In Brief
Ajay Dabra sought specific performance for the purchase of agricultural land in Himachal Pradesh. A private company had agreed to buy the land but required government permission under state tenancy law, which was denied. The company then assigned its rights to Dabra, who sued for specific performance. The courts below dismissed the case both on merits and for delayed appeal. The Supreme Court held that the 254-day delay could not be condoned based on lack of funds, as the appellant was affluent and could have filed a defective appeal with later payment. On merits, the assignment was invalid without the seller's consent and would circumvent protective agricultural land laws by allowing non-agricultural use through an ostensible agriculturist. The appeals were dismissed.
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