✦ Bombay High Court · 30 Nov 2009

Hemant Krishna Waradkar v. Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd & Ors.

No. 3488 of 2006S C DHARMADHIKARNI35 min read

Case at a glance

Key paragraphs

  • Para 3333. In my opinion it is not necessary to deal with the decisions in details to which my attention is invited. The decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Suraj Lamp and industries private limited v/s. State of Harayana and another (2009) 7 SCC 363…

Judgment

1.

Pursuant to the Agreement reached between the parties, Notice -: 2 :- of motion was listed for final hearing. It is finally disposed of by this order.

2.

The Plaintiff claims to be the sole and exclusive owner of the portion of land which is more particularly described in the schedule as Annexure -A to the plaint.

3.

The first defendant is claiming a part of the suit property from defendant nos. 2, 3 and 6 to 8. The extent of these defendants share (37.5%) has been transferred in favour of the defendant no.1.

4.

It is stated that the defendants namely, defendant nos. 4(a) to 4(d) claim to be entitled to an undivided share of 7.81% share each in the suit property. Defendant Nos.5(a) and 5(b) claimed to be entitled to share of 15.62% share in the suit property. Defendant Nos. 9 to 15 are parties impleaded to the suit because of litigation between them and the defendant no.2. They claim the property through defendant no.2 and a suit is filed being suit No. 3488 of 2006. The defendant no.16 is a party who has entered a Memorandum of Agreement for development/ agreement for sale in respect of a part of the suit property. -: 3 :-

5.

The Notice of motion seeks interim relief restraining the defendants, their agents and servants or anybody acting for or on behalf of them or claiming through them from entering upon, developing, constructing on the suit properties as also creating any third party rights in respect of the land itself. Further interim relief is to seek a restraint against them from acting in pursuance of agreement for sale dated 13th November 2007, Deed of conveyance dated 7th March 2008, three deeds of conveyance all dated 18th December 2008, the Declaration dated 16th November 1961, the Memorandum of Understanding dated 4th April 1994 and the Deed of Confirmation dated 10th August 2008.

6.

Very briefly stated the controversy is that the plaintiff alleges that one Lila Umedram Desai, an Indian citizen residing at Worli Mumbai was owner of the suit land. By a registered sale deed dated 16th November 1961 she conveyed and transferred the suit property to one Arjandas Menghraj Thakur stated to be residing at CCI Chambers, Churchgate, Bombay. The total consideration was Rs. 3,79,165.95. There were certain terms in this document / deed which came to be registered with the Sub-Registrar of Assurances on -: 4 :- 16th November 1961. A copy of this deed is annexed as Annexure-B to the plaint.

In paragraph nos. 11 & 12 of the plaint the plaintiff alleges thus:-

11) The said Arjandas, who as per the terms of the said Deed of Conveyance dated 16th November 1961, had became the absolute owner of the Suit Property, sold and conveyed the entire Suit Property in favour of the plaintiff vide a registered Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November , 1979 for the total consideration of Rs. 8,75,540/- on the terms and conditions, as more particularly mentioned therein. A copy of the certified copy of the registered Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 is hereto annexed and marked EXHIBIT- C. 12) The said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 was duly lodged for registration with the Sub- Registrar of Assurances at Mumbai on 20th November -: 5 :- 1979 at Sr. No. S/2679/79. Since at the relevant time, all documents lodged for registration at Bombay were being sent to Pune at the Head Office of the Sub- Registrar of Assurances for scanning/scrutiny, the documents used to take several years before the same were effectively registered since various requisitions were firstly required to be complied with. The said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 was thus eventually registered by the Office of the Sub- Registrar of Assurances on 03.06.2004. However, it is pertinent to mention here that no notice/intimation of any nature whatsoever was given to the plaintiff by the office of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances in that regard. Since the suit property comprised of portions which fell within two revenue villages, i.e., village Chakala and village Mulgaon, two separate Index II certificates were issued by the Office of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances in respect of the said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979. Hereto annexed and marked as Exhibit D and E are the true copies of t he certified index II -: 6 :- certificates issued by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances in respect of the said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979.

8.

In paragraph 13 of the plaint it is alleged that signatures of said Arjandas on conveyance deed dated 16th November 1961, the conveyance dated 20th November 1979 and the signature made at the time of lodging of the conveyance dated 20th November 1979 for registration are all similar.

9.

