{"id":35004,"date":"2026-10-30T12:03:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:03:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=35004"},"modified":"2026-10-30T12:16:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:16:03","slug":"section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/","title":{"rendered":"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 id=\"h-section-96-cpc-can-a-non-party-challenge-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_96_CPC_Can_a_Non-Party_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>Section 96 CPC: Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-case-details\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Details\"><\/span>Case Details<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Case Name<\/th><td>Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel v. Gautam Punjabhai Palkhiwala (Dead) by LRs &amp; Ors.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Reported Citation<\/th><td>2026 INSC 1177<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Date of Judgement<\/th><td>30 October 2026<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Court<\/th><td>Supreme Court of India<\/td><\/tr><tr><th>Focus Keyword<\/th><td>Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by non-party<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction-can-a-consent-decree-affect-someone-who-was-never-a-party-to-the-suit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_Can_a_Consent_Decree_Affect_Someone_Who_Was_Never_a_Party_to_the_Suit\"><\/span>Introduction: Can a Consent Decree Affect Someone Who Was Never a Party to the Suit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A civil dispute may appear to have reached its final conclusion when the parties arrive at a compromise and the court passes a consent decree. For the litigants, the matter may be settled. But what happens when that settlement affects the legal rights of someone who was never a party to the proceedings?<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Section_96_CPC_Can_a_Non-Party_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\" >Section 96 CPC: Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Case_Details\" >Case Details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Introduction_Can_a_Consent_Decree_Affect_Someone_Who_Was_Never_a_Party_to_the_Suit\" >Introduction: Can a Consent Decree Affect Someone Who Was Never a Party to the Suit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#1_Understanding_Section_96_CPC_and_the_Restriction_on_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\" >1. Understanding Section 96 CPC and the Restriction on Appeals Against Consent Decrees<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Can_a_Non-Party_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\" >Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#2_The_Background_of_the_Dispute_A_Property_Settlement_With_Consequences_for_Third_Parties\" >2. The Background of the Dispute: A Property Settlement With Consequences for Third Parties<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#The_Agreement_to_Sell_and_the_Specific_Performance_Suit\" >The Agreement to Sell and the Specific Performance Suit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Execution_Proceedings_and_the_Subsequent_Sale_Deed\" >Execution Proceedings and the Subsequent Sale Deed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Proceedings_Before_the_Gujarat_High_Court\" >Proceedings Before the Gujarat High Court<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#The_Central_Legal_Question\" >The Central Legal Question<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#3_The_Supreme_Courts_Approach_to_the_Rights_of_a_Non-Party\" >3. The Supreme Court&#8217;s Approach to the Rights of a Non-Party<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#4_Section_96_CPC_Consent_Decree_Appeal_by_Non-Party_What_Must_the_Applicant_Establish\" >4. Section 96 CPC Consent Decree Appeal by Non-Party: What Must the Applicant Establish?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#A_The_Applicant_Must_Have_a_Legally_Recognisable_Interest\" >A. The Applicant Must Have a Legally Recognisable Interest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#B_The_Decree_Must_Cause_Real_and_Material_Prejudice\" >B. The Decree Must Cause Real and Material Prejudice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#C_Leave_to_Appeal_Must_Be_Obtained\" >C. Leave to Appeal Must Be Obtained<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#5_Why_Non-Impleadment_Alone_Should_Not_Defeat_a_Genuine_Legal_Claim\" >5. Why Non-Impleadment Alone Should Not Defeat a Genuine Legal Claim<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Illustration_A_Third-Party_Property_Claim_Against_a_Consent_Decree\" >Illustration: A Third-Party Property Claim Against a Consent Decree<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#6_The_Difference_Between_Challenging_a_Compromise_as_a_Party_and_Appealing_as_a_Non-Party\" >6. The Difference Between Challenging a Compromise as a Party and Appealing as a Non-Party<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Order_XXIII_Rule_3_CPC_Challenging_the_Lawfulness_of_a_Compromise\" >Order XXIII Rule 3 CPC: Challenging the Lawfulness of a Compromise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Order_XXIII_Rule_3A_CPC_Bar_on_a_Separate_Suit\" >Order XXIII Rule 3A CPC: Bar on a Separate Suit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#The_Position_of_a_Non-Party_Asserting_Independent_Legal_Rights\" >The Position of a Non-Party Asserting Independent Legal Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Relevant_Supreme_Court_Decision_Sakina_Sultanali_Sunesara_Momin_v_Shia_Imami_Ismaili_Momin_Jamat_Samaj_Ors\" >Relevant Supreme Court Decision: Sakina Sultanali Sunesara (Momin) v. Shia Imami Ismaili Momin Jamat Samaj &amp; Ors.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#7_Earlier_Supreme_Court_Decisions_and_the_Development_of_the_Principle\" >7. Earlier Supreme Court Decisions and the Development of the Principle<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#H_Anjanappa_v_A_Prabhakar_2025_INSC_121\" >H. Anjanappa v. A. Prabhakar, 2025 INSC 121<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#VN_Krishna_Murthy_v_Ravikumar_2020_9_SCC_501\" >V.N. Krishna Murthy v. Ravikumar, (2020) 9 SCC 501<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Pushpa_Devi_Bhagat_v_Rajinder_Singh_2006_5_SCC_566\" >Pushpa Devi Bhagat v. Rajinder Singh, (2006) 5 SCC 566<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Banwari_Lal_v_Chando_Devi_1993_1_SCC_581\" >Banwari Lal v. Chando Devi, (1993) 1 SCC 581<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Triloki_Nath_Singh_v_Anirudh_Singh_2020_6_SCC_639\" >Triloki Nath Singh v. Anirudh Singh, (2020) 6 SCC 639<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#8_Does_Granting_Leave_Mean_That_the_Consent_Decree_Will_Be_Set_Aside\" >8. Does Granting Leave Mean That the Consent Decree Will Be Set Aside?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#9_What_About_Delay_in_Challenging_a_Consent_Decree\" >9. What About Delay in Challenging a Consent Decree?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#10_Practical_Implications_for_Property_Inheritance_and_Civil_Disputes\" >10. Practical Implications for Property, Inheritance and Civil Disputes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#11_Practical_Guidance_for_Advocates_and_Litigants\" >11. Practical Guidance for Advocates and Litigants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#12_The_Wider_Significance_of_the_Decision\" >12. The Wider Significance of the Decision<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Conclusion_Section_96_CPC_and_Non-Party_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\" >Conclusion: Section 96 CPC and Non-Party Appeals Against Consent Decrees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Concerned_About_a_Consent_Decree_That_May_Affect_Your_Legal_Rights\" >Concerned About a Consent Decree That May Affect Your Legal Rights?