METRO POLYMERS Vs. INDIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY LIMITED

JUDGEMENT

(1.) 1 This appeal has been filed by the defendants in O.A. 472/97 (hereinafter referred to as "the appellant-defendants") against the impugned order dated 28.4.2000 passed by the learned Presiding Officer of the Debts Recovery Tribunal, Delhi (hereinafter referred to as "the DRT") dismissing the application filed by the appellant-defendants to set aside the ex parte final order passed against them on 24.3.1998 in O.A. 472/97.

(2.) The respondent-Indian Renewable Energy Development agency Limited (hereinafter referred to as "the respondent") filed the O.A. before the DRT for the recovery of Rs. 24,86,977 with interest and costs. The learned Presiding Officer of the DRT passed the ex parte final order on 24.3.1998 accordingly.

(3.) THE learned Presiding Officer of the DRT also observed that the acknowledgement for service or the unserved envelopes had not returned in this O. A. and, therefore, there was presumption of service of summons on the appellant-defendants. THE learned Presiding Officer of the DRT held that no written application or even an affidavit that the appellant-defendants were evading service was required for directing substituted service since the Tribunal is not bound to observe the procedure prescribed by the provisions of the CPC, but is guided by the principles of natural justice. THE learned Presiding Officer of the DRT further observed that the appellant-defendants had not even given the date when they came to know about the proceedings in the O.A. and, therefore, the application filed for the purpose of setting aside the, ex parte final order is also barred by time. Observing that the appellant-defendants have failed to show any good and sufficient cause for setting aside the ex parte final order and that the application is also barred by limitation, the learned Presiding Officer of the DRT dismissed the application.