(a) Whenever it appears to the commissioner that any person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this law or any rule or order under this law, the commissioner may in his or her discretion bring an action in the name of the people of the State of California in the superior court to enjoin the acts or practices or to enforce compliance with this law or any rule or order under this law. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or preliminary injunction, restraining order, or writ of mandate shall be granted and a monitor, receiver, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court may be appointed for the defendant or the defendant’s assets, or other ancillary relief may be granted as appropriate.

A receiver, monitor, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court appointed by the superior court pursuant to this section may, with the approval of the court, exercise all of the powers of the defendant’s officers, directors, partners, trustees, or persons who exercise similar powers and perform similar duties, including the filing of a petition for bankruptcy. No action at law or in equity may be maintained by any party against the commissioner, or a receiver, monitor, conservator, or other designated fiduciary or officer of the court by reason of their exercising these powers or performing these duties pursuant to the order of, or with the approval of, the superior court.

(b) If the commissioner determines it is in the public interest, the commissioner may include in any action authorized by subdivision (a) a claim for ancillary relief, including, but not limited to, a claim for restitution, disgorgement, or damages on behalf of the person injured by the act or practice constituting the subject matter of the action, and the court shall have jurisdiction to award additional relief.

(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 969, Sec. 2.)