Tricolor Hotels Limited & Ors. vs Dinesh Jain & Ors. on 9 November, 2022
22. So far as the argument of an interpretation based on
the objects, or purpose of the enactment is concerned, it is
settled law that where the words of a statute are plain,
there can be no recourse to external aids [N. Bhagvattry
Ammal v. Commissioner of Income Tax, (2003) 3 SCC 161
: AIR 2003 SC 1040; Bhaiji v. Sub Divisional Officer,
(2003) 1 SCC 692.] . Hence the plain meaning of the
expression ―use‖ in Entry 17 has to be applied.
Consequently, the limitation (for taking action)
commenced in the present case at least from 1988, when
the use of the lands had changed. The proceedings were
started on 29/01/1993, admittedly beyond the period of
three years.