#Settlement Deed

The Madras High Court held that the 2008 settlement deed is a valid gift under the Transfer of Property Act and that any unilateral cancellation of the deed is void. By setting aside the lower court’s dismissal, the court clarified that possession is not required for a gift’s validity, affecting parties to settlement and gift deeds in Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka High Court ruled that a settlement deed executed by a natural guardian transferring a minor's share in joint family property is valid if supported by non-monetary consideration, even without prior court approval. The judgment underscores that unchallenged deeds for over 28 years are binding under limitation law, offering legal certainty to long-standing property arrangements under Hindu succession principles.

Madras High Court rules that an unregistered will is sufficient as a parent document for registering a settlement deed, reinforcing that registration of wills is not mandatory under law. The ruling quashes the Sub Registrar's refusal, directing registration within two weeks and clarifying property rights for beneficiaries.

Madras High Court rules that a life tenant under a settlement deed holds only limited rights and cannot transfer absolute ownership of the property. The property devolves equally among legal heirs under Section 8 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, irrespective of possession or consent, reinforcing the statutory succession framework over private settlements.

Madras High Court rules that Section 23 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, operates prospectively, protecting property transfers executed before its commencement date. The judgment clarifies that senior citizens cannot challenge pre-2008 settlement deeds under this provision, reinforcing legal certainty in property disputes involving elderly parents.

Madras High Court rules that Sub-Registrars must afford a hearing to both the settlor and third-party protestor before refusing registration of a settlement deed. The court emphasized that administrative orders must be reasoned and comply with principles of natural justice, impacting property registration disputes involving third-party objections.

Madras High Court rules that void settlement deeds over joint family property under Mitakshara law cannot defeat title acquired through adverse possession after 32 years of open, continuous, and hostile possession. The judgment reinforces that adverse possession, once perfected, extinguishes all prior claims, including those based on invalid documents.

Punjab and Haryana High Court holds that breach of settlement terms and failure to join investigation justify cancellation of anticipatory bail under BNSS Section 483(3).

Andhra Pradesh High Court holds that a life estate holder with no power of alienation cannot validly execute a relinquishment deed overriding vested rights of heirs under a settlement deed.

Madras High Court holds that unregistered wills suffice for settlement deed registration; refusal on grounds of unregistered will is illegal under Registration Act, 1908.

Madras High Court holds that Section 22A(2) of the Registration Act does not bar registration of settlement deeds for inherited properties with approved construction, clarifying scope of 'layout' under Tamil Nadu rules.

Kerala High Court holds that inconsistent oral testimony contradicts pleadings, invalidating claims for gold ornament recovery; documentary evidence prevails in property disputes.

Madras High Court holds that unregistered Will suffices for settlement deed registration; clarifies legal position on succession rights and compulsory registration.