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citation codes
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  • Order 12 Rule 6 read with Order 15 Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure
  • provisions of Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure
  • SECTION 106 TRANSFER OF PROPERTY ACT
  • Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure
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Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Case Number
Attorney(S)
Judges
Acts
  • Order 12 Rule 6 read with Order 15 Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure
  • provisions of Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure
  • SECTION 106 TRANSFER OF PROPERTY ACT
  • Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure
Smart Summary

Structured Summary of the Opinion

Factual and Procedural Background

The petitioner (plaintiff) instituted Suit No. 306/97 for recovery of possession, mesne profit and damages in respect of Flat No. 119, Tower-11, Supreme Enclave, Mayur Vihar, Phase-I, Delhi. The plaint states that the petitioner handed over possession of the flat to the defendant by an oral agreement for licence fee/charges for use and occupation at Rs. 4,500 per month (exclusive of water and electricity). It is alleged in the plaint that the plaintiff failed to pay the aforesaid charges since March 1996, whereupon the plaintiff served a legal notice dated 21-3-97 followed by another notice dated 7-5-97 (a notice under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act). As the defendant failed to vacate, the suit was instituted.

The defendant filed a written statement describing how he came into possession and setting out details of payments said to have been made to the plaintiff from time to time. The defendant contended that the plaintiff accepted rent after issuance of the second notice, amounting to a waiver. The defendant also alleged payment of rent in cash up to June 2000. In response, the petitioner filed an application under Order 12 Rule 6 (read with Order 15 Rule 1) of the Code of Civil Procedure seeking a decree of possession based on admissions in the written statement.

By order dated 12-11-98 the Additional District Judge dismissed the plaintiff's application under Order 12 Rule 6 on the ground that there was no clear admission by the defendant in his pleadings and because factual disputes (challenging the legality of the notice under Section 106 and the allegation of payment up to June 2000) required trial. The petitioner filed the present revision petition challenging that order.

Legal Issues Presented

  1. Whether a decree under Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure can be granted on the basis of admissions in the written statement where the pleadings raise triable factual disputes.
  2. Whether the notices served by the plaintiff under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act (21-3-97 and 7-5-97) were valid and effective to terminate the tenancy with effect from 31-5-97.
  3. Whether the plaintiff's alleged acceptance of rent after service of the notice (as alleged by the defendant) constitutes a waiver of the notice, and whether the defendant's claim of payment up to June 2000 creates a triable issue.

Arguments of the Parties

Petitioner's Arguments

  • The petitioner sought a decree of possession under Order 12 Rule 6 on the basis of admissions or averments in the defendant's written statement.
  • Counsel for the petitioner argued that the defence of payment beyond the notice was a "moonshine defence" and should not be permitted to defeat the application for a decree on admission; counsel sought that the matter not be sent for trial on those grounds.

Respondent's (Defendant's) Arguments

  • The defendant stated in the written statement that he had paid rent/charges from time to time and that payments in cash continued up to June 2000, which, according to him, meant the plaintiff accepted rent after the notice and thereby waived the notice.
  • The defendant challenged the legality of the notice under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act and contended that because a subsequent notice supplemented an earlier notice, a dispute arose as to the effective date of termination.
  • The defendant pleaded that a total sum of Rs. 2,20,655 was paid in different instalments during October 1993 to May 1997 and, alternatively, that rent at Rs. 4,500 per month was paid in advance for a period (allegedly 51 months up to February 1998), giving rise to a factual dispute requiring trial.

Table of Precedents Cited

Precedent Rule or Principle Cited For Application by the Court
Manicklal Dey Chaudhuri v. Kadambini Dassi, A.I.R. 1926 Calcutta 763 Relied upon by defendant's counsel (impliedly for the proposition that acceptance of rent after notice may affect the validity/effect of the notice). The court found this precedent's ratio not applicable to the present case because the facts were distinguishable.
Ram Dayal v. Jawala Prasad, A.I.R. 1966 Allahabad 623 Relied upon by defendant's counsel (again in support of the argument regarding acceptance of rent and waiver of notice). The court held this authority distinguishable and not applicable on the facts of the present case.

Court's Reasoning and Analysis

The court set out the legal standard for invoking Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure: a decree on admission can be passed only where there is a clear and unequivocal admission by the defendant in respect of the claim or dispute. If the defendant raises an issue that must be considered at trial, a decree under Order 12 Rule 6 is inappropriate.

The court examined the pleadings and the notices. It noted that two notices were issued by the plaintiff — one dated 21-3-97 and a subsequent notice dated 7-5-97 which stated it supplemented the earlier notice and terminated the tenancy with effect from 31-5-97. Service of those notices on the defendant was not disputed, and the defendant did not send a reply to the 7-5-97 notice.

On perusal of the 7-5-97 notice, the court found it to be a notice under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act terminating the tenancy w.e.f. 31-5-97 and observed that the notice was not shown to be invalid on its face and appeared to be in accordance with Section 106.

