Delhi High Court High Court

Bareilly Corporation Bank Ltd. vs Krishna Gulati & Ors. on 6 September, 1999

Delhi High Court
Bareilly Corporation Bank Ltd. vs Krishna Gulati & Ors. on 6 September, 1999
Equivalent citations: 2000 IIIAD Delhi 170, 84 (2000) DLT 227
Author: M Sharma
Bench: M Sharma


JUDGMENT

M.K. Sharma, J.

1. This revision petition is directed against the order dated 19.8.1998
passed by the Additional District Judge in Suit No. 232/1999 dismissing the
application filed by the petitioner under Order 17, Rules 2 and 3, CPC. The
aforesaid suit was instituted by the respondent as plaintiff. The aforesaid
suit was fixed for recording evidence of the witnesses of the defendant on
6.8.1998. On 6.8.1998 Counsel for the defendant did not appear and it was
stated by the proxy Counsel that the Counsel for the defendant is not in a
position to get the evidence of the defendant recorded on that date. The
Additional District Judge, however, was of the opinion that the aforesaid
prayer is not tenable and also held that the excuse sought to be put up is
no excuse in the eye of law, and accordingly, fixed the suit for arguments
on 19.8.1998 after closing the evidence of the defendant. On 19.8.1998 an
application was filed by the defendant which was dismissed by the impugned
order. The Trial Court, on consideration of the application filed by the
defendant found that the fact stated in the application is contrary to the
record.

2. I have heard the learned Counsel appearing for the parties. Counsel
appearing for the petitioner/defendant states that if one last opportunity
is granted to the defendant the entire evidence of the defendant would be
got recorded on the next date positively and that no adjournment shall be
sought for by the defendant under any circumstances. Considering the entire
facts and circumstances of the case and also the fact that one time default
was committed by the Advocate for the defendant only on 4.5.1998 one last
opportunity is granted to the defendant to examine his witnesses on a day
to be fixed by the Trial Court. It is made clear that the entire evidence
of the defendant shall be led on one day in terms of the statement made in
this Court and that no adjournment shall be sought for by the defendant on
any pretext on the next date. In the event of the defendant, failing to
produce any witness on the next date it shall be open to the Additional
District Judge to proceed in the suit in accordance with law. In terms of
the aforesaid order the petition stands disposed with the condition of
payment of costs of Rs.3,500/- to the plaintiff/respondent on the date of
appearance before the Trial Court. The parties shall appear before the
Trial Court on 10.9.1999 for obtaining the date for recording evidence of
the defendant.