Indian Partnership Act Notes by JK Shah Classes
Indian Partnership Act Notes by JK Shah Classes
Indian Partnership Act Notes by JK Shah Classes
INTRODUCTION :
It came into force on 1st October, 1932.
It is applicable to whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir.
Prior to the passing of the Act, the law of partnership was included in Charter
XI of the Indian Contract Act.
Where the Partnership Act is silent on any point, the general principles of the
law of contract apply. The partnership is a specialized branch of the Contract
Act.
DEFINITION OF PARTNERSHIP
Section 4 of the Partnership Act defines partnership as under:
Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the profits of
a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all.
PARTNERSHIP
Partnership is the relation between two or more persons who have agreed to share
profits of a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all.
PARTNER& FIRM
Persons who have entered into partnership with one another are called individually
“partners” and collectively “a firm”, and the name under which their business is
carried on is called the ‘firm name”.
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(i) Minor
(ii) Person of unsound mind
(iii) Person disqualified by any law to which they are subject (alien,
insolvents etc)
(2) There must be an agreement:
A partnership arises only as a result of an agreement. Such an
agreement may be express or implied. Implied in the sense that it may
be a voluntary act by the persons. Agreement can be oral or in writing
but partnership deed must be in writing
Partnership is thus created by contract; it does not arise by operation
of law or from status
Agreement must be valid
Partnership agreement like any other contract, so it must satisfy all the
essentials of a valid contract. In other words, the parties must be
‘competent’, i.e. capable of entering into an agreement, their consent
must be free and there should be a lawful consideration and object.
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A person, who receives the profits of a business, is not necessarily a
partner. The persons who receive the profits but are not the partners
are referred as under:
1. Retired partner
After retirement if the settlement of accounts is not done then
the retired partner may get share in profits. But he is not treated
as partner.
2. Money-lenders receiving profits:
A money-lender is a person who lends money on interest.
Sometimes, a money-lender receives, in addition to or in place
of his interest, a portion of the profits of a business. In such
cases, he cannot be said to be a partner only on the ground
that he receives the profits of the business.
3. Employee or agent receiving profits:
Sometimes, an employee or an agent of a business agrees to
receive, in addition to or in place of his regular remuneration, a
portion of the profits of the business. In such cases, he cannot
be said to be a partner only on the ground that he receives the
profits of the business.
4. Widow or child of a deceased partner:
Sometimes, the widow or a child of deceased partner receives
a portion of profits as annuity. In such cases, they cannot be
said to be the partners of the firm only on the ground that they
receive the profits of the business.
5. Seller of goodwill:
Sometimes, a person who sells his business along with its
goodwill, is given a share in the profits of the business he has
sold. In such cases, that person does not become a partner in
the business only on the ground that he receives the profits of
the business.
6. Minor:
Minor receives share in profits but is not considered as partner.
(5) Agency:
Again this last element is most crucial of partnership. The business of
a firm is ‘carried on by all or by anyone of them acting for all’. The
underlying and fundamental principle herein which constitutes
partnership is the idea of ‘agency’. The other partners are bound by
the acts of one of them only on the principle of agency. This is the
cardinal principle of partnership law.
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bound by the acts of the other partners. An act of one partner in the
course of business of the firm is in fact an act of all partners.
Example :
A, Band C are partners in a business. D an outsider, deals with the
firm through A. As between A and D, A is the principal. But as
between A, Band C, A is the agent of Band C. As such A, B and C can
all sue D. D can also sue A, Band C. Furthermore, A is accountable to
Band C because he is, in this transaction, an agent of Band C.
PARTNERSHIP DISTINGUISHED
Partnership HUF
1. It arises from agreement 1. It arises by status.
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B) PARTNERSHIP AND CO-OWNERSHIP:
Co-ownership means joint ‘ownership X and Y jointly purchase a plot. They are co-
owners but not necessarily partners. The distinction between the two is as under:
Partnership Co-ownership
1. It arises from an agreement. 1. It may arise from agreement or
operation of law.
2. It is formed to carry on business. 2. It may or may not involve carrying on
a business.
3. It involves profit or loss. 3. It may or may not involve profit or
loss
4. Partners have a mutual agency 4. Co-owners do not have a mutual
relationship. agency agreement.
6. A partner cannot transfer his share to 6. A co-owner can transfer his share to
a stranger without the consent of any a stranger without the consent of
other business. other owners.
7. A partner has no right to claim partition 7. A co-owner has the right to claim
of property. partition of property.
Partnership Company
1. A firm does not enjoy separate legal 1. It has a separate legal existence.
entity i.e. separate legal existence.
2. The liability of the partner is unlimited. 2. Limited to the value of shares held
by the members.
3. It does not enjoy a long lease of life 3. It enjoys a perpetual existence.
because of dissolution due to different
reasons.
4. Maximum partners can be 50. 4. In case of private limited company,
Minimum members-2, maximum
members -200
In case of public limited company,
Minimum members -7, maximum
members - no limit
In case of One person Company
(OPC)- only 1.
5. A partner cannot transfer his share 5. A member can transfer his share
without the consent of other partners. as and when he wishes to.
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8. The ownership & management lies 8. Ownership is with shareholders
with all the partners. and the management is with
board of directors
9. Property of the firm is the joint property 9. The property of company is not the
of all the partners. joint property of the members.
10. The creditors of the firm can proceed 10. The creditors of a company can
against the partners jointly and proceed only against the
severally. company.
