Holding

Stamp duty on a sale must be assessed on the market value of the property at the time of execution of the sale deed, not at the time of the agreement to sell or the filing of the suit for specific performance.

Summary

Mis Khandaka Jain Jewellers entered into agreements to purchase two properties in 1983, but the vendors failed to execute sale deeds. The firm obtained specific performance decrees in 1994, after which the court executed the sale deeds in 1995 and sent them for registration. The Sub‑Registrar, invoking Section 47A of the Rajasthan Stamp Law, referred the deeds to the Collector, who assessed stamp duty based on the market value at the time of registration, raising additional duty and penalties. The firm challenged this, arguing that valuation should be based on the date of the agreement or the filing of the suit for specific performance. The High Court and a single Judge upheld the lower valuation date, but the Supreme Court reversed, holding that the Stamp Act, as a taxing statute, must be interpreted strictly and that stamp duty is to be levied on the market value at the time of execution of the sale deed (i.e., registration). Consequently, the Collector’s assessment stands and the appeal by the State is allowed.

Issues considered

Whether stamp duty valuation under the Stamp Act should be based on the market value at the time of registration (execution) of the sale deed or at the time of the agreement to sell or filing of the suit for specific performance.
How Sections 2(12), 3, 17, 27 of the Stamp Act and Section 47A of the Rajasthan Stamp Law (Adaptation) Act, 1952 should be interpreted in the context of a taxing statute.
Whether equitable considerations such as hardship or prolonged litigation can influence the interpretation of a taxing statute.

Legislation cited

Indian Stamp Act, 1899s. 17, s. 2(12), s. 27, s. 3
Rajasthan Stamp Law (Adaptation) Act, 1952s. 47A

Subjects

Stamp dutyvaluationsale deedagreement to sellspecific performancetaxing statute interpretationSection 17Section 47ARajasthan Stamp Lawliteral rulemarket valueregistration

Judgment

I

/
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• STATE OF RAJASTHAN AND ORS.
v.
A

MIS KHANDAKA JAIN JEWELLERS

NOVEMBER 16, 2007
B
., (A.K. MATHUR AND MARKANDEY KATJU, JJ.)

Stamp Act, 1899:

ss. 2(12), 3, 17, ands.47A(as inserted by RajasthanAct JO of1982c
in Rajasthrm Stamp Law (Adaptation) Act, 1952)-Sale deed-
Registration of-Valuation for assessment of stamp duty-HELD:
stamp duty on sale has to be assessed on market value ofproperty at
the time of registration of sale and not when parties entered into an
agreement to sell nor when suit for specific performance of contract
D
is filed.

Interpretation of Statutes:

Provisions of Stamp Act-Interpretation of-HELD: Stamp Act
is in nature of a taxing statute and has to be construed strictly.
E
Deeds and documents-Difference between agreement to sell and
sale-Explained.
In execution of decrees passed in two suits for specific
)
performance of contract arising out of agreements to sell entered
into on 20.10.1983, the court executed the sale deeds and sent the
F
same on 17.3.1995 for registration before the Sub-Registrar, who,
exercising his powers u/s. 47-A (1) as inserted by Rajasthan Act 10
of1982 in Rajasthan Stamp Law (Adaptation) Act, 1952 sent the sale
deeds to the Collector for determining market value of the properties
and to assess the charge of stamp duty. The Collector assessed the G
value of the properties and raised deficient stamp duty and deficient
registration fees and also levied the penalty. The order of the
Collector was challenged in a writ petition before the High Court.

