Full Order Text
Final Order 1 · 26 Feb 2021 · CNR MHCC010039982019
Order Details: Notice of Motion Pdf Text: Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..1.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 IN THE CITY CIVIL COURT FOR GREATER BOMBAY AT BOMBAY. NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 1511 OF 2019 IN S.C. SUIT NO. 993 OF 2016 CNR NO :- MHCC01-003998-2019 Mr. Hussain Ismail Satkut, Age : 76 Years, Occ.: Retired, Residing At : Room No. 304, A Wing, Ruby Apartments, Sector 23, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai - 400 706. ...Plaintiff Versus M/s. Avarsekar & Sons Pvt. Ltd., Having Office At : 101-B, Vaibhav Apartment, Old Prabhdevi Road, Mumbai - 400 025. And Its Office At : 1252, Pushpanjali Apartment, 1st Floor, Old Prabhdevi Road, Mumbai - 400 025. ...Defendant Appearance :- Mr. B. L. Mangale, Advocate for the Plaintiff. Mr. P. D. Gandhy, Advocate for defendant. CORAM : HIS HONOUR JUDGE SHRI AJIT N. MARE (C.R.No.3) DATE : 26TH FEBRUARY, 2021. ORAL ORDER By this notice of motion, the defendant has sought stay to the proceedings of this case under Section 10 of CPC in view of pendency of Arbitration proceedings before the Hon’ble High Court filed -- 1 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..2.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereinafter referred as, “The Act of 1996”). 2. It is the defendant’s case that, the present suit is filed to declare an agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008 as valid and subsisting. The plaintiff’s claim is based on an agreement which has reference to the development agreement dated 19.08.2005. A dispute arose in respect of said development agreement which was referred to the arbitrator. The arbitrator has passed an award dated 11.12.2014. Being aggrieved by said award Mr. Umar Abdul Gani along with the plaintiff and others has filed Arbitration Petition No. 561/2015 against the defendant. The development agreement is the subject matter of present suit, which is directly and substantially in question in the Arbitration Petition which arises out of the development agreement. The decision on the development agreement will determine the outcome of the present suit. There is likelihood of contradictory orders being passed, if both proceedings are permitted to be continued. The Arbitration Petition is prior in the time to the present suit and hence suit needs to be stayed. 3. Notice of motion is opposed by the plaintiff contending that, Arbitration Petition No. 561/2015 is filed by Mr. Umar Abdul Gani and others including the plaintiff, but not in own individual rights and it is filed in the capacity of the heirs of Late Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut. The agreement of which specific performance is sought, and the allotment letter are neither directly nor substantially in question in said Arbitration Petition. The Arbitration Petition is arising out of the development agreement and the decision on the development agreement will not determine the outcome of this suit. The decision of -- 2 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..3.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 this suit depends entirely on the validity of allotment letter dated 07.04.2008 and agreement dated 09.04.2008. The consideration of above deeds has been passed directly from the plaintiff to the defendant and the defendant has acted upon the same. Even, if the, Arbitration proceedings are decided in favour of the petitioners therein, present proceeding or suit will not become infructuous as the plaintiff will still be entitled to amend the plaint and seek damages from the defendant. The defendant has resisted the termination of development agreement since beginning till date. The development agreement has been held not to be terminated properly and therefore there is no cause of action for filing present notice of motion. There is no likelihood of contrary orders being passed, if both the proceedings proceed simultaneously. The suit is at the stage of hearing of notice of motion and hence at this stage it cannot be stayed. The matters in issue in the Arbitration Petition and in present suit are neither directly nor substantially the same. Arbitration Petition is not a suit to attract the provisions of Section 10. Arbitration Petition and present suit are neither between the same parties not between the parties litigating under the same title. The letter of allotment and agreement dated 09.04.2008 are not the subject matter of the arbitration proceedings and therefore by no stage of imagination same relief as sought in present suit can be granted in Arbitration Petition. 4. Perused. Heard. 5. Before considering the submissions advanced, it is necessary to mention what the plaint asserts. -- 3 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..4.