Full Order Text
Final Order 1 · 17 Jan 2020 · CNR MHCC010059932019
Order Details: Notice of Motion Pdf Text: 1 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 IN THE BOMBAY CITY CIVIL COURT AT BOMBAY Notice of Motion No.2151 of 2019 (CNR NO. MH CC010059932019) In L.C. SUIT No.846 OF 2016 Gopal Deoppa Shetty & Ors. ….Plaintiff V/s. Municipal Corporation for Greater Bombay & Ors. ....Defendants Appearance: Mr. Gautam Kanchanpurkar, Advocate for the plaintiff. Mr. Mahesh Vishwakarma a/w Mrs. Chandramore, Advocate for defendant Nos.1 to 3. Mrs. Subhedar, Advocate for defendant No.4 CORAM : HER HONOUR JUDGE JAYSHRI R. PULATE (C.R.NO.12) DATE : 17 th January, 2020. ORDER 1. By this notice of motion, plaintiffs have prayed for restraining defendants, their servants, agents or any other persons claiming through them from interfering, altering, removing or demolishing the suit property i.e. Shop Nos.4 and 5 situated at Station Road, Near Vikhroli Station Road, Vikhroli (E), Mumbai. -- 1 of 17 -- 2 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 2. In support of notice of motion, the plaintiffs have filed affidavit and has relied on the contentions raised in the plaint. It is further averred that if the reliefs as prayed in the notice of motion are not granted, plaintiffs will suffer grave, harm, loss, injury and prejudice which cannot be compensated in terms of money. 3. In affidavit in reply, it is submitted by defendant Nos.1 to 3 that the plaintiffs have not given statutory notice to the defendants before filing the suit as required under section 527 of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act (MMC Act). The suit notices are executive or administrative acts or orders and the same are not open to challenge in a Court of Law. The plaint does not disclose the cause of action against the defendants and therefore the suit is not maintainable. 4. It is further averred that the sanctioned revised development plan of “S” Ward, the land bearing survey No.89 of Village Vikhroli (E), and survey NO.271, 271/7, 271/8, 271/10, 271/11, 271/12, 271/13, 271/14 of Village Hariyali, Mumbai is partly reserved for 15.25 mt. Railway reservation and partly for 18.30 mts. wide D.P. road. The demarcation of alignment of 18.30 mts. wide D.P. road and boundaries of Central Railway Reservation were demarcated by Central Railway Department, at that time 18.30 mts. D.P. road parallel to Railway line was not developed and the land under Railway reservation was being used as an access by the residents of existing building situated on the land of Municipal Corporation of Gr. Mumbai (MCGM) though the land under Railway reservation has been already acquired by Railway Authority. The officer of defendants had visited the suit premises when it was observed that there are some residential/commercial structure situated within alignment of 18.30 mts. wide D.P. road. The defendants -- 2 of 17 -- 3 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 issued notice dated 22.03.2010 under No. ACS/OD/6147/AEMS to plaintiff Mr. Gopal Shetty. It was informed in the said notice that the defendants have proposed to widen 60' D.P. road. It was also informed that the structure i.e. Neeraj Country Bar, Vikhroli (E), Near Railway Station was affected in the proposed 60' wide D.P. road. The plaintiff was informed that if he was in possession of any legal documentary evidence in respect of suit structure, the same be submitted within seven days from the date of receipt of notice. The notice was duly served upon plaintiff on 22.03.2010 which was replied by plaintiff by letter dated 29.03.2010. After perusing the documents provided by the plaintiff, The Assistant Commissioner “S” Ward came to the conclusion that those were in respect of the suit structure after 01.01.1995. Therefore, he passed reasoned order dated 06.08.2013 under No. ACS/0753/AEMS/OD in respect of suit structure. By the said order, the plaintiff was directed to demolish the suit structure failing which the defendants will demolish the notice structure. 5. It is further averred that the defendants had received the list of rehabilitated project affected persons from M.M.R.D.A showing the name of plaintiff at structure identification number 805 in survey plan, which shows that the plaintiff had been given alternate premises by M.M.R.D.A. and therefore the claim of plaintiff is not maintainable. 