M/S Geetha Arts Vs.
A.Chandrasekaran & Ors. [2009] INSC 875 (4 May 2009)
Judgment
IN THE SUPREME COURT
OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NOS.3188-3190 OF 2009
(@SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CIVIL)NO.10234-10236 OF 2009) M/S.GEETHA ARTS
Appellant(s) VERSUS A.CHANDRASEKARAN & ORS. Respondent(s) ORDER Application
for exemption from filing O.T. granted.
1.
Leave
granted. Heard both sides.
2.
The
appellant herein is challenging the common order passed in Miscellaneous
Petitions i.e. 1 & 2 of 2009 in O.S.A.442 of 2009 and Misc.Petition 1 of
2009 in O.S.A.443 to 445 of 2008 by the Division Bench of the High Court of
Judicature at Madras. One of the Defendant is appellant before this Court.
There was a contract between the appellant and the plaintiffs. There were
various disputes regarding the nature of the contract. The appellant wanted to
release the film "Gajini" (Hindi version) which was objected to by
the respondents. On 23.12.2008, an interim injunction releasing the picture in
question was passed by the learned Single Judge on the Original Side of the
High Court. This order was challenged before the Division Bench of the High
Court which, on 24.12.2008, suspended the order of the learned Single Judge
dated 23.12.2008 subject to the condition that the appellant should deposit a
sum of Rs.5 crores to the credit of the O.S.Appeals. It was brought to our
notice that the said amount was deposited and the film has already been
released. Thereafter, applications were filed for direction to withdraw the
deposited amount. By the impugned order of the Division Bench, the earlier
order was varied and the sum of Rs.5 crores, which is deposited by the
appellant, is directed to be released to the First Respondent i.e. A.Chandrasekaran,
Proprietor Saravana Creations, subject to the furnishing of a Bank Guarantee
for the said amount in the name of Registrar General, High Court of Madras, to
the credit of the O.S.Appeals. The said order is under challenge in these
appeals.
3.
It
is pointed out by learned senior counsel for the appellants that there is no
decree in favour of the plaintiff and order granting permission to withdraw the
amount of Rs.5 crores cannot be sustained. However, learned senior counsel for
the Plaintiff has pointed out that the Defendants, by releasing the film, have
acquired huge profits and the Plaintiff is entitled to get the money deposited.
4.
It
is to be noted and as rightly pointed out, that as on date there is no decree
in favour of the Plaintiff. In the above circumstances, we direct that the sum
of Rs.5 crores, deposited by the appellant herein, be kept with the Registrar
General of the Madras High Court and be invested in an interest bearing Fixed
Deposit in a nationalised Bank for a 3 reasonable period. We request the
Division Bench of the High Court to dispose of the O.S.Appeals at an early
date. The disbursal of the deposited amount would be subject to the result
therein.
5.
Parties
are at liberty to raise all their contentions before the Division Bench of the
High Court.
6.
Appeals
are disposed of accordingly. No costs.
..................CJI.
(K.G. BALAKRISHNAN)
....................J.
(P. SATHASIVAM)
....................J.
(Dr.MUKUNDAKAM SHARMA)
NEW
DELHI;
4TH
MAY, 2009.
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