Sie sind auf Seite 1von 11

Updated: Thursday January 14, 2010/AlKhamis Muharram 29, 1431/Bruhaspathivara Pausa 24, 1931, at

07:05:27 PM

Course Contents:

1.The Trusts Act, 1882 (Act II of 1882).

Book Recommended:

1.Equity, Trust, and Specific Relief by B. M. Gandhi.

2.The Trusts Act, (II of 1882) by M. A. Zafar.

A Trust is an obligation annexed to the ownership of property, and arising out of a confidence reposed in
and accepted by the owner, or declared and accepted by him for the benefit of another, or of another and the
owner. Trust must be created for lawful purpose.

The person who declares the confidence is called the Author of the Trust.

The person who accepts the confidence is called the Trustee.

The person who gets the benefits from the confidence is called beneficiary.

The subject matter of the trust is called Trust Property or Trust Money.

The instrument, if any, by which the trust is declared is called the instrument of trust.

The trust can be created for limited or unlimited period. Since the property of Trust cannot be sold, so it is
called encumbered property until the period of Trust is over.

Classification of trusts: Trust may be classified as follows:

1.Public or charitable trust: Any trust benefits to public at large and not specific persons is known as public
or charitable trust.

2.Private trust: Where beneficiaries are specific persons is called private trust.

3.Express trust: One, which is clearly and directly created in express words by the settler.

4.Implied trust: Indirectly gathered from unexpressed but presumable intention of the settler. A person who
has shown his intention to provide certain property for the construction of mosque and people have made a
mosque there without any objection raised by the owner of the property is called implied trust.

5.Constructive trust: Arising out by an operation of equity in favour of another. It is a trust, which is created
by author itself in his own favour due to old age or where person remains issueless. It is meant to safety of
property during its constructive or physical possession. Where husband and wife make trust in their own
favour is called constructive trust. After death of one partner another partner succeeds. And in case of
death of both, property of the trust shall go to specific institution or person. This type of trust is created to
avoid the temptation of the relatives. It is also registerable.

6.For value trust: Property of which is bought from another for the purpose of specific trust.

7.Voluntary trust: Which is created by anyone at any time without any consideration.

8.Executed trust: When it is fully and finally declared by the instrument which creates it.
9.Executery trust: When the settler has given general directions for future conveyance.

Purpose of trust: Trust can be created for any lawful purpose. Every purpose is lawful except the following:

1.Fraudulent: Any trust based on fraudulent purpose is unlawful.

For example, a trust created for the training of prostitution is void.

Trust property to employ in carrying smuggling business and utilization of its profit for the benefit of
children is void.

2.Against to law: Any trust, if permitted, defeats the provision of law is unlawful.

Above two examples also fall within this category as neither smuggling nor prostitution is allowed under
law thus defeat the provisions of law.

3.Forbidden: Any trust, which is expressly forbidden by law on any ground, is unlawful.

4. Causing injury: Any trust which involves any injury to the person or property of another is void. Any
property given for trust which is under bar falls in this category as it injures the interest of beneficiaries or
creditors.

5.Immoral: Any trust about which Court regards immoral or against public policy is void.

6. Partially unlawful purpose: Any trust object of which is partially lawful and partially unlawful, if
separable, upto the extent of lawful is valid and rest is invalid.

Creation of trust: A trust can be created subject to the following conditions:

1.Intention: Where intention is shown on his part to create trust.

2.Purpose: It must indicate lawful purpose.

3.Beneficiary: Where there is no beneficiary, there is no trust.

4.Trust property: Trust is created with trust property.

5.Transfer of property: Author of trust cannot act as trustee. It must be transferred to trustee.

Examples:

1.A bequeaths certain property to B with fullest authorization to dispose of for the benefit of C.

2. A bequeaths certain property to B with a hope will continue it in the family. Since beneficiary is not
indicated, therefore it is void.

Who may create trust: Following are the competent persons to create trust:

1.Major.

2.Sound mind.

3.Solvent.

4.Not disqualified by law.

5.Free consent.
Who may be a beneficiary: Any person who is capable to hold property may be a beneficiary.

