JAISRI SAHU versus RAJDEWAN DUBEY AND OTHERS

Nilkanlha SAidramappa Ningashetti v. l(ashinath Somanna NingashetH RaghubaY Dayal }·

April a8.

praying for the setting aside of the award, no ques-tion of refusing to set it aside can arise and therefore no appeal was maintainable under s. 39(l)(VI) of the Arbitration Act which allows an appeal against itn order refusing to set aside an award.

Lastly, it was submitted that the objection to the effect that the award was illegal and without jurisdic-tion, inasmuch as the arbitrator included in the award property which did not fall within the scope of his authority, should have been considered by the trial Court. Such an objection was not pressed before the trial Court and therefore the High Court did not allow that objection to be taken before it. We think that the High Court was right in not allowing the objection to be raised since it, being not pressed in the trial Court, will be presumed to have been given up.

We therefore see no force in this appeal and dismiss it with costs.

Appeal dismissed.

JAISRI SAHU

v. RAJDEWAN DUBEY AND OTHERS

(P. B. GAJENDRAGADKAR, K. N. WANCHOO, K. c. DAS GUPTA and T. L. VENKATARAMA ArYAR, JJ.)

Hindu Law-Mortgage by widow-Sale by widow to discharge mortgage debt- When binding on reversioners.

High Court-Practice-·Decision of Bench-Binding nature of, on another Bench-Conflicting decisions of Benches before later Bench-Procedure to be adopted-Desirability of reference to Full Bench.

P died on July 14, 1932, leaving behind his widow, Las his heir. On June 21, 1935, L executed Zerpeshgi in favour of the respondents for an admittedly binding purpose, and on June 17, 1943· she sold to the appellant portion of the properties which were the subject-matter of the Zerpeshgi deed for the purpose of redeeming the Zerpesbgi and for certain other neces-sary purposes. The respondents who were the reversioners

2 S.C.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS

instituted suit challenging the validity of the sale. The trial 196. court and the lower appellate court hel<l that the sale was proper one binding on the reversioners. On second appeal, ]aisri Sahu Division Bench of the Patna High Court took contrary view v. and allowed the appeal. One of the judges while he did not Rajdewan Dubey disagree with the findings of fact of the courts below as to the necessity for the sale followed decision of the same High Court to the effect that widow cannot by selling properties s11bject to usufructuary 1nortgage jeopardise the right of reversioners to redeem them. different view of the law had been taken in later decision of that court, but the learned judge declined to follow that decision observing that the practice of that Court was either to follow the previous Division Bench ruling in pre-ference to the later or to refer the case to larger Bench for settling the position, but that in the present case it was not desirable to adopt the latter course. The other learned Judge was of the opinion that the sale deed was not supported by necessity.

Held, that the High Court was in error in holding that the sale deed in favour of the appellant was not binding on the reversioners.

When there is mortgage subsisting on the property, the question whether the widow could sell it in discharge of it is question which must he determined on the facts of each case, there being no absolute prohibition against her effecting sale in proper case. What has to be determined is whether the act is one which can be justified as that of prudent owner manag-ing his or her own properties.

Hanooman Persaud v. Mussamat Babooee, (1856) 6 M.I.A. 393, Va11kaji v. Vishnu, (1894) I.L.R. 18 Born. 534 and Viraraju v. Vankataratnam, I.L.R. [1939] Mad. 226, relied on.

Dasrath Singh v. Damri Singh, A.I.R. 1927 Pat. 219, dis-approved.

Lal Ram Asre Singh v. Ambica Lal, 1929 Pat. 216, approved.

Held, further, that when Bench of the High Court gives decision on question of law, it should in general be followed by other Benches unless they have reasons to differ from it, in which case the proper course to adopt would be to refer the question for the decision of Full Bench. Where two conflicting deci· sions are placed before later Bench, the better course for the latter is to refer the matter to Full Bench without taking upon itself to decide whether it should follow the one Bench decision or the other.

Buddha Singh v. Lalt" Singh, (r915) LL.R. 37 All. 604, Seshamma v. Venkata Narasimharao, I.L.R. (1940] Mad. 454, Bilimoria v. Centri.it Bank of India, A.LR. !943 Nag. 340 and Virayya v. Venkata Subbayya, A.LR. 1955 Andhra 215, con-sidered.

