PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs M/S ADARSH SHIKSHA SAMITI, on 18 January 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 10.01.2017, against the defendants to recover its debts from defendants of Rs. 26,29,158/- alongwith pendentelite and future interest @ 13.6% per annum plus 2% penal interest with monthly rests from the date of filing of TA with costs till realization.

Subsequently, the case record of the present Original Application No. 31 of 2017 has been transferred to this Tribunal in view of Notification of Government of India, Ministry of Finance dated 15.02.2017 thus the case has been re-numbered as TA 368 of 2018.

1970, having its Office at 7, Bhikhaji Cama Place, New Delhi and branches amongst others at Dayal Bagh Branch, District Agra, U.P.

The brief facts of the case as gathered from the Original Application are that the defendant no.1 is a Educational Society and defendant no. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 are the members of the defendant no. 1 Society as well as guarantors for the credit facility. The defendant No. 1 through its Secretary and Member had approached the applicant bank for grant of financial facility to augment the business. The applicant bank considered the request of the defendants and sanctioned Term Loan of Rs. 20.00 Lacs together with interest vide Sanction letter dated 07.06.2012.

Upon sanction of the credit facility, the defendant no. 1 through Defendant No. 2 & 3 as borrowers and defendant no. 2 to 7 as guarantors signed and executed bank's security documents and guarantee agreement on 07.06.2012.

In order to secure the due repayment of the applicant bank, the defendant no. 1 through Defendant No. 2 & 3 mortgaged his immovable property i.e. College building situated at Khasra No. 894, Mauza – Abhadopura, Tehsil – Kiraoli, area 4810 Sq. mt. owned by Defendant No. 1 to 3 **AND** Shop & Hall at Mandi Galla Bazar, Kiraoli, Tehsil Kiraoli, District Agra measuring area 50.00 Sq. Mtrs. by deposit of title deed in favour of the applicant bank.

The Defendant Society through Defendant No. 3 had signed and executed the Balance and Security Confirmation letter dated 23.04.2015 confirming the balance in the loan account.

The Defendants availed the aforesaid loan/credit facility but failed to maintain financial discipline as per terms and conditions of the loan agreement due to which loan account become irregular. Despite repeated reminders and persuasion, the defendants failed to regularize the loan account. Consequently, the said account of the Defendants were classified as NPA on 31.12.2013 and recalled by Applicant Bank. Thereafter, Applicant Bank served Demand Notice dated 30.01.2014 & 18.03.2015 to the Defendants to repay the outstanding dues but the defendants failed to make the payments of outstanding dues. Accordingly, the applicant Bank has moved this T.A. to recover public money.

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 defendants have 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 defendants by registered/speed post on 15.11.2022, and summons/notices issued requiring the defendants 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 15.11.2022, summons/notices were sent to the defendants, but the defendants have not appeared, hence, this Tribunal has ordered to publish the notice in newspaper and subsequently, substituted service by publication of notice by way of advertisement in newspaper was also made against the defendants on 15.07.2023 in "Jansatta", newspaper.

Despite the registered summons/notices and publication of notice in newspaper, the defendants have not appeared before this Tribunal to contest the case. The sufficient time has been given to the defendants to defend their case, but they failed to appear and to file WS, hence, the Tribunal has passed an order to proceed exparte against the defendants on 16.01.2024.

5- To prove its case, the applicant Bank has referred attested copies of various documents before this Tribunal on 27.12.2016. The applicant bank has also given evidence on affidavit by way of affidavit of Shri Neeraj Kumar Ananda, Chief 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 Power of Attorney</td> <td>08.05.2013</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Copy of the Gist of the Proposal cum Sanction Letter</td> <td>04.05.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Copy of the Resolution of Management of the Society</td> <td>31.05.2012</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Defendants</td> <td>A- 3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Copy of the Hypothecation of Assets to secure Term loans</td> <td>07.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1 to 3</td> <td>A- 4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Copy of the Priority Sector Term Loan Agreement</td> <td>07.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1 to 3</td> <td>A- 5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Copy of the Supplementary Agreement</td> <td>07.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1 to 3</td> <td>A- 6</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Copy of the Agreement of Guarantee</td> <td>07.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1 to 3</td> <td>A- 7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Copy of the Agreement of Guarantee</td> <td>07.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4 to 7</td> <td>A- 8</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Copy of the Letter addressed to the Applicant seeking acknowledgement of receipt of the title deeds alongwith non judicial</td> <td>09.06.2012</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1 to 3</td> <td>A- 9</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

