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Delhi District Court

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd vs Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd on 2 January, 2017

       IN THE COURT OF Dr. KAMINI LAU: ADDL. DISTRICT
        JUDGE­II (CENTRAL): TIS HAZARI COURTS: DELHI

CS No. 24/2010
New No.: 17946/16

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd.
23/59 Old Rajinder Nagar,
New Delhi - 110060
Through its Director
Mr. Haresh Thakur
                                                                                            ....... Plaintiff
                                                   Versus

Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
# 61­62, Moniteth Road, Egmore, 
Chennai - 600008 
Through its Managing Director
Mr. Alfred Selvaraj
                                                                                        ....... Defendant

CS No. 02/2012
New No.: 15059/16

Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
# 61­62, Moniteth Road, Egmore, 
Chennai - 600008 
Through its Managing Director
Mr. Alfred Selvaraj
                                                                                            ........ Plaintiff
                                                   Versus

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd.
23/59 Old Rajinder Nagar,
New Delhi - 110060
Through its Director
Mr. Haresh Thakur
                                                                                        ....... Defendant

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10
Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12      Page No. 1 of 45
 Date of Institution of CS No. 24/2010:                              30.03.2010
Date of Institution of CS No. 02/2012:                              31.08.2012
Judgment Reserved on:                                               26.12.2016
Judgment Pronounced on:                                             02.01.2017

JUDGMENT:

(1) Vide this combine judgment, I propose to decide two cases i.e.  CS No. 24/2010  under the title 'Modern Radio House (India) Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd.' which is the main suit and CS No. 02/2012 under the title 'Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House (India) Pvt. Ltd.' which is the Counter Claim. (2) In so far as the suit bearing CS No. 24/2010 under the title 'Modern Radio House (India) Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd.'  is concerned, it has been filed by Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. against Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd. seeking Recovery of   Rs.11,10,999/­   (Rupees   Eleven   Lacs,   Ten   Thousand   and   Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Only)  along with interest.   In so far as the suit bearing CS No. 02/2012 under the title 'Picture Productions (India) Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern  Radio House (India)  Pvt. Ltd.'  is concerned, it is a Counter   Claim   filed   by   Picture   Productions   (India)   Pvt.   Ltd.   seeking Recovery of Rs.10,00,000/­ (Rupees ten Lacs only) alongwith interest.

Case   of   Modern   Radio   House   India   Pvt.   Ltd.   (Plaintiff   in   CS   No. 24/2010 and defendant in Counter Claim bearing CS No. 02/2012):

(3) The case of Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. (Plaintiff in CS No. 24/2010 and defendant in CS No. 02/2012) is that in May 2008 Picture   Productions   India   Pvt.   Ltd.   contacted   and   engaged   them   to Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 2 of 45 purchase   and   deliver   an   equipment   i.e.   'LED   Display   System'   at   their premises   for   a   total   value   of  Rs.65,00,000/­  (Rupees   Sixty   Five   Lakh Only)   but   no   written   purchase   order/   contract   was   placed   by   Picture Production.  It is pleaded that it was also agreed that as soon as possible Picture Production would provide the duly signed and stamped Purchase Order on its letter head to the Modern Radio House after which it would apply for a bank loan to import the Equipment in India. According to Modern   Radio   House,   on   21.07.2008   Modern   Radio   House   requested Picture   Productions   through   email   to   forward   a   duly   signed   Purchase Order on its letterhead, so that they could apply for bank loan but instead of forwarding the signed Purchase Order, Picture Productions threatened to cancel the complete order.  It is further pleaded that vide email dated 18.08.2008 Modern Radio House sent a detailed clarification stating that according to the mutually agreed terms Picture Productions has to pay approximately 55% (fifty five percent) of the contract value as advance and the balance has to be paid in four equal installments after delivery of the equipment and they (Picture Productions) had to provide duly signed Purchase Order on its letter head, so that they (Modern Radio House) could   get   approved   the   Bank   Loan   from   the   Bank   and   due   to   non­ issuance/   production   of   the   Purchase   Order   by   Picture   Production   the delivery scheduled for the Equipment was delayed.  It is also pleaded that Modern Radio House also also informed Picture Productions that they had already  made  a partial  payment  to the  manufacturer   for  supply  of  the Equipment,   which   was   ready   for   supply   at   the   warehouse   of   the manufacturer to be released on receipt of balance payment and requested Picture Productions not to cancel the order.  

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 3 of 45 (4) It   is   further   pleaded   that   after   much   persistence   Picture Productions   sent   the   signed   and   stamped   Purchase   Order   dated 25.09.2009 on its letter head for purchase of Equipment with pixel pitch of   10mm,   screen   size   of   3845   (W)   X   2280   (H)   mm   with   controller, interface software, Power switch and flight case of Equipment tiles.  It is also pleaded that the total value of the contract amount was Rs.65 lacs plus VAT @ 4% and Rs.25 lacs to be paid as advance, Rs. 10 lac against delivery and the balance of Rs.2,60,000/­ to be paid in 7 equal monthly installments   from   the   date   of   delivery.     According   to   Modern   Radio House, it was also stipulated that in case if there is a delay in payment of the installments, an interest on depreciating balance @ 14% per annum compounded shall be paid over and above of the total amount of Rs.65 lacs   plus   VAT   and   it   was   also   stipulated   that   the   material   has   to   be delivered within a period of 15 working days from the date of Purchase Order and in case if there is any delay in delivering the equipment an amount of  Rs.10,000/­ per day has to be paid to Picture Productions as Compensation.   According to Modern Radio House, after receiving the Purchase Order from Picture Productions on 15.10.2008 and 20.10.2008, within the prescribed period of 15 (fifteen) working days, they (Modern Radio House) delivered and installed the Equipment at the premises of Picture   Productions   in   Chennai   and   also   handed   over   all   the   original papers   including   the   warranty   card   issued   by   the   manufacturer.     It   is further   pleaded,   that   on   20.10.2008   the   Managing   Director   of   Picture Productions   issued   a   certificate   on   their   letter   head   certifying   that   the Equipment   had   been   assembled   and   tested   to   their   satisfaction.     It   is pleaded that after receiving the completion certificate issued by Picture Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 4 of 45 Productions, the obligation of Modern Radio House came to an end as the scope   of   the   purchase   order   was   only   to   purchase   and   supply   the equipment   at   the   site   of   Picture   Productions.     It   is   also   pleaded   that Modern Radio House had never undertaken to repair the equipment and also never took responsibility to provide after sale services, which is also clear from the terms and conditions of the Purchase Order, however, out of   courtesy   and   business   relationship   and   on   request   of   Picture Productions, Modern Radio House once volunteered to help and repaired the equipment and sent it back to Picture Productions on 24.02.2009 at its own expenses and cost.  Thereafter on 18.03.2009 in reply to email dated 05.03.2009   received   from   Picture   Productions,   asking   Modern   Radio House to resolve some problem in the equipment, Modern Radio House informed   Picture   Productions   that   they   had   asked   the   manufacturer   to resolve the same and also requested them (Picture Productions) to release the   balance   amount.     It   is   further   pleaded   that   Modern   Radio   House through   registered   post   dated   28.10.2009   once   again   reminded   Picture Productions to release the outstanding amount of Rs.10,59,763/­ (Rs. Ten Lakh Fifty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Three only) including the delayed interest as stipulated in the Purchase order and thereafter on 30.10.2009 by email once again requested Picture Productions to release the outstanding amount with interest before 06.11.2009.  It is also pleaded that Picture Productions neither replied to the email dated 30.10.2009 nor cleared   the   outstanding   amount   and   hence   left   with   no   other   option, Modern   Radio   House   through   its   counsel   sent   a   legal   notice   dated 12.11.2009   asking   Picture   Productions   to   clear   the   payment   of outstanding amount of  Rs.10,62,335/­  including interest thereon, failing Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 5 of 45 which they shall be constrained to initiate legal proceedings against them for recovery of the said outstanding amount.   It is also pleaded that in reply to the legal notice dated 25.11.2009, Picture Productions without referring to the terms of the Purchase order once again tried to shift the blame on Modern Radio House and refused to make the payment.   It is pleaded that Picture Productions under one pretext or another delayed the balance payment and eventually raised false controversy that there was an inordinate delay in supplying the equipment and Modern Radio House did not provide the required after sales services during the warranty period.  It is also pleaded that there was no delay on part of Modern Radio House in supplying the equipment and they had never agreed to provide any after sales services, to the contrary it was the Picture Productions who even after various reminders failed to give the stamped and signed Purchase Order.   Therefore,   Modern   Radio   House   filed   the   suit   bearing  CS No.24/2010  seeking  recovery  of  Rs.11,10,999/­  (Rs.   Eleven   Lakh  Ten Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine only) from Picture Productions.  

