Re Rasmachayana Sulistyo (alias Chang Whe Ming); ex parte The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd and Other Appeals

Re Rasmachayana Sulistyo (alias Chang Whe Ming); ex parte The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp Ltd and Other Appeals

Where the Bankruptcy Rules do not constitute an exclusive mandatory code forbidding consensual modification, competent parties may contractually stipulate alternative modes of service of bankruptcy processes; the Guarantee's broad definition of "proceedings" encompasses bankruptcy steps, and service on the appointed process agent constituted effective service absent any substantial injustice.

Citation
[2004] SGHC 281
Parties
Petitioner / Petitioning Creditor: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd; Debtors / Appellants: Rasmachayana Sulistyo (alias Chang Whe Ming) and other judgment debtors
Court
General Division of the High Court
Jurisdiction
Singapore
Judgment Date
30 December 2004
Case Number
B 115/2004, 116/2004, 117/2004
Procedural Posture
Bankruptcy / Insolvency Petition / Appeal (final Disposition)
Outcome
Appeals dismissed.
Legal Topics
Statutory Demand, Service of Process, Bankruptcy Rules, Contractual Service Clause, Construction of "proceedings", Substituted Service
Source Language
English
Insolvency Law Bankruptcy Civil Procedure Contract Law Statutory Demand Service of Process Bankruptcy Rules Contractual Service Clause +2 more

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Parties

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd

Petitioner / Petitioning Creditor

Rasmachayana Sulistyo (alias Chang Whe Ming) and other judgment debtors

Debtors / Appellants

Procedural Posture

Bankruptcy / Insolvency Petition / Appeal (final Disposition)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether parties can contractually agree alternative modes of service for bankruptcy documents contrary to the Bankruptcy Rules
  2. 2 Whether s 11 of the Bankruptcy Act permits importing Rules of Court where the Bankruptcy Rules contain specific provisions
  3. 3 Whether bankruptcy petitions/statutory demands constitute "proceedings" within the contractual guarantee

Ratio Decidendi

Where the Bankruptcy Rules do not constitute an exclusive mandatory code forbidding consensual modification, competent parties may contractually stipulate alternative modes of service of bankruptcy processes; the Guarantee's broad definition of "proceedings" encompasses bankruptcy steps, and service on the appointed process agent constituted effective service absent any substantial injustice.

Court Disposition

Appeals dismissed.

Orders

  • Appeals dismissed