(1.) A short but a question of moment arises for consideration in the revision, which is filed against an order passed by the learned Munsiff, Punalur, holding that the decree which was challenged as barred by limitation is executable. The judgment debtor in EP No. 14/2005 in OS No. 184/1986, who suffered that adverse order is the revision petitioner, and the decree holder, the respondent.
(2.) Suit was one for recovery of possession and it was decreed on 14.2.1990. The decree was challenged by the judgment debtor with a petition to condone delay before the Sub Court, Kottarakkara as AS No. 49/1990. Petition moved for condonation of delay in preferring the appeal was dismissed, consequently the appeal also dismissed by judgment dated 18.12.2000. The Execution Petition was filed before the Munsiff Court, Punalur on 31.1.2005, that is, fourteen years after passing of the decree by that court.
(3.) I heard the learned counsel Adv. S. Sreekumar appearing for the revision petitioners and Adv. Subhash Syriac, for the 1st respondent. The counsel on both sides invited my attention to the judicial pronouncements rendered on the question whether the dismissal of an appeal from a decree filed with a petition to condone delay consequent to the dismissal of the petition for delay, would extend the period of limitation for execution of the decree till the date of dismissal of such appeal. Since there is no controversy on any facts involved in the case, the question posed for consideration solely rests on a pure question of law as to the effect of a dismissal of an appeal preferred with a petition for condonation of delay on dismissal of such delay petition, whether it would amount to confirmation of the decree appealed against.