KSLU Property Law Past Questions & Exam Topics
KSLU Property Law Past Questions & Exam Topics
To crack the KSLU exam for Property Law, analyzing past trends is crucial. Below is a unit-wise breakdown of theory and problem questions compiled from KSLU semester papers.
How to read the map:
- ⭐⭐⭐ : Asked 5+ times — Must Cover
- ⭐⭐ : Asked 3–4 times — High Priority
- ⭐ : Asked 1–2 times
[16M]/[10M]: Essay marks[6M]/[SN]: Short notes / brief topics[Prob]: Solved problem fact patterns
📅 Unit 1 — General Principles of Transfer of Property
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Transfer of Property — concept, what may/may not be transferred, “all property is transferable” & exceptions | [16M] “General rule that property of any kind may be transferred — explain with exceptions” / “All kinds of properties are transferable — comment” (Jan2011(100), Jun2011(100), Dec2012(100), Dec2013(100), Jun2016(100), Dec2019(100)); [10M] “Property of any kind may be transferred — state exceptions” (Apr2023(80)); [SN] Transfer of property (Dec2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.2 | Definition of Transfer / essentials & legal requirements of a valid transfer; properties which cannot be transferred | [16M]/[10M] “Define TP and state properties which cannot be transferred” (Jun2019(80), Dec2019(80), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80)); “Define TP — essentials/legal requirements of a valid transfer” (Dec2018(100), Nov2021(100), Dec2015(100), Nov2021(80), Feb2025(80), Jun2025(100)); “Examine concept of TP, state exceptions” (Dec2017(100)); “Define TP, discuss what passes to transferee” (Jan2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.3 | Meaning of immovable property | [16M]/[15M] “Define immovable property; properties judicially recognised as immovable” (Jun2014(100), Jun2015(100)); “Define immovable property — what property can be transferred?” (Jun2017(100), Apr2021(100)); [10M] “Concept of immovable property and transfer of property” (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100)); [SN/6-8M] Immovable property (Jun2019(80), Dec2013(100), Aug2024(80), Dec2015(100), Dec2018(100), Nov2022(100), Feb2025(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.4 | Transfer for benefit of unborn person / transfer inter-vivos | [16M]/[15M] “TP Act applies to transfer inter vivos but transfer for benefit of unborn person is an exception — discuss” (Jan2012(100), Jun2013(100), Nov2022(80)); “Discuss rules/law re transfer for benefit of unborn person” (Dec2018(100), Nov2022(100), Dec2019(80), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐ |
| 1.5 | Conditions restraining alienation & restrictions repugnant to interest created (ss.10–12) | [16M]/[10M] “Effects of / provisions on condition restraining alienation” (Jun2016(100), Mar2022(80), Apr2021(80)); “Conditions in restraint of enjoyment of property transferred absolutely, with exceptions” (Jun2012(100)); “Absolute restraint void but partial restraint valid — discuss” (Apr2023(80)); [SN] Condition restraining alienation (Jan2012(100), Jun2013(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 1.6 | Rule against perpetuity & exceptions (s.14) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Rule against perpetuity, state exceptions” (Jun2013(100), Jun2014(100), Jun2015(100), Dec2016(100), Dec2017(100), Nov2021(100), Apr2022(100), Nov2021(80), Aug2024(80)); “Define doctrine of rule against perpetuity” (Jan2026(100)); [SN] Rule against perpetuity (Feb2025(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.7 | Direction for accumulation of income (s.17) | [16M]/[15M] “Provisions relating to direction for accumulation of income” (Jan2011(100)); “Analyse provision on accumulation of income, suggest exceptions” (Dec2017(100)); [SN] Direction for accumulation (Dec2012(100), Dec2015(100), Apr2021(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 1.8 | Vested and contingent interest (ss.19–21) | [16M]/[10M] “Define vested & contingent interest and distinguish” (Dec2013(100), Dec2014(100), Jun2016(100), Jun2018(100), Apr2021(100), Jan2026(100), Aug2024(80), Nov2022(80)); [SN] Vested interest / vested & contingent interest (Apr2023(80), Nov2021(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 1.9 | Void conditions, conditions precedent/subsequent, fulfillment of conditions subsequent (ss.25–34) | [10M] “Condition precedent and condition subsequent; rules relating to performance” (Apr2021(80)) ⭐ |