<table border="1"> <tr> <td></td> <td>stamp papers</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Copy of Title Deed Register</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Rs. 20.00</td> <td>-----</td> <td>A- 10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Copy of the Sale Deed</td> <td>15.03.1981</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Def. No. 2 to 7</td> <td>A- 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12</td> <td>Copy of the letter mortgage is confirmed by defendants</td> <td>09.06.2012</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Def. No. 2, 4, 5, 6 &amp; 7</td> <td>A- 12</td> </tr> <tr> <td>13</td> <td>Copy of the Sale Deed</td> <td>31.12.1986</td> <td>-----</td> <td>-----</td> <td>A- 13</td> </tr> <tr> <td>14</td> <td>Copy of the Balance and Security Confirmation Letter</td> <td>23.04.2015</td> <td>Rs.<br/>15,78,339/-</td> <td>Def. No. 1 &amp; 3</td> <td>A- 14</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15</td> <td>Copy of the Demand Notice</td> <td>30.01.2014 &amp; 18.03.2015</td> <td>Rs.<br/>18,55,508/-</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16</td> <td>Account Statement of Term Loan</td> <td>-----</td> <td>-----</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 16</td> </tr> </table>

6- Opportunity of hearing has been fully given to both the parties, but despite several opportunities given to defendants, the defendants have 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 defendants have 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 further submitted that Rs. 9,95,000/- has been recovered from the Defendants after filing of T.A. Therefore, the Applicant Bank has entitled to receive (Rs. 26,29,158 – Rs. 9,90,000/-) = Rs. 16,39,158/- It is further submitted by Id. Counsel of applicant bank that there is no any stay granted by any Higher Court, in respect of the proceedings of the present TA and requested to issue recovery certificate, as claimed for, in TA.

7- It has been established that defendants are living and carrying on their business in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Cause of action also arose in the 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 31.12.2013, whereas the present application has been filed on 27.12.2016. 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 Neeraj Kumar Ananda, Chief 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 defendants have 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 defendants have 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 defendants were 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. Defendants have 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 defendants and facility was availed by the defendants 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. 26,29,158/- with cost and further interest @ 13.6% per annum plus 2% penal interest with monthly rests, from the date of filing of TA till realization. During the pendency of OA Rs. 9,90,000/- was recovered, therefore, Applicant Bank is entitled for Recovery of Rs. 16,39,158/- only (Rs. 26,29,158 – Rs. 9,90,000/-).

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 defendants in terms of documents and as per directives of R B I, but keeping the facts and circumstances of the case in mind, the defendants deserve some leniency in the rate of interest.

16- None of the defendants appeared 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 defendants have 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 it's debts with interest, from defendants, jointly and severally **Rs. 16,39,158/-** only (Rs. 26,29,158 – Rs. 9,90,000/-) alongwith pendentelite and future interest @ 10% simple per annum from the date of filing of TA i.e. 27.12.2016 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 exparte and debt is determined with costs against the defendants and it is, hereby, ordered that the applicant bank is entitled to receive it's debts with interest, from defendants, jointly and severally, amounting to **Rs. 16,39,158/-** only (Rs. 26,29,158 – Rs. 9,90,000/-) alongwith pendentelite and future interest @ 10% simple per annum from the date of filing of TA i.e. 27.12.2016 till realization of the entire sum due and recoverable with costs. The prayer of penal interest is declined.

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 Defendants in execution proceedings*. *The amount of Rs. 9,90,000/- be adjusted towards the debt and only the balance amount Rs. 16,39,158 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 Defendants jointly or severally. The cost of litigation be also borne by the Defendants.*

*The Defendants are hereby restrained by means of injunction from depleting, transferring, encumbering, alienating, selling or otherwise*

7DRT, ALLAHABADTA 368 of 2018 [J]

*dealing with hypothecated assets/ mortgage properties or their other immovable/movable properties/estates without first paying the above claim of Applicant Bank/Certificate Holder.*

*In case, any of the Defendants expire, 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 defendants.

Pending I.As, if any, stands disposed off in the light of Judgment.

Parties are directed to appear before the Recovery Officer, DRT, Allahabad on 30.03.2024. The order be communicated accordingly.

Judgment signed, sealed, dated and pronounced in the open court on this 18^th Day of January, 2024.

Dictated & Corrected by me.

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

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