105 H
106 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

A The single Judge held that the relevant date for assessment of the
market value would be the date on which the suit for specific
performance of agreement to sell was filed. The Division Bench of
the High Court having affirmed the view of the single Judge, the State
Government filed the instant appeal.
B The question for consideration before the Court was: Whether
valuation should be assessed on the market rate prevailing at the
time of registration of the sale deed or when the parties entered into
the agreement to sell.
Allowing the appeal, the Court
c
HELD: 1.1. There is a difference between an agreement to sell
and a sale. An agreement to sell is not a sale. An agreement to sell
becomes a sale after both the parties signed the sale deed. What is
relevant in fact is the actual valuation of the property at the time of
D the sale. The crucial expression used in Section 17 of the Stamp Act,
1899 is "at the time of execution". Therefore, stamp duty on a sale
has to be assessed on the market value of the property at the time
of execution of sale deed, and not at the time of the prior agreement
to sell, nor at the time of filing of the suit.
E [Para 10)(115-E; 116-D, E]
1.2. The Stamp Act, 1899 is in the nature of a taxing statute,
and it has to be construed strictly; and cohsiderations of hardship
or equity have no role to play in its construction. It is true that no
one should suffer on account of the pendency of the matter in court
F but this consideration docs not affect the principles ofinterpretation
of a taxing statute. A taxing statute has to be construed as it is. The
contingencies that the matter was under litigation and the value of
the property by that time shot up cannot be taken into account for
interpreting the provisions of a taxing statute.
G [Para 10and14] [116-E; 118-D, EJ
Sub Registrat. Kodad Town and Manda! v. Amaranaini China \
Venkat Rao and Ors., AIR (1998) Andhra Pradesh 252, disapproved.
1.3. Literal rule of interpretation applies to the taxing statute.
H Construing section 17 read with section 2(12) of the Stamp Act in
}
STATE v. MIS KHANDAKAJAIN JEWELLERS 107

this back-ground, there is no manner of doubt that the registering A
authority is under an obligation to ascertain the correct market value
at that time of registration and should not go by the value mentioned
in the instrument. It is true that as per Section 3, which is the charging
section, the instrument is to be registered on the basis of the valuation
disclosed therein. But Section 3 cannot be read in isolation and has B
to be read along with Section 17 of the Act.From a composite reading
of Sections 3, 17 and 27, it becomes abundantly clear that the
valuation given in an instrument is not conclusive. If any doubt arises
in the mind of the registering authority that the instrument is under-
valued then as per Section 47-A as inserted by Rajasthan Act 10 of c
1982 in Rajasthan Stamp Law (Adaptation) Act, 1952, the instrument
can be sent to the Collector for determination of the correct market
value. Under Section 47-A read with Sections 3, 17 and 27, it
becomes clear that the registering authority has to ascertain the
correct valuation given in the instrument regarding market value of D
the property at the time of the sale.
[Para 11, 12 and 13] (117-E, F, G, H; 118-A, BJ
A. V. Fernandez v. State of Kera/a, AIR (1957) SC 657, relied
on.
E
1.4. The view taken by the single Judge as well as by the
Division Bench of the High Court cannot be sustained and the same
is set aside. The Collector shall determine the valuation of the
property mentioned in the instrument on the basis of its market value
, on the date when the document was tendered by the respondent for F
registration, and the respondent shall pay the stamp duty charges
and surcharge, if any, as assessed by the Collector as per the
provisions of the Act. [Para 16] [119-B, CJ
CIVIL APPELLATE illRISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 5273 of
2007. G
From the Judgment and Order dated 23 .11.2005 of the High Court
ofRajasthan at Jaipur Bench, Jaipur in D.B. Civil Special Appeal (Writ)
No. 427 of 2002.
V. Madhukar, Sumit Ghosh and Aruneshwar Gupta for the H
108 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

(
A Appellants.

Dr. Manish Singhvi and P.V. Yogeswaran for the Respondents.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

B
A.K. MATHUR, J. 1. Leave granted.
2. This appeal is directed against the judgment dated 23 .11.2005
passed by the Division Bench of the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan
at Jaipur Bench, Jaipur in SBCWP No. 133/1997 and DBCSA No. 427/
2002 whereby the division bench has affirmed the order of the learned
C Single Judge.