| 1.10 | Rule of acceleration (s.27) | [SN/6-9M] Rule of acceleration (Apr2021(80), Aug2024(80), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐ |
| 1.11 | Doctrine of notice / constructive notice (s.3) | [16M]/[10M] “Doctrine of constructive notice with leading cases” (Jun2012(100), Mar2022(80), Nov2022(100)); “What is notice? Applicability under TP Act” (Jun2018(100)); “Person deemed to have notice — explain with decided cases” (Dec2012(100)); [SN] Notice (Jun2015(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 1.12 | Spes successionis / transfer of expectancy (s.6(a)) | [SN/6-8M] Spes successionis (Nov2021(80), Dec2017(100)) — also see Application Problems (recurring expectancy problem) ⭐ |
| 1.13 | Persons competent to transfer (s.7) | (never asked as a standalone question — covered within “essentials of valid transfer”, 1.2) |
| 1.14 | Operation of transfer (s.8) | (only via “what passes to transferee”, Jan2012(100) — see 1.2) |
| 1.15 | Oral transfer (s.9) | [SN/6M] Oral transfer (Dec2019(80), Jan2026(80)) — also see fish/ferry problem below ⭐ |
Application Problems (all papers)
Every fact-pattern problem for this unit, with neutral character labels, the year/paper weight, and the planted decoy. Look-alikes merged with all years listed.
| Year(s) (paper) | Problem summary (neutral labels, with the decoy) | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan2011(100), Dec2018(100), Jun2025(100), Jun2017(100) | A sells/gifts house to B with a condition that B shall not alienate it (without A’s consent / except to C / must occupy it himself & not let out). Is the condition valid? Decoy: distinguish absolute restraint (void, s.10) from partial/qualified restraint (valid). | Validity of condition restraining alienation (s.10) |
| Jan2011(100), Jun2016(100), Apr2021(100), Mar2022(80) | Property transferred to A for life, then to A’s first/second son (unborn) for life, then to B/X absolutely. Is the transfer valid? Decoy: prior life interest to unborn + perpetuity (transfer to unborn must be absolute, s.13–14). | Transfer to unborn person & rule against perpetuity (ss.13–14) |
| Jun2011(100), Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Apr2022(100), Dec2019(100) | A, grandson of B, expecting legacy under B’s will, transfers his expectancy to C during B’s lifetime. Is it valid? Decoy: mere chance of an heir succeeding = spes successionis, non-transferable. | Transfer of spes successionis (s.6(a)) — void |
| Jun2025(100), Nov2021(100), Jan2026(100) | A transfers property to B on condition that B shall touch the sky with his little finger / run 80 km (or 100 km) per hour. Is the transfer/condition valid? Decoy: impossible condition (s.25) vs unlawful condition. | Transfer subject to an impossible condition (s.25) |
| Jun2012(100) | A sells property to B subject to a condition that B should not sell during A’s lifetime. Is the condition valid? Decoy: restraint limited in time may be a valid partial restraint. | Partial restraint on alienation (s.10) |
| Dec2017(100) | A makes an absolute gift of a house to B, directing that B shall not raise it higher so as to obstruct air passage to A’s adjoining house. Validity of the direction? Decoy: s.11 (void repugnant condition) vs s.40 (obligation for benefit of adjacent owner). | Restriction repugnant to absolute interest (ss.11, 40) |
| Jun2011(100), Nov2022(80) | Is a “mango tree” movable or immovable property? Decide. Decoy: standing timber vs fruit-bearing/permanent trees. | Meaning of immovable property |
| Jun2012(100), Mar2022(80) | A orally grants B, for Rs.10,000, the right to catch and carry away fish from his lake / the right to ferry. Is the grant valid? Decoy: profit à prendre = immovable property; oral transfer barred / registration needed (s.9, s.54). | Oral transfer of a benefit arising out of land (s.9) |
| Apr2023(80) | Property transferred to A for life, remainder to A’s eldest son on attaining 25 years; A has no son on the date of transfer. Examine validity. Decoy: contingent interest to unborn + age beyond 18/perpetuity (ss.13–14, 20). | Transfer to unborn + age contingency (ss.13–14) |
