Supreme Court of India
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS.versusVINOD KUMAR RAWAT & ORS.
- Citation
- 2020 INSC 627
- Decided
- 3 November 2020
- Disposal
- Appeal(s) allowed
- Bench
- ASHOK BHUSHAN
Holding
The High Court cannot review its own judgment to delete observations based on appreciation of evidence, as no error apparent on the face of the record existed; thus the review order is invalid.
Summary
The appellant, Shri Ram Sahu (deceased) through LRS, filed a suit seeking declaration that a 1995 sale deed was void and a permanent injunction against the defendants. The trial court dismissed the suit; the appellant appealed to the High Court, which also dismissed the appeal but observed that the appellant was in actual possession of the house (para 20). The respondents later filed a review petition under Section 114 CPC read with Order 47 Rule 1, seeking deletion of para 20. The High Court allowed the review and deleted the observation. The appellant challenged this order before the Supreme Court. The Court examined whether the High Court had jurisdiction to review its own judgment on the ground of "error apparent on the face of the record" and held that the observation was based on appreciation of evidence, not a patent error, and that non‑framing of a specific issue of possession does not constitute a ground for review. Consequently, the High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction. The Supreme Court set aside the review order, restored para 20, and allowed the appeal.
Issues considered
- The High Court exceeded its jurisdiction under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC in reviewing its own judgment.
- Whether the non‑framing of an issue of possession constitutes a ground for review under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC.
- Whether the observation in para 20 was an error apparent on the face of the record.
Legislation cited
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908s. Order 47 Rule 1, s. Section 114, s. Section 151
Subjects
review jurisdictionCPC Section 114Order 47 Rule 1error apparent on the face of the recordpossessioncivil procedureappellate jurisdictionoverstepping jurisdiction
Judgment
[2020] 11 S.C.R. 865
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS.
v.
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT & ORS.
(Civil Appeal No. 3601 of 2020)
NOVEMBER 03, 2020
[ASHOK BHUSHAN AND M. R. SHAH, JJ.]
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – s.114 and Or. 47, r. 1 –
Review of Judgment by the High Court – Predecessor of the
appellants filed a civil suit against the respondents-original
defendants for declaration of registered sale deed dated 25.03.1995
executed by original defendant no.3 in favour of original defendant
nos. 1 & 2 regarding a house as null and void and for permanent
injunction against defendant nos. 1 & 2 restraining them from
transferring the disputed property to any other person – The suit
was dismissed by the Trial Court – Aggrieved, the plaintiff filed the
First Appeal – During the pendency of the First Appeal, the
defendant no.1-respondent no.1 filed an application to dismiss
appeal and for direction to the appellant-plaintiff to vacate the
property – Appellant-plaintiff sought amendment in relief as regards
the issuance of permanent injunction and restraining defendant
nos.1 and 2 from dispossessing the plaintiffs forcibly from the
disputed house – High Court dismissed the said application on the
ground of delay and laches, however, granted permission to the
appellants to file a separate suit – Thereafter, the High Court
dismissed the suit – However, while dismissing the appeal the High
Court also made observations as regards the possession of the
disputed house and on analysis of the deposition of PW1 and PW2
and considering the material on record and considering the fact
that during the pendency of the appeal the original defendant no.1
himself filed an application for getting the possession from the
plaintiff of the disputed house, which was withdrawn, the High Court
made observations in regards the possession of the plaintiffs of the
disputed house – Almost 2 years after the judgment of the High
Court in First Appeal, the respondent nos.1 & 2-defendant nos.1 &
2 sought review of the said observation made by the High Court
regarding the possession in para 20 of the judgment – The High
865
866 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A Court allowed the review application and ordered to delete para 20
of the Judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal
– Aggrieved, the original plaintiff preferred appeal before the
Supreme Court – Held: The High Court has clearly overstepped the
jurisdiction vested in the Court u/Or. 47 Rule 1 CPC – No ground
as envisaged u/Or. 47 Rule 1 CPC was made out to review the
B
observations made in para 20 – It is required to be noted and as
evident from para 20, the High Court made observations in para
20 with respect to possession of the plaintiffs on appreciation of
evidence on record more particularly the deposition of the plaintiff
(PW1) and his witness (PW2) and on appreciation of the evidence,
C the High Court found that the plaintiff is in actual possession of the
said house – Therefore, when the observation with respect to the
possession of the plaintiff were made on appreciation of evidence/
material on record, it cannot be said that there was an error apparent
on the face of proceedings which were required to be reviewed in
exercise of powers u/Or. 47 Rule 1 CPC – Thus, the High Court in
D
exercise of review jurisdiction could not have without sufficient and
just reasons reviewed its own judgment.
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 – s.114 and Or.47, r.1 – Power
of Review – Held: From the bare reading of s.114 CPC, it appears
that the said substantive power of review u/s.114 CPC has not laid
E down any condition as the condition precedent in exercise of power
of review nor the said Section imposed any prohibition on the Court
for exercising its power to review its decision – However, an order
can be reviewed by a Court only on the prescribed grounds
mentioned in Or. 47 r.1 CPC – The powers of review cannot be
F exercised as an inherent power nor can an appellate power can be
exercised in the guise of power of review.
Allowing the appeal, the Court
HELD : 1. To appreciate the scope of review, it would be
proper for this Court to discuss the object and ambit of Section
G 114 CPC as the same is a substantive provision for review when
a person considering himself aggrieved either by a decree or by
an order of Court from which appeal is allowed but no appeal is
preferred or where there is no provision for appeal against an
order and decree, may apply for review of the decree or order as
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 867
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT
the case may be in the Court, which may order or pass the decree. A
From the bare reading of Section 114 CPC, it appears that the
said substantive power of review under Section 114 CPC has not
laid down any condition as the condition precedent in exercise of
power of review nor the said Section imposed any prohibition on
the Court for exercising its power to review its decision. However,
B
an order can be reviewed by a Court only on the prescribed
grounds mentioned in Order 47 Rule 1 CPC, which has been
elaborately discussed hereinabove. An application for review is
more restricted than that of an appeal and the Court of review
has limited jurisdiction as to the definite limit mentioned in Order
47 Rule 1 CPC itself. The powers of review cannot be exercised C
as an inherent power nor can an appellate power can be exercised
in the guise of power of review. [Para 9][891-D-G]
2. Considered in the light of the aforesaid settled position,
this Court finds that the High Court has clearly overstepped the
jurisdiction vested in the Court under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. No D
ground as envisaged under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC has been made
out for the purpose of reviewing the observations made in para
20. It is required to be noted and as evident from para 20, the
High Court made observations in para 20 with respect to
possession of the plaintiffs on appreciation of evidence on record E
more particularly the deposition of the plaintiff (PW1) and his
witness PW2 and on appreciation of the evidence, the High Court
found that the plaintiff is in actual possession of the said house.
Therefore, when the observation with respect to the possession
F
of the plaintiff were made on appreciation of evidence/material
on record, it cannot be said that there was an error apparent on
the face of proceedings which were required to be reviewed in
exercise of powers under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. At this stage, it
is required to be noted that even High Court while making
G
observations in para 20 with respect to plaintiff in possession
also took note of the fact that the defendant nos. 1 and 2 –
respondents herein themselves filed an application being I.A.
