Supreme Court Directs Continuation of Status-Quo in Specific Performance Case, Sets Six-Month Deadline for Trial Completion.
08 January 2025
Special Leave Petition >> Civil & Consumer Law
In a recent Supreme Court case of Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 13822/2024 arising out of impugned final judgment in CMA No. 252/2023 passed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh which was filed by the petitioners (original plaintiffs). The petitioners had sought an injunction against the respondents (defendants) to prevent them from transferring or encumbering the suit property during the pendency of the original suit for specific performance of contract.
The petitioners had prayed for several reliefs, including the specific performance of an agreement made on 16th August 2018 for the retransfer of land in Guntur District. They also sought liquidated damages of Rs. 10 crores and a mandatory injunction for the return of blank cheques and promissory notes. However, their request for an injunction was denied by both the Trial Court and the High Court.
The High Court noted that, while the appeal was dismissed, the order of status quo issued earlier would remain in place until the final disposal of the civil suit. The status quo order had been in effect for about six months and would continue until the trial court reaches a conclusion. The High Court also urged the XII Additional District Judge, Guntur District, to ensure that the case is concluded within six months.
Importantly, the High Court clarified that no opinion had been expressed on the merits of the suit, and the trial court would decide on the matter based on the evidence presented.
The Special Leave Petition was disposed of, and any pending applications were also resolved.