| Jan2026(100) | An estate is transferred to A until he shall marry, and after his marriage the property belongs to B. What is the nature of the interest created in favour of B? Decoy: vested vs contingent on a condition that must happen. | Nature of interest — vested/contingent (ss.19–21) |
| Dec2017(100) | A transfers 2-acre property to M with a condition that she will desert her husband within two months of the transfer. Validity of the transfer? Decoy: condition opposed to public policy is void (s.25). | Transfer on an unlawful/void condition (s.25) |
| Jun2018(100) | A transfers a farm to B for her life, and if she does not desert her husband, to C. B does not desert her husband. Whether C can claim the farm? Decoy: ulterior disposition on a void condition (s.31–32). | Conditional limitation / void condition (ss.31–32) |
| Nov2022(100) | A, who is expecting to succeed to the estate of B, sells B’s property to C. Later A succeeds to B’s property. Can C claim the property? Decoy: spes successionis transfer (void) BUT s.43 feeding the grant by estoppel once A acquires title. | Spes + feeding the estoppel (ss.6(a), 43) |
| Jun2018(100) | A sells land to B, falsely representing he is solely entitled; B believes A (had B enquired he would have found A’s cousin C owns it). A later inherits C’s land. C claims the land from A. Will he succeed? Decoy: erroneous representation + s.43 transfer fructifies on acquiring interest. | Transfer by unauthorised person — feeding the estoppel (s.43) |
📅 Unit 2 — Election, Ostensible Owner, Lis Pendens, Part-Performance
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Doctrine of election (s.35) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Discuss doctrine of election” (often + Indian vs English distinction / “when presumed”) (Jun2011(100), Dec2012(100), Jun2016(100), Apr2021(100), Nov2021(100), Nov2022(100), Jan2026(100), Apr2023(80), Feb2025(80), Aug2024(80)); “Foundation of election — one taking benefit of an instrument must bear its burden — explain” (Jun2014(100), Dec2014(100), Jun2018(100), Dec2019(80)); “Conditions for applying doctrine of election” (Dec2013(100), Jun2012(100)); [SN/6-8M] Doctrine of election (Jun2019(100), Nov2021(80), Apr2022(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.2 | Transfer by ostensible owner (s.41) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Who is an ostensible owner? When does a transferee from him get good title against the real owner?” (Jun2011(100), Dec2013(100), Dec2016(100), Jun2017(100), Jun2018(100), Nov2021(80), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80), Jun2019(80), Aug2024(80)); “Provisions relating to transfer by ostensible owner” (Jun2014(100)); [SN] Transfer by ostensible owner (Jun2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.3 | Transfer by co-owner (s.44) | [SN/5-8M] Transfer by co-owner / effect of sale by co-owner (Dec2013(100), Apr2021(80), Feb2025(80), Jun2018(100), Dec2018(100), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐ |
| 2.4 | Apportionment (ss.36–37) | [16M]/[6M]/[SN] Doctrine of apportionment; apportionment by time and by estate (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Dec2016(100), Aug2024(80), Jan2012(100), Jun2014(100), Jun2015(100), Apr2023(80), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80), Apr2021(80), Jun2017(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.5 | Improvements made by bona fide holder under defective title (s.51) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Protection re improvements made by bona fide holders under defective title” (Jan2011(100), Apr2021(80), Dec2012(100)); [SN] Improvements made by bona fide holder (Dec2015(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 2.6 | Rent paid to holder under defective title (s.50) | “Effects of rent bona fide paid to holder under defective title” (Jun2014(100)) — also see Application Problems ⭐ |
