Supreme Court Restores Appellate Decision; Emphasizes Alignment of Relief with Pleadings, Encourages Mediation.

The SC allowed the appeals, setting aside the HC's judgment, and restored the first appellate court's decision, which dismissed the plaintiffs' suit. The SC found that the HC erred by granting relief based on easementary rights not pleaded or proven, violating civil procedure rules. The SC emphasized that relief must align with pleadings and prayers to avoid miscarriage of justice. The parties were encouraged to explore mediation or direct negotiations to resolve their dispute.

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Issues Involved:
1. Maintainability of the suit.
2. Cause of action for the plaintiffs.
3. Bar of limitation, waiver, estoppel, and acquiescence.
4. Vagueness in the description of the suit land.
5. Ownership and possession of the suit land.
6. Encroachment by the first defendant.
7. Plaintiffs' title over the suit land.
8. Reliefs entitled to the plaintiffs.

Detailed Analysis:

Issue 1: Maintainability of the Suit
The trial court found the suit maintainable, allowing the plaintiffs to seek declarations of ownership, possession, and injunction against the defendants. The appellate courts did not specifically address this issue, implying no contention regarding maintainability.

Issue 2: Cause of Action for the Plaintiffs
The plaintiffs claimed ownership of the suit property based on a sale deed dated 29.12.1962 and alleged illegal encroachment by the first defendant. The trial court upheld their cause of action partially, recognizing encroachment over 15 sq. ft. However, the first appellate court dismissed this finding, stating the plaintiffs failed to prove their title or encroachment by the first defendant.

Issue 3: Bar of Limitation, Waiver, Estoppel, and Acquiescence
The trial court did not find the suit barred by limitation or principles of waiver, estoppel, and acquiescence. The appellate courts did not explicitly address this issue, suggesting it was not a significant point of contention.

Issue 4: Vagueness in the Description of the Suit Land
The trial court did not find the description of the suit land to be vague. This issue was not highlighted in the appellate courts, indicating no substantial dispute over the land description.

Issue 5: Ownership and Possession of the Suit Land
The trial court concluded that the suit property was part of the plaintiffs' property and that the first defendant had encroached upon it. Conversely, the first appellate court found that the plaintiffs failed to prove ownership and that the suit property was owned by Ishan Chand Ghosh and his sons, with the plaintiffs using it with permission. The High Court upheld the appellate court's finding that the plaintiffs did not establish title but granted relief based on easementary rights, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Issue 6: Encroachment by the First Defendant
The trial court found that the first defendant had encroached upon 15 sq. ft. of the plaintiffs' property. The first appellate court disagreed, stating no encroachment was proven. The High Court did not disturb this finding but granted relief based on easementary rights, which was subsequently nullified by the Supreme Court.

Issue 7: Plaintiffs' Title Over the Suit Land
The trial court recognized the plaintiffs' title to the suit property. However, the first appellate court reversed this, stating the plaintiffs failed to prove their title. The High Court, while agreeing with the appellate court on the lack of title, granted relief based on easementary rights, which the Supreme Court found inappropriate as it was not pleaded or proven.

Issue 8: Reliefs Entitled to the Plaintiffs
The trial court granted partial relief, directing the first defendant to pay Rs. 100 for the encroached portion. The first appellate court dismissed the plaintiffs' suit entirely. The High Court granted a permanent injunction based on easementary rights, which the Supreme Court set aside, restoring the first appellate court's judgment.

Supreme Court's Observations and Conclusions:
- The High Court violated fundamental rules of civil procedure by granting relief not claimed or pleaded.
- Pleadings and issues are essential to define the scope of litigation and ensure fair trial.
- A court cannot grant relief based on a case not pleaded, as it leads to miscarriage of justice.
- The High Court's reliance on easementary rights without proper pleadings and issues was erroneous.
- The Supreme Court emphasized that relief in civil suits must align with the pleadings and prayers made.

Final Judgment:
The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, set aside the High Court's judgment, and restored the first appellate court's judgment, dismissing the plaintiffs' suit. The parties were encouraged to consider mediation or direct negotiations to resolve their dispute.

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