It is alleged that despite the entire suit property being sold to Arjandas and thereafter by Arjandas to the plaintiff, the second defendant claims that he had executed an un-registered unilaterally signed declaration dated 16th November 1961 wherein he mentions that the consideration paid by said Arjandas for acquiring the suit property was contributed in the following manner : (a) 20% by the defendant no.2., (b) 10% by the defendant no.3, (c) 30% by the father of the Defendant nos. 4a to 4d, (d) 30% by the predecessor in title of Defendant nos. 5a and 5b, (e) 10% by the mother of the defendant nos. 2 & 3 so also by the father of defendant nos. 4a to 4d -: 7 :- and predecessor in title of defendant nos. 5a-b. This declaration states that the right, title and interest in the suit property vests in accordance with the shares determined above in between these parties.

11.

It is alleged that the signature of Arjandas / defendant no.2 on the declaration (Annexure-F) is completely different from the signature on the conveyance dated 16-11-1961 and also from the deed of conveyance dated 20th November 1979. Thus, all throughout the plaintiff names one Arjandas and does not accept that the said Arjandas and defendant no.2 to the present suit are one and the same individual.

12.

In paragraph no. 15 of the plaint, the plaintiff alleges that : “15. At the time when the suit property was sold to the plaintiff, large portions of the same were overrun by various illegal structures, including illegal encroachments and slums. The plaintiff, despite being the owner of the suit property, was not in a financial position to take steps to clear -: 8 :- the suit property of various structures and encroachments – which would have entailed entering into protracted and expensive litigation – and hence the plaintiff for several years took no steps in respect thereof, despite at all times being the owner thereof. The plaintiff at all times remained the owner of the suit property and was advised that since he was the owner of the suit property, pursuant to registered deed of conveyance, his ownership title to the suit property was protected. In or around the begging of the year 2008, the plaintiff was approached by some parties who offered to develop the suit property. However, since the plaintiff was not in possession of the original deed of conveyance dated 20th November 1979 (as the same was lodged for registration), the same did not materialize. In this view of the matter, plaintiff took the assistance of one Nilesh Jadhav who introduced the plaintiff to one Mr. Hemant Rane and one Mr. Yatin Prabhavalkar, who agreed to asit the plaintiff in connection with the suit property. The said Mr. Hemant Rane pursued the matter with the office of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances and made relevant enquireis as regards the -: 9 :- said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 which was lodged for registration with the office of the Sub- Registrar of Assurances on the same day as that of its execution. The said Mr. Hemant Rane then learnt that the said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November, 1979 was duly registered by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances on

03.06.2004 and accordingly informed the plaintiff about the same. Thereafter, under instructions from the plaintiff, the said Mr. Hemant Rane initiated the process for obtaining the original duly registered Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 from the office of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances. The said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November, 1979 was duly handed over to the said Mr. Hemant Rane for and on behalf of the plaintiff on 22nd August 2008. The plaintiff states that after the said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 was duly registered, the same was sent to Pune for scanning, as per the usual practice of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances. The plaintiff has obtained a certified copy of the entry made in the Register maintained by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances to that effect. -: 10 :- A true copy of the certified copy dated 16.07.09 of the entry made in the register maintained by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances along with the receipt for payment of fees in that regard is hereto annexed and marked as EXHIBT-G. The plaintiff states that a bare perusal of the entry made in the Register maintained by the Registrar of Assurances interalia showing that the said Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 2009 was sent to Pune on 09.02.2005 will disclose that the said document was infact sent by the office of t he Sub-Registrar of Assurances for scanning after the same was duly registered.

The plaintiff further states that on or about 05.08.2009, he caused an application to be made to the Joint Sub-Registrar of Assurances under the provisins of the RTI interalia seeking certified copies of the relevant page of the Registers (MIX Book/Day Book) maintained by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances interalia showing entries of all original documents handed over to the concerned parties thereof. Accordingly, in pursuance of the said RTI application, the Joint Sub-Registrar of Assurances forwarded a Certified copy of the relevant page of the MIX book -: 11 :- maintained by them, i.e., Page No. 91 alongwith their letter dated 12.08.2000 interalia stating that since the DAY book maintained by their office was not available, they were providing the applicant with a certified copy of the MIX book maintained by them. Hereto annexed and marked as Exhibit G-1 and Exhibit H are the true copies of the said Page no.91 of the MIX book maintained by the Sub-Registrar of Assurances and the said letter dated 12.08.2009 issued by the Joint Sub-REgistrar of Assurances. It is pertinent to note that the relevant entry on page 91 of the MIX book maintained by the Joint Registrar of Assurances categorically sates that the Original Deed of Conveyance dated 20th November 1979 was handed over to the said Mr. Hemant Rane for and on behalf of the plaintiff on 22.08.2008.”

13.

