IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH
Alka Sarin, J.
Vindu Goenka – Appellant
Versus
Jai Narain & Ors. – Respondents
CR No. 5673 of 2008
Decided On : 11-04-2023
Judgment
Mrs. Alka Sarin, J.
The present revision petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India has been preferred challenging the orders dated 23.07.2008 and 18.08.2008 dismissing the objection petitions filed by the petitioner herein.
2. A brief history of the case needs to be noted here before adverting to the merits of the matter. On 03.04.1984 Dhan Singh s/o Kalu Ram executed an agreement to sell in favour of Jai Narain etc., the respondents herein, for a sale consideration of Rs.4.35 Lakhs. The agreement stated that Rs.6,000/- had been paid at the time of signing of the agreement to sell and Rs.1.74 lakh already stood paid prior to the agreement. The total land involved in the agreement to sell was 116 kanals 1 marla i.e. 1/3rd share of 348 kanals and 4 marlas situated in the revenue estate of village Wazirpur, Tehsil and District Gurgaon. After the execution of the alleged agreement to sell dated 03.04.1984, Dhan Singh sold land measuring 20 kanals out of his share of 116 kanals and 1 marla to Rampat vide registered sale deed dated 11.03.1986. On 16.08.1988 a civil suit was filed for specific performance of the alleged agreement to sell dated 03.04.1984 by Jai Narain etc., the plaintiff-respondents herein, against Dhan Singh respondent No.9 herein. It is apt to note that in the written statement filed by Dhan Singh no disclosure was made regarding 20 kanals of land having been sold to Rampat vide sale deed dated 11.03.1986 and hence Rampat was not impleaded as a party. Subsequently, Rampat vide sale deed dated 30.06.1989 sold 20 kanals of land in favour of Tej Ram. Tej Ram vide sale deed dated 27.11.1989 sold 20 kanals of land to Madhulika. On 21.09.1994 ex-parte judgment and decree was passed in favour of Jai Narain etc. in the suit for specific performance. It is apt to note here that though the suit was filed for specific performance of agreement to sell dated 03.04.1984 as well as for delivery of possession, however, the judgment and decree was passed only granting specific performance of agreement to sell dated 03.04.1984 and no decree qua possession was passed. On 31.08.1995 an execution petition was filed by Jai Narain against judgment-debtor Dhan Singh (respondent No.9 herein) wherein it was prayed that the plaintiff decree-holders (respondents herein) be granted a decree for specific performance of the agreement to sell dated 03.04.1984 on depositing of balance sale consideration as well as for possession. During the pendency of the execution petition, vide sale deed dated 13.12.1995 Madhulika sold 9 kanals out of 20 kanals to Vindu Goenka the present petitioner. In the execution petition, on 17.08.1998 the sale deed was executed through the agency of the Court in favour of Jai Narain etc. Thereafter, it was brought to the notice of the Court that the judgment-debtor Dhan Singh was not in possession of the suit land and that there were 21 purchasers of the said land. Accordingly, the decree-holders filed an application for delivery of possession against 21 purchasers including the petitioner herein. The purchasers mentioned at Sr. Nos.3, 17, 19 and 20 put in appearance and the remaining remained unserved. On 05.08.2006 a statement was made by the learned counsel for the decree-holders that the impleadment of the subsequent purchasers was unnecessary and there was no requirement to summon them. The said fact is noticed in the order dated 07.08.2006 passed by the Executing Court. Objections were filed by the petitioner which were dismissed vide the impugned order dated 23.07.2008. The appeal of the petitioner was also dismissed vide order dated 18.08.2008.
3. Learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner would contend that without going into the detailed objections raised by the petitioner, the Executing Court has dismissed them only on the ground of the petitioner having purchased the property lis pendens. Learned counsel would further contend that out of the 116 kanals 1 marla of land Dh
Guruswamy Nadar Vs. P. Lakshmi Ammal (D) through LRs & Ors. 2008 5 SCC 796
AI
The main legal point established in the judgment is the validation of agreements to sell, the principles of lis pendens, and the status of a bona fide purchaser.
Agreement to sell – Suit for Specific Performance – Once sale agreement is proved and subsequent sale was during pendency of suit hit by doctrine of lis pendens, decree for specific performance can b....
The principle of lis pendens applies to sales during the pendency of a suit, with subsequent purchasers acquiring the same rights and liabilities as the original defendant.
The doctrine of lis pendens does not affect prior subsisting rights, allowing innocent purchasers to enforce their claims based on preceding agreements.
The plaintiff-appellant failed to prove the execution of the agreement to sell, thus precluding entitlement to specific performance.
Subsequent purchasers will be bound by lis pendens.
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.