11. No compulsory Audit 11. Its compulsory
Partnership Club
1. Business oriented objects 1. Not aimed at making profits entirely.
2. Maximum partners can be 50. 2. No such limit is applicable here.
3. Does not enjoy long lease of life 3. Enjoys a long lease of life
4.There is mutual agency amongst the 4. There is no mutual agency amongst
partners the members
1. Active/Actual Partner :
A partner who is actively engaged in the conduct of the business of
the partnership is known as ‘active partner’.
When an active partner retires from the firm, he has to give a public
notice. Otherwise, he will be liable on the principle of ‘holding out’.
He is liable for acts of firm
2. Sleeping or Dormant Partner :
A ‘Sleeping partner’ is one who does not take any active part in the
business.
Such partner joins the firm by agreement and invests capital and
shares in the profit of the business like the other partners.
A sleeping partner need not give public notice of his retirement from
the firm.
He is liable for acts of firm
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3. Nominal Partner :
A partner, who simply lends his name to the firm, without having any
real interest in it, is called a nominal partner.
He neither invests nor shares in the profits or takes part in the
management of the business.
He, along with other partners, is liable to outsiders for all the debts of
the firm.
Difference between sleeping and nominal partner: A nominal partner
is known to the outside world as a partner of the firm but in reality
does not share in the profit of the firm. A dormant partner on the other
land, even though not known as a partner to the world at large but in
fact shares in the profits of the business.
4. Partner for profits only :
Partners may agree that a particular partner shall get a share of the
profits only but he will not be called upon to contribute towards the
losses. Such a partner is known as ‘partner for profits only’.
This is simply an, inter-se agreement binding the partners only.
Hence,he continues to be liable to third parties for all acts of the firm.
5. Sub-Partner :
When a partner agrees to share his profits divided from the firm with a
third person, that third person is known as ‘sub-partner’.Such a sub-
partner is in no way connected with the firm.
He cannot represent the firm and bind the firm by his acts. He has no
right against the firm nor is he liable for the acts of the firm.
7. Incoming Partner:
A person who is admitted as a partner into an already existing firm with the
consent of all the existing partners is called as “incoming partner”.
8. Outgoing Partner:
A partner who leaves a firm in which the rest of the partners continue to carry
on business is called an outgoing partner.
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CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP :
Partnership can be classified as under:
1. Particular Partnership :
When a partnership is started for a particular purpose or period, it
ends only when the purpose or period is completed.
If the partnership is carried even after the completion of the target
then it is deemed to be partnership at will.
2. Partnership at will:
When no provision is made by contract between the partners for the
duration of their partnership, or for the determination (termination) of
their partnership, the partnership is “Partnership at will”.
Where the partnership is at will, the firm may be dissolved by any
partner giving notice in writing to all the other partners of his intention
to dissolve the firm.
The firm is dissolved as from the date mentioned in the notice as the
date of dissolution or if no date is mentioned, then from the date of the
communication of the notice. The notice must be served on all other
partners. The notice once given cannot be withdrawn unless all the
other partners consent. The fact that one of the partners receiving the
notice is of unsound mind does not affect the validity of the notice.
REGISTRATION OF FIRM
The registration of a firm is not compulsory. It is optional for the firm either
to get itself registered or not. There is no penalty for non-registration of a
firm. The registration can be done anytime, either in the beginning or during
the continuance of business.
Procedure:
1. Step 1- Obtain a statement in the form from the office of the Registrar.
2. Step 2- State the following information:
Name of the firm
Principal place of the firm
Name of the other places where the firm carries its business
Date when each partner joined
Name in full and permanent address of each partner
Duration of the firm.
3. Step 3- Get the statement of duly verified and signed by all the
partners or their agents.
4. Step4- File the statement along with prescribed fees
5. Step 5- Obtain a certificate or registration from the Registrar.
The registration becomes effective from date of filing of duly signed and
verified documents and not from the date of issue since the act of the
Registrar in recording an entry of the statement in the firm is only a clerical
act.
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Consequences of non-registration:
1. The partners cannot file a suit against the firm or other partners:
A partner of an unregistered firm cannot file a suit against the firm or
his other present or past partners, for the enforcement of any right
arising from a contract or conferred by the Indian Partnership Act.
However, this disability may be removed by getting the firm registered
before filing the suit.
2. The firm cannot file a suit against third parties:
An unregistered firm cannot file a suit against any third party for the
enforcement of any right arising from some contract.
This disability of an unregistered firm can be removed by getting the
firm registered before filing the suit.
3. The partner of the firm cannot claim a set-off:
The term ‘set-off’ means the adjustment of debts by one party due to
him from the other party who files a suit against him. The partners of
an unregistered firm or the firm itself cannot claim a set-off, in a suit
filed against them or the firm. But the right of set-off is not affected if
the claim for setoff does not exceed Rs 100 in value.
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The rights and liabilities of such a partner are as follows:
Rights:
Liabilities
i. A minor partner
has a right to his
agreed share of
Before attaining After attainingmajority
the profits and
majority
property of the
firm. i. Minor has no
er attaining majo
ii. He can have personal liability When he elects When he elects
access to, inspect for the debts of to become a not to become a
and copy the the firm incurred partner
accounts of the partner
firm. during his
minority. i. He becomes His share shall
iii. He can sue the ii. The liability of
partners for personally not be liable for
accounts or for the minor is liable to third any acts of the
confined only to parties for all
payment of his firm done after
the extent of his
share but only acts of the firm the date of the
share in the
when severing since he was public notice.
profits and the
his connection admitted to the
property of the
with the firm, and firm. benefits.
not otherwise. iii. Minor cannot be ii. His share in the
iv. Right to become declared property and
a partner within 6 insolvent, but if
months from the profits remains
the firm is
date of attaining declared the same as
majority or when insolvent his decided.
share in the firm
he comes to
vests in the
know whichever
Official
is later. Receiver/
Assignee.
