BHULI SING AND ORS Vs. MUSSAMUT NEHMUBHU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this matter I am compelled to differ with my brother Kemp, and with the learned Judges of other Division Benches. I need not say therefore that my opinion is come to with much diffidence. It appears to me that malikana is in the nature of rent. It represents the profit of the proprietor derived from the rents of his estate, and was so understood apparently by Government at the time of the perpetual settlement. In Regulation VIII of 1793, section 44, malikana is called "an allowance in consideration of proprietary rights," and farmers are directed (section 45) to pay it monthly according to the "kistbandi fixed for the Sudder jumma." Payment of malikana was enforced in the same manner as arrears of rent (section 46).

(2.) Malikana therefore has all the elements of rent. It represents the profit which the proprietor would ordinarily receive from the letting of his land, if he continued in occupation thereof, and as the recipient never ceases to be proprietor, although the lands may have been let in lease to others, what he receives as malikana seems to me never to cease to be rent.

(3.) If it be rent, then as it is due only at certain times of every year, failure to pay, must, I suppose, be considered as giving a continually recurring cause of action and enable a proprietor to receive all arrears of malikana that may not be barred by the Statute; in the present case, for instance, the proprietor would be able to recover back dues for 6 years.