No.1267 of 2012 which was filed under Section 151 CPC for
H
868 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A getting the possession of the disputed house from the appellants
and the said application was dismissed as withdrawn. Therefore,
the High Court took note of the fact that even according to the
defendant nos. 1 & 2 the appellants were in possession of the
disputed house. Therefore, in light of the fact situation, the High
B Court has clearly erred in deleting para 20 in exercise of powers
under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC more particularly in the light of the
settled preposition of law laid down by this Court in the aforesaid
decisions. [Para 10][891-G-H; 892-A-E]
C 3. Even otherwise non-framing of the issue with respect to
possession would have no bearing and/or it fades into
insignificance. It is required to be noted that there were necessary
pleadings with respect to possession in the plaint as well as in
the written statement. Even the parties also led the evidence on
the possession. The original plaintiff – appellant herein led the
D evidence with supporting documents to show his possession and
to that, there was no cross-examination by the defendants –
respondents. The defendants - respondents did not lead any
evidence to show their possession. Therefore, the parties were
aware of the rival cases. On a holistic and comprehensive reading
E of the pleadings and the deposition of PW1 and PW2, it is
unescapable that the plaintiff had intendedly, directly and
unequivocally raised in its pleadings the question of possession.
As observed hereinabove even in the written statement, the
defendants also made an averment with respect to possession.
Thus neither prejudice was caused nor the proceedings can be
F said to have been vitiated for want of framing the issue. As
observed and held by this Court in the case of Sri Gangai
Vinayagar Temple vs. Meenakshi Ammal and Others, if the parties
are aware of the rival cases, the failure to formally formulate the
issue fades into insignificance when an extensive evidence has
G been recorded without any demur. Even the observations made
by the High Court that there was no issue with respect to
possession before the Trial Court and/or even before the High
Court is not correct. As observed hereinabove in the pleadings
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 869
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT
in the plaint and even in the written statement filed by the A
defendants, there were necessary averments with respect to
possession. Even the parties also led the evidence on possession.
[Para 11.1][892-H; 893-A-E]
4. Hence, on the grounds stated in the impugned order,
the High Court in exercise of review jurisdiction could not have B
without sufficient and just reasons reviewed its own judgment
and order and deleted the observations made in para 20 with
respect to possession. [Para 12][893-E-F]
Haridas Das vs. Usha Rani Banik (Smt.) and Others
(2006) 4 SCC 78 : [2006] 3 SCR 87 ; Inderchand Jain C
vs. Motilal, (2009) 14 SCC 663 : [2009] 11 SCR 252 ;
Hari Vishnu Kamath vs. Ahmad Ishaque AIR 1955 SC
233:[1955] SCR 1104 ; Parsion Devi v. Sumitri Devi,
(1997) 8 SCC 715 ; State of West Bengal and Others
vs. Kamal Sengupta and Anr. (2008) 8 SCC 612: [2008]
10 SCR 4 – relied on. D
Sri Gangai Vinayagar Temple v. Meenakshi Ammal
(2015) 3 SCC 624 : [2014] 12 SCR 845 ; Bhuwan Singh
v. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. (2009) 5 SCC 136:
[2009] 4 SCR 195 ; Sayeda Akhtar v. Abdul Ahad
(2003) 7 SCC 52 : [2003] 1 Suppl. SCR 612 ; Lily E
Thomas vs. Union of India (2000) 6 SC 224 : [2000] 3
SCR 1081 ; Moran Mar Basselios Catholicos v. Most
Rev. Mar Poulose Athanasius AIR 1954 SC 526 : [1955]
SCR 520 ; Patel Narshi Thakershi vs.
Pradyumansinghji Arjunsinghji (1971) 3 SCC 844 ; F
T.C. Basappa vs. T.Nagappa AIR 1954 SC 440:[1955]
SCR 250 – referred to.
Chhajju Ram vs. Neki AIR 1922 PC 112 – referred to.
Case Law Reference
G
[2014] 12 SCR 845 referred to Para 3 (vii)
[2009] 4 SCR 195 referred to Para 3 (vii)
[2003] 1 Suppl. SCR 612 referred to Para 3 (vii)
[2006] 3 SCR 87 relied on Para 6.1
H
870 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A [2000] 3 SCR 1081 referred to Para 6.2
[1955] SCR 520 referred to Para 6.2
[2009] 11 SCR 252 relied on Para 6.2
(1971) 3 SCC 844 referred to Para 7
B [1955] SCR 250 referred to Para 8
[1955] SCR 1104 relied on Para 8
[2008] 10 SCR 4 relied on Para 8.2
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal Nos. 3601
C of 2020.
From the Judgment and Order dated 14.07.2017 of the High Court
of Madhya Pradesh Bench at Gwalior in Review Petition No. 465 of
2015.
A.K. Shrivastava, Sr. Adv., Arjun Garg, Ms. Shrutika Garg, Puneet
D Jain, Ms. Pratibha Jain, Advs. for the appearing parties.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
M. R. SHAH, J. 1. Leave granted.
Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied with the impugned order dated
E 14.07.2017 passed by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Gwalior in
Review Petition No.465 of 2015 in First Appeal No.241 of 2005, by which
the High Court has allowed the said review petition filed by the respondent
nos. 1 and 2 herein- original defendants nos. 1 and 2, and has reviewed
the judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal No.241
F of 2005 and has deleted the observations made in para 20 of the said
judgment and order more particularly with respect to the observations
made in para 20 as regards the possession of the disputed house, which
were in favour of the appellants - the original plaintiffs, the appellants
have preferred the present appeal.
2. The relevant facts leading to the present appeal in nutshell are
G
as under:
That one Shri Ram Sahu, the predecessor of the appellants herein
instituted Civil Suit No.04A of 2005 before the Learned Trial Court against
the respondents herein - original defendants for declaration of registered
Sale Deed dated 25.03.1995 executed by original defendant no.3 in favour
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 871
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
of original defendant nos. 1 & 2 regarding House No.28/955 (previous A
House No.3/1582), situated in Sube Ki Payga, Jiwajiganj, Lashkar, as
null and void and for permanent injunction against defendant nos. 1 & 2
restraining defendant nos. 1 & 2 from transferring the disputed property
to any other person.
2.1. That the original plaintiff Shri Ram Sahu claimed the ownership B
of the disputed property on the basis of the will executed by one
Chhimmabai executed in his favour on 19.10.1993. The original plaintiff
also claimed that he became the sole owner on the death of the
Chhimmabai and possession holder of the entire house and in the same
capacity; he is in continuous possession over the same. It was the case
on behalf of the defendants that the said Chhimmabai adopted defendant C
No.3 and later on, she got registered the Adoption Deed on 13.05.1992
and that the original defendant no.3 sold the disputed property in favour
of the respondent nos. 1 & 2. The original plaintiff denied the adoption of
defendant no.3 by the said Chhimmabai. The written statement was filed
on behalf of the respondents. They denied that the disputed property D
was the Joint Hindu Family property. Defendant nos. 1 and 2 also claimed
to be the bona fide purchasers and in possession of the suit property.
2.2. The Learned Trial Court framed the following issues:
“1. Whether, the Disputed House No.28/95 situated in Sube Ki
Payga, Jiwajiganj, Lashkar, Gwalior was purchased from the E
income of Joint Hindu Family of Ghasilal and Mangaliya?
2. Whether, the wife of Ghasilal namely Chhimmabai had executed
Will of aforesaid House in favour of the Plaintiff on 19.10.1993?
3. Whether, Defendant No.3 was adopted by Ghasilal on F
28.01.1985, which was got registered by Chhimmabai on
13.05.1992.
4. Whether, Sale Deed dated 25.03.1995 regarding the disputed
house was executed by Defendant No.3 in favour of Defendant
Nos. 1 & 2 without having any right?
G
5. Whether, the Plaintiff is entitled to get the Registered Sale
Deed Dated 25.03.1995 as null and void?
