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Court Fees — Partition Suit — Joint Possession — Exclusion — Pleadings — Determination based solely on plaint averments — Tamil Nadu Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1955, S.37(1), S.37(2). Held: Court fee payable in a suit must be determined solely with reference to the averments in the plaint as a whole, and not on the basis of the written statement or the eventual findings on merits. (Paras 10–11, 26)

Court Fees — Partition Suit — Joint Possession — Exclusion — Pleadings — Determination based solely on plaint averments — Tamil Nadu Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1955, S.37(1), S.37(2).

Held:

1. Court fee payable in a suit must be determined solely with reference to the averments in the plaint as a whole, and not on the basis of the written statement or the eventual findings on merits.
   (Paras 10–11, 26)

2. In a partition suit, mere averment that the plaintiff was not paid income or could not ‘remain in joint possession’ does not amount to a clear plea of exclusion from possession.
   (Paras 12–14, 27–28)

3. Where the plaint consistently asserts joint possession, valuation under S.37(2) of the Tamil Nadu Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act is proper; S.37(1) applies only where there is a clear and specific averment of exclusion.
   (Paras 15–18, 29–31)

4. In law, possession of one co-owner is possession of all, unless ouster or exclusion is specifically pleaded and established; actual physical possession or receipt of income is not determinative.
   (Paras 30–32)

5. Daughters succeeding to coparcenary interest under proviso to S.6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, are entitled to claim partition while being deemed in joint possession in the absence of exclusion.
   (Paras 33–34)

Appeal allowed. Direction to pay court fee under S.37(1) set aside; valuation under S.37(2) restored. 

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ANALYSIS OF LAW

A. Governing Principle for Court Fee Determination

The Supreme Court reiterates the settled rule that court fee must be assessed strictly on plaint allegations, read as a whole, and cannot be influenced by:

• the defence version, or

• findings after trial.

This principle, reaffirmed from S. Rm. Ar. S. Sathappa Chettiar, is applied decisively (Paras 10–11, 26).

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B. Scope and Interpretation of Section 37

• S.37(1) applies only when the plaintiff pleads exclusion from possession.

• S.37(2) governs cases where the plaintiff asserts joint possession, even if not in actual enjoyment.

The Court draws a sharp distinction between:

• non-receipt of income / non-enjoyment, and

• legal exclusion or ouster.

Absence of income ≠ exclusion (Paras 27–31).

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C. Meaning of “Joint Possession” in Law

The Court emphasizes classical co-ownership doctrine:

• Physical possession is unnecessary.

• Receipt of income is unnecessary.

• Legal entitlement and absence of ouster are sufficient.

Unless a clear and specific averment of exclusion appears in the plaint, the presumption of joint possession continues (Paras 30–32).

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D. Error of the High Court

The High Court erred by:

• Isolating one sentence (“could not remain in joint possession”) from Para 12,

• Treating it as an admission of dispossession,

• Ignoring repeated assertions of joint possession in other paragraphs.

The Supreme Court holds that paragraphs must be read harmoniously, not selectively (Paras 12–18).

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ANALYSIS OF FACTS

1. The plaint consistently pleaded:

   • Joint family property,

   • Succession as daughters,

   • Joint possession,

   • Demand for partition to convert joint possession into separate possession.

2. The statement that plaintiffs were not paid income was held to be at best a grievance of management, not exclusion.

3. Even the written statement acknowledged that the suit was framed on joint possession, disputing it only by way of defence — reinforcing that no admission of exclusion existed in the plaint itself.

4. The Trial Court’s reliance on evidence of non-enjoyment was legally irrelevant for court-fee determination.

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LEGAL POSITION EMERGING

• Partition suits must be valued under S.37(2) unless exclusion is expressly pleaded.

• Courts must resist post-trial reasoning to re-characterize plaint averments for court-fee purposes.

• Non-receipt of income or non-occupation does not equal dispossession.

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 — Order XXII Rules 3 & 9 Abatement of appeal — Death of sole appellant Where the sole appellant dies and no application for substitution of legal representatives is filed within the prescribed period, the appeal abates automatically by operation of law — Setting aside abatement requires strict compliance with Order XXII Rule 9 CPC read with Section 5 of the Limitation Act. [Paras 2, 7, 17–18]

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 — Order XXII Rules 3 & 9

Abatement of appeal — Death of sole appellant

Where the sole appellant dies and no application for substitution of legal representatives is filed within the prescribed period, the appeal abates automatically by operation of law — Setting aside abatement requires strict compliance with Order XXII Rule 9 CPC read with Section 5 of the Limitation Act.
[Paras 2, 7, 17–18]

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Limitation Act, 1963 — Section 5

