Execution of Declaration
Execution of Declaration
Execution of Declaration
---Ss. 16(1), 23(1)(2) & 9(5)---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), O.XXXVIII, R.5
& S.151---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), S.52---Suit for recovery of bank
loan---Application for attachment of property before pronouncing judgment---
Scope---Transaction of sale not made to defeat or delay prospective decree or to
defeat right of creditors---Effect---Plaintiff Bank filed suit for recovery of loan
amount against defendants and also joined different banking-companies as
defendants having Pari Pasu charge on assets of the defendants---During
pendency of suit plaintiff filed application under S.16 of Financial Institutions
(Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001, read with O. XVIII, R.5 & S.151, C.P.C.
to attach property of defendants---Plaintiff contended that on having
information that defendants intended to sell property in question, notice was
served on them to the effect that sale was in violation of S.53 of Transfer of
Property Act, 1882, as defendants were heavily indebted to plaintiff and that in
case property was not attached it was to become difficult for plaintiff to adjust
liability---Defendant Banking Company argued that with its permission
defendants agreed to sell property in question on which four defendant-Banking
Companies had their Pari Pasu mortgage charge; that by sale of said property,
defendants were to be in a position to adjust part of their liabilities; that
Page No. 1 of 61
property in question was not mortgaged with plaintiff-Bank and that plaintiff-
Bank had only 7% share in total liability against defendants, hence plaintiff was
not entitled for attachment of property in question---Validity---Under S.16(1) of
the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001, financial
institution could after filing of suit, file an application to restrain customer from
transferring, alienating, parting with possession of property which was
mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated or assigned or which was subject to any
obligation---Since property in question was neither under mortgage of plaintiff,
nor plaintiff had any charge over it nor same was subject to any obligation in
favour of plaintiff, therefore, application under S.16(1) of the Ordinance was not
maintainable---Under Ss.16, 23(1) & 23(2) of the Financial Institutions
(Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001, before pronouncement of judgment
and interim decree or otherwise, Plaintiff-Bank could ask for attachment of
property of customer over which it had charge and customer could not transfer
it but after passing of decree---Customer could not deal with any of his property
except with prior written permission of Banking Court---Bank, however, could
apply for attachment of property other than one over which Bank had charge
under. O.XXXVIII, R.5, C.P.C.---Under S.53 of Transfer of Property Act, 1882,
transaction for sale of immovable property by debtors could not be held void or
voidable transaction at the option of creditors, if the same was carried out in
normal course of business bona fide and not with intent to defeat or delay
creditors-Plaintiff in order to bring his case within ambit of S.53 of Transfer of
Property Act, 1882, was to establish that transfer of property was made with
intent to defeat right of creditors-Plaintiff in order to attract provisions of S.53
of Transfer of Property Act, 1882, should have filed suit seeking declaration that
transaction was void but no such relief had been asked for by plaintiff in his
suit---Notice for sale of property in question was. published much prior to filing
of suit and as such it did not lie in mouth of plaintiff to say that defendants
were disposing of property with intent to obstruct or delay execution of any
decree that might be passed against them---Object of O.XXXVIII, R.5, C.P.C.
was not to paralyse the normal and bona fide transaction and unless it was
established that defendants were about to dispose of property with intent to
defeat or delay decree that might be passed, normally ,Court was not to pass
order for attachment of property before judgment---Defendant Banking
Company's charge on property was prior in time to that of plaintiff's and on
principle of qui prior est tempore portior estjure (he has a better title who was
first in time), plaintiff had no prima facie case---Balance of convenience also
was in favour of defendants as by disposal of mortgaged property, outstanding
dues of defendant Banking Companies who had charge on property could be
adjusted, whereas to restrain sale of property was to result in increasing
liabilities of defendants---Application for attachment of property was dismissed.
Page No. 2 of 61
Respondent had fully proved the execution of registered sale-deed by the
owner---Even agreement to sell executed by the son of the owner was
subsequent to the registered sale-deed---Judgment passed by High Court did
not suffer from any legal infirmity so as to warrant interference by Supreme
Court---Leave to appeal was refused.
---Ss. 122 & 123---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877), S.42---Suit for declaration
---execution of gift-deed---Inheritance---Plaintiff was one of the sisters of
defendants---Both plaintiff and defendants were not only daughter and son of
original owner of property in dispute which was inherited property, but another
and other sisters of parties were also alive---One of the defendants claimed that
property in dispute was gifted to him by original owner in his life time---Alleged
original gift-deed was neither produced at time of evidence, nor was exhibited
by any of the parties---Plaintiff had challenged execution of gift in favour of said
defendant alleging that original owner of suit property, died in 1969, whereas
Revenue Record was prepared in the years 1977-78 and alleged gift deed, even
if proved genuine, would have been of no use to said defendant because it was
allegedly executed in 1954, when defendant was not even in existence,
document written at a time when defendant was not born, could not entitle,
non-existent and non-living person and could not disentitle existing and living
persons---Plaintiff, her mother, other sisters and defendant being legal heirs of
deceased, in normal circumstances, would have inherited property of
deceased/original owner---Mother and other sisters of the plaintiff though had
given affidavit in favour of defendant but plaintiff had not waived/relinquished
her share in the property in favour of defendant---Name of plaintiff was not
mentioned in the Revenue Record from the very beginning after death of the
original owner---Even if Revenue Authority had failed to prepare correct record,
non-entry of name of plaintiff who otherwise was entitled to inheritance, would
not disentitle her from such inheritance and would not debar her from claiming
rights in the property on basis of inheritance---Courts below had erred in
properly evaluating and appreciating evidence on record and had failed to
correctly apply law of inheritance---Plaintiff being daughter of original owner,
was entitled to her Sharai share of inheritance in the suit property along with
defendant, her mother as well as her sisters---Impugned judgments and decrees
of Courts below, were set aside in revision and suit was decreed as prayed for
by plaintiff.
Page No. 3 of 61
that had he appeared he would not have supported the version of defendant---
Payment of consideration was not proved---Plaintiffs who were out of possession
of suit-land, rightly asked for declaration of the title and for possession as S. 39
of the Specific Relief Act, 1877 was not attracted in circumstances---Since plea
of fraud and misrepresentation had been taken by plaintiffs, limitation would
have been deemed to start from the date of knowledge---Suit was therefore held
to have been filed within time.
Page No. 4 of 61
Citation Name : 2006 YLR 1845 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : Lt.-Col. M. AHSAN-UL- HAQ
Side Opponent : Mst. MUMTAZ BEGUM
Page No. 5 of 61
property, could not have possibly be operated as res judicata in subsequent
proceedings because nothing was on record to prove that owner of land/father
of plaintiffs' was ever served or was otherwise shown to have had knowledge of
disputed sale-deed---Nature of earlier suit and manner in which it was
withdrawn, suggested absence of bona fides---Witnesses produced by plaintiffs
having testified on oath that no sale-deed had been effected between parties,
burden of proof , had shifted upon defendants, who failed to discharge the same
as they neither produced marginal witnesses nor the testimony of one of
defendants could be given weight in absence of affirmative evidence---Findings
of Courts below were thus not legally sustainable---Dismissal of suit to the
extent of three plaintiffs who had accepted the validity of disputed sale-deed in
previous suit, was affirmed, while suit to the extent of rest of plaintiffs was
decreed.
Page No. 6 of 61
evidence of witness who had stated that husband of plaintiff remained in actual
physical possession of the suit-land even after two years of the execution of gift
deed---Appellate Court was also not correct in holding that effect of Khasra
Girdawari produced by plaintiff was to record the ownership of defendant
showing her husband to be a tenant at will under defendant---Ownership of
defendant could become complete only upon the completion of gift in his favour
which could not be considered to be a complete gift in absence of transfer of
actual physical possession to him---It would have been different if deceased
owner continued to be entered as in possession in Khasra Girdawari
subsequent to making of gift---High Court in exercise of revisional jurisdiction,
set aside the judgment and decree passed by Appellate Court and that' of trial
Court was restored.
Page No. 7 of 61
Authority in 1964---execution of a sale-deed was a mere ministerial act and did
not, in any manner, deprive plaintiffs of their right in disputed property---Only
the Development Authority had right to raise such contention but it had not
taken any objection on that score---Development Authority having
acknowledged, that the title in disputed plot vested in plaintiffs there was no
need for plaintiffs to seek specific performance of agreement to sell against the
Development Authority nor the suit for declaration filed by plaintiffs was time-
barred but Appellate Court wrongly found that plaintiffs were obliged to file a
suit for specific performance instead of declaration and that declaratory suit
filed by plaintiffs was time barred---When testimony of the functionary of
Development Authority was that disputed plot was included in the Scheme,
Courts below wrongly found that there was no documentary evidence to prove
that the disputed plot was included in the Scheme.
Page No. 8 of 61
had challenged alleged mutation of gift and claimed his share of inheritance
being real paternal uncle of executant/daughter of his deceased brother---Trial
Court decreed the suit, which was set aside in appeal---Plaintiff had filed
revision petition against judgment of Appellate Court---Defendant, who was real
beneficiary of the impugned mutation, was required under the law to have
established both incidents separately i.e. firstly as to when alleged gift was of
fered and accepted coupled with delivery of possession and secondly, the
attestation of mutation before Tehsildar---Defendant himself did not specify the
time when alleged gift was of fered to him and was accepted by him and two
witnesses produced by defendant had categorically denied the fact of attestation
of mutation and of fer of gift---Further neither the of ficials regarding
completion of mutation had been produced nor two attesting witnesses had
supported version of defendant ---Such evidence could not form a basis for a
finding in favour of defendant---Endorsements made by Revenue of ficers
without their production in witness-box, could also not be relied upon---
Defendant, in circumstances, had failed to establish both aspects of the case
i.e. fact of gift and attestation of mutation--Judgment and decree passed by
Appellate Court was set aside and that of the Trial Court was restored.
Page No. 9 of 61
issue, which required resolution by Court---Court of fact has prerogative to
appreciate the evidence and such appreciation cannot be interfered with in the
revisional jurisdiction for the reason that on the basis of same evidence, some
other conclusion could have been drawn---Courts below had committed no
error of jurisdiction or material irregularity in passing the impugned decisions.
--O.XIV, R.1, O.XVIII, Rr.1 & 3 & O.XLI, Rr.27 & 33 & Ss.115 & 151---Specific
Relief Act (I of 1877), S.42---Suit for declaration ---Relevant and material fact in
issue, significance of -Non-appearance of the plaintiff in affirmative evidence---
Effect---Allowing additional evidence before Revisional Court---Legality---
Revisional jurisdiction---Scope---Suit for declaration that he was the owner of
the suit-land and that the alleged power of attorney executed by him in favour
of the defendant, on the basis of which the latter was alienating the suit
property was void due to the fact that the former was a minor at the time of
execution --- Said suit .was dismissed by the Trial Court, however, an appeal
filed by the plaintiff against the same was allowed and the suit decreed---
Revision petition was filed by the defendants with an application to file
additional evidence on the point of whether the plaintiff was a minor at the time
of execution of the power of attorney---Validity---Main ground taken by the
plaintiff in his plaint for avoidance of execution of the disputed power of
attorney as well as the sale was that of being a minor at the time of execution
and this was a relevant and material fact in issue arising out of the pleadings of
the parties-
Page No. 10 of 61
Citation Name : 2006 CLC 944 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : Chaudhry ALLAH RAKHA
Side Opponent : NOOR DIN
---S. 42---Civil Procedure Code (V. of 1908), O.XIV, R.5, O.XXII, R.4(4) & O.XLI,
R.25---Qanun-e-Shahadat (10 of 1984), Arts.117 & 118---Suit for declaration to
the effect that decree obtained by defendants was fraudulent and inoperative
against the rights of plaintiff---Framing of an additional issue at appellate
stage---Validity---Defendants could not assert any prejudice on framing an
additional issue at appellate stage in view of judgment passed in civil revision
whereby Appellate Court was directed to decide additional issue relating to the
genuineness of power of attorney allegedly executed by plaintiff in favour of
defendants---Defendants were unable to deny that said additional issue
encapsulated the factual controversy between parties---After the testimony of
plaintiffs, who denied the execution of any power of attorney onus of proving
the issue shifted upon defendants but neither they summoned the alleged
attorney as witness through Court nor did they avail any such independent
means as comparison of handwriting/thumb-impression through which they
could have proved alleged power of attorney--
---S. 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.122 & 123---Suit for
declaration ---execution of gift---Claim of plaintiff was that she was owner of
suit property and was in possession of property as a co-sharer along with
defendants who were her brothers and defendants being in cultivation
possession, had been making payment of share of produce to her till 1977 and
later on they refused to make payment of share of produce to her---Defendants
had alleged that suit property stood gifted in their favour---Plaintiff had totally
denied making of any gift in favour of defendants and insisted that she was
owner and was in possession of property in dispute as a co-sharer---Trial Court
dismissed suit on the ground that it was barred by time, but Appellate Court
below set aside judgment and decree of Trial Court and decreed suit of
plaintiff--Defendants could not produce in evidence any person who had
attested mutation of alleged gift in their favour, whereas plaintiff, apart from
herself, produced two independent witnesses, who in very clear terms, had
stated that defendants had been paying share of produce of land to her and
thereafter they stopped making payment of share of produce to plaintiff---
Plaintiff had clearly submitted that she along with defendants/her brothers was
owner of property in dispute and that defendants had throughout been making
payment of share of produce to her---Defendants could not prove execution of
gift of suit property in their favour by whatever evidence-Judgment and decree
passed by Appellate Court was in consonance with law---In absence of any
misreading, non-reading, illegality, jurisdictional defect and material
irregularity, judgment and decree of Appellate Court could not be interfered
with by High Court in exercise of its revisional jurisdiction.
Page No. 11 of 61
dismissed by the Trial Court, but decreed by Appellate Court---Validity---Gift-
deed was registered document and donor had lived 10 years after the execution
of gift-deed and had not challenged the same---Donor was issueless---Widow
and brother of plaintiff were his legal heirs---Widow had supported the gift-
deed---Scribe and one marginal witness was produced to prove execution and
witnesses to prove of fer and acceptance were produced---Possession was
proved by oral as well as by documentary evidence---No need was to produce
two attesting witnesses as document was registered and executant had not
denied the same---Evidence produced by the plaintiff was not sufficient---
Defendant had established three ingredients of valid gift---Appellate Court did
not opt to meet the points evolved in well-reasoned judgment of Trial Court---
Judgment and decree of the Appellate Court were set aside and those of Trial
Court stood revived in circumstances.
---S. 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.122 & 123---Suit for
declaration ---execution of gift---Plaintiffs who were father, son and daughter in
their suit for declaration had challenged gift mutation allegedly got executed by
them in favour of defendants/donee---Plaintiffs had claimed that gift in
question was the result of fraud and misrepresentation, besides that son and
daughter of donor at relevant time were minors and that donor (father) had no
lawful authority on their behalf to make the gift and that gift to their extent was
void---Suit was dismissed by Trial Court on ground of delay as mutation of gift
in dispute was challenged after about 26 years of its execution ---Son and
daughter of plaintiff/donor by producing identity cards and other documentary
and oral evidence, had fully proved that at relevant time when alleged gift
mutation was executed and attested they both were minors---Validity---
Page No. 12 of 61
Transaction/alienation of an immovable property on behalf of minors, was void,
even if it was made by their legal and natural guardian, except where
disposition of such property was for the need of minors---Such wa§ not the
position in the present case, rather property of minors which they had inherited
from their mother and was duly mutated in their favour, was gifted by their
father---Mutation of gift in question, in circumstances was absolutely void and
ineffective against the rights of minors/plaintiffs---Mutation of gift in dispute
though had not been challenged by minors within three years on attaining age
of majority, but suit to their extent could not be dismissed, because defendants
had been paying plaintiffs/minors share of produce of suit-land and cause of
action had accrued a week before the institution of the suit when defendants
had denied the title of plaintiffs to suit property---Even otherwise, on account of
declaration that gift mutation was void, plaintiffs would become sharers along
with defendants in same Khata---Remedy of minors to seek declaration was not
hit by any provisions of Limitation Act, 1908---Fraud in respect of mutation as
alleged by father of minors, had not been established against him and such
mutation having been effected about 26 years ago, could not be declared to be
voidable and case of father (plaintiff) would be hit by Limitation Act, 1908---
Judgment and decrees of two Courts below were set aside, suit of minors to the
extent of their shares in the gifted land was decreed, whereas to the extent of
share of father was dismissed and impugned mutation was maintained.
--Ss.122 & 123---Contract Act (IX of 1872), S.16-- Specific Relief Act (I of
1877), S. 42---Suit for declaration ---Gift---Proof of execution ---Suit-land was
allotted to husband of plaintiff as head of family by way of `guzara allowance'---
Defendant had claimed that husband of plaintiff had gifted away suit property
to him through hibanama, but plaintiff denied claim of defendant alleging ,that
defendant who being dispenser used to administer medical treatment to her
husband who was an aged person, brought her aged husband to place `G' for
purpose of executing, "Patta Nama"/Rent deed in respect of suit-land, but
fraudulently had obtained hibanama---Plaintiff had also alleged that her
husband had become of unsound mind when suit was filed by her---Alleged
hibanama was on stamp paper which was purchased from Treasury of fice at
`G' and on the back of stamp paper, endorsement of said Treasury of fice had
shown that said stamp paper was purchased for 'Patta Mina', but appellate
court had brushed aside said material piece of evidence---Plaintiff and her
husband/alleged donor, were aged couple who were issueless and suit property
was the only means of their livelihood---Fact that they would transfer their only
means of livelihood by way of gift did not appeal to reasons---Such gift being
contrary to ordinary course of human conduct, had provided circumstantial
evidence to corroborate case set up by. the plaintiff---Alleged hibanama was not
got executed and registered where suit-land was situated and parties were
residing, but was executed and registered at another place and no explanation
was on record for doing that---Alleged hibanama, was subject to stringent
requirements of S.16 of Contract Act; 1872, which requirements had not been
fulfilled in the present case and Courts had not attended to same---Courts
below in dismissing suit of plaintiff had misread record and had not given
consideration to material aspects of case---Both Courts having acted with
material irregularity in exercise of their. jurisdiction , impugned judgments and
decrees of Courts below were set aside and suit of plaintiff was decreed as
prayed for.
Page No. 13 of 61
Citation Name : 2006 MLD 474 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : Mrs. KHALIDA MALIK
Side Opponent : TAHIRA JABEEN
---Ss. 8 & 42---Suit for declaration and possession---Plaintiff in her suit had
alleged that defendant forged a general power-of -attorney on her behalf, got it
registered and on basis thereof he transferred disputed piece of land in favour
of defendant-company---Plaintiff further alleged that she was minor at the time
of execution and attestation of alleged general power-of -attorney in favour of
defendant, and that she neither appeared before Sub-Registrar nor had
executed said power-of attorney---Suit was contested by defendants contending
that plaintiff was not only a major at time of execution and attestation of
registered powerof -attorney, but was also estopped from her conduct to bring
suit as alleged attorney was her real grand-father, who acted on behalf of
plaintiff in sale-deed in respect of suit property---Both Trial Court and Appellate
Court below had decreed the suit---Validity---Alleged attorney, admittedly was
real grand-father of plaintiff---Plaintiff without any sufficient reason had failed
to appear before the Court to support allegations made in the plaint and also to
stand the test of , crossexamination---Defendant/vendee company admittedly
had no knowledge of infirmity in authority of attorney of plaintiff to act on her
behalf to sell property in question-
---Ss. 122 & 123---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877), Ss.42 & 54---execution of gift
in respect of land-Suit for declaration and injunction---Respondent, who was
daughter of petitioner, through gift mutation got mutated land of petitioner in
her favour and through another gift-deed she gifted land in dispute in favour of
her son---Petitioner challenged said transactions as being fraudulent, by
denying having gifted his land to respondent which she could further gift to her
son---Both Trial Court and Appellate Court had concurrently found that
mutation of gift had been proved by respondents-Validity-Respondent, who
claimed oral gift in her favour, had not brought on record any positive evidence
to establish as to when declaration of alleged gift was made by petitioner in her
favour and she accepted the same---No witness at all had been examined by
respondent in that behalf---Day, date, time, month, year and venue had neither
been specified nor proved by respondent through any evidence---When initial
onus which was on the petitioner, had been discharged by him through his own
statement, adducing of positive evidence was the responsibility of respondents,
in which they had failed---Lamberdar, who claimed to have identified petitioner
at the time of mutation of gift before Tehsildar, was not Lamberdar of concerned
village, but was of another village and it was not explained as to why the
concerned Lamberdar had not been produced---No person from Revenue
Department, Patwari or Tehsildar etc. had been examined---Possession of
alleged gifted land was not shown to have ever changed hands on the basis of
alleged gift, as neither there was any independent proof on the record nor
change of possession was established on account of any overt act of
petitioner---Said vital aspects of case had not at all been considered by the two
Courts and their Judgments were absolutely sketchy and reflected non-
application of Judicial mind---Judgments and decrees of Courts below which
were suffering from infirmity of misreading and non-reading of evidence, were
set aside and suit of petitioner as claimed, was allowed.
Page No. 14 of 61
Side Appellant : BILQEES BEGUM
Side Opponent : REGISTRAR OF PROPERTIES
---Ss. 39 & 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.122 & 126---Pakistan
(Administration of Evacuee Property) Act (XII of 1957), S.41---Civil Procedure
Code (V of 1908), S.9---Suit for declaration and cancellation of gift-deed---
Maintainability---Jurisdiction of Civil Court---Contention that suit was not
maintainable as Civil Court had no jurisdiction to entertain suit in view of S.41
of Pakistan (Administration of Evacuee Property) Act, 1957, was repelled;
because dispute between the parties, in the present case, was with respect to
execution of gift-deed and there was no dispute with regard to the allotment of
property which was the exclusive function of Rehabilitation authorities or the
Custodian---Contention that jurisdiction of Civil Court was excluded was
repelled.
Page No. 15 of 61
High Court had given its own reasons for upholding the same---Leave to appeal
was refused.
---Ss. 12 & 42---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), S.47 & O.XXI, Rr.10 & 32---
Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Art.185(3)---Suit for declaration ---Transfer of
plaintiff's plot by Department to defendant in pursuance of decree for specific
performance of contract---Plaintiff filed suit for declaration alleging such act of
Department to be illegal and ineffective on his rights as such decree having not
been executed through Court and execution petition having become barred by
time, Department on its own could not transfer the plot to defendant (decree-
holder)----Dismissal of suit by Trial Court and Appellate Court was upheld by
High Court in revision---Validity---Question raised in the suit necessarily
related to execution , satisfaction and discharge of decree of specific
performance of contract---No separate suit would be maintainable in relation to
such question by virtue of S.47, C.P.C.---Dismissal of suit was perfectly in
accordance with law---Supreme Court dismissed petition and refused leave to
appeal.
---Ss. 20, 21, & 22-Grant of land under "Horse Breeding Scheme"---Association
deed executed in respect of land subject-matter of grant by the original lessee---
Character and effect of such deed---Interpretation of document---Principles---
Instrument in question provided in clear words that the parties would equally
share the benefit of the grant and would be deemed to be joint owners of .land
on the acquisition of its proprietary rights---execution and existence of said
document being not disputed, the conclusion drawn by the Court of first
instance with respect to the rights of executants was based on the
consideration of its genuineness and the perusal of the document would not
suggest any ambiguity or suspicion in its contents---Document was executed by
original lessees and their brothers and father by virtue of which they agreed for
the joint cultivation of the land treating same as a joint property of the family
with ultimate right of ownership, therefore, notwithstanding the grant of
proprietary rights in the name of last lessee in the order of succession, the right
of ownership of the executants of deed in the land created by virtue of the
association deed, would not be extinguished---Association deed, in-plain words,
reflected the character of an undertaking of joint interest in the land obtained
on lease which was subsequently capable of conversion into absolute title---
Inclusion of any beneficial entitlement in the deed, would be an effective
declaration of equitable ownership which would conclude the question of title-
Person could establish a good possessionary title on the basis of a document
before the commencement of action even though he may have no legal title on
the crucial date-Executants of deed of association, having proved their
uninterrupted possessionary title of the land which was not even denied by the
last lessee and thus it was established that land in dispute was in their
continuous possession under the family settlement which was sufficient to
establish equitable title and in consequence thereto, the right of ownership
created under the association deed would not be extinguished by afflux of
time---Agreement related to an internal arrangement of the original grantee with
his brothers and father in respect of the affairs of the land and being not in
Page No. 16 of 61
conflict with the condition of lease, was not violative of either of the Schemes in
question or law---Such deed would neither override the terms of the lease and
create any right of the executants of the deed in the lease-hold-rights nor would
be binding on the Government for the purpose of grant of proprietary rights in
favour of any 'other 'person except of lessee---Status of executants of the
document as joint owners of the property under the agreement in question was
unexceptionable---Agreement executed by the original grantee in respect of the
land, subject-matter of grant, being not against the public policy or law, was
valid and would be binding on his successors---Principles.
-S. 16---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877), Ss. 12 & 42- Qanun-e-Shahadat (10 of
1984), Art. 78---Suit for specific performance of agreement to sell and
declaration ---Beneficiaries of the documents executed by
ignorant/illiterate/Parda-observing ladies, have to prove by overwhelming
evidence, the execution of such documents by such ladies and they have to
further prove that such transactions and such documents were explained to the
executants who had independent advice at the relevant time---Semi-illiterate
Parda-observing females are entitled to the protection of law governing such
ladies---Court has to be very careful in recording findings as to the execution of
any agreement by such ladies and it would not be sufficient to show that the
document was read over to the Parda-observing lady but it must further be
proved that she understood its nature and effect---Where the evidence had not
established that the documents in question were executed by such a lady or
that they were executed by her voluntarily out of her own free-will and that at
the time of execution of the documents she had an independent advice of her
close relatives and that the contents of the documents were read over to her
and nature of the transaction was explained to her, onus was on the beneficiary
of the document which he failed to discharge in the present case---Beneficiary
of the document had not been able to point out any non-reading of evidence or
illegality in the impugned judgment of the High Court wherein execution of
documents by the lady was disbelieved---Lady was being continuously
victimized and was out of possession of her landed property for the last 26
years and was suffering because the beneficiaries of the document thought that
she being a helpless lady, he could grab her property---Supreme Court declined
interference.
Page No. 17 of 61
and the judgment was upheld by Appellate Court as well as by High Court--
Validity---All the three Courts recorded concurrent findings of fact based on the
evidence on record---No misreading or non-reading of material, evidence was
pointed out and judgment passed by High Court did not suffer from any legal or
factual infirmity to warrant interference---Appeal was dismissed.
--Ss. 122 & 123---Specific Relief Act (1 of 1877), S. 42---Valid gift, proof of ---
Suit for declaration ---Plaintiff had alleged that gift-deed in favour of defendants
in respect of suit property, was illegal, forged, collusive and not binding on the
rights of plaintiff---Onus was on defendant to prove execution of valid gift-deed
in his favour, but none of witnesses produced by him had deposed that any
proposal or acceptance was made in their presence or possession of property
was delivered to defendant as donee---Defendant had never obtained possession
of suit property under gift, rather he had admitted in his evidence that he was
in possession of suit property prior to the gift---Conclusion drawn by Appellate
Page No. 18 of 61
Court below while deciding question of gift was not only correct, but was based
on proper appraisal of evidence---Since defendant had failed to prove execution
of gift-deed as well as factum of gift through independent evidence in his favour,
no exception could be taken to judgment passed by Appellate Court whereby
suit was decreed.
Page No. 19 of 61
Citation Name : 2005 YLR 2756 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : MUHAMMAD ALI
Side Opponent : SHINA
Page No. 20 of 61
only would create right in an immovable property, but also transfer title to
purchaser in the property transferred under registered-deed---Non-proof or
non-reference of agreement to sell and receipt, could not be given any weightage
in view of express admission of plaintiff/vendor where he had in so many words
admitted transfer of suit-land through registered sale-deed in favour of
defendants---After admission of execution of sale-deed in favour of
defendants/vendees, a very heavy onus lay upon plaintiff to have proved that
said transfer and sale-deed was in fact without consideration and result of
coercion, but he failed to discharge that burden---Plaintiff, in circumstances
was estopped by his act and conduct from seeking cancellation of sale-deed on
assertion of its being result of coercion---Judgment and decree passed by
Appellate Court below, were set aside and declaratory suit filed by plaintiff
would remain dismissed, whereas suit for possession filed by defendants
against plaintiff, stood decreed as prayed for by defendants.
--- Arts.61, 72 & 74---Specific relief Act (I of 1877), S. 42---Suit for declaration
---execution of document---Proof ---Where execution of document had been
denied by its alleged executant by disowning his/her signature/thumb-
impressions, it would become duty of beneficiary under the document to at
once apply to the Court for getting thumb-impressions compared from
Handwriting Expert---Throughout the proceedings either before the Trial Court
or before Appellate Court or even before High Court, no effort was made by
defendants to have thumb-impressions of plaintiffs compared from Handwriting
Expert---By not resorting to that exercise at any stage, defendants had
themselves incurred a presumption against them that in case the thumb-
impressions of either plaintiffs and alleged attorney had been got compared
from Handwriting Expert report of Expert would have been against them.
Page No. 21 of 61
Citation Name : 2005 YLR 2645 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : KHUSHI MUHAMMAD
Side Opponent : NOOR BIBI
--Arts. 117 & 118---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877), S. 42---Suit for declaration
---Burden of proof ---Onus of issue framed by Trial Court with regard to sale of '
suit-laid against consideration, was placed on defendants, whereas plaintiffs
were burdened to prove issue regarding illegality of alleged sale-deed and power
of Attorney---Findings of Courts below on issue of alleged sale-deed though
were subject to findings on issue with regard to suit-land but onus of issue of
sale-deed was wrongly placed on plaintiffs whereas same should have been on
defendants as burden to prove execution of a document was always on the
beneficiary under the said document---Claim of defendants being that they
purchased the disputed land from plaintiffs, it was their liability to have proved
that they purchased said land from a validly appointed/constituted general
attorney---To discharge onus of valid execution of document whatever evidence
had been produced by defendants, had been properly examined, appraised and
duly scanned by two Courts below, High Court dismissed the revision.
Page No. 22 of 61
plaintiff as compensation for said house---Findings of two Courts below holding
that plaintiff had relinquished his share in house in favour of defendant, being
not based on any evidence, could not be maintained---High Court accepting,
revision, set aside judgment and decrees of both Courts below and suit filed by
plaintiff was decreed as prayed for.
-Ss. 214 & 215---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877), S.42---Limitation Act (IX of
1908), Arts. 91 & 92---execution of general power of attorney by principal---Suit
for declaration by principal against the agent---Maintainability---Limitation---
Right of principal when agent deals on his own account, in business of agency
without principal's consent---Agent, in the present case, allegedly got entered
the words of sale, gift and mortgage in the deed of attorney without knowledge
of the principal and sold the land in question to his real son and brother
respectively without securing any permission from the principal to sell the said
land to his nearest relations---Validity---Sale by the agent in favour of his son
and brother on behalf of the principal, in circumstances, was by way of fraud
and misrepresentation, therefore suit under S.42, Specific Relief Act, 1877 by
the principal against the agent was maintainable and within limitation under
Arts.91 & 92 of the Limitation Act, 1908---Principles.
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Page No. 23 of 61
Search within Results :
---S. 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss. 122 & 123---Civil Procedure
Code (V of 1908), S. 115---Suit for declaration ---Gift, proof of ---Original owner
of suit-land had died leaving behind his son, widow and 3 daughters and
mutation of inheritance was duly attested---Land of plaintiff daughters, firstly
was got mutated in favour of widow of deceased and thereafter in favour of
defendant son, with the result that land of plaintiffs stood transferred to brother
of plaintiffs---Brother claimed that plaintiffs had transferred their shares in
land to him through gift---Plaintiffs denied execution of any gift in favour of
brother and filed suit seeking declaration that they being co-sharers in suit-
land was entitled to get their shares in the land---Courts below having
dismissed suit, plaintiffs had filed revision petition against judgments and
decrees of Courts below---Validity---Plaintiffs admittedly having inherited
property of their father, it was for the said brother to prove a valid transfer of
same in his favour---Brother had failed to bring proof of any valid gift or of
surrendering property by plaintiffs in his favour---Trial Court had dealt with the
matter on the assumption that a mutation of gift incorporated into Jamabandi
enjoyed presumption ,of genuineness and Appellate Court below followed suit---
Both Courts below had completely lost sight of attending circumstances of the
case apparent on the face of record---No evidence was on record to show as to
why plaintiffs, who had their own children and husbands, proceeded to gift
away their shares in suit-land to their mother and then to their brother---Such
fact had cast doubt on genuineness of transaction of alleged gift---Inference of
Courts below that mutation having been incorporated in the Jamabandi
enjoyed a, presumption of genuineness, was also without lawful authority
inasmuch as notwithstanding the fact that a mutation stood incorporated in
Revenue Record, if a dispute would arise, burden would squarely lay upon
beneficiary to prove the validity of transaction---Question of limitation had also
been wrongly decided by Courts below because parties being co-heirs, no
question of limitation arose which could run against plaintiff---Both judgments
and decrees passed by Courts below were set aside and suit filed by plaintiffs
was decreed as prayed for.
Page No. 24 of 61
executed in favour of their predecessor-in-interest by the owner---Defendants
resisted the suit on the ground that the suit property was transferred by the
owner to his wife in lieu of her deferred dower amount and the wife had
transferred the property in their favour---Defendants in support of their claim
relied upon a copy of agreement allegedly executed on 30-6-1960---Trial Court
decreed the suit in favour of plaintiffs as the defendants failed to prove the
execution of agreement in favour of the wife by the owner---Judgment and
decree passed by the Trial Court was maintained by Appellate Court---Plea
raised by the defendants was that the agreement was an admitted document
being thirty years old---Validity---execution of the agreement by simply relying
on Art.100 of Qanun-e-Shahadat; 1984, could not be said to have been proved
especially when it was denied by the executant---Documents could be proved
under Art.76 of Qanun-e-Shahadat, 1984, through secondary evidence
regarding its existence--Conditions and contents of original document were not
proved by the defendants by producing its scribe, marginal witnesses or the
persons acquainted with handwriting/signatures of the executant---In absence
of any proof even by way of secondary evidence, it could not be held that the
wife of the owner became owner on the basis of unproved agreement and the
defendants were transferred the suit property with lawful title--Defendants also
failed to prove that marriage between the spouses was solemnized for a deferred
dower amounting to Rs.32,000---Was not proved on record that the deferred
dower was claimed by the wife---Transfer of urban property within municipal
limits could not be effected through a simple agreement---Transfer of such
property could only be made through registered document and not otherwise in
terms of Registration Act, 1908---Courts below properly appraised the evidence
on the file and their judgments were not tainted with any illegality/irregularity
thus those were not open to any interference in revisional jurisdiction---
Revision was dismissed is circumstances.
Page No. 25 of 61
-Arts. 75, 76 & 85(5)---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), O.VIII, R.2---Contract
Act (IX, of 1872), S.215---Specific Relief Act (I of 1877)---S.42---Suit for
declaration -- Document, proof of ---Pleadings-- Payment---Agent's duty to
communicate---Plaintiffs in suit for declaration had challenged the appointment
of general attorney and consequent sale made by him---Defendants had
controverted the plaintiffs---Suit was decreed by the Trial Court, but Appellate
Court dismissed the same---Validity---Original document (general power of
attorney) was not produced---Defendants had to prove the document by
primary evidence---Document had gone out of the pale, of public documents as
per Article. 85(5) of the Qariun-e-Shahadat, 1984---One of the plaintiffs who
appeared in the witness-box was not confronted with the document said to have
been executed by him---Payment allegedly made before the execution of power
of attorney was not pleaded in written statement---One of the principals of the
power of attorney had died before the sale---Alleged sale was effected in the
names of sons of the attorney which required consent of the principal---
Appellate Court had acted with material irregularity in exercise of his
jurisdiction---Judgment and decree passed by the Appellate Court were set
aside and those of Trial Court were restored in circumstances.
--S. 60---Specific Relief Act, (I of 1877), Ss.42 & 55---Suit for declaration and
permanent injunction---Licence, revocation of ---Not all and every licence are
revocable---Section 60, Easements Act, 1882 provides exception to this general
rule---Licence is irrevocable only in cases where it is coupled with interest or
where a licensee has raised construction of a permanent nature---
Plaintiff/licensee, in the present case, acting upon the licence had executed
work of permanent character and incurred expenses in the execution ---Plaintiff
on the representation made in the licence had installed C.N.G. filling station
and incurred substantial expenditure---Held, it would be wholly unfair, that the
licenser be clothed with arbitrary authority to terminate the licence at his
whims, against specified grounds to seek revocation as provided for in the
termination of agreement clause---Incurring of substantial expenses would not
be feasible for a shorter term of five years---Unless the licensee was allowed to
exploit the licence for the full stretch of 15 years as agreed upon, licensee would
suffer irreparable loss as against the licenser who would not suffer any loss---
Page No. 26 of 61
Application of plaintiff/licensee for grant of injunction was allowed in
circumstances.
Page No. 27 of 61
case the alleged buyer was the beneficiary who failed to discharge the same---
Other defendant having no authority in law either to approach the Housing
Authority to collect the original Transfer Order to sell the plot by presenting
himself as attorney of the plaintiff, the transfer made by the Housing Authority
in favour of the alleged buyer was unauthorized---High Court decreed the suit
accordingly.
