Saturday 10 September 2016

How to ascertain reasonable compensation for loss caused by breach of contract?

On the second question, i.e whether the defendant was entitled to
forfeit the amount of ` 1 crore, the single judge analyzed the terms of the
agreement (Ex. PW-1/2) especially Clause 2 which was the forfeiture
condition. The defendant’s argument that all the amounts paid by the
plaintiff constituted earnest money, was rejected:
“Nowhere in the agreement is it stipulated that payment made after
the execution of the agreement would also be covered by the forfeiture
clause. The Earnest Money/Part Payment of Rs. 1,01,00,000/ - as
stipulated in clause 1 would alone be liable to be forfeited.”
Thereafter, the single judge recorded the following finding:
“73. The Defendant is thus entitled to forfeit the amount of Rs.
1,01,00,000/- and is liable to refund the balance amount of Rs.
1,60,00,000/-. I have already held that the Plaintiffs have not been
able to prove the payment of Rs.5,00,000/-. Since the Plaintiffs have
been held liable for committing the breach of the contract, in my view
ends of justice would be met if the Defendant were directed to refund
the balance amount with interest only @ 8% per annum from the date
of filing of the suit.”
29. In such cases, where a party alleges that a forfeiture clause constitutes
a genuine pre-estimate of damages, two considerations have to be weighed 
by the court. One, the task of scrutinizing whether the condition is in reality
one that parties envisioned to be a genuine pre-estimate of damage likely to
be suffered is to be viewed in the context of some proof of “reasonable
damage” that Section 74 of the Contract Act mandates; two, that there might
be cases where the likely damage is one which cannot be estimated with
precision, given the nature of the contract, in which event, the court might
consider if the amount stipulated was one foreseen as reasonable
compensation payable to the aggrieved party without proof of damage or
loss.
30. Kailash Nath Associates v. Delhi Development Authority (2015) 4
SCC 136 is a recent authority on the question of liquidated damages
specified in a contract. The Supreme Court considered the law in Fateh
Chand v Balkishan Dass AIR 1963 SC 1405and several other decisions, and
held as follows:
"The law laid down by a Bench of 5 Judges in Fateh Chand's case is
that all stipulations naming amounts to be paid in case of breach
would be covered by Section 74. This is because Section 74 cuts
across the rules of the English Common Law by enacting a uniform
principle that would apply to all amounts to be paid in case of breach,
whether they are in the nature of penalty or otherwise…
43. On a conspectus of the above authorities, the law on
compensation for breach of contract under Section 74 can be stated to
be as follows:
1. Where a sum is named in a contract as a liquidated amount
payable by way of damages, the party complaining of a breach can
receive as reasonable compensation such liquidated amount only if it
is a genuine pre-estimate of damages fixed by both parties and found
to be such by the Court. In other cases, where a sum is named in a
contract as a liquidated amount payable by way of damages, only
reasonable compensation can be awarded not exceeding the amount 
so stated. Similarly, in cases where the amount fixed is in the nature
of penalty, only reasonable compensation can be awarded not
exceeding the penalty so stated. In both cases, the liquidated amount
or penalty is the upper limit beyond which the Court cannot grant
reasonable compensation.
2. Reasonable compensation will be fixed on well known principles
that are applicable to the law of contract, which are to be found inter
alia in Section 73 of the Contract Act.
3. Since Section 74 awards reasonable compensation for damage or
loss caused by a breach of contract, damage or loss caused is sine
qua non for the applicability of the Section.
4. The Section applies whether a person is a plaintiff or a defendant in
a suit.
5. The sum spoken of may already be paid or be payable in future.
6. The expression "whether or not actual damage or loss is proved to
have been caused thereby" means that where it is possible to prove
actual damage or loss, such proof is not dispensed with. It is only in
cases where damage or loss is difficult or impossible to prove that the
liquidated amount named in the contract, if a genuine pre-estimate of
damage or loss, can be awarded.
7. Section 74 will apply to cases of forfeiture of earnest money under
a contract. Where, however, forfeiture takes place under the terms
and conditions of a public auction before agreement is reached,
Section 74 would have no application."
In Fateh Chand (supra), the Supreme Court had articulated the applicable
principle as follows:
“In all cases, therefore, where there is a stipulation in the nature of
penalty for forfeiture of an amount deposited pursuant to the terms of
contract which expressly provides for forfeiture, the court has
jurisdiction to award such sum only as it considers reasonable, but
not exceeding the amount specified in the contract as liable to
forfeiture.”
31. In the present case, the defendant did not show how it was put to loss
or damage. The record clearly establishes that though the attachment order
was vacated sometime in 2007, the Bank was pursuing the matter. It is not
disputed that the pendency of the Bank’s claim in DRT and the likely cloud
on the property was never pointed out to the plaintiff. What is more, the
defendant did not even reveal that an attachment order was issued in 2009.
