1994 (4) TMI 238 - SC - Companies Law

Interpretation of Companies Act: Jurisdiction during winding-up proceedings

Central Bank of India Versus Elmot Engineering Company

The High Court interpreted section 446 of the Companies Act regarding transferring suits during winding-up proceedings. The court ruled in favor of the ... Winding up - Suits stayed on winding-up order - single judge passed an order directing the two suits be transferred to the Bombay High Court - Held that:- Without intending to lay down the law broadly but confining only to the facts of this case, we feel that the order of transfer of the suits to the High Court of Bombay cannot be supported. This transfer will result in greater expenditure to the appellant bank which certainly is avoidable 'than the wasteful expenditure' to the official liquidator. Accordingly that part of the order directing the transfer is set aside. Issues:- Interpretation of section 446 of the Companies Act regarding the transfer of suits during winding-up proceedings.- Jurisdiction of the court to entertain and dispose of proceedings under section 446(2) of the Act.- Consideration of the position of secured creditors in winding-up proceedings.- Review of previous legal precedents regarding the rights of secured creditors in winding-up cases.Analysis:The judgment revolves around the interpretation of section 446 of the Companies Act in the context of transferring suits during winding-up proceedings. The appellant filed suits for recovery against respondents and sought to continue prosecuting them in Hyderabad. The High Court ordered the transfer of the suits to Bombay, leading to the appellant's appeal. The appellant argued that the transfer was unjustified, emphasizing the location of the properties and the convenience of conducting the suits in Ranga Reddy District. On the other hand, the respondent contended that the company court has jurisdiction to transfer suits in the interest of justice and equity, focusing on the official liquidator's paramount interest. The court delved into the scope of section 446, emphasizing its purpose to safeguard company assets against unnecessary litigation and costs during winding-up. It referenced previous legal precedents, including the position of secured creditors outside winding-up proceedings.The court highlighted the distinction between secured creditors and other claimants in winding-up cases, citing legal principles that allow secured creditors to enforce their rights independently of winding-up proceedings. The judgment analyzed the provisions of section 446(2) of the Act, emphasizing the court's jurisdiction to entertain and dispose of proceedings during winding-up. Referring to specific cases, the court underscored that the winding-up court can transfer suits for expeditious resolution under section 446(3) of the Act. The judgment clarified the rights and privileges of secured creditors, emphasizing their position outside the winding-up process and their ability to realize security without court intervention.Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the appellant, setting aside the order to transfer the suits to Bombay. The court found that defending the suits in Ranga Reddy District would be less expensive for the appellant compared to the official liquidator, thus avoiding wasteful expenditure. The judgment concluded by allowing the civil appeal on the grounds of avoiding unnecessary costs, while affirming the grant of leave in favor of the appellant. The decision highlighted the importance of considering practicalities and costs in determining the venue for prosecuting suits during winding-up proceedings, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the legal process.