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Need_Legal_Guidance_on_Challenging_a_Consent_Decree\" >Need Legal Guidance on Challenging a Consent Decree?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Editorial_Note\" >Editorial Note<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#1_Can_a_Non-Party_Appeal_Against_a_Consent_Decree_Under_Section_96_CPC\" >1. Can a Non-Party Appeal Against a Consent Decree Under Section 96 CPC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#2_Does_Section_963_CPC_Prevent_Every_Challenge_to_a_Consent_Decree\" >2. Does Section 96(3) CPC Prevent Every Challenge to a Consent Decree?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#3_Can_a_Court_Reject_Leave_to_Appeal_Merely_Because_the_Applicant_Was_Not_a_Party_to_the_Original_Suit\" >3. Can a Court Reject Leave to Appeal Merely Because the Applicant Was Not a Party to the Original Suit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#4_What_Must_a_Non-Party_Prove_to_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\" >4. What Must a Non-Party Prove to Challenge a Consent Decree?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#5_Does_Leave_to_Appeal_Mean_That_the_Consent_Decree_Will_Be_Cancelled\" >5. Does Leave to Appeal Mean That the Consent Decree Will Be Cancelled?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#Key_Takeaways_Section_96_CPC_and_Non-Party_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\" >Key Takeaways: Section 96 CPC and Non-Party Appeals Against Consent Decrees<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider a dispute over agricultural land. Two parties enter into a compromise and obtain a consent decree recognising one party&#8217;s claim to the property. A third person subsequently discovers that the decree may prejudice an independent claim of ownership. Can that person approach the appellate court, or does the law shut the door merely because the person was not impleaded in the original suit?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This question raises an important issue under Section 96 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The general principle is straightforward: a person cannot ordinarily appeal against a decree simply because the outcome is unfavourable or because that person disagrees with the court&#8217;s decision. There must be a legally recognisable grievance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the position is different when a decree prejudicially affects the independent legal rights or interests of someone who was not a party to the suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reported decision in Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel v. Gautam Punjabhai Palkhiwala (Dead) by LRs &amp; Ors., cited as 2026 INSC 1177, addresses this distinction. According to the supplied judgement research, the Supreme Court held that a non-party is not automatically barred from seeking leave to appeal against a consent decree merely because the decree was passed with the agreement of the original litigants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The significance of the principle lies in the balance it seeks to maintain between two equally important objectives: bringing litigation to an end and ensuring that a compromise between some parties does not unjustifiably prejudice the independent legal rights of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-understanding-section-96-cpc-and-the-restriction-on-appeals-against-consent-decrees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Understanding_Section_96_CPC_and_the_Restriction_on_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\"><\/span>1. Understanding Section 96 CPC and the Restriction on Appeals Against Consent Decrees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 96 CPC provides the statutory framework for appeals from original decrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ordinarily, a person aggrieved by an original decree may pursue an appeal in accordance with the CPC. However, Section 96(3) expressly provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No appeal shall lie from a decree passed by the court with the consent of parties.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The provision reflects an established principle of civil litigation. When parties voluntarily settle their dispute and the court records their lawful compromise, they cannot ordinarily reopen the same dispute through an appeal merely because they have subsequently changed their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A consent decree is intended to bring the litigation to a close. Without the statutory restriction, a party could agree to a settlement, obtain a decree in its terms and then attempt to undo that settlement through an appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such an approach would undermine the finality of judicial proceedings and discourage parties from resolving disputes amicably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-can-a-non-party-challenge-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_Non-Party_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the restriction raises a different question when the person challenging the decree was never a party to the compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stranger to the proceedings cannot automatically be treated as someone who consented to the settlement. Nor can the mere agreement between the original litigants conclusively establish that an independent legal claim belonging to an outsider has been extinguished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction forms the foundation of the legal issue considered in the reported decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-2-the-background-of-the-dispute-a-property-settlement-with-consequences-for-third-parties\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Background_of_the_Dispute_A_Property_Settlement_With_Consequences_for_Third_Parties\"><\/span>2. The Background of the Dispute: A Property Settlement With Consequences for Third Parties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the supplied case research, the dispute concerned agricultural land in Gujarat and competing claims relating to its ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The predecessors of some of the respondents asserted rights in the land through an earlier sale deed and their claimed membership of a Hindu Undivided Family. The relevant revenue records reflected successive changes in the recorded interests in the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-agreement-to-sell-and-the-specific-performance-suit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Agreement_to_Sell_and_the_Specific_Performance_Suit\"><\/span>The Agreement to Sell and the Specific Performance Suit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1996, the heirs of the original owner entered into a registered agreement to sell the land to Geetagram Cooperative Housing Society. The Society subsequently instituted a suit for specific performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On 29 April 2013, the trial court passed a consent decree in favour of the Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-execution-proceedings-and-the-subsequent-sale-deed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Execution_Proceedings_and_the_Subsequent_Sale_Deed\"><\/span>Execution Proceedings and the Subsequent Sale Deed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The consequences of the decree later became the subject of further proceedings. During execution, a sale deed was executed in 2022 in favour of Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel, with the Society acting as a confirming party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-proceedings-before-the-gujarat-high-court\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Proceedings_Before_the_Gujarat_High_Court\"><\/span>Proceedings Before the Gujarat High Court<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied research states that certain respondents subsequently discovered changes in the revenue records and approached the Gujarat High Court. They alleged that the earlier proceedings and the resulting decree adversely affected their interests in the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They sought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leave to appeal against the consent decree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Condonation of an approximately eleven-year delay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interim protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The High Court granted leave, condoned the delay and continued interim injunctive protection. Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel challenged those orders before the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-central-legal-question\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Central_Legal_Question\"><\/span>The Central Legal Question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The central legal question was whether persons who had not been parties to either the original suit or the compromise could seek leave to appeal against the consent decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The issue was not merely procedural. It concerned the extent to which a compromise between litigants could restrict the remedies available to someone asserting an independent legal interest in the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-3-the-supreme-court-s-approach-to-the-rights-of-a-non-party\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_The_Supreme_Courts_Approach_to_the_Rights_of_a_Non-Party\"><\/span>3. The Supreme Court&#8217;s Approach to the Rights of a Non-Party<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reported ruling draws an important distinction between a party to a compromise and a person who was never a party to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction matters because the statutory restriction under Section 96(3) CPC must be understood in the context of the persons whose consent resulted in the decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A litigant who voluntarily entered into a compromise ordinarily cannot disregard the statutory consequences of that agreement simply because the settlement later becomes inconvenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A third party, however, may have a different legal position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That person may not have signed the compromise, participated in the negotiations or authorised anyone to surrender an independent legal right on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mere fact that two litigants have settled their dispute does not, by itself, establish that their settlement conclusively determines every independent claim that another person may possess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the supplied research, the Supreme Court explained that Section 96(3) CPC, read with Order XXIII Rules 3 and 3A, does not automatically prevent a genuine non-party from seeking leave to appeal where the decree prejudicially affects that person&#8217;s independent legal rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court&#8217;s approach does not mean that every outsider is entitled to challenge a consent decree. Rather, it recognises that the question of maintainability cannot be answered solely by looking at whether the applicant&#8217;s name appeared in the original array of parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court must also examine the nature of the right asserted and the effect of the decree upon that right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is an important distinction between the absence of a right to appeal and the absence of formal participation in the original proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-section-96-cpc-consent-decree-appeal-by-non-party-what-must-the-applicant-establish\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Section_96_CPC_Consent_Decree_Appeal_by_Non-Party_What_Must_the_Applicant_Establish\"><\/span>4. Section 96 CPC Consent Decree Appeal by Non-Party: What Must the Applicant Establish?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The principle governing a Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by a non-party is not an unrestricted right to reopen concluded litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant must establish a legally sufficient basis for invoking the appellate court&#8217;s jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three considerations are particularly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-the-applicant-must-have-a-legally-recognisable-interest\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_The_Applicant_Must_Have_a_Legally_Recognisable_Interest\"><\/span>A. The Applicant Must Have a Legally Recognisable Interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant must identify a legal right or interest that is capable of protection under the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the facts, that interest may arise from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ownership or co-ownership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inheritance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A registered conveyance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A contractual right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another recognised legal source.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who has no legal interest in the subject matter cannot ordinarily obtain leave merely by expressing dissatisfaction with the decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-the-decree-must-cause-real-and-material-prejudice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_The_Decree_Must_Cause_Real_and_Material_Prejudice\"><\/span>B. The Decree Must Cause Real and Material Prejudice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is not enough to assert that the decree might have some adverse consequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant must explain how the decree affects the claimed legal right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied research records that the Supreme Court relied on established principles distinguishing a genuine legal injury from psychological, imaginary or merely remote prejudice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, a person who claims ownership of a specific parcel of land may have a substantial grievance if a decree purports to determine rights over that very property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, a person who believes that the decree may indirectly affect future business opportunities, without establishing any legally protected interest in the subject matter, would face a much more fundamental difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-c-leave-to-appeal-must-be-obtained\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Leave_to_Appeal_Must_Be_Obtained\"><\/span>C. Leave to Appeal Must Be Obtained<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-party does not acquire an automatic right to appeal simply by alleging that the decree is prejudicial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant must seek leave from the competent appellate court and satisfy the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the appellate process remains available to persons with genuine legal grievances without becoming an avenue for unrelated persons to interfere in concluded litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grant of leave is therefore a threshold decision. It permits the proposed challenge to be considered; it does not establish that the decree is