Who may be trustee: Every person capable of holding property may be a trustee and in certain cases he must
be competent to contract. No one is bound to accept a trust.

Duties of trustee: 11 to 20 are so related with the duties of trustee. His duties are:

1.Execution of trust: It includes fulfillment of the trust and compliance of the directions so given except the
modifications made with the consents of beneficiaries who are competent to contract. How the trust is
executed:

(1)Registration: Trustee must get trust property registered as it is requirement of law.

(2) Taking of possession: Possession of trust property must be acquired to use for the benefit of its
beneficiaries for whom trust is created.

(3)He must inform himself of the state of the trust property: If there is debt on trust property and trust
deed does not include any discretion to leave it outstanding, trustee must recover the debt without
delay. He is not liable if he could not possibly acquainted (familiar, conversant) with facts from the
papers and material at his disposal.

2.Suit for claim: He must bring lawsuit, if any, for the defence of the title or trust property.

(1)Act as party: He has to act as party if lawsuit is brought in Court to defend the title of trust property.

(2)Presentation of written statement: He must present written statement in favour of trust property to
prove trust property.

(3)Production of evidence: He has to produce evidence for the title of trust property.

(4) Prevention from adverse effect: He is duty bound not to take step causing adverse title. No person
who has accepted the position of trustee and has acquired property in that capacity can be permitted
to assert an adverse title on his own behalf until he has obtained a proper discharge from the trust he
has clothed himself. He must assume the validity of trust until it is actually impeached. If the trust is
invalid, the beneficiaries may set up their claim against the trust, but it does not lie in the mouth of the
trustee to do so.

3.To be impartial: It is the duty of trustee to hold scales evenly between the parties having an interest in the
trust. Where there are more than one beneficiary, he should not execute the trust for the advantage of one at
the expense of other. He should not pay beneficiary before paying another.

(1) Equal distribution of benefits: He should distribute benefits of the trust among all equally or
equitably without making any distinction or prejudice.

(2) Remaining away from benefits: He has to provide benefits to its beneficiaries and should remain
away to get benefit for himself.

(3)Priority of beneficiaries: He should give priority to others over his own interest. Priority of interest of
beneficiaries is main object of trust.

4. Duty to protect trust property: He must bring and defend lawsuit, which is necessary to defend trust
property. He must get documents registered where it is necessary. He should take all possible steps to
preserve the trust property.

(1)Taking of reasonable care: He must exercise reasonable care for the preservation of trust property. He
should deal trust property as his own. In civil Court he has to prove that he has exercised reasonable
care.

(2)Protection of property: He must take necessary steps and arrangements for the protection of property.

(3) Improvement of property: He has to improve the trust property by the employment of new
techniques and investment in more beneficial institutions.

(4) Safe investment: He has to invest where there is greater potential of profit. Where there is secured
investment, he must invest there.

(5)Protection from loss: He should refrain to invest where loss can occur. His investment in scheduled
banks or institutions is guarantee of safe financing rather than investment in nonscheduled
institutions.

5.He must ready with accounts: He has to keep and maintain clear and accurate accounts of the investment
and profits.

(1)Support of vouchers: He has to maintain accounts supporting all vouchers and necessary documents
including agreements.

(2)Presentation of accounts: He has to show accounts as and when required and not to conceal accounts.

(3) Inspection of accounts: He, himself inspect the maintenance of accounts and must produce when
government require it.

(4)Audit of accounts: Accounts must be got audited at least once in a year.

(5)Maintenance of accounts by qualified accountant: Reasonable person having requisite qualification


should maintain Accounts.

6. He must prevent waste: This happens where trust is created for the benefit of persons in succession and
one of them is in possession.

(1) Conversion of perishable items: Where there are perishable items, must be converted into non
perishable items either by changing properties or by selling them and buying another item not
perishable.

(2) Nature of business: He may purchase valuable securities or change nature of business where more
profit is expected.

7.Duty to transfer the beneficial trust: If the trust is private and created for a specific person, benefit of trust
property must be transferred to such person. If trust is created on the property of a minor, property must be
transferred to such minor when he attains age of majority, which is 21 years.

