Supreme Court of India
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) THROUGH LRS.versusHINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM AND OTHERS
- Citation
- 2017 INSC 221
- Decided
- 9 March 2017
- Disposal
- Disposed off
- Bench
- A K SIKRI
Holding
The 1968 Will is a joint‑and‑mutual will granting the survivor absolute rights to deal with the property, the suit is not barred by Section 108, alienations by the survivor are valid, and the 1980 Will is not genuine.
Summary
The Supreme Court examined a dispute arising from a 1968 joint and mutual will executed by a husband and wife, which earmarked their properties for charitable purposes and granted the surviving spouse absolute rights to deal with the property. The Court held that the suit was not barred by Section 108 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, as it did not pertain to a religious institution. It ruled that the will was a joint‑and‑mutual will, giving the survivor (Rangammal) absolute ownership, including the power to alienate, subject only to the obligation to use income for charity after her death. Consequently, alienations made by her after her husband's death were valid, while the later 1980 will claimed by defendants 4 and 5 was held to be spurious. The Court set aside the High Court’s declaration that the survivor’s alienations were void, upheld the declaration that the 1980 will was invalid, and ordered the deletion of specific sale deeds from the trust property. The appeals were partly allowed, with directions for framing the trust scheme.
Issues considered
- Whether the suit is barred under Section 108 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.
- Whether the Will dated 27‑September‑1968 is a joint will or a joint‑and‑mutual will and its revocability after the death of one testator.
- Interpretation of the phrase "absolutely with all the rights" – does it confer absolute ownership or merely a life interest on the survivor.
- Whether alienations made by the survivor (Rangammal) after the death of her husband are void.
- Whether a trust is created by the 1968 Will and when it comes into operation.
- Validity of the Will dated 27‑November‑1980 executed in favour of defendants 4 and 5.
Legislation cited
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908s. 92
- Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959s. 108, s. 3(1), s. 5
Subjects
Section 108Joint and Mutual WillCharitable TrustAlienation of PropertyInterpretation of WillHindu Religious and Charitable Endowments ActRevocabilityTrust Scheme
Judgment
[2017] 4 S.C.R. 511
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. A
v.
HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND CITIZENS OF
GOBICHETTIPALAYAM AND OTHERS
(Civil Appeal No.5924 of2005) B
MARCH 09, 2017
[A. K. SIKRI AND ASHOK BHUSHAN, JJ.]
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act,
1959 - s.108 - Bar under - Bar with regard to suit or other legal C
proceeding is in respect of the administration or management of a
religious institution - There is no case set up by the appellant that
suit filed by the plaintiff related to a religious institution, as
contemplated by 1959 Act - Therefore, suit filed by the plaintiff
was not barred u!s. 108 of the Act.
D
Will - Joint or Joint and Mutual Will - In the instant case,
challenge was to the character of Will whether it was joint or joint
and mutual will - Reading of the Will in its entirety showed that the
testator and testatrix who were husband and wife had agreed to
devote their properties for carrying out charities - Will clearly
specified their intention to give property into charities and specified E
the list of charities and the committee of three persons who was to
perform the charities - The element of mutuality was clearly found
in the Will - Therefore, the Will was joint and mutual Will and not
mere joint Will.
Will - General principles of construction of Will - Discussed - F
In the instant case, testator and testatrix were husband and wife -
'['he Will provided that on the death of any of the spouse, survivor
shall enjoy the entire properties absolutely with all the rights -
"absolutely with all the rights"- Interpretation of - Held: The
intention in testamentary disposition has to be primarily found out
from the actual words used in the Will - The court is not entitled to G
ignore clear words or add something of its own or dilute the meaning
of any clear word used in the Will - In the instant case, the Will
clearly intended that survivor shall have absolute right to the
properties and after his/her death, the charity shall be carried out
H
511
I"
512 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A from the income of the properties without alienation of the
properties - The clear intention of testator/testatrix while executing
the Will that the charity shall be carried out from the income of the
properties is not given up even during lifetime of survivor - The
obligation to use the income of properties for charity is attached
with the property described in the Will subject to giving survivor
B
absolute right with regard to properties - Thus, unless the alienation
by the survivor was held to be completely in breach of object of
trust and fraud on trust, the court is to be slow in disregarding the
alienation - Alienation made by survivor in favour of appellants
after the death of joint testator was, therefore, fully covered by the
c Will and was not null and void - Alienation made by defendant
no.4 and 5 on the basis of another Will bequeathing properties in
their favour by testatrix was null and void as the said Will alleged
to have been executed by survivor was not true and genuine will of
the survivor.
D Disposing of the appeals, the Court
HELD:
1. Bar on suit under section 108 of Tamil Nadu Hindu
Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959
.E A plain reading of Section 108 indicates bar with regard to
suit or other legal proceeding in respect of the administration or
management of a religious institution. Unless the provisions of
Act are extended to charitable endowments, the bar under Section
108 shall not be attracted. There is no case set up by the appellant
that suit filed by the plaintiff related to a religious institution, as
F contemplated by 1959 Act. Therefore, suit filed by the plaintiff
was not barred as under Section 108 of 1959 Act. [Paras 15, 17,
18) [525-G-H; 526-F-G)
2.1 Nature and content of WILL Dated 27.9.1968
G The High Court rightly came to the conclusion that it was a
Joint and Mutual Will, since both the testator and testatrix agreed
to devote their properties for carrying out charities. The High
Court concluded that intention of both testator and testatrix to
give property to charities was manifest from the reading of the
Will in its entirety. Both the Husband and Wife intended to give
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 513
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM
property into charities and the Will clearly specified the list of A
charities and the committee of three persons who was to perform
the charities. The mutuality to the above extent was clearly found
in the Will. [Paras 32, 37, 38] [539-H; 543-D-F]
2.2 The intention of testator/testatrix in testamentary
disposition has to be gathered from the Will itself and the words B
used therein. The disposition made in the Will provides that on
the death of any of the spouse, survivor shall enjoy the entire
properties absolutely with all the rights. What is the connotation
of words 'absolutely with all the rights?', whether the above
provision in the Will can be read as only life estate i.e. right of C
enjoyment and receiving of rent, income or absolute right
indicates the exercise of all the rights including the right of
alienation. One more part of the Will, which is appended at the
end after description of the properties, is relevant. The said
provision in the Will clearly intends that any property purchased
shall treated to be added in the document and further any property D
sold shall be deleted from the document and the remaining
properties form part of this document. This clearly contemplates
possibility of sale of any property which shall be deleted from the
description of the properties as mentioned in the document. One
more aspect of the Will needs to be noted. In the last part of the
third paragraph after 'his/her lifetime' word used are "and carry E
on under mentioned charities from and out of the income derived
from them without alienating the same". Reading the whole
paragraph together the word 'his/her lifetime' has been used in
reference to survivor who survives after the death of one of the
spouses. Thus, after the death of testatrix, the Will contemplates F
that charities shall be carried out of the income derived from the
property without alienating the same. Thus, though in the same
paragraph, after the death of both the testators, the charities are
required to be carried out from the income derived from the
properties without alienation of the same, whereas the same
restriction i.e. "without alienation" has not been put in the earlier G
sentence of the same paragraph when the rights of testatrix have
been referred ~o as 'absolutely with all the rights'. On the reading
of the Will, the intendment of testator/testatrix is clear that
survivor shall have absolute right of enjoyment of properties.
H
514 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A There is no reason not to give effect to said intendment on the
ground that the testator and testatrix have mutually intended to
set apart the property for charity and holding that survivor shall
have right of disposition be not in the interest of the trust. [Paras
40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 49] [544-A-D; 545-E-H; 546-A-D; 547-B]
B 2.3 There is no word or any indication in the Will to give a
life estate to survivor. The testators intended that testatrix should
be given right of alienation. Why the same word "without right of
alienation" could not have been used in the earlier part of the
same paragraph when they used the same word in end of the
paragraph while providing for carrying out charities after the death
c of the testatrix from the income derived from the properties
without alienating the same. Thus, the Will intended to give
survivor absolute right with regard to properties with further
intendment that after the death of testatrix, the remaining property
should be used for carrying out the charities. The clear intention
D of testator/testatrix while executing the Will that the charity shall
be carried out from the income of the properties is not given up
even during life time of testatrix. The obligation of survivor to
act in furtherance of object as agreed by both the testators survives
and binds the survivor.Although the Will was irrevocable after
the death of survivor but the Will expressly granted absolute
E right to survivor.[Paras 50, 51, 52, 57] [547-C, D-F; 549-A-B]
2.4 Will dated 27.9.1968 was a joint and mutual Will, but .
with a rider that said joint and mutual Will was with an express
condition that survivor shall have absolute right to deal with the
property keeping the object of trust alive. Giving of right of
F disposition to the survivor was also one of the joint decision and
agreement between the testator and testatrix which does not
diminish the nature and character of Will as ioint anq mutual Will.
Thus, unless the alienation by the survivor is held to be
completely in breach of object of trust and fraud on trust, the
G Court is to be slow in disregarding such alienations. In the suit
·filed by the plaintiff although reference to alienation made by
survivor were made and the High Court in its judgment detailed
the alienation but the challenge to the alienation before the trial
court as well as before the High Court was only on the ground
that survivor was not competent to alienate the property
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 515
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM
mentioned in the Will after the death of testator. Thus the A
alienation made by survivor in favour of appellants could not have
been declared null and void as was done by the High Court.