Case   of   Picture   Productions   India   Pvt.   Ltd.   (Defendant   in   CS   No. 24/2010 and Counter Claimant in CS No. 02/2012):

(5) After   being   served   with   the   summons,   Picture   Production India Pvt. Ltd. filed its Written Statement and also filed a Counter Claim seeking recovery of  Rs. 10 lacs through its Managing Director  Alfred Selvraj.  It has been alleged that due to delay in delivery of the equipment and delay in rectification of inherent defects, the equipment could not be effectively used on account of which they suffered losses.   The case of Picture Productions is that they are into business of renting out Audio Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 6 of 45 Visual Equipment in Chennai and was in need of LED Display System.

One Mr. Davinder Wadhwa the common acquaintance of Modern Radio House and Picture Productions, asked the defendant (Picture Productions) to contact the plaintiff (Modern Radio House) who was reported to be the dealer   of   LED   Display   System   and   other   electronic   equipments   and accordingly the defendant/ counter claimant approached the plaintiff for purchasing LED Display System.   On this the plaintiff (Modern Radio House) expressed its readiness to sell/ supply the LED Display System and further informed that they would also provide the after sales service and is having well training and competent support staff in various parts of the   country   including   Chennai   for   providing   after   sales   service.     It   is pleaded that the defendant convinced by the representation made by the plaintiff who assured that they (plaintiff - Modern Radio House) would be   responsible   for   after   sales   service   etc.   and   agreed   to   purchase   the equipment after the modalities of the sale and purchase of the equipment were   orally   discussed.     It   was   agreed   that   the   price   of   the   equipment would   be   Rs.65,00,000/­   (Rupees   Sixty   Five   Lacs)   of   which Rs.25,00,000/­ (Rupees Twenty Five Lacs) was paid as advance by way of five cheques each commencing from 08.05.2008 upto 18.06.2008 and it was agreed upon by the plaintiff that it would deliver and install the LED Display System at Chennai within 15 days of encashment of two cheques   which   fell   in   the   month   of   June   2008   since   it   was   clearly conveyed that the Equipment was urgently required in the month of July 2008 and the remaining amount would be paid in seven equal monthly installments   out   of   the   business,   the   defendant   would   be   generating through the said equipment.   It was further agreed that in case of any Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 7 of 45 delay, the plaintiff (Modern Radio House) shall compensate the defendant (Picture   Productions)   since   it   was   made   clear   to   the   plaintiff   that   the defendant would be having two programmes in the month of July 2008 and for that reason the plaintiff had to deliver the equipment in June 2008 itself.  It was also agreed between the parties that the defendant would be having   no   relation   with   the   manufacturer   and   the   plaintiff   would   be responsible for the functioning of the said equipment, which condition was accepted by the plaintiff.   Thereafter despite getting the cheques of the advance payment encashed, the plaintiff (Modern Radio House) did not deliver the LED Display System by the end of June 2008 on which the defendant conveyed that they would be cancelling the contract and would be   demanding   refund   of   the   advance   payment.     However,   since   the plaintiff   was   unable   to   meet   the   delivery   schedule   despite   getting   the cheques encashed and due to the repeated inquiries of the defendant and threat   to   cancel   the   threat,   the   plaintiff   instead   of   fulfilling   its commitment, started asking for placing of purchase order. (6) According to the defendant, it was for the plaintiff to have arranged for the funds at its own level for import of the equipment and it was never stipulated that the defendant would provide any documentary support to the plaintiff for arrangement of the funds from the Bank and in order to pre­empt the claim of the defendant to seek the refund of the advance   amount,   for   the   first   time   the   plaintiff   sent   an   email   dated 21.07.2008   seeking   issuance   of   Purchase   Order   and   also   sought   the attested signature of the defendant.  It is pleaded that left with no choice the defendant vide its letter dated 28.07.2008 conveyed to the plaintiff that it had already lost two live outdoor programmes and in case if the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 8 of 45 LED   Display   System   was   not   supplied   by   05.08.2008   the   defendant would   cancel   the   order   and   further   requested   that   if   the   plaintiff   was unable to supply the equipment, then return the money to the defendant. It is also pleaded that the plaintiff neither supplied the equipment nor it refunded   the   advance   money   and   hence   on   07.08.2008   the   defendant wrote   to   Mr.   Wadhwa   informing   him   about   the   non   delivery   of   LED System on time and hence they were cancelling the order for the same. The copy of the said mail was also forwarded to the plaintiff pursuant to which   the   plaintiff   sent   an   email   to   the   defendant   on   18.08.2008   and raised the same issue of  Purchase Order and its inability for  raise the funds from the bank and also conveyed that it (Modern Radio House) took loan at higher interest rate from the third source in order to arrange the import of the LED Display System and also asked for the Post Dated Cheques and offered to give a discount of Rs.3,00,000/­ against the loss of amount of interest on the advance paid by the defendant to the plaintiff. It is further pleaded that on 18.09.2008 the defendant again wrote to the plaintiff   informing   them   that   it   (Picture   Production)   had   already   lost business worth Rs.9,00,000/­ (Rupees Nine Lacs only) and the advance money was also lying idle with the plaintiff for the last three months and since   the   plaintiff   was   having   upper   hand   having   in   receipt   of   huge advance money, the defendant still gave two option to the plaintiff i.e. cancel the order and refund the advance money with interest @ 25% or the material be dispatched within 15 days from the date of receipt of letter and to give credit period of seven months for the balance payment from the date of receipt of the material, upon which conditions the defendant agreed to issue to Purchase Order and accordingly issued the same on Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 9 of 45 25.09.2008   with   the   terms   and   conditions   duly   spelt   out   in   the   same. Prior   to   the   same   the   plaintiff   had   insisted   upon   payment   of Rs.10,00,000/­ as further advance and the defendant had no option but to pay the said amount to the plaintiff.   It is also pleaded that the plaintiff delivered   the   equipment   to   the   defendant   vide   delivery   challan   dated 14.10.2008 and on 20.10.2008 the same was installed pursuant to which the defendant issued necessary certificate to the plaintiff in this regard, but the defendant started facing problems with the LED Display System since   each   time   display   system   was   switched   on,   the   display   was   not shown on the full screen and it was haphazard and 35 to 45 single bulbs were not working properly and these bulbs showed only a red display. According to the defendant, they made a complaint to the plaintiff on 09.02.2009 on which the employees of the plaintiff took the equipment for servicing on 10.02.2009 after which the defendant sent a reminder to the plaintiff vide letter dated 18.02.2009 and thereafter the LED Wall was received   back   after   service/   repairs.     However,   the   defects   were   not removed completely on which the defendant informed the plaintiff about the   same   vide   its   mail/   letter   dated   05.03.2009   informing   that   the defendant  was still  facing problem with the system as the black spots were not completely removed and Heat Sync's had fallen down and it was not advisable to use the system without Heat Sync.  It is also pleaded that the defendant sent complaints/ reminders on 07.03.3009 and 10.03.2009 and it was only on 11.03.2009 that the plaintiff informed the defendant that   they   had   forwarded   the   complaint   to   the   Manufacturer   and   they would get back by 12.03.2009.  According to the defendant, the plaintiff kept on insisting for the payment without putting the equipment in the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 10 of 45 working condition on which they (Picture Production) made it clear that the amount of installment could be released only after the rectification of the problem on the part of the plaintiff so that the display system could be used productively.   Thereafter the plaintiff asked the defendant not the link the payment with "the heat sync" and assured to get the problem rectified but on 18.03.2008 the plaintiff informed that they had asked the manufacturer to send them (plaintiff) the special fluid and instructions to fix the heat syncs and again asked the defendant to release the payment. It   is   further   pleaded   that   vide   communication   dated   19.03.2009,   the defendant made it clear to the plaintiff that they (defendant) were not in a position   to   use   the   LED   Display   System   productively   and   it   was   not enough to sent the mail to the manufacturer and requested the plaintiff to speed up the action and rectify the defects.  It is also pleaded that though the   email   dated   25.03.2009   contained   the   information   that   the manufacturer had sent the package to the plaintiff but the same was not sent  to Chennai  for getting the equipment rectified.   According to the defendant,   they   again   sent   the   email/   reminders   to   the   plaintiff   on 02.04.2009 for non receipt of package and the plaintiff informed through its mail that the spares are cleared from the customs today except the glue, which the airlines consider as hazardous item, hence is being sent by air mail.  It is also pleaded that the plaintiff could not rectify the problem of black spots and the defendant kept on facing the problem of black spots and the defendant  was unable to use the LED Display System for the programmes for which it was bought.  It is further pleaded that since the problems with the LED Display System could not be rectified by the local support   staff   of   the   plaintiff,   therefore   at   request   of   the   plaintiff,   the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 11 of 45 defendant sent the parts of the LED Display System i.e. LED Wall for repairing along with its letter dated 13.07.2009 and it was assured by the local office of the plaintiff that the LED sent for repair would be returned after service within 10 days but the same was not returned even after more then two weeks pursuant to which the defendant sent the email on 04.08.2009 informing that they (defendant) had already lost one booking because of the delay in rectifying the defects in the LED Display System. It is also pleaded that the defendant had also conveyed to the plaintiff that it   had   got   booking   for   14.08.2009   and   sought   confirmation   from   the plaintiff whether the equipment would be repaired/ rectified before the said   date   but   the   plaintiff   could   not   make   any   commitment   on   that account.  According to the defendant, the plaintiff kept on assuring about the removing of the defect in the equipment but the same was not repaired for about three months during which the defendant lost many programmes and ultimately the plaintiff got repaired the equipment and handed over the same to the defendant on 06.10.2009.  It is pleaded that the defendant could not use the LED Display System productively for about 6 months in the year 2009 due to inherent defects in the system and also due to the delay   on   the   part   of   the   plaintiff   in   rectifying   the   said   defects   and consequently suffered losses.  It is also pleaded that the defendant vide its letter dated 27.10.2009 while pointing out the defects in the system as well   as   deficiency   in   the   after   sales   service,   requested   the   plaintiff   to compensate on the price of machine since by that time the defendant had already suffered a loss of Rs.30 to Rs.35 lacs.  It is further pleaded that instead of compensating the defendant, the plaintiff  sent a letter dated 28.10.2009   asking   the   defendant   to   make   the   full   payment   of Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 12 of 45 Rs.10,59,763/­   by   06.11.2009   failing   which   the   plaintiff   threatened   to initiate legal proceedings against the defendant.  It is also pleaded that the defendant wrote a letter dated 6.11.2009 to the plaintiff informing them that they (defendant) had lost the revenue during the six months of non performance of the LED Display System but they are ready to accept the nominal charges of Rs.10 lacs as non performing charges of the said LED Display System.  