6. Whether, Plaintiff is entitled to receive Permanent Injunction
against the Defendant Nos. 1 & 2 for not to sell the disputed
house? H
872 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A 7. Whether, the Defendant Nos. 1 & 2 are entitled to receive
special compensation from the Plaintiff? If Yes, then how much?
8. Relief & Costs.”
2.3. Both the parties led the evidence, oral as well as documentary,
in support of their respective claims.
B
2.4. Original Plaintiff Shri Ram Sahu – appellant herein was
examined as PW1. He was also cross-examined (his deposition shall be
discussed herein below). He also led the evidence in support of his claim
that he is in possession of the said property. On behalf of the defendants,
defendant no.1 stepped into the witness box and through him; the
C defendants also produced on record the documentary evidences.
2.5. On appreciation of the evidence, the Learned Trial Court
dismissed the suit. The Learned Trial Court disbelieved the case on behalf
of plaintiff – appellant herein that Chhimmabai executed the will in favour
of the plaintiff - appellant. The Learned Trial Court held that the defence
D had proved that defendant No.3 was adopted by Ghasilal on 26.01.1985
which was got registered later on by Chhimmabai vide Adoption Deed
dated 13.05.1992.
2.6. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied with the Judgment and
decree passed by the Learned Trial Court dismissing the suit, the original
E plaintiff – appellant herein preferred First Appeal No.241 of 2005 before
the High Court. That during the pendency of the said appeal, respondent
no.1 herein filed an application under section 151 C.P.C. on 19.03.2012
for dismissing the appeal and for directing the appellant herein to vacate
the suit property. That during the pendency of the appeal the original
F plaintiff – appellant herein filed an application under Order 6 Rule 17 of
the CPC by which the plaintiff sought amendment in the relief clause as
regards the issuance of permanent injunction and restraining defendant
nos.1 and 2 from dispossessing the plaintiffs forcibly from the disputed
house. However, the said application came to be dismissed by the High
Court on the ground of delay and latches (I.A. No.2244 of 2012).
G However, while dismissing the said application the High Court granted
permission to the appellants to file a separate suit for the said relief
against the defendants. Thereafter on appreciation of the evidence on
record, the High Court dismissed the said appeal preferred by the original
plaintiff. However, while dismissing the appeal the High Court also made
observations as regards the possession of the disputed house and on
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 873
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
analysis of the deposition of PW1 and PW2 and considering the material A
on record and considering the fact that during the pendency of the appeal
the original defendant no.1 himself filed an application under Section
151 CPC on 02.12.2013 for getting the possession from the plaintiff of
the disputed house, which was withdrawn, the High Court made
observations in regards the possession of the plaintiffs of the disputed
B
house.
2.7. Thereafter almost 2 years after the judgment of the High
Court in the First Appeal, the Respondent Nos.1 & 2 herein - Original
Defendant Nos. 1 & 2 filed an application before the High Court seeking
review of observations in para 20 of the judgment as regards the
possession of the disputed house. The said application was opposed by C
the appellants herein. However, by the impugned order, the High Court
has allowed the review application and has ordered to delete para 20 of
the Judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal No.241
of 2005, by observing that as regards the possession of the disputed
property the issue of possession was neither raised before the Learned D
Trial Court nor before the First Appellate Court and even no issue with
respect to possession was framed by the Learned Trial Court.
2.8. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied with the impugned order
passed by the High Court in allowing the review application and deleting
para 20 of the judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed in First E
Appeal No.241 of 2005, the original plaintiffs have preferred the present
appeal.
3. Shri A.K. Srivastava, learned Senior Advocate appearing on
behalf of the appellants has made the following submissions, while
assailing the impugned order passed by the High Court passed in the F
review application.
(i) while passing the impugned order, the High Court has exceeded
in its jurisdiction, while exercising the review jurisdiction and has acted
beyond the scope and ambit of the review jurisdiction under Order 47
Rule 1 CPC; G
(ii) while exercising the review jurisdiction, the High Court ought
not to have set aside the specific finding given with respect to possession,
which finding was based on appreciation of evidence before the learned
trial Court;
H
874 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A (iii) the High Court has committed a grave error in deleting para
20 of the final judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal
No. 241/2005, in exercise of its review jurisdiction inasmuch as, as such,
there was no error apparent on the face of the record, which was required
to be corrected;
B (iv) merely because the specific issue with respect to possession
was not framed by the learned trial Court, cannot be a ground to set
aside the finding by the High Court, when such finding with respect to
possession was on merits and on appreciation of the evidence before
the learned trial Court;
C (v) as such, the High Court has committed a grave error in
considering the issues framed in another case being Civil Suit No. 3-A/
2005, which was related to House No. 28/956 and in which the parties
were also different. It is submitted that the High Court has mis-directed
itself, while considering the issues framed in Civil Suit No. 3-A/2005,
related to House No. 28/956 and not considering the issues framed in
D Civil Suit No. 4-A/2005;
(vi) the High Court ought to have appreciated that the issue of
possession was at large before the learned trial Court and, in fact, the
parties also led evidence with respect to possession. It is submitted that
the High Court ought to have appreciated that there was a specific
E averment in the plaint as well as in the testimony of the plaintiff that he
is in possession of the suit property, i.e., House No. 28/955;
(vii) the defendants did not led any evidence with respect to
possession. It is submitted therefore that when there were specific
averments and pleadings in the plaint in regard to possession, and even
F the plaintiff led the evidence specifically on the possession, non-framing
of the specific issue with respect to possession would not vitiate the
finding recorded by the High Court, which was on appreciation of the
material on record. In support of his submission, learned Senior Advocate
appearing on behalf of the appellants has relied upon the following
G decisions of this Court, Sri Gangai Vinayagar Temple v. Meenakshi
Ammal (2015) 3 SCC 624 ; Bhuwan Singh v. Oriental Insurance
Company Ltd. (2009) 5 SCC 136; and Sayeda Akhtar v. Abdul Ahad
(2003) 7 SCC 52. It is submitted that all the parties were aware of the
rival cases and the issue with respect to possession was present and
even the plaintiffs also led evidence on possession, non-framing of the
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 875
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
specific issue with respect to possession would be non-significant. It is A
submitted that therefore the High Court has committed a grave error in
deleting para 20 of the final judgment and order dated 10.12.2013 passed
in First Appeal No. 241/2005 with respect to possession mainly on the
ground that no issue was framed by the learned trial Court with respect
to possession;
B
3.1. Learned Senior Advocate appearing on behalf of the appellants
has also taken us to the relevant averments in the plaint as well as the
written statement in regard to possession. Learned Counsel appearing
on behalf of the appellants has also taken us to the testimony of the
plaintiff – Shri Ram Sahu, as well as, the deposition of one J.K. Sharma
examined on behalf of the plaintiff. Learned Senior Advocate has further C
submitted that there was no cross-examination by the defendants on the
point of the plaintiff’s possession. Learned Senior Advocate has also
heavily relied upon the application and affidavit dated 19.03.2012 in which
the respondents in an application filed under Section 151 of the CPC
specifically prayed to direct the appellants to vacate the suit property. It D
is submitted that therefore, in fact, the respondents admitted the
possession of the appellants. It is submitted that not only that, but
subsequently in the month of September, 2017, the respondents filed a
suit against the appellants for decree of possession, compensation and
mesne profits. It is submitted that therefore, as such, the respondents
herein specifically admitted the possession of the appellants in the suit E
property;
3.2. It is further submitted that the High Court ought to have
appreciated that the review application was filed with a malafide intention
faced with the proceedings under Section 340 read with Section 195
Cr.P.C and faced with the order passed by the learned Magistrate directing F
to register the case against respondent nos. 1 and 2 herein and others
under Sections 193, 465, 471 and 120-B of the IPC, dated 06.02.2016;
3.3. It is further submitted that, in fact, the appellants filed an
application before the High Court under Order 6 Rule 17 CPC (IA No.
