The Insolvency Rules (Northern Ireland) 1991

Release from duty to submit statement of affairs; extension of time

2.17.—(1) The power of the administrator under Article 34(5) to give a release from the obligation imposed by that Article, or to grant an extension of time, may be exercised at the administrator's own discretion, or at the request of any deponent.

(2) A deponent may, if he requests a release or extension of time and it is refused by the administrator, apply to the court for it.

(3) The court may, if it thinks that no sufficient cause is shown for the application, dismiss it; but it shall not do so unless the applicant has had an opportunity to attend the court for an ex parte hearing, of which he has been given at least 7 days' notice.

(4) If the application is not dismissed under paragraph (3), the court shall fix a venue for it to be heard, and give notice to the deponent accordingly.

(5) The deponent shall, at least 14 days before the hearing date, send to the administrator a notice stating the venue and accompanied by a copy of the application, and of any evidence which he (the deponent) intends to adduce in support of it.

(6) The administrator may appear and be heard on the application; and, whether or not he appears, he may file a written report of any matters which he considers ought to be drawn to the court's attention.

(7) If such a report is filed under paragraph (6), a copy of it shall be sent by the administrator to the deponent, not later than 5 days before the hearing date.

(8) Sealed copies of any order made on the application shall be sent by the court to the deponent and the administrator.

(9) On any application under this Rule the applicant's costs shall be paid in any event by him and, unless the court otherwise orders, no allowance towards them shall be made out of the assets.

[E.R.2.14]