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RIGHTS OF PARTNERS:
The mutual rights of partners depend upon the provisions of the partnership
agreement. However, subject to an agreement between the partners; the law
confers the following rights upon all the partners:
1. Right to take part in business:
It is the right of every partner to take part in the management of the business.
This right is available to all the partners. This is, however, subject to contract
between the partners i.e., the partners may provide, by a contract, that this
right shall not be available to some partners.
2. Right to be consulted:
It is also the right of every partner to be consulted in all matters
affecting the business of the firm. Moreover, every partner also has
the right to express his opinion before any decision is taken by the
other partners.
In case of difference of opinion, matter will be settled in following way:
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6. Right to indemnity:
The partner of a firm has a right to be indemnified i.e., the right to recover
expenses incurred and payments made by him in the following two
circumstances.
(a) Expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business:
A partner has a right to recover from the firm any expenses incurred
by him ‘in the ordinary course of partnership business’.
(b) Expenses incurred in an emergency:
A partner has a right to recover from the firm any expenses incurred
by him in order to protect the property of the firm from a loss
threatened by an emergency.
No agreement between the partners can restrict this right.
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DUTIES OF PARTNERS
Following are the duties of partners towards one another.
1. Duty of good faith:
It is the foremost and important general duty of the partners. Every partner
should act in good faith, and he should be just and faithful in his dealings
with the other partners. Good faith requires that a partner should not deceive
the other partners by concealment of material facts e.g. a partner should not
try to make secret profits, for himself, at the expense of the firm.
2. Duty to carry on the firm business to the greatest common advantage:
Every partner is bound to carry on the business of the firm to the greatest
common advantage. He must use his knowledge and skill for the common
benefit of the firm. And he should not make any personal or private profits.
3. Duty to render trueaccounts:
It is another duty of every partner that he should keep proper accounts, and
render correct and true accounts of partnership.
4. Duty to give full information:
It is also the duty of every partner that he should give full information of all
things affecting the firm, to his co-partners. Thus, if a partner is in possession
of more information about the affairs and assets of the firm, he should not
conceal that from the other partners.
5. Duty to indemnify for loss caused by fraud :
It is the duty of every partner to make good the loss suffered by the firm due
to his fraud. Thus, if some loss is caused to the firm due to the fraud of a
particular partner, the firm has the right to recover the loss from the same
partner. It is an absolute duty and cannot be excluded by an agreement to
the contrary.
However, the firm shall remain liable to the third parties for fraud of its
partners.
6. Duty to attend diligently:
It is the duty of every partner that he should diligently (i.e., carefully) attend to
the affairs of the business of the firm. If a partner does not attend diligently
the business of the firm, and the firm suffers a loss due to his ‘willful neglect’,
then he is bound to make compensation to the firm.
7. Duty to share losses:
It is the duty of every partner to share equally the losses suffered by the firm.
However, this duty is subject to an agreement to the contrary i.e., the
partners may agree to share the losses in different proportions. However this
duty might be restricted by way of an agreement.
8. Duty to account for personal profits:
This duty is based on the principle of good faith, which requires that a partner
shall not make personal profits at the expense of the firm. If a partner makes
personal profits in any of the following ways, he must give account of those
profits and pay back the same to the firm:
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(a) Personal profits from any transaction of the firm.
(b) Personal profits from the use of the property of the firm.
(c) Personal profits from the business connection of the firm.
(d) Personal profits from the use of the name of the firm.
However, the above duty is subject to a contract between the partners
i.e., by a contract, the partners may allow/all or any of them to earn
personal profits by using firm name, property etc.
However, the above duty is subject to a contract between the partners
i.e., by a contract, the partners may allow all or any of them to carry
on any business whether or not competing with the business of the
firm.
10. Duty to use firm property exclusively for firm:
It is the duty of every partner to use the partnership property exclusively for
the business of the firm. Thus, the partners should use the partnership
property for the firm’s business only. This duty is also subject to an
agreement to the contrary.
11. Duty to act within authority:
It is the duty of every partner that he should act within the scope of actual or
implied authority.
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Authority
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(e) Admit any liability in a suit or proceeding against the firm,
(f) Acquire immovable property on behalf of the firm.
(g) Transfer immovable property belonging to the firm, or
(h) Enter into partnership on behalf the firm.
Alteration of Authority :
The partners in a firm may, by contract between the partners, extend or
restrict the implied authority of any partner.
Authority in an emergency:
A partner has authority, in an emergency, to do all such acts for the purpose
of protecting the firm from loss as would be done by a person of ordinary
prudence, in his own case, acting under similar circumstances, and such acts
bind the firm.
Admission/Representation by a partner :
An admission or representation made by a partner concerning the affairs of
the firm is evidence against the firm, if it is made in the ordinary of course of
business.
RECONSTITUTION OF A FIRM
The reconstitution of a firm means a change in the constitution i.e., composition of
the firm and it takes place in the following cases:
(1) Admission of a new partner.
(2) Retirement of a partner.
(3) Expulsion of a partner.
(4) Insolvency of a partner.
(5) Death of a partner.
(6) Transfer of a partner’s interest
(7) Revocation of continuing guarantee
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1. Liability for the acts of the firm done before retirement:
A retiring partner continues to be liable to third parties for the
acts of the firm done before his retirement.
