The Entire Law Relating To Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) Explained

Shri. K. H. Kaji & Manish Kaji

The Entire Law Relating To Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

K. H. Kaji  & Manish K. Kaji, Advocates

The law relating to Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) is a complicated branch of law, requiring specialist knowledge. The authors have mastered the subject, identified all the core issues, and explained them in a succinct manner

1. What is Hindu Undivided Family

The expression “Hindu Undivided Family” has not defined under the Income Tax Act  or in any other statute.  When we dissect – essentials are (1) One should be Hindu, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists are considered as Hindus  but not Muslims or Christians; (ii) There should be a family i.e group of persons – more than one and (iii) They should be undivided i.e living jointly and having commonness amongst  them.  All these three essentials are  cumulative.  It is a body consisting of persons lineally descended from a common ancestor and  include their wives and unmarried daughters, who  are living together, joint in food, estate and, worship (not now  necessary).  The daughter, on her marriage, ceases to be a member of her father’s HUF and becomes a member of her husband’s HUF. However, after  1-9-2005, daughter married or unmarried, is a co-parcener like a son.

2.What is a Hindu Coparcenary? In what ways is it different from a HUF?

A Hindu Coparcenary is a much narrower body within Hindu Undivided  Family. Generally speaking, it is a body of individuals who acquires interest by birth in the joint family property.  They are the son, grandson and great  grandson of the holder of the joint property for the time being. Since 1-9-2005 daughters married  or unmarried are now included.  The  coparcenary, therefore, consists of a common male  ancestor and his lineal descendants in the male line within 4 degrees, running from and including such ancestor.  No coparcenary can commence without a common male  ancestor though after his death, it may consist of collaterals such as brothers, uncles, nephews etc.  The essence of coparcenary is community of interest and unity of possession.

3. Who can be Co-parceners/members of a HUF?

Birth of a male in a Hindu joint family makes him a Co-parcener of the  HUF.  In view of this, all male members automatically become members of the HUF.  In addition to that, if a child is adopted then he also becomes a member of the HUF.  Moreover, upon marriage, wife  becomes a member of her husband’s joint family.  Female child remains a member till marriage.  Only male can be a coparcener.  This is changed now after 1-9-2005 daughters are coparceners like sons.

4. What is the difference between a co-parcener and a member?

A HUF, as such, can consist of a very large number of members including female members as well as distant blood relatives in the male line.  However, out of this, coparceners are only those males (now daughters also) who are within 4 degrees in  lineal descendent from the common  male ancestor.  The relevance of concept  of coparcenary is that only coparceners can ask for partition.  The other male  family members : i.e other than coparceners in a HUF, have no direct claim over HUF property, but can claim only through the coparceners.

5. How does a HUF  come into existence?

The concept of Joint Family under Hindu law as well as the HUF  in Income Tax Act, 1961 is broadly the same.  HUF is purely  a creature  of law and cannot be created by an act of parties (except in case of  adoption and  reunion).  A HUF is a fluctuating body, its size increases with birth of a member  in the family and decreases on death of a member of the family.  Females go and come into HUF  on marriage.  If  there is  family nucleus, there  need not be more than one male  member to form a Hindu undivided family as a taxable entity  under the Income Tax Act.  The expression “Hindu undivided family” in the Income Tax Act is used in the sense in which a Hindu joint family  is understood under the personal law of the Hindus. Under the Hindu system of law a joint family  may consist of a single male member and widows of deceased male members, and the Income Tax Act does not indicate that a Hindu undivided family as an assessable entity must  consist of at least two male members (Refer Gowli Buddanna  vs. CIT (1966) 60 ITR 293(SC).  Where a Coparcener having a wife and minor daughters and no son receives his share of joint family properties on partition, such  property, in the hands of the coparcener, belongs to the HUF of himself his wife and minor daughters. (Refer N.V Narendranath vs. CWT (1969) 74 ITR 190(SC).

6. Can a single male constitute HUF?

Family always signifies a group. Plurality of persons is an essential attribute  of a family. A single person, male or female does not constitute a family.  A  family consisting of a single individual is a contradiction in terms.  Section  2(31) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, treats a Hindu undivided family as an  entity distinct and different from an individual. Assessment in the status of  a Hindu undivided family  can be made only when there are two or more members of the Hindu undivided family.  (Refer C. Krishna Prasad vs. CIT (1974) 97 ITR 493(SC).  Husband and wife can constitute HUF if property is received on partition.  An individual who receives ancestral property at a partition and who subsequently acquires family, but has no male issue, would hold that property only as the property of the family.  Under the Hindu law the wife of the coparcener is certainly a member of the family. Whatever be the school of Hindu law by which a person is governed, the basic concept of a Hindu undivided family in the sense of who can be its members is just the same. Thus, in order to constitute a joint family it is not always necessary that there must be two male members. (Refer CIT vs. Parshottamdas K. Panchal (2002) 257 ITR 96 (Guj).  In cases where the property held by the person who claims it to be his own, had in fact been  held by a joint family earlier and is ipso facto capable  of being held by other  sharers as well in future if and when the family comes into existence and a  son, whether by birth or adoption, is added thereto, such property continues  to retain the character of joint family property, even when the family is  reduced to a single male member  as in the case of a sole surviving  coparcener.  Though such a sole surviving coparcener may be assessable as  an individual as he cannot be  said to have a family, unless there are, in fact female joint family members in the family, the character  of the property  continues unaltered as joint family property though for the time being it is  not shared with any other member of the family and may or may not be  subject to any charge in favour  of anyone else for any purpose.  When the  assessee  got married and acquired  a family that family  constituted a Hindu undivided family and the ancestral property which the assessee had  received at the partition became the property of that Hindu undivided family.  In cases where the property  even at the time it vested in the hands of  the  family had the character of ancestral property the absence of  a son, who can claim partition, does not render what is joint family property, individual property.  The test is not as to whether his issues are male or female.  The test is whether the property was ancestral.  Therefore an individual who receives ancestral property at partition and who subsequently acquires a family, but  had no male issues would hold that  property only a property of the Hindu undivided family. (Refer W.P.A.R Rajagopalan vs. C.W.T (2000) 241 ITR 344(Madras).

7. Can a son who is the sole surviving coparcener along with other females in the family after his father’s death constitute  an HUF?

Yes. The HUF shall continue with the son as Karta and other female members as members.

8. Can a son being a member  of HUF  consisting of his father, himself and his brothers, form and HUF consisting of himself, his wife and minor son?

Under Hindu law, there can be a HUF within a HUF. Therefore, a son can have his own smaller HUF while he continues to be a member of his father’s  HUF.  In his father’s HUF, he is a mere member – coparcener and in his own HUF, he is  Karta.

9. Can there be a HUF with only female  members?

Yes. Under Hindu Law it is not predicated of a Hindu joint family that there must be a male member.  So long as the property which was originally of the  joint Hindu family remains in the hands of the widows  of  the members of  the family and is not divided  among them, the joint family continues. (Refer CIT v/s. RM AR. AR. Veerappa Chettiar (197)) 76 ITR 467(SC). However, after the enactment of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 as well as Hindu Succession Act, 1956, this legal position does not seem to be correct. This is because such female members, upon such death would get their interest in the property absolutely and their absolute interest so crystallized cannot be divested by any subsequent event, for example remarriage or adoption.

(10) HUF PROPERTY

1. What is H.U.F and Individual property of a Hindu?

Any property which is received from ancestors by way of partition or otherwise is HUF property. Any property received by the HUF by way of gift through Will, accretions to the existing properties, blended or properties thrown in common hotchpot or impressed with the Character of HUF property by any coparcener etc. are also HUF property, Character of the HUF property on partition in the hands of the coparcener, remains as HUF property.

Any property earned by an individual whether on account of own exertion or  out of individual fund without investment of the HUF funds, earning of  learning, service, personal qualifications, etc. is separate and individual  property of a Hindu (Refer K.S Suffiah Pillai vs. CIT (1999) 237 ITR 11(SC). Self acquired property of a Hindu will pass on to his/her legal heirs as per the rules of succession and the legal heirs receive the property  as individual  property.  So also the share of the deceased co-parcener in HUF, which  otherwise devolves by survivorship to other co-parcener goes by succession to  legal heirs, which  they hold as separate property, if such co-parcener has left  certain  class of female relatives or a male relative who claims through such female relative specified  in Class I of the first schedule to Hindu Succession Act, 1956.

(11) Whether a family that does not own any property can have the character of Hindu joint family?

Yes, the concept of HUF is not related to possession of any property by the family nor the existence of such joint property is an essential pre-condition  for constituting  a HUF.  This is because Hindus get joint family status by birth and joint property is simply an adjunct to the joint family.

(12) What is the nature of property received by a male member after his marriage but before a male child is born?

There is considerable controversy on these aspects. There are divergent views  expressed by different courts from time to time.  One view is that since a HUF, as known under Hindu law, can consist of even husband  and wife only, once  such a HUF has come into existence upon marriage of a Hindu male, such family can receive property from any source and regard the same as HUF property.  However, the other view is that in such a case, a distinction should be made between a property that already has characteristic of a joint property (for example, property received on partition) and other than such properties. In case of receipt of properties of the former kind, such family (that is consisting only of husband and wife) can receive and treat such property as joint Hindu family property.  But in case of latter (that is, in the cases like gift or will), unless there are at least two coparceners in the family, such HUF cannot receive or treat such property as HUF property.  In other words since  in such family of husband and wife there is only one coparcener i.e husband  (wife being a mere member and not coparcener), if such HUF wants to receive  and  regard  any property  from an outside source as HUF property then it has to have another coparcener in the family i.e son.  The earlier view seems to a better one. Of course, a Donor or testator must indicate that he gives it to the person’s HUF.

(13) What is the nature of property received by a Hindu from his father and having only a wife and daughters in his family?

This will depend upon whether the property received by such Hindu from his father is father’s individual property or property of father’s HUF.  In case of the former, such Hindu will be receiving the property as a legal heir of the father and rules of succession as prescribed under Hindu Succession Act, 1956 will prevail. If the property is received from father’s HUF, then it can form part of HUF of such Hindu. But the share of the father in the HUF upon his death can go to his legal heirs which will be their individual property if the father has left behind him any female relative or a male relative claiming through such female relative, as in Class I of the schedule to that Act. Of course by will he can give his share to son’s HUF.

(14) Whether property acquired on gift by the assessee with an intention of the donor that the money should be used for the benefit of his family is HUF property or not?

HUF can receive gifts from anybody including a stranger. In any case, as held by the Supreme Court, (Ref CIT vs. Satyendra Kumar (1998) 232 ITR 360(SC) a gift by mother also can be a source of HUF property. In case of a gift whether from a father, mother, relative or a friend the intention of the donor is important.  If there are express  provisions to the effect in the  deed of gift or will that the son would take the property for the benefit of the  family, that is decisive. The donor or testator dealing with self acquired  property may by evincing the appropriate intention, render to the property  gifted the character of a joint family property or as the case may be  a separate property in the hands of the done vis-à-vis  his male issue. (Refer C.N Arunachala Mudaliar vs. C.A Muruganatha Muddliar (1953) AIR 1953 SC 495 and CIT vs.  M.  Balasubramanian (1990) 182 ITR 117 (Mad). It is necessary to take care while making the Will or the gift.  Clause should be specific and the donee HUF should open bank account  in the name of the HUF.  Indication should be clear (Refer CIT v/s. Maharaja Bahadur Singh & others (1986) 162 ITR 343(SC).

(15) DOCTRINE OF BLENDING OR IMPRESSING WITH THE CHARACTER OF HUF.

1. What is the doctrine?

If a Coparcener makes a declaration blending his individual property with that of HUF  or impresses such  property  with the character of HUF property  or throws the  property in the common hotchpot – such property becomes  H.U.F property  and loses the character of individual or separate property.

2. Can a coparcener blend his individual property into his smaller HUF wherein he is a Karta, while continuing to be a member of the bigger HUF consisting of his father, himself and his brothers?

A Coparcener can be coparcener of two joint Hindu families.  The blending is at his option, he may blend his property with either of the HUF’s.  In that  view of the matter, a coparcener can blend his individual  property with his  smaller  HUF, wherein he is Karta, while continuing to be a member of the bigger HUF consisting of his father himself and his brother.( Refer : CIT v/s. M.M Khanna (1963) 49 ITR 232 (Bom).

