STATE OF KARNATAKA vs VIVEKANANDA M HALLUR .

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision regarding the applicability of the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957, specifically Article 5(e)(i), which pertains to Lease-cum-Sale Agreements. The Court ruled that the Sangha, being registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, does not qualify for stamp duty exemption as a House Building Co-operative Society. Consequently, the stamp duty collected on the Absolute Sale Deeds was deemed valid, affirming the High Court's dismissal of the respondents' writ petitions seeking a refund of stamp duty.