RAM SINGH Vs. MAN SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The question in this case is the correct interpretation of Section 44 Sub- section 3 of the Indian Stamp Act. This sub-section was pleaded as a bar to the suit in the Court below. The Judge of the Small Cause Court overruled the objection and held that Sub-section (3) to Section 44 was not a bar. In my opinion the decision is erroneous. The section has not been correctly interpreted by the Court below. The facts are quite clear. The plaintiff Man Singh held a mortgage from the defendant Ram Singh dated the 11 November 1922. He put that mortgage in suit, and while the case was pending it was discovered that there was a deficiency of stamp duty. Nobody denies that Ram Singh the mortgagor was the person who was liable for this deficiency.

(2.) The plaintiff having paid the deficiency in order to make the instrument regular and in order to get a decree has brought this suit for the recovery of the money paid by him. He apparently did not make any application to the Court which was trying the mortgage-suit to include the amount so paid in the costs of the suit. The terms of Section 44(3) require: Such amount may, if the Court thinks fit, be included in any order as to posts in any suit or proceeding to which such persons are parties and in which such instrument has been tendered in evidence.

(3.) Here the plaintiff and defendant were parties to the mortgage-suit and the mortgage was tendered in evidence. The sub-section then goes on to say. If the Court does not include the amount in such order, no farther proceedings for the recovery of the amount shall be maintainable.