3. What will be the position where the HUF consists of only his wife and minor daughter?

The Supreme Court in Surjit Lal Chhabda vs. CIT (1975) 101 ITR 776 on the above question stated: “Kathoke Lodge was not an asset of a pre-existing joint family. Doctrine of blending or impressing with the Character of HUF party into the family hotchpot does not apply.  The appellant has no son.  His wife and unmarried daughter were entitled to be maintained by him from out of the income of Kathoke Lodge while it was his separate property.  Their rights in that property are not enlarged for the reason that the property was thrown into the family hotchpot.  Not being coparceners of the appellant, they have neither a right by birth in the property not the right to demand its partition nor indeed the right to restrain the appellant from alienating the property for any purpose whatsoever.  Their prior right to be maintained out of the income of Kathoke Lodge remains what it was even after the property was thrown into the family hotchpot: the right of maintenance, neither more nor less. Thus, Kathoke Lodge may be usefully described as the property of the family after it was thrown into the common stock, but it does not follow that in the eye of Hindu law it belongs to the family as it would have if the property were  to devolve on the appellant as a sole surviving coparcener. The property which the appellant has put into the common stock may change its legal incidents on the birth of a son but until that event happens the property in the eye of Hindu law, is really his.  He can deal with it as a full owner unrestrained by considerations of legal necessity or benefit of the estate.  He may sell it, mortgage it or make a gift of it. Even a son born or adopted after the alienation shall have to take the family hotchpot as the finds it. A son born, begotten or adopted after the alienation has no right to challenge the alienation. It was held that income from the Lodge shall be chargeable to tax in the individual hand. It shall be assessable in the hands of the HUF on birth or adoption of the son. (Refer S.K Bohra vs. CIT (1988) 173 ITR 400(Rajasthan).

4. Is it necessary for the HUF to have any ancestral property prior to receiving the property from one of the coparceners?

No, it is not necessary for the HUF. Even an empty hotchpot can receive and hold any property that is thrown into it by the co-parcener (Refer: CIT vs. S. Sivaprakasa Mudaliar (1983) 144 ITR 285(Mad).

5. Can a female member of the family blend  her individual property into the HUF?

Blending is a power given only to coparceners.  Since females are not coparceners, a female member of a joint family cannot blend her individual property with HUF property.  However, such an act shall be considered as a gift and it shall become property of the HUF. (Refer Mallesappa vs. Desai (AIR (1961) SC 1298) and Pushpa Devi vs. CIT 91977) 109 ITR 730(SC). After 1-9-2005 daughter, being a comparcener can blend her individual property into the HUF.

6. What are the clubbing provisions in tax laws?

The clubbing provisions u/s. 64(2) of the Income Tax Act as well as section 4(1A) of the Wealth Tax Act shall apply.  Under the Income Tax Act, the income arising from such converted property will be deemed to be income of the transferor individual.  Moreover, on Partition of such property, in case such property is allotted to the wife of such individual the income arising there from shall continue to be taxed in the hands of the  transferor  individual. Income in respect of the property allotted to minor children till  minority shall be clubbed in the  hands of the father, on account of overriding provisions contained u/s. 64(1A) of the Income tax Act.  Similarly under the Wealth Tax Act the converted property is  deemed  to be the asset  belonging to the individual and when such converted property has been the  subject matter of partition, the converted property or any part thereof, which  is received  by wife  of the individual on such partition shall be deemed to  be the property belonging to such individual and as such  will be includible  in the wealth  of such individual. Under Gift Tax Act such act is considered  as a  transfer and is liable to tax  as gift in respect of the value excluding share of the transferor in the HUF.  However, at present there is no gift tax.

(16) GIFTS TO AND FROM HUF

1. Can Hindu Undivided Family accept  gifts from its members or co-parceners or outsiders?

Yes.  There is no restriction for a HUF to accept  gifts from any source.  However, the intention of the donor should be clear and  gift should be  genuine.  The donee shall have to prove the identity and capacity of the  donor as  well as the genuineness  of the gift.  Friendship, relationship, closeness need be established.  The  Delhi High Court in Sajjan Das & Sons  vs. CIT (2003)) 264 ITR  435 held mere  identification of the  donor and  showing  the movement of the amount through banking channel was not  sufficient to prove the genuineness of the gift.  Since  the claim  of gift was  made by the assessee, the onus lay on him not only to establish the identity  of the person making the gift but also his capacity to make a gift and that it  had actually been received as a gift from the donor.  Gift being by cheque and of moveable property, no registration is necessary.  However, gift  declaration detailing complete information relating to the donor should be  drawn and recorded.  Gift cheque should go in a bank account in the name of the donee  for realization and subsequent utilization.

2. Whether share of a Hindu can be bequeathed by Will?

Yes, now there is a specific provision (section 30) under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 by which any Hindu can dispose of, by will or other  testamentary disposition any property which is capable of being so disposed  of by him. It is specifically mentioned that the interest of a male Hindu in a Mitakshara co-parcenary property shall be deemed to be property  capable of being disposed of by such Hindu. After amendment 2005, even daughters who are now coparcener can make of will bequeathing  her share in joint family property.

Similarly. prior  to the coming into force of this Act, neither under the Mitakshara nor under the  Dayabhaga law a widow or other limited female heir could in any case dispose of by will any property inherited by her or any portion thereof whether the property was movable  or immovable.   The effect of section 14 of this Act inter alia is to abrogate that traditional limitation. She is now full  owner of all property howsoever acquired and held by her and can dispose  of it by will.   The only qualification to this rule is that  she cannot do so  where she holds any property as ‘restricted estate’  as visualized under  section 14(2).  This  is so because in any such case she is not and has not  become full owner of the property. 

3. Can a HUF  give away its property by way of gift?

Although sons acquire by birth rights equal to those of a father in ancestral property both movable and immovable, the father has the power of making  within reasonable limits gifts of ancestral movable property without the  consent of his sons for the purpose of performing “indispensable acts of  duty, and for purposes prescribed by texts of law, as gifts through affection, support of the family, relief from distress and so forth”.  A “gift of affection” may be made to a wife, to a daughter, and even to a son.  But the gift  must be of property within reasonable limits.  A gift of the whole, or almost the  whole of the ancestral movable property to one son to the exclusion of the  other sons, cannot be upheld as a “gift through affection” prescribed by the  text of law.  A Hindu father or other managing member has power to make a gift within reasonable limits of ancestral immovable for “pious purpose”.

The essence of a coparcenary under the Mitakshara school of Hindu law is  community of interest and unity of possession.  A member of joint Hindu  family has no definite share in the coparcenary property, but he has an  undivided interest in the property which is liable to be enlarged by deaths  and diminished by births in the family.   An interest in the coparcenary property accrues to a son from the date of his birth.  His interest will be equal to that of his father.  So far as alienations of coparcenary property are concerned, it appears that such alienations were permissible in the eighteenth century.  Although at the time of the judgment of the Privy Council in Suraj Bunsi Koer’s case, the Madras Courts recognized alienations by gift, as time passed, the courts of law declared alienations by gift of undivided interest in coparcenary properties as void. The rigour of this rule  against alienation by gift  has been to some extent  relaxed by the Hindu  Succession Act, 1956.  The most significant fact which may be noticed in this connection is that while the Legislature was aware of the strict rule against alienation by way of gift, it only relaxed the rule in favour of disposition by a will of the interest of a male Hindu in Mitakshara  coparcenary property. The Legislature did not, therefore, deliberately provide for any gift by a coparcener of his undivided interest in the coparcenary property either to a stranger or to another coparcener.  Therefore, the personal law of the Hindus, governed by the Mitakshara school of Hindu law, is that a coparcener can dispose of his undivided interest in the  coparcenary property by a will, but he cannot make a gift of such interest.  Hence, a gift by a coparcener of his undivided interest in the coparcenary property either to a stranger or to his relation without the consent of the other coparceners is void. (Refer Thamma Venkata Subbamma vs. Thamma Rattamma (1987) 168 ITR 760(SC).

Combined reading of the paragraph of Hindu Law and the case laws show that the position in Hindu Law is that whereas the father has the power to gift ancestral movables within reasonable limits, he has no such power with regard to the ancestral immovable property or coparcenary property.  He can however, make a gift within reasonable limits of ancestral immovable property for “pious purposes”.  However, the alienation must be by an act inter vivos, and not by will.  This court has extended the rule in paragraph 226 and held that the father was competent to make a gift of immovable property to a daughter, if the gift is of a reasonable extent having regard to  the properties held by the family.  A father  can make a gift of ancestral  immovable property within  reasonable limits, keeping in view, the total  extent of the property held by the family in favour of his daughter at the  time of her marriage or even long after her marriage.  (Refer R. Kuppayee vs. Raja Gounder (2004) 265 ITR 551(SC).

4. Whether the gift above reasonable  limit or to stranger is void or voidable?

It has been laid down by their Lordships of the Privy Council in Hanuman Kamat vs.  hanuman Mandur that the alienation by a manager of a joint  Hindu family was not necessarily void but was only voidable if objections were taken to it by the other members of the joint Hindu family. The Lahore High Court in  Imperial Bank of India vs.   Maya Devi, AIR 1935 Lahore 867 observed: “Where however the gift is not for religious purposes, or consists  of the whole or large portion of the joint family property, the transaction is  voidable, but only at the instance of the other coparceners.  No person who  is a stranger to the family and does not possess a right to have the  transaction defeated on other grounds (e.g under section 53, T.P Act), has  a locus standi to intervene and impugn it merely because  it was in excess of  the authority which the karta possessed  to deal with it for family purposes”. When gift is not void but only voidable it can be challenged by the members  of the family and not the strangers. (Refer CIT v/s. Motilal  Ramswaroop (1970) 76 ITR 43 (Rajasthan), R.C Malpani v/s. CIT  (1995) 215 ITR 241 (Gauhati),  Raghuban Chaman Prasad Narain Singh vs. Ambica Prasad Singh – AIR 1971 SC 776, CIT  vs. K.N Shanmughasundaram (1998) – 232 ITR 354, CIT vs. Bharat Prasad Anshu Kumar – (2001) 249 ITR 755(Delhi).

(17) KARTA / MANAGER, MEMBERS, THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

1. Who can become Karta of a HUF?

An adult male member who manages the affairs of the HUF is known as Karta or Manager of the family.  Only a co-parcener can become Karta.  Generally, the senior most male adult member of the family is made Karta of  HUF.  However, such senior member may give up his right of management  and a junior member may by consent, be appointed as Karta.   Where a junior  member is in custody, control or possession of the property or the eldest  member is not working in the interest  of the family or is working against the  interest of the family, junior member may be recognized as Karta.

Coparcenership is a necessary qualification in order to become the karta of a joint Hindu family.  The effect of the Hindu Women’s Rights to Property Act  (XVIII of 1937) is merely to confer upon the widow an interest in the share  of the husband and the estate created in that interest is the interest of a  Hindu widow.  She is also entitled to claim partition of the properties but all  these rights either individually or cumulatively do not have the effect of  conferring  upon the widow the status of a coparcener in the family.  Nor do  they clothe her with a right to represent the other members of the family as  karta of a joint Hindu family.  Under Hindu Law the widow could not  become the Karta of a joint Hindu family (Refer V.M.N Radha Ammal (1965) 57 ITR 510).  However, a minor can act as Karta of the joint family through his natural guardian, his mother, in certain exceptional circumstances, for example, where whereabouts of the father are not known at the time.  However, after 1-9-2005, daughter married or unmarried is now made a coparcener and can become Karta of her father’s family.

2. What are the rights of a Coparcener or member?

No coparcener is entitled to any special interest  in the coparcenary property nor is he entitled to exclusive possession of any part of the property.  As  observed by their Lordships of the Privy Council, “there is community of  interest and unity of possession between all the members of the family”. A  member  of a joint Mitakshara family cannot predicate at any given moment  what his share in the joint family property is. His share becomes defined  only when a partition takes place.  As no member, while the family  continues  joint, is entitled to any definite share of the joint property it follows that no member is entitled to any share of the income of the property. The whole income of the joint family property must be brought according to the theory of an undivided family, to the common chest or purse and there dealt with according to the modes of enjoyment by the members of an undivided family.

3. After the marriage of female  member after 1-9-2005 whether the daughter  would continue to be a member of her father’s family and also would become member of her husband’s family?

Yes. She continues to be a coparcener of her father’s HUF.   A very peculiar position will arise inasmuch as such daughter upon her marriage will automatically become a member of her husband’s family while she will continue to be co-parcener in her father’s family.

4. Can such female member demand partition of her father’s HUF as well as her husband’s HUF?

As after 1-9-2005 daughter continues to be a coparcener of her father’s family, having all the rights and privileges as of a coparcener, she can demand partition of her father’s HUF property.  However, as far as her  husband’s HUF is concerned, she is a mere member of the family and not a coparcener and as such cannot demand partition of her husband’s HUF property. But would be entitled to a share in case of partition between  her husband & her sons or between her sons.

5. What is property of Sole Surviving Coparcener and its incidents?

When the family is reduced to only one male coparcener with female members only, such coparcener is called as Sole Surviving Coparcener. Though for purposes of assessment a sole surviving coparcener is assessed in the status of a Hindu undivided family, his powers are wide and unrestricted and akin to that of an individual. He is free like an individual to alienate the property in whatever manner he likes. Therefore, when he alienates the property he disposes of the same with the powers vested in him as that of an individual.  (Refer: Attorney General vs. Arunachalam Chettiar (1958) 34 ITR (ED) 42 (PC) , M.S.P Rajah vs. CGT (1982) 134 ITR 1(Madras), CIT v/s. Anil J. Chinai (1984)  148 ITR 3 (Bombay), CIT vs.  N. Kannaiyiram (1999) 240 ITR 892(Madras).

