Indian Succession Act, 1925 · Chapter XVIII: Of Bequests of Things Described in General Terms
Section 171: Bequest of thing described in general terms
If there is a bequest of something described in general terms, the executor must purchase for the legatee what may reasonably be considered to answer the description.
Illustrations
(i) A bequeaths to B a pair of carriage-horses or a diamond ring. The executor must provide the legatee with such articles if the state of the assets will allow it.
(ii) A bequeaths to B "my pair of carriage-horses". A had no carriage horses at the time of his death. The legacy fails.
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 171
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.