Hearing and disposal of case
Full Text
(1) The case shall be set down for hearing as a suit instituted in the ordinary manner, and the provisions of this Code shall apply to such suit so far as the same are applicable.
(2) Where the Court is satisfied, after examination of the parties, or after taking such evidence as it thinks fit—
(a) that the agreement was duly executed by them,
(b) that they have a bona fide interest in question stated therein, and
(c) that the same is fit to be decided,
it shall proceed to pronounce judgment thereon, in the same way as in an ordinary suit, and upon the judgment so pronounced a decree shall follow.
Plain English Summary
Governs the hearing and adjudication of a special case, requiring the court to verify due execution, bona fide interest, and fitness for decision before delivering a regular judgment followed by an enforceable formal decree.
Key Legal Elements
- Three-Part Judicial Test (Sub-rule 2): (a) Due execution by parties, (b) bona fide dispute/interest (not sham/collusive), (c) fitness for judicial determination.
- Examination of Parties: Court can examine parties under oath to ensure there is no fraudulent evasion of tax, stamp duty, or public policy.
- Ordinary Procedure Applies: Hearing conducted like an ordinary suit with arguments on questions of law/fact.
- Judgment Followed by Decree: Adjudication culminates in a formal decree executable under Order XXI CPC.
Practical Note
Three-Pronged Judicial Scrutiny Before Decree: 1. Statutory Gatekeeping: Under Sub-rule (2), the court is not a mere rubber-stamp. In Chief Controlling Revenue Authority v. Maharashtra Sugar Mills Ltd. (AIR 1950 SC 218), the Supreme Court emphasized the court's protective duty to satisfy itself that the litigation is not collusive, intended to evade revenue/stamp duty, or an attempt to procure an advisory opinion on an illegal contract. 2. Form of Adjudication: Once satisfied under clauses (a), (b), and (c), the court delivers a formal reasoned judgment under Order XX CPC, followed by an executable decree.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) मामले को साधारण रीति से संस्थित किए गए वाद की भांति सुनवाई के लिए नियत किया जाएगा, और इस संहिता के उपबंध ऐसे वाद पर वहां तक लागू होंगे जहां तक वे लागू हो सकते हैं।
(2) जहां न्यायालय पक्षकारों की परीक्षा करने के पश्चात, अथवा ऐसा साक्ष्य लेने के पश्चात जैसा वह उचित समझे, इस बात से संतुष्ट हो जाता है कि—
(क) करार उनके द्वारा सम्यक रूप से निष्पादित किया गया था,
(ख) उसमें अधिकथित प्रश्न में उनका सद्भावी हित (Bona fide interest) है, तथा
(ग) वह प्रश्न विनिश्चित किए जाने योग्य है,
वहां वह साधारण वाद की ही भांति उस पर निर्णय सुनाने के लिए अग्रसर होगा, और इस प्रकार सुनाए गए निर्णय पर एक डिक्री का अनुगमन होगा।