Secured creditors' statutory priority in realising dues from...

Secured creditors' statutory priority in realising dues from secured assets prevails over State tax claims, including claims supported by a State-law first charge or non obstante clause. A State relying on a prior attachment must establish compliance with the prescribed recovery procedure, including public proclamation; an attachment order alone does not sustain the claim. Following enforcement of security interest and completion of a SARFAESI auction, purchasers holding sale certificates may enjoy the property free of State tax encumbrances. "As is where is" auction terms do not permit retention of revenue-record encumbrance entries or pursuit of the asset in the purchaser's hands for State dues.

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