invalid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-why-non-impleadment-alone-should-not-defeat-a-genuine-legal-claim\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Why_Non-Impleadment_Alone_Should_Not_Defeat_a_Genuine_Legal_Claim\"><\/span>5. Why Non-Impleadment Alone Should Not Defeat a Genuine Legal Claim<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most significant aspects of the reported decision is the distinction between a person who lacks a legally protected interest and a person whose interest may have been prejudiced despite their absence from the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are not the same situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an applicant has no legally recognisable claim, the court may refuse leave on that basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But where an applicant establishes a prima facie legal interest that may be adversely affected by the decree, rejecting the application solely because the applicant was not originally impleaded would fail to address the substance of the grievance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-illustration-a-third-party-property-claim-against-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Illustration_A_Third-Party_Property_Claim_Against_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>Illustration: A Third-Party Property Claim Against a Consent Decree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider a simple illustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A and B enter into a compromise concerning ownership of a plot of land. The court records the compromise and passes a consent decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">C, who was never a party to the suit, claims that a portion of the same land belongs to C under an earlier registered conveyance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If C can demonstrate that the decree prejudicially affects that independent claim, the court must examine whether leave to appeal is justified under the applicable law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact that C was not named as a plaintiff or defendant does not, by itself, answer the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, C cannot succeed merely by producing a document and asserting ownership. The legal effect of the document, the relationship between the property and the decree, the relevant facts and the applicable procedural requirements must all be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The point is that non-impleadment cannot automatically substitute for a proper examination of legal standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach is consistent with the broader principle that procedural rules should not be applied in a manner that overlooks a genuine, legally protected interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-the-difference-between-challenging-a-compromise-as-a-party-and-appealing-as-a-non-party\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_The_Difference_Between_Challenging_a_Compromise_as_a_Party_and_Appealing_as_a_Non-Party\"><\/span>6. The Difference Between Challenging a Compromise as a Party and Appealing as a Non-Party<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction between these two situations deserves particular attention because it determines the appropriate legal remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-order-xxiii-rule-3-cpc-challenging-the-lawfulness-of-a-compromise\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Order_XXIII_Rule_3_CPC_Challenging_the_Lawfulness_of_a_Compromise\"><\/span>Order XXIII Rule 3 CPC: Challenging the Lawfulness of a Compromise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Order XXIII Rule 3 CPC governs compromises in civil proceedings. Its proviso addresses disputes concerning whether a compromise was reached or whether it was lawful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-order-xxiii-rule-3a-cpc-bar-on-a-separate-suit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Order_XXIII_Rule_3A_CPC_Bar_on_a_Separate_Suit\"><\/span>Order XXIII Rule 3A CPC: Bar on a Separate Suit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Order XXIII Rule 3A CPC bars a separate suit to set aside a compromise decree on the ground that the compromise was not lawful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These provisions prevent a party from bypassing the statutory procedure by initiating a separate suit to undo a compromise decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-position-of-a-non-party-asserting-independent-legal-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Position_of_a_Non-Party_Asserting_Independent_Legal_Rights\"><\/span>The Position of a Non-Party Asserting Independent Legal Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The position of a non-party who asserts an independent legal right must be considered separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who was not a party to the compromise cannot automatically be treated as having agreed to it. However, that does not mean that every third-party challenge is maintainable or that the statutory restrictions can be disregarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nature of the challenge is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a party to the original suit alleges that the compromise was not lawful, the statutory procedure governing such challenges ordinarily applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a person who was never a party to the suit asserts that the decree prejudicially affects an independent legal right, the question is whether that person may seek leave to appeal under Section 96 CPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are different legal situations and should not be conflated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-relevant-supreme-court-decision-sakina-sultanali-sunesara-momin-v-shia-imami-ismaili-momin-jamat-samaj-amp-ors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relevant_Supreme_Court_Decision_Sakina_Sultanali_Sunesara_Momin_v_Shia_Imami_Ismaili_Momin_Jamat_Samaj_Ors\"><\/span>Relevant Supreme Court Decision: Sakina Sultanali Sunesara (Momin) v. Shia Imami Ismaili Momin Jamat Samaj &amp; Ors.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <em>Sakina Sultanali Sunesara (Momin) v. Shia Imami Ismaili Momin Jamat Samaj &amp; Ors.<\/em>, 2025 INSC 570, the Supreme Court examined the statutory framework governing compromise decrees, including Section 96(3) and Order XXIII Rules 3 and 3A CPC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That decision is relevant to understanding the procedural restrictions applicable to compromise decrees. It should not, however, be treated as a substitute for examining the precise reasoning of the reported 2026 decision concerning the rights of non-parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal analysis must remain sensitive to the distinction between a litigant attempting to withdraw from a compromise and an outsider asserting an independent legal grievance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-earlier-supreme-court-decisions-and-the-development-of-the-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Earlier_Supreme_Court_Decisions_and_the_Development_of_the_Principle\"><\/span>7. Earlier Supreme Court Decisions and the Development of the Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law governing appeals by persons who were not parties to the original proceedings did not emerge in isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied research identifies several earlier Supreme Court decisions that provide the relevant legal background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-h-anjanappa-v-a-prabhakar-2025-insc-121\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"H_Anjanappa_v_A_Prabhakar_2025_INSC_121\"><\/span>H. Anjanappa v. A. Prabhakar, 2025 INSC 121<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This decision addresses the principles governing leave to appeal by persons who were not parties to the original proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relevant principle is that the statutory provisions governing appeals do not exhaustively define every person who may, in appropriate circumstances, seek appellate intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stranger to the suit must nevertheless establish that the decree prejudicially affects a legally protected interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction between genuine legal prejudice and a remote or imaginary grievance remains central.