Delhi Development Authority Vs. Skipper
Construction Co.(P) Ltd. & Ors [1999] INSC 430 (17 December 1999)
U.C.Banerjee,
M.J.Rao M.JAGANNADHA RAO,J.
On May 6th, 1996 this Court delivered judgment in
Ltd. ( 1996 (4) SCC 622). Thereafter, various other issues regarding the
Skipper group of Companies continued to pose serious issues of law and fact.
Sometimes, it looked like a maze which could baffle lawyers and courts alike.
More claims with regard to Jhandevalan property -which was the subject matter
of the above case, -of persons who claimed to be purchasers of space proposed
to be built at Jhandevalan came before us. In addition, claims of similar
purchasers of property at Barakhamba Road
and also in regard to Technology Park, came before us. In this judgment, we propose to deal with
certain issues concerning the Jhandevalan property which have remained
undecided or not decided finally in the earlier orders of this Court.
In
order to understand how these issues arise, it is necessary to go back (A) to
the long history of events set out in the above said judgment and (B) to the
subsequent events. In Part (C) we shall deal with four issues which have crystallised.
In the rest of this judgment Delhi Development Authority is described as DDA
and Skipper Construction Company (P) Ltd is described as Skipper, for
convenience.
PART A
In October, 1980, Skipper became the highest bidder for purchase of a plot of
land at Jhandevalan in Delhi which was advertised for sale for Rs.
9.82 crores and deposited 25% of the price. The balance was to be deposited as
per the tender schedule. Skipper defaulted in spite of seven extensions during
January 1981 to April 1982. When proceedings for cancellation of the bid were
in the offing, Skipper moved the Court and obtained a stay order on 29.5.82 and
started making representations. DDA appointed a Committee to work out a formula
and pursuant to the recommendations of the Committee, Skipper was asked to
enter into a revised agreement incorporating fresh terms. Skipper raised
objections to these proposals from 1984 till 1987 but finally the agreement was
entered into on 11.8.87. Even before permission to enter was however granted
under the revised agreement, Skipper started selling the space to be built in
the proposed structure and started receiving monies. Though Skipper paid the
1st instalment much beyond the time, it did not pay the second instalment but
furnished Bank guarantees which were found to be defective. It however made
some token payments to DDA. Subsequently, CWP.2371/1989 was filed for a
direction to DDA to sanction plans/permit construction at its risk. On 19.3.90,
High Court of Delhi permitted construction in accordance with sanctioned plan
subject to deposit of Rs. 20 lakhs in two instalments and 1.94 crores in one
month. DDA filed SLP(C) 6338/90 and 6339/90. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court
passed an order in the WP.2371/89 on 21.12.90 directing payment of Rs.8.12 crores
approx. in 30 days and stopped further construction w.e.f. 9.1.91 till payment
and stated that in default, the revised agreement dated 11.8.87 would stand
cancelled and DDA would be entitled to re-enter the plot.
Reasons
for the order were given on 14.1.91, Skipper defaulted but approached this
Court on 29.1.91 in SLP(C) 186/91 when this Court passed an interim order for
deposit of Rs.2.5 crores in one month and Rs.2.5 crores before 8.4.91 and
Skipper was expressly prohibited from inducting any person in the building and
from creating any rights in favour of third parties. In spite of it, Skipper
issued advertisement on 4.2.91 and on latter dates in newspapers in Delhi and invited further purchasers to
purchase the space in the proposed building. Sales agreements were entered into
by certain purchasers inspite of DDA's warning dated 13.2.91 published in newspapers.
SLP(C) 186/91 was dismissed on 25.1.93.
DDA
re-entered the plot and took physical possession on 10.2.93 along with the
building thereon "free from all encumbrances" in terms of the revised
agreement/licence and as provided in the orders of the Delhi High Court dated
21.12.90 and 14.1.91. It also "forfeited" the amounts paid till then
by Skipper in terms of the revised agreement dated 11.8.87 and the judgment of
the Delhi High Court.
Ltd. (
1996(4) SCC 622) that before 29.1.91 Skipper collected about Rs.14 crores from
various parties to sell space in the proposed building. Even after 29.1.91,
Skipper collected various amounts, about Rs.11 crores. It appears that the same
space was sold to more than one person and monies were collected.
