Lakshmi [Appellants(s)] Vs. Gopi & Ors. [Respondent(s)]
CIVIL APPEAL NO. 9006 OF 2026
Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.9510 of 2023
(DB, Before Sanjay Karol and Vipul M. Pancholi, JJ.)
Overview
The matter concerned a property dispute arising from the estate of Thankam. The Supreme Court examined whether the High Court of Kerala could reverse a trial court degree through an order without re-appreciating the evidence.
The Court also considered the legal requirements for proving a will, and the propriety of adverse remarks which were made against the Trial Judge.
The judgement reiterates the duties of a First Appellate Court under order Order 41 Rule 31 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Facts of the Case
The dispute was related to the estate of Thankam, who died on 27 August 2011. The appellant, who was one of her children, filed a suit of partition after she claimed that she had absolutely no knowledge of any testamentary disposition made by her mother.
The defendant opposed the suit by relying on a registered will, which was dated 22 March 1999. It was contended by them that Thankam had left them her properties in their favour.
The Principal Sub Court in Thrissur examined the evidence and refused to accept the will. The Trial Court found out that Thankam was illiterate, and there was no proper evidence to prove that the content of the will had been read over and explained to her before execution.
The attesting witness who was examined in support of the will did not establish the requirements under Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act 1925, as to the manner of execution and attestation.
Accordingly, a preliminary decree for partition was passed by the Trial Court, and the plaintiff was granted to 2/10th share. Following the same, a First Appeal was filed by the defendants before the High Court of Kerala.
The High Court allowed the appeal, reversed the decree, and restored the claims of the defendant under the Will. The High Court also made adverse remarks against the Trial Judge and directed that the Principal Sub Judge should be sent for training at the Kerala Judicial Academy.
Aggrieved by the same, the plaintiff approached the Supreme Court.
Legal Issues
- Whether a First Appellate Court can reverse a Trial Court decree without re-appreciating the entire evidence.
- Whether the High Court complied with Order 41 Rule 31 CPC by framing points for determination and giving reasons.
- Whether the defendants proved that the Will was in accordance with Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act and Section 67 and 68 of the Evidence Act.
- Whether the adverse remarks and direction for training against the Trial Judge were justified.
Decision
The appeal was allowed by the Supreme Court, the judgment of the High Court was set aside and the First Appeal was restored for fresh consideration before the High Court of Kerala.
The Court held that a First Appellate Court is the final court when it comes to facts. It is its responsibility to independently assess the evidence, frame points for determination and record proper reasons before reversing a decree of a Trial Court.
The High Court order did not satisfy these requirements.
As to the Will, the Supreme Court observed that the High Court did not properly examine the circumstances as to the testator’s understanding of the document and the proof of execution and attestation.
The Court also set aside the adverse remarks and the direction which required the Trial Judge to undergo proper training at the Kerala Judicial Academy. Relying on the principles of judicial restraint, it was held by the Court that such remarks against judicial officers should not be made unless absolutely necessary for deciding a particular case.
All contentions were left open, and the High Court was directed to hear the First Appeal on merits without being influenced by any earlier remarks. No order as to costs was made.
