BOOK X.
JOINT OWNERSHIP
TERMS OF
ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
1045. Joint ownership
consists of a thing itself belonging absolutely to more than one
person, so that such persons enjoys a special position in
relation to such thing. It is also customary to apply this
expression to the contract whereby the state of joint ownership
is brought about, and it is used in this sense in technical
legal phraseology. Consequently, joint ownership is generally
divided into two classes. The first consists of joint ownership
of property held in absolute ownership brought about by one of
the modes of acquiring property, such as purchase, or the
acceptance of a gift. The second consists of joint ownership as
a result of contract brought about by the offer and acceptance
of the joint owners, the details concerning both of which are
dealt with in the relevant Chapters. Another class consists of
gratuitous joint ownership which is brought about by the joint
acquisition of ownership by the public of things which are free
and themselves belong absolutely to no particular person, such
as water.
1046. Partition means to
split up. The description and definition thereof will be given
in the relevant Chapter.
1047. By wall is meant any
wall, or partition made of boards or a fence of brushwood.
1048. By passers-by is
meant generally those who pass along and across the public
highway.
1049. By water channels is
meant pipes and underground channels for conducting water.
1050. By dam is meant any
boundary or water dam and the sides of any water channel.
1051. By vivification is
meant cultivation whereby land is made fit for agriculture.
1052. By fencing is meant
putting stones and other matter round land in order that other
persons may not take possession thereof.
1053. By expenditure is
meant disbursing property.
1054. Maintenance consists
of the expenditure of money, goods and provisions for upkeep and
sustenance.
1055. By accepting
responsibility is meant undertaking to do and carry out any
particular piece of work.
1056. Partners with equal
shares are those who form a partnership with equal shares.
1057. By capital is meant
money invested in anything.
1058. profit consists of
interest and benefit.
1059. Where one person
supplies capital to another on condition that the whole of the
profit is to belong to him, the capital is called the invested
capital: The person supplying such capital is called the
investor and the person taking such capital is called the person
employing capital.
CHAPTER I. JOINT
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY OWNED IN ABSOLUTE OWNERSHIP
SECTION I. DESCRIPTION
AND CLASSIFICATION OF JOINT OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY OWNED IN
ABSOLUTE OWNERSHIP
1060. Joint ownership of
property owned in absolute ownership is brought about when more
than one person join in the ownership on any particular thing,
that is to say, where such thing belongs to them, as where
ownership therein is acquired by any of the causes of acquiring
ownership such as purchase, or taking by way of gift, or by
acceptance of a bequest, or inheritance or by mixing or causing
to mix one property with another, that is to say, by uniting
them in such a way that they cannot be distinguished or
separated the one from the other. Examples:- (1). Two persons
buy a piece of property, or a person bestows property upon them
by way of gift or by bequest and they accept the same: or two
persons take a piece of property by way of inheritance. such
property is jointly owned by them and they become joint owner in
that property, and each one participates therein with the other.
(2). Two persons mix their corn together, or their corn becomes
mixed together; by reason of there being holes in the sacks. The
corn mixed together in this way becomes joint property.
1061. If a gold coin
belonging to one particular person is mixed with two other gold
coins of the same type belonging to some other person in such a
way that it cannot be distinguished from them, and two of them
are lost, the remaining gold coin becomes the joint property of
the two persons, in the proportion of one third and two thirds,
the two thirds belonging to the owner of the two gold coins, the
one third belonging to the owner of the one coin.
1062. Joint ownership of
property owned in absolute ownership is divided into voluntary
and obligatory joint ownership.
1063. Voluntary joint
ownership is joint ownership brought about by the acts of the
joint owners themselves, as where it arises through purchase, or
acceptance of a gift, or by accepting a bequest, or mixing
property together as referred to above.
1064. Obligatory joint
ownership is joint ownership brought about be some cause other
than the acts of the joint owners, as where it arises through
inheritance or through two properties being mixed together.
1065. The joint
responsibility of various persons to whom a thing has been
entrusted for safe keeping is in the nature of voluntary joint
ownership. But if a gust of wind carries away a person's
garment, and it falls in a house which is jointly owned, the
joint responsibility of the owners of the house for the
preservation of the garment is in the nature of obligatory joint
ownership.
1066. Joint ownership of
property owned in absolute ownership is also divided into joint
ownership of specific property and joint ownership of debt.
1067. Joint ownership of
specific property consists of joint ownership of some specific
property which is in existence, as where two persons have
undivided joint ownership of a sheep or of a flock of sheep.
1068. Joint ownership of
debt consists of joint ownership of something to be received, as
where two persons ore joint owners of a certain sum of money
owing to them by some other person.
SECTION II. THE MANNER OF
DEALING WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTY JOINTLY OWNED
1069. The joint owners of
property held in absolute ownership may by agreement deal with
their property in any way they wish, in the same way as a single
owner of such property.
1070. The joint owners of
a house may dwell together in such house. If one of them,
however, wishes to introduce a stranger into the house, the
other can prevent him from doing so.
1071. One of the joint
owners of property held in absolute ownership may deal with such
property alone, with the permission of the other. He may not,
however, deal with it in such way as to cause injury to the
other joint owner.
1072. Neither of the joint
owners may force the other to sell or purchase his share. If the
property held in absolute ownership jointly by them is capable
of division, and the joint owner is not absent, such property
may be divided. If it is not capable of division they may share
the usufruct thereof. Details are given in Chapter II.
1073. The produce of
property jointly owned in absolute ownership may be divided
among the owners in accordance with their shares. Consequently,
any stipulation that the milk of an animal which is jointly
owned, or the young thereof shall go to one of the joint owners
in excess of his share is invalid.
1074. The property in the
young of animals follow the mother. Examples:- (1) A stallion
belonging to A covers a mare belonging to B. The foal belongs to
the owner of the mare. (2). A owns male and B female pigeons.
The young belongs to the owner of the female pigeons.
1075. The joint owners of
property held in absolute ownership are strangers to one another
as regards their shares. Neither; is the agent of the other.
Consequently, neither joint owner may deal with the share of the
other without the latter's permission. But in the case of
dwelling in a house which is jointly owned and as regards
matters pertaining thereto, such as coming in and going out,
each of the joint owners is considered to be an absolute owner
of such property. Examples:- (1). One of the owners of a jointly
owned horse lends or gives such horse on hire without the
permission of the other, and it is destroyed while in the
possession of the borrower or of the person taking it on hire.
The second joint owner may claim to have the loss of his share
made good by the first. (2). One joint owner rides a jointly
owned horse, or places a load upon him without the permission of
the other, the horse is destroyed while being ridden or driven.
The second joint owner may claim to have the loss of his share
made good by the first. (3). One joint owner uses a horse for a
certain period so that it becomes weak and its value decreases.
The other joint owner may claim to have the decrease in value
which is represented by his share made good. (4). One of two
joint owners of a house lives in such house for a certain period
without obtaining the permission of the other. He is considered
to be living in his own property held in absolute ownership, and
he cannot be called upon by the other joint owner to pay rent
corresponding to his share. If the house is burnt down by
accident, he is likewise under no obligation to make good any
loss.
1076. If one of the two
joint owners of land cultivates such land, the other may not
claim a share of the produce thereof in accordance with local
custom, such as a third or a fourth. If the value of the land is
decreased by reason of the cultivation, however, he may claim to
have the amount of the decrease in value of his share made good
by the joint owner cultivating the land.
1077. If one of two joint
owners of lets such property on hire and receives the rent
thereof, he is obliged to pay the other his share thereof.
1078. If one of the joint
owners of property owned in absolute ownership is absent, the
one who is present may take the usufruct of such property to the
extent of his share thereof, provided the consent of other is
given by implication, as is set forth in the following Articles.
1079. The absent joint
owner is considered to have given his consent by implication to
enjoyment of the usufruct by the joint-owner who is present, if
the latter causes no harm in so doing to the jointly owned
property held in absolute ownership.
1080. There can be no
consent by implication to the enjoyment of the usufruct of
jointly owned property held in absolute ownership where such
property is changed by use by the particular person using it.
Consequently, one of two joint owners of a piece of clothing
cannot wear such clothing in the absence of the other. Again,
one of two joint owners may not ride a jointly owned horse in
the absence of the other. He may do so, however, up to the
extent of his share in cases where there is no change by use of
the particular person using it, such as carrying burdens, or
ploughing land. again, where one of two joint owners is absent,
the other may, every other day, enjoy the services of a servant
who has been taken into their joint service.
1081. Habitation of a
house is not changed by a change of persons dwelling therein.
Consequently, if one of two joint owners of a house held in
common in equal shares is absent, the other may use such house
for a period of six months and leave it for six months. If
members of such person's household are numerous, however, their
dwelling in the house is of such a nature as to change it by
reason thereof, and the absent joint owner cannot be held to
have assented thereto by implication.
1082. In the event of the
shares of a house jointly owned by two persons, one of whom is
absent, being separated the one from the other, the joint owner
who is absent. If there is danger of the house falling into
disrepair, however, by reason of it being left vacant, the Court
may let such separate part on hire and keep the rent of behalf
of the absent joint owner.
1083. Partition of
usufruct can only be had and is only valid after being settled
by an action at law. Consequently, if one of the owners of a
joint owned house lives alone in such house for a certain period
without paying any rent is respect to the share of the other,
the latter cannot claim rent in respect to his share for that
period, or claim that he will dwell in it for a corresponding
period. He may however, divide such house if it is capable of
partition, or he may cause the usufruct thereof to be divided so
that it may be valid thereafter. But if one of the joint owners
is absent, and the other, as stated in the preceding Article,
dwells therein for a certain period, and the absent joint owner
returns, he may dwell in such house for a corresponding period.
1084. One of the owners of
a jointly owned house who is present may validly let such house
on hire, taking his own share of the rent and keeping the share
of the absent joint owner. On the return of the latter, he may
obtain his share from the former.
1085. Should one of the
joint owners of land be absent, and it is known that cultivation
will be beneficial to such land and will not result in any
decrease in the value thereof, the joint owner who is present
may cultivate the whole of such land. If the absent joint owner
returns he may cultivate the land for a corresponding period. If
it is known that cultivation of the land will result in a
diminution of the value thereof and that leaving the land fallow
will be beneficial thereto and will result in the increased
fertility thereof, the absent joint owner cannot be held to have
agreed by implication to the cultivation of such land.
Consequently, a joint owner who is present may only cultivate
the amount of his own share of such land. For example, if such
land is jointly owned in equal shares, he may cultivate a half
thereof. Should he cultivate the land again in the following
year, he may only cultivate his own half. He may not cultivate
one half in one year and the other half in the following year.
If he cultivates the whole of such land and the absent joint
owner returns, he may make good to him the decrease in value of
his share of his land. The details as set out above apply, if
the joint owner who is present does not make any application to
the Court. Should he apply to the Court, However, the Court
shall give permission for him to cultivate the whole of such
land in order that the tithe and land tax shall not be lost. In
such a case, should the absent joint owner return, he may not
bring an action on account of any decrease in the value of the
land.
1086. If one of the joint
owners of an orchard is absent, the owner who is present stands
in the place of the absent joint owner, and when the fruit
ripens may take and consume his own share. He may also sell the
share of the absent joint owner and set aside the price thereof.
The absent joint owner, on return, has the option of either
ratifying the sale and taking the price set aside, or of
rejecting the sale and claiming to be given the value of his
share.
1087. The share of one of
the joint owners is considered to be deposited for safe keeping
with the other. Consequently, if one of them, on his own
initiative, deposits the jointly owned property with some other
person for safe keeping and such property is destroyed, he must
make good the loss of the share of the other joint owner. ( See
Article 790.)
1088. One of the joint
owners may, if he wishes, sell his share to the other joint
owner, or he may also sell it to some other person without the
permission of the joint owner. ( See Article 215.) In the case
of mixed property, however, as mentioned in section I, no person
may sell his share of mixed property to another unless he has
obtained the permission of the joint owner.
1089. If some of a number
of heirs to land which has devolved upon them by way of
inheritance sow seed therein which is their joint property with
the permission of the other heirs, or if such other heirs are
minors, with the permission of their guardians, the whole of the
resulting produce is jointly owned by all of them. If one of
them sows his own seed, the resulting produce is his own. He
must, however, make good any loss accruing to the share of the
other heirs by reason of any decrease in the value of the land
caused by the cultivation thereof. (See Article 907.).
1090. If one of a number
of heirs, without the permission of the others, takes and uses a
quantity of money belonging to the estate prior to the division
thereof, he must bear any loss occasioned thereby, but is
entitled to keep the profits obtained by such transaction.
SECTION III. JOINTLY
OWNED DEBTS
1091. If two or more
persons are owed a sum of money by some other person and that
debt arises from single cause, debt is a debt jointly owned by
the two creditors. If the debt does not arise from a single
cause, it is not a joint debt. These matters will be dealt with
in the following Articles.
1092. Any Specific
property left by a deceased person is jointly owned by his heirs
in proportion to their shares. In the same way, sums owing to
him by any other person are jointly owned by the heirs in
proportion to their shares.
1093. A debt owed by a
person and arising by reason of such person having to make good
loss caused by the destruction by him of property jointly owned,
is jointly owned by the owners of such property.
1094. If two persons who
jointly own a certain sum of money lend such money to some
other; person, the debt is jointly owned by such two persons. If
two persons lend money separately to some other person, each one
becomes a separate creditor, and the debts are not jointly owned
by the two persons.
1095. if property jointly
owned is sold en bloc, and the share of none of the joint owners
is mentioned at the time of the sale, the sum of money to be
paid by the purchaser becomes a debt jointly owned. If the
amount of the share of the price of the thing sold of each one
of them is mentioned at the time of the sale, or the nature
thereof, as for example, where it is stated that the share of
one of them consists of so much money and the share of the other
of so much, or where the share of one is said to consist of
sound coin and the share of the other of base coin, whereby
their shares are defined, the vendors do not jointly own the
price of the thing sold, but each becomes a separate creditor.
Similarly, if one on them sells his undivided share to some
other person, and the other also sell his undivided share to
that person separately, such persons do not jointly own the
price of the thing sold, but each of them becomes a separate
creditor.
1096. If two persons each
sell their property en bloc to some other person, as, for
example, when one sells a horse and the other a mare at one and
the same time, for a certain sum of money, the amount in
question becomes a debt jointly owned by the vendors. If each
one of them names the price of his own animal as being so much,
they each becomes separate creditors, and the total value of
their animals does not become a debt jointly owned. Again, if
two persons each separately sell property to some other person,
the total value of the things sold does not become jointly
owned, but each one becomes a separate creditor.
1097. If two persons in
their capacity as guarantors pay the debt of some other person
from property which they jointly own, the amount which they are
entitled to recover from the principal debtor is a debt jointly
owned.
1098. If a person gives an
order to two other persons to pay a debt amounting to certain
some and the latter pay such debt from property which they
jointly own, the sum which they are entitled to receive from
such person is a debt jointly owned. If the money they have paid
is not jointly owned by them, and the share of each of them is
in fact clearly distinguished, the mere fact that they have paid
at one and the same time does not make the amount they are
entitled to claim from such person a debt jointly owned.
