(b) to pay or tender, at the time and place of
completing the sale, the purchase-money to the seller or such person as he
directs:
PROVIDED that, where the property is sold free
from encumbrances, the buyer may retain out of the purchase-money the amount of
any encumbrances on the property existing at the date of the sale, and shall
pay the amount so retained to the persons entitled thereto;
(c) where the ownership of the property has
passed to the buyer, to bear any loss arising from the destruction, injury or
decrease in value of the property not caused by the seller;
(d) where the ownership of the property has
passed to the buyer, as between himself and the seller, to pay all public
charges and rent which may become payable in respect of the property, the
principal moneys due on any encumbrances subject to which the property is sold,
and the interest thereon afterwards accruing due.
(6) The buyer is entitled-
(a) where the ownership of the property has
passed to him, to the benefit of any improvement in, or increase in value of,
the property, and to the rents and profits thereof;
(b) unless he has improperly declined to
accept delivery of the property, to a charge on the property, as against the
seller and all persons claiming under him, to the extent of the seller's
interest in the property, for the amount of any purchase-money properly paid by
the buyer in anticipation of the delivery and for interest on such amount; and,
when he properly declines to accept the delivery, also for the earnest (if any)
and for the costs (if any) awarded to him of a suit to compel specific
performance of the contract or to obtain a decree for its rescission.
An omission to make such disclosures as are mentioned in this
section, paragraph (1), clause (a) and paragraph (5), clause (a), is
fraudulent.
Section 56
Marshalling by subsequent purchaser
If the owner of two or more properties mortgages them to one
person and then sells one or more of the properties to another person, the
buyer is, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, entitled to have the
mortgage-debt satisfied out of the property or properties not sold to him, so
far as the same will extend, but not so as to prejudice the rights of the
mortgagee or persons claiming under him or of any other person who has for
consideration acquired an interest in any of the properties.
Section 57
Provision by court for encumbrances and sale freed
there from
(a) Where immovable property subject to any encumbrances,
whether immediately payable or not, is sold by the court or in execution of a
decree, or out of court, the court may, if it thinks fit, on the application of
any party to the sale, direct or allow payment into court,-
(1) in case of an annual or monthly sum
charged on the property, or of a capital sum charged on a determinable interest
in the property-of such amount as, when invested in securities of the Central
Government, the court considers will be sufficient, by means of the interest
thereof, to keep down or otherwise provide for that charge, and
(2) in any other case of a capital sum charged
on the property- of the amount sufficient to meet the encumbrance and any
interest due thereon.
But in either case there shall also be paid into court such
additional amount as the court considers will be sufficient to meet the
contingency of further costs, expenses and interest, and any other contingency,
except depreciation of investment not exceeding one-tenth part of the original
amount to be paid in, unless the court for special reasons (which it shall
record) thinks fit to require a large additional amount.
(b) Thereupon the court may, if it thinks fit, and after notice
to the encumbrances, unless the court, for reasons to be recorded in writing
thinks fit to dispense with such notice, declare the property to be freed from
the encumbrance, and make any order for conveyance, or vesting order, proper
for giving effect to the sale, and give directions for the retention and
investment of the money in court.
(c) After notice served on the persons interested in or entitled
to the money or fund in court, the court may direct payment or transfer thereof
to the persons entitled to receive or give a discharge for the same, and
generally may give directions respecting the application or distribution of the
capital or income thereof.
(d) An appeal shall lie from any declaration, order or direction
under this section as if the same were a decree.
(e) In this section "court" means (1) a High Court in
the exercise of its ordinary or extraordinary original civil jurisdiction, (2)
the court of a District Judge within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the
property or any part thereof is situate, (3) any other court which the State
Government may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette,
declare to be competent to exercise the jurisdiction conferred by this section.
Section 58
"Mortgage", "mortgagor",
"mortgagee", "mortgage-money" and "mortgaged"
defined.
(a) A mortgage is the transfer of an interest in specific
immoveable property for the purpose of securing the payment of money advanced
or to be advanced by way of loan, an existing or future debt, or the
performance of an engagement which may give rise to a pecuniary liability.