Alienation made by survivor during her lifetime after the death
of joint testator was fully covered by the Will. Thus the decision
of the High Court in so far as in declaring the alienation made by B
survivor after the death of joint testator during her lifetime as
null and void deserves to be set aside. Thus alienation made by
survivor by registered sale deeds as noticed by the High Court
in favour of appellants needs to be deleted from the list of the
properties as described in the plaint and they shall not be included
in the trust property by virtue of the. Will deed dated 27.09.1968. C
(Paras 58, 59, 60 and 61) [549-B-H]
3. Creation of Trust by Will dated 27.9.1968
There is no pleading or material on record to indicate that
during life time of testator and survivor at any point of time they
expressed their inability to carry out the charity or had requested D
the three members' committee to carry out the charity, Thus,
above eventuality as contemplated by the Will never came into
existence during their life time but as per provisions of Will dated
27.9.1968 on the death of survivor on 27.12.1980, the thre·e
members committee was obliged to carry out the charities and E
the Trust came into operation. [Para 65] [550-A, H; 551-A-B)
4. Will dated 27.11.1980
Defendant no. 4 and 5 claimed that survivor by a registered
will dated 27.11.1980 bequeathed her entire properties in favour
of defendant no.4 and 5. After considering the oral evidence, the F
trial court held that the Will was not proved. The trial court noticed
several suspicious circumstances and discrepancies and it held
that the said Will was not executed by survivor in a sound and
disposing state of mind and the same was not a true and valid
~document. Defendant Nos.4 and 5 challenged the judgment of G
the trial court. The High Court came to the conclusion that Will
dated 27.11.1980 alleged to have been executed by survivor was
not a true and genuine Will !Jf her. The said conclusion was arrived
at by the High Court after considering entire evidence on record.
There is no infirmity in the said conclusion. The appeal filed by
H
516 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A defendant Nos. 4 and 5 was rightly dismissed. The testatrix had
the absolute right to deal with the properties mentioned in the
Will and alienations made by her during her life time are saved
by the Will and the judgment of the High Court holding sales in
favour of the appellant as null and void is unsustainable and is
B hereby set aside. The judgment of the High Court declaring sale
deeds executed by defendant Nos.4 and 5 as null and void is
maintained. All alienations made by defendant Nos.4 and 5 are
null and void and those properties shall be treated as part of the
Trust property. Judicial Officer who has been directed by the
High Court to frame the scheme for the Trust shall frame the
. C i;cheme expeditiously. [Paras 65, 68) (551-B, E-H; 552-A, D-F]
Minakshi Ammal v. Viswanatha Aiyar ILR 33 Madras
406; Kochu Govindan Kaima/ & Others v. Thayankoot
Thekkot Lakshmi Amma and Others AIR 1959 SC 71 :
[1959) 1 Suppl. SCR 1; Kuppuswami Raja And Anr: v.
D Perumal Raja And Ors. AIR 1964 Madras 291;
Dilharshankar C. Bhachecha v. The Controller of Estate
Duty, Ahmedabad (1986) 1 SCC 701 : [1986) 1 SCR
94; Sreemutty Soorjeemoney Dossee v. Denubundoo
Mullick (1854-57) 6 MIA 526; Rajendra Prasad Bose
and another v. Gopal Prasad Sen AIR 1930 PC 242;
E Gnambal Ammal v. r Raju Ayyar and others AIR
1951 SC 103 : [1950] SCR 949; Navneet Lal alias
Rangi v. Gokul & Others (1976) 1 SCC 630 : [1976)
2 SCR 924; Govind Raja v. Mangalam Pillai AIR
1933 Madras 80; Birmingham & Ors. v. Renfrew &
.F Ors. 57 Commonwealth Law Report 666; Dufour v.
Pereira (1769) 21 ER 332 - referred to.
s
Halsbury Laws of England s•h Edition Vol. 102 -
referred to.
Case Law Reference
G
ILR 33 Madras 406 referred to Para 24
[1959) 1 Suppl. SCR 1 referred to Para 26
AIR 1964 Madras 291 referred to Para 27
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 517
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM
[1986) 1 SCR 94 referred to Para 30 A
AIR 1930 PC 242 referred to Para 33
[1950] SCR 949 referred to Para 34
[1976] 2 SCR 924 referred to Para 36
B
AIR 1933 Madras 80 referred to Para 44
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 5924
of2005.
From the Order dated 07.04.2005 by the High Court ofJudicature
at Madras in A.S. Nos. 851 of 1989
c
WITH
C. A. Nos. 5925, 5926 and 6469 of2005.
M. S. Ganesh, K. Ramamoorthy, R. Balasubramaniam, Ratnakar
Das, S. Balakrishnan, Sr. Advs., R. Ayyam Perumal, K. Seshachary, D
Ms. Enakshi Mukhopadhyay, N. Shoba, Sri Ram J. Thalapthy,
V. Adhimoolam, Shilp Vinod, M. A Chinnasamy, Ms. C. Rubavathi, ..
G. Sivalamurugan, L. K. Pandey, Ram Lal Roy, R. N. Keshwani, P. Raja
Rani, V. Senthil Kumar, V. Prabhakar, Ms. Jyoti Prashar, S. Rajappa,
Mrs. Revathy Raghavan, M. Yogesh Kanna, Ms. Nithya, Partha Sarathi, E
. Vikas Mehta, Ms. Anushree Menon, Karandeep Khanna, Mis. Keswani
& Co., Senthil Jagadeesan, Advs. for the appearing parties.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
ASHO K BHUSHAN, J. 1. These appeals have been filed against
the common judgment dated 7'h July, 2005 of Madras High Court in F
·.Appeal Suit(AS) No.851 of 1989 and Appeal Suit (AS)No.606of1989.
These appeals arise out of Original Suit No.76 of 1981 instituted by
respondent No. I to these appeals. The parties hereinafter shall be
referred to as described in the Original Suit No.76of1981.
2. Civil Appeal No.5924 of 2005 has been filed by Dr. KS. G
Palanisami who was defendant No.13 in the Original Suit. Civil Appeal
No.5925 of 2005 has been filed by G.K. Perumal and Ramayummal
who were defendant Nos.4 and 5 in the Original Suit. Civil Appeal No.5926
of 2005 has been filed by Thirugnanasambandam and Dr. M.R. Sibbian
who were defendant Nos.7and10 in the Original Suit. Civil Appeal No. H
518 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A 6469 of 2005 has been filed by GK. Perumal and Ramayummal who
were defendant Nos. 4 and 5 in the Original Suit.
3. Brief facts of the case necessary to be noted for deciding these
appeals are:
(A) One Palaniappa Chettiar and his wife, Chinammal @
B Rangarnmal possessed considerable properties in Gobichettipalayam
Taluk including 29 houses and 96.950 acres of Agriculture land.
Rangammal possessed certain agricultural land in Sathy Taluk also. Both
Palaniappa Chettiar and his wife, Rangammal jointly executed a Will
dated 27.9.1968. It is stated in the Will that couple do not have any
c issue and there is no hope that they will live long and their relatives are
not fit to enjoy the properties. TheWill further stated that on the death of
any one of them, survivor shall enjoy the entire property. The Will
enumerated various charities to be carried from the income derived from
the properties. Three Members Committee was constituted for carrying
out the charitable objects. The Will in List No.I enumerated the details
D of house properties, agricultural properties in the name of Palaniappa
Chettiar and List No.2 contained the house and agricultural properties in
the name of Chinammal @ Rangammal. After execution of the Will, on
5.10.1969 Palaniappa Chettiar died. After the death of Palaniappa
Chettiar, Rangammal alienated about I 0 properties by separate sale deeds
E which were in her name as well few properties which were in the name
of her deceased husband.
(B) Defendant Nos.4 and 5 claimed that Rangammal by a registered
Will dated 27.11.1980 bequeathed her entire properties in favour of
defendant Nos.4 and 5. Smt. Rangammal died on 24.12.1980.Afterthe
F death of Rangammal, defendant Nos.4 and 5 made several alienations
of the properties belonging to Rangammal and her deceased husband on
the strength of Will dated 27. 11.1980.
(C) Respondent No.I claiming to be representative of Hindu
Community in General and Citizens ofGobichettipalayam filed Original
G Suit No.76of198 I impleading Commissioner of Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowment, Madras as defendant No.I, Revenue Divisional
Officer, Gobichettipalayam as defendant No.2 and District Munsif,
Gobichettipalayam as defendant No.3 along with other defendants who
claimed to be transferees from Rangammal. Defendant Nos.4 and 5
were imp leaded who claimed a Will dated 27. I I. I 980 from Rangar_nmal
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 519
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETIIPALAYAM (ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.]
of the entire properties apart from sale deed from Rangammal. Plaintiffs' A
case in the suit was that Palaniappa Chettiar and his wife, Rangammal
by registered Will dated 27. 9 .1968 created a Trust and made
arrangements for due performance of charitable objects. The power of
management and administration of the Trust was given in the Will to
defendant Nos. I to 3 who were authorised to deal with the Trust property B
without any power of alienation. It was pleaded that Will dated 27.9.1968
was a mutual and irrevocable Will. It was pleaded that Palaniappa Chettiar
and his wife during their life time could not have acted in derogation of
the Will. The plaintiff further stated that purported Will dated 27 .11.1980
was not executed by Chinnammal @ Rangammal in a sound and
disposing state of mind and the same was brought by defendant Nos.4 C
and 5 by fraud, undue influence and coercion. Defendant Nos.6 to 13
are said to be purchasers of some of the items of the suit properties
from Rangammal and some from defendant Nos.4 and 5. Plaintiffs pleaded
that defendants are trespassers of the trust properties covered under
the Will dated 27. 9.1968. The plaintiffs were interested in the Trust to be D
administered by defendant Nos.I to 3 or other new .Trustees to be
appointed by the Court. The plaintiffs prayed for necessary arrangements
for the management of the Trust requiring defendant Nos. I to 3 to enter
upon their duties as Trustees and take up the management of the Trust
or make arrangement for the appointment of other Trustees for proper
management of the Trust. Defendants filed written statements in the E
suit.
(D) The trial court framed 17 issues in the suit. The trial court
held that Will-Ex.P.5 dated 27.9.1968 is not a mutual Will but a joint Will
and after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar the Will became irrevocable.
F
(E) The trial court further held that Will dated 27. 9.1968 is a true
and valid document. It was further held that plaintiffs were entitled to
represent the Hindu Community in General and Citizens of
Gobichettipalayam under Order 1 Rule 8 CPC. Trial court further held
that Will dated 27 .11.1980 claimed by defendant Nos.4 and 5 is not proved
and it has not been executed in good, sound and disposing state of mind. G
Ex.D-109, Will dated 27.11.1980 was held not a true and valid Will. The
trial court, came to the conclusion that Trust is not formed under the Will
dated 27. 9.1968, hence, plaintiffs were not entitled for framing a scheme
under Section 92 CPC. The suit was dismisc"r1.