1099. If the debt is not
jointly owned, each of the creditors may demand payment
separately from the debtor of the sum he is entitled to receive
and whatever sum either of them receives, is credited to such
person's account. The other creditor is not entitled to share
therein.
1100. If the debt is a
joint one, each of the creditors may demand and receive payment
of his own share from the debtor separately. If one of the
creditors applies to the Court in the absence of the other and
asks for payment of his share from the debtor, the Court shall
make an order to this effect.
1101. Whatever sum is
received by one of the creditors is respect to a joint debt is
jointly owned by him and the other creditors who receives such
sum may not deduct it from his own share alone.
1102. If one of the
creditors receives his share of a joint debt and disposes of it,
the other joint creditor may claim to have the loss he has
suffered made good. Example:- One of two persons who are joint
creditors in equal share for a sum of one thousand piastres
receives his share of five hundred piastres from the debtor and
disposes of it. The other joint creditor may claim from him the
sum of two hundred and fifty piastres for the loss he has
suffered. The five hundred piastres still remaining due
continues to be owned by the two creditors.
1103. If one of the joint
creditors while receiving nothing in respect to the joint debt
buys goods from the debtor against his share, the other does not
becomes a joint owner of the goods. He may,however, claim to
have his share made good by the other creditor out of the price
of the goods. if they come to an agreement as to their shares,
the goods are held jointly between them.
1104. If one of the joint
creditors comes to a settlement with the debtor as to his share
in the joint debt, as for example, where he agrees to accept
from the debtor a certain quantity of cloth and does in fact do
so, he may either to the other joint creditor an amount of cloth
corresponding to the latter's share, out of the cloth he has
received, or he may deliver him a sum of money corresponding to
the amount of the share of the joint debt which he has forgone.
1105. If one of the
creditors, as mentioned above, receives a part of the whole of a
joint debt, or if he buys property to the value of his share, or
if he comes to a settlement with the debtor as to certain
property against his claim, the other creditor in any case has
the option of either adopting the transaction of the other joint
creditor, when, as is set forth in the preceding Articles, He
has the right of receiving his share from, or of refusing to
adopt the transaction and claiming his share from the debtor. If
he fails to obtain anything from the debtor, he has a right of
recourse against the creditor who has obtained his share, and
the fact that he has not previously adopted the transaction is
no bar to his right of recourse.
1106. If one of the
creditors receives his share of the joint debt from the debtor,
and it is accidentally destroyed while in his possession, he is
not liable to make good the loss to the other joint creditor in
respect to the amount represented by such joint creditor's share
therein. The amount remaining to be paid by the debtor belongs
to the joint creditor.
1107. If one of the
creditors employs the debtor for a wage to be reckoned against
his share of the joint debt, the other joint creditor may call
upon the former to make good to him the amount represented by
his share therein.
1108. If one of the joint
creditors receives a pledge from the debtor in respect to his
own share, and the pledge is destroyed while in his possession,
the other joint creditor may call upon the former to make good
to him the amount represented by his share therein. Example:-
The amount of the joint debt held in equal shares is one
thousand piastres. One of the creditors receives a pledge in
respect to his share of five hundred piastres. The pledge is
destroyed while in his possession. The other creditor may call
upon the former to make good to him a sum of two hundred and
fifty piastres, since half the joint debt has been lost.
1109. If one of the
creditors obtains a guarantor from the debtor in respect to his
share to some other person, any sum obtained by such creditor
from the guarantor or the person to whom the transfer has been
made is shared by the other creditor.
1110. If one of the
debtors makes a gift of his share in the joint debt to the
debtor or releases him therefrom, such gift or release is valid.
He is not liable on that account to the other creditor in
respect to his share.
1111. If one of the joint
creditors is respect to a joint debt is responsible for the
destruction of the property of the debtor, and the sum
represented thereby is set off against the debt, the other joint
creditor has the right of receiving his share from him in
respect thereto. But if one of the joint creditors was in the
debt of the debtor in respect to a debt which came into
existence prior to the joint debt in respect to which he has a
claim, the two claims are set off one against the other and the
other joint creditor cannot claim from him anything in respect
thereto.
1112. Neither of the joint
creditors may extend the due date of postpone the joint debt
without the permission of the other.
SUPPLEMENT
1113. If any person sells
any property to two other persons, he may claim his share from
each one of them separately. He may not claim the amount owing
by one of them from the other, unless they are guarantors of
each other.
CHAPTER II.
PARTITION
SECTION I. NATURE AND
CATEGORIES OF PARTITION
1114. Partition consists
of defining an undivided share. That is to say, to distinguish
and separate shares from each other by means of some standard,
such as a measure of capacity, or of weight, or of length.
1115. Partition is
effected in two ways. The first consists of specific objects
owned jointly, that is, numerous and jointly owned things being
separated into parts, the divided shares belonging to each
individual being united in one part. This is called partition by
units, as where thirty sheep which are jointly owned between
three persons are divided up into tens. The second consists of
dividing a specific thing owned jointly and of allotting a part
in respect to the undivided shares relating to each portion.
This is known as partition by allotment, or individual
partition, as where a piece of land is divided into two parts.
1116. Partition consists
on the one hand of separation and on the other of exchange.
Examples:- (1). The two persons own a kile of corn jointly in
equal shares. Each has a half share in each grain. When it is
divided into two parts, the division is by partition by units,
one part being given to one and the other part to the other
joint owner. Each one is then considered to have separated his
half share and to have exchanged his own half with the half
share of the other. (2).Two persons are joint owners of a piece
of land which they hold in equal shares in respect to every
part. The land is divided into two by partition by allotment,
and a part is given to each one of them. Each one is considered
to have separated his own half share and to have exchanged it
with the half share of the other joint owner.
1117. Separation is
preferred in the case of things the like of which can be found
in the market. Consequently, each joint owner of jointly owned
things the like of which can be found in the market may take his
own share in the absence of the other and without his
permission. The division, however, is not complete until the
share of the absent joint owner has been handed over to him. If
the share of the absent joint owner is destroyed before being
handed over, the share which has been received by the other
joint owner is jointly owned between them.
1118. In the case of
things the like of which cannot be found in the market, exchange
is preferred. Exchange may take place by agreement of the
parties or may be made as the result of a judgement by the
Court. Consequently, one of the joint owners may not take his
share of any specific object the like of which cannot be found
in the market, in the absence of the other and without his
permission.
1119. Things estimated by
measure of capacity, things estimated by weight and things
measured by enumeration and which closely resemble one another,
such as walnuts and eggs, are all things the like of which can
be found in the market. But things estimated by weight and which
change in accordance with the difference of craftsmanship, such
as hand-made pottery, are things the like of which cannot by
found in the market. Things which are similar to each other,
though of a different nature, and which are mixed together in
such a way that they cannot be distinguished and separated from
each other, such as barley and corn, are things the like of
which cannot be found in the market. Things measured by length
are also things the like of which cannot be found in the market.
But things measured by length and sold at so much per yard,
there being no difference between the undivided units thereof,
such as cloth of a particular type, and linen goods produced by
a process of manufacture, are things the like of which can be
found in the market. Things measured by enumeration and which
are dissimilar from each other and is respect to which there is
a difference in value as regards the undivided units thereof,
such as animals, melons and water melons, are things the like of
which cannot be found in the market. Books written by hand are
things the like of which cannot be found in the market. Printed
books are things the like of which can be found in the market.
1120. Partition by units
and partition be allotment are each divided into two categories.
The first is partition by consent. The second is partition by
order of the Court.
1121. Partition by consent
consists of a partition made by agreement of the two joint
owners of property held in absolute ownership, whereby they
mutually agree to a division between them, or whereby the Court
makes a division with the assent of all parties.
1122. Partition by order
of the Court consists of a partition which is obligatory and has
the force of law, and which is made upon the application of
certain of the owners of the jointly owned property.
SECTION II. CONDITIONS
ATTACHING TO PARTITION
1123. The thing divided
must be some specific object. Consequently, any partition of a
debt jointly owned prior to being received is invalid. Example:-
A deceased person has various sums of money owing to him. The
allocation of so much money owing to him by A to one of his
heirs and so much owing to him by B to another of his heirs is
invalid. Should one of the heirs obtain any sum of money in this
way, the other heirs become joint owners therein. ( See Chapter
i, Section iv ).
1124. NO partition is
valid until the shares have been identified and separated.
Example:- One of the joint owners of a heap of corn requests the
other joint owner to take one half of the heap, adding that he
will take the other. The partition is invalid.
1125. The thing divided
must be the property of the joint owners held in absolute
ownership at the time of partition. Consequently, if some person
appears who is entitled to the whole of the property after the
partition has been made, such partition becomes null and void.
Similarly, if someone appears who is entitled to an undivided
share therein such as a half or a third, the partition is
invalid and the property must be divided again. Again, if
someone appears who is invalid, and the remainder is jointly
owned by the other persons holding shares in the property. If
someone appears who is entitled to some specific part of a share
only, or an undivided part, the owner of such undivided share
has the option of either canceling the partition, or of
agreeing thereto, and of exercising a right of recourse against
the other joint owner in respect to the amount short. Example:-
A piece of land measuring one hundred and sixty ARSHUNS is
divided into two equal shares. Someone appears who is entitled
to a half of one share. The owner of such share may, at his
option, cancel the partition, or may exercise a right of
recourse against the other; joint owner to the extent of a
quarter of his share, that is to say, he may take from his share
a portion measuring twenty ARSHUNS. If someone appears who is
entitled to a specific part of each share, the partition cannot
be cancelled if it has been made in equal shares. If one has
received less and the other more, the greater amount only is
held to be valid, the matter being regarded as though only one
person had appeared entitled to a fixed portion of one share.
The person to whose share the greater amount is attributed as
stated above has the option either of canceling the partition,
or of having recourse against the other joint owner in respect
to the amount which he has lost.
1126. Partition by an
unauthorized person is subject to ratification, which may be
oral, or in writing, or by conduct. Example:- A divides jointly
owned property on his own initiative. The partition is neither
permissible nor executory. But if the owners ratify by
signifying their assent, or if they deal with their separate
shares by way of absolute ownership, that is to say, if they
perform any act indicative of a right of ownership, such as sale
or hire, the partition is valid and executory.
1127. The partition must
be equitable. That is to say, it must be made in accordance with
the shares due to each joint owner, and no one may in any way be
deprived of the full amount to which he is entitled.
Consequently, an action for flagrant misrepresentation will lie
in a case of partition. If the person in whose favor the
partition has been made, however, admits that he has received
what he is entitled to, his admission is a bar to an action for
flagrant misrepresentation.
1128. In the partition by
consent, the consent of each of the persons sharing in the
partition must be given. Consequently, if one of them is absent,
partition be consent is invalid. If one of them is a minor, the
tutor or guardian stands in his place. In the absence of tutor
or guardian, the partition is subject to the order of the Court,
which will appoint a guardian through whom the partition will be
carried out.
1129. Partition made by
order of the Court is subject to a request being made to that
effect. Any compulsory partition made by the Court in the
absence of any request made by one of the parties is invalid.
1130. If some of the joint
owners apply for partition and others oppose such application,
the Court shall make a compulsory partition if the property
jointly owned is capable of partition, as is set forth in
Section 3 and Section 4. Otherwise no partition shall be made.
1131. Capable of partition
refers to jointly owned property which is fit for partition.
Thus, the benefit to be derived from such property must not be
lost by the partition.
SECTION III. PARTITION BY
UNITS
1132. Specific objects
which are jointly owned and which are of one type, are subject
to partition by order of the court. That is to say, the Court
will order the partition of such property upon the application
of some only of the joint owners, whether the property in
question consists of things the like of which can be found in
the market or not.
1133. In the case of
partition of things the like of which can be found in the
market, and which are of one type, each of the joint owners
receives what he is entitled to and becomes absolute owner
thereof, since there is no defers between the various undivided
units thereof, and partition cannot injure any one of the joint
owners. Thus, upon the partition of a quantity of corn jointly
owned by two persons, in accordance with their shares, each of
them receives what he is entitled to, and becomes the
independent owner of the corn falling to his share. The same
applies in the case of a number of dirhems of bar gold, or of a
number of okes of bar silver, or of bar copper or iron, or of a
number of pieces of woollen cloth of one type or of a number of
pieces of linen or a quantity of eggs.
1134. If a difference
exists between things the like of which cannot be found in the
market, and which are of one type, but such difference is so
small that it may be said not to exist at all, such things are
considered to be capable of partition as referred to above.
Example:- Five hundred sheep owned jointly by two persons are
divided between them in accordance with their shares. Each one
is considered to have received the identical things to which he
is entitled. The same thing applies in the case of so many
hundreds of camels and so many hundreds of cows.
1135. Specific objects
which are jointly owned and which are of different types, are
not subject to partition by the Court, Whether consisting of
things the like of which can be found in the market or not. That
is to to say, the Court will not give an order for their
compulsory division by units upon the application of one of the
joint owners only. Example:- An order of the Court for the
partition of property whereby one of the joint owner receives so
many kiles of corn, and another so many kiles of barley, as
being equivalent thereto; to one so many sheep, to another so
many camels or cows, as being equivalent thereto; to one a
sword, to the other a set of saddlery; to one a country house,
to the other a shop or a farm, is invalid. But if the joint
owners agree thereto, a partition by order of the Court, as
mentioned above, is valid.
1136. Pots which differ in
accordance with the craftsmanship are considered to be different
types, even though made from metal of one type.
1137. Ornaments, large
pearls and jewellery are also specific objects of different
types. But small jewels not differing from each other in value,
such as tiny pearls and small diamonds known as counting stones,
are considered to be of the same type.
1138. A number of country
houses, shops and farms, are also of different types and cannot
be divided by partition by units. Example:- One of a number of
country houses may not be given to one joint owner and another
to a second in pursuance of an order for partition given by the
Court. Each of them may be divided by partition by allotment as
set out below.
SECTION IV. PARTITION BY
ALLOTMENT
1139. Any specific piece
of property which is jointly owned is capable of partition,
provided such partition does not injure any of the owners
thereof. Examples:- (1). A piece of land is divided and
buildings erected on each portion, trees are planted and wells
sunk. In this way, the benefit to be divided from the land is
preserved. (2). A country house is divided into men's and
women's quarters, so that it becomes two separate houses. The
benefit to be derived from the country house, which was to dwell
therein, is not lost. Each of the joint owners becomes the
independent owner of a separate house. Consequently, both in the
case of the land and of the country house, a division by order
of the Court is valid. That is to say, if one of the owners
desires partition and the other does not, the Court may give an
order for compulsory partition.
1140. Should the partition
of some specific piece of property jointly owned be advantageous
to one of the owners thereof, and disadvantageous to the other,
that is to say, should the benefit to be derived therefrom be
lost to him, and should the person deriving some advantage
therefrom desire partition, the Court may give an order for
partition. Example:- A house is jointly owned and the share of
one of the joint owners is so small that after partition he is
unable to derive benefit therefrom by dwelling therein. The
joint owner holding the greater share desires partition. The
Court will give an order fro partition.