The transferor is called a mortgagor, the transferee a
mortgagee; the principal money and interest of which payment is secured for the
time being are called the mortgage-money, and the instrument (if any) by which
the transfer is effected is called a mortgage-deed.
(b) Simple mortgage- Where, without delivering possession
of the mortgaged property, the mortgagor binds himself personally to pay the
mortgage-money, and agrees, expressly or impliedly, that, in the event of his
failing to pay according to his contract, the mortgagee shall have a right to
cause the mortgaged property to be sold and the proceeds of sale to be applied,
so far as may be necessary, in payment of the mortgage-money, the transaction
is called a simple mortgage and the mortgagee a simple mortgagee.
(c) Mortgage by conditional sale -Where, the mortgagor
ostensibly sells the mortgaged property-
on condition that on default of payment of the mortgage-money on
a certain date the sale shall become absolute, or
on condition that on such payment being made the sale shall
become void, or
on condition that on such payment being made the buyer shall transfer
the property to the seller,
the transaction is called a mortgage by conditional sale and the
mortgagee a mortgagee by conditional sale:
PROVIDED that no such transaction shall be deemed to be
a mortgage, unless the condition is embodied in the document which effects or
purports to effect the sale.
(d) Usufructuary mortgage- Where the mortgagor delivers
possession or expressly or by implication binds himself to deliver possession
of the mortgaged property to the mortgagee, and authorizes him to retain such
possession until payment of the mortgage-money, and to receive the rents and
profits accruing from the property or any part of such rents and profits and to
appropriate the same in lieu of interest or in payment of the mortgage-money,
or partly in lieu of interest or partly in payment of the mortgage-money, the
transaction is called a usufructuary mortgage and the mortgagee a usufructuary
mortgagee.
(e) English mortgage- Where the mortgagor binds himself to
repay the mortgage-money on a certain date, and transfers the mortgaged
property absolutely to the mortgagee, but subject to a proviso that he will
re-transfer it to the mortgagor upon payment of the mortgage-money as agreed,
the transaction is called an English mortgage.
(f) Mortgage by deposit of title-deeds- Where a person in
any of the following towns, namely, the towns of Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay,
and in any other town which the State Government concerned may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf, delivers to a creditor or his
agent documents of title to immovable property, with intent to create a
security thereon, the transaction is called a mortgage by deposit of
title-deeds.
(g) Anomalous mortgage- A mortgage which is not a simple
mortgage, a mortgage by conditional sale, a usufructuary mortgage, an English
mortgage or a mortgage by deposit of title-deeds within the meaning of this
section is called an anomalous mortgage.
Section 59
Mortgage when to be by assurance
Where the principal money secured is one hundred rupees or
upwards, a mortgage other than a mortgage by deposit of title deeds can be
effected only by a registered instrument signed by the mortgagor and attested
by at least two witnesses.
Where the principal money secured is less than one hundred
rupees, a mortgage may be effected either by a registered instrument signed and
attested as aforesaid or (except in the case of a simple mortgage) by delivery
of the property.
Section 60
Right of mortgagor to redeem
At any time after the principal money has become due, the
mortgagor has a right, on payment or tender, at a proper time and place, of the
mortgage-money, to require the mortgagee (a) to deliver to the mortgagor the
mortgage-deed and all documents relating to the mortgaged property which are in
the possession or power of the mortgagee, (b) where the mortgagee is in
possession of the mortgaged property, to deliver possession thereof to the
mortgagor, and (c) at the cost of the mortgagor either to re-transfer the
mortgaged property to him or to such third person as he may direct, or to
execute and (where the mortgage has been effected by a registered instrument)
to have registered an acknowledgement in writing that any right in derogation
of his interest transferred to the mortgagee has been extinguished:
PROVIDED that the right conferred by this section has
not been extinguished by the act of the parties or by decree of a court.
The right conferred by this section is called a right to redeem
and a suit to enforce it is called a suit for redemption.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to render invalid any
provision to the effect that, if the time fixed for payment of the principal
money has been allowed to pass or no such time has been fixed, the mortgagee
shall be entitled to reasonable notice before payment or tender of such money.
