IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY BENCH AT AURANGABAD
Sandeep K Shinde, J.
Devidas Laxman Navale - Appellant
Versus
Tahasildar - Respondent
Writ Petition No. 4612 of 2021
Decided On : 03-07-2021
Partition Suit - Stay of Execution - The court quashed and set aside the order for stay of execution of the partition decree, emphasizing that the provisions of Order 41 Rule 5(3) of the Civil Procedure Code were incorrectly applied to the facts of the case. The court highlighted that the decree appealed was not a money decree and cited the case of SIHOR NAGAR PALIKA BUREAU VS. BHABHULBHAI VIRABHAN & CO., (2005) 3 SCC 1 to support its decision.
Fact of the Case:
The partition suit was decreed by the trial court, and the appellant challenged the partition decree. The appellate court imposed conditions for stay of execution of the decree, requiring the appellant to furnish valuation of the suit property and make a deposit as security.
Finding of the Court:
The court quashed and set aside the order for stay of execution, emphasizing that the provisions of Order 41 Rule 5(3) of the Civil Procedure Code were incorrectly applied to the facts of the case. The court highlighted that the decree appealed was not a money decree and cited the case of SIHOR NAGAR PALIKA BUREAU VS. BHABHULBHAI VIRABHAN & CO., (2005) 3 SCC 1 to support its decision. The court also directed that the process of partition shall continue, but handing over share in the properties is deferred till the decision in the appeal.
Issues: The main issue was the applicability of the provisions of Order 41 Rule 5(3) of the Civil Procedure Code to the partition suit and the correctness of the conditions imposed for stay of execution of the decree.
Ratio Decidendi: The court emphasized that the decree appealed was not a money decree and that the provisions of Order 41 Rule 5(3) were incorrectly applied. The court also cited the case of SIHOR NAGAR PALIKA BUREAU VS. BHABHULBHAI VIRABHAN & CO., (2005) 3 SCC 1 to support its decision, highlighting the discretionary power of the appellate court to direct deposit of the amount disputed in the appeal or to permit security to be furnished.
Final Decision: The writ petition was allowed, and the impugned order for stay of execution was quashed and set aside. The court directed that the process of partition shall continue, but handing over share in the properties is deferred till the decision in the appeal.
JUDGMENT
Sandeep K. Shinde, J. - Heard Mr. V. Y. Bhide, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Vijay Deshmukh holding for Mr. Satyajeet Dixit. learned counsel for respondents No.2 and 3.
2. Partition suit bearing Regular Civil Suit No. 429 of 2009 instituted by respondents No.2 and 3 was decreed by the Court of Civil Judge, Senior Division, Sangmner. The decree was carried/ challenged in appeal bearing Regular Civil Appeal No. 43 of 2019 by the petitioner.
3. Admittedly, out of three suit properties one situated at village Velhale Tq. Sagmner; second at village Ghulewadi Tq. Sagmner and third at village Gunjalwadi Tq. Sagamner are in possession of the petitioner. Petitioner-defendant, resisted the suit contending that in previous partition these, three properties had fallen to his share. This defence was turneddown by the trial Court and decreed the suit.
4. In appeal, against the partition decree, learned Appellate Court, in exercise of its powers under Order 41 Rule 5(3) of C.P.C imposed following conditions vide Common Order passed :-
''2. The execution of decree made in R.C.S. No. 429/2019 is stayed only to the extent of handing over possession, till determination of this appeal on its merit subject to condition precedent of giving security in the form of deposit in sum of amount of money of the suit property valuation determined from the Sub-Registrar Office, Sangamner.
3. The appellant is directed to furnish the valuation of the suit property determined from the Sub-Registrar Office, Sangamner within 15 days.
4. This order of stay to the execution of decree shall stand vacated upon the failure of the appellant/ plaintiff to furnish valuation and make deposit of the aforesaid security amount within 15 days thereafter.
5. The Revenue Authorities are directed continue partition process so as to complete all procedural formalities regarding partition of the immovable properties. ''
5. This order is challenged before this Court. Clause 3 of sub rule 3 of rule 5 of order 41 Code of Civil Procedure reads as under :-
(3) No order for stay of execution shall be made under Rule 1 or sub-rule (2) unless the Court making it is satisfied.
(c) That security has been given by the applicant for the due performance of such decree or order as may ultimately be binding upon him.
6. Herein, decree appealed is decree in partition suit which only decides the right of the 'parties' and share. Equities are adjusted at the stage of fnal decree after taking into consideration the tentative or provisional partition scheme. This being the position in my view the learned appellate Court, incorrectly applied provisions of order 41 Rule 5(3) to the facts of the case. So far as sub Rule (5) of Rule (I) is concerned, it prohibits stay of execution of money decree unless decretal amount is deposited or security furnished. Here, decree appealed was not a money decree. Be that as it may, Apex Court in the case of SIHOR NAGAR PALIKA BUREAU VS. BHABHULBHAI VIRABHAN & CO., (2005) 3 SCC 1, has held, thus ;
6. Order 41 Rule 1(3) CPC provides that in an appeal against a decree for payment of amount the appellant shall, within the time permitted by the appellate court, deposit the amount disputed in the appeal or furnish such security in respect thereof as the court may think ft. Under Order 41 Rule 5(5), a deposit or security, as abovesaid, is a condition precedent for an order by the appellate court staying the execution of the decree. A bare reading of the two provisions referred to hereinabove, shows a discretion having been conferred on the appellate court to direct either deposit of the amount disputed in the appeal or to permit such security in respect thereof being furnished as the appellate court may think ft. Needless to say that the discretion is to be exercised judicially and not arbitrarily depending on the facts and circumstances of a given case. Ordinarily, execution of a money decree is not stayed inasmuch as satisfaction of money decree does not amount
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.