CIVIL

APPELLATE

JURISDICTION: Civil Appeals

Nos. 645 and 646 of 1957.

]aisri Sahu

Appeal from the judgment and decree dated August

R•jdewan Dubey 9, 1956, of the Patna High Court, in Second Appeals Nos. 2155 and 2156 of 1948.

A. V. Viswanatha Sastri and R. C. Prasad, for the appellant.

R. K. Garg, M. K. Ramamurthi, S. C. Agarwal, and

D. P. Singh, for respondents Nos. l to 4.

1961. April 28.

The Judgment of the Court was

delivered by

VENKATARAMA

AIYAR, J.-These are appeals

V•nkata.ama

against the judgmflnt of the High Court of Patna in Second Appeals Nos. 2155 and 2156 of 1948 on certifi. cates granted by the High Court under Art. 133(l)(c) of the Constitution. The facts leading to this Iitiga. tion lie in narrow compass. One Prithi Dubey died on July 14, 1932, leaving him surviving, his widow Laung Kuer, who succeeded as heir to his estate. For the purpose of discharging debts due by the deceased Laung Kuer executed on June 21, 1935, Zerpeshgi deed in favour of two persons, Rajdewan Dubey and Kailash Dubey, who were also the next reversioners, for sum of Rs. 1,100. It is not in dispute that this deed is binding on the reversioners. On June 17, 1943, Laung Kuer sold to the appellant portion of the properties which were the subject-matt.er of the Zerpeshgi deed dated June 21, 1935, for considera-tion of Rs. 1,600. Out of this amount, sum of Rs. 1,100 was reserved with the purchaser for redemp-tion of the Zerpeshgi, and the balance of Rs. 500 was paid in cash. It is recited in the deed of sale that sum of Rs. 100 was required to effect repairs to the family dwelling house, sum of Rs. 200 for purchas-ing two bulls for agricultural purposes, and sum of Rs. 200 for repairing well, which had been construct-ed by the deceased for user by the public and which was then in ruined condition. It is to meet these expenses that Laung Kuer raised Rs. 500.

Aiyar J.

After obtaining the sale deed, the appellant sought

2 S.C.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS

to redeem the Zerpeshgi, but the Zerpeshgidars refused r9[6]r to receive the amount and surrender possession of the jaisri Sahu properties. The appellant deposited the mortgage v. amount in court under s. 83 of the Transfer of Pro- Rajd,wan Dubey perty Act and then instituted Title Suit No. 69 of 1944 for redemption. Meantime the reversioners, Venkatarama the respondents herein, had filed Title Suit Ko. 126 Aiy"' J. of 1943 for declaration that the sale deed in favour the appellant was not binding on the reversioners. And both the suits were tried together. The parties were at issue on several questions of fact of which the only one material at this stage is whether the sale in favour of the appellant was supported by necessity and binding on the reversioners. The District Munsif of Palamau who tried the suits held on review of the evidence that necessity was established in res-pect of all the four items of consideration and that the sale was binding on the reversioners. He accord-ingly dismissed Title Suit No. 126 of 1943 filed by the respondents and granted decree for redemption in Title Suit No. 69 of 1944 filed by the appellant. The respondents herein, the reversioners, preferred appeals against both the decrees passed by the District Munsif of Palamau and they were heard by the Subordinate Judge of Palamau, who, agreeing with the findings given by the District. Munsif, affirmed the decrees and dismissed the appeals. Against these decrees, the respondeuts preferred Second Appeals Nos. 2155 and 2156 of 1948 in the High Court of Patna. While these appeals were pending, Laung Kuer died on March 14, 1952, and on the application of the respon-dents, the plaint in Title Suit No. 126 of 1943 was amended by adding reliefs for possession and mesne profits. The appeals were then heard by Bench consisting of Rai and Misra, J J., who in separate but concurring judgments, held that the sale deed in favour of the appellant was not binding on ~he rever-sioners. Misra, J., who delfrered the leading judg-ment did not disagree with the finding of the courts below that all the four items of consideration were supported by necessity. Indeed, being finding of fact, it would be binding on the court in Second