---Ss. 8, 39 & 42---Limitation Act (IX of 1908), Arts. 91, 95 & 120---Suit for
declaration , possession and cancellation of "Aaknama "---Limitation---Plaintiff
along with others had claimed that she being daughter of the deceased original
owner of suit-land was entitled to her share from the land of deceased as one of
Page No. 28 of 61
her legal heirs--Defendants, who were other legal heirs of the deceased, had
denied claim of plaintiff on basis of alleged "Aaknama" or letter of
disinheritance, allegedly executed by deceased in favour of defendants and
against the plaintiff --Defendants on the basis of said Aaknama, got sanctioned
a mutation in their favour excluding the plaintiff and defendant on the basis of
said mutations further transferred the suit-land through different gift-deeds---
Plaintiff filed suit for possession of her legal share, declaration and cancellation
of alleged Aaknama and further transactions on basis thereat --Not only
defendants, but also Trial Court and Appellate Court had accepted the facts
that plaintiff was in fact legal heir of deceased original owner and was owner of
suit-land to the extent of her share per law of Inheritance, but plaintiff was
non-suited by both Courts below on the basis of alleged 'Aaknama' and on the
ground - of limitation as the alleged Aaknama was executed in 1956 and suit
was filed in 1996 after forty years of its execution ---Alleged Aaknama was a
settlement to disinherit a legal heir of deceased, which was not recognized by
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 or Registration Act, 1908---Muslim owner could
validly transfer his property only through modes recognized by law and not
otherwise---Alleged Aaknama, in circumstances was ab initio void document
and would not create title of ownership in favour of defendants---In order to
deprive a Muslim owner of his legitimate right to a joint estate left by original
owner, it was enjoined upon the Courts to satisfy themselves about the fact that
claimant/plaintiff was having knowledge about transactions depriving her of
the right---Personal knowledge of f plaintiff was required to be proved in the
case... Conclusion arrived at by Courts below was nothing, but a result of
surmises, conjectures, suppositions and presumptions as Courts had failed to
satisfy themselves about personal knowledge of plaintiff with regard to
execution of alleged Aaknama and further transactions on basis thereof ---
Plaintiff came to know all that matter in 1996 when she asked for her share in
property---Suit filed by plaintiff was within time and could not be held time-
barred--Concurrent judgments and decrees of Courts below were set aside and
alleged Aaknama and all transactions made thereafter were declared to be
Ineffective and Inoperative on the rights of plaintiff in respect of estate left by
her deceased father.
Page No. 29 of 61
was not executed, vendor would repurchase property, would not be sufficient to
hold agreement to sell as mortgage-deed---Stamp paper of said document had
been purchased by predecessor of defendant for execution of agreement to sell,
price mentioned therein had been duly paid by defendant and was received by
vendor as per certificate of Sub-Registrar---Defendant had fully proved that
document in question was agreement to sell and that he was in continuous
possession of land on basis of said document, which fact had not been
controverted by other side---Both Courts below had not appreciated and
interpreted document in question in a legal manner---Impugned judgments and
decrees of Courts below were set aside in second appeal and suit filed by
plaintiffs was dismissed.
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Page No. 30 of 61
Citation Name : 2004 SCMR 513 SUPREME-COURT
Side Appellant : ZULFIQAR ALI
Side Opponent : GHULAM RASOOL
Page No. 31 of 61
Citation Name : 2004 SCMR 1059 SUPREME-COURT
Side Appellant : ABDUL GHANI
Side Opponent : KHALIL AHMAD
Page No. 32 of 61
Citation Name : 2004 PLD 471 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : NOOR SHAH GULL KHAN
Side Opponent : HAZRAT GULL KHAN
----Ss. 42 & 54---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.54--Contract Act (IX
of 1872), S.2(h)---Suit for declaration of title and permanent injunction---
Agreement to sell---Defendant claimed to be in possession of half of suit land
under agreement to sell by plaintiff--Courts below concurrently decreed suit---
Validity---Plaintiff had proved his title to entire land by producing registered
sale-deed---Agreement to sell would not create any title-- -Defendant being
beneficiary of alleged agreement had to prove sale transaction incorporated
therein---execution of agreement to sell by plaintiff had not been proved---
Alleged agreement prepared two decades back had never seen maturity in form
of sale-deed---.Marginal witnesses of agreement were close relatives of
defendant---Statements of defendant's witnesses were self contradictory and
opposed to agreement---
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Page No. 33 of 61
Copyright Oratier Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd.
----S. 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.122 & 123---Suit for
declaration ---execution of gift, proof of --Plaintiffs had claimed that they were
owners of suit-land according to their shares being legal heirs of its original
owner and that mutation of alleged gift got sanctioned by the defendants in
their favour was based on fraud and being illegal was liable to be set aside--
Plaintiff, had further alleged that subsequent transfer by defendants through
mutation to other defendant was also illegal---Plaintiffs had alleged that their
predecessor had handed over the possession of suit-land to the defendants as
tenants who had been paying the plaintiff's share of produce up to 1994, but
later on, they refused to give plaintiff share of produce and denied ownership of
plaintiffs with regard to the suit-land and with connivance of Revenue Staff got
sanctioned gift mutation in their favour--Trial Court dismissed the suit, but
Appellate Court set aside the judgment and decree of Trial Court--
----S. 42---Qanun-e-Shahadat (10 of 1984), Arts. 17, 79, 117 & 120---Civil
Procedure Code (V of 1908), S.115---Suit for declaration --execution of
document---Onus to prove---Principles---Concurrent findings of facts by the
Courts below---Revisional jurisdiction of High Court, exercise of ---Plaintiff
asserted that power of attorney executed by defendant in favour of plaintiff was
not void as the defendant was major at the time of its execution ---Both the
Courts below concurrently found the defendant as minor and dismissed the suit
as well as appeal filed by the plaintiff---Validity---When defendant denied
execution of document, the onus shifted to plaintiff to prove the same in
accordance with the provisions of Arts.17 and 79 of Qanun-e-Shahadat, 1984---
Both the Courts below had given concurrent findings of fact against plaintiff
after proper appreciation of evidence---
Page No. 34 of 61
Citation Name : 2004 MLD 875 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : SHOUKAT ALI and others
Side Opponent : MUHAMMAD ANWAR and others
----S. 42---Transfer of Property Act (IV of 1882), Ss.53-A, 54 & 55--Suit for
declaration ---Sale of property, proof of ---Plaintiffs had claimed that suit
property owned by defendants was sold out to plaintiffs through agreement of
sale on consideration and that possession was delivered to plaintiffs---
Defendants in their written statement had totally denied having entered into
agreement of sale with plaintiffs and having received any money or to have
delivered possession to the plaintiffs---Plaintiffs could not prove execution of
alleged sale agreement in their favour by any evidence and also could not prove
matter of taking possession of suit-land which was lying vacant---No
construction was made on suit-land and there was no boundary wall which
could hardly make out a case of delivery of possession and part performance of
alleged agreement of sale---Plaintiffs having failed to prove execution of
agreement of sale in their favour and taking possession of suit property, Trial
Court had rightly dismissed suit and Appellate Court was not justified to set
aside judgment and decree of Trial Court.
----S. 42---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), Ss. 51, 151 & O.XXI, Rr. 32, 37,
43 & 54---Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Art. 199---Constitutional petition---
Suit for declaration ---execution of decree---Suit in the post remand
proceedings was again decreed and decree was drawn accordingly in favour of
the plaintiff--Defendant un- -successfully challenged such judgment and decree
passed against it before Appellate Court, revisional Court and finally before the
Supreme Court---Validity of such decree could not be re-examined with
reference to the contentions raised in Constitutional petition at a belated
stage---Suit of plaintiff was decreed in full as per prayers made in the plaint---
Contention that there being ambiguity in the decree, benefit of such
ambiguity/doubt should be given to defendant, was repelled, in circumstances
Page No. 35 of 61
---Mere non-mentioning of the words "as prayed" in the judgment, would not
denote that suit was partly decreed---
---S. 42---Suit for declaration to the effect that the plaintiff was in possession
of agricultural property and a house, as his gifted property and the defendant
had no right to deny the ownership and possession of the plaintiff and if the
defendant was in possession of any documents regarding the property
mentioned in the list with the plaint, then the same were forged and fictitious
and ineffective upon the rights of the plaintiff---Both the Courts below had
concluded that the plaintiff had produced sufficient evidence in support of the
execution of the alleged gift deeds whereas the defendant could not produce
such type of evidence as the witnesses were not only related to the defendant
Page No. 36 of 61
but the number of witnesses was also insufficient--Courts below laid much
stress on the production of witnesses in support of gift deeds but ignored to
assess the evidentiary value in the light of necessary ingredients such as
possession of the alleged gifted property---Evidence of both the parties rested
only on the point of execution of the gift deeds and not on possession---
Evidence showed that possession had not been delivered to the plaintiff---
Validity---Relationship of witnesses with the defendant was no disqualification
and only two witnesses were sufficient for the purpose of a document---Number
of witnesses produced by the parties, therefore, could not be compared for
arriving at a just conclusion, as it was the quality of evidence to be appreciated
by the Courts in such-like cases---If the witnesses produced by the defendant
were related, the evidence of plaintiff also showed that his witnesses were also
related to him, and therefore, two different yardsticks were not required to be
applied while appreciating the evidence of both the parties---High Court, set
aside the impugned judgments and decrees of the Courts below and it was
declared that the plaintiff had not proved the execution of the gift deeds in his
favour, hence the property of the deceased being joint between the parties
would be distributed amongst the legal heirs of the deceased in accordance with
"Sharai" shares of the parties.
Page No. 37 of 61
and on his undertaking the suit was disposed of ---Contention of the defendant
was upheld in circumstances.
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Page No. 38 of 61
favour---Plaintiffs had claimed that transferee of suit-land had earlier in time
executed an agreement of sale in respect of suit-land in their favour after
receiving earnest money--Plaintiffs had also claimed that they were in
possession of suit-land at the time of sale-deed allegedly executed by transferee
in favour of defendant, thus defendant was put to notice of their interest in
suitland---Plaintiffs had contented that defendant could not claim to be a bona
fide purchaser of suit-land for valuable consideration without notice of the prior
right of plaintiffs who had purchased suit-land earlier to the defendant---Courts
below concurrently decreed suit by plaintiffs--Validity---Alleged agreement of
sale executed in favour of plaintiffs was witnessed by two marginal witnesses,
but only one appeared in the Court and no explanation had been given for not
producing the other marginal witness---Requirements of Art.79 of Qanun-e-
Shahadat, 1984 having not been complied with, alleged agreement of sale could
not be relied upon as evidence---Witness produced as marginal witness also did
not qualify as a marginal witness as there was difference in statement of said
witness and the plaintiffs with regard to amount of consideration---Stamp paper
for alleged agreement was purchased two years prior to execution of agreement
and said stamp paper proved to have been purchased for other person and
names of parties were forged therein---Such circumstance had clearly
undermined the authenticity of the alleged agreement of sale--Courts below
were not legally justified in placing reliance on statement of original transferee
of suit-land who resiled subsequently from his statement made in his written
statement---Courts were not legally justified to decree the suit in view of such
discrepancy--Courts having acted with material irregularity in exercise of their
jurisdiction, concurrent judgment of Courts was set aside by High Court, in
exercise of its revisional jurisdiction.
Specific Relief Act 1877 ----Ss. 39 & 42---Limitation Act (IX of 1908), Art.144---
Suit for declaration and cancellation of gift deed made by donor (mother) in
favour of defendant (her son) excluding plaintiff (her daughter)---Suit was
dismissed by Trial Court, but decreed by the Appellate Court--Validity---Donor
was an old, ailing and illiterate lady, who died after few months of alleged gift---
Not proved on record that contents of gift deed were read out to donor and she
after hearing and understanding its contents had admitted correctness thereof
---Original gift deed placed on record during pendency of revision petition before
High Court contained thumb-impressions of donor at four places and each
thumb-impression appeared to be different to naked eye---Perhaps for such
reason only attested photo copy of gift deed had been exhibited in evidence in
which thumb-impressions were not clear for purpose of comparison---Such
exhibit was a suspect document and Appellate Court had rightly not relied
upon the same and had rightly reversed findings of Trial Court--Donor (mother)
had no knowledge about real nature of document got prepared by defendant,
rather she was duped and her thumb-impression had been obtained through
misrepresentation---Donor had never consciously made the gift of property in.
favour of defendant--Mere signatures or thumb-impressions on a deed were not
sufficient to prove execution thereof in each and every case without regard to its
peculiar facts and circumstances---Plaintiff had bona fidely believed that she
was a co-sharer in inheritance left by her mother and waited for about eleven
years in the hope that she would be given her share, but on being disappointed,
she ultimately filed suit against the defendant.
Page No. 39 of 61
Side Appellant : AKHTAR HUSSAIN
Side Opponent : COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS (APPRAISEMENT), CUSTOMS
HOUSE, KARACHI
Page No. 40 of 61
Side Opponent : KARACHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Page No. 41 of 61
Citation Name : 2002 SCMR 761 SUPREME-COURT
Side Appellant : MUHAMMAD RAFIQUE
Side Opponent : MUHAMMAD ISMAIL
Page No. 42 of 61
rights of suit land by allottee in year 1971 was brought on record---Sale
through unregistered sale-deeds in favour of plaintiffs being not suffering from
any legal defect would create a valid title in their favour in suit land, which
could not be denied for mere fact that defendants were in possession of
registered sale-deed- --Concurrent findings of fact regarding ownership of
property being not suffering from any legal or factual infirmity could not be
interfered with by invoking the provisions of S.19 of Colonization of Government
Lands (Punjab) Act, 1912---Sale in favour of the plaintiffs, . in the given facts
and nature of dispute between the parties, would not be hit by S.19 of the
Act---Supreme Court dismissed the appeal in circumstances.
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Page No. 43 of 61
Citation Name : 2002 YLR 3491 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : MUHAMMAD ASHRAF
Side Opponent : MUHAMMAD BASHIR
Page No. 44 of 61
plaintiffs in Court was in line with plaint---Said plaintiff though was cross-
examined, but she was not at all confronted with disputed power of attorney--
Finding of Trial Court that execution of power of attorney was proved by
defendants, could not sustain---execution of alleged power of attorney having
not been proved all subsequent ,transaction based on same were void.
Page No. 45 of 61
stood established that ever since execution of agreement to question,
defendants were in possession of land in dispute, they had paid entire price of
land in instalments and that they were paying land revenue thereof , such
conduct of parties could make a prudent man to act on supposition that
agreement had been entered into, and was performed by defendants---Courts
below, in circumstances, had rightly dismissed suit for declaration and it could
not, in circumstances, be said that said Courts had misread or had failed to
read evidence on record properly---Concurrent findings of Courts below could
not be interfered with by High Court, in circumstances.
Page No. 46 of 61
Citation Name : 2002 MLD 1002 LAHORE-HIGH-COURT-LAHORE
Side Appellant : MUHAMMAD SHARIF
Side Opponent : Mst. SARDARAN BIBI
Specific Relief Act 1877 ----Ss. 39, 42 & 54---Qanun-e-Shahadat (10 of 1984),
Arts. 17(2) & 79---Suit for declaration , permanent injunction and cancellation
of agreement to sell---Claim of plaintiff/was that Iqrarnama regarding sale of
plot in question was forged and fictitious---Trial Court dismissed suit, but on
appeal Appellate Court set aside judgment of Trial Court and decreed the suit---
Plaintiff who appeared as his own witness had failed to discharge onus of issue
relating to falsehood of Iqrarnama which otherwise was duly proved through
evidence of its marginal witness--Evidence on record had fully proved that
plaintiff had made general power of attorney in favour of brother of
defendant/vendee on the same date when agreement (Iqrarnama) to sell plot in
question was executed by her in favour of defendant/vendee and plaintiff had
admitted that she had thumb-marked blank papers on advice of brother of
vendee in whose favour general power of attorney was got registered by
plaintiff--Evidence of defendant/vendee and attesting witness was consistent,
coherent, reasonable and confidence-inspiring---Said witnesses fully proved
execution of valid agreement of sale, receipt of amount of consideration by
plaintiff/vendor and handing over possession of plot to defendant---Appellate
Court set aside judgment of Trial Court simply on ground that production of
only one attesting witness was insufficient to prove Iqrarnama and that at least
two attesting witnesses should have been produced---Agreement to sell was not
required to be attested by witnesses under Art.79 of Qanun-e-Shahadat,
1984---Production of two marginal witnesses or scribe in circumstances, was
not necessary--Judgment and decree passed by Appellate Court being - not
based on evidence on record and having been passed by misinterpreting law;
were set aside in revision by High Court upholding judgment and decree of Trial
Court.
Page No. 47 of 61
Service Tribunals Act 1974 ---S.4--Appeal--Maintainability---Civil servant
aggrieved of his date of birth as recorded in his service record, filed declaratory
suit and before his retirement obtained decree from Civil Court with the
declaration of his date of birth as claimed by him--Said decree was upheld by
Appellate Court as well as the High Court to which Authorities continuously
remained reluctant to comply with---Decree passed in favour of civil servant
could be got enforced and executed according to procedure laid down in Civil
Procedure Code in that respect, but civil servant instead of getting decree
enforced and executed from competent Civil Court, through execution
proceedings. had invoked jurisdiction of Service Tribunal under S.4 of Service
Tribunals Act, 1973---Jurisdiction of Service Tribunal was limited within the
parameter laid down under the law and it could not exercise jurisdiction which
was not vested in it under the statute and could not assume the powers for the
execution of the decree or order passed by Civil Court--In case of
noncompliance by the Authorities regarding declared date of birth of Civil
Servant by Civil Court, he could press into service the provisions of law
provided under Civil Procedure Code in this behalf, but appeal before Service
Tribunal was not maintainable under law and facts
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Page No. 48 of 61
purpose i.e. a Mosque, such land would be deemed to be a waqf---In a suit for
declaration with or without consequential relief , that a property was Waqf
property, filed against a person vested therewith in trust as Matwalli or
otherwise or against his legal representatives, question of limitation did not
arise and such suit was not barred by any length of time---Such was the import
of S.10 of Limitation Act, 1908, therefore, in the facts and circumstances of the
case, the suit filed by plaintiffs was not barred by limitation---High Court
declined to interfere in the concurrent judgments passed by the two Courts
below---Revision was dismissed in circumstances.
