LAWS(CAL)-1983-8-20

LAKSHMI TRACTORS CO Vs. OFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR

Decided On August 25, 1983
LAKSHMI TRACTORS CO Appellant
V/S
OFFICIAL LIQUIDATOR Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) United Provinces Commercial Corporation P. Ltd. Was directed to be wound up by an order passed by this court in Company Petition No. 270 of 1967. In the course of liquidation of the said company, the official liquidator made an application under Section 446(2) of the Companies Act, 1956, for realisation of occupation charges from Lakshmi Tractor Company, Hind Batteries Service Co., Khesh Kumar, Sheel Spin Enterprises and Rita Ice Cream and Refrigerating Company who claimed to be in possession and occupation of premises No. 10, Ashoke Marg, Lucknow.

(2.) By a judgment and order dated September 6, 1969, passed in the said application, the said five occupiers were directed to pay compensation to the official liquidator for use and occupation of the said premises, amounts of which payable per month were fixed till vacant possession was delivered. The said occupiers were further directed to deliver up vacant possession of the portions of the said premises in their respective occupation, to the official liquidator by October 31, 1979.

(3.) It was, inter alia, found in the said judgment that the official liquidator had issued receipts to the said persons purportedly for rent but subsequently, realising his mistake, had issued receipts for occupation charges. It was further held that the official liquidator without leave of court was not entitled and had no jurisdiction to induct tenants or sub-tenants in property in the custody of court and that the acts of the official liquidator in collecting money from the said occupiers purportedly on account of rent was illegal and unauthorised. The said occupiers, it was held, had no legal title whatsoever to the said premises and were in illegal and unauthorised occupation thereof as trespassers. It was also decided that the U. P. Urban Buildings (Regulation of Letting, Rent and Eviction) Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as "the said Act"), did not apply in the facts of the case. An appeal filed from the said judgment and order was dismissed on June 10, 1982. It has been stated from the Bar that (a) further appeal has since been preferred to the Supreme Court, but no particulars of the same could be furnished.