(18) MITAKASHARA LAW OF INHERITANCE

1. Under Hindu Mitakashara law, a joint family consists of father, son and grand sons and in joint family property all of them are co-parceners.  In the estate  of the joint family, all the co-parceners would have equal share.  Wife also would have share equal to that of the husband and the sons.  Provided that she cannot claim the share unless there is partition between husband & her sons or partition between sons. The grand sons would share equally in the share belonging to the son i.e their father.  If there is a partition of a joint family, shares will be allotted to the various co-parceners according to Hindu law.  However, radical change is introduced in  the aforesaid  legal position of a joint  Hindu family by provisions of Hindu  Succession Act.  Section 6 . More particularly  as amended by Act of 2005provides that a co-parcener  of a joint  Hindu family  dies  following consequences with follow:-

(1) Daughter (married or otherwise) is made a coparcener  same as a son to claim  partition.

(2) Will have same rights as a son with all incidents of coparcenary.

(3) Property devolves as per s. 8 Hindu Succession Act where sons, daughters, wife, mother are equal shares Class I. Hence not only daughter is made coparcener to have her own share in HUF, further on death of father intestate, she is one  of heirs in father’s separate portion. Deceased share will devolve on heirs  as per  8 while deemed partition takes place of all coparcenery properties  to herein, entitled including daughter  further in  fathers  HUF share fictionally  advice  & child  as well as daughter’s child  are entitled to interest  their parents share if deceased. 

Share in the joint family does not go by survivorship  to the other co-parceners of the joint  family but will go to her sons intestate succession as listed in section 8 of the Act.  Similarly, a co-parcener (including daughter now) is now entitled  to make a Will with regard to his/her share in the joint Hindu family  and his share will, therefore go according to the provisions of the Will.

2. Restrictions on Hindus power to make  a Will

There  are no restrictions with regard to the power of a Hindu making a Will with regard to his individual property.  As  regards his/her share in the joint  family  property under s. 30 of Hindu Succession Act if he/she is a co-parcener, he/she will be entitled to make a Will of his/her share in the joint family property. His/her  share in the joint Hindu family will go by testamentary succession if he/she and s. 15 if female  has made a Will or by intestate succession as provided in section 8 if a male.  So far as  restrictions are concerned, there does not appear to be any restriction on the  power of a Hindu to make a Will.  However, it may be noted that section 22  of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 creates an obligation on the heirs  receiving the estate of the deceased either by intestacy or  by way  of testamentary succession to  maintain the dependents of the deceased out of the estate received if such dependents  have not received any share in the estate by testamentary or intestate succession.

So far s female Hindus are concerned, there is no restriction on them regarding making of the Will of their individual properties and now daughters married  or unmarried.  However, though  wives are entitled to a share in the joint family property when partition takes  place between father and son or between  sons, they being not entitled  to  a share, in absence of such partition they cannot make a Will with regard  to their share in the joint family property unless  she has received it.   The status of women is altered radically by Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, whereby  daughters whether married or unmarried are  coparceners and entitled to a share in the joint  family properties.  Wife and daughter can also ask for partition of her share.  The amendment applies to agricultural property also.  Amendment Act applies as from 9-9-2005. However, transactions  such as partition which is by a deed of partition duly registered or decree of Court prior to 20-12-2004, will not be affected by the amendment.

(19)  EFFECT OF THE SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT, 1954

1. Ambit  of sections  19 and 21 of the Special Marriage Act.

It is open to person of any community in India to solemnize a marriage  under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, but it has  certain consequences with regard to the mode of succession to their properties  and their joint Hindu family.   Section 19 of the  Act lays  down that the marriage  solemnized under this Act of any member of an undivided family who professes Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh religion shall be deemed to effect his  severance from such family. Thus, automatic severance from the family would take place.

Further, section 21 provides that notwithstanding any  restrictions  in the Indian Succession Act with respect to its application to members  of certain community, succession to property of any person  whose marriage is solemnized under this Act and to the property of  the issue of such marriage  shall be regulated by the provisions of the said Act.  Thus the parties to the marriage would lose their personal law of succession and would be  governed by the Indian Succession Act.

2. Effect of Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976

However, this position was not a welcome situation and  accordingly an amendment has been effected  by Marriage  laws (Amendment) Act, 1976 with effect from  May 27, 1976 wherein  section 21A has been introduced in the Special  Marriage Act, 1954.

Under this new section, where marriage is solemnized under the said Act of any person who professes Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain religion with a person who professes Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain  religion, section 19 and  section 21 shall not apply.  The result of this amendment would be that if both the parties to the marriage  under this Act are Hindus etc. there will be no severance from the joint family nor will they lose their personal law of succession.

(20)  PARTITION

1. What is Partition?

Partition is the severance of the status of Joint Hindu Family, known as Hindu Undivided Family under tax laws.  Under Hindu Law once the status of Hindu Family is put to an end, there is notional division of properties among the members and the joint ownership of property comes to an end.  However, for an effective partition, it is not necessary to divide the properties in metes and bounds.  But under tax laws for an effective partition division by metes and bounds is necessary. There should be physical partition of the property and not the notional partition.  Partition under Hindu law, can be total or partial.  In total partition all the members cease to be members of the HUF and all the properties cease to the properties belonging to the said HUF. Partition could be partial also.  It may be partial vis-à-vis members, where some of the members go out on partition and other members continue to be the members of the family. It may be partial vis-à-vis properties where, some of the properties are divided among the members other properties continue to be HUF properties. Partial partition may be partial vis-à-vis properties and members both.  However, Tax Laws do not recognize partial partition of property or/and persons after 30-3-1978 on insertion of Sub-Section (9) to Sec. 171 of the I.T Act.  This restriction was put to avoid creation of multiple HUFs which was a misuse.

2. How a partition can be effected and what is its effect?

To constitute a partition all that is necessary is a definite and unequivocal indication of intention by a member of a joint family to separate himself from the family. What form such intimation indication or representation of such interest should take would depend upon the circumstances of each case. A further requirement is that this unequivocal indication of intention to separate must be to the knowledge of the persons effected by such declaration. A review of the decisions shows that this intention to separate may be manifested in diverse ways. It may be by notice or by filing a suit. Undoubtedly, indication or intimation must be to members of the joint family likely to be effected by such a declaration.

Partition is word of technical import in Hindu Law.  Partition in one sense is a severance of joint status and coparcener of a coparcenary is entitled to claim it as a matter of his individual volition. In this narrow sense all that is necessary to constitute partition is a definite and unequivocal indication of his intention by a member of a joint family to separate himself from the family and enjoy his share in severalty. Such an unequivocal intention to separate brings about a disruption of joint family status at any rate in  respect of separating member or members and thereby puts an end to the  coparcenary with  right of survivorship and such separated member holds  from the time of disruption of joint family as tenant in common.  Such  partition has an impact on devolution of share of such member.  It goes to  his heirs displacing survivorship.  Such partition irrespective of whether it is  accompanied or followed by division of properties by metes and bounds  covers both a division of right and division of property.  A disruption of joint  family status by  a definite and in equivocal indication to separate  implies  separation in interest and in right  although not immediately followed by a  de facto actual division of the subject matter.  This may at any time, be  claimed by virtue of the separate right.  A physical and actual division of  property by metes and bounds follows from disruption of status and would be termed partition in a broader sense.  (Refer : Kalyani vs. Narayanan – AIR  1980 SC 1173).

3. Can there be an oral partition?

Yes.  It is not necessary to effect partition by a written partition deed.  It can be effected orally and be acted upon.  Even a partition of an immovable property can be by an oral agreement (Refer : Popatlal Devram vs. CIT (1970) 77 ITR 1073 (Orissa), Padam Lochan vs. State of Orissa 84 ITR 88(Orissa).

Partition in the Mitakshara sense may be only a severance of the joint status of the members of the coparcenary that is to say what was once a  joint title, has become a divided title though there has been  no division of  any properties by metes and bounds.  Partition may also mean what  ordinarily is understood by partition amongst co-shares who may not be  members of a Hindu coparcenary. For partition in the  latter sense of  allotting specific properties  or parcels to individual coparceners, agreement  amongst all the coparceners is absolutely necessary.  Such a partition may be  effected orally, but if the parties  reduce the transaction to a formal  document which is intended to be the evidence of the partition, it has the  effect of declaring the exclusive title of the coparcener to whom a particular  property is allotted by partition and is thus within the mischief of section 171(1)(b) (Refer Nani Bai  vs. Gita Bai – AIR 1958 SC 706, Rishan  Singh vs. Zila Singh – AIR 1988 SC 881, Hansraj Agarwal vs. CCIT (2003) 259 ITR 265 (SC). No particular method is prescribed – AIR 1964 SC 136. However, after 1-9-2005 partition after 20-12-2004 is not  recognized to the daughter to deprive  her share as coparcener.  Further, partition before 20-12-2004 has to be in writing & registered.

4. Does a partition take place at the time of death of a coparcener?

A partition is an act effected inter vivos between the parties agreeing to the partition.  A death of a coparcener cannot bring about an automatic partition  and on such a death, the other surviving members continue to remain joint.  However, under the provisions of 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, there is a  deemed  partition for a limited purpose of determining  the share of the  deceased  coparcener for  the purpose of succession under the Act.  The right  of a female heir to the interest inherited by her in the family property gets  fixed on the death of a male member under section 6 of the Act but she  cannot be treated as having ceased to be a member of the family without her  volition as otherwise it will lead to strange results which could not have  been in the contemplation of Parliament when it enacted that provision and  which might also not be in the interest of such female heirs.  The female heir shall have the option to separate herself or to continue in the family as long  as she wishes  as its member though she has acquired  an indefeasible  interest in a specific share of the family property which would remain  undiminished whatever may be the subsequent changes in the composition of the membership of the family.  (Refer State of Maharashtra vs. Narayan Rao Sham Rao Deshmukh (1987) 163 ITR 31(SC).

5. Can a widow or wife claim partition?

A widow steps in the shoes of her husband. Earlier on account of the Hindu Women’s Right to Property Act, 1937 and now being a heir in Class I can  claim the partition on the death of her husband.  There can be a valid  partition between  a widowed  mother and son (Refer Ram Narain Paliwal vs. CIT (1986) 162  ITR  539(P & H), CIT vs. Mulchand Sukmal Jain (1993) 200 ITR  528(Gauhati).  However, a wife during  the lifetime of her husband cannot claim  a partition but in case there is a partition, she shall get share equal to that of her son and husband.  (Refer : Kundanlal vs.  CIT (1981) 129 ITR 755( P & H).

6. Is partition  a transfer?

Partition is not a transfer. Each co-parcener has an antecedent title  to the joint Hindu family property. Though  its extent is not determined until  partition takes place. That being so, partition really means that whereas initially all the coparcenes had subsisting title to the totality of the property of the family jointly, that joint title is transformed by partition into separate title of the individual  coparceners in respect of  several items  of properties  allotted to them respectively.  As this is the true nature of a partition, the  contention that partition of an undivided Hindu family property necessarily  means transfer of the property to the individual coparceners cannot be  accepted. (Refer Ajit Kumar Poplai and Another AIR (1965) SC 432).   Partition  does not give a co-parcener a title or create a title in him, it only enables  him to obtain what is his own in a definite and specific form for purposes of  disposition independent  of the wishes of his formal co-shares (Refer Girija  Bhai  vs. Sadha Shiv Dund Raj AIR 1916 PC 104.

In view of the unit of ownership and community of interest of all coparceners in a joint Hindu family  business  the position on partition of the  joint Hindu family business, whether it be partial or complete, is very  similar  in law to the position on dissolution of a partnership firm.  On  partition the shares of the coparceners in the joint family business become  defined and their community of interests is separated.  Division of assets is a matter of mutual adjustment  of accounts as in the case of a dissolved  partnership firm.  The property which  so comes to the share of the  coparcener, therefore, cannot be considered  as transfer by the joint family to  a coparcener or the extinguishment of the right of the joint family in that  property, the joint family not having  its own separate  interest in that  property which can be transferred. (Refer CIT vs. S. Balasubramanian (1988)  230 ITR  934 (SC).  The partition does not effect any transfer as generally understood in the Transfer of Property Act. (Refer CIT vs. N.S Jetty Chettiar (1971) 82 ITR 599.

