The Supreme Court on the Prescription of Easements: Judgment No. 19498 of 2024

The judgment No. 19498 of July 16, 2024, by the Supreme Court offers important insights regarding the prescription of easements. This decision clarified that the act of precetto is not an act suitable for interrupting the prescription period established by Article 1073 of the Civil Code, raising questions about the effectiveness of such acts in the context of the protection of real rights.

The Case and the Court's Decision

The case in question involved D. (O.) and F. (K.), with the Court of Appeal of Brescia having initially believed that an act of precetto could interrupt the prescription of the easement of non-construction. However, the Supreme Court overturned that judgment, establishing that the precetto, being merely a summons to comply, does not initiate any legal proceedings or enforcement processes.

Easements - Prescription of the right - Act of precetto - Suitability to interrupt the non-use of the right - Exclusion - Basis - Case. Regarding the extinction by prescription of predial easements, the precetto is not an act suitable for interrupting the twenty-year period established by Article 1073 of the Civil Code, as it only contains a summons to comply and is not directed at initiating either a legal proceeding or an enforcement process. (In this case, the Supreme Court overturned the merits judgment that had considered the notification of the act of precetto of the demolition order issued following the establishment of the aforementioned easement, which had become final, as suitable to interrupt the prescription of the easement of non-construction).

Implications of the Judgment

This judgment has significant implications for parties involved in disputes related to predial easements. In particular, it emphasizes that acts of precetto cannot be used as tools to interrupt the prescription of the right. Therefore, it is essential for easement holders to be aware of the appropriate methods to protect their rights, avoiding reliance on acts that do not produce the desired legal effect.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 19498 of 2024 represents an important reference point in Italian jurisprudence, clarifying a crucial aspect of the regulation of predial easements. It is essential for legal professionals and private citizens to understand these dynamics for proper management of real rights and adequate protection of the interests involved.

Bianucci Law Firm