Brien v P & E Phontos Pty Ltd (In the matter of Estate of Metchler) [1999] FCA 1072

Brien v P & E Phontos Pty Ltd (In the matter of Estate of Metchler) [1999] FCA 1072

The court has power to extend time for the trustee’s election under s 33(c) of the Bankruptcy Act even after assignment of the right to conduct the action to a non-bankrupt assignee; sufficient grounds exist to grant extension subject to compensation for delay.

Parties
Applicant: Richard C Brien; Respondent: P & E Phontos Pty Ltd
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
06 August 1999
Procedural Posture
Bankruptcy Application / Application to Extend Time for Trustee's Election Under Bankruptcy Act
Outcome
Application allowed; extension of time granted
Legal Topics
Extension of Time, Trustee's Election, Assignment of Causes of Action

Case Brief

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Parties

Richard C Brien

Applicant

P & E Phontos Pty Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Bankruptcy Application / Application to Extend Time for Trustee's Election Under Bankruptcy Act

  1. 1 Whether the court has power to extend time for trustee's election to prosecute an action after assignment of the causes of action
  2. 2 Whether adequate grounds exist for exercise of discretion to extend time

Ratio Decidendi

The court has power to extend time for the trustee’s election under s 33(c) of the Bankruptcy Act even after assignment of the right to conduct the action to a non-bankrupt assignee; sufficient grounds exist to grant extension subject to compensation for delay.

Court Disposition

Application allowed; extension of time granted

Orders

  • Time for trustee's election to prosecute extended for 21 days from date of judgment upon undertaking to pay respondent's costs on an indemnity basis