IN THE COURT OF XXXXXXX; LD. DISTRICT
JUDGE, DIST. NORTH-WEST; ROHINI COURTS, DELHI.
CS DJ NO.: XXXXXXX OF 2017.
IN
THE MATTER OF:
XXXXXXX :
PLAINTIFF
VERSUS
XXXXXXX : DEFENDANTS
N.D.O.H.: XXXX
INDEX
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S.No. |
PARTICULARS |
PAGE
NO. |
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1. |
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE
PLAINTIFF IN THE PRESENT SUIT FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OF THE AGREEMENT TO
SELL DATED 17.12.2016. |
|
PLACE:
DELHI FILED BY
DATED:-
05.11.2024
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX,
XXXXXXX
Mob.No.XXXXXXX
Email: XXXXXXX
IN THE COURT OF XXXXXXX; LD. DISTRICT
JUDGE, DIST. NORTH-WEST; ROHINI COURTS, DELHI.
CS DJ NO.: XXXXXXX OF 2017.
IN
THE MATTER OF:
XXXXXXX :
PLAINTIFF
VERSUS
XXXXXXX : DEFENDANTS
N.D.O.H.: 06.11.2024
WRITTEN
SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PLAINTIFF IN THE PRESENT SUIT FOR SPECIFIC
PERFORMANCE OF THE AGREEMENT TO SELL DATED 17.12.2016.
MOST RESPECFULLY SHOWETH:-
1.
That the plaintiff and the Defendants
entered into an Agreement to Sell dated 17.12.2016 for the sale of the property
located at XXXXXXX(hereinafter "the Suit Property"). The agreement
was a legally binding contract executed between the parties in good faith, with
the plaintiff as the purchaser and the defendants as joint owners and sellers
of the Suit Property.
2.
That the total sale consideration agreed
upon was ₹38,50,000. As part of the agreement, the plaintiff paid a token
advance amount of ₹7,00,000 as earnest money. The agreement specifically
stipulated that the remaining balance of ₹31,50,000 was due to be paid on or
before 16.04.2017. Upon receipt of this balance, the defendants were bound to
execute the sale deed in favor of the plaintiff and hand over possession along
with the original chain of property documents.
3.
That on 15.04.2017 and 16.04.2017, as
stipulated, the plaintiff visited the Suit Property with the intent to complete
the payment and receive the documents and Plaintiff came to give the full and
final payment and see the actual position of property and asked to show the
Original documents of property then the Defendants did not allow the same and
Plaintiff conveyed the same to property dealer and then dealer came to
defendant and the Defendants asked for 15 days more time to shift the articles
from the property and asked to extend the 15 days' time for execution of the
sale documents of the property and also asked one or two days' time to show the
Original property documents. The plaintiff, in good faith, consented to this
extension, maintaining her willingness to perform her part of the contract.
4.
That the plaintiff was shocked and
surprised, when the defendants sent a letter dated 22.04.2017, alleging a
breach on the part of plaintiff and claiming forfeiture of the earnest money.
The plaintiff promptly responded by sending a legal notice on 05.05.2017,
confirming her readiness to complete the transaction and requesting the
defendants to comply with the terms of the agreement, in response to the same
defendants sent false and frivolous reply to the notice. Despite her attempts,
including booking an appointment with the registrar, the defendants failed to
perform their obligations. Consequently, the plaintiff filed the present suit
for specific performance.
5.
That the plaintiff has unequivocally
demonstrated her readiness and willingness to perform her obligations under the
agreement. She had the necessary funds secured well before the due date and was
prepared to finalize the transaction as per the terms. Her actions, including
obtaining demand drafts and repeatedly communicating with the defendants,
evidence her intention to fulfill her contractual duties.
6.
In N.P. Thirugnanam v. Dr. R. Jagan Mohan
Rao, (1995) 5 SCC 115: The Supreme Court emphasized that readiness and
willingness on the part of the plaintiff are essential for specific
performance. The court held that “the conduct of the plaintiff must show his
continuous readiness and willingness to complete the transaction.” In the
present case, the plaintiff’s timely actions and communication clearly satisfy
this requirement.
7.
In Syed Dastagir v. T.R. Gopalakrishna
Setty, (1999) 6 SCC 337: The Court observed that "readiness" implies
the capacity to perform, while "willingness" implies the intention to
perform. The plaintiff's financial arrangements and immediate response to the
defendants’ breach underscore both her readiness and willingness.
8.