Appeal. He, however, held, following the decision in Dasrath Singh v. Damri Singh ([1]) that widow can-not by selling properties subject to usufructuary mort-gage jeopardise the right of the reversioners to redeem, of the reversioners to redeem, the reversioners to redeem, and that, therefore, the sale would not he binding on them. different view was taken in Lala Ram Asre Singh v. Ambica Lal ([2]), where it was held that widow was not debarred from selling properties sub-ject to mortgage where there was necessity for it merely by reason of the fact that they were subject to usufructuary mortgage which contained no personal covenant to pay. But the learned Judge declined to follow this decision and stated the reason thus: "Following, therefore, the settled practice of this Court as laid down in number of decisions, the only course left open to us in the circumstances would be either to follow the previous Division Bench Ruling in preference to the later or to refer the case to larger Bench for settling the position. In my opinion, however, the present case is not one in which it is desirable to refer this case to larger Bench. Following, therefore, the authority of this Court in Dasrath Singh's case 11·hich completely covers the present case, it must be held that the courts below were in error in relying upon the deci-sion in Lala Ram Asre Singh's case."

Jaisti Sahu v.

Rajdewan Dubey gage jeopardise the right of the reversioners to redeem, of the reversioners to redeem, the reversioners to redeem,

Venkatarama Aiyar /.

In the result the learned Judge held that the sale deed in favour of the appellant dated June 17, 1943, was not binding on the reversioners. Rai, J., expressed the view that as the bona fides of the sale in favour of the appellant was questioned by the reversioners and as there had been no finding on that point by the Subordinate Judge, the matter might have to be remanded for finding on that question, but that, as the sale deed was not supported by necessity, he agreed with the conclusion of Misra, J. The Second Appeals were accordingly allowed and consequential reliefs granted. Thereafter, the :1ppellant applied in the High Court under Art. 133 for leave to appeal to this court, and in granting certificates, Ramaswami,

C. J., and Raj Kishore Prasad, J., observed in their {IJ 8 Pat. L.T. 314; A.I.R. 1927 Pat. 219. (2) II Pat. L.T. 6; A.I.R. 1929 Pat. 216,

2 s.c.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS

Order dated November 27, 1956, that there being r96i conflict between the decisions in Dasrath Singh's Jaisri Sahu case ([1]) and Lala Ram Asre Singh's case('), the point v. was one of sufficient importance for grant of leave to Rajdewan Dubey appeal to this Court. They also stated that the ques-tion as to the practice to be followed, when there was Venkata•ama Aiyar ]. conflict of decisions, was ikewise one I of public im-portance, which ought to be settled by this Court. They accordingly granted certificates under Art. 133 (1)( c) and that is how these appeals come before us.

Before considering the two questions referred to in the order of the High Court granting certificates, we shall deal with contention raised on behalf of the respondents, which if well founded would necessitate remand of these appeals. It was argued that the sale deed in favour of the appl'lllant was not bona fide, that it had been so held by the District Munsif, but that the Subordinate Judge had failed to record finding on this question, and that therefore there should be remand for decision on that point. As already stated, Rai, J., appears to have been impres-sed by this contention. But when the contention is further examined it will be found to be wholly with-out substance. What the District Munsif said was that "after the death of Prithi Dubey the relatives of Lawan Kuer had fallen on her property like vultures", and that it was quite possible "that the transaction in question was also brought at their instance and they were also benefited by it." This only means that the relatives of Laung Kuer were guilty of spoliation of the estate. But that would not affect the rights of the appellant unless he was party to it, which, how-ever, is not the case, and that is what the District Mun;;if himself observes with reference to this aspect: "But in the present suit I have got to consider the interest of J aisri Sahu who has in good faith already paid Rs. 500 to the Mostt. and has deposited the balance of Rs. 1,100 in court for the redemption of the Zarpeshgi."

This finding that the appellant himself acted bona fide was not challenged before the Subordinate Judge

(1) 8 Pat. L.T. 314; A.I.R. 1927 Pat. 219.

(2) II Pat. I...T. 6; A.LR. 1929 Pat. 216.

on appeal and the point is accordingly not open to the

respondents.

fa;,,; Sahu •.