Trustee is bound to certain conditions such as:

1. Trust deed: Trust deed is one of essential to create trust. It is prepared and executed and then got
registered.

2.Competence: Trustee should be a person competent to act as trustee. He should be able to make contract.

3.Consents: Trustee is no more bound to accept position as trustee. Only free consents make him responsible
to act as trustee.

4.Courts opinion: Where it becomes necessary Courts opinion must be obtained to create and execute trust.
Liabilities of a trustee: Where trustee has some duties he has also some liabilities. They can be categorized
such as:

1. Sale within time: He is bound to sell trust property within a specified time so declared in trust deed. A
trustee is guilty of unreasonable delay in selling property not within stipulated time period. A trustee is
liable to pay interest thereon for the period of delay.

2.Breach of trust: Where trustee commits breach of trust, he is liable to make good the loss, which the trust
property has thereby sustained. A trustee is duty bound to invest trust money in any securities u/s 20. If he
retains money in hand and refrains to invest, he is liable of breach.

3. Several liabilities of cotrustees: Where all of trustees commit breach of trust, each one is liable to the
beneficiary for the whole of loss.

4. Where interest of beneficiary is forfeited: When Court awards interest in favour of beneficiary, then
trustee is liable to hold the property to the extent of such interest for the benefit of such person in such
manner as the government directs.

Where no liability arises: There are certain provisions under which trustee does not liable:

1. Fault of predecessor: Where a trustee succeeds another, he is not liable of the default or breach of his
predecessor.

2. Fault of cotrustee: Where one of cotrustee commits breach or default, other one is no more liable of the
default of other one.

3. Joining in receipt of conformity: Where one of cotrustee signs on receipt but later on proves that he has
not received actual property, he is not liable mere on the ground of his signature.

4.Where beneficiary fails to give notice: When the interest of one beneficiary vests to another and he fails to
give notice to trustee and trustee pays or delivers the trust property to the entitled person, makes no liable
to trustee.

Rights and powers of trustees: Right is defined as an interest recognized and protected by the law, respect for
which is a duty and disregard of which is a wrong. A capacity residing in one man of controlling, with the
assent and assistance of the State, the actions of others. Authority to enforce the right is power. Following are
the rights and powers of trustees:

1.Right to get title deed: Not only he has to get in his possession title deed but all relevant documents and
get it registered. He has to possess trustproperty. If he is deprived from trust property or document, he
can recover the possession again. He can sue if requires.

2.Reimbursement of expenses: If he makes such expenses out of his own pocket, may recover from trust
property or beneficiary. He can make expenses for the improvement and protection of trust property.

3.Recovery of over payment: Where trustee mistakenly pays over to beneficiary, he may recover from trust
property or from beneficiarys interest or from beneficiary personally.

4. Reimbursement upon breach of trust: Where any person other than trustee gains profit by breach of
trust, trustee may recover from him upto the extent of advantage he gained. Where beneficiary commits
breach, and gains interest, trustee may charge on his interest for such amount.

5. Apply to Court for management of trust property: Without instituting a suit, a trustee may apply to
Court to obtain opinion respecting the management or administration of the trust property.
6.Settlement of accounts: Where trustee retires or his duties are completed, he may examine the accounts
and where there is nothing due on the part of beneficiary, he may acknowledge.

7.General authority of trustee: Apart from all the authority given by either this law or trust deed, he may
exercise his authority within scope of reasonability for the improvement and protection of trust property.

8. Sale of trust property: Trustee may sell trust property either by auction or private contract, if so
authorized and empowered in an instrument. He may sell property in a time or at several times.

9.Power to sell under special conditions: Where he thinks fit may sell or buy trust property without being
responsible to the beneficiary for any loss occasioned thereby. Where trustee is directed to conduct sale, it
shall be proceeded within reasonable time period.

10. Power to vary investment: Where he thinks fit he may for the benefit of the trust may invest from one
account to another from where more income or profit is expected. His investment should be in scheduled
banking or institutions.

