The New India Assurance Co Ltd v. Lalmani

Delhi High Court · 04 Apr 2014 · 2014:DHC:1937
Suresh Kait
CM(M) No.335/2014
2014:DHC:1937
civil appeal_allowed

AI Summary

The High Court allowed the petition to set aside an ex parte order passed against the petitioner when its proxy counsel was not permitted to appear, emphasizing the need to grant an opportunity to contest the case on merits.

Full Text
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CM(M) No.335/2014 HIGH COURT OF DELHI
JUDGMENT
delivered on: 4th April, 2014
CM(M) 335/2014
THE NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO LTD. ..... Petitioner
Represented by: Mr.Pankaj Seth, Advocate.
Versus
LALMANI AND ORS. ..... Respondents Represented by: None.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURESH KAIT SURESH KAIT, J. (Oral)
CM No.6258/2014 (for exemption)
Exemptions allowed, subject to all just exceptions.
The application stands disposed of.
CM(M) 335/2014

1. By way of present petition, the petitioner is assailing the order dated 24.07.2013, whereby his application under Order IX Rule 7 read with Section 151 CPC for setting aside the ex parte order dated 10.01.2013 was dismissed.

2. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that on 10.01.2013, proxy counsel appeared on behalf of the petitioner, however, the learned Tribunal did not allow him to appear and accordingly, passed the aforesaid ex parte order against the petitioner.

3. Being aggrieved with the same, the petitioner filed the aforestated application under Order IX Rule 7 r/w Section 151 CPC. While dismissing 2014:DHC:1937 CM(M) No.335/2014 the said application vide order dated 24.07.2013, the learned Tribunal allowed the petitioner to join the proceedings on the next date of hearing.

4. On perusal of the impugned order dated 24.07.2013, I find that the order is vague as the observation made by the learned Tribunal are not very clear, especially when proxy counsel appeared on that day, i.e., 10.01.2013 before the learned Tribunal, in such an eventuality, the learned Tribunal ought to have granted one opportunity to the petitioner to contest its case on merits.

5. Therefore, in view of the above discussion, order dated 24.07.2013 is set aside and the petitioner is permitted to file its written statement before the next date of hearing fixed by the Tribunal.

6. Accordingly, the instant petition is allowed.

7. A copy of this order be given dasti to the learned counsel for the petitioner. CM No.6257/2014 (for stay) With the disposal of the petition itself, this application has become infructuous. The same is accordingly dismissed.

SURESH KAIT, J. APRIL 04, 2014 Sb/RS