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-v-n-krishna-murthy-v-ravikumar-2020-9-scc-501\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"VN_Krishna_Murthy_v_Ravikumar_2020_9_SCC_501\"><\/span>V.N. Krishna Murthy v. Ravikumar, (2020) 9 SCC 501<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This decision is relevant to the question of who qualifies as a person aggrieved for the purpose of seeking appellate relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broader principle is that a person cannot invoke appellate jurisdiction merely because the outcome of a case is unwelcome. There must be a sufficient legal connection between the decree and the injury alleged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pushpa-devi-bhagat-v-rajinder-singh-2006-5-scc-566\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pushpa_Devi_Bhagat_v_Rajinder_Singh_2006_5_SCC_566\"><\/span>Pushpa Devi Bhagat v. Rajinder Singh, (2006) 5 SCC 566<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This decision is relevant to the restrictions governing challenges to compromise decrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its significance lies in the procedural consequences of a compromise and the statutory limitations on reopening a settlement through an appeal or a separate suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-banwari-lal-v-chando-devi-1993-1-scc-581\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Banwari_Lal_v_Chando_Devi_1993_1_SCC_581\"><\/span>Banwari Lal v. Chando Devi, (1993) 1 SCC 581<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This judgment is also relevant to the statutory framework governing challenges to compromises recorded by civil courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicable remedy depends on the nature of the challenge and the procedural provisions governing the compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-triloki-nath-singh-v-anirudh-singh-2020-6-scc-639\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Triloki_Nath_Singh_v_Anirudh_Singh_2020_6_SCC_639\"><\/span>Triloki Nath Singh v. Anirudh Singh, (2020) 6 SCC 639<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The supplied research distinguishes this decision on the basis that the challenger there derived title through a party during the pendency of the suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That distinction matters because a claim derived through a litigant may raise different procedural and substantive considerations from a claim founded on an asserted independent legal interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taken together, these authorities illustrate the importance of examining the source of the applicant&#8217;s rights, the effect of the decree and the precise nature of the proposed challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reported 2026 ruling, if confirmed in the official judgment in the terms described in the supplied research, would clarify how these principles apply when the decree under challenge is a consent decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-8-does-granting-leave-mean-that-the-consent-decree-will-be-set-aside\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Does_Granting_Leave_Mean_That_the_Consent_Decree_Will_Be_Set_Aside\"><\/span>8. Does Granting Leave Mean That the Consent Decree Will Be Set Aside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. This is an important distinction for litigants and practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obtaining leave to appeal is not the same as succeeding in the appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the initial stage, the court considers whether the applicant has established a sufficient legal basis to challenge the decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If leave is granted, the appellate court must still examine the grounds of challenge and determine the matter in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant may allege that the decree prejudices an independent title, affects an inheritance claim or was obtained in circumstances that raise questions requiring judicial examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those allegations must be evaluated on their merits. The grant of leave does not establish that the allegations are true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, an allegation of fraud or collusion does not become a judicial finding merely because the court permits the appeal to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This distinction is especially important in property litigation, where the parties may disagree about title documents, historical transfers, revenue records and the legal effect of earlier transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The leave stage determines whether the applicant may pursue the challenge. It does not predetermine the final outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-9-what-about-delay-in-challenging-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_What_About_Delay_in_Challenging_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>9. What About Delay in Challenging a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The passage of time can create serious procedural difficulties for a person seeking to challenge an old decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the reported dispute, the supplied research states that the respondents sought condonation of an approximately eleven-year delay before the High Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relevant question is not simply how many years have elapsed. The court must consider the applicable limitation rules, the nature of the remedy, the facts explaining the delay and the circumstances in which the applicant became aware of the decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The date on which a non-party acquired knowledge of a decree may be relevant to the explanation for delay. However, it should not be assumed that the date of knowledge automatically determines limitation in every case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The governing statutory provisions and the circumstances of the individual matter remain decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who discovers that an old consent decree may affect an independent legal right should obtain legal advice promptly. Delay can complicate the available remedies and may weaken the prospects of obtaining urgent interim protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The existence of a potentially valid legal grievance does not remove the need to comply with procedural requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-10-practical-implications-for-property-inheritance-and-civil-disputes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Practical_Implications_for_Property_Inheritance_and_Civil_Disputes\"><\/span>10. Practical Implications for Property, Inheritance and Civil Disputes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal principle has particular importance in disputes where the rights of persons outside the original proceedings may be affected by a compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Property and title disputes:<\/strong> A person claiming independent ownership may need to examine whether a consent decree concerning the same property prejudices that claim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inheritance