Redemption of portion of mortgaged property -Nothing in this
section shall entitle a person interested in a share only of the mortgaged
property to redeem his own share only, on payment of a proportionate part of
the amount remaining due on the mortgage, except only where a mortgagee, or, if
there are more mortgagees than one, all such mortgagees, has or have acquired,
in whole or in part, the share of a mortgagor.
Section 61
Right to redeem separately or simultaneously
A mortgagor who has executed two or more mortgages in favor of
the same mortgagee shall, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, when
the principal money of any two or more of the mortgages has become due, be
entitled to redeem any one such mortgage separately, or any two or more of such
mortgages together.
Section 62
Right of usufructuary mortgagor to recover possession
In the case of a usufructuary mortgage, the mortgagor has a
right to recover possession of the property together with the mortgage-deed and
all documents relating to the mortgaged property which are in the possession or
power of the mortgagee,-
(a) where the mortgagee is authorized to pay himself the
mortgage-money from the rents and profits of the property,-when such money is
paid;
(b) where the mortgagee is authorized to pay himself from such
rents and profits or any part thereof a part only of the mortgage-money,-when
the term (if any) prescribed for the payment of the mortgage-money has expired
and the mortgagor pays or tenders to the mortgagee the mortgage-money or the
balance thereof or deposits it in court hereinafter provided.
Section 63
Accession to mortgaged property
Where mortgaged property in possession of the mortgagee has,
during the continuance of the mortgage, received any accession, the mortgagor,
upon redemption shall, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, be
entitled as against the mortgagee to such accession.
Accession acquired in virtue of transferred
ownership- Where such accession has been acquired at the expense of
the mortgagee, and is capable of separate possession or enjoyment without
detriment to the principal property, the mortgagor desiring to take the
accession must pay to the mortgagee the expense of acquiring it. If such
separate possession or enjoyment is not possible, the accession must be
delivered with the property; the mortgagor being liable, in the case of an
acquisition necessary to preserve the property from destruction, forfeiture or
sale, or made with his assent, to pay the proper cost thereof, as an addition
to the principal money, with interest at the same rate as is payable on the
principal, or, where no such rate is fixed, at the rate of nine per cent per
annum.
In the case last mentioned the profits, if any, arising from the
accession shall be credited to the mortgagor.
Where the mortgage is usufructuary and the accession has been
acquired at the expense of the mortgagee, the profits, if any, arising from the
accession shall, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, be set off
against interest, if any, payable on the money so expended.
Section 64
Renewal of mortgaged lease
Where mortgaged property is a lease, and the mortgagee obtains a
renewal of the lease, the mortgagor, upon redemption, shall, in the absence of a
contract by him to the contrary, have the benefit of the new lease.
Section 65
Implied contracts by mortgagor
In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the mortgagor
shall be deemed to contract with the mortgagee,-
(a) that the interest which the mortgagor professes to transfer
to the mortgagee subsists, and that the mortgagor has power to transfer the
same;
(b) that the mortgagor will defend, or, if the mortgagee be in
possession of the mortgaged property, enable him to defend, the mortgagor's
title. thereto;
(c) that the mortgagor will, so long as the mortgagee is not in
possession of the mortgaged property, pay all public charges accruing due in
respect of the property;
(d) and, where the mortgaged property is a lease, that the rent
payable under the lease, the conditions contained therein, and the contracts
binding on the lessee have been paid, performed and observed down to the
commencement of the mortgage; and that the mortgagor will, so long as the
security exists and the mortgagee is not in possession of the mortgaged
property, pay the rent reserved by the lease, or, if the lease be renewed, the
renewed lease, perform the conditions contained therein and observe the
contracts binding on the lessee, and indemnify the mortgagee against all the
claims sustained by reason of the non-payment of the said rent or the
non-performance or non-observance of the said conditions and contracts;
(e) and, where the mortgage is a second or subsequent
encumbrance on the property, that the mortgagor will pay the interest from time
to time accruing due on such prior encumbrance as and when it becomes due, and
will at the proper time discharge the principal money due on such prior
encumbrance.
The benefit of the contracts mentioned in this section shall be
annexed to and shall go with the interest of the mortgagee as such, and may be
enforced by every person in whom that interest is for the whole or any part
thereof from time to time vested.