6. It is further averred that as per the direction given by Hon'ble High Court in Writ Petition No.2133/2013, the defendants have given personal hearing to the plaintiff. On 06.11.2015, the plaintiff and his Advocate were present for personal hearing along with the documents. Considering the documents submitted by plaintiff, the Assistant Commissioner “S” Ward came to the conclusion that M.M.R.D.A -- 3 of 17 -- 4 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 had given alternate accommodation to the affected persons as well as to the plaintiff for structure No.805. Therefore, the order of Assistant Commissioner dated 23.11.2015 is legal, proper and binding upon the plaintiff. The plaintiff has suppressed all these facts of having received alternate accommodation from M.M.R.D.A in lieu of his affected structure in Railway line. After receiving the alternate accommodation, the plaintiff without prior permission of defendants erected a structure on 60' wide D.P. road and thus he is not entitled for another alternate accommodation. 7. It is averred by defendants that the letter produced by plaintiff bearing No. ACS/29161/B&F dated 10.02.2009 issued by Assistant Engineer (B&F) “S” Ward does not disclose any authority on the suit structure. By the said letter, it is intimated to the Collector that the defendants have reserved the right to take action about unauthorized construction in future. Therefore, the said letter is not authentic document showing that the structure is authorized. For all these reasons, it is prayed that the notice of motion may kindly be dismissed with cost. 8. Defendant No. 4 has not filed any reply to the notice of motion. 9. Following points arise for consideration. Findings against each of them along with reasons are stated as below. SR. NOS. POINTS FINDINGS 1. Whether the plaintiff has established prima facie case ? In Affirmative -- 4 of 17 -- 5 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 2. Whether balance of convenience tilt in favour of plaintiff ? In Negative 3. Who would suffer irreparable loss if relief of injunction is granted ? In Negative 4. What Order ? As per final order REASONS As to point No.1 to 3 jointly: 10. Learned Advocate for plaintiffs submitted that the reply of defendant Nos. 1 to 3 is identical to the reply filed in Writ Petition. Except affidavit in reply, the defendants have not tendered any document on record in support of their contention. Corporation has not taken any action/notice against the plaintiffs but has collected the Tax on the suit structure. The copies of the same are filed on record. It has not been shown on behalf of defendants that the suit structure was erected on a specific date. Plaintiff has received alternate accommodation for another premises and not for suit structure. It is further submitted that the copy of letter issued by Assistant Engineer to the Collector, Excise Department reflects that till 10.02.2009 Corporation has not issued any notice to the plaintiff for erection of suit structure. The copies of Bills cum Receipts of property Taxes filed at page Nos.31 to 44 of the plaint reflects that those were issued in respect of Shop No.4 and 5 i.e. suit structure. The recitals of the same further reflects that the plaintiffs are paying the taxes of suit structure since 19581959. It is further vehemently submitted by learned Advocate for plaintiff that since the suit structure was not affected, it was not shown in the list. For all these reasons, it is prayed that the notice of motion may kindly be made absolute. -- 5 of 17 -- 6 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 11. Learned Advocate of defendant Nos. 1 to 3 strenuously submitted that in the maps prepared by M.M.R.D.A/Railway, suit structure is not shown. No structure is shown behind identification No.805. Plaintiff is claiming that portion on the basis of Notification issued in 2015. The list prepared on 22.05.2006, reflects that the names of plaintiff and their family members are recorded against identification Nos.805, 808, 809, 999, 1000 and 1001. Tea and Cold Drinks House was the activity carried out in identification No.805. Since, the plaintiffs are disputing the order of Competent Authority, this Court has no jurisdiction to entertain and try the present suit. For all these reasons, it is prayed that the notice of motion may kindly be dismissed with cost. 12. By way of present suit, the plaintiff has challenged the notice cum order dated 23.11.2015 issued by defendant No.3 as illegal, null and void and not binding on plaintiffs. In view of order in chamber summons No.906/2019 the suit is amended in respect of the prayer of alternate accommodation in lieu of suit premises. According to plaintiffs they are owners of structure bearing Shop No.4 and 5 situated at Station Road, Near Vikhroli, Railway Station, Vikhroli (E), Mumbai. They have been carrying on their business in the structures since 19581959. Initially, the