1141. Partition may not be
ordered by the Court of some specific property which is jointly
owned in cases where such partition would be injurious to each
of the joint owners of such property. Example:- If a mill is
divided, it can no longer be used as a mill, and for this reason
the benefit to be derived therefrom is lost. Consequently, the
Court will not order partition of the mill upon the application
of one of the joint owners only. It may, however, be divided by
consent. Baths, wells, water pipes, a small room, a wall between
two houses, are of the same type. Merchandise such as a horse
and a carriage, a saddle, a cloak, the stone for a ring, which
must be broken or split, are also of this nature. In no case may
division be ordered by the Court.
1142. The partition of the
pages of a book jointly owned is invalid: and the partition
volume by volume of a book in several volumes is likewise
invalid.
1143. If one of the joint
owners of a road owned by two or more person to which no other
person has the right of access desires partition, and the others
object, it must first be ascertained as to whether, if partition
is effected, each of the joint owners will have a road. If so,
the road will be divided. If not, no order will be made for
compulsory partition. Nevertheless, if each one has a separate
road and entrance, partition may be made.
1144. A right of flow
jointly owned is similar to a road jointly owned. If one of the
owners desires partition and the other objects, and there is
sufficient room for each one for the flow of water after
partition, or there is some other place to which the water may
flow, the partition may be made, but not otherwise.
1145. A person may sell a
road which he owns in absolute ownership, subject to his
retaining a right of way thereover, in the same way that upon
the partition of a piece of real property jointly owned by two
persons, the absolute ownership of a road jointly owned may be
retained by one, and the other may be given a right of the way
thereover only.
1146. Upon the partition
of a house, a wall separating the two shares may remain in the
joint ownership of the owners thereof, or such house may be
divided in such manner that the wall becomes the property in
absolute ownership of one of them only.
SECTION V. METHOD OF
PARTITION
1147. If property jointly
owned is estimated by measure of capacity, it is divided by such
measure; if it is estimated by weight, it is divided by weight;
if it estimated by number, it is divided by number; if it is
estimated by length, it is divided by length.
1148. Land being measured
by length, is divided by length. But trees and buildings
situated thereon are divided by estimating the value thereof.
1149. Should it be found
upon the partition of a country house that the building
represented by one share is more valuable that the building of
the other, land in addition is taken from the site of the other
share, if this course is possible, equivalent to the difference
in value, and added thereto. If this is not possible, a
proportionate amount of money is added.
1150. If two persons who
are joint owners of a house desire partition thereof so that one
receives the upper portion and the other the lower portion, both
the upper and the lower portions are valued, and the partition
is made on the basis of the value.
1151. If a country house
is to be divided, the person carrying out the partition must
first make a plan thereof on paper, must measure the land upon
which it is built, value the buildings thereof, and make a
settlement and adjustment in accordance with the shares of the
owners thereof. If possible he must divide any right of way, or
right of taking water, or right of flow, so that they are
completely independent the one from the other. They must be
called share number one, two and three respectively. Afterwards,
lots must be drawn. The first name turned up gets the first
share, the second name gets the second share, and the third name
gets the third share. If there are more than three, the same
procedure is followed.
1152. If taxes levied by
the State are for the protection of the interests of the people,
they must be levied in accordance with the amount of the
population. Women and children are not included in the register.
If they are levied for the protection of property, they are
levied in accordance with the amount of such property, because,
as is mentioned in Article 87, disadvantage is an obligation
accompanying enjoyment.
SECTION VI. OPTIONS
1153. An option conferred
by contract, an option of inspection, and an option for defect
are attached to the various types of partition, as in the case
of sale. Example:- Property jointly owned is divided by
agreement between the owners thereof. One receives so many kiles
of corn and the other so many kiles of barley, or one of them
receives so many sheep and the other so many cows. If one of the
joint owners has a contractual option, he may, during that
period, either agree to the partition, or cancel it. If one of
them has not yet seen the divided property, he similarly has an
option upon seeing it. If the share of one of them proves to be
defective he may either accept it or reject it.
1154. An option conferred
by contract, an option of inspection, and an option for defect
are also attached to things the like of which cannot be found in
the market, upon the partition thereof. Example:- Upon the
partition of one hundred sheep among the owners thereof in
proportion to their shares, one of the owners may, if he has
stipulated therefore by contract, exercise an option of accepting
or rejecting the partition within a period of so many days. If
he has not yet seen the sheep, he similarly may exercise an
option upon seeing them. If a defect of long standing is
revealed in the sheep which fall to the share of one of them, he
likewise has an option and may either accept them or reject
them.
1155. Upon the division of
things the like of which can be found in the market, and which
are of the same type, no option is conferred by contract or upon
inspection. An option, however, exists for defect. Example:- A
heap of corn belonging to two persons jointly is divided. An
option conferred by contract to be exercised within a certain
number of days is invalid. If one of them has not seen the corn,
he cannot exercise an option upon seeing it. But if one of them
is given the upper part and the other the lower, and the lower
portion proves to be rotten, the owner has the option of
rejecting or accepting it.
SECTION VII. CANCELLATION
AND RESCISSION OF PARTITION
1156. When the lots have
all been drawn, the partition is complete.
1157. When the partition
has been completed, there cannot be any withdrawal therefrom.
1158. If one of the joint
owners wishes to withdraw while the partition is being carried
out, as for example, where the majority of the lots have been
drawn and there remains one only, the withdrawal is valid if the
partition is one made by consent. It is invalid, however, if it
is made by order of the Court.
1159. If the joint owners
cancel and rescind the partition by agreement after such
partition has been carried out, they may again become joint
owners of the property as heretofore.
1160. If flagrant
misrepresentation is apparent during the partition, the
partition is cancelled, and an equitable partition is made
afresh.
1161. If after the
partition of an estate if proves that the deceased person was in
debt, the partition is cancelled. Nevertheless, if the heirs pay
debt, or if the creditors relinquish their claims, or if there
is other property belonging to the deceased and the debt is
satisfied therefrom, the partition is not cancelled.
SECTION VIII. eFFECT OF
PARTITION
1162. Each of the joint
owners becomes the independent owner of his own share after
partition. No one has any further interest in the share of the
other. Each one of them may deal with his own share precisely as
he wishes, as will be set forth in Chapter III. So that if a
house jointly owned by two persons is divided, one of them
obtaining the buildings and the other the vacant land, the owner
of the land may dig well wells, or make a channel for water, or
erect a building of any height he wishes, even to the extent of
depriving the owner of the building of air or sun-light, and the
latter is powerless to prevent the former from doing so.
1163. Upon the partition
of land, trees are included therein without being mentioned.
Upon a farm being partitioned, trees and buildings are also
included without being mentioned. That is to say, the trees and
buildings belong to the person to whose share they fall. There
is no need for the inclusion of any particular statement or of
any general expressions, such as that the partition includes all
rights or all appurtenances.
1164. Upon the partition
of either lands or farms, crops and fruits are not included
therein unless specifically mentioned and they remains jointly
owned as heretofore, and this, whether any general expression
was used when the partition was carried out, such as that the
partition includes all rights, or not.
1165. Any right of way or
of flow over adjoining lands attaching to the partitioned
property is in every case included in the partition. That is to
say, the right is question belong to the person who obtains the
share to which they are attached, and this, whether at the time
the partition is carried out, the partition is stated to include
all rights or not.
1166. If at the time the
partition is carried out, it is stipulated that there shall be a
right of way or right of flow over another share, the
stipulation is valid.
1167. If the road
belonging to one share exists in the other share, and no
stipulation is made for the retention thereof at the time of the
partition, and it is possible to place the road elsewhere, this
shall be done, whether at the time of partition the partition
was stated to include all rights or not. If the road cannot be
placed elsewhere, however, and at the time of the partition, all
rights were stated to be included, the road shall be included in
the partition without any change. If so such expression of a
general nature has been included, the partition shall be
cancelled. In this connection, the right of flow follows the
same rule as the right of way.
1168. If a person has a
right of way through a house jointly owned by two other persons,
and the two joint owners desire to partition such house, the
owner of the right of way cannot prevent them from so doing. The
joint owners, however, upon carrying out the partition, must
leave the road intact. If all three agree to sell the house
together with the road and the road is jointly owned between the
three, the price is divided between them. If the absolute
ownership of the road belongs to the owners of the country
house, and such person merely possesses a right of way, each one
takes what he is entitled to receive. Thus, if the land is
valued on one occasion with the right of way and on another
without, the difference between the two belongs to the owner of
the right of way. The balance belongs to the owners of the
house. The same rule applies in the case of a right of flow.
That is to say, if one person has a right of flow over the house
of another which is jointly owned and the owners of the house
desire the partition of such house, the right of flow remain
undisturbed.
1169. If a person owns a
dwelling situated in the courtyard of a country house, and
possesses a right of way over the courtyard, and the owners of
the country house desire to partition the dame, the owner of the
dwelling cannot prevent them from doing so. Upon carrying out
the partition, however, they are obliged to leave him a road as
wide as the breadth of the door of the dwelling.
1170. If a country house
is divided into two and there is a wall separating the two
parts, and the ends of the beams of the wall of one part project
on to the wall which is jointly owned, and at the time of the
partition a stipulation has been made that the beams shall be
removed, such beams shall be removed, but not otherwise. The
same rule applies when a partition is made subject to the
condition that the wall separating the two parts shall belong to
one joint owner is absolute ownership, and the beams the ends of
which rest upon such wall belong to the other.
1171. The branches of
trees situated in one part and which project into the other part
may not be cut off unless a condition has been made to that
effect at the time the partition was made.
1172. Upon the partition
of a house jointly owned having a right of way over a private
road, each of the joint owners may construct doors and open
windows looking on to such road. The other owners of the road
may not prevent them from so doing.
1173. If one of the joint
owners of a piece of property held in absolute ownership which
is capable of partition erects a building for himself without
the permission of the other, and the other joint owner asks for
partition, such partition shall be made. If the building falls
to the share of the person who built it, such building shall
remain intact. If the building falls to the share of the other
joint owner he may have such building pulled down.
SECTION IX. PARTITION OF
USUFRUCT
1174. Partition of
usufruct consists of the division of benefits.
1175. There can be no
partition of usufruct in the case of things the like of which
can be found in the market. partition of usufruct may be had in
the case of those things the like of which cannot be found in
the market, the usufruct of which may be enjoyed, while the
identical things remain intact.
1176. Artesian of usufruct
is of two categories. The first category consists of a partition
of usufruct limited by time. Examples:- (1). Two persons are
joint owners of land which they hold subject to the condition
that one shall cultivate such land one year, and the other the
second year. (2). Each of the joint owners of a country house
own such house on the terms that they shall each dwell therein
in turns for a period of one year. The second category consists
of a partition of usufruct limited as to place. Examples:- (1).
Two persons are joint owners of land subject to the condition
that one shall cultivate the first half and the other the second
half. (2). The joint owners of a country house agree to live one
in one part and the other in the other part thereof, or one in
the upper part and the other in the lower part thereof. (3). Two
persons own two houses jointly. They agree to live one in one
house and the other in the other.
1177. The joint owners of
an animal may validly agree to share the usufruct thereof by
using such animal in turns. They may also agree to share the
usufruct of two animals by one using one of them and the other
the other.
1178. Partition of
usufruct limited by time is in the nature of an exchange. Thus,
one of the joint owners is considered to have exchanged his
share of the benefit accruing to his turn for that of the share
of the benefit accruing to the turn for that of the share of the
benefit accruing to the turn of the other. From this point of
view, partition of usufruct limited by time is in the nature of
hire. Consequently, in partition of usufruct limited by time, a
period of time must be mentioned, such as so many days or
months.
1179. Partition of
usufruct limited by place is in the nature of separation. Thus,
the usufruct accruing to two joint owners of a country house is
undivided, that is to say, it embraces every part of such house.
Upon partition, the usufruct of one of the joint owners is
considered to be concentrated in one part of such country house,
and the usufruct of the second joint owner in the other part
thereof. Consequently, there is no necessity to mention a period
of time in the case of partition of usufruct limited as to
place.
1180. In the case of
partition of usufruct limited as to time, the commencement of
the period, that is to say, determining who of the joint owners
is to enjoy the usufruct first, is decided by drawing lots.
Similarly, in the case of a partition of usufruct limited as to
place, the place is determined by drawing lots.
1181. If one of the joint
owners of several things jointly owned desires a partition of
the usufruct thereof, and the other joint owner objects thereto,
a partition will be enforced if the usufruct of the jointly
owned property is of the same type. If the usufruct is of a
different type, the partition will not be enforced. Example:-
One of the joint owners of two houses jointly owned desires a
partition of the usufruct whereby he shall live in one and the
other joint owner is the other; or in the case of two animals
jointly owned, one of the joint owners desires a partition of
the usufruct whereby one of them shall use one animal, and the
other the other. If the other joint owner objects thereto the
partition may be enforced. But if one them desires partition
whereby one is to live in one house and the other is to be let
on hire as a bath, or whereby one is to live in one house and
the other is to cultivate land, such partition is valid if it is
by consent; but if one of the joint owners objects thereto, the
division of the usufruct cannot be enforced.
1182. If one of the joint
owners of property which is capable of partition desires
partition, and the other desires partition of the usufruct, the
claim to partition will be upheld. If none of the joint owners
desires partition, but one of them desires partition of the
usufruct and the other objects, partition of the usufruct will
be enforced.
1183. If one of the joint
owners of some specific object which is not capable of division
desires partition of the usufruct and the other objects,
partition of the usufruct will be enforced.
1184. The rent of real
property jointly owned, such as a ship, mill, a coffee-shop, an
inn, and a bath, which are let on hire to the public, is divided
between the joint owners in accordance with their shares. If one
of the joint owners objects to giving his share on hire,
partition of the usufruct will be enforced. If the rent accruing
to the share of one of the joint owners during his turn is
disproportionately large, the amount in excess is divided among
the joint owners.
1185. Each joint owner
may, after a partition of usufruct limited as to time has been
carried out, make personal use of the real property jointly
owned, when his turn comes, and in the case of a partition of
usufruct limited as to place, may make personal use of the part
falling to his own share. He may also obtain rent therefore by
giving it on hire to some third party.
1186. If after a partition
of usufruct has been made, the joint owners give their
respective shares on hire, and the revenue accruing thereby to
one of them is greater than the other, the latter does not share
in such excess. But if a partition of usufruct arising out of
profit is made, as, for example, whereby one of the joint owners
receives the rent of a house for one month and the other for
another month, any excess amount is jointly held. But if a
partition of usufruct is made whereby the profit arising out of
one of two houses is to go to joint owner and the other to the
other, and the profit arising out of one is greater than that of
the other, the latter does not share therein.
1187. There may be no
partition of usufruct in the case of any specific property.