The plaintiff virtually stumbled upon that fact, as it were. It is doubtful
whether the defendant would have been able to convey title for the amount
agreed, either to the plaintiff or to anyone else, had the reality been
disclosed. Having regard to this conduct, even though the plaintiff is held
disentitled to a decree for specific performance, this court holds that the
defendant cannot claim “reasonable compensation”. Besides, no evidence of
any kind to show that he was put to loss was led. As a result, it is held that
the forfeiture of the amount of `One crore was not justified. Although the
plaintiff sought refund repeatedly his conduct in insisting that the contract
was nevertheless enforceable and the sale deed had to be executed to some
extent disentitles him to interest from October, 2008. However, the record is
clear that from May, 2009 (after he filed a police complaint seeking refund)
he did not intend to go through with the contract; this court has also
recorded that he did not prove his readiness and willingness. In these
circumstances, in the interests of justice, it would be appropriate to direct the
defendant to refund the sum of `One crore to the plaintiff and also pay 9%
interest on that amount, with effect from the date of filing of the suit, till
date of payment.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

PRONOUNCED ON: 25.05.2016
RFA (OS) 160/2014, CM APPL.20644/2014

SURJIT SINGH BHATIA Vs  TEJ RAJ SINGH GOEL (GOEL) .

CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE S. RAVINDRA BHAT
HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE DEEPA SHARMA


1. An unsuccessful plaintiff whose suit for decree for specific
performance was dismissed, appeals the decision of a learned single judge.
2. The facts, to the extent they are uncontroverted, are that the plaintiff
entered into an agreement to purchase the suit property i.e. D-104 Defense
Colony (hereafter “the suit property”) on 27.06.2008. The total
consideration agreed to be paid to the defendants by the plaintiff was
`15.80crores in terms of the agreement to sell-which was exhibited in court
during the trial as Ex. PW-1/2, the plaintiff did pay the sum of Rupees one
crore, at the time of execution of the agreement and also that the further sum
of `60 lakhs was paid on 05.08.2008. According to the plaintiff a further
amount of `5 lakhs was paid to a representative of the defendant vendors. 
This was disputed; likewise the plaintiff's assertion that he paid Rupees one
lakh a day before entering into the agreement to sell was also disputed. Two
conditions stipulated in the agreement are important: one that the entire
transaction was to be completed within 100 days or in other words on or
before the 06.10.2008. The second condition was that since the suit property
belongs to Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), the “No objection certificate"
(NOC, hereafter) of other members of the family or coparceners was to be
obtained before execution of the sale deed.
3. In the suit the plaintiff alleged that despite stipulation of a specific
date (for completion of the sale transaction) which was the essence of the
contract, the defendant did not honor his commitments in that the NOCs of
the coparceners were not made available. Furthermore the coparceners were
not in India at the time the Agreement to Sell was entered into. It was
alleged that the defendant unilaterally granted a one-time extension to the
plaintiff alleging that the latter was in default of compliance with the terms
of the agreement in its letter of 08.10.2008; the extension was up to
15.11.2008. The plaintiff protested the letter contending that he was always
ready and willing to perform his contract and highlighted that the defendant
on the other hand had not complied with the time requirements. The
plaintiff alleged further in the suit that in accordance with the agreement and
in order to facilitate compliance he had applied-on behalf of the defendants
to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (“MCD”) for appropriate clearance in
respect of the construction on the suit property. The suit mentioned a notice
of 04.12.2008 to the defendant drawing attention to a condition of the
agreement i.e. cl. 14 which highlighted that time was the essence of the
contract and the parties were bound to adhere to it. The defendant on the 
other hand submitted that the plaintiff did not make any specific
commitments as regards the date and time by which all members of the HUF
would be available in New Delhi for completion of the sale transaction and
executing the registered sale deed. It was submitted that in this background
of circumstances the so-called extension of time was entirely sham and
bogus and that the defendant deliberately took no steps to discharge his
obligations. The plaintiff wrote a letter on 15.01.2009 protesting against the
defendant's conduct and alleged about having suffered losses; the plaintiff
also complained about the defendant's lack of interest in performing their
obligations.
4. The defendant once again by letter of 24.01.2009 unilaterally
extended the time by 15 days for performance of the contract. The plaintiff
denies ever having asked for this extension and on the other hand relies upon
the terms of its letter of 04.02.2009 through its counsel. This letter reiterated
that the defendant had committed a breach of agreement to sell and
miserably failed to perform its part of the contract. The defendant time and
again continued to extend the time for performance of the contract, insisting
that the obligations under the Agreement to Sell continued to bind parties.
