The court examined whether the suit is barred u/s 34 of the ...

Shareholder alleges fraud in bank loan sanction; Courts restore suit against secured creditors' actions.

Case Laws     Indian Laws

October 18, 2024

The court examined whether the suit is barred u/s 34 of the SARFAESI Act. The petitioner, being a shareholder, lacks locus standi to challenge the secured creditor's actions. However, the pleadings allege fraud and collusion between the respondents, including the bank, in sanctioning the loan without due process. The court held that averments of fraud and collusion cannot be rejected outright, and the relief sought for declaring the loan facility and mortgage as null is not within DRT's jurisdiction under SARFAESI Act but permissible under Specific Relief Act. The lower courts erred in considering documents contrary to pleadings. The petitioner cannot be denied remedy against secured creditors' actions. Consequently, the High Court quashed the lower court orders, restoring the plaint to the Commercial Court for adjudication in accordance with law.

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