Supreme Court: 2002 Auction Sale in Chennai Restored After Two Decades

Quick Summary: A long-standing legal fight over an auction sale in Chennai has taken a new turn. The Supreme Court has reversed a 2009 High Court decision, bringing back the original auction sale from 2002.

The Beginning: A Debt and a Court Order

It all started with a lawsuit filed by Rasheeda Yasin against Komala Ammal and her son, K.J. Prakash Kumar, to recover ₹3,75,000. The case, filed in 1995, claimed they borrowed ₹2,00,000 in 1992. By April 16, 1997, the court ordered Komala Ammal and K.J. Prakash Kumar to pay the amount with interest, making it ₹3,75,000 plus extra costs.

Auction Sale in Chennai: Property on the Line

To get the money back, Rasheeda Yasin pushed for an auction of Komala Ammal and K.J. Prakash Kumar's property in Chennai. The property was a house and land measuring 2120 square feet at Astabujam Road, Choolai. Initially valued at ₹16,25,000, the minimum price was reduced several times due to lack of bids, finally selling for ₹11,03,000 to G.R. Selvaraj on September 12, 2002.

Quote: "The sale certificate was issued to G.R. Selvaraj on 10.01.2003 after he paid the sale amount."

Legal Battles: Attempts to Overturn the Sale

Komala Ammal and K.J. Prakash Kumar tried to cancel the sale, claiming there were problems with it. They argued that the minimum price was reduced without proper notice. However, their request was rejected on October 15, 2004, and later appeals also failed.

High Court's 2009 Decision: Sale Cancelled

On February 10, 2009, the Madras High Court sided with Komala Ammal and K.J. Prakash Kumar, canceling the sale. The court found that the lower court didn't consider selling only part of the property to satisfy the court order.

Supreme Court's 2025 Verdict: High Court Overruled

On November 25, 2025, the Supreme Court, with Judges Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe, reversed the High Court's decision. They pointed out that Komala Ammal and K.J. Prakash Kumar were informed and took part in the proceedings but didn't raise their objections in time.

Quote: "The judgment dated 10.02.2009 passed by the High Court... is set aside."

Summary of the Verdict

This ruling brings back the original sale from 2002, ending a legal story that lasted over two decades. The court's decision highlights the importance of raising objections on time in legal matters. No extra costs were ordered, closing this chapter in Chennai's courtroom drama.