Example:- The partition of the usufruct of the fruit of trees
jointly owned, or of the milk or wool of animals jointly owned,
on the terms that one joint owner shall gather the fruit of a
certain number of such trees and the other the fruit of some
other; number of trees, or that one shall take the milk and wool
of one flock of sheep, and the other the milk and wool of the
other, is invalid, since they relate to specific property.
1188. If the joint owners
divide the usufruct of their shares by consent, one of them
alone may subsequently cancel such partition. If one of them,
however, has given his share on hire to some other person, the
other cannot cancel the partition of usufruct until after the
termination of the period of hire.
1189. one of the joint
owners alone may not cancel a partition of usufruct carried out
by order of the Court. The whole of the joint owners, however,
may cancel such partition by consent.
1190. If one of the joint
owners wishes to sell his share or to divide it, he may cancel
the partition of usufruct. But any partition of usufruct which
is sought to be cancelled without any due cause and whereby the
jointly owned property will merely return to its former state,
will be disallowed by the Court.
1191. A partition of
usufruct continues to be valid after the death of one or all of
the joint owners.
CHAPTER III.
WALLS AND NEIGHBORS
SECTION I. RULES OF LAW
RELATING TO PROPERTY OWNED IN ABSOLUTE OWNERSHIP
1192. Any person may deal
with his property owned in absolute ownership as he wishes. But
if the rights of any other person are concerned therein, the
owner of such property may not deal with it as though he were
the independent owner thereof. Example:- The upper storey of a
building is owned in absolute ownership be A and the lower
storey similarly by B. A has a right of support from B and B has
a right to be protected from sun and rain. Neither may perform
any act which will prejudice the other without obtaining
permission from him, and neither may pull down his part of the
building.
1193. If there is one door
giving on to the street for both the upper and lower stories,
both owners may make use thereof. Neither may prevent the other
from coming in or going out thereby.
1194. Whoever owns a piece
of land in absolute ownership is likewise owner of what is above
it and what is below it. That is to say, he may deal with it as
by erecting buildings on a piece of land he owns in absolute
ownership, and raising it as high as he wishes. He may also dig
the ground and make store-rooms therein and dig wells as deep as
he wishes.
1195. No person may extend
the eaves of a room which he has constructed in his house, over
his neighbor's house. If he does so, the amount which so
extends over his neighbor's house may be removed.
1196. If the branches of
trees in any person's garden extend into the house or garden of
his neighbor, the owner may be made by the neighbor to tie up
such branches and thus bring them back into his own garden, or
to cut them down and thus obtain a clear current of air. He may
not, however, cut down the tree on the grounds that the shadow
of such tree is injurious to the cultivation in his garden.
1197. No person may be
prevented from dealing with his property which he owns in
absolute ownership. Nevertheless, if such person by so doing
causes great injury to any other person, he may be prohibited
therefrom, as will be set forth in Section II.
SECTION II. RELATIONS OF
ONE NEIGHBOR TO ANOTHER
1198. Any person may raise
the wall of his property owned in absolute ownership to any
extent he wishes, and may do anything he desires, and, providing
that he does not cause his neighbor any great injury thereby
the latter cannot prevent him from doing so.
1199. Great injury
consists of anything which causes damage to a building, that is
to say, which weakens it and causes it to collapse or makes it
impossible for it to be put to the use for which it was
originally intended, as in the case of a dwelling house.
1200. Great injury, caused
in any way whatsoever, must be removed. Examples:- (1). A forge
or a mill is erected adjacent to a house. The house is weakened
by the hammering from the forge, or the turning of the mill
wheel; or it becomes impossible for the owner of such house to
dwell therein by reason of the great quantity of smoke given off
by a furnace or a linseed oil factory, erected in close
proximity thereto. These acts amount to great injury, which must
be removed. (2). A constructs a water channel on a piece of land
adjoining B's house. Water is brought along it to a mill and the
walls of B's house are weakened: or A makes a rubbish heap at
the foot of the neighbor's wall and throws sweepings there and
the walls becomes rotten. The owner of the house may have the
injury removed. (3). A construct a threshing floor near to B's
house and the dust coming therefrom makes it impossible for B to
dwell in his house. B may have the injury removed. (4). A erects
a high building near a threshing floor belonging to B and
thereby cuts off the flow of air to the threshing floor. This
act amounts to great injury and may be stopped. (5). A opens a
cook shop in the cloth merchants' market. The smoke therefrom is
deposited on his neighbors goods and causes great injury
thereto. The injury may be stopped. (6). The sewer in A's house
is broken and sewage flows into his neighbor's house. This
amounts to great injury, and upon the neighbor bringing an
action, A must repair the sewer and put it in order.
1201. Any interference
with benefits which are not fundamental necessities, such as
cutting off the air or the view of a house, or preventing the
entrance of sunlight, does not amount to great injury. If light
is entirely cut off, however, this amounts to great injury.
Consequently, if a person erects a building and cuts off the
light from the window of a room belonging to his neighbor, the
room being darkened to such an extent that it is impossible to
read anything written therein, the act amounts to great injury
and may be stopped; and it may not be argued that light can come
in through the door, since the door must be kept closed on
account of the cold and for other reasons. If the room has two
windows, however, and a building is erected and the light of one
of them is cut off as mentioned above, such act does not amount
to great injury.
1202. The fact that places
which are frequented by women, such as a kitchen, the head of a
well, and the courtyard of a house are overlooked, is considered
to amount to great injury. Consequently, if a person constructs
a new window in his house whereby he overlooks quarters
frequented by the women of an adjoining neighbor, or of the
owner of a house on the other side of the street, or if he
overlooks them from a window in a nearby built house, an order
shall be given for the removal of such injury. Such person may
also be obliged to remove such injury by building a wall or
constructing a partition in such a way that the women cannot be
forced to close up the window. If quarters occupied by women can
be seen through the interstices of a wall made of brushwood, the
owner of the wall may be ordered to close such interstices. He
may not, however, be obliged to tear the brushwood down and
build a wall. (See Article 22)>
1203. If a window is
constructed in a place which is of the same height as a man, a
neighbor of the person constructing such window may not have it
removed by alleging that it is probable that he will overlook
the women's quarter of his neighbor by placing a ladder there.
(See Article 74).
1204. A garden is not
considered to be women's quarters. Consequently, if a person is
unable to see the women's quarters of his neighbor's house, but
is able to see his garden, and consequently the women, but
merely on the occasions when they go out into the garden, his
neighbor may not demand that his view into the garden shall be
stopped.
1205. If a person climbs
up the fruit trees in his garden, and thereby overlooks the
women's quarters of his neighbor, such person must give
information that he intends to climb such trees, in order that
the women may cover themselves. Should he fail to give such
information, the Court may forthwith prohibit him from climbing
such trees.
1206. If upon the
partition of a country house jointly owned by two persons, the
share falling to one overlooks the women's quarters of the
other, the joint owners shall be ordered to construct a joint
partition.
1207. If any person deals
with property owned in absolute ownership in some manner
authorized by law, and some other person constructs a building
by the side thereof whereby he suffers injury, he himself alone
must remove such injury. Examples:- (1). The women's quarters in
a house newly constructed ore overlooked by the windows of an
old house. The owner of the newly constructed house must himself
remove the injury. He may not call upon the owner of they old
house to do so. (2). A person constructs a house on apiece of
land adjoining a blacksmith's forge, and alleges that the
hammering in the forge has caused great injury to his house. He
cannot stop the forge from working. (3). A person builds a house
in a place where a threshing floor has been established for some
time past and alleges that the dust is being deposited in his
house. He cannot call upon the owner of the threshing floor to
stop work.
1208. If a person who owns
an old house with windows looking on to a piece of vacant land
belonging to his neighbor has such house destroyed by fire, and
the neighbor builds a house on the land in question, and
thereafter the owner of the old house has it rebuilt in its
former state and from the windows thereof overlooks the women's
quarters of the new house, the injury must be removed by the
owner of the new house himself. He cannot oblige the owner of
the old house to remove the injury.
1209. If a person
constructs new windows in his house and is unable to overlook
the women's quarters of his neighbor by reason of the latter
having constructed a high room between, and the room is later
pulled down by the neighbor with the result that the women's
quarters of the latter can be seen, the neighbor cannot call
upon such person to stop the view from the windows, or to close
them up, but must remove the injury himself.
1210. One of the joint
owners of a wall may not raise such wall without the permission
of the other, nor may he erect a kiosk thereon or any similar
thing, whether causing injury to the or not. But if one of them
wishes to place beams on the ground in order to build a room,
that is to say, if he wishes to place them upon the edges of the
beams on the wall, he may not be prevented from doing so. The
other joint owner, however, has the right of placing the same
number of beams. He may not, however, put more than half the
total number of beams which can be supported and may not exceed
that number. If both of them originally had an equal number of
beams upon such wall, and one of them increases his number of
beams, the other may prevent him from so doing.
1211. One of the joint
owners of a wall may not have the position of the beams on such
wall changed to the right or left or up or down. If the beams,
however, are placed in an elevated part of the wall, he may put
them on a lower part thereof.
1212. If any person
constructs a cesspit or a sewer near a well of water belonging
to some other person, and contaminates the water thereof, he may
be made to remove the injury. If it is impossible to remove the
injury, he may be made to close up the cesspit or sewer. Again,
if any person constructs a sewer near to a water channel, and
the dirty water from such sewer flows into the channel and
causes great injury thereto, and no other way can be found to
remove such injury than by closing it, the sewer shall be
closed.
1213. If any person who
owns a house on either side of a street wishes to construct a
bridge from the one to the other, he shall be prevented from
doing so. If he does so, and the bridge causes no injury to the
passers by, such bridge shall not be pulled down. There is,
however, no right to permanency in the case of bridges and
resting places constructed over the public highway.
Consequently, if after a bridge constructed over the public
highway as mentioned above has been pulled down, and the owner
wishes to construct another such bridge, he may again be
prevented from so doing.
1214. anything which
causes great injury to passers by on the public highway may be
removed, such as low projecting balconies and resting places,
even though they have been there for a long period of time. (See
Article 7).
1215. Any person who
wishes to repair his house may make quickly on one side of the
road for use on his building, provided that he does not thereby
cause any injury to the passers by.
1216. When necessary, the
property of any person held in absolute ownership may be taken
for its value by order of the authorities and made part of the
road. He may not be deprived of ownership thereof, however,
until he has been paid the price. ( See articles 251 and 262).
1217. Provided no injury
is done to passers by, any person may obtain any surplus land on
the highway by paying its estimated price to the Government, and
attach such land to his house.
1218. Any person
whatsoever may construct a door giving on to the public highway.
1219. No person who is not
the owner of a right of way in a private road may construct a
door looking thereon.
1220. A private road is
like the jointly owned property held in absolute ownership of
persons having a right of way. Consequently, none of the owners
of a private road may make any fresh construction therein
without the permission of the other, whether such construction
is prejudicial or not.
1221. One of the owners of
a private road may not allow water to flow from a house which he
has newly built, on to such road, without the permission of the
other owners.
1222. If any person closes
up a door giving on to a private road, he does not thereby lose
his right of way thereover. Consequently, if he sells his house
at some later date, the purchaser may again construct the door.
1223. Persons passing
along the public highway have the right, if there is a great
crowd of people therein, of entering a private road.
Consequently, the owner of a private road may not sell it by
agreement among themselves, nor may they divide it among
themselves, nor may they close up the entrance thereto.
SECTION IV. RIGHT OF WAY,
RIGHT OF AQUEDUCT, RIGHT OF FLOW
1224. In case of right of
way, right of aqueduct and right of flow, ancient rights shall
be observed. That is to say, rights acquired in the remote past
are left as they were, because, as is laid down in Article 6,
things which have been in existence from time immemorial shall
be left as they were; and until some proof to the contrary is
produced, they shall not be changed. But anything existing from
time immemorial which is contrary to law is invalid. That is to
say, if any act which has been performed was originally illegal
and has existed from time immemorial, such act is invalid, and,
if it causes great injury, shall be removed (See Article 27).
Example:-If the dirty water of a house has flowed from time
immemorial into the public highway, and causes injury to the
passers by, the ancient rights are disregarded, and the injury
must be removed.
1225. If any person has a
right of way over the land of another;, the owner of the land
cannot prevent him from passing and crossing over the land.
1226. A person who has
given something for nothing, to be consumed, has a right to
revoke the gift. If injury is inflicted by consent, such consent
may be withdrawn. Consequently, If a person who has no right of
way over the land belonging to another exercises a right of way
thereover for a certain period, with the permission of the owner
of such land only, the latter may, whenever he wishes, prevent
him from exercising the right.
1227. If any person has
right of way over a defined pathway on the land of some other
person, and the owner of the land erects a building on such
pathway with the permission of the owner of the right of way,
the latter loses his right of way, and has no right of disputing
the matter with the owner of the land. ( See Article 51).
1228. If a cutting or a
water channel belonging to one person runs by right across the
land of another, the owner of the land may not endeavour to
prevent the former from exercising his right in the future. If
such cutting and water channel are in need of improvement and
repair, the owner thereof shall be allowed access thereto, if
this is possible, and may make such improvements and repairs,
however, without entering upon the land, and the owner of the
land will not give the necessary permission, the Court shall
oblige him either to grant permission for entry on the land, or
to carry out the repairs.
1229. If the rain water of
a house has flowed on to the house of a neighbor from time
immemorial, the latter may not thereafter seek to prevent such
flow.
1231. No person may cause
the water from a newly constructed room to flow into the house
of some other person.
1232. The owner of a house
which is burdened by a right of sewage may not stop the right of
flow, nor any person who purchases such house.
1233. The owner of sewer
the sewage of which flows through the house of some other person
must, if the sewer becomes full, or breaks, thereby causing
great injury to the owner of the house remove such injury.
CHAPTER IV.
JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTY WHICH IS FREE
SECTION I. THINGS WHICH
ARE FREE AND THINGS WHICH ARE NOT FREE
1234. Water, grass and
fire are free. The public are joint owners of these three
things.
1235. Water flowing under
ground is not the absolute property of any person.
1236. Wells which have not
been made by the labor of any particular person, the benefit of
which may be enjoyed by the public, are the jointly owned and
free property of the public.
1237. Seas and large lakes
are free.
1238. Rivers which belong
to the State and are not the property owned in absolute
ownership of any person, are those rivers the bed of which does
not pass through the property of a group of persons owned in
absolute ownership. All such rivers are free. Examples of such
rivers are the Nile, the Euphrates, the Danube and the Tonja.
1239. Rivers which are the
property of individuals owned in absolute ownership, that is to
say, rivers which, as stated above, flow through the property of
persons owned in absolute ownership are of two categories. The
first category consists of rivers the water of which is divided
between the joint owners of the land through they flow, but is
not completely exhausted and continues its course through vacant
land which is free to public. Rivers of this class are called
public rivers, since they are at the disposal of the public. No
right of pre-emption attaches to these rivers. The second
category consists of private rivers, the water of which are
divided between the land belonging to a limited number of
persons, and which, upon arriving at the limits of such land,
disappear and do not flow in vacant land. A right of pre-emption
attaches to such land.
