Sample Deed For Religious Trust

This Deed of Religious Trust is made on [insert date], by [insert name of settlor], a resident of [insert address], hereinafter referred to as the "Settlor".

WHEREAS:

The Settlor is desirous of creating a trust for religious and charitable purposes as hereinafter mentioned;

The Settlor has represented to the Trustee that the Settlor is the absolute owner of the property described in Schedule A attached hereto and is fully entitled to dispose of the same as hereinafter provided;

The Settlor has requested [insert name of trustee], a resident of [insert address], to act as trustee of this trust and to receive and hold the trust property upon the trusts hereinafter declared;

The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this trust and to receive and hold the trust property upon the trusts hereinafter declared;

NOW THIS DEED OF TRUST WITNESSETH as follows:

TRUST PROPERTY

The Settlor hereby transfers and assigns to the Trustee, the property described in Schedule A attached hereto, to be held upon the trusts and for the purposes hereinafter mentioned.

TRUSTEES

The Trustee shall be [insert name of trustee], and any successor trustee appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Deed.

TRUST PURPOSES

The trust hereby created shall be a religious trust and shall be administered for the purposes of [insert purposes of trust], as determined from time to time by the Trustee in accordance with the religious beliefs and practices of [insert name of religious organization].

POWERS OF TRUSTEE

The Trustee shall have all the powers of an absolute owner with respect to the trust property, and may manage, invest, sell, lease or otherwise deal with the trust property in any manner that the Trustee considers appropriate, provided that such actions are consistent with the purposes of the trust.

APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE

The Trustee may resign by giving written notice to the Settlor and to any co-trustee or successor trustee. In the event of such resignation, the Settlor shall have the power to appoint a new trustee by written instrument.

AMENDMENT OF TRUST DEED

The Settlor may amend this Deed of Trust by executing a written instrument, provided that such amendment is consistent with the purposes of the trust.

GOVERNING LAW

This Deed of Trust shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [insert jurisdiction].

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Settlor has executed this Deed of Religious Trust as of the date first above written.

SIGNATURE OF SETTLOR SIGNATURE OF WITNESS

[insert name of settlor] [insert name and address of witness]

SCHEDULE A

[insert descripttion of trust property]

SIGNATURE OF TRUSTEES

[insert name and address of trustees]

Yes, the sample Deed of Religious Trust you’ve provided is a solid foundational template, but to ensure legal completeness, compliance, and practical clarity, here are areas to improve or add, along with a revised version with key suggestions:

✅ Key Improvements/Recommendations:

1. Registration Clause

Indian Trusts dealing with immovable property must be registered under the Indian Registration Act, 1908.
Add a clause stating the deed will be registered.

2. Number of Trustees

Include a minimum and maximum number of trustees, and the procedure to add or remove them.

3. Religious Objectives Clarity

Specify the exact religious activities (e.g., maintaining temples, performing rituals, promoting religious teachings, etc.).

4. Accounting & Audit Clause

Add clause regarding maintenance of books, annual audit, and compliance with Income Tax Act, especially for Section 12AA/80G registration.

5. Dissolution Clause

Describe what happens to trust assets if the trust is dissolved—usually transferred to another religious/charitable trust.

6. Conflict Resolution Clause

Add clause on jurisdiction or mediation for dispute resolution.

📝 Sample Improved Deed of Religious Trust

**DEED OF RELIGIOUS TRUST**

This Deed of Religious Trust is executed on this [insert date] at [insert city/state], by:

**[Insert Name of Settlor]**, aged about [__] years, residing at [insert address], hereinafter referred to as the "Settlor" (which term shall, unless repugnant to the context, mean and include his/her heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives).

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### WHEREAS:

1. The Settlor is desirous of creating a religious and charitable trust for the purposes of [insert specific religious activities, e.g., “propagation of Hindu religion, maintenance of temple, performance of daily rituals and religious ceremonies”].

2. The Settlor is the absolute owner of the property more particularly described in **Schedule A** attached hereto.

3. The Settlor desires to vest the said property in a trust to be used solely for the said religious and charitable purposes.

4. The Settlor has nominated and requested [insert name(s) of trustee(s)] to act as the Trustee(s) and they have agreed.

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### NOW THIS DEED WITNESSETH AS UNDER:

#### 1. NAME OF THE TRUST:
The name of the Trust shall be: **[Insert Name of Religious Trust]**

#### 2. TRUST PROPERTY:
The Settlor hereby irrevocably transfers the property described in **Schedule A** to the Trustee(s) to hold and manage upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

#### 3. OBJECTS OF THE TRUST:
The trust is established for religious and charitable purposes including, but not limited to:
- Maintenance and administration of [temple/religious place].
- Organizing and funding religious events and festivals.
- Conducting rituals, prayers, and spiritual discourses.
- Promotion of religious education and literature.
- Providing support to poor and needy devotees or religious workers.

#### 4. BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
- The Trust shall have not less than **2** and not more than **7** trustees at any given time.
- First Trustees:
   - [Name, Age, Address]
   - [Name, Age, Address]
- Trustees shall hold office for life unless they resign, are removed or incapacitated.

#### 5. POWERS OF THE TRUSTEES:
Trustees shall have the power to:
- Manage, invest, lease or sell trust property.
- Open and operate bank accounts.
- Employ staff and service providers.
- Accept donations/grants.
- Frame rules/regulations for efficient management.

#### 6. BANK ACCOUNT:
The Trustees shall open a bank account in the name of the trust. All transactions shall be routed through this account.

#### 7. ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT:
- Proper books of accounts shall be maintained.
- The accounts shall be audited annually by a Chartered Accountant.
- The Trust will comply with the provisions of the Income Tax Act for seeking 12AA and/or 80G registration if applicable.

#### 8. AMENDMENT OF DEED:
The Settlor may amend the terms of this Deed **as long as such amendments are not contrary to the religious and charitable nature of the Trust.**

#### 9. DISSOLUTION:
In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Trust shall be transferred to another trust with similar objectives and registered under the Income Tax Act as a religious/charitable trust.

#### 10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
Any disputes arising out of this deed shall be resolved amicably, failing which, jurisdiction shall lie with the civil courts of [insert location].

#### 11. REGISTRATION:
This Trust Deed shall be registered under the Indian Registration Act, 1908.

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**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the Settlor has executed this Deed of Religious Trust on the day, month and year first above written.

**Settlor:**
Signature: __________________  
Name: [Insert Name]

**Trustees:**
1. __________________________  
2. __________________________

**Witnesses:**
1. Name: ____________________ Address: _____________________  
2. Name: ____________________ Address: _____________________

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### SCHEDULE A – Trust Property:
[Detailed descripttion of immovable/movable property transferred to the Trust]

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