11. Maintenance of minor: Where trust is required the benefit of minor for his reasonable expenses to
advance in life, education, marriage, or funeral expenses, he my incur expenses. He is also empowered to
accumulate the incomes by way of compound interest.

12. Power to give receipts: Where trustee is empowered he may issue receipts against any sale, purchase,
transfer, or delivery of any property.

13. Power to compound: Where it becomes necessary for the benefit of trust property he may accept
property, allow time for payment of debt, compromise, compound, abandon, submit to arbitration to
settle any debt, account, claim, or thing relating to trust.

14.Power to audit accounts: This is power of trustees to get their accounts audited.

15. Refusal of inspection: One who wants to inspect the accounts must be qualified to do so, otherwise he
may be refused.

Disabilities of trustees: There are several provisions of this Act which impose certain restrictions on trustee,
particular of those are as under:

1. Trustee cannot renounce his status: When a person accepts to be a trustee, he cannot refuse afterwards.
There are some exceptions to this rule:

(1)Permission of principal or Court of original jurisdiction may discharge his duties.

(2)Where beneficiary becomes competent to form contract.

(3)Where special power in instrument of trust is granted.

2.Trustee cannot delegate his powers: A trustee is not allowed to permit any third person to act on his behalf
even to cotrustee. There are some exceptions to this rule such as:

(1)He can delegate where instrument of trust provides.

(2)Where regular course of business requires.

(3)Where this delegation becomes necessary.

(4)Where beneficiary consents being competent to contract.


3.Trustee cannot act singly: Where are more trustees then one, all have to join in execution and one cannot
act.

4. Control of discretionary power: Principal Court of original jurisdiction can control trustee where he does
not act accordingly, reasonably, and in good faith. But Court cannot interfere in his discretion except where
suit is instituted.

5.Cannot charge remuneration: Where it is not expressly provided in instrument or Court appoints trustee,
trustee cannot charge against the services rendered.

6.Use of trust property for own: Trust property can be used only for connected purposes and he cannot use
trust property for personal benefit.

7. He cannot repurchase trust property: A person, who is appointed in trust property as trustee and
responsible for sale, cannot buy it for own or any third person. Neither directly nor indirectly he can re
purchase.

8.Cannot buy beneficiarys interest: He cannot buy or become as mortgagee, who is either presently trustee
or has ceased his office as trustee, unless it is provided in contract.

Rights of beneficiary: Beneficiary has certain rights detail of which is as under:

1.Right to rents and profits: Subject to provisions of trust, beneficiary has right to have rents and profits. This
is not vested right but created by trust deed. This becomes duty of trustee vizaviz right of beneficiary.

2.Right to specific execution: Where there is one or several competent beneficiaries of one mind may require
the trustee to transfer the trust property to them.

3.Right to inspect accounts: This is a right of beneficiary against trustee to inspect all accounts alongwith all
related documents and vouchers. This right is exercisable where allegations of breach of trust are imposed.

4. Right to take copies of instrument of trust: Beneficiary can take the copies of instrument of trust as and
when he requires.

5.Right to get accounts audited: Beneficiary can demand trustee for the audit of trust property.

6. Right to transfer beneficial interest: If beneficiary is competent to contract may transfer his beneficial
interest to third person keeping in view of current law in force. He can dispose of interest to the extent,
which he may dispose of. He should be competent as required in Contract Act. He should be major,
competent, solvent, authorized, and decision must be with free consents and unanimous.

7. Right to sue for execution of trust: Whenever the position of trustee becomes vacant by any reason, such
as, nonappointment, death, disclaim, discharge, impracticable, beneficiary may sue to fill such vacancy for
the execution of trust. Court shall execute until trustee is appointed.

8.Right to proper administration: Subject to the provisions of trust deed, beneficiary has right to administer
the trust property properly.

9. Right to protect property: Beneficiary may also take steps, subject to trust, for the protection of trust
property.

10.Right to compel for duty: Beneficiary has right to compel trustee to act for any specific duty. He may also
compel to him to restraint from committing any breach of trust.

