Indian Trusts Act, 1882
16. Conversion of perishable property
Where the trust is created for the benefit of several persons in
succession, and the trust property is of a wasting nature or a future or
reversionary interest, the trustee is bound, unless an intention to the
contrary may be inferred from the instrument of trust, to convert the property
into property of a permanent and immediately profitable character.
Illustrations
(a) A bequeaths to B all his property in trust for C during his
life, and on his death for D, and on D's death for E. A's property consists of
three leasehold houses, and there is nothing in A's will to show that he
intended the houses to be enjoyed in specie. B should sell the houses, and
invest the proceeds in accordance with section 20.
(b) A bequeaths to B his three leasehold houses in Calcutta and
all the furniture therein in trust for C during his life, and on his death for
D, and on D's death for E. Here an intention that the houses and furniture
should be enjoyed in specie appears clearly, and B should not sell them.