Srinivasa vs Rathnasabapathi

We are of opinion that the Subordinate Judge is in error in holding that the suit is barred u/s 261, Madras Act IV of 1884. The cases

contemplated in that Section are suits for compensation and for damages, and the principle is to allow public bodies time for tender of amends to

the parties so as to avoid litigation--see President of the Taluk Board, Sivaganga v. Narayanan ILR 16 Mad. 317 and cases quoted therein: also

Ghunder Sikhur Bundopadhya v. Obhoy Churn Bagchi ILR 6 Cal. 8 and Joharmal v. The Municipality of Ahmednagar ILR 6 Bom. 580 Upon the

second point we are of opinion that the penalty prescribed by the muchalka of 22nd March 1887 is one which cannot be enforced since the

contract renders the penalty altogether irrespective of the importance of the breach--see Soper v. Arnold 37 Ch. D. 96 see also 14 App. Case

429 and Lachman Das v. Chater ILR 10 All. 29 The contract does not fall within the exception to Section 74 of theIndian Contract Act, since the

bond was not given under the provisions of any law for the performance of any public duty or act in which the public are interested. No doubt the

public are in a sense interested in the proper lighting of the municipal town, but the contract is not one for which any special provision is made in the

Municipal Act and cannot be placed in a different category to a contract made with any private individual.

The resolution of the Municipal Council of 25th July 1888 was, therefore, ultra vires. We must set aside the decree of the Subordinate Judge

and decree in plaintiff''s favour for Rs. 424-2-5 with costs in both Courts.