PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs SHRI MOHIT SHARMA, on 17 January 2024

DRT, ALLAHABAD1TA 392 of 2018 [J]**Debts Recovery Tribunal, Allahabad,**

9/2A, Panna Lal Road Allahabad

Presiding Officer : **Shri R. M. Kushawaha****TA Case no. : 392 OF 2018**

**Punjab National Bank**, a body corporate constituted under the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act 1970, having its Head Office at 7, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi and several branches all over India including one branch at Ground Floor, LIC Building, Sanjay Place, Agra – 282002 (U.P.) through its Authorized Officer Shri Pratap Singh, Senior Manager, Punjab National Bank, Branch Office, LIC Building, Sanjay Place, Agra (U.P.).

.....Applicant -Bank

Vs.

**Shri Mohit Sharma**, S/o Shri Yatendra Mohan Sharma, R/o 101A, Ajmer Road, Pratap Pura, District Agra – 282001.

...Defendant.

Present:

**For the Applicant**

: Shri A. K. Pal, Advocate

**For the Defendant**

: Exparte

**Dated: 17.01.2024****JUDGMENT**

1- The Applicant bank has made this application u/s 19 of the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 now Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 (here-in-after referred to as Act) on 16.01.2017, against the defendant to recover its debts from defendant of Rs. 13,42,322/- alongwith pendentelite and future interest @12.65% per annum with monthly rest from the date of filing with costs till realization. Pursuant to Gazette Notification No. 454(E), dated 15.02.2017 of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services, New Delhi, this OA bearing No. 158/2017 was transferred from DRT, Lucknow to this Tribunal.

2- The application has been duly registered and numbered as above.

3- The brief facts of the case of the applicant bank as stated in the application are as under- The applicant bank is a body corporate constituted under the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act 1970, having its Head Office at 7, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi and several branches all over India including one branch at Ground Floor, LIC Building, Sanjay Place, Agra – 282002 (U.P.) through its Authorized Officer Shri Pratap Singh, Senior Manager, Punjab National Bank, Branch Office, LIC Building, Sanjay Place, Agra (U.P.).

The facts of the case as contained in the application are that defendant had approached the Applicant Bank and applied for sanction of Vehicle Loan (Term Loan) of Rs. 11.50 lacs. The Applicant Bank considered the economic viability and securities offered by the defendant the Applicant Bank sanctioned the said vehicle loan (Term Loan) of Rs.

11.50 lacs on 30.10.2013 repayable in 84 equated monthly installments of Rs. 20,000/-. In order to avail and secured the aforesaid credit facility of the Applicant Bank, the defendant signed, executed and delivered several security documents on 30.10.2013.

The defendant had availed the said Term Loan for the purchase of TERRANO XL (THP) DIESEL registered with Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh bearing Registration No. UP 80 CS 7146 dated 27.01.2014, and also hypothecated the same.

The defendant had signed and executed the Balance and Security Confirmation Letter dated 01.10.2016 confirming the balance in the loan account as on 31.01.2015.

3. The defendant availed the aforesaid facility but failed to repay the dues of the bank as per agreed terms, they failed to adhere the financial discipline of the applicant bank, the account of the defendant became irregular and sticky and were declared NPA on 30.11.2014. The applicant Bank sent Legal/ Demand/Recall Notice on 26.02.2015/22.01.2016 to the defendant but despite receipt of the same, the defendant failed to liquidate bank's dues. All these acts and conduct on the part of the defendant is contrary to the terms and conditions of the documents signed and executed by defendant. Accordingly the applicant bank has moved this O.A. to recover public money.

The total outstanding due in the account comes to Rs. 13,42,322/- inclusive of interests which has been claimed by means of present O.A.

The interest /compound interest has been charged at such rates, and capitalized at such periodical rests as are permitted by and do not run counter to the directives of Reserve Bank of India.

Since, the defendant has failed and neglected in spite of several reminders to make payment of the dues recoverable to bank, hence this application has been filed by the bank.

4- U/s 19 (4) of the Act & Rule 11 of the DRT [Procedure] Rules, 1993, copies of application & paper book were sent by this Tribunal to the defendant by registered/speed post on 15.07.2022, and summons/notices issued requiring the defendant to show-cause within 30 days of the service of summons/notices as to why relief prayed for, should not be granted.

On perusal of the case records, it is seen that on 15.07.2022, summon/notice was sent to the defendant, but the defendant has not appeared.

Despite the registered summons/notices, the defendant has not appeared before this Tribunal to contest the case. The sufficient time has been given to the defendant to defend his case, but he failed to appear and to file WS, hence, the Tribunal has passed an order to proceed exparte against the defendant on 10.01.2024.

