heng i ask AI, what if refuse to pay, ai say
Here's a breakdown to assure you that it's accurate and applicable:
Singapore Law: Enforcing a Court Order (CDRT Judgment)
1. Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT)
- The CDRT is part of the State Courts of Singapore.
- It handles neighbour disputes under the Community Disputes Resolution Act (CDRA).
- If the CDRT orders someone to pay compensation (like Madam Jaahan being ordered to pay Mr Lim $345), it becomes a legally enforceable judgment.
2. Refusal to Pay a Court-Ordered Amount
If the losing party (Jaahan)
refuses to pay, the winning party (Mr Lim) must
enforce the order using processes under the
Rules of Court 2021 and
State Courts Civil Procedure.
Here are the official and legal enforcement methods
under Singapore law:
A. Writ of Seizure and Sale (WSS)
- Legal basis: Order 22, Rules of Court 2021
- You apply to the State Courts for a writ.
- The court authorizes a bailiff to go to the debtor’s home, seize items (TVs, laptops, etc.), and sell them at public auction to recover the debt.
B. Examination of Judgment Debtor
- Legal basis: Order 22, Rule 10 of the Rules of Court 2021
- The creditor (Mr Lim) can summon Madam Jaahan to court and force her to disclose:
- Salary
- Bank accounts
- Property
- This ensures she’s not hiding her ability to pay.
- If she refuses to comply, the court can issue a warrant of arrest.
C. Committal Proceedings (Contempt of Court)
- Legal basis: Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016
- If Madam Jaahan defies court orders (e.g. continues harassment or disobeys multiple orders), Mr Lim may apply for committal.
- This can lead to fines or jail, but courts use this power cautiously — usually for serious or repeated breaches.
D. Judgment Enforcement Timeline
- You typically have up to 6 years to enforce a monetary judgment in Singapore.
- So Mr Lim can still enforce the $345 order even if the deadline to pay (Aug 21, 2025) has passed.
E. Where to File for Enforcement
- State Courts Central Registry
- Havelock Square, Singapore
- Online: eLitigation via LawNet (a lawyer usually files this, but individuals can too)
- Fees: Basic filing fees apply but are recoverable