2. Liability for the acts of the firm done after retirement:
A retiring partner also continues to be liable to third parties for
the acts of the firm done even after his retirement until a public
notice of his retirement is given This liability of a retiring partner
is based on the principle of ‘holding out’.
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Restraint of tradeagreement:
A partner may make an agreement with his partners that on ceasing to
be a partner he will not carry on any business similar to that of the firm
within a specified period or within specified local limits, such
agreement shall be valid if the restrictions imposed are reasonable
(Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872).
OR
Right of outgoing partner to share Right to claim interest @ 6%
subsequent profits
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DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP
The term ‘dissolution of partnership’ may be defined as a change in the
relations of partners, and not the extinction of relationship. In this case,
the firm as a whole is not closed down. But only the relations between
some of the partners come to an end, and the remaining partners
continue to carry on the business of the firm. Thus, the ‘dissolution of
firm’ is different from ‘dissolution of partnership.’
Example :
A, B and C were partners in a firm. A retires. Only the partnership
between A, B and C is dissolved and a new partnership between B and C
comes into existence. The new firm is called the ‘reconstituted firm’.
Thus, only the relations between the partners are changed on A’s
retirement.
DISSOLUTION OF FIRM
When the firm as a whole is closed down, it is called the dissolution of
the firm. Thus, in case of dissolution of the firm, the business of the firm
is stopped and the relations between all the partners come to an end.
Dissolution of Firm
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(A) DISSOLUTION WITHOUT THE INTERVENTION OF COURT
A firm may be dissolved without the intervention of the court i.e., without going to
the Court of Law. The dissolution without the intervention of the court may take
place in any of the following ways:
1. Compulsory dissolution:
In the following cases, the firm is compulsorily dissolved even if there is a
contrary contract between the partners i.e., even if the partners agree that
the firm shall not be dissolved in such cases.
(a) Insolvency/death of all the partners:
Where all the partners of the firm become insolvent/death,
the firm is dissolved. The firm is also dissolved when all the
partners except one have become insolvent/died. The reason
for the same is that when a partner is declared as insolvent
by the court, he ceases to be a partner from the date of the
order of insolvency.
(b) Business of the firm becoming unlawful :
Where an event happens which makes the business of the firm
unlawful, the firm is also dissolved. This includes the cases where the
business of the firm is rendered unlawful by the outbreak of war, or
where the object for which the firm was formed becomes unlawful or
illegal, or where the business remains lawful but it is forbidden to be
carried on in partnership.
2. Optional dissolution:
(a) Dissolution by agreementbetween the partners:
A firm may also be dissolved in accordance with a contract between
the partners in the same way as a firm is formed with the contract
between the partners. There may be a separate contract for the
dissolution of the firm, or it may also be contained in the partnership
deed itself.
(b) Dissolution by notice:
A firm can also be dissolved by any partner by giving a notice
of dissolution to the other partnerswhere the partnership firm
is ‘at will ‘.
(c) Dissolution on the happening of certain contingencies:
On the happening of anyone of the following contingencies
(i.e., events), the firm is automatically dissolved.
(i) Expiry of fixed term:
Where the firm is constituted for a fixed term, the firm
is dissolved on the expiry of that term. This is,
however, subject to a contract to the contrary i.e., if the
contract provides that the firm shall not be dissolved,
then it will not be dissolved.
(ii) Completion of the adventure or undertaking:
Where the firm is constituted to carry out one or more
adventure or undertaking, the firm is dissolved on the
completion of such adventure or undertaking. This is
also subject to a contract to the contrary.
(iii) Death of a partner:
Sometimes, one of the partners of a firm dies during
the continuance of the firm. In such cases, the firm is
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dissolved on the death of the partner. This is subject to
a contract to the contrary.
(iv) Insolvency of a partner:
Sometimes, one of the partners of a firm is declared as
insolvent by the court. In such cases the firm is
dissolved from the date of the order of insolvency. This
is also subject to a contract to the contrary.
.
(B) DISSOLUTION WITH THE INTERVENTION OF COURT
Sometimes, a partner wants that the firm should be dissolved. But the
other partners may not agree to the dissolution. In such cases, he can go
to Court ‘of Law, and file a suit for dissolution of the firm. A partner may
like to have the firm dissolved for various reasons. It may, however, be
noted that the court has the discretion to pass an order of dissolution i.e.,
the court mayor may not allow the dissolution of the firm. A partner may
file a suit for dissolution of the firm on anyone of the following grounds,
and the court may dissolve the firm if it is satisfied about the same:
1. Insanity of a partner:
Sometimes, a partner becomes insane i.e., of unsound mind. In
such cases, the court may allow the dissolution of the firm. The suit
for dissolution of the firm may be filed by anyone of the partners
other than the partner who has become insane. The suit may also
be filed by the next friend (i.e., legal representative) of the insane
partner.
2. Permanent incapacity of a partner:
Sometimes, a partner becomes permanently incapable of performing his
duties. In such cases also, the court may allow the dissolution of the firm.
The suit for dissolution of the firm may be filed by anyone of the partners
other than the partner who has become incapable.
3. Misconduct of a partner:
Where a partner is guilty of misconduct, the court may allow the
dissolution of the firm. The suit for dissolution of the firm may be
filed by anyone of the partners other than the partner who is guilty
of misconduct.