The plaintiff submits that at the time the reply and the letters of the
defendant were sent to it, the suit property had become nonmarketable on
account of an order of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) of 16.01.2009
attaching the suit property. The defendant had filed an appeal to the Debt
Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT). On account of these the defendant
would not have complied with the agreement to sell, and conveyed the title
yet it continued to insist that the obligations could be discharged. The
plaintiff alleged that throughout this time, the defendant negotiated the sale 
of property with various third parties for amounts higher than the
consideration agreed under the contract with the plaintiff. In May 2009 the
plaintiff was shocked to learn that the defendant had dishonestly concealed
from him about the attachment of the property by the DRT through the order
of 10.07.2001. The plaintiff obtained information and documents from the
DRT and realized that the defendant had deliberately concealed material
facts. It was asserted that in the note received in August 2009 the Defendant
approached the plaintiff and assured that it had every intention of
completing the sale transaction and that it would take all possible steps to
settle its disputes with the Bank which had approached the DRT. The
plaintiff had complained to the police; the defendant requested that the
complaint may be withdrawn. Alleging that the defendant was negotiating
for the sale of the property to a third party the plaintiff approached the court
seeking the decree for specific performance.
5. The defendant, on being served, filed written statement and denied
ever having concealed material facts. The written statement asserted that
there was no impediment to the sale of the suit property and that on the
contrary the initial attachment order had been vacated in 2007. Though an
appeal (by the bank which had claimed amounts against the defendant), was
pending, in fact there was no stay order. Thus there was no impediment to
the sale of the suit property. The defendant denied having received Rs. One
lakh on 26.06.2008 or that it had received ` 5lakhs from a representative of
the plaintiff. It contended on the other hand that the plaintiff started resiling
from its commitments. The written statement alleged that the defendant had
furnished the NOCs. Given that the plaintiff did not object to the extension
of time, once the NOCs were issued to the plaintiff by the other coparceners 
(who were impleaded as parties in the suit), formalities from the defendant’s
end were complete and the plaintiff was free to proceed and fulfill his part of
the bargain, by paying the agreed balance amount. Instead the plaintiff by
three unequivocal letters stated that the commitments and agreement had
been canceled. Reliance is placed upon the said three letters dated
27.10.2008, 14.11.2008 and 04.12.2008.
6. The defendant alleged that the plaintiffs' submission with respect to
being prejudiced on account of the stay order of 30.08.2007 is irrelevant
because according to it in May 2009 it became aware of the proceedings.
Had it wished to cancel the contract on those terms, the plaintiff could have
done so. Instead the suit expressly stated that the parties had renegotiated
and that the defendant had assured the plaintiff that the sale deed would be
executed. In these circumstances the defendant's conduct could not have
been gone into and the plaintiff was obliged to perform his part of the
contract. Since the defendants waited for an unduly long period, the plaintiff
as a protective measure appears to have filed this suit. The defendant had
intimated the plaintiff and it stated in the written statement that the amounts
received were liable to be forfeited since the plaintiff did not adhere to the
terms of the contract especially in the respective payment of the amounts
before the stipulated and agreed date that 06.10.2008 and in any case before
15.11.2008 it is submitted that the defendant did all that was expected
including the production of the NOCs which was contemplated under the
agreement to sell and on the other hand the plaintiff continuing to insist that
the agreement between the parties had ended, the question of refunding the
amount did not arise. The question of specific performance of the agreement
could not have under any circumstances arisen at all. The defendant 
furthermore urged that the plaintiff failed to prove that it had the requisite
means to pay the balance amount of `13.19 crores, as on the date agreed
between the parties or even on the later date.
Impugned judgment
7. In the impugned judgment the learned single judge took into
consideration the documentary and oral evidence led on behalf of the
parties. He noted that the plaintiffs letter or notice through counsel dated
14.11.2009, had terminated the agreement to sell. Contrary to the terms of
the letter itself the plaintiff in cross-examination stated that the agreement
was terminated on 15.10.2008.It was so found that no letter of 27.10.2008
terminating the agreement with effect from 15.10.2008 was placed on the
record. It was further noted that the letters dated 14.11.2008 (Ex. PW 1/7);
14.12.2008 (Ex-PW1/9); 15.01.2009 (ExPW-1/10); 04.02.2009 (Ex.PW-
1/12) and a police complaint addressed by the plaintiff dated 04.06.2009
(Ex. PW1/14) sought for refund of the amounts paid. It was held that once
the plaintiff sought refund of the amounts from the defendant there was no
question of it being ready and willing to perform its part of the contract. The
learned single judge took note of the repeated extensions granted by the
defendant to comply with the agreement relying on its letters dated
24.11.2008 Ex. DW-1/8; letter dated 24.01.2009 Ex. DW-1/11; notice dated
07.02.09 Ex. DW-1/13. It was held that the repeated opportunities granted
by the defendant to the plaintiff showed the latter's bona fides on the one
hand and failure on the part of the plaintiff for the belated enforcement of
the Agreement in a suit for specific performance. The single judge found
that the plaintiffs’ conduct showed that he was unable to prove readiness and
willingness to perform his part of the contract. The findings were based on
the entire conduct of the parties. It was further held that the plaintiff did not
possess the means to pay the agreed balance amount to the defendant either
on the date it pleaded or on the date it filed the suit or even thereafter. On
the basis of these findings the single judge dismissed the suit.