The Plaintiff states that he has executed a special power of attorney dated 19th November 2008 in favour of one Yatin Prabhavalkar in order to make an application and take steps so that the plaintiff’s name is inserted in the revenue records. Pursuant to this power of attorney said Yatin was authorised to file suits, -: 12 :- proceedings etc and to make appropriate applications before the revenue authorities. A copy of the power of attorney is annexed as Annexure-I to the plaint. It is stated that said Mr. Yatin obtained a certified copy of the deed of conveyance so as to get the name of the plaintiff entered in the property card and other revenue records and an application was also made to the City survey office and other authorities. During the course of these proceedings before the revenue authorities it was learnt that some of the defendants have illegally executed various documents pertaining to the suit property. It is stated that these documents were executed despite the deed of conveyance dated 20th November 2009 in favour of the plaintiff being registered as required by law. Further when in January 2009, the plaintiff and said Prabhawalkar inspected the suit property they were shocked to see that it was fenced and board of defendant 1 was put up thereon. On enquiry with the security guards it was learnt that possession in respect of the portion of the suit property was claimed by one Variam Singh, Director of defendant no.1. A rough sketch plan was prepared and thereafter said Prabhawalkar went to the office of the Registrar of Assurances at Old Custom house in order to make enquires in respect of the possession of the suit property. When -: 13 :- said Prabhawalkar caused a search to be done in the office of the Sub- Registrar he noticed afore mentioned documents executed between the defendants interse. In paragraph 20 of the plaint after referring to each of these documents, the plaintiff makes comments on the contents thereof so also the signature of said Arjandas.

14.

It is specifically alleged in para 20(d) that in view of the substantial divergence in the signatures of Arjandas and defendant 2, the plaintiff suspected that the defendant no.2 was impersonating said Arjandas with a malafide attempt to use the said property. Consequently, in January 2009 the plaintiff went to the Election Office to find out whether or not a person by name Arjandas was alive or not. The plaintiff learnt that in the electoral list of 2009 the name of Arjandas was missing. Thereafter said Yatin went to the office of the BMC North ward, Dadar and made enquiry as to whether said Arjandas was alive. Pursuant to an application made, the BMC provided a death certificate of Arjandas stating that said person expired on 10th June 2004. On the basis of this, plaintiff alleges that the original owner of the suit property expired, yet the defendant nos. 1 & 2 have filed several proceedings including criminal complaint -: 14 :- against the defendant and Yatin for allegedly obtaining a false certificate. It is stated that the defendants are falsely alleging that deed of conveyance dated 20/11/1979 is forged and fabricated document. The said conveyance is a registered document therefore all proceedings are initiated with a view to harass the plaintiff.

15.

The agreement for sale dated 13th November 2007 is referred by the plaintiff on account of the fact that according to him 3 suits are pending in respect of the suit property. One of the suits, suit 3488 of 2006 was filed by deft. no.2 against the deft. nos. 3, 5, 4(a) to 4(d), 6, 7 and 8 and interim order was passed in the said suit but consequently consent terms were executed by the parties. Then other two suits are referred. It is stated that a deed of conveyance dated 7th March 2008 by the defendant no.3 in favour of the deft. no.1 with the defendant no.2 being joined as the confirming party has been executed. Pursuant to this deed, defendant no.3 purported to sell his alleged 11.25% share in the suit property to the defendant no.1 for an alleged consideration of Rs.12 crores. The plaintiff states that even this conveyance has been registered with the Registrar of Assurances on 25/8/2008. -: 15 :-

16.

Second consent terms led to the rights of the defendants being transferred in favour of the defendant no.1. In that behalf the deed of conveyance dated 18th December 2008 has been referred to.

17.

Questioning all these documents it is alleged that the plaintiff is the sole and exclusive owner of the suit property and is entitled to a declaration to that effect. It is plaintiff’s own case that the deed of conveyance in his favour dated 20/11/1979 was duly registered and Index-II in respect thereof was also issued on 3rd June 2004. Since the documents are now traced, it is stated that the suit claim is within limitation and the averment in that behalf is in paragraph 31 of the plaint.

18.

Thus the declaration with regard to the ownership rights of the plaintiff on the basis of the conveyance deed dated 20/11/1979 coupled with further declarations so as to invalidate the documents in favour of the defendant no.1 are claimed. In furtherance of these final reliefs the interim orders are sought by the instant notice of motion. -: 16 :-

19.