3. Brief facts which are necessary for the disposal of this appeal are
as under:
The S.B. Civil writ petition No. 133/97 was filed by Mis Khandaka
D Jain Jewellers, petitioner (respondent he;ein) in the High Court of
Judicature for Rajasthan, Jaipur Bench, Jaipur who prayed that a direction
may be issued to the respondent Nos. 2&3 to register the sale deeds
sent by the Court of additional district Judge No. 1, Jaipur city in execution
application No. 15/94 and 16/94 and to send back the same to the Court
E immediately after registration. It was also prayed that the respondents may
be directed to register the sale deeds on the stamps on which it is executed
by the executing court and not to charge more stamp duty from respondent
(herein). It was further prayed to quash and set aside the proceedings
taken under Section 47A(2) of the Stamps Act, 1952 in case No. 442/
F 95 and 443/95 on 4th March, 1997 for detem1ination of the valuation of
the sale deed for registration.
The respondent is a registered firm and it entered into two
agreements for purchase of properties with Shri Prem Chand Ajmera,
G resident of2148, Haldiyon Ka Rasta Jaipur by one agreement dated 20th
October, 1983. The property was agreed to be purchased for a sum of
Rs. 1,41,000/- out of which Rs. 20,000/- were paid at the time of the
agreement. As t'ie vendor failed to comply with the terms of the agreement,
the respondent vendee filed a suit for specific perfom1ance of the contract
H in the Court of district Judge, Jaipur city which was later on transferred
I

>
STATE v. MIS KHANO AKA JAIN JEWELLERS I 09
[A.K. MATHUR,J.]
to the Court of additional district Judge No. I, Jaipur city under registration A
No. 216/86. The suit was decreed by the Judgment and decree dated
2nd February, 1994. In pursuance of the said decree, the respondent firm
deposited an amount of Rs. 1,21,000/- in the Court on 9th May, 1994.
Since the vendor did not execute the sale deed, therefore, the respondent
firm filed the execution application No. 16/90 before the Court of B
additional district Judge No. I, Jaipur city.
In another agreement dated 2orn October, 1983 the vendor
Premchand agreed to sell a portion of property for a sum of Rs.
50,0001- out of which Rs. I 0,000/- was paid at the time of agreement. C
The respondent firm purchased the stamp papers and got the sale deed
typed. In this case also the vendor failed to fulfill the condition of agreement
and to execute the sale deed. Consequently, the respondent firm filed
another suit for specific performance of the contract in the Court of district
Judge, Jaipur city. It was also transferred to the court of additional district D
Judge No. I, Jaipur city under registration No. 151/91. The suit was
'i
decreed vide judgment and decree dated 2nd February, 1994 and the
respondent firm was directed to deposit the remaining amount of Rs.
40,000/- and the judgment debtor would execute the sale deed. If the
judgment debtor fails to comply with the decree, the decree holder would E
be entitled to get the sale deed registered and to get the possession. In
compliance of the judgment and decree passed by the Court, the
respondent firm deposited an amount of Rs. 40,000/- in the court but
the judgment debtor did not execute the sale deed. The execution
application No. 15/94 was filed before the Court of additional district F
Judge No. I, Jaipur city. Both these applications No. 15/94 and 16/94
were taken up by the executing court and the respondent firm was directed
to submit the stamp papers for the execution of the two sale deeds. The
stamp papers for a sum ofRs.14,100/- and Rs. 5,0001- for execution of
the sale deeds in respect of properties purchased for a sum of Rs. G
1,4 LOOO/- and Rs. 50,0001- respectively, were submitted by the
respondent firm.
The learned executing court executed the sale deeds and sent the
same on 17th March, 1995 for registration before the Sub-registrar,
H
110 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

