Section 31 — Bankruptcy Act 1966: Exercise of jurisdiction

(1) In exercising jurisdiction under this Act, the Court shall hear and determine the following matters in open Court: (a) creditors’ petitions; (b) examinations under this Act; (c) proceedings in connection with the consideration of an annulment of a bankruptcy under section 153B; (d) applications under: (i) section 222 (as applied by section 76B); or (ii) section 222C (as applied by section 76B); for an order setting aside or terminating a composition or scheme of arrangement under Division 6 of Part IV; (e) applications to set aside or avoid a charge, charging order, settlement, disposition, conveyance, transfer security or payment; (ea) applications under section 139A; (f) applications to declare for or against the title of the trustee to any property; (g) applications for the committal of a person to prison or for the release from prison of a person committed to prison; (i) applications for the trial of questions of fact with a jury and the trial of those questions; (j) applications under Part X: (i) for an order setting aside or terminating a personal insolvency agreement; or (ii) for a sequestration order against the estate of a debtor; (ja) applications for an order of annulment of the administration of the estate of a deceased person under Part XI; and (k) summary trials under Part XIV. (2) All other matters under this Act may, in the discretion of the Court, be heard in open Court or in Chambers.