| 2.7 | Doctrine of lis pendens (s.52) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Doctrine of lis pendens” (conditions / dimensions / applies to court sales / with cases) (Jun2025(100), Jan2012(100), Jun2012(100), Dec2016(100), Dec2017(100), Jun2017(100), Nov2022(100), Mar2022(80)); “Provisions governing transfers made during pendency of litigation” (Nov2021(100), Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100)); [SN] Lis pendens (Nov2021(80), Dec2019(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.8 | Fraudulent transfer (s.53) | [16M]/[10M] “Fraudulent transfer / circumstances creditors can set aside a transfer as fraudulent” (Jun2025(100), Jan2012(100), Jun2015(100), Nov2022(80), Mar2022(80), Nov2021(80)); [SN/8M] Fraudulent transfer (Jun2013(100), Jun2017(100), Nov2021(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.9 | Part-performance (s.53A) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Doctrine of part-performance” (often + Indian vs English distinction) (Jun2013(100), Dec2014(100), Dec2018(100), Dec2019(100), Apr2022(100), Apr2021(80)); [SN/6M] Part-performance (Nov2022(80), Aug2024(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2.10 | Priority of rights (s.48) | [SN/5M] Priority (Jun2011(100)) ⭐ |
Application Problems (all papers)
| Year(s) (paper) | Problem summary (neutral labels, with the decoy) | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan2011(100), Jun2013(100), Dec2016(100), Jun2017(100), Nov2021(100) | A transfers to B an estate to which C is entitled, and as part of the same transaction gives C a coal mine. C takes the coal mine and exhausts it. Has C confirmed the transfer of his estate to B? Decoy: taking a benefit under the instrument = deemed election to confirm. | Doctrine of election (s.35) |
| Jun2011(100), Jun2016(100), Apr2021(100), Jun2015(100), Nov2022(80) | A purchases an open plot from B believing he acquired absolute title and builds a house. Later C, who has a better title, evicts A. What reliefs are available to A? Decoy: transferee in good faith for value under defective title — right to compensation for improvements. | Improvements by bona fide holder under defective title (s.51) |
| Jan2011(100), Jun2016(100), Apr2021(100), Apr2023(80) | A sues B in respect of a house in B’s possession. During the pendency of the suit B sells the house to C; the suit is decreed for A. Is C bound by the decree? Decoy: alienation pendente lite does not defeat the decree. | Lis pendens (s.52) |
| Jun2012(100), Mar2022(80) | A sells property to B with a covenant that B should construct a road across the property for A’s neighbours’ convenience. B transfers to C, who is aware of the covenant; C refuses to build. Can A enforce the covenant against C? Decoy: covenant binding on transferee with notice (s.40). | Burden of obligation annexed to ownership (s.40) |
| Jan2012(100), Apr2022(100) | A, B and C are co-owners of land subject to mortgage. C transfers his share to D. What is the legal effect of this transfer? Decoy: a co-owner can transfer only his own share (s.44). | Transfer by one co-owner (s.44) |
| Dec2012(100), Mar2022(80) | A buys property in the name of B (benami); B mortgages and redeems it several times, then sells it to C. Will C get good title against A? Decoy: B is the ostensible owner; bona fide transferee for value protected (s.41). | Transfer by ostensible owner (s.41) |
| Dec2013(100), Jun2019(80) | A Hindu buys property in the name of his wife / a Hindu widow gifts part of her husband’s property; the nearest reversioner (D, son / B) later claims the property pleading the transfer/gift is invalid. Will he succeed? Decoy: ostensible ownership / estoppel of joining reversioner — not a pure s.41 case. | Ostensible owner & reversioner’s estoppel (s.41) |
| Dec2012(100) | A lets a house to B at rent of Rs.1,000; A then sells it to C. When rent falls due B pays it to A; next day C demands the rent from B. When can C recover and when can C not recover from B? Decoy: rent paid to former owner before notice of transfer is protected (s.50). | Rent paid to holder under defective title (s.50) |
| Dec2015(100) | A lets a field to B at Rs.500 rent and transfers the field to C. B, having no notice of the transfer, in good faith pays the rent to A. What protection is available to B? Decoy: bona fide payment to transferor before notice discharges the tenant (s.50). | Rent paid before notice of transfer (s.50) |
📅 Unit 3 — Mortgages of Immovable Property
