Ziauddin Ahmad v. Md. Usman
Rule established
Two conditions must be satisfied for appointment of a receiver under Order XL: (1) the applicant must establish a prima facie case, and (2) the balance of convenience must favour appointment. Mere assertion of mismanagement without evidence is insufficient.
Facts
- A dispute over property management led one party to seek appointment of a receiver
- The applicant alleged mismanagement but offered only assertions without documentary or oral evidence
- The court had to determine the threshold for appointing a receiver
Issue
- What conditions must be satisfied before a court appoints a receiver under Order XL?
Held
- Two conditions must be satisfied: (1) prima facie case on evidence, not bare assertions, and (2) balance of convenience in favour of appointment
- Receiver appointment is a drastic remedy: it dispossesses one party during litigation
- Mere allegations of mismanagement without supporting evidence are insufficient
- The court must weigh whether leaving property with the existing holder poses greater risk than appointing an outsider
Ratio Decidendi
Receiver appointment requires prima facie case on evidence plus balance of convenience. Bare assertions of mismanagement are insufficient for this drastic remedy.
How to use it in an exam
- Key line: "In Ziauddin Ahmad (1964), two conditions for receiver: prima facie case on evidence and balance of convenience. Mere assertion of mismanagement is insufficient."
Source
Source: AIR 1964 All 547; verified via standard CPC references
This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.