32. Learned advocate appearing for IPRS has relied upon
1997 (2) MHLJ 55 (Mangal Bhikaji Nagpase vs. State of
Maharashtra and Another) in support of the contention, in
an interpleader suit, in the event the plaintiff claims any
interest in the suit property, such suit has to necessarily fail.
The interim order was obtained and pursuant thereto
adjournments, on plea of the suit of being an interpleader suit. He draws
attention to section 88 in the Code of Civil Procedure being substantive
provision regarding interpleader suit. He relies on judgment of a learned
Single Judge of Bombay High Court in Mangal Bhikaji Nagpase versus
State of Maharashtra reported in 1997 (2) Maharashtra Law Journal
55, paragraph 7. He submits, plaintiff cannot be heard on any claim
after having obtained interim order on the basis of alternative prayer of
the suit being an interpleader suit. If it asserts any interest in such a
suit, the suit should be adjudicated to have failed. In such a suit, order
has been obtained on quantification, which could not have been made,
as made. The rate of royalty for licence to be granted by his client is
determined by rule 56 of Copyright Rules, 2013. Plaintiff's purported
alternative case, relied upon, of not knowing what it is to pay his client,
is without basis. Plaintiff has its data base, from which net revenue and
percentage thereof payable to his client can be ascertained but plaintiff
obtained interim order on a ball point deposit and continues to enjoy the
same thereafter. He submits, on affidavits there is no dispute between
defendants. He reiterates plaintiff is asserting claim in an interpleader
suit. The suit should be dismissed but first the order vacated. He
submits, he will make a brief concluding submissions on adjourned date.