---S. 42---Suit for declaration ---Plaintiff lady had claimed to be the owner in
possession of the suit property and had challenged the sale-deed in favour of'
defendants, primarily on the ground of fraud between defendants, her husband
and manager of her husband---Plaintiff through her evidence, had failed to
prove her possession over the suit property; only oral, unsubstantiated and
uncorroborated statements had been made by the witnesses who were cousin,
tenant in the same mauza, but not the cultivator of the suit-land and her
attorney---Said witnesses had made very brief and sketchy depositions about
the plaintiff's possession over the suit-land---No details or the particulars about
the possession had been given, though the attorney of the plaintiff had stated
as witness that plaintiff's possession was through the tenants, but without
specifying their names and the terns of lease/tenancy---Said witnesses, when
subjected to the cross-examination by the defendants, had not been able to
sustain their assertions and plaintiff had deliberately omitted to produce any
Page No. 49 of 61
Revenue Record i.e. the Jamanbandies for the relevant period or the Khasra
Girdawari to establish either her physical or the possession through the
tenants---No proof of the payment of the land revenue was given by the plaintiff
and it was not established as to who were the tenants cultivating the land from
whom the defendants demanded the share of produce as alleged in the plaint---
Neither any tenant, who was cultivating the land under the plaintiff had been
examined nor any lease/tenancy agreement in that regard had been produced
by the plaintiff---Plaintiff had only led oral evidence, which was inadequate and
hardly proved her possession---Possession of defendants, on the other hand,
stood satisfactorily proved---Record convincingly established that the
possession of the property and assertion of plaintiff in that behalf, remained
unsubstantiated---Findings of' the Appellate Court, which were contrary to all
such aspects of the case, were the result of misreading and non-reading of the
evidence and could not be sustained and thus were set aside by the High
Court---Plaintiff having not sought the relief ' of possession, resultantly, her
suit was also bad on account of the proviso to S.42, Specific relief Act, 1877,
which was an essential consequential relief , but was not claimed by plaintiff.
----S. 12(2)---Specific relief Act (I of 1877), Ss.8 & 42---Transfer of Property Act
(IV of 1882), S.41---Suit for declaration ---Compromise/consent decree based
on fraud and misrepresentation---Application under S.12(2), C.P.C.---
Maintainability---Plaintiff, the alleged vendee of suit property without
impleading the purchaser of property in question, filed a declaratory suit
against the seller wherein a consent decree was passed in favour of plaintiff---
On basis of said consent decree another declaratory suit was filed by plaintiff
against the said purchaser/defendant which was rightly dismissed because
said consent decree was of collusive nature as no explanation was available on
record for extra ordinary circumstances whereunder seller, who had himself
purchased disputed property for a sum of Rs.75000/- four years later to have
sold\ the same property for Rs.22000/- only, to plaintiff---Defendant's
application for setting aside said consent decree, therefore was maintainable
while his' failure' to mention in written statement of some earlier agreement
entered into between defendant and plaintiff was inconsequential ---Defendant
had been proved in possession of suit property for the last six years whereas
plaintiff had failed to explain as to why he had taken no action against
defendant to recover the possession or to assert his rights in disputed property
for a period of six years--Plaintiff, in circumstances, could not be treated as a
bona fide purchaser of property in question.
---Ss. 42---Suit for declaration to the effect that the plaintiff was owner of the
property---Trial Court dismissed the suit in the first round of litigation while the
Appellate Court accepting the appeal set aside the judgment and decree of the
Trial Court and remanded the case with direction to decide the case afresh
allowing the parties to seek amendment and adduce additional evidence---Both
the parties did not produce any additional evidence (oral or documentary)---
Trial Court dismissed the suit after remand mainly, on the ground that suit for
declaration without seeking relief of possession was not maintainable---
Judgment and decree of the Trial Court was upheld by the Appellate Court---
Page No. 50 of 61
Contention of the plaintiffs was that valuable rights of the plaintiffs, could not
be knocked out; on technical grounds and if the plaintiffs had not claimed the
relief of possession, it was open to the Court to allow the plaintiffs to amend the
plaint by adding prayer of possession---Validity---Held, plaintiffs were provided
ample opportunity to amend the plaint but the same was not availed--Plaintiffs,
even after the remand failed to avail the opportunity to amend the suit despite
clear direction of the Appellate Court--Plaintiffs having not sought amendment
in the pleadings even at subsequent stage, had thus abandoned the right of
possession---Suit for declaration without consequential relief of possession was
not maintainable---Plaintiff was certainly out of possession of the suit property
and mere declaration without seeking the possession was not competent.
Page No. 51 of 61
----Ss. 42 & 54---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), S.11 & O.VII, R.11---Sindh
Public Property (Removal of Encroachments) Act (V of 1975), Ss.3, 9, 11, 12 &
13---Suit for declaration , injunction and damages---Initiation of proceedings
under S.3 of Sindh Public Property (Removal of Encroachments) Act, 1975 for
eviction of plaintiff from disputed land---Plaintiff first filed Constitutional
petition, and after its dismissal filed petition before Supreme Court, but
withdrew the same--Plaintiff thereafter filed the present suit---Defendant sought
rejection of plaint on the ground that suit was hit by S.11, C.P.C. and thus was
barred by law---Plaintiff's plea was that since the suit was also for damages,
plaint was not liable to be rejected under O. VII, R.11, C.P.C.---Validity---relief
for damages in itself was not a new cause of action, but a consequential relief
---Unless and until plaintiff first established his right over the disputed land, he
could not claim damages---If plaintiff failed to establish his claim over disputed
land, his claim for damages would evaporate in the air---After dismissal of
Constitutional petition and petition for leave to appeal before the Supreme
Court, plaintiff could not claim any title or interest in the disputed land---Suit
was, thus, hit by principles of res judicata---without first availing remedy of
appeal before Tribunal as envisaged under S.12, Sindh Public Property
(Removal of Encroachments) Act, 1975, suit being premature was hit by
Ss.9,_11 & 13 of the said Act and barred by principle laid down in Tariq
Transport Company's case PLD 1958 SC (Pak.) 437---High Court rejected the
plaint under O. VII, R.11, C:P.C.
----Ss.42 & 54---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), O.XXXIX, Rr.1 & 2---Suit for
declaration and perpetual injunction---Grant of stay order, application for---
Plaintiff filed suit seeking declaration that he was owner of suit property and
that defendant had got no concern with the same--Plaintiff by way of
consequential relief had also sought perpetual injunction against the
defendant---Stay application was also moved by plaintiff which was accepted by
Trial Court, but was dismissed by Appellate Court---Plaintiff was inducted in
suit property as a tenant by defendant and defendant by filing ejectment
application against plaintiff had got ejectment order which order had attained
finality as it was not challenged by plaintiff before any higher forum----Plaintiff
being tenant under defendant could not challenge title of defendant (landlord)
without first surrendering possession to the defendant---Plaintiff could hardly
be deemed to possess a prima facie case for grant of interim injunction--Stay
application filed by plaintiff was rightly dismissed by Appellate Court---
Conclusion arrived at by Appellate Court being based on sound and plausible
reasons, interference of High Court was not warranted.
Specific relief Act 1877 ----S.42---Suit for declaration with consequential relief
on the basis that plaintiff was owner in possession as co-sharer of the suit-land
without partition and other co-sharers were not entitled to interfere in his
possession over the suit-land and that the sale of shares by other co-sharers in
favour of the defendant was in excess of their shares--validity---Both the Courts
below had given issue-wise findings that the plaintiff was in possession of
specified land as co-sharer and owner---Plaintiff had failed to prove that other
co-sharers had sold land to the defendant in excess of their shares---Both the
Page No. 52 of 61
Courts below after discussing the evidence had come to the conclusion that the
plaintiff could be declared as co-sharer in respect of specified portion of land as
joint Khata had never been partitioned---No declaration , in circumstances,
could be made against the co-sharers and as tire Khata had never been
partitioned, every co-sharer shall be considered as owner in possession of the
suit property---Concurrent findings based on facts and evidence on record by
both the Courts were not interfered with by the High Court
1| 2|
Specific relief Act 1877 ----Ss. 54 & 42---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), O.
VI, R.17 & O.XIV, Rr. 1 & 5---Suit for injunction---Amendment of plaint to
include relief of declaration --- Plaintiff claiming to be co-sharer in disputed
shop filed suit for injunction to restrain defendant from dispossessing him
without due process of law---Defendant denied that plaintiff had any title, right
or interest in disputed shop--Trial Court dismissed suit as not maintainable on
the ground that as title of plaintiff was disputed, he should have filed suit for
declaration of his title and share in disputed shop---Appellate Court accepted
appeal filed by plaintiff and allowed him to amend the plaint---Defendant's
contention was that amendment had changed the complexion of suit from suit
for injunction to suit for declaration and injunction--Validity---Plaintiff had
prayed for injunction on the basis of his right of ownership in disputed shop,
which fact had been specifically denied by defendant in written statement---
Real controversy in suit was ownership of disputed shop---Injunction based on
such right could not be granted without deciding the point of ownership--Trial
Court ought to have framed issue in that respect as required by O. XIV, R.1, C.
P. C. --If ownership rights of plaintiff were taken out, then only prayer for
injunction as a consequential relief would fail---When Trial Court came to the
above conclusion during course of writing judgment, then under O. XIV, R. 5,
C. P. C. , the Court should have framed additional issue on such point before
pronouncing judgment and would have decided the same in accordance with
Page No. 53 of 61
law--No new cause of action had been introduced as real controversy between
parties was with regard to ownership of the shop---Relevant documents had
already been produced and parties had led evidence on such point to some
extent, thus, no new case had been introduced and no prejudice had been
caused to defendant in allowing amendment--Appellate Court was justified in
allowing amendment---No illegality or irregularity was found in impugned order
-warranting any interference---High Court dismissed revision petition in
circumstances.
----S. 42---Limitation Act (IX of 1908), Arts. 120 & 142---Civil Procedure Code
(V of 1908), O.VII, R.11---Suit for declaration of ownership and possession---
Rejection of plaint being time-barred--Plaintiff claimed transfer of shop in his
favour as nominee of his deceased brother, while defendant being daughter of
deceased asked for its transfer to her as heir of deceased-- -Housing Society
gave award in favour of defendant, over which plaintiff filed such suit---Trial
Court on application filed by defendant under O.VII, R.11, C.P.C., rejected
plaint being time-barred---Appellate Court set aside such order--Validity--Main
claim of plaintiff was of ownership and claim for possession was merely
consequential relief ---Until right to possession was established, no question of
allowing relief of possession would arise---Limitation period for filing suit for
declaration of ownership of disputed shop would be governed by Art. 120 of
Limitation Act, 1908 providing six years from the date when right to sue
accrued---Right to sue had accrued to the plaintiff on 27-1-1969, when his
brother died or on 19-3-1969 when---Society refused to transfer shop in his
favour on basis of inheritance or further on 25-3-1969, when Society asked for
production of Letter of Administration and finally on 27-3-1969, when
possession of shop was transferred to defendant---Plaintiff had himself claimed
in plaint that cause of action had accrued to him on 25-3-1969---Suit filed by
plaintiff in year 1991, thus, was hopelessly-time-barred---Appellate Court
without examining contents of plaint or discussing its effect had decided matter
merely on basis of case-law without at all examining whether such case-law
was applicable to the facts of the case or not---High Court accepted revision
petition, set aside impugned judgment and restored that of trial Court.
Page No. 54 of 61
1| 2|
Court Fees Act 1870 ----S. 7(iv)(c) & (v)(d)---Specific relief Act (I of 1877), S.
42---Court Fees payable on suit for declaration and consequential relief of
possession---Where plaintiff could not ask for main relief viz. possession
without asking for a declaration , such suit would be one for declaration with
consequential relief for possession---Suit in such a case would be covered by
provision of S.7(iv)(c) and not by S.7(v)(d), Court Fees Act, 1870----Where,
however, it was proved that without seeking declaration , plaintiff was entitled
to seek relief of possession then suit would be covered by provision of S.7(v)(d),
Court Fees Act, 1870---Where from the nature of the suit, consequential relief
could be allowed only when plaintiff through declaration from competent Court
had succeeded in removing any other obstacle then in such like cases,
declaration would be the legal necessity for obtaining the real relief from the
Court.
Page No. 55 of 61
rights--Suit would fall under S.7(ii)(c), Court Fees Act--Plaintiff having an
absolute discretion to put his own valuation on relief claimed by him, Trial
Court had no authority to question valuation howsoever arbitrary might be--No
exception could be taken to valuation for purposes of court-fee fixed by
plaintiff--Court by requiring plaintiff to pay a certain court-fee, held flouted
mandatory provisions of S.7(iv)(c).
Specific relief Act 1877 --S. 42--Suit for declaration --consequential relief how
granted--Where consequential relief flows from the main relief , plaintiff, held,
could not be denied such relief even if he had omitted to ask for the same--
Where plaintiff was found to be bona fide allottee of plot, second allotment
thereof being without jurisdiction, plaintiff would be entitled to consequential
relief by restoration of possession of plot to him.
Court Fees Act 1870 S. 7 (xii) read with Sch. II, Art. 17 - Declaratory suit -
Plaintiff alleging that the order terminating his services, being against law and
Police rules, was void and inoperative and he continues to hold his post-Suit,
held, one for declaration only, without any prayer for consequential relief
-Plaintiff entitled to fix any value for purposes of jurisdiction.
Page No. 56 of 61
Citation Name : 1962 PLD 557 DHAKA-HIGH-COURT
Side Appellant : THE PROVINCE OF EAST PAKISTAN
Side Opponent : MIR GOLAM SARWAR
Court Fees Act 1870 -----S. 7 (iv) (c) and Sch. II; Art. 17 (iii)- Declaratory suit-
Averments in plaint to be taken as a whole to determine whether suit is with, or
without consequential relief , though relief clause is couched in simple
declaratory form--Suit for declaration that decree was obtained by fraud
involving setting aside of decree-Suit, held to be one for declaration with
consequential relief -Suit falls within purview of S. 7 (iv) (c).
1| 2| 3|
Page No. 57 of 61
---Ss. 42 & 55---Pakistan (Administration of Evacuee Property) Act (XII of
1957), S.10(3) (b)---Punjab Development of Damaged Areas Act (XIV of 1952),
S.6---suit for declaration relating to entitlement of plot which included evacuee
property---Dismissal of suit and appeal---Contention of plaintiffs was that
Courts below proceeded on erroneous legal and factual premises while deciding
the case---Property in dispute had been acquired by Development Authority
with approval of Federal Government for purpose of implementing a Scheme
sanctioned by Provincial Government under section 6, Punjab Development of
Damaged Areas Act, 1952---Validity---Record showed that disputed property
was exempted in favour of plaintiffs vide registered agreements to sell---Transfer
of such property to defendants by Rehabilitation Authority under Pakistan
(Administration of Evacuee Property) Act, 1957 was illegal---Observation of
Appellate Court, that an agreement to sell alone did not create any right in
favour of plaintiffs unless a sale-deed was executed in their favour, was not
proper as father of plaintiff had paid entire amount due to the Development
Authority in 1964---execution of a sale-deed was a mere ministerial act and did
not, in any manner, deprive plaintiffs of their right in disputed property---Only
the Development Authority had right to raise such contention but it had not
taken any objection on that score---Development Authority having
acknowledged, that the title in disputed plot vested in plaintiffs there was no
need for plaintiffs to seek specific performance of agreement to sell against the
Development Authority nor the suit for declaration filed by plaintiffs was time-
bar red but Appellate Court wrongly found that plaintiffs were obliged to file a
suit for specific performance instead of declaration and that declaratory suit
filed by plaintiffs was time bar red---When testimony of the functionary of
Development Authority was that disputed plot was included in the Scheme,
Courts below wrongly found that there was no documentary evidence to prove
that the disputed plot was included in the Scheme.
Page No. 58 of 61
obligations of the parties relating to the property forming the basis of the claim
sought to be enforced, it was a decree declaratory in nature---Parties, in the
present case, in the compromise decree, had settled the terms and conditions of
compromise and after specifying the survey number and areas, which was to be
held by each party, it had been agreed that after passing of decree the record
shall be prepared accordingly and Mukhtiarkar of the District was a party to
the compromise decree---When there was a specific condition in the
compromise and the compromise decree had been passed in pursuance of the
terms and conditions agreed between the parties containing the condition that
the record shall be prepared accordingly, it was not a decree declaratory in
nature simpliciter and therefore, if Mukhtiarkar being a party to the
compromise decree had refused to act according to the compromise, the decree
holders ought to have approached Civil Court for the execution of the decree---If
there was no dispute about the title of the land, in that case the Revenue
Authorities had no jurisdiction to refuse the mutation in accordance with a
decree of Civil Court on the ground that the suit was bar red by time or decree
had become bar red by time or the decree passed by the Civil Court was not in
accordance with the law---If, however, the decree was not capable of execution :
for the reason that it was between the parties who had no right in law to enter
into compromise in respect of the properties, for the reason that they were not
owners of the properties, the Revenue Authorities were justified in not mutating
the record depriving the persons, who were not party to the decree, of their
valuable rights and were shown as owners in the record of rights---Such
'questions could be decided by the Civil Court and particularly the point that
the persons, in whose names the lands were mutated in the record of rights,
were bound by the compromise decree being successors-ininterest of the parties
to the compromise---All such questions could not be decided in the
constitutional petition by the High Court and therefore, the petitioners may
pursue a remedy through Civil Court seeking clarifications on all such points as
well as execution of decree---Constitutional petition was disposed of in the said
terms by- the High Court.
Page No. 59 of 61
findings of the two Courts subordinate, to the High Court on this specific issue,
was not liable to be disturbed by the High Court--Principles.
---Ss. 39 & 42---Civil Procedure Code (V of 1908), O.XIV, Rr. 2 & 4---
Constitution of Pakistan (1973), Art.199---Constitutional petition---Preliminary
issues, deciding of --declaratory suit ---Failure to seek cancellation of sale-
deed---Petitioners denied execution of disputed sale-deeds and alleged the same
as a result of fraud and forgery---suit was filed by the petitioners when their
tenants informed that the respondents were taking steps to dispossess the
tenants---Petitioners denied execution of sale-deeds in favour of the
respondents in the plaint---Contention of the respondents was that the suit was
time-bar red and was not maintainable as cancellation of document was not
sought---Preliminary issues were framed on the basis of plea of limitation---
Trial Court found the issues in favour of the petitioners whereas Appellate
Court in exercise of revisional jurisdiction reversed the finding on the issues
and dismissed the suit ---Validity---Petitioners need not to get the sale-deeds
cancelled because if it was proved that the sale deeds were not executed then
the same would be void and declared as such---Even if the conclusion of the
Appellate Court that the petitioners were aware of the sales was deemed to be
correct, even then the suit could not be said to be bar red by time--Preliminary
issues could not have been decided in the present case without recording
evidence on the merits of the case set up by the parties as to existence and
validity of the sale-deeds impugned in the suit ---Appellate Court while
proceeding to decide revision petition had almost decided the question of fact
involving merits of the case---Where the evidence as to the execution or non-
execution of the documents, their validity and existence overlapped the
evidence required to decide the preliminary issues, High Court set aside the
findings recorded by the Appellate Court---Judgment and decree passed by the
Lower Appellate . Court was set aside and the suit was remanded to Trial Court
for decision on merits---Constitutional petition was allowed accordingly.
Page No. 60 of 61
but defendant had failed to prove same---Defendant could not be taken to have
discharged burden of proof with regard to limitation---suit was not liable to be
held time-bar red on mere consideration that gift deed was 25 years old--
Concurrent findings of fact justified on record, could not be interfered with by
High Court in exercise of its revisional jurisdiction.
