Power to set aside decree
Full Text
After decree the Court may, under special circumstances set aside the decree, and if necessary stay or set aside execution, and may give leave to the defendant to appear to the summons and to defend the suit, if it seems reasonable to the Court so to do, and on such terms as the Court thinks fit.
Plain English Summary
Vests the court with discretionary equitable power after passing a summary decree to set it aside and permit the defendant to defend upon demonstration of 'special circumstances' (a standard higher than mere 'sufficient cause' under Order IX Rule 13).
Key Legal Elements
- 'Special Circumstances' Threshold: Distinct from and more stringent than ordinary 'sufficient cause' under Order IX Rule 13.
- Dual Burden on Defendant: Must show (1) why he was prevented from entering appearance or applying for leave to defend, AND (2) that he has a substantial, prima facie meritorious defence on the merits.
- Discretionary Terms: Court may impose terms such as depositing the decretal amount in court or furnishing solvent security.
- Stay/Setting Aside Execution: Executing court actions can be stayed or recalled simultaneously.
Practical Note
'Special Circumstances' vs 'Sufficient Cause': 1. Supreme Court Landmark — Rajni Kumar v. Suresh Kumar Malhotra (2003) 5 SCC 315: The Supreme Court settled that 'special circumstances' under Order XXXVII Rule 4 is not identical to 'sufficient cause' under Order IX Rule 13. The defendant carries a cumulative dual burden: he must not only show exceptional circumstances that disabled him from appearing within 10 days, but he must also establish a genuine, prima facie meritorious defence to the claim. If the defendant has no defence on merits, the decree will not be set aside merely because summons service was irregular. 2. Power to Stay Execution: Rule 4 explicitly empowers the trial court to recall or stay execution warrants pending disposal of the application.
हिंदी पाठ
डिक्री के पश्चात न्यायालय विशेष परिस्थितियों (Special circumstances) के अधीन डिक्री को अपास्त (Set aside) कर सकेगा, और यदि आवश्यक हो तो निष्पादन को रोक सकेगा या अपास्त कर सकेगा, तथा यदि न्यायालय को ऐसा करना युक्तियुक्त प्रतीत होता है तो प्रतिवादी को सम्मन पर उपसंजात होने और वाद की प्रतिरक्षा करने की इजाजत ऐसे निबंधनों पर दे सकेगा जो न्यायालय उचित समझे।