Section 66
Waste by mortgagor in possession
A mortgagor in possession of the mortgaged property is not
liable to the mortgagee for allowing the property to deteriorate; but he must
not commit any act which is destructive or permanently injurious thereto, if
the security is insufficient or will be rendered insufficient by such act.
Explanation: A security is insufficient within the meaning
of this section unless the value of the mortgaged property exceeds by
one-third, or, if consisting of buildings, exceeds by one-half, the amount for
the time being due on the mortgage.
Section 67
Right to foreclosure or sale
In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the mortgagee has,
at any time after the mortgage- money has become due to him, and before a
decree has been made for the redemption of the mortgaged property, or the
mortgage-money has been paid or deposited as hereinafter provided, a right to
obtain from the court a decree that the mortgagor shall be absolutely debarred
of his right to redeem the property, or a decree that the property be sold.
A suit to obtain a decree that a mortgagor shall be absolutely
debarred of his right to redeem the mortgaged property is called a suit for
foreclosure.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed-
(a) to authorize any mortgagee other than a
mortgagee by conditional sale or a mortgagee under an anomalous mortgage by the
terms of which he is entitled to foreclose, to institute a suit for
foreclosure, or a usufructuary mortgagee as such or a mortgagee by conditional
sale as such to institute a suit for sale; or
(b) to authorize a mortgagor who holds the
mortgagee's rights as his trustee or legal representative, and who may sue for
a sale of the property, to institute a suit for foreclosure; or
(c) to authorize the mortgagee of a railway,
canal, or other work in the maintenance of which the public are interested, to
institute a suit for foreclosure or sale; or
(d) to authorize a person interested in part
only of the mortgage-money to institute a suit relating only to a corresponding
part of the mortgaged property, unless the mortgagees have, with the consent of
the mortgagor, severed their interests under the mortgage.
Section 68
Right to sue for mortgage-money
(1) The mortgagee has a right to sue for the mortgage-money in
the following cases and no others, namely,-
(a) where the mortgagor binds himself to repay
the same;
(b) where, by any cause other than the
wrongful act or default of the mortgagor or mortgagee, the mortgaged property
is wholly or partially destroyed or the security is rendered insufficient
within the meaning of section 66, and the mortgagee has given the mortgagor a
reasonable opportunity of providing further security enough to render the whole
security sufficient, and the mortgagor has failed to do so;
(c) where the mortgagee is deprived of the
whole or part of his security by or in consequence of the wrongful act or
default of the mortgagor;
(d) where, the mortgagee being entitled to
possession of the mortgaged property, the mortgagor fails to deliver the same
to him, or to secure the possession thereof to him without disturbance by the
mortgagor or any person claiming under a title superior to that of the mortgagor:
PROVIDED that, in the case referred to in clause (a), a
transferee from the mortgagor or from his legal representative shall not be
liable to be sued for the mortgage-money.
(2) Where a suit is brought under clause (a) or clause (b) of
sub-section (1), the court may, at its discretion, stay the suit and all
proceedings therein, notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, until the
mortgagee has exhausted all his available remedies against the mortgaged
property or what remains of it, unless the mortgagee abandons his security and,
if necessary, re-transfers the mortgaged property.
Section 69
Power of sale when valid
(1) 5[***] A mortgagee, or any person acting on his
behalf, shall, subject to the provisions of this section have power to sell or
concur in selling the mortgaged property or any part thereof, in default of
payment of the mortgage-money, without the intervention of the court, in the
following cases and in no others, namely,-
(a) where the mortgage is an English mortgage,
and neither the mortgagor nor the mortgagee is a Hindu, Mohammedan or Buddhist
or a member of any other race, sect, tribe or class from time to time specified
in this behalf by the State Government, in the Official Gazette;
(b) where a power of sale without the
intervention of the court is expressly conferred on the mortgagee by the
mortgage-deed and the mortgagee is the government;
(c) where a power of sale without the
intervention of the court is expressly conferred on the mortgagee by the
mortgage-deed and the mortgaged property or any part thereof was, on the date
of the execution of the mortgage-deed, situate within the towns of Calcutta,
Madras, Bombay, or in any other town or area which the State Government may, be
notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf.
