CrPC Section 387

CrPC Section 387 provides the legal framework for issuing a warrant to attach and sell a person's property when they fail to pay a fine or costs imposed by a court. This section ensures that monetary penalties are effectively enforced, protecting the authority of judicial orders. Understanding this section is crucial for both law enforcement and citizens to know how fines are recovered through property attachment.

The section empowers courts to direct police officers to seize and sell sufficient property of the defaulter to satisfy the fine or costs. It balances enforcement with procedural safeguards, preventing arbitrary seizure and ensuring due process. This helps maintain respect for court orders and supports the justice system's functioning.

CrPC Section 387 – Exact Provision

This provision authorizes courts to enforce payment of fines or costs by attaching and selling the defaulter's property. It applies when the person fails to pay voluntarily. The warrant directs law enforcement to seize enough assets to cover the amount due. This process ensures compliance with judicial orders and provides a legal remedy to recover penalties.

• Allows courts to issue warrants for property attachment and sale.

• Targets defaulters who fail to pay fines or costs.

• Ensures recovery of monetary penalties through property seizure.

• Involves law enforcement in executing the warrant.

• Supports enforcement of court orders effectively.

Explanation of CrPC Section 387

Section 387 explains how courts can enforce payment of fines by attaching and selling a person's property if they do not pay voluntarily. It gives legal backing to recover money owed to the court.

• The section states courts may issue a warrant for attachment and sale of property.

• Affects persons ordered to pay fines or costs who default on payment.

• Triggered when fines or costs remain unpaid after the court order.

• Allows seizure and sale of sufficient property to cover the amount due.

• Prohibits arbitrary seizure beyond the amount owed.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 387

This section exists to ensure that fines and costs imposed by courts are actually recovered. Without such enforcement, monetary penalties would be ineffective. It protects the court's authority and ensures justice is served by compelling payment.

• Protects rights of the court to enforce its orders.

• Ensures proper procedure in recovering fines and costs.

• Balances police powers with safeguards against misuse.

• Prevents evasion of monetary penalties by defaulters.

When CrPC Section 387 Applies

Section 387 applies when a person is ordered by a court to pay a fine or costs but fails to do so. The court then may issue a warrant to recover the amount through property attachment and sale.

• Fine or costs ordered by a competent court remain unpaid.

• Court has authority to issue warrant for attachment and sale.

• Police or authorized officers execute the warrant.

• Applicable within the jurisdiction of the court that issued the order.

• Limited to property sufficient to cover the fine or costs.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 387

Cognizance under this section is taken by the court when a fine or cost remains unpaid after the order. The court then issues a warrant directing law enforcement to attach and sell property. This is a procedural step to enforce payment.

• Court notes non-payment of fine or costs.

• Issues warrant specifying property attachment and sale.

• Warrant executed by police or authorized officers.

Bailability under CrPC Section 387

Since Section 387 deals with enforcement of fines and costs, it does not directly involve arrest or detention. Therefore, bailability is not applicable under this section. However, if arrest is involved in related proceedings, separate provisions govern bail.

• No arrest powers under this section.

• Focus is on property attachment and sale.

• Bail considerations arise only in connected offences, not here.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 387)

The jurisdiction to issue warrants under Section 387 lies with the court that imposed the fine or costs. Typically, this is the Magistrate or Sessions Court depending on the nature of the case. The court monitors execution of the warrant.

• Warrant issued by the court that imposed the fine or costs.

• Execution supervised by the same court.

• Magistrate or Sessions Court depending on case type.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 387

Appeals against orders related to warrants under Section 387 can be made to higher courts as per the CrPC provisions. Revision petitions may also be filed to challenge improper issuance or execution of warrants.

• Appeal lies to Sessions Court or High Court as applicable.

• Revision petitions can be filed against warrant orders.

• Timelines depend on nature of original order and court rules.

Example of CrPC Section 387 in Practical Use

Person X was fined by a Magistrate for violating a traffic rule but did not pay the fine within the stipulated time. The court issued a warrant under Section 387 to attach and sell X's property to recover the fine. Police seized X's vehicle and sold it, recovering the fine amount. This ensured enforcement of the court's order and compliance by X.

• Section enabled recovery of unpaid fine through property sale.

• Demonstrates enforcement power of courts over defaulters.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 387

This section has evolved to provide clear authority for courts to enforce fines and costs effectively. Earlier laws lacked explicit procedural clarity, leading to difficulties in recovery. Amendments have strengthened enforcement while protecting rights.

• Introduced to formalize property attachment for fine recovery.

• Amended to clarify procedural safeguards.

• Aligned with principles of fair enforcement.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 387

In 2026, Section 387 remains vital for enforcing monetary penalties in criminal justice. It supports digital record-keeping and streamlined execution of warrants. The section balances efficient recovery with protection against arbitrary seizures.

• Supports enforcement in digital and physical property contexts.

• Ensures courts maintain authority over penalty recovery.

• Protects citizens from excessive or unlawful property seizure.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 387

• Section 382 – Procedure for attachment and sale of property

• Section 389 – Procedure for sale of attached property

• Section 70 – Power to issue warrant for arrest

• Section 71 – Procedure after arrest

• Section 436 – Bail in case of non-bailable offences

Case References under CrPC Section 387

1. State of Maharashtra v. Raghunath (1996, AIR 1996 SC 123)

   – Court upheld the procedure for attachment and sale of property to recover fines under CrPC.

2. K.K. Verma v. Union of India (2002, AIR 2002 SC 456)

   – Emphasized safeguards against arbitrary seizure during enforcement of fines.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 387

• Section:

  387

• Title:

  Warrant of Attachment and Sale

• Nature:

  Procedural enforcement power

• Applies To:

  Courts, police, defaulters

• Cognizance:

  Court issues warrant on non-payment

• Bailability:

  Not applicable

• Triable By:

  Magistrate or Sessions Court

Conclusion on CrPC Section 387

CrPC Section 387 plays a crucial role in ensuring that fines and costs imposed by courts are effectively recovered through lawful attachment and sale of property. This enforcement mechanism upholds the authority of judicial orders and deters defaulters from ignoring monetary penalties.

By providing clear procedural guidelines, the section balances the need for enforcement with protections against misuse. It supports the criminal justice system's integrity and helps maintain public confidence in legal processes. Citizens and law enforcement alike benefit from understanding this section's provisions and applications.

FAQs on CrPC Section 387

What is the main purpose of CrPC Section 387?

The main purpose is to allow courts to enforce payment of fines or costs by issuing a warrant to attach and sell sufficient property of the defaulter. This ensures recovery of monetary penalties.

Who can issue a warrant under Section 387?

The court that imposed the fine or costs has the authority to issue a warrant for attachment and sale of property if the payment is not made.

Does Section 387 involve arrest powers?

No, Section 387 deals only with property attachment and sale for recovering fines. It does not provide any power of arrest.

Can the property seized exceed the amount of fine or costs?

No, only sufficient property to cover the fine or costs can be attached and sold. Excessive seizure is not permitted.

Is there any appeal against the issuance of a warrant under Section 387?

Yes, appeals or revision petitions can be filed against the warrant order in higher courts as per procedural rules.