4. Persistent breach of agreement:
Sometimes, a partner willfully or persistently (i.e., frequently)
commits a breach of agreements relating to the management of the
affairs of the firm, or conducts the partnership business in such a
way that the other partners find it difficult to carry on the
partnership business with him. In such cases, the court may allow
the dissolution of the firm. The suit for dissolution of the firm may
be filed by anyone of the partners other than the partner who
commits the breach of agreements. Keeping erroneous accounts
and not entering receipts, continuing quarrelling between the
partners, refusal to meet on matters of business, taking away
books of the firm, and misappropriations of income etc., are held to
be sufficient ground for dissolution of a firm.
5. Transfer of interest:
Where a partner transfers the whole of his interest or share to a
third party, the court may allow the dissolution of the firm. The
court may also allow the dissolution when the entire share of a
partner is attached or sold by an order of the court. The suit for
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dissolution of the firm may be filed by anyone of the partners other
than the partner who has transferred his interest or share.
6. Perpetual losses in business:
Where the business of a firm cannot be carried on, except at a
loss, the court may allow the dissolution of the firm. The suit for
dissolution of the firm may be filed by anyone of the partner. When
the court is satisfied that the business of a firm cannot be carried
on, except at a loss, it may pass an order of dissolution of the firm.
7. Other just and equitable grounds:
A firm may also be dissolved by the court on any ‘other just and
equitable ground. A ‘just and equitable ground’, is a ground which
is fair and reasonable according to the opinion of the court.
CONSEQUENCES OF DISSOLUTION
1. Liabilities for the acts done after dissolution:
On the dissolution of a firm, partners have to give a public notice of
the dissolution. If it is not given, the partners shall remain liable to
the third party for their acts done even after the dissolution of the
firm
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B. Utilization of assets:
The assets of the firm, including any sums contributed by the
partners to make up deficiencies of capital, shall be utilised
in the following manner and order:
(a) First of all, the assets shall be utilized in paying the
debts of the firm to the third parties.
(b) If there is any surplus, the same shall be utilized in
paying each partner the amount of loan advanced to
the firm other than the capital. This is done in
proportion to the advances made by the partners.
(c) If there is still any surplus, the same shall be utilized in
paying each partner towards the amount of his
capital. This is done in proportion to the amount of
capital contributed by the partners.
(d) If there is still any surplus, the same shall be divided
among all the partners in proportion to their share in
the profits of firm.
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8. Rights of a partner in case of Dissolution on Account of Fraud
and Misrepresentation:
1) He has a right of lien on the surplus assets after the payment
of firm’s debts, for any sum paid by him for purchase of a
share in the firm
2) He is entitled to rank as a creditor of the firm in respect of
any payment made by him towards firm’s debts
3) He is entitled to be indemnified by the partner guilty of fraud
or misrepresentation against all the debts of the firm
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SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
It came into force on 1st October, 1932.
It is applicable to whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir.
Prior to the passing of the Act, the law of partnership was included in Charter
XI of the Indian Contract Act.
Where the Partnership Act is silent on any point, the general principles of the
law of contract apply. The partnership is a specialized branch of the Contract
Act.
PARTNERSHIP
PARTNER& FIRM
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF PARTNERSHIP
1. It is an association of two or more persons
2. There must be an agreement
3. There must be business.
4. Sharing of Profits:
5. Mutual Agency
DISTINCTION BETWEEN
1. Partnership and HUF
2. Partnership and Co-ownership
3. Partnership and Company
4. Partnership and Club
TYPES OF PARTNERS
1. Active/Actual Partner
2. Sleeping or Dormant Partner
3. Nominal Partner
4. Partner for profits only
5. Sub-Partner
6. Partner by Holding Out or by Estoppel
7. Incoming Partner
8. Outgoing Partner
TYPES OF PARTNERSHIP
1. Particular Partnership
2. Partnership at will
REGISTRATION OF FIRM
MINOR’S POSITION IN PARTNERSHIP FIRM
RIGHTS OF PARTNERS
DUTIES OF PARTNERS
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DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP
DISSOLUTION OF FIRM
CONSEQUENCES OF DISSOLUTION
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PA R
RTT A : CLASSWORK
CATEGORY : A
Q. 1. A and B agree to share profits of a business in equal but any loss, will be borne by A
alone. The partnership agreement is
(a) valid (b) unlawful (c) illegal (d) voidable
Q. 3. In which of the following cases, a Partner is not required to pay over the profits to the Firm
(a) Personal Profit received from any transaction of the Firm
(b) Personal profit received from the use of Firm’s property
(c) Personal Profit received from the use of business name of the Firm
(d) Personal Profit received from a non-competing business
Q. 4. Which of the following is not an “usual activity” for a trading concern, for implied authority
purposes ?
(a) Selling of goods
(b) Payment by Drawing Cheque
(c) Withdrawing suits filed on behalf of the firm
(d) Borrowing Loans
Q. 5. In case of transfer of Partner’s Interest, which of the following is a right of the Transferee?
(a) To participate in the business of firm
(b) To write accounts
(c) To inspect books of the Firm
(d) To receive the share of the Transferring Partner
Q. 12. X and Y agree to divide the profits of a business in equal shares but the loss if any, to be
born by X alone. The partnership agreements is
(a) lawful (b) void (c) illegal (d) voidable
Q. 16. A Partnership deed provides that the minor were to share the profits and losses, such a
documents is
(a) Valid (b) Invalid
(c) Voidable (d) Valid to the extent of profit sharing and not loss sharing
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Q. 17. Partner by holding out is
(a) a person representing himself to be a partner of the firm by words spoken or written
or by his conduct.
