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2004 DIGILAW 564 (BOM)

Rama Madhav Devta Trust v. NR

2004-04-27

ANOOP V.MOHTA

body2004
JUDGMENT - MOHTA ANOOP V., J.:---Heard Mr. M.D. Abhyankar for the petitioners. 2. The present petition has been taken out by the Rama Madhav Devta Trust (for short "the trust") to sale of the trust property, in favour of M/s. Ameya Developers, Mumbai, by invoking section 34 of the Indian Trust Act, 1982 (for short "Trust Act"). One Shri Vishnu Gosavi had executed agreement, a deed of endowment on 3rd February, 1962 in respect of the property situated at Survey No. 84, hissa No. 2, admeasuring 1,100 sq. mts. at village Amboli, Andheri, Mumbai, and created the trust. In the year 2000 the property was damaged, because of flood. On 9-9-2002 the Structural Engineer, Mr. H.R. Daji, has submitted his report that the structure should be dismentaled. On 1-10-2002, the trust, therefore, called upon meeting and unanimously decided to take advise from the architect. Accordingly, one Mr. Anil Patil, was appointed. On 15-10-2002, Mr. Anil Patil, (architect), has given estimate of Rs. 12,15,005/- for repair cost. On 20-4-2003 the trust asked architect to submit a proposal for the construction, using balance F.S.I. on the property, as the trust did not have any fund. On 2-11-2002, the said architect Anil Patil, submitted report that the development of the property is viable. The trust therefore, considered the proposal and invited quotations from the various persons. After receipt of the quotations, the trust considered, the quotation, submitted by M/s. Ameya Developers, proper and most suitable to work out. Therefore, the trust has filed the present petition on 26th September, 2003 for grant of permission to sale or to develop the trust property in question. By order dated 15th October, 2003 the petition was accepted and notices were issued. By order dated 23rd January, 2004 one additional valuer was appointed from the empanelled valuers of the High Court to submit valuation certificate of the fair market price in the property in question. 3. The matter was called out, valuers report was accordingly, opened in the Court. After considering the valuation of A.T. T.S. dated 5th March, 2004 petitioner's Advocate has filed affidavit of trustee namely Arun Keshav Gosavi, dated 19th April, 2004 and submitted that the valuer has failed to take into consideration, the averments raised by the petitioner, in para 8 of the petition, in which it is clearly stated that the developer is giving sum of Rs. 35 lakhs and in addition to that also providing 1100 sq. area of land free of cost. The said developer is ready to construct a temple, on the said property, which the valuer has noted in valuation Exh. 16 in paragraph 8. The developer is paying Rs. 35 lakhs, and odd, and going to construct a temple, which will cost him around Rs. 7.5 lakhs to 10 lakhs. The valuer has not given reference of 1100 sq.ft. area free of costs. The petitioner trust is getting 1100 sq. approximately extra area, of valuation of Rs. 33 lakhs approximately. Therefore, the amount which comes to the trust on the basis of this, the trust is getting Rs. 33 lakhs plus 35 lakhs, apart from paying cash or constructing the temple of costs Rs. 7.5 to 10 lakhs. So, therefore, the trust is getting practically Rs. 75 lakhs. Besides this the developer is taking responsibility to negotiate with the tenants and providing them alternative accommodation as well. In view of this, the case is made out by the petitioner for sanction of sale. 4. Mr. Abhyankar, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, pointed out, that this Court has jurisdiction to pass the order, in view of the judgment, reported in 1994(4) Bom.C.R. 370 (Khetan Industries Pvt. Ltd. and others v. Manju Ravindraprasad Khetan)1, thereby this Court has declared to have jurisdiction in such matters. By interpreting section 73 of the Trust Act, referring "Principal Civil Court of Original Jurisdiction" for Great Bombay, is the High Court Original Side, and not the City Civil Court. He also relied on the judgment in 1991(4) Bom.C.R. 289 (Chatrabhuj Mavji Merchant v. Sumati Morarjee and others)2, and submitted that, this Court has jurisdiction to pass order in this petition. Such application under the Indian Trust Act, is maintainable in the Bombay High Court (Original Side). The reference to the Rule 26 r/w Rules 7 and 8 of the High Court Rules (Original Side) also made. After going through the reasons, as well as, provisions referred by the learned Advocate for the petitioner. In my opinion also, the present Misc. Petition is maintainable. I see, this is a fit case, to grant the sanction of sale and develop the trust property, as prayed on merit. 5. After going through the reasons, as well as, provisions referred by the learned Advocate for the petitioner. In my opinion also, the present Misc. Petition is maintainable. I see, this is a fit case, to grant the sanction of sale and develop the trust property, as prayed on merit. 5. The facts and circumstances of this case and in view of the submissions, made in the affidavit dated 19-4-2004, the present petition is allowed in terms of prayer Clause (a). 6. Mr. Abhyankar, appearing for the petitioner ready to deposit Rs. 15 lakhs in the Nationalised Bank in the name of the trust for investment in such reasonable scheme. This permission is also granted. There is no question of any cash transactions, even for construction of a temple. In view of this, petition is disposed of. 6-A. Mr. Abhyankar pointed out that the valuation report dated 5th March, 2004 submitted by A.T. T.S. Associate has submitted bill of Rs. 16,200/- towards cost of valuation report, i.e. professional fees, this amount is also sanctioned and to be paid by the trust, as per normal course. 7. Parties concerned to act on a simple copy of this order, duly authenticated by the Court Stenographer/Chamber Registrar of this Court. Petition allowed. -----