7. Can there be an unequal partition?

Yes. It is at the sweet will of the co-parceners and members as to whether to allot on partition in accordance with the share specified  under the Hindu Succession Act or to allot  lower or more to anyone or more persons.  The  partition in the family could not be considered to be a disposition conveyance, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other  alienation of  property.  A member  of a Hindu undivided family has no definite share in  the family property  before  division and he cannot  be said to diminish  directly  or indirectly the value of his property or to increase the value of the  property of any other coparcener by agreeing to take a share lesser than what he would have got if he would  have gone to a court to enforce his  claim (Refer CGT vs. N.S Getti Chettiar 91971) 82  ITR 599(SC).  In the light  of the said law, it can be a sound tool of tax planning by giving  larger  share to the less financially sound  co-parcener  and lesser share to the affluent.

8. Whether physical division by metes and bounds is necessary?

Hindu Law does not require division of joint family property  physically or by metes and bounds.  However, partition as defined under Explanation to  Sec. 171 of the Act means – (i) where  the property  admits of a physical  division, a physical division of the property, but a physical division of the  income without a physical division of the property producing  the income  shall not be deemed to be a partition : or (ii) where the property does not  admit of a physical division, then such division as the property admits of but  a mere severance of status shall not be deemed to be a partition).  Hence  physical division of the property as the property admits of is an condition precedent for recognition of partition u/s. 171 of the Act.

Income tax law introduces certain conditions of its own to give effect to the  partition under s. 171 of the Act.  The ITO can record a finding that a  partition has taken place only if the partition in question satisfies the  definition of the expression “partition” found in the Expln. To s. 171.  A  transaction can be  recognized as a partition under s. 171 only if where the  property admits of a physical division, a physical division of the property  has taken place. In such a case a mere physical division of the income  without a physical division  of the property producing  the income cannot  be  treated as a partition.  Even where the property  does not admit  of a physical  division, such division as the property admits of should take place to  satisfy the test of a partition under s. 171.  Mere proof of severance of status  under Hindu law is not sufficient  to treat such a transaction as a  partition.  If a transaction does not satisfy the above additional  conditions, it  cannot be  treated as a partition under the I.T Act even though under Hindu law there  has been a partition – total or partial (Refer Kalloomal Tapeshwari Prasad vs.  CIT (1982) 133  ITR 690 (SC), CIT v/s. Venugopal  Inani (1999) 239 ITR 514. In case of single property  like house or chawl division by plan is valid, so also allotting different portions of a single building is valid.

The family business can be partitioned by making necessary entries of  division of capital of the family.  Such division must, of course  be effective  so as to bind the members.  For an asset like family business or share in partnership, there cannot be said to be any other made of partition open  to the parties if they wish  to retain the property and yet hold it not jointly but in severalty and the law do not contemplate that a person should do the impossible (Refer Chandas Haridas and  another vs. CIT (196) 39 ITR 202 (SC), CIT v/s. Shio Lingappa Shankarappa and Brothers (1982) 135 ITR 375(Bom). Where however, division was not effected of the property the claim was rejected (Refer Kaluram & Co. vs. CIT (2002) 254 ITR 307). It is  also open to parties to allot whole house to one member on his undertaking to pay money value of the shares to due to other members & the amount paid to other coparcenes will be  available to the members addition to his cost of his share if the house is later sold. See  Lalitaben Hariprasad v/s. CIT – 180 Taxman 213, 224 CTR 306, 320 ITR 698(Guj).  Similar  Gujarat decision Vimalbhai Nagindas Shah v/s. CIT  140 ITR 29 (partial partition), CIT v/s. Vajubhai Chunilal, CIT v/s. 120 ITR  21(Guj).

9. What shall be the nature of the property received on partition?

The nature of the joint family property on partition shall be as that of joint family property as and when the recipient person is married. Hence the character of the property shall remain that of the joint family property. Such property shall be assessed as individual property, as long as the recipient is unmarried or is reduced to a single person. The property which devolves on a Hindu u/s. 8 of the Hindu Succession Act  would be individual property. Thus individual property shall continue to be  individual  property on inheritance and HUF property  on partition shall be  that of the joint Hindu family subject to the existence of family during the  relevant assessment year (Refer CWT vs. Chander Sen (1986) 161 ITR  370(SC), CIT vs. P.L Karuppan Chettiar 91992) 197 ITR  646(SC), CIT vs. Arun Kumar Jhunjhunwala 7 Sons (1997) 223  ITR 43).

10. Whether an order u/s. 171 is required when an HUF has not been hitherto assessed?

Sec. 171(1) of the Act starts with the expression “a Hindu Family hitherto assessed as undivided”.  Hence, if an HUF has not been assessed to tax, sec. 171 shall be inapplicable. Sec. 171 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, has no application to a case of a Hindu undivided family which has never been assessed before as a joint family i.e as an unit of assessment.  In other words, this section has application to a Hindu undivided family which has been assessed before as a joint family and if the Hindu undivided family has never been assessed to tax, this section has no application (Refer Additional CIT vs. Durgamma (P) (1987) 166 ITR 776 (AP), CIT vs. Kantilal Ambalal (1991) 192 ITR 376(Gujarat), CIT vs. Hari Kishan 920010 117 Taxman 214. In such a case even partial partition will be valid.

11. What are the rights of daughters and female members not entitled to share on partition?

Female members who have right of maintenance and marriage have a charge on the joint Hindu family property in respect of the said right.  Hence, at the time of partition amount of such expenses deserve to be quantified provided and only balance to be shared by the persons entitled to share on partition.  In lieu of such maintenance and other expenses, the female members can be allotted shares at the time of partition so that the divided properties are free of encumbrances (Refer State of Kerala vs. K.P Gopal (1987) 166 ITR 111(Ker-FB). This position is changed since 1-9-2005 as daughters  are made coparceners and are entitled to a share.

12. What is notional partition and whether such concept exist under the Income Tax Act?

When a Hindu male dies on or after 17th June, 1956 having at the time of his death an interest in co-partnery property, leaving  behind a female heir of the class one category, then his interest  in the co-partnery property shall devolve by succession and not by survivorship. The interest of the deceased will be carved out over devolution, though there is no actual partition. Such an act is considered as a notional partition under the Hindu Law. The concept of notional partition is non-existent under the Income-tax Act.  The Income-tax Act recognizes only an actual partition and not the notional partition.

(21) THE HINDU SUCCESSION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 – w.e.f 1-9-2005

 

6.  Devolution of interest of coparcenary property.-

(1) On and from the  commencement of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 in a joint Hindu family governed  by the Mitakshara law, the daughter  of a coparcener shall –

(a) by birth become a coparcener in her own right in the same manner as the son;

(b) have  the same rights in the coparcenary  property as she would have had if she had been a son;

(c) be subject to the same liabilities in respect  of the said coparcenary property  as that of a son, and any reference to a Hindu Mitakshara coparcener shall be deemed to include a reference  to a daughter  of a coparcener.

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall  affect or invalidated  any  disposition or  alienation including  any partition or testamentary disposition  of property which had taken place before  the 20th  day of December, 2004.

(2) Any property  to which female  Hindu becomes  entitled  by virtue of subsection (1) shall be held  by her with the incidents of coparcenary  ownership and shall  be regarded, notwithstanding anything contained in this  Act or any other law for the time being in force in, as property  capable  of  being  disposed of by her by testamentary disposition.

(3) Where a Hindu dies after the commencement of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 his interest in the property of a Joint Hindu family governed by the Mitakshara law, shall devolve by testamentary or intestate  succession  as the case may be under this Act and not by survivorship and  the coparcenary property shall be deemed  to have  been divided as if a partition had taken place and –

(a) the daughter  is allotted the same share as is allotted to a son,

(b) the share of the pre-deceased son or a pre-deceased daughter, as  they would have  got had they been alive at the time of partition, shall be allotted  to the surviving child of such pre-deceased son or of such  pre-deceased daughter and,

(c) the share of the pre-deceased child of a pre-deceased  son or of a pre-deceased daughter, as such child would have got had he or she  been alive at the time of the partition shall be allotted  to the child of such pre-deceased child of the pre-deceased daughter, as the case may be.

Explanation – For the purposes of this sub-section, the interest of a Hindu Mitakshara coparcener shall be deemed to be the share in the property that would have been allotted to him if a partition of the property had taken place immediately before his death, irrespective of whether he was entitled to claim partition or not.

 

….
(5) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to partition, which a has been  effected  before  the 20th day of December, 2004.

Explanation – For the purposes of this section “partition” means any partition made by  execution of a deed of partition duly registered under the Registration Act, 1908 or partition effected by a decree of a court.

Sec. 14. Property of a female Hindu to be her absolute property. (1)Any property possessed by a female Hindu, whether acquired before or after the commencement of this Act, shall be held by her as full owner thereof and not as a limited owner.

Explanation.-In this sub-section, " property " includes both movable and immovable property acquired by a female Hindu by inheritance or devise, or at a partition, or in lieu of maintenance or arrears of maintenance, or by gift from any person, whether a relative or not, before, at or after her marriage, or by her own skill or exertion, or by purchase or by prescription, or in any other manner whatsoever, and also any such property held by her as stridhana immediately before the commencement of this Act.

(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any property acquired by way of gift or under a will or any other instrument or under a decree or order of a civil court or under an award where the terms of the gift, will or other instrument or the decree, order or award prescribe a restricted estate in such property.

(22) SOME ASPECTS OF HINDU JOINT FAMILY AND THE EFFECT OF HINDU SUCCESSION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005.

I. Can HUF give gift to its members?

Earlier HUF could not give or receive gift to or from its members beyond a sum of Rs.  50,000/-without making the donor liable to tax under s. 56(2).  However, the position is slightly changed by reason of Finance Act, 2012 which has extended the definition of a “relative” to include gift from any member of an HUF to HUF.  Thus it is now clear that an HUF can receive a gift from its member exceeding Rs. 50,000/- without any liability to pay tax u/s. 56(2) of Income Tax Act.

However, the question still remains whether an HUF can give a gift to its member exceeding Rs. 50,000/-without making the member liable to tax U/S 56(2).  In other words can an individual receive gifts from his HUF. It is submitted that prohibition still remains, as “joint Hindu family” cannot be considered as a “relative” of member. The converse case is still not included  in the amendment carried out by Finance Act, 2012 which is given retrospective effect  from 1-10-2009.However the HUF can distribute its income to its member/members under the General Hindu Law principles as such distribution is not a gift. Further, the HUF can spend for marriage, education etc of its members also under general principle for Hindu Law as it is considered as part of its obligation towards its members.

II. Consequences of daughter becoming a co-parcener of her father’s HUF.

Another major issue which can now be dealt with is the impact of the Amendment Act, 2005 qua the position of daughters of a father who is co-parcener in a HUF.

The amended section 6 provides that in a joint Hindu family governed by Mitakshara Law, the daughter of co-parcener shall be co-parcener in the same manner as a son.  The question arises whether the section applies only to a daughter born after the Amendment Act which came into force on 9-9-05 or equally applies   to daughter born before that date and  who is a daughter married or unmarried of her father who is a co-parcener.

It is obvious that amended section 6 is prospective and not retrospective. In other words by the amendment daughter does not become co-parcener from any earlier date.  However, the question remains whether in an HUF which is continuing, a co-parcener who has a daughter before 1-9-05 is included now as co-parcener.  It is submitted that though the amendment is not retrospective it is retroactive meaning thereby  it includes  earlier events like birth of a daughter but operates with effect from 1-9-05.  A prospective legislation  can draw for its application earlier events to which amendment applies from the date of its coming into force.

It is submitted that the amended section would equally apply to a daughter born before 1-9-05 and she becomes co-parcener not from the date of her birth but only from 1-9-05. In such a situation the proviso to section 6 applies and induction of the daughter into co-parcenery will not affect or invalidate any disposition or alienation including any partition or testamentary disposition of property which has taken place before 20-12-04.

Thus a limited retrospective operation is given to amended Section 6 upto 20-12-04.  Therefore, daughter does not get any rights nor can she challenge any disposition including partition which has taken place before 20-12-04. Unfortunately there are divergent views taken by various High Courts  in India on the correct interpretation of amended Section 6 as to whether it applies to daughter born before 1-9-05.

The Bombay High Court in its decision in the case of M/s. Vaishali Satish Ganorkar v/s. Satish Keshorao Ganorkar reported in AIR 2012 Bom 101 held that the amended section 6 does not apply to a daughter born before 1-9-05.  However, fortunately, this judgment is reversed by Full Bench of Bombay High Court in the case of Badrinarayan Shankar Bhandari v/s. Omprakash Shankar Bhandari now reported in AIR (2014) Bom – November issue holding that s. 6 as amended applies also to daughters born before 1-9-2005.

Reference may be made to the judgment of Orissa High Court in the case of Pravat Chandra Pattnaik & Ors v/s. Sarat Chandra Pattnaik & Anr. Reported in AIR 2008 Orissa 133 holding that the provisions are prospective but it did not accept the contention that only daughter born after 1-9-05 would be treated as co-parcener. Further Bombay judgment refers a judgment of Karnataka High Court  in the case of  Pushpalatha N.V  v/s. V. Padma – AIR 2010 Karnataka 124 where it considered that the section is retrospective in the sense that it applies to daughter born earlier.

