INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK vs M/S SHREEJEE COLD STORAGE & CHILLING PLANTS PVT. LTD. on 1 October 2022

**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 (here-in-after referred to as Act) on 08.07.2014, against the defendants to recover **Rs.5,74,85,530/- (Rs. Five crore seventy four lac eighty five thousand five hundred thirty only)** alongwith pendentelite and future interest @ 14.50% per annum plus 2% over due interest – 16.50% per annul from 14.02.2014 with costs till realization.

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 is a Banking Company constituted under the Banking Companies (Acquisition & Transfer of Undertaking) Act 1970 having its Head office at 763, Anna Salai, Chennai (Madras) having one of its branch at 1/7, Nath Complex, M.G. Road, Dhakran Crossing, Agra – 282010 (U.P.).

The brief history of the case as gathered from the Original Application are that the defendant no.1 Private Limited Company of which defendant nos. 2 to 4 are directors whereas defendant no. 5 is corporate guarantor of the loans granted to defendant no. 1 Company. The defendant no. 4 in capacity of one of the Director of defendant no. 1 Company, approached the applicant bank for grant of financial assistance for smooth functioning of their business. The applicant bank considered the request of the defendants and sanctioned following credit facilities to the defendant no. 1 :

<thead> <tr> <th>Sl. No.</th> <th>Loan/Facility</th> <th>Loan Amount(in lac)</th> <th>Interest (Compoundable monthly</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>1.</td> <td>Term Loan I (for construction of building)</td> <td>190.00</td> <td>BPLR which was applicable at that time 14% per annum</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2.</td> <td>Term Loan II (for machinery )</td> <td>90.00</td> <td>BPLR which was applicable at that time 14% per annum</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3.</td> <td>Cash Credit (Advance to farmers)</td> <td>140.00</td> <td>BPLR which was applicable at that time 14% per annum</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

together with interest vide its sanction letter dated 04.10.2008. The said facilities were repayable in instalments together interest thereon commencing from July, 2009.

Upon sanctioning of the said credit facilities, the defendant nos.1 as principal borrower and defendant nos. 2 to 4 in capacity of guarantors signed and executed bank's security documents on 04.10.2008 in favour of the applicant bank.

In order to secure the said credit facilities, the defendant no.2,3,4 and 5 for defendant no. 1 hypothecated the entire goods and stock of defendant no. 1 Company and defendant nos. 2 to 4 in capacity of guarantor created equitable mortgage of their landed properties i.e. Plot of Land admeasuring 1964.83 sq. mts., Khasra No. 589, at Mauza Nadau, Tehsil Etmadpur and Dist. Agra (UP) & Plot of land admeasuring 18.58 sq. mts Khasra No. 589, at Mauza Nadau, Tehsil Etmadpur and Dist. Agra (UP) owned by defendant no. 4

LOT No. II

Plot of land admeasuring 1964.83 sq. mts Khasra No. 589, at Mauza Nadau, Tehsil Etmadpur and Dist. Agra (UP) and Plot of land admeasuring 325.14 sq. mts Khasra No. 589, at Mauza Nadau, Tehsil Etmadpur and Dist. Agra (UP) owned by defendant no. 3; LOT No. III

Plot of land admeasuring 3200 sq. mts. Khasra No. 122, at Mauza Jaganpur, Tahsil and District : Agra (U.P.) owned by defendant nos. 3 and 5; LOT NO. IV

Plot of Land admeasuring 4273.40 sq. mts Khasra No. 589, at Mauza Nadau, Tehsil Etmadpur and Dist. Agra (UP) owned by defendant no. 4 in favour of the Applicant Bank.

At further request of the defendant no. 1, the Applicant Bank sanctioned Rs. 13.00 lac in the shape of Cash Credit Limit vide its sanction letter dated 16.03.2010 and inconsideration thereof the defendants further executed loan and security documents on 22.03.2010 and the defendant nos. 1,3,4 and 5 further extended mortgage in respect of the already mortgaged properties by executing letters of such intention all on 26.03.2010 in favour of the Applicant Bank.

It is further submitted that the applicant bank had disbursed the loan amount in favour of defendant no.1. It is further submitted that the defendant nos. 2 to 5 being guarantors of loan granted to defendant no. 1 executed and signed Agreement of Loan cum-Hypothecation and created charge over the entire assets of defendant no. 1 i.e. current assets including stocks, stocks in trade, receivables, consumables stores and spares and entire current assets and hypothecated movable plant and machinery as also properties mortgaged in favour of the Applicant Bank.

4DRT, ALLAHABADTA 74 of 2018[J]

The defendants availed the said credit facilities but could not adhere with the terms and conditions of the said advance and failed to deposit the monthly instalment regularly and punctually as agreed. The defendants also failed to comply with the terms and conditions mentioned in guarantee agreement and as such a huge amount have become due against the defendants. As a result the account became very sticky in operation and became non performing assets on 31.03.2011. However, the defendants executed and signed various loan and security documents and confirmed the debts.

4. The applicant bank requested the defendants for adjusting the bank's dues but the defendants neither approached the bank nor paid the dues. The Applicant Bank also served Notices on 20.01.2014 and on 07.02.2014 to the defendants although the defendants assured and promised to pay the dues of the bank but the defendants failed to comply with the terms of the said notices.

5 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.

6. 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 10.02.2021 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.

