Executant
Also called: executor of a document, signatory
The person who signs a document and is bound by it, such as the seller in a sale deed or the donor in a gift deed. At registration, the executant must appear and admit the signature.
To execute a document is to sign it so that it takes effect. The person who does so is the executant. In a sale deed the seller is the executant; in a gift deed, the donor; in a power of attorney, the principal.
Executants and registration
When a document is presented for registration, the Registration Act, 1908 requires the executant, or their representative or agent, to appear before the Sub-Registrar (Section 32 and Section 34). The Sub-Registrar enquires whether the document was executed by the persons who claim to have done so and records the admission of execution (Section 35). If an executant denies signing, the Sub-Registrar refuses registration for that person.
Executant, witness and beneficiary
- The executant signs and is bound by the document.
- Witnesses sign to confirm the executant signed (see attestation).
- The beneficiary or claimant (buyer, donee, lessee) may also sign, depending on the document.
Capacity
An executant must be an adult of sound mind and not disqualified by law from contracting. A document signed by a minor, or by someone under coercion, can be challenged.
When an executant cannot attend registration in person, they can appoint an agent through a properly executed power of attorney.
Checked against the sources below on 7 November 2026 IST. General information about Indian law, not legal advice for your case.