Rule 7—(1) This rule applies to interpleader proceedings under an execution which are ordered to be transferred from the High Court.
[F1(1A) In this rule references to the sheriff shall be interpreted as including references to an individual authorised to act as an enforcement officer under the Courts Act 2003.]
(2) Notice of the hearings or pre-trial review of the proceedings shall be given by the court officer to the sheriff as well as to every other party to the proceedings.
(3) The interpleader claimant shall, within 8 days of the receipt by him of the notice referred to in paragraph (2), file in triplicate particulars of any goods alleged to be his property and the grounds of his interpleader claim and the court officer shall send a copy to the execution creditor and to the sheriff, but the judge may hear the proceedings or, as the case may be, the district judge may proceed with the pre-trial review, if he thinks fit, notwithstanding that the particulars have not been filed.
(4) Subject to any directions in the order of the High Court, damages may be claimed against the execution creditor in the same manner as in interpleader proceedings commenced in a county court.
(5) On any day fixed for the pre-trial review of the proceedings or for the hearing of any application by the sheriff or other party for directions the court may order the sheriff—
(a)to postpone the sale of the goods seized;
(b)to remain in possession of such goods until the hearing of the proceedings; or
(c)to hand over possession of such goods to the district judge,
and, where a direction is given under sub-paragraph (c), the district judge shall be allowed reasonable charges for keeping possession of the goods, not exceeding those which might be allowed to the sheriff, and, if the district judge is directed to sell the goods, such charges for the sale as would be allowed under an execution issued by the county court.
(6) No order made in the proceedings shall prejudice or affect the rights of the sheriff to any proper charges and the judge may make such order with respect to them as may be just.
(7) The charges referred to in paragraphs (5) and (6) shall ultimately be borne in such manner as the judge shall direct.
(8) The order made at the hearing of the proceedings shall direct how any money in the hands of the sheriff is to be disposed of.
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 2 CCR order 16 rule 7(1A) inserted (1.4.2004) by The Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 5) Rules 2003 (S.I. 2003/3361), rules 1(c), 32