Mr. Madon learned Senior counsel appearing on behalf of the plaintiff urged that the plaintiff has come to court on the basis of claim of exclusive ownership of the entire property. Mr. Madon learned sr. counsel submits that the conveyance dated 20/11/1979 is duly registered. He submits that there is a presumption in law that official acts are performed in the manner in which they are supposed to be performed. Once there is a registration in favour of the plaintiff and that being a prior document, then the defts. cannot lay any claim to the suit property. Their actions being subsequent in time and both parties claiming through the same owner, then untill and unless this court finally resolves the controversy with regard to the genuineness and validity of the documents in question, no development work at site or construction activity should be permitted. Further the first defendant should be restrained from acting in furtherance of the documents executed in his favour and alienating and transferring or selling the suit property or portions thereof.

20.

Mr. Madon learned sr. counsel submits that today there is a serious dispute as to whether on the strength of an unilateral act of -: 17 :- Arjandas the plaintiff can be deprived of his share in the suit property. The declaration is not registered as required by section 17 of the Registration Act, 1908. The declaration is also not stamped as conveyance under Article 25 or as a release under Article 52 of the Bombay Stamp Act, 1958 as it then stood. The declaration being only document relied upon by the certain defendants to show the source of their title to the suit property, it cannot be relied on. Defendant no.2 claims to have executed both deed of conveyance dated 16th November 1961 and the declaration on the same day, however his signatures on these documents completely differ. Although the second defendant’s reply proceeds to state that on the conveyance deed of 1961 his short signature appears and on the declaration is his long signature that explanation is not acceptable or convincing at all. However, such signature does not find place in any other document. Further the defendant no.2 has produced the Ration card, passport, election card and driving license wherein the signature is completely different. Mr. Madon learned sr. counsel submits that the defendant no.2 now comes before the court with a version that he was residing earlier at CCI Chambers, Churchgate yet his identity cannot be held to be proved on the basis of the documents produced -: 18 :- on record. The documents thus will have to be proved. The identity of the person is in dispute. It is not clear from the documents produced that the second defendant is the same person Arjandas. Moreso, when Arjandas residing at CCI Chambers, Churchgate, Bombay is reportedly dead as per the death certificate. For all these reasons unless and until this Court investigates the matter fully, interim orders in terms of the prayers be granted.

21.

Mr. Madon learned sr. counsel has invited my attention to section 114 of the Indian Evidence Act and Section 41 of the Transfer of Property Act and several provisions of the Registration Act including Part-X and XI thereof.

22.

Mr. Madon learned sr. counsel has also relied upon the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 and more particularly section 4 thereof. He also relies upon the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court reported in (2009) 7 SCC 363 – Suraj Lamp & Industries Pvt. Ltd v/s. State of Harayana and Another, and a decision of the Supreme Court reported in (2003) 12 SCC 35 – Bhagat Ram and Ano. v/s Suresh and others. He also relies upon another decision of the Supreme Court reported in AIR-1978 SC 1142 – Sone Lal & Ors. v/s. -: 19 :- The State of U.P. reiterating the principle that the legal presumption is that official acts must have been duly performed.

23.

On the other hand, Shri. Samdani, learned Sernior counsel appearing for the first defendant submits that the version of the plaintiff is completely false and totally unbelievable. Inviting my attention to the verification of the pleadings / plaint, Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that the plaintiff himself has not stated anything about the deed of conveyance allegedly executed in his favour. It is the version of Yatin Prabhawalkar and Hemant Rane who have some documents / authorities executed in their favour that the plaintiff makes the allegations. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that this is indeed a serious and grave matter. The criminal proceedings are pending. A person is reported to be dead, namely, Arjandas, a defendant to the suit. He has filed his personal affidavit. He is very much alive. He had appeared before the Sessions Court at the hearing of the anticipatory bail application. He submits that the plaintiff is a criminal inasmuch as he is accused of forging documents together with his accomplices, namely, Prabhawalkar and Rane. He is accused in the criminal case. He is an absconding and has never -: 20 :- appeared before the investigating machinery. Even in this Court he has not appeared during the course of this notice of motion.

24.

It is unbelievable that plaintiff would not do anything after he is supposedly confronted with ownership rights a immovable property at Mumbai. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that the consideration allegedly paid by the plaintiff of Rs.8.75 lacs was a substantial sum in the year 1979. The conveyance deed does not appear to have been executed after any negotiations or discussions. There is no reference to any prior document. The clear forgery is apparent inasmuch as some document allegedly executed on 20/11/1979 is planted in the records of the Sub-Registrar of Assurances and the Registration is obtained. The registration is stated to be of the year 2004. This date is not mentioned without any co- incidence. If the complete story is to be believed then plaintiff has to proceed on the basis that the erstwhile owner Arjandas is nowhere around. Therefore, by obtaining a forged and false document involving the original owner, the version in the plaint has been set up. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that if the documents are perused even with a naked eye it would be apparent that the plaintiff -: 21 :- and his accomplices planted these documents. Even the registration is obtained fraudulently. The Registration Officer has clarified the entire position in his statement to the police. Relying upon the extract of the statement Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that although in law their evidentiary value is well settled, yet it is only with regard to pointing out the falsity of the version of the plaintiff himself that the first defendant brings to the notice of this Court the contents of the statements recorded by the police and the observations of the learned Sessions Judge.

