Article 237 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
المادة 237 من نظام المعاملات المدنية · الفرع الرابع: عدم قابلية الالتزام للانقسام
The Article allows each creditor, or the creditor's heirs, in an indivisible obligation to claim its performance in full, and regulates the case where one of them objects.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
إذا تعدد الدائنون أو ورثة الدائن في التزام غير قابل للانقسام، جاز لكل منهم أن يطالب بأدائه كاملًا، وإذا اعترض أحدهم كان المدين ملزمًا بأداء الالتزام لهم مجتمعين أو إيداع الشيء محل الالتزام لدى الجهة التي يحددها وزير العدل، وللبقية حق الرجوع على الدائن الذي استوفى الالتزام كل بقدر حصته.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 237 explained in plain English
This Article deals with multiple creditors or the creditor's heirs in an indivisible obligation, and contains three rules:
1- Each creditor's right to claim full performance: If there are multiple creditors, or heirs of the creditor, in an indivisible obligation, each of them may claim its performance in full.
2- If one of the creditors objects: The debtor is bound to do one of two things:
- Perform the obligation to the creditors together.
- Or deposit the subject of the obligation with the body designated by the Minister of Justice.
The Article does not specify this body, but leaves its designation to the Minister of Justice.
3- Recourse of the rest against the one who received performance: The remaining creditors have a right of recourse against the creditor who received performance of the obligation, each in proportion to his share.
An indivisible obligation, as defined by Article 235, is one concerning a subject that does not divide by nature, or one that the contracting parties' purpose shows may not be performed in parts. This Article corresponds to Article 236, which deals with multiple debtors in this type of obligation.
The rule is practically important especially for heirs, since they may inherit a right in a thing that cannot be divided. The Article allows each heir to claim it in full, while at the same time protecting the objecting creditor by requiring the debtor to perform to all together or deposit, and preserving the right of the rest to have recourse against the one who received performance. To apply this to a particular case, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in civil cases.
Practical example
A man in Madinah bought a car and paid its price but died before delivery, and his right to receive it passed to his three sons. Each son may claim delivery of the whole car from the seller. If one of the sons objects, the seller must deliver it to the three together or deposit it with the body designated by the Minister of Justice.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 237 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
Can one heir claim the whole thing if it cannot be divided?
Yes. If there are multiple creditors, or heirs of the creditor, in an indivisible obligation, each of them may claim its performance in full.
What must the debtor do if one of the creditors objects?
He must perform the obligation to them together or deposit the subject of the obligation with the body designated by the Minister of Justice.
Do the other creditors have recourse against the one who received performance?
Yes. The rest have a right of recourse against the creditor who received performance, each in proportion to his share.
More articles on Condition, Term and Joint Liability
- Article 127
If several persons are liable for a harmful act, they are jointly liable for compensation, the court sets each one's share, and if that is not possible, liability is divided equally.
إذا تعدد المسؤولون عن فعل ضار كانوا متضامنين في التزامهم بتعويض الضرر، وتعين المحكمة نصيب كل منهم في التعويض وفق القواعد الواردة في هذا الفصل، وإذا تعذر ذلك كان
- Article 197
The article defines a conditional obligation as one whose existence or disappearance depends on a future event that may or may not occur.
يكون الالتزام معلَّقًا على شرطٍ إذا كان وجوده أو زواله مترتِّبًا على أمرٍ مستقبلٍ محتمل الوقوع.
- Article 198
The article provides that an obligation made conditional on an event that has occurred is treated as immediate, and one made conditional on something impossible has a void condition and is itself void.
إذا علق الالتزام على أمر واقع عد الالتزام ناجزًا، وإذا علق على أمر مستحيل عد الشرط باطلًا، ويبطل الالتزام الذي علق عليه.
- Article 199
The article provides that an obligation does not arise if it is made conditional on a condition whose purpose is to encourage something unlawful.
لا ينشأ الالتزام إذا عُلق على شرطٍ يكون القصد من التعليق عليه الحض على أمر غير مشروع.
- Article 200
The article provides that an obligation does not exist if it is made conditional on a suspensive condition making its existence depend on the mere will of the obligor.
لا يكون الالتزام قائمًا إذا علق على شرط واقف يجعل وجود الالتزام متوقفًا على محض إرادة الملتزم.
- Article 201
The article provides that an obligation subject to a suspensive condition is not enforceable unless the condition is fulfilled and cannot be performed before then, while the creditor may take steps to preserve his right.
لا يكون الالتزام المعلق على شرط واقف نافذًا إلا إذا تحقق الشرط المعلق عليه، ولا يكون الالتزام قبل تحقق الشرط قابلًا للتنفيذ، وللدائن أن يتخذ من الإجراءات ما يُح
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.