Despite the adherence of the plaintiff to
the agreement terms, the defendants’ conduct reveals a clear intention to evade
their obligations. The letter dated 22.04.2017 of the defendants, issued
shortly after seeking an extension, indicates bad faith and an attempt to
unjustly enrich themselves by forfeiting the plaintiff’s earnest money. This
act violates the spirit of contractual obligations and exhibits the defendants’
lack of bona fides.
9.
In K.S. Vidyanadam v. Vairavan, (1997) 3
SCC 1: The Supreme Court held that the discretion of specific performance
should be exercised in favor of a plaintiff who shows willingness and bona fide
adherence to contract terms. This case affirms that where the defendant shows a
deliberate disregard for contract terms, courts are justified in enforcing
specific performance.
10.
In Surjit Kaur v. Naurata Singh, 2000 (2)
SCC 217: The Court condemned attempts by sellers to unfairly retain earnest
money and avoid performance, affirming that the remedy of specific performance
is an equitable relief for an aggrieved buyer.
11.
That the defendants’ claim of forfeiting
the earnest money lacks merit. The plaintiff did not breach any terms of the
agreement. Instead, the defendants unilaterally declared forfeiture despite the
plaintiff’s compliance and willingness to complete the sale. The forfeiture action
of defendants were thus unjustified and in breach of the contract’s fundamental
principles.
12.
In Satyabrata Ghose v. Mugneeram Bangur
and Co., AIR 1954 SC 44: This case emphasizes that forfeiture of earnest money
is only justified when a purchaser willfully refuses to perform. Here, the
plaintiff has displayed continuous compliance, making the defendants’
forfeiture unlawful.
13.
In Maula Bux v. Union of India, (1969) 2
SCC 554: The Supreme Court observed that forfeiture clauses must be strictly
construed and cannot be invoked arbitrarily. The plaintiff’s willingness and
actions demonstrate her adherence to the contract, rendering the forfeiture
legally unsound.
14.
That the plaintiff invokes Section 10 of
the Specific Relief Act, 1963, which provides that a contract for sale of
immovable property can be specifically enforced as monetary damages are often
inadequate to compensate for the loss of unique property interests. The
reliance on the Suit Property of the plaintiff as her chosen residence
establishes her unique interest and strengthens her claim for specific
performance.
15.
That given the adherence and willingness
of the plaintiff to the agreement and her readiness to complete the
transaction, this Hon'ble Court is empowered to exercise discretion in favor of
specific performance. Equity and fairness demand that the defendants fulfil
their part of the bargain rather than wrongfully forfeit the plaintiff's
earnest money and retain possession of the Suit Property.
16.
In Lachman Das v. Jagat Ram, AIR 2007 SC
1206: The Court reinforced that equity favors specific performance when the
buyer has adhered to the contract, especially in cases where the defendants act
in bad faith.
17.
In Ram Awadh (Dead) v. Achhaibar Dubey,
(2000) 2 SCC 428: This ruling reiterates that courts lean toward enforcing
specific performance in property transactions, especially where the plaintiff
has substantially performed and the defendants are attempting to renege without
justification.
18.
That the actions of the defendants not
only constitute a breach of contract but also show an intentional attempt to
avoid their obligations, despite the readiness and willingness of the plaintiff
to perform its of obligation of the agreement. The balance of equity, as
demonstrated, lies in favor of the plaintiff, who has diligently complied with
all aspects of the contract. Therefore, a decree of specific performance, along
with the other reliefs sought, should be granted to uphold justice and fairness
in this matter.
In light of
the aforementioned facts and submissions, it is most respectfully prayed that
this Hon’ble Court may graciously be pleased to:
a) A
decree directing the defendants to execute the sale deed in favor of the
plaintiff with respect to the Suit Property and to hand over vacant and
peaceful possession as per the agreement dated 17.12.2016.
b) An
order directing the defendants to hand over the original property ownership
documents to the plaintiff as agreed.
c) A
decree for ₹5,00,000 as compensation for mental agony and distress suffered by
the plaintiff due to the defendants' wrongful actions and breach of contract.
d) An
award of costs incurred in the present suit to the plaintiff, owing to the
defendants' failure to honor their obligations.
d) Any
other relief deemed fit by this Hon'ble Court to ensure justice in favor of the
plaintiff.
PLACE:
DELHI FILED BY
DATED:-
05.11.2024
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX,
XXXXXXX
Mob.No.XXXXXXX
Email: XXXXXXX