25.

Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that independently thereof, in the affidavit in reply, it is pointed out as to how the first defendant acquired title to the property. He submits that the first defendant has filed a detailed affidavit in this court pointing out that there is a gross and enormous and also unexplainable delay. From the averments in the plaint itself if the property was inspected in and around January 2009 and it was stated to be fenced in part, there is nothing which prevented the plaintiff from approaching this Court earlier and not in September 2009. Further from January 2009 till 18th September 2009 the plaintiff has waited although he is supposed -: 22 :- to be owner of the valuable property. The plaintiff is seeking cancellation of agreement of sale and conveyance of 2007 and 2008.

26.

That apart, Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that the plaintiff is seeking cancellation of the conveyance dated 26th November 1961, MOU dated 4th April 1994 deed of conveyance dated 10th August 2008. All this would show that the plaintiff is not at all diligent.

27.

On merits, Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that first defendant has denied that the suit property was purchased by the plaintiff. It is denied that the second defendant conveyed the suit property to the plaintiff by the alleged deed of conveyance dated 20th November 1979. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that as is apparent from the deed of declaration dated 16th November 1961, the purchase consideration for the property was in the name of defendant no.1 but contributed by defendant 2 and 5, father of defendant no.4 and so also predecessor in title of other defendants. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel has invited my attention to a copy of the statement under section 6(1) of the Urban Land Ceiling Act -: 23 :- filed and accepted by the authorities. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that the plaintiff has not stated the facts correctly pertaining to himself. There is variance between the address in the cause title and in the document relied upon by him.

As per the ration card, the age of the plaintiff is shown as 31years. The power of attorney has been registered on 19/11/2008. Assuming that the power of attorney in favour of Yatin is executed in November 2008 and is valid and genuine, yet from the perusal thereof it is apparent that the age of the plaintiff is 51 years on the date of the registration. If one accepts this as correct fact, then the plaintiff must have been 18 years of age on 19th November1979. Thus, the plaintiff himself is relying upon a completely erroneous and false version. The alleged original deed of conveyance has not been produced. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel has taken me through the colour xerox copy of the same and all endorsements thereon. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that from the document and record maintained in the Registration office itself it would be apparent that this document is inserted and planted in the record by the plaintiff and his accomplices.

Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that even when the alleged conveyance was executed in the year 1979 income -: 24 :- tax clearance certificate was necessary. The provisions of the Income Tax Act prevalent at the relevant time would make this clear. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel has placed the extracts of the relevant statutes including the stamp Act and the Rules according to which the stamp duty at the relevant time should have been adjudicated and paid. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that the signatures on these conveyances are forged. Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits t hat if the document was registered on3rd June 2004 and handed over to the constituted attorney of the plaintiff in August 2008, how is that from 1979 till 2008 even the plaintiff did not learn about its registration. For all these reasons, Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel submits that this is nothing but a blatant act of usurping the property by harassing the defendants. No discretionary and equitable relief be granted in favour of the plaintiff who has approached the court with false case.

27. While adopting the arguments of Shri. Samdani, learned Sr. counsel, Shri. Nitin Thakkar learned sr. counsel appearing on behalf of the defendant no.2 has invited my attentionto to the affidavit in reply of second defendant. The learned sr. counsel submits that the -: 25 :- second defendant is none other than the original owner in whose favour the document of 1961 has been executed. He is 77 years of age, very much alive and fit to come before the Court. He is ready and willing to appear even during the course of the present proceedings. Shri. Nitin Thakar learned sr. counsel submits that the property was purchased by the second defendant. The plaintiff is trying to mislead the court. Shri. Nitin Thakar learned sr. counsel submits that the second defendant is none other than said Arjandas who was residing at CCI Chambers, Churchgate, Bombay. The previous ration card, passport, driving licence all show that the said address of the defendant no.2. Even the property taxes have been paid to the BMC and other authorities from the year 1961 till 2007 and they have been paid by the second defendant. He has engaged security guards. The second defendant had never alleged that he was absolute owner of the suit property. The second defendant is signatory to both the documents of 1961 and therefore his statements are supported by the record. Shri. Nitin Thakar learned sr. counsel has invited my attention to paragraph 13 of the affidavit of the second defendant wherein it has been stated by him that I do not know the plaintiff. I never met the plaintiff. Second defendant has -: 26 :- stated that he has not signed alleged conveyance and signatures thereon are not his signatures and he has not received any consideration. In the absence of original document there is no question of plaintiff’s statement being accepted. Shri. Nitin Thakar learned sr. counsel submits that for such and other reasons the interim application be dismissed.