2244/2012) to amend the plaint by adding relief for the grant of decree G
of permanent injunction restraining the respondents-defendants not to
dispossess them forcibly. It is submitted that the said application was
opposed by the respondents herein by submitting that they are not
threatening to dispossess the appellants during the pendency of the suit.
Therefore, the High Court dismissed the said application under Order 6 H
876 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A Rule 17 CPC reserving liberty in favour of the appellants to file a separate
suit for the aforesaid relief. It is submitted that therefore, as such, the
issue with respect to possession was at large even before the High Court;
3.4. Learned Senior Advocate appearing on behalf of the appellants
has also heavily relied upon the order passed by the learned Magistrate
B on an application filed under Section 340 read with Section 195 Cr.P.C.,
in which the learned Magistrate took note of the affidavit dated 19.03.2012
filed by the respondents and also took note of the specific observation
and finding with respect to possession made in para 20 of the judgment
and order dated 10.12.2013. It is submitted that there is a specific finding
given by the learned Magistrate on the respondents’ forging/creating/
C concocting the documents to show their possession. It is submitted that
only thereafter the learned Magistrate directed to register the case against
the respondents under Sections 193, 465, 471 and 120-B of the IPC,
under the provisions of Section 340 Cr.P.C;
3.5. It is submitted that even subsequently the suit filed by the
D defendants-respondents herein, filed in the year 2017, has been dismissed
by the High Court on the ground of limitation and the plaint has been
rejected in exercise of powers under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC;
3.6. Making the above submissions and relying upon the aforesaid
decisions, it is prayed to allow the present appeal.
E
4. Shri Punit Jain, Learned Advocate appearing on behalf of the
respondents while opposing the present appeal and supporting the
impugned order passed by the High Court has vehemently submitted
that in the facts and circumstances of the case the High Court has not
committed an error in deleting para 20 of the judgment and order dated
F 10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal No.241 of 2005 in exercise of the
review jurisdiction.
4.1. It is submitted that as such the original plaintiff filed the suit
seeking cancellation of the sale deed dated 25.03.1995 and permanent
injunction to the effect that the defendant nos. 1 & 2 (respondents herein)
G shall not transfer the property to any other person. It is submitted that
since no injunction from dispossession was sought and only injunction
against further transfer was sought no issue was framed in respect of
possession. It is submitted that therefore in absence of any specific issue
framed by the Learned Trial Court in respect of possession of the property
and when the suit was dismissed and even thereafter the appeal also
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VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
came to be dismissed, there was no reason and/or occasion for the High A
Court to make any observation in respect of possession and therefore
the High Court has rightly deleted the observations made in para 20 in
respect of possession. It is submitted that during the lifetime of Shri
Ghisa Lal Sahu, he was in possession of the property. After his death,
his wife Smt. Chhimmabai came into possession of the property. She
B
continued to be in possession and after her, the adopted son – Dilip
Kumar Sahu came into possession. The issue of adoption of Shri Dilip
Kumar Sahu was a subject matter of litigation in Suit No.4A of 2001,
where the said adoption and the adoption deed dated 13.05.1992 was
challenged. The said suit was finally dismissed by the High Court by an
order dated 07.09.2009 in SA No.315 of 2005. The will setup by the C
petitioner dated 19.10.1993 was also a subject matter of suit No.45A of
2003 filed by Dilip Kumar Sahu. The said suit was decreed by a judgment
dated 07.09.2009 in SA No.946 of 2005. Some parts of the property was
in possession of Tenants – (i) Om Babu Saxena and (ii) Kashmir Singh
Yadav. Shri Dilip Kumar Sahu got possession from the said tenants on
D
30.01.1995 by entering into compromises with them. Shri Dilip Kumar
Sahu executed sale deed dated 25.03.1995 in favour of the Respondents.
Under the said sale, possession of the property was given to the
respondents. The petitioner got possession of another portion of the
property from another tenant – Parvesh Singh Jadon pursuant to a
judgment and decree dated 18.10.2014. The petitioner has not shown as E
to how, under what capacity and when the petitioner came into possession
of the property, constructive or otherwise.
4.2. So far as the withdrawal of the application dated 02.12.2013
in I.A. No.1267 of 2012 which was filed by the respondents is concerned,
it is submitted that the said application was withdrawn since (i) no relief F
could have been claimed arising out of a suit initiated by the plaintiffs
and (ii) further the portion of the property in possession of the estranged
wife of the petitioner - Smt. Sheela Sahu who was not a party to the said
proceedings.
4.3. It is submitted even the application submitted by the petitioner G
under Order 6 Rule 17 CPC to amend the prayer clause of permanent
injunction restraining the defendants from dispossessing the appellants
forcibly from the disputed house, came to be dismissed by the High
Court, though with a permission to file a separate suit but the petitioners
had not filed any instant suit for the aforesaid reliefs.
H
878 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A 4.4. It is submitted that therefore when the issue in respect to
possession was neither before the Learned Trial Court nor before the
High Court and despite the same observations were made in para 20 in
respect of possession, subsequently the same has been rightly deleted in
exercise of the review jurisdiction. It is submitted that the Court has an
inherent power to correct the error if subsequently it is bound that some
B
of the observations were made by error.
5. By the impugned order the High Court in exercise of powers
under Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC has allowed the
review petition and has reviewed the judgment and order dated 10.12.2013
passed in First Appeal No.241 of 2005 insofar as deleting the observations
C made in Para 20 as regards the possession of the disputed property,
which were in favour of the appellants – original plaintiffs. From the
impugned order passed by the High Court, it appears that the High Court
has deleted the observations made in para 20 as regards possession of
the plaintiffs mainly/solely on the ground that the issue of possession
D was neither before the Learned Trial Court nor was it before the First
Appellate Court and no such issue with respect to possession was framed
by the Learned Trial Court. Therefore, the short question falls for
consideration before this Court is, whether in the facts and circumstances
of the case the High Court is justified in allowing the review application
in exercise of powers under Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC
E on the aforesaid grounds?
6. While considering the aforesaid question, the scope and ambit
of the Court’s power under Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC
is required to be considered and for that few decisions of this Court are
required to be referred to.
F
6.1. In the case of Haridas Das vs. Usha Rani Banik (Smt.)
and Others, (2006) 4 SCC 78 while considering the scope and ambit of
Section 114 CPC read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC it is observed and held
in paragraph 14 to 18 as under:
G “14. In Meera Bhanja v. Nirmala Kumari Choudhury, (1995)
1 SCC 170 it was held that:
“8. It is well settled that the review proceedings are not by way
of an appeal and have to be strictly confined to the scope and
ambit of Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. In connection with the limitation
of the powers of the court under Order 47 Rule 1, while dealing
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 879
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
with similar jurisdiction available to the High Court while seeking A
to review the orders under Article 226 of the Constitution, this
Court, in Aribam Tuleshwar Sharma v. Aribam Pishak Sharma,
(1979) 4 SCC 389 speaking through Chinnappa Reddy, J. has
made the following pertinent observations:
‘It is true there is nothing in Article 226 of the Constitution to B
preclude the High Court from exercising the power of review
which inheres in every court of plenary jurisdiction to prevent
miscarriage of justice or to correct grave and palpable errors
committed by it. But, there are definitive limits to the exercise of
the power of review. The power of review may be exercised on
the discovery of new and important matter or evidence which, C
after the exercise of due diligence was not within the knowledge
of the person seeking the review or could not be produced by him
at the time when the order was made; it may be exercised where
some mistake or error apparent on the face of the record is found,
it may also be exercised on any analogous ground. But, it may not D
be exercised on the ground that the decision was erroneous on
merits. That would be the province of a court of appeal. A power
of review is not to be confused with appellate power which may
enable an appellate court to correct all manner of errors committed
by the subordinate court.’