H
520 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017) 4 S.C.R.
A (F) Against the judgment of the trial court dated 2"'1 February,
1989 two Appeal Suits (AS) were filed in the Madras High Court.
A.S.No.851 of 1989 was filed by the plaintiffs against the trial court
judgment dismissing the Original Suit No.76 of 1981. A.S.No.606 of
1989 was filed by GK. Perumal and Ramayummal, defendant Nos.4
B and 5 against the judgment of the trial court in so far as it rejected the
Will dated 27 .11.1980. Both the appeal suits were decided by the Madras
High Court by the impugned judgment dated 7'h April, 2005. The High
Court dismissed the A.S.No.606of1989 concurring with the judgment
of the trial court in so far as it has rejected Will dated 27 .11.1980.
A.S.No.851 of 1989 was allowed by the High Court and the judgment of
C the trial court in so far as it was against the plaintiffs was set aside. The
High Court held the Will dated27.9.1968 as mutual and joint Will. It was
held that after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar, Rangammal had no
right to alienate any property and all alienations of the properties made
by her after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar were null and void.
D (G) The High Court disposed of both the Appeal Suits in the
foll owing manner:
"116.In the result,
(i) A.S.No.851 of 1989 stands allowed. The Judgment
of the Trial Court in so far as it is against the
E Plaintiffs and the decree is set aside.
(ii) A.S. No. 606 of 1989 stands dismissed. The finding
of the Trial Court on the issue No.13 framed by it
stands confirmed.
F (iii) The result is, learned Subordinate Judge,
Gobichettipalayam or the Judicial Officer having
jurisdiction over the matter is permitted to
discharge the Receiver after the Receiver '6ubmits
his accounts and on being satisfied that the Receiver
can be discharged.
G
(iv) Learned Judicial Officer having jurisdiction over
the case is directed to frame a proper Scheme for
the trust and while framing the Scheme, he need not
include the District Munsif, Gobichettipalayam as
one of the trustees, though the makers of the Will
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 521
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
(Ex.A-5) have expressed their desire that the District A
Munsif, Gobichettipalayam should be one of
trustees. We are of the view, it will not be proper to
induct the District Muns if as one of the trustees as it
may happen that litigation in respect of the trust as
well as its properties may come up before him in his B
official capacity and it may not be advisable to induct
him as one of the trustees. Learned Judicial Officer
is also directed to take into account the wishes of
the testators of Ex.A-5 while framing the Scheme, as
they wished that the relatives of either of them should
be excluded from the enjoyment and management of C
their properties. While appointing the trustees,
learned Judicial Officer is directed to keep in mind
that the persons of unimpeachable character and
high integrity and at least, some of them, if possible
from the community to which Palaniappa Chettiar D
belongs should be appointed as trustees.; It will be
open to the learned Judge to consider the entrustment ·
of the administration and management of the trust
to the Administrative General and Office Trustee (AG
& OT) of this Court as he will be functionirrg under
the guidance of this Court. E
(v) Since the plaintiffs have not prayed for costs, there
will be no order as to costs in both appeals. "
4. Civil Appeal No.6469 of2005 has been filed against the judgment
of the High Court in A.S.No.606of1989 by which judgment the appeal
filed by defendant Nos.4 and 5 has been dismissed. All other three appeals F
have been filed against the judgment of the High Court in A.s. No.851 of
1989 by which judgment the High Court set aside the judgment of the
trial court and decreed the suit of the plaintiffs as noted above.·
5. In Civil Appeal Nos.5925 of2005 and 6469 of 2005, w.e have
heard Shri M.S. Ganesh, learned senior counsel, appearing for the G.
appellants. Mr. K. Ramamoorthy, learned senior counsel has appeared
for the appellants in Civil Appeal No.5924 of 2005. Shri .R.
Balasubramaniam and Shri Ratnakar Das, learned senior counsel, have
appeared in Civil Appeal No.5926 of 2005. For the respondents, we
H
522 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A have heard Shri S. Balakrishnan, learned senior counsel and Shri Vikas
Mehta, learned counsel.
6. The submissions made by the l~arned senior counsel for the
appellants in first three appeals are almost similar. Separate arguments
have also been advanced by Shri M.S. Ganesh in C.A.No.6469/2005.
B Learned senior counsel for the appellants, Shri M.S. Ganesh contended
that the suit filed by the plaintiffs was not maintainable and was barred
by Section 108 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Act, 1959(hereinafter referred to as '1959 Act'). He
contended that although trial court has specifically framed issue No.7,
as to whether the suit is barred by the provisions of Section l 08 of the
c 1959 Act, but trial court did not properly consider the issue and erred in
holding that there is no bar in filing the suit. It was further contended that
Will dated 27.9.1968 was not a joint and mutual Will but was only a joint
Will. A plain reading of the Will indicates that after the death of one of
the testators, the survivor had absolute right to deal with the property
D and there was no embargo on the right of survivor to dispose of the
property after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar. He submitted that
alienations made by Rangammal after death of Palaniappa Chettiar were
within her authority and High Court had committed error in holding the
said alienations as null and void. It is submitted that Will itself not created
any trust. It is contended that two essential conditions for mutual Will,
E i.e., (i) Asurvivingtestator must have received benefit from the deceased
testator and (ii) It should have been executed in pursuance of an
agreement that the testators shall not revoke the mutual Will, were not
satisfied in the present case. A specific clause in the Will gives liberty to
the survivor to revoke the Will and confers an absolute right and title to
F the properties to the survivor which fully indicates that Rangammal had
rigli.t to alienate the properties after the death of her husband. The
transferees were bona fide purchasers for value.
7. Shri Ramamoorthy, learned senior counsel attacked the judgment
of the High Court raising almost similar submissions. Shri Ramamoorthy
G further contended that the contents of Will makes it clear that absolute
right was given to survivor and use of words "carva-cutantiram" in the
original Will which is in Tamil language, clearly indicates that absolute
right was given to survivor, Rangammal and alienations made by her in
favour of defendants were well within her authority. Defendants being
bonafide purchasers, who invested money in the property, should have·
I-I
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 523
ANDCITIZENSOFGOBICHETTIPALAYAM[ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.]
been considered by the High Court and at least purchasers who have A
purchased from the survivor ought to have been protected. The Will is
not a mutual Will but only a joint Will. The Will clearly states that survivor
can revoke the Will and execute a new Will.
8. Learned counsel for other appellants have also adopted the
· above submissions. B
9. Shri Ganesh in support of Civil Appeal No.6469 of 2005
submitted that the High Court failed to note that Will dated 27 .11.1980
does not appear to be on the whole an improbable, unnatural and unfair
instrument. The High Court failed to notice that mere exclusion of near
relations from the Will by the testatrix and preferring the appellants in c
recognition of their valuable services during her old age cannot be
' construed as suspicious circumstances. In the Will dated 27.9.1968 it
was categorically stated that their properties should not go to their
relations. The High Court committed error in relying on the suspicious
circumstances as found by the trial court with regard to Will dated
27.11.1980. D
10. Learned counsel for the plaintiffs-respondents refuting the
submissions ofleamed counsel for the appellants contends that Will dated
27. 9.1968 was mutual and joint Will. The Will was executed by the husband
and wife with one mind and with mutual agreement. Charitable disposition
of Palaniappa Chettiar is apparent even from his first Will executed on E
l 5'h July, 1931 where he disposed of substantial part of his prope11ies for
charity. Although, his above Will was superseded on l 5'h July, 1956
executed in favour of his wife Rangammal, but both husband and wife
after acquiring considerable properties decided to devote their properties
to charity. Consequently, the registered Will dated 27.9.1968 was F
executed. The object and purpose of the Will was to create a Trust of
their properties, income of which was to be utilised for the enumerated
charities as mentioned in the Will. After the death of Palaniappa Chettiar,
Rangammal had no authority to revoke the Will. She had no right of
alienation and giving any right of alienation of properties shall be simply
defeating the intention of testators as delineated in the Will dated G
27.9.1968. Smt. Rangammal was entitled to hold and enjoy the properties
upto her life but could not defeat the trust, subsequent alienation after
the death of Palaniappa Chettiar, had rightly been ignored by the High
Court. It is submitted that the suit is not barred by Section I08 of Tamil
Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959 as H
524 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A contended by the counsel for the appellants. The suit was rightly filed in
the representative capacity and leave of the Court was obtained under
Section 92. It is contended that the Will does not create any religious
endowment within the meaning ofTamil NaduAct. The suit under Section
92 was fully maintainable with regard to charitable endowment made by
B theWilldated27.9.1968.
11. Learned counsel for the parties have placed reliance on various
judgments of this Court, different High Courts as well as judgments of
foreign Courts which shall be referred to while considering the
submissions in detail.
c 12. From the submissions made by the learned counsel for the
parties and the materials on record following are the main points which
arise for consideration in these appeals:
( 1) Whether the suit filed by the plaintiffwas barred under Section
108 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable
D Endowments Act, 1959 ?
(2) Whether the Will dated 27.9.1968 was a joint Will or a joint
and mutual Will, irrevocable after death of one of the testators?
(3) Whether Will dated 27.9.1968 contemplated that after the
death of one of the spouse the surviver shall not possess
E power of alienation of any of the properties and the word
"absolutely with all the rights" used in the Will should be read
to mean that surviving testator would have only life interest
to enjoy the rent and income?
(4) Whether alienations made by Chinnammal@ Rangammal
F after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar were in violation of
the Will and invalid?
(5) Whether Will dated 27.9.1968 contemplated a creation of
trust and as per the terms and conditions of the Will the trust
was to come in the operation after the death of one of the
G spouse or after the end of the life of the both or from any
other eventuality?
(6) Whether Will set up by defendant Nos.4 and 5 i.e. 27 .11.1980
has rightly been held to be not proved by the trial court as
well as by the High Court ?
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMl (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 525
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM (ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
(7) The relief to which, if any, the appellants are entitled in these A
appeals.