(b) partner of a firm but the outsiders do not know him as such.
(c) partner of a partner of a firm.
(d) partner of a firm but does not take part in the business of the firm
Q. 21. A new partner can be admitted in the firm with the consent of
(a) all the partners (b) simple majority of partners
(c) special majority of partners (d) new partner only
Q. 25. Where the Outgoing Partner carries on a competing business, which of the following is permissible?
(a) Use of Firm's Name
(b) Holding out as carrying on the business of the Firm
(c) Soliciting the custom of the Firm's customers / suppliers etc.
(d) Advertising such competing
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Q. 26. A partnership firm is compulsorily dissolved where
(a) All partners have become insolvent
(b) Firms business has become unlawful
(c) The fixed term has expired
(d) In cases (a) and (b) only
Q. 27. On which of the following grounds, a partner may apply to the court for dissolution of the firm?
(a) Insanity of a partner (b) Misconduct of a partner
(c) Perpetual losses in business (d) All of the above
Q. 28. Subject to a contract to the contrary every partner of a firm is accountable to the firm for
the profits derived for himself from
(a) any transaction of the firm (b) use of property of the firm
(c) use of business connection of the firm (d) all of the above
Q. 30. Where a Minor opts to become a Partner on attaining majority, he shall be liable for the
acts of the Firm done since the date
(a) of his attaining majority
(b) of his admission into the benefits of Partnership
(c) of his giving public notice of his decision
(d) of his becoming of sound mind
Q. 31. To avoid liability to third parties, public notice of expulsion should be given. Such - public
notice must be given by
(a) Expelled Partner only
(b) Any Partner of the reconstituted Firm
(c) By the Expelled Partner or any Partner of the reconstituted Firm
(d) All the Partners of the reconstituted Firm
Q. 32. Which are the subjects, for which a partner does not have implied authority
(a) To submit some dispute of the firm to arbitration
(b) To withdraw a suit filed by the firm
(c) To transfer any immovable property of the firm
(d) All of the above
Q. 33. According to Indian Partnership Act, the dissolution of firm means dissolution of partnership between
(a) some of the partners of the firm (b) majority of partners of the firm
(c) all the partners of the firm (d) minority partners of the firm
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Q. 34. When joint Debts are due from firm and also separate debts are due from partners, the
Firm's property shall be applied first in paying the firm's debts it is __________.
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 35. In case of notice of dissolution in a partnership at will, when some specific date has been
mentioned in the notice, the Firm is dissolved from that date. It is
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 36. When some event happens which makes it ___________ for business of the Firm to be
carried on by the partners, then the Firm is automatically dissolved.
(a) Unlawful (b) Unethical (c) Unimaginable (d) Unconstitutional
Q. 37. When it is proven that a partner has become permanently incapable of performing his
duties as a partner, the Court may dissolve the Firm. It is
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 38. When all partners, or all but one partner, of the Firm are declared insolvent then _________.
(a) Firm is automatically dissolved (b) Firm is also declared insolvent
(c) Solvent partner has to repay the debts of the Firm (d) None of the above
Q. 39. After public notice of dissolution of the firm has been given, the partners continue to find
the firm by the acts
(a) done for winding up of the affairs of the firm
(b) done for completing unfinished transactions
(c) stated in clause (a) only
(d) both (a) and (b)
Q. 43. Which of these statements does not reflect the mutual agency principle in Partnership ?
(a) A Partner is both an Agent and Principal
(b) A Partner can, by his act bind other partners and is in turn bound by acts of other
Partners
(c) All Partners should actively participate in the business
(d) Business may be managed by one or more Partners
Q. 44. A introduces B to C as a Partner in his business. B, in fact, was not a Partner but the did
not deny the statement. C advanced a loan to A. A could not repay the loan. C can hold B
responsible for the repayment of loan because
(a) B is a Sleeping Partner (b) B is a Sub-Partner
(c) B is Dormant Partner (d) B is a Partner by Estoppel
Q. 47. When a minor elects not to become a Partner, his share is not liable for any acts of the
Firm done
(a) After his admission to benefits of Partnership
(b) After the date of giving public notice
(c) After the date of attaining majority
(d) After the date of dissolution of Firm
Q. 50. In the absence of contract to the contrary, which of the following will not result in dissolution
of the Firm ?
(a) Expiry of the fixed term agreed upon by the Partners
(b) Death of a Partner
(c) Admission of a new Partner
(d) Adjudication of a Partner as insolvent
Q. 52. After death of a partner the business is continued in the old firm’s name.
(a) The legal representative of the deceased partner is not liable for any act of the firm
(b) The legal representative of the deceased partner is not liable for any act of the firm
done after his death
(c) The estate of the deceased partner is liable for any act of the firm
(d) None of the above
Q. 53. In case of death of a partner, the legal representative of the deceased partner
(a) can become a partner in the firm automatically
(b) does not become a partner in the firm
(c) may become a partner with consent of the surviving partners
(d) both (b) and (c)
Q. 54. A, B and C are partners in a firm. A is the active partner looking after the business. A
wants to use certain assets of the firm for his personal use.