plaintiffs were carrying on their business of selling Tea and Cold Drinks in the suit property. After some time they started Mess in the suit property and thereafter started the business of selling liquor. They have relied on the copy of license issued by defendant No.1. The recitals of the same reflects that the liquor business was given license on 07.02.2005. The plaintiffs have further relied on the copies of Bills cum Receipt towards the payment of Taxes made by them. Bill of Tax for the property S1400 (2K) reflects that it is Shop No.4 situated opposite Vikhroli Railway crossing whereas the bill of Tax for the property S -- 6 of 17 -- 7 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 1400 2L reflects that it is shop NO.5 situated opposite Vikhroli Railway Crossing. Both the bills were issued in the year 1994. The plaintiffs have further relied on the notice dated 20.09.1975 issued by defendant No.1 under Section 351 of Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, 1949. The said notice was replied by the plaintiff on 24.09.1975. In the year 1993 1994, the defendant No.2 had issued notice to plaintiffs under Section 167 of BMC Act informing that the Corporation was inserting the name of plaintiff No. 1 on structure S1400(2H),Station Road,at the rateable value from 1.4.1993. The copy of the said notice is filed on record. On 04.12.2001, the additional Tahasildar (NA), KurlaMulund issued notice to the plaintiffs directing them to pay Annual NA Assessment since the plaintiffs were using the said structure. It was directed to the plaintiffs to pay Annual NA assessment from 31.07.1971 to 31.07.2002. The recitals of the said notice reflects that the plaintiffs are carrying on their business in the suit structure since 1981. The period of annual NA assessment is shown from 01.08.1981 to 31.07.2002 in the said letter. The copy of license for Neeraj Country Liquor Bar reflects that it was issued on 20.10.2009. In this respect learned Advocate for defendant Nos. 1 to 3 submitted that the said copy itself shows that the plaintiffs are carrying liquor business in the suit structure since 2009. Therefore, the plaintiffs are not entitled for protection of the suit structure. However, considering the bills of tax and the letter issued by Additional Tahsildar, it has prima facie come on record that the suit structure is in existence since 1981. The copy of bill cum receipt No.42739 and No. 126 shows that those are issued for the period 1/04/1958 to 30/09/1958 and 1/10/1958 to 31/01/1958 for structure No. N1401 IB, Harali, East of Railway Shed,M/s Godrej Boyce Mfg Co. Ltd. The defendants have not shown any document those receipts were -- 7 of 17 -- 8 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 issued for any other structures. 13. According to plaintiffs on 23.07.2009, in L.C. Suit No.1858/2008 it was directed for the development of the proposed widening of 18.30 mts. Road near platform No.5 and 6. Pursuant to the said order, the defendant No.3 issued notice dated 22.03.2010 calling upon the plaintiff to submit their proof showing the existence of suit structure prior to 01.01.1995. Accordingly, the plaintiffs submitted relevant documents. However, the said documents were not considered by defendant Nos 1 to 3 and without giving any opportunity of hearing of plaintiffs. On 07.08.2013, by issuing notice, the claim of plaintiffs for alternate accommodation was rejected by defendant No.3 holding that the suit structure was not found in existence prior to 01.01.1995. Against the said notice dated 07.08.2013, the plaintiffs have filed Writ Petition (L) 2133/2013, wherein the defendants were directed not to take coercive action against the suit structure. In this respect, learned Advocate for defendant Nos. 1 to 3 has placed reliance on the copy of MAP prepared on 20.12.2005 by Assistant Executive Engineer which is Lane Table survey at Hariyali VillageI, Vikhroli (E), Central Railway, PhaseII, MAP No.8. It is pointed out by learned Advocate for defendant Nos. 1 to 3 that in the said MAP behind structure No.805 there is no existence of any other structure which is evident to show that suit structure was not in existence on 20.12.2005. I am not swayed away by the said submission as it has been already observed above that the suit structure is in existence since 1981. 