Section 55

The Director General of Insolvency shall, in relation to and for the purpose of acquiring or retaining possession of the property of the bankrupt, be in the same position as if he were a receiver of the property appointed by the court, and the court may on his application enforce such acquisition or retention accordingly.

Where any part of the property of the bankrupt consists of stock, shares in ships, shares or any other property transferable in the books of any company, office or person, the Director General of Insolvency may exercise the right to transfer the property to the same extent as the bankrupt might have exercised it if he had not become bankrupt.

Where any part of the property of the bankrupt consists of things in action, such things shall be deemed to have been duly assigned to the Director General of Insolvency.

Insolvency 79

Any treasurer or other officer or any banker, attorney or agent of a bankrupt shall pay and deliver to the Director General of Insolvency all money and securities in his possession or power as such officer, banker, attorney or agent which he is not by law entitled to retain as against the bankrupt or the Director General of Insolvency. If he does not, he shall be guilty of a contempt of court, and may be punished accordingly on the application of the Director General of Insolvency.

Seizure of property of bankrupt