Condonation of delay — “Sufficient cause” — Strict scrutiny

Burden lies on the applicant to establish sufficient cause for condonation of delay — Vague, inconsistent or false explanations, negligence, inaction or lack of bona fides cannot constitute sufficient cause.
[Paras 4–6, 13, 17]

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Abatement — Accrued rights of opposite party

Once appeal abates, a valuable right accrues in favour of the respondents — Such right cannot be lightly taken away unless delay is satisfactorily and bona fide explained.
[Paras 7, 13, 16]

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Liberal approach — Limits

Though courts may adopt a liberal approach in applications to set aside abatement, liberal construction does not mean condonation as a matter of course — Liberal approach cannot be extended to cases of deliberate inaction, negligence or want of bona fides.
[Paras 11, 13–16]

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Pleadings — Clean hands — Contradictory averments

An applicant seeking discretionary relief must approach the Court with clean hands — Contradictory stands and incorrect statements in applications disentitle the applicant from equitable relief of condonation.
[Paras 6, 17]

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Counsel reliance — No blanket excuse

Ignorance of pendency of appeal or failure to inform counsel of death of appellant, without plausible explanation, is not a sufficient cause — Litigant cannot absolve himself of responsibility by merely blaming counsel.
[Paras 6, 17]

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Precedents — Distinguishing liberal condonation cases

Judgments condoning delay on peculiar facts (e.g., illiteracy or bona fide mistake) cannot be treated as precedents for condoning inordinate delay lacking bona fide explanation.
[Paras 11–12]

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II. ANALYSIS OF LAW

A. Automatic Abatement and Statutory Scheme

The Court reiterates that abatement under Order XXII CPC is automatic on expiry of limitation for substitution. Once abatement occurs, the appeal comes to an end unless abatement is set aside in accordance with Order XXII Rule 9 CPC read with Section 5 of the Limitation Act (Paras 7, 13).

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B. Meaning of “Sufficient Cause”

The judgment gives a strict and structured meaning to “sufficient cause”:

• The explanation must be true, plausible and bona fide.

• It must disclose why the applicant was prevented from acting within time.

• Mere assertions of ignorance or vague excuses are insufficient.

The Court emphasises that sufficiency is judged not by sympathy but by judicial satisfaction (Paras 4–6, 13).

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C. Liberal Approach — Not Unfettered

While recognising that courts are generally liberal in applications to set aside abatement, the Court draws a clear boundary:

• Liberal approach is intended to prevent injustice due to unintended lapses.

• It does not apply where delay is the result of negligence, callousness or falsehood.

• Liberal construction cannot render limitation provisions redundant (Paras 13–16).

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D. Clean Hands and Credibility of Explanation

A decisive factor in this case is the lack of bona fides:

• Applicants took inconsistent stands regarding residence and knowledge.

• One legal representative had actively participated in trial proceedings.

• No document (such as counsel’s alleged letter) was produced.

• No explanation was given for prolonged silence even after knowledge.

Such conduct, the Court holds, disentitles the applicants from discretionary relief (Paras 6, 17).

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E. Accrued Rights and Balance of Justice

The Court balances two competing considerations:

1. Preference for adjudication on merits, and

2. Protection of accrued rights of the opposite party.

It holds that where applicants are grossly negligent and dishonest, justice to the vigilant party must prevail (Paras 7, 13, 16).

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III. ANALYSIS OF FACTS (AS FOUND)

• Sole appellant died on 28-11-2007 (Para 2).

• Applications for substitution and condonation filed only in April 2010, after 778 days delay (Paras 2–4).

• Explanation offered: ignorance of pendency of appeal and late intimation by counsel (Para 5).

• Court found:

  • contradictory averments regarding residence and knowledge,

  • participation of one LR in trial as witness,

  • absence of documentary support,

  • no explanation for prolonged inaction (Paras 6, 17).

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IV. FINAL HOLDING / RESULT

• No sufficient cause made out for condonation of delay.

• Application under Order XXII Rule 9 CPC dismissed.

• Appeal held to have abated and dismissed.

• No order as to costs.
  [Paras 17–18]

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Ratio (Concise)

Though courts adopt a liberal approach in setting aside abatement, inordinate delay caused by negligence, contradictory pleadings and lack of bona fides cannot be condoned; valuable rights accrued on abatement cannot be defeated on vague or false explanations.

