2018 Supreme(P&H) 2605
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
Before
Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Lisa Gill
RSA No. 2568 of 2015 (O&M)
Smt. Lado
v.
Rajender Singh & Ors
{Decided on 23/08/2018}
Headnote:Civil Procedure Code, 1908, O.9 R.6 – Non appearance of defendant – Plaintiff has to prove his/her own case and stand on his/her own legs – Merely because the respondents were proceeded against exparte before the learned trial court cannot by itself be a ground to allow the plaintiff’s suit. (Para 10)
Mr. Lisa Gill, J. - The plaintiff – appellant is aggrieved of judgment and decree dated 16.12.2011 passed by the learned Civil Judge (Junior Division), Charkhi Dadri as well as judgment and decree dated 09.09.2014 passed by the learned Additional District Judge, Bhiwani.
2. Brief facts are that the plaintiff – appellant filed a suit for declaration to the effect that she is the owner in possession of the suit property as detailed in the plaint by virtue of having inherited it from her father - Rati Ram. She further claimed that the defendants had no concern with the suit property, therefore, they be restrained from alienating or encumbering the suit land in any manner. The appellant – plaintiff pleaded that she inherited the suit land from her father. Respondent No. 1 – Rajender Singh is her real brother. He came to her house in DC Colony, Bhiwani on 28.05.2004. While telling her that their joint land had to be divided amongst them, he took her thumb impressions on some documents for this purpose. It is further stated that the appellant had no knowledge about the contents of the said documents. When she came to the Court compound, Bhiwani for some other work on 06.07.2004, she came to know that respondent No. 1 had in fact got her thumb impressions affixed on a General Power of Attorney (for short – ‘GPA’). The said GPA was, accordingly, cancelled by the appellant on 07.07.2014. She, however, came to know on 01.08.2004 from the office of Halqa Patwari, Bhiwani that the suit land had been transferred by defendant No. 1 in favour of his son – respondent No. 2 vide release deed dated 07.06.2004 on the basis of GPA. Hence, the suit was filed.
3. Joint written statement was filed by the respondents who are none other but the real brother and nephew of the appellant. Preliminary objections were taken. The claim of the plaintiff was denied. It was stated that the GPA had been duly executed by the plaintiff out of her own free will and consent. There is no question of any fraud or misrepresentation. No replication was filed.
4. Following issues were framed by the learned trial Court on the basis of the pleading:-
1)Whether release deed dated 07.06.2004 is illegal, null and void and same is outcome from fraud and misrepresentation and not binding on the rights of the plaintiff?OPP.
2)Whether plaintiff is also entitled to a decree for permanent injunction as prayed for? OPD. 3)Whether present suit is not maintainable in its present form? OPD
4)Whether plaintiff has no cause of action to file the present suit?OPD
5)Whether plaintiff is estopped to file the present suit by her own act and conduct?OPD
6) Relief.
5. It is relevant to note that the respondents were proceeded against exparte on 19.12.2009. Exparte evidence was led by the plaintiff.
6. Learned trial Court on appreciation of evidence on record dismissed the suit filed by the plaintiff - appellant. Appeal preferred by the present plaintiff - appellant was also dismissed by the learned Additional District Judge, vide judgment and decree dated 09.09.2014. Aggrieved therefrom, present appeal has been filed.
7. Learned counsel for the appellant argues that the appellant is an illiterate lady. GPA dated 28.05.2014 (Ex. P1) was executed without having any knowledge of the contents thereof. When she came to know about the fraud committed by the respondents she immediately cancelled the GPA though admittedly after execution of the release deed dated 07.06.2004. It is further contended that the defendants, in this case, did not even choose to contest the matter. After filing of the written statement, they were proceeded against exparte. Therefore, in this situation averments of the appellant in her plaint should be accepted to be correct and duly admitted by the respondents. Thus, both the learned courts below have grossly erred in dismissing the suit filed by the appellant – plaintiff. It is, thus, prayed that this appeal be allowed, impugned judgment and decree dated 16.12.201