1240. Mud brought down by
a river and deposited upon a person's land becomes such person's
property owned in absolute ownership, and no other person may
interfere therewith.
1241. Grasses which grow
wild in places having no owner are free. So also are grasses
which grow in any person's property owned in absolute ownership,
without being planted. But if such person is the indirect cause
of their growing, as when he waters the land or digs a creek
round it, thereby preparing it and making it fit for vegetation
to grow in, the vegetation produced becomes his property and no
other person has any right thereto. If any other person takes
them and consumes the same, he must make good the loss.
1242. Grasses consist of
vegetation which has no truck, and consequently does not include
trees. Mushrooms are considered to be grasses.
1243. Trees which grow
wild on mountains which are not yet passed into the possession
of anyone, are also free.
1244. Trees which grow
wild in property owned by anyone in absolute ownership belong to
such person. No person may cut them down for firewood without
the owners permission. If he does so, he must make good the
loss.
1245.If any person grafts
a tree, the shoots coming from the graft are his property held
in absolute ownership, including the fruit thereof.
1246. All produce arising
from seeds sown by any person for himself is such person's
property, and no one may interfere therewith.
1247. Game is free.
SECTION II. ACQUISITION
OF OWNERSHIP OF THINGS WHICH ARE FREE
1248. There are three
means of acquiring absolute ownership. The first consists of the
transfer of property held in absolute ownership from one owner
to another, such as sale or gift. The second consists of one
person succeeding another, such as inheritance. The third
consists of obtaining a thing which is free and which has no
owner. The latter is either actual, as where someone in fact
appropriates such thing, or constructive, as where someone puts
out a receptacle to collect rain water, or sets a trap to catch
game.
1249. Any person who
obtains possession of a thing which is free, becomes the
independent owner thereof. Example:- A, by means of a receptacle
such as a jug or a can obtains water from a river and stores it
therein. The water becomes the property of A. No other person
may make use of it without A's permission. If any other person
takes and consumes it without A's permission, he must make good
the loss.
1250. Taking possession
must be coupled with intention. Consequently, if any person puts
out a receptacle with the object of catching rain water, the
rain water caught in the receptacle becomes that person's
property. Again, water is collected in a receptacle not
intentionally put in any particular place, does not become the
property of the owner thereof. Any other person may take it and
consume it. ( See Article 2).
1251. In taking possession
of water, the flow thereof must be interrupted. Consequently,
possession cannot be taken of water from a well which oozes out
from the sides thereof and if a person takes and uses the water,
he is not liable to make good the loss thereof, even though the
owner has not made a free gift thereof for consumption.
Similarly, possession cannot be taken of water the flow of which
is regulated, that is to say, water which leaves one side of a
tank in the same quantity as it enters the other side.
1252. Possession may be
taken of wild grasses by collecting them and by cutting them and
making them into bunches.
1253. Trees growing in a
state of nature of mountains which are property of no one, may
be cut down for firewood by any person whatsoever. And by merely
cutting them down such person becomes the owner thereof. There
is no need to tie them into bunches.
SECTION III. GENERAL
CONDITIONS ATTACHING TO THINGS THAT ARE FREE
1254. Any person may make
use of any thing that is free provided that is doing so no
injury is inflicted upon any other person.
1255. No person may
prevent any other person from taking and obtaining possession of
anything that is free.
1256. Any person may
pasture his beasts on wild grasses growing in places that have
no owner. He may take and obtain possession of as much thereof
as he pleases.
1257. Although wild
grasses growing on the property of a person owned is absolute
ownership, and on which such person is not the indirect cause,
are free, the owner, nevertheless, may prevent any other person
from entering on his property.
1258. If any person
gathers wood from mountains which are free, and leaves such wood
there and some other person takes it, the former may demand the
return thereof.
1259. The fruit of trees
having no owner and which are found in mountains that are free,
and in valleys and pasture lands having no owner, may be
gathered by any person whatsoever.
1260. If any person hires
any other person to gather wood or to catch game for him from
uncultivated country, the wood gathered or game caught by such
person belongs to the person employing him.
1261. If a person lights a
fire in his own property owned in absolute ownership, he may
prevent any person from entering thereon and taking advantage
thereof. But if any person lights a fire in a desert place
belonging to no one, other persons may take advantage thereof.
They may warm themselves by it. may sew by the light thereof,
and may light their lamps therefrom. The owner of the fire may
not prevent them from so doing. No one, however, may take a live
coal from the fire without the owner's permission.
SECTION IV. RIGHTS OF
TAKING WATER AND RIGHT OF DRINKING WATER
1262. By watering is meant
taking one's turn in making use of water to water crops and
animals.
1263. The right of
drinking consists of the right of drinking water.
1264. Any person may make
use of air and light and of seas and big lakes.
1265. Any person may water
his lands from rivers which are not owned in absolute ownership
by any particular person, and, in order to irrigate them and to
construct mills, may open a canal or water channels, provided
that he does not thereby inflict injury on any other person.
Consequently, if the water overflows and causes injury to the
public, or the water of the river is entirely cut off, or boats
cannot be navigated, such injury must be stopped.
1266. All persons and
animals have a right of drinking from water, possession of which
has not been taken by any other person.
1267. The right of taking
water from rivers which are privately owned, that is to say, the
course of which are privately owned, belongs to the owners
thereof. Other persons have a right of drinking therefrom.
Consequently, no person may, without permission, water his land
from a river which is appropriated to a group of persons, or
from a water course, or a water pipe, or a well, He may,
however, drink water therefrom, since he has a right of drinking
water. He may also water his animals, by reason of the large
number thereof, from such river, water-course, or water-pipe,
provided there is no danger of destroying the same. He may also
bring the water to his house or to his garden by means of jugs
or buckets.
1268. Any person having in
his property which he owns in absolute ownership a tank, a well,
or a river, from which water alternatively enters and leaves,
may prevent any person who wishes to drink water from entering
his property. If however, there is no free water to be had in
the neighborhood, the owner of the property is obliged either
to draw off water, or to give such person permission to enter
his property and take it. If he does not draw off the water,
such person has the right of entering and taking it, subject,
however, to no injury being caused, that is to say, provided
that no injury is done, such as destroying the edge of the tank,
or of the well, or of the river.
1269. A person who is
joint owner of a river may not open up another therefrom, unless
he has obtained the permission of the other joint owners.
neither may he alter the old established order in which he has
his right of taking water. Nor may he divert his share of the
water from such river on to other land not enjoying a right of
taking water. If the other joint owners agree to such things,
either they, or their heirs, may denounce such agreement at any
subsequent date.
SECTION V. THE
VIVIFICATION OF DEAD LAND
1270. Dead land consists
of land which is not the property of anyone in absolute
ownership, nor the grazing ground of any town or village, nor a
place where wood can be gathered, and which is remote from
civilization. That is to say, a place where the voice of a
person who is shouting from the outskirts of a town or village
cannot be heard.
1271. Land which is near
to civilization is left to the public for grazing grounds,
threshing floors, and for cutting wood. such land is called land
left to the public.
1272. If any person, after
obtaining Imperial sanction vivifies and cultivates any place
consisting of dead land, such person becomes the absolute owner
thereof. If the Sultan of his representative gives permission to
any person to vivify land on the terms that he shall merely make
use of such land without becoming owner thereof, such person may
deal with the land in the way he has been authorized to do, but
does not become the absolute owner thereof.
1273. If a person vivifies
a piece of land and leaves the rest, he becomes the absolute
owner of the part he vivifies, but not of the remainder. But if
in the middle of the part he has cultivated he leaves a portion
vacant, such portion becomes his.
1274. If a person vivifies
a piece of dead land and thereafter some other persons arrive
and vivify the land situated on all four sides thereof, a road
shall be made in the land of the last comer for the former. That
is to say, there shall be a road for him there.
1275. Vivification
consists of sowing seed, planting trees, ploughing the land,
watering it, or opening water-channels or canals, in order to
irrigate it.
1276. If any person builds
walls round dead land, or with a view to protecting it from
flooding, makes a dam round it by raising the sides thereof,
such land is considered to have been vivified.
1277. The placing of
stones, or thorns, or the dead branches of trees so that they
surround the four sides of land, or clearing away the grasses on
such land, or burning the thorns on it, or sinking wells
thereon, does not amount to vivification. This is enclosing
land.
1278. If any person cuts
down the grasses of thorns on dead land, puts them round such
land and puts earth thereon, but does not complete it in such a
way that they form a dam preventing the flow of water, such act
does not amount to vivification, but is considered to be
enclosing the land.
1279. If any person
encloses a piece of dead land, he possesses a stronger right to
such land than any other person, for a period of three years. If
he fails to vivify it during the period of three years, he loses
such right. It may be given to some other person to vivify.
1280. If any person digs a
well in dead land with Imperial permission, such person becomes
the absolute owner of such well.
SECTION VI. OWNERSHIP OF
LAND SURROUNDING WELLS SUNK, WATER BROUGHT, AND TREES PLANTED
WITH IMPERIAL PERMISSION IN DEAD LAND
1281. The land attaching
to the ownership in a well amounts to forty ARSHINS.
1282. The land attaching
to springs of water is five hundred ARSHINS from each side.
1283. The land attaching
to the two sides of a big river which does not require
continually to be cleaned amounts to one half the breadth of the
river. The amount of land attaching to both sides of the river
is equal to the breadth of the whole river.
1284. The land attaching
to small rivers which continually require to be cleaned, that is
to say water courses, canals and underground channels,consists
of an amount large enough for the stones and mud to be thrown
upon when being cleaned.
1285. The land attaching
to water in channels running along the surface of the ground
amounts to five hundred ARSHINS, as in the case of springs.
1286. The land attaching
to wells is the absolute property of the owner of the wells. No
other; person may deal therewith in any way whatsoever. If any
other person sinks a well in such person's land, he can cause it
to be closed. The same rule applies to land attaching to
springs, rivers and water channels.
1287. If any person, with
Imperial sanction, digs a well in the vicinity of land attaching
thereto on the other side amounts to forty ARSHINS. He may not,
however, trespass upon the land attaching to the first well.
1288. If any person digs a
well outside the land attaching to some other well, and the
water from the first well flows into the second well, no
liability is incurred. Similarly, if a person opens a shop next
door to the shop of some other person and the business of the
latter declines, the former cannot be obliged to shut his shop.
1289. The land attaching
of trees planted in dead land with Imperial sanction is five
ARSHINS on each side. No other person may plant trees within
this distance.
1290. The banks of a water
channel, the water of which flows into the land of some other
person, belong to the owner of such channel, on each side, to
the amount necessary to hold the water. If the banks are raised
on both sides, the raised land also belongs to the owner of the
channel. If banks are not raised, and there is no evidence to
prove that either the owner of the land or of the water channel
has taken possession thereof, as by planting trees therein, the
banks belong to the owners of the land. The owner of the
channel, however, has the right, when cleaning his channel, of
throwing mud therefrom on both sides.
1291. No land attaches to
a well dug by a person in his own land owned in absolute
ownership. His neighbour may dig a well next to it in his own
land owned in absolute ownership and the former may not seek to
prevent the latter from doing so by alleging that he is
attracting water away from his well.
SECTION VII. FUNDAMENTAL
CONDITIONS AFFECTING HUNTING.
1292. Game may be hunted
with implements which inflict wounds, such as a lance or a gun,
or with things such as a net or a trap, or with savage animals,
such as a trained dog, or with birds of prey, such as a trained
hawk.
1293. Game consists of
wild animals which are afraid of man.
1294. Domestic animals may
not be hunted, nor wild animals which have been tamed.
Consequently, if any person catches a pigeon or a hawk with a
ring on its leg, or a stag with a collar on its neck, from which
it may be inferred that they are not wild, they are considered
to be lost property, and the person who has taken them must make
known that he will restore them to their owners upon application
made by them.
1295. Game must be in a
position to flee from mankind. That is to say, must be able to
get away and escape by means of its legs or its wings. If it is
unable to escape and flee, for example, where a stag falls into
a well, it loses its quality of game.
1296. Any person who
deprives game of its quality of game is considered to have
caught it.
1297. Game belongs to any
person who catches it. Example:- A shoots at game and wounds it
so that it cannot escape. The game becomes the property of A.
But if A wounds it slightly so that it can escape, he does not
become the owner thereof and if any other person hits or catches
it in any other way, the latter becomes the owner thereof.
1298. If two persons shoot
at game and both hit it, the game in question is divided in
equal shares between the two.
1299. If two persons each
let trained dogs chase after game and both catch an animal, such
animal similarly becomes the joint property of the owners of the
dogs. If each of them catch an animal, their masters become
owners of such animal. Again, if two persons each let trained
dogs chase after game and one of them brings down the animal and
the other kills it, the master of the first dog becomes owner of
the animal, if the dog has so treated it that it could not get
away and escape.
1300. If any person
catches fish found in a water channel or canal belonging to some
other person, which cannot be caught without fishing for them,
such person becomes the owner thereof.
1301. If any person
prepares a place for fishing by the water side, and a large
number of fish come there, and on account of the water
decreasing the fish can be taken without the need of fishing for
them, such fish belong to that person. But if by reason of the
large quantity of water in that place it is necessary to catch
the fish,such fish do no become the property of that person,
but, if fished for and caught by some other person, become the
property of the latter.
1302. If game enters the
house of any person, and such person closes the door and catches
the game, the game becomes his property. If he closes the door,
however, But fails to obtain possession of the game, he does not
become owner thereof, and if any other person catches it, such
person becomes owner thereof.
1303. If any person put
down anything such as a net or a trap in a particular place in
order to trap game, and catches such game therewith, such person
becomes the owner thereof. But if any person puts out a net in a
particular place to dry and game is caught therewith, such game
does not become his property. Again, if game falls into a hole
in land belonging to a particular person, any other person may
take it and thereby become the owner thereof. But if the owner
of the land dug the hole for the purpose of catching game, he
has a prior right over any other person to such game. (See
Article 1250).
1304. If a wild bird
builds its nest in any person's garden and lays eggs therein, it
does not become the property of such person. Any other person
may take its eggs, or its young, and the owner of the garden may
not demand their return. But if such person has prepared his
garden so that a wild bird may lay its eggs, and bring forth its
young there, such person may take the eggs and the young of such
bird and becomes the owner thereof.
1305. If bees select a
place in any person,s garden and make a hive there, the honey is
considered to be one of the perquisites of the garden and
becomes the property of such person, and no other person may
interfere therewith, A tithe, however, must be paid to the
treasury.
1306. Bees which gather in
a hive belonging to any particular person are considered to be
property of which he has obtained possession. The honey produced
by them also becomes the property of that parson.
1307. If a swarm of bees
leave the hive of one particular person and settle in the house
of another and such person appropriates them, the owner can
demand the return thereof.
