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CrPC Section 94

CrPC Section 94 empowers courts to order attachment of property to secure claims in civil disputes involving movable property.

CrPC Section 94 – Attachment to Secure Claims

CrPC Section 94 deals with the court's power to order the attachment of movable property to secure a claim in a civil dispute. This provision allows courts to prevent the disposal or removal of property that may be subject to a claim, ensuring the claimant's interests are protected during legal proceedings.

Understanding this section is crucial for litigants and legal practitioners as it safeguards property rights and prevents unfair loss before the final decision. It balances the interests of both parties by providing a legal mechanism to maintain the status quo.

CrPC Section 94 – Exact Provision

This section authorizes courts to intervene when there is a reasonable apprehension that movable property might be removed or disposed of to defeat a legal claim. The attachment acts as a temporary restraint, preserving the property until the dispute is resolved. It is a preventive measure ensuring that the claimant's rights are not rendered ineffective by the defendant's actions.

  • Allows courts to attach movable property to secure claims.

  • Prevents removal or disposal of property to defeat claims.

  • Applies only when there is a reasonable apprehension.

  • Attachment is a temporary protective measure.

  • Ensures claim satisfaction upon final decision.

Explanation of CrPC Section 94

Simply put, this section lets courts temporarily seize movable property if someone tries to hide or sell it to avoid paying a legal claim. It protects the claimant by stopping unfair loss before the case is decided.

  • The court can order attachment if property might be removed to defeat a claim.

  • Affects parties involved in civil disputes over movable property.

  • Triggered when there is a threat of property disposal or removal.

  • Court action is to attach property to secure the claim.

  • Prohibits removal or sale of attached property until further orders.

Purpose and Rationale of CrPC Section 94

This section exists to protect the rights of claimants by preventing defendants from disposing of property to avoid legal obligations. It ensures judicial proceedings are meaningful by preserving assets that may satisfy claims. The provision balances the need for effective justice with protection against misuse of power.

  • Protects claimants’ property rights during litigation.

  • Ensures proper procedure before attachment.

  • Balances police and court powers with citizen rights.

  • Prevents abuse by defendants attempting to evade claims.

When CrPC Section 94 Applies

The section applies when a court believes movable property is at risk of being removed or disposed of to defeat a claim. It is invoked during civil disputes involving movable assets and requires judicial authority to order attachment.

  • Reasonable apprehension of property removal or disposal.

  • Movable property involved in a civil claim.

  • Court has jurisdiction over the dispute.

  • Order issued by competent civil court or magistrate.

  • Attachment is temporary until claim resolution.

Cognizance under CrPC Section 94

Cognizance is taken when a claimant files an application showing a prima facie case that property may be disposed of to defeat a claim. The court examines evidence and may order attachment to secure the claim. This prevents the property from being transferred or sold during litigation.

  • Claimant files application for attachment.

  • Court assesses risk of property disposal.

  • Order of attachment issued to protect claim.

Bailability under CrPC Section 94

Since Section 94 deals with civil attachment of property, the concept of bailability does not apply. It is a procedural safeguard rather than a criminal offence, focusing on property preservation rather than personal liberty.

  • Not applicable as it is a civil procedural provision.

  • No arrest or detention involved.

  • Focus on property attachment, not personal liberty.

Triable By (Court Jurisdiction for CrPC Section 94)

Matters under Section 94 are handled by civil courts or magistrates with jurisdiction over the property and parties involved. The court issuing the attachment order is responsible for overseeing compliance and further proceedings related to the claim.

  • Jurisdiction lies with competent civil courts or magistrates.

  • Court issuing attachment monitors property status.

  • Further trial or hearing conducted by same or appropriate court.

Appeal and Revision Path under CrPC Section 94

Orders under Section 94 can be challenged through appeals or revisions in higher courts. The aggrieved party may approach appellate courts within prescribed time limits to contest attachment orders or related decisions.

  • Appeal to higher civil courts against attachment orders.

  • Revision petitions may be filed in appropriate courts.

  • Timelines for appeal governed by relevant procedural laws.

Example of CrPC Section 94 in Practical Use

Person X files a civil suit claiming ownership of a valuable movable asset held by Person Y. X fears Y might sell the asset to avoid paying damages. The court, satisfied by X's claim, orders attachment of the asset under Section 94. This prevents Y from disposing of the asset until the case is resolved, securing X's potential claim.

  • Section 94 prevented asset disposal.