BAR ON SUIT UNDER SECTION 108 OF TAMIL NADU
HINDU RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS
ACT, 1959
13. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that suit filed by B
the plaintiff being barred under Section 108 of 1959 Act, the High Court
erred in law in decreeing the suit. Learned counsel submitted that trial
court had framed an issue No. 7 to the following effect:
"Whether the suit is barred by the provision of Section 108 of
the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act. " C
14. Trial court had answered the above issue against the defendant.
Before the High Court, it does not appear that the appellants have raised
the issue pertaining to the bar of the suit under Section 108. After
considering the sul:imission oflearned counsel for the parties, the High
Court had framed oniy four points of consideration which did not include D
the bar under Section 108. Learned counsel for the appellant, however,
submitted that the issue being issue ofjurisdiction, the appellants may be
allowed to raise in this appeal. We have permitted the learned counsel
for the appellant to raise the issue. Learned counsel for the appellant
submitted that under 1959 Act, Section 108 provides as follows: E
"No suit or other legal proceeding in respect of the
administration or management of a religious institution or
any other matter of dispute for determining·or deciding which
provision is made in this Act shall be instituted in any court of
Law, except under and in conformity with, the provisions of F
this Act."
15. Learned counsel further relies on Section 5, according to which,
the provisions under Section 92 of the CPC 1908 shall cease to apply to
Hindu Religious Institutions. Refuting the above submission, learned
counsel for plaintiff-respondent contends that the bar under Section 108 G
is not attracted with regard to suit filed by the plaintiff in view of the fact
that suit did not relate to any Hindu Public Religious Institutions. A plain
reading of Section I 08 indicates bar with regard to suit or other legal
proceeding is in respect of the administration or management of a religious
institution. Section 5 on which reliance has been placed is, as follows:
H
526 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A "The following enactments shall cease to app~y to Hindu
religious institutions and endowments, namely:-
(a) The Tamil Nadu Endowments and Escheats Regulation,
1817 (Tamil Nadu Regulation Vll of 1817);
(b) The Religious Endowments Act, 1863 (Central Act XX of
B 1863);
(c) The Charitable Endowments Act, 1890 (Central Act VI of
1890);
(d) The Charitable and Religious Trusts Act, 1920 (Central
c Act XIV of 1920); and
(e) Section 92 and 93 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
(Central Act V of 1908)."
16. Section 3 of the Act contains a heading 'Power to extend Act
to charitable endowments'. Section 3 sub-section ( l) is as follows:
D "3.(1) Where the Government have reason to believe that any
Hindu or Jain public charitable endowment is being
mismanaged, they may direct the Commissioner to inquire, or
to cause an inquiry to be made by any officer authorised by
him in this behalf. into th affairs of such charitable endowment
E and to report to them whether, in the interests of the
administration of such charitable endowment, it is necessary
to extend thereto all or any of the provisions of this Act and
of any rules made thereunder. "
17. Thus unless the provisions of Act are extended to charitable
F endowments the bar under Section I 08 shall not be attracted. There is
no case set up by the appellant that suit filed by the plaintiff relates to a
religious institution, as contemplated by 1959 Act.
18. In view of the above, we are of the view that suit filed by the
plaintiff was not barred as under Section I 08 of 1959 Act.
G NATURE AND CONTENT OF WiLL DATED 27.9.1968
19. The points No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 being inter-related are taken
together. Before we proceed to consider the respective submissions of
learned counsel for the parties, it is necessary to look into the Will dated
27.09.1968. As noted above, the Will dated 27.9.1968 was executed by
H Palaniappa Chettiar and his wife Chinnammal alias Rangammaljointly.
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 527
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.)
The original will is in Tamil Language; an English translation of which A
has been brought on record as annexure P. 1 in C. A. No. 6469 of2005
which translation has been referred and relied by learned counsel for
both the parties. At the end of the will, there is description of the property,
List 1 contain the properties in the name of Palaniappa Chettiar and List
2 contains the properties in the name of Chinnammal alias Rangammal. B
The entire will( except the description of the properties) is extracted as
follows:
"Ex. AS dated 27-9-1968
The Registration of the Will executed by Palaniappa Chettiar
and Rangammal: C
Doct. No. 7611968:
Sri Ramajayam
"This Deed of Will executed on this 27'" day of September,
l 968, corre.1pondi11g to Tamil 11'" day of Purattasi Keelaga D
year by N. Palaniappa Chettiar son of Sruvalur
Angampalayam Narayana Chettim; residing at Veerapandi
Village Cusba, Gobichettipa/ayam taluk-1 and Chinnammal
alias Rangammal wife of Palaniappa Chettaiar and daughter
of Karuppanna Chettiar-2 jointly and with full consent
WITTNESSETH: E
We have executed this Will and register the same in respect of
our self acquired properties since we do not have any issue
though married long back, that we are not in a position to
adopt any one, that there is no hope th~t we will live long,
that our relatives are not flt to enjoy the properties and lay a · F
claim for whatever reason and that no one should go to a
Court, claiming right or interest therein.
On the death of anyone of us, the survivor shall enjoy
the entire properties, which are our self acquired properties,
absolutely with all the rights and after his/her life time, and G
carry on the under-mentioned charities from and out of the
income derived from them without alienating the same.
We have the right to modifY, or cancel this Will and to
write a new Will during our life time either jointly or
individually. H
528 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A This deed will come into effect after our life time.
During our life time we shall manage the property
ourselves, do the desired charities either jointly or
individually.
In case we are not in a position to carry out the desired
B charities during our life time a committee consisting of the
following authorities shall be formed to carry out the
following charities:
The details of the charities:
c 1) A good choultry in the name of us shall be constructed
at Palani for Hindus to use the same freely.
Its Administration will be with Endowment Commissioner.
2) A portion of the income from our Properties shall be
used for doing morning pooja permanently for Palani
D Andavar.
3) A portion of the income from our properties shall be
spent for feeding the poors at the time of Thai Poosam in
our name.
4) At Gobichettipalayam where our life prospered, an
E Educational Institution in our name shall be started and
its administration will be left either to the Government or
Municipality. The expenses therefore shall be met from a
portion of income derived from our properties.
5) A Maternity Ward shall be constructed at Gobi in our
F name from out of a portion of the income from our
properties. The administration thereof shall be left to the
Government.
The details of 3 member committee to perform the charities.
G 1. The Endowment Commissioner - Permanent President.
The name of two permanent members:
1. The Revenue Divisional officer. Gobichettipalayam.
2. The District Munsif. Gobichettipalayam.
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 529
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
The above 3 persons shall have no right to sell our A
properties. They can spend only the income from the
properties.
The earlier Will executed in Doct. No.19156 shall stand
cancelled automatically.
In case we have not collected the amounts due to us or B
to discharge our debts during our life time, then the said
committee shall have the power to collect the same and to
discharge the debts. The committee shall lease out or give on
rent our lands and houses, collect the income therefrom and
utilise the same for the aforesaid charities. All the expenses c
shall be met only from the income of the properties."
20. The bone of contention between the parties is, as to whether,
the Will is a joint Will or a joint and mutual Will. According to appellant,
the Will is a joint will, which is revocable by testatrix after the death of
her husband. On the other hand, learned counsel for the plaintiff contends D
that the will being joint & mutual will, there is no right of revocation in
the testatrix after the death of her husband. It is contended that the will
contains agreement of both husband and wife to settle their property in
a particular manner i.e. for charities and the testatrix having obtained
the benefit under the will after the death of her husband, cannot be
allowed to revoke the will, which revocation is directly in breach of the E
agreement between the husband and wife and contrary to the trust created
by the will.
21. We thus, first proceed to examine the nature and characteristics
ofjoint will and joint & mutual Will. Though, the laws relating to joint &
mutual Wills originated in Roman Dutch Law, which by passage of time F
have been approved and applied both by English and American Courts.
There are ample precedents of our country also adopting the concept of
joint & mutual wills. 'Theobald' on Wills 19t11 Edition (Sweet & Maxwell)
has defined joint Will and mutual Will in para 1-011 and 1-012 in following
manner: G
"J-011. Persons may make joint wills which are revocable at
any time by either of them or by the survivor. A joint will is
looked upon as the will of each testator, and may be proved
on the death of one. But the survivor will be treated in equity
H
530 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A as a trustee of the joint property if the equitable doctrine of
mutual wills applies. Under this doctrine there must be an
agreement for the survivor to be bound by the arrangement
between them; but the mere fact of the execution of a joint
will is not sufficient to establish such an agreement for the
survivor to be bound. If this doctrine applies, a legacy to a
B
legatee who survived the first testator. but predeceased the
second, does not lapse. Where a joint will is followed by a
separate will which is conditional on a condition that fails,
the joint will is not revoked even though the subsequent
separate will contains a revocation clause. "
c I·-OI2. The term "mutual wills" is used to describe joint or
separate wills made as the result of an agreement between
the parties to create irrevocable interests in favour of
ascertainable beneficiaries. The agreement is enforced after
the death of the first to die by means of a constructive trust.
D There are often difficulties as to proving the agreement, and
as to the nature, scope, and effect of the trust imposed on the
estate of the second to die.
The revocable nature vf the wills under which the interests
are created is fully recognised by a probate court; but in
E certain circumstances equity protects and enforces the interests
created by the agreement despite the revocation of his will by
one party after the death of the other without having revoked
his will, i.e. the survivor's property will be affected by the
trust imposed so as to give effect to the agreement. "
F 22. Halsbury's Laws of England S'h Edition Vol. I02 under the
heading 'Testamentary Disposition', in para 9 & I0 defines joint Wills &
mutual Wills in following manner:
"9. Joint Wills. A joint will is a will made by two or more
testators contained in a single document, duly executed by
G each testator, and disposing either of their separate properties
or of their joint property. It is not, however, recognised in
English law as a single will. It is in effect two or more wills,
and it operates on the death of each testator as his will
disposing of his own separate property; on the death of the
first to die it is admitted to probate as his own will and on the
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 531
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.]
death of the survivor, if no fresh will has been made, it is A
admitted to probate as the disposition of the property of the
survivor. Joint wills are now rarely, if eve1; made.