E
15. A perusal of Order 47 Rule 1 shows that review of a judgment
or an order could be sought: (a) from the discovery of new and
important matters or evidence which after the exercise of due
diligence was not within the knowledge of the applicant; (b) such
important matter or evidence could not be produced by the applicant
at the time when the decree was passed or order made; and (c) F
on account of some mistake or error apparent on the face of the
record or any other sufficient reason.
16. In Aribam Tuleshwar Sharma v. Aribam Pishak Sharma,
AIR 1979 SC 1047, this Court held that there are definite limits
to the exercise of power of review. In that case, an application G
under Order 47 Rule 1 read with Section 151 of the Code was
filed which was allowed and the order passed by the Judicial
Commissioner was set aside and the writ petition was dismissed.
On an appeal to this Court it was held as under: (SCC p. 390,
para 3) H
880 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A “It is true as observed by this Court in Shivdeo Singh v. State of
Punjab, AIR 1963 SC 1909 there is nothing in Article 226 of the
Constitution to preclude a High Court from exercising the power
of review which inheres in every court of plenary jurisdiction to
prevent miscarriage of justice or to correct grave and palpable
errors committed by it. But, there are definitive limits to the exercise
B
of the power of review. The power of review may be exercised
on the discovery of new and important matter or evidence which,
after the exercise of due diligence was not within the knowledge
of the person seeking the review or could not be produced by him
at the time when the order was made; it may be exercised where
C some mistake or error apparent on the face of the record is found;
it may also be exercised on any analogous ground. But, it may not
be exercised on the ground that the decision was erroneous on
merits. That would be the province of a court of appeal. A power
of review is not to be confused with appellate powers which may
enable an appellate court to correct all manner of errors committed
D
by the subordinate court.”
17. The judgment in Aribam case has been followed in Meera
Bhanja. In that case, it has been reiterated that an error apparent
on the face of the record for acquiring jurisdiction to review must
be such an error which may strike one on a mere looking at the
E record and would not require any long-drawn process of reasoning.
The following observations in connection with an error apparent
on the face of the record in Satyanarayan Laxminarayan Hegde
v. Millikarjun Bhavanappa Tirumale, AIR 1960 SC 137 were
also noted:
F “An error which has to be established by a long-drawn process of
reasoning on points where there may conceivably be two opinions
can hardly be said to be an error apparent on the face of the
record. Where an alleged error is far from self-evident and if it
can be established, it has to be established, by lengthy and
G complicated arguments, such an error cannot be cured by a writ
of certiorari according to the rule governing the powers of the
superior court to issue such a writ.”
18. It is also pertinent to mention the observations of this Court in
Parsion Devi v. Sumitri Devi, (1997) 8 SCC 715. Relying upon
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 881
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
the judgments in Aribam and Meera Bhanja it was observed as A
under:
“9. Under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC a judgment may be open to
review inter alia if there is a mistake or an error apparent on
the face of the record. An error which is not self-evident and
has to be detected by a process of reasoning, can hardly be B
said to be an error apparent on the face of the record justifying
the court to exercise its power of review under Order 47 Rule
1 CPC. In exercise of the jurisdiction under Order 47 Rule 1
CPC it is not permissible for an erroneous decision to be
‘reheard and corrected’. A review petition, it must be
remembered has a limited purpose and cannot be allowed to C
be ‘an appeal in disguise’.”
6.2. In the case of Lily Thomas vs. Union of India, (2000) 6 SC
224, it is observed and held that the power of review can be exercised
for correction of a mistake but not to substitute a view. Such powers can
be exercised within the limits of the statute dealing with the exercise of D
power.
It is further observed in the said decision that the words “any
other sufficient reason” appearing in Order 47 Rule 1 CPC must mean
“a reason sufficient on grounds at least analogous to those specified in
the rule” as was held in Chhajju Ram vs. Neki, AIR 1922 PC 112 and E
approved by this Court in Moran Mar Basselios Catholicos vs Most
Rev. Mar Poulose Athanasius, AIR 1954 SC 526.
12.3 In the case of Inderchand Jain vs. Motilal, (2009) 14 SCC
663 in paragraphs 7 to 11 it is observed and held as under:
F
7. Section 114 of the Code of Civil Procedure (for short “the
Code”) provides for a substantive power of review by a civil court
and consequently by the appellate courts. The words “subject as
aforesaid” occurring in Section 114 of the Code mean subject to
such conditions and limitations as may be prescribed as appearing
in Section 113 thereof and for the said purpose, the procedural G
conditions contained in Order 47 of the Code must be taken into
consideration. Section 114 of the Code although does not prescribe
any limitation on the power of the court but such limitations have
been provided for in Order 47 of the Code; Rule 1 whereof reads
as under:
H
882 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A “17. The power of a civil court to review its judgment/decision is
traceable in Section 114 CPC. The grounds on which review can
be sought are enumerated in Order 47 Rule 1 CPC, which reads
as under:
1. Application for review of judgment.—(1) Any person
B considering himself aggrieved—
(a) by a decree or order from which an appeal is allowed, but
from which no appeal has been preferred,
(b) by a decree or order from which no appeal is allowed, or
C (c) by a decision on a reference from a Court of Small Causes,
and who, from the discovery of new and important matter or
evidence which, after the exercise of due diligence, was not within
his knowledge or could not be produced by him at the time when
the decree was passed or order made, or on account of some
D mistake or error apparent on the face of the record, or for any
other sufficient reason, desires to obtain a review of the decree
passed or order made against him, may apply for a review of
judgment of the court which passed the decree or made the order.’
8. An application for review would lie inter alia when the order
suffers from an error apparent on the face of the record and
E
permitting the same to continue would lead to failure of justice. In
Rajendra Kumar v. Rambai this Court held: (SCC p. 514, para
6)
“6. The limitations on exercise of the power of review are
well settled. The first and foremost requirement of entertaining a
F
review petition is that the order, review of which is sought, suffers
from any error apparent on the face of the order and permitting
the order to stand will lead to failure of justice. In the absence of
any such error, finality attached to the judgment/order cannot be
disturbed.”
G 9. The power of review can also be exercised by the court in
the event discovery of new and important matter or evidence
takes place which despite exercise of due diligence was not within
the knowledge of the applicant or could not be produced by him at
the time when the order was made. An application for review
H would also lie if the order has been passed on account of some
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 883
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
mistake. Furthermore, an application for review shall also lie for A
any other sufficient reason.
10. It is beyond any doubt or dispute that the review court
does not sit in appeal over its own order. A rehearing of the matter
is impermissible in law. It constitutes an exception to the general
rule that once a judgment is signed or pronounced, it should not be B
altered. It is also trite that exercise of inherent jurisdiction is not
invoked for reviewing any order.
11. Review is not appeal in disguise. In Lily Thomas v. Union
of India this Court held: (SCC p. 251, para 56)
“56. It follows, therefore, that the power of review can be C
exercised for correction of a mistake but not to substitute a view.
Such powers can be exercised within the limits of the statute
dealing with the exercise of power. The review cannot be treated
like an appeal in disguise.”
7. The dictionary meaning of the word “review” is “the act of D
looking, offer something again with a view to correction or improvement”.
It cannot be denied that the review is the creation of a statute. In the
case of Patel Narshi Thakershi vs. Pradyumansinghji Arjunsinghji,
(1971) 3 SCC 844, this Court has held that the power of review is not an
inherent power. It must be conferred by law either specifically or by E
necessary implication. The review is also not an appeal in disguise.
