Haryana State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. v. Jayam Textiles and another
Background
This order sends the case back; it does not decide the dispute. The Federation supplied cotton bales and received four cheques that were dishonoured for insufficient funds. Its complaints and appeals were dismissed because the representative had not proved the Federation's authority to institute them. It produced the board's delegation and explained that a general power of attorney had been filed in a connected case.
Decision Breakdown
This is not a final decision on the dispute. The Supreme Court set aside the dismissals and returned the matters for a fresh trial. The omission to produce authorisation was curable, and the Federation should have been allowed to place the document on record and prove it. Its assertion that the power of attorney was already in a connected case was undisputed, and the board delegation supported giving that opportunity. The unpaid arbitral award and public money involved also informed the remedy on these facts. The Court did not convict the respondents or finally determine the cheque allegations; those remained for trial.
Lesson Learnt
A missing proof-of-authority document did not automatically end these complaints where the omission could be cured. The complainant still had to produce and prove proper authorisation, and the allegations still required a trial.