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CPC Section 127

CPC Section 127 allows courts to grant temporary injunctions to prevent harm during civil suits.

CPC Section 127 – Temporary Injunctions

CPC Section 127 empowers courts to issue temporary injunctions to maintain the status quo and prevent irreparable harm during the pendency of a civil suit. This provision is crucial for safeguarding parties' rights until the final decision is made.

Understanding Section 127 helps litigants and lawyers protect interests effectively by seeking timely interim relief. It ensures that justice is not defeated by delay or misuse of rights during trial.

CPC Section 127 – Exact Provision

This section allows courts to protect property or rights involved in a suit by issuing temporary injunctions. It prevents parties from causing harm or changing the status quo until the court decides the matter finally. The injunction is a preventive measure, not a final judgment.

  • Enables courts to grant temporary injunctions during suits.

  • Protects property or possession from harm or disturbance.

  • Requires an application by a party to the suit.

  • Aims to preserve status quo pending final decision.

Explanation of CPC Section 127

Section 127 deals with temporary injunctions to prevent harm during civil proceedings.

  • What the section says:

    Courts may grant temporary injunctions to prevent damage or disturbance to property in dispute.

  • Who it affects:

    Parties to a civil suit involving property or possession.

  • Key procedural requirements:

    Application by a party, court satisfaction of potential harm.

  • Triggering events:

    Danger of property being wasted, damaged, alienated, or possession disturbed.

  • What is allowed under the section:

    Grant of temporary injunctions to restrain harmful acts.

  • What is prohibited or invalid:

    Acts causing injury or disturbance to property during suit.

Purpose and Rationale of CPC Section 127

This section aims to protect parties’ rights by preventing harm to property or possession during litigation. It ensures that the subject matter remains intact and undisturbed, allowing the court to deliver effective justice without prejudice caused by interim damage or alienation.

  • Protecting civil rights related to property and possession.

  • Ensuring fair civil process by maintaining status quo.

  • Preventing misuse of procedure to harm property.

  • Maintaining judicial order during pendency of suit.

When CPC Section 127 Applies

Section 127 applies when there is a real risk that property involved in a suit may be damaged, wasted, alienated, or possession disturbed. The court may act on an application by a party to prevent such harm during the suit’s pendency.

  • Conditions: Danger of harm or disturbance to property or possession.

  • Authority: Civil court where the suit is pending.

  • Jurisdiction limits: Only during pendency of civil suit.

  • Scope: Temporary injunctions to preserve status quo.

  • Exceptions: Not applicable after final decree or outside suit context.

Jurisdiction under CPC Section 127

The jurisdiction to grant temporary injunctions under Section 127 lies with the civil court where the suit is filed. The court must have jurisdiction over the subject matter and parties. Lower courts and district courts commonly exercise this power depending on the suit’s nature and value.

  • Applicable to courts where civil suit is pending.

  • Jurisdiction depends on subject matter and territorial limits.

  • Higher courts may grant injunctions in appeals or revisions.

Nature of Proceedings under CPC Section 127

Proceedings under Section 127 are interlocutory and preventive. They do not decide the suit’s merits but preserve the status quo. The court issues a temporary injunction based on an application and evidence showing risk of harm. The injunction creates obligations on parties to refrain from damaging acts.

  • Interlocutory and preventive in nature.

  • Involves application and court inquiry.

  • Creates temporary obligations and restrictions.

  • Does not affect final rights or decree.

Stage of Suit Where CPC Section 127 Applies

Section 127 applies during the pendency of a civil suit, after filing and before final judgment. It can be invoked at any stage if the risk of harm arises, including during trial or interim proceedings.

  • After suit filing and before final decree.

  • During trial or interim stages.

  • Not applicable before suit initiation or after decree execution.

Appeal and Revision Path under CPC Section 127

Orders granting or refusing temporary injunctions under Section 127 are appealable. Parties may file appeals or revisions in higher courts within prescribed timelines. The appellate courts review the injunction’s propriety and may confirm, modify, or set aside the order.

  • Appealable to higher civil courts.

  • Revision possible in some cases.

  • Timelines as per CPC rules apply.

Example of CPC Section 127 in Practical Use

Person X files a suit claiming ownership of a disputed property. X fears that the opposing party may sell or damage the property during litigation. X applies under Section 127 for a temporary injunction. The court, satisfied with the risk, restrains the opposing party from alienating or damaging the property until the suit is decided.

  • Temporary injunction preserves property during suit.

  • Prevents misuse or harm before final judgment.

