IBC 160 — Onerous property of bankrupt

Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016

Statutory text

(1)  The  bankruptcy  trustee  may,  by  giving  notice  to  the bankrupt or any person interested in the onerous property, disclaim any onerous property which forms a part of the estate of the bankrupt.
(2)  The  bankruptcy  trustee  may  give  the  notice  under  sub-section  (1)  notwithstanding  that  he  has taken  possession  of  the  onerous  property,  endeavoured  to  sell it  or  has  exercised  rights  of  ownership  in relation to it.
(3) A notice of disclaimer under sub-section (1) shall—
(a) determine, as from the date of such notice, the rights, interests and liabilities of the bankrupt in respect of the onerous property disclaimed;
(b) discharge the bankruptcy trustee from all personal liability in respect of the onerous property as from the date of appointment of the bankruptcy trustee.
(4)  A  notice  of disclaimer under sub-section  (1)  shall  not  be  given  in respect  of  the  property  which has been claimed for the estate of the bankrupt under section 155 without the permission of the committee of creditors.
(5)  A  notice  of disclaimer under sub-section  (1)  shall  not  affect the  rights  or  liabilities of  any  other person,  and  any  person  who  sustains  a  loss  or  damage  in  consequence  of  the  operation  of  a  disclaimer under this section shall be deemed to be a creditor of the bankrupt to the extent of the loss or damage.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the term “onerous property” means—
(i) any unprofitable contract; and (ii) any other property comprised in the estate of the bankrupt which is unsaleable or not readily saleable, or is such that it may give rise to a claim.

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