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Definition & essentials of mortgage (s.58(a)) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Define mortgage; explain the essentials of a mortgage” (Jan2012(100), Mar2022(80), Jan2026(100)); “Essentials of a mortgage by deposit of title deeds” (Jan2011(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 3.2 | Kinds of mortgages and their features (s.58) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Define mortgage; explain the different/various kinds of mortgages” (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Dec2019(80), Dec2019(100), Jun2012(100), Jun2016(100), Jun2017(100), Jun2018(100), Apr2021(100), Dec2015(100), Aug2024(80), Feb2025(80)); “Distinguish English mortgage & mortgage by conditional sale” (Dec2012(100), Dec2013(100), Jun2011(100)); “Define mortgage by conditional sale & usufructuary mortgage” (Apr2023(80)); “Legal incidents of usufructuary mortgage & mortgage by deposit of title deeds” (Jan2026(80)); “Essentials of a usufructuary mortgage” (Apr2022(100)); [SN] Simple mortgage (Jan2011(100)); Conditional mortgage (Dec2017(100)); Distinguish mortgage by conditional sale & sale with condition to repurchase (Nov2021(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.3 | Rights & liabilities of mortgagor and mortgagee (ss.60–77) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Rights and liabilities of mortgagor and mortgagee” (Dec2012(100), Dec2013(100), Aug2024(80)); “Rights & liabilities of mortgagee (in possession)” (Apr2021(80), Jan2012(100), Nov2022(100)); “Rights and liabilities of mortgagor” (Feb2025(80)); “Rights of a mortgagor” (Jun2019(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.4 | Right of redemption / “Once a mortgage always a mortgage” / clog on redemption (s.60) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Once a mortgage is always a mortgage — discuss” (Jan2011(100), Jun2014(100), Dec2016(100), Jun2015(100), Dec2018(100), Apr2023(80), Jan2026(80)); “Mortgagor’s right of redemption is a statutory right & cannot be contracted out — discuss” (Jun2025(100), Dec2014(100)); “Discuss/explain mortgagor’s right of redemption” (Jun2011(100), Jun2014(100), Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Mar2022(80)); “Elucidate mortgagor’s right of redemption & mortgagee’s right of foreclosure” (Jun2013(100), Nov2022(80)); “Circumstances amounting to clog on redemption” (Nov2021(80)); [SN] Clog on redemption (Dec2012(100), Apr2022(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.5 | Mortgagee’s power of sale without intervention of court (s.69) | [16M]/[10M]/[SN] “Circumstances under which mortgagee can sell mortgaged property without intervention of court” (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Nov2021(100), Jan2012(100), Jun2013(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 3.6 | Marshalling and contribution (ss.81–82) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Principles of marshalling and contribution” (Jun2012(100), Nov2021(80)); [SN/6M] Marshalling (Jun2014(100), Mar2022(80), Apr2023(80), Aug2024(80), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.7 | Charges (s.100) | [SN/5-8M] Charge / charges (Jan2011(100), Jun2011(100), Dec2012(100), Dec2016(100), Dec2019(80), Nov2021(80), Feb2025(80), Aug2024(80), Jan2026(80), Nov2022(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3.8 | Priority of securities (s.48, s.78–79) | [SN/6M] Priority of securities (Apr2021(80), Feb2025(80)) ⭐ |
| 3.9 | Subrogation (s.92) | [SN/5-6M] Subrogation (Jun2012(100), Mar2022(80), Nov2022(80)) ⭐⭐ |
| 3.10 | Foreclosure (s.67) | [SN/5M] Foreclosure (Jan2012(100)) — also in 3.4 (redemption/foreclosure essays) ⭐ |
| 3.11 | Prohibition of tacking (s.93) | [SN/5M] Prohibition of tacking (Jun2013(100)) ⭐ |
Application Problems (all papers)
| Year(s) (paper) | Problem summary (neutral labels, with the decoy) | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| Apr2021(80), Jun2015(100) | A mortgages his property to B by a registered instrument but retains possession. A then sells the property to C, who is unaware of the mortgage. Has C constructive notice of the mortgage? Decoy: registration = constructive notice (s.3 Explanation I). | Constructive notice of a registered mortgage (s.3) |
| Apr2021(80), Jun2018(100) | A mortgages land to B with possession for a term, rents and profits to be set off against interest; the deed provides that if not redeemed within 20 years the mortgagee may treat the land as sold absolutely. A files a redemption suit after 20 years. Will A succeed? Decoy: a stipulation barring redemption is a clog — void. | Clog on the right of redemption (s.60) |