(7) According to the defendant, the plaintiff sent a legal notice dated 12.11.2009 which was duly replied to by them on 25.11.2009 and raised a counter claim of Rs.30 lacs.  It is pleaded that the defendant had placed the order for supply of LED Display System with the plaintiff by 15.06.2008 and the urgency of the supply was duly communicated to the plaintiff but despite taking an advance of Rs.25 lacs, the plaintiff did not adhere to the said schedule on account of which the defendant raised a claim of Rs. 9 lacs on account of loss of business vide its letter dated 18.09.2008 and besides the loss of business, the defendant also suffered loss of interest on the advance money of Rs.25 lacs which interest comes to Rs.2,60,417/­.  According to the defendant, the plaintiff was well aware of the fact that when IPL matches were held in India, the equipments of the   defendant   were   used   at   the   Chepauk   Stadium   during   IPL   2008 whenever Chennai Super Kinds match took place (7 matches) and when the IPL matches of 2009 took place at South Africa, the defendant had an inquiry to put up LED Screen at a predominant place in Chennai City whenever Chennai Super Kings matches were displayed but for the reason of non working of LED Display System, the defendant could not accept the same, otherwise the defendant could have generated a business of Rs.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 13 of 45 6   lacs.     It   is   pleaded   that   this   was   besides   the   regular   business   the defendant   would   have   generated   in   its   ordinary   and   usual   course   of business.     It   is   also   pleaded   that   though   the   damage   caused   to   the defendant on account of loss of goodwill, cannot be fathomed in terms of money, yet by a conservative estimate the loss suffered by the defendant has been assessed at Rs.10 lcas only.  According to the defendant, though the plaintiff is liable to pay a sum of Rs.47,60,417/­, yet as intimated to the plaintiff earlier, the defendant has restricted its claim to Rs.10 lacs only on account of business loss etc. but this claim is besides the amount of Rs.3 lacs which the defendant is claiming as set off.

Reply   of   Modern   Radio   House   to   the   Counter   Claim   of   Picture Productions:

(8) The plaintiff Modern Radio House in its reply to the Counter Claim has denied the various allegations made by the defendant and has denied that it was the responsibility of the plaintiff for providing after sale services.  It is pleaded that the defendant is attempting to improve its case set up in the written statement filed by the defendant in order to justify their illegal counter claim.   It is further pleaded that no assurance was given and the contract between the plaintiff and the defendant was only in respect   of  the  supply   of  the   equipment  with  all  after   sale   service  and defects covered by the warranties of the manufacturers.  It is also denied that the plaintiff was responsible for maintenance of the equipment and that the balance amount was to be paid out of the revenue generated from the use of the system.   It is denied that the defendant had lost any live outdoor programme as claimed.  It is pleaded that the delay in execution Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 14 of 45 was on account of non issuance of the Purchase Order by the defendant.

The plaintiff has also denied having received any letter dated 07.03.2009 and   10.03.2009.   According   to   the   plaintiff,   its   obligations   ended   on 20.10.2008   when   the   equipment   was   installed   and   the   completion certificate was issued by the defendant.  It is denied that the defendant had suffered any loss of business as claimed by the,   ISSUES FRAMED:

(9) On the basis of the pleadings of the parties, vide order dated 31.08.2012 the Ld. Predecessor of this Court had framed the following issues:
1. Whether the plaintiff is entitled to recover Rs.11,10,999/­ from the defendant?           (OPP)
2. Whether the plaintiff is entitled to interest, if so, at what rate and for which period?              (OPP)
3. Whether the amount of Rs.3,00,000/­ is to be set off against the claim made by the plaintiff in the present suit?            (OPD)
4. Whether the plaintiff has not come to the court with clean hands and has suppressed material facts, if so, its effect?       (OPD)
5. Whether   Sh.   B.K.   Sharma   is   duly   authorized   to   pursue   the matter  on  behalf  of  the plaintiff vide  Board  Resolution  dated 02.07.2012?             (OPP)
6. Whether   the   defendant   is   entitled   to   recovery   Rs.10,00,000/­ from the plaintiff, as claimed in the counter claim?           (OPD)
7. Whether the defendant is entitled to interest on the same, if so, at what rate and for which period?           (OPD) Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 15 of 45
8. Whether the counter claim filed by the defendant is without any cause of action, if so, its effect?            (OPP)
9. Whether   the   equipment   supplied   by   the   plaintiff   was   under manufacturer warranty?       (OPP)
10. Relief.

EVIDENCE:

(10) In order to prove its case, the plaintiff Modern Radio House has examined its Director namely  Haresh Thakur  as  PW1  as its sole witness   the   defendant   Picture   Productions   has   examined   its   Managing Director Alfred Selvaraj as DW1 and Sh. Devender Wadhwa as DW2. (11) For   the   sake   of   convenience,   the   details   of   the   witnesses examined by the parties and their deposition are put in a tabulated form as under:
Sr. No.  Name of witness                                          Deposition
Plaintiff's Witness
1.          Sh. Haresh               PW1 Sh. Haresh Thakur  is the Director of Modern
            Thakur (PW1)             Radio House who in his examination in chief by way of
affidavit  Ex.PW1/A  has corroborated what has been earlier stated in the main plaint.   He has placed his reliance on the following documents:
1. Extract   of   board   resolution   which   is Ex.PW1/1. 
2. Copy of e­mail dated 21.07.2008 is Ex.PW1/2.
3. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   28.07.2008   which   is Ex.PW1/3.
4. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   18.08.2008   which   is Ex.DW1/4.
5. Copy   of   purchase   order   dated   25.09.2009 which is Ex.PW1/5 Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 16 of 45
6. Copy   of   delivery   challan   dated   14.10.2008 which is Ex.PW1/6 
7. Copy   of   completion   certificate   dated 20.10.2008 which is already Ex.DW1/6.
8. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   09.02.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/7 
9. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   05.03.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/17 
10. E­mail dated 18.03.2009 which is Ex.PW1/10.
11. Copy of e­mail dated 25.03.2009, 04.08.2009 and   08.10.2009   which   are  Ex.PW1/11, Ex.PW1/12 and Ex.PW1/13 respectively.
12. Copy   of   letter   dated   27.10.2009   which   is Ex.PW1/14.
13. Copy   of   letter   dated   28.10.2009   which   is Ex.PW1/15.
14. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   30.10.2009   which   is Ex.PW1/16.
15. Copy of legal demand notice dated 12.11.2009 which is Ex.PW1/17.
16. Copy   of   reply   dated   25.11.2009   to   the   legal notice which is Ex.PW1/18.
17. Copy of statement of account dated 20.03.2010 which is Ex.PW1/19.  

In his  cross­examination  by the  Ld. Counsel  for  the defendant   Picture   Productions,   the   witness   has deposed on the following aspects:

 That his company had no concerned with the defendants or its official Directors etc. prior to this deal. 
 That   the   deal   in   the   present   transaction   was direct and they had met at the office of Modern State Services of Mr. Wadhwa.  
 That   the   deal   regarding   the   purchase   of equipment and its modalities were finalized in the office of Sh. Devender Wadhwa but it was not   effected   through   him   and   he   had   only facilitated the meeting.  
 That the said modalities were not in writing but were oral.    
 That he does not remember the exact date of meeting but it should be around May or June 2008.  
Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 17 of 45  That   he   does   not   recollect   the   number   of cheques   given   to   him   by   the   defendants towards advance payment and also cannot tell about the individual amount of the cheques.    That he does not recollect having issued any receipts towards the receipt of said cheques at any point of time nor can he produce any such receipt.  
 That five post dated cheques of Rs.5 lacs each were   issued   to   him   by   the   defendant   but   he does   not   recollect   if   they   were   dated 08.05.2008,   13.05.2008,   17.05.2008, 09.06.2008 and 18.06.2008.  