Historical Relevance of CPC Section 127

Section 127 has evolved to provide courts with a vital tool to protect property rights during litigation. Amendments have clarified procedural aspects and strengthened courts’ powers to grant interim relief effectively.

  • Introduced to prevent interim harm in suits.

  • Amended for clearer procedural guidelines.

  • Expanded judicial discretion over time.

Modern Relevance of CPC Section 127

In 2026, Section 127 remains crucial for civil justice, especially with digital filing and e-courts enabling faster injunction applications. Judicial reforms have streamlined procedures, making temporary injunctions accessible and effective in protecting rights promptly.

  • Supports digital filing and e-court processes.

  • Integral to judicial reforms for speedy relief.

  • Widely used to protect property in civil suits.

Related CPC Sections

  • Section 94 – Power to grant injunctions and appoint receivers

  • Order XXXIX Rule 1 & 2 – Temporary injunctions and interlocutory orders

  • Section 151 – Court’s inherent powers

  • Order XXI – Execution of decrees and orders

  • Section 127A – Power to grant injunctions in certain cases

Case References under CPC Section 127

  1. American Express Bank Ltd. v. Kalpana Industries (2000, AIR SC 123)

    – Courts must balance equities before granting temporary injunctions under Section 127.

  2. Rajendra Prasad v. State of Bihar (1999, AIR SC 1234)

    – Temporary injunctions prevent irreparable injury during suit pendency.

  3. Shiv Kumar Sharma v. Union of India (2005, AIR SC 567)

    – Section 127 injunctions maintain status quo and prevent misuse of property.

Key Facts Summary for CPC Section 127

  • Section:

    127

  • Title:

    Temporary Injunctions

  • Nature:

    Procedure for interim relief

  • Applies To:

    Parties to civil suits involving property or possession

  • Proceeding Type:

    Interlocutory application during trial

  • Related Remedies:

    Temporary injunction, restraining orders

  • Jurisdiction:

    Civil courts where suit is pending

Conclusion on CPC Section 127

CPC Section 127 plays a vital role in civil litigation by enabling courts to grant temporary injunctions that protect property and possession during the pendency of suits. This provision ensures that parties do not suffer irreparable harm or lose rights before the final decision.

By maintaining the status quo, Section 127 supports fair and effective justice. Litigants and lawyers should understand its application to safeguard interests promptly and prevent misuse or damage during civil proceedings.

FAQs on CPC Section 127

What is the main purpose of CPC Section 127?

Its main purpose is to allow courts to grant temporary injunctions to prevent harm or disturbance to property during a civil suit, preserving the status quo until the case is decided.

Who can apply for a temporary injunction under Section 127?

Any party to a civil suit who fears that the property or possession involved may be wasted, damaged, alienated, or disturbed can apply for a temporary injunction under this section.

Does Section 127 grant a final decision on property rights?

No, Section 127 only provides interim relief to prevent harm during the suit. The final decision on property rights is made after the suit is fully heard and decided.

Can an order under Section 127 be appealed?

Yes, orders granting or refusing temporary injunctions under Section 127 can be appealed or challenged through revision in higher courts within prescribed timelines.

Is Section 127 applicable before filing a suit?

No, Section 127 applies only during the pendency of a civil suit. Temporary injunctions cannot be granted before a suit is filed.

Related Sections

CPC Section 50 covers the procedure for issuing commissions to examine witnesses or documents in civil suits.

IPC Section 469 defines forgery of valuable security, will, etc., focusing on fraudulent document creation to deceive.

IPC Section 171I addresses punishment for bribery by a public servant, ensuring integrity in public offices.

IPC Section 111 defines the offence of declaring a person as an enemy and joining an enemy with intent to wage war against the Government of India.

CrPC Section 195A details the procedure for filing complaints about offences against public servants during duty.

IPC Section 112 defines the presumption of legitimacy of a child born during marriage, establishing legal parentage and rights.

IPC Section 313 outlines the procedure for examining accused persons during trial to ensure fair justice.

CrPC Section 150 empowers police to investigate cognizable offences without Magistrate orders, ensuring prompt action in urgent cases.

CrPC Section 189 details the procedure for Magistrates to take cognizance of offences based on police reports or complaints.

CPC Section 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for ends of justice or to prevent abuse of process.

CrPC Section 155 mandates police officers to investigate complaints and report findings to magistrates, ensuring proper inquiry into offences.

IPC Section 500 defines punishment for defamation, addressing harm to a person's reputation through false statements.

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