Skipper
filed suit No. 770/93 against DDA seeking injunction restraining DDA from
interfering with its alleged title and possession over the plot and sought a
declaration that the re-entry by DDA was illegal and sought a declaration that
it had validly paid all amounts due to DDA.
It
obtained stay of re-auction. Against the order dated 9.12.93, DDA filed
SLP.21000/93. This Court issued suo motu contempt proceedings against Tejwant
Singh and his wife ( Surinder Kaur), Directors of Skipper. This Court held them
guilty of contempt and under Article 129 and Article 142, sentenced them to
imprisonment and fine of Rs.50,000 each.
Attachment
orders were passed on 8.2.95 as follows:
accounts
standing in the names of the contemners and the Directors of M/s Skipper
Construction Co.(P)Ltd. and their wives, sons and unmarried daughters shall
stand attached." Later on, the sentence was deferred subject to condition
of their furnishing bank guarantee for Rs.11 crores by 31.3.95 and a deposit of
Rs.11 crores by 30.3.95.
It was
also said:
"List
of properties given by the contemners to be taken on record. The contemners
will also file a list of properties held by their sons and unmarried daughters
within one week from today." The Court also said:
"The
attachment of the properties and the bank accounts shall stand raised on the contemners
furnishing the bank guarantee as aforesaid." The contemners deposited Rs.
2 crores but failed to deposit the balance and also failed to furnish Bank
guarantee. They were committed to prison and they served the sentence. DDA
invited fresh tenders and sold the plot with the 14th floor structure
(incomplete) to M/s Banganga Investments (Videocon) for Rs.70 crores. The sale
was accepted with permission of Court and the purchaser deposited the
consideration with DDA and the land and structure stood transferred to the
purchaser.
This
Court felt concerned about the buyers to whom space was sold before 29.1.91 and
later. Claims of those who purchased before 29.1.91 were estimated to amount
Rs.14 crores. DDA was therefore directed to deposit Rs.16.75 crores in this
Court.
This
Court appointed Justice R.C.Lahoti Commission to go into the claims of
purchasers before 29.1.91 and a report dated 2.2.96 was submitted by that
Committee. A sum of Rs.
13.27 crores
approx. was paid to about 700 persons.
This
Court appointed Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy to inquire into role of DDA officers
and a Report was received on 7.7.95. This Court appointed Justice Saharya
Commission to inquire into conduct of Bank officials. A Report was submitted in
that connection. The issues arising from the said reports would be taken up
later. Another order was passed on 6.5.96 appointing Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy
to go into the post 29.1.91 sales and a Report was submitted.
In
respect of these purchasers, the principal amount of about Rs.6.50 crores held
due to them has been paid from funds lying in deposit in this Court.
Construction
Co. (P)Ltd. ( 1996 (4) SCC 622) shows that DDA filed a list of properties held
by Tejwant Singh, his wife, Surinder Kaur and their sons and daughters which
properties, according to them, belonged to these persons.
Question
arose whether the various companies of which they were directors were merely
'fronts' or "devices" to defraud and defeat the claims of purchasers.
Then this Court held that (a) the contemners could not be allowed to enjoy or
retain the fruits of contempt; (b) the corporate veil could be lifted and that
the Court was not precluded from treating the properties as "one entity
belonging to Tejwant Singh and family" (c) that the concept of resulting
trust laid down in (5) SCC 54), could be applied, (d) that Article 142 could be
applied, in the absence of statutory provision, and that when:
"someone
has acquired property by defrauding the people and if it is from that the
persons defrauded should be restored to the position in which they would have
been but for the said fraud, the Court can make all necessary orders." In
the judgment, this Court held ( see para 34) (1) that pre 29.1.91 purchasers
had to be re-imbursed in full, "which means that they should also be paid
interest at the appropriate rate". (2) Secondly, the post 29.1.91
purchasers had also to be re-imbursed "in full". (3) Ignoring the
corporate veil, the property under lease to Israel Embassy at No.3, Aurangjeb Road, could be sold. (4) For that
purpose it would stand attached - ( if not already attached) and the said
property would be sold if Tejwant Singh and wife were not able to deposit Rs.10
crores by 6.7.96 (5) attachment of all properties was to continue including the
one on properties mentioned in IA.29/96 filed by DDA. (Skipper failed to make
the payment as directed above).
The
above is the long list of events and Co.(P)Ltd. ( 1996(4) SCC 622).
PART B
It will be useful to summarise the events subsequent to May 6, 1996 briefly.
On
10.2.99, this Court directed Skipper to file a list of all immovable properties
held or owned by them either in their own personal names or in the names of the
companies of which they were on the Board of Directors or in which they were
share-holders and similarly those in the names of their sons or unmarried
daughters.
On
15.3.1991, this Court referred to an earlier order passed by this Court on
8.2.95 in SLP(C) 21000/93 attaching "the bank accounts in the names of contemners
and the Directors of M/s Skipper Constructions Co.(P) Ltd. and their wives,
sons and unmarried daughters". This Court held that by the judgment dated
6.5.96, properties of Technology Park Ltd. also stood attached as that property
was one listed in IA.29/96 and therefore, the advertisement dated 22.1.99 for
sale in regard to the said property issued by Prabjot Singh, son of Tejwant
Singh was in violation of orders of this Court. Contempt notices were issued to
Sri Prabjot Singh and his wife Harpreet Kaur.
On
5.4.99, Ms. Harpreet Kaur appeared but not her husband, Mr. Prabjot Singh.
Directions were issued to the police to take steps for production of Prabjot
Singh in this Court. On the same day, it was contended by purchasers of
proposed construction at Barakhamba that the monies collected from them by
Skipper Towers Ltd. and Skipper Sales Pvt. Ltd. were diverted for the
construction of the building at Jhandevalan which structure had gone back to
DDA and then got sold to the purchaser Banganga (Videocon).
On
3.5.99, Sri R.K. Jain, learned senior counsel appeared for Sri Prabjot Singh.
His client was arrested by police. Counsel took time to come forward with a
scheme.
Counsel
for Mr. Tejwant Singh and his wife were also directed to come forward with a
scheme.
By
affidavit dated 6.5.99, Mr. Prabjot Singh gave a list of properties held by
him, list of 'Skipper' properties held by his father Tejwant Singh and by his
brother Prabhjit Singh. On 10.5.99, all these properties were attached, without
prejudice to any subsisting attachment orders passed earlier. Prabjot Singh's
undertaking was also recorded.
On
19.7.99, this Court observed that issues relating to the further claims of
Skipper against DDA would be decided taking into account the contention of DDA
that the land and structure vested in DDA "free of all encumbrances"
and also the contention that these matters were already concluded and became
final on 6.5.96.
On
2.8.99, learned amicus curaie filed a list of issues which by then crystalised
for decision. The disputes relate to (1) claims relating to Jhandevalan
property (2) 22, Barakhamba, (3) Technology Park and (4) Symphony. This Court
indicated that a fresh reference would be made to another Commission regarding
the various claims of purchasers which were not adjudicated by Justice R.C.
Lahoti
and Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy Commissions. It was pointed out that in relation
to Barakhamba property, suits were filed in the Delhi High Court for specific
performance and decreed and appeals were filed by both sides before the
Division Bench.
ON
2.8.99, this Court passed orders that a comprehensive list of properties be
prepared. Details of winding up proceedings pending against Skipper Builders
(P) Ltd. in the Delhi High Court who were concerned with Symphony were also to
be furnished. Notice was given to Ghaziabad Development Authority with regard
to land of Technology Park Ltd.It was made clear that claims rejected on merits
(i.e. otherwise than on limitation) by Justice Lahoti and Justice Chinnappa
Reddy would not be re-opened.
On
13.9.99, counsel were requested to prepare a final list of issues presently
arising and the matters were directed to be listed for hearing on these issues.
On
28.10.99, this Court attached certain Bank Accounts of Technology Park. On
2.11.99, a further list of Bank accounts of Prabjot Singh was filed and those
accounts were also attached. Mr. Prabjot Singh was directed not to enter into
any real estate transactions without informing the Court. This order was passed
because of serious complaints that Mr. Prabjot Singh was making sales even
after attachment orders. The Banks were directed to give a list of transactions
in the last 5 years. In regard to attachment of Bank accounts of Sri Tejwant
Singh, this Court held that they were already attached before 6.5.96. A
contention was raised by Sri M.L. Verma, learned senior counsel appearing for Mr.Tejwant
Singh that the attachment of Bank accounts was not specifically confirmed in
the order of this Court dated 6.5.96 and must be deemed to have been vacated.