| Jun2014(100), Dec2014(100), Apr2022(100) | X executes a simple mortgage in favour of Y and a usufructuary mortgage in favour of Z; Z takes possession; Y brings the property to sale and the auction-purchaser evicts Z. What is Z’s remedy? Decoy: priority between mortgagees / Z’s right against the equity of redemption (s.48, s.78). | Priority of securities & remedy of ousted mortgagee (ss.48, 78) |
| Dec2013(100), Jun2025(100) | A executes a usufructuary mortgage in favour of B with a condition that if A does not redeem within 10 years the mortgage shall become a sale. Discuss the validity of the condition. Decoy: condition converting mortgage into sale on default = clog on redemption, void. | Clog on redemption / once a mortgage always a mortgage (s.60) |
| Dec2015(100) | A mortgages properties X, Y and Z to B for a loan of Rs.1 lakh, then mortgages property Z alone to C for a further loan of Rs.25,000. Decide the validity / effect of the subsequent mortgage. Decoy: marshalling — C can compel B to satisfy the debt first out of X and Y (s.81). | Marshalling by subsequent mortgagee (s.81) |
| Apr2023(80) | A borrows 500 bags of paddy from B and agrees to return 800 bags with interest of 50 bags per year, transferring an interest in specific immovable property to secure the debt. Is the transaction a mortgage? Decoy: security over specific immovable property for repayment = mortgage, despite payment in kind. | Whether the transaction is a mortgage (s.58) |
📅 Unit 4 — Sale, Lease, Exchange, Actionable Claims, Gifts
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Sale — definition & distinction from contract for sale (s.54) | [16M]/[15M] “Define sale; distinguish from contract for sale” (Jan2011(100), Jun2013(100), Dec2016(100), Jun2015(100), Dec2019(100)); [SN/6-8M] Sale / sale & contract for sale (cApr2021(80), Dec2014(100), Jun2016(100), Jan2026(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.2 | Sale — rights & liabilities of seller and buyer before & after sale (s.55) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Rights & liabilities of seller before and after completion of sale” (Jan2012(100), Jun2017(100), Nov2021(100), Dec2018(100), Dec2019(100), Jun2019(80), Mar2022(80), fNov2022(80)); “Rights & liabilities of seller and buyer” (Dec2013(100), Nov2021(80), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80)); “Rights and duties of buyer” (Dec2017(100), Apr2022(100)); [SN] Seller’s lien (Jun2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.3 | Lease — essentials, scope & creation (s.105–107) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Essentials of lease & how leases are made” (Jun2025(100), Jan2012(100), Jun2013(100), fNov2022(80), Feb2025(80)); “Essential requirements for a valid lease” (Jan2026(100), Dec2018(100), Jun2016(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.4 | Lease — rights & liabilities of lessor and lessee (s.108) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Rights & liabilities of lessor and lessee / lessee” (Apr2021(80), Apr2022(100), Jan2011(100), Jun2014(100), Apr2023(80), Apr2021(100), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.5 | Lease — determination, holding over & legal presumptions (ss.111–116) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M]/[SN] “Modes of determination/termination of lease” (Jun2011(100), Jun2019(80), Mar2022(80), Nov2021(100), Jun2012(100), Nov2022(100), Jun2018(100)); “How a lease of immovable property is determined” (Nov2021(80)); “Legal presumptions as to duration of lease” (Jun2014(100)); “Distinguish lease and licence” (Dec2013(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.6 | Exchange — definition & mode (ss.118–121) | [16M]/[6M]/[SN] “Define exchange; rights & liabilities of parties on exchange” (Dec2019(80)); Exchange / transfer by exchange (Jun2013(100), fNov2022(80), Aug2024(80), Jun2017(100), Apr2022(100), Jun2016(100)) ⭐⭐ |
