Estes v. John Bleakley Ford, Inc.
Estes v. John Bleakley Ford, Inc.
Opinion of the Court
The appellant filed a dispossessory proceeding against his tenant, appellee. Without any hearing on the appellant’s motion to dismiss the appellee’s counterclaim, the tenant remained in
On October 18,1979, the appellee moved for reinstatement of its counterclaim, contending that it was dismissed upon fraudulent allegations of the appellant to negotiate. It also contended that the appellant was guilty of fraudulent and unconscionable acts in negotiating and signing a lease with another while at the same time verbally agreeing to a new lease with the appellee.
On November 7, 1979, the trial court, after a hearing, entered the order appealed from here, wherein it recited that there were substantial questions of fact to be determined by a jury, and ordered that the appellee remain in possession of the premises pending determination of the issues of fact by a jury. The court also held that a question has been raised concerning whether the court should retain jurisdiction of the matter so as “to afford equitable relief in the premises,” and found that there would be “irreparable harm” if the appellee were ordered to cease its business operations, whereas any damage to the appellant by a stay of dispossession could be readily calculated in money damages. Under this order, the appellee was to remain in the premises, pay a monthly rent in advance into the registry of the court, and post a $15,000 bond conditioned upon proof of actual damages sustained by the appellant.
The order sought to be appealed is not final, inasmuch as a jury trial of the issues of fact is pending and no injunctive relief is granted therein. Absent a compliance with the interlocutory-appeal procedure of Code Ann. § 6-701 (a) (2) (Ga. L. 1965, p. 18; as amended), the appeal is premature and must be, and is, dismissed.
Appeal dismissed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- ESTES v. JOHN BLEAKLEY FORD, INC.
- Status
- Published