disputes:<\/strong> A compromise between some heirs may raise questions about the rights of other persons claiming an independent share. The availability of a remedy will depend on the relevant succession rights and the legal effect of the decree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Co-ownership disputes:<\/strong> A settlement between certain co-owners does not automatically resolve every independent claim that another person may possess. The nature of the ownership interest and the scope of the decree must be examined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Transactions during pending litigation:<\/strong> A purchaser or transferee may face additional complications where the property was already the subject of a pending suit. The doctrine of lis pendens and the nature of the interest acquired may materially affect the legal position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Allegations of fraud or collusion:<\/strong> A person who believes that a compromise decree prejudices an independent legal right must identify the appropriate remedy and support the allegations with relevant material. An allegation alone does not establish fraud or invalidate a decree.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These examples demonstrate why the issue cannot be resolved by applying a rigid rule based only on whether the applicant was originally impleaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legal right asserted, the relationship between that right and the decree, and the applicable procedural requirements must all be examined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-11-practical-guidance-for-advocates-and-litigants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Practical_Guidance_for_Advocates_and_Litigants\"><\/span>11. Practical Guidance for Advocates and Litigants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When advising a person who was not a party to a suit but believes that a consent decree affects their rights, the first task is to identify the precise legal grievance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following steps are particularly important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Examine the decree carefully.<\/strong> Identify the property, right or interest affected by its terms and legal consequences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establish the source of the claimed right.<\/strong> Relevant documents may include title deeds, registered conveyances, inheritance records, contractual instruments and other legally material evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explain the prejudice.<\/strong> The application should identify how the decree affects the applicant&#8217;s own legal rights rather than merely expressing disagreement with the result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Select the correct remedy.<\/strong> Distinguish a non-party&#8217;s application for leave to appeal from a party&#8217;s challenge to the lawfulness of a compromise under Order XXIII Rule 3 CPC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address limitation and delay.<\/strong> Set out the relevant chronology and provide a proper explanation wherever condonation is necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider interim protection.<\/strong> Where further transfers, dispossession or other irreversible steps are threatened, assess whether urgent interim relief is legally available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep standing separate from the merits.<\/strong> Establishing an entitlement to seek leave is only the first stage. The substantive challenge must still be proved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A carefully prepared application should explain both why the applicant has a legally protected interest and why the decree creates a genuine grievance requiring appellate consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-12-the-wider-significance-of-the-decision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_The_Wider_Significance_of_the_Decision\"><\/span>12. The Wider Significance of the Decision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importance of the reported ruling lies in the distinction it draws between finality of litigation and the protection of independent legal rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finality is essential to the administration of civil justice. Parties must ordinarily be able to rely on lawful compromises, and courts cannot permit concluded disputes to be reopened without a recognised legal basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But finality does not necessarily mean that every consequence of a settlement between two parties must bind every other person, irrespective of their legal rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The requirement of leave provides a safeguard against both extremes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It prevents persons with no sufficient legal interest from interfering in litigation while preserving the possibility of appellate scrutiny where a genuine third-party right may have been prejudiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For advocates, the practical lesson is that an objection based solely on non-impleadment may not answer the real question. The court must examine whether the applicant has a legally cognisable interest and whether the decree materially affects that interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equally, a person who was not a party cannot treat the judgment as an unrestricted invitation to challenge a compromise. The applicant must establish the necessary legal standing and comply with the applicable procedural requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law demands a careful assessment of the substance of the grievance, rather than a mechanical conclusion based on the applicant&#8217;s absence from the original proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion-section-96-cpc-and-non-party-appeals-against-consent-decrees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Section_96_CPC_and_Non-Party_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\"><\/span>Conclusion: Section 96 CPC and Non-Party Appeals Against Consent Decrees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The principle underlying a Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by a non-party is both practical and significant: a compromise between litigants should bring their dispute to an end, but it should not automatically extinguish the independent legal rights of a person who never consented to the settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where a non-party can demonstrate a legally recognisable interest that is prejudicially affected by the decree, the law may permit that person to seek leave to appeal. The applicant must still satisfy the appellate court that the challenge is maintainable, and the grant of leave does not decide the merits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reported decision in Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel v. Gautam Punjabhai Palkhiwala, 2026 INSC 1177, is presented in the supplied research as an application of this principle to a property dispute involving a consent decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its practical message is clear: the absence of a person&#8217;s name from the original suit should not, by itself, replace a proper examination of whether that person&#8217;s independent legal rights have been prejudicially affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For anyone dealing with a consent decree that may affect an independent claim to property or another legally protected interest, the appropriate response is to examine the decree, identify the source of the right and determine the remedy available under the CPC without delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-concerned-about-a-consent-decree-that-may-affect-your-legal-rights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concerned_About_a_Consent_Decree_That_May_Affect_Your_Legal_Rights\"><\/span>Concerned About a Consent Decree That May Affect Your Legal Rights?