(1) The expression "agent duly authorised in this behalf" in sections 18 and 19 shall, in the case of a person under disability, include his lawful guardian, committee or manager, or an agent duly authorised by such guardian, committee or manager to sign the acknowledgment or make the payment.
(2) Nothing in the said sections renders one of several joint contractors, partners, executors or mortgagees chargeable by reason only of a written acknowledgment signed, or of a payment made by, or by the agent of, any other or others of them.
(3) For the purposes of the said sections,—
(a) an acknowledgment signed or a payment made in respect of any liability by, or by the duly authorised agent of, any limited owner of property who is governed by Hindu law, shall be a valid acknowledgment or payment, as the case may be, against a reversioner succeeding to such liability; and
(b) where a liability has been incurred by, or on behalf of a Hindu undivided family as such, an acknowledgment or payment made by, or by the duly authorised agent of, the manager of the family for the time being shall be deemed to have been made on behalf of the whole family.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 20
Section 20 of the Limitation Act, 1963 defines the scope of 'agent duly authorized' for the purposes of Sections 18 (acknowledgment of debt) and 19 (part payment), clarifying the authority of guardians, committee members, managers of HUFs, and joint contractors.
When relying on an acknowledgment of debt in commercial balance sheets or letters, establish that the signatory was a director or authorized officer vested with power to acknowledge debts under the company's Articles or Board resolutions.