MANU/KE/3186/2023

True Court CopyTM

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

WP (C) No. 31502 of 2023

Decided On: 17.11.2023

Appellants: Jeny Thankachan Vs. Respondent: Union of India and Ors.

Hon'ble Judges/Coram:
N. Nagaresh

JUDGMENT

N. Nagaresh, J.

1. The petitioner who is a sleeping partner in the 3rd respondent-Limited Liability Partnership Firm, seeks to declare that the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 shall have overriding effect over the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, since insolvency resolution and bankruptcy for individuals and Partnership Firms have come into force with effect from 15.11.2019 by virtue of Ext.P3 Notification.

2. The petitioner states that he holds 20% share in the 3rd respondent-Limited Liability Partnership as contemplated under Section 23(4) of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. The petitioner submits that by virtue of Ext.P3 Government Order dated 15.11.2019, the provisions under Sections 78, 79 and 94 to 187 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC 2016) came into force with effect from 15.11.2019. In order to redress his grievances relating to the partnership, the petitioner initiated insolvency resolution process under Section 94 of the IBC 2016 before the adjudicating authority/National Company Law Tribunal, Kochi Bench. According to the petitioner, the NCLT has accepted Ext.P4 application submitted by the petitioner and has assigned Diary No. 1386/2023 dated 23.08.2023 to the application.

3. The petitioner states that he initiated Ext.P4 insolvency proceedings as the 5th respondent-Bank resorted to coercive proceedings under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement ofSecurity Interest Act, 2002. The Bank filed Miscellaneous Case No. 372/2023 on the files of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, invoking Section 14 of the Act, 2002. The petitioner would submit that along with Ext.P5 MC, the 6th respondent has not filed an affidavit in accordance with proviso to the Section 14(1) of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002. The Chief Judicial Magistrate, without ascertaining the maintainability of Ext.P5 MC, has passed Ext.P6 order dated 30.06.2022 allowing Ext.P5 MC.

4. Though the petitioner submitted Ext.P7 affidavit dated 15.07.2019 before the Chief Judicial Magistrate and intimated about the proceedings pending before the NCLT, the proceedings pursuant to Ext.P6 order has not been suspended.

5. The petitioner submits that any action to foreclose, recover or enforce any security interest under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 shall be deemed to have been stayed and any legal action or proceedings in respect of any debt shall be deemed to have been stayed as per Section 96(b) of the IBC 2016, ........