ALLAHABAD BANK Vs. SUBHASH CHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Regular Second Appeal is taken up for final hearing. It transpires from the record that no substantial question of law was framed at the time of admission of this appeal. From the memo of appeal and the judgment impugned, I am of the considered view that following substantial question of law is involved in this appeal:- Whether deposit made in the loan account by borrower by transfer from his Saving Bank Account to the loan account constitutes acknowledgment of debt?

(2.) Briefly stated the facts leading to the present appeal are that the appellant Bank instituted a suit for recovery of Rs. 4,875.45 on 30-8-1980. The respondents/defendants appeared and filed a written statement of defence. The trial Court framed as many as seven issues. The trial Court decreed the suit vide its judgment and decree dated 5-12-1983. The defendants preferred an appeal before the Additional District Judge, Karnal, being Civil Appeal No. 4/13 of 1984. The appellate Court concurred with the findings of the trial Court on the issues, except issue No. 6 which relates to limitation for filing the suit. The appellate Court held that the last entry relating to the deposit of a sum of Rs. 150 on 11-4-1980 by the guarantors would not constitute an acknowledgment of debt by the borrower, and thus, will not extend the period of limitation. The appellate Court also did not approve the findings of the trial Court regarding the deposit of Rs. 27/- on 22-11-1979 by way of transfer from the saving Bank Account of the Borrower maintained in the same Bank to the loan account, and thus, allowed the appeal by dismissing the suit being barred by time. It is this judgment of the appellate Court dated 1-2-1985 which is assailed before this Court in the present Regular Second Appeal.

(3.) It has been vehemently contended on behalf of the appellant-Bank that there is a clear admission regarding the deposit of Rs. 27/- by the borrower from his Saving Bank Account by way of transfer to the loan account on 22-11-1979, which amounts to acknowledgment of debt. He has further stated that even the deposit by the guarantor on 11-4-1980 into the loan account also constitutes an acknowledgment of debt and thus, extended the period of limitation.