Submission of parties
8. The plaintiff argues that there could be no dispute about payment of
`2.61 crores to the defendant. Reliance was placed upon the affidavit and
the documents produced during the trial which included the Agreement to
sell, proof of payment of two cheques on 5.7.2008 which was acknowledged
by the defendant and that further payment of `60 lakhs was made on
5.8.2008 which too was acknowledged. It was asserted that in addition
another amount of `5 lakhs was paid to Mr. Sayed Salim who was examined
during the course of the trial.
9. Mr. Samar Bansal, advocate arguing for the appellant emphasized that
at no stage did the plaintiff seek extension of time for performance of his
part of the bargain, and that even though the sale could not be completed by
the date specified, i.e., 6.10.2008 (due to the defendant’s inability to produce
the No Objection Certificates), according to their admission extension was
given till 15.11.2008 by letter dated 08.10.2008. This extension was
unilateral; the plaintiff said so in his letter of 15.10.2008.
10. The plaintiff applied to the MCD seeking sanction of the building
plan but was taken aback to receive the defendant's letter dated 26.10.2008
stating that the plans were sanctioned and that the requisite charges paid by
the plaintiff would not be part of the sale consideration. This, submitted the
counsel, was a dishonest ploy. It was in this context that the plaintiff
demanded repayment of amount on 14.11.2008. The defendant did not 
accept the demand and instead expressed its eagerness to complete the
transaction. Learned counsel relied upon the letter of the defendant, dated
24.01.2009. Though the plaintiff sought for refund by their letter, dated
04.02.2009, the defendant rejected this proposal and insisted that the
agreement had to be performed by the plaintiff. The defendant gave further
extension of time by ten days.
11. It was argued that unilateral extension of time was a deceitful tactic to
delay the performance of the agreement. The defendant, significantly, did
not show any specific commitment as regards the time by which all
members of the HUF were to make themselves available for completion of
the sale. Mr. Bansal highlighted that the suit property was no longer
marketable because of a stay order attaching the property. He relied upon
the terms of the order of the Debt Recovery Tribunal dated 16.01.2009
(Ex.PW-1/14). It was submitted that these facts were by design withheld
and the defendant gave a false impression that there the suit property was
not encumbered. Counsel also submitted that the attachment order continued
until in due course the defendant settled his dues with the Bank, which had
filed the claim proceedings before the DRT, in March 2010. That order
clearly stated that `90 lakhs were paid by the defendant.
12. Learned counsel highlighted that having regard to the conspectus of
facts, the defendant was unable to establish that the plaintiff was never ready
and willing; on the contrary the so called NOC produced during the trial
could not have withstood the scrutiny because they were dated 29.10.2008
and 12.11.2008. Secondly the NOCs were clearly at variance with the
Agreement to sell; the NOCs stated that executants had no objection to the
sale of the property for `6 Crores, in fact the agreement to sell was for 
consideration of `15.8 Crores. The terms of the NOC Ex.DW-1/P2 and
DW-1/P-5 were relied upon.
13. Learned counsel submitted that the reliance placed upon Jay Pee
Hotels and the other decisions by the Single Judge was misplaced. All
material circumstances and facts pointed out to the default on the part of the
defendant. Even though initially the title was not marketable, in the facts of
this case, the cloud on the title was lifted on 27.03.2009. In the
circumstances, the suit was maintainable. The question of the plaintiff
having to prove its resources, having regard to the default of the defendant,
did not arise. It was argued by learned counsel moreover that the Single
Judge entirely overlooked that the defendant could not have forfeited the
amounts as claimed by it. It led no evidence to show that the sum retained
by it constituted reasonable compensation; nor was it of the kind that the
parties contemplated, as liquidated damages in the totality of circumstances.
Learned counsel relied upon the judgment of the Supreme Court in Kailash
Nath Associates v. Delhi Development Authority, (2015) 4 SCC 136 and Shri
Hanuman Cotton Mills &Ors. v. Tata Aircraft Ltd. 1969 (3) SCC 522.
Learned counsel relied upon the judgment of this Court reported as Sonia
Associates v. B.B. Sabharwal, 2012 (V) AD (Del) 258 to say that in the
absence of proof, the question of permitting the defendant to retain the
earnest money did not arise. He also relied upon the judgment in Capital
Hotels and Developers v. DDA (W.P.(C)1513/1999, decided on 22.09.2004)
to submit that if there is an impediment to transfer in terms of Section 55
which results in a cloud on account of pendency of litigation, the purchaser
is entitled to disclosure of such circumstances, in the absence of which the
seller cannot claim to be aggrieved. 
