Can section 234 of the Insolvency Act 1986 serve as a fast-track route for administrators to secure vacant possession of property from trespassers? That was the question before the High Court in the recent case of Maher v Investalet Ltd [2025] EWHC 3133 (Ch).

The facts

Usually, a Fixed Charge Receiver will not be liable to pay business rates. However, there are some exceptions and in some important areas the law is unclear.

Occupied Property: Limited Exposure

To be liable for business rates a party must be in occupation of the Property. This is a matter of fact and degree. Generally, the position is clear although there can be issues for example where more than one party is entitled to occupation.

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (the Act) will overhaul the private rented sector in England and Wales.

Key changes include:

• All tenancies being periodic assured tenancies;
• Changes to the way landlords can obtain possession;
• The application of a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector; and
• The creation of a digital private rented sector database.

The Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and the Government has published a roadmap for phased implementation, with the key reforms commencing on 1 May 2026.

The insolvency framework governing real estate projects in India has undergone a significant transformation with the recognition of “Reverse CIRP”, a judicial innovation designed to protect homebuyers’ interests while ensuring completion of stalled real estate projects. This mechanism was recently endorsed by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (“NCLAT”) in the Satish Chander Verma v. Grand Reality Private Limited^[1] ("Grand Reality Case").

In a landmark judgment in the matter of Mansi Brar Fernandes vs Shubha Sharma and others delivered in September 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the constitutional right to shelter as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

NEWS

The only way is up

The end of upwards-only rent reviews?

In a difficult economic climate, commercial landlords may fear that tenant insolvencies mean no one will foot the bill for dilapidations claims at lease expiry – but they are not without recourse.

REVISED INDUSTRY STANDARDS ON “MINIMUM INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND SHAREHOLDERS FOR APPROVAL OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS” The Industry Standard Forum (“ISF”), consisting of representatives from ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI, under the aegis of the Stock Exchanges and in consultation with SEBI formulated the Industry Standards on “Minimum information to be provided for review of the audit committee and shareholders for approval of a rel

1 2 Capital Market 9 Dispute Resolution 14 Fintech 19 Media and Entertainment 24 RERA 27 Sports and Gaming 39 White Collar Crime 03 Competition Law 11 Employment Law 17 International Trade/ WTO 19 MCA 25 Restructuring and Insolvency 34 Technology 40 3 EXTENSION OF TIMELINE FOR FORMULATION OF IMPLEMENTATION STANDARDS PERTAINING TO SEBI CIRCULAR ON “SAFER PARTICIPATION OF RETAIL INVESTORS IN ALGORITHMIC TRADING”1 Securities Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) issued a circular “Safer participation of retail investors in algorithmic trading” dated February 04, 2025, which aimed at ensuring safer

On 26 February 2025, Deputy Master Scher handed down judgment in the case Suman Bhatia v Christopher Purkiss, as liquidator of JD Group Limited [2025] EWHC 359 (Ch). Wedlake Bell LLP (partner Edward Saunders), and Nora Wannagat (Tanfield Chambers) acted for the successful liquidator.

A copy of the judgment is available here.

Background