 That he had verbally demanded the purchase order from the defendant during the course of negotiations   and   there   was   no   written documentation   or   communication   in   this regard.  

 That he has filed his affidavit of evidence after checking up the books of account.  

 That in his affidavit he has only reflected the payment of Rs.5 lacs after checking up of books of account.  

 That   he   does   not   recollect   if   the   defendant started claiming the refund of the amount after 15.06.2008 on his failure to supply and install the systems.

 That there was no agreement for the purpose of installation   and   it   was   only   a   supply   deal because he had made it clear to the defendant that his staff was not trained in installation and it is his staff who had to deal with the same.  

 That it was only a simple purchase order with no such conditions.  

 That he is an importer of LED Systems but he is not a regular importer and he required the purchase order despite the deal being oral in order to crystallize the deal. 

 That he does not recollect any communication from the defendant dated 28.07.2008 regarding cancellation of agreement if the supply is not made on time i.e. till 05.08.2008 and there was no written agreement at that time.  

 That   no   system   was   supplied   till   05.08.2008 and   there   was   no   agreement   for   supply   of Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 18 of 45 equipment by 05.08.2008.  

 That he does not recollect any communication from   the   defendant   for   refund   of   the   amount since he was not able to make the supply of the equipment by 05.08.2008 but in so far as Sh.

Devender   Wadhwa   is   concerned,   he   is   not aware of any communication by the defendant to him.  

 That   he   does   not   recollect   about   any   such communication to the plaintiff company or to Sh.   Devender   Wadhwa   by   e­mail   dated 07.08.2008.  

 That   the   official   e­mail   ID   of   the   plaintiff company is [email protected].  

 That Ms. Roohi Thakur is the Director of the plaintiff   company   and   the   mail   dated 07.08.2008 which is Ex.DW1/3 on the previous date, is shown to have been received as per the above document.  

 That he does not recollect having placed any order   of   the   equipment   with   the   principal company after encashment of first cheque.  

 That he also does not recollect having placed any order of the equipment with the principal company after encashment of all five cheque.  

 That he had placed the order later on to import the   equipment   but   he   does   not   recollect   the date or the month, though the order was placed in the same year i.e. 2008.  

 That he does not recollect having admitted to the   defendant   in   the   month   of   August   2008 regarding delay in the supply of the equipment.

 That vide mail dated 18.08.2008 Ex.DW1/4 he has admitted the delay in delivery of machines but  he has  given the  reason for  the delay  in purchase order.  

 That   he   does   not   recollect   having   made   any offer to the defendants for compensating for the delay in supply of the equipment.  

 That vide e­mail Ex.DW1/4 an offer was given bit   it   was   towards   the   loss   of   interest   on account of the amount encashed by them.  

 That he does not recollect the name of the bank from which he had applied for loan and when Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 19 of 45 and for what amount.  

 That   the   defendant   gave   the   purchase   order Ex.PW1/5  after   receipt   of   e­mail  Ex.DW1/4 and the  reasons for discount of Rs.3,00,000/­ has been mentioned in the said letter.  

 That to the best of his knowledge, he has not withdrawn   the   offer   of   discount   of Rs.3,00,000/­ by any written communication.

 That the defendant has  not denied in writing the offer of discount of Rs.3,00,000/­ but he has not accepted the same either.  

 That the defendant after certain period of time started   making   complaints   regarding malfunctioning/non­functioning   of   the   system supplied by the plaintiff.  

 That   the   plaintiff   got   the   system   repaired   / rectified   from   time   to   time   at   the   cost   and expenses of the plaintiff, which services were provided   as   a   gesture   of   goodwill   as   the plaintiff did not need to provide any service or parts under the written contract.  

 That   he   did   not   inform   the   defendant   that plaintiff was not obliged to provide after sale service   to   the   defendant   under   the   said purchase order.  

 That he does not recollect whether the spares or parts required for repair of the system was always   done   through   the   plaintiff   and   the defendant had no role to play.  

 That   they   need   not   refer   the   defendant   to manufacturer since all the warranty cards were handed over to the defendant.  

 That he does not recollect whether there is any document showing delivery of warranty card to the defendant but all warranty cards are part of the standards packaging of the equipment.  

                                              That   all   equipment   was   handed   over   to   the
                                               defendant   in   original   packaging   which
                                               contained the warranty card.  
                                              That the plaintiff was in direct touch with the
                                               manufacturer   regarding   the   defects   in   the
                                               display of the LED system.
                                              That the plaintiff used to receive the material

for repairing the default of system pertaining to the defendant and plaintiff used to forward the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 20 of 45 same to the defendant and the plaintiff used to receive   spare   part   material   for   a   number   of clients from different manufacturers from time to time, in the case of defendant it was done voluntarily.  

 That   the   plaintiff's   e­mail   id   is [email protected] and the   plaintiff communicates with defendants as well as other clients through this e­mail ID.  

 That   the   e­mails  Ex.PW1/10  and  Ex.PW1/11 show that the plaintiff was directly dealing with manufacturer   with   respect   to   special   fluid, instruction   and   to   fix   the   heat   sinks   and repairing   the   system   of   defendant   after receiving the same.  

 That he does not remember whether any person with   the   name   of   Jai   Kumar   was   there   as   a representative   of   the   plaintiff   company   in Chennai.  

 That he does not recollect whether the system was   delivered   by   the   defendant   to   the representative of the plaintiff company there at Chennai on 13.07.2009 and the same was sent to Delhi on 14.07.2009.  

 That   he   cannot   recognize   the   signatures   of Mrs.   Jai   Kumar   on  Ex.DW1/28  and Ex.PW1/DX­1  at point marked A on each of the documents.  

 That he does not recollect having received the system in July 2009 for repair.  

 That Bhanu Rao and Mayank were employees of   his   company   but   he   is   not   aware   of   any communication   between   Bhanu   Rao   and   the defendant   company   regarding   the   repair   of system and collecting the same in the month of October   2009   which   mail   is  Ex.DW1/32  but the   e­mail   ID   of   Bhanu   Rao   was [email protected].

 That he does not remember  if Mr. Joshi was working   as   an   Engineer   /   Technician   in plaintiff   company   who   used   to   be   sent   to Chennai   for   training   and   educating   the Engineers of the defendant company.  

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 21 of 45  That   he  cannot   admit   or   deny   the   document Ex.DW1/3  which   was   sent   to   the   plaintiff company on the mailing ID but he has admitted the mailing ID of his company as mentioned on the   same   and   the   same   is  his  answer   for documents  Ex.DW1/5,   Ex.DW1/10, Ex.DW1/11,   Ex.DW1/14,   Ex.DW1/15, Ex.DW1/16,   Ex.DW1/26,   Ex.DW1/27, Ex.DW1/31 and Ex.PW1/DX­2.  

 That   he  cannot   admit   or   deny   the   proof   of deliveries of the letter Ex.DW1/36, which proof of   deliveries   are  Ex.DW1/36A  and Ex.DW1/36B.  

 That he is not into a business of rental of LED and   sound   display   and   hence  he  cannot   tell whether   inquiries   are   received   from   service availers in respect of the same and hence  he cannot admit or deny the said suggestion.  

 That he  cannot admit or deny whether rental income   for   each   LED   display   is   between Rs.75,000/­ to Rs.1,25,000/­ per day.  

Defendant's Witnesses:

2. Sh. Alfred  DW1  Sh. Alfred Selvraj  is the Managing Director of Selvraj (DW1) Picture Productions who in his examination in chief by way   of   affidavit   which   is  Ex.DW1/A  corroborated what has been earlier stated in the written statement and counter claim.  He has placed his reliance on the following documents:
1. Certified   copy   of   the   Resolution   Passed   by Board   of   Directors   on   17.04.2010   which   is Ex.DW1/1.
2. Copy of the e­mail dated 28.07.2008 which is Ex.DW1/2. 
3. Copy   of   mail   dated   07.08.2008   which   was forwarded to the plaintiff and the true print out of the mail which is Ex.DW1/3.
4. Copy   of   mail   dated   18.08.2008   which   is Ex.DW1/4.
5. Copy   of   letter   dated   18.09.2008   which   is Ex.DW1/5.
6. Copy of the certificate dated 20.10.2008 which is Ex.DW1/6.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 22 of 45

7. Complaint   dated   09.02.2009   to   the   plaintiff which is Ex.DW1/7.

8. Copy   of   letter   dated   18.02.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/8.

9. Copy   of   the   mail/   letter   dated   05.03.2009 which is Ex.DW1/9.

10. Copy   of   the   complaints   /reminder   on 07.03.2009   and   10.03.2009   which   are Ex.DW1/10.

11. Copy of the Email showing that plaintiff had forwarded   defendant's   complaint   to   the manufacturer   and   that   they   would   be   getting back by 12.03.2009, which is Ex.DW1/12.

12. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   18.03.2008   which   is Ex.DW1/13.

13. Copy   of   letter   dated   19.03.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/14.

14. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   25.03.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/15.

