JUDGMENT

K. S. RADHAKRISHNAN, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. We are, in this appeal, concerned with the applicability of the provisions of the Indian Limitation Act, 1956, vis-à-vis, Article 2262 of the French Code Civil, said to be the governing law of limitation in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, erstwhile French Establishment.

3. Appellant herein preferred a suit, being OS No. 295 of 1991 before the Additional Subordinate Judge, Pondicherry. The suit was resisted, inter alia, on the ground of limitation, which was ultimately decreed in favour of the plaintiff. However, on the plea of limitation, the trial Court held as follows: "12. On Issue No. 3: - Article 2262 of French Code Civil shows that the limitation for original cause of action is thirty years and it is a well settled law that the said provision is applicable to the Union Territory - Pondicherry. Accordingly, suit claim is not time barred. Hence this issue is answered in the negative and in favour of the plaintiff."

4. Defendant took up the matter in appeal before the IInd Additional District Judge, Pondicherry, but the judgment/decree of the trial Court dated 25.11.1994 was confirmed. The matter was carried in appeal to the H