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 6. According to the plaintiff, Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut and 5 others were the Co-Lessees bearing CTS No. 197 (part) and 189 (part). They entered into two separate development agreements with the defendant on 19.08.2005. The defendant agreed to construct rehabilitation buildings for the tenants or occupants as well as the free sale building. The defendant completed construction of 9 rehabilitation buildings, but construction of free sale building did not commence. The plaintiff was occupying Room No. 17. While executing development agreement, the defendant orally agreed to construct 4 shops and two flats for Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut or his nominees in free sale building, in addition to the consideration payable under the development agreement. The defendant agreed to provide the plaintiff permanent alternate accommodation of one premises in free sale building and also agreed to pay compensation @ rate of Rs.7,500/- per month till handing over possession of new premises. On 07.04.2008 the defendant issued a letter of allotment to the plaintiff mentioning terms of allotment of new premises vide letter dated 09.04.2008. It confirmed the receipt of the names of nominees and address of the nominees of Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut for new 4 shops and two flats. It also forwarded demand draft of Rs.40,00,000/- for registration of stamp duty and other expenses payable in future on the agreement to be executed in respect of said shops and flats. Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut, the plaintiff and the defendant entered into and tri-party agreement dated 09.04.2008 vide which defendant agreed to provide new premises in free sale building and to pay the compensation @ rate of Rs.7,500/-. Accordingly, the plaintiff handed over vacant and peaceful possession of old premises to the defendant. The defendant commenced paying of compensation as agreed but stopped to pay after March, 2011. Wide -- 4 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..5.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 letter dated 09.12.2011 the plaintiff called upon the defendant to execute an appropriate agreement and register the same in accordance with Clause 12 of earlier agreement dated 09.04.2008. Due to non- compliance of terms and conditions of development agreement Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut and other Co-Lessees, addressed a notice dated 09.12.2011 to the defendant and informed termination of both the development agreements. The defendant denied the contentions in termination notice. The defendant filed Arbitration Petition No. 290/2012 before the Hon’ble High Court under Section 9 of the Act of 1996 as well as an Arbitration Petition No. 57/2012 under Section 11 of the Act of 1996. The Hon’ble High Court appointed Mr. Ketan Parekh as sole Arbitrator. The other Co-Lessees also filed an Arbitration Petition against the defendant under Section 9 of the Act of 1996. The Hon’ble High Court disposed of said Arbitration Petition along with the Arbitration Petition No. 290/2012. The plaintiff addressed another notice dated 09.12.2011. The defendant claimed breach of suit agreement dated 09.04.2008. The defendant replied the same and denied execution of allotment letter and agreement dated 09.04.2008. Mr. Noor Mohd. Satkut died intestate on 30.07.2013 leaving behind him the plaintiff and others as his legal heirs. His wife Mrs. Raziya also died on 21.04.2014 leaving behind her the plaintiff and others as their legal heirs. The Sole Arbitrator Mr. Ketan Parrkh passed an award dated 11.12.2014 holding that, the development agreement was not validly terminated and ordered specific performance of development agreement. He also ordered the defendant to pay monthly compensation, arrears, damages and costs. The defendant challenged said award vide Arbitration Petition No. 684/2015 which he had voluntarily withdrew on 24.04.2015. The Co-Lessees also filed an Arbitration Petition No. 567/2015 under Section 34 of the Act of 1996 -- 5 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..6.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 challenging the award. Said petition is pending for final disposal before the Hon’ble High Court. The outcome of said proceedings is uncertain and it is not known whether the Hon’ble High Court will upheld the termination of notice. The limitation for filing present suit is running out and hence the suit is filed subject to the outcome of aforesaid Arbitration Petition. The allotment letter and suit agreement are binding on defendant. The plaintiff has performed her part and was & is ready & willing to perform remaining obligations of the agreement. The defendant is however not fulfilling its part and hence a declaration about validity and subsisting of agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008 is required. The relief of specific performance is also sought coupled with recovery of arrears of compensation. 7. Advocate for defendant submitted that, present suit is a suit for specific performance filed in accordance with the provisions of The Maharashtra Ownership of Flats (Regulation of the Promotion, Construction, Sale, Management and Transfer) Act, 1963, (hereinafter referred as, “The MOFA Act”) and not for refund of the amount. The plaint refers to the development agreement executed in favour of the defendant. The plaintiff has relied on agreement dated 09.04.2008. Its copy is part of the plaint. Perusal of said agreement reveals that, the suit agreement dated 09.04.2008 is the outcome of development agreements dated 29.08.2005 executed by the Lessees in favour of the defendant. The development agreements were sought to be terminated by the Lessees which was challenged by the defendant. The dispute was referred to the arbitrator, who by his award has declared that, the development agreements are valid and subsisting. The Lessees however have filed an Arbitration Petition before the Hon’ble High Court -- 6 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..7.