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2022 (8) TMI 236 - AT - Insolvency and BankruptcyCompetency of Adjudicating Authority to pass order under Section 66 of IBC during currency of moratorium under Section 14 of IBC - core contention of the appellant is that the prohibition under Section 14 (1) (a) is applicable to Section 66 of IBC also - HELD THAT:- In the present facts of the case there is absolutely no inconsistency or repugnancy between Section 14 (1) (a) and Section 66 of IBC. Section 14 of IBC is a bar against institution and prosecution of any suits or proceedings or execution of orders and decrees in other courts or Tribunals but not a bar to pass appropriate order in the pending proceedings against the resolution professional or suspended directors and related parties, before the Adjudicating Authority, during the insolvency resolution process or liquidation process. Section 66 of IBC empowered the Tribunal to pass appropriate orders when the suspended directors or insolvency professional of the Corporate Debtor carried on fraudulent trading or business during resolution process. Therefore, the Adjudicating Authority passed the impugned order only by exercising power that conferred on it by Section 66 of IBC. Hence, the contention that during moratorium, the Adjudicating authority shall not pass an order impugned in this appeal is unsustainable, without any merit. Section 60 (5) (a) of IBC permits the Adjudicating Authority to pass any order on any application or proceeding by or against the corporate debtor or corporate person notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law for the time being in force. Non-obstante clause contained in Section 60 (5) authorizes the Tribunal to pass such orders and the present order is one such order passed under Section 66 of IBC, exercising power under Section 60 (5) (a) of IBC - on harmonious construction of Section 14 (1) (a), Section 66 read with Section 60 (5) (a), to make the statute (IBC) effective and workable, that the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority is in accordance with law, warrants no interference of this Tribunal. The appeal is liable to be dismissed.
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