8. What can be said to be an error apparent on the face of the
proceedings has been dealt with and considered by this Court in the
case of T.C. Basappa vs. T.Nagappa, AIR 1954 SC 440. It is held that
such an error is an error which is a patent error and not a mere wrong F
decision. In the case of Hari Vishnu Kamath vs. Ahmad Ishaque, AIR
1955 SC 233, it is observed as under:
“It is essential that it should be something more than a mere
error; it must be one which must be manifest on the face of the
record. The real difficulty with reference to this matter, however,
G
is not so much in the statement of the principle as in its application
to the facts of a particular case. When does an error cease to be
mere error, and become an error apparent on the face of the
record? Learned counsel on either side were unable to suggest
any clear-cut rule by which the boundary between the two classes
of errors could be demarcated.” H
884 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A 8.1. In the case of Parsion Devi vs. Sumitri Devi, (Supra) in
paragraph 7 to 9 it is observed and held as under:
7. It is well settled that review proceedings have to be strictly
confined to the ambit and scope of Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. In
Thungabhadra Industries Ltd. v. Govt. of A.P., AIR 1964 SC
B 1372 this Court opined:
“What, however, we are now concerned with is whether the
statement in the order of September 1959 that the case did not
involve any substantial question of law is an ‘error apparent on
the face of the record’). The fact that on the earlier occasion the
C Court held on an identical state of facts that a substantial question
of law arose would not per se be conclusive, for the earlier order
itself might be erroneous. Similarly, even if the statement was
wrong, it would not follow that it was an ‘error apparent on the
face of the record’, for there is a distinction which is real, though
it might not always be capable of exposition, between a mere
D erroneous decision and a decision which could be characterised
as vitiated by ‘error apparent’. A review is by no means an appeal
in disguise whereby an erroneous decision is reheard and
corrected, but lies only for patent error.”
8. Again, in Meera Bhanja v. Nirmala Kumari Choudhury,
E (1995) 1 SCC 170 while quoting with approval a passage from
Aribam Tuleshwar Sharma v. Aribam Pishak Sharma (supra)
this Court once again held that review proceedings are not by
way of an appeal and have to be strictly confined to the scope
and ambit of Order 47 Rule 1 CPC.
F 9. Under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC a judgment may be open to review
inter alia if there is a mistake or an error apparent on the face of
the record. An error which is not self-evident and has to be detected
by a process of reasoning, can hardly be said to be an error
apparent on the face of the record justifying the court to exercise
G its power of review under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. In exercise of
the jurisdiction under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC it is not permissible
for an erroneous decision to be “reheard and corrected”. A review
petition, it must be remembered has a limited purpose and cannot
be allowed to be “an appeal in disguise”.
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 885
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
8.2 In the case of State of West Bengal and Others vs. Kamal A
Sengupta and Anr., (2008) 8 SCC 612, this Court had an occasion to
consider what can be said to be “mistake or error apparent on the face
of record”. In para 22 to 35 it is observed and held as under:
“22. The term “mistake or error apparent” by its very
connotation signifies an error which is evident per se from the B
record of the case and does not require detailed examination,
scrutiny and elucidation either of the facts or the legal position. If
an error is not self-evident and detection thereof requires long
debate and process of reasoning, it cannot be treated as an error
apparent on the face of the record for the purpose of Order 47
Rule 1 CPC or Section 22(3)(f) of the Act. To put it differently an C
order or decision or judgment cannot be corrected merely because
it is erroneous in law or on the ground that a different view could
have been taken by the court/tribunal on a point of fact or law. In
any case, while exercising the power of review, the court/tribunal
concerned cannot sit in appeal over its judgment/decision. D
23. We may now notice some of the judicial precedents in
which Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC and/or Section
22(3)(f) of the Act have been interpreted and limitations on the
power of the civil court/tribunal to review its judgment/decision
have been identified. E
24. In Rajah Kotagiri Venkata Subbamma Rao v. Rajah
Vellanki Venkatrama Rao (1899-1900) 27 IA 197 the Privy
Council interpreted Sections 206 and 623 of the Civil Procedure
Code and observed: (IA p.205)
“… Section 623 enables any of the parties to apply for a review F
of any decree on the discovery of new and important matter and
evidence, which was not within his knowledge, or could not be
produced by him at the time the decree was passed, or on account
of some mistake or error apparent on the face of the record, or
for any other sufficient reason. It is not necessary to decide in G
this case whether the latter words should be confined to reasons
strictly ejusdem generic with those enumerated, as was held in
Roy Meghraj v. Beejoy Gobind Burral, ILR (1875) 1 Cal 197.
In the opinion of Their Lordships, the ground of amendment
must at any rate be something which existed at the date of the
decree, and the section does not authorise the review of a H
886 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A decree which was right when it was made on the ground of
the happening of some subsequent event.”
(emphasis added)
25. In Hari Sankar Pal v. Anath Nath Mitter, 1949 FCR 36
a five-Judge Bench of the Federal Court while considering the
B question whether the Calcutta High Court was justified in not
granting relief to non-appealing party, whose position was similar
to that of the successful appellant, held: (FCR p. 48)
“That a decision is erroneous in law is certainly no ground for
ordering review. If the court has decided a point and decided it
C erroneously, the error could not be one apparent on the face of
the record or even analogous to it. When, however, the court
disposes of a case without adverting to or applying its mind to a
provision of law which gives it jurisdiction to act in a particular
way, that may amount to an error analogous to one apparent on
D the face of the record sufficient to bring the case within the purview
of Order 47 Rule 1, Civil Procedure Code.”
26. In Moran Mar Basselios Catholicos v. Mar Poulose
Athanasius (supra) this Court interpreted the provisions contained
in the Travancore Code of Civil Procedure which are analogous
E to Order 47 Rule 1 and observed:
“32. … Under the provisions in the Travancore Code of Civil
Procedure which is similar in terms to Order 47 Rule 1 of our
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the court of review has only a
limited jurisdiction circumscribed by the definitive limits fixed by
F the language used therein.
It may allow a review on three specified grounds, namely, (i)
discovery of new and important matter or evidence which, after
the exercise of due diligence, was not within the applicant’s
knowledge or could not be produced by him at the time when the
decree was passed, (ii) mistake or error apparent on the face of
G
the record and (iii) for any other sufficient reason.
It has been held by the Judicial Committee that the words ‘any
other sufficient reason’ must mean ‘a reason sufficient on grounds,
least analogous to those specified in the rule’.”
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 887
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
27. In Thungabhadra Industries Ltd. v. Govt. of A.P. (supra) A
it was held that a review is by no means an appeal in disguise
whereof an erroneous decision can be corrected.
28. In Parsion Devi v. Sumitri Devi (Supra) it was held as
under: (SCC p. 716)
“Under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC a judgment may be open to B
review inter alia if there is a mistake or an error apparent on the
face of the record. An error which is not self-evident and has
to be detected by a process of reasoning, can hardly be said
to be an error apparent on the face of the record justifying
the court to exercise its power of review under Order 47 Rule C
1 CPC. In exercise of the jurisdiction under Order 47 Rule 1
CPC it is not permissible for an erroneous decision to be ‘reheard
and corrected’. There is a clear distinction between an
erroneous decision and an error apparent on the face of the
record. While the first can be corrected by the higher forum,
the latter only can be corrected by exercise of the review D
jurisdiction. A review petition has a limited purpose and
cannot be allowed to be ‘an appeal in disguise’.”
