The recent order n. 15913 of the Court of Cassation, issued on May 18, 2022, provides important insights regarding the active legitimacy of usufructuaries in seeking compensation for damages suffered on assets entrusted to them. The central issue revolves around the ability of the usufructuary to take legal action to protect their rights, even in the absence of the bare owner, a topic of significant practical and legal interest.
In this specific case, the appellants M. G. and M. M. contested a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Naples that confirmed the order for compensation in favor of Ma. M. for the cutting of trees on a transferred property. The appellants argued that Ma. lacked active legitimacy as he was merely a usufructuary and not the owner of the damaged assets.
The Court reiterated that the usufructuary has the right to act for compensation for damages caused to the assets subject to their right, highlighting the need to protect their enjoyment.
The Court of Cassation clarified that active legitimacy for the compensation action exists even when the person requesting compensation is merely a usufructuary. This is based on the principle that the violation of enjoyment rights implies a direct damage to the person exercising the usufruct. Therefore, the usufructuary can act against anyone who damages the asset, without the need to involve the bare owner.
The ruling n. 15913 of 2022 also highlights how, in a remand trial, it is not possible to raise questions regarding the legitimacy of the parties if they have not already been addressed in previous proceedings. This principle of preclusion serves to ensure the stability of legal decisions and to limit uncertainty in legal relationships.
In conclusion, the ruling of the Court of Cassation offers an important clarification on the figure of the usufructuary and their ability to act to protect their rights. It marks a significant step in the protection of the rights of those exercising usufruct, ensuring greater legal certainty and adequate protection even in the absence of the bare owner. The decision is an important reference for Italian jurisprudence, helping to define the boundaries of active legitimacy in matters of compensation for damages.