5- To prove its case, the applicant Bank has referred attested copies of various documents before this Tribunal on 16.01.2017. The applicant bank has also given evidence on affidavit by way of affidavit of Shri

Pratap Singh, Senior Manager of the applicant bank. The details of documents are as follows. :- <table border="1"> <thead> <tr> <th>Sl.No</th> <th>Description of Documents(Attested copies)</th> <th>Date of Execution</th> <th>Amount [In lacs]</th> <th>Signature of executants</th> <th>Ex./ Ann. No.</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Copy of the Letter of Authorization</td> <td>03.01.2017</td> <td>--</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Copy of the Loan Application</td> <td>23.10.2013</td> <td>11.50</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Copy of the Sanction Letter with Terms and Conditions acknowledged by the defendant</td> <td>30.10.2013</td> <td>11.50</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Copy of the Letter of Hypothecation</td> <td>30.10.2013</td> <td>11.50</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Copy of the Irrevocable Letter of Undertaking (Car Loan)</td> <td>30.10.2013</td> <td>11.50</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Copy of the Sale Invoice No. N/013-014/061 from Atmaram Motors Pvt. Ltd. &amp; Customer's Receipt</td> <td>30.10.2013</td> <td>11,68,44<br/>8/-</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 6</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Copy of the R. C. Book</td> <td>27.01.2014</td> <td>--</td> <td>--</td> <td>A- 7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Copy of the Letters and Reminders</td> <td>23.01.2014,<br/>16.06.2014,<br/>02.02.2015,<br/>10.07.2015,<br/>31.12.2015</td> <td>11.12<br/>11.43<br/>11.23<br/>11.23<br/>--</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 8</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Copy of the Demand Notice</td> <td>26.02.2015</td> <td>11.23</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Copy of the Recall Notice</td> <td>22.01.2016</td> <td>10.67</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Copy of the Balance and Security Confirmation Letter</td> <td>01.10.2016</td> <td>11.23</td> <td>Def.</td> <td>A- 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12</td> <td>Copy of the Statement of Account of the Vehicle Loan (Term Loan)</td> <td>--</td> <td>--</td> <td>--</td> <td>A- 12</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

6- Opportunity of hearing has been fully given to both the parties, but despite several opportunities given to defendant, the defendant has not appeared to contest the case, hence, the exparte arguments of learned counsel for applicant bank were heard. Perused the case record and considered.

Ld. counsel of applicant bank submitted that the defendant has taken the loan and utilized the same and also executed the various loan documents to secure the loan. Further submitted that the claim of the bank has been proved by documentary and oral evidence. Ld. Counsel for the applicant bank has further submitted that the defendant has not deposited any amount, after filing of the OA.

It is further submitted by ld. Counsel of applicant bank that there is no any stay granted by any Higher Court, in respect of the proceedings of the present OA and

State of Uttar Pradesh. The said claim on the date of filing of application exceeded Rs.20 lacs. The applicant bank is functioning within jurisdiction of this Tribunal. Therefore, this Tribunal has territorial as well as pecuniary jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the present application.

8- On the issue of Limitation, to prove it, the applicant bank has submitted that the applicant bank has declared the account as NPA on 30.11.2014, whereas the present application has been filed on 16.01.2017. Even, it is counted for the purpose of Limitation, then it is established that the applicant bank has filed the case within the limitation period from the date of declaring the account as NPA. As such, it is established that present application has been filed well within the period of limitation.

9- In the affidavit of Shri Pratap Singh, Senior Manager of the applicant bank, has stated that he is well acquainted with the facts of the case and has on verification of record, sworn in the affidavit in support of contents of application and the documents as evidence and established on oath the pleadings and documents of the applicant bank as stated above.

The documents as stated above reveal that the defendant has applied for loan and the bank had sanctioned the loan and to secure the loan and for repayment of loan amount with interests etc., the defendant has executed various loan documents, which strength the case of the applicant bank.

The applicant bank has also furnished statement of account as above, which is not only admissible but shall be taken as correct statement of account, more so since the entries in the statement of account has not been challenged.

10- Since, the defendant was proceeded exparte, all contentions raised and documents produced by plaintiff remained unrebuted and the tribunal may act upon the affidavit of the applicant as per law. Defendant has neither denied the utilization of funds advanced by applicant bank nor have pointed out any specific error and discrepancy in the Statement of Account, which is kept in due course of business, evidence on affidavit, which has supported the claim of the applicant bank, established to have fully correct and believable. Provisions contained in Section 4 of the Banker's Books Evidence Act, 1891 apply to certified copies of entries in banker's book furnished along with the application filed under section 19[1] of the Act. Hence, the entries in the Statement of Account are also proved.