Limitation Act, 1963 — Section 5 Condonation of delay — Second appeal — Knowledge of decree Where appellant pleads lack of knowledge of the appellate decree and explains delay on that basis, rejection of condonation application without proper enquiry into such explanation is unsustainable — Delay of 650 days condoned in the interest of justice. [Paras 5, 14–15]

Limitation Act, 1963 — Section 5

Condonation of delay — Second appeal — Knowledge of decree

Where appellant pleads lack of knowledge of the appellate decree and explains delay on that basis, rejection of condonation application without proper enquiry into such explanation is unsustainable — Delay of 650 days condoned in the interest of justice.
[Paras 5, 14–15]

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Civil Procedure Code, 1908 — Section 100

Second appeal — Dismissal at threshold on limitation

Second appeal cannot be dismissed mechanically on the ground of limitation when explanation for delay raises triable issues — High Court required to examine whether sufficient cause exists before foreclosing statutory remedy.
[Paras 13–16]

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Ex parte decree — Appellate stage

Lack of opportunity of hearing

Where decree for specific performance is passed ex parte at appellate stage, denial of opportunity to contest on merits is a relevant factor while considering condonation of delay.
[Paras 7, 12, 15]

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Specific Relief Act, 1963 — Section 16

Specific performance — Discretionary relief

Decree for specific performance being discretionary in nature, courts should be slow to deny opportunity of hearing on technical grounds of limitation, particularly when serious factual and legal issues arise.
[Paras 7, 12, 15]

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Limitation — Appeals pending at appellate stage

Liberal approach

In matters pending at appellate stage, particularly where appeals are not listed periodically, courts should adopt a liberal approach in condoning delay, following principles laid down in Perumon Bhagvathy Devaswom.
[Paras 8, 15]

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Natural justice — Substantial justice over technicality

Procedural law should not be applied in a manner that defeats substantial justice — Technical dismissal on limitation, without examining bona fides of explanation, is liable to be interfered with.
[Paras 14–16]

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II. ANALYSIS OF LAW

A. Scope of “Sufficient Cause” under Section 5

The Court reiterates that while limitation law must be applied, condonation of delay depends on acceptability of explanation, not merely length of delay. Explanation based on lack of knowledge of decree warrants judicial scrutiny and cannot be rejected summarily (Paras 5, 14).

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B. Liberal Approach at Appellate Stage

Relying on Perumon Bhagvathy Devaswom, the Court emphasises that when matters are pending at appellate stage:

• litigants often rely on counsel for intimation;

• appeals may not be listed for long periods;

• strict standards applied at institution stage are diluted.

Hence, a lenient and justice-oriented approach is required (Paras 8, 15).

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C. Ex parte Decree for Specific Performance

The Court places weight on the fact that:

• specific performance is discretionary;

• decree was passed ex parte in first appellate court;

• appellant was denied effective opportunity of hearing.

Such circumstances justify condonation to enable adjudication on merits (Paras 7, 12, 15).

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D. Error in High Court’s Approach

The Supreme Court finds fault with the High Court for:

• disbelieving explanation of change of address without enquiry;

• giving overriding importance to accrued rights of respondent;

• dismissing appeal solely on limitation.

This approach was held contrary to settled principles governing condonation of delay (Paras 13–15).

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E. Balance between Limitation and Justice

While acknowledging long pendency and accrued rights, the Court holds that substantial justice must prevail, especially where refusal to condone delay results in irreversible consequences (Paras 14–16).

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III. ANALYSIS OF FACTS (AS FOUND)

• Suit for specific performance filed in 2001 based on agreement dated 18-02-1998 (Paras 3, 12).

• Trial Court partly decreed suit only for refund (Para 3).

• First appellate court decreed specific performance ex parte (Para 4).

• Appellant filed second appeal with 650 days delay, explaining lack of knowledge due to non-service and change of address (Paras 5, 14).

• High Court rejected condonation solely on limitation (Paras 6, 13).

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IV. FINAL HOLDING / RESULT

• Impugned judgment of High Court set aside.

• Delay in filing second appeal condoned.

• High Court directed to consider second appeal for admission expeditiously and dispose of it on merits.

• Observations not to affect merits of appeal.
  [Paras 15–18]

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Ratio (Concise)

In second appeals, particularly where an ex parte decree for specific performance is involved, delay attributable to lack of knowledge of decree should be examined liberally; dismissal on limitation without proper enquiry defeats substantial justice.

