Failing to repay a court-ordered recovery amount in India can have serious legal consequences, depending on whether the order arises from a civil suit, loan default, maintenance case, or criminal penalty. The consequences vary based on the nature of the case and the provisions under Indian law. Legal Consequences of Non-Payment: Execution of Decree (Civil Recovery Cases) Under Order 21 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), 1908, the decree holder can file an execution petition to recover the amount. The court can attach and sell the defaulter's movable and immovable property to recover the dues. Bank accounts may be frozen to satisfy the decree. Arrest & Detention in Civil Prison Under Order 21, Rule 37 of CPC, the defaulter may be sent to civil prison if they fail to pay deliberately. However, imprisonment is not automatic and applies only if the court finds willful default despite the financial ability to pay. Criminal Contempt & Cheating Charges If the court finds intentional evasion or fraudulent transfer of assets to avoid payment, it may initiate contempt of court proceedings. Under Section 420 of the IPC (cheating) or Section 406 (criminal breach of trust), criminal liability may arise if fraud is involved. Consequences in Loan Defaults & Bank Recovery Cases Banks/NBFCs can initiate recovery under the SARFAESI Act, 2002, allowing them to seize and auction secured assets (e.g., property, vehicles). If the loan amount exceeds ₹1 crore, creditors can file for insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Wilful defaulters may be barred from obtaining further loans, as per RBI guidelines. Failure to Pay Maintenance (CrPC & Family Law Cases) Under Section 125(3) of CrPC, if a person fails to pay court-ordered maintenance, a warrant of arrest can be issued, leading to jail for up to 1 month or until payment is made. Cheque Bounce & Negotiable Instruments Act (NI Act) Cases If the recovery order is based on a cheque bounce case under Section 138 of the NI Act, failure to comply can lead to: Imprisonment up to 2 years, Fine up to twice the cheque amount, Further execution proceedings for recovery. Recovery in Government & Tax-Related Cases If recovery is ordered in tax, GST, or government dues, authorities can: Attach bank accounts & properties, Issue garnishee orders (direct third parties to pay on behalf of the defaulter), Initiate prosecution under tax laws. How to Avoid Legal Action? Request a payment extension or file an appeal if eligible. Negotiate a settlement with the decree holder. Seek insolvency protection under IBC if applicable.