29. In Haridas Das v. Usha Rani Banik, (supra) this Court
made a reference to the Explanation added to Order 47 by the
Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act, 1976 and held: E
“13. In order to appreciate the scope of a review, Section 114
CPC has to be read, but this section does not even adumbrate the
ambit of interference expected of the court since it merely states
that it ‘may make such order thereon as it thinks fit’. The
parameters are prescribed in Order 47 CPC and for the purposes F
of this lis, permit the defendant to press for a rehearing ‘on account
of some mistake or error apparent on the face of the records or
for any other sufficient reason’. The former part of the rule deals
with a situation attributable to the applicant, and the latter to a
jural action which is manifestly incorrect or on which two G
conclusions are not possible. Neither of them postulate a rehearing
of the dispute because a party had not highlighted all the aspects
of the case or could perhaps have argued them more forcefully
and/or cited binding precedents to the court and thereby enjoyed
a favourable verdict. This is amply evident from the Explanation
to Rule 1 of Order 47 which states that the fact that the decision H
888 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A on a question of law on which the judgment of the court is based
has been reversed or modified by the subsequent decision of a
superior court in any other case, shall not be a ground for the
review of such judgment. Where the order in question is appealable
the aggrieved party has adequate and efficacious remedy and the
court should exercise the power to review its order with the
B
greatest circumspection.”
30. In Aribam Tuleshwar Sharma v. Aribam Pishak Sharma
(Supra) this Court considered the scope of the High Courts’ power
to review an order passed under Article 226 of the Constitution,
referred to an earlier decision in Shivdeo Singh v. State of Punjab
C (Supra) and observed: (Aribam Tuleshwar case (Supra), SCC
p. 390, para 3)
“3. … It is true as observed by this Court in Shivdeo Singh v.
State of Punjab (Supra), there is nothing in Article 226 of the
Constitution to preclude a High Court from exercising the power
D of review which inheres in every court of plenary jurisdiction to
prevent miscarriage of justice or to correct grave and palpable
errors committed by it. But, there are definitive limits to the exercise
of the power of review. The power of review may be exercised
on the discovery of new and important matter or evidence which,
E after the exercise of due diligence was not within the knowledge
of the person seeking the review or could not be produced by him
at the time when the order was made; it may be exercised where
some mistake or error apparent on the face of the record is found;
it may also be exercised on any analogous ground. But, it may not
be exercised on the ground that the decision was erroneous on
F merits. That would be the province of a court of appeal. A power
of review is not to be confused with appellate powers which may
enable an appellate court to correct all manner of errors committed
by the subordinate court.”
31. In K. Ajit Babu v. Union of India, (1997) 6 SCC 473, it
G was held that even though Order 47 Rule 1 is strictly not applicable
to the tribunals, the principles contained therein have to be
extended to them, else there would be no limitation on the power
of review and there would be no certainty or finality of a decision.
A slightly different view was expressed in Gopabandhu Biswal
H v. Krishna Chandra Mohanty, (1998) 4 SCC 447). In that case
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 889
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
it was held that the power of review granted to the tribunals is A
similar to the power of a civil court under Order 47 Rule 1.
32. In Ajit Kumar Rath v. State of Orissa, (1999) 9 SCC
596, this Court reiterated that power of review vested in the
Tribunal is similar to the one conferred upon a civil court and held:
(SCC p. 608, paras 30-31) B
“30. The provisions extracted above indicate that the power of
review available to the Tribunal is the same as has been given to
a court under Section 114 read with Order 47 CPC. The power is
not absolute and is hedged in by the restrictions indicated in Order
47. The power can be exercised on the application of a person on C
the discovery of new and important matter or evidence which,
after the exercise of due diligence, was not within his knowledge
or could not be produced by him at the time when the order was
made. The power can also be exercised on account of some
mistake or error apparent on the face of the record or for any
other sufficient reason. A review cannot be claimed or asked for D
merely for a fresh hearing or arguments or correction of an
erroneous view taken earlier, that is to say, the power of review
can be exercised only for correction of a patent error of law or
fact which stares in the face without any elaborate argument being
needed for establishing it. It may be pointed out that the E
expression ‘any other sufficient reason’ used in Order 47 Rule
1 means a reason sufficiently analogous to those specified in
the Rule.
31. Any other attempt, except an attempt to correct an apparent
error or an attempt not based on any ground set out in Order 47, F
would amount to an abuse of the liberty given to the Tribunal
under the Act to review its judgment.”
33. In State of Haryana v. M.P. Mohla, (2007) 1 SCC 457
this Court held as under: (SCC pp. 465-66, para 27)
“27. A review petition filed by the appellants herein was not G
maintainable. There was no error apparent on the face of the
record. The effect of a judgment may have to be considered afresh
in a separate proceeding having regard to the subsequent cause
of action which might have arisen but the same by itself may not
be a ground for filing an application for review.”
H
890 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A 34. In Gopal Singh v. State Cadre Forest Officers’ Assn.,
(2007) 9 SCC 369 this Court held that after rejecting the original
application filed by the appellant, there was no justification for the
Tribunal to review its order and allow the revision of the appellant.
Some of the observations made in that judgment are extracted
below: (SCC p. 387, para 40)
B
“40. The learned counsel for the State also pointed out that there
was no necessity whatsoever on the part of the Tribunal to review
its own judgment. Even after the microscopic examination of the
judgment of the Tribunal we could not find a single reason in the
whole judgment as to how the review was justified and for what
C reasons. No apparent error on the face of the record was pointed,
nor was it discussed. Thereby the Tribunal sat as an appellate
authority over its own judgment. This was completely
impermissible and we agree with the High Court (Sinha, J.) that
the Tribunal has travelled out of its jurisdiction to write a second
D order in the name of reviewing its own judgment. In fact the learned
counsel for the appellant did not address us on this very vital
aspect.”
35. The principles which can be culled out from the abovenoted
judgments are:
E (i) The power of the Tribunal to review its order/decision under
Section 22(3)(f) of the Act is akin/analogous to the power of a
civil court under Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC.
(ii) The Tribunal can review its decision on either of the grounds
enumerated in Order 47 Rule 1 and not otherwise.
F
(iii) The expression “any other sufficient reason” appearing in
Order 47 Rule 1 has to be interpreted in the light of other specified
grounds.
(iv) An error which is not self-evident and which can be
discovered by a long process of reasoning, cannot be treated as
G
an error apparent on the face of record justifying exercise of
power under Section 22(3)(f).
(v) An erroneous order/decision cannot be corrected in the
guise of exercise of power of review.
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 891
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
(vi) A decision/order cannot be reviewed under Section 22(3)(f) A
on the basis of subsequent decision/judgment of a coordinate or
larger Bench of the tribunal or of a superior court.
(vii) While considering an application for review, the tribunal
must confine its adjudication with reference to material which
was available at the time of initial decision. The happening of B
some subsequent event or development cannot be taken note of
for declaring the initial order/decision as vitiated by an error
apparent.
(viii) Mere discovery of new or important matter or evidence
is not sufficient ground for review. The party seeking review has C
also to show that such matter or evidence was not within its
knowledge and even after the exercise of due diligence, the same
could not be produced before the court/tribunal earlier.”
