IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
CIVIL APPEAL NO.2731 OF 2005
U.P. STATE INDUSTRIAL DEV.CORPN. LTD. APPELLANT
VS.
MONSANTO MANUFACTURES (P) LTD. & ANR. RESPONDENTS
The respondent-Company applied to the appellant-Corporation for grant of lease of plot of land bearing no.38/1-A situated in Sahibabad Industrial Area, Site No.4 of Tehsil and District Ghaziabad admeasuring 14,533 square yards for the purpose of constructing an industrial unit. The appellant-Corporation after receiving part premium of the plot land executed an agreement for licence on 12th June, 1978 in favour of the respondent-Company. The possession of the land was given on 12th June, 1978. After construction of the building of the factory, the respondent-Company and the appellant-Corporation executed a deed of lease on 5th September, 1979 for a period of 90 years. Later, the appellant-Corporation vide letter dated 12th April, 1994 asked the respondent-Company to provide the list of its Directors and shareholders duly certified by the Chartered Accountant. The same was furnished by the respondent-Company to the appellant-Corporation on 7th May, 1994. According to the appellant- Corporation the respondent-Company changed the Directors and shareholders without prior permission and consent of the appellant-Corporation and since the respondent-Company was purchased by the present Directors from the previous Directors. The appellant-Corporation by letter dated 27th May, 1994 asked for details in order to take necessary action in accordance with the terms of the lease deed. The respondent-Company categorically denied the allegations levelled by the appellant-Corporation by their letter dated 27th September, 1994. By letter dated 1st October, 1999 the appellant-Corporation demanded Rs.25,51,781/- from respondent-Company towards transfer levy charges as the original shareholders of the respondent-Company transferred their entire shareholding and interest to the new shareholders and there was change in the Directors of the respondent-Company. According to the appellant such change makes the shifting of the controlling interest of the respondent-Company and transfer levy for the same was demanded from the respondent-Company as per the rules of the Corporation. The Company submitted its reply vide letter dated 8th December, 1999 and reiterated its earlier stand to the effect that there is no breach of any terms of the lease deed as no transfer or assignment or sale of premises in question has been made. However, it was not accepted by the Corporation, who sent another reminder dated 13th January, 2000 asking the Company to pay a sum of Rs.25,51,781/- towards transfer levy charges….read more