15. Copy   of   mail/reminders   to   the   plaintiff   on 02.04.2009 which is Ex.DW1/16. 

16. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   05.03.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/17 and a photo was also sent vide e­ mail   dated   05.03.2009   which   photo   is Ex.DW1/18.

(Documents Ex.DW1/19 to Ex.DW1/25 have been de­ exhibited   as   the   same   are   already   Ex.DW1/10   to Ex.DW1/16 respectively).

17. Copy   of   mail   sent  by   plaintiff   on  02.04.2009 which is Ex.DW1/26.

18. Copy   of  mail   dated   19.06.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/27.

19. Letter dated 13.07.2009 which is Ex.DW1/28.

20. Copy   of   delivery   challan   dated   13.07.2009 which is Mark ­A .

21. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   04.08.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/30.

22. Copy   of   e­mail   dated   31.08.2009   which   is Ex.DW1/31.

23. E­mail dated 08.10.2009 which is Ex.DW1/32.

24. Letter dated 27.10.2009 which is Ex.DW1/33.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 23 of 45

25. Letter dated 28.10.2009 sent by the plaintiff to the defendant which is Ex.DW1/34.

26. Reply   sent   by   the   plaintiff   dated   30.10.2009 through mail which is Ex.DW1/35.

27. Letter   written   by  defendant  dated   06.11.2009 which is Ex.DW1/36, the proof of delivery are Ex.DW1/36(A) and Ex.DW1/36(B).

28. Reply sent by the plaintiff dated 25.11.2009 is Ex.DW1/37.  

29. Certificate   under   Section   65   B   of   the   Indian Evidence Act which is Ex.DW1/38. 

In   his   cross­examination   by   the   Ld.   Counsel   for Modern   Radio   House,   the   witness   has   deposed   as under:

 That   he   had   read   over   the   affidavit   before signing   the   same   and   he   is   aware   of   the contents of the affidavit.  
 That   the   defendant   company   is   a   registered company and it is his own company and prior to 1985 it was a proprietorship firm. 
 That there are three Directors in the defendant company   who   all   were   present   in   the   Board Meeting   dated   17.04.2010   whereby   he   was authorized to represent the defendant company.  That the Board Resolution Ex.DW1/1 bears his signatures   at   point   A   and   since   he   is   the Managing   Director,   he   has   signed   it   in   that capacity.  
 That   he   has   not   filed   any   document   showing after sale service terms since the plaintiff did not give the same to him.  
 That since the purchase order was given much later, hence, it is not mentioned in the purchase order that the balance amount shall be paid on generation   of   revenue   though   it   was   orally agreed upon.  
[The purchase order  Ex.PW1/5  was shown to the witness which contains terms and condition of   the   agreement   wherein   it   has   been   shown that material has to be delivered within fifteen working days from the date of purchase order.]  That the plaintiff did not intimate the defendant initially for providing purchase order.  
Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 24 of 45  That   prior   to   the   purchase   order  Ex.PW1/5, there was no written agreement pertaining to the purchase of equipment.  
 That   he   has   written   the   letter   regarding   the delivery   of   equipment   in   the   month   of   June 2008,   which   letter   dated   18.09.2008   is Ex.DW1/5  which   contains   the   fact   regarding the requirement of delivery of machine in the month of June 2008.  
 That  he  had not  written  any  letter   regarding delivery in June 2008 at the time of making the advance payment.  
 That   he   had   not   informed   the   plaintiff   in writing about the programs in July 2008.  
 That   the   purchase   order  Ex.PW1/5  did   not contain any condition that the purchase order is   in  addition  and  supplemental  to  any  other terms and conditions.   
 That the purchase order Ex.PW1/5 is the only signed agreement between the parties.  
 That on the day of installation of the system, it was working perfectly.  
 That   he   has   not   placed   any   document regarding offers for display of system but there were some offers from clients.  
 That he has not filed any document regarding booking in the year 2008.  
 That he has not placed on record any document showing the intention of the parties to mutually settle   the   dispute   in   terms   of   para   33   of   his affidavit of examination in chief.  
 That   the   letter   dated   06.11.2009   was   sent through courier dated 06.11.2009 vide receipt Ex.DW1/36 A and B.    That these  two receipts  Ex.DW1/36­A and B were not filed alongwith the written statement.  That   he   has   not   placed   anything   on   record showing   the   calculation   of   loss   of Rs.47,60,417/­. 
 That   he   has   not   filed   any   list   of   regular customers   nor   has   he  filed   any   document   on record   showing   that   his   client   shifted   to   his competitor. 
Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 25 of 45  That   by   e­mail   dated   18.08.2008   which   is Ex.DW1/4,   the   plaintiff   asked   for   immediate issuance   of   purchase   order   and   post   dated cheques.  
 That   in   the   purchase   order  Ex.PW1/5  the amount of Rs.3,00,000/­ did not find mention which was offered vide mail Ex.DW1/4. 
3. Sh. Davinder  DW2 Sh. Davinder Wadhwa  has in his examination Wadhwa (DW2) by way of affidavit which is Ex.DW2/A supported the case   of   the   defendant   Picture   Productions   and   has placed   his   reliance   on   the   copy   of   email   dated 07.08.2008 which is Ex.DW1/3.

In   his   cross­examination   by   the   Ld.   Counsel   for Modern   Radio   House,   the   witness   has   deposed   as under:

 That they are in the business of stage lighting, rental and sales i.e. the same business which is being done by M/s Picture Production House, the defendant.  
 That   they   used   to   purchase   goods   from   the plaintiff company i.e. M/s Modern Radio House and his brother used to deal with the plaintiff regularly.  
 That   for   the   last   ten   years   they   have   no business dealing with Modern Radio House.    That   they   have   business   dealings   with   the defendant for the last more than 15 years and they are still dealing with the defendant.    That when Mr. Alfred Selvraj visited them in the year 2008, he had spoken to Mr. Haresh Thakur.
 That   he   has   been   regularly   speaking   to   Mr. Haresh Thakur concerning business.  
 That he does not remember the exact date when Mr. Haresh Thakur visited his office however he came to the office on the same day when he called him for the defendant.  
 That he has no role in the deal except that he had got the meeting done between Mr. Haresh Thakur and Mr. Alfred Selvraj.  
Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 26 of 45  That   the   terms   of   agreement   for   purchase   of LED   display   system   was   negotiated   in   his presence.  
 That   everything   was   settled   orally   and   there was nothing in writing.  
 That the deal was struck in a single day. 
OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS:
(12) I have heard the arguments advanced before me by the Ld. Counsels for both the parties and the written memorandum of arguments filed by them.   I have also gone through the testimony of the various witnesses and the material on record.  My findings on the various issues are as under:
Issue No.5: Whether Sh. B.K. Sharma is duly authorized to pursue   the   matter   on   behalf   of   the   plaintiff   vide   Board   Resolution dated 02.07.2012?       (OPP) (13) Onus of proving this issue was upon the plaintiff Modern Radio   House.     Perusal   of   the   record   shows   that   it   was   one   Sh.   B.K. Sharma   the   Authorized   Representative   of   the   plaintiff   who   had   been pursuing the case on behalf of the plaintiff company and had also filed an Authority Letter on 15.03.2012 but on account of the objection raised by the   defendant   a   specific   issue   in   this   regard   was   framed.     However, thereafter   Sh.   B.K.   Sharma   stopped   appearing   and   it   was   Sh.   Haresh Thakur the Director of Modern Radio House who had himself appeared and deposed in the case.   This being the background, the issue has not been pressed and is disposed off as not pressed.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 27 of 45 Issue No.8: Whether   the   counter   claim   filed   by   the   defendant   is   without any cause of action, if so, its effect?       (OPP) (14) Onus of proving this issue was upon the plaintiff Modern Radio House.  The case of the plaintiff Modern Radio House is that the Counter Claim filed by the defendant Picture Productions is without any cause of action.  In this regard, I may observe that despite having raised this   objection,   no   evidence   has   been   lead   by   plaintiff   Modern   Radio House.  The defendant Picture Productions, on the other hand, has placed on record the various communications between them and the plaintiff.  In its   Counter   Claim,   the   defendant   Picture   Productions   has   specifically provided  the   details   of     the  losses   suffered  by   it  on   account   of   delay caused  by the  plaintiff  in  delivery of  the  equipment i.e.  LED Display System and thereafter non utilization of the said system on account of some inherent defects.  Hence, it cannot be said that the Counter Claim is without any cause of action.  

(15) Issue is accordingly decided in favour of defendant Picture Productions and against the plaintiff Modern Radio House.  