Liabilities of beneficiary: As beneficiary has certain rights, has also certain liability is as follows:
1. Wrongful purchase by trustee: Where a trustee buys property for trust wrongfully and beneficiary has
taken benefits beneficiary has to repay the money paid by the trustee.

2.Suit on conveyance of property to third person: Where trust property comes to the hands of third person
inconsistently with trust, beneficiary requires either to admit or file lawsuit for declaration that the property
is comprised in the trust.

3.Breach of trust: Where a beneficiary commit breach of trust, joins, conceals, knows the wrong advantages,
and deceives trustees is liable to transfer all consideration he has taken.

Vacation of the office of trustee: Office of trustee is vacated on the following reasons:

1.Death: Where trustee dies, his office is vacated if otherwise is not agreed upon.

2.By discharge of duties: Where a trustee is discharged, office becomes vacated. Following are the mode of
discharge and extinction is made by four ways:

(i)Extinction: Where trust is extinguished, office of trustee vacates automatically.

(ii) Purpose completed: As soon as purpose of the trustee is completed, he vacates his office. For
example, a trustee is appointed for the marriage of a person. Upon the marriage trustee vacates
his office.

(iii)Subsequent illegality: When trustee was appointed, trust was legal, but subsequently operation
of law declares it illegal. At appointment, business of wine was legal, but later on it becomes
illegal by act of government.

(iv)Subsequent impossibility: When the object of trust subsequently becomes impossible, such as
by action of river, cultivation becomes impossible.

(2)By completion of duties: When duties of a trustee are completed, office vacates. For example, a trustee
is appointed for the construction of a hospital, as soon as hospital is constructed, his duties are
completed, thus his office vacates.

(3)By agreement: Where agreement so provides grounds of any reasons, office vacates.

(4)Expiry of period: Where trust deed fixes time period for trustee to act, his office vacates, as soon as,
period of agreement expires.

3. Appointment of new trustee: Where new trustee is appointed, the office of old trustee vacates. New
appointment is made by two methods namely:

(1)By Court: Where beneficiaries apply to Court for the prevention from breach of trust being made by
trustee and Court admits and issues decree against trustee. Court automatically appoints new trustee.

(2) Without Court: Where trust deed allows and beneficiary, in the best interest of trust, appoints new
trustee on any reasonable ground, vacates the office of old trustee.

4.Revocation: Although once a trust is always a trust, but there are some exceptions to this rule such as:

(1)By Will: Where trust deed gives choice to trustee to vacate his office is called revocation by will.

(2)Contingency: Where a certain event is happened trustee may revoke to continue trust.

(3)Any other reason: Any other reasonable ground may cause vacation of trustees office.
Appointment of new trustee: Following procedure has to be adopted to appoint new trustee:

1.Substitution by instrument: Where instrument declares the nomination of new trustee in cases of:

1.Death of trustee.

2.Disclaim of trustee.

3.Six months Continuos absence from Pakistan.

4.Leave the Pakistan for the purpose of residing abroad.

5.Declared as insolvent.

6.Desire to be discharged.

7.Refuses to become trustee.

8.Becomes unfit in the opinion of Court.

9.Becomes personally incapable either physically or breach of trust or disability imposed by law.

10.Where he accepts inconsistent trust new trustee is appointed.

2. By author of trust: If author of trust is alive and no such person is available under instrument, he may
appoint new trustee.

3.Written appointment: The person making such appointment makes appointment in writing.

4.Appointment by Court: Where beneficiary institutes a petition to Court in case of vacancy of the office of
trustee, Court appoints new trustee.

Rules for selection of new trustee: When new trustee is appointed, Court regards the following:

1. Wishes of author: Court takes into consideration the wishes of the author of trust which are expressed in
the instrument of trust or which are come out from instrument.

2. Wishes of appointing authority: Where instrument empowers to any person for the purpose of
appointment of new trustee, Court regards his wishes while making such appointment.

3.Execution of trust: Object of trust is to fulfill the wishes of the author. It is promotion of trust. It is always
kept in view whether such appointment shall promote the execution of trust or shall impede (obstruct,
block, delay, slow, stop) the execution of trust.