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A consent decree may not be the end of the matter if your independent legal rights have been adversely affected. Under certain circumstances, even a person who was not a party to the original suit may seek the court\u2019s permission to challenge a consent decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the legal position depends on the facts of the case, the nature of your interest in the disputed property or subject matter, the prejudice suffered, and the applicable procedural requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not assume that you have no remedy simply because you were not a party to the original proceedings. Equally, do not delay in seeking legal advice when your rights may be at stake. A careful assessment of the decree, relevant documents and available legal remedies can help you understand the appropriate course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-need-legal-guidance-on-challenging-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Need_Legal_Guidance_on_Challenging_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>Need Legal Guidance on Challenging a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consult Adv. Tarun Choudhury, Supreme Court Advocate, with 25+ years of legal experience, for guidance on civil appeals, consent decrees, property disputes, and remedies available to persons whose legal rights may have been affected by judicial proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud83d\udcde <strong>Call:<\/strong> 9650499965<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83d\udcac <strong>WhatsApp:<\/strong> 8851978611<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2709\ufe0f <strong>Email:<\/strong> admin@legalserviceindia.com<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud83c\udf10 <strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/\">LegalServiceIndia.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your legal rights are at stake, understanding your remedies is the first step towards making an informed decision. Seek a case-specific legal assessment before deciding your next course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-editorial-note\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Editorial_Note\"><\/span>Editorial Note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Editorial note: The case details and paragraph-specific propositions in this article follow the supplied research. Confirm the official judgment text and citation before publication as a report of the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-can-a-non-party-appeal-against-a-consent-decree-under-section-96-cpc\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Can_a_Non-Party_Appeal_Against_a_Consent_Decree_Under_Section_96_CPC\"><\/span>1. Can a Non-Party Appeal Against a Consent Decree Under Section 96 CPC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-party may, in appropriate circumstances, seek leave to appeal if the consent decree prejudicially affects an independent legal right or interest. The applicant must establish a legally recognisable grievance and satisfy the applicable procedural requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-does-section-96-3-cpc-prevent-every-challenge-to-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Does_Section_963_CPC_Prevent_Every_Challenge_to_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>2. Does Section 96(3) CPC Prevent Every Challenge to a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 96(3) generally bars an appeal from a decree passed with the consent of the parties. The legal position of a non-party asserting an independent right must be examined separately, along with the applicable provisions governing compromise decrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-can-a-court-reject-leave-to-appeal-merely-because-the-applicant-was-not-a-party-to-the-original-suit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Can_a_Court_Reject_Leave_to_Appeal_Merely_Because_the_Applicant_Was_Not_a_Party_to_the_Original_Suit\"><\/span>3. Can a Court Reject Leave to Appeal Merely Because the Applicant Was Not a Party to the Original Suit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Non-party status does not, by itself, resolve whether leave is justified. The court must consider whether the applicant has a legally cognisable interest that is prejudicially affected by the decree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-what-must-a-non-party-prove-to-challenge-a-consent-decree\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_What_Must_a_Non-Party_Prove_to_Challenge_a_Consent_Decree\"><\/span>4. What Must a Non-Party Prove to Challenge a Consent Decree?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The applicant must establish a prima facie legally protected interest and explain how the decree materially prejudices that interest. A merely speculative, imaginary or remote grievance will ordinarily be insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-does-leave-to-appeal-mean-that-the-consent-decree-will-be-cancelled\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Does_Leave_to_Appeal_Mean_That_the_Consent_Decree_Will_Be_Cancelled\"><\/span>5. Does Leave to Appeal Mean That the Consent Decree Will Be Cancelled?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Leave permits the proposed appeal to proceed, subject to the applicable law. The appellate court must separately examine the merits and determine whether any relief is warranted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-takeaways-section-96-cpc-and-non-party-appeals-against-consent-decrees\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways_Section_96_CPC_and_Non-Party_Appeals_Against_Consent_Decrees\"><\/span>Key Takeaways: Section 96 CPC and Non-Party Appeals Against Consent Decrees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A non-party may seek permission to challenge a consent decree:<\/strong> A person who was not a party to the original suit may seek leave to appeal if the decree adversely affects their independent legal rights or interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Section 96(3) CPC does not automatically bar every challenge by a non-party:<\/strong> The provision bars an appeal against a consent decree by parties to the compromise. Whether a non-party can appeal depends on their legally cognisable interest, the prejudice suffered, and the court\u2019s decision on leave.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A genuine legal interest must be demonstrated:<\/strong> The applicant should establish a prima facie legal interest in the subject matter and explain how the consent decree may prejudice that interest. Mere dissatisfaction with the decree is insufficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-impleadment is not, by itself, a reason to refuse leave:<\/strong> A court should not reject an application solely because the person seeking to challenge the decree was not included in the original proceedings. The applicant must still satisfy the applicable legal requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The restriction on challenging a compromise operates in its proper legal context:<\/strong> The rules governing consent decrees must be considered alongside the distinction between a party to the compromise and an independent third party whose rights may be affected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permission to appeal does not establish that the decree is invalid:<\/strong> Granting leave only allows the challenge to be considered. It does not prove fraud, collusion, or any other allegation, nor does it predetermine the final outcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Delay and knowledge may be relevant:<\/strong> The circumstances in which a non-party discovered the decree and the potential effect on their rights may be relevant when a court considers delay and interim protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Property disputes require careful examination of documents:<\/strong> Where a consent decree concerns disputed land or property, title documents, prior transactions, revenue records, and the nature of the applicant\u2019s interest may be important to assessing available remedies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The central principle is that legal rights should not be prejudiced without an appropriate opportunity to seek judicial protection:<\/strong> Whether relief is available depends on the facts, the evidence, and the applicable procedural law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/can-a-third-party-stranger-file-an-appeal\/\">Can a Third Party\/Stranger File an Appeal?