18. Report of LLP Liquidator to Tribunal for examination of persons

(1) Where a report alongwith sufficient evidence is received from the LLP Liquidator that any fraud materially affecting the rights of partners or creditors or interests of LLP or public has been committed by any person in respect of the LLP, the Tribunal may, without prejudice to the continuation of process of winding up under these rules, order for investigation under section 43 and on consideration of the report of such investigation, the Tribunal may pass such order and give such directions as it may consider necessary including the direction that such person shall attend before the Tribunal on a day appointed by it for that purpose and be examined as to the promotion or formation or the conduct of the business of the LLP or as to his conduct and dealings as an officer thereof or otherwise:

Provided that where the fraud is reported against any person other than a partner or designated partner of the LLP, the LLP Liquidator, before sending a report under this rule to the Tribunal, may intimate it to the partners or designated partners, as the case may be, and include their views in the report.

(2) Without prejudice to powers of Tribunal to make any order under sub-rule (1), the Tribunal shall have power to transfer the winding up proceedings from voluntary winding up to compulsory winding up by Tribunal.

(3) The provisions relating to powers to order public examination of partners, designated partners, officers, etc. under Part VI shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to any examination directed under sub-rule (1).