Section 247: Functions of interim receiver
310.The detailed functions of an interim receiver will be conferred by the High Court’s order itself. The Court’s discretion to confer whatever powers it considers appropriate to the circumstances of an individual case are at large, provided always they are for the purposes set out at subsections (1) and (2), i.e. the detention, custody or preservation of the property or establishing whether it is recoverable or associated property or whether other property is recoverable property in relation to the same unlawful conduct.
311.Subsection (1)(a) introduces Schedule 6, which makes explicit mention of some of the more significant powers that the court may choose to confer on an interim receiver. An explanatory note about Schedule 6 is included below.
312.Although the High Court has a wide discretion over the powers and functions that may be conferred on an interim receiver, there are some duties under which he must always be placed. Subsection (2) sets these out. He will always be required to take the necessary steps to establish:
whether in his view the property is to any extent recoverable or associated property, and
whether there is any other property which is recoverable in relation to the same unlawful conduct and if so who holds it.
313.Up until the interim receiving order or the issuing of the claim form (whichever comes first), the Director has access to the civil investigation powers set out in Part 8. Thereafter, the Director ceases to have access to these powers and the duty of taking whatever further steps are needed to establish the facts about the property is placed upon the interim receiver acting under the Court’s direction.
314.Subsection (3) provides legal protection for the interim receiver if he mistakenly, but honestly and reasonably, deals with property that is not the property specified in the order. He will have immunity from any legal claims in respect of loss or damage caused by such dealing, unless it can be shown that it was caused by his negligence.