III. Distinction between Ancestral property and Joint family property.

Another interesting point which can be dealt with in this article is the difference between ancestral property and joint family property.  As the word    “ancestral” indicates it is  the  property received by the person from his father, grandfather etc.  The said  ancestral property will assume the character of joint Hindu Family  if the recipient has  wife  and children or only  wife.  Till then he can deal with it fully. However as soon as  he marries the  ancestral property becomes joint family property.

It may be noted that such ancestral property would be HUF property in the hands of the recipient. However, if the father has given his individual property to the son by will or  gift it may not assume the character of joint family property in son’s hands unless the father has so indicated. Even courts have held that by reason of section 8 of the Hindu Succession Act individual property received on the death of the father will become the individual property of the son. This was held by the Supreme Court in the case of CWT v/s Chander Sen 161 ITR 370(SC) and Yudhister v/s. Ashok Kumar AIR (1987) S.C  558.  Thus there are basically two sources of joint family property (1) property received from ancestors by the son from his father etc and (2) property received on partition of an existing joint family property. However if the chest of the HUF is zero, by gift from an outsider, such property will also become HUF property.

Reference may be made to the Mulla Hindu law 19th Edition Vol. 1 page 369 which states “Ancestral property is a species of coparcenary property.  As stated above if a Hindu inherits property from his father it becomes ancestral in his hands as regards his son.  In such a case, it is said that the son becomes a coparcener with the father as regards the property so inherited and the co-parcenary consists of the father and the son”.

In other words every ancestral property received by a male Hindu from his ancestors becomes joint family property. However individual property of the ancestor may either become joint family property in the hands of the son or his individual property depending on the wording of the will or gift by the father or grandfather.  However, property  received from any other  collateral relation or even mother will not become joint family property in his hands except when  it is so intended  and  so mentioned in the will or gift deed.

The above distinction between Mitakshara co-parcenery property and joint family property has been recognized by the Supreme Court in Hardeo Rai  v/s. Shakuntala Devi – AIR 2008 SC 2489.

Incidentally certain other questions consequential on daughter becoming co-parcener would arise which questions have been noted in the last paragraph of our earlier article.  Some of those questions can be dealt with in some details.

IV. Whether sister married or unmarried can be come coparcener?

A peculiar question arises as whether if the father is dead and the HUF continues with his sons their sister becomes a co-parcener if the father dies before 1-9-05. It is submitted that daughters becomes co-parceners only if their father is alive on 9-9-05 as sisters are not covered by Section 6.

V. General:

In reality it is a very unusual situation created that a married daughter becomes a karta in her father’s HUF but not in her husband’s HUF.

It is submitted that it would have been better if instead of making a married daughter  coparcener in her father’s family to make wife a coparcener in her husband’s family, though under Hindu Law she entitled to share only  when partition takes place  between  the father and son or between the sons but she cannot demand partition.

(23) POSERS & ANSWERS IN RESPECT OF HINDU SUCCESSION AMENDMENT ACT, 2005

(1) Can unmarried daughter or the married daughter born before 5-9-2005 become karta of her father’s HUF, whether after father’s death, before 5-9-2005.

Answer: It is the rights of daughters that were not recognised and given earlier that are recognised under the amended provision. What is essential is that the law does not make any distinction between married and unmarried daughters. Traditionally males were Karta’s, however, under the amended provision, since equal rights are conferred upon daughters, such daughter can become Karta. On a more practical note, I would however enter a caveat here. Since the married daughter would find it difficult to manage the affairs of her paternal HUF, she should not normally act as Karta if there are brothers present. If however a situation arises where there is no male coparcener, the answer is obvious.

I would invite attention to the decision of the Bombay High Court in Jagannath Chauhan vs. Suman Ghawte AIR 2014(NOC) 491(Bom) which takes the view that I have expressed here.It has been held that the married daughter would not be Karta, the married son would be Karta. I emphasize on the word married.

(2) Whether children of married daughter or her husband becomes member / coparcener in her father’s HUF.

Answer: I think the question itself is self explanatory. For this the genesis of a coparcenery has to be considered. Earlier it was the sons ,grandsons and great grand sons of the holder of property (which now includes daughters after the amendment) Coparcenery means one has to be born within the family(the coparcenery concerned), therefore it is only the daughter who being a coparcener would be entitled to be a member of the coparcenery. Attention is invited to sub section 3(b) and (c),it is notable that the husband has been left out for self sufficing and obvious reasons and further, a deemed share is recognised for the children. It could never have been the legislative intent that a male could be a coparcener even in his wife’s paternal family and so could their children. This is because they would be members of their own family coparcenery by virtue of birth in that family. Birth being the genesis of coparcenery.

(3) Where the father is dead before amendment Act but the HUF continues between brothers and sister will the sister become coparcener after 9-9-2005.

Answer: If the coparcenery continues between the brothers as suggested in the question, the sister becomes a coparcener. This position is somewhat doubtful & debatable, as sister & is not made coparcener but only the daughter.  Father has to be alive on 1-9-2005.

 

The explanation says that partition before 20-12-04 is not effected by 2005 Act but the same is required to be registered. Does it mean that partition deed should be executed before 20-12-04 or that it should be also registered before 20-12-04, though a document can be registered within 4 months of its execution and within 8 months with penalty.

(4) Does the section rule out oral partition or even written partition of movables which does not require registration.

Answer: Before the explanation is looked at, sub-section 5 should be seen. It says that partitions affected before 20/12/2004 are not affected. The explanation says that partition means a partition by  deed duly registered. "The explanation says that partition before 20-12-04 is not effected by 2005 Act but the same is required to be registered"  It is because the Supreme Court held in   Ganduri Koteshwaramma and Anr. v. Chakiri Yanadi and Anr. reported in AIR 2012 Pg 169   as under that it must be accepted that even partitions before the cut off date have to be in the manner prescribed.

"The right accrued to a daughter in the property of a joint Hindu family governed by the Mitakshara Law, by virtue of the 2005 Amendment Act, is absolute, except in the circumstances provided in the proviso appended to sub-section (1) of Section 6. The excepted categories to which new Section 6 of the 1956 Act is not applicable are two, namely, (i) where the disposition or alienation including any partition has taken place before December 20, 2004; and (ii) where testamentary disposition of property has been made before December 20, 2004. Sub-section (5) of Section 6 leaves no room for doubt as it provides that this Section shall not apply to the partition which has been effected before December 20, 2004. For the purposes of new Section 6 it is explained that ‘partition’ means any partition made by execution of a deed of partition duly registered under the Registration Act, 1908 or partition effected by a decree of a court. In light of a clear provision contained in the Explanation appended to sub-section (5) of Section 6, for determining the non-applicability of the Section, what is relevant is to find out whether the partition has been effected before December 20, 2004 by deed of partition duly registered under the Registration Act, 1908 or by a decree of a court……"

Normally when we speak of registration it is as regards land etc. Oral partition seems to have been ruled out. If we refer to any and only movables being partitioned then registration may not be required, if however they are included with real property  i.e land and or constructed property, which is normally the case, it could be considered as a composite unit and may require registration.

 

(24) The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 – with effect from September 1, 2005

6.  Devolution of interest of coparcenary property.-

(1) On and from the  commencement of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 in a joint Hindu family governed  by the Mitakshara law, the daughter  of a coparcener shall –

(a)   by birth become a coparcener in her own right in the same manner as the son;

(b)    have  the same rights in the coparcenary  property as she would have had if she had been a son;

(c)  be subject to the same liabilities in respect  of the said coparcenary property  as that of a son, and any reference to a Hindu Mitakshara coparcener shall be deemed to include a reference  to a daughter  of a coparcener.

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall  affect or invalidated  any  disposition or  alienation including  any partition or testamentary disposition  of property which had taken place before  the 20th  day of December, 2004.

(2) Any property  to which female  Hindu becomes  entitled  by virtue of subsection (1) shall be held  by her with the incidents of coparcenary  ownership and shall  be regarded, notwithstanding anything contained in this  Act or any other law for the time being in force in, as property  capable  of  being  disposed of by her by testamentary disposition.

(3)  Where  a Hindu dies after the commencement of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 his interest  in the property of a Joint Hindu family governed by the Mitakshara law, shall devolve by testamentary or intestate  succession  as the case may be under this Act and not by survivorship and  the coparcenary property shall be deemed  to have  been divided as if a partition had taken place and –

(a) the daughter  is allotted the same share as is allotted to a son,

(b) the share of the pre-deceased son or a pre-deceased daughter, as  they would have  got had they been alive at the time of partition, shall be allotted  to the surviving child of such pre-deceased son or of such  pre-deceased daughter and,

(c) the share of the pre-deceased child of a pre-deceased  son or of a pre-deceased daughter, as such child would have got had he or she  been alive at the time of the partition shall be allotted  to the child of such pre-deceased child of the pre-deceased daughter, as the case may be.

Explanation – For the purposes of this sub-section, the interest of a Hindu Mitakshara coparcener shall be deemed to be the share in the property that would have been allotted to him if a partition of the property had taken place immediately before his death, irrespective of whether he was entitled to claim partition or not………………

(5) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to partition, which a has been  effected  before  the 20th day of December, 2004.

Explanation – For the purposes of this section “partition” means any partition made by  execution of a deed of partition duly registered under the Registration Act, 1908 or partition effected by a decree of a court.

14.Property of a female Hindu to be her absolute property. (1)Any property possessed by a female Hindu, whether acquired before or after the commencement of this Act, shall be held by her as full owner thereof and not as a limited owner.

Explanation.-In this sub-section, " property " includes both movable and immovable property acquired by a female Hindu by inheritance or devise, or at a partition, or in lieu of maintenance or arrears of maintenance, or by gift from any person, whether a relative or not, before, at or after her marriage, or by her own skill or exertion, or by purchase or by prescription, or in any other manner whatsoever, and also any such property held by her as stridhana immediately before the commencement of this Act.

(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any property acquired by way of gift or under a will or any other instrument or under a decree or order of a civil court or under an award where the terms of the gift, will or other instrument or the decree, order or award prescribe a restricted estate in such property

Disclaimer: The contents of this document are solely for informational purpose. It does not constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. While due care has been taken in preparing this document, the existence of mistakes and omissions herein is not ruled out. Neither the author nor itatonline.org and its affiliates accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any inaccurate or incomplete information in this document nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. No part of this document should be distributed or copied (except for personal, non-commercial use) without express written permission of itatonline.org

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141 comments on “The Entire Law Relating To Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) Explained
  1. Jayachandran C says:

    Great

  2. Sheo Sharma says:

    Excellent information.

  3. MUKESH says:

    if we buy a car in HUF capacity attaining the signature of all HUF members no objection will be used by all. is it permissible

  4. Devendra G says:

    Need and expert advice

    What should be done if the Karta of HUF is live but becomes incapable of contracting?
    Please suggest.

  5. Pradeep says:

    I have couple of questions on a HUF properties. Can half share of held by one family can execute any transactions on an HUF property without the other half of the HUF family members? Also, Original owner died intestated 1941 only son inherited the property had three daughters and three sons died intested in 1997 daughters all married by 1974 can they (three daughters) be copacenners in this HUF property?

  6. Mohanamurugan.k says:

    can unmarried major male and minor male form HUF?

  7. Pradeep Merchant says:

    Is there an email for the writers?

  8. Kalyani tapal says:

    Can Karta of HUF file Summary Suit under (Under Order XXXVII of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908).” ??

  9. Prakash Kochar says:

    Real Brother ‘B’ was given in adaption to real uncle.
    Whether grand children of original family ( brother) will be relative of adapted brother for purpose of sect. 56 of Income Tax?

  10. HARISH CHANDER SAHNI says:

    kindly clarify who will be entitled on complete partition of HUF property WHICH IS IN THE FORM OF FDR AND BALANCE IN SAVINGS BANK ACCOUNT IN THE FOLLOWING CASE.
    MY FATHER HAD FORMED A HUF IN 1969 BY THROWING HIS SELF ACQUIRED OWNED CASH INTO HOTCH POTCH AND FORMED HUF WITH HIS THREE SONS,WIFE AND ONE DAUGHTER. THE DAUGHTER GOT MARRIED IN 1973. FATHER DIED IN 1979.AFTER THE DEATH OF FATHER ELDEST BROTHER BECAME KARTA OF HUF.MOTHER ALSO DIED IN 2001. NOW WE THREE BROTHERS WANT TO MAKE COMPLETE PARTITION OF OUR HUF.
    1. ELDER BROTHER ‘S FAMILY CONSISTS OF BROTHER,HIS WIFE , ONE SON AND DAUGHTER IN LAW AND TWO MINOR GRAND SONS AND THREE MARRIED DAUGHTERS.
    2. SECOND BROTHER FAMILY CONSISTS OF BROTHER,HIS WIFE,ONE SON, DAUGHTER IN LAW, TWO GRAND SONS AND TWO MARRIED DAUGHTERS.
    3. THIRD BROTHER FAMILY CONSISTS OF BROTHER, THREE SONS AND THREE DAUGHTERS IN LAW AND THREE GRAND SONS AND THREE GRAND DAUGHTERS.

