NAJM-UN-NISSA BIBI Vs. AMINA BIBI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is an application for leave to appeal to His Majesty in Council. The value of the suit in the court below was under Rs. 10,000 and the value of the proposed appeal is also under Rs. 10,000. THIS Court did not affirm the decree of the court of first instance. It is still, however, necessary to consider whether or not the case in a fit one for appeal to His Majesty in Council. The case is reported in I.L.R. 37 All. 254. The question of law involved is as to the legal position of a person who has collected the debts of a deceased person by virtue of his being the holder of a succession certificate granted under the provisions of the Succession Certificate Act, Act VII of 1889. THIS Court hold that a suit by one of the persona entitled to a portion of the estate was barred by limitation, applying article 02 of the Limitation Act. On behalf of the appellant it is contended that the holder of a succession certificate to collect the debts is a trustee for the persona entitled and that the provisions of Section 10 of the Limitation Act apply and that even if this is not so, the proper article is Article 120 of the Act. There is no doubt that the Succession Certificate Act provides for the granting of the certificate, that the effect of such certificate is that the holder of the certificate can give a good discharge to all the debtors of the deceased and that nothing in the Act shall interfere with his liability to account to the persons beneficially entitled to the estate. We think that a substantial question of law of general public importance as to the status of, the certificate holder is involved in the present appeal. We accordingly grant a certificate that the case is a fit one for appeal to His Majesty in Council. We reject the prayer for consolidation.