This Court held that that attachment was not vacated by the final orders dated
6.5.96. This Court called upon Shri Tejwant Singh to give a list of Bank
accounts in his name, sons and unmarried daughters and directed no withdrawals
be made and further directed that no real estate transactions could be
undertaken without permission of the Court.
On
4.11.99, this Court heard counsel on various issues (to which reference will be
made in Part C) and reserved judgment. This Court also issued notice to the Banganga
Company ( Videocon) which purchased Jhandevalan land and structure from DDA.
This Court proposed transfer of appeals pending in Delhi High Court to this
Court in relation to Barakhamba property.
PART C
Having narrated the events which took place as above, we shall now refer to
some of the issues which have crystallised. We have heard the submissions of
the learned Amicus Curaie Sri Joseph Vellapally and Sri Dayan Krishnan,
assisting the Amicus Curaie. We have heard Sri Mukul Rohatgi, learned Additional
Solicitor General and Ms.
Kamini
Jaiswal for DDA, Sri M.L. Verma, Senior Advocate for Skipper, Sri R.K. Jain,
Senior Advocate for Mr. Prabjot Singh, Lt. Col. Jaswant Singh (in person) and
various others. A question has arisen whether in respect of the structure at Jhandevalan
which vested in DDA and which DDA sold to Banganga ( Videocon), DDA should be
directed to deposit something more in addition to Rs.16.75 crores deposited by
it. DDA says that that issue has become final by judgment dated 6.5.96 and
cannot be reopened. On the other hand, it has come to light that the purchasers
were not eo-nominee parties to the suit by Skipper against DDA which was
transferred to this Court and was registered as SLP(C) No.21000/93. For the
present, we do not propose to go into this question as to whether the judgment
of this Court dated 6.5.96 has become final or is not binding on those who
purchased from Skipper Construction Co. on the ground of their not being
parties to the above suit and Special Leave petition. However, we shall take up
this question at a later point of time. Learned counsel made submissions on the
following issues:
(1)
Whether the purchasers under agreements in respect of Jhandevalan property have
a statutory charge in view of Section 55(6)(b) of the Transfer of Property Act
-against the vendor's interest in the property? Whether such charge can be
enforced against any substituted security? (2) Whether the purchasers are
entitled to interest under Section 55(6)(b) of the Transfer of Property Act and
also in view of the observations made in the judgment of this Court dated May 6, 1996? (3) Whether the period of limitation for enforcing
claims by the purchasers would be 12 years under the Limitation Act? (4)
Whether in view of the words 'subject to a contract to the contrary' used in
Section 55(6)(b) of the Transfer of Property Act and in view of the term in the
agreement of sale that Skipper will not be liable for interest, the purchasers
cannot claim interest? (5) Whether the purchasers can rely on the finding of
'fraud' given by this Court in its order dated 15.1.1995 to contend that the
claim for interest is sustainable because of fraud by Skipper on the
purchasers? POINS 1 and 2: These points depend upon the effect of the
provisions in Sub-clause (6) of Section 55 of the Transfer of Property Act.
That Section starts with the words "In the absence of a contract to the
contrary", and reads thus (insofar as it is material for our purpose):
"Section
55 (6)(b): The buyer is entitled (a) .................
(b)
unless he has improperly declined to accept delivery of the property, to a
charge on the property, as against the seller and all persons claiming under
him, to the extent of the seller's interest in the property, for the amount of
any purchase-money property paid by the buyer in anticipation of the delivery
and for interest on such amount; and, when he properly declines to accept the
delivery, also for the earnest (if any) and for the costs (if any) awarded to
him of a suit to compel specific performance of the contract or to obtain a
decree for its rescission".
It is
plain from the above provision that, in the absence of a contract to the
contrary, the buyer will have a charge on the seller's interest in the property
which is the subject matter of the sale agreement insofar as the purchase money
and interest on such amount are concerned, unless the buyer has improperly
declined to accept delivery. The charge is available against the seller and all
persons claiming under him. This charge in favour of the buyer is the converse
of the seller's charge under Section 55(4)(b).