    A}PLEASE INFORM HOW SHARES WILL BE DETERMINED BETWEEN THE THREE BROTHERS OF HUF FUNDS.
    b) THE THREE BROTHERS ARE ALSO HAVING THEIR RESPECTIVE SMALLER HUF’s.
    C} WILL THE PARTITIONED FUNDS RECEIVED CAN FORM PART OF SMALLER EXISTING HUFS OF EACH FAMILY?

  11. Ishwer Naik says:

    Looking forward to hear authentic views on CAA+NRC and the prognosis of pairing them

  12. ABHAY DOSHI says:

    Sir, Being a banker can I finance to HUF owned business or industry ? Is it legally banned or can be financed?

  13. SG says:

    Will it be treated as self acquired property. If some part or major portion or full amount contributed by the mother in creation of property in the hands of her one of the son, leaving other sons a side before 2005 amendment bill (i.e. considering amendment bill).

    Secondly, in case where see had distributed her earning on a regular basis to her sons. Only one son out of her aid/assistance tried to create property in his own name. Will this also be treated as self acquired property of the person who had acquired the property in his own name. Can other sons have right over such property for claiming such properties Please advice.

  14. C K Khaitan says:

    Dear Sirs,
    very useful article.
    I have a small query, if a Non- Resident Indian (Male) is member of HUF and on the partition of HUF, gets Properties in Cash or In-kind, is it permissible under FEMA ?
    please also comments if the value of properties distribuited to NRI is more that limit permissible under LRS ?

    • parvati says:

      Respected sir, if a Manager (Karta) of a family and his two co-parceners (elder brother and younger married sister)were died , how to transfer property in the name of kartas children

  15. Tina Rituparna says:

    Is a will valid where all property including HUF was conveniently place in the favor of son, as the old male parent was cooerced into doing so.

    What right daughter have? She not get kuch anything from HUF

  16. ch venkateswara rao says:

    Can HUF purchase a second house with capital gains with in two years period of Acquiring the first house , which was acquired by using capital gains and is the primary residence now. the second house proposed to procured is near hyderabad airport relatively pollution free and traffic free and without water problem.the second proposed house with in the Metropolitan development authority limit(HMDA).

  17. Meenu says:

    Can a widowed daughter in law demand her share or dissolution of her father in law’s HUF in which her late husband was a coparcener?

  18. Anup says:

    I have a joint flat owned by me & my wife 10 years back. We have rented that flat since 6 years intermittently. I have created HUF (Me, MY wife & sons) PAN card recently. The existence of this HUF is since last three years i.e. born date of my second son. Now, can I create the rental agreement in the name of HUF? I mean, can I now show the income from such property under HUF?

  19. Prakash Kochar says:

    Under Mitakshara all the descendant Male and female daughters are the coparcener and other females (wives of male coparcener) are members of family. As per Income Tax Act there must be total partition qua property and qua members.
    On total partition all the members will receive HUF property in Individual status. In such case on partition the properties received by male coparcener will not be treated as belonging to HUF of son.
    Does it means that on total partition of HUF, the property received by married coparcener (male of lower limb) will not be of HUF but will be individual property.

    Does legally, Smaller HUF will not come into existence on partition of bigger HUF qua HUF property partitioned.

  20. Nidhi says:

    Can a partition be effected by the brothers leaving the father? And can the sister claim share in the properties after partition?

  21. Anita Panvalkar says:

    An HUF consisting of Father(Karta), a son and a grandson who is minor. Will the grandson be considered as a separate coparcener in this HUF? In case of partition will there be three parts or two?

  22. V M SUDHAKAR says:

    can a person start a Hindu Undivided Family Business on a SELF ACQUIRED PROPERTY?

  23. Ram says:

    Can minor children become members of an HUF?
    Is it mandatory to include the minor children too?

  24. nand tyagi says:

    I am HUF karta, I have a property in my name , Can I get LAP on my property as HUF KARTA using HUF PAN card

  25. ghanesh says:

    XYZ huf has died, now can his son ABC open an account as XYZ huf karta ABC?
    if no please specify reason

  26. MANOJ MOHAN DALVI says:

    have some undivided land at my native place which was on the name of my grandfather he was working in Mumbai as a mill worker and my grandmother was looking after the property in native place they where having 6 kids 5 sons and one daughter in all. The total land came from for-father was nearly 4 to five acres and later no my grandfather has purchase a 2.25 acres land which was transfer to my grandmother name due to non existence of grandfather at the time of deal but the purchase consideration was paid by him as he was the only earning of the family. Further after the death of grandfather the out of forefather land 50 % has been sold out with the consent of all claimant. Latter 4 sons have been dead due to one or the another reason and the last one has been mentally disturb. Grandmother was staying with her daughter in her old aged as per her wish so we have not taken it seriously. And the daughter with the consent of her mother has transfer this purchase property of her name as the land was on grandmother name we have ignore it. Now due to which our aunt is planning to hoodwink the remaining property. So I just want to know that can we fight for that land which has been purchase by my grandfather but since it was in the name of grand mother with her consent and without our other consent transfer legally by grandmother in the name of her daughter

  27. Dharmendra Doshi says:

    Can Widow (wife of decease Karta) can be a Karta of HUF ?

  28. T.D.K.Singh says:

    1)My Father during his life time purchased land and constructed house. It is a self acquired property of my father. He died in 2002. He executed a will . As per WILL he bequeathed the property to his two sons i.e. myself and my younger brother. My Father did not create HUF. 2)Based on WILL mutation took place in favour of we two brothers.
    2)We developed the property together 3) We want to bring the aforesaid property under HUF. 4) I am 64 yrs and my brother 62 yrs. 5) I AM GPA holder of my brother. 6) My brother is a normal resident of USA. 7) What is the proceedure to form HUF 8) At present myself and my brother wish to be only members of HUF. I will be Karta of HUF 9) I am having HUF pan card and HUF account. 10) What are the necessary documents to be prepared to form HUF. Any registration of document is necessary.11)Can I execute the document which is necessary to create HUF on behalf of my brother as a GPA holder of my brother.

  29. B PRABHAKAR SHAMRAO says:

    Sir
    I beg to clarifications of my property division issue which is submitting below

    My grand father has three wives I am first wife son (totally two sons first wife)
    ,second wife has no child and third wife has one son and daughter. my question is how much shares portion of the total property have right to receive third wife son as per HUF ACT
    Please reply

  30. Dr Honnappa Bandi says:

    Very comprehensive article, thank you

  31. Raj says:

    Can you please reply to the questions below.

    1. Father has died having his wife and 2 married daughters.

    Q1 : Whether HUF can be still continued having widow and 2 married daugther.
    Q2 : If Yes, who can be karta now
    Q3 : If no, the properties of HUF shall be divided between the widow and 2 married daughters ?

  32. Shyamal Sarkar says:

    Excellent write-up. Can u answer me one question. Is there any restriction for a karta of huf to run separate business in his individual capacity as a separate entity, other than huf as a proprietor, partner or a director or managing director.

    • Prakash Kochar says:

      Individual can do his own business. Under Income Tax HUF and Individual status are different. For income to be assessed as in hand of individual, own fund or secured/unsecured loan can be taken. Even loan can be taken from HUF.

  33. Many many thanks. covered all aspects, and situations on latest law, and question answers on this complex law, provisions, and decisions of courts. ( master on the subject ) Thanks once again.

  34. Many many thanks. The article along with questions and answers on every kind of different situations, has covered
    almost every possible aspect on the subject. I am grateful having read it.

  35. k.badari narayana prasad says:

    there is a property of four brothers which is undivided and they have children on of the brother has two sons which he wants to write his share to the two sons but the rest of the three brothers are objecting to do that so are there any alternate ways to write the property fthe two sons if so please guide

  36. Sandeep Khaitan says:

    Helpful to understand. I had taken a property on Rent (Salami) by virtue of an agreement with the Karta of the HUF, (Consisting of the Karta and his two brothers, and his mother). The Karta attained Sainthood and as such ceased to look after the affairs. In the meanwhile the mother and one of the brothers also died. No the Kartas wife and sons, and the sons of the other two brothers say that the 1/3 of the rent has to be paid separately to each of them. They say that they have no written partition. I want to protect my tenancy interest in the property.. What can i have from the current generation (Plus one surviving brother who was the karta in the original HUF).. Please help

  37. Sandeep Gupta says:

    I am looking for any supreme court or High court judgement which says that the self-acquired property once blended with HUF becomes the HUF property and the share in such property is devolved by section 6 of the Hindu Succession act not by section 8.
    Can you please help me and let me know if there is any such clear cut judgement on this matter? I will be thankful to you.

  38. Mr X karta of a huf dies.his son come to bank who is also a karta of anothe huf,asked bank to settle all money of Mr’X huf a/c.what is the process for settlement.

  39. Pinky says:

    Can a son become the karta of the HuF while the father is still alive

    • RAJIV RANJAN PATHAK says:

      Karta means manager of joint family and joint family properties. He is the person who takes care of day to day expenses of the family looks after the family and protects the joint family properties.

      Who can be a Karta:-
      It is a presumption that ordinarily senior most male member is the Karta and Karta is always a member in the family no outsider or stranger can become a Karta.
      The senior most male member so long as he is alive may be, aged, infirm or ailing continues as Karta. By his death Kartaship will pass on to next senior most male member.

      In the presence of senior most male member a junior cannot act as Karta but if all coparcener agree, a junior also can become a Karta.

      Karta owes his position by consent or agreement of all coparceners.

      • Devendra G says:

        Dear sir please clarify on the process of changing the kartaship in case the Original karta is alive but incapable of contracting.

  40. arpan gupta says:

    if i want a partial partition and get my daughter out of my huf after distributing her share in huf, how is that possible. And i hope she wont be part of my huf after that.

  41. Rajeev Tyagi says:

    Can a man who has two sons , make HUF with taking only one son and his family into HUF, keeping the other son and his family out of HUF

  42. kasim says:

    In huf member died he survives three daughters and wife.all the property was registered with his father and brother.can claim the share in property .

  43. Zara Shah says:

    I am a Karta comprising of 4 members. my query is can I give my Flat to one of my son without total partition

    Please reply thanks

  44. kathuria says:

    FDR in name of MINOR U/G major coparcener of HUF, can HUF raise a loan on such FDR

  45. kathuria says:

    huf is a director in company, can a major co parcener (guardian of MINOR) having FDR in the name of MINOR can pledge such FDR for raising loan for company

  46. MANOJ MOHAN DALVI says:

    I have some undivided land at my native place which was on the name of my grandfather he was working in Mumbai as a mill worker and my grandmother was looking after the property in native place they where having 6 kids 5 sons and one daughter in all. The total land came from for-father was nearly 4 to five acres and later no my grandfather has purchase a 2.25 acres land which was transfer to my grandmother name due to non existence of grandfather at the time of deal but the purchase consideration was paid by him as he was the only earning of the family. Further after the death of grandfather the out of forefather land 50 % has been sold out with the consent of all claimant. Latter 4 sons have been dead due to one or the another reason and the last one has been mentally disturb. Grandmother was staying with her daughter in her old aged as per her wish so we have not taken it seriously. And the daughter with the consent of her mother has transfer this purchase property of her name as the land was on grandmother name we have ignore it. Now due to which our aunt is planning to hoodwink the remaining property. So I just want to know that can we fight for that land which has been purchase by my grandfather but since it was in the name of grand mother with her consent and without our other consent transfer legally by grandmother in the name of her daughter

  47. Dr. Anil kumar Poddar says:

    WHAT A EXTENSIVE COVERED SUBJECT,
    THANKS SIR.
    Can an HUF be opened after registered marriage or marriage by Hindu rituals a must.
    and what is asked for first an PAN number, and then open bank account,
    or bank account first and then PAN nuber,
    pl. clarify,
    regds,
    anil poddar

  48. Shreshta Chandra says:

    Can Father mother and married daughter creat an HUF with minor two kids of their daughter? Is Rerirement benefits can be utilised as capital for HUF?

  49. Shivangi Jain says:

    A has registered a HUF in West Bengal. He has 2 sons (namely S1, S2 ) and 2 Daughters (namely D1 and D2). A as well as his wife has deceased. Their children are now planning to sell (and not partition) the property registered under the HUF. (The property is a part of HUF).
    Current Scenario:
    S1: Alive and has a son, a daughter and a wife
    S2: Dead and has a son, a daughter and a wife.
    D1: Alive and married and has a son
    D2: Dead with husband taking care of a son and a daughter.
    a. If we plan to sell the property, kindly let us know as to whose signatures are required to full fill the necessary legal requirements?
    b. Is it required under the law to first partition the property and then sell their individual parts?
    c. How many generations can claim for partition under the law? If the partition is not claimed for four generation, what happens to the property?

