Recovery proceedings - priority of rights over property as...

Recovery proceedings - priority of rights over property as secured creditor - Income Tax Act has not provided any 1st charge of its debts. But there is 1st charge over the bank’s debt under SARFAESI Act. Moreover, the amendment of Section 26E is applicable to pending lis. Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that even though it is a statutory duty to attach property by the Income Tax Department, as and when the bank claims and exercise its 1st charge over the property, the Income Tax Department is liable to issue no objection certificate and also lift the attachment. - HC