Without fail’: SC fast-tracks decisions on execution pleas by civil courts
The execution petitions, the bench said, filed for execution of decrees in civil disputes were pending for three-four years.
Mar 6, 2025, 22:13 IST
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked all high courts to direct civil courts in their jurisdiction to decide the execution petitions within six months, failing which presiding officers would be held liable.
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the prolonged pendency of execution petitions in civil disputes, with some cases remaining unresolved for over three to four years. Emphasizing the need for timely enforcement of civil court decrees, the Court has directed that such execution petitions be decided "without fail" within six months from the date of filing.
A bench comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta highlighted that the efficacy of the civil justice system is undermined when decrees are not executed promptly, thereby eroding public trust. They noted that the execution of a decree is a crucial aspect of the justice delivery system, and undue delays can render the entire process futile.
The Court underscored that while the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) provides mechanisms for executing decrees, the actual enforcement often faces significant delays. To address this issue, the Court has mandated that all execution petitions must be disposed of within six months from the date of filing, ensuring that the decree-holder receives the fruits of the litigation in a timely manner.
This directive aims to enhance the efficiency of the civil justice system and restore confidence among litigants regarding the enforceability of court decrees.