•. Dealing next with the points mentioned in the Rajdewan Dubey Order of the High Court dated November 27, 1956, the first question that arises for decision is whether Venkatarama sale by widow of properties which are the subject Aiyar J. matter of usufructuary mortgage is beyond her powers when the mortgagee cannot sue to recover the amount due on the mortgage. This has been answered in the affirmative by the learned Judges of the High Court on the strength of the decision in Dasrath Singh v. Darnri Singh('). There the last male holder, one Sitaram Singh, had created usufructuary mortgage, and after his death the widow sold the property for the discharge of this debt and of certain other debts, and for meeting the marriage expenses of her daughter and grand.daughter. It was held by Das and Adami, JJ., that all these items of consideration were supported by necessity, but nevertheless the sale was not binding on the reversioners. Das, J., who deli-vered the judgment observed as follows:-

"lt is contended that under the terms of the usu-fructuary mortgage it would be open now to the plaintiffs to redeem that mortgage and it is pointed out that their right to redeem should not have been jeopardised by t.he widow by the transfer of the property to the mortgagee. In my opinion this argument is right and should prevail."

If the learned Judge intended to lay down as an in-flexible proposition of law that, whenever there is usufructuary mortgage, the widow cannot sell the pro-perty, as that would deprive the reversioners of the right to redeem the same, we must dissent from it. Such proposition could be supported only if the widow is in the position of trustee, holding the estate for the benefit of the reversioners, with duty cast on her to preserve the properties and pass them on intact to them. That, however, is not the law. When widow succeeds as heir to her husband, the ownership in the properties, both legal and beneficial, vests in her. She fully represents the estate, the interest of (1) 8 Pat. L. T. 314; A.1.R. 1927 Pat. 219.

the reversioners therein being only spes succession.is. The widow is entitled to the full beneficial enjoyment of the estate and is not acC1ountable to any one. It is true that she cannot alienate the properties unless it be for necessity or for benefit to the estate, but this restriction on her powers is not one imposed for the benefit of reversioners but is an incident of the estate as known to Hindu law. It is for this reason that it has been held that when Crown takes the property by escheat it takes it free from any alienation made by the widow of the last male holder which is not valid under the Hindu law, vide: Collector of Masulipatam v. Cavaly Venkata (1 ). Where, however, there is necessity for transfer, the restriction imposed by Hindu law on her power to alienate ceases to operate, and the widow as owner has got the fullest discretion to decide what form the alienation should assume. Her powers in this regard are, as held in series of decisions beginning with Hanooman Persaud v. Mussamat Ba-booee ('), those of the manager of an infant's estate or the manager of joint Hindu family. In Venkaji v. Vishnu(') it was observed that-

Jaisri Sahu v. RaJdewan Dub1y Venkatar11ma Aiyar ].

"A widow like manager of the family, must be allowed reasonable latitude in the exercise of her powers, provided,. ..... 'she acts fairly to her expect-ant heirs'."

And more recently, discussing this question, it was observed in Viraraju v. Venkataratnam('):-

"How exactly this obligation is to be carried out, whether by mortgage, sale or other means, is not to be determined by strict rules or legal formulae, but must be left to the reasonable discretion of the party bound. In the absence of mala fides or extra-vagance, and so long as· it is neither unfair in cha-racter nor unreasonable in extent, the Court will not scan too nicely the manner or the quantum of the alienation."

Judged by these principles, when there is mort-gage subsisting on the property, the question whether (1) (1861) 8 M.I.A. 529. (2) (1856) 6 M.I.A. 393. (3) (1894) 18 Bom. 534, 536. (4) I.L.R. [1939] Mad. 226, 231. ,.

r96r the widow could sell it in discharge of it is question which must be determined on the facts of each case, Jaisri Sahu v. there being no absolute prohibition against her effect-Rajdewan Dubey ing sale in proper case. What has to be deter-mined is whether the act is one which can be justified Venkatarama as that of prudent owner managing his or her own Aiyar J. propcrt.ies. If the income from the property has in-creased in value, it would be reasonable step to take to dispose of some of the properties in discharge of the debt and redeem the rest so that the estate can have the benefit of the income. In this view, the decision in Dasrath Singh's case(') in so far as it held that sale by widow of property which is subject to usufructuary mortgage is not binding on the reversioners must be held to be wrong.

In Lala Ram Asre Singh's case ([2]), which was deci-sion of Das and Faz! Ali, J J., the facts were similar to those in Dasrath Singh's case('). Dealing with the con-tention that sale by the widow of properties which were the subject-matter of Zerpeshgi deed was not binding on the reversioners because the Zerpeshgidar was in possession of the properties and he could not sue to recover the amount due thereunder, Das, J., delivering the judgment of the court observed:-

"This in my view is an impossible argument. The debt was there; it was subsisting debt, only the creditor was in possession of part of the estate and was unable to recover it by instituting suit in the civil courts. But the result was that con-siderable portion of the income was withdrawn from Basmati Kuer who had succeeded her hus-band. It is well-established that where case of necessity exists, an heiress is not bound to borrow money, wi:th the hope of paying it off before her death. Nor is she bound to mortgage the estate, and thereby reduce her income for life. She is at liberty, if she thinks fit, absolutely to sell off part of the estate."