Issue No. 9:          Whether   the   equipment   supplied   by   the   plaintiff   was  
                      under manufacturer warranty?                                (OPP)


(16)               Onus of proving this issue was upon the plaintiff Modern
Radio   House.     Though   it   has   been   claimed   by   the   plaintiff   that   the

equipment   supplied   by   them   to   the   defendant   was   under   the manufacturer's warranty but the perusal of the record shows that no such document   has   been   placed   on   record   in   this   regard.   In   his   cross­ Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 28 of 45 examination, Haresh Thakur (PW1) has specifically admitted that he has not placed on record any document to show that the system had been covered under the manufacturer's warranted.  Rather, he has also admitted the e­mail dated 11.03.2009 wherein it was informed that the plaintiff had forwarded the complaint to the manufacturer.  This fact of forwarding the complaint of the defendant to the manufacturer is also evident from the e­ mail   dated   04.08.2009   which   is  Ex.PW1/12;   e­mail   dated  08.10.2009 which is Ex.PW1/13; letter dated 28.10.2009 which is Ex.PW1/15 and e­ mail dated 30.10.2009 which is Ex.PW1/16.  

(17) Further, a perusal of the e­mail dated 31.08.2009 which is Ex.DW1/31 confirms that the warranty was that of the plaintiff and not of the   manufacturer,   which   fact   also   finds   a   mention   in   the   letter   dated 28.10.2009 sent by the plaintiff to the defendant which is  Ex.DW1/34. Also, the email sent by the plaintiff to the defendant on 30.10.2009 which is  Ex.PW1/16  confirms   that   there   was   no   warranty   which   I   quote   as under:

"......  As   you   are   aware   electronic   units   do   not carry much of warranty as the method of use is not certified....." 

(18) It is this which confirms that the equipment was not under the manufacturer's warranty and there was no relationship between the plaintiff and the manufacturer.

(19) Issue is accordingly decided in favour of Picture Productions and against the plaintiff Modern Radio House.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 29 of 45 Issue No.4: Whether   the   plaintiff   has   not   come   to   the   court   with   clean hands and has suppressed material facts, if so, its  effect?      (OPD) (20) Onus of proving this issue was upon the defendant Picture Productions.  It is the case of the defendant Picture Productions that the plaintiff   Modern   Radio   House   has   concealed   material   facts   in   its pleadings to the effect that the negotiations had been held in the office of Davinder Wadhwa (DW2) and has confined his pleadings to receipt of Rs.5 lacs though a sum of Rs.25 lacs was received by it as an advance. Further, it is submitted that the plaintiff has claimed that it had placed the order   and   the   machine   was   lying   the   warehouse   but   in   his   cross­ examination Haresh Thakur (PW1) he does not recollect having placed any order even after encashment of all five cheques.   (21) In this regard, I may observe that in so far as the concealment and suppression is concerned, no doubt, the plaintiff has tried to withdraw certain   details   in   the   pleadings   with   regard   to   the   place   where   the negotiations had taken place and the amount received in advance, yet the entire   set   of   documents   confirm   the   same   and   even   in   his   cross­ examination, Haresh Thakur (PW1) has admitted having received a sum of   Rs.25   lacs   as   advance   and   further   admits   that   the  negotiations   had taken place in the office of Sh. Davinder Wadhwa (DW2).  In so far as the aspect of the equipment lying in the warehouse is concerned, he has been vague on the same but has thereafter admitted that he had not placed the order even after enchashment of the five cheques.  The attempt on behalf of the plaintiff to plead the half truth is writ large but having admitted the same in his cross­examination, I hold that the concealment was not of the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 30 of 45 nature that the suit should be thrown out on the basis of the same.

(22)               Issue is accordingly disposed off.


Issue No.1:            Whether the plaintiff is entitled to recover Rs.11,10,999/­
                       from the defendant?                                   (OPP)

Issue No.2:            Whether the plaintiff is entitled to interest, if so, at what 
                       rate and for which period?                               (OPP)

Issue No.3:            Whether   the   amount   of   Rs.3,00,000/­   is   to   be   set   off  

against the claim made by the plaintiff in the present   suit?            (OPD) Issue No.6: Whether   the   defendant   is   entitled   to   recovery   Rs.10,00,000/­   from   the   plaintiff,   as   claimed   in   the   counter claim?          (OPD) Issue No.7: Whether the defendant is entitled to interest on the same, if so, at what rate and for which period?      (OPD) (23) All   the   above   issues   are   clubbed   together   for   the   sake   of convenience involving common discussion and being interlinked.   Onus of proving the issues no.1 and 2 was upon the plaintiff Modern Radio House and that of the issues No. 3,6 and 7 upon the defendant Picture Productions.  

(24) In order to prove its case, the plaintiff Modern Radio House has examined its Director namely  Haresh Thakur  as  PW1  as its sole witness   whereas   the   defendant   Picture   Productions   has   examined   its Managing Director Alfred Selvaraj as DW1 and Sh. Devender Wadhwa as DW2.  Before coming to the merits of the case, the relevant dates and Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 31 of 45 events are culled out as under:

Sr. No.        Date/ Period                                           Event
1.          April - May             The defendant M/s Picture Production (India) Pvt. Ltd.
            2008                    was looking for LED display system and at the office of

Mr.   Devender   Wadhwa   the   deal   was   negotiated   and finalised by Mr. Haresh Thakur of M/s  Modern Radio House. 

Price   of  the   LED  Display   System   was  finalized   at  Rs. 65,00,000/­.   Defendant   paid   an   advance   of   Rs.

25,00,000/­ by way of Five cheques of Rs.5,00,000/­ each commencing from 08.05.2008 up to 18.06.2008. 

2. June 2008 LED Display System was to be supplied but not supplied

3. 21.07.2008 For the first time demand for purchase order was made

4. 28.07.2008 Defendant   informed   the   plaintiff   about   cancellation   of two live programmes and time for supply was given till 05.08.2008.

5. 07.08.2008 Since LED was not supplied, defendant sent the email to Sh. Davinder Wadhwa with copy to Plaintiff cancelling the order and requested for refund of money. 

6. 18.08.2008 Since   Sh.   Davinder   Wadhwa   intervened,   therefore, Plaintiff   sent  a   detailed   reply   admitting   the   delay   and agreed to compensate on the loss of interest on advance payment and loan to be taken from 3rd person.

7. 18.09.2008 Purchase Order subject to additional conditions.  

8. 25.09.2008 On acceptance of conditions  by plaintiff, the Purchase Order was issued.

9. 14.10.2008 The plaintiff delivered the LED Display System

10. 20.10.2008 The   plaintiff   installed   the   LED   Display   System   and certificate to that effect was issued

11. 09.02.2009 The defendant made a complaint about malfunctioning of the LED Display System.

12. 10.02.2009 Plaintiff took the delivery of the LED Display System for service etc.

13. 12.02.2009 System was brought to Delhi by the plaintiff for service and repairs at the cost and expenses of the plaintiff.

14. 24.02.2009 Plaintiff sent back the system after service/ repairs.

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 32 of 45

15. 18.02.2009 Reminder was sent by the defendant to know the status of the system.

16. 05.03.2009 Complaint was lodged by the defendant with the plaintiff since the system was not fully repaired and photos were sent through email 

17. 07.03.2009 Complaint  /   reminder   sent  by  the   defendant   regarding heat sync problem

18. 10.03.2009 Another complaint/ reminder sent by the defendant

19. 11.03.2009 Plaintiff sent the e­mail about the status of the complaint with manufacturer

20. 12.03.2009 Plaintiff   informed   the   defendant   that   the   problem   had been referred to the manufacturer

21. 18.03.2009 Plaintiff informed the defendant that they had asked the manufacturer to sent special fluid

22. 19.03.2009 Defendant protested and asked the plaintiff to speed­up the action

23. 25.03.2009 E­mail sent by the plaintiff to the defendant informing about   the   communication   with   manufacturer   and informed about the dispatch of some parcel.

24. 02.04.2009 Defendant informed the plaintiff that no such parcel was received and that they were unable to use the system.

25. 19.06.2009 The defendant again lodged the complaint as they were unable to use the LED System due to black spots

26. 13.07.2009 LED System was handed over to Sh. Jaykumar, the local representative of the plaintiff and it was in turn sent to Delhi on 14.07.2009.

27. 04.08.2009 Defendant sent a reminder informing the plaintiff about loss of one booking and also about the ensued booking for 14.08.2009

28. 31.08.2009 Plaintiff informed the Defendant about the visit of Mr. Joshi to repair the Auto LED System on spot and to train the   people   of   the   Defendant   as   well   as   engineers   of Plaintiff so as to  enable the Plaintiff to repair the same later on. 

29. 06.10.2009 After   repairing   the   System,   the   plaintiff   delivered   the system to defendant and an e­mail dated 08.10.2009 was sent by C. Jayakumar.

30. 27.10.2009 Defendant sent a detail letter pointing out the problem faced and losses suffer by it, to which Plaintiff also sent a Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 33 of 45 detail reply 

31. 28.10.2009 Plaintiff sent a demand notice

32. 30.10.2009 Reply   received   from   the   plaintiff   to   the   letter   dated 27.10.2009.