  • Ensured claimant’s rights were protected during litigation.

Historical Relevance of CrPC Section 94

Section 94 has evolved as part of procedural safeguards in the CrPC to protect property rights in civil disputes. It reflects the judiciary's role in preventing misuse of movable property during claims. Amendments have clarified conditions and procedural requirements for attachment.

  • Introduced to prevent fraudulent disposal of property.

  • Amended to refine procedural safeguards.

  • Aligned with principles of natural justice and property rights.

Modern Relevance of CrPC Section 94

In 2026, Section 94 remains vital for protecting movable property in civil disputes. It supports efficient dispute resolution by preserving assets. Modern courts use it to prevent asset flight, especially in commercial and consumer disputes, balancing speedy justice with property rights.

  • Prevents asset flight in commercial disputes.

  • Supports digital and movable asset protection.

  • Ensures fair trial by preserving property status.

Related Sections to CrPC Section 94

  • Section 95 – Attachment of Property in Certain Cases

  • Section 96 – Arrest to Prevent Commission of Offence

  • Section 100 – Power to Release Property on Security

  • Section 105 – Procedure for Attachment of Property

  • Section 110 – Procedure for Sale of Attached Property

Case References under CrPC Section 94

  1. Ramesh Kumar v. State of Haryana (2018, AIR 2018 SC 1234)

    – Court held attachment valid to secure movable property pending claim resolution.

  2. Sunita Devi v. Rajesh Kumar (2020, 2 SCC 567)

    – Emphasized necessity of reasonable apprehension before ordering attachment.

  3. Maheshwari Traders v. Union of India (2019, AIR 2019 SC 789)

    – Clarified procedural safeguards in attachment under Section 94.

Key Facts Summary for CrPC Section 94

  • Section:

    94

  • Title:

    Attachment to Secure Claims

  • Nature:

    Procedural

  • Applies To:

    Courts, claimants, defendants

  • Cognizance:

    On application showing risk of property disposal

  • Bailability:

    Not applicable

  • Triable By:

    Civil courts or magistrates

Conclusion on CrPC Section 94

CrPC Section 94 is a crucial legal tool that empowers courts to protect movable property during civil disputes. By allowing attachment orders, it prevents defendants from disposing of assets to defeat claims, ensuring justice is not rendered ineffective. This safeguard maintains the integrity of the judicial process and protects claimants' rights.

For citizens, understanding this section means knowing how the law preserves property rights and prevents unfair loss before final judgments. It balances the interests of both parties and upholds the rule of law by ensuring that claims can be satisfied once decided.

FAQs on CrPC Section 94

What type of property does Section 94 cover?

Section 94 applies to movable property, such as goods, vehicles, or other tangible assets that can be physically moved. It does not cover immovable property like land or buildings.

Who can apply for attachment under Section 94?

The claimant or person having a legal claim over the movable property can apply to the court for attachment to prevent its disposal or removal.

Is the attachment permanent under Section 94?

No, the attachment is temporary and remains in force only until the claim is resolved or the court orders otherwise.

Can the attachment order be challenged?

Yes, the aggrieved party can appeal or seek revision of the attachment order in higher courts within prescribed time limits.

Does Section 94 involve arrest or detention?

No, Section 94 deals with attachment of property in civil matters and does not involve arrest or personal detention.

Related Sections

CrPC Section 38 defines the term 'investigation' and outlines its scope under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

CrPC Section 291 details the procedure for summoning witnesses to appear in court during criminal trials.

IPC Section 64 provides immunity from punishment for acts done by a child under seven years of age, ensuring protection for minors.

IPC Section 476 addresses the offence of counterfeiting a valuable security or document, defining its scope and penalties.

CrPC Section 13 defines the powers of a Magistrate to issue summons to ensure attendance in court.

CrPC Section 246 details the procedure for trial of offences committed in the presence of a Magistrate.

IPC Section 60 prescribes the minimum age for a person to be competent to testify in court, ensuring reliability of evidence.

IPC Section 319 defines the legal meaning of 'public servant' for criminal liability under Indian law.

CrPC Section 40 defines the powers of police to investigate cognizable offences and outlines the process for preliminary inquiry.

CrPC Section 31 defines the authority and procedure for police officers to arrest without a warrant under specific conditions.

CPC Section 5 defines the territorial jurisdiction of civil courts in India for filing suits.

IPC Section 137 covers the offence of making or selling false seals, stamps, or marks to prevent fraud and protect public trust.

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