Bankruptcy appeal not equitably moot.

“Equitable mootness” is a prudential doctrine that balances a litigant’s interest in appellate review against the need for finality of a bankruptcy plan.  It has three elements: (i) whether a stay has been obtained, (ii) whether the plan has been ‘substantially consummated,’ and (iii) whether the relief requested would affect either the rights of parties not before the court or the success of the plan.”  Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors v. Moeller, Nos. 12-50718, 50805 (July 24, 2013).  The Fifth Circuit declined to apply the doctrine in this case, finding that Chase had at best shown only “speculative” harm to other parties.  Dicta in the opinion expresses skepticism that the doctrine can apply to an adversary proceeding.