An interim order to maintain status quo is permissible under Section 151 of CPC when necessary to protect a party's right to appeal.

Dated, this the 3rd November, 2023 The petitioner herein is the plaintiff in O.S. No.359/2014 of the Munsiff Court, Chengannur. The suit was one for declaration of right of easement by prescription. All through out the suit, there was an order of injunction in favour of petitioner/ plantiff. However, the suit was ultimately dismissed on 28.10.2023. The petitioner/plaintiff had applied for a certified copy, which has not been issued yet. Petitioner filed an Interlocutory Application under Section 151 CPC to maintain the status quo in respect of the plaint schedule property, until the certified copies are issued, thus enabling the plaintiff/petitioner to file an appeal. No orders are passed in that application as well. In such circumstances, the instant Original Petition is filed.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. Having regard to the limited relief sought for, notice to the respondents are dispensed with.

3. The Original Petition is disposed of directing the learned Munsiff, Chengannur to issue certified copy of the judgment in O.S.No.359/2014, as expeditiously as possible. There will be a further direction to the parties to maintain the status quo - which was prevailing between them all through out the pendency of the suit - for a period of three weeks from today, so as to enable the petitioner/ plaintiff to prefer an appeal challenging the judgment in question.