CPC Section 144

CPC Section 144 addresses situations where a person is dispossessed of immovable property without following legal procedures. It allows a civil court to order the attachment of such property to prevent unlawful dispossession and maintain the status quo until the dispute is resolved.

Understanding this section is vital for parties involved in property disputes, as it safeguards possession rights and ensures that no party is wrongfully evicted without a proper trial. It balances the interests of both parties by providing a temporary remedy pending the final decision.

CPC Section 144 – Exact Provision

This section empowers courts to intervene when someone is forcibly or unlawfully dispossessed of immovable property. The court can restore possession to the dispossessed person and attach the property to prevent further illegal acts. It acts as a protective measure to uphold legal possession until the matter is decided by the court.

• Applies when dispossession occurs without following legal procedures.

• Allows courts to restore possession to the dispossessed party.

• Permits attachment of property to maintain status quo.

• Protects possession rights pending trial.

• Prevents self-help remedies and unlawful evictions.

Explanation of CPC Section 144

This section provides a remedy for unlawful dispossession of immovable property, ensuring possession is not disturbed without due process.

• What the section says:

  Courts can restore possession and attach property if dispossession is illegal.

• Who it affects:

  Persons dispossessed unlawfully and those in wrongful possession.

• Key procedural requirements:

  Application by dispossessed person; court's discretion to order attachment.

• Triggering events:

  Unlawful dispossession without due course of law.

• What is allowed:

  Restoration of possession; attachment orders.

• What is prohibited or invalid:

  Self-help eviction; dispossession without court order.

Purpose and Rationale of CPC Section 144

The section aims to protect lawful possession of immovable property by preventing illegal dispossession. It ensures that disputes over possession are resolved through judicial process rather than force or self-help. This maintains order and fairness in civil property disputes.

• Protecting civil rights of possession.

• Ensuring fair civil process for property disputes.

• Preventing misuse of self-help eviction.

• Maintaining judicial control over possession matters.

When CPC Section 144 Applies

This section applies when a person is dispossessed of immovable property without following legal procedures. The dispossessed party must apply to the civil court for relief. The court has authority to order restoration and attachment to prevent further unlawful acts.

• Condition: Dispossession without due process of law.

• Authority: Civil court where property is situated.

• Jurisdiction limits: Only immovable property disputes.

• Scope: Temporary relief pending final suit decision.

• Exceptions: Dispossession by lawful authority or process.

Jurisdiction under CPC Section 144

The civil court having jurisdiction over the area where the immovable property is located can apply Section 144. This ensures that possession disputes are handled locally and efficiently. The court exercises discretionary power to grant restoration and attachment orders based on facts.

• Jurisdiction lies with civil courts of the property’s location.

• Only courts competent to try suits relating to the property can act.

• Orders are interim and subject to final suit adjudication.

Nature of Proceedings under CPC Section 144

Proceedings under this section are summary and preventive in nature. They do not decide the ultimate title but maintain possession status quo. The court issues orders to restore possession and attach property temporarily until the main suit is decided.

• Involves application for restoration and attachment.

• Creates temporary possession rights, not final title.

• Prevents unlawful dispossession pending trial.

• Does not replace suit for possession or title.

Stage of Suit Where CPC Section 144 Applies

Section 144 applies before or during the pendency of a suit concerning immovable property. It provides interim relief to the dispossessed party to prevent further illegal eviction. The section is often invoked early to protect possession rights.

• Before filing a suit for possession or title.

• During trial to maintain status quo.

• Not applicable after final decree or execution stage.

Appeal and Revision Path under CPC Section 144

Orders passed under Section 144 can be challenged through appeals or revisions as per the CPC rules. Typically, appeals lie to higher civil courts within prescribed timelines. This ensures judicial oversight and correction of errors in interim orders.

• Appeal to higher civil court as per jurisdiction.

• Revision petitions may be filed against interim orders.

• Timelines for appeal depend on court rules.

Example of CPC Section 144 in Practical Use

Person X was unlawfully evicted from his ancestral house by a neighbor without any court order. X applied under Section 144 to the civil court. The court restored possession to X and ordered attachment of the property to prevent further dispossession until the suit for ownership was decided.

• Shows protection against illegal eviction.

• Demonstrates court’s power to maintain possession status.

Historical Relevance of CPC Section 144

Section 144 has evolved to address unlawful dispossession, a common issue in property disputes. Amendments have clarified procedures and strengthened court powers to prevent self-help evictions. It reflects the judiciary’s role in upholding possession rights.

• Introduced to curb illegal dispossession practices.

• Amended to streamline attachment procedures.

• Enhanced judicial control over possession disputes.

Modern Relevance of CPC Section 144

In 2026, Section 144 remains crucial for protecting possession rights amid increasing property disputes. Digital filing and e-courts facilitate quick applications and orders. Judicial reforms emphasize timely interim relief, making Section 144 a vital tool for civil justice.

• Supports digital filing of possession restoration applications.

• Integral to judicial reforms for speedy relief.

• Widely used in urban and rural property disputes.

Related CPC Sections

• Section 9 – Jurisdiction of civil courts

• Section 80 – Notice before suit against government

• Order 39 Rule 1 & 2 – Temporary injunctions and interlocutory orders

• Section 151 – Court’s inherent powers

• Order 21 – Execution of decrees and orders

Case References under CPC Section 144

1. Rameshwar Prasad & Ors. v. Union of India (2006, AIR 1525)

   – Court emphasized protection against illegal dispossession under Section 144.

2. Gurbaksh Singh Sibbia v. State of Punjab (1980, AIR 150)

   – Highlighted due process in possession disputes.

Key Facts Summary for CPC Section 144

• Section:

  144

• Title:

  Attachment to Prevent Dispossession

• Nature:

  Procedure for interim possession restoration and attachment

• Applies To:

  Dispossessed persons, wrongful possessors

• Proceeding Type:

  Interim relief before or during trial

• Related Remedies:

  Restoration of possession, attachment orders

• Jurisdiction:

  Civil courts of property location

Conclusion on CPC Section 144

CPC Section 144 plays a vital role in protecting possession rights by enabling courts to restore possession and attach property when unlawful dispossession occurs. It prevents self-help evictions and ensures that property disputes are resolved through proper legal channels.

This section balances the interests of parties by providing temporary relief pending final adjudication. Its application safeguards civil rights and upholds the rule of law in property matters, making it an essential provision in Indian civil procedure.

FAQs on CPC Section 144

What is the main purpose of CPC Section 144?

Its main purpose is to protect a person unlawfully dispossessed of immovable property by allowing the court to restore possession and attach the property to prevent further illegal acts.

Who can apply under Section 144?

The person who has been dispossessed of immovable property without due process of law can apply to the civil court for relief under this section.

Does Section 144 decide ownership of property?

No, it only provides interim relief to restore possession. The final ownership or title is decided in the main suit.

Can the court attach property under Section 144?

Yes, the court may order attachment of the property to maintain the status quo and prevent further unlawful dispossession.

Is there a time limit to file an application under Section 144?

The section does not specify a strict time limit, but timely application is advisable to prevent further dispossession and to obtain effective relief.