SHANTI DEVI Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Shri Gopal Singh was aretired judge of the High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana He was a bachelor. He had no issue. He founded a charitable trust called Gopal Singh Trust. He executed a deed of trust on 11.10.1973 which was subsequently altered in some respects by another trust deed dated 30.6.75. The deed recites that the trust is created "with a view to promote charitable objects such as health and medical facilities education & training of boys and girls and adults for acquisition of knowledge and development of character so as to make them healthy and educated citizens, for amelieration and uplift of backward and poverty- stricken people of India, for international good will and understanding and for bettering the lot of women and children."

(2.) The founder divested himself of and relinquished all interest in his properties, investments and assets and directed that these shall be devoted to the objects of the trust. The objects of the trust, stated shortly, are to set up dispensaries, hospitals, to run educational institutions and boarding houses, to impart good education to students, to improve the lot of weaker sections of society, to promote international understanding and goodwill elimination of war and prervation of peace, to set up homes for the aged and infirm. destitutes, widows and orphans. These are all purposes beneficial to the public. Social advantage is their main characteristic. They are secular, humanitarian, educational and international in nature. The main idea of the settler was that the trust should provide some of the indispensables of a settled community. So wide ranging are the objects of the trust, so varied is the settler's menu.

(3.) The trust deed provides that the founder shall be the administrator and manager of the trust and will be remunerated with Rs. 1600.00 per month. After his death the trust shall be managed by a trustee or trustees as may be declared by him. So Shri Gopal Singh was the sole trustee in his life time.