14. Mr. Bansal also argued that on the issue of the plaintiff's readiness
and willingness, it was not necessary for him to lead any evidence because
the defendant never denied that the Plaintiffs had the means to pay the
consideration agreed. Learned Counsel argued that even though the
Plaintiffs had earlier cancelled the agreement and sought refund
subsequently after the said order of the DRT, agreement to sell was revived
and Mr. Sayed Saleem, the defendant's authorized representative was paid
an additional amount of `5 lakhs. It was urged that the receipt of this amount
as well as the defendant's authorization of Mr. Sayed Saleem was not denied
by the Defendant. He did not produce Mr. Sayad Saleem as a witness and
the best evidence was withheld and as such presumption should be drawn
against the Defendant. It is further submitted that on this aspect, the Plaintiff
has not been questioned in the cross-examination.
15. Mr. Ashish Agarwal, learned counsel for the defendant, urged that the
impugned judgment is in consonance with law and correctly held that the
plaintiff was neither ready and willing, nor was he entitled to claim a decree
for specific performance. It was highlighted that the plaintiff had sought
refund, not once, but on four occasions. In fact, after October, 2009, the
entire endeavor of the plaintiff was to somehow blame the defendant and
allege that he had breached the agreement, and escape from its obligations.
Counsel submitted that so far as the allegation that the NOCs were not
issued is concerned, the certificates were produced and proved in court. The
plaintiff never objected to them on the ground that they were defective. It
was also submitted that the plaintiff could not take advantage of the socalled
cloud over the title to the property for the reason that there was no 
cloud as was sought to be made out. The initial attachment order made in
2001 was vacated in 2007. There was no impediment or bar to the defendant
entering into an agreement for selling the suit property; thus the agreement
to sell was binding and the plaintiff had to comply with its terms.
16. Counsel for the Defendant argued that the reply dated 04.12.2008
issued on behalf of the plaintiff’s counsel was relied on to establish that an
earlier letter was sent; this was belied by the fact that the plaintiff’s letterof
14.11.2008 did not refer to any letter dated 15.10.2008. The plaintiff did not
prove this letter. It was argued that in the reply to the plaintiff’s reply of
14.11.2008 the Defendant had stated that no objection certificates had been
received from the other coparceners. The letter also pointed out that that the
physical presence of the coparceners was not in the agreement; at the request
of the Plaintiffs their affidavits were executed, notarized and attested by the
Indian Consulate in USA and sent to India. The Plaintiffs themselves
provided the draft of the affidavits.
17. It was submitted that the order attaching the suit property was issued
on 10.01.2001, but was withdrawn on 05.10.2007.In these circumstances,
the plaintiffs were not aware of the attachment order till the cancellation of
the agreement to sell, it could not form the basis of the cancellation.
18. The Defendant contended that it was entitled to forfeit the earnest
money paid and in terms of the agreement all amounts paid as part
consideration became earnest money and were thus, liable to be forfeited.
He further contended that time was the essence of the contract and that sum
of `2.61 crores was earnest money and the Defendant was not cross-
examined on this aspect. It was further argued that Sayed Saleem was not
the defendant’s authorized representative. He could not receive any amount
on their behalf and was a power of attorney holder only for the purposes of
legal proceedings but not for the purposes of sale or receipt of any money
under the transaction. The Plaintiffs omitted reference to the alleged
payment in any of their correspondences. A reference was made to the unamended
plaint which stated that the balance amount was `13.19 crores and
in case the amount of `5 lakhs had been paid the balance would have been
`13.14 crores. It was submitted that this fortifies that the plea regarding
payment of `5 lacs was false. Further when the amendment of the plaint was
sought, the Plaintiffs did not seek amendment of the prayer paragraph,
which shows the balance consideration as `13.19 crores.
Analysis and conclusions
19. As in all actions for specific performance, it is of paramount
importance that the plaintiff establishes firmly that he was always ready and
willing to perform the contract and that he continued to do so. The first part
is the conduct of the parties. The averments in the suit first led to the
controversy about the precise amounts paid by the plaintiffs to the
defendant. The plaintiff stated that a total amount of `2.66 crores was paid
to the defendant; the latter, on the other hand, disputed and stated that he
received `2.60 crores. According to the plaintiff, the amounts paid were
`1,00,00,000/ - on 05.07.2008 and the sum of `60,00,000/ - on 05.08.2008.
(Exhibit PW1/3 and PW1/4). The Plaintiff claims to have paid a further sum
of `5,00,000/- in cash to one Mr. Sayed Saleem. The defendant disputed this
payment. The Plaintiffs did not produce any document or receipt evidencing 
the payment. Nothing to establish that Sayed Saleem was authorized to
receive amounts on behalf of the defendant was produced, on the record of
the court. Likewise, the averment about having paid Rs.One lakh a day
before the Agreement to sell was executed, is unsupported by any evidence.