In our judgment these observations correctly state the

position in law. It will be noticed that Das, J., de!i-(1) 8 Pat. L. T. 314; A.l.R. 1927 Pat. 219.

(2) 11 Pat. L. T. 6; A.I.R. 1929 Pat, 216.

2 S.C.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS

vered the judgment in both Dasrath Singh's case(') and Lala Ram Asre Singh's case(') and that the deci-sion in Dasrath Singh's case(') is not referred to in the judgment in Lala Ram Asre Singh's case(').

It has been found in this case that Laung Kuer had to raise sum of Rs. 500 for necessary purposes. She could have done that by mortgaging other properties, but that would have reduced the income available for enjoyment by her. On the other hand, by sale of portion of the properties covered by the Zerpeshgi deed dated June 21, 1935, she was able to redeem the ether properties and the estate had the benefit of the income from those properties. The District Munsif and the Subordinate Judge on appeal have both of them held on review of all the facts that tho sale in favour of the appellant is proper one binding on the reversioners. We are of opinion that this finding is not open to attack in Second Appeal.

Then there is the question of the practice to be followed when there is conflict among decisions of Benches of the same High Court. When Bench of tho High Court gives decision on question of law, it shonld in general be followed by other Benches unless they have reasons to differ from it, in which case the proper course to adopt would be to refer the question for the decision of Full Bench. In Buddha Singh v. Laltu Singh ('), the Privy Council had occa-sion to discuss the procedure which should be adopted when Bench of High Court differs from the opi-nion given by previous Bench. After referring to Suraya Bhukta v. Lakhshminarasamma (') and Ohinna-smni Pillai v. /{ unju Pillai('), where decisions had been given based on the opinions expressed by Deva-nanda Bha.tta in the Smriti Ohandrika, the Privy Council observed:-

"Curiously enough ther01 is no reference in either of the Madras judgments referred to above to previous decision, Parasara Bhattar v. Rangaraja Bhattar (') of the same court to w hieh Turner, (1) S Pat. L.T. 314; A.IR. 1927 Pat. 219.

(2) 11 Pat. L.T. 6; A.I.R. 1929 Pat 1 216.

(3) (1915) I.L.R. 37 All. 604-

(4) (1881) l.L.R. 5 Mad. 291. (6) (1880) I.L.R. 2 Mad. z.

(5) (1912) 1.L.R. 35 Mad. 152

]aisri Sahu v.

Rajdewa1i Dubey

Ve11katarania Aiyar ].

jais,,i Sahv. v. Rajdewan Dubey

Venkatar~ma Aivar ].

C. J., was also party. In that case the rule of the Smriti Chandrika was not accepted nor was the literal construction of the Mitakshara followed. It is usual in such cases where difference of opinion arises in the same court to refer the point to Full Bench, and the law provides for such contingencies. Had that course been followed their Lordships would probably have had more detailed reasoning as to the change of opinion on the part at least of one Judge." (pp. 622, 623 ).

Considering this question, Full Bench of the

Madras High Court observed in Seshamma v. Venkata N arasimharao ([1 ]):

"The Division Bench is the final Court of appeal in an Indian High Court, unless the case is referred to Full Bench, and one Division Bench should regard itself bound by the decision of another Divi-sion Bench on question of law. In England, where there is the Court of Appeal, Divisional Courts follow the decisions of other Divisional Courts on the grounds of judicial comity; see The Vera Cruz (No. 2) ('), Harrison v. Ridgway('), Ratkinsky v. Jacobs(') and Phillips v. Copping('). If Division Bench does not accept as correct the decision on question of law of another Division Bench the only right and proper course to adopt is to refer the matter to Full Bench, for which the rules of this court provide. If this course is not adopted, the courts subordinate to the High Court are left without guidance. Apart from the impro-priety of an appellate Bench refusing to regard itself bound by previous decision on question of law of an appellate Bench of equal strength and the difficulty placed in the way of subordinate Courts administering justice, there are the additio-nal factors of the loss of money and the waste of judicial time."