The court then addressed the defendant's contention that rent had been paid and accepted after the notice (up to June 2000), which, if proved, would mean the tenancy could not have been terminated for any period beyond that for which rent had been paid and accepted. The court considered the defendant's written statement admissions and found that, on page 11 of the written statement (page 42 of the paper book), the defendant had admitted that after May 1997 he did not pay any rent to the plaintiff except Rs. 1,655 for an electricity connection charge. That admission supported the position that no rent was paid after termination and that the notice was not waived by acceptance of rent.

However, the defendant also pleaded payment of Rs. 2,20,655 in various instalments from October 1993 to May 1997 and asserted that rent was paid up to June 2000 (or, alternatively, paid in advance for 51 months until February 1998). The court observed that these assertions were not supported by documentary evidence (no receipts were produced) but nonetheless constituted a factual dispute. Because the defendant's pleading raised a triable issue as to whether rent was paid and accepted beyond the termination date, the court held that the matter could not be disposed of under Order 12 Rule 6.

The court emphasized that Order 12 Rule 6 should not be used to cut short litigation where factual disputes exist and where there is no clear and unequivocal admission in the written statement. Accordingly, the question whether the notice was effectively waived by payment (if proved) and whether the tenancy could be terminated with effect from a date prior to the period for which rent was paid must be decided at trial.

Holding and Implications

Petition dismissed.

Direct effect on the parties:

  • The revision petition is dismissed and the order of the Additional District Judge dated 12-11-98 (dismissing the application under Order 12 Rule 6) is upheld to the extent indicated by the court.
  • The factual issues (notably whether rent was paid and accepted beyond 31-5-97 and whether such payment would prevent termination effective as claimed by the plaintiff) are triable issues and must be decided after evidence is led at trial.

No broader legal implications or new precedent were announced in the opinion; the decision resolves the procedural application by directing that the contested factual issues proceed to trial rather than being disposed of on admissions under Order 12 Rule 6.

Order: Petition dismissed.

    Mohan Prasad Jha Petitioner v. Shambhu Prasad Singh

    Dr. M. K. Sharma, J.:— The present revision petition is filed by the petitioner-plaintiff against the order dated 12-11-98 passed by the Additional District Judge, Delhi in Suit No. 306/97 dismissing his application filed under Order 12 Rule 6 read with Order 15 Rule 1 of the Code of Civil Procedure for passing a decree of possession on the basis of admission against the defendant. It is said that the petitioner who is the plaintiff in the suit handed over possession of Flat No. 119. Tower-11, Supreme Enclave, Mayur Vihar, Phase-I. Delhi to the defendant by an oral agreement on licence fee/charges for use and occupation @ Rs. 4500 per month exclusive of water and electricity charges. It is alleged in the plaint that the plaintiff failed to pay the aforesaid charges since March, 1996 whereupon the plaintiff served a legal notice dated 21-3-97 followed by another notice dated 7-5-97 being notice of demand and notice to quit under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act. As the defendant failed to vacate the premises the suit was instituted by the plaintiff for recovery of possession and mesne profit and damages.

    2. In the written statement filed by the defendant he has given a statement as to how he has come into possession of the aforesaid flat. In the said written statement the defendant has also given the details of the payments made by him to the plaintiff from time to time towards rent and/or charges for use and occupation of the aforesaid premises. According to him the plaintiff accepted rent after issuance the second notice amounting to waiver on the part of the plaintiff. It is also alleged by him that he has made payment towards rent by cash upto June, 2000 and, therefore, the suit is liable to be dismissed. After filing of the aforesaid written statement by the defendant the petitioner-plaintiff filed an application under Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure praying for a decree of possession in terms of the admission contained in the written statement. The aforesaid application was put up for arguments and by order dated 12-11-98 the Additional District Judge dismissed the application holding that there is no clear admission from the side of the defendant in his pleadings. While coming to the aforesaid conclusion the Additional District Judge appears to have been persuaded by the contention of the defendant that he is challenging the legality of the notice served upon him under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act and also by the allegation of the plaintiff that he paid rent to the plaintiff upto June, 2000. Being aggrieved by the aforesaid order passed by the Additional District Judge the plaintiff-petitioner has preferred the present petition.

    3. I have heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as also the counsel appearing for the respondent and propose to dispose of the present petition in the light of the discussion made hereinafter.

    4. In order to enable the court to pass a judgment and decree as provided for under Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure the court has to come to the conclusion that there is clear and unequivocal admission of the defendant in respect of the claim/dispute. If the defendant is able to raise an issue which is required to be considered at the time of trial of the case, no decree could be passed in such a suit in the light of Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Accordingly the pleadings of the parties are to be scrutinised and considered to find out if a decree for possession on admission by the defendant could be passed in the present case.

    5. On perusal of the records I find that the Additional District Judge dismissed the application because of the fact that the defendant challenged the legality of the notice served upon him under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act and also in view of the allegation of the defendant in his written statement that he had paid rent to the plaintiff upto June, 2000. By dismissing the application he has also taken note of the contention of the defendant that payment of rent was made to the plaintiff even after service of the notice and, therefore, according to him the allegation that the notice was waived by the plaintiff needs to be sent for trial.

    6. From the records it is disclosed that initially the plaintiff sent a legal notice terminating the tenancy under the provisions of Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act on 21-3-77. Subsequently, however, another notice dated 7-5-97 was sent by the plaintiff to the defendant terminating the tenancy w.e.f 31st day of May, 1997. In the subsequent notice it is stated by the petitioner-plaintiff that this notice supplements the earlier notice. Service of the aforesaid notices on the defendant is not disputed. Only dispute raised by the defendant is that the said notice is not in accordance with the provisions of Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act. It is also submitted that since subsequent notice supplements the earlier notice, therefore, a dispute arises as to from which date the tenancy of the defendant was terminated. It is significant to note that the defendant did not send any reply to the notice dated 7-5-97 by the petitioner-plaintiff although it is admitted that it is served upon him.

    7. I have perused the aforesaid notice dated 7-5-97 which is annexed at Annexure-B From the contents of the said notice it is apparent that the plaintiff terminated the tenancy w.e.f 31st May, 1997. The said notice, therefore, is a notice issued under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act terminating the tenancy of the defendant w.e.f 31st May, 1997 calling upon him to hand over vacant possession of the suit premises on to the plaintiff. It is not shown as to how the aforesaid notice is invalid. A perusal of the said notice indicates that the notice is in accordance with the provisions of Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act terminating the tenancy in accordance with law. At this stage it is necessary to indicate that if the contention of the respondent-defendant that rent stands paid also accepted upto June, 2000 is found to be proved and established then it has to be held that tenancy could not have been terminated with effect from a date beyond which rent stands paid and accepted. The said issue is therefore kept open to be decided subsequently.

    8. Therefore, the first contention of the counsel appearing for the respondent that the notice is invalid does not have any merit at all subject to the aforesaid condition. The second contention of the learned counsel appearing for the respondent is that the petitioner has accepted payments even after service of the notice. In view of the aforesaid submissions and the statements made in the written statement I perused the records. I find that the defendant has categorically admitted in page 11 of the written statement, which is at page 42 of the paper book that after May, 1997 the defendant has not paid a single paise to the plaintiff except for making payment of Rs. 1655 against the charge for installation of electric connection in the name of the petitioner. The tenancy was terminated w.e.f 31-5-97. Therefore, the admitted position is that no payment of rent was made by the defendant to the plaintiff for the period after termination of the tenancy. It, therefore, cannot be said that the plaintiff accepted rent from the defendant after issuance of the notice to quit and, therefore, the notice to quit cannot also be said to have been waived. In that view of the matter the ratio of the decisions in Manicklal Dey Chaudhuri v. Kadambini Dassi reported in A.I.R 1926 Calcutta 763 and Ram Dayal v. Jawala Prasad reported in A.I.R 1966 Allahabad 623 on which reliance was placed by the counsel appearing for the defendant is not applicable to the present case as the facts are distinguishable.

    9. The respondent in his written statement contained, inter alia, that the defendant paid to the plaintiff in cash a total amount of Rs. 2,20,655 which amount was paid in different instalments and on different dates during the period from October, 1993 to May, 1997. It is also stated in the said written statement that the defendant paid the aforesaid amount from his unaccounted money and thus rent to the plaintiff stands paid upto the month of June, 2000. At another place of the written statement it is stated that even if the rent is computed as claimed by the plaintiff (a), Rs. 4,500 per month the defendant paid the rent in advance of 51 months i.e till February, 1998 commencing from December 1993.

    10. It is true as submitted by the counsel appearing for the petitioner that the aforesaid statements are not supported by any documentary evidence and no receipt showing payment of the total amount of Rs. 2,20,655 is placed on record. However, in any case a factual dispute has been raised by the defendant in the written statement that the rent of the premises stand paid beyond the period with effect from the tenancy was terminated by the petitioner-plaintiff. The said issue gives rise to a triable issue and could be decided only after parties adduce evidence in respect of the same. Counsel for the petitioner seeks to submit that the aforesaid defence is only a moonshine defence and cannot be countenents at all and in that view of the matter the suit should not be sent for trial. I, however, cannot agree with the aforesaid submission of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner for the simple reason that in order to shorten litigation there is ample and sufficient provisions in the Code of Civil Procedure which is available to the petitioner. However, in my considered opinion the provisions of Order 12 Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure cannot be resorted to cut short a litigation when factual disputes are raised between the parties and when there is no clear and unequivocal admission in respect of a particular fact in the written statement. As it is held herein that the aforesaid issue gives rise to a triable issue the issue regarding validity of notice shall also go to trial to the extent as to whether rent if paid and accepted till June, 2000 the tenancy between the parties could be terminated with effect from a date which is prior in point of time than the period to which said rent stands paid and accepted. Thus, the order of the Additional District Judge is upheld to the extent indicated above.

    11. The petition stands dismissed in terms of the aforesaid order.

    A.KPetition dismissed.

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    Mohan Prasad Jha Petitioner v. Shambhu Prasad Singh
    (Aug 12, 1999)