The Plaintiffs failed to plead the date on which the payment of `5 lakhs was
made. Therefore, the findings of the single judge disbelieving that amounts
of ` 1 lakh and ` 5 lakhs were paid to the defendant are in order and in
accord with the evidence.
20. The relevant terms of the Agreement to sell, Ex. PW-1/2 are as
follows:
“2. ........ If the vendee fail to pay and execute the “SALE DEED” on
or before the agreed date and make full and complete payment the
VENDOR shall have the absolute right to forfeit the earnest/part
money paid by the VENDEE and all rights of the VENDEE shall
cease to exist with regard to the property.
************** ************* *************
11. That the Vendor hereby declares and represent that the "Said
Property" is HUF property and its Karta shall get the „No
Objection‟ for sale from the other members of the HUF.
************** ************* ************
14. That the "time is the essence" of this agreement and both the
parties s hall adhere to the time period.”
21. According to Ex. PW-1/2, the balance payment of `14,79,00,000/- was
payable as follows: (i) `1,00,00,000/- (Rupees one crore) on or before 5th
July, 2008. (ii) `60,00,000/- (Rupees sixty lakhs) only on or before 5th
August, 2008. (iii) `13,19,00,000/- (Rupees thirteen crores nineteen lakhs) RFA (OS) 160/2014 Page 14
only on or before 6th October 2008. Undeniably, the plaintiffs paid
`1,00,00,000/- on 05.07.2008 and `60,00,000/- on 05.08.2008. (Exhibit
PW1/3 and PW1/4). However, the plaintiff’s allegation of having paid
further `6 lakhs was not established. Therefore, what stood established was
that `2.60 crores was paid in terms of the time schedule; no other amount
was paid in terms of the Agreement.
22. If one considers the case in the context of the above proven facts, the
question is whether the plaintiff was justified in complaining that the
defendant had failed to ensure that other coparceners of his HUF were not
present and their NOCs were not available as on the date stipulated. There is
undoubtedly some substance in the requirement of NOC, because as on
06.10.2008, none of the NOCs were in existence. The three NOCs were
prepared later, but all before end of November 2008. Those documents
(Ex.DW1/P2, Ex.DW1/P3, Ex.DW1/P4 & Ex.DW1/P5) also appear to be at
variance with the terms of the agreement because the consideration amount
mentioned in the NOCs is far less than what was agreed in Ex. PW1/2. Yet,
this is to be viewed in the overall background of the plaintiff’s conduct and
not in isolation.
23. It is here that the plaintiff’s letters become crucial. These were
produced during the trial as Ex.PW1/7 (letter dated 14.11.2008), Ex.PW1/9
(letter dated 04.12.2008), Ex.PW1/10 (letter dated 15.01.2009)
andEx.PW1/12 (letter dated 04.02.2009). In each of these, he categorically
claimed refund of the amounts paid previously to the defendant. These
letters are inconsistent with the plaintiff’s argument that he was always
ready and willing to perform his part of the bargain. This finding of the 
single judge, in our opinion cannot be termed as erroneous. Even if the
plaintiff had never sought the extensions that the defendant gave (arguendo
on unilateral basis), nevertheless the claim for refund entirely undermines
the plaintiff’s averment that he was always ready and willing to perform his
part of the bargain.
24. The defendant’s conduct, in not revealing that the suit property was
facing litigation, urged the plaintiff, amounted to withholding material facts
and that consequently, when the litigation ended, he was obliged to perform
the agreement and execute the sale deed. Now, this argument is to be seen
from the perspective of the plaintiff’s conduct. It is evident from the record
that the attachment order, issued by the DRT was not communicated to the
plaintiff. When he did become aware, he filed a police complaint dated
03.06.2009 (Ex.PW1/14) and sought for refund of the amount paid. This
clearly shows that he was at that stage- as also earlier, not interested in going
through with the contract-understandably, given the fact that the property
was mired in litigation and proceeding to purchase it would have meant
buying litigation. Yet, that demand is inconsistent with his plea that he was
ready and willing to perform his part of the bargain.
25. Section 16 (c) of the Specific Relief Act, prescribes the requirement
of pleading and proving that one who seeks a decree for specific
performance should both plead and prove that assertion:
“16. Personal bars to relief.-Specific performance of a contract
cannot be enforced in favour of a person-
....
(c) who fails to aver and prove that he has performed or has RFA (OS) 160/2014 Page 16
always been ready and willing to perform the essential terms of
the contract which are to be performed by him, other than
terms and performance of which has been prevented or waived
by the defendant.
********** **********
Explanation.-For the purposes of clause (c),-
(i) where a contract involves the payment of money, it is not
essential for the plaintiff to actually tender to the defendant or
to deposit in court any money except when so directed by the
court; ...”
