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Judgment
Munro, J.—The execution of the bond was admitted, and the burden of proving want of consideration was upon the defendants and they
adduced no evidence. Even otherwise, the evidence of the plaintiff''s witnesses proved payment. of the entire consideration and stands unrebutted
by any evidence on record. As to the interest at 75 per cent. from the date of default, I do not think it is a penalty within the meaning of Section 74
of the Indian Contract Act IX of 1872. The defendants were given the use of the money on the understanding that if they repaid it in certain
instalments they would be charged no interest, but if they failed to repay as agreed they would be liable to pay it with interest. The defendants are
not in a worse position than if at the time they had borrowed the money they had agreed to pay the interest now demanded. The rate of 75 per
cent. is, no doubt, high, but there is nothing to show that the defendants did not enter into the contract with their eyes wide open or that any undue
advantage was taken of them.
The plaintiff, in modification of the lower Court''s decree, will have a decree for Rs. 300 with interest at 75 par cent. in the principal sum
adjudged from date of suit till date of decree and, further interest on the aggregate at 6 per cent. per annum till payment. The defendants will pay
the plaintiff''s costs throughout.