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Judgments Showing When Order 21 Rule 97 and 98 Cannot Be Allowed

Key Points and Insights

Analysis and Conclusion

  • When Not Allowed: Applications under Order 21 Rules 97 and 98 are not allowed when they are filed after the order has become final or barred by limitation, when they are not bonafide, or when they seek to re-agitate settled issues. They are also not applicable if the applicant is not a bonafide third party or if the application does not meet procedural requirements.
  • Main Insight: These rules are designed to protect genuine third parties from wrongful dispossession and not as a mechanism to delay or obstruct lawful execution. Courts have emphasized that misuse or frivolous claims under these provisions should be rejected to uphold the integrity of execution proceedings.

References:- GSSS Credit Co-operative Society Limited VS Ashok Shivraj Goni - Karnataka- Surendra Kumar VS Aditya Kumar Sharma - Allahabad- Bhim Prasad Sah @ Bhim Prasad, S/o. Late Gudari Sah VS Raghuwar Sharan, S/o. Late Ramayan Sharan Srivastava - Patna- Abdul Hasan VS First Addl. Dist. Judge Pratapgarh - Allahabad- Gnanasoundari VS G. Vijayakala - 2023 0 Supreme(Mad) 3095- Raoji S/o. Devaji patel VS K. M. Savithridevi - Karnataka- Muhammed Yasir, S/o Thettan Ahammedkutty vs Alavi - Kerala

Is Second Appeal Allowed Under Order 21 Rule 97 & 99 CPC?

In the complex world of civil execution proceedings under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), disputes often arise when third parties resist or obstruct the delivery of possession of immovable property. A common query among litigants is: Whether Second Appeal is Permissible against Order Passed under Order 21 Rule 97 and 99? This question becomes critical when executing courts pass orders adjudicating such resistances, and parties seek higher remedies.

This post delves into the legal framework, key circumstances where applications under these rules may not be entertained, appeal mechanisms, and practical insights. Note that this is general information based on judicial precedents and should not be construed as specific legal advice—consult a qualified lawyer for your case.

Understanding Order 21 Rules 97, 98, and 99 CPC

Order 21 Rule 97 CPC allows the decree holder or purchaser in an execution sale to apply to the court if resisted or obstructed by any person in obtaining possession of immovable property. The court then adjudicates the matter under Rule 98, which provides for inquiry and orders. Rule 99 addresses dispossession during execution and restoration rights.

These provisions form a complete code for resolving execution disputes, as held in various cases. However, their applicability is not absolute. Courts must scrutinize if the application is maintainable before proceeding. Salik Ram Singh @ Salik Ram VS Addl. District Judge Court No. 3 Gonda - 2022 Supreme(All) 116

The provisions of Order 21 Rules 97 to 103 CPC provide a complete code for resolving disputes pertaining to execution of decree for possession and the executing court is under obligation to adjudicate the right, title or interest of the obstructionist/resister in the manner prescribed under these rules. Salik Ram Singh @ Salik Ram VS Addl. District Judge Court No. 3 Gonda - 2022 Supreme(All) 116

Circumstances Where Order 21 Rule 97 and 98 Applications Cannot Be Allowed

Executing courts cannot entertain applications under Order 21 Rule 97 and 98 in certain scenarios, directing parties to file separate suits instead. Here are the key circumstances:

1. Objector Has Filed a Separate Suit for Title Declaration

When the objector has already instituted a separate suit claiming independent right, title, and interest over the property, Rule 97 does not apply. The executing court lacks jurisdiction to inquire into title disputes pending elsewhere. Vol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - JharkhandVol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - Jharkhand

The court cannot call for evidence on rival title claims, as it would interfere with the title suit. Vol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - JharkhandVol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - Jharkhand

2. Objector is Neither Decree Holder Nor Purchaser

Only the decree holder or auction purchaser can file under Rule 97 complaining of resistance. Third parties without this status cannot invoke it. Commissioner of Hazaribagh Nagar Parishad VS Rup Chand Jain - Jharkhand

3. Objector Lost a Prior Title Suit

If a separate title declaration suit by the objector was dismissed, the executing court cannot re-litigate the issue under Rule 97. Vol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - JharkhandVol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - Jharkhand

