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Ramnani vs. Court of Appeals, 196 SCRA 731
Ramnani vs. Court of Appeals, 196 SCRA 731
COURT OF APPEALS
G.R. No. 85494, 196 SCRA 731
Doctrine: In a situation where one furnished capital, and another contributed his
industry and talent, justice and equity dictate that the two share equally
the fruit of their joint investment and efforts.
Antecedent Facts: Ishwar, Choithram and Navalrai, all surnamed Jethmal Ramnani, are
brothers of the full blood. Ishwar and his spouse Sonya had their main
business based in New York. They then executed a general power of
attorney appointing Navalrai and Choithram as attorneys-in-fact,
empowering them to manage and conduct their business concern in the
Philippines.
Thus, Ishwar and Sonya (spouses Ishwar) filed a complaint in the Court
of First Instance against Choitram and/or spouses Nirmla and Moti
(Choithram, et al.) and Ortigas for reconveyance of said properties or
payment of its value and damages. An amended complaint for damages
was thereafter filed by said spouses.
Petitioner’s Contention: Choithram alleged that the appellate court gravely abused its discretion
in making a factual finding not supported by and contrary to the evidence
presented at the trial court.
Respondent’s Contention: Ishwar alleged that he can still recover all the investments entered
into by Choithram.
MTC/RTC Ruling: The trial court dismissed the complaint and counterclaim. A motion for
reconsideration thereof filed by spouses Ishwar was denied.
CA Ruling: The Court of Appeals reversed and set aside the appealed decision of the
lower court which denied plaintiffs-appellants' Motion for
Reconsideration from aforesaid decision. A new decision is hereby
rendered sentencing defendants-appellees to pay, jointly and severally,
plaintiffs-appellants.
Issue: Whether or not Ishwar can recover all the investments entered into by
Choithram in his capacity as attorney-in-fact
However, since Choithram, et al. acted with evident bad faith and malice,
they should pay moral and exemplary damages as well as attorney's fees
to spouses Ishwar.
WHEREFORE, the petition in G.R. No. 85494 is DENIED, while the petition
in G.R. No. 85496 is hereby given due course and GRANTED. The judgment
of the Court of Appeals is hereby modified as follows:
xxx
SO ORDERED.