Bequest of thing described in general terms
Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 deals with bequest of thing described in general terms. If there is a bequest of something described in general terms, the executor must purchase for the legatee what may reasonably be considered to answer the description. The Act came into force on 30 Sep 1925.
If there is a bequest of something described in general terms, the executor must purchase for the legatee what may reasonably be considered to answer the description.
Illustrations
(i) A bequeaths to B a pair of carriage-horses or a diamond ring. The executor must provide the legatee with such articles if the state of the assets will allow it.
(ii) A bequeaths to B "my pair of carriage-horses". A had no carriage horses at the time of his death. The legacy fails.
Section 171, The Indian Succession Act, 1925 (Act 39 of 1925).
Questions about Section 171
What does Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act deal with?
Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act is headed "Bequest of thing described in general terms". If there is a bequest of something described in general terms, the executor must purchase for the legatee what may reasonably be considered to answer the description.
How do I find court cases under Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Succession Act 171, section 171 Succession Act, section 171 of the Indian Succession Act. People searching for it also type section 171 of indian succession act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act come into force?
Section 171 of the Indian Succession Act, cited as Succession Act 171, came into force on 30 Sep 1925, having been enacted on 30 Sep 1925. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 120. Date of vesting when legacy contingent upon specified uncertain event712 words
- 111. Survivorship in case of bequest to described class652 words
- 142. Specific legacy defined646 words
- 101. Rules of construction where will purports to make two bequests to same person620 words
- 113. Bequest to person not in existence at testator’s death subject to prior bequest486 words
- 114. Rule against perpetuity469 words
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. Text as in force on 16 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.