Executing Courts Can Order Restoration Of Position Existing At Time Of Injunction Decree: HP High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that an executing court is bound to restore the situation that existed when the original decree was passed, if a post-decree breach warranting restoration is established. The Court observed that attachment of the judgment-debtors' property would not, by itself, restore the position existing at the time of the decree.

Justice Virender Singh remarked that: “The learned Executing Court is bound to restore the situation, which existed on the spot, at the time of passing of the decree [...] and the attachment of the property of the Judgment Debtors would not restore the situation, which existed on the spot, at the time of passing of the decree.”

Background:

The case arose from a 2006 decree recognising Mast Ram's right to irrigate his land through an existing sub-water channel (challah) and restraining Kishore Chand from obstructing its flow. Alleging that the channel was dismantled after the decree attained finality, Mast Ram initiated execution proceedings. The executing court ordered attachment of the judgment-debtors' property but declined to direct restoration of the channel. Both parties challenged the order before the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court held that the executing court erred in refusing restoration without first ascertaining whether the water channel had been dismantled. The Court observed that the executing court must restore the position existing when the decree was passed if the alleged dismantling is established. 

It set aside the impugned order and remanded the matter, directing the appointment of a Local Commissioner to verify the condition of the channel and fresh consideration of the execution proceedings.

Date of Decision: 30.09.2026