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 challenging said award bearing Arbitration Petition No. 567/2015. The said Arbitration Petition is still pending before the Hon’ble High Court. The decision in the Arbitration Petition has a bearing on the merits of this case, as if, the Arbitration Agreements are held properly terminated, no question arises for the defendant performing any obligation under said development agreements. Consequently, the present suit will be rendered infructuous. According to him, an Appeal filed under Section 34 of the Act of 1996 attracts the definition of the suit within the meaning of Section 10 of CPC. The Arbitration Petition No. 567/2015 is earlier in point of time. The Arbitrator is also a Court. The Arbitration Petition is pending before the Hon’ble High Court, which is the ‘Court’ within the meaning of Section 10 of CPC. Therefore, according to him, the proceeding of present suit needs to be stayed. He also submitted that, an appeal is nothing but continuation of a suit and thus provisions of Section 10 are squarely attracted in this case. He further submits that, the dispute raised in Arbitration Petition and the decision therein will decide the fate of this suit. In such circumstances, according to him, when the subject matter of the Arbitration Petition and present suit are materially identical the same can given rise to similar issues, present suit needs to be stayed under section 10 of CPC. In support of his submission, he relied on Judgment dated 05.05.1998 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court between Indian Bank V/s. Maharashtra State Co- Operative Marketing Federation Limited, Sagar Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and Ors. V/s. The Union of India and Ors, AIR 1979 Delhi 118, and Judgment dated 10.05.2012 of the Hon’ble Kolkata High Court in Appeal No. C.O. 2842/2011 between Steel Authority of India Limited V/ s. Pilani Investment and Industries Cor. Ltd. -- 7 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..8.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 8. On the other hand, advocate for plaintiff submitted that, agreement dated 09.04.2008 has no reference to MOFA. The award passed by the Sole Arbitrator is placed on record. The challenge to award by the defendant is withdrawn by him. Though the Arbitration Petition by the Lessees and their Legal Representatives is pending for adjudication. He submits that, the provisions of Section 10 of CPC contemplate pendency of two suits. According to him, an Arbitration Petition is not falling within the definition of ‘suit’ as required by Section 10 of CPC. He submits that, the jurisdiction of the Hon’ble High Court in Arbitration Petition and the jurisdiction of this Court in a Civil Suit is not concurrent jurisdiction as expected by provisions of Section 10 of CPC. He further submits that, the dispute raised in the Arbitration Petition and the dispute covered by present suit are entirely different and in such scenario the suit cannot be stayed. He also submits that, the capacity in which the plaintiff is prosecuting his remedies in the Arbitration Petition and present suit are also different and therefore the Arbitration Petition and the suit is not between a same party. 9. Advocate for the plaintiff relied on Usha Rani and Others V/s. M/s. Indermal & Sons and others, AIR 1988 RAJASTHAN 223, British Indian Corporation Ltd. V/s. M/s. Rashtraco Freight Carriers, JT 1996 (5) S.C. 662, M/s. Sadguru Constructions & Anr. V/s. Smt. Jaimeet Kaur Nirmansingh Sial & Ors., 2006 (2) ALL MR 394, Manohar Lal Chopra V/s. Rai Bahadur Rao Raja Seth Hiralal, AIR 1962 Supreme Court 527 (V 49 C 80), National Institution of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, (2005) 2 Supreme Court Cases 256, Pukhraj D. Jain V/s. G. Gopalakrishna, AIR 2004 SUPREME COURT 3504 and Vrinda V/s. Indira Devi, LEX (KER) 1994 1 26. -- 8 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..9.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 10. Before going to consider the facts of this case, the legal position needs to be considered. 11. In British Indian Corporation Ltd.’s case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed that, “5. Section 10 of CPC envisages that no court shall proceed with the trial of any suit in which the matter in issue is also directly and substantially in issue in a previously instituted suit between the same parties, or between parties under whom they of any of them claim litigating under the same title where such suit is pending in the same or any other Court in India having jurisdiction to grant the relief claimed.” 12. In National Institution of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences’s case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed that, “8. The object underlying Section 10 is to prevent Courts of concurrent jurisdiction from simultaneously trying two parallel suits in respect of the -same matter in issue. The object underlying Section 10 is to avoid two parallel trials on the same issue by two Courts and to avoid recording of conflicting findings on issues which are directly and substantially in issue in previously instituted suit. The language of Section 10 suggests that it is referable to a suit instituted in the civil Court and it cannot apply to proceedings of other nature instituted under any other statute. The object of Section 10 is to prevent Courts of concurrent jurisdiction from simultaneously trying two parallel suits between the same parties in respect of the -- 9 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..10.