PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK vs SHRI DEVENDRA LAL, on 19 July 2024

1. 1. **Shri Devendra Lal**, S/o Shri Bahadur Lal Singh, R/o 76, S. B. Nagar, Dayal Bagh, District – Agra – 282005.

2. 2. **Smt. Neetu Chaudhary**, W/o Shri Devendra Lal, R/o 76, S. B. Nagar, Dayal Bagh, District – Agra – 282005.

...Defendants.

Present:

**For the Applicant** : Shri P. K. Srivastava, Advocate (Through VC) **For the Defendants** : Exparte

**Dated: 19.07.2024****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, before the DRT, Lucknow against the defendants to recover its debts from defendants of Rs. 16,46,665/- alongwith pendentelite and future interest @ 11.85% (Including 2% penal interest) 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. 149/2017 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 Banking Company and 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 the defendants No. 1 & 2 had approached the applicant Bank and applied for sanction of Vehicle Loan (Term Loan) of Rs. 12,90,000/- on 31.07.2013. The applicant Bank after considering the economic viability and securities offered by the defendants, the applicant Bank sanctioned the Vehicle Loan (Term Loan) of Rs. 12.90 lacs on 02.08.2013 repayable in 84 equated monthly installments of Rs. 12,956/-.

In order to secure the due repayment of the applicant Bank in respect of aforesaid credit facility together with interests, costs, charges and expenses, the defendants signed, executed and delivered several security documents on 02.08.2013 in favour of the applicant Bank at its Branch.

The defendants had availed the said Term Loan for the purchase of INNOVA CAR, Model 25 V (E4) and the said vehicle was registered with the Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh.

The defendant No. 1 had signed, executed and delivered Balance and Security Confirmation Letter dated 28.07.2015 confirming the balance in the loan account as on 30.11.2014.

3. The defendants 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 defendants became irregular and sticky and were declared NPA on 31.12.2014. The applicant Bank sent demand/recall notice on 09.09.2015/18.01.2016 to the defendants but despite receipt of the same, the defendants failed to liquidate bank's dues. All these acts and conduct on the part of the defendants are contrary to the terms and conditions of the documents signed and executed by defendant on behalf of defendant no. 1. Accordingly the applicant bank has moved this O.A. to recover public money.

The total outstanding due in the account comes to Rs. 16,46,665/- 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 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 28.06.2023, 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 28.06.2023, 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 05.12.2023 in "Hindustan", 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 18.07.2024.

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 &amp; Appraisal Note on Car Loan</td> <td>31.07.2013</td> <td>--</td> <td>Def. 1 &amp; 2</td> <td>A- 2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Copy of the Terms and Conditions acknowledged by the defendants</td> <td>02.08.2013</td> <td>12.90</td> <td>Def. 1 &amp; 2</td> <td>A- 3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Copy of the Letter of Hypothecation (For Car Loan)</td> <td>02.08.2013</td> <td>12.90</td>

<td>A- 4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Copy of the Irrevocable Letter of Undertaking (Car Loan)</td> <td>02.08.2013</td> <td>12.90</td> <td>Def. 1</td> <td>A- 5</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Copy of the Agreement of Guarantee</td> <td>02.08.2013</td> <td>12.90</td> <td>Def. 2</td> <td>A- 6</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Copy of the Sale Invoice No. INV130000550 from Sunny Motors Pvt. Ltd.</td> <td>06.08.2013</td> <td>16.31</td> <td>--</td> <td>A- 7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Copy of the Balance and Security Confirmation Letter</td> <td>28.07.2015</td> <td>12.59</td>

<td>A- 8</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Copy of the Letters</td> <td>06.02.2014<br/>22.09.2014<br/>08.01.2015<br/>02.02.2015<br/>20.06.2015<br/>10.07.2015<br/>31.12.2015<br/>22.01.2016<br/>26.04.2016</td> <td>--</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Copy of the Demand Notice</td> <td>09.09.2015</td> <td>13.64</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11</td> <td>Copy of the Recall Notice</td> <td>18.01.2016</td> <td>13.64</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>A- 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12</td> <td>Copy of the Account Statement of the Vehicle Loan (Term Loan)</td> <td>--</td> <td>--</td> <td>Bank</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 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 the defendants have 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 requested to issue recovery certificate, as claimed for, in OA.

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.10 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 31.12.2014, 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 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 unrebutted 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. 16,46,665/- with cost and further interest @ 11.85% (Including 2% penal interest) per annum with monthly rest from the date of filing i.e. 16.01.2017 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 appears that the applicant has not charged interest against defendants in terms of documents and as per directives of R B I. It is to mention here that the Base Rate has been introduced in the year of 2010 which was always remain below 10%. Likewise the MCLR has been introduced in the year 2016 which was also remain below 8.50%, therefore, the Applicant Bank has charged the rate of interest on very higher side and against the guidelines of the RBI, issued by time to time. Accordingly, the defendants deserve 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 Jaggers 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 defendants, jointly and severally Rs. 16,46,665/- 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 defendants and it is, hereby, ordered that the applicant bank is entitled to receive its debts from defendants, jointly and severally, it's debts with interest, amounting to Rs. 16,46,665/- 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 Defendants 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 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 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.

Parties are directed to appear before the Recovery Officer, DRT, Allahabad on 27.09.2024. The order be communicated accordingly.

Judgment signed, sealed, dated and pronounced in the open court on this 19^th Day of July, 2024.

Dictated & Corrected by me.

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

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

AD