Law will be bereft of all its utility if it should be thrown into state of uncertainty by reason oi con-flicting decisions, and it is therefore desirable that in (1) r.L.R. [1940] Mad. 454, 474· (2) (1884) 9 P.D. 96. (3) (1925) 133 L.T. 238. (4) [1929] l !CB. 24.

(5) [1935] 1 K.B. 15·

2 S.C.R. SUPREME COURT REPORTS

case of difference of opinion, the question shouid be authoritatively settled. It sometimes happens that an earlier decision given by Bench is not brought to the notice of Bench hearing the same question, and contrary decision is given without reference to the earlier decision. The question has also been dis-cussed as to the correct procedure to be followed when two such conflicting decisions are placed before later Bench. The practice in the Patna High Court appears to be that in those cases, the earlier decision is followed and not the later. In England the practice is, as noticed in the judgment in Sesha1nrna v. Venkata N arasirnharao (1 ), that the decision of Court of Appeal is considered as general rule to be binding on it. There are exceptions to it, and one of them is thus stated in Halsbury's Laws of England, third edition, Vol. 22, para. 1687, pp. 799, 800:-

Jaisri Sahu v. Rajdewan Dubey V r.nkatara111a Aiyar J.

"l'he court is not bound to follow decision of its own if given per incuriarn. decision is given per incuriarn when the court has acted in ignorance of previous decision of its own or of court of co.ordinate jurisdiction which covered the case before it., or when it has acted in ignorance of decision of the House of Lords. In the former case it must decide which decision to follow, and in the latter it is bound by the decision of the House of Lords."

In Virayya v. Venkata Subbayya (') it has been hold by the Andhra High Court that under the circum-stances aforesaid the Bench is free to adopt that view which is in accordance with justice and legal prin-ciples after taking into consideration the views ex-pressed in the two conflicting Benches, vide also the decision of the Nagpur High Court in Bilirnoria v. Central Bank of India ([3]). The better course would be for the Bench hearing the case to refer the matter to Full Bench in view of the conflicting authorities without taking upon itself to decide whether it should follow the one Bench decision or the other. We have no doubt that when such situations arise, the Bench

(r) LL.R. [r940] Mad. 454. 474-(2) A.LR 1955 Andhra 215, 217.

(3) A.I. R. 1943 Nag 340.

r961 hearing cases would refer the matter for the decision of Full Court,. In the result these appeals are Jaisri v Sahu owe 11 tl an 1 1 tic ccrecs passe y tl ie t . ria cour rcs-1 t Rajdewa;, Dubey tored with costs throughout. One set of hearing costs.

Ve11kataraina Aiyar ].

Appeals allowed.

M/S. GEOl~GE OAKES (P.) LTD.

April z8. STATE OF MADRAS

(S. K. DAS, J. L. KAPUR, M. HIDAYATULLAH, J.C. SHAH and T. L. VENKATARAMA ArYAR, JJ.)

Sales Tax-Turnover-If includes tax collected by seller-Decnzing statute-Constitutionality-Constitution of India, Entry 54, List II Seventh Schedule-Government of India Act, z935 (26 Geo. 5 GI Ed. 8 Ch. 2), Entry 48, List II, Sch. VII-Madras General Sales Tax Act, (Mad. Act IX of r939), ss. 2(i), 2(h), 8B-M adras General Sales (Definition of Turnover and Validation of Assessments) Act, r954 (Mad. XV II of r954), ss. 2, 3-Turnover and Assessment Ruks, rr. 4, 5, 6. II.

Certain amounts collected by the appellants as salrs tax were included in their turnover by the sales tax authorities. They contested the constitutional validity of the Madras General Sales (Definition of Turnover and Validation of Assess-ments) Act, 1954. on the ground inter alia that the Sate Legis-lature went beyond its legislative competence under entry 54 of List II of the Constitution in enacting by the impugned Act that the amounts collected by the dealer by way of tax shall he deemed to have formed part of his turnover.

Held, that entry 54 of List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution is similar to entry 48 of List II of Sch. VII of the Government of India Act, 1935 sales under which have been held to be transactions passing ti tie to the Goods from the seller to the buyer and that mere executory agreement was not sale within the meaning of that entry. The same mean-ing must be given to entry 54.