(2) No such power shall be exercised unless and until-
(a) notice in writing requiring payment of the
principal money has been served on the mortgagor, or on one of several
mortgagors, and default has been made in payment of the principal money, or of
part thereof, for three months after such service; or
(b) some interest under the mortgage amounting
at least to five hundred rupees is in arrear and unpaid for three months after
becoming due.
(3) When a sale has been made in professed exercise of such a
power, the title of the purchaser shall not be impeachable on the ground that
no case had arisen to authorize the sale, or that due notice was not given, or
that the power was otherwise improperly or irregularly exercised; but any
person damnified by an unauthorized or improper or irregular exercise of the
power shall have his remedy in damages against the person exercising the power.
(4) The money which is received by the mortgagee, arising from
the sale, after discharge of prior encumbrances, if any, to which the sale is
not made subject, or after payment into court under section 57 of a sum to meet
any prior encumbrance, shall, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, be
held by him in trust to be applied by him, first, in payment of all costs,
charges and expenses properly incurred by him as incident to the sale or any
attempted sale; and, secondly, in discharge of the mortgage-money and costs and
other money, if any, due under the mortgage; and the residue of the money so
received shall be paid to the person entitled to the mortgaged property, or
authorized to give receipts for the proceeds of the sale thereof.
(5) Nothing in this section or in section 69A applies to powers
conferred before the first day of July, 1882.
Section 70
Accession to mortgaged property
If, after the date of a mortgage, any accession is made to the
mortgaged property, the mortgagee, in the absence of a contract to the
contrary, shall, for the purposes of the security, be entitled to such
accession.
Illustrations
(a) A mortgages to B a certain field bordering on a river. The
field is increased by alluvion. For the purposes of his security, B is entitled
to the increase.
(b) A mortgages a certain plot of building land to B and
afterwards erects a house on the plot. For the purposes of his security, B is
entitled to the house as well as the. plot.
Section 71
Renewal of mortgaged lease
When the mortgaged property is a lease and the mortgagor obtains
a renewal of the lease, the mortgagee, in the absence of a contract to the
contrary, shall, for the purposes of the security, be entitled to the new
lease.
Section 72
Rights of mortgagee, in possession
A mortgagee may spend such money as is necessary-
(a) 6[***]
(b) for the preservation of the mortgaged property from
destruction, forfeiture or sale;
(c) for supporting the mortgagor's title to the property;
(d) for making his own title thereto good against the mortgagor;
and
(e) when the mortgaged property is a renewable lease-hold, for the
renewal of the lease, and may, in the absence of a contract to the contrary,
add such money to the principal money, at the rate of interest payable on the
principal, and, where no such rate is fixed, at the rate of nine percent per
annum: '
PROVIDED that the expenditure of money by the mortgagee
under clause (b) or clause (c) shall not be deemed to be necessary unless the
mortgagor has been called upon and has failed to take proper and timely steps
to preserve the property or to support the title.
Where the property is by its nature insurable, the mortgagee may
also, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, insure and keep insured
against loss or damage by fire the whole or any part of such property, and the
premiums paid for any such insurance shall be added to the principal money with
interest at the same rate as is payable on the principal money or, where no
such rate is fixed, at the rate of nine per cent per annum. But the amount of
such insurance shall not exceed the amount specified in this behalf in the
mortgage-deed or (if no such amount is therein specified) two-thirds of the
amount that would be required in case of total destruction to reinstate the
property insured.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorize the
mortgagee to insure when an insurance of the property is kept up by or on
behalf of the mortgagor to the amounts in which the mortgagee is hereby
authorized to insure.
Section 73
Right to proceeds of revenue sale or compensation on
acquisition
(1) Where the mortgaged property or any part thereof or any
interest therein is sold owing to failure to pay arrears or revenue or other
charges of a public nature or rent due in respect of such property, and such
failure did not arise from any default of the mortgagee, the mortgagee shall be
entitled to claim payment of the mortgage-money, in whole or in part, out of
any surplus of the sale-proceeds remaining after payment of the arrears and of
all charges and deductions directed by law.
