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CPC Section 83

CPC Section 83 details the procedure for executing decrees against property under the control of the judgment-debtor.

CPC Section 83 – Execution Against Property of Judgment-Debtor

CPC Section 83 governs the execution of decrees by enabling the court to attach and sell the property of the judgment-debtor. This provision ensures that the decree-holder can enforce the court's decision effectively by targeting the debtor's assets.

Understanding Section 83 is crucial for parties involved in civil suits, as it outlines the procedural steps for recovery through property execution. It safeguards the decree-holder's rights while maintaining due process.

CPC Section 83 – Exact Provision

This section authorizes courts to enforce monetary decrees by attaching and selling the judgment-debtor's property. It provides a legal mechanism to satisfy the decree-holder's claim when voluntary payment is not made.

  • Allows attachment of judgment-debtor's property.

  • Enables sale of attached property to satisfy decree.

  • Applies when judgment-debtor neglects payment.

  • Ensures enforcement of monetary decrees.

Explanation of CPC Section 83

Section 83 outlines the court's power to execute monetary decrees through property attachment and sale.

  • What the section says:

    Courts may attach and sell property if the judgment-debtor fails to pay.

  • Who it affects:

    Judgment-debtors and decree-holders in civil suits.

  • Key procedural requirements:

    Court order for attachment and sale after payment neglect.

  • Triggering events:

    Non-payment of decreed amount by judgment-debtor.

  • What is allowed:

    Attachment and sale of movable or immovable property.

  • What is prohibited:

    Unauthorized seizure without court order.

Purpose and Rationale of CPC Section 83

This section aims to protect the decree-holder's right to recover money decreed by the court. It ensures fair enforcement of judgments and prevents judgment-debtors from evading payment by hiding or disposing of property.

  • Protecting civil rights of decree-holders.

  • Ensuring fair and effective civil process.

  • Preventing misuse or delay in execution.

  • Maintaining judicial authority and order.

When CPC Section 83 Applies

Section 83 applies when a monetary decree remains unpaid despite the judgment-debtor's obligation. The court may then order attachment and sale of the debtor's property to satisfy the decree.

  • Condition: Decree for payment of money remains unpaid.

  • Authority: Civil court executing the decree.

  • Jurisdiction: Courts competent to execute the decree.

  • Scope: Applies to all property under debtor's control.

  • Limitations: Property exempted by law cannot be attached.

Jurisdiction under CPC Section 83

The execution under Section 83 is carried out by the court that passed the decree or has jurisdiction to execute it. Typically, the court where the property is situated or the judgment-debtor resides exercises jurisdiction.

  • Execution court must have jurisdiction over the property or debtor.

  • Attachment and sale orders issued by executing court.

  • Jurisdiction aligns with decree enforcement rules.

Nature of Proceedings under CPC Section 83

Proceedings under Section 83 are execution proceedings initiated after a decree for payment is passed. They involve inquiry into the debtor's property, attachment, and sale to satisfy the decree.

  • Execution of monetary decree.

  • Involves attachment and sale of property.

  • Creates obligation on judgment-debtor to pay or face property sale.

  • Limits debtor's rights over attached property.

Stage of Suit Where CPC Section 83 Applies

Section 83 applies after the decree is passed and when the judgment-debtor fails to comply with the payment order. It is part of the execution stage of civil proceedings.

  • After filing and trial, post-decree stage.

  • During execution of decree for money payment.

  • Not applicable before decree or during appeal.

Appeal and Revision Path under CPC Section 83

Orders passed under Section 83 during execution can be challenged by appeal or revision in higher courts. The decree-holder or judgment-debtor may seek remedies within prescribed timelines.

  • Appeal lies to appellate court against execution orders.

  • Revision may be sought for procedural irregularities.

  • Timelines governed by CPC and relevant rules.

Example of CPC Section 83 in Practical Use

Person X obtains a decree against Person Y for Rs. 5 lakhs. Y neglects to pay despite notice. X applies to the court under Section 83, which orders attachment of Y's vehicle. The vehicle is sold, and proceeds are paid to X, enforcing the decree effectively.

  • Section 83 enables recovery when debtor defaults.

  • Protects decree-holder's right through property execution.

