General Power of Attorney for Property

What is a General Power of Attorney for Property?

A general power of attorney for property is a legal document that allows a person or entity (usually called the "principal" or the "donor") to nominate one or more persons or entities (called "attorneys") to act on their behalf.

The General Power of Attorney for Property is often created when the principal is:

• On extended travel or residence abroad.
• Ill or unable to manage his/her duties.
• Work-related absence from the locality where the property is located.

What is the difference between General Power of Attorney for Property and General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney for Property grants the attorney the authority, at the principal's discretion, to manage the principal's properties. This includes activities such as buying and selling real estate, property development, and obtaining necessary licenses and permissions.

On the other hand a General Power of Attorney is used for delegating authority related to other general purposes including banking transactions, legal representations, business formations, etc.

Is it mandatory to have a General Power of Attorney for Property?

No, it is not mandatory. However, it is better if someone anticipates being unavailable to manage their property. Having a written General Power of Attorney for Property helps both the principal and attorney to be on the same page. The document can be used as proof of authority for the attorney to act on behalf of the principal even before courts and tribunals.

What does the "Principal" mean?

The principal means the person or entity granting the attorney the authority to manage the property on behalf of the principal.

What does the Attorney mean?

The attorney is the person or entity who is authorized to act on behalf of the property owner or principal. The attorney is obligated to work on behalf of the principal as per the Power of Attorney for Property document.

What must a General Power of Attorney for Property contain?

The General Power of Attorney for Property should typically include:

• Parties involved: the details of the principal and attorney including name and address:
• Property description: clear identification of the property including address, plot number, building number, etc.
• Scope of authority: a detailed outline of the powers granted to the Attorney. This can be as broad as managing all properties or limited powers particular to certain properties.
• Duration: the duration can be for a specific period, conditional on happening something, or until terminated by either party.
• Termination: defines how either party can terminate the General Power of Attorney for Property.

What is not allowed in General Power of Attorney for Property?

The attorney cannot be granted any rights the principal does not have on the property or which is illegal including fraudulent activities, forging documents, etc.

Who can enter into General Power of Attorney for Property?

Any person above the age of 18 years and entity registered in India can enter into a Power of Attorney for Property. The principal should not be under the influence of substances or undue pressure at the time of making the Power of Attorney for Property. The principal can appoint multiple attorneys to manage the properties.

What can be the duration of the General Power of Attorney for Property?

The Power of Attorney for Property can be created for a specific period, for example, between two dates or until a specific event occurs, or for a specific purpose, for example, to only deal with selling the principal's house.

What has to be done once the General Power of Attorney for Property is ready?

The Power of attorney will be legally binding when it is printed on non-judicial stamp paper or e-stamp paper and signed by each party and has been dated. The value of the stamp paper would depend on the state in which it is executed. Each state in India has provisions in respect of the amount of stamp duty payable on a power of attorney. Information regarding the stamp duty payable can be found on the State government websites.

Is it necessary to register the General Power of Attorney for Property?

Yes, if the General Power of Attorney for Property gives the principal the authority to dispose of the property through sale, conveyance, gift, relinquishment, etc. the document will only be valid when it is registered. Registration must be done at the sub registrar's office, where the principal resides.

Is it necessary to have witnesses for General Power of Attorney for Property?

Yes, since most General Power of Attorney for Property is required to be registered, the registration is often done in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must be above the age of 18 years and competent to sign an agreement.

Can the powers under the General Power of Attorney for Property be limited?

Yes, It is also often possible to limit the powers that are granted to an attorney under a general power of attorney. If the principal only needs the attorney to help with selling the house while the principal is overseas, then the powers given to the attorney may be limited so that the attorney can only do things that relate directly to the sale of that house. Alternatively, in some cases, a power of attorney can be created so that it only operates between two dates.

Can the General Power of Attorney for Property be terminated?

Yes, the General Power of Attorney for Property can be revoked or terminated as per the conditions outlined in the General Power of Attorney for Property and applicable laws. If the General Power of Attorney for Property is registered, then an application to terminate the General Power of Attorney for Property has to be submitted to the sub-registrar where the General Power of Attorney for Property was originally registered. If the principal dies during the period of General Power of Attorney for Property, the General Power of Attorney for Property automatically gets terminated subject to the attorney not having any direct rights over the property.

Which laws are applicable to General Power of Attorney for Property?

The law relating to power of attorney is governed by the provisions of the Power of Attorney Act, 1882, Transfer of Property Act 1882, and the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

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