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IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Vipin Sanghi, Rekha Palli, JJ.
Jujhar Singh - Appellant
Versus
Hotz Industries Ltd. - Respondent
EFA(OS) 21 of 2019
Decided On : 12-01-2021




The execution of orders under the Code of Civil Procedure is applicable and maintainable, particularly regarding joint family property disputes, emphasizing unlawful possession rectified through status quo ante.

Headnote:(A) Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 - Section 36 - Appeal against order rejecting execution petition as not maintainable - Learned Single Judge ignored relevant provisions for execution of orders under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 - Execution petition reinstated for consideration - Interim arrangement allows appellant to occupy disputed portion of joint family property. (Paras 5, 7, 8)

(B) Joint Family Property - Co-ownership of residential property and protection under Section 44 of Transfer of Property Act - Courts can grant status quo ante to correct illegal possession - Supreme Court precedent cited for injunction in cases of joint family residential houses. (Paras 3, 4)

(C) Execution of orders - Scope of execution of decrees and orders under Civil Procedure provisions emphasized - Errors by the learned Single Judge resulting in setting aside of impugned order. (Paras 5, 6, 7)

Facts of the case:
The appeal is by a plaintiff seeking to enforce orders regarding possession of a joint family residential house disputed by co-owners, with relevant orders previously issued for injunction against illegal possession.

Findings of Court:
The court ruled the execution petition maintainable, restoring its status for further consideration, and allowing interim occupancy for the appellant pending decision.

Issues: Key issues include the execution of orders related to property disputes among co-owners and the application of relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Code.

Ratio Decidendi: The court determined that the learned Single Judge overlooked essential provisions under the Civil Procedure Code, and the execution petition should be reinstated to ensure correct legal proceedings were followed.

Result: Appeal disposed of in favor of restoring the execution petition.

Table of Content
1. initial appeal and factual background. (Para 1 , 2 , 3)
2. arguments concerning execution petition. (Para 4 , 5 , 6)
3. court's observations on execution maintainability. (Para 7)
4. interim arrangement for property usage. (Para 8)
5. conclusion and orders by the court. (Para 9 , 10 , 11 , 12)

JUDGMENT

Vipin Sanghi, J. (Oral)--The present appeal is directed against the order dated 06.08.2019 passed by the learned Single Judge, whereby, inter alia, the Execution Petition No.46/2018 preferred by the plaintiff/appellant to execute the order passed on an application under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 CPC (being I.A. No.3865/2018) was rejected on the ground that the execution petition was not maintainable and was misconceived.

2. The order dated 20.03.2018 passed by the learned Single Judge may be reproduced. The same recites the background facts of the case:

    "I.A.No. 3866/2018 (Exemption)

    Exemption allowed subject to just exceptions.

    I.A stands disposed of.

    CS(OS) 114/2018 & I.A.No.3865/2018(U/o 39 Rules 1 and 2 CPC)

    1. This is a suit for possession, mandatory and permanent injunction with respect to a portion of the property comprised in the main property bearing no. G-6, Maharani Bagh, New Delhi which is situated on a plot of land of 800 sq. yds. The disputed portion is shown in red colour in the site plan and is in possession of the defendant no.1 through its guards and servants as stated in para 23 of the plaint.

    2. Learned counsel for the plaintiffs argues that the suit house was a jointly owned house of originally the plaintiffs with the defendant no.2 and late Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh who is the daughter of Smt. Raj Mohan Singh and the sister of the predecessor-in-interest of the plaintiffs and the defendant no.2. As on date the undivided share of late Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh is claimed by the defendant no.1 herein.

    3. It is argued that the admitted position is that the suit property by devolution came to be co-owned by the legal heirs of the deceased mother Smt. Raj Mohan Singh and this suit property was a residential house which was never partitioned between the family members being the legal heirs of Smt. Raj Mohan Singh. It is argued that in a joint family house Section 44 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 gives the protection that no stranger can enter into the property. It is argued that in terms of the agreement to sell entered into between Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh and the defendant no.1 at best the defendant no.1 could have purchased the undivided 1/6th share of late Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh but no possession of the joint family residential house could have been legally given by Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh to the defendant no.1 under the compromise dated 9.2.2005 recorded in Suit no. 1261/1995 filed by defendant no.1 herein for specific performance of an agreement to sell the suit property. It is argued that the Suit no. 1261/1995 filed by the present defendant no.1 as plaintiff for specific performance with respect to the entire property G-6, Maharani Bagh, New Delhi stands dismissed and therefore at best the defendant no.1 would have only 1/6th undivided right in the suit property which fell to the share of late Smt. Madhuri Kuldip Singh. Reliance by the plaintiffs is placed upon a judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Dorab Cawasji Warden vs. Coomi Sorab Warden and others, (1990) 2 SCC 117 that courts can grant status quo ante when by fraud Section 44 of the Transfer of Property Act is violated. It is argued that the present is a fit case for grant of interim injunction because none of the Directors or family members of the Directors or shareholders of the defendant no.1 are living in the suit property but the physical possession of the disputed portion shown in red colour in the site plan is sought to be maintained by the defendant no.1 through its servants and guards. It is argued that disentitlement to legal and physical possession of the defendant no.1 should be legally recognized by

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