In this case, Borrower have filed an application before DRT challenging the sale notice and obtained an order of interim stay. In the meanwhile, Bank filed an application before the CJM under Section 14 of the SARFAESI Act, 2002 and secured order.
A division bench of the Hon’ble Madras High Court held that:
(i) Object of Section 14 of the Act appears to be to protect the interest of the bank in realising the money by bringing the property for sale. Therefore, this Court is of the view that when the sale is stayed, it is not necessary that the bank should also proceed under Section 14 of the Act.
(ii) a borrower cannot be harassed by multiple proceedings. Though Section 14 of the Act, enables the bank to initiate proceedings and there is no statutory bar to initiate action under Section 14 of the Act, applying the equitable principles, this Court is of the view that the bank can wait or seek permission to initiate further proceedings under Section 14 of the Act. Without any notice or an indication to the Borrower, the bank chose to initiate proceedings under Section 14 of the Act.