Restraint Order
Definition: Court order prohibiting transfer of property pending litigation.
In depth
A Restraint Order (or stay order) issued by a civil court prohibits the registered owner from selling, mortgaging, or transferring the property pending resolution of the underlying litigation. Such orders may be visible in the encumbrance certificate (when filed at the Sub-Registrar office) but often surface only through court records. Advocate verification includes a search for pending litigation under the seller's name in the relevant District Court, High Court, and consumer forums.