  50. Suman says:

    Sir, Thank you for this wonderful detailed article!

    We are two daughters of our father who died recently without making a will. My elder sister along without her husband are claiming the rights to my father’s self earned property. They say that they have built the entire structure in the said property. I have not never given my consent orally or in writing to then. NEVER!
    As a second daughter, what are my rights? Can i go for partition? What can i get? My mother is coaxed to not listen/meet me.
    I am an architect, who designed the house for my father(client). An existing Gf & FF house was demolished to accommodate them at this property.
    Would appreciate your advice! Have a nice day!
    Regards,
    Suman

  51. nisha sethi says:

    We live in a joint family. we are having four families in one house but with different work and house. our property is registered with two names i.e. with my grandfather and his brother.My grandfather died 10years back and now what comes is the registeration of our house.My fathers brother will not agree to do the registery as he always says we dont want to sell the house in near future. but we are two sisters and will be somewhere else after our marriages so how can we make the registery of our house with my fathers name ??? the will of my grandfathers says that the uper portion will be of my uncle and ground will be ours.. so i need a solution that how we can make our house registered seperately without any problem..

  52. SARFRAJ MEMON says:

    CAN A SON MADE A KARTA WHEN FATHER IS LIVE ????

    • jyoti sagar says:

      yes if father is incapable of performing his duties …but otherwise he is capable then require the consent of all other family member ….i hope u get your answer ….advocate …thank u

  53. Lila Devi Sultania says:

    I am the only married daughter to my father(my mother expired long before) who has a HUF in which he is a Karta and I am a coparcener.Now my father who is nonagenarian(MORE THAN Ninety YEARS OF AGE)and hence wants to make me the Karta of the said HUF.Kindly advise me can I be a Karta and can I include my married son and son’s wife in that HUF.

    In the case of his death can I continue that HUF with newly added memebers i.e. my son and his wife.

    Your reply to my above query will be of great help to me
    Regards

    • jyoti sagar says:

      with regard to your first question ….yes u can be the karta of the family after 2005 amendment equal right is being given to daughter to become the karta of the family …for your secon question i will come up with authentic answer

  54. It is self explanatory and educative. Thanks

    Dr C. Natarajareddy

  55. I. B. Sharma says:

    ‘A’ challenged Will Deed executed by ‘B’. ‘A’ had documentary knowledge of the Will five year prior to filing of the suit. To escape limitation, now grand son of ‘A’ has filed a separate suit challenging the same Will on the same grounds. From which date knowledge of the Will to the grand son will be counted?

  56. I. B. Sharma says:

    ‘A’ challenged a Will Deed executed by ‘B’. There is record that ‘A’ had knowledge of the said will five years before challenging it. Now to escape from limitation, grand son of ‘A’ has filed a separate suit challenging the same will on same grounds. From which date knowledge of the Will to the grand son will be counted?

  57. Suresh says:

    My father expired in 2003 and his HUF still exists.Now we two brothers decided to desolve my father’s HUF. Does my two sisters have to be given equal portion of amount from HUF. As law existed after 1- 9 – 2005.

    • jyoti sagar says:

      yes,absolutely daughters have equal rights in father property whether they are married or not…

    • Sandeep Gupta says:

      No, you don’t have to give the share in HUF properties if father died before 2005. Notional partition took place and the shares in the properties were crystallized upon the death of your father as per 1956 act and it became your self aquired properties. See the judgement of Supreme Court in PRAKASH & ORS VERSUS PHULAVATI & ORS.

    • Sandeep Gupta says:

      I am looking for any supreme court or High court judgement which says that the self-acquired property once blended with HUF becomes the HUF property and the share in such property is devolved by section 6 of the Hindu Succession act not by section 8.
      Can you please help me and let me know if there is any such clear cut judgement on this matter? I will be thankful to you.

  58. Rajanikanta Verma says:

    An excellent article which lucidly explains a very complex subject.
    My daughter got married in 2006 and now lives abroad with her husband. She does not wish to continue as a coparcener or member of my HUF. It has nominal income in which she has no interest and it may complicate her tax liability in the country of her residence. Can she opt out of my HUF? If so, what would be the procedure? At present she is mentioned as a coparcenar in the HUF bank account and the PAN application.

  59. Ram says:

    Sir, my grandfather converts his assests and his business into a private limited company. He also acquires shares in another company. He transfers these shares to his original company while he was alive. After his death in 1956, his sons run these companies. Later 1961 both companies amalgamated by high court. Later in 1975 this amalgamation company goes voluntary liquidation and the sons do a release deed and release properties to each other. Thus my father got properties in his name in 1975 vide release deed. Now in 2006 he mortgages one of his property as personal guaranty toward’s a loan he took for a company he floated. As his company account became NPA, his company properties and his personal guarantee mortgages were auctioned by bank. Now my sister in 2016 filed a suit of partition in district court that the property originally belong to our grandfather and she has copacenary rights and wants her share.Can my grandfather company be treated as huf and after release deed the property my father inherited can be treated as copacenary property? Will this case stand?

  60. Huf account or individual my account sir.

  61. R.pushpakaran says:

    Sir my father died in the year 2002. His owned property after his death I and my 3 sisters and 3 brothers partition the 5 properties. Now I sold my partition property. I married in 1997. I have 1 son and one daughter. Now the sold amount rd which comes under hid or individual Sir.

  62. Aakash Tulsian says:

    Dear Sir,

    Will any liability arise if an HUF receives gift from the father, mother, brother and sister (not being a member of the Karta’s HUF) of the Karta.

    Regards,
    Aakash Tulsian

  63. Aakash Tulsian says:

    Dear Sir,

    Will any liability arise if an HUF receives gift from the father, mother, brother and sister (not being a member of the Karta’s HUF) of the Karta.

  64. shiv kedia says:

    sir,
    inan huf constituting a male and his wife, will the daughter of the wife from earlier marriage become a co parcener(who has not been adopted by the karta of huf ,her husband)
    what happens if the husband and wife gets divorced?
    can the wife claim a share in huf property which now becomes the individual’s property

  65. Santosh says:

    Hi,

    Person “A” has salary account and has HUF account. If he wishes to close the HUF account, can he transfer all amount – Capital and Profit to salary/Saving account? Also Can “A” use the amount towards home loan payment while home loan is taken through salary income.

    Thanks

  66. Dev says:

    My grandfather died in 1999 intestate. He had 05 sons, 03 daughters and grandmother.
    He had ancestral property which is still undivided.
    My father and 1uncle had died in 2012 and my grandmother died in 2014, both intestate.
    Now my Bua’s(aunt) are claiming their share on this undivided property because both sons died before mom, hence mom becomes class 1 heir after the death of two sons..
    Are they entitled ?
    Are they entitled a share from the son’s individual property as mom was alive at the time of their death and the ancestral property which is still undivided?

    Someone said they are not entitled from undivided property as no partition has taken place.
    \Please advice

    Thanks

    Dev

  67. Subodh Kumar says:

    My father was purchased (self name on revenue) some land with own earned money from others in joint family. The property will be part of my uncle. please answer the question in yes or no

  68. sivababu says:

    Dear sir, my grandmother(fathers mother) gave her land as gift to my father, who is the elder one,among her 3 sons,now the other 2 sons(i.e., my babai’s) are asking share in that.The gifted property has already been registered on my father’s name with my grandmothers free consent and it was transfered to my mother.Will the share goes to my babai’s. kindly advise me sir.

  69. Usha says:

    Father in law sold me his huf property.now after his death one of elder member made civil suit against me.pls tell me on which grounds huf karta can sale a property.

  70. laurell says:

    Dear sir House purchased on fathers name but i made all payments i later got married on 2000 sister got married 1998 house purchased on 1999 my father died 2016 what is my share full pr half becoz i made all payments cleared i was working in banglore software company hence could not come to deharadun
    Father not working i used to semd money for fathers maintsinance mother died in 2001
    kindly advice

  71. laurell says:

    Sister married outside religion will i get full house ot half share kindly advise

  72. laurell says:

    House purchased on fathers name but i made all payments i later got married on 2000 sister got married 1998 house purchased on 1999 my father died 2016 what is my share full pr half becoz i made all payments cleared i was working in banglore software company hence could not come to deharadun kindly advice

  73. Amit says:

    Hello sir , I have some questions plz guide me .
    1. My grandfather died in 1988. He having 3 sons (including my father ) 2. we had 9 ekar of property from our grandfather which is equally divided into 3 brothers .
    3. While we were in joint family HUF we bought around 4 ekar land 2 on elder uncle s name and 2 on younger uncle name my father is 2nd number by birth, my uncle was not doing any job or service bt we bought all that 4 ekar land through the income we earned from farm itself .
    4. My elder uncle died in 2009 they having 3 sons and 5 doughters now they are not ready to give share in property to my father
    5. Also younger uncle is not ready to give share in that property even all that property is earned while we were in joint family . What we can do to get my father’s share ?? Plz suggest

  74. mahendra kumar mehta says:

    what are the rights for daughter in law in father in law HUF property

  75. Re Shop says:

    Dear Sir, My maternal Grandfather who passed away in 2012, has written in his will dated 2003 that financial deposits held with an individual belongs to his sons. Some of the financial deposits are held in my Grandmother’s name to which the sons are not objecting to disburse the amount to the daughters, per my late Gradmother’s will. The questions is about the joint finanancial deposit accounts (HUF in my Grandfather’s name and my Gradmother’s name).

    According to the THE HINDU SUCCESSION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2005 I see the following.
    —–

    According to the above amendment the daughters of the Karta of the HUF also become coparceners in the HUF.

    My question is about the last para highlighted in the amendment above. Since my late Grandfathers’ will is registered/dated in 2003, will the testamentary disposition become valid and nullify the coparcenership of the daughters (in the HUF) ?

    Sorry about the long description.

    Thanks,
    Re

  76. Re Shop says:

    Dear Sir, My maternal Grandfather who passed away in 2012, has written in his will dated 2003 that financial deposits held with an individual belongs to his sons. Some of the financial deposits are held in my Grandmother’s name to which the sons are not objecting to disburse the amount to the daughters, per my late Gradmother’s will. The questions is about the joint finanancial deposit accounts (HUF in my Grandfather’s name and my Gradmother’s name).

    According to the THE HINDU SUCCESSION (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2005 I see the following.
    —–

    According to the above amendment the daughters of the Karta of the HUF also become coparceners in the HUF.

    My question is about the last para highlighted in the amendment above. Since my late Grandfathers’ will is registered/dated in 2003, will the testamentary disposition become valid and nullify the coparcenership of the daughters (in the HUF) ?

    Sorry for the long description.

    Thanks,
    Re

  77. pavan says:

    is it possible to make registration of HUF Property without partition what its effect on getting loan by any member or to make partition then after?

  78. Anil Sehgal says:

    HUF-Karta,Wife,no daughter,2 sons both coparceners, 2 daughtercinlaws,4 minor grandchildren(elder son having a son & a daughter),younger son having 2 daughters-total 10.Sr Manager UCO Bank(where SB A/C opened 2007 writes 20-09-16): “Daughterinlaws & grand daughters cannot be coparceners/members of HUF” “As daughtersinlaws & granddaughters are in HUF constitution – which cannot be per Hindu Succession Amendment Act 2005.. close A/c.” Advise

  79. Subhajit Chatterjee says:

    My grand father had 2 marriages. He died in 1960. We 3 brothers are grand children from his 1st marriage of only one son. My grand mother died may be 1940 say. Both my parents are no longer there.

    My grand step mother had 2 sons and 4 daughters. One son was unmarried and died in 1990 say. So now there are 1 son and 4 daughters alive.

    Dear Sir,

    My grand father had a 10 kattah land.We want to sell it. Will the proceed will be divided equally among (3+5) = 8 shares?
    or
    Will it be divided into 2? Is the Half will be shared by 3 brothers of us from the 1st grand mother? Will the rest half divided among the 5 son & daughters of my step mother?

  80. Saurabh Khanna says:

    Excellent work by the author. How succinctly everything has been summarised. A great command over the subject.