A Registration Department, Collectorate Bani Park, Jaipur. The Sub- <
Registrar exercising its powers under Section 47A(1) of the Stamp Act
sent these two sale deeds to Collector (Stamps) Jaipur for determining
the market value and to assess the charge of the stamp duty. The Collector
(stamps) registered these two cases No. 442/95 and 443/95 of th~
B respondent firm and passed the order dated 5th March, 1997. In case
No. 442/95 he assessed value of the property as Rs. 5,60,000/- and
deficient stamp duty was raised to the extent of Rs. 41,900/- and deficient
registration fees as Rs 1500/- and he also levied the penalty of Rs.
1000/-. Thus, the total amount against the respondent firm raised was Rs.
C 44,400/-. In the second case No. 443/95 he assessed value of the
property as Rs. 3,87,580/- and deficient stamp duty to the extent of Rs.
33,758/- and deficient registration fees as Rs. 1500/- and the penalty of
Rs. 1000/-. Thus the total amount directed to be recovered from the
respondent firm was Rs. 36,258/-. The respondent firm filed writ petition
D challenging both these orders and the contention of the respondent firm
was that the valuation of the property should be taken when the agreement
of sale deed was executed, and not at the time of the registration of the
sale deed. The learned Single Judge relying on the judgment in the case
of Sub Registrat, Kodad Town and Manda! v. Amaranaini China
E Venkat Rao and Ors., reported in AIR (1998) Andhra Pradesh 252
allowed the writ petition and observed that since the vendor backed out
and did not execute the sale deed of the property in pursuance of the
agreement on 20th October, 1983 therefore, the respondent firm filed a
suit for specific performance of contract in 1986 and the suit was decreed.
F The respondent firm was ready and willing to pay the amount, and
therefore, it was not his fault. The same was the position regarding the
second suit which was filed in 1991. The learned Judge after considering
the matter directed to set aside both the orders and held that for the
purpose of charging stamp duty, etc., the relevant date for assessment of
G the market value shall be the date on which the suit for specific
performance of the agreement to sale was filed. Consequently the order
dated 4th March, 1997 (Annexure 5 & 6) was quashed and the authorities
were directed to pass a fresh order regarding the market value of the
property in question for the purpose oflevy of the stamp duty as on the
H
ST ATE v. MIS KHANDAKA JAIN JEWELLERS 111
[A.K.MATHUR,J.]

I date of filing of the suit and also directed to undertake this exercise A
keeping in view the observation of the judgment within a period of one
month from the date of receipt of the certified copy of the order after
notice to respondent firm.
4. Aggrieved against this order, an appeal was preferred before the B
Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court at Jaipur Bench and the
Division Bench affirmed the order of the learned single Judge. Aggrieved
against the order of the Division Bench, the present appeal was preferred
by the State ofRajasthan & Ors., appellants herein.
5. We have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the C
records.
6. The question is whether the valuation should be assessed on the
market rate prevailing at the time of registration of the sale deed or when
the parties entered into agreement to sell. D
7. Learned counsel for the State has submitted that the Stamp Act
is a taxing statute and a taxing statute has to be construed strictly.
Whatsoever may have b~en the consideration for the vendor not to get
the sale deed executed is a matter between both the parties, but when
the matter is before the regi~'tering Authority the registering Authority has E
to see the valuation of the property at the market rate at the time ofthe
registration as per Section 17 of the Act. Therefore, a notice under
Section 47A of the (Rajasthan Amendment) Stamp Duty Act was given
and proper valuation was determined for registration. As against this, the
learned counsel for the respondent submitted that Section 3 of the Act is F
a charging section. The registering authority has to see the instrument and
the consideration mentioned therein for payment of duty as per Section
27 of the Act. Ifhe finds it undervalued then he can hold an inquiry with
regard to market value which was prevailing at the time of agreement to G
sell.
}
8. In order to appreciate the controversy involved in the matter, it is
necessary to reproduce the relevant provisions of the Stamp Act which
are as under:
H
112 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

A Section 2(12) of the Act reads as under:
"( 12) "Executed", and "execution", used with reference to
instruments, mean "signed" and "signature"."

