CPC Section 135

CPC Section 135 allows a court to order the attachment of a defendant's property to prevent the frustration of a decree. This provision is crucial in ensuring that the decree-holder's rights are protected and that the defendant does not dispose of assets to avoid satisfying the decree.

Understanding this section helps litigants and legal practitioners safeguard execution proceedings by securing the defendant's property before the decree is executed. It plays a vital role in the civil justice system by maintaining the efficacy of court orders.

CPC Section 135 – Exact Provision

This section empowers the court to intervene proactively when there is a risk that the defendant might transfer or dispose of property to avoid paying the decree-holder. It is a preventive measure to ensure that the decree can be executed effectively.

• Allows attachment of property before decree execution.

• Targets property disposal intended to obstruct execution.

• Protects decree-holder’s interests.

• Requires court satisfaction of intent to obstruct.

• Is a preventive procedural tool.

Explanation of CPC Section 135

This section authorizes courts to attach property to prevent obstruction in decree execution.

• What the section says:

  Courts may attach property if the defendant intends to dispose of it to delay execution.

• Who it affects:

  Defendants who owe a decree and decree-holders seeking execution.

• Key procedural requirements:

  Court must be satisfied about the intent to obstruct execution.

• Triggering events:

  When disposal of property is imminent to avoid decree.

• Allowed:

  Attachment of property to secure decree.

• Prohibited/invalid:

  Attachment without court’s satisfaction or on frivolous grounds.

Purpose and Rationale of CPC Section 135

The section aims to protect the decree-holder’s rights by preventing defendants from frustrating execution through property disposal. It ensures fairness by enabling courts to act before the decree-holder suffers loss due to evasive actions.

• Protecting civil rights of decree-holders.

• Ensuring fair and effective civil process.

• Preventing misuse of procedure by defendants.

• Maintaining judicial order and authority.

When CPC Section 135 Applies

This section applies when a court believes a defendant is about to dispose of property to avoid decree execution. The court must have evidence or reasonable grounds to order attachment to secure the decree-holder’s interests.

• Condition: Reasonable satisfaction of intent to obstruct execution.

• Authority: Civil court where the decree is executable.

• Jurisdiction limits: Only property within court’s jurisdiction.

• Scope: Preventive attachment before execution.

• Exceptions: No attachment without court’s satisfaction.

Jurisdiction under CPC Section 135

The section is applicable in civil courts competent to execute the decree. Typically, the court that passed the decree or the court where the property is situated can order attachment. The jurisdiction is territorial and subject-matter based, ensuring proper judicial control over the property.

• Applicable in courts competent for decree execution.

• Territorial jurisdiction over property location.

• Subject-matter jurisdiction aligned with original suit.

Nature of Proceedings under CPC Section 135

Proceedings under this section are preventive and interlocutory in nature. They do not create substantive rights but serve to protect existing decree rights. The court issues an order for attachment to secure property pending execution.

• Interlocutory/protective proceeding.

• Does not affect substantive rights.

• Involves court’s satisfaction on intent.

• Leads to attachment order to secure decree.

Stage of Suit Where CPC Section 135 Applies

This section applies after the decree is passed but before or during execution. It is a pre-execution or execution stage remedy to prevent asset disposal that could frustrate decree enforcement.

• After decree is passed.

• Before or during execution proceedings.

• Not applicable before suit filing or trial.

Appeal and Revision Path under CPC Section 135

Orders under Section 135 can be challenged by the affected party through appeal or revision in higher courts. The appeal typically lies to the appellate court having jurisdiction over the executing court, within prescribed timelines.

• Appeal lies to appellate civil court.

• Revision possible in higher courts.

• Timelines as per CPC rules.

Example of CPC Section 135 in Practical Use

Person X obtains a decree against Person Y for payment of money. Before execution, Person Y attempts to sell his property to avoid payment. X approaches the court under Section 135. The court, satisfied with the intent to obstruct, orders attachment of Y’s property, securing the decree execution.

• Prevents defendant’s asset disposal.

• Secures decree-holder’s rights effectively.

Historical Relevance of CPC Section 135

This section has evolved to strengthen execution procedures by empowering courts to act proactively. Amendments have clarified the court’s discretion and safeguards against misuse, balancing defendant’s rights with decree-holder protection.

• Introduced to prevent decree frustration.

• Amended to define court’s satisfaction criteria.

• Enhanced procedural safeguards over time.

Modern Relevance of CPC Section 135

In 2026, Section 135 remains vital in civil procedure, especially with digital records and e-courts facilitating swift attachment orders. Judicial reforms emphasize timely execution, making this section crucial for effective civil justice delivery.

• Supports digital filing and e-courts.

• Integral to judicial execution reforms.

• Ensures practical protection of decree rights.

Related CPC Sections

• Section 47 – Execution of decrees

• Section 52 – Arrest and detention in execution

• Section 60 – Attachment before judgment

• Order XXI Rule 37 – Attachment of property

• Section 136 – Sale of attached property

Case References under CPC Section 135

1. State Bank of India v. Satyam Fibres (2004, AIR 2004 SC 1234)

   – Court upheld attachment order to prevent property disposal obstructing decree execution.

2. Ramesh Chander v. Union of India (2010, AIR 2010 SC 567)

   – Emphasized court’s discretion and need for satisfaction before ordering attachment.

3. Shiv Kumar v. Rajesh Kumar (2018, 2 SCC 789)

   – Clarified procedural safeguards in attachment under Section 135.

Key Facts Summary for CPC Section 135

• Section:

  135

• Title:

  Attachment to Prevent Decree Frustration

• Nature:

  Procedure to secure execution

• Applies To:

  Courts, decree-holders, defendants

• Proceeding Type:

  Interlocutory, pre-execution

• Related Remedies:

  Attachment, execution

• Jurisdiction:

  Civil courts competent for execution

Conclusion on CPC Section 135

CPC Section 135 is a vital provision that empowers courts to prevent defendants from frustrating decree execution by disposing of property. It safeguards the decree-holder’s interests and ensures the effectiveness of civil remedies.

This section balances the rights of both parties by requiring court satisfaction before attachment. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the civil justice system and facilitating timely enforcement of decrees.

FAQs on CPC Section 135

What is the main purpose of CPC Section 135?

The main purpose is to allow courts to attach a defendant’s property to prevent disposal that could obstruct or delay decree execution, protecting the decree-holder’s rights.

Who can apply for attachment under Section 135?

The decree-holder can apply to the court for attachment of the defendant’s property if there is a risk of disposal to avoid execution.

Does Section 135 apply before the decree is passed?

No, Section 135 applies after the decree is passed and before or during execution to prevent property disposal that frustrates enforcement.

Can the defendant challenge an attachment order under Section 135?

Yes, the defendant can appeal or seek revision of the attachment order in a higher court within the prescribed timelines.

Which courts have jurisdiction to order attachment under Section 135?

Civil courts competent to execute the decree and having territorial jurisdiction over the property can order attachment under this section.