CHAPTER V. JOINT
EXPENSES
SECTION I. REPAIRS TO
JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTY AND EXPENSES CONNECTED THEREWITH
1308. If property jointly
owned in absolute ownership is in need of repairs, the joint
owners must jointly repair such property in proportion to their
shares.
1309. If one of the joint
owners spends a reasonable sum of his own money with the
permission of the other of the repair of the jointly owned
property, he may have recourse against the other joint owner for
his share. That is to say, he may recover from the joint owner
whatever part of the expenditure falls to his share.
1310. If one of the owners
of the property jointly held in absolute ownership which
requires repairs is absent, the other may apply to the Court for
permission to effect such repairs. Permission given by the Court
is equivalent to permission given by the absent joint owner.
That is to say, upon the joint owner who is present carrying out
the repairs of the jointly owned property by order of the Court,
he is considered to have obtained the permission of the absent
joint owner and has a right of recourse against him for his
share of the expenses.
1311. If any person
carries out repairs to property jointly owned in absolute
ownership on his own initiative without obtaining the permission
of the other joint owner, or of the Court, he is considered to
have carried out such repairs free of charge. That is to say, he
has no right to claim an amount corresponding to the share of
the other joint owner, whether such jointly owned property is
capable of partition or not.
1312. If any person wishes
to carry out repairs to property jointly owned in absolute
ownership which is capable of partition, and the other joint
owner objects thereto, such person is considered to have carried
out the repairs free of charge. That is to say, he cannot have
recourse against the other joint owner for his share. If upon
the refusal of the joint owner in this manner, such person
applies to the Court, no order can be made for repairs, in view
of the terms of Article 25. An order may, however, be given for
partition. After partition has been effected, such person may do
what likes with his share.
1313. If property jointly
owned in absolute ownership such as a hill or a bath, which is
not capable of partition, is in need of repairs and one of the
joint owners wishes to carry out such repairs and the other
refuses to agree, the former, after obtaining an order from the
Court, may expend a reasonable amount of money on such repairs.
He becomes a creditor of the other joint owner for a portion of
the expenses occasioned by the repairs corresponding to his
share. He may obtain payment of the sum owing to him by letting
the jointly owned property on hire and taking the rent. If he
carries out the repairs without obtaining an order from the
Court, he can only obtain payment of a sum, as laid down,
corresponding to the value of the building at the time the
repairs were carried out, notwithstanding what he may actually
have paid.
1314. If things jointly
owned in absolute ownership which are not capable of partition,
such as mill and a bath, are totally destroyed, so that only the
land upon which they were erected remains, and one of the owners
wishes to erect a building thereon and other refuses to agree,
the latter cannot be obliged to build, but the land shall be
divided.
1315. If a building owned
in absolute ownership is destroyed or burnt, the upper storey
belonging to one person and the lower storey to another. either
of them may restore his portion of such building to its original
state. neither can prevent the other from so doing. If the owner
of the upper storey requests the owner of the lower storey to
repair his part so that he may build his portion thereon, and
the owner of the lower storey refuses, the owner of the upper
storey may apply to the court for an order empowering him to
reconstruct both lower and upper storeys and upon doing so, he
may prevent the owner of the lower storey from dealing therewith
until he has paid his share of the expenses.
1316.If a wall jointly
owned by two neighbours is destroyed and things are resting upon
it, such as a kiosk or the ends of beams belonging to the two,
and one of them rebuilds the wall and the other refuses to do
so, the one who rebuilds can prevent the other from placing
anything on such wall until he has paid his half of the
expenses.
1317. If a wall separating
two houses is destroyed, and the women's quarters of one of them
can be overlooked from the other, and the owner of one of the
houses wishes the wall to be rebuilt jointly and the owner of
the other refuses, he may not be forced to do so. The Court,
however, may order them to build jointly a screen made of wood
or some other material.
1318. If a wall jointly
owned by two neighbours becomes weak and it is feared that it
will collapse, and one of them wishes to knock it down and the
other refuses to agree thereto, he shall be obliged to knock
down such wall together with the other joint owner.
1319. If real property
jointly owned by two minors, or which is situated between two
properties which have been dedicated to pious purposes, is in
need of repair, and injury will result thereto if it is left in
its present state, and injury will result thereto if it is left
in its present state, and one of the two guardians, or one of
the two administrators of the pious foundations wishes to carry
out the repairs and the other does not, the latter shall be
obliged to do so. Examples:- (1). A jointly owned wall separates
the houses of two minors and it is feared that it will collapse.
one of the guardians wishes to repair the wall and the other
refuses. The court will then send a reliable person to
investigate the matter. If as a result it proves that injury
will result to the minor if the wall is left in its present
state, the guardian who refuses shall be forced to repair such
wall jointly with the other guardian from the property of the
minor. (2). A house which is the joint property of two pious
foundations is in need of repairs. One of the administrators
wishes to carry out the repairs and the other does not. The
latter will be forced to do so be the Court from the property of
the pious foundation.
1320. If two persons are
joint owners of an animal, and one of them refuses to feed him
and the other applies to the Court, the Court shall order the
joint owner who refuses to feed him either to sell his share, or
feed the animal jointly with the other owner.
SECTION II. THE CLEANING
AND IMPROVEMENT OF RIVERS AND WATER COURSES
1321. The cleaning and
improvement of rivers which do not belong to any particular
person in absolute ownership in incumbent upon the Treasury. If
it is not in the power of Treasury to do so, the public may be
forced to do so.
1322. The cleaning of
rivers jointly owned in absolute ownership is incumbent upon the
owners thereof, that is to say, upon those who have the right of
taking water therefrom. The owners of a right of drinking water
may not be called upon to share in the expenses of cleaning and
improvement.
1323. If some of the
owners of a right of taking water from a jointly owned river
desire to clean such river and the others refuse to do so, the
persons who refuse will be made to clean such river jointly with
the others, if it is a public river. If it is a private river,
those persons who wish to clean it may, by order of the Court,
proceed to do so, and may prevent those who refuse from making
use of the river until such time as they have paid the amount
which falls to their share of the expenses.
1324. Should all the
owners of a right of taking water refuse to clean a river which
is jointly owned, they may be forced to do so, if it is a public
river, but not if it is a private river.
1325. If any person owns
land on the banks of a public river, whether such river is
absolute ownership or not, and there is no other road for
satisfying such needs as drinking water or improving the river,
the public may pass over such land the owner cannot prevent them
from so doing.
1326. Expenses connected
with the cleaning and improvement of a jointly owned river begin
from above. First of all, the whole of the joint owners must
share therein, beginning with the joint owner whose land comes
last, the reason being that disadvantage is an obligation
accompanying enjoyment. Example: A river jointly owned by ten
persons is being cleaned. The expenses connected with the joint
owner's land which is highest up must be borne by the whole of
the joint owners and thereafter by the nine others. The same
procedure is then followed in the case of the land of the second
joint owner, the expenses being divided among the eight others.
This procedure is then followed in the case of the land of the
second joint owner, the expenses being divided among the eight
others. This procedure is then continued until the joint owner's
land which is lowest down is reached, who shares in the expenses
of all. The last joint owner does his share alone. In this way,
the expenses of the joint owner who is highest up are the least
of all, and the expenses of the joint owner who is lowest down
are the greatest of all.
1327. The expenses
occasioned by the cleaning of a jointly owned sewer begin from
below. Thus, all the joint owners contribute towards the payment
of the expenses of the portion of the sewer which is situated on
the land of the joint owner who is lowest. On proceeding higher
up, the latter has no further expenses to pay, and so on until
they have all paid their shares, the joint owner who is highest
up paying the expenses connected with his share alone. In this
way, the expenses of the joint owner who is lowest down are
lower than those of any other, and the expenses of the joint
owner who is highest up greater than those of the rest.
1328. The repair of a
private road, like a sewer, begins from below. The entrance is
considered to be the lowest part, and the termination the
highest part. A joint owner who is at the entrance shares in the
expenses of repairing connected with his share alone. The joint
owner who is at the termination of the private road, besides
sharing in the expenses attaching to the shares of all the joint
owners, pays his own share alone.
CHAPTER VI.
PARTNERSHIP
SECTION I. DEFINITION AND
CLASSIFICATION OF PARTNERSHIP
1329. A contract of
partnership consists of a contract for joint ownership whereby
two or more persons jointly share in capitol and profit.
1330. The basis of a
contract of partnership consists of offer and acceptance,
express and implied. Examples:- (1). A informs B that he has
become his partner whereby they will carry on business with a
certain amount of capital. B agrees. An express partnership has
been formed by offer and acceptance. (2). A gives a thousand
piastres to B, requesting B to give a thousand piastres also and
buy certain property. B does so. A partnership has been formed
by his implied acceptance.
1331. Contractual
partnership is divided into two categories: (1). Partnership
with equal shares. A partnership with equal shares is a
partnership which is formed when the partners enter into a
contract of partnership stipulating for complete equality
between them, and, after they have contributed the property
which is to form the capital of the partnership, they maintain
equality in the amount of their capital, and their shares of the
profit. Similarly, if a person dies, and his sons take over the
whole of his property left to them and make it their capital on
the terms that they may buy and sell property of all kinds and
share the profit equally between them, they may thereby form a
partnership with equal shares. Formation of a partnership of
this type, where there is complete equality, however, is rare.
(2). Partnership with unequal shares. A partnership with unequal
shares is formed when a contractual partnership is concluded
without stipulating for complete equality.
1332. A partnership,
whether one of equal or of unequal shares, is either a
partnership in property, or a partnership in work or a
partnership on credit. Thus if the partners contribute a
quantity of property to be the capital either jointly, or
separately, or absolutely, and from a partnership with a view to
trading and sharing the profits between them, such partnership
is a partnership in property. If they agree that their labor
shall be their capital and that they shall undertake to do work
for some other person, and that the remuneration they receive
shall be divided between them and form a partnership to that
effect, such partnership is a partnership of work. A partnership
of this nature is also called a personal partnership, or an
artisans partnership, or a partnership of wage-earners, as, for
example, where one tailor goes into partnership with another
tailor, or a tailor goes into partnership with the dyer. If a
partnership is concluded in which there is no capital and the
partners buy and sell on credit on the terms that they shall
divide the profits, such partnership is a partnership on credit.
SECTION II. GENERAL
CONDITIONS AFFECTING A CONTRACTUAL PARTNERSHIP
1333. Every contractual
partnership includes a contract of agency. Thus, each of the
partners is the agent of the other to deal with property, that
is to say, to buy or sell, or to work for a wage for some other
person. Consequently, in all partnership there is a condition
that the partners shall be of sound mind and perfect
understanding, as in the case of agency.
1334. A partnership with
equal shares also includes a contract of guarantee.
Consequently, the partners must be competent to conclude a
contract of guarantee.
1335. A partnership with
unequal shares includes a contract of agency only and does not
include a contract of guarantee. Consequently, if at the time of
the conclusion of the contract there has been no mention of a
guarantee, the partners are not guarantors of each other.
Consequently, a minor who has received authority may also enter
into a partnership with unequal shares. But if at the time of
the conclusion of a partnership with unequal shares, the
contract of guarantee has been mentioned, the partners are
guarantors of each other.
1336. It must be stated in
what way the profit is to be divided among the partners. If this
is vague or unknown, the partnership is voidable.
1337. The shares of the
profit to be divided between the partners must consist of
undivided parts such as a half, a third, or a quarter. If a
contract is made whereby one of the partners is to receive a
fixed amount of the profit, the partnership is null and void.
SECTION III. CONDITIONS
AFFECTING A PARTNERSHIP IN PROPERTY
1338. The capital must be
some kind of cash.
1339. Copper coins which
are in current use are considered by custom to be cash.
1340. If it is customary
among people to transact business with gold and silver which has
not been coined, such gold and silver is considered to be cash.
If not, it is considered to be merchandise.
1341.The capital must
consist of some specific object. a debt, that is to say, a sum
due to be received from anyone, cannot be the capital of a
partnership. Example:- Two persons cannot form partnership
with capital consisting of something due from some other person.
If the capital of one consists of some specific property and of
the other of a debt, the partnership is invalid.
1342. A partnership may
not be validly concluded with regard to property which is not
considered to be cash, such as merchandise or real property.
That is to say, it cannot be the capital of the partnership.
Nevertheless, if two persons desire to make the capital of the
partnership out of property which is not in the nature of cash,
each of them may sell the half of his property to the other, and
after they have become joint owners thereof, they may conclude a
partnership in respect to the jointly owned property. Similarly,
if two persons mix together property of theirs the like of which
can be found in the market, as, for example, a quantity of
wheat, they then become joint owners of property owned in
absolute ownership, and they can conclude a partnership with the
mixed property as their capital.
1343. A partnership formed
whereby one person provides a horse and the other the harness on
the terms that the money obtained by letting the horse on hire
is to be shared between them is voidable, and the money obtained
belongs to the owner of the horse; and since the harness is a
necessary of the horse, the owner thereof is not entitled to a
share of the money received but may only claim an estimated sum
for the harness.
1344. If two persons enter
into partnership whereby one who is the owner of an animal loads
the goods of the other on to such animal, such partnership is
voidable, and the profit earned belongs to the owner of the
goods. The owner of the animal is entitled to an estimated
payment. If two persons enter into partnership whereby one of
them sells his goods in the shop of the other on the terms that
the profit shall be shared between them, the partnership is
voidable and the profit derived from the good belong to the
owner. The owner of the shop is entitled to receive as estimated
rent for the shop.
SECTION IV. RULES
RELATING TO A CONTRACTUAL PARTNERSHIP
1345. Work becomes
possessed of specific value when the value thereof is estimated.
That is to say, labor is valued when the worth thereof is
assessed. The work of one person may be proportionately more
valuable than the work of some other person. Example:- Two
persons are partners in a partnership of unequal shares. Their
capital is subscribed in equal shares and it is stipulated that
both of them shall work in the business. It may validly be
agreed that one of them shall have a greater share of the
profits than the other since the skill of one in trading may be
greater and his output of work larger and more valuable.
1346. A liability for work
is in the nature of work. Consequently, a contract of
partnership in work may validly be made whereby a person puts an
artisan in his shop and has the work which he has undertaken to
do performed by him on the terms that they are to divide the
profit equally between them. The right of the owner of the shop
to a half share accrues merely by reason of having guaranteed
and undertaken the work, and this includes his right to make use
of the shop.
1347. The right to profit
may arise out of property, or work, or, as is shown in Article
85, by liability in respect thereto. Thus, in a case where one
supplies the capital and the other the labour, profit is earned
by property being supplied by the owner thereof and the labour
furnished by the person who undertakes to work. An artisan may
also engage an apprentice and validly cause such apprentice to
perform work which he has undertaken to do for half the normal
wages. The apprentice is entitled to half the wage received from
the employers by reason of the work he has performed, and his
master is entitled to the other half, since he is liable for the
work being properly performed.
1348. If none of the three
elements mentioned above, that is to say, property, work, and
liability are present, there is no right to profit. Example: A
asks B to trade with his property and share the profit with him.
No partnership is formed, and A cannot thereby take a share of
the profit.