33. 06.11.2009 Defendant wrote a letter to the plaintiff 

34. 12.11.2009 Legal Notice sent by the plaintiff

35. 25.11.2009 Reply to the notice (25) While on the one hand the plaintiff has sought recovery of Rs.11,10,999/­ along with interest from the defendant, on the other hand the defendant has made a counter claim of Rs.10 lacs along with interest and a set off of Rs.3 lacs against the claims made by the plaintiff.   (26) The plaintiff has placed its reliance on the  Purchase Order dated 25.09.2008 which is Ex.PW1/5 containing the terms and conditions agreed and finalized between the parties for delivery of the equipment, which provides the terms of payment and the time for delivery of the equipment and the provision for compensation in case of delay in delivery of the equipment.   Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff has further placed his reliance   on  Clause   5  of   the   Purchase   Order   which   provides   that   the material  has to be delivered within 15 working days from the date of Purchase order.   It is argued that the Purchase Order was issued by the defendant on 25.09.2008 and the plaintiff had delivered the equipment at Defendant's   premise   on   15.10.2008   which   is   well   within   15   working days,   which   was   installed   on   20.10.2008   and   the   defendant   after installation   of   the   equipment   issued   a   Completion   Certificate   dated 20.10.2008   which   is  Ex.PW1/6,   wherein   it   was   declared   that   the equipment   was   assembled   and   tested   to   their   satisfaction   and   its Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 34 of 45 technicians had duly appraised on the matters concerning the equipment and it's operational and software aspects. It is further argued that at the time of delivery of the equipment at defendant's site, the plaintiff handed over all the documents with the equipment to the defendant including the Warranty Card issued by manufacturer.   Ld. Counsel has further argued that after supply and installation of the equipment at defendant's site, the role of the plaintiff came to end and it became entitled to receive the balance   payment   from   the   defendant   since   it   was   never   discussed   or agreed   between   the  parties   that   the  plaintiff   would  provide  after   sales services as alleged by the defendant and in case if the same was ever agreed by the plaintiff during negotiations, the same would be mentioned in the Purchase Order issued by the defendant on 25.09.2008, which was issued much after the negotiations between the parties in the meeting held in the month of May 2008.   According to the Ld. Counsel, the plaintiff has fulfilled all its obligations under the Purchase Order and hence it is entitled to receive a sum of  Rs.11,10,999/­  along with interest thereon from the defendant.

(27) In   so   far   as   the  set   off   against   the   claims  made   by   the plaintiff to the tune of  Rs.3,00,000/­  is concerned, Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff has argued that the offer for discount of Rs.3,00,000/­ was made by the plaintiff vide email dated 18.08.2008, which was never accepted / confirmed by the defendant, which offer made by plaintiff was not for an infinite period, as the defendant has never accepted / confirmed it to the plaintiff, cannot ask for the same after the dispute has been arisen and after the plaintiff filing the suit for recovery of the outstanding amount. Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff has also argued that it is a settled law that the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 35 of 45 acceptance to the offer by the person to whom the offer is made is an essential ingredient to make the proposal enforceable by law, whereas in the present case there is no acceptance by the defendant to the offer made by the plaintiff, in the absence of which, it is not enforceable and thus the plea of set­off of Rs.3,00,000/­ raised by the defendant is not sustainable and liable to be rejected.       

(28) Further,   in   so   far   as   the   counter   claim   of   the   defendant seeking recovery of Rs.10 lacs alleging due to delay in delivery of the equipment   and   delay   in   rectification   of   some   inherent   defect   in   the equipment by the plaintiff and could not productively used the equipment and suffered losses is concerned, Ld. Counsel for the plaintiff has argued that it is a well settled law that the damages have to be proved by the party   claiming   it   by   producing   evidence   and   in   the   present   case admittedly the defendant has failed to produce any document on record in support of its claim for damages.  It is further argued that the defendant in its   Counter   Claim   has   alleged   that   due   to   delay   in   delivery   of   the Equipment, the Defendant lost two live outdoor programmes, however the defendant   has   failed   to   produce   any   document   in   this   regard   that   any outdoor programs were conducted during said period or that the defendant had received any offer for any such program.  Ld. Counsel has placed his reliance on the cross­examination of Alfred Selvaraj (DW1) wherein he has admitted that he had never informed the plaintiff in writing about any programs in July 2008.   It is pointed out that the defendant has further alleged in its Counter Claim that the plaintiff had failed to provide after sales   services   /delayed   in   rectification   of   some   inherent   defect   in   the equipment, due to which the defendant could not productively use the Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 36 of 45 equipment   and   suffered   losses   amounting   to  Rs.47,60,417/­  whereas Alfred   Selvaraj  (DW1)   has  in  his   cross   examination  admitted  that  the Purchase Order Ex.PW1/5 did not contain any condition that the same is in addition or supplemental to any other terms and conditions. Therefore, the Purchase Order is the only Agreement between the parties, to which both the parties are bound and the plaintiff has never agreed / promised the defendant to provide after sale services as alleged by the Defendant. Ld. Counsel has also pointed out that Alfred Selvaraj (DW1) in his cross examination has admitted that he has not filed any document regarding bookings in the year 2008 and also not placed on record any document on record showing the calculation of loss of Rs.47,60,417/­ and also not filed any list of its regular customers, nor filed any document to show that its client/s shifted to its competitors.   It is pointed out that DW1 has also admitted that in the Purchase order Ex.PW1/5 did not find mentioned the amount of Rs.3,00,000/­ which was offered by the plaintiff vide email Ex.DW1/4, which ought to be mentioned, if the offer was accepted by the Defendant.  It is argued that the plaintiff vide its email dated 18.08.2008 has   also   offered   for   arrangement   of   Equipment   with   the   same specification   till   the   time   the   ordered   Equipment   is   imported,   in   case defendant   have   any   bookings   for   a   show,   admittedly   defendant   never informed  about   any  bookings  to  the  Plaintiff   and  hence   the  defendant having not suffered any loss, it is not entitled for any damages as claimed. (29) On the other hand, Ld. Counsel for the defendant has placed its reliance on the provisions of Section 59 and 61 (1) of Sale of Goods Act and also on the authority in the case of The Board of Trustee of Port Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 37 of 45 of Calcutta Vs. Bengal Corporation Pvt. Ltd.  reported in  air 1979 cal 149  and  Bhagwati Prasad Vs. Chandramaul  reported in  AIR 1966 SC

735.  It is argued that there is not factual dispute in so far as the payment of Rs. 25 lacs by way of 5 cheques to the tune of Rs. 5 lacs each is concerned.     The   defendant   has   also   placed   its   reliance   on  the   various communications and emails dispatched to the plaintiff  and also to Sh. Davinder Wadhwa (DW2) who had facilitated the meetings between the plaintiff and the defendant and in whose presence the negotiations had taken place and the order had been placed when the advance payment was made.   It  is submitted that while on the one hand the Director of  the plaintiff company namely Haresh Thakur (PW1) had been most vague and   non   committal   when   confronted   with   the   various   communications sent by the defendant to him on his email IDs which ID details he has admitted, whereas on the other hand Sh. Davinder Wadhwa (DW2) who had facilitated the transactions between the plaintiff and the defendant and in whose presence the negotiations had taken place, has supported the case of Alfred Selvaraj (DW1).  

(30) I   have   considered   the   rival   contentions   and   at   the   very Outset I may observe that the transaction in the present case is covered by  the provisions  of  Sale  of  Goods  Act  and reliance  in this  regard is placed upon the provisions of Section 16 (1) of Sale of Goods Act, which provide that:

Section 16  :  Subject to the provisions of this Act and of any other law for the time being in force, there is no implied warranty or condition as to the quality   or   fitness   for   any   particular   purpose   of goods supplied under a contract of sale , except as Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 38 of 45 follows :­ (1) Where the buyer, expressly or by implication makes known to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods are required, so as to show that   the   buyer   relies   on   the   seller's   skill   or judgement,   and   the   goods are   of   a   description which it is in the course of the seller's business to supply (whether he is the manufacturer or producer or not), there is an implied condition that the goods shall be reasonably fit for such purpose; 

Provided   that   in  case   of  a   contract   of  Sale   of  a specified   article   under   its   patent   or   trade   name, there is no implied condition as to its fitness for any particular purpose.

(2) Where goods are bought by description from a seller   who   deals   in   goods   of   that   description (whether   he   is   the   manufacturer   or   producer   or not), there is an implied condition that the goods shall be of merchantable quality :­ Provided that, if the buyer has examined the goods, there   shall   be   no   implied   condition   as   regards defects   which   such   examination   ought   to   have revealed ........."

