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1996 Supreme(Mad) 93

High Court of Judicature at Madras
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJU
Velusami Nadar
Versus
Punitha, represented by Power Agent Subbiah Chettiar and Another
C.R.P.Nos.186 and 187 of 1996 and C.M.P.Nos.1110 and 1111 of 1996
Decided On : 24-01-1996

Advocates:
K. Yamunan, for Petitioner.

Order passed by Lower Appellate Court affirmed.

Headnote:Practice and Procedure - Object of presentation of rules of procedure - Rules of procedure conferring substantial rights on parties may be enforced stringently - Suit filed by plaintiff dismissed - Application for recognising father of power of attorney holder also dismissed - Application to restore suits also dismissed - Held, Lower Appellate courts order accusing Power of Attorney and setting aside dismissal of application for restrain of suit affirmed.

Judgment :

The above revision petitions has been filed against the respective orders of the learned Subordinate Judge, Pattukkottai, dated 29. 1995 in C.M.A. Nos.7 and 9 of 1995 in almost identical circumstances and factual background. Except that the plaintiff in the two proceedings are different and the subject matter of the suit pertains to different transactions, the similarity of the fact situation as also the issues involved would justify the consideration of both these matters together. As a matter of fact, submissions before me have also been made in common.

2. Respondents in these proceedings are the plain tiffs and it appears, they have filed the suits for recovery of the sums deposited with the defendant- petitioner, which is one and the same in both the cases. The suits came to be dismissed on account of the absence of the plaintiff in the respective suit, under 0.9, Rule 9, C.P.C. But, at the same time, it is to be noticed that the father of the plaintiffs by name Subbiah Chettiar has filed the power of attorney and the same was filed even on the date when the suits were dismissed for default. Since the power was not accepted and the representation by the power of attorney was not proper, as on that date, to represent the plaintiffs, the absence of the plaintiff in each case was considered to be a lapse and default. Thereupon, applications to recognise the applicant Subbiah Chettiar as the power of attorney agent of the plaintiffs came to be filed. But, the same were also dismissed on the ground that since the suits themselves were dismissed, there was no scope for granting any permission as prayed for. It is in those circumstances, the applications for restoration of the suits also came to be dismissed on the ground that no sufficient cause has been shown. Aggrieved, the plaintiffs represented by the power of Attorney have filed appeals before the lower appellate court. The learned Subordinate Judge considered the respective claims of the parties at considerable length and by his orders under challenge has held in Paragraph 12 of the orders, which are identical, as follows:

"The reasons motivated the trial court in dismissing the restoration application is not correct in law. A money suit has been dismissed for default. Both are contesting on certain grounds. A little bit liberal approach is needed in matters like this. Exercising the discretion in favour of the plaintiff and giving her a chance to agitate her claim for recovery of money does not in any way prejudice the contentions of the defendant. By technicalities alone a just and rightful claim should not be allowed to go un-noticed by the judicial eyes through evidence adduced by the parties. One such case is the case before us. There is no harm in throwing an opportunity to the plaintiff to restore her application filed through her agent and proceed with the progress of the suit with the help of her power agent. Incidentally and impliedly and by necessary implication the order refusing to recognise the power should also go. We ourselves recognised the power deed produced by the agent of the appellant while presenting the appeal and we are also of the considered view that the view taken by the Munsif as regards the power produced and the power agent’s filing of the restoration application are erroneous and in such situation closing our eyes on the refusal of the trial court to recognise the power deed produced before it would be incongruous. Therefore, it becomes necessary to recognise the power deed presented in the court below."

Since the learned Subordinate Judge on the views expressed as above set aside the dismissal and restored the applications, the defendant has come up by way of the above revisions.

3. Mr.Yamunan, learned counsel for the appellant invited my attention to the various details and reasons given by the courts below and pointed out that the orders of the learned trial Judge were well merited and that though the infirmity alleged may appe


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