HDFC BANK vs Sokkar on 31 December 2021

ORDER

1. This application is filed by the applicant bank under Section 19(1) of Recovery of Debts due and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 (formerly Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993) to issue a recovery certificate for a sum of Rs.15,55,060.34p, due as on 20.2.2019 under Business Loan together with interest thereon @16.25% p.a. and all other applicable overdue charges against the defendant from 20.2.2019 till the date of realization in full, along with costs of this application.

2. The facts of the case as stated in the OA, in brief, are as follows:- It is the case of the applicant that the defendant approached the Applicant Bank seeking for a Business Loan and the applicant after considering the same sanctioned the said loan facility to the tune of Rs.18,00,000/- under Loan Account Number 54362428. The Defendant agreed to the terms and conditions of the loan facility and executed the loan agreement dated 1.2.2018. The defendants also executed other necessary loan documents to secure the above said loan. It is further submitted that as per the stipulated terms and conditions of the said loan agreement, the defendant was bound to repay the aforementioned loan amount along with interest at 16.25% per annum in 36 equated monthly instalments of Rs.63,505/- each, which would commence from 4.3.2018 and end at 4.2.2021. The defendants availed the said loan for the purpose of his business obligations.

3. It is further submitted that the defendant failed to adhere to the terms and conditions of the loan agreement and defaulted in paying the legitimate dues on the respective dates. Hence, the applicant bank issued a legal notice dated 25.2.2019 demanding a sum of Rs.15,55,060.34p as on 20.2.2019 along with interest with effect from the date of the said notice, till realization. Since the said legal notice did not evoke any response from the defendant the present OA before this Tribunal.

4. Summons were taken out to the defendant and the summons were duly served. As there was no representation for the defendant on 21.6.2019, service was held sufficient and the defendants were called absent and set exparte. The Ld. Counsel for Applicant Bank filed proof affidavit and Exhibits A1 to A8 were marked and thereafter the applicant counsel made his submissions on 21.12.2021 and thereafter the matter stood to this date for passing final orders.

5. The following issues arise for consideration in the matter: - (a) Whether the applicant had succeeded in proving the liability of the defendant?

(b) What order as to cost of the proceedings need be passed?

These issues are considered together.

6. Heard the Ld. Counsel for the applicant, perused the OA averments and the record placed before the Tribunal.

7. The evidence of the applicant is led by AW1 who has produced the documents Exhibit A1 to A8 along with the proof affidavit. Exhibit A-1 is the certified copy of Power of Attorney dated 30.7.2018. Ex.A2 is the original Loan Application Form dated 20.1.2018. Ex.A3 is the Loan Agreement dated 1.2.2018. Ex.A4 is the original post dated cheque acknowledgment letter cm customer SI debit authorization form dated 1.2.2018. Ex.A5 is the original legal notice dated 25.2.2019. Ex.A6 is the original proof of service of the legal notice with respect to the address No.11A, Kumaran Street, Kamarasapuram, Madurai South MA, Munichalai Road, Near Ram Theatre, Madurai 625 009. Ex.A7 is the original returned cover of the legal notice with respect to the address Muthalvan Vegetables, Whole Sale Vegetable Merchant, No.230, Mattuthavani Central Vegetable Market, Madurai 625 020. Ex.A8 is the statement of accounts duly certified dated 20.2.2019.

8. The proof affidavit of the applicant bank remained unchallenged and unrebutted. Therefore, on a careful consideration of proof affidavit along with Exhibits filed on behalf of the applicant bank, besides the material placed before the Tribunal, this Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant bank has successfully proved the OA claim against the defendant. Point is answered accordingly.

9. In view of the aforementioned discussions, the only conclusion this Tribunal can draw is that the applicant had clearly proved the disbursement of the loan, which the applicant is entitled to realize. Hence, OA is disposed off in the following manner: - (a) OA No.201 of 2019 stands allowed.

(b) Applicant is permitted to realize a sum of Rs. 15,55,060.34p together with interest thereon @13%p.a. (simple) against the defendant from 15.5.2019 till the date of realization in full, after deducting the amounts received or realised under SARFAESI Act or otherwise during the pendency of OA, from the defendants, and also by selling the other assets of the defendant.

(c) If the sale proceeds are not found sufficient to cover the amount due and payable to the Applicant Bank, the defendant is personally liable for all such amounts due.

(d) Applicant is permitted to realize cost of the proceedings and shall file cost memo within 7 days from the date of the order.

(e) The Recovery Certificate shall be drawn up and issued to the Recovery Officer in terms of this final order.

10. Communicate a copy of the order to the parties concerned in terms of Section 19(21)(i) of the RDB Act, read with Rule 16 of DRT (Procedure) Rules, 1993. (Dictated to Steno(SN), transcribed by him, corrected, signed and pronounced by me in Virtual Court, through Video Conference on this 31st day of December, 2021)

Sd/-

(T. RAJESH)

PRESIDING OFFICER

(i/c) DRT-I, CHENNAI