14. It is the contention of plaintiffs that the structure bearing No.805 styled as Maya PanBidi Shop was affected by 5 th and 6th Railway line between Kurla and Thane which was undertaken by MUTP. -- 8 of 17 -- 9 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 Defendant No.4/MMRDA had provided the plaintiffs alternate structure bearing No.4 B12 at Kanjur Marg (E), in lieu of structure No.805. On the other hand, it is the contention of defendant Nos. 1 to 3 that after providing alternate structure to the plaintiffs, they encroached on the land owned by Corporation and erected suit structure in 2009. The list of eligibility in lieu of structures affected by the project of 5th and 6th Railway Line between Kurla and Thane is filed on record wherein the names of plaintiffs and their family members are shown against the structure Nos. 805, 808, 809, 810, 811,939, 1000, 1001 as eligible for getting alternate accommodation. Learned advocate for defendant Nos. 1 to 3 submitted that against structure No. 805 the nature of activity is shown as Tea and Cold Drink House admeasuring 37.67 sq.mts. and for the Panbidi Shop in structure No.810 Naina Shetty has been held eligible for alternate accommodation. Therefore, according to learned Advocate for defendant Nos. 1 to 3 when already alternate accommodation have been allotted to the plaintiffs in lieu of structure No.805, they are not entitled for alternate accommodation in lieu of suit structure. However, the defendants have not produced on record any documents against the bill cum receipt for structure No.14011 B which is assessed from 01.04.1958 to 30.09.1958. Further more, structure No.S1400 (2K) and S1400 (2L) are referred as Shop Nos. 4 and 5 respectively in the year 199495 by defendant No.1. There is no explanation by the defendants in respect of the said documents which are tendered by plaintiffs. 15. Plaintiffs have filed the letter dated 17.01.2009 issued by District Collector, Mumbai, Suburb (State Excise Duty Department) to defendant No.3 regarding the legality of suit structure and requested to submit the report. The copy of report dated 10.02.2009 prepared by -- 9 of 17 -- 10 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 defendant No.3 is also filed on record which is evident to show that there is no other action pending in respect of the suit structure on the basis of the documents available with the concerned department. Copies of receipts showing the payment of Taxes made by plaintiff are also filed on record. All these documents relied upon by plaintiffs prima facie shows that the suit structure is in existence since 195859. 16. In Dalpat Kumar And Anr. v/s Prahlad Singh And Ors reported in AIR 1993 SC 276 it has been observed that the existence of the prima facie right and infraction of the enjoyment of plaintiff's property or the right is a condition for the grant of temporary injunction. Prima facie case is not to be confused with prima facie title which has to be established, on evidence at the trial. Only prima facie case is a substantial question raised, bona fide, which needs investigation and a decision on merits. Satisfaction that there is a prima facie case by itself is not sufficient to grant injunction. The Court further has to satisfy that noninterference by the Court would result in “irreparable injury” to the party seeking relief and that there is no other remedy available to the party except one to grant injunction and he needs protection from the consequences of apprehended injury or dispossession. Irreparable injury, however, does not mean that there must be no physical possibility of repairing the injury, but means only that the injury must be a material one, namely one that cannot be adequately compensated by way of damages. The third condition also is that “the balance of convenience” must be in favour of granting injunction. The Court while granting or refusing to grant injunction should exercise sound judicial discretion to find the amount of substantial mischief or injury which is likely to be caused to the parties, if the injunction is refused and compare it with that -- 10 of 17 -- 11 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 which is likely to be caused to the other side if the injunction is granted. Thus the Court has to exercise its sound judicial discretion in granting or refusing the relief of ad interim injunction pending the suit. 17. The copy of order in Writ Petition No.1674/2013 to 1680/2013 dated 15.04.2019 is filed on record. The present plaintiffs are the petitioners in WP (L) No. 1677/2013 wherein, it is observed in para No.4 by Hon'ble High Court that on the instructions taken by Advocate of Petitioner, it was informed that each of the said applicants will vacate and move away from the premises or areas which are demarcated for road widening within 4 weeks. It is not shown whether the said order was passed in respect of suit structures or for any other structures. It is not in dispute that the sanctioned revised