Page No. 61 of 61
2009 C L C 822
Versus
Page No. 1 of 64
Manzoor Ahmed for Respondent.
ORDER
The brief facts unfolded from the record are as such that, the respondents
served the appellants as employee of the same but they entered into a diversity
when the respondents reached to the age of their pension from services as the
appellants refused to pay pension benefits to the respondents considering their
job not to be a permanent one and pensionable. The respondents filed Suit
No.138 of 2001 before the Civil Court, Gilgit being dissatisfied from the plea
taken by the appellant to refuse their right of pension benefits and a long
standing litigation ensued which consumed more than one decade of time and
parties went through the agony of monetory loss and time in travelling from
Civil Court to Chief Court and back to the Civ4l Court from Chief Court.
Lastly the respondents succeeded to get the decree dated (sic) against the
appellants but since the decree was of declaratory nature as such, the
respondents felt the same to be non-executable in the eyes of law, hence they
approached to the executing Court having resort to the section 47, subsection
(2) of C.P.C. with the contention to treat the execution application to be suit.
The learned executing Court treated the application as suit and passed the
impugned decree in favour of the respondents against the appellants after
adopting the procedure provided for, and passed the impugned decree which is
impugned before this Court.
The appeals are based on various grounds of attacks but the learned counsel
frankly abandoned the all, but objected on the point of interest imposed on the
appellant by the District Judge, Gilgit with the contention that the appellants
are ready to pay the pension amount to the respondents but imposition of
interest upon the same is illegal and without jurisdiction as the learned District
Judge had taken cognizance of the matter as Appellate Court in execution
proceedings, hence he could not travel beyond the decree passed but he has
exercised a jurisdiction not vested with him. We looked into the point and asked
the learned counsel for the respondents to meet the same. who vehemently
rebutted the point and stated that the interest has not been imposed by any
executing Court or Appellate Court in execution proceedings but has been fixed
in general jurisdiction and he confronted the learned counsel for appellants
from the record of the case and the learned counsel for the appellants after
going through the record very honourably conceded the version of the counsel
for the respondents to be correct, otherwise too, the contention of the
appellants seems not to be judicious that after a long time of litigation, they
show their willingness to pay the pension amount alone while with the passage
of time the value of currency of the country has been devalued to the extreme
point of its, decreasing, hence the version is against equity and natural justice
as such discarded.
Page No. 2 of 64
The upshot of the above discussion is that the impugned decree passed by the
learned Trial/Executing Court is maintained without any variation in it by
dismissing both the appeals in hand. Cost to follow the event. File.
Page No. 3 of 64
2009 C L C 1136
[Lahore]
Versus
Fazal Karim v. Rawal Malik and another 1998 SCMR 1200; Abdul Bari v.
Muhammad Rasheed Khan and 7 others 1995 SCMR 851; Ziaullah v.
Muhammad Hussain Afzal 2003 CLC 1321; Barkat Ali v. Additional District
Judge; Faisalabad 2001 MLD 1044 and Mst. Sultan Bibi and 25 others v. Gul
Baran and others PLD 1999 Quetta 56 distinguished.
Page No. 1 of 3
Syed Maqbool Hussain for Respondents.
JUDGMENT
3. Learned counsel for the petitioners contends that the impugned orders are
without lawful authority inasmuch as a case for restitution either under section
144, C.P.C. or the general principles underlying the same is not made out at all,
as admittedly no decree was passed in favour of the petitioners in execution
whereof the possession was obtained, which could be restituted by the learned
executing Court. Learned counsel for the respondents, on the other hand,
supports the impugned order with the contention that since it was dismissal of
the suit by the learned trial Court which prompted the petitioners to take over
the possession, the restitution has been lawfully ordered. He relies on the cases
of Fazal Karim v. Rawal Malik and another 1998 SCMR 1200, Abdul Bari v.
Muhammad Rasheed Khan and 7 others 1995 SCMR 851, Ziaullah v.
Muhammad Hussain Afzal 2003 CLC 1321, Barkat Ali v. Additional District
Page No. 2 of 3
Judge, Faisalabad 2001 MLD 1044 and Mst. Sultan Bibi and 25 others v. Gul
Baran and others PLD 1999 Quetta 56.
4. I have gone through the copies of the relevant records produced by both
parties. The nature of the suit and history of the litigation has already been
stated. There is no manner of doubt in my mind that the le petitioners had
initiated litigation as plaintiffs claiming a decree for declaration and permanent
injunction. The suit was dismissed and so was the case with appeal. Civil
revision, however, was allowed by this Court and the said decree was granted.
The C.P.L.A. before the Apex Court failed. Needless to state that section 144,
C.P.C. is based on fundamental principles of law that an act of Court should
not injure any person. The restitution is ordered against the holder of a decree
who in execution thereof has deprived the opposite party of some benefits and
upon variance or reversal of decree the Court calls upon him to restitute the
said benefit. As noted by me above, it was a case for correction of share in joint
holding of the parties. Under the law if a co-sharer is dispossessed by another
co-sharer then only remedy is either to file a suit under section 9 of the Specific
Relief Act, 1877 or to file a suit for partition. It is not even case of the
respondents that the petitioners took over the possession in disobedience of any
injunctive order in force. Thus, provisions relating to execution of injunction
decree are also not attracted. So far as the contention of the learned counsel for
the respondents are concerned, in the said case of Fazal Karim a decree for
possession by pre-emption was passed and possession obtained in execution
and upon setting aside of the decree the restitution of possession was upheld by
the Honourable Supreme Court. In the said case of Abdul Bari in execution of a
decree for possession the opposite party was dispossessed and upon setting
aside of the said decree the possession was restituted and this was upheld by
the Honourable Supreme Court. In the aforenoted case of Ziaullah a tenant was
dispossessed in execution of an ex parte ejectment order and the learned Rent
Controller was directed to restore the possession of the tenant after setting
aside of the ex parte ejectment order. In the above-mentioned case of Barkat Ali
a suit for specific performance was decreed and sale-deed was registered in
execution upon setting aside of the decree the sale-deed was cancelled. The
order of revisional Court was set aside by this Court on the ground that since
the sale-deed was executed in execution of the decree which had been set aside
the same is liable to be cancelled. In the said case of Mst. Sultan Bibi and 25
others an ex parte award was given and the suit, inter alia, for possession was
decreed and the possession was delivered in execution. Ultimately the
Honourable Supreme Court allowed the appeal of the opposite party and said
decree was set aside. Thereafter an application for restitution was filed and it
was ordered. The appeal was accepted by the learned District Judge. The
learned High Court of Balochistan allowed the civil revision holding that since
the decree has been set aside and possession was taken in execution of the
decree the concerned party is entitled to restitution. The facts of this case are
entirely different from the said cases. No decree capable of execution was
passed neither it was executed by the petitioners and there is no question of
any restitution. Writ petition is accordingly allowed. The impugned orders being
without lawful authority and void are declared as such and are set aside. I am
informed by the learned counsel for the respondents that warrant was issued
and report had been received. If the possession of the petitioners has been
disturbed or changed on the basis of said declaratory decree, the learned trial
Court/executing Court shall take steps to restitute the same in favour of the
petitioners in accordance with law. No order as to cost.
Page No. 3 of 3
P L D 2006 Lahore 451
MUHAMMAD IQBAL---Petitioner
Versus
Writ Petition No.14822 of 2004 and Writ Petition No.11374 of 2005, decided on
22nd March, 2006.
Page No. 1 of 5
Court was just/fair and required no interference by the High Court under its
constitutional jurisdiction.
Ch. Bashri Ahmad for Petitioner in W.P.No.14822 of 2005 and for the
Respondent in W.P.No.11374 of 2005.
ORDER
2. Succinctly, relevant facts are that land measuring 1240 Kanals 9 Marlas
situated in Chak No.6, Rakh Mankera, District Bhakkar was allotted to one
Muhammad Ayub son of Samand Khan under Tube Well Scheme in the year
1963-64 who appointed one Ch. Ghulam Rasul son of Muhammad Ibrahim as
his general attorney. Ch. Ghualm Rasul the appointed general attorney of the
allottee, was the real father of Muhammad Iqbal writ petitioner of the petition in
hand i.e. W.P. No.14822 of 2004 and that of Muhammad Shoaib Writ Petitioner
of the connected petition i.e. (W.P. No.11374 of 2005) whereas allottee of Tube
Well Grant has also died and is represented through respondents No.7 to 13.
Muhammad Iqbal writ petitioner filed a suit for declaration against the sons of
Muhammad Ayub Khan allottee, and alleged that special attorney, appointed by
Ch. Ghulam Rasul. Namely Sabir Hussain respondent No.7 had agreed to
transfer the suit property vide agreement dated 1-2-1986, for a consideration of
Rs.4,72,714 out of which he received an amount of Rs.3,50,000 as earnest
money. It was further pleaded that under the agreement dated 1-2-1986 it was
settled that remaining instalments and all other dues which were payable to the
Government, thenceforth shall be paid by Muhammad Iqbal writ
petitioner/plaintiff on behalf of the lessee Muhammad Ayub Khan, Muhammad
Iqbal petitioner further averred that physical possession of the suit land was
delivered to him in pursuance of the aforesaid sale agreement with approval of
Page No. 2 of 5
the Board of Revenue vide memo. No.165-76/977 TR-III dated 27-3-1976.
According to him, on conformant of proprietary rights to the allottee, land
subject of agreement was to be transferred in the name of Muhammad Iqbal
petitioner. As per assertions, in the plaint filed by Muhammad Iqbal, the
petitioner, he had paid to Thal Development Authority an amount of
Rs.1,22,714 on account of outstanding instalments due' against the allottee
and this amount was deposited against Bank challans. Muhammad Iqbal
petitioner narrated in the plaint that he spent a huge amount on improvement
of land by plantation of large number of trees, sinking of a tube well raising of
construction and making the land cultivable. Muhammad Ayub Khan, the
allottee died before the conformant of proprietary rights whereafter his
successor refused to honour the agreement to sell allegedly executed by special
attorney appointed by Ch. Ghulam Rasul. On refusal of the heirs/legal
representatives of the allottee Muhammad Ayub Khan to perform their part of
contract on behalf of their father, Muhammad lgbal was forced to file this suit.
4. Muhammad Shoaib and Mst. Ghazala Yasmeen along with Riaz Ayub their
brother on 24-4-2000 filed an application under section 12(2), C.P.C. before the
learned Senior Civil Judge, Bhakkar which is reported to be pending. Their case
was that their father Ch. Ghulam Rasul had purchased tenancy rights of land
measuring 1240 Kanals, 9 Marlas from the allottee of the tubewell grant i.e.
Muhammad Ayub Khan who after receipt of the entire price executed a general
power of attorney in the name of Ch. Ghulam Rasul which was registered on
21-11-1978. According to them, their father suffered from brain haemorrhage
and was accordingly admitted in Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore on 5-10-1981 and
thus was on death bed till 21-9-1989 was not in a position/capacity to
visualize/understand his good or bad but their brother Muhammad Iqbal
connived with the other respondents in the application under section 12(2),
C.P.C. and manoeuvred a fictitious special power of attorney on 21-1-1986
allegedly executed by their fattier Ch. Ghulam Rasul in favour of Sabir Husain.
These writ petitioners further averred in their application that their fattier used
to sign in English whereas, the alleged special power of attorney in favour of
Sabir Hussian was said to have been thumb marked by him. They further
challenged the agreement to sell dated 1-2-1986 as fake/collusive which was
executed by the special attorney in favour of Muhammad Iqbal petitioner and in
this manner they prayed the judgment/decree dated 30-7-1998 may be
adjudged being tainted with fraud and misrepresentation qua the Court.
5. Parties to the application under section 12(2), C.P.C. filed different six
applications before the learned Senior Civil Judge, cognizant of the same, for
review/recall of the injunctive order dated 10-4-2004 application for deletion of
name of Gohar Ayub Khan respondent No.3 therein; application by Riaz Ayub
for withdrawal of application under section 12(2), C.P.C. to his extent and
application for appointment of receiver of the suit land. The learned Senior Civil
Judge, after getting replies to all these applications and hearing the parties
dismissed all of those vide his consolidated order dated 27-5-2003.
Page No. 3 of 5
6. Parties to the lis were not satisfied with the decision of the trial Court dated
27-5-2003 and they accordingly filed three revision petitions, out of which two
were filed by Muhammad Iqbal and others whereas the third one was filed by
Muhammad Shoaib and others before the learned Additional District Judge
Bhakkar but they remained unsuccessful as all the three revision petitions were
dismissed through consolidated revisional judgment dated 9-8-2004.
Muhammad Iqbal thereafter filed writ petition No.14822 of 2004 whereas
Muhammad Shoaib along with Mst. Ghazala Yasmeen filed Writ Petition
No.11374 of 2005 and respondents in each petition, in response to notice by
this Court have appeared and were represented through their counsel.
7. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties and have examined the
record, appended herewith. Muhammad Iqbal petitioner had moved an
application under Order VII, Rule 11, C.P.C. averring that his brother
Muhammad Shoaib and his sister Mst. Ghazala Yasmeen had no cause of
action/locus standi to file the application under section 12(2),C.P.C. but on this
score by invoking the provisions under examination, application could not be
rejected, as prima facie the applicants thereof being successors of Ch. Ghulam
Rasul had claimed A purchase of tenancy rights by their father and pleaded
that the alleged special attorney namely Sabir Hussain respondent No.14 was
never appointed as special attorney and was not conferred any authority to
enter into an agreement as his principal Ch. Ghulam Rasul being on death bed
was incapacitated to execute any such document. Tentatively, Muhammad
Shoaib etc. the writ petitioners had made out elements of
fraud/misrepresentation qua the Court and their application under section
12(2), C.P.C. did disclose a cause of action, hence the same could not have been
rejected under Order VII, Rule 11, C.P.C.
8. As regards the application for review/recall of the order dated 10-4-2003 filed
by Muhammad Iqbal petitioner, the order sought to be reviewed was only
interlocutory in nature, suspending the judgment/decree dated 30-7-1998 and
would automatically stand vacated on decision of the main petition under
section 12(2), C.P.C. Even otherwise judgment/decree dated 30-7-1998 is
declaratory in nature and cannot be put to execution, thus its suspension
would not effect the decree-holder especially when he claims to be in possession
of the suit land. Concurrent findings returned by the respondents Nos.5 and 6
accept no exception and are accordingly maintained.
Page No. 4 of 5
provisions of Order I, Rule 10, C.P.C. and this exercise will be undertaken on
compliance of order dated 10-4-2003 by the trial Court.
10. For the reasons noted above, none of the respondents Nos.5 and 6
committed any illegality amenable to constitutional jurisdiction of this Court, as
they decided all the applications by the parties strictly in accordance with the
law applicable and the record. Even otherwise a lawful decision rendered within
the ambit of conferred jurisdiction cannot be substituted on this petition which
being devoid of any merit is dismissed with no order as to costs but in view of
contest inter the real brothers/sister, and its pendency since the year 2000 it
will be in the interest of justice to conclude the same expeditiously hence the
trial Court is directed to decide the matter pending before it, within a period of
4 months even by undertaking day to day proceedings. There will be no order as
to costs.
Page No. 5 of 5
P L D 2006 Karachi 558
Versus
Page No. 1 of 6
to the compromise---All such questions could not be decided in the
constitutional petition by the High Court and therefore, the petitioners may
pursue a remedy through Civil Court seeking clarifications on all such points as
well as execution of decree---Constitutional petition was disposed of in the said
terms by- the High Court.
Muhammad Yousuf v. Abdul Rashid PLD 1973 Kar. 686; Khushi Muhammad v.
Member, Board of Revenue 1992 CLC 125 and Ali Ahmad v. Muhammad Fazal
1972 SCMR 322 ref.
Muhammad Bachal Tonyo, Addl. A.-G. Sindh along with Muhammad Hanif
Pitafi, Mukhtiarkar, Land Revenue, Taluka Bakrani.
JUDGMENT
The respondent No.6, Mukhtiarkar, has filed the parawise comments, stating
therein that respondent No.7, District Officer (Revenue), Larkana sent a letter
dated 18-2-2006 to him with the directions to go through the contents of the
compromise decree passed in First Class Suit No.60.of 1995 and taken further
necessary action in accordance with law. It is further stated that the report of
Tapedar was called, wherein details of the lands and names of Khatedars were
given. It was stated , that there are several survey numbers shown in the
compromise decree in the name of parties to the decree but in the record of
rights those survey numbers are not mutated in the names of such persons.
The Mukhtiarkar has further stated that he has himself gone through the
record and has verified the contents of report of Tapedar. He has stated that the
following survey numbers, which are mentioned in the compromise decree do
not belong to the parties in the compromise decree and their owner according to
the record. are as under:--
S. Nos.
Area
Owners according to R/R
Page No. 2 of 6
274
1-06 acres
Mst. Izzat Khatoon 0-50 Sultan 0-50
231
1-31 acres
Same as above
236
6-32 acres
Ghulam Muhammad Ghulam Ali Ghulam Mujtaba Mst. Ghulam Fiza
277
1-00 acres
Mst. Izzat Khatoon 0-50 Sultan 0-50
279
2-15 acres
=_
289/1
0-15 acres
452
5-11 acres
376
3-11 acres
Page No. 3 of 6
359
1-05 acres
250
7-12 acres
378/2
1-19 acres
379
2-04 acres
The above persons were not joined as parties in the Civil suit and they are not
party to the compromise decree and, therefore, the decree is not binding on the
above persons. He has further submitted that on account of the .above reasons
the compromise decree cannot be executed upon as per terms and conditions
mentioned in the decree. He has explained that he has refused to mutate the
record of rights as per terms and conditions of decree for the reasons that the
parties in the suit are not owners as per record of rights.
We have asked Mr. Moohanlal whether any execution application has been filed
before the civil Court for the execution of decree, to which he has replied that
no execution application has been submitted because the compromise decree is
a declaratory decree, which is not capable of being executed. He has further
submitted that without filing any execution application the petitioners are
entitled to get the mutation in the record of rights in pursuance of the
declaratory decree passed by the civil Court. In support of his contentions he
has placed reliance on a D.B. judgment of this Court in the case of Muhammad
Yousuf v. Abdul Rashid PLD 1973 Karachi 686, wherein it has been held that if
a decree does not contain any absolute direction but has stopped short with
declaring the rights and the obligations of the parties relating to the property
forming the basis of the claim sought to be enforced through execution
proceedings, the decree would be merely declaratory in nature and not capable
of execution. He has further replaced reliance on a single Bench judgment of
the Lahore High Court in the case of Khushi Muhammad v. Member, Board of
Revenue 1992 CLC 125, wherein it has been held that the Revenue Officer is
bound by a decree of the civil Court and has no authority to review or scrutinize
the merits of the decree of the Civil Court and even it is barred by time, the
Revenue authorities are obliged to sanction mutation on the basis of decree of
Page No. 4 of 6
the Civil Court. He has next placed reliance on the judgment of Honourable
Supreme Court in the case of Ali Ahmad v. Muhammad Fazal 1972 SCMR 322,
wherein it has been held that the Revenue authorities are under obligation to
sanction mutation on the basis of a decree.