(a) A can use the property for his personal use
(b) A can’t use the property for his personal use
(c) A can’t use the property for his personal use unless other partners agree to it
(d) A may use the property for his personal use even if other partners do not agree to it
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Q. 55. A minor admitted to the benefits of the partnership cannot
(a) have copy of the accounts
(b) have access to the books other than account books
(c) share property
(d) all of the above
Q. 56. X, Y and Z took over the running proprietary concern of Mr. Amit and continued in
partnership. Under the business takeover agreement, Mr. Amit was to be paid 10% share
of the profits, for a period of 5 years from the date of takeover, Here
(a) Mr. Amit is deemed as a Partner in the Firm
(b) Amit is not deemed as a Partner in the Firm
(c) The payment of share of profits to Mr. Amit is invalid
(d) The payment of "share of profits to Mr. Amit is valid only for 3 years
Q. 60. The members of a club or association have _________of the club or association.
(a) interest in the property (b) mutual agency
(c) membership (d) both (a) and (b) above.
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Q. 61. Holding out partners become liable for the acts of the firm
(a) Jointly & Severally (b) Jointly
(c) Liable with his family member (d) Not liable
Q. 64. A Registered Firm need not intimate the alteration in its Firm Name, to the Registrar of Firms
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 68. Which of the following rights are not applicable for Unregistered Firms?
(a) Right of Partners to sue for dissolution of the Firm.
(b) Right of Partners to sue. the Firm for enforcing a right arising out of a contract
(c) Right of Partners to sue for settlement of accounts of a dissolved Firm
(d) Right of Partners to sue for realising the property of a dissolved firm
Q. 69. Intimation to the Registrar of Firms, of the decision of a Minor to continue or withdraw
from a Registered Firm, may be given by.
(a) Minor who has attained majority (b) Agent of the Minor
(c) (a) or (b) (d) (a) and (b)
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Q. 70. In a partnership firm, all the material decisions are made by
(a) rule of majority (b) rule of unanimity
(c) rule of autocracy (d) (a) and (c) above
Q. 72. Partners are bound to render true accounts & full information of all things affecting the
Firm to__________.
(a) any Partner y (b) to the Government
(c) Legal Representative of any Partner (d) (a) or (b)
Q. 73. Every Partner shall indemnify the Firm for any loss caused to it by his fraud in the conduct
of the Firm's business. However, the Parties may agree that some Partners need not
indemnify the Firm.
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 76. On the insolvency of a partner, the insolvent ceases to be a partner in the firm whether the
firm is dissolved or not
(a) Yes (b) No (c) Practically dissolved (d) Dissolve in capital ratio
Q. 78. After dissolution of the Firm, the Partners have the authority to bind the Firm, in so far as
may be necessary, to wind up the affairs of the Firm.
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
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Q. 79. When partnership is at will, notice of intention to dissolve the Firm should be served on
___________.
(a) Working partners only (b) Sleeping partners only
(c) Majority of the partners (d) All the other partners
Q. 80. Court may dissolve a Firm when a suit is brought that a partner has become of unsound
mind, statement is __________.
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q. 81. When a partner's Capital Account has a debit balance and he is unable to bring in
necessary cash to make up the deficiency, it is called ___________.
(a) Loss on Dissolution of Firm
(b) Loss on Dissolution of partnership
(c) Loss arising out of piecemeal distribution of assets
(d) Loss arising out of partner's insolvency
Q. 83. A partner may file a petition for dissolution of the firm if any other partner has transferred
his interest to
(a) a third party (b) any partner of the firm
(c) a son of a partner of the firm (d) in case of (a) and (c)
Q. 85. If the assets of the firm are not enough, deficiency will be met
(a) First, out of Profits (b) Next, out of Capital
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
Q. 87. In which of the following cases compulsory dissolution of a partnership is not possible
(a) By notice of dissolution
(b) By business becoming illegal
(c) By mutual agreement
(d) By transferring the business place of firm from one place to another place
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CATEGORY : C
Q. 88. Which of this is not a valid Partnership?
(a) Minor admitted to benefits of the Partnership
(b) Company admitted as a Partner
(c) Partnership between Indian national and alien friend
(d) Partnership between Indian national and alien enemies
Q. 89. A and B jointly purchase a factory. They purchased the equipments and other things
contributing equally. They lent out the factory and shared the rent equally.
(a) This is a partnership (b) This is not a partnership
(c) This is an agency (d) This is not an agency
Q. 92. A sleeping partner is liable to a third party for the acts of the firm
(a) Only if his existence is known to the third party
(b) Whether or not his existence is known to the third party
(c) Only if he undertakes to be liable to the third party
(d) Only if the other partners desire so
Q. 93. A and B are Partners in a Firm dealing in cloth. A placed an order on the Firm’s letter pad
for 10 bags of wheat to be supplied at his residence.
(a) The Firm is not liable for A’s act
(b) The Firm is liable for A’s act
(c) A has acted within his implied authority
(d) The Firm is liable for tort
Q. 94. Where the money received from a third party by the firm, in the ordinary course of its
business, is misapplied by one of the partners to his own use, then the
(a) Defaulting partner is liable (b) Firm is liable for the same
(c) Firm is not liable for the same (d) Third party has no remedy
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Q. 95. For the acts of the Firm
(a) Minor is personally liable (b) Minor’s share is liable
(c) Guardian is personally liable (d) Minor is not liable
Q. 96. Where a Minor opts to become a Partner on attaining majority, he shall be liable for the
acts of the Firm done since the date
(a) of his admission into the benefits of Partnership
(b) of his attaining majority
(c) of this giving public notice
(d) Either (a) or (b) whichever is earlier
Q. 98. If any one business out of many businesses of firm becomes unlawful then
(a) The Firm becomes an illegal association
(b) The Firm will not dissolved but continue its business
(c) The Firm is automatically dissolved
(d) The Firm is declared insolvent
Q. 99. In case of Partnership at Will, Notice of intention to dissolve the Firm may be served by
(a) Sleeping Partners only (b) All the Working Partners
(c) Any of the Partners (d) Majority of the Partners
Q.100.A suit for dissolution of Firm on the grounds that a Partner has become permanently
incapable of performing his duties as a Partner, can be brought by
(a) any other Partner
(b) next friend of the Partner
(c) any family member of Partner who has become so incapable
(d) majority of partners of the firm
Q.101.Where a Partner has transferred the whole of his interest in a Firm to a third party, the suit
for dissolution of the firm shall be brought by
(a) the Transferee (b) the Transferor Partner
(c) any other Partner (d) majority of the Partners
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Q.102.In case of Registered Firms, which of the following is not a proper mode of giving Public Notice?