JO. Mutual wills. Wills are mutual when the testators confer
on each other reciprocal benefits, which may be absolute
benefits in each other:~ property, or life interests with the same B
ultimate disposition of each estate on the death of the survivor.
Apparently, a mutual will in the strict sense of the term is a
joint will, but, where by agreement or arrangement similar
provisions are made by separate wills, these are also
conveniently known as mutual wills. Wills which by agreement
confer benefit on persons other than the testators, without C
the testators conferring benefits on each other, can also be
mutual wills. Where there is an agreement not to revoke mutual
wills and one party dies having stood by the agreement, a
survivor is bound by it.
The doctrine of mutual wills has been said to be D
anomalous and unprincipled, so that the authorities do not
always speak with one voice on what is truly essential to the
doctrine or as to the mechanisms by which it operates or as
to the consequences of its application. However, it has been
held that there is at least clear guidance on what must be E
established before the doctrine can be invoked in that there
must be an irreducible core of a contract between Tl and T2
that in return for Tl agreeing to make will in form X and not
to revoke it without notice to T2, then T2 will make a will in
form Y and agree not to revoke it without notice to Tl. it
seems that the precise form and terms of the underlying F
contract do not have as great a significance as the finding
that such a contract actually exists and was entered into.
it appears that where it is established that there is a
clear agreement in the mutual wills or elsewhere, that the wills
are to be mutually binding (whether or not expressed in G
language of revocation) the law will give effect to that intention
by way of a 'floating trust' and the trust so created is not
destroyed by the remarriage of the second testator after the
death of the first. "
H
532 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017) 4 S.C.R.
A 23. One of the earliest English cases, dealing with the mutual Will
is Dufour vs. Pereira, (1769) 21 ER 332. In the above case a husband
and wife have executed a Will jointly. Lord Camden in the above case
stated as follows:
"The question is, as the husband by the mutual will assents to
B his wifes right, and makes it separate, whether the second
will by the wife is to be considered as void. ·
It struck me, at first, more from the novelty of the thing than
its difficulty.
The case must be decided by the laws of this country. The
c will was made here; the parties lived here; and the funds are
here.
Consider how far the mutual will is binding, and whether the
accepting of the legacies under it by the survivor, is not a
confirmation of it.
D
I am of opinion it is.
It might have been revoked by both jointly; it might have been
revoked separately, provided the party intending it, had given
notice to the other of such revocation.
E [421] But I cannot be of opinion, that either of them could,
during their joint lives, do it secretly; or that after the death
of either, it could be done by the survivor by another will..
It is a contract between the parties, which cannot be rescinded,
but by the consent of both. The first that dies, carries his
F part of the contract into execution. Will the Court afterwards
permit the other to break the contract? Certainly not.
The defendant Camila Rancer hath taken the benefit of the
bequest in her favour by the mutual will; and hath proved it
as such; she hath thereby certainly confirmed it; and therefore
G I am of opinion, the last will of the wife, so far as it breaks in
upon the mutual will, is void.
And declare, that Mrs. Camilla Rancer having proved the
mutual will, after her husbands death; and having possessed
all his personal estate, and enjoyed the interest thereof during
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 533
ANDCITIZENSOFGOBICHETTIPALAYAM[ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.]
her life, hath by those acts bound her assets to make good all A
her bequests in the said mutual will; and therrf<1re let the
necessary accounts be taken. " •
24. A Division Bench of Madras High Court, in an early case
reported in Minakshi Ammal vs. Viswanatha Aiyar, ILR 33 Madras
406, had occasion to consider mutual & joint Wills. In the above case, a B
husband and wife made joint Will in December 1897. The husband died
in the year 1899, thereafter in the year 1904, the testatrix executed a gift
to her daughter. Plaintiff, claiming to be beneficiary ofjoint will brought
_a suit. The issue was, as to whether, at the instance of testatrix the Will
was irrevocable or revocable.
c
25. Chief Justice Sir Arnold White after referring to 'Theobald
on Wills' stated as follows:
"........... With regard to the authorities, so far as I am aware,
the only authority which can be said in any way to support
the contention advanced by the plaintiff, who is the respondent D
before us, is a judgment of Lord Camden which is very shortly
reported in a case in Chancery decided so long ago as 1769,
Dufour v. Pereira, 1 Deck 419. That case, however, was
discussed and distinguished in the later case of Walpole v.
Oxford,(1797) 30 Eng.,Rep., 1076 and the decision in that
case is clearly against the plaintiff's contention that the ~ill E
is irrevocable. The Privy Cow1cil case Denyssen ·v.
Mostert,(1872) LR, 4 PC, App. 236 is an appeal from the Cape
of Good Hope, and it turns, at any rate to some extent, on
questions of Roman and Dutch Law. So far as I know, there
is nothing in that case which helps the contention put forward F
on behalf of the plaintiff. But the most recent, and, as it seems
to me, the clearest exposition of the law on this question is
that given by Lord Barnes, Sir Gorell Barnes, as he then was,
in the case of Stone v. Hoskins, (1905) LR, Prob. Dn., 194 at
page 197, he says: It appears to me that the result is tolerably
plain. If these two people had made wills which were standing G
at the death of the first to die, and the survivor had taken a
benefit by that death, the view is perfectly well founded that
the survivor cannot depart from the arrangement on his part,
because by the death of the other party, the will of that party
H
534 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A and the arrangement have become irrevocable; but that case
is entirely different from the present, where the first person to
die has not stood by the bargain and her 'mutual will' has in
consequence not become irrevocable. " By the "mutual will"
he means the will made by the survivor. "The only object of
notice is to enable the other party to the bargain to alter his
B
or her will also, but the survivor in the present case is not in
any way prejudiced. He has notice as from the death. '·'
Applying that principle to the facts of the case before
us, we have to see whether it can be said that the survivor
has taken a benefit. It was suggested that she took a benefit
c by the death of the co-testatm: That may be. It may be that in
this case if the wife died first the husband took a benefit and
if the husband died first the wife took a benefit; but the benefit
so taken was under the ordinary law and not under the
provisions of the will. As I understand the will, there is nothing
D which gives the surviving testator or testatrix a benefit on the
death of the testator or testatrix who predeceases."
26. This Court had occasion to consider the concept of joint Will
and mutual Will in Kochu Govindan Kaimal & Others vs Thayankoot
Thekkot Lakshmi Amma and Others, AIR 1959 SC 7/(also reported
E in 1959(1) Suppl. SCR 1). In the above case, three persons executed
a Will on 10.02.1906 jointly. They had bequeathed their properties in the
manner as indicated in the Will. After their deaths, the question arose
whether the Will was a joint Will or a mutual Will? This Court held the
Will not to be a mutual Will and while explaining the joint Will and mutual
Will following was stated in para 11 & 12:
F
"11. A joint will, though unusual, is not unknown to law. In
Hals bury:~ Laws of England, Hai/shams Edition, Vol. 34, page
17, ·para. 12, the law is thus stated:
"A joint will is a will made by two or more testators
G contained in a single document, duly executed by each testator,
disposing either of their separate properties, or of their joint
property. It is not, however, recognised the English law as a
single will. It operates on the death of each testator as his
·will disposing of his own separate property, and is in effect
two or more wills".
'H
i'..''
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 535
AND CITIZENS OFGOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
There is a similar statement of the law in Jarman on Wills, 8'" A
Edition, page 41. The following observations of Farewell, J.
in Duddell in re; Roundway v. Roundway, 1932-1 Ch 585 at
p. 592 are apposite:
"....... in my judgment it is plain on the authorities that
there may be a joint will in the sense that if two people make B
a bargain to make a joint will, effect may be given to that
document. On the death of the first of those two persons the
will is admitted to probate as a disposition of the -property
that he possesses. On the death of the second person,
assuming that no fresh will has been made, the will is admitted C
to probate as the disposition ·of the second persons
property......... "
12. It was also argued for the respondents that the will might
be construed as a mutual will, but that, in our opinion, is an
impossible contention to urge on the recitals of the documents.
A will is mutual when two testators confer upon each other D
reciprocal benefits, as by either of them constituting the other
his legatee; that is to say, when the executants fill the roles of
both testator and legatee towards each other. But where the
legatees are distinct from the testators, there can be no
question of a mutual will. It cannot be argued that there is, in E
the present case, a bequest by the testators to themselve~.
There is nothing in the will to support such a contention, which
would be inconsistent with the position taken by the
respondents that there was a settlement of the properties inter
vivos converting separate properties into joint properties. In
this view, on the death of Kunhan Kaimal his properties vested · F
in the legatees under the will dated February JO, 1906.and
therefore neither Kesavan Kaimal nor his transferees under
the deeds could lay any claim to them. "
27. A Division Bench of the Madras High Court had occasion to
elaborately consider the concept of joint Will and mutual Will in G
Kuppuswami Raja And Anr. vs Perumal Raja And Ors., AIR 1964
Madras 291. In the Madras case, two brothers Perumal and Chinnappa
executed a Will on 31.10.1942. The Will disposed the properties to
different relatives. Chinnappa died in the year 1 049, Perumal, the surviving
H
536 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A brothe.r executed a 'registered Will' dated 09.08.1950, cancelling and
modifying the earlier Will, in which the plaintiffs were not entitled to
claim any right in terms of the earlier Will.
28. The suit of plaintiff was dismissed by the learned Munsif,
which decree was set-aside and suit was decreed in appeal. High Court
B restored the judgment of the Munsif. In the Letters Patent Appeal, the
Madras High Court has restored the judgment, decreeing the suit. After
noticing the English, American and Indian cases, the Division Bench of
Madras High Court in para 32 has laid down as following:
"32 .... We confess that the matter is not free from difficulty.
c But after a careful consideration of all the aspects of the
matter, we are inclined to take the view that a joint mutual
WiU becomes irrevocable on the death of one of the testators
if the survivor had received benefits under the mutual Will,
and that there need not be a specific contract prohibiting
revocation when the arrangement takes the form of not two
D simultaneous mutual Wills but one single document. In fact in
some of the cases referred to above this aspect that if the two
testators had executed one single document as one single
mutual Will the position may be different is actually adverted
to. In our opinion, if one single document is executed by both
E the brothers using the expressions "our property" "our present
wishes" "our Will" and such similar expressions, it is strong
r cogent evidence of the intention that there is 110 power to
revoke except by mutual consent. "
29. The Madras High Court in the above case has returned the
F findings that Perumal had taken benefit under the joint Will hence, he
could not have revoked the Will and executed another Will, modifying
the bequeath earlier made.