4. Interest of beneficiaries: There may be beneficiaries more than one. Interest of all beneficiaries must be
protected so Court takes into construction the interest of all beneficiaries rather than one.

Discharge of trustee from his liabilities: In certain cases law provides grounds for the discharge of trustee
from his liabilities. Such grounds are:

1. Extinction of trust: Where trust is created for specific object and such object has been achieved then trust
becomes extinguished and trustee stands discharge from his liabilities. However once trust is always trust,
but specific trust is extinct when object is met.

2. Completion of duties: Instrument of trust may impose certain duties to perform on trustee. He has to
perform such duties and upon the completion of certain duties his liability to act as trustee is extinguished.
He remains no more trustee.

3. By means of instrument: Where instrument imposes certain duties, where it may prescribe means to
discharge trustee. If so, trustee may be discharged from his liabilities.

4. Appointment of new trustee: Where a new trustee is appointed due to any valid reason under law in his
place, his liabilities are discharged. New appointment may be made by reason of his physical infirmity or
breach of trust where the appointment of new trustee becomes imperative.

5. Mutual constants: Where there are more than one beneficiaries and all are competent to contract, if they
consent alongwith trustee to discharge him from liabilities of trust, he may be discharged.

6. By petition: Where beneficiary institutes petition in Court for the discharge of trustee from his liabilities,
trustee is discharged from his liabilities when new trustee is appointed.

Liabilities of beneficiary: Law imposes certain liabilities to beneficiary detail of which is as under:

1. Protection from loss: Beneficiary is liable to protect trust property. Neither he should damage the
property nor he should allow other one to cause damage to property.

2. Compensation of loss: If any loss occurs to trust property due to his negligence or any act certain or
uncertain, he must have to compensate trust property. This situation arises when trustee acquires some
property and hands it over to beneficiary for his benefit.

3.Cooperation in relation to administers property: Where it becomes necessary, he has to cooperate with
trustee in administration of trust property. He has to cooperate to the extent of utmost possibility.

4.Protection of property: Beneficiary is also liable to protect property from any anticipated loss or danger
which may occur due to act of God or act of government. If trust property is situated near river, he has to
protect it from action of river.

5.Protection from breach of trust: Beneficiary can take benefit from trust property to the extent for which
he is allowed. Beneficiary is not allowed to take undue advantage from trust property. He shall be held
liable in case of breach of trust.

6. Arrangement: Where trustee becomes unable and new trustee is not appointed, beneficiary is liable to
arrange trust property in the manner as it belongs to him till the appointment of new trustee.

7. Act against breach: Beneficiary is not only to refrain to commit breach of trust but in case where
apprehension of breach of trust lies, he has to act against the breach of trust committed by trustee.

8. Execute the trust: Where trustee fails or its execution shifts to beneficiary, he is responsible to execute
trust until the appointment of new trustee.

9. Protection of the interest of cobeneficiaries: Where more than one beneficiaries get benefit from trust
property, he has to respect the share of others. He has not to damage the interest belonging to others.

10.Undue benefit: When he gets undue benefit from the trust property without getting permission from co
beneficiaries, he shall be held liable.

11.Concealment of breach: Where he does not commit breach but he knows the intention of breach of other
one and conceals such intention, it makes him liable. Concealment of breach itself is liability.

12.Induce of fraud: When beneficiary commits fraud or induces trustee to commit fraud, he shall be liable of
fraud or attempt to commit fraud.
13.Report against loss: When any loss or damage is apprehended, he is responsible to inform this matter to
trustee. His failure in report to trustee puts him in liability.

14.Violation of trust object: It is the duty of the beneficiary to act in accordance with the object of trustee. If
he commits negligence in achievement of the object of trust, he shall be liable.

15. Assistance to Court and trustee in litigation: When any matter is referred to Court regarding trust, he
has to assist trustee and Court in the settlement of the case. During litigation he has to cooperate Court as
well as trustee.

16. Assistance to Court in appointment of new trustee: When trustee discharges from his obligation and
beneficiary is competent to contract, he has to assist Court in the appointment in new trustee.

Back|Next
Go to Index | LL. B. I | LL. B. III | Laws | Home

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen