People Ex Rel. Public Utilities Commission v. Ryerson

Pursuant to an investigation, decision and order of the Public Utilities Commission a carrier brought an action against a shipper to recover undercharges. Based upon a stipulation of facts entered into by the parties, judgment was entered for the shipper. The question presented on this appeal is whether the Public Utilities Commission in the name of the People may maintain an independent equitable action to vacate the judgment on grounds of extrinsic fraud or mistake and lack of jurisdiction in the court to render the judgment.

The carrier, respondents Ryerson and Phillips, doing business as…