We have examined the compromise decree and we are not persuaded to agree
with the submission of Mr. Moohanlal that it is a declaratory decree simpliciter.
The test has been laid down in the D.B. judgment of this Court in the case of
Muhammad Yousuf (supra), wherein it has been held that if the decree stops
short with declaring the rights and obligations of the parties relating to the
property forming the basis of the claim sought to be enforced, it was a decree
declaratory in nature. In the compromise decree in first class Suit No.60 of
1995 we find that the parties have settled the terms and conditions of
compromise and after specifying the survey number and the area, which shall
be held by each party, it has been agreed that after passing of decree the record
shall be prepared accordingly. Mukhtiarkar, Larkana was a party to the
compromise decree. Thus, when there is a specific condition in the compromise
and the compromise decree has been passed in pursuance of the terms and
conditions agreed between the parties containing the condition that the record
shall be prepared accordingly, it is not a decree declaratory in nature simpliciter
and therefore, if Mukhtiarkar being a party to the compromise decree has
refused to act according to the compromise, the decree holders ought to have
approached Civil Court for the execution of the decree.
Mr. Muhammad Bachal Tonyo has pointed out that at the time of submitting
compromise application the learned counsel for the plaintiff had filed statement
withdrawing the suit against respondents Nos. 4 to 6 i.e., Mukhtiarkar,
Larkana, S.H.O. Taluka Police Station, Larkana and Government of Sindh
through D.C. Larkana. Even if the suit was withdrawn against the respondents
Nos. 4 to 6, the record was to be mutated by the Revenue Authorities and the
civil Court is competent to get the decree executed. However, if Mr. Moohanlal is
of the view that the decree is declaratory in nature, the relief lies in filing the
suit for execution of a decree, more particularly because the facts are disputed.
According to Tapedar and Mukhtiarkar, the lands are mutated in the names of
persons who were not party to the suit and therefore, the trite law is that
nobody can transfer any right, title or interest in a property which he himself
does not hold in the said property. Mr. Moohanlal has submitted that the lands
are mutated in the names of the persons, whose heirs were party to the
compromise decree. This is also a question of fact and cannot be decided in
exercise of jurisdiction under Article 199 of the Constitution. The ratio of the
judgments, on which Mr. Moohanlal placed reliance, leads us to the conclusion
that if there is no dispute about the title of the land, in that case the Revenue
Authorities have no jurisdiction to refuse the mutation in accordance with a
decree of Civil Court on the ground that the suit was barred by time or decree
had become barred by time or the decree passed by the Civil Court was not in
accordance with the law. However, if the decree is not capable of execution for
the reason that it is between the parties who had no right in law to enter into
compromise in respect of the properties, for the reason that they were not
owner of the properties, the Revenue Authorities are justified in not mutating
the record depriving the persons, who were not party to the decree, of their
valuable rights and are shown as owners in the record of rights. These
questions can be decided by the Civil Court and particularly the point that the
persons, in whose names the lands are mutated in the record of rights, are
bound by the compromise decree being predecessors-in-interest of the patties to
the compromise. All these questions cannot be decided in this petition and
therefore, the petitioner may pursue a remedy through Civil Court seeking
clarifications on all the above points as well as execution of decree. The petition
stands disposed of in the above terms.
Page No. 5 of 6
2005 S C M R 1604
Present: Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan, Muhammad Nawaz Abbasi and Saiyed
Saeed Ashhad, JJ
Versus
Civil Appeals Nos.342 and 351 of 2000, decided on 2nd May, 2005.
(On appeal from a common judgment of Lahore High Court, Lahore, dated 19-1-
2000 passed in R.S.A. No.47 of 1996).
Page No. 1 of 5
Syed M. Kaleem A. Khurshid, Advocate Supreme Court for Appellants.
JUDGMENT
2. The facts leading to the filing of above appeals are that the land measuring
349 Kanals, 19 Marlas was allotted to respondents Nos.3 and 4 (Syed Ihtisham
Ali Rizvi (deceased) and Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi), in Chak No.34/RB, District
Sheikhupura. The allottees prior to the acquisition of proprietary rights, entered
into an agreement dated 18-9-1961, of sale of land with respondents Nos.1 and
2 (Sh. Mubarik Ali and Mst. Naimat-un-Nisa Begum (deceased)) and
subsequently, they also on 1-1-1970 entered into a sale agreement of the same
land with the appellants through their attorney, Mst. Shamim Akhtar, wife of
Ishaq Hussain. The respondents Nos.1 and 2 on coming to know about this
subsequent agreement filed a suit on 26-12-1970 and later the parties in the
suit entered into a compromise on the basis of which, decree was passed in the
suit on 25-2-1977 in the following terms:--
urdu 1606
Page No. 2 of 5
of 1/3rd share of respondents Nos.3 and 4 in the land holding the agreement,
dated 10-7-.1980 as void.
4. Learned counsel for the appellants contends that this is settled law that all
questions arising between the parties or their representatives in the suit in
which decree was passed must be determined by the executing Court in terms
of section 47, C.P.C. for the satisfaction of decree and a separate suit is not
maintainable but in the present case all the three Courts erred in law in holding
that suit being not barred by the provisions of section 47, C.P.C. was
competent. Learned counsel next argued that the learned Judge in the High
Court having rightly come to the conclusion that the agreement dated 10-7-
1980, subject-matter of suit, was void, was misled in holding that the
appellants were not bona fide purchasers. The last contention of the learned
counsel was that the appellants were not party in the earlier suit and
consequently, the transaction of sale of land in their favour made by the
original allottee vide sale-deed, dated 13-1-1986, during the pendency of suit,
would not be hit by the principle of lis pendens.
5. Learned counsel for the respondents on the other hand (appellants in the
cross-appeal), contended that the High Court was misdirected in law in coming
to the conclusion that the agreement to sell dated 30-7-1980 was void whereas
it having been executed in consequence to the settlement of dispute vide
consent decree dated 25-2-1977 would be holding the field and on all fours,
was a legal and valid instrument. Learned counsel submitted that respondents
Nos.1 and 2 acquired title in the suit property to the extent of 2/3rd share
under the decree and would get 1/3rd share on the basis of agreement, dated
13-8-1980 which was entirely an independent transaction and remedy of
section 47, C.P.C. for the enforcement of this agreement would not be available
to them.
6. We have heard the learned counsel for the parties at length and also perused
the record with their assistance. The decree dated 25-2-1977 as was passed in
terms of the compromise and the dispute between the original allottee,
(respondents Nos.3 and 4) and Mubarik Ali etc. vendees, (respondents Nos.1
and 2) arising out of the agreement, dated 18-9-1961 was settled. In pursuance
of the decree, the original allottee (respondents Nos.1 and 2) executed an
agreement dated 13-8-1980 with its acknowledgements dated 31-8-1980 and
17-12-1980 for sale of 1/3rd share in the land to Sh. Mubarik Ali etc.
(respondents Nos.1 and 2), therefore, this subsequent agreement would acquire
the status of a valid document creating title in the property and learned Senior
Civil Judge, Sheikhupura, having considered it a legal instrument, decreed the
suit vide judgment, dated 27-12-1984 in the following terms:--
"As a result of my findings on the preceding issues this suit is decreed for
specific performance of the agreement dated 17-12-1980 in the terms that the
plaintiff have paid the entire consideration of 1/3rd of the total suit-land, that
defendants Nos.1 and 2 are directed to execute a sale - deed in favour of
plaintiffs in respect of 1/3rd share of the entire suit-land within a period of one
month, if they failed, the plaintiffs shall be entitled to get the deed executed
through the representative of this Court. The suit of the plaintiffs regarding rest
of the suit-land is dismissed. The sale - deed dated 13-7-1986, made in favour
of defendant No.3 is held ineffective to the rights of the plaintiffs to the extent of
1 /3rd share of the suit-land. The parties are left to bear their own costs. This
decree shall be treated ex parte against the defendants except defendant No.3."
Page No. 3 of 5
The decree passed by the trial Court was however, modified by the learned
Additional District Judge, Sheikhupura, in cross-appeals vide judgment dated
19-12-1995 in the following manner:--
"Under the circumstances, the instant Appeal No.153 filed by Mubarik Ali
plaintiff stands accepted and appeal filed by Syed Ishaque Hussain Rizvi Appeal
No.152 stands dismissed. The impugned judgment and decree dated 22-12-
1991 while dismissing the suit of the plaintiff/appellant of Appeal No.153 to the
extent of 2/3 of the suit-land stands set aside. Consequently, a suit filed by the
plaintiffs Sh. Mubarik Ali and Mst. Umat-un-Nisa shall stand decreed in their
favour and against the defendants in respect of whole of the suit-land. Parties
are left to bear their own costs."
7. We having examined the matter in the light of the contentions raised by the
learned counsel for the parties and decree passed in the previous suit, find that
the learned Judge in Chambers in the High Court was misled in holding that
the agreement dated 13-8-1980 was void. The agreements between the parties
in respect of the property, subject-matter of decree, dated 25-2-1977, would
become subservient to it and lost its independent status whereas the agreement
entered between the parties subsequent to the passing of the decree, would be
entirely independent and on the basis of such agreement, suit for specific
performance and possession of land would be competent. The provisions of
section 47, C.P.C. are analogous to other provisions of C.P.C. and does not as
such debar the remedy rather it regulates the forum for the enforcement of right
arising out of the decree. The civil rights subject to law, can be enforced
through a civil suit except the rights which flow from a decree and thus, a suit
for enforcement of decree is not competent under section 47, C.P.C. but in the
present case, the right claimed by respondents Nos.1 and 2 under the
agreement, dated 13-8-1980 having been not created in their favour under the
decree would not be determinable in terms of section 47, C.P.C. and
consequently, the suit would not be defeated on the basis of technical objection.
The decree dated 25-2-1977 being declaratory in character also would not be as
such capable for execution therefore, provisions of section 47, C.P.C. even
otherwise would not debar the suit. In the light of the position explained above,
we would take no exception to the view of the High Court in the matter.
However, the question relating to the dismissal of suit to the extent of 1/3rd
share in the property purchased by the respondents Nos.1 and 2 through the
agreement in question would need consideration. Ishaq Hussain Rizvi was real
brother of Ihtesham Hussain and Mst. Shamim Akhtar, widow of Ishaq Hussain
Rizvi, was attorney of Ihtesham Hussain. Ishaq Hussain was not party to the
agreement, dated 18-9-1961 and was also not a party in the suit in which
decree was passed in terms of compromise on 25-2-1977, by virtue of which
Mst. Shamim Akhtar was given 1/3rd share in the land for onward transfer in
the name of her husband, Ishaque Hussain, appellant herein, therefore,
notwithstanding the formal execution of decree and acquisition of proprietary
rights of the land by the original allottee, they could competently enter into a
sale agreement in respect of their 1/3rd share in the land and create a valid
title on the basis of which c respondents Nos.1 and 2 asserted their right for a
decree of specific performance with possession of land, including the land the
title of which they derived under the decree dated 25-2-1977 and consequently,
the sale-deed, dated 13-1-1986 executed by respondents Nos.3 and 4 in favour
of appellants would not as such affect their rights. In view of the above, the
observation of the learned Judge in the High Court that the sale in favour of
appellants having taken place during pendency of the suit, would be hit by the
principle of lis pendens and the appellants would not be considered bona fide
purchasers was unexceptional but the view regarding the legal character of the
agreement dated 13-8-1980 was contrary to law and the concurrent finding of
the two Courts subordinate to the High Court on this specific issue, was not
liable to be disturbed.
Page No. 4 of 5
9. In the light of foregoing discussion, we while setting aside the judgment of
the, High Court dismiss Civil Appeal No.342 of 2000 and allow Civil Appeal
No.351 of 2000 as a result of which, the decree, dated 19-12-1995 passed by
the Appellate Court shall stand restored. There will be no order as to costs.
Page No. 5 of 5
2004 Y L R 1218
[Lahore]
Versus
Gladstone, Wyllie & Co. Ltd. v. Badsha Miah PLD 1960 Dacca 305 and Board of
Intermediate & Secondary Education, Lahore and another v. Mrs. Najma
Khurshid and another 2001 MLD 89 ref.
Shyam Sundar Prasad v. Ramdas Singh AIR 1946 Patna 392 ref.
Page No. 1 of 10
the O. XXI, C. P. C. to a case of writ of mandamus issued by the High Court, if
it is in the nature of a mandatory injunction---Application to enforce a decree
granting perpetual or prohibitory injunction is not subject to limitation---If a
prohibitory injunction is disobeyed the fresh cause of action arises for which
remedy is either by issuance of mandatory injunction or in some other way.
Pauls's case AIR 1969 Kerala 232; Subbayya's case AIR 1969 A.P. 92; Murari's
case AIR 1961 A.P. 482; Abdul Rajack's case AIR 1961 A.P. 482; State of Tamil
Nadu v. Messrs National Trading Corporation 1961 L.W. 263; Aram Sinogh v.
Salig Ram AIR 1975 Alaabad 11 and Him's case AIR 1957 A.P.44 ref.
ORDER
The brief facts out of which present revision petition arises are that the
petitioner filed a suit for declaration with consequential relief to the effect that
she is owner in possession of the plot bearing Khasra No.5779/3009/2
measuring 10 Marlas, 6 Square feet, situated in Revenue Estate of Mauza
Nawankot, Lahore. The said plot was purchased by her through registered sale
deeds dated 31-10-1988. According to her, the said deeds were given affect to in
the Revenue Record. Subsequently, the petitioner submitted proposed site-plan
for the constructions of a residential house over the plot in dispute in the year
1989, wherein the objection was raised by present respondent No.5 that the
plot falls in open space/children park and is situated in the sanctioned scheme
known as Nadir Ali Shah and Bashir Ali Shah. Thus, the petitioner-plaintiff
approached the Provincial Government/respondent No.6defendant No. 2
Page No. 2 of 10
through letter dated 17-2-1991 to amend the scheme so that to enable the
petitioner-plaintiff to construct her house in dispute, respondent No.6 directed
respondent No.5 to amend the scheme but respondent No.5 did not pay any
heed and failed to approve the site plan. Subsequently, respondent No.5
rescinded earlier sanction accorded to the petitioner vide letter dated 17-2-1991
through subsequent letter dated 8-6-1993. The petitioner being aggrieved filed a
suit for declaration with consequential relief against respondents Nos.5 and 6 in
the Court of Civil Judge 1st Class, Lahore, on 13-7-1993 on the ground that
withdrawal letter had been issued without affording opportunity of being heard
to the petitioner and since valuable right has accrued to the petitioner for
constructing a house on the plot in question dated 17-2-1991, therefore, the
same cannot be taken away through the impugned letter. That already 16
houses were constructed in that area and the said scheme is not in its original
shape nor is in existence at the spot. The petitioner has already raised
construction, therefore, the same cannot be demolished and the impugned
letter is illegal, void and thus respondents Nos.5 and 6 restrained to demolish
the constructions of the petitioner. Respondent No.5 in the said suit filed
written statement controverting the allegations levelled in the plaint. Out of
pleadings of the parties, the learned trial Court framed the following issues:--
(1) Whether the suit cannot proceed under the law? OPD
(2) Whether the plaintiff has filed this suit without any locus standi and
cause of action? OPD
(3) Whether the plaint is liable to be rejected under Order VII and rule 11,
C.P.C.? OPD
(4) Whether the letter dated 8-6-1993 is illegal, void, inoperative upon the
right of the plaintiff? OPP
(5) Whether the plaintiff is entitled to the decree prayed for? OPP
(6) Relief.
The learned trial Court decreed the suit of the plaintiff-petitioner vide judgment
and decree dated 10-6-1996. Respondent No.5 being aggrieved filed an appeal
before the learned Additional District Judge, Lahore, who dismissed the same
vide judgment and decree dated 17-7-1998. Respondent No.5 being aggrieved
filed Civil Revision vide Diary No. 1602 on 25-11-1998 before this Court, but
the same was returned with certain objection, thereafter the revision petition
was never resubmitted and it became time-barred. The petitioner filed a
Constitutional Petition No. 4978 of 2002 on 21-3-2002 in person with the
prayer that the respondents be directed to sanction the site-plan in terms of the
judgment and decree dated 10-6-1996 passed by the learned trial Court, which
was disposed of by this Court vide order dated 28-3-2002 with the direction to
the petitioner to file execution petition before the learned trial Court/Executing
Court.
Page No. 3 of 10
2. The petitioner filed execution petition before the aforesaid Executing Court
on 27-4-2002. In the meanwhile, respondent No.5 filed an application under
section 47 of C.P.C. read with section 3 and Article 181 of the Limitation Act.
The learned Executing Court dismissed the application of respondent No.5 and
accepted the execution petition of the petitioner vide order dated 28-3-2003
with the direction to respondent No.5 to act in accordance with order dated 19-
3-2003 passed by the Executing Court on the application of the petitioner and
to submit compliance report on 9-4-2003. Respondent No.5 being aggrieved
filed an appeal before the learned Additional District Judge, Lahore, who
accepted the appeal of respondent No.5 and dismissed the execution petition of
the petitioner as time barred, vide judgment dated 30-4-2003, hence the
present revision.
3. The revision petition was fixed before this Court on 23-5-2003 and the
following order was passed:--
4. Mian Hameed-ud-Din Kasuri, D.A.-G. and Syed Ali War, Advocate, were
directed to assist the Court on the next date of hearing as Amicus curiae.
