Part performance is a crucial provision in property law that safeguards the buyer's or transferee's interests. This concept, known as the Doctrine of Part Performance, is outlined in Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act (TPA) of 1882. It protects the transferee's rights even if the property is not formally registered.
The Transfer of Property Act of 1882 regulates property transactions in India, promoting fairness and transparency. It ensures an equitable distribution of legal power in property dealings, featuring various provisions and sections designed to protect the rights of all parties involved. Among these, Section 53A is particularly significant as it introduces the principle of part performance in property law.
What is the doctrine of part performance in the Transfer of Property Act?
The doctrine of part performance in property law allows a person to protect their possession of property, even if the contract has not been registered or formalized. This means that transferees, who have taken possession or made improvements based on an oral agreement or an unregistered contract, can secure their right to remain in possession of the property.
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Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act (TPA)
Key provisions under Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act (TPA) include:
- A written contract is required for the transfer of immovable property.
- The transferee must have taken possession of the property or already be in possession and continue to stay there.
- The transferee must perform some act in furtherance of the contract.
- The transferee should be willing to fulfill their part of the contract.
Difference between part performance and specific performance
| Aspect | Part Performance | Specific Performance |
| Nature of remedy | Defensive right of the property buyer | Proactive right of the individual |
| Objective | Protects property possession of the transferee | Compels the transferor to complete the transaction |
| Legal provision | Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act | Specific Relief Act, 1963 |
| Purpose | Written contract, possession by transferee, act in furtherance, willingness to perform | Valid contract and failure of one party to perform |
| Primary use | Prevents transferor from evicting the transferee | Enforces the fulfilment of the contractual obligations |
| Possession | Protects possession already taken | Not necessarily concerned with possession |
Elements of the doctrine of part performance
Landmark judgment by Supreme Court on part performance
In the landmark case of **Saradamani Kandappan vs. S Rajalakshmi (2011)**, the Supreme Court upheld the doctrine of part performance. This case involved an oral agreement for the sale of immovable property between Saradamani Kandappan and S Rajalakshmi. Despite the agreement being informal and unregistered, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the transferee. The court stated that under Section 53A of the Transfer of Property Act (TPA) of 1882, the transferee's rights are protected. This provision ensures that even if a property agreement is not formalized or registered, the transferee can defend their possession if they have acted based on the agreement.
Aquire Acres.com News Viewpoint
The doctrine of part performance in property law under Section 53A of TPA brings transparency in property transactions. It gives legal security to the property buyer, known as the transferee, in case the transferor backs out and does not comply with the written agreement. When engaging in such property transactions, one should conduct a background check and inspection to prevent legal disputes.
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Ans 1. Lis pendens in common parlance means “a pending legal action”. The doctrine of lis pendens finds its place in Section 52 of TOPA which provides that if there is any transfer of any immovable property pending litigation, the same shall not affect the rights of the parties in respect to the immovable property.
Ans 2. -- (1) Every transfer of immoveable property made with intent to defeat or delay the creditors of the transferor shall be voidable at the option of any creditor so defeated or delayed. Nothing in this sub-section shall impair the rights of a transferee in good faith and for consideration.
Ans 3. Where a person fraudulently or erroneously represents that he is authorised to transfer certain immoveable property and professes to transfer such property for consideration, such transfer shall, at the option of the transferee, operate on any interest which the transferor may acquire in such property at any time ...
Ans 4. Section 52 seeks to subordinate all derivative interests or all interests derived from parties to a suit by way of transfer pendente lite to the rights declared by the decree in the suit and to declare that they shall not be capable of being enforced against the rights acquired by the decree holder.
Ans 5. The Doctrine of Part Performance, as enshrined in Section 53A of TPA plays an important role in property law in India. It provides protection to transferees who have partially performed agreements for the transfer of property, even if the agreements do not comply with formal legal requirements.