30. This Court in Dilharshankar C. Bhachecha vs The
Controller Of Estate Duty, Ahmedabad, (1986) 1 SCC 701, had
G elaborately considered the concept of Joint & mutual Will. The above
case was also a case of a joint Will executed by a husband and wife with
regard to a Bungalow. Wife died on 03.01.1954, after her death estate
duty on her share of the property was paid. Subsequently, on 25.10.1964,
the husband also died, after his death, the question arose, as to whether,
the estate duty was payable only on half share of husband or the estate
H
DR. K. S.PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 537
AND CITIZENS OFGOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
duty was payable on entire property, which devolved on husband. The A
issue was, as to whether, as per the Will, after the death of wife, husband
had only limited share in estate or he became full owner of the entire
bungalow.
31. The contention of the Revenue was that the Will clearly
mentioned that survivor shall be the owner of the house, hence, the B
husband became the owner of the entire house and the Will was a joint
Will with full proprietary right to the husband. The case of the appellant
was that tht: Will was joint & mutual and husband had no right of
alienation. High Court held, their being no agreement that survivor shall
not revoke the Will or do nothing to diminish the quantum of the property
going into the hands of subsequent legatee, survivor took the absolute C
interest in the property. This Court after referring to 'Theobald on Wills',
'Halsbury's Laws of England', 'Jarman on Wills' and after referring to
several English cases and judgments of this Court and judgment of Madras
High Court in Kuppuswami Raja (supra) has laid down following in
para 50. In para 55 propositions were laid down. Para 50 and 55 D
are quoted as below :-
"50. Therefore the will must be construed in its proper light
and there must be definite agreement found from the tenor of
. the Will or aliunde that either of the joint executants would
not revoke the Will after receiving the bpwfit under the Will. E
Such definite agreement need not be express; it can be implied.
The terms of the Will have been set out exhaustively. It was
undoubtedly a joint Will. The property in question has been
described as "our property". The expression 'owner' has also
been used in the manner indicated in the sentence "During
our lifetime we shall continue to be the joint owners of the F
land bungalow and blocks with their common bathroom and
two privies .... and shall be jointly entitled to the rents and
income of the said land and blocks and the user and rent of
the bungalow". The Will goes on further to say that on the
death of one of them, the survivor shall become the "owner G
of .. and shall become entitled to the rents and income and
user of the said land bungalow and blocks including
garage..... ". Therefore it is clear that the ownership which
the joint executants contemplated was the user during the
life time and entitlement to the rents and income of the same.
H
538 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A It is this ownership which was to pass on the death of either
of them to the survivor and the Will thereafter goes on to
. say that "the provisions hereinafter contained shall become
effective after the death of the survivor of us". And thereafter
after the death it is provided "we hereby devise and bequeath
our said furnished bungalow.... ". The gift of the property to
B
the three grandchildren as owners in full sense is to take effect
. on the death of the survivor of both the executants. It is clear
that the property was intended to be kept intact for the
enjoyment of the ultimate legatees and during the lifetime of
either of them the property would not in any way be parted
c with or diminished. This intention, expressed in the implied
terms in the bargain in the Will, in our opinion, would be
fortified by devising the property to three grandchildren in
species i.e. in specific form and not providing for any money
or compensation for diminution of any part thereof before
coming into effect of the Will in question. If that is the position
D
then, in our opinion, there is a definite agreement not to revoke
the Will by one of the executants after he or she has received
the benefit under the Will on the death of either of them."
"];;;~
"55. In view of the above discussion, the following
propositions follow:
E
(1) Whether estate duty was payable on the whole of the
property or not would depend on whether the deceased
Kamlashankar Gopalshankar had "disposing power" over
the share of Mahendraba inherited by him or 11er death or
not?
·. F
(2) The above question would depend on the construction of
the joint Will - did it create any mutuality among the executants
of the joint Will? Whether Kamlashankar Gopalshankar
having accepted and after his wife '.5 deqth, was competent to
do anything contrary to the ultimate bequest? Before the death
G of the first of the executants, the agreement remained
contractual one in consideration of mutual promises. It could
have been at that stage revoked by mutual agreement or even
by unilateral breach, giving rise at the most to an action for
damages. But after the death of the first one without revoking
H his or her own Will makes the joint Will irrevocable by the
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 539
AND CITIZENS OFGOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN,J.)
survivor[see Theobald (supra)]. But there must be an A
agreement that the Wills would not be revoked after the death
of one of the executants or disposition will. not be made
contrary to the Will after the death of one of the executants.
Such an agreement may appear from the Will or may be proved
outside the Will but that is not established by the mere fact B
that the Wills are in identical terms. If such an agreement is
shown, each party remains bound.
(3) A different and separate agreement must be spelled out
not to revoke the Will after the death of one of the executants.
That agreement must be clear though need not be by a
separate writing but must follow as a necessary implication c
which would tantamount to an express agreement.
(4) The predominant intention of the executants at the time of
the execution, after the acceptance of the benefit of the
execution makes the Will in this case irrevocable by the
survivor of the executants. D
(5) Judged by the principles indicated above, in the facts
and circumstances of this case, we are of the opinion because
of the specific clause that it was intended that the grandsons
would receive the benefit in species and there being no
provision for making up the deficiency or diminution if any, E
it must follow that there was mutuality and Kamlashankar
Gopalshankar was not competent to dispose of the property
in any manner contrary to the ultimate disposition.
(6) The fact that estate duty was paid is 11011 sequitur.
F
(7) The payment of wealth tax by Kamlashankar
Gopalshankaron the whole estate after the death of
Mahendraba is not relevant.
(8) The question of strict construction of the taxing statute
and the principle that one who claims exemption must strictly
G
come within the purview is not relevant in this case because
the exemption follows on the interpretation of the Will. "
32. Before we advert to the Will dated 27.09.1968, it is useful to
recall few well settled mies ofconstruction ofa Will. Privy Council in an
old decision, Sreemutty Soorjeemoney Dossee Vs. Denubundoo
H
540 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A Mullick (1854-57) 6 MIA 526, laid down following rules of construction
ofa Will.
"The Hindu Law, no less than the English law, points to the
intention as the element by which we are to be guided in
determining the effect of a testamentary disposition; nor. so
B far as we are aware, is there any difference between the one
law and the other as to the materials from which the intention
is to be collected. Primarily the words of the will are iv be
considered. They convey the expression of the testator '.s
wishes; but the meaning to be attached to them may be affected
by surrounding circumstances, and where this is the case those
c circumstances no doubt must be regarded. Amongst the
circumstances thus to be· regarded, is the law of the country
under which the will is made and its dispositions are to 'be
carried out. If that law has attached to particular words a
particular meaning, or to a particular disposition a particular
D effect, it must be assumed that the testator. in the dispositions
which he has made, had regard to that meaning or to that
effect, unless the language of the will or the surrounding
circumstances displace that assumption. "
33. In Rajendra Prasad Bose and another. Vt!rsus Gopal Prasad
E Sen, AIR 1930 Privy Council 242, laid down that "the duty of the
Court is to ascertain the intention from the words used in the document"
·and it further held:-
"... once the construction is settled, the court is bound to carry
out the intention as expressed and no other. .. "
F 34. Justice B.K. MukherjeaJ., speaking for this court in Gnambal
Ammal Vs. T. Raju Ayyar and others, AIR 1951 SC 103, on
construction of the Will laid down following in paragraph I0:-
"10. The cardinal maxim to be observed by Courts in
construing a will is to endeavour to ascertain the intentions
G of the testator. This intention has to be gathered primarily
from the language of the document which is to be read as a
whole without indulging in any conjecture or speculation as
to what the testator would have done if he had been better
informed or better advised. In construing the language of
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 541
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
the will as the Privy Council observed in Venkata Narasimha A
Vs. Parthasarathy, 41, l.A.51 at p.70 (211.C. 339 PC.),
"the Courts are entitled and bound to bear in mind other
matters than merely the words used. They must consider
the surrounding circumstances, the position of the testator,
his family relationship, the probability that he would use B
words in a particular sense, and many other things which
are often summed up in the somewhat picturesque figure.
'The Court is entitled to put itself into the testators
armchair' ...... But all this is solely as an aid to arriving at
a right construction of the will, and to ascertain the
meaning of its language when used by that particular C
testator in that document. So soon as the construction is
settled, the duty of the Court is to carry out the intentions
as expressed, and none other. The Court is in no case
just(fied in adding to testamentary dispositions ...... Jn all
cases it must loyally carry out the will as properly construed, D
and this duty is universal, and is true alike of wills of every
nationality and every religion or rank of life."
35. In the above case, a word of caution was also given in
paragraph 9, which is to the following effect:-
"9. In course of the arguments, we have been teferred by the E
learned counsel on both sides to- quite a large number of
decided authorities, both English and Indian, in support of
their respective contentions. It is seldom profitable to compare
the words of one will with those of another or to attempt to
find out to which of the wills, upon which decisions have
been given in reported cases, the will before us approximates F
closely. Case_s are helpful only in so far as they purport to lay
down certain general principles of construction and at the
present day these general principles seem to be fairly well
settled."
36. General principles for construction of a Will have been G
reiterated by this court in a large number of cases. It shall be sufficient
to refer to a three Judge Bench judgment of this court in Navneet Lal
alias Rangi Vs. Gok11l & Others, 1976 (1) SCC 630. After referring
to judgment of Privy Council and several judgments of this court, certain
H
542 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S. C.R.