1349. The right to profit
is entirely limited by the terms of the contract of partnership.
It is not in proportion to the business done. Consequently, even
though the partner who is bound to do certain work fails to do
so, he is presumed to have done such work. Example:- It is
stipulated in a valid partnership that the two partners shall
both perform certain work and one of them does so and the other
with some excuse, or with out any excuse, fails to do so, the
latter, by reason of his being the agent of the former, is
considered to have performed the work, and the profit is divided
between them in the manner agreed upon.
1350. Partners are
trustees the one for the other, and the property of the
partnership in the possession of either is considered to be
property entrusted for safe keeping. If the property of the
partnership is destroyed while in the possession of one of them
without any fault or negligence on his part, he is not liable to
make good the loss to the share of his partner.
1351. In a case of
partnership in property, the capital may be subscribed in equal
or unequal shares by the partners. But if in a case where one
supplies the capital and the other the labour, it is agreed that
the profit shall be shared jointly between them, the partnership
is one where one partner subscribes the capital and the other
furnishes the labour. This type of partnership will be dealt
with in the relevant Chapter. Should the profit go entirely to
the workman, it is a loan; and if it is stipulated that the
profit shall go entirely to the owner of the capital, such
capital, while in the possession of the workman, is called
invested capital and the workman is called a person employing
capital. If he is such, he is considered to be an agent working
for nothing, and profit and loss fall upon the owner of the
property.
1352. The death of one of
the partners, or his affliction by permanent madness, causes the
dissolution of the partnership. But if there are three or more
partners, the dissolution of the partnership only affects the
one who dies or goes mad and the partnership subsists as regards
the others.
1353. The partnership may
also be dissolved by one of the partners, provided the others
are informed thereof. Cancellation by one without the knowledge
of the others does not bring about the dissolution of the
partnership.
1354. If the partners
dissolve the partnership on the terms that the cash in hand is
to go to one of them and debts due to the other, the division is
invalid;and any sums received in this way from cash in hand by
one of them is jointly owned with the other. Debts due are
jointly owned in the same way. (See Article 1123).
1355. If one of the
partners receives a quantity of the partnership property and
dies while dealing with it in a manner unknown to the other
partner, the share of the latter shall be paid out of the estate
of the deceased.(See Article 801).
SECTION V. PARTNERSHIP
WITH EQUAL SHARES
1356. As is stated in
Section II, partners with equal shares are guarantors the one of
the other. Consequently, an admission with regard to the other.
If one of them makes an admission with regard to a debt, the
person in whose favour the admission is made may demand payment
from whichever of the partners he wishes. Any loan contracted,
of any nature whatsoever, by one of the partners on account of
the business transactions of the partnership, such as sale,
purchase, or hire, is binding on the other also. Anything sold
by one of them containing a defect may be returned to the other,
and anything bought by one of them may be returned by the other
on account of defect.
1357. Any food, clothing
and other necessaries bought by one of the partners with equal
shares for himself and his family are his property and his
partner has no right therein. The vendor, however, may claim the
price thereof from the other partner by virtue of the guarantee
also.
1358. In partnership in
property with equal shares, the shares of the partners must be
equal in respect to capital and to profit. Neither of the
partners may introduce any property by way of capital, that is
to say, cash or property in the nature of cash, in excess of the
capital of the partnership. The quality of shares, however, is
not affected if one of the partners introduces property which
cannot become capital of the partnership in excess of the
partnership capital, that is to say, merchandise, or real
property, or debts due from some other person.
1359. If it is agreed in a
partnership for work that each of the partners may undertake
work of any nature whatsoever, and that they are liable for the
work equally, and that they shall be equal as regards profit and
loss, and that the one is the guarantor of the other for
anything which may happen to the partnership, such partnership
is a partnership with equal shares. Consequently, the wages of
an employee and the hire of a shop may be claimed from any one
of them, and if any person claims goods from them and one of
them admits the claim, the admission is binding even though the
other; denies such claim.
1360. If two persons
conclude a partnership whereby they agree to buy and sell
property on credit and that the property purchased and the price
received and the profit shall be jointly owned by them in equal
shares and that each one shall be guarantor of the other, a
partnership on-credit is formed with equal shares.
1361. Upon the formation
of a partnership with equal shares, either the actual word
denoting equal shares must be used on the whole of the terms of
such partnership must be enumerated. If a contract for
partnership is made in general terms, such partnership is one
with unequal shares.
1362. If one of the
conditions as mentioned above in this Section is absent, a
partnership with equal shares is changed into a partnership with
unequal shares. Example:- In the case of a partnership in
property with equal shares, one of the partnership in property
with equal shares, one of the partners acquires possession of
property by way of inheritance or gift. If such property is
capable of being used as the capital of the partnership, such as
cash, the partnership is changed into a partnership with unequal
shares. If it is property, however, which cannot become the
capital of the partnership, such as merchandise or real
property, no injury is caused to the partnership with equal
shares.
1363. Any condition
essential to the validity of a partnership with unequal shares
is also essential to the validity of a partnership with equal
shares.
1364. Any act performed by
partners in a partnership with unequal shares may also be
performed by partners in a partnership with equal shares.
SECTION VI. PARTNERSHIP
WITH UNEQUAL SHARES
SUB-SECTION I.
PARTNERSHIP IN PROPERTY.
1365. It is not essential
to the validity of a partnership with unequal shares that the
partners should subscribe the capital in equal shares. The
capital of one may be greater than the capital of another. None
of them is obliged to subscribe the whole of his money to the
capital fund, but may form a partnership with regard to the
whole of their property or a portion thereof. For this reason,
they may have property as for example money, apart from the
capital of the partnership, and which may become capital of the
partnership.
1366. A contract of
partnership may be entered into both with regard to commerce in
general, and any particular branch of commerce, as, for example,
the provision trade.
1367. Any condition which
has been laid down with regard to the division of profit in a
valid partnership must be observed.
1368. In a voidable
partnership, the profit must be divided in accordance with the
amount of the shares of capital. If a stipulation has been made
that more shall go to one than the other, no effect shall be
given thereto.
1369. Any damage suffered
without any fault or negligence shall in any case be divided in
proportion to the amount of the shares of capital. If any
stipulation has been made to the contrary, no effect shall be
given thereto.
1370. If the partners
agree that the profit shall be divided among them in proportion
to the amount of their shares of capital, such agreement is
valid, whether the capital has been subscribed in equal or
unequal shares, and the profit shall be divided between them in
the manner agreed upon, in accordance with the amount of their
shares of capital, and that, whether it has been agreed that
both of them or only one of them shall work therein. If it is
stipulated, however, that only one of them shall work therein,
the capital of the other; is considered to be invested capital
in such person's possession.
1371. If the capital
subscribed by the partners is equal and it is stipulated that a
larger share of the profit, for example, two thirds, shall go to
one than to the other, and it is also stipulated that both shall
work therein, both the partnership and the stipulation is
valid.(See Article 1345). If it is stipulated that only one of
them shall work therein, and it has been agreed that the work
shall be performed by the partner whose share of the profits is
greater, the partnership is valid and the effect shall be given
to the condition, the partner being entitled to a share of the
profits arising out of the capital by reason of the amount he
has subscribed to the business, and also to an additional amount
on account of his work. The partnership, however, resembles a
partnership where capital is furnished by one and labour by
another, since the capital of the other partner in such person's
possession is in the nature of capital subscribed to such a
partnership. If it is stipulated that the work shall be
performed by the partner whose share in the profits is smaller,
such stipulation is invalid, and the profit shall be divided
between them in proportion to the amount of capital, the reason
being that if the profit is divided as agreed, the additional
amount to be received by the partner who performs no work is not
sufficient to compensate for property, work and liability. If
thee is a right to profit it is only in respect to one of these
three things. (See Articles 1347 and 1348.)
1372. If the shares of the
partners are unequal, for example, if the capital of one amounts
to one hundred thousand piastres and of the other to one hundred
and fifty thousand piastres, and it has been agreed that the
profits shall be divided among them in equal shares, such
agreement resembles the case of a partnership where the shares
of the partners are equal, a stipulation having been made for
greater share of the profits too be given to one of them, the
reason being that it has been agreed that the partner with the
lesser capital shall have a share of capital. Consequently, if
it has been stipulated that both the partners whose share of
profits is greater, that is to say, whose capital is greater,
shall do the work, the partnership is valid and effect shall be
given to the condition. If it has been stipulated that only the
partner whose share of profits is smaller, that is to say, whose
capital is greater, shall perform the work, such stipulation is
invalid, and the profit shall be divided among them in
proportion to the amount of their shares of the capital.
1373. Each of the partners
may sell the partnership property for ready money or on credit,
for any price he thinks fit.
1374. Property may be
bought for the partnership either with ready money or on credit
by whomsoever of the partners is in possession of the capital of
the partnership. But if he buys the property as the result of
flagrant misrepresentation, such property becomes his own and is
not the property of the partnership.
1375. No partner who is
not in possession of the capital of the partnership may buy
property for the partnership. If he does so, such property
becomes his own.
1376. If one of the
partners buys anything which is not of the type used in their
branch of commerce with his own money, such property is his own
and his partner cannot claim a share therein. But if one of he
partners while in possession of the capital of the partnership
buys property of the type used in their branch of commerce with
his own money it becomes the property of the partnership.
Example:- One of two persons who have entered into a partnership
to carry on the business of cloth merchants buys a horse with
his own money. The horse becomes his own property, and his
partner cannot claim a share in such horse. But if he buys
cloth, it becomes the property of the partnership, and he has no
right of maintaining that he has bought the cloth for himself
and that his partner has no share therein. He owns the cloth
jointly with his partner.
1377. Contractual rights
belong to the contracting party only. Consequently, if one of
the partners takes delivery of property he has purchased and
pays the price thereof, the transaction is binding on him alone.
Thus, any claim made by any person as to the price of the
property purchased may be made against such partner only, and
may not be claimed from the other partner. Again, if one of the
partners sells property, he alone is entitled to receive the
price thereof. Thus, if the purchaser gives the price to the
other partner, he is only liberated in respect to the share of
the partner who has received the price, but is not released in
respect to the share of the partner with whom he contracted.
Moreover, if the partner who has concluded the contract appoints
some other person to be his agent to receive the price of the
property sold, such person's partner cannot dismiss the agent.
But the partner may remove an agent appointed by the other in
respect to contracts of sale, purchase and hire.
1378. The right of
rejection on account of defect being a contractual right, one of
the partners may not reject property purchased by one of the
other partners on account of defect. Property sold by one may
not be returned to another on account of defect.
1379. Each of the partners
may deposit the partnership property son safe keeping, may give
it to some other person on condition that he obtains the whole
of the profit, may place it in a business where one person
supplies the capital and the other the labour, and may conclude
contracts of hire, for example, he may take a shop on hire and
pay wages to persons for the preservation of the partnership
property. he may not, however, mix the partnership property with
his own property or enter into a partnership with some other
person without the consent of the other partner. If he does so
and the partnership property is lost, he must make good the loss
suffered by his partner.
1380. No partner may lend
the partnership property to any other person without the
permission of the other. He may, however, obtain property on
loan on behalf of the partnership. Any sum of money borrowed by
one partner is a debt for which the other is jointly liable.
1381. If one of the
partners leaves for some other country on behalf of the business
of the partnership, the expenses are a charge of the partnership
property.
1382. If each of the
partners authorises the other to act in accordance with his own
judgement or to do as he likes, each of them may perform the
work falling to his branch of commerce. Thus, each of them may
pledge the partnership property, or take a pledge in respect
thereto, or proceed to some other country with the partnership
property, or mix it with his own property, or conclude a
partnership with some other person. He may not, however, destroy
the partnership property of confer the absolute ownership
therein upon some other person without consideration, unless he
obtains the express permission of his partner. Example:- One
partner men not lend or make a gift of the partnership property
to any other person without the express permission of the other
partner.
1383. If one of the
partners forbids the other to proceed to some other country with
the partnership property, or to sell on credit, and the latter
nevertheless does so, he is bound to make good any loss
occasioned thereby.
1384. Any admission of
debt made by one of the partners in respect to the operations of
a partnership with unequal shares does not bind the other. Thus,
if he admits that the debt has arisen solely in connection with
his own contracts and transactions, he himself is responsible
for the whole of the debt. If he admits that the debt has arisen
in connection with a transaction carried out in conjunction with
his partner, he must pay half thereof. If he admits that the
debt has been incurred solely on account of some transaction
carried out by his partner, he is not obliged to pay anything.
SUB-SECTION II.
PARTNERSHIP FOR WORK.
1385. A partnership for
work consists of the conclusion of a partnership with a view to
undertaking work. Thus, the partners enter into a partnership
whereby they undertake and hold themselves ready to perform any
work which they may be commissioned to perform by those who
employ them. and that whether they are liable equally for the
performance of the work or not. That is to say, whether they
have concluded a partnership whereby they undertake to be
responsible equally for the performance of the work, or whether,
for example, one of them undertakes to be responsible for one
third and the other for two thirds.
1386. Each of the partners
may enter and perform work. One of them may obtain work and the
other may perform it. One of the tailors who are partners in a
partnership of skilled workmen may accept and cut the material
and the other; may sew it.
1387. Each partner is the
agent of the other for the purpose of undertaking work. Any work
so undertaken by one of them must be performed both by him and
by his partner. Consequently, the liability for the performance
of work in the case of a partnership for work in unequal shares
is considered to be that of a partnership in equal shares, since
the employer may require the performance of the work by any one
of the partners he selects, and each of the partners is obliged
to perform such work. No partner may refuse to perform the work
by alleging that his partner undertook to do it.
1388. A partnership for
work in unequal shares is like a partnership in equal shares as
regards the right to wages. That is to say, each of the partners
may claim the whole of the wages due from the employer and on
paying any one of them the employer is discharged from all
liability.
1389. The partner who
actually undertakes to do work is not obliged personally to
perform such work. He may perform such work himself if he so
desires, or he may cause his partner or some other person to do
so. If the employer, however, makes a condition that the partner
shall perform the work himself, he must then perform the work
personally. (See Article 571.)
1390. The earnings of the
partners are divided in the manner agreed. That is to say, if it
has been agreed that the wages shall be divided in equal shares
they shall be so divided. If it has been agreed that the wages
shall be divided in equal shares they shall be so divided. If it
has been agreed that the wages shall be divided in unequal
shares, for example, one third or two thirds, they shall be
divided accordingly.
1391. It may validly be
agreed that work shall be in equal shares, but that the wages
shall be unequal. Example:- The partners may validly agree that
the work shall be performed in equal shares and that the wages
shall be divided in the proportion of two thirds and one third,
the reason being that one may be more expert in his craft, and
his work corresponding it better.
1392. The partners are
entitled to their wages by reason of their liability to perform
the work. Consequently, if one of them performs no work, as, for
example, or remains idle, and his partner alone performs such
work, the earnings and wages must nevertheless be divided in the
manner agreed upon.
