(1.) One of us referred these two cases for the decision of a Division Bench. One of the questions that requires consideration for a proper decision of these two Civil Revision Petitions is the question whether the Land Tribunal, under the Kerala Land Reforms Act, has got the power to restore an application dismissed for default.
(2.) Gopalan Nambiyar, J., as he then was, had occasion to consider this matter in Kuttappan v. Thresia ( 1973 KLT 521 ), where His Lordship observed thus:-
(3.) His Lordship further held that the former part of O.9, R.9, providing for the bar of a fresh suit on the same cause of action would not be attracted as far as the Land Tribunal is concerned. The court referred to the Full Bench decision of this court in Kalyani Amma Bhargavi Amma v. Ouseph Varkey ( 1967 KLT 317 ) and said that the Full Bench has held with respect to the provisions of Ss.101, 129(2)(e) of the Land Reforms Act and R.99 of the Land Reforms (Tenancy) Rules, that the Land Tribunal had power to set aside an ex parte order. It was further held that the requisite power was found under the provisions of R.99 and the Full Bench overruled the contrary view taken in three single bench decisions. The thrust of the decisions in 1973 KLT 521 can be seen from the following passage: