Can a Bais Din Issue an Injunction Against Someone Before He Comes to a Din Torah?

Rav Yaakov Semiaticki 

Question:

I feel that a new competitor is infringing on my business. I sent him a hazmanah but he is taking his time in responding. In the meantime, I am suffering financial losses because of him. Can the bais din issue an injunction to stop him from causing further harm until the din Torah commences?  

Answer:

Yes. This type of injunction is called an “ikkul” and bais din can issue it as a lien of sorts until the din Torah is held. Obviously, we will not issue one unless a shtar beirurin is signed by the other party to ensure that the case will be heard in this bais din and the ikkul will not be misused. 

While an ikkul does not really have much legal standing, its effectiveness is in the fact that it will create social and monetary pressure within the Jewish community, which will usually persuade the defendant to comply with the instructions of the bais din.