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/effect-based-impleadment-in-writ-proceedings-a-stranger-no-more-the-supreme-courts-doctrine\/\">Effect-Based Impleadment In Writ Proceedings: A Stranger No More \u2014 The Supreme Court&#8217;s Doctrine\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/article-136-supreme-court-special-leave-petition-slp-guide\/\">Article 136 of the Constitution of India Explained: Supreme Court&#8217;s Extraordinary Jurisdiction, SLP, Article 142 &amp; Landmark Judgments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/civil-case-proceedings-important-steps-under-the-code-of-civil-procedure-1908\/\">Civil Case Proceedings: Important Steps under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/divorce-for-nris-choosing-between-an-indian-decree-and-a-foreign-one\/\">Divorce for NRIs: choosing between an Indian decree and a foreign one<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Section 96 CPC: Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree? Case Details Case Name Girishbhai Natwarlal Patel v. Gautam Punjabhai Palkhiwala (Dead) by LRs &amp; Ors. Reported Citation 2026 INSC 1177 Date of Judgement 30 October 2026 Court Supreme Court of India Focus Keyword Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by non-party Introduction: Can a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":35005,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[1008,28],"class_list":["post-35004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-civil-law","tag-civil-law","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Adv.Tarun Choudhury\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Adv.Tarun Choudhury\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"22 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Adv.Tarun Choudhury\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a84c6ba34b5399b3c5224117c6406abe\"},\"headline\":\"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":4798,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Civil Law\",\"Top News\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Civil Law\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/\",\"name\":\"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected - Legal Service India - Articles\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00\",\"description\":\"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp\",\"width\":1536,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by non-party\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Civil law > Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree? Supreme Court Explains Section 96 CPC\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India - Law Articles\",\"description\":\"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"width\":105,\"height\":95,\"caption\":\"Legal Service India\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/legalservicesind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/legalserviceind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a84c6ba34b5399b3c5224117c6406abe\",\"name\":\"Adv.Tarun Choudhury\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/50\\\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/50\\\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/50\\\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Adv.Tarun Choudhury\"},\"description\":\"Adv. Tarun Choudhury is a seasoned Supreme Court practitioner with over 24 years of rich legal experience, known for his strategic insight and unwavering dedication to justice. He has successfully handled a wide spectrum of high-stakes matters across constitutional, criminal, and civil law, earning a reputation for excellence and integrity at the highest court of the land.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/adv-tchoudhury\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected","og_description":"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1536,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Adv.Tarun Choudhury","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@legalserviceind","twitter_site":"@legalserviceind","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Adv.Tarun Choudhury","Est. reading time":"22 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/"},"author":{"name":"Adv.Tarun Choudhury","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/a84c6ba34b5399b3c5224117c6406abe"},"headline":"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected","datePublished":"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/"},"wordCount":4798,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","keywords":["Civil Law","Top News"],"articleSection":["Civil Law"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/","name":"Section 96 CPC: Non-Parties Can Challenge a Consent Decree If Their Legal Rights Are Affected - Legal Service India - Articles","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","datePublished":"2026-10-30T12:03:33+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-30T12:16:03+00:00","description":"Can a non-party challenge a consent decree? Understand Section 96 CPC, Supreme Court principles, and the legal remedies available to protect your rights.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"caption":"Section 96 CPC consent decree appeal by non-party"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Civil law > Can a Non-Party Challenge a Consent Decree? Supreme Court Explains Section 96 CPC"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","name":"Legal Service India - Law Articles","description":"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization","name":"Legal Service India","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","width":105,"height":95,"caption":"Legal Service India"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","https:\/\/x.com\/legalserviceind","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/a84c6ba34b5399b3c5224117c6406abe","name":"Adv.Tarun Choudhury","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/50\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/50\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/50\/1764427557-bpfull.jpg","caption":"Adv.Tarun Choudhury"},"description":"Adv. Tarun Choudhury is a seasoned Supreme Court practitioner with over 24 years of rich legal experience, known for his strategic insight and unwavering dedication to justice. He has successfully handled a wide spectrum of high-stakes matters across constitutional, criminal, and civil law, earning a reputation for excellence and integrity at the highest court of the land.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/adv-tchoudhury\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/section-96-cpc-non-party-consent-decree-appeal.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35004"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35004\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35006,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35004\/revisions\/35006"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}