Anutosh Datta Vs Manasi Datta @ Sona (C.O. No. 3925 of 2008)
From the xerox copy of the relevant day to day order sheets of the learned Court below filed on behalf of the petitioner it is clear that the learned Judge, Fast Track, 5th Court at Alipore was vacant. In the relevant order No.39 dated 23.11.2006 it states that learned Judge took up the Misc. Case for hearing but the O.P. was absent on that day and as such the learned Court fixed the date on 18.12.2006 as ex parte and on 18.12.2006 the O.P. did not appear and as such the learned Judge disposed of the Misc. Case No.19 of 2005 as ex parte after taking the evidence of the petitioner/wife and in the said order learned Judge directed to pay a sum of Rs.3,500/- per month to the petitioner and further Rs.2,000/- per month for the minor daughter of the petitioner towards alimony pendentilite. In the said order there is no observation regarding the adjustment of the amount awarded under Section 125 Cr. P. C. towards the amount awarded in the matrimonial proceeding under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act. In the written objection filed on behalf of the opposite party/husband in Misc. Case No.19 of 2005, it is clear in paragraph 10 that the interim maintenance of Rs. 1,200/- per month was allowed. However, in the case Sudeep Chaudhury (supra) the Apex Court observed "the amount awarded under Section 125 of the Cr. P. C. for maintenance was adjustable against the amount awarded in the matrimonial proceeding and was not to be given over and above the same."
There is gross irregularity in the order dated 18.12.2006 passed by the learned Judge, Fast Track Court for not adjustment of the amount awarded under Section 125 Cr. P. C. It is true that the petitioner/husband filed an application under Section 151 C. P. C. and that was dismissed on contest. The said application was filed with reference to a proceeding not in the suit and as such there is no scope to interfere in the said application as per provision order 9 Rule 13 of the C. P. C. However, the said application was filed in a belated way. The Court should adopt liberal approach to consider the matter. But the learned Judge failed to do the same.
Considering all aspects the orders dated 18.12.2006 and 30.8.2008 passed by the learned Additional District Judge Fast Track 5th Court at Alipore in Misc. Case No.19 of 2005 have some irregularities. Orders dated 18.12.2006 and 30.8.2008 are set aside. Learned Additional District and Sessions Judge, Fast Track, 5th Court at Alipore is requested to dispose of the Misc. Case 19 of 2005 afresh after giving an opportunity for hearing of both sides within two months from the date of receipt of the order.