11- On consideration of the arguments and on perusal of the application, documents and affidavit, it is proved that the applicant bank has granted the loan facility, documents were executed by the defendant and facility was availed by the defendant as stated in the application.

12- Now, whether interest has been charged as per agreement and as per R.B.I. Guidelines?

13- The applicant bank has sought for recovery of a sum of Rs. 13,42,322/- with cost and further interest @12.65% per annum with monthly rest from the date of filing i.e. 10.01.2017 till realization.

14- Learned Advocate appearing for applicant bank submits that the applicant bank has charged interest in terms of the agreements and that interest has been charged at such rates, and capitalized at such periodical rests as are permitted by and do not run counter to the directives of Reserve Bank of India.

15- On consideration of the arguments and on perusal of the pleadings, documents and affidavit, it is proved that the applicant has charged interest against defendant in terms of documents and as per directives of R B I. but keeping the facts and circumstances of the case in mind, the defendant deserve some leniency in the rate of interest.

16- The defendant failed to appear before the Tribunal to contest the claim made by the applicant, therefore, it necessarily goes to establish that the claim made by the applicant bank is genuine and true. It is manifest that the defendant has not disputed the claim, therefore, the claim referred to the Tribunal is recoverable till full and final realization of the claim.

17- In Indian Bank Vs. Blue Jagers Estates Limited and others [2010] 8 SCC 129, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India has observed as under- "The Court cannot lose sight of the fact that the bank is a trustee of public fund. It cannot compromise the public interest for benefiting private individuals. Those who take loan and avail financial facilities from the bank are duty bound to repay the amount strictly in accordance with the terms of the contract. Any lapse in such matters has to be viewed seriously and the bank is not only entitled but duty bound to recover the amount by adopting all legally permissible methods. Parliament enacted the act because it was found that legal mechanism available till then was wholly insufficient for recovery of the outstanding dues of the banks and Financial Institutions."

18- Facts of the case, in my view, are well proved by evidence of the applicant bank. The applicant bank is entitled to receive its debts from defendant Rs. 13,42,322/- alongwith pendentelite and future interest @9% Simple per annum from the date of filing i.e. 16.01.2017 till realization. So the final order may be passed accordingly, to meet the ends of justice.

ORDER

In the result, the application of the applicant bank is, allowed and debt is determined with costs against the defendant and it is, hereby, ordered that the applicant bank is entitled to receive its debts from defendant, it's debts with interest, amounting to Rs. 13,42,322/- alongwith pendentelite and future interest @9% Simple per annum from the date of filing i.e. 16.01.2017 till realization of the entire sum due and recoverable with costs.

In case of failure to repay the aforementioned adjudicated amount within 30 days, same shall be recovered from the sale of the *hypothecated assets / mortgaged properties of the Defendant in execution proceedings. The amount, if any, already recovered by sale of any hypothecated assets / mortgage properties or otherwise shall be adjusted towards the debt and only the balance amount shall be recoverable. If the dues of Applicant Bank still remain unsatisfied, the same shall be recovered by attachment and sale of the personal movable and immovable assets of the Defendant. The cost of litigation be also borne by the Defendant.*

*The Defendant is hereby restrained by means of injunction from depleting, transferring, encumbering, alienating, selling or otherwise dealing with hypothecated assets/ mortgage properties or his other immovable/movable properties/estates without first paying the above claim of Applicant Bank/Certificate Holder.*

*In case, the Defendant expires, the legal representatives shall be liable to pay in proportion to the inheritance.*

Let a certificate of recovery be drawn up forthwith and put up for signatures in terms of provisions contained in Section 19(22) of the Act to be issued, on the basis of the order of the Tribunal to the Recovery Officer. The Recovery Officer shall realize the amount as per the certificate in the manner and mode prescribed under the Act from the defendant.

Pending I. As., if any, stands disposed off.

Parties are directed to appear before the Recovery Officer, DRT, Allahabad on 21.03.2024. The order be communicated accordingly.

Judgment signed, sealed, dated and pronounced in the open court on this 17^th Day of January, 2024.

Dictated & Corrected by me.

[R. M. Kushawaha] Presiding Officer Debts Recovery Tribunal, Allahabad

[R. M. Kushawaha] Presiding Officer Debts Recovery Tribunal, Allahabad

AD