Meaning of Juristic Person
A juristic person is an entity recognized by law as having a legal personality separate from natural human beings. Such a person can own property, enter into contracts, sue, and be sued in its own name. Juristic persons are artificial creations of law, formed to achieve legal convenience and social objectives. Though they lack physical existence, the law treats them as persons for legal purposes. The concept ensures continuity, accountability, and effective management of collective or non-human interests within the legal system.
Kinds of Juristic Persons
Juristic persons are broadly classified into different kinds based on their nature and purpose. Corporations are the most common type and include corporations aggregate (like companies registered under the Companies Act) and corporations sole (such as the President of India). Associations of persons, such as trade unions and registered societies, are also recognized as juristic persons. Institutions and foundations, including universities and statutory bodies, enjoy juristic personality. Additionally, religious and charitable endowments, such as temples and trusts, are treated as juristic persons under Indian law.
Legal Recognition and Statutory Basis
Indian law recognizes juristic persons through various statutes. The Companies Act, 2013 grants corporate personality to registered companies. The Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Societies Registration Act, 1860, recognize collective entities as legal persons. Even the State itself is considered a juristic person under Article 300 of the Constitution of India, which allows it to sue and be sued. Courts have also recognized idols in Hindu temples as juristic persons for managing religious property. This shows the wide scope of juristic personality in Indian law.
Real-Time Illustration
A real-life example of a juristic person is a company such as a registered corporation. The company can own assets, file suits, and be held liable independently of its shareholders. Similarly, a temple owning land in its own name is a juristic person, and a manager acts on its behalf. These examples show how juristic persons function practically in legal systems.
Mnemonic for Easy Recall
A simple mnemonic to remember kinds of juristic persons is “CASTRI”.
C – Corporations
A – Associations
S – State
T – Trusts
R – Religious institutions
I – Institutions
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