September 13, 2026

Section 178 – Indian Succession Act, 1925: Child Prima Facie Entitled to Legacy as Well as Portion

The Indian Succession Act, 1925 — Part VI, Chapter XXI: Of Legacies to Creditors or Portioners

Section 178. Child prima facie entitled to legacy as well as portion

Where a parent, who is under obligation by contract to provide a portion for a child, fails to do so, and afterwards bequeaths a legacy to the child, and does not intimate by his Will that the legacy is meant as a satisfaction of the portion, the child shall be entitled to receive the legacy, as well as the portion.

Illustration

A, by articles entered into in contemplation of his marriage with B covenanted that he would pay to each of the daughters of the intended marriage a portion of 20,000 rupees on her marriage. This covenant having been broken, A bequeaths 20,000 rupees to each of the married daughters of himself and B. The legatees are entitled to the benefit of this bequest in addition to their portions.