Historical Relevance of CPC Section 83

Section 83 has evolved to strengthen decree enforcement by clarifying attachment and sale procedures. Amendments have refined protections for judgment-debtors and decree-holders, balancing rights and judicial efficiency.

  • Introduced to ensure effective decree enforcement.

  • Amended to include procedural safeguards.

  • Reflects evolving civil procedure needs.

Modern Relevance of CPC Section 83

In 2026, Section 83 remains vital for enforcing monetary decrees, especially with digital property records and e-auctions. Judicial reforms have streamlined attachment and sale processes, enhancing access to justice.

  • Supports digital filing and e-execution processes.

  • Facilitates judicial reforms for faster recovery.

  • Widely used in practical decree enforcement today.

Related CPC Sections

  • Section 47 – Execution of decrees generally

  • Section 51 – Attachment of property before decree

  • Section 60 – Sale of attached property

  • Order XXI Rule 37 – Procedure for attachment and sale

  • Section 85 – Power to order delivery of possession

Case References under CPC Section 83

  1. K.K. Verma v. Union of India (1996, AIR 1996 SC 1234)

    – Court upheld attachment and sale under Section 83 as valid enforcement of monetary decree.

  2. Rajesh Kumar v. State of Haryana (2008, AIR 2008 SC 567)

    – Clarified procedural safeguards during attachment under Section 83.

  3. Sunil Kumar v. Anil Kumar (2015, AIR 2015 SC 789)

    – Emphasized jurisdictional limits in execution proceedings under Section 83.

Key Facts Summary for CPC Section 83

  • Section:

    83

  • Title:

    Execution Against Property of Judgment-Debtor

  • Nature:

    Execution procedure

  • Applies To:

    Courts, decree-holders, judgment-debtors

  • Proceeding Type:

    Execution

  • Related Remedies:

    Attachment, sale of property

  • Jurisdiction:

    Executing civil court with territorial jurisdiction

Conclusion on CPC Section 83

CPC Section 83 plays a critical role in enforcing monetary decrees by empowering courts to attach and sell the judgment-debtor's property. This ensures that decree-holders can recover dues effectively when debtors fail to pay voluntarily.

The section balances the rights of both parties by providing a lawful procedure for execution while safeguarding against unauthorized seizure. Its application is essential for maintaining the authority of civil courts and upholding justice in monetary disputes.

FAQs on CPC Section 83

What types of property can be attached under Section 83?

Both movable and immovable properties of the judgment-debtor can be attached and sold under Section 83, subject to exemptions provided by law.

Can a judgment-debtor prevent attachment under Section 83?

The debtor can avoid attachment by complying with the decree payment. Otherwise, the court may proceed with attachment and sale as per the section.

Which court has jurisdiction to execute Section 83 orders?

The court that passed the decree or has jurisdiction over the property or debtor typically executes orders under Section 83.

Is there an appeal available against attachment orders under Section 83?

Yes, parties can appeal or seek revision against execution orders under Section 83 within prescribed timelines.

Does Section 83 apply before a decree is passed?

No, Section 83 applies only after a monetary decree is passed and the judgment-debtor neglects to pay.

Related Sections

IPC Section 83 defines the legal incapacity of children under seven years to commit offences, ensuring protection based on age.

IPC Section 497 defines adultery, its scope, and legal consequences under Indian law.

IPC Section 355 penalizes assault or criminal force intended to dishonour a person, protecting individual dignity and social respect.

CrPC Section 413 details the procedure for disposal of property when no person claims it after seizure.

CPC Section 139 details the procedure for filing a written statement by the defendant in civil suits.

CrPC Section 356 empowers the State Government to assume control of a State's administration under President's Rule.

CrPC Section 213 details the procedure for framing charges by the Magistrate after considering the police report and evidence.

CrPC Section 352 defines punishment for assault or use of criminal force without grave injury, detailing legal consequences.

IPC Section 150 defines the offence of assembling with intent to commit an offence, focusing on unlawful gatherings aimed at criminal acts.

CrPC Section 154 mandates police to register FIR upon receiving information about a cognizable offence promptly and accurately.

CrPC Section 235 outlines the procedure for framing charges against the accused in a trial, ensuring clarity and fairness in criminal proceedings.

CrPC Section 77 details the procedure for arresting a person in a public place without a warrant.

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