7. Despite the registered summons/notices, 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 09.09.2022.

8. To prove its case, the applicant Bank has referred attested copies of various documents before this Tribunal with its Original Application on 08.07.2014. The applicant bank also filed Affidavit in Evidence of Shri Shashi Kant Gautam, Chief Manager. The details of documents are as follows:-

<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>Power of Attorney</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>Bank</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Sanction letter</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Resolution</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Demand Promissory Note</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4 for Def. No. 1 Company</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Letter of repayment</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4 for Def.</td> <td>5</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

<thead> <tr> <th></th> <th></th> <th></th> <th></th> <th>No. 1<br/>Company</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Letter of delivery and<br/>continuity</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>190.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>6</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7.</td> <td>Demand Promissory<br/>Note</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>90.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>7</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8.</td> <td>Letter of repayment</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>90.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>8</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9.</td> <td>Letter of delivery and<br/>continuity</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>90.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>9</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10.</td> <td>Term Loan Agreement</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>280.00</td> <td>Def. Nos. 3<br/>&amp; 4 for<br/>Def. No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>10</td> </tr> <tr> <td>11.</td> <td>Demand Promissory<br/>Note</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>140</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>12.</td> <td>Letter of repayment</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>140.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>12</td> </tr> <tr> <td>13.</td> <td>Letter of<br/>Hypothecation</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>140.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3<br/>&amp; 4 for<br/>Def. No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr> <td>14.</td> <td>Letter of<br/>Hypothecation</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>140.00</td> <td>Def. Nos. 3<br/>&amp; 4 for<br/>Def. No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15.</td> <td>Letter of<br/>Hypothecation</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3<br/>and 4 for<br/>def. no. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>15</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16.</td> <td>Letter of guarantee</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 2</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr> <td>17.</td> <td>Letter of guarantee</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>17</td> </tr> <tr> <td>18.</td> <td>Letter of guarantee</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4</td> <td>18</td> </tr> <tr> <td>19.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No.<br/>1,2,3,4 and<br/>5</td> <td>19</td> </tr> <tr> <td>20.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. Nos.<br/>1,2,3,4 and</td> <td>20</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

<thead> <tr> <th></th> <th></th> <th></th> <th></th> <th>5</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>21.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>21</td> </tr> <tr> <td>22.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>04.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr> <td>23.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>06.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>23</td> </tr> <tr> <td>24.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>06.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. Nos.<br/>1,2,3 ,4<br/>and 5</td> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr> <td>25.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>06.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. Nos.<br/>1,2,3,4 &amp; 5</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>26.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>04.09.2006</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>27.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>06.10.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3</td> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr> <td>28.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>28.07.2005</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3<br/>&amp; 4</td> <td>28</td> </tr> <tr> <td>29.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>28.07.2005</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3<br/>and 4</td> <td>29</td> </tr> <tr> <td>30.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>30.04.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. No. 2<br/>and 3</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>31.</td> <td>Correction Deed</td> <td>24.09.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. Nos. 2<br/>and 3</td> <td>31</td> </tr> <tr> <td>32.</td> <td>Sale Deed</td> <td>24.09.2008</td> <td>420.00</td> <td>Def. Nos. 2<br/>and 3</td> <td>32</td> </tr> <tr> <td>33.</td> <td>Sanction letter</td> <td>16.03.2010</td> <td>13.00</td> <td>Bank</td> <td>33</td> </tr> <tr> <td>34.</td> <td>Resolution</td> <td>17.03.2010</td> <td>13.00</td> <td>Def. No. 1</td> <td>34</td> </tr> <tr> <td>35.</td> <td>Demand Promissory<br/>Note</td> <td>22.03.2010</td> <td>13.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>35</td> </tr> <tr> <td>36.</td> <td>Letter of delivery and<br/>continuity</td> <td>22.03.2010</td> <td>13.00</td> <td>Def. No. 4<br/>for Def.<br/>No. 1<br/>Company</td> <td>36</td> </tr> <tr> <td>37.</td> <td>Letter of<br/>Hypothecation</td> <td>22.03.2010</td> <td>13.00</td> <td>Def. No. 3<br/>&amp; 4 for<br/>Def. No. 1</td></tr></tbody></table>

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. On the issue of Limitation, to prove it, the applicant bank has submitted that the applicant bank has declared that the accounts as NPA on 31.03.2011, whereas the present application has been filed on 08.07.2014. 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.

14. In the affidavit of Shri Shashi Kant Gautam, 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.

15. The documents as stated above reveal that the defendant nos.1 to 6 have applied for the 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 strengthen the case of the applicant bank.

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

17. Since, the defendants were proceeded exparte, 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 Accounts, 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.

18. 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 were availed by the defendants as stated in the application.

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

20. The applicant bank has sought for recovery of following sum with costs till realization:

- (i) **Rs.5,74,85,530/- (Rs. Five crore seventy four lac eighty five thousand five hundred thirty only)** along with pendentelite and future interest @ 14.50% per annum plus 2% over due interest – 16.50% per annul from 14.02.2014 till date of recovery/payment of entire dues. (Against defendant nos.1 to 5).

**Total amounting to Rs.5,74,85,530/-**

21. Learned Advocate appearing for the 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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 facility 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."*

25. In my view, the case of the bank is well proved by evidence of the applicant bank. The applicant bank is entitled to receive **Rs.5,74,85,530/- (Rs. Five crore seventy four lac eighty five thousand five hundred thirty only)** from the defendants jointly and severally alongwith pendentelite and future interest @10% simple from 14.02.2014 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 **Rs.5,74,85,530/- (Rs. Five crore seventy four lac eighty five thousand five hundred thirty only)** from the defendants jointly and severally alongwith pendentelite and future interest @10% simple from 14.02.2014 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 properties and mortgaged properties of the Defendant nos.1 to 5 in execution proceedings. The amount, if any, already recovered by sale of hypothecated & mortgaged 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 and 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 & mortgaged 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.

Parties are directed to appear before the Recovery Officer, DRT, Allahabad on 06.12.2022. The order be communicated accordingly.

Judgment signed, sealed, dated and pronounced in the open court on this . 1^st day of October, 2022.

Dictated & Corrected by me

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

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

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