Smt. Priti Laxmi Singh v. Andaman And Nicobar State Cooperative Bank Limited

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR ] *** MAT/11/2023 Smt Priti Laxmi Singh Vs.

Andaman and Nicobar State Cooperative Bank Limited Mr. Gopala Binnu Kumar ... for the appellant Ms. A.S.Zinu ... for the respondent February 20, 2023 [SR] Item No.8 Heard learned counsel for both the parties.

The writ petition was filed by the appellant for a direction to the respondent-Bank to dispose of the Annexure P-8 to the writ petition filed by the petitioner before the Bank. It is submitted by learned counsel for the appellant that the appellant had availed loan of Rs.60.00 lakhs and he has already repaid all the amount including the interest. Now, claim is being made for payment of Rs.40.00 lakhs more towards interest by the Bank.

Finding that the matter arises out of a private contract of loan between the parties, learned Single Judge dismissed the writ petition vide order dated 14th December, 2022 passed in WPA/156/2022.

The prayer of the appellant is two-fold.

(i) A direction to the Bank to dispose of the representation of the appellant being Annexure P-8 to the writ petition.

(ii) To direct the settlement of the matter in Lok Adalat.

Regard being had to the facts and submission, we dispose of the appeal requesting the respondent-Bank to dispose of the representation of the petitioner, being Annexure P-8 to the writ petition, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the copy of the order and a copy of the writ petition containing Annexure P-8, by passing a reasoned order, after giving opportunity of hearing to the appellant.

So far as the second alternative prayer is concerned, the appellant, if so advised, may file a representation before the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, for settlement of the dispute between the parties by taking resort to pre-litigation settlement. If such a petition is filed, the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, is directed to take steps in accordance with law, for getting the matter between the parties settled in the Lok Adalat, in accordance with law.

With the aforesaid observation and directions, the appeal being MAT/11/2023 is disposed of.

We make it clear that we have not said anything on the merit and claim of the appellant nor we have decided any issue involved between the parties.

( Chitta Ranjan Dash, J.) ( Md. Nizamuddin, J. )