26. The authorities have repeatedly pronounced that the onus of proving
readiness and willingness in a suit for specific performance is upon the
plaintiff (Ref. R.C. Chandiok & Anr. vs. Chuni Lal Sabharwal & Ors.
(1970) 3 SCC 140). The plaintiff has to plead and prove “that he had
performed or has always been ready and willing to perform the essential
terms of the contract which are to be performed by him, other than those
terms the performance of which has been prevented or waived by the
defendant. The continuous readiness and willingness on the part of the
plaintiff is a condition precedent to grant the relief of specific performance.
This circumstance is material and relevant and is required to be considered
by the court while granting or refusing to grant the relief.” (Ref. N.P.
Thirugnanam vs. Dr. R. Jagan Mohan Rao &Ors., (1995) 5 SCC 115).
27. In judging whether the plaintiff is ready and willing to perform his
part of the contract, the court has to consider the conduct of the plaintiff both
before and after the suit is filed. It has to consider other related
circumstances. It is also essential to prove that the plaintiff is possessed of
the means or the resources to pay the amounts, which he had to pay, in terms
of the contract (for sale of the property) to the defendant/seller. In other 
words, the obligation to prove these requirements exists from date of the
entering into contract to date of the decree. In P.D'Souza vs. Shondrilo
Naidu (2004) 6 SCC 649 the Supreme Court observed as follows:
"It is indisputable that in a suit for specific performance of contract
the plaintiff must establish his readiness and willingness to perform
his part of contract. The question as to whether the onus was
discharged by the plaintiff or not will depend upon the facts and
circumstance of each case. No strait-jacket formula can be laid down
in this behalf.... The readiness and willingness on the part of the
plaintiff to perform his part of contract would also depend upon the
question as to whether the defendant did everything which was
required of him to be done in terms of the agreement for sale."
The police complaint dated 03.06.2009 (Ex.PW1/14) and each of the earlier
letters Ex.PW1/7 (letter dated 14.11.2008), Ex.PW1/9 (letter dated
04.12.2008), Ex.PW1/10 (letter dated 15.01.2009) andEx.PW1/12 (letter
dated 04.02.2009), which had sought for refund of the amount paid, entirely
undercuts the plaintiff’s claim that he was ready and willing to go ahead and
perform his part of the bargain. It in fact, establishes that he was not ready
and willing to purchase the property because of the uncertainty and
vicissitudes attendant with the pending litigation between the defendant and
his Bank, which had claimed overdue amounts that had led to the issuance
of the attachment order by the DRT. The court also notices that the single
judge recorded a finding of fact as to the plaintiff’s financial capacity or
ability to perform the contract:
“47. Learned Senior Counsel for the Plaintiffs admitted that the
Plaintiffs have not led any evidence on the issue of readiness and
willingness. The Plaintiffs have admittedly not led any evidence on the
financial capacity of the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs in its evidence has
not placed on record any document or material to show that the 
Plaintiffs had the financial capacity to pay the balance sale
consideration.”
During the hearing of the appeal, there was no contest to the above finding;
nor did the plaintiff’s counsel show any proven fact which pointed to a
contrary inference. As a result of the discussion, it is held that the plaintiff
was unable to prove readiness and willingness to perform the contract for
purchase of immovable property.
28. On the second question, i.e whether the defendant was entitled to
forfeit the amount of ` 1 crore, the single judge analyzed the terms of the
agreement (Ex. PW-1/2) especially Clause 2 which was the forfeiture
condition. The defendant’s argument that all the amounts paid by the
plaintiff constituted earnest money, was rejected:
“Nowhere in the agreement is it stipulated that payment made after
the execution of the agreement would also be covered by the forfeiture
clause. The Earnest Money/Part Payment of Rs. 1,01,00,000/ - as
stipulated in clause 1 would alone be liable to be forfeited.”
Thereafter, the single judge recorded the following finding:
“73. The Defendant is thus entitled to forfeit the amount of Rs.
1,01,00,000/- and is liable to refund the balance amount of Rs.
1,60,00,000/-. I have already held that the Plaintiffs have not been
able to prove the payment of Rs.5,00,000/-. Since the Plaintiffs have
been held liable for committing the breach of the contract, in my view
ends of justice would be met if the Defendant were directed to refund
the balance amount with interest only @ 8% per annum from the date
of filing of the suit.”
29. In such cases, where a party alleges that a forfeiture clause constitutes
a genuine pre-estimate of damages, two considerations have to be weighed 
by the court. One, the task of scrutinizing whether the condition is in reality
one that parties envisioned to be a genuine pre-estimate of damage likely to
be suffered is to be viewed in the context of some proof of “reasonable
damage” that Section 74 of the Contract Act mandates; two, that there might
be cases where the likely damage is one which cannot be estimated with
precision, given the nature of the contract, in which event, the court might
consider if the amount stipulated was one foreseen as reasonable
compensation payable to the aggrieved party without proof of damage or
loss.