28.

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the other defendants have adopted the arguments of Shri. Samdani, learned senior counsel. It ispointed out that the month (November) in the conveyance relied upon by theplaintiff is inserted strategically by ink so as to pass off the document as if it is executed in the year1979. However blanks and discrepancies which show that the conveyance in favour of theplaintiff is not genuine.

29.

Shri. T. N. Subramanian, learned sr. counsel has also addressed the court but by principally adopting the arguments aforementined and set out.

30.

For properly appreciating the contentions even at this prima -: 27 :- facie stage it is necessary to refer to the plaint averments. I have reproduced the relevant averments in the plaint only to emphasise the fact that the plaintiff has approached this Court with a claim of ownership in respect of a property admeasuring 32,970.95 sq. yards equivalent to 27567.68 sq. meters situated in revenue village of Chakala and Mulgaon, taluka Andheri, Andheri-kurla road, Andheri (East) Mumbai 400 093. The plaintiff has stated in the plaint that he acquired the title to the property in the year 1979. The plaintiff in the plaint does not deny that he acquired the property from one Arjandas Meghraj Thakur. The plaintiff does not dispute the fact that the property was earlier owned by one Lila Umedram Desai. Arjandas acquired it from Lila Desai and plaintiff acquired it from Arjandas. Plaintiff himself states that Arjandas was residing at CCI Chambers, DinshaWacha road, Churchgate, Bombay.

The plaintiff in the plaint itself states that the conveyance in his favour was not immediately registered. It is stated that it was duly lodged for registration with the Registrar of Assurances at Mumbai on 20/11/1979 at serial no. 2-2679/79. The plaintiff states that at the relevant time all documents lodged for reregistration were sent to Pune, i.e., the Head Office of the Registrar of Assurances for scanning and scrutiny, thereby the -: 28 :- documents would take several years before they were effectively registered. The statements in the plaint and more particularly para 12 are that the document requires registration and before that there are some requisitions which are required to be complied with. No details aboutwhen the said document was forwarded to Pune, whether any requisition were ever raised and if raised, answered and complied with and what steps the plaintiff took from the year 1979 til 2004 to obtain the registration are forthcoming even prima facie.

It is surprising that the plaintiff alleges in para 12 that no notice/intimation of any nature was given to the plaintiff by the office of the Registrar of Assurances in that regard. Yet he states that the deed of conveyance was eventually registered on 3rd June 2004. What follows logically from this statement is that until and unless the plaintiff learnt about the transaction between the first defendant and others, he did not take any steps to enquire about the registration of the document/ deed of conveyance of 1979 although it was stated to be lodged with the authorities. If the plaintiff himself allows 25 years to go by for obtaining registration of a document / deed of conveyance inhis favour in respect of such a vast tract of land so also having paid substantial consideration, then prima facie his own -: 29 :- version requires further probe and scrutiny. It is not worthy of acceptance straightaway.

It creates doubt and suspicion even at this prima facie stage with regard to his right, title and interest in the immovable property. It is rather surprising that the plaintiff would completely remain silent for all these years although he knows minutest details of the transaction. It is very surprising that the plaintiff does not make any enquiry with the owner when the owner himself states that he has no title to the entire property but had a share therein. Normal course of human conduct is that if the document is lodged for registration and one comes across a deed of declaration of 1961 which speaks about the acquisition of the title by the defendant no. 2 that the plaintiff would make inquiries. He would naturally be disturbed by the fact that if the entire property was sold to him how a declaration of the 1961 has surfaced. If he had doubt about the signatures thereon, then he could have obtained appropriate clarifications.

It is surprising that the plaintiff makes none of these enquiries. On the other hand, he makes a statement in para 14 in relation to the unregistered declaration as if it came to his notice for the first time at the time of filing of this suit. Further in paragraph 15, he states that despite being owner, he was not even in -: 30 :- position to clear the suit property. Whether in fact the suit property is encroached upon or occupied by the slum as alleged by the plaintiff is also doubtful. On affidavit, this version is denied and it is stated that large portions of the same are in vacant state. . It is only when in the beginning of the year 2008 that the plaintiff was allegedly approached by some parties to develop the suit property at that time the plaintiff took the assistance of one Nilesh who introduced him to Hemant and Yatin who agreed to assist the plaintiff in regard to the suit property and he executed the power of attorneys in their favour.

