1978 (2) TMI 210 - SC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Limitation and Condonation of Delay
2. Readiness and Willingness to Perform Contract
3. Specific Performance of Contract
4. Possession and Enjoyment of Property
5. Financial Capability of Plaintiff
6. Concurrent Findings of Lower Courts

Detailed Analysis:

1. Limitation and Condonation of Delay:
The appellant contended that the appeal before the High Court was barred by limitation and that the vendor had failed to show sufficient cause for the delay. The High Court, however, condoned the delay, finding that the vendor was prevented by a sufficient cause from filing the appeal on time. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, noting that the vendor might have honestly believed the decree to be preliminary and awaited the purchaser's deposit. The Court emphasized that the relevant considerations were whether the vendor had sufficient cause for the delay and found no error in the High Court's exercise of discretion.

2. Readiness and Willingness to Perform Contract:
The High Court found that the plaintiff was not ready and willing to perform her part of the contract, as she delayed the transaction under various pretexts. This finding was upheld by the Supreme Court, which underscored the importance of the plaintiff's continuous readiness and willingness to perform her contractual obligations. The plaintiff's failure to deposit the balance of consideration within the stipulated time and her insistence on additional land not included in the contract were significant factors in this determination.

3. Specific Performance of Contract:
The trial court had decreed specific performance, but the High Court reversed this decision, finding that the plaintiff had delayed the transaction and was not entitled to specific performance. The Supreme Court agreed, noting that the plaintiff's delay and her failure to perform her part of the contract disentitled her to the equitable relief of specific performance. The Court emphasized that specific performance is discretionary and should not be granted if it results in an unfair advantage to the plaintiff.

4. Possession and Enjoyment of Property:
The plaintiff had been put in possession of a substantial portion of the property without paying the full consideration. The Supreme Court noted that this allowed the plaintiff to enjoy the property without fulfilling her financial obligations, which weighed against granting specific performance. The Court found that the plaintiff's continued possession without payment was inequitable.

5. Financial Capability of Plaintiff:
The High Court questioned the plaintiff's financial capability to pay the balance of consideration, noting that her husband was insolvent and she had not demonstrated the ability to raise the necessary funds. The Supreme Court upheld this finding, emphasizing that the plaintiff had not stepped into the witness box to prove her financial capability and had instead relied on pretexts to delay the transaction.

6. Concurrent Findings of Lower Courts:
The trial court and the High Court had concurrent findings on key issues, such as the plaintiff's claim for additional land and the demand for reimbursement of payments made to tenants. The Supreme Court found no reason to interfere with these concurrent findings, noting that they were based on a thorough examination of the evidence.

Conclusion:
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, upholding the High Court's decision to deny specific performance. The Court found that the plaintiff's delay, lack of readiness and willingness to perform the contract, and financial incapability disentitled her to the equitable relief of specific performance. The Court emphasized that specific performance is discretionary and should not be granted if it results in an unfair advantage to the plaintiff. The appeal was dismissed with costs.