(a) Serving a copy of the Notice to the Registrar of Firms
(b) Publishing the Notice in the Official Gazette
(c) Publishing the Notice in one Hindi News paper
(d) Publishing the Notice in one vernacular newspaper
Q.104.A minor admitted to the benefits of the Partnership, cannot file a suit for his share of
profits or property of the Firm, except when the
(a) Registrar of Firms sanctions such filing of suit
(b) Other Partners force a minor to file a suit
(c) Minor intends to severe his connection with the Firm
(d) Firm is dissolved
Q.105.A person who conducts business of the partnership firm like an employee is not liable for
(a) Debtors (b) Other partners (c) Trustee (d) Manager
Q.106.X and Y, the co-owners of a house, use the house as a hotel managed either by themselves or by a
duly appointed manager for their common profit. Is there a partnership relation between the parties?
(a) Yes (b) Partly Yes (c) No (d) Partly False
Q.109.An unregistered firm can sue against third parties for claiming _________.
(a) set-off of any amount (b) statutory rights
(c) rights under the Partnership Act (d) rights arising out of a contract
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Q.110.Which of the following details is required to be given in an application for registration of a Firm?
(a) Capital Contribution of Partners (b) Goodwill of the Firm
(c) Places of business of the Firm (d) Bank Accounts of the Firm
Q.111.Words that shows sanction, patronage or approval of the Government may be permitted
to be used in the Firm's name only.
(a) specially consented to in writing by the State Government
(b) specially consented to in writing by the Central Government
(c) (a) and (b)
(d) (a) or (b)
Q.112.When the Outgoing Partner carries on a competing business, he cannot advertise such business
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
Q.113.For loss caused to the Firm by his fraud in the conduct of the business, every Partner
shall indemnify ___________.
(a) the Firm (b) the other Partners
(c) only the working Partners (d) all the retiring Partners
Q.114.A third party is not affected by the limitation of implied authority unless he has actual
notice of it. It is
(a) True (b) False (c) Partly False (d) None of the above
Q.115.For determination of implied authority of Partners, what is usual and what is unusual in a
business depends on
(a) usage of trade (b) nature of business
(c) (a) or (b) (d) (a) and (b)
Q.116.Identify from the following which cannot be altered by Partners by making contract among themselves?
(a) To take part in the conduct of the business
(b) To indemnify the Firm for any loss caused to do
(c) To have access to and to inspect and copy any of the books of the Firm
(d) To express opinion on matters connected with the business of the Firm
Q.120.The partnership deed may provide that a new partner may be introduced
(a) with the consent of majority of partners
(b) by nomination by any of the partners
(c) by unanimous consent of the partners
(d) either by (a) or (b) or (c) above
Q.121.Where a new Partner specifically agrees to bear past liabilities, he will be liable for such
liabilities to
(a) the Registrar of Firms (b) all Debtors of the Firm
(c) other Partners of the Firm (d) all Creditors of the Firm
Q.123. An Expelled Partner may be discharged from liability to any third party for acts of Firm
done before his expulsion by
(a) an agreement made with such third party and the Partners of reconstituted Firm
(b) implied from the course of dealing between the third party and reconstituted Firm
after he had knowledge of the expulsion
(c) either (a) or (b)
(d) both (a) and (b)
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Q.124.Where a new Partner specifically agrees to bear past liabilities, Third Parties cannot
hold a new Partner liable since there is -
(a) no mutual agency
(b) no consideration
(c) no valid Partnership Agreement
(d) no privity of contract between the new Partner and such third parties
Q.125.Any act of the old Partners cannot be ratified by the new Partner, since
(a) there is no consideration
(b) there is no valid Partnership Agreement
(c) the new Partner was not in existence as a Principal at the time when such acts were done
(d) there is no privity of contract between the new Partner and Creditors
Q.126.In good faith and based on the contract between Partners, a Partner may be expelled
from the Firm by
(a) Unanimous consent of all the Partners (b) Majority of the Partners
(c) Any of the dormant Partners (d) Any of the working Partners
Q.127.Retiring Partner may be discharged from liability to any third party for acts of Firm done
before his retirement by
(a) implied from the course of dealing between the third party and reconstituted Firm
after he had knowledge of the retirement
(b) an agreement made with such third party and the Partners of reconstituted Firm
(c) either (a) or (b)
(d) both (a) and (b)
Q.128.X, Y and Z are in partnership. X is adjudicated insolvent, but Y & Z agree to continue the
Firm. The implication is
(a) Firm is automatically dissolved (b) Firm is also declared insolvent
(c) The Court will order for dissolution (d) Partnership is reconstituted
Q.132.When a partner was diagnosed for paralysis which on evidence was found to be curable,
dissolution of Firm should be granted by the court. It is
(a) True (b) Partly True (c) False (d) Partly False
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