| 4.7 | Actionable claims (ss.130–131) | [10M]/[SN/6-8M] “What is an actionable claim? How is it transferred?” (Dec2019(80)); Actionable claim (Jun2011(100), fNov2022(80), Apr2023(80), Aug2024(80), Dec2017(100), Nov2021(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.8 | Gifts — essentials, mode, revocation (ss.122–126) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Essentials of gift; how a gift is effected / when revocable” (Jun2025(100), Jun2012(100), Jun2014(100), Dec2013(100), Jun2015(100), Dec2019(100), Jun2016(100), Jun2018(100), cApr2021(80), Apr2021(100), Aug2024(80), Apr2023(80), Jan2026(100)); [SN] Revocation of gift (Jan2012(100)); Attestation (Dec2014(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.9 | Universal donee / onerous gifts (ss.127–128) | [SN/5-8M] Universal donee (Jun2025(100), cApr2021(80), Jun2013(100)); Onerous gift (Jun2012(100), Mar2022(80), Dec2017(100), Feb2025(80), Dec2018(100), Nov2022(100), Jan2026(100)); Donatio mortis causa (Jun2014(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4.10 | Lease distinguished from sale, exchange, mortgage and gift | [16M] “Explain the term lease; distinguish from sale, exchange, mortgage and gift” (Dec2017(100)) ⭐ |
Application Problems (all papers)
| Year(s) (paper) | Problem summary (neutral labels, with the decoy) | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan2011(100), Dec2012(100), Mar2022(80) | A lets a farm to B for the life of C. C dies, but B continues in possession with A’s consent. What is the effect of such possession? Decoy: continuance with lessor’s assent = holding over / tenancy by holding over (s.116). | Holding over (s.116) |
| Dec2019(100) | Hanumanth Raju lets a farm to M for the life of R. R dies, but M continues in possession without the lessor’s consent. Effect of such lease and possession? Decoy: NO assent — distinguish from holding over; possession becomes that of a tenant at sufferance. | Determination of lease & tenancy at sufferance (s.111, s.116) |
| Jan2012(100) | A (lessor) gives B (lessee) notice to quit; the notice expires; A then accepts rent that became due after expiry. Is the notice waived? Decoy: acceptance of rent after notice = waiver of notice to quit (s.113). | Waiver of notice to quit (s.113) |
| Dec2017(100) | A lets a house to B for 5 years; on expiry A permits B to remain and continues to accept rent. Decide the legal validity of the lease. Decoy: holding over creates a fresh tenancy (s.116). | Holding over (s.116) |
| Dec2014(100), Dec2018(100) | A takes a house on lease from B; without B’s consent A builds two additional rooms and sublets them to C. What remedy is available to B against A and C? Decoy: breach of lessee’s obligations / unauthorised sub-letting (s.108). | Lessee’s liabilities & unauthorised sublease (s.108) |
| Jan2011(100), Dec2013(100), Dec2014(100), Dec2018(100), Dec2019(100), b_Jan2026(100) | A makes a gift to three donees (B, C, D); two accept, one refuses. Decide the validity of the gift. Decoy: gift of several things by one transfer — refusal by one donee defeats it only as to that share (s.125). | Gift to several donees, one refuses (s.125) |
| Dec2012(100), Jun2017(100), dNov2021(80) | A holds shares in a prosperous company X and a loss-making company Y; A gifts all the shares to B; B wants to accept X but refuse Y. Can he? Decoy: onerous gift — donee taking under a single transfer must take the burden too (s.127). | Onerous gift — single transfer (s.127) |
| Jun2025(100), b_Jan2026(100) | A deed of gift is executed, attested and delivered to the donee, who accepts it; before registration the donor seeks to revoke the gift. Can he revoke? Decoy: registration is mandatory for completion (s.123), but a completed gift is irrevocable except per s.126. | Revocation & completion of gift (ss.123, 126) |
| Apr2023(80) | On 1-1-2022 A agrees to deliver 10,000 gunny bags to C; A fails to deliver on the due date; C files a suit for the gunny bags. Can he succeed? Decoy: a claim to unascertained/future goods is NOT an actionable claim — distinguish. | Actionable claim vs claim to goods (s.3) |
| Dec2015(100) | A owes money to B, who transfers the debt to C; C demands the debt from A; A, not having received notice of the transfer, pays B. Decide the validity of the payment. Decoy: payment to assignor before notice of assignment is valid (s.131). | Transfer of actionable claim & notice (s.131) |