A principles were enumerated in paragraph 8 of the judgment, which is to
the following effect:-
"8. From the earlier decisions of this Court the following
principles, inter alia, are well established:
(1) In construing a document whether in English or in
B vernacular the fundamental rule is to ascertain the
intention from the words used; the surrounding
circumstances are to be considered ; but that is only for
the purpose of finding out the intended mea11i11g of the
words which have actually been employed.(Ram Gopal
c V. nand Lal)
(2) In construing the language of the will the court is entitled
to put itself into the testator '.s armchair (Venkata
Narasimha J-: Parthasarathy) and is bound to bear in
mind also other matters than merely the words used. It
D must consider the surrounding circumstances, the position
of the testat01; his family relationship, the probability that
he would use words in a particular sense . ... But all this
is solelv as an aid to arriving at a right construction of
the will, and to ascertain the meaning of its language
when used by that particular testator in that document.
E (Venkata Narasimha's case(s11pra) and Gnambal Ammal
V. T. Raju Ayyar)
(3) The true intention of the testator has to he gathered not
by attaching importance to isolated expression but by
reading the will as a whole with all its provisions and
F ignoring none of them as redundant or contradictory. (Raj
Bajrang Bahadur Singh V. Tlwk11rain Bak/ltraj Kuer)
(4) The Court must accept, if possible, such construction as
would give to every expression some effect rather than
that which would render any of the expressions
G inoperative. The court will look at the circumsta11ces
under which the testator makes his will, such as the state
of his property, of his family and the like. Where
apparently conflicting dispositions can be reconciled by
giving ji1ll effect to eve!)' word used in a document, such
a construction should be accepted instead of a
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 543
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM (ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
construction which would have the effect of cutting down A
the clear meaning of the words used by the testator.
Further, where one of the two reasonable constructions
would lead to intestacy that should be discarded in favour
of a construction which does not create any such hiatus.
(Pearey Lal V. Rameshwar Das)
B
(5) It is one of the cardinal principles of c:onstruction of wills
that to the extent that it is legally possible effect should
be given to every disposition contained in the will unless
the law prevents effect being given to it. Of course, if
there are two repugnant provisions conferring successive
interests, if the first interest created is valid the subsequent C
interest cannot take effect but a court of construction
will proceed to the farthest extent to avoid repugnancy,
so that effect could be given as far as possible to eve1y
testamentary intention contained in the will.
(Ramacfl~ndra Slzenoy V. Mrs. Hilda Brite)" D
37. The High Court in the impugned judgment has elaborately
considered whether a Will is a Joint Will or Joint and Mutual Will. High
Court after referring to the large number of cases has come to the
conclusion that it is a Joint and Mutual Will, since both the testator and
testatrix agreed to devote their properties for carrying out charities, the
High Court concluded that intention of both testator and testatrix to give E
property to charities is manifest from the reading of the Will in its entirety.
38. We fully endorse the view taken by High Court that both the
Husband and Wife intended to give property into charities and the Will
clearly specified the list of charities and the committee of three persons
who was to perform the charities. The mutuality to the above extent is F
clearly found in the Will.
39. The main bone of contention between the parties as noted
above is the extent of right of survivor with regard to alienation of property
mentioned in the Will. Whether testator or testatrix intended that after
death of one of them, the survivor shall enjoy the properties only as a life G
estate without any right of alienation or survivor shall take the properties
absolutely with incidence of right of alienation. The High Court on the
above aspect had devoted substantial part of the judgment and before us
also, learned Counsel for the parties addressed the detailed submissions
in support of their divergent stands.
H
544 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A 40. As noted above, intention of testator/testatrix in testamentary
disposition has to be gathered from the Will itself and the words used
therein. In the third paragraph, following disposition has. been made in
the Will:-
"... On the death of anyone of us, the survivor shall enjoy the
B entire properties, which are our self acquired properties,
absolutely with all the rights and after his/her life time, and
carry on the under-mentioned charities from and out of the
income derived from them without alienating the same"
41. The above in plain words provides that on the death of any of
c the spouse, survivor shall enjoy the entire properties absolutely with all
the rights. What is the connotation of words 'absolutely with all the
rights?', whether the above provision in the Will can be read as only life
estate i.e. right of enjoyment and receiving ofrent, income or absolute
right indicates the exercise ofall the rights including the right ofalienation.
D 42. The High Court after noticing the contention of Learned
Counsel for the defendants formed the opinion that expression 'absolutely'
should be read to mean that the surviving testator, namely, Rangammal
would have only the life interest. Following has been stated by the High
Court in paragraph 58:-
E "58. Mr. S. V.Jayaraman, learned Senior Counsel for the
respondents 4 and 5 and Mr. V.K.Muthuswami, learned Senior
counsel for the Respondents 6 and 9 submitted that after the
death of one of the testators, the other is given the right of
absolute enjoyment and only out of the remaining property, if
any, the charities are to be performed. We are of the view, the
F expression 'absolutely· should be read to mean that the
surviving testator. namely. Rangammal would have onlv the
life interest to enjov the rent and income (ram the combined
properties and she was allowed to use and enjoy the properties
subject to the fiduciary duty to keep the properties in tact for
G charities and she would have no unqualified or unrestricted
power to enjoy the properties as she pleases to defeat ur tu
the detriment of the gift over to the charities. "
(underlined by us)
43. Shri Ramamoorthy, Senior Advocate, learned counsel for the
H appellant, have contended that word 'absolutely' as used in the Will
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 545
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.)
indicates absolute right of the survivor to deal with the property and A
word 'absolute' cannot be read as limited right or life estate for the
survivor.
44. It is submitted that the word used in original Will in Tamil
language more clearly indicates absolute right to the survivor. Reliance
is placed upon Govind Raja Vs. Mangalam Pillai, AIR 1933 Madras B
80. The Madras High Court while explaining the similar Tamil word
used in a Will in context whether it confers life estate or absolute estate,
following was stated:-
" .. .In this second appeal, it is contended on behalf of the
appellants (plaintiffs 2 to 4, plaintiff 1 having died during C
the pendency of the suit and plaintiffs 3 and 4 having been
added as his legal representatives) that on a proper
construction of Ex.A it should be held that either a life estate
in favour of Madurambal with a remainder over in favour of
plaintiffs I and 2 or an absolute estate in her favour subject
to defeasance in the event of her failing to have any issue at D
the time of her death was really conferred on her. Having
regard to the terms of the earlier portion of the deed which
are to the effect, that the done should enjoy the properties
absolutely or with all rights, it cannot be reasonably contended
that what was conferred upon her was primarily a life estate E
alone. The tamil word "sarva suthantharamai "... "
45. In one more part of the Will which is appended at the end
' after description of the properties is relevant, which is to the following
effect:-
" ... If any property has been left out, then the same, any F
property purchased then they also, and if any property is sold
by deleting the same, the remaining properties form part of
this document .. "
46. The above provision in the Will clearly intends that any property
purchased shall treated to be added In the document and further any G
property sold shall be deleted from the document and the remaining
properties form part of this document.
47. The above statement clearly contemplates possibility of sale
of any property which shall be deleted from the description of the
H
546 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A properties as mentioned in the document. One more aspect of the Will
needs to be noted. As extracted above, in the last part of the third paragraph
after 'his/her lifetime' word used are "and carry on under mentioned
charities from and out of the income derived from them without alienating
the same". Reading the whole paragraph together the word 'his/her
lifetime' has been used in reference to survivor who survives after the
B
death of one of the spouses. Thus, after the death of survivor, the Will
contemplates that charities shall be carried out of the income derived
from the property without alienating the same. Thus, though in the same
paragraph, after the death of both the testators, the charities are required
to be carried out from the income derived from the properties without
c alienation of the same, whereas the same restriction i.e. "without
alienation" has not been put in the earlier sentence of the same paragraph
when the rights of survivor have been referred to as 'absolutely with all
the rights'.
48. High Court in its judgment has cut down/abridged the
D expression 'absolutely' on the ground of mutual intention of the parties
in paragraph 66 of the judgment. High Court, however, at the same time
has held that expression 'absolute enjoyment' as employed in the Will as
a sort of comfort or cushion to the survivor who meets with an unforeseen
or unexpected contingencies, if any absolute necessity arises. Following
was stated in paragraph 66:-
E
"66... we are therefore of the view that the said expression
'absolute enjoyment' as employed in the Will as a sort of
comfort or cushion to the survivor to meet any unforeseen or
unexpected contingencies if any absolute necessity arises but,
at the same time, it cannot be stated that the bequest in favour
F of charities is a mere wish and an absolute interest was
granted in favour of the survivor. We therefore hold that the
meaning of the expression 'absolutely' should be cut down or
abridged considering the mutual intention between the
executants in making the Will and there are indications in the
G Will itself to curtail the full implication and import of the
expression 'absolutely' when it is used with reference to the
survivor...
49. The intention in testamentary disposition has to be primarily
found out from the actual words used in the Will. The court is not entitled
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 547
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
to ignore clear words or add something of its own or dilute the meaning A
of any clear word used in the Will. The solemn duty of the court is to find
out the intention of testator and thereafter to give effect to such intention.
On the reading of the Will, the intendment of testator/testatrix is clear
that survivor shall have absolute right of enjoyment of properties. There
is no reason not to give effect to said intendment on the ground that the B
testator and testatrix have mutually intended to set apart the property
for charity and holding that survivor shall have right of disposition be not
in the interest of the trust.
50. We do not find any word or any indication in the Will to give a
life estate to survivor. The Will clearly intended that survivor shall have
absolute right to the properties and after his/her death; the charity shall c
be carried out from the income of the properties without alienation of
the properties. High Court itself has noticed that testator was a person
who was well versed with the law of Wills since two earlier Wills were
already executed by Chettiar.
51. We are of the view that testators intended that survivor should D
be given right of alienation. Why the same word "without right of
alienation" could not have been used in the earlier part of the same
paragraph when they used the same word in end of the paragraph while
providing for carrying out charities after the death of the survivor from
the income derived from the properties without alienating the same. E
52. We, thus, are of the clear opinion that the Will intended to give
survivor absolute right with regard to properties with further intendment
that after the death of survivor, the remaining property should be used
for carrying out the charities. The clear intention of testator/testatrix
while executing the Will that the charity shall be carried out from the F
income of the properties is not given up even during life time of survivor.