Section 3 of the Act reads as under:
B
"3. Instruments chargeable with duty - Subject to the provisions
of this Act and the exemptions contained in Schedule I, the
following instruments shall be chargeable with duty of the amount
indicated in that Schedule as the proper duty therefore,
respectively, that is to say-
c
(a) every instrument mentioned in that Schedule which, not having
been previously executed by any person, is executed in (India)
on or after the first day of July, 1899;
(b) every bill of exchange payable otherwise than on demand or
D
promissory note drawn or made out of India on or after that
day and accepted or paid, or presented for acceptance or
payment, or endorsed, transferred or otherwise negotiated,
in India; and
E (c) every instrument (other than a bill exchange or promissory
note) mentioned in that Schedule, which, not having been
previously executed by any person, is executed out oflndia
on or after that day relates to any prope1iy situate, or to any
matter or thing done or to be done, in India and is received
F in India:
Provided that no duty shall be chargeable in respect of-
(!) any instrument executed by, or on behalf of, or in favour of,
the Government in cases where, but for this exemption, the
G Government would be liable to pay the duty chargeable in
respect of such instrument;
(2) any instrument for the sale, transfer or other disposition, either
absolutely or by way of mortgage or otherwise, of any ship
or vessel, or any part, interest, share or property of or in any
H
I
> STATE v. M/S KHANDAKAJAIN JEWELLERS 113
/
[A.K.MATHUR,J.)
ship or vessel, registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, A
1894, or under Act 19of1938, or the Indian Registration of
Ships Act, 1841 (10of1841) as amended by subsequent
Acts.
(3) Any instrument executed, by or on behalf of, or in favour of
the Developer, or Unit or in connection with the carrying out B
of purposes of the Special Economic Zone.

"
Section 17 of the Act reads as under:
c
"17. Instruments executed in India - All instrument chargeable with
duty and executed by any person in India shall be stamped before
or at the time of execution."
D
Section 27 of the Act reads as under:
-.,
"27. Facts affecting duty to be set forth in instrument.- The
consideration (if any) and all other facts and circumstances affecting
the chargeability of any instrument with duty, or the amount of the
duty with which it is chargeable, shall be fully and truly set forth E
therein."
Section 47-A inserted by Rajasthan (Amendment) State Stamp
Act reads as under:
"S.47-A Instruments under-valued, how to be valued - (I) F
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Registration Act, 1908
(Central Act XVI of 1908) and the rules made thereunder as in
force in Rajasthan where in the case of any instrument relating to
an immovable property chargeable with an ad valorem duty on the
G
market value of the property as set forth in the instrument, the
) registering officer has, while registering the instruments, reason to
believe that the market value of the property has not been truly
set forth in the instrument, he may either before or after registering
the instrument, send it in original to the Collector for determination
H
114 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R. ~

A of the market-value and to assess and charge the duty in conformity
with such determination together with a penalty not exceeding ten-
times the deficient stamp duty chargeable and surcharge, if any,
payable on such instrument.
(2) On receipt of the instrument under sub-section (I), the Collector
B
shall, after giving the parties a reasonable opportunity of being heard
and after holding an enquiry in the prescribed manner determine
the market-value and the duty including penalty and surcharge, if
any, payable thereon; and ifthe amount of duty including penalty
and surcharge, if any, already paid, is deficient, the deficient amount
c shall be payable by the person liable to pay the duty including
penalty and surcharge, if any.
(2-A) Where it appears to a person having by law or consent of
parties authority to receive evidence or a person in charge of a
D public office, during the course of inspection or otherwise, except
an officer of a police, that an instrument is undervalued, such person
shall forthwith make a reference to the Collector in that matter.
(3) The Collector may, suo motu, or on a reference made under
E sub-section (2-A) call for and examine any instrument not referred
to him under sub-section (I), from any person referred to in sub-
section (2-A) or the executant or any other person for the purpose
of satisfying himself as to the correctness of the market-value of
such property has not been truly set forth in the instrument, he may
F determine in accordance with the procedure provided in sub-
section(2), the market-value and the amount of stamp duty together
with a penalty not exceeding ten times the deficient stamp duty
chargeable on it, which shall be payable by the person liable to
pay the stamp duty and penalty.
G (4) Where for any reason the original document called for by the
Collector under sub-section(3) is not produced or cannot be
produced, the Collector may after recording the reasons for its non-
production call for a certified copy of the entries of the document
from the registering officer concerned and exercise the powers
H
> STATEv. M/SKHANDAKAJAINJEWELLERS 115
/
[A.K. MATHUR).]
) conferred on him under sub-section (3). A

(5) For the purpose of enquiries under this section, the Collector
shall have power to summon and enforce the attendance of
witnesses including the parties to the instrument or any of them,
and to complete the production of documents by the same means, B
and so far as may be in the same manner, as is provided in the
·/
case of Civil Court under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central
Act V of 1908)"