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 same matter in issue. The fundamental test to attract Section 10 is, whether on final decision being reached in the previous suit, such decision would operate as res-judicata in the subsequent suit. Section 10 applies only in cases where the whole of the subject matter in both the suits is identical. The key words in Section 10 are "the matter in issue is directly and substantially in issue" in the previous instituted suit. The words "directly and substantially in issue" are used in contra- distinction to the words "incidentally or collaterally in issue". Therefore, Section 10 would apply only if there is identity of the matter in issue in both the suits, meaning thereby, that the whole of subject matter in both the proceedings is identical.” 13. Considering the observations in the authorities, cited supra, thus in order to apply the provision of Section 10 of CPC, it is necessary that following conditions should exist: 1. The matter in issue in later suit shall also be directly and substantially in issue in a previously instituted suit. 2. Both the suits shall be between the same parties or between the parties under whom they or any of them claim litigating under the same title. 3. The Court in which earlier suit is pending must have jurisdiction to grant the relief claimed in subsequent suit. 4. The whole of the subject matter in both the proceedings should be identified. 5. When the suit cannot be stayed under Section 10 of CPC, provisions of Section 151 of CPC -- 10 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..11.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 cannot be invoked to stay the proceedings of a suit. 14. Presuming that all other parameters required to attract the provisions of Section 10 of CPC, are fulfilled, it has to be seen whether whole of the subject matter in both the proceedings is same or identical. 15. Arbitration Petition No. 567/2015 is apparently filed by the Co-Lessees the plaintiff being legal heirs of one of the Co-Lessees. Only the plaintiff is not part to said Arbitration Petition. The Arbitration Petition is challenging the award passed by the Sole Arbitrator. Copy of said award is part and parcel of the plaint. Perusal of the copy of award reveals that, Sole Arbitrator has framed issues for consideration which are reflected in the award itself. Bare perusal of the issues framed by the Sole Arbitrator reveal that, no issues in respect of agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008 is framed by the Arbitrator. This is so, as the dispute as to present agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008 was not the subject matter of the Arbitration Proceedings before the Sole Arbitrator. 16. In present case, the defendant has not yet filed written statement and by an order of this Court is proceeded without written statement. Thus, in question of framing issue under Order 14 of CPC will not arise in present case. However, the points for consideration before this Court would be relating to existence, validity and enforceability of agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008, the readiness and willingness of the plaintiff to perform the part of the agreement and the entitlement of the plaintiff to the relief sought. -- 11 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..12.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 17. Thus, it is clear that, the issues raised in present plaint are neither substantially nor directly in issue in the Arbitration Petition No. 567/2015. No doubt the decision in the Arbitration Petition has same bearing on the outcome of this suit. This is so, as if, the decision in Arbitration Petition goes against the defendant, the defendant may have a legal excuse to avoid the specific performance of agreement dated 09.04.2008 and allotment letter dated 07.04.2008. However, it does not mean that the provisions of Section 10 of CPC are attracted in this case, as the subject matters in both the proceedings are different. 18. I have gone through Sagar Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana’s case. Advocate for defendant has claimed that, the arbitration petition before the Hon’ble High Court is in the form of appeal and an appeal is continuation of the suit and so present suit can be stayed. 19. In the authority, cited supra, the facts reveal that, the first appeals filed under Section 96 of CPC were pending which were arising out of Civil Suit and that’s why it was observed by Hon’ble Delhi High Court that, such first appeal is continuation of the suit. Such are not the facts in this case. Hence, the authority, cited supra, will not help the defendant. 20. In Steel Authority of India Limited’s case, the Hon’ble Kolkata High Court has laid down the conditions for attracting the provisions of Section 10 of CPC. In the present case, the most important ingredient of similarity of the subject matters in both the proceedings is not made out. Consequently, the defendant cannot seek any help from the authority, cited supra. -- 12 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..13.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 21. Advocate for defendant relying on Indian Bank’s case submitted that, suit will also mean legal proceeding before a tribunal. Therefore, he submitted that, the Arbitration Proceedings will also be a suit within the meaning of Section 10 of CPC. 22. I have gone through the authority, cited supra, wherein the question before the Hon’ble Supreme Court was, whether the bar to proceed with the trial of subsequently instituted suit, contained in Section 10 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Code’) is applicable to summary suit filed under Order 37 of the Code. 23. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has answered said question as under, “We are of the opinion that the word ‘trial’ in section 10, in the context of a summary suit, cannot be interpreted to mean the entire proceedings starting with institution of the suit by lodging a plaint. In a summary suit the ‘trial’ really begins after the Court or the Judge grants leave to the defendant to contest the suit. Therefore, the Court or the Judge dealing with the summary suit can proceed up to the stage of hearing the summons for judgment and passing the judgment in favour of the plaintiff if (a) the defendant has not applied for leave to defend or if such application has been made and refused or if (b) the defendant who is permitted to defend fails to comply with the conditions on which leave to defend is granted.” -- 13 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..14.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 24. Considering the facts and circumstances, before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, therefore, I hold that, the authority, cited supra is not applicable to the present case, as the facts and circumstances are different. 25. The plaintiff has relied on Usha Rani’s case, wherein application under Section 20 of Arbitration Act, though registered as the suit was not considered as ‘Suit’ within the meaning of Section 10 of CPC. If, the same analogy is applied in this case, the arbitral award and the Arbitration Petition arising therefrom will not become ‘suit’ within the meaning of Section 10 of CPC. 26. In M/s. Sadguru Constructions’s case, the Hon’ble Bombay High Court has observed that, “21. The cause of action in both the suit is also different. In the first suit cause of action which has been sought to be established is by the mother for her share and in the second suit cause of action is sought to be established is by respondent No. 1 for her own share. Once both are claiming their individual shares it cannot be said that cause of action in both the suits is identical.” 27. In this case also the causes of action in initiating the Arbitration Proceedings and in filing present suit are quite different. In view of this also the notice of motion is legally not tenable. 28. In Manohar Lal Chopra’s case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held that, -- 14 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..15.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 “39. The suit at Indore which had been instituted later, could be stayed in view of s. 10 of the Code. The provisions of that section are clear, definite and mandatory. A Court in which a subsequent suit has been filed is prohibited from proceeding with the trial of that suit in certain specified circumstances. When there is a special provision in the Code of Civil Procedure for dealing with the contingencies of two such suits being instituted, recourse to the inherent powers under s. 151 is not justified.” 29. Similarly, in National Institution of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences’s case, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has observed that, “12. In the case of Manohar Lal Chopra v. Rai Bahadur Rao Raja Seth Hiralal, it has been held that inherent jurisdiction of the Court to make orders ex debito justitiae is undoubtedly affirmed by Section 151 CPC, but that jurisdiction cannot be exercised so as to nullify the provisions of the Code. Where the Code deals expressly with a particular matter, the provision should normally be regarded as exhaustive. In the present case, as stated above, Section 10 CPC has no application and consequently, it was not open to the High Court to bye-pass Section 10 CPC by invoking Section 151 CPC.” 30. In view of the ratio laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the authorities, cited supra, therefore, provisions of Section 151 of CPC cannot be invoked, if the notice of motion is not covered by the provisions of Section 10 of CPC. -- 15 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..16.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 31. I have gone through Pukhraj D. Jain’s case, the facts and circumstances in the case before the Hon’ble Supreme Court is different and the facts in present case. In the case before the Hon’ble Supreme Court the question was whether the subsequently instituted suit can be gone into, if it can be disposed of purely oo legal points without taking evidence, such is not the situation in this case. 32. In Vrinda’s case, the Hon’ble Kerala High Court has observed that, even if trial of the suit is stayed the Court will be entitled to pass interlocutory orders in the nature of injunction etc. 33. In this case, since the motion itself is considered meritless, the authority, cited supra, is not attracted in this case. 34. Considering discussion in aforesaid paragraphs, therefore, I hold that, the notice of motion is meritless. Hence, following order: - ORDER Notice of Motion No. 1511/2019 is dismissed with costs. (AJIT N. MARE) Judge, Date : 26.02.2021 City Civil Court, Gr. Mumbai. Dictated On : 26.02.2021 Transcribed on : 01.03.2021 HHJ Signed on : 04.03.2021 -- 16 of 17 -- Notice of Motion No.1511/2019 ..17.. In S.C. Suit No.993/2016 “CERTIFIED TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SIGNED ORDER.” UPLOAD DATE TIME STENOGRAPHER NAME 04.03.2021 6.11 p.m. Mahendrasing D. Patil (Stenographer (Grade-I) Name of the Judge H.H.J. SHRI. AJIT. N. MARE (Court Room No. 3) Date of pronouncement of Order 26.02.2021 Order signed by P. O. on 04.03.2021 Order uploaded on 04.03.2021 -- 17 of 17 --
