GUPTA PVT LOAN COMMITTEE Vs. MOTI RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revision petition is directed against the order of the District Judge, Jammu dated 2-9-1980 and hay arisen in the following circumstances : Respondent No. 1 filed a suit for recovery of Rs. 24,948/- as the instalments contributed by him towards the Chit Fund Scheme started by the defendant- petitioner. The defendant-petitioner in the written statement inter alia averred that the plaintiff had stood surety for some other members of the Chit Fund Scheme who after having received definite amounts stopped paying the instalments and, therefore, the defendant-firm adjusted the amount due to the plaintiff against its own claim against the defaulters for whom the plaintiff had stood surety as also against some arrears due from the plaintiff. The plaintiff submitted before the trial court that since the defendant had not paid the court- fee on the amount of set off claimed by him in the written statement, he could not be heard on that plea. The following preliminary issues were raised in the case : 1. Whether defendant No. 1 can claim set off without paying court-fee on the amount of set off? OPD

(2.) Whether the suit is bad for mis-joinder of the parties and causes of action? OPD 2 to 4 2. The learned District Judge vide the impugned order held that the defendant could not claim the set off without paying the court-fee on the amount of set off and directed defendant No. 1 to pay the court-fee on the amount of set off in case he wanted that plea to be taken note of on or before 1-10-1980. The defendant No. 1 has challenged that order by way of this revision petition.

(3.) With a view to properly appreciate the arguments raised at the bar, it would be desirable to first notice the provisions of Order 8, Rule 6, C.P.C. Clause (1) of Rule 6 of Order 8 reads as follows :-- "Where in a suit for the recovery of money the defendant claims to set off against the plaintiff's demand any ascertained sum of money legally recoverable by him from the plaintiff, not exceeding the pecuniary limits of the jurisdiction of the Court, and both parties fill the same character as they fill in the plaintiffs suit, the defendant may, at the first hearing of the suit, but not afterwards unless permitted by the Court, present a written statement containing the particulars of the debt sought to be set-off."