(2) Where the mortgaged property or any part thereof or any
interest therein is acquired under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894),
or any other enactment for the time being in force providing for the compulsory
acquisition of immovable property, the mortgagee shall be entitled to claim
payment of the mortgage-money, in whole or in part, out of the amount due to
the mortgagor as compensation.
(3) Such claims shall prevail against all other claims except
those of prior encumbrances, and may be enforced notwithstanding the principal
money on the mortgage has not become due.
Section 74
Right of subsequent mortgagee to pay off prior
mortgagee
[Repealed by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Act,
1929.]
Section 75
Rights of mesne mortgagee against prior and subsequent
mortgagees
[Repealed by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Act,
1929.]
Section 76
Liabilities of mortgagee in possession
When, during the continuance of the mortgage, the mortgagee
takes possession of the mortgaged property, -
(a) he must manage the property as a person of ordinary prudence
would manage it if it were his own;
(b) he must try his best endeavors to collect the rents and
profits thereof;
(c) he must, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, out
of the income of the property, pay the government revenue, all other charges of
a public nature and all rent accruing due in respect thereof during such
possession, and any arrears of rent in default of payment of which the property
may be summarily sold;
(d) he must in the absence of a contract to the contrary, make
such necessary repairs of the property as he can pay for out of the rents and
profits thereof after deducting from such rents and profits the payments
mentioned in clause (c) and the interest on the principal money;
(e) he must not commit any act which is destructive or permanently
injurious to the property;
(f) where he has insured the whole or any part of the property
against loss or damage by fire, he must, in case of such loss or damage, apply
any money which he actually receives under the policy or so much thereof as may
be necessary, in reinstating the property, or, if the mortgagor so directs, in
reduction or discharge of the mortgage-money;
(g) he must keep clear, full and accurate accounts of all sums
received and spent by him as mortgagee, and, at any time during the continuance
of the mortgage, give the mortgagor, at his request and cost, true copies of
such accounts and of the vouchers by which they are supported;
(h) his receipts from the mortgaged property, or, where such
property is personally occupied by him, a fair occupation-rent in respect
thereof, shall, after deducting the expenses properly incurred for the
management of the property and the collection of rents and profits and the
other expenses mentioned in clauses (c) and (d), and interest thereon, be debited
against him in reduction of the amount (if any) from time to time due to him on
account of interest and, so far as such receipts exceed any interest due, in
reduction or discharge of the mortgage-money; the surplus, if any, shall be
paid to the mortgagor;
(i) when the mortgagor tenders, or deposits in the manner
hereinafter provided, the amount for the time being due on the mortgage, the
mortgagee must, notwithstanding the provisions in the other clauses of this
section, account for his receipts from the mortgaged property from the date of
the tender or from the earliest time when he could take such amount out of
court, as the case may be, and shall not be entitled to deduct any amount there
from on account of any expenses incurred after such date or time in connection
with the mortgaged property.
Loss occasioned by his default- If the
mortgagee fails to perform any of the duties imposed upon him by this section,
he may, when accounts are taken in pursuance of a decree made under this
Chapter, be debited with the loss, if any, occasioned by such failure.
Section 77
Receipts in lieu of interest
Nothing in section 76, clauses (b), (d), (g) and (h), applies to
cases where there is a contract between the mortgagee and the mortgagor that
the receipts from the mortgaged property shall, so long as the mortgagee is in
possession of the property, be taken in lieu of interest on the principal
money, or in lieu of such interest and defined portions of the principal.
Section 78
Postponement of prior mortgagee
Where, through the fraud, misrepresentation or gross neglect of
prior mortgagee, another person has been induced to advance money on the
security of the mortgaged property, the prior mortgagee shall be postponed to
the subsequent mortgagee.
Section 79
Mortgage to secure uncertain amount when maximum is
expressed
If a mortgage made to secure future advances, the performance of
an engagement or the balance of a running account, expresses the maximum to be
secured thereby, a subsequent mortgage of the same property shall, if made with
notice of the prior mortgage, be postponed to the prior mortgage in respect of
all advances or debits not exceeding the maximum, though made or allowed with
notice of the subsequent mortgage.
Illustration
A mortgages Sultanpur to his bankers, B & Co., to secure the
balance of his account with them to the extent of Rs. 10,000. A then mortgages
Sultanpur to C, to secure Rs. 10,000, C having notice of the mortgage to B
& Co., and C gives notice to B & Co. of the second mortgage. At the date
of the second mortgage, the balance due to B & Co. does not exceed Rs.
5,000. B & Co. subsequently advance to A sums making the balance of the
account against him exceed the sum of Rs. 10,000. B & Co. are entitled, to
the extent of Rs. 10,000, to priority over C.
Section 80
Tacking abolished
[Repealed by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Act,
1929 (20 of 1929).]
Section 81
Marshalling securities
If the owner of two or more properties mortgages them to one
person and then mortgages one or more of the properties to another person, the
subsequent mortgage is, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, entitled
to have the prior mortgage-debt satisfied out of the property or properties not
mortgaged to him, so far as the same will extend, but not so as to prejudice
the rights of the prior mortgagee or of any other person who has for
consideration acquired an interest in any of the properties.
Section 82
Contribution to mortgage-debt
Where property subject to a mortgage belongs to two or more
persons having distinct and separate rights of ownership therein, the different
shares in or parts of such property owned by such persons are, in the absence
of a contract to the contrary, liable to contribute rateably to the debt
secured by the mortgage, and, for the purpose of determining the rate at which
each such share or part shall contribute, the value thereof shall be deemed to
be its value at the date of the mortgage after deduction of the amount of any
other mortgage or charge to which it may have been subject on that date.
Where, of two properties belonging to the same owner, one is
mortgaged to secure one debt and then both are mortgaged to secure another
debt, and the former debt is paid out of the former property, each property is,
in the absence of a contract to the contrary, liable to contribute rateably to
the latter debt after deducting the amount of former debt from the value of the
property out of which it has been paid.
Nothing in this section applies to a property liable under section
81 to the claim of the subsequent mortgage.
Section 83
Power to deposit in court money due on mortgage
At any time after the principal money payable in respect of any
mortgage has become due and before a suit for redemption of the mortgaged
property is barred, the mortgagor, or any other person entitled to institute
such suit, may deposit, in any court in which he might have instituted such
suit, to the account of the mortgagee, the amount remaining due on the
mortgage.
Right to money deposited by mortgagor- The court shall
thereupon cause written notice of the deposit to be served on the mortgagee,
and the mortgagee may, on presenting a petition (verified in manner prescribed
by law for the verification of plaints) stating the amount then due on the
mortgage, and his willingness to accept the money so deposited in full
discharge of such amount, and on depositing in the same court the mortgage-deed
and all documents in his possession or power relating to the mortgaged
property, apply for and receive the money, and the mortgage-deed, and all such
other documents so deposited shall be delivered to the mortgagor or such other
person as aforesaid
Where the mortgagee is in possession of the mortgaged property,
the court shall, before paying to him the amount so deposited direct him to
deliver possession thereof to the mortgagor and at the cost of the mortgagor
either to re-transfer the mortgaged property to the mortgagor or to such third
person as the mortgagor may direct or to execute and (where the mortgage has
been effected by a registered instrument) have registered an acknowledgement in
writing that any right in derogation of the mortgagor's interest transferred to
the mortgagee has been extinguished.
Section 84
Cessation of interest
When the mortgagor or such other person as aforesaid has
tendered or deposited in court under section 83 the amount remaining due on the
mortgage, interest on the principal money shall cease from the date of the
tender or in the case of a deposit, where no previous tender of such amount has
been made as soon as the mortgagor or such other person as aforesaid has done
all that has to be done by him to enable the mortgagee to take such amount out
of court, and the notice required by section 83 has been served on the mortgagee:
PROVIDED that, where the mortgagor has deposited such
amount without having made a previous tender thereof and has subsequently
withdrawn the same or any part thereof, interest on the principal money shall
be payable from the date of such withdrawal.
Nothing in this section or in section 83 shall be deemed to
deprive the mortgagee of his right to interest when there exists a contract
that he shall be entitled to a reasonable notice before payment or tender of
the mortgage-money and such notice has not been given before the making of the
tender or deposit, as the case may be.
Section 85
Parties to suits for foreclosure, sale and redemption
[Repealed by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of
1908).]
