Part 54
Interpleader
Contents of this Part
| Scope of this Part | Rule 54.1 |
| Claim to goods taken in execution | Rule 54.2 |
| How to interplead | Rule 54.3 |
| Service of interpleader application | Rule 54.4 |
| Powers of the court | Rule 54.5 |
| Power to order sale of goods taken in execution | Rule 54.6 |
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| Scope of this Part 54.1 (1) This Part deals with the situation where - (a) a person is under a liability in respect of a debt or in respect of any money, goods or chattels and proceedings are taken against him, or are likely to be taken against him by two or more persons making adverse claims in respect of the debt, money, goods or chattels ; or (b) a claim is made to any money goods or chattels seized or intended to be seized by the marshal in execution by a person other than the person against whom execution has issued. (2) The person under a liability under paragraph 1(a) or the marshal may apply for relief. (3) That procedure is called an interpleader.
Claim to goods taken in execution. 54.2 (1) A person who makes a claim against any money, goods or chattels seized or about to be seized by the marshal must give written notice to the marshal. (2) The notice must - (a) give that person's name and address for service; and (b) identify the money, goods or chattels claimed; and (c) set out the grounds for his claim. (3) Forthwith on receipt of the claim the marshal must give written notice to the judgment creditor. (4) Within 4 days after receiving the notice the judgment creditor must give notice to the marshal admitting or disputing the claim. (5) Where the judgment creditor gives notice admitting the claim - (a) he is liable only for the fees and expenses of the marshal incurred before the marshal receives his notice; and (b) the marshal must withdraw from possession of the money goods or chattels; and (c) the marshal may apply to the court for an order restraining any action being brought against him in respect of his having taken possession of the money, goods or chattels. (6) Where the judgment creditor gives notice disputing the claim or fails to give notice and the claim is not withdrawn the marshal may apply to the court for relief under this Part.
How to interplead 54.3 (1) A person interpleads by filing an application for relief by way of interpleader. (2) The application must be filed - (a) in the court office out of which the writ of execution was issued; or (b) if no writ of execution has issued but there are proceedings in respect of the money, goods or chattels, in the court office in which such proceedings are being conducted; or (c) where there are no such proceedings in any court office. (3) An application other than by the marshal must be supported by evidence that the applicant - (a) claims no interest in the subject matter in dispute other than for charges or costs; and (b) does not collude with any of the claimants to that subject-matter; and (c) is willing to pay or transfer that subject-matter into court or dispose of it as the court may direct.
Service of Interpleader application. 54.4 (1) An application by the marshal must be served on the judgment creditor and on the person claiming the money, goods or chattels. (2) An application by any other person must be served on all persons making a claim to the money, goods or chattels.
Powers of the court 54.5 (1) On an application by the marshal the court may unless any claimant objects summarily determine the question in issue between the parties and order accordingly. (2) On any other application the court may order - (a) that any person claiming the money. goods or chattels be made a defendant in any pending claim relating to such money, goods or chattels either in addition to or in substitution for the applicant for relief; or (b) that the issue between two or more persons claiming the money, goods or chattels be tried, and may direct which person claiming is to be the claimant in those proceedings and which the defendant; or (3) Where a person making a claim to any money, goods or chattels who has been served with the application - (a) fails to attend the hearing; or (b) fails to comply with any order made by the court the court may order barring that person and any persons claiming under him forever from prosecuting his claim to the money, goods or chattels as against the applicant and all persons claiming under him. (4) An order under paragraph (3) does not affect the rights as between the persons claiming the money, goods or chattels.
Power to order sale of goods taken in execution 54.6 On an application by a marshal who has seized any goods or chattels where a person claims to be entitled to such goods by way of security, the court may order that all or part of such goods or chattels be sold and the proceeds applied in accordance with the order. |