LAWS(MAD)-1947-12-24

YANGALASETTI THIRUPATHAIAH Vs. KOPALLE MANGAPATHI RAO AND ORS.

Decided On December 05, 1947
YANGALASETTI THIRUPATHAIAH Appellant
V/S
Kopalle Mangapathi Rao And Ors. Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner was the first defendant in O.S. No. 571 of 1944, on the file of the District Munsiff's Court, Guntur, the suit being one for a decla -ration that the suit plot of land was trust property, that its alienation by the second defendant in favour of the first defendant was void and for a consequent injunction restraining the defendants from interfering with the rightful possession of the plaintiff. The suit was decreed. In appeal by the petitioner (the first defendant), the learned District Judge found that the proper Court -fee to be paid would be for two separate declarations with one consequential relief by way of injunction. He was also dissatisfied with the value placed upon the site and directed the appointment of a commissioner at the petitioner's expense to ascertain the value.

(2.) I have no doubt that the learned District Judge was right in holding that two independent declarations were asked for and that separate fees will have to be paid; for it would not directly follow that because the property was trust property, it could not be alienated. Trust properties are sometimes lawfully alienated.

(3.) THE learned District Judge has certainly power under Section 9 of the Court -Fees Act to appoint a commissioner; but a difficulty arises, because the commissioner was not appointed at the instance of any party, and so it is rather difficult to know who in equity would have to pay the costs of the commissioner, at any rate in the event of its being found that the market value is as stated by the plaintiff. If, however, the appointment of a commissioner is warranted under Section 9, he must be paid, and the only person who can pay him is the plaintiff himself. The learned District Judge should, of course, have regard to the limited value of the property. In appointing a commissioner, he will doubtless see that unnecessary expense is not incurred; e.g., an amin or some person who is not likely to demand a high fee may be appointed as commissioner.