JUDGMENT

Raju, J.-The appellants, who had lost before the High Court, filed this appeal against the judgment of the Delhi High Court dated 14.7.97 in CWP No.2349 of 1995 since reported in AIR 1997 Delhi 347, whereunder the challenge made by the appellants to a demand raised by the respondent to the tune of Rs.4,37,56,295.90 on account of property-tax for the period from 1.4.69 to 31.3.95 in their house-tax bill dated 24.11.94, notice of demand dated 31.3.95 and a letter dated 13.6.95 came to be rejected. Having regard to the nature of issues raised, certain factual details need elaborate reference to properly deal with and appreciate the same. The Delhi Golf Club limited (hereinafter referred to as the "Club") is a limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 with the object of promoting the game of Golf and for that purpose provide courses and grounds at New Delhi or elsewhere in the State of Delhi, to lay out and also maintain the same by providing club houses, pavilions, lavatories, kitchens, refreshment rooms, workshops, sheds and other conveniences for the use of its members and other persons either gratuitously or on payment of charges. The land measuring 183