9. To appreciate the scope of review, it would be proper for this
Court to discuss the object and ambit of Section 114 CPC as the same is D
a substantive provision for review when a person considering himself
aggrieved either by a decree or by an order of Court from which appeal
is allowed but no appeal is preferred or where there is no provision for
appeal against an order and decree, may apply for review of the decree
or order as the case may be in the Court, which may order or pass the
decree. From the bare reading of Section 114 CPC, it appears that the E
said substantive power of review under Section 114 CPC has not laid
down any condition as the condition precedent in exercise of power of
review nor the said Section imposed any prohibition on the Court for
exercising its power to review its decision. However, an order can be
reviewed by a Court only on the prescribed grounds mentioned in Order F
47 Rule 1 CPC, which has been elaborately discussed hereinabove. An
application for review is more restricted than that of an appeal and the
Court of review has limited jurisdiction as to the definite limit mentioned
in Order 47 Rule 1 CPC itself. The powers of review cannot be exercised
as an inherent power nor can an appellate power can be exercised in the
guise of power of review. G
10. Considered in the light of the aforesaid settled position, we
find that the High Court has clearly overstepped the jurisdiction vested
in the Court under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. No ground as envisaged under
Order 47 Rule 1 CPC has been made out for the purpose of reviewing
the observations made in para 20. It is required to be noted and as evident H
892 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A from para 20, the High Court made observations in para 20 with respect
to possession of the plaintiffs on appreciation of evidence on record
more particularly the deposition of the plaintiff (PW1) and his witness
PW2 and on appreciation of the evidence, the High Court found that the
plaintiff is in actual possession of the said house. Therefore, when the
observation with respect to the possession of the plaintiff were made on
B
appreciation of evidence/material on record, it cannot be said that there
was an error apparent on the face of proceedings which were required
to be reviewed in exercise of powers under Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. At
this stage, it is required to be noted that even High Court while making
observations in para 20 with respect to plaintiff in possession also took
C note of the fact that the defendant nos. 1 and 2 – respondents herein
themselves filed an application being I.A. No.1267 of 2012 which was
filed under Section 151 CPC for getting the possession of the disputed
house from the appellants and the said application was dismissed as
withdrawn. Therefore, the High Court took note of the fact that even
according to the defendant nos. 1 & 2 the appellants were in possession
D
of the disputed house. Therefore, in light of the fact situation, the High
Court has clearly erred in deleting para 20 in exercise of powers under
Order 47 Rule 1 CPC more particularly in the light of the settled
preposition of law laid down by this Court in the aforesaid decisions.
11. Now so far as the submission on behalf of the respondents –
E original defendant nos. 1 & 2 and the reasons given by the High Court
while allowing the review application and deleting para 20 that no issue
was framed by the learned Trial Court with respect to possession and/or
there was no issue before the Learned Trial Court with respect to the
possession and therefore the observations made in para 20 with respect
F to possession of the plaintiff – appellant herein was unwarranted and
therefore, the same was rightly deleted is concerned first of all on the
aforesaid ground the powers under Order 47 Rule 1 could not have been
exercised. At the most, observations made in para 20 can be said to be
erroneous decision, though for the reasons stated herein below the same
cannot be said to be erroneous decision and as observed hereinabove
G the said observations were made on appreciation of evidence on record,
the aforesaid cannot be a ground to exercise of powers under Order 47
Rule 1 CPC.
11.1. Even otherwise non-framing of the issue with respect to
possession would have no bearing and/or it fades into insignificance. It
H
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 893
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
is required to be noted that there were necessary pleadings with respect A
to possession in the plaint as well as in the written statement. Even the
parties also led the evidence on the possession. The original plaintiff –
appellant herein led the evidence with supporting documents to show his
possession and to that, there was no cross-examination by the defendants
– respondents. The defendants - respondents did not lead any evidence
B
to show their possession. Therefore, the parties were aware of the rival
cases. On a holistic and comprehensive reading of the pleadings and the
deposition of PW1 and PW2, it is unescapable that the plaintiff had
intendedly, directly and unequivocally raised in its pleadings the question
of possession. As observed hereinabove even in the written statement,
the defendants also made an averment with respect to possession. Thus C
neither prejudice was caused nor the proceedings can be said to have
been vitiated for want of framing the issue. As observed and held by this
Court in the case of Sri Gangai Vinayagar Temple vs. Meenakshi
Ammal and Others, (Supra), if the parties are aware of the rival cases,
the failure to formally formulate the issue fades into insignificance when
D
an extensive evidence has been recorded without any demur. Even the
observations made by the High Court that there was no issue with respect
to possession before the Learned Trial Court and/or even before the
High Court is not correct. As observed hereinabove in the pleadings in
the plaint and even in the written statement filed by the defendants,
there were necessary averments with respect to possession. Even the E
parties also led the evidence on possession.
12. Hence, on the grounds stated in the impugned order, the High
Court in exercise of review jurisdiction could not have without sufficient
and just reasons reviewed its own judgment and order and deleted the
observations made in para 20 with respect to possession. F
13. Even otherwise there is ample material on record to suggest/
show the possession of the appellants herein/original plaintiff. During
the pendency of the appeal the respondents - original defendant nos. 1
and 2 filed an application under Section 151 CPC for dismissing the
appeal filed by the appellant and for directing the appellant - original G
plaintiff to vacate the suit property. In the said application filed on
19.03.2012 the respondents - original defendant nos. 1 & 2 never stated
that they are in possession of the disputed suit house. On the contrary,
they prayed for an order directing the appellants - original plaintiff to
vacate the suit property. The said application for whatever reasons was
H
894 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2020] 11 S.C.R.
A withdrawn. During the pendency of the appeal, the appellants filed an
application under Order 6 Rule 17 of the CPC by which the appellants
sought amendment in the relief clause as regards the issue of permanent
injunction restraining the respondents - defendant nos. 1 and 2 from
dispossessing the appellants forcibly from the disputed house. The said
application was opposed by the respondents – original defendants. It
B
was submitted that the proposed averment is not necessary at the appellate
stage as no averments have been pleaded in the application as to why
such a prayer is sought belatedly. It was also submitted that if during the
pendency of the suit the plaintiffs have neither been threatened nor have
been sought to be dispossessed of the aforesaid property such a prayer
C at the appellate stage may not be entertained. The High Court dismissed
the said application, not on merits but on the ground that the same was
submitted belatedly. However, the High Court dismissed the said
application with the grant of permission to file a separate suit for the
aforesaid relief against the defendants.
D 13.1. At this stage, it is required to be noted that after a period of
approximately three years from the date of disposal of the First Appeal
16.04.2005 by the High Court and after the impugned order dated
14.07.2017 passed by the High Court in review application, the defendant
nos. 1 and 2 – respondents herein in fact filed a separate suit in the
Court of Learned Civil Judge, Class I, Gwalior against the appellants
E herein for receiving possession of the disputed house and compensation,
in which the possession of the appellants has been admitted. In the said
suit, it is pleaded that the plaintiffs have sent a legal notice to the said
defendants -appellants herein, through the Advocate on 09.08.2017 and
demanded to vacate the disputed place but have not vacated and handed
over the possession of the disputed place.
F
14. The sum and substance of the aforesaid discussion is that the
High Court has committed a grave error in allowing the review application
and deleting the observations made in para 20 of its order dated
10.12.2013 passed in First Appeal No.17.04.2005 in exercise of powers
under Section 114 read with Order 47 Rule 1 CPC. Under the
G circumstances the impugned order is unsustainable and deserves to be
quashed and set aside.
15. In view of the above and for the reasons stated hereinabove,
the appeal is allowed. The above impugned order dated 14.07.2017 passed
by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Gwalior in Review Petition
H No.465 of 2015 in First Appeal No.241 of 2005 is hereby quashed and
SHRI RAM SAHU (DEAD) THROUGH LRS. v. 895
VINOD KUMAR RAWAT [M. R. SHAH, J.]
set aside and consequently para 20 of the judgment and order 10.12.2013 A
passed in First Appeal No.241 of 2005 is hereby restored.
No costs.
Ankit Gyan Appeal allowed.
B
C
D
E
F
G
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