Development Plan of “S” Ward, land baring survey No.89 of Village, Vikhroli (E) and survey No.271, 271/7, 271/8, 271/10, 271/11, 271/12, 271/13 and 271/14 is partly reserved for 15.25 mts. Railway Reservation and partly for 18.30 mts. wide D.P. Road. The suit structure is affected in the proposed 60' wide D.P. road. It being public amenity requires to be provided for the benefit of public at large. The claim of plaintiffs for alternate accommodation can be decided after considering evidence adduced by both the parties. Therefore, though prima facie case is in favour of plaintiffs considering the documents on record,balance of convenience tilts in favour of defendants and it will be the defendants who would suffer irreparable loss if the project of widening the road is not completed which will be for the benefit of public at large. Public project can not be withheld for protection of one or two structures on the land when the claim of plaintiff can be decided on merit. Accordingly, point No.1 is answered in affirmative and point Nos. 2 and 3 are answered in negative. -- 11 of 17 -- 12 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 18. Learned Advocate for defendant Nos.1 to 3 has cited the Judgment in the matter of Yogesh Megaji Gada and Ors. V/s. The Municipal Corporation of Grater Mumbai & Ors. in MANU/MH/0465/2014, decided on 10.04.2014. It has been observed by Hon'ble Bombay High Court that : “ Whether petition was maintainable against order passed under Sections 351 and 354 A of Act ? As per provisions of Act, if designated officer is satisfied that erection of any building is unlawfully carried on, he may issue order to stop such work. If person to whom such notice is issued does not produce requisite permission, designated officer can then take necessary steps to stop work. In present case, actions had been taken under Sections of Act. Generally parties resorted to remedy of civil suits to challenge orders issued pursuant to these two Sections. However, Petitioner filed petition against order on premise that suit was not maintainable. Respondent submitted that petitioner could not directly approach Court on presumption against order. Submission of Respondent was right and petition could not be entertained merely because of perception of petitioner that suit could not be filed. Therefore, petition was not maintainable and petitioners were directed to file civil suit. Petition dismissed.” In that case, some of Writ Petitions were filed for challenging notices issued under Section 351 of MMC Act, 1988 and in some of the Writ Petitions the notices issued under Section 354 were challenged and it was held that even if jurisdiction of the Civil Court has been excluded by Section 515A, it is still open if the petitioners shows that there is jurisdictional error on the part of the Authority. The scope to challenge the order has been narrated down to this effect. In the present case also plaintiffs have challenged the notice cum order dated 23.11.2015 issued by the Corporation and therefore it is open to them to show that there is jurisdictional error on the part of Corporation. -- 12 of 17 -- 13 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 Therefore, the observations cited in the Judgment are in favour of plaintiffs. 19. Learned Advocate for plaintiff has cited the Judgment in the matter of Qari Mohammed Zakir Hussain & Ors. V/s. Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai & Ors. In 2002 (2) Bom. C.R.98. It has been observed by Hon'ble Court that : “ It is well settled that exclusion of the jurisdiction of the Civil Court is not to be readily inferred but such exclusion must either be explicitly expressed or clearly implied. It is well settled that even if the jurisdiction it so excluded the Civil Courts have jurisdiction is examine into the issues where the provisions of the Act have not been complied with, or statutory Tribunal has not acted in conformity with the fundamental judicial procedure. On the other hand, a suit in Civil Court can always be maintained to question the order of a Tribunal created by a statute, even if its order is, expressly or by necessary implication, made final, if the said Tribunal abuses its power or does not act under the Act but in violation of its provisions. In other words, if the suit proceeds on the premises that the offending act has been done not in good faith, then there is no bar for such a suit. ” In that case, the question for consideration was that whether the trial court was justified in returning the plaint as presented by the plaintiffs on the ground that the same was barred by Section42 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment ) Act, 1971. Therefore, with due respect of the observations laid down above being not identical with the present set of facts is not applicable. 