Joint Hindu Undivided Family

The Joint Hindu Family Business or the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is a unique form of business organization found only in India. Nowhere else in the world is this a legal form of business entity.

The Joint Hindu Family Business or the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is a unique type of business entity. It is governed and dictated by the Hindu Law, which is one of the several religious laws prevalent in India.

Any person born into the family (boy or girl) up to the next coming three generations is a part of the HUF. These members are the co-parceners. The head of such a Joint Family Business is the eldest member of the family, the “Karta”. He is the main person responsible for the business and the finances.

Features of a Joint Hindu Undivided Family

1. Formation

To begin a Hindu Undivided Family there must be a minimum of two related family members. There must be some assets, business or ancestral property that they have inherited or will eventually inherit. The formation of a HUF does not require any documentation and admission of new members is by birth.

2. Liability

The liability of all the various co-parceners is only up to their share of the property or business. So they have limited liability. But the Karta being the head of the HUF has unlimited liability.

3. Control

The entire control of the entity lies with the Karta. He may choose to confer with the co-parceners about various decisions, but his decision can be independent. is actions will be final and also legally binding.

4. Continuity

The HUF can be continued perpetually. At the death of the Karta, the next eldest member will become the Karta. However, keep in mind a Hindu Undivided Family can be dissolved if all members mutually agree.

5. Minority

As we saw earlier the members are eligible to be co-parceners by the virtue of their birth into the family. So in this case, even minor members will be a part of the HUF. But they will enjoy only the benefits of the organization.

Advantages of the Joint Hindu Undivided Family

• A Hindu Undivided family is comprised of family members running a business. Like any other organisation, there is scope for disagreements and conflicts. But since the Karta has absolute power and takes all decisions by himself, it will lead to effective management.
• Just like a company, the existence of a HUF is perpetual. The death or retirement of one member of even the Karta will not affect it, and it will continue on.
• Since the co-parceners do not have any effective control over the management of the HUF, and all power lies with the Karta, the liability of the members has also been limited to only their share of the property. This keeps the balance between power and responsibility.
• Also since all members of the HUF are relatives and members of the same family, there is a sense of loyalty and cooperation. The trust among members is also there and leads to overall cooperation.

Disadvantages of the Joint Hindu Undivided Family

• No outside members other than family members can be introduced to the HUF. This makes it very difficult to get additional capital from the market. With limited capital, the chances of expansion are very low. It limits the scope of the business.
• While the Karta has all the power he also has the burden of unlimited liability. This may make him overly cautious and timid in his business dealings. In turn, the business could suffer. Another factor is that he may even be held responsible for the actions of other members.
• Also, the absolute dominance of the Karta overall business and financial decisions make cause conflict among the HUF. His decisions and business acumen may be questioned by other members, and cause issues within the HUF.
• Another issue may be that the Karta may not be the most qualified person to lead the business. The position is given to the senior most family member, whether he is the most qualified or not is not taken into consideration.