Resistance to execution
Full Text
Where the Court is satisfied that the holder of a decree for the possession of immovable property or that the purchaser of immovable property sold in execution of a decree has been resisted or obstructed in obtaining possession of the property by the judgment-debtor or some person on his behalf and that such resistance or obstruction was without any just cause, the Court may, at the instance of the decree-holder or purchaser, order the judgment-debtor or such other person to be detained in the civil prison for a term which may extend to thirty days and may further direct that the decree-holder or purchaser be put into possession of the property.
Plain English Summary
Section 74 empowers the executing court to punish unjustified resistance or obstruction to the delivery of immovable property to a decree-holder or auction purchaser by committing the judgment-debtor or their agent to civil prison for up to 30 days and directing immediate physical delivery of possession.
Key Legal Elements
- Disobedience in Possession Executions: Pertains to decrees for possession of immovable property or delivery to court auction purchasers.
- Obstruction by Debtor or Agent: Resistance must emanate from the judgment-debtor or a person acting on their behalf or at their instigation.
- Absence of Just Cause: The resistance must be proved to be wanton, recalcitrant, or without any bona fide right.
- Coercive Sanction: Civil prison committal for a term up to thirty (30) days alongside police aid for physical possession under Order XXI Rule 98.
Punishment
Detention in civil prison for a term up to thirty (30) days for unjustified resistance or obstruction to delivery of possession.
Practical Note
Order XXI Rules 97–102 Interplay, Police Aid & Civil Jail Sanctions: (1) Integrated Procedure: Section 74 is the substantive penal sanction corresponding directly to Order XXI Rule 98. When resistance is reported by the court bailiff, the decree-holder or auction purchaser must file an application under Order XXI Rule 97 complaining of resistance. (2) Investigation of Right: If the obstruction is caused by a bona fide independent third party claiming independent title, the court must adjudicate their right under Order XXI Rule 101, and civil imprisonment cannot be ordered. (3) Willful Disobedience by Debtor: Where the obstruction is engineered by the judgment-debtor, their family members, or a transferee pendente lite (Order XXI Rule 102), the court has full jurisdiction to deploy police force and commit the contemnor to civil jail for up to 30 days to purge the contempt and enforce possession.
हिंदी पाठ
जहां न्यायालय का यह समाधान हो जाता है कि स्थावर (अचल) संपत्ति के कब्जे की डिक्री के धारक को अथवा किसी डिक्री के निष्पादन में बेची गई स्थावर संपत्ति के क्रेता को, संपत्ति का कब्जा प्राप्त करने में निर्णीत-ऋणी द्वारा अथवा उसकी ओर से किसी व्यक्ति द्वारा प्रतिरोध या बाधा पहुंचाई गई है और ऐसा प्रतिरोध या बाधा किसी न्यायसंगत हेतुक (कारण) के बिना थी, वहां न्यायालय, डिक्रीदार या क्रेता की प्रेरणा (आवेदन) पर, निर्णीत-ऋणी या ऐसे अन्य व्यक्ति को सिविल कारागार में ऐसी अवधि के लिए निरुद्ध किए जाने का आदेश दे सकेगा जो तीस दिन तक की हो सकेगी और आगे यह निदेश दे सकेगा कि डिक्रीदार या क्रेता को संपत्ति के कब्जे में रख दिया जाए।