The
buyer's charge under this Section is a statutory charge and differs from a
contractual charge which a buyer may be entitled to claim under a separate
contract (Chettiar Firm Babulal) ( AIR 1973 SC 1363) As pointed out in Mulla's
Commentary on Transfer of Property Act, 8th Ed. (P.411), the charge on the
property under Section 55(6)(b) is enforceable not only against the seller but
against all persons claiming under him. Before the amending Act of 1929, the
words 'with notice of payment' occurred after the words "all the persons
claiming under him". These words were omitted as they allowed a transferee
without notice to escape. After the Amendment of 1929, notice to the purchaser
has now become irrelevant. When the property upon which the charge is created
gets converted into another form, the buyer will be entitled to proceed against
the substituted security. This is a general principle of law and Section 73 of
the Transfer of Property Act is only an example of the said principle. The
above principle has been applied to enforce mortgage on substituted securities (
see principle which is applicable to mortgages applies to cases of statutory
charge under Section 55(6)(b). If immovable property is charged and is
converted into another property or money, then the charge will fasten on the
property or money into which the subject matter of the agreement is converted.
The
above sub-section of Section 55 also makes it clear that the buyer is entitled
to interest on the amount of purchase money paid. Interest is payable from the
date of payment of the purchase money to the seller till date of delivery of
property to the purchaser or till the execution of the sale deed, whichever is
earlier. Points 1 and 2 are decided accordingly in favour of the buyers.
POINT
3:
Article
62 of the Limitation Act, 1963 ( which corresponds to Article 132 of the
Limitation Act 1908) provides a period of 12 years "to enforce payment of
money secured by a mortgagee or otherwise charged upon immovable
property". Time runs from the date "when money becomes due".
From the above Article, it is clear that the period of limitation for
enforcement of the statutory charge created under Section 55(6)(b) is 12 years
from the date when becomes due and not 3 years. The period remains the same
even for enforcement of the charge on the substituted security. Point 3 is
decided accordingly.
POINT
4 and 5: Learned senior counsel for Skipper, Sri M.L. Verma contended that
there is a stipulation in the agreement of sale that interest will not be
payable to the buyer in case the transaction fails for any reason. On the other
hand, Sri Dayan Krishan for the learned Amicus Curiae submitted that in view of
the earlier finding of this Court relating to 'fraud' on the part of Skipper,
it is not permissible for Skipper to rely on the above clause in the agreement.
In our view, learned Amicus Curiae is right in his submission that in the order
of this Court dated 15.1.1995, there is a clear finding of 'fraud' against
Skipper. This is because, when the available units of accommodation are said to
be 870 or less, Skipper had given bookings in favour of 2700 buyers and
collected huge sums.
This
was obviously, fraudulent.
In our
view, builders are not in law supposed to enter into agreements with more
number of buyers than there are flats, unless each of the buyers in excess of
the number of available units of accommodation is put on notice that his
purchase will depend upon the availability of units of accommodation. Accepting
bookings from excess number of buyers without adequate notice to them about the
contingent nature of their contracts cannot be said to be fair dealing.
On top
of that to say that these amounts paid by the buyer will not carry interest is
wholly unconscionable. In this case, Skipper entered into a large number of
bookings, nearly three times the available units of accommodation and collected
monies. This was fraudulent, as per the earlier finding of this Court dated
15.1.95. Skipper, therefore, cannot be allowed to rely upon the term relating
to 'contract to the contrary' and escape the payment of interest. Once there is
fraud, the inducement for payment by the purchasers cannot be traced to the
agreement. We may also point out that in the judgment of this Court dated May
6th, 1996, this Court has already observed, that interest is payable to both
pre 29.1.91 and post 29.1.91 purchasers.
This
Court held in regard to pre 29.1.91 purchasers as follows: ( See p. 643 of SCC)
.lm15 "On one hand, the position is that the pre-29.1.1991 purchasers have
to be reimbursed in full which means that they should also be paid interest at
the appropriate rate on the amounts advanced by them to skipper..." In
regard to post 29.1.1991 also, it has been stated(p.644 of SCC): .lm15
"Secondly, the post 29.1.1991 purchaser, have also to be reimbursed in
full." A point was raised on behalf of DDA that inasmuch as DDA had given
paper publication after 29.1.1991 warning purchasers, it must be presumed that
all the members of the public were put on notice and post 29.1.91 buyers should
not be allowed to claim interest. We have given due consideration to this
contention. As to what extent any of these buyers had notice of the paper
publication, is a matter on which it is difficult to get evidence. We are,
therefore, not inclined to reconsider the decision of this Court dated May 6th,
1996 in regard to the right of the post 29.1.1991 purchasers to get interest.
Points 4 and 5 are decided against Skipper.
We
disposed of points 1 to 5 accordingly.
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