The obligation to use the income of properties for charity is attached
with the property described in the Will subject to giving survivor absolute
right with regard to properties.
53. In the above context, exposition oflaw in reference to a mutual G
Will by Australian High Court in a case Birmingham & ors. Vs. Renfrew
& Ors., 57 Commonwealth Law Report 666, needs to be referred.
54. In the above cases Dixon J. while delivering a concurring
opinion elaborated the concept of mutual Will, he has referred to a third
H
548 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A element to be inherent in nature of mutual Will which according to Dixon
J. had not been earlier expressly considered. Dixon J. stated the third
element in the following words:-
"... There is a third element which appears to me to be inherent
the nature of such a contract or agreement, although I do not
B think it has been expressly considered. The purpose of an
arrangement for corresponding wills must often be, as in this
case, to enable the survivor during his life to deal as absolute
owner with the property passing under the will of the party
first dying. That is to say, the object of the transaction is to
put the survivor in a position to enjoy for his own benefit the
c full ownership so that, for instance, he may convert it and
expend the proceeds if he chooses. But when he dies he is· to
bequeath what is left in the manner agreed upon. It is only by
the special doctrines of equity that such a floating obligation,
suspended, so to speak, during the lifetime of the survivor
D can descend upon the assets at his death and crystallize into
a trust. No doubt gifts and settlements, inter vivas, if calculated
to defeat the intention of the compact, could not be made by
the survivor and his right of disposition, inter vivos, is,
therefore, not unqualified. But, substantially, the purpose of
the arrangement will often be to allow full enjoyment for the
E survivors own benefit and advantage upon condition that at
his death the residue shall pass as arranged. .. "
55. Dixon J. as noted above has held that survivor during lifetime
can deal as absolute owner of the property but when he dies, he is to
bequeath what is left in the manner agreed upon. The obligation to utilize
F the property in a manner agreed upon descends upon the asset on the
death of survivor and the right of disposition is not unqualified but has to
be in accord with manner of disposition.
56. As noted above, the High court in paragraph 66 of the judgment
also had considered that expression absolute enjoyment as employed in
G the Will was a sort of comfort or cushion to the survivor to meet with
any unforeseen or unexpected contingencies, if any necessity arises.
57. We, thus, are of the view that giving absolute right to the
survivor during his lifetime to deal with the properties in no manner cannot
be said to be right given in disregard of object of trust. The charitable
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 549
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOKBHUSHAN, J.]
purpose of the Will is not lost even if survivor is given absolute right. The A
obligation of survivor to act in furtherance of object as agreed by both
the testators survives and binds the survivor. Although the Will was
irrevocable after the death of survivor but the Will expressly granted
absolute right to survivor.
58. In view of the foregoing discussion, we endorse the view of B
High Court that the Will dated27.9.l 968 was a joint and mutual Will, but
with a rider that said joint and mutual Will was with an express condition
that survivor shall have absolute right to deal with the property keeping
the object of trust alive. Giving ofright of disposition to the survivor was
also one of the joint decision and agreement between the testator and
testatrix which does not diminish the nature and character of Will as C
joint and mutual Will.
59. Thus, in the present case, unless the alienation by the survivor
i.e. Rangammal is held to be completely in breach of object of trust and
fraud on trust, the Court is to be slow in disregarding such alienations. In
the suit filed by the plaintiff although reference to alienation made by D
Rangammal were made and the High Court in its judgment in paragraph
81 has detailed the alienation but the challenge to the alienation before
the trial court as well as before the High Court was only on the ground
that Rangammal was not competent to alienate the property mentioned
jn the Will after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar. E
60. We are thus of the view that the alienation made by
Rangammal in favour of appellants could not have been declared null
and void as has been done by the High Court. Alienation made by
Rangammal during her lifetime after the death of Palaniappa Chettiar
was fully covered by paragraph 3 of the Will as noted above. F
61. We are thus of the view that the decision of the High Court in
so far as in declaring the alienation made by Smt. Rangammal after the
death of Palaniappa Chettiar during her lifetime as null and void deserves
to be set aside. Thus alienation made by Smt. Rangammal by registered
sale deeds as noticed by the High Court in favour of appellants needs to G
be deleted from the list of the properties as described in the plaint and
they shall not be included in the trust property by virtue of the Will deed
dated 27 .09.1968. We, however, add that said deletion is only with regar<l
to alienations made by Smt. Rangammal and not to the alienations made
by defendant no. 4 & 5. The Declaration made by the High Court in so
H
550 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
A far as alienations made by defendant no. 4 & 5 as null and void are
maintained.
Creation of Trust by Will dated 27.9.1968
62. The High court has elaborately dealt with the matter ofcreation
of Trust by Will in paragraphs 79 to 80 of the judgment.
B
63. While not.icing the nature and contents of the Will, we have
noted above that in the life time of survivor charities have to be carried
out from the income derived from properties witliout alienating the same.
With regard to the charities, the Will states that during life time of testator
and testatrix the properties shall be managed by themselves and desired
c charities be carried out either jointly or individually and in case testator
and testatrix are not in a position to carry out the charity during their life
time a committee consisting of three members shall perform charity.
Following statement in the Will is relevant:
"During our life time we shall manage the property ourselves,
D do the desired charities either jointly or individually.
In case we are not ·in a position to carry out the desired.
cllarities during our life time, a committee consisting of the
following authorities shall be formed to carry out the
foll owing charities:. "
E
64. A complete reading of the Will indicates that although the
testator and testatrix intended to utilise their properties to carry out
charities after their life, the Trust as contemplated by the Will to come in
operation in following manner:
(I} During the life time of testator/testatrix in the event they
F
were not in a position to carry out the desired charity the
committee consisting of the Endowment Commissione,r,
Revenue Divisional Officer, Gobichettipalayam and
District Munsif, Gobichettipalayam shall carry out the
charities.
G (2) After the death of both testator r111d testatrix, the committee
of three members as noted above shall perform the
charities.
65. There is no pleading or material on record to indicate that
during life time of Palaniappa Chettiar or Rangammal at any point of
H
DR. K. S. PALANISAMI (DEAD) v. HINDU COMMUNITY IN GENERAL 551
AND CITIZENS OF GOBICHETTIPALAYAM [ASHOK BHUSHAN, J.] '
time they expressed their inability to carry out the charity or had requested A
the three members' committee to carry out the charity. Thus, above
eventuality as contemplated by the Will never came into existence during
the life time of Palaniappa Chettiar and Rangammal but as per provisions
of the Will dated 27.9.1968 on the death of survivor i.e. Rangammal on
27 .12.1980, the three members committee was obliged to carry out the B
charities and the Trust came into operation. ·
Will dated 27.11.1980
66. The trial court framed specific issue No.13 to the following
effect:
' "13. Whether the Will dated 2 7.11.1980 executed in favour of C
the defendants 4, 5 is genuine and valid ? Whether Chinnammal
@ RangammaL had executed that document in a sound and
disposing state of mind ?
67. Issue No.13 was dealt with in great detail by the trial court
after considering the entire documentary and orat evidence on records. D
Defendant NosA and 5 have examined the testators as DW.2 ~nd DW.4,
scribe as DW.3 and a Sub-Registrar for proving the Will as DW.6.
68. After considering the oral evidence the trial court held that the
Will is not proved. The trial court noticed several suspicious c.ircurnstances ,
and discrepancies and it was held that Ex.D-109 has not been executed E
by Rangammal in a sound and disposing state of mind and the same is
not a true and.valid document. Defendant Nos.4 and 5 had filed A..S.
No.606/1989 challenging the judgment of the trial court. The said appeal
was elaborately considered by the High Court in its judgment in paragraphs
86 to.114. The High Court came to the conclusion that Will dated
F
27 .11.1980 alleged to have.been executed by Rangammal is not a true
and genuine Will of her. The said conclusion has been arrived at by the
High Court afte~ considering entire evidence on record. We find no
infirmity in the aforesaid conclusion. The appeal filed by defendant Nos.
4 and 5 has rightly been dismissed. We see no reason to interfere in the
judgment of the High Court so far as dismissal of A.S.No.606of1989. G
Reliefs
I. We have come to the conclusion that Smt. Rangammal- testatrix
has the absolute right to deal with the properties mentioned in the Will
and alienations made by her during her life time are saved byth,e Will H _
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2017] 4 S.C.R.
· A and the judgment of the High Court holding sales in favour of the appellant
as null and void is unsustainable and is hereby set aside. Civil Appeal
Nos.5924 of 2005, 5925 of 2005 and 5926 of 2005 are partly allowed
and following sale deeds are deleted from the description of the property
in the plaint. The Trust shall not include following sale deeds:
B (i) Sale deed in favour of Dr. K.S. Palanisami, defendant No.13
dated 11.5 .1979, Schedule II, Item No.15 and 16.
(ii) Sale deed in favour of defendant Nos.4 and 5 dated 19.9.1972
and 30.9.1972, second Schedule, Item Nos. 5 and 6 (Ex.B-28 and Ex.B-
29).
c · (iii) Sale deed dated 24.3.1977, first Schedule, Item No.6, in favour
ofThirugnanasambandam, defendant No.7 (Ex.B-116) and
(iv) Sale deed in favour of Dr. M.R. Subbian dated 20.2.1970,
Schedule II, Item No.2 and 7 (Ex.B-114).
D We, however, make it clear that the judgment of the High Court
declaring sale deeds executed by defendant Nos.4 and 5 as null and void
is maintained. All alienations made by defendant Nos.4 and 5 are null
and void and those properties shall be treated as part of the Trust property.
II. Civil Appeal No. 6469 of2005 stands dismissed.
E III. The directions issued by the High Court in paragraph 116 are
maintained subject to directions-I as made above. Judicial Officer having
jurisdiction over the case who has been directed by the High Court to
frame the scheme for the Trust shall frame the scheme expeditiously
preferably within a period of three months from the date a copy of this
F judgment is produced before him. It goes without saying that all steps
for identification, protection and management of Trust property shall be
undertaken by all concerned.
69. All the appeals are decided accordingly.
Devika Gujral Appeals disposed of.
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