The Charitable and Religious Trusts Act, 1920
An Act to provide more effectual control over the administration of Charitable and Religious Trusts.
Administered by. Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department · Other Acts of 1920
Preamble
THE CHARITABLE AND RELIGIOUS TRUSTS ACT, 1920
ACT NO. 14 OF 1920
[20th March, 1920.] An Act to provide more effectual control over the administration of Charitable and Religious Trusts.
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide facilities for the obtaining of information regarding trusts created for public purposes of a charitable or religious nature, and to enable the trustees of such trusts to obtain the directions of a Court on certain matters, and to make special provision for the payment of the expenditure incurred in certain suits against the trustees of such trusts; It is hereby enacted as follows:--
What this Act covers
Summary of The Charitable and Religious Trusts Act, 1920
Key Provisions
1. State Jurisdiction and Application
Territorial Coverage: Applies within the boundaries of a State, with historical exceptions subject to state notifications.
State Court Oversight: Empowers state courts to oversee trusts operating within their jurisdiction.
2. Application to the State Court
Eligibility for State Stakeholders: Open to anyone with a vested interest in trusts within the state.
Scope for State Transparency and Audit:
Detailed State-Level Information: Seek specifics about trusts.
Comprehensive State Audit: Request thorough examination of accounts.
3. Petition Requirements for State Courts
Clear Content for State Courts: Must demonstrate interest and specify relief.
Verification Process for State Petitions: Adherence to legal protocols to ensure legitimacy.
4. State Exemptions and Updates
Exempted State Entities: Subject to state-specific laws (e.g., Wakfs under state adaptations of the Wakf Act).
State Variations: Subject to state repeals or modifications, emphasizing alignment with state policies.
Actionable Takeaways for State Stakeholders
Trustees: Leverage state judicial oversight for clarity and ensure transparent resource use.
Beneficiaries and Advocates: Utilize the right to petition for trust information and audits.
Legal Practitioners: Focus on the Act's state-level implications, including litigation costs and intersections with other state laws.
Sections
Type to filter. 12 sections.
- 1Short title and extent
- 2Interpretation
- 3Power to apply to the Court in respect of trusts of a charitable or religious nature
- 4Contents and verification of petition
- 5Procedure on petition
- 6Failure of trustee to comply with order under section 5
- 7Powers of trustee to apply for directions
- 8Costs of petition under this Act
- 9Savings
- 10Power of Courts as to costs in certain suits against trustees of charitable and religious trusts
- 11Provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure to apply
- 12Barring of appeals
Related Acts
- The Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, 192112 sections
- The Calcutta High Court (Jurisdictional Limits) Act, 19192 sections
- The Destruction of Records Act, 19176 sections
- The Hindu Disposition of Property Act, 19165 sections
- The Indian Succession Act, 1925393 sections
- The Sikh Gurdwaras (Supplementary) Act, 19253 sections
- The Official Trustees Act, 191335 sections
- The Sale of Goods Act, 193067 sections
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Every one of the 12 sections of this Act has its own page. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.