Section 83: Power to deposit in Court money due on mortgage

Transfer of Property Act • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

Statutory Regulation
Legal Standard
Competent Court / Tribunal
Act 1882

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 83

Section 83 authorizes the mortgagor or any person entitled to redeem to deposit the mortgage money in court at any time before a suit for enforcement is barred, triggering statutory notice to the mortgagee.

  • Court Deposit Right: At any time after the principal money due on the mortgage has become payable, and before a suit for redemption is barred, the mortgagor, or any other person entitled to institute such suit, may deposit in court to the account of the mortgagee the amount due.
  • Verified Petition: Deposit is accompanied by a verified petition stating the particulars of the mortgage and amount due.
  • Statutory Notice to Mortgagee: Court issues immediate written notice to the mortgagee calling upon him to collect the deposit and deliver title deeds.
  • Delivery of Deeds Condition: Mortgagee can withdraw the money only after depositing the mortgage-deed and all title documents in court.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Prithi Nath Singh v. Suraj Ahir, AIR 1963 SC 1041: The Supreme Court held that a valid deposit under Section 83 stops the running of interest and obligates the mortgagee to deliver possession and title deeds.
  • Seth Ganga Dhar v. Shankar Lal, AIR 1958 SC 770: Affirmed that Section 83 provides a summary statutory procedure to redeem mortgages without the necessity of filing a plenary civil suit.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

If a private lender evades receiving loan repayment to unlawfully continue occupying commercial property, deposit the full principal and interest in civil court under Section 83 to freeze the debt.