The first Law Commission, drafted the Transfer of property act where Lord Romily MR, Sir Edward Rayan, Lord Sherbrooke, Sir Robert Lush and Sir John Macleod were the prominent role players. The Transfer of Property Act was drafted in 1870 and was sent to The Duke of Argyll, in India who was the then Secretary for State of India. After certain amendments, it was introduced as a bill in the Legislative Council in 1877. Thereafter the Bill was referred to a select Committee where it was revised and circulated among the public for evaluation and criticism. As a result several matters that were not directly related to transfer inter vivos were dropped out. The provisions concerning local laws and usages were saved by adding some new clause. The redrafted Bill was sent to the second Law Commission which, in its report of 1879 stated that, 'The function of the bill was to strip the English law of all that was local and historical and to mould the residue into a shape in which it would be suitable for an Indian population and could easily be administered by non-professional judges.'

Contents - The Transfer of Property Act, 1882, Introduction, Preliminary, Of Transfers of Property by Act of Parties, Of Sales of Immovable Property, Of Mortgages of Immovable Property and Charges, Of Leases of Immovable Property, Of Gifts, Of Transfer of Actionable Claims,