Khajan Singh (D) Thr. Lrs. vs Bankey (Dead) By Lrs.
- Neutral2018 INSC 640
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
Where a suit claiming adverse possession is filed after an earlier suit by the same party's spouse claiming inheritance from the same property has been decided against that spouse, the subsequent suit is barred by res judicata, and the fact that it is framed on a different legal ground does not permit it to proceed.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
NON-REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
MA.1529/2018 IN/AND C.A. NO(S). 3503/2008
KHAJAN SINGH (D) THR. LRS. APPLICANT(S)/ APPELLANT(S)
VERSUS
BANKEY (DEAD) BY LRS. & ORS. RESPONDENT(S)
J U D G M E N T
KURIAN, J.
1. Application for restoration is allowed and the appeal is restored to its original number.
2. Civil Appeal is taken on Board.
3. The High Court has rendered a clear finding that the suit filed by the appellant was barred by res judicata. The wife of the appellant had already filed a suit claiming inheritance and lost. Thereafter, the appellant filed the suit claiming adverse possession.
4. Despite the strenuous arguments advanced by the learned counsel for the appellants, we do not find any ground at all to interfere with the findings, which was also the finding rendered by the First Appellate Court. The appeal is hence dismissed.
5. Though this was a case where exemplary costs should have been awarded, having protracted a frivolous litigation for around four decades, in view Signature Not Verified Digitally signed by of the persuasive arguments made by the learned NARENDRA PRASAD Date: 2018.07.28 12:16:57 IST Reason: counsel for appellants, we reluctantly refrain from doing so.
1 6. Pending applications, if any, shall stand disposed of.
7. There shall be no orders as to costs.
.......................J. [KURIAN JOSEPH]
.......................J. [SANJAY KISHAN KAUL] NEW DELHI;
JULY 25, 2018.
2
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