9. The contention of the learned counsel for the State that as per
Section 17 of the Act, the market value has to be taken into consideration c
because Section 17 stipulates that all the instruments chargeable with duty
and executed by person oflndia shall be stamped before or "at the time
of execution". The word "execution" has been defined in Section 2(12)
of the Act which says that "Execution" used with reference to the
instruments, mean "signed" and "signature". Therefore, it shows that the D
document which is sought to be registered has to be signed by both the
parties. Till that time the document does not become an instrument for
registration. A reading of Section 2 (12) with Section 17 clearly
contemplates that the document should be complete in all respects when
both the parties should have signed it with regard to the transfer of the E
immovable property. It is irrelevant whether the matter had gone in for
litigation
10. It may be mentioned that there is a difference between an
agreement to sell and a sale. Stamp duty on a sale has to be assessed on F
the market value of the property at the time of the sale, and not at the
time of the prior agreement to sell, nor at the time of filing of the suit.
This is evident from section 17 of the Act. It is true that as per Section
3, the instrument is to be registered on the basis of the valuation disclosed
therein. But Section 47-A of the Rajasthan (Amendment) Stamp Duty G
Act contemplates that in case it is found that properties are under valued
;
then it is open for the Collector (Stamps) to assess the correct market
value. TI1erefore, in the present case when the registe1ing authority found
that valuation ofthe property was not correct as mentioned in the
instrunlent, it sent the document to the Collector for ascertaining the correct H
116 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

A market value of the property. The expression "execution" read with Section (
17 leaves no manner of doubt that the current valuation is to be seen when
the instrument is sought to be registered. The Stamp Act is in the nature
of a taxing statute, and a taxing statute is not dependant on any contingency.
Since the word "execution" read with Section 17 clearly says that the
B instrument has to be seen at the time when it is sought to be registered
and in that if it is found that the instrument has been undervalued then it is
open for the registering authority to enquire into its correct market value.
The learned single Judge as well as the Division Bench in the present case
had taken into consideration that the agreement to sell was entered into
C but it was not executed. Therefore, the incumbent had to file a suit for
seeking a decree for execution of the agreement and that took a long time.
TI1erefore, the Courts below concluded that the valuation which was in
the instrument should be taken into account. In our opinion this is not a
correct approach. Even the valuation at the time of the decree is also not
D relevant. What is relevant in fact is the actual valuation of the property at
the time of the sale. The crucial expression used in Section 17 is "at the
time of execution''. Therefore, the market value of the instrument has to
be seen at the time of the execution of the sale deed, and not at the time
when agreement to sale was entered into. An agreement to sell is not a
E sale. An agreement to sell becomes a sale after both the parties signed
the sale deed. A taxing statute is not contingent on the inconvenience of
the parties. It is needless to emphasize that a taxing statute has to be
construed strictly and considerations of hardship or equity have no role
to play in its construction. VISCOUNT SIMON quoted with approval a
F passage from ROWLATT, J. expressing the principle in the following
words
"In a taxing Act one has to look merely at what is clearly said.
There is no room for any intendment. There is no equity about a
G tax. There is no presumption as to tax. Nothing is to be read in,
nothing is to be implied. One can only look fairly at the language
used." ..
11. The same view was expressed by Hon'ble Bhagwati J. in the
case of A. V Fernandez v. State of Kera/a, reported in AIR (1957) SC
I-I
STATE v. M/S KHANDAKAJAIN JEWELLERS 117
[A.K. MATHUR, J.]
> 657. The principle is as follows: A
"In construing fiscal statutes and in determining the liability of a
subject to tax one must have regard to the strict letter of the law.
If the revenue satisfies the court that the case falls strictly within
the provisions of the law, the subject can be taxed. If on the other B
hand, the' case is not covered within the four comers of the
-1
provisions of the taxing statute, no tax can be imposed by inference
or by analogy or by trying to probe into the intention of the
Legislature and by considering what was the substance of the
matter." c
Hon'ble Shah J has fonnulated the principle thus: "In interpreting
a taxing statute, equitable considerations are entirely out of place.
Nor can taxing statutes be interpreted on any presumptions or
assumptions. The court must look squarely at the words of the
statute and interpret them. It must interpret a taxing statute in the D
light of what is clearly expressed; it cannot imply anything which is
not expressed; it cannot import provisions in the statute so as to
supply any assumed deficiency."