20. Learned Advocate for plaintiff has further cited the Judgment in the matter of Abdul Karim Ahmed Mansoori V/s. The -- 13 of 17 -- 14 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 Municipal Corporation of Grater Mumbai & Anr. in 2013 (6) ALL MR 233. It has been observed by Hon'ble Bombay High Court that : “ In every individual case depending upon the pleadings, the issue of jurisdiction would have to be decided by the Civil Court. The applicability of Section 515 A and the issue of jurisdiction must be, therefore, gone into, dealt with and decided in each case depending on the pleas raised by parties. The law is well settled in as much as the learned Judge will have to decide the issue of jurisdiction by considering the averments in the plaint. If the averments in the plaint do not made out any case which would enable the Court to apply the legal principles set out above, he would then apply the provision in question, namely, Section 515 A and return an appropriate finding on the point of jurisdiction depending on the materials placed before him. It is not as if the bar should be ignored or should not be taken note of. The Civil Court is obliged to take note of the provision and the statutory bar whenever that plea is raised by the Corporation before it.” In this case, the Petitioner had challenged the notice issued by the Municipal Corporation under section 354A of the Act by way of a civil suit. An objection regarding the bar section 515A was raised and ad interim relief was refused by the civil court. An appeal from order was filed, which was withdrawn and thereafter, the writ petition came to be filed. The Hon'ble Division bench considered the legal position as regards the bar to civil suits in respect of the section 515A of the Act. It is further observed in para No. 11 that “Needless to clarify that only for the purposes of enabling the petitioner to apply for interim relief,that we have clarified the above position of law.” In the present case, the plaintiff's have challenged the legality of the order dated 23/11/2015 passed by defendant No. 3. Therefore,the contentions of plaintiff for grant of interim relief can be considered. -- 14 of 17 -- 15 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 21. Learned Advocate for defendant Nos.1 to 3 has cited the Judgment in the matter of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Ors. V/s. Rafiqunnisa M. Khalifa (Deceased) Through his legal heir Mr. Mohd. Muqueen Qureshi & Anr. in Civil Appeal Nos.17271732 of 2019 decided on 18/02/2019 It has been observed by Hon'ble Apex Court that : “ Section 312 of the Act prohibits erecting of any structure or fixture of any nature such as wall, fence, rail, post, step, booth upon any street or over any open channel, drain, well or tank in any street which causes obstruction or encroachment or projection or to occupy portion of such street, channel, drain, well or tank as the case may be. Only those structures/fixtures are saved from Section 312 of the Act which are erected with the permission of the Commissioner granted under Sections 310 and 317 of the Act. In other words, Section 312 has no application to those structures/fixtures which are erected by the person with the permission of the Commissioner under Sections 310 and 317 of the Act.” In that case, final judgment was challenged and it was held that action taken under Section 314 of M.M.C. Act,1888 was legal and proper. Therefore, with due respect to the observations laid down above,those are not applicable to the present set of facts. As to point No.4 22. In view of forgoing discussion, as plaintiffs are not entitled for the relief of temporary injunction, for the answer of point No.4, I pass following order. -- 15 of 17 -- 16 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 ORDER 1) Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 is dismissed. 2) Notice of Motion No.2151/2109 stands disposed off accordingly. (Jayshri R. Pulate) Judge City Civil Court, Gr. Bombay Date : 17/01/2020 Dictated on : 17.01.2020 Transcribed on : 18.01.2020 Signed on : 20.01.2020 -- 16 of 17 -- 17 Notice of Motion No.2151/2019 in S.C. Suit No.846/2016 “CERTIFIED TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SIGNED ORDER.” UPLOAD DATE TIME STENOGRAPHER NAME 21.01.2020 01.05 p.m. Ms. Ujwala J. Bhagat. Name of the Judge H.H.J. Jayshri R. Pulate. (Court Room No.12) Date of pronouncement of Order 17.01.2020 Order signed by P.O. on 20.01.2020 Order uploaded on 21.01.2020 -- 17 of 17 --