It is not without any co-incidence that the plaintiff mentions the year 2008. The plaintiff had to explain the loss of the original deed of conveyance executed in his favour. That he explains by stating that the deed of conveyance was duly handed over to Hemant on 22/8/2008. This is his version in the plaint itself. Further the plaintiff relies upon an entry in the register maintained by the Registrar of assurances showing that the deed of conveyance dated 20th November 1979was sent to Pune on 9th February 2005. He states that the document was in fact sent to Pune for scanning and scrutiny. This is his version in paragraph 15. This is belied by the -: 31 :- plaintiff’s own case in paragraph 12 wherein he states that the documents lodged for registration at Bombay were being sent to Pune for scanning/scrutiny thereafter it would take several years before they were effectively registered. Thus, whether the document indeed exists, whether it was at all executed and registered is a Questionable version.

That it raises suspicion is apparent from paragraph 15, which has been be reproduced by me. It is rather curious that the plaintiff being confronted with the affidavits comes out with the version in his rejoinder that the original conveyance deed dated 20th November 1979 is lost. In paragraph 14 of the same plaintiff states thathe handed over the original conveyance deed dated 20/11/1979 to his nephew Purushottam Redkar. He states that said Redkar misplacedit. A police complaint dated 6/11/2008 was filed by his nephew on the same date with the Kurla Railway police station and affidavit was filed by him and a copy of the police complaint is annexed. If one compares this version with the pleadings in the plaint, the plaintiff does not state that the original was at alllost and not in the least by Purushottam. Apart from this version, his statement is that the original document was handed over to Hemant Rane on 20/8/2008.

The journey of this document from August 2008 -: 32 :- to the hands of the nephew leading to the filing of the police complaint prima facie leads credence to the submission of learned sr. counsel Mr. Samdani that the document itself is not genuine but a got-up and planted one. If the plaintiff was confronted with several aspects which are very much relevant and pertinent to the document it was expected that he discloses them at the first instance i.e., in the plaint itself. Assuming that the details can be disclosed and it is not necessary to plead evidence, yet, when the plaintiff is confronted with the fact as to how he paid the consideration under the agreement, the source of funds and age of the plaintiff then he was expected to disclose the relevant details. The plaintiff states that the suit land was purchased in his name by one Yashwant Jadhav. Since the Benami Act was not in force, third party consideration was valid in law.

The document does not recite as to how the consideration was paid and who paid it. If Yashwant had paid it how he paid it is also not forthcoming.I cannot brush aside this aspect of the matter in the peculiar facts of this case because t he criminal cases against the plaintiff, Yatin Prabhawalkar and others are pending. Serious offences of forgery, cheating are alleged. Applications for anticipatory bail have been rejected and investigations are going on. The -: 33 :- Registering authorities have clarified the matter when the statements were recorded. I have myself perused the deed ofconveyance dated 20th November 1979 annexed to the affidavit. The original deed was not produced in the court. The extracts of the books creates suspicion and doubts in my mind about the plaintiff’s version. One of the extract is the urban land ceiling authorities have issued NOC and therefore the requisite details were to be filled in by the registering authorities.

On record what is produced for my perusal is a copy of the letter addressed by the plaintiff to the City Survey Officer, Vile Parle. The plaintiff himself states that in the Collector’s office the NOC dated 12thJuly 2004 is not traceable nor is there any order on the file and that is the reply given to him on enquiries. When the plaintiff was confronted with vital aspects with regard to payment of stamp duty he relies upon the fact that the stamp duty then prevalent has been duly paid. The plaintiff claims in his affidavit in rejoinder that endorsements with regard to NOCfrom urban land ceiling department is available. Further, he states that certain provisions of the Income Tax Act were deleted prior to the registration of the conveyance. He then states that the plaintiff paid maximum registration fees(Rs. 5,000) and stamp duty is also paid. However, -: 34 :- Mr. Samdani, learned senior counsel has invited my attention to the relevant provisions of the Stamp Duty Act which were then in force and the manual showing the registration fees charged.

If such is the state of affairs and when the plaintiff himself is aware of the fact that one Girankar (Registration Officer)stating before the police authorities that his signature does not appear below the endorsement on the conveyance, then, I do not see how the plaintiff can claim any interim reliefs.

31.

