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Supreme Court of India 2021-07-16 dismissed

K.P. Natarajan & Anr vs Muthalammal & Ors

Bench: 2 — V. Ramasubramanian

In Brief

In this case, decree-holders sought to execute a decree for specific performance against defendants, one of whom was a minor. The High Court, exercising its power of superintendence under Article 227, set aside the ex-parte decree after discovering that the trial court failed to properly appoint a guardian for the minor defendant as required by procedural law. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's action, holding that courts have a duty to ensure minors are properly represented through duly appointed guardians, irrespective of party negligence or delay. The Court found the procedural requirements for guardian appointment are substantive safeguards, not mere technicalities, and a decree passed without compliance is void ab initio.

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Civil Procedure Minor Defendants Guardian Appointment Revision Jurisdiction Superintendence Ex-Parte Decrees Specific Performance Limitation

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