5. The learned counsel of the petitioner submits that the petitioner approached
respondent No.5 for sanctioning of the site-plan but the official of the
respondents pointed out that respondent No.5 has filed revision petition before
the High Court, therefore, her application would be decided after the decision of
revision petition. He further submits that respondent No.5 had withdrawn the
revision petition from this Court on 26-2-2001, therefor, time would be started
from the date of withdrawal of revision petition filed by respondent No.5 from
this Court, hence the First Appellate Court erred in law to dismiss the execution
petition of the petitioner as time-barred. He further submits that the suit of the
petitioner was accepted and respondents were restrained to demolish the
constructions of the petitioner and also directed the respondents to sanction
the site-plan, therefore, the right of the petitioner is established by virtue of
judgment and decree of the learned trial Court dated 10-6-1996 and the date of
judgment and decree dated 17-7-1998 of the learned Additional District Judge,
Lahore is continuing, therefore, there is no need to file execution petition
separately. He further submits that the petitioner approached respondent No.5
directly time and again and submitted her application in this regard as record
of file of the petitioner had been misplaced by the respondents as is evident
from the contents of the application filed by the petitioner before respondent
No.5. The mandatory injunction has also been granted in favour of the
petitioner, but this fact was hot considered by the First Appellate Court in its
true perspective. He further submits that the First Appellate Court observed in
the impugned judgment in the following terms in Para. No.7:--
"It is unfortunate that the respondent lady could not file an application under
section 5 of the Limitation Act alongwith her execution petition, may be, due to
lack of proper legal assistance. Had she filed such application, the delay caused
in filing of execution application, probably on account of misunderstanding the
processing of memorandum of revision by the office of the Honourable High
Court, it might had been considered as a sufficient cause to condone the delay
under application under section 5 of the Limitation Act. "
Page No. 4 of 10
6. The learned counsel for respondents Nos.2 to 4 submits that the revision
petition filed. by respondent No.5 before this Court was not fixed before any
Court. Office had raised objection on the memorandum of revision petition,
which was returned to respondent No.5, who did not resubmit the same till date
and this Court had not suspended the judgment of Courts below passed in
favour of the petitioner, therefore, time consumed in this Court cannot be
excluded in view of section 15 of Limitation Act. In support of his contention, he
relied upon "Muhammad Hussain and others v. Muhammad Aslam" 1988
SCMR 151. He further submits that the decree is executable; therefore, the
petitioner has to file the execution petition within 3 years in terms of Article 181
of the Limitation Act. The petitioner has not filed execution petition before the
learned trial Court/Executing Court within prescribed period, therefore, the
First Appellate Court was justified to accept the appeal of respondent No.2 as
the petitioner had filed execution petition after 3 years. The execution petition
was fixed on 27-4-2002, which had become time-barred to the extent of 286
days. He further submits that the petitioner failed to explain delay of each day
and did not file an application under section 5 of Limitation Act for condonation
of delay as the petitioner had not filed first application for execution within 3
years, therefore' the petitioner is not entitled under the law to take benefit
under section 48 of C.P.C In support of his contention, he relied upon "National
Bank of Pakistan v. Mien Aziz-ud-Din and others" 1996 SCMR 759.
Page No. 5 of 10
"U.C. Darya Khan Sooho, Mirpur v. Messrs Bewan Sugar Mills" 1989 MLD 385
"Muhammad Azam Khan and others v. Nobat Khan and others" 1990 MLD
1450
He further submits that the application of the petitioner was rejected by the
respondents on 16-8-2001, therefore, the First Appellate Court erred in law to
accept the appeal of the respondents and to dismiss the execution petition of
the petitioner as time-barred, without adverting to the wording of Article 181 of
the Limitation Act, wherein the Legislature in its wisdom has specifically
mentioned when the right to apply accrues which right has been accrued to the
petitioner on the rejection of the application of the petitioner on 16-8-2001. In
support of his contention, he relied upon the following judgments:--
"Sheo Lal and another v. L. Devi Dasannd another" AIR 1952 Alaabad 900
"Kartar Singh v. Sultan Singh Patrap Singh" AIR 1967 Punjab 375
(1) The petitioner was allowed to raise constructions over the plot in
question through letter dated 17-9-1991.
(2) The said letter had been withdrawn by the respondents vide order dated
8-6-1993.
Page No. 6 of 10
(3) During this interregnum period, the petitioner had raised constructions
on the plot in question.
(4) The petitioner had also deposited the fee in the month of January,
1989.
(5) The report was called from the Patwari and Patwari submitted report
that scheme was not acted upon and other persons have also raised similar
constructions.
(6) The petitioner filed a suit for declaration with consequential relief in the
Court of Civil Judge 1st Class, Lahore on 13-7-1993.
(8) The respondents filed an appeal before the learned Additional District
Judge, who dismissed the same vide judgment and decree dated 17-7-1998.
(9) The respondents filed civil revision before this Court vide Diary No.
1602 on 25-11-1998.
(10) Office returned the same to the respondents with certain objections.
(11) The respondents never resubmitted the same and it has been become
time-barred.
(13) The petitioner filed execution petition before the Executing Court on 27-
4-2002; whereas the respondents filed objection petition and the learned
Executing Court decided both by one consolidated order dated 28-3-2003,
wherein the execution petition was accepted and the objection petition was
dismissed.
(14) The respondents filed an appeal before the learned Additional District
Judge, Lahore who accepted the same on the ground that the petitioner did not
file an execution petition within three years which is prescribed under Article
181 of the Limitation Act with the lapsed of 286 days.
Page No. 7 of 10
(i) The operative part of judgment and decree dated 10-6-1996 of the
learned trial Court.
Issue No.4
Whether letter dated 8-6-1993 is illegal, void and ineffective qua the plaintiff's
right? OPP
"So it is proved that the defendants have deviated from the original site-plan.
The defendants in rebuttal have failed to produce any evidence. So this issue is
decided in favour of the plaintiff."
Relief
(ii) The operative part of judgment and decree dated 17-7-1998 passed by
the First Appellate Court.
"Once the permission having been granted and the plaintiff having raised the
constructions thereon, defendant No.1/MCL was not competent to withdraw the
same in such a slipshod manner especially when the valuable right had
accrued to the plaintiff and she had raised construction thereon. The
defendants have not led any evidence before the learned trial Court that
whether the plaintiff was given any proper opportunity of being heard and in
the absence thereof the impugned notice even otherwise is illegal and cannot be
given effect too. All these aspects have been considered by the learned trial
Court and no exception can be taken to the findings recorded by the learned
trial Court in this behalf nor there is any legal infirmity in the impugned
judgment. "
12. In case, the aforesaid operative part of the and decree dated 10-6-1996 be a
whole then, it brings that trial Court has passed in favour of the petitioner
(i) The letter dated 8-6-1993 of the respondents was declared illegal void
while deciding issue No.4. Consequently the letter dated 17-2-1991 was stood
restored automatically.
Page No. 8 of 10
(ii) The respondents were restrained to demolish the constructions of the
petitioner on the plot in question.
(iii) The respondents were directed to sanction the site-plan as per rule.
It is also pertinent to mention here that the respondents did not give any threat
to the petitioner to demolish her constructions over the plot in question. The
respondents had rejected the site plant of the petitioner as directed by the
learned trial Court in the said judgment and decree on 16-8-2001. Order 21,
rule 32 of C.P.C. applies to the injunction both mandatory and prohibitory. In
arriving to this conclusion, I am fortified by the following judgments: --
Page No. 9 of 10
fortified by the law laid down in "Aram Siongh v. Salig Ram" AIR 1975 Ala-abad
11. It is also settled principle of law that if simple prohibitory injunction is
disobeyed the fresh cause of action arises for which remedy either by
mandatory injunction or in some other way has to state for in a suit as per law
laid down by "Him's case" AIR 1957 A.P. 44.
13. In view of what has been discussed above, the judgment of First Appellate
Court is not sustainable in the eye of law.
13. At the end, I must put on record my deep sense of appreciation for valuable
assistance of the Court by the learned counsel of rival party and the learned
Amicus curiae Ch. Hameed-ud-Din, D.A.-G. and Syed Ali Zafar, Advocate, who
have taken a lot of pain to assist this Court.
Page No. 10 of 10
2003 S C M R 29
Versus
Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal No.52 of 2002, decided on 11th September,
2002.
(On appeal from the judgment of Peshawar High Court, Circuit Bench,
Abbottabad, dated 19-10-2001 passed in Civil Revision No. 12 of 1997).
Page No. 1 of 4
determinations of the two Courts below---Objection petitioner failed to point out
any legal infirmity in the judgment passed by High Court warranting
interference by Supreme Court---Leave to appeal was refused.
ORDER
Briefly stated facts of the case are that the respondents filed a suit on 15-4-
1979 against petitioner No. 1 Syeda Tahira Begum seeking declaration to the
effect that they had purchased Hissadari in the suit land and the
defendant/petitioner No.1 be restrained from interfering in their possession. A
prayer for possession was also made in case the respondents were found to be
out of possession. The learned Civil Judge, Abbottabad, vide his judgment
dated 20-6-1987 granted a declaration and perpetual injunction to the
respondents. However, their prayer for possession of the disputed land was
rejected.
Page No. 2 of 4
After the remand the learned Executing Court vide its order dated 19-3-1995
rejected the objection petition on the ground that the property under dispute
was in possession of petitioner No.2 Syed Taimoor Shah, husband of petitioner
No. 1/judgment-debtor, who was not impleaded as a party in the original suit.
The respondents filed an appeal against the said order which was rejected by
the learned District Judge, Kohistan Camp at Abbottabad, vide his order dated
26-10-1996. The respondents preferred Civil Revision No.12 of 1997 before the
Peshawar High Court at Abbottabad, which has been accepted by the learned
Chief Justice through his judgment dated 19-10-2001, impugned herein.
Hence, this petition for leave to appeal.
We have considered the contentions raised by the learned counsel for the
petitioners and have perused the entire material placed on record. It must be
stated at the very outset that the respondents purchased the disputed land
measuring 3 Kanals and 8 Marlas vide Mutations Nos.3008 and 3009 attested
on 13-12-1972. The petitioners/defendants claimed ownership in the joint
property vide Mutation No.3912 attested on 14-1-1979. The suit was contested
by petitioner No. 1 Syeda Tahira Begum through her husband and attorney
Syed Taimoor Shah, petitioner No.2. It was never pleaded at that juncture that
the disputed property was in possession of said Syed Taimoor Shah or that he
was not impleaded as a party. He hotly contested this matter and kept mum
regarding his possession as stated by petitioner No. 1 in her objection petition.
However, in order to frustrate the decree in a mala fide manner, this plea was
taken simply to thwart the execution of the decree.
' The plea that Syed Taimoor Shah was not impleaded as a party and was not
afforded an opportunity of hearing is devoid of any force in the circumstances of
the present case. The purpose of impleading a person as a party in a case is
that he shall be provided with. an opportunity of hearing in the matter. In the
case in hand, as reflected from the documents, Syed Taimoor Shah was
appearing throughout as attorney of his wife Syeda Tahira Begum, petitioner
No. 1. Had he any grouse he could have taken a formal step when he was
defending the suit out of which the present execution E petition had emanated.
He at this late juncture by employing these technical objections cannot be
allowed to frustrate a decree secured by the respondents.
It has been stated time and again that the cases of the parties should be
decided on merits. If a party upon evidence brought on record has established
his case on merits, then he should not be knocked out on r technical grounds.
Rules and procedures are framed to foster the cause of justice and should
sparingly come into the way for dispensation of the same on merits. Reliance in
this respect is placed upon Imran Ashraf and 7 others v. The State (2001 SCMR
424), Nazir Ahmed and another v. Muhammad Din and others (2001 SCMR
440), Imtiaz Ahmed v. Ghulam and 2 others (PLD 1963 SC 382) and Manager,
Jammu and Kashmir State. Property in Pakistan v. Khuda Yar and another
(PLD 1975 SC 678).
At the cost of repetition it is stated that the property under dispute was
purchased by the respondents as far back as on 13-12-1972. More than three
decades have gone by but the respondents are still hovering in the .Courts to
get their grievance redressed. The petitioners have successfully, in a mala fide
manner through technical objections, been able to impede the course of justice.
The then learned Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court has given cogent
reasons in the impugned judgment for setting aside the determinations of the
two Courts below. Learned counsel for the petitioners has failed to point out
any legal infirmity in the impugned judgment warranting interference by, this
Court.
Page No. 3 of 4
Resultantly, for what has been stated above, the instant petition being devoid of
any merit and force is hereby dismissed and leave declined.
Page No. 4 of 4
2002 Y L R 2553
[Lahore]
MUHAMMAD ASLAM---Petitioner
Versus
Page No. 1 of 4
----Ss. 2(2), 47 & O. XLVII---Decree, execution of---Extent---Decree is to be
executed in accordance with its terms and conditions without modification.
ORDER
He has been heard; writ petition and its annexures have also been perused.
2. Facts of the writ petition are that Muhammad Aslam son of Nazir Ahmad
filed a suit against Province of Punjab, A.C. Saddar District, Sahiwal and one
Abdul Sattar for a declaration that he is in possession of Plot No.9/1/1/1
measuring 1 marla situated in Jinnah Colony, Tehsil and District Sahiwal, by
virtue of being allottee thereof.
5. It is urged that respondent No.2 is bound to implement the said decree but
he is not performing his statutory duty and there is no other remedy available
to the petitioner except to invoke the Constitutional jurisdiction of this Court.
Prayer is that a direction be issued to judgment-debtor (respondent No. 1) to
implement the said decree in the aforesaid manner.
Page No. 2 of 4
6. Through this Constitutional petition, in fact, decree of Civil Court is desired
to be enforced/implemented. The petitioner has got remedy of filing an
execution application before the Court which had passed the decree, under rule
10 of Order XXI Civil Procedure Code which provides that where holder of a
decree desires to execute it, he shall apply to the Court which passed the decree
or to the Court to which it is sent for execution.
10. It is not complained that any of the judgment-debtors has denied title of or
has interfered with possession of the decree-holder.
11. Demand of the decree holder (petitioner) is that respondent No.2 (Tehsildar)
a functionary of judgment-debtor No. 1 (Province of Punjab) be directed to
implement the decree by attesting a Mutation in favour of the decree-holder and
incorporating his ownership in the Revenue Record. This could have been
possible only if terms of the decree contained a mandatory injuction under
section 55 of the Specific Relief Act to compel performance of the requisite act.
Page No. 3 of 4
15. It appears that being mindful of the above situation that decree was not
executable, application for its execution implementation was not tiled before the
Court which had passed the decree but was moved before the Tehsildar
(respondent No.2) requiring him to do an act which the terms of the decree did
not direct to be done by the judgment-debtors and on his reluctance to do the
needful now a direction is being sought from the High Court through this
Constitutional petition for directing respondent No. 1 (judgment-debtor) to do
that which he is not required by the law to do.
16. For the reasons stated above, the direction sought by the petitioner cannot
be issued, writ petition is accordingly dismissed in limine.
Page No. 4 of 4
2002 Y L R 1302
[Lahore]
MUHAMMAD ASLAM---Petitioner
Versus
Page No. 1 of 4
----O.XXI---Execution of decree---Decree is to be executed in accordance with
its terms and conditions without modification.
ORDER
He has been heard; writ petition and its Annexures have also been persued.
2. Facts of the writ petition are that Muhammad Aslam son of Nazir Ahmad
filed a suit, against Province of Punjab, A.C. Saddar District, Sahiwal and one
Abdul Sattar for a declaration that he is in possession of Plot No.9/1/1/1
measuring 1 Marla situated in Jinnah Colony, Tehsil and District, Sahiwal, by
virtue of being allottee thereof.
Page No. 2 of 4
restrained from denying his ownership or from interfering with his possession
over the said plot for all times to come.
5. It is urged that respondent No.2 is bound to implement the said decree but
he is not performing his statutory duty and there is no other remedy available
to the petitioner except to invoke the Constitutional jurisdiction of this Court.
Prayer is that a direction be issued to judgment-debtor (respondent No. 1) to
implement the said decree in the aforesaid manner.
10. It is not complained that any of the judgment-debtors has denied title of or
has interfered with possession of the decree-holder.
Page No. 3 of 4
12. Copy of Judgment (Annexure B) shows that issuance of mandatory
injunction by way of consequential relief was neither prayed for in the plaint
nor the said relief was granted by the Court. Consequently mandatory
injunction to compel the requisite act was not granted in the decree.
15. It appears that being mindful of the above situation that decree was not
executable, application for its execution/implementation was not filed before
the Court which had passed the decree but was moved before the Tehsildar
(respondent No.2) requiring him to do an act which the terms of the decree did
not direct to be done by the judgment-debtors and on his reluctance to do the
needful now a direction is being sought from the High Court through this
Constitutional petition for directing respondent No.1 (judgment-debtor) to do
that which he is not required by the law to do.
16. For the reasons stated above, the direction sought by the petitioner cannot
be issued, writ petition is accordingly dismissed in limine.
Page No. 4 of 4
1997 M L D 745
versus
PLD 1963 SC 265; PLD 1973 Kar. 686; PLD 1968 SC 342 and PLD 1985 Kar.
705 ref.
Page No. 1 of 3
JUDGMENT
The brief facts of the case are that the present appellant Raja Shah Zaman, filed
a civil suit in the Court of Civil Judge, Gupis against the present respondents.
During the pendency of the suit the parties agreed to refer the matter for
arbitration and accordingly the matter was referred to the arbitrators appointed
by the parties. The arbitrators after consideration submitted their award on 30-
8-1983 before the Civil Court Gupis. The trial Judge asked objections against
the award. The present appellant filed objections against the award which were
rejected by the Civil Judge and he cannot succeed right to the Court of Judicial
Commissioner and the award which was made rule of the Court by the Civil
Judge become final.
2. When the first round of litigation was exhausted the present appellant filed a
fresh suit against the respondents before the Civil Judge Gupis on 24-2-1991.
The suit was filed for declaration with consequential relief for possession. The
said suit was decided against the appellant, then he filed the present execution
application. The respondents filed objections which were turned down by both
the Courts below. Hence this appeal.
3. I have gone through the record of the case and have heard the learned
counsel for the parties at length. Admittedly the decree under reference is based
on award and the arbitrators have simply determined the rights of the parties in
respect of the disputed land. The appellant who was himself plaintiff in the
litigation had filed a suit which was purely for declaration with consequential
relief for permanent injunction. There was absolutely no prayer for possession
The arbitrators accordingly passed award in which only rights of the parties
were determined and no decree for possession was awarded in favour of the
plaintiff or defendants. The main contention of the learned counsel for the
appellant was that the declaratory decree based on the award of the arbitration
is not executable and on this basis the decree-holder cannot claim the
possession. They relied on the following case-laws:---
It is held in these case-laws that the decree should be executed in spirit of its
terms and conditions and not in derogation of such terms the executing Court
neither to go behind of what decree stands for nor it to modify those terms.
4. The remedy which is neither claimed in the suit nor granted either by the
arbitrator or by the Court cannot be executed during the execution proceedings
Page No. 2 of 3
because the executing Court cannot grant a remedy which is not in the decree.
The only remedy for the appellant was to file an independent suit for
possession. He did it but the same was rejected by the Trial Court. He can again
seek such remedy if the remedy is available for him.
5. The appellant in his application for execution has claimed that he was in
possession of the land in dispute but subsequently he was dispossessed. This
fact although is not brought on record, if true it also supports for a fresh suit
not for the possession through execution of a declaratory decree.
6. I, therefore, in the light of the above discussions accept this appeal and set
aside the orders of both the Courts below and dismiss the application of the
appellant for execution. Parties to bear their own costs.
Page No. 3 of 3
1991 M L D 1681
[Lahore]
versus
Section 47 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, indicates that this section relates
to questions pertaining to execution, discharge or satisfaction of the decree
Page No. 1 of 7
which were executable. In such cases whenever question had arisen between
the parties to decree in respect of execution, discharge or satisfaction of the
decree, the executing Court had been given power to adjudicate such question.