One further fact needs to be noted so as to highlight the conduct of the plaintiff. In all such cases it is well settled that injunction is equitable and discretionary relief. If the conduct of the party seeking interim relief is not above board, then, the Court can refuse such reliefs. When the plaintiff was confronted with serious allegations that he has forged the death certificate of the defendant no.2 and he was very much alive he states on oath that the BMC has issued the said certificate and it was for the defendant to prove as to how this death certificate is not genuine when it is issued by the competent authority under the statute. In this behalf the plaintiffs own version is worth to noting. He mentions that the conveyance -: 35 :- deed dated 20/11/1979 is executed in his favour by Arjandas residing at CCI Chambers, Churchgate, Bombay. It has come on record that Arjandas and defendant no.2 are having the same address.

Further the second defendant claiming to be the same Arjandas has shifted from CCI Chambers. According to the plaintiff , he approached the BMC authorities and made enquiries and was told that Arjandas Thakur had died. However, it is not the plaintiff who has approached the authorities for issuance of the death certificate. If one peruses the plaint what the plaintiff has stated is that the BMC office had issued death certificate and the same has been issued on enquiries being made by power of attorney Yatin in the office of North Ward Office. It is surprising how the plaintiff went to election office and power of attorney went to the north ward office to make enquiries. When the plaintiff says in his own plaint and his version is that the defendant no.2 / Arjandas resides at CCI Chambers, Churchgate then what was the occasion to go to BMC North ward office (Dadar)is not clear to me at all. There is no explanation forthcoming on this vital aspect.

If one takes this version of the plaintiff and compares it with the assertion of the defendant no.2 that he is the same Arjandas, that he is alive and he has documents to prove his existence including his -: 36 :- ownership of the property, then, the plaintiff’s version is contradictory and shifting to say the least. Further, the first defendant has dealt with the said Arjandas. Said Arjandas on affidavit states that he does not know the plaintiff or any person by name Hemant Waradkar or he has accepted any consideration for sale of the suit property. This stand cannot be brushed aside or ignored at this interim stage. Plaintiff having failed to show his title to the suit property and his version being suspicious and doubtful he should not be granted any relief. The plaintiff has failed to prove prima facie case of title to the suit property. For the afore-mentioned reasons and particularly the prima facie conclusion that his version is not reliable.

Further, there is unexplainable and inadvertent delay as well, the Injunction as prayed is refused. The plaintiff is claiming the title on the strength of a document as well as a deed of conveyance dated 20th November 1979 stated to be registered in 2004 and in relation to the prime property in Mumbai. He does not lay any claim to the property but when he questions the declaration executed in the year 1961 by Arjandas his vendor belatedly, then, all the more he is disentitled to discretionary relief.. Further, the first defendant is claiming on the basis of documents executed in their favour in the year 2008. The -: 37 :- reason for delay is also not satisfactory. It is not the version of the plaintiff but some version from the third party about the knowledge of the documents. Thus, for this reason as well, the plaintiff is disentitled from claiming any interim reliefs.

32.

In the result the notice of motion fails and is dismissed, But in the circumstances of the case t here will be no order as to costs.

33.

In my opinion it is not necessary to deal with the decisions in details to which my attention is invited. The decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Suraj Lamp and industries private limited v/s. State of Harayana and another (2009) 7 SCC 363 emphasises the need for registration of documents properly and expeditiously. Registration ensures protection and knowledge of the transaction. Precisely that is the reason why a doubtful and suspicious claim of the registration of the document cannot be supported by the decision of the Supreme Court. These observations run counter to the plaintiffs claim. The other decision relied upon re-iterates the well settled principle. Registration of a will is not proof of its valid and due execution and attestation. How this decision assists the plaintiff is not clear. The -: 38 :- Presumption raised about the official acts being performed in regular course and are therefore legal cannot be invoked and applied in this case straightaway. In the peculiar facts of this case even the presumption raised cannot be of any assistance. Thus, notice of motion fails and is dismissed.

34.

It is clarified that all observations made and finding rendered in this order are prima facie tentative and the same shall not influence the Court while trying the suit and the investigating machinery or the police. (S. C. Dharmadhikari, J.)

Questions this judgment answers

Which statutory provisions did this judgment involve?

Registration Act, 1908 — s. 17; Indian Stamp Act, 1899; Indian Evidence Act, 1872 — s. 114; Transfer of Property Act, 1882 — s. 41; Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988; Urban Land Ceiling Act — s. 6(1).

Which court decided this case, and when?

Bombay High Court, on 30 Nov 2009. The bench was S C DHARMADHIKARNI.

Precedent status how later indexed judgments have treated this case

No known negative treatment found in the Courts & Cases corpus.

This is a result about the indexed corpus, not a finding that the judgment remains good law. Coverage may be incomplete.

Why is this linked?

This is the original judgment text, reproduced from the public court record. Always verify it against the official record before relying on it in a filing — check it on Bombay High Court or eCourts case status (search case no. No. 3488 of 2006). ← Search more judgments