In Brief
Two money recovery suits were filed by the appellant against the respondents for Rs. 10,48,000 and Rs. 67,31,000 respectively. While the trial court dismissed both suits, the District Court allowed the appellant's appeals and granted decrees. However, the High Court reversed these decrees, accepting the respondents' plea of full and final settlement and ordering the appellant to refund amounts paid in anticipatory bail proceedings. The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, setting aside the High Court's judgment. The Court held that where a defendant admits receipt of money, the burden lies on the defendant to prove discharge by settlement or that the payment was gratuitous. Oral evidence of mediators without written documentation was insufficient, and the plea of gratuitous payment was not established. The decrees of the District Court were restored."
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