30. Kailash Nath Associates v. Delhi Development Authority (2015) 4
SCC 136 is a recent authority on the question of liquidated damages
specified in a contract. The Supreme Court considered the law in Fateh
Chand v Balkishan Dass AIR 1963 SC 1405and several other decisions, and
held as follows:
"The law laid down by a Bench of 5 Judges in Fateh Chand's case is
that all stipulations naming amounts to be paid in case of breach
would be covered by Section 74. This is because Section 74 cuts
across the rules of the English Common Law by enacting a uniform
principle that would apply to all amounts to be paid in case of breach,
whether they are in the nature of penalty or otherwise…
43. On a conspectus of the above authorities, the law on
compensation for breach of contract under Section 74 can be stated to
be as follows:
1. Where a sum is named in a contract as a liquidated amount
payable by way of damages, the party complaining of a breach can
receive as reasonable compensation such liquidated amount only if it
is a genuine pre-estimate of damages fixed by both parties and found
to be such by the Court. In other cases, where a sum is named in a
contract as a liquidated amount payable by way of damages, only
reasonable compensation can be awarded not exceeding the amount 
so stated. Similarly, in cases where the amount fixed is in the nature
of penalty, only reasonable compensation can be awarded not
exceeding the penalty so stated. In both cases, the liquidated amount
or penalty is the upper limit beyond which the Court cannot grant
reasonable compensation.
2. Reasonable compensation will be fixed on well known principles
that are applicable to the law of contract, which are to be found inter
alia in Section 73 of the Contract Act.
3. Since Section 74 awards reasonable compensation for damage or
loss caused by a breach of contract, damage or loss caused is sine
qua non for the applicability of the Section.
4. The Section applies whether a person is a plaintiff or a defendant in
a suit.
5. The sum spoken of may already be paid or be payable in future.
6. The expression "whether or not actual damage or loss is proved to
have been caused thereby" means that where it is possible to prove
actual damage or loss, such proof is not dispensed with. It is only in
cases where damage or loss is difficult or impossible to prove that the
liquidated amount named in the contract, if a genuine pre-estimate of
damage or loss, can be awarded.
7. Section 74 will apply to cases of forfeiture of earnest money under
a contract. Where, however, forfeiture takes place under the terms
and conditions of a public auction before agreement is reached,
Section 74 would have no application."
In Fateh Chand (supra), the Supreme Court had articulated the applicable
principle as follows:
“In all cases, therefore, where there is a stipulation in the nature of
penalty for forfeiture of an amount deposited pursuant to the terms of
contract which expressly provides for forfeiture, the court has
jurisdiction to award such sum only as it considers reasonable, but
not exceeding the amount specified in the contract as liable to
forfeiture.”
31. In the present case, the defendant did not show how it was put to loss
or damage. The record clearly establishes that though the attachment order
was vacated sometime in 2007, the Bank was pursuing the matter. It is not
disputed that the pendency of the Bank’s claim in DRT and the likely cloud
on the property was never pointed out to the plaintiff. What is more, the
defendant did not even reveal that an attachment order was issued in 2009.
The plaintiff virtually stumbled upon that fact, as it were. It is doubtful
whether the defendant would have been able to convey title for the amount
agreed, either to the plaintiff or to anyone else, had the reality been
disclosed. Having regard to this conduct, even though the plaintiff is held
disentitled to a decree for specific performance, this court holds that the
defendant cannot claim “reasonable compensation”. Besides, no evidence of
any kind to show that he was put to loss was led. As a result, it is held that
the forfeiture of the amount of `One crore was not justified. Although the
plaintiff sought refund repeatedly his conduct in insisting that the contract
was nevertheless enforceable and the sale deed had to be executed to some
extent disentitles him to interest from October, 2008. However, the record is
clear that from May, 2009 (after he filed a police complaint seeking refund)
he did not intend to go through with the contract; this court has also
recorded that he did not prove his readiness and willingness. In these
circumstances, in the interests of justice, it would be appropriate to direct the
defendant to refund the sum of `One crore to the plaintiff and also pay 9%
interest on that amount, with effect from the date of filing of the suit, till
date of payment.
32. In view of the foregoing discussion, the appeal has to succeed partly;
the plaintiff is disentitled to a decree for specific performance; at the same
time, the defendant is directed to refund the sum of `One crore with interest
@ 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing suit till date of payment. The 
plaintiff is also entitled to interest at the rate of 9% per annum on the
awarded sum of Rs.1.60 Cr. The appeal is accordingly allowed in these
terms; there shall be no order as to costs.
 S. RAVINDRA BHAT
 (JUDGE)
 DEEPA SHARMA
 (JUDGE)
MAY 25, 2016
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