Synopsis

This judgment revolves around the doctrine of abatement of appeals under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in the context of a suit for specific performance of a contract. The central legal issue was whether an appeal abates in its entirety due to the non-substitution of the legal heirs of one of the deceased legal representatives of the original judgment-debtor (vendor), when the estate of the deceased is otherwise substantially represented by other heirs and lis pendens transferees on record. The Supreme Court clarified the interplay between Order XXII (Abolition and Substitution), the necessity of the vendor in specific performance suits, and the principles of substantial representation and res judicata.

I. Basic Information of the Judgment

Case Title: Kishorilal (D) Thr. LRS & Ors. vs. Gopal & Ors
Citation: 2026 INSC 48 (Reportable)
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Misra and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Bench: Division Bench of the Supreme Court of India
Date of Decision: January 12, 2026
Civil Appeal Nos.: 172 & 173 of 2026 (@ SLP(C) Nos. 36787 of 2017 & 397 of 2018)

II. Legal Framework & Relevant Precedents

A. Primary Legislation:

1. Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC):
   Order XXII: Rules 2, 4, & 11 – Abatement and substitution of legal representatives.
   Order I Rule 10: Impleadment of parties.
   Order XLI Rule 4: Decree in appeal where one of several plaintiffs or defendants dies and abatement is set aside (its inapplicability discussed).
   Sections 151 & 152: Inherent powers and correction of clerical errors.

2. Transfer of Property Act, 1882:
   Section 52 (Doctrine of Lis Pendens): Transfers pending litigation are not void but subservient to

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