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 — Order XXII Rules 4, 9, 10-A & 11 Abatement of appeal — Death of respondent — Ignorance of death Abatement occurs by operation of law on expiry of limitation for substitution — However, ignorance of the death of a respondent constitutes sufficient cause for setting aside abatement, particularly when appeal is pending without periodic listing and no notice of death is given. [Paras 4.2–4.5, 5, 14–15]

Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 — Order XXII Rules 4, 9, 10-A & 11

Abatement of appeal — Death of respondent — Ignorance of death

Abatement occurs by operation of law on expiry of limitation for substitution — However, ignorance of the death of a respondent constitutes sufficient cause for setting aside abatement, particularly when appeal is pending without periodic listing and no notice of death is given.
[Paras 4.2–4.5, 5, 14–15]

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Limitation Act, 1963 — Sections 5, Articles 120 & 121

Condonation of delay — Liberal approach in abatement matters

Applications for setting aside abatement and substitution of legal representatives must be considered liberally — Length of delay is immaterial; sufficiency and acceptability of explanation is decisive — Courts are more liberal in abatement cases than in cases of delay in filing appeals.
[Paras 6, 8(ii), 8(iii)]

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“Sufficient cause” — Meaning and scope

Section 5, Limitation Act

Expression “sufficient cause” must receive a pragmatic, practical and justice-oriented interpretation — Delay not attributable to negligence, inaction or lack of bona fides ought to be condoned to advance substantial justice.
[Paras 6, 8(i)]

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Duty of counsel — Order XXII Rule 10-A CPC

Counsel for a deceased party has a statutory duty to inform the Court of the death — Failure to report death is a relevant factor while considering condonation of delay and setting aside abatement.
[Paras 4.5, 11, 15]

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Pending appeals — High Courts — No duty of constant vigilance

Where an appeal is admitted and remains pending for years without being listed, appellant is not expected to make periodic enquiries about the life or death of respondents — Want of diligence cannot be imputed in such circumstances.
[Paras 8(v), 10, 14]

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Institutions / Bodies — Change of management — Ignorance of proceedings

Where appellant is an institution acting through a managing committee, change of management resulting in ignorance of pending appeal and death of respondent constitutes sufficient cause for condonation of delay.
[Paras 3, 15]

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Abatement — Preference for adjudication on merits

Courts should ordinarily set aside abatement and decide matters on merits rather than terminate proceedings on technical grounds, unless deliberate negligence or mala fides is shown.
[Paras 8(ii), 14]

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II. ANALYSIS OF LAW

A. Nature of Abatement

The Court clarifies that abatement under Order XXII CPC:

• occurs automatically by operation of law on expiry of limitation;

• does not require a formal judicial declaration to take effect;

• nevertheless requires judicial cognizance to close proceedings (Paras 4.2–5).

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B. Liberal Approach in Abatement Matters

The judgment draws a clear distinction between:

• delay in filing an appeal, and

• delay in taking steps in a pending appeal.

Courts are required to be far more liberal in the latter category, as refusal would foreclose adjudication on merits (Paras 6, 8(ii)).

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C. Ignorance of Death as Sufficient Cause

By reference to Order XXII Rule 4(5) CPC, the Court holds that:

• ignorance of the death of a respondent is a statutorily recognised ground;

• such ignorance, if bona fide and uncontradicted, constitutes sufficient cause;

• no diligence can be expected where the appellant is unaware of the death (Paras 4.4–4.5, 12–15).

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D. Role of Rule 10-A CPC

The Court emphasises that:

• counsel for the deceased party has a duty to inform the Court of death;

• failure to discharge this duty weighs in favour of the appellant seeking condonation;

• delay effectively runs from date of knowledge, not date of death (Paras 11, 15).

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E. High Court Appeals — Practical Realities

A significant jurisprudential contribution of this judgment is recognition of ground realities:

• appeals in High Courts often remain unlisted for years;

• litigants are not expected to keep constant vigil;

• expecting periodic enquiry into life status of respondents is unrealistic (Paras 8(v), 10).

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F. Balancing Accrued Rights vs Substantial Justice

While acknowledging that abatement confers a valuable right on legal representatives, the Court holds that:

• such right should not defeat adjudication on merits where delay is bona fide;

• procedural law is a handmaid of justice, not its mistress (Paras 8(ii), 14).

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III. ANALYSIS OF FACTS (AS FOUND)

• Second appeal admitted in 1993 and not listed for hearing for several years (Paras 2, 10).

• Sole respondent died on 17-04-2002 (Para 2).

• Death was not reported by counsel or LRs to the High Court (Paras 11, 15).

• Appellant institution underwent change of management; new committee unaware of appeal (Paras 3, 15).

• Applications for substitution and setting aside abatement filed promptly after knowledge (Para 3).

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IV. FINAL HOLDING / RESULT

• Delay held satisfactorily explained.

• Orders of High Court refusing condonation and setting aside abatement set aside.

• Delay condoned; abatement set aside.

• Legal representatives permitted to be brought on record.

• High Court directed to hear the appeal on merits.
  [Para 16]

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Ratio (Concise)

In appeals pending without periodic listing, bona fide ignorance of the respondent’s death—especially where counsel failed to report it—constitutes sufficient cause for condonation of delay and setting aside abatement; courts must prefer adjudication on merits over technical termination.