Indian Trusts Act, 1882
11. Trustee to execute trust
The trustee is bound to fulfill the purpose of the trust, and to
obey the directions of the author of the trust given at the time of its
creation, except as modified by the consent of all the beneficiaries being
competent to contract.
Where the beneficiary is incompetent to contract, his consent
may, for the purposes of this section, be given by a principal civil court of
original jurisdiction.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require a trustee to
obey any direction when to do so would be impracticable, illegal or manifestly
injurious to the beneficiaries.
Explanation : Unless a contrary intention be expressed, the
purpose of a trust for the payment of debts shall be deemed to be (a) to pay
only the debts of the author of the trust existing and recoverable at the date
of the instrument of trust, or, when such instrument is a will, at the date of
his death, and (b) in the case of debts not bearing interest, to make such
payment without interest.
Illustrations
(a) A, a trustee, is simply authorized to sell certain land by
public auction. He cannot sell the land by private contract.
(b) A, a trustee of certain land for X, Y and Z, is authorized
to sell the land to B for a specified sum. X, Y and Z, being competent to
contract, consent that A may sell the land to C for a less sum. A may sell the
land accordingly.
(c) A, a trustee for B and her children, is directed by the
author of the trust to lend, on B's request, trust-property to B's husband C,
on the security of his bond. C becomes insolvent and B requests A to make the
loan. A may refuse to make it.