| dNov2021(80) | A debenture is issued by a public company to A; A sells and transfers the debenture to B. Is the debenture in the hands of B valid? Decoy: a debenture is transferable; bona fide transfer for value. | Transfer of an actionable claim / negotiable instrument |
📅 Unit 5 — Law of Trusts with Fiduciary Relations
Topic-wise Questions
| # | Topic | Questions & Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Definition of trust & comparison with debt / ownership / bailment / agency / contract | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Define trust; distinguish from debt & bailment / ownership & bailment / agency & contract” (Jan2011(100), Jun2014(100), Jun2011(100), Dec2012(100), Dec2013(100), Dec2014(100), Dec2018(100)); “Distinguish trust and bailment” (Mar2022(80)); “Certain obligations are in the nature of trust — discuss” (Dec2019(80), Apr2023(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.2 | Kinds of trusts (incl. public / private / charitable / precatory) | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Explain the different/various kinds of trusts” (Jun2012(100), Jan2012(100), Apr2022(100), Nov2022(100), Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), dNov2021(80), Aug2024(80), Mar2022(80), Dec2015(100), Jun2025(100)); [SN] Public trust (Jan2011(100), Jun2013(100), Jun2014(100), Jun2015(100), fNov2022(80), Jun2017(100), Aug2024(80)); Precatory / charitable trust (Apr2023(80)); Classification of trust (Feb2025(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.3 | Creation of a trust & essentials of a valid trust | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Essentials for creation of a valid trust / how a trust is created” (Dec2013(100), fNov2022(80), Jun2011(100), Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80)); “Provisions of Indian Trust Act re creation and extinction of trust” (Jun2018(100), b_Jan2026(100)); [SN] Creation of trust (dNov2021(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.4 | Appointment of trustees | [6M]/[SN] “How is a trustee appointed?” (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Dec2019(80), Jun2011(100), Jun2013(100), Apr2021(80), fNov2022(80), Jan2026(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.5 | Duties & liabilities of trustees | [16M]/[15M] “Duties and liabilities of a trustee” (Jan2011(100), Jun2012(100), Jun2013(100), Dec2016(100), Apr2021(100), Apr2022(100)); [SN] Duties of trustee (Jan2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.6 | Rights & powers of trustees / statutory powers | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Statutory powers / general authority of a trustee” (Jun2019(80), Jun2019(100), Jun2014(100), Nov2021(100)); “Rights and duties / rights and liabilities of trustee” (Jun2017(100), Dec2017(100), dNov2021(80), Mar2022(80), Aug2024(80)); [SN] Rights of trustee / rights & liabilities of trustee (Dec2013(100), Jun2011(100), Dec2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.7 | Disabilities of trustee | [SN/5-8M] Disabilities of trustee (Apr2021(80), Jun2012(100), Dec2013(100), Dec2016(100), Aug2024(80)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5.8 | Rights & liabilities of the beneficiary | [16M]/[15M]/[10M] “Rights / rights and disabilities / rights and liabilities of the beneficiary” (Jan2012(100), Jun2015(100), Feb2025(80), Apr2021(80)) ⭐⭐ |
| 5.9 | Vacating the office of trustee / extinction of office | [10M] “Circumstances in which a trustee is extinguished / vacates office” (Apr2023(80), Jan2026(80)) ⭐ |
| 5.10 | Extinction of trust | [SN/5-8M] Extinction / extinguishment of trust (Jan2011(100), Jun2012(100), Jan2012(100), Dec2012(100), Jun2016(100), Dec2014(100), dNov2021(80), Nov2021(100), Jun2025(100), Feb2025(80), Jan2026(80), Nov2022(100)); “No trust shall fail for want of a trustee — comment” (Dec2012(100)) ⭐⭐⭐ |
Application Problems (all papers)
The trusts unit is examined almost entirely through theory and short notes; the gift / onerous-gift fact problems that sometimes sit near the trust questions are mapped to Unit 4 (gifts). No distinct trust fact-pattern problem appears in any of the 35 papers reviewed.
| Year(s) (paper) | Problem summary (neutral labels, with the decoy) | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| — | (No fact-pattern [Prob] for the law of trusts in any paper, 80- or 100-mark.) | — |
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