1393. If one of the
partners causes the destruction or damage of property delivered
to be worked upon, the other partner is jointly liable with him
to make good the loss, and the employer may call upon whichever
one he likes to make good the loss to his property, such loss
being divided among the partners in accordance with the amount
of the loss they have to make good.
Example:- The partners
enter into a partnership whereby they undertake to perform the
work in equal shares. They must make good any loss in equal
shares. If they enter into a partnership whereby one undertakes
to perform one third and the other two thirds, the loss also
must be made good in the proportion of two thirds and one third.
1394. Porters may validly
agree to enter into a partnership whereby they undertake jointly
to perform work.
1395. Two persons, one of
whom owns a shop and the other tools and implements, may validly
enter into a partnership whereby they undertake to do work.
1396. Tow persons may
validly enter into a partnership to do skilled work whereby one
supplies the shop and the other the labour. (See Article 1346).
1397. Two persons may
validly enter into a partnership for work whereby they undertake
on equal terms to transport property, one supplying a mule and
other a camel. The earnings and wages shall be divided equally
between them. The fact that the load of the camel is the greater
is of no importance, since in a partnership for work the
partners are entitled to their wages by reason of their
liability to perform the work. But if no partnership is
concluded for undertaking work, but the partners agree to let
their mule and camel on hire as such and to divide the earnings
between them, the partnership is voidable and the amount of hire
paid in respect to the hiring of either the mule or camel
belongs to the owner thereof. If one of them helps the other in
loading and transport, he is entitled to an estimated wage for
his services.
1398. Any person who,
together with his son living in his household, carries on any
skilled work, is entitled to the whole of the earnings. The son
is considered to be an assistant. Again, if a person plants a
tree and is assisted by his son, the trees belong to such person
and the son has no right therein.
SUB-SECTION III.
PARTNERSHIP ON CREDIT.
1399. It is not essential
that the partners should have equal shares in the property
purchased. Example:- The property purchased may be divided
between them in shares of one half, two thirds, and one third.
1400. In a partnership on
credit, the right to profit arises out of the liability to make
good any loss.
1401. The liability to
make good any loss in respect to the price of the property
bought is in proportion to the share of the partners therein.
1402.The share of the
profit accruing to each of the partners in in proportion to
their share of the property purchased. If one of the partners
makes a stipulation that he shall receive more than his share in
the property purchased, such stipulation is void; and the profit
shall be divided between them in proportion to their share in
the property purchased. Example:- An agreement is made that the
property purchased shall be divided between them in equal
shares. The profit must also be divided between them in equal
shares. If they agree to divided the property purchased in the
proportion of two thirds and one third, the profit shall also be
in the same ratio. But if it is agreed that the property
purchased shall be divided in equal shares and that the profits
shall be divided in proportions of one third and two thirds, the
latter condition is invalid, and the profit shall be divided
between them equally.
1403. Any loss shall be
divided between the partners in any case in proportion to their
shares in the property purchased and this whether the contract
for purchase was made jointly, or by one of them alone.
Example:- Two persons who are partners in partnership on credit
suffer loss in their business. The loss must be shared by them
equally if they entered into the partnership on the terms that
the property purchased should be divided between them equally.
If the partnership was concluded on the terms that they should
share in the property purchased in the proportion of one third
and two thirds, the loss must be divided between them in the
same ratio, and this whether the property with regard to which
the loss has been suffered was bought by the partners jointly or
by one of them on behalf of the partnership.
CHAPTER VII.
PARTNERSHIP OF CAPITAL AND LABOUR.
SECTION I. DEFINITION AND
CLASSIFICATION OF PARTNERSHIP OF CAPITAL AND LABOUR.
1404. A partnership of
capital and labour is a type of partnership where one party
supplies the capital and the other the labour. The person who
owns the capital is called the owner of the capital and the
person who performs the work is called the workman.
1405. The basis of a
partnership of capital and labour is offer and acceptance.
Example:- A person possessing capital asks some other person to
take the capital and use it and to share the profits between
them equally, or in the ratio of two thirds and one third, or
says something indicative of an intention to form a partnership
of Capital and Labour, as when he asks such person to take so
much money and use it as capital and share the profits with him
in a certain ratio and the latter accepts. A partnership of
capital and labour has been concluded.
1406. Partnership of
capital and labour are of two categories: (1). Absolute
partnerships of capital and labour; (2). Limited partnership of
capital and labour.
1407. An absolute
partnership of capital and labour is one where there is no
limitation as to time or place, or any particular type of
commerce, or any particular vendor or purchaser. If there is any
limitation in respect to any of these matters, the partnership
is a limited partnership. Example:- It is stipulated shall be
bought at a certain time, or a certain place, or shall be of a
certain type, or that business shall be done with certain
persons or with the inhabitants of a certain place. A limited
partnership of capital and labour has been concluded.
SECTION II. CONDITIONS
AFFECTING A PARTNERSHIP OF CAPITAL AND LABOUR.
1408. The owner of the
capital must possess the requisite capacity to appoint an agent.
The person supplying the labour must possess the requisite
capacity to be appointed an agent.
1409. The capital must
consist of property which can be made the capital of a
partnership. (See section III of the Chapter dealing with the
contract of partnership). Consequently, merchandise, real
property and debts due to be paid may not be used as capital in
a partnership of capital and labour. But if the owner of the
capital hands over to the person applying the labour certain
merchandise and asks him to sell the same and trade with the
proceeds thereof by way of a partnership of capital and labour
and the person supplying the labour and accepts and takes
delivery of the merchandise and sells the same, applying the
proceeds thereof to the capital and trades therewith, the
partnership of capital and labour is valid. Likewise, if the
owner of the capital asks the person supplying the labour to
receive a sum due by a certain person and use the same in the
partnership business and the person supplying the labour agrees,
the partnership is valid.
1410.The capital must be
delivered to the person supplying the labour.
1411. In a partnership of
capital and labour the capital must be definitely stated, as in
the case of a contractual partnership, and an undivided part
must be fixed of the shares in the profits of the two
contracting parties, such as a half or a third. If the
partnership is defined in general terms, however, as, for
example, that the profit shall be shared between the partners,
such partnership is regarded as being in equal shares. The
profit is divided by halves between the owner of the capital and
person supplying the labour.
1412. If any of the
conditions mentioned above is absent, as, for example, where the
shares of the two contracting parties, being in undivided parts,
are not mentioned, and one of them has been given a certain sum
of money from the profits, the partnership is voidable.
SECTION III. EFFECT OF A
PARTNERSHIP OF CAPITAL AND LABOUR.
1413. The person supplying
the labour is a trustee. While in his possession, the capital is
considered to be trusted to him for safe keeping. He is the
agent of the owner of the capital in respect to any dealing with
the capital. If he makes any profit, he is the joint owner
thereof.
1414. In an absolute
partnership of capital and labour, the person supplying the
labour is authorised to perform any act connected with the
partnership, whether fundamental or necessary, solely by virtue
of the contract. Thus, he may perform the following acts: (1).
He may buy property with a view to selling it at a profit. But
if he buys property as a result of flagrant misrepresentation,
he is considered to have bought it for himself. It is not
entered to the account of the partnership; (2). He may sell at
high or low prices, whether for cash or on credit, but he must
give a period for payment which is customary among merchants. He
may not sell for a long period of time not recognised by
merchants; (3). He may accept payment of the price of the goods
by means of a transfer of debt; (4). He may authorise some other
person to act as his agent for buying and selling; (5). He may
deposit the partnership property for safe keeping, or invest it,
or give it on pledge, or take a pledge in respect to it, or give
or take it one hire; (6). He may proceed to some other place in
order to carry on business.
1415. In an absolute
partnership of capital and labour the person supplying the
labour may not mix his own property with the partnership
property and give it to the partnership solely by virtue of the
contract of partnership. If there is a custom of the town,
however, for partners to mix their own property with the
partnership property, a partner is an absolute partnership of
capital and labour may do the same.
1416.If the owner of the
capital in an absolute partnership of capita; and ;labour tells
the person supplying the labour to act as he thinks fit, or has
authorised him to act in accordance with his own opinion in the
affairs of the partnership he may in any case mix his own
property with the partnership property and can give it to the
partnership. He may not, however, unless he is specially
authorised, bestow any of the partnership property by way of
gift, or give it on loan, or contract debts to an extent greater
than the capital, without the express permission of the owner of
the capital.
1417. If the person
supplying the labour mixes the partnership property with his own
property, the profits realised are divided in accordance with
the amount of the capital. That is to say, he takes the profit
arising out of his own capital, and the profit arising from the
partnership property is divided between him and the owner of the
capital on the terms agreed upon.
1418. Property bought on
credit with the permission of the owner of the capital, and
which is in excess of the capital, is jointly owned between the
two partners as though it were a partnership on credit.
1419. If the person
supplying the labour leaves the town in which he is and proceeds
to some other town on the business of the partnership, he may
claim such expenses as are customary from the partnership
property.
1420. In a limited
[partnership of capital and labour the person supplying the
labour must observe whatever conditions are laid down by the
owner of the capital.
1421. If the person
supplying the labour exceeds the limit of his authority or acts
in contravention of the conditions laid down, he becomes a
person wrongfully appropriating property, in which case he is
entitled to any profit and responsible for any loss arising out
of his business transactions. If the partnership property is
destroyed, he must make good the loss.
1422. If the owner of the
capital forbids the person supplying the labour to go with the
partnership property to any particular place, or to sell
property on credit, and the latter in contravention of the
prohibition proceeds to such place with the partnership
property, and such property is destroyed, or if he sells
property on credit, and the money is lost, he must make good the
loss.
1423. If the owner of the
capital fixes the period for the termination of the partnership
at some particular date, the partnership is cancelled when such
date is passed.
1424. If the owner of the
capital dismisses the person who supplies the labour, he must
notify such dismissal to him. Any act performed by him up to the
time his dismissal was notified to him is valid. He may not deal
with any cash assets in his possession after his dismissal has
been notified to him. If he has any property in his possession
other than cash, he may sell such property and convert it into
cash.
1425. The person supplying
the labour is only entitled to profit in respect to his work,
such work being possessed of value solely by virtue of the
contract. Consequently, in a contract of capital and labour, the
person supplying the labour is entitled to a share of the
profits in accordance with what has been stipulated in the
contract.
1426. The owner of the
capital is entitled to profit in virtue of the capital
subscribed. Consequently, in a voidable partnership of capital
and labour the owner of the capital is entitled to the whole of
the profit, and since the portion of the person supplying the
labour is equivalent to that of an employee of the owner of the
capital, he is entitled to an estimated wage. Such wage may not,
however, exceed the amount agreed upon at the time of the
conclusion of the contract. If there is no profit, he is not
entitled to an estimated wage.
1427. If any of the
partnership property be destroyed, the amount thereof is first
deducted from the profit and may not be made a charge of the
capital. If the quantity destroyed exceeds the amount of the
profit and is made a charge on the capital, the person supplying
the labour need not make good the loss, and this whether the
partnership is valid or voidable.
1428. Any damage or loss
must in any case be borne by the owner of the capital. If it has
been stipulated that the person supplying the labour shall be
jointly liable with him such stipulation is invalid.
1429. If either the owner
of the capital or the person supplying the labour dies, or is
afflicted with madness without any lucid interval, the
partnership is cancelled.
1430. If the person
supplying the labour dies and it is not known what has become of
the capital, the loss must be made good from his estate. (See
Articles 801 and 1355.)
CHAPTER VIII.
PARTNERSHIP IS LAND AND WORK AND PARTNERSHIP IS TREES AND WORK.
SECTION I. PARTNERSHIP IN
LAND AND WORK.
1431. A partnership in
land and work is a type of partnership where one party supplies
the land and the other work. that is to say, cultivates the
land, on terms that the produce is to be divided between them.
1432. The basis of a
partnership is land and work is offer and acceptance. Thus, if
the owner of the land informs the person supplying the labour,
that is, the cultivator, that he has given him the land to be
cultivated on condition that he shall receive a certain share of
the produce and the latter states that he agrees thereto, or is
contended therewith, or makes some statement from which his
agreement may be inferred, or if the latter informs the owner of
the land that he is ready to cultivate such land on those terms
and the owner of the land agrees thereto, a partnership in land
and work has been concluded.
1433. In a partnership in
land and work the contracting parties must be of sound mind.
They need not have reached the age of puberty. Consequently, a
minor who has received authority may also enter into a
partnership of land and work.
1434. The nature of what
is to be sown must be stated, or it must be known that the
cultivator may sow what he likes.
1435. At the time of the
conclusion of the contract the share of the cultivator in the
produce must be stated, such as an undivided part consisting of
a half or a third. If the share is not fixed, or if it is
decided that something other than the produce shall be given, or
if it is stated that so many KILES shall be given from the
produce, the partnership in land and work is invalid.
1436. The land must be fit
for cultivation and must be handed over to the cultivator.
1437. If any of the
conditions mentioned above are absent the partnership in land
and work is voidable.
1438. In a valid
partnership in land and work the produce shall be divided
between the two contracting parties in the manner agreed upon.
1439. In a voidable
partnership in land and work the whole of the produce belongs to
the owner of the seed. If the other party is the owner of the
land, he is entitled to a rent for the land. If he is the
cultivator, he is entitled to an estimated wage.
1440. If the owner of the
land dies while crops are green, the cultivator shall continue
to work until the crops are ripe. The heirs of the deceased
cannot prevent him from so doing. If the cultivator dies, his
heir stand in his stead, and may, if he wishes, continue the
work of cultivation until the crops are ripe, and the owner of
the land may not prevent him from so doing.
SECTION II. PARTNERSHIP
IN TREES AND WORK.
1441. A partnership is
trees and work is a type of partnership whereby one party
supplies the trees and the other; tends them on the terms that
the fruit produced is to be shared between them.
1442. The basis of a
partnership in trees and work is offer and acceptance. Thus, if
the owner of the trees informs the cultivator that he has given
him so many trees to tend on the terms that he shall be entitled
to a certain share of the fruit and the cultivator, that is, the
person who is to tend such trees, agrees thereto, a partnership
in trees and work has been concluded.
1443. The contracting
parties must be of sound mind. They need not have reached the
age of puberty.
1444. In a partnership in
trees and work the shares of the two contracting parties must be
stated, that is an undivided part, such as a half or a third, as
in a partnership in land and work.
1445. The trees must be
handed over to the cultivator.
1446. In a valid
partnership in trees and work, the fruit must be divided between
the two contracting parties as agreed.
1447. In a voidable
partnership in trees and work, the fruit produced belongs
entirely to the owner of the trees. The cultivator is entitled
to an estimated wage.
1448. If the owner of the
trees dies while the fruit is unripe, the cultivator may
continue to work until the fruit is ripe. The heirs of the
deceased cannot prevent him from so doing. If the cultivator
dies, his heir stands in his stead and may, if he so wishes,
continue to work. The owner of the trees cannot prevent him from
so doing.
PROMULGATED BY ROYAL
DECREE (RADAH) 16TH JUMADI-UL-AKHIRA 1291.
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