(31) Under   Sub­   Section   1,   the   requirements   which   must   be satisfied to import a condition that the goods shall be reasonably fit for any particular purpose are that the buyer must make known to the seller the   particular   purpose   for   which   the   goods   are   required,   in   the circumstances showing, the seller realised or ought to have realised that the buyer was relying on the seller's skill or judgment and the goods shall be of a description which it is in the course of the seller's business to supply. In such a case, there is an implied condition that the goods shall Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 39 of 45 be reasonably fit for such purpose.  Further, sub­ section 2 relates to all sales by description and under this Sub­Section to import a condition that the   goods   are   of   merchantable   quality,   the   goods   must   be   bought   by description and seller must deal in goods of that description. The goods of that   description  implies   goods   of   the   same   kind   as   those   bought.  The words "that description" refer to and mean the actual description by which the goods which are the subject matter of the contract were bought. (32) Secondly, it is an admitted case of the plaintiff that they are the  importers   of   the   LED   System   and   were   aware   of   the   purpose   for which the LED System was purchased by the defendant and the evidence on   record   confirms   that   the   defendant   had   specifically   conveyed   this purpose of the system being for public display to the plaintiff, which LED Display System which was under warranty developed snags within almost 3   months   of   its   purchase   and   thereafter   it   was   never   fully   repaired/ mended. In this regard the cross­examination of Haresh Thakur (PW1) is important wherein he has admitted that he is importer of LED Display System. Further, it is evident that the defendant has clearly communicated the purpose for which the LED Display system would be used and hence it was clear that the  defendant was relying upon the judgment of the seller   and   there   was   an   implied   condition   that   the   goods   shall   be reasonably   fit   for   the   purpose.   The   LED   System   was   purchased   for public display was known to the Plaintiff from very beginning and the evidence   which   has   come   on   the   record   shows   that   there   were   two booking for the month of July, 2008.  The Plaintiff also offered to provide system   till   the   system   for   Defendant   was   not   imported   and   due   to manufacturing defect  in the system,  the same  could not be used as is Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 40 of 45 evident   from   various   mails   exchanged   between   the   Plaintiff   and Defendant.

(33) Thirdly,  the  LED Display system was not of merchantable quality   as   is   evident   from   the   communication   exchanged   between   the parties and there was breach of warranty.  In this regard, reliance is placed upon the provisions of  Section 59 of Sale of Goods Act, 1930  and the authorities in the cases of  The Board of Trustee of Port of Calcutta vs Bengal Corporation Pvt. Ltd.  reported in  AIR 1979 Cal 149  and in the case   of  Bhagwati   Prasad   Vs.   Chandramaul  reported   in  AIR   1966 Supreme   Court   735,   which   entitles   the   defendant   to   diminution   or extinction of prices.

(34) Lastly, I may observe that the LED Display System was not of any trade name and hence it was the duty of the Plaintiff to supply the goods in terms of the provisions of Section 16 of the Sale of Goods Act. In this regard, in  Grant's case reported in  1936 AC 85  at page 99­100, Lord Wright observed as under:

".......   Whatever   else   merchantable   may   mean,   it does mean that the article sold, if only meant for one particular use in ordinary course, is fit for that use; merchantable does not mean that the thing is saleable in the market simply because it looks all right; it is not merchantable in that event if it has defects unfitting it for its only proper use but not apparent   on   ordinary   examination   :   that   is   clear from   the   proviso,   which   shows   that   the   implied condition   only   applies   to   defects   not   reasonably discoverable to the buyer on such examination as has made or could make....."

Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 41 of 45 (35) Hence, in view of the above the LED Display system was not merchantable and hence under the given circumstances, the plaintiff being guilty of breach of warranty and there being inherent shortcoming in the LED   Display   System   for   which   the   plaintiff   was   solely   responsible,   I hereby hold that the plaintiff is not entitled to any relief as asked for in the plaint or to the interest claimed thereof.

(36) In so far as the aspect of set off for a sum of Rs.3 lacs is concerned, it is an admitted case that there was a delay in delivery of LED Display System and the plaintiff itself has admitted the loss on account of interest   on  the   advance   of   Rs.25   lacs,   it  had   offered   Rs.3,00,000/­   on account of interest on the advance payment.  (Reference in this regard is made to the communication Ex.DW1/4).  I may observe that this was one of the reason why the deal was not cancelled the order but went ahead with the same and Sh. Haresh Thakur (PW1) has in his cross­examination has clearly admitted that he had not withdrawn the said offer of Rs.3 lacs and the defendant has also not denied the said offer of discount in writing. (37) Therefore,   I   hereby   hold   that   the   defendant/   Counter Claimant M/s. Picture Productions is entitled to the Set Off for a sum of Rs.3,00,000/­ (Rupees Three Lacs only) from the plaintiff M/s. Modern Radio House.

(38) Also, the case of the Counter Claimant of the defendant M/s. Picture Productions is covered by the provisions of Section 59 of Sale of Goods  Act  are very clear  and the defendant can  claim the interest  or special damages and also the diminution or extinction of price in case of breach of warranty.  In the present case, it has been established that there was a breach of warranty on behalf of the plaintiff and the goods were not Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 42 of 45 of merchantable quality and not fit for the purpose for which the system was   bought   by   the   Defendant   hence   the   Defendant   is   entitled   for   the damages on account of loss of business.  The Plaintiff has admitted in the pleading, communications and in cross examination that the system was not in working order and was to be repaired from time to time.   Hence, the plaintiff having admitted the delay in supply of the equipment, as evident   from  Ex.DW1/4,  the   defendant   has   suffered   losses   of   the consideration amount paid without enjoying the fruits of the LED Display System though it was agreed upon that the defendant would repay out of the business generated from the said LED Display System.   (39) In   so   far   as   the   aspect   of   damages   are   concerned,   I   may observe that the defendant has confined its claim to Rs. 10 lacs.  Though the various events which had been cancelled in July 2008, find reflected in  the  various  communications/  e­mails  but  the  definite  evidence  with regard to the extent of loss has been lead by the defendant.  I, therefore, hold that the interest of justice would be served if Special Damages to the tune   of  Rs.2,00,000/­   (Rupees   Two   Lacs   only)  is   awarded   to   the defendant.  

(40) In   so   far   as   the   interest   component   is   concerned,   the defendant is claiming the interest @ 25% per annum which I may observe is on the higher side and I hold that the interest of justice would be served if an interest @ 10% per annum is awarded from the filing of counter claim till the date of realization.

(41) This   being   the   background,   I   hold   that   the   plaintiff   M/s. Modern Radio House is not entitled to any relief of Recovery from the defendant   M/s.   Picture   Productions.   Rather,   the   defendant/   Counter Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 43 of 45 Claimant M/s. Picture Productions is held entitled to the recovery of total Rs.5,00,000/­   (Rupees   Five   Lacs)   i.e.   Rs.3,00,000/­   as   set   off   and Rs.2,00,000/­ as Special Damages from the plaintiff M/s. Modern Radio House along with interest @ 10% per annum from the date of filing of counter claim till the date of realization.

(42) All the above issues are accordingly disposed off.

Relief:

(43) In view of my above discussion, I hold that the plaintiff M/s.

Modern Radio House is not entitled to any relief of Recovery from the defendant M/s. Picture Productions.  

(44) Further,   the   defendant/   Counter   Claimant   M/s.   Picture Productions is held entitled to the recovery of total Rs.5,00,000/­ (Rupees Five   Lacs)   i.e.   Rs.3,00,000/­   as   set   off   and   Rs.2,00,000/­   as   Special Damages from the plaintiff M/s. Modern Radio House along with interest @ 10% per annum from the date of filing of counter claim till the date of realization.

FINAL CONCLUSIONS:

(45) In view of my findings on the various issues, I hold that the plaintiff   M/s.   Modern   Radio   House   is   not   entitled   to   any   relief   of Recovery from the defendant M/s. Picture Productions.   (46) In so far as the defendant/ Counter  Claimant M/s. Picture Productions   is   concerned,   it   is   held   entitled   to   the   recovery   of   total Rs.5,00,000/­   (Rupees   Five   Lacs)   i.e.   Rs.3,00,000/­   as   set   off   and Rs.2,00,000/­ as Special Damages from the plaintiff M/s. Modern Radio Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 44 of 45 House along with interest @ 10% per annum from the date of filing of counter claim till the date of realization. (47) Suit of the plaintiff M/s. Modern Radio House is accordingly Dismissed  and   the   Counter   Claim   of   the   defendant   M/s.   Picture Productions   is   accordingly  Decreed.     Parties   to   bear   their   own   costs. Decree Sheets be prepared accordingly.
(48) Both the files i.e.  CS No. 24/2010 and CS No. 02/2012 be consigned to Record Room.
Announced in the open court                                             (Dr. KAMINI LAU)
Dated: 02.01.2017                                                   ADJ­II(CENTRAL)/ DELHI




Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 45 of 45 Modern Radio House Vs. Picture Production CS No. 24/2010 Picture Production Vs. Modern Radio House CS No. 02/2012      02.01.2017 Present: None for Modern Radio House (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Sh. Sushil Bhartiya Advocate for Picture Production Ltd. Vide   my   separate   combined   detail   order   dictated   and announced in the open court, but not yet typed, suit of the plaintiff M/s. Modern   Radio   House   is  Dismissed  and   the   Counter   Claim   of   the defendant M/s. Picture Productions is Decreed.  Parties to bear their own costs.  Decree Sheets be prepared accordingly.

Both the files i.e.  CS No. 24/2010 and CS No. 02/2012 be consigned to Record Room.

(Dr. Kamini Lau) ADJ­II(Central)/ 02.01.2017 Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd., CS No. 24/10 Picture Productions India Pvt. Ltd. Vs. Modern Radio House India Pvt. Ltd. , CS No. 02/12 Page No. 46 of 45