  81. Sreyas Sahoo says:

    My father is the Karta of our family and has been paying all debts and taxes (tax charged on properties)even before becoming a Karta because his father expired when he was just a teen. And now, he has been thrown away in a Chakravyuh by his own siblings. So I need to know that What are the powers that dwells with in a Karta when it comes to ancestral property division? What can he exactly do if he has been back-stabbed by his own siblings? Is it possible to ask for the money back that he spent on everybody (siblings and their children) before becoming a Karta in exchange of giving them a right to choose their property of their own wish? And another thing, my father (The Karta) had an elder brother who was abandoned (divorced) by his wife and the daughter even took the mother’s side, he was left all alone but my father used to take care of him because he was having kidney problem, depression and the doctor reported that there was a sure death for him within few months. Nobody cared for him, everybody said that “He is dying anyways, so just leave him alone.” but my father to the initiative and provided him with food, shelter, medical requirements. Not for even once the wife and daughter came to meet him. He had even lost the ability to recognize people except for my father (The Karta). So after his death, does the daughter have any rights to claim for his property share? My father has done everything for the family, starting from educating them and providing money for their welfare to helping them to start their own business. He had blind trust on them, they took the advantage and put him into such a miserable trouble. So being the Karta, How can he help himself? Can he claim to get the money back from them (money was provided without any legal papers due to joint family and trust)? If there is anything he can do then please help us! I am just 16 years old but suffering so much just because of them, and I have faith in myself that I can do something good for my father.

  82. Sruthija says:

    Dear members,. Is have a doubt ….plz clarify

    Mr.A has 7 sons and whole property was controlled by 3 sons and with out any intimation everyone got separated then how about the property division…. they have abused 7th son he was not told about the seperation and everyone were doing business under HUF only… then what about the business division….plz reply

  83. saravanth says:

    hi i need to create a huf although is it absolutely needed to declare property in the creation deed which was inherited from my grandfather. if so what happens to the income received through the property(partial property not entire property). Could you help me with the huf creation deed?

  84. Vilas R. Gupte says:

    Excellent article . At one place you get everything you need to know about HUF, Hindu succession act and relevant provisions of Incometax and Gift Tax . One would have taken really long time to read all the provisions of respective acts. Congratulations.

  85. Rakesh says:

    PLEASE SOLVE MY QUERY:;
    My grandfather died in Dec 2005.
    Leaving 3 sons & 2 married daughters behind.
    All decided and agreed to the will of my grandfather to give equal share of the property to his four grandsons.
    Now the property has been mutation in the name of four grandsons.
    My question is that 1. if the grand daughters can claim their share in said property?
    2. Can sons of my grandfather reclaim the property from the grandsons?
    Please reply and advice.
    Thanks n regards

  86. Thanks for such a great article. The effort gone into writing this article is highly appreciated and no amount of words can describe it!

  87. kumar says:

    I am in a job in a private sector company with a restriction that i can’t indulge in any business activity. However i was running a business as a karta -properiter of the firm before the job which is now inactive and to dissolve the same i need to dispose the reaming stock, can the company in which i am employed can terminate me because of this.

  88. Akella D Prasad says:

    My client mother settled her house property and fixed deposits in favour of her only surviving son by registered will absolutely. Can my client form his Huf with the property you inherited from mother?

  89. Can A remarried daughter in law of HUF Family gets her husbands share after her second marriage??

  90. pramila sawant says:

    Very nice and understandable artical.very nice.thanks

  91. Jyoti Sanghvi says:

    Since the entire Sec 6 of Hindu Succession Act 1956 was SUBSTITUTED by the Amendment Act of 2005, equal rghts as son should accrue to the daughter of coparcener who is alive on 1956 as interpreted by Supreme Court judgement in phulwati vs prakash, and not only if father and daughter both should be alive as on 2005. This faulty judgement should be corrected, as many women /daughters/sisters are being deprived of their legitimate share equal to their brothers. In any case without the daughters /sisters signatures the HUF properties cannot be partitioned,so there will be greater strain in relations because of such judgement.

    • rajvi says:

      Thanks for your reply.

      Mam I want to get clarity that wheather Widow can be karta even though having major sons.?

  92. rajvi says:

    On the death of father ,can mother act as Karta ?
    As amended law allow a women to be acted as a Karta.
    In my case , my client’s demat account is in trade bull and they are decline me for women’s karta as per their content CDSL is not allowing them.
    Please guild me the steps how I convince them.
    Rpl soon awaiting

  93. SHIV THAKER says:

    I have agriculture land which was originaly purchased by my grand father. Now my grand father and father died and my uncle is alive.
    Mt father has six sisters and two brothers. Now only one brother and three sisters are alive and in revenue record, all land with the name of my uncle and two sisters name with all legal hair of my father.
    My question is,
    1. As a HUF karta, can I sell this land without permission of other members?
    2. What should I do to make partition with my uncle.
    My father was dies in 2006 and Grand father was died in 1972.
    kindly advise.
    regrads
    shiv thaker

  94. rushin shah says:

    Can my mother gift to my HUF 2.5 LAKH? I HAVE NO INCOME IN HUF.

  95. sandeep bhoir says:

    we three brother purchase a property when we are inn joint family.we suggest the property in the name of elder brother as he is karta.But he purchased in his wife name.Now he is not agree to share us.can we get share in such property.

    • Singh says:

      we three brother purchase a property when we are inn joint family.we suggest the property in the name of elder brother as he is karta.But he purchased in his wife name.Now he is not agree to share us.can we get share in such property.
      Need supreme court judgement

  96. Lawwellman P says:

    what is the status of security interest created in respect of HUF property on its partition?

  97. D.S.Sharma says:

    ANSWER PLEASE!!!!

    Can the karta of the HUF sell the HUF property, being one of his co-parcener(son) minor…..
    And also
    How can I find the exact number of co-parceners as well as their exact age of the HUF while buying this HUF property…

  98. Ashok says:

    Dear Sir,
    My uncle,now dead and was single constitute a joint family with my father and Aunty to purchase a property jointly.
    And made a will.Giving his share to other brothers and sister of the family.
    Now,can my father become the karta/head of the family as my father is eldest in the family?
    Regards,
    Ashok

  99. indra mohan says:

    READ YOUR ARTICLE ON HUF VERY INFORMATIVE AND WELL PRESENTED TO ARRIVE AT YOUR OWN DECISION ON HUF AND ITS RELATED ISSUES.SOME HIGH COURT JUDGEMENTS MAKES THE READING MORE LEGAL TO UNDERSTAND THE COMPLICATIONS OF THE HUF SYATEM. MY HATS OFF TO THE TEAM.

  100. divya says:

    superbbbb……….very useful 🙂

  101. Kumar says:

    Hello Sir. Once Partition deed is made can i gift my partition to my other Coparseners with out concern of rest of the Coparseners

  102. PRAVEEN KR AGRAWAL says:

    EXPERTS ADVISE PLZ.
    URGENT NEED A REPLY.
    VERY VERY IMPORTANT.
    My grand father is no more. My grand mother and her 2 sons (1. My father, 2. My Uncle) living together from birth.
    They both run a small business (taxable and non taxable) in the name of my uncle. My father having PAN card and filling returns from other income sources. My uncle too Having PAN card doing same. Both earned worked and finally buy alot of lands , insurance etc. In the only name of my uncle. Now my uncle wants to divide our family and want to keep all those lands, insurance etc. With him. Keeping my grand mother and father with our ancestral property.
    How can I claim all those share of my uncle and divide it equally.?

  103. arvind patel says:

    can illegal wife and her children in HUF are legal heirs? what are the rights of them in HUF?

  104. shri prabhu says:

    My father was having one huf and i was having one huf, my father is no more now, can i be karta of both huf with same members in both huf as i am the sole son of my father

  105. Vinith says:

    Sir where can huf invest to get 80c benefit

  106. Dilip Risbud says:

    good article pl let me know whether huf can take car loan from the bank

  107. Ashok says:

    A very useful article. Would like to have some clarifications:
    1) Can the karta distribute substantial capital of HUF to the co-parceners in equal proportion as a partial partition and thus retaining certain amount as capital ?

    2) Will it have any effect on HUF or co-parceners as far as income-tax is concerned ?

  108. Hiren says:

    Very useful article. Would want to know, whether after father’s death, a son can be Karta in his own HUF as well as Father’s HUF. If no, then who would be Karta in father’s HUF given that his HUF has only his wife, son’s family and daughters.

  109. Manisha says:

    Can a Roman Catholic girl married under special marriage act to a Goan, claim a right in her fathers property

  110. NARENDRA S. PORWAL says:

    No. However the father may give power of attorney in favour of his son.
    NARENDRA PORWAL FCA 9324110666

    • N JAYAKUMAR says:

      whether in the PARTIAL PARTITION A GETS 70% OF THE PORTION AND B GETS 30 % PORTION ,
      OF WHICH HE GIVES 20% EXCESS IN THE PARTIAL PARTITION
      IN THE FINAL PARTITION THAT B HAS HAVING ANY OPPUTUNITY TO GET THE PORTION OF 20% JAYAKUMAR ADVOCATE 919444455320

  111. Ashwin R Shah says:

    My Father is 95 years old. He wishes to appoint his eldest son as Karta, while he is still alive.
    Can he do that

  112. Lalit Sanghvi says:

    How is the stamp duty calculated on total partition of HUF
    HUF consists of father..70%
    Mother.. 10%
    Daughter.10%
    Son……10%
    Also what is the
    nature of each share.
    Ind or huf

  113. Abhinav Gupta says:

    Me nd my father constituted an huf but my father, karta, expired. How can i transfer huf bank balance in my individual account. I am d only member in my family who is alive

  114. SHYAMSUNDER BULCHAND BHAGAT says:

    I am karta of HUF. Coparseners are my wife and married daughters. I have Fixed Deposits in companies. When I die, what documents companies will ask at the time of payment?.
    2. What is “Deed Of DECLARATION” of HUF ?
    Will you pl send me a copy. Also whether this deed is required to be prepared on stamp paper?.Is it to be registered if yes where ?
    Request your help.

  115. Vinod says:

    Fantastic article. Very well explained.

    • shivaji says:

      Mr A and his 2 brothers have executed a partition deed in 1996-97 for the Joint family properties of their father in which were owned by their father prior to 1981.Mr. A has a wife and a Son. In the year May 2010, Mr A Died intestate by which time the sons is a major.Some part of property( vacant land-urban) which came to Mr A through partition was sold in December 2010 and the sale deed was executed by Late Mr A’s widow wife and Major son. Now My doubt is: 1. The property sold -is it HUF property.2. If it is HUF property, to which HUF has to pay tax- Mr A HUF or Major Son HUF.3.Can it be taken as Property under Individual Status- for Wife and Son with 50% share each.4. If widow wife has purchased a residential house within the time frame allowed U/s54F, can it be claimed as Exemption- even as a coparecener. Mr A has no PAN for his HUF.please enlighten on these

  116. Shreyas says:

    Its an excellent article. Further, I wish to know whether a HUF can continue in the following circumstances:
    – the family was formed by a husband, wife & their two daughters
    – both daughters got married
    – husband passed away

    • ALIND P. GUPTA, Adv. says:

      As per my view, the answer to the core of the query rest with the ‘Potentiality’ & Probability of adopting a child (male or female) by the widow of the Karta, If she wishes so. Because as per Hindu Law, properly adopted child will get the name of deceased-karta, as his father and as a result of it, the ‘Plurality’ of persons will revive-back, which is essential to constitute a “FAMILY” .
      – Rest are things have been described broadly in Point No-6, of this beautiful Article.
      .
      —->.Hints for Planning: That “Child” may/can be the grand child/children of the widow of the deceased Karta. 🙂

  117. neha says:

    This is a very useful article. i also wanted to know that whether a single person i.e, karta can hold all rights in the property after partition of huf through the transfer of shares by coparcenors with mutual consent

  118. JAI THANVI says:

    this is the good article.

  119. Shashi Ranjan Kumar says:

    This was a very useful article. I have a related question in this regard. My father had 9 children, 7 sons and 2 daughters. During his lifetime he did partial partition of his HUF twice. First partition(partial) took place in 1961 where his eldest 3 sons got separated by getting their respective share in the HUF properties. Thereafter, HUF continued with my father as karta, my mother and remaining 4 sons. The second partition of the HUF took place in 1973, whereby 4th and 5th sons got themselves separated by getting their respective share in the HUF properties and separate property was also alloted to my mother. Said partition happened by way of registered partitioned deeds executed by the members of HUF. Thereafter the HUF continued with my father as karta and his two sons (i.e 6th and 7th son) maintaining and administering remaining properties of HUF. My father died in 1991. Pls let me know 1) Whether the share of my father in HUF i.e 1/3 rd share , would devolve upon the remaining coparcenors (6 th and 07 th sons) only entitling them 1/2 share in all HUF properties, as other sons got themselves separated from HUF earlier, OR all the legal heirs of my father i.e his 7 sons and 2 daughters would have an equal right in said 1/3 rd share of my father in the resultant HUF after 1973 partition, and accordingly share of 06th and 07th son in HUF properties gets limited to 1/3 rd each.

    • MANTRI BALARAM says:

      dear sir

      karta purchase of one property on behalf of HUF.
      then that property can sold by karta on behalf of HUF without consent of coparcenar member? please suggest

  120. Basant Pandey says:

    This is a great consolidation of important articles.

  121. Pranav Trivedi says:

    nice article

    • Adv Gandhi Subhash says:

      Very Comprehensive Article. To write such article needs command over the subject. Congratulations.

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