Therefore, a taxing statute has to be read as it is. In other words, E
the literal rule of interpretation applies to it.
12. In this back-ground, if we construe Section 17 read with Section
2(12) then there is no manner of doubt that at the time of registration, the
Registering Authority is under an obligation to ascertain the correct market
F
value at that time, and should not go by the value mentioned in the
instrument.
13. Learned counsel for the respondent submitted that if we construe
Section 3 read with Section 27 of the Act then the Registering Authority
is under an obligation to only see the value mentioned in the instrument. G
In our opinion Section 3 which is the charging section cannot be read in
isolation but has to be read along with Section 17 of the Act. From a
composite reading of Sections 3, 17 and 27, it becomes abundantly clear
that the valuation given in an instrument is not conclusive. If any doubt
arises in the mind of the Registering Authority that the instrument is under- H
118
SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 12 S.C.R.

A valued then as per Section 47-A of the Rajasthan (Amendment) the <:
instrument can be sent to the Collector for determination of the correct ,,
market value. Under Section 47-A read with Sections 3, 17 and 27, it
becomes clear that the Registering Authority has to ascertain the correct
valuation given in the instrument regarding market value of the property at
B the time of the sale.
14. Learned Counsel for the respondent strenuously urged before
us that in fact when the agreement to sell was not executed by the vendor,
the respondent had no option but to file a suit and a long time was taken
C for obtaining a decree for execution of the agreement. He was not at fault
and as such the valuation given in the instrument should be taken into
consideration because during the litigation the valuation of the property
has shot up. In this connection, learned counsel has invited our attention
to the principle "Actus curie neminem gravabit" meaning thereby that
D no person shall suffer on account of litigation. Hence learned counsel
submitted that since the matter had been in the litigation for a long time,
the respondent cannot ·be made to suffer. He invited our attention to the
decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Sub-Registrar, Kodad Town
and Manda! (supra). It is true that no one should suffer on account of the
E pendency of the matter but this consideration does not affect the Principles
of inte1pretation of a taxing statute. A taxing statute has to be construed
as it is all these contingencies that the matter was under litigation and the
value of the property by that time shot up cannot be taken into account
for interpreting the provisions of a taxing statute. As already mentioned
F above a taxing statute has to be construed strictly and if it is construed
strictly then the plea that the incw11bent took a long time to get a decree
for execution against the vendor that consideration cannot weigh with the
Court for interpreting the provisions of the taxing statutes. Therefore, simply
because the matter have been in the litigation for a long time that cannot
G be a consideration to accept the market value of the instrument when the
agreement to sale was entered. As per Section 17, it clearly says at the
time when registration is made, the valuation is to be seen on that basis.
15. In the case of Sub-Registrar, Kodad Town and Manda! (Supra),
the learned single Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court felt persuaded
H
t·
STATE v. M/S KHANDAKAJAIN JEWELLERS 119
[A.K. MATHUR, J.]
on accountof 30 years' long litigation and therefore, declined to send A
the papers back to the Collector for valuation at the market value. With
great respect, the view taken by the learned single Judge is against the
principles of interpretation of a taxing statute. Therefore, we are of the
opinion that the view taken by the learned single Judge of the Andhra
Pradesh High Court is not correct. B
16. Accordingly, we are of the opinion that the view taken by the
learned single Judge as well as by the Division Bench cannot be sustained
and the same is set aside. The Collector shall determine was the valuation
of the instrument on the basis of the market value of the property at the C
date when the document was tendered by the respondent for registration,
and the respondent shall pay the stamp duty charges and surcharge, if
any, as assessed by the Collector as per the provisions of the Act. The
appeal of the State is allowed. No order as to costs.
RP. Appeal allowed. D

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