2005 Supreme(UK) 461
2005 (2) U.D., 88
High Court of Uttaranchal
Hon'ble J.C.S. Rawat, J.
Dinesh Chandra Khanna' and others - Appellants
Vs .
U.P. Sainik Kalyan Evam Punarvas - Respondent
Second Appeal no. 650 of 2001,
decided on 27-10-2005.
Sri Rakesh Thapliyal, Advocate for the appellants. Sri C.D. Bahuguna, Advocate for the respondent.
The main legal point established in the judgment is that the lease of immovable property determines by efflux of time under Section 111 of the Transfer of Property Act, and in the case of a fixed lease period, no notice for termination of tenancy is required.
Headnote:
Tenancy - Disputed Shop - Transfer of Property Act, Section 111, Section 106 - The court discussed the legal provisions of the Transfer of Property Act, particularly Section 111 and Section 106, and their application to the case. The court emphasized that the lease of immovable property determines by efflux of time and that notice for termination of tenancy was not required in the present case.
Fact of the Case:
The plaintiff filed a suit for possession and ejectment of the defendants from a disputed shop on the ground of expiration of the lease period. The defendants contested, claiming that no notice for termination of tenancy was given and that the suit was not maintainable.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the lease of the shop was for a fixed period of five years, and the tenancy was determined by efflux of time under Section 111 of the Transfer of Property Act. It held that no notice for termination of tenancy was required.
Issues: The issues revolved around the termination of tenancy, sub-letting, and the legal justifiability of the judgment and decree passed by the lower courts.
Ratio Decidendi: The court's decision was based on the interpretation of the Transfer of Property Act, particularly Section 111, and the determination that no notice for termination of tenancy was required due to the fixed lease period.
Final Decision: The appeal was dismissed as the court found it devoid of merit.
1. This appeal has been filed against the judgment and decree dated 30-11-1989 passed by Sri S.K. Mlshra the then District Judge, Pauri Garhwal In Civil Appeal No. 11/1988 dismissing the appeal arising out of judgment and decree dated 25-9-1988 passed by Sri D. P. Garola in Civil Suit No. 1/1986 decreeing the suit of the plaintiff.
2.. Brief facts of the 'Case are that the plaintiff/respondent filed a suit for possession and ejectment of the appellants/defendant from the disputed shop on the ground that premises were given to one-Pratap Singh (defendant) on rent @ Rs. 300/- per month for the fixed period of five years w.e.f. 01-07-1980 by virtue of a lease deed dated 01-07-1980. The electric and water charges had to be paid by the tenant in addition to the rent. After taking the shop on rent, Pratap Singh joined the services in GRIEF (B.R.O.) and sub-let the said shop to Dinesh chandra Khanna. But, after expiry of the lease. deed of five years Pratap Singh did not vacate the shop. Thereafter, the plaintiff/respondent filed a suit against Pratap Singh. Pratap Singh died during the pendency of the suit. The suit was contested by the legal representatives of Pratap Singh and It was alleged In the written statement that it was not agreed in the agreement deed that If the defendant No. 1 - Pratap Singh would be re-employed, he would have to vacate the shop. It was further pleaded that defendant No.l-Pratap Singh was never re-employed and due to his illness he had obtained the services of defendant No.2-Dinesh Chandra 'Khanna and he was employed as a manager to look after the said. Pratap singh did not sub-let it to Dinesh Chandra Khanna. The defendant has also pleaded that as per the agreement he used to pay the rent to the plaintiff's chaukidar and the chawkidar used to take It only after two - three months. When plaintiff refused to take the said rent, the rent was sent through money order which was also refused by the plaintiff. It was also alleged in the written statement that Pratap Singh applied for extension of term of the tenancy period, but it was not extended and as such the tenancy was determined by notice. It was further pleaded that three months prior notice was not given to the defendant before vacation of shop.
3. The learned Munsif framed the necessary issues in the said suit. After framing the issues and after appreciation of evidence, the suit was decreed. Feeling aggrieved by this, the defendant/appellants preferred an appeal before the District Judge and the learned District Judge maintained the decree and judgment of the trial court. Both the courts below had held that the plaintiff/respondent adduced the evidence of PW1-Jag Mohan Singh, who has stated before' the court that the tenancy deed was executed for a period of five years. Both the courts below relied upon the evidence of the plaintiff. The trial court has further held that the defendant also sent a letter to the plaintiff on 13-6-1985 to extend the lease deed for further period of five years from the date of expiry of earlier deed. The said request of the defendant/appellant was rejected by the plaintiff/respondent on 19-6-1995. Both the courts below' had relied upon the said agreement In which it was admitted that the tenancy was only for a fixed period of five years. Both the courts below had also held that the agreement was executed in between the parties, which clearly reveals that the tenancy deed was executed for a period of five years. The learned trial court as well as the appellate court had also held that the said building was sub-let to Dinesh Chandra Khanna. Both the courts below had relied upon the evidence of the plaintiff and had also relied upon the written reply of the notice sent by Dinesh Chandra Khanna in which he has stated as follows :_
4. The averments made In the said notice clearly reveal that the said shop was sub-let to Dinesh Chandra Khanna. The learned court below had also relied upon the evidence of plaintiff an