Section 47 of the Civil Procedure Code was not applicable to declaratory decrees
passed under section 42 of the Specific Relief Act, 1877. Such decrees had the
effect of rendering declaration of legal character or any right in property which
was binding on all parties to the suit or persons claiming through them
respectively. From a comparative examination of section 42 of the Specific Relief
Act and section 47 of the Civil Procedure Code it was quite clear that whenever
the right of a party in a property was invaded by erroneous or a fraudulent
entry in revenue record, the said party is entitled to sue for seeking declaration
in respect of his right in such property. Applying these principles to the facts of
the case, it was quite clear that mutation in question, was attested 'incorrectly
against the plaintiffs and so respondents' suit was competent under section 42
of the Specific Relief Act.
----S. 42---Limitation Act (IX of 1908), Art.95---Suit for declaration under S.42,
Specific Relief Act, 1877---Plaintiffs grievance was against entry of mutation
incorporated in mutation register---Provisions of Art.95, Limitation Act, 1908
would be applicable when suit was filed for setting aside a decree obtained by
fraud---Plaintiffs suit being for rectification of entries of mutation, Art. 95,
Limitation Act, 1908 was not applicable and suit was filed within limitation.
ORDER
2. Zahoor Ahmad was murdered in year, 1974 and the land was mutated in
favour of following heirs:--
(1)
Mst. Iqbal Bibi (daughter)
1/2 shares
Page No. 2 of 7
(2)
Mst. Hakim Bibi (since dead, widow)
1/6 shares
(3)
Mst. Mumtaz Begum (as a widow)
1/6 shares
(4)
Mst. Sarwar Bibi (as a sister)
1/6 shares
(5)
Kabir Hussain
5/6 shares out of 3/8 share as paternal-cousin of the deceased as residuary).
(6)
Allah Ditta
(7)
Mst. Iqbal Bibi (daughter)
3. Against this situation Mst. Hakim Bibi, Mst. Sarwar (herein respondents)
filed appeal before the Collector, while Kabir Hussain, Allah Ditta and
Hafizullah (herein petitioners) filed a suit for declaration to the effect that Mst.
Hakim Bibi was divorced by propositus Zahoor Ahmad in his lifetime, that
neither Mst. Iqbal Bibi was the daughter of Zahoor Ahmad nor Mst. Sarwar Bibi
was his sister. The suit was contested by Mst. Hakim Bibi, Mst. Iqbal Bibi and
Mst. Sarwar Bibi, who took up the position that they were the legal heirs of
Zahoor Ahmad and plaintiffs were not entitled to inherit from the legacy left by
the propositus.
4. During the pendency of the suit, the parties arrived at compromise. The
compromise deed was submitted before the Court on 4-5-1972. The main
feature f the compromise were as follows:--
This deed of compromise was signed by Kabir Hussain, Allah Ditta and
Hafizullah and carried the thumb-impressions of Mst. Hakim Bibi, Mst. Sarwar
Bibi and Muhammad Hussain as a general attorney of Mst. Iqbal Bibi. The
signatures of Advocates of the parties were also appended. The learned trial
Court in accordance with the terms of the compromise deed noted above
decreed the suit. The Revenue Officer attested Mutation No.108 in the following
terms:--
5. On 15-7-1976 Mst. Hakim Bibi (since dead), Mst. Iqbal Bibi and Mst. Sarwar
Bibi brought suit for declaration to the effect that the compromise deed dated 4-
5-1972 was obtained by Kabir Hussain, Allah Ditta, and Hafizullah through
fraud and deception; that Mutation No.108 was, even otherwise, in violation of
compromise deed.
Page No. 3 of 7
6. The suit was contended. The following issues were framed:--
(1) Whether the description of the suit property given in the plaint is incorrect?
O.P.D.
(3) Whether the plaintiffs are estopped to bring the present suit by their own
conduct? O.P.D.
(4) Whether the suit has not been correctly valued for the purposes of court fee
and jurisdiction? if not, what is the correct valuation? O.P.D.
(5) Whether the suit is barred by the principle of res judicata? O.P.D.
(6) Whether the impugned Mutation No.108 dated 20-12-1971 and the
impugned decree, dated 4-5-1971 are illegal, void and outcome of fraud and are
ineffective against the rights of the plaintiff? O.P.P.
(7) Whether the plaintiffs are the owners in possession of the suit property and
the defendants have no concern with it? O.P.P.
(8) Relief.
7. The learned Civil Judge by judgment and decree, dated 20-1-1988 dismissed
the suit by coming to the conclusion that the suit was barred by time; that the
plaintiffs were estopped to bring the present suit; that suit was barred by
principle of res judicata, that the disputed mutation was correctly attested.
8. Feeling aggrieved, Mst. Hakim Bibi's legal heirs namely, Mst. Iqbal Bibi and
Mst. Sarwar Bibi lodged appeal which was accepted by the District Judge by
means of impugned judgment, dated 13-4-1991. The learned District Judge
concluded that the compromise deed noted above was unexceptionable; that
Mutation No.108 was not attested in accordance with the terms of the
compromise deed noted above; that Kabir Hussain, Hafizullah and Allah Ditta
were entitled to 16 Bighas only and Mst. Mumtaz Begum was entitled to 7
Bighas of the land, while the rest was to be given to parties in accordance with
the principle of Sunni Muslim Law of Inheritance. Learned District Judge held
that the suit was within time and was not hit by the principle of res judicata.
Hence this revision petition.
9. In disputing the correctness of the decree of the first appellate Court, the
learned counsel for the petitioners submitted his arguments on two grounds:--
Page No. 4 of 7
(1) In the first instance, it was argued that the respondents had filed suit
wherein the terms of the compromise/decree, dated 4-5-1972 were impeached.
It was submitted that such suit was not competent in view of the clear bar
contained in section 47 of the C.P.C. According to him the question regarding
discharge, execution and satisfaction of the decree could be only challenged
before the executing Court and not by bringing separate suit. Reliance was
placed on Sri Raja Hommadayara Nagunna Naidu Bahadur Zamindar Oaru and
another v. Ravi Venkatapayya and others A I R 1923 Privy Council 167).
(2) In the second instance it was argued that the suit was governed by Article
95 of Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 1908) and not by Article 120. According to the
learned counsel the respondents were party to the compromise deed. The
mutation was attested in consonance with the terms of consent decree; that the
suit was filed after the expiry of three years and so was time-barred. Help was
sought from Muhammad Inayat v. Ghulam Murtaza P L D 1987 Lah. 537,
Abdul Wahid v. Abdul Ghani and others P L D 1963 (W.P.) Kar. 990. The
Rawalpindi Central Cooperative Bank Ltd., Rawalpindi v. Raja Muhammad Riaz
Khan PLD 1966 (W.P.) Lah. 912 and Meral Ramanna v. Nallaparaju and others
PLD 1956 SC (India) 220.
10. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioners at considerable length
and gone through the record with his assistance, and carefully examined the
case-law cited by him. After taking into consideration the contentions of the
learned counsel, the facts of the case, I do not find any force in these
contentions. The facts of the cage from which this revision has arisen, are not
much in dispute. It is uncontested that the dispute relates to legacy of Zahoor
Ahmad; that he was survived by Mst. Iqbal Bibi, Mst. Hakim Bibi, Mst. Mumtaz
Begum and Mst. Sarwar Bibi who were his daughter, widows, and sister,
respectively. The parties are Sunni; that according to the Sunni law of
Inheritance Mst. Iqbal Bibi, Mst. Hakim Bibi, and Mst. Mumtaz Begum were
legal heirs while Mst. Sarwar Bibi was a residuary; that in presence of Mst.
Sarwar Bibi, Kabir Hussain, Allah Ditta and Hafeezullah were excluded from
inheritance as being residuaries of remoter degree qua Mst. Sarwar Bibi. It is
also uncontested that they got instituted a suit in which relationship of legal
heirs was disputed and in such circumstances the compromise deed was
executed on 4-5-1972 wherein these petitioners were successful in having a
share from the legacy of Manzoor Ahmad. From the terms of the compromise it
is clear that they were given 16 Bighas. There is no statement of Mst. Hakim
Bibi and Mst. Iqbal Bibi and Mst. Sarwar Bibi indicating the relinquishment of
their right in favour of anybody; that Mutation No.108 was attested in which
Mst. Iqbal Bibi, Mst. Hakim Bibi and Mst. Sarwar Bibi were excluded. After
taking into consideration these circumstances of the case, the learned District
Judge dealt with the question of rights of the parties in following terms:--
"In view of what has been discussed above I fully agree with the learned counsel
for the applicants that the true and correct import of agreement, Exh.P.19, is
that Mutation No.108 was set at naught by the parties themselves and then
they mutually gave 16 Bighas of the land to respondents Nos.1 to 3 irrespective
of the fact that that they were not entitled to any inheritance. (The learned
counsel for the appellants has called this share as `Jagga Tax' it may be so);
seven Bighas were given to respondent No.5 irrespective whether the appellants
disputed her Nikah with the deceased or not and remaining was left for the
appellants according to their Sharai shares. Consequent to above discussion, I
reverse the findings of learned Civil Judge on issue No.6 and answer it in the
terms mentioned above:'
Page No. 5 of 7
12. Viewed from the aforesaid facts and circumstances of the case, I have no
difficulty in reaching the conclusion that the finding of the learned District
Judge was eminently just and in accordance with well-known principle of
Muslim Jurisprudence. It is quite clear to me that the disputed mutation was
incorrectly attested and the rights of the legal heirs were brazenly ignored. I am,
therefore, of the view that the finding of the learned District Judge does not
suffer from any illegality or any factual infirmity.
Section 47.--- (1) All questions arising between the parties to the suit in which
the decree was passed or their representatives, and relating to the execution,
discharge or satisfaction of the decree, shall be determined by the Court
executing the decree and not by a separate suit.
(2) The Court may, subject to any objection as to limitation or jurisdiction, treat
a proceeding under the section as a suit or a suit as a proceeding and may, if
necessary, order payment of any additional court-fees.
Explanation.---For the purposes of this section, a plaintiff whose suit has been
dismissed and a defendant against whom a suit has been dismissed, are parties
to the suit.
Section 42.--- Any person entitled to any legal character, or to any right as to
any property, may institute a suit against any person denying, or interested to
deny, his title to such character or right, and the Court may in its discretion
make therein a declaration that he is so entitled, and the plaintiff need not in
such suit ask for any further relief:
Provided that no Court shall make any such declaration where the plaintiff,
being able to seek further relief than mere declaration of title, omits to do so.
Section 43-A.-- A declaration made under this Chapter is binding only on the
parties to the suit, persons claiming through them respectively, and, where any
Page No. 6 of 7
of the parties are trustees, on the persons for whom, if in existence at the date
of the declaration, such parties would be trustees.
14. A bare look at section 47 of the C.P.C., indicates that this section relates to
questions pertaining to execution, discharge or satisfaction of the decree which
are executable. In such cases whenever question arises between the parties to
decree in respect of execution, discharge or satisfaction of the decree, the
executing Court has been given power to adjudicate such questions. Section 47
of the Civil Procedure Code, is not applicable to declaratory decrees passed
under section 42 of the Specific Relief Act, 1877 (1 of 1877). Such decrees have
the effect of rendering declaration of legal character or any right in property
which is binding on all parties to the suit or persons claiming through them
respectively. From a comparative examination of section 42 of the Specific Relief
Act and section 47 of the Civil Procedure Code it is quite clear that whenever
the right of a party in a property is invaded by erroneous or a fraudulent entry
in Revenue Record, the said party is entitled to sue for seeking declaration in
respect of his right in such property. Applying these principles to the facts of
the case, it is quite clear that mutation No.108 was attested incorrectly against
the plaintiffs and so respondents' suit was competent under section 42 of the
Specific Relief Act.
16. As regards the contentions relating to limitation I do not find any force in
it. The suit was filed for declaration under section 42 of the specific Relief Act; it
pertained to a grievance against entry of mutation incorporated in mutation
register; from a bare reference to Article 95 of Limitation Act, it is evident that
this Article is applicable when the suit is filed for setting aside a decree
obtained by fraud. In this case the grievance was two-fold that the consent
decree was based upon fraud and secondly the mutation was not attested in
consonance with the decree.
17. From the perusal of Article 95 of the Limitation Act, 1908 (IX of 1908), it is
quite clear that this Article is only applicable where the relief is for setting aside
the decree obtained by fraud or for further relief on the ground of fraud, and
not otherwise. As shown above, this suit included the relief of declaration that
Mutation No.108 was illegal.
18. Even otherwise, this revision petition is to be looked from another angle, the
revisional jurisdiction is discretionary in nature. In this case, the petitioners
had come to Court with unclean hands. In fact they had no right of inheritance
in the legacy .of Zahoor Ahmad. They have, in fact, involved the legal heirs in
protracted litigation. In this way they have obtained 16 Bighas; still they seem
to be unsatisfied and are dragging the legal heirs in litigation. I am, therefore,
clear in my mind that the petitioners are not entitled to grant of relief in
revisional jurisdiction of this Court.
19. In the light of foregoing analysis I find no merit in this revision petition. In
result, this revision petition fails and is dismissed in limine.
Page No. 7 of 7
P L D 1973 Karachi 686
Versus
Letters Patent Appeal No. 299 of 1966, decided on 27th June 1973.
Where it was clear from the terms of the decree that the decree did not contain
any absolute direction but stopped short with declaring the rights sad the
obligations of the parties relating to the property forming the basis of the claim
sought to be enforced through execution proceedings it was held that the decree
under the circumstances would be just declaratory in nature, and, therefore,
incapable of execution.
Page No. 1 of 1
A. K. Brohi and Iqbal Ahmad for Respondents.
JUDGMENT
AGHA ALI HYDER, J.-This appeal has arisen out of execution proceedings in
the following circumstances.
2. The appellant and the respondents Nos. 1 and 2 are brothers inter se. The
respondent No. 3 is their father. They jointly owned substantial properties and
business concerns in Pakistan and outside. Differences having arisen in the
family, they decided to refer their dispute to Haji Fazal Karim. as sole arbitrator.
The said arbitrator, with the approval of the parties, made his award on 1-6-
1963. An objection was filed, but the award was made a rule of the Court by a
learned Single Judge, and accordingly a decree was passed on 6-2-1966. As a
result of it, certain specific properties and business fell to the share of the
appellant. In order to make the distribution of the business and immovable
properties equitable, certain specific sums also were awarded to the appellant.
These sums were made payable out of the amounts due to the parties from the
Karachi Development Authority, the Karachi Municipal Corporation and the
Military Engineering Service. Paragraphs 2, 12 & 13 of the decree which are
pertinent In that context read as under :-
"2. (I) The Factory Yousuf Iron & Pipe Mills, Karachi, (2) Kohinoor & Co., and a
house In Machuwa Bazar, Calcutta, and (3) House No. III-A 1/18 situated in
Nazimabad, shall, each of the three, be considered to be the property of the
party of the second part. The party of the 1st part shall nave no proprietary
rights in or business concern with any of these three properties.
12. The party of the second part shall be entitled to the rents and income of
Kohinoor & Co., Calcutta and the douse situated in Machuwa Bazar after April
1961.
13. In addition to the properties and business hereby already awarded to the
party of the second part by this Award, the party of the first part shall pay a
further lump sum or Rs. 60,000 (in Pakistani currency) to Muhammad Yousuf
the party of the second part. In full settlement on account of the cessation of
his interest in the firms and properties mentioned above. The sum of Rs. 60,000
(Rupees sixty thousand only) shall be paid in the following manner: When all
the final payments of the K. D. A. bills are made, and the fixed deposit of Rs.
50,000 is refunded, at that time the party of the first part shall pay the
aforementioned amount to the party of the second part. Besides this amount
and the amount shown in clause 14 below, no party shall claim any thing
against any other party."
Page No. 2 of 1
and also of the properties of the respondents, as he claimed a sum of Rs.
5,30,000 on account of the rents and profits of Kohinoor Co., and the House in
Machuwa Bazar. Calcutta. It was further stated that 1n due course, an
application would be mad: to the Court to determine the actual amount due
from the respondents.
4. The learned Single Judge allowed the application for the attachment of the
sums in the hands of the garnishees and the payments there-from of the sums
payable to the appellant, but he disallowed the appellant's claim for the
recovery of the amounts by way of rent and profits of the business and the
house awarded under paras. 2 and 12, on the ground that these parts of the
decree were merely declaratory and therefore inexecutable, resulting in this
appeal. The respondents fled a cross-objection, but in the events that have
followed, and need not be re-counted, it is not necessary to advert to the same.
All that remains to see is whether, paras. 2 and 12 of the decree were
declaratory or executory.
5. Mr. Tayabji, learned counsel for the appellant, in the course of his address,
referred us to the following cases-Mst. Lachmi Bai v. Asudomal (1 S L R 184),
Gokaldas Divarkadas v. Otandas (2 S L R 33), Lalibai v. Valiram Ghanshamdus
and others (7 S L R 192), Bannumal v. Paras Ram and another (A I R 1930 Lah.
110), S. Pilloi and another v. L. Petter & others (A I R 1928 Mad. 474), Siraj
Bakhsh v. Ganga Bakhsh (A I R 1927 Orrisa 457.), J. Rustomji v. Guranditta
Mal (A I R 1915 Lah. 207), Gangaram v. M. Bhatta and another (A I R 1937
Mad. 879), G. Sanmukhmal v. Mst. Bhombo (A I R 1943 Sind 11) and
Ramanand and others v. Jai Ram arid others (I L R 43 All. 170). The rule
deducible there from is that decree will be declaratory, if it merely declares or
creates the right, while in an executory decree, "there is a definite order to a
definite person to do or refrain from doing a certain thing, either forthwith or at
a given future date or to the happening of a certain event". The matter is
therefore to be examined in the light of the aforesaid test.
6. It is clear from the terms of the decree set out earlier, that the decree did not
contain any absolute direction. It stopped short with declaring the rights and
the obligations of the parties relating to the property forming the basis of the
claim sought to be enforced through these execution proceedings. There was no
provision therein that the rights so fixed were to be enforced by execution
proceedings much less against the respondents. The decree under the
circumstances would be just declaratory in nature, and, therefore, incapable of
execution.
7. Even on merits, the claim is not sustainable. The learned Single Judge, from
that point of view, considered it expedient In the interest of justice to record the
statement of Khawaja Abdul Rashid, respondent No. 2 before us. No objection
was taken to this step at that time. The appellant did not even indicate his
desire to enter the witness-box himself or produce any body else on his behalf,
to give any other version of the affairs in controversy. No grievance was made of
it in the Memorandum of Appeal either, though Mr. Tayabji, learned counsel for
the appellant has now chosen to find fault with the course adopted. It is rather
belated.
8. Khawaja Abdul Rashid has stated that the rent of the house in Machuwa
Bazar used to be collected by Said Ali and Abdur Rauf, who are Indian
nationals and the business of Kohinoor & Co. was looked after by its employees,
who did not make any remittances to them.
Page No. 3 of 1
9. In the result, I will dismiss the appeal with costs.
K. B. A. Appeal dismissed.
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