4. Objector Not Bound by the Decree

While Rule 97 covers persons resisting possession, including those not bound by the decree, if the objector claims independence unbound by the decree, a separate suit may be mandated rather than Rule 97 adjudication. Tanzeem-e-sufia VS Bibi Haliman - Supreme CourtP. Janardhana Rao VS Kannan - Supreme CourtGhasi Ram VS Chait Ram Saini - Supreme Court

Order 21 Rule 97 CPC allows the executing court to adjudicate claims of any person resisting or obstructing the delivery of possession, including those not bound by the decree. Tanzeem-e-sufia VS Bibi Haliman - Supreme CourtP. Janardhana Rao VS Kannan - Supreme Court

In such cases, courts emphasize avoiding parallel proceedings and prolonging litigation.

Appealability of Orders Under Order 21 Rule 97 and 99

Orders passed under Rules 97, 98, and 99 are appealable. Importantly, courts have clarified their nature:

Court clarifies that appeals under Order 21 Rules 58 and 97-101 should be treated as regular appeals under Section 96, rejecting contrary views from other High Courts. S. Komathi vs M.Balasubramanian - 2024 Supreme(Mad) 2560

The practice labels them as Civil Miscellaneous Appeals procedurally, but they carry decree-like status for appeals. S. Komathi vs M.Balasubramanian - 2024 Supreme(Mad) 2560

Rule 103 CPC explicitly provides appeals from orders under Rules 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101, lying as if from decrees.

Is Second Appeal Permissible?

Since first appeals against these orders are regular appeals under Section 96 (to the District Court or High Court, depending on value), second appeals under Section 100 CPC may lie if a substantial question of law arises. Section 100 permits second appeals against appellate decrees involving such questions.

However, second appeals are not a matter of right and require certification of substantial law questions. Courts discourage routine second appeals in execution matters to prevent delays. Precedents affirm this pathway, given the decree-equivalent status. S. Komathi vs M.Balasubramanian - 2024 Supreme(Mad) 2560

Limitations from Other Scenarios

Rules not applicable to transferee pendente lite... Nothing in rules 98 and 100 shall apply to resistance or obstruction... by a person to whom judgment-debtor has transferred the property after institution of suit. B. M. Sivanarayanan Sah VS Breadway rep. by its Partner C. Asaithambi - 2015 Supreme(Mad) 1466

A decree for partition falling under Section 37(2) of the Kerala Act cannot be executed against a stranger/obstructor or a third person. Thomas Danniel @ Bose VS J. Rajan - 2020 Supreme(Ker) 456

Practical Recommendations for Litigants

  • Examine Maintainability First: Before filing under Rule 97, check if a title suit pends or if you're eligible (decree holder/purchaser).
  • Appeal Strategically: Treat first appeals as regular; prepare for potential second appeals on law questions.
  • Avoid Abuse: Transfers pendente lite (Sec 52 TPA) invite rejection. Chelladurai VS Avudaippan Konar - 2015 Supreme(Mad) 499

Executing courts must factually analyze to direct separate suits where apt, curbing litigation prolongation.

Key Takeaways

| Scenario | Rule 97/98 Maintainable? | Appeal Path ||----------|---------------------------|-------------|| Separate title suit filed | No Vol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - JharkhandVol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - Jharkhand | Separate suit appeal || Not decree holder/purchaser | No Commissioner of Hazaribagh Nagar Parishad VS Rup Chand Jain - Jharkhand | N/A || Lost prior title suit | No Vol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - JharkhandVol Builders Private Limited VS Janab Salim Saheb - Jharkhand | Review dismissal || Not bound by decree | Generally separate suit Ghasi Ram VS Chait Ram Saini - Supreme Court | Regular appeals chain || Regular resistance | Yes Salik Ram Singh @ Salik Ram VS Addl. District Judge Court No. 3 Gonda - 2022 Supreme(All) 116 | Sec 96 first, Sec 100 second possible S. Komathi vs M.Balasubramanian - 2024 Supreme(Mad) 2560 |

In summary, while applications under Order 21 Rule 97 and 98 face strict limits, orders thereunder permit regular first appeals, opening doors to second appeals on substantial law questions. Adhere to precedents for efficient execution.

This analysis draws from cited judgments; outcomes vary by facts. Seek professional advice.

#CPCExecution #Order21Rule97 #SecondAppeal
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