27th August, 2024 Approval of Resolution Plan - Kiran Global Chem Limited [IA (IBC) (PLAN)-4-(CHE)-2024 in IBA-45-2020] (1.17 MB)
IA (IBC) (PLAN) /4/ (CHE) /2024 in IBA/45/2020
In the matter M/s. Kiran Global Chems Limited
1 of 42 IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL DIVISION BENCH – II, CHENNAI IA (IBC) (PLAN) / 4 / (CHE) / 2024 In IBA/ 45/ 2020 (Filed under Section 30(6) & 31(1) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 read with Regulation 39(4) of Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016)
In the matter of M/s. Kiran Global Chems Limited
SHRI ANIL KUMAR KHICHA, Resolution Professional of M/s. Kiran Global Chems Limited, No. 184, Poonamalle High Road, 6-FF, Golden Enclave, 1st Floor, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600 010 … Applicant/Resolution Professional -Versus-
-
Manmohan Singh Jain, Flat No. l-A, Prathamesh Apartments,
New No. 5 Lakshrni Street, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600010 -
Atul Jain, Flat No. 1-A, Prathamesh Apartments,
No. 5 Lakshrni Street, Kilpauk
Chennai, Tarnil Nadu - 600010
… Respondents
In the matter of
STATE BANK OF INDIA
… Financial Creditor
-Versus-
M/S. KIRAN GLOBAL CHEMS LIMITED
… Corporate Debtor
Order Pronounced on 9th August 2024
2 of 42 CORAM
SHRI JYOTI KUMAR TRIPATHI, MEMBER (JUDICIAL) SHRI RAVICHANDRAN RAMASAMY, MEMBER (TECHNICAL)
Present
For Applicant
: Mr. Venkatavaradan, Mr. P. Ramesh Kumar,
Mr. S. Gautham Venkatanarayanan, Mr. Logesh Ganesh,
Advocates.
For Respondents / Promoters
: Mr. P. H. Arvindh Pandian, Senior Advocate. ORDER 1. IA(IBC)(PLAN)/4/(CHE)/2024 is an application moved on 20.04.2024 by the Resolution Professional of the Corporate Debtor Viz., M/s. Kiren Global Chems Limited under Section 30(6) and 31(1) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as (“the Code”)) read with Regulation 39(4) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as (“the Regulations”)) seeking reliefs as follows: a) Pass an order approving the Resolution Plan dated 15.02.2024 read with Addendums dated 23.02.2024 and 29.02.2024 submitted by the Successful Resolution Applicant in respect of the Corporate Debtor, and duly approved with the requisite majority of the CoC, under Section 31(1) of the Code and declare that the same shall be binding on the Corporate Debtor and its employees, members and all creditors (including the Central Government, State Government or any local authority to whom a debt in respect of the payment of dues arising under any law for the time being in force, such as authorities to whom statutory dues are owed), guarantors and all other stakeholders of the Corporate Debtor; b) May pass an order for allowing the reliefs and concessions requested by the resolution applicant in the Part XIII of the COC Approved resolution plan.
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2.
ABOUT THE CORPORATE DEBTOR
The Corporate Debtor is an unlisted public company incorporated in
India engaged in the manufacturing of sodium silicate and potassium silicate
and is also involved in trading ash, caustic soda and other detergent
chemicals. The Corporate Debtor is carrying on business since 2002 has quite
good experience in the field of Chemical Manufacturing particularly the
Sodium Silicate and Soluble Glass. The Corporate Debtors has also been
registered as Medium Enterprise. The executive summary of the Corporate
Debtor is as hereunder,
Name of the Corporate Debtor Kiran Global Chems Limited
CIN
U24299PY2002PLC000618
UDYAM Registration No.
UDYAM-TN-02-0056385
Date of Incorporation
09.04.2002
Date of UDYAM Registration
27.05.2021
CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS OF M/S. KIRAN GLOBAL CHEMS
LIMITED
The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process in respect of the
Corporate Debtor viz., Kiran Global Chems Limited was initiated by this
Adjudicating Authority vide its order dated 27.04.2021 based on an
application moved by State Bank of India, in the capacity of a Financial
Creditor under Section 7 of the code in IBA/45/2020, and one
Mr. Tharuvai Ramachandran Ravichandran was appointed as the ‘Interim
Resolution Professional’ and subsequently as ‘Resolution Professional’.
Thereafter, based on an application moved by the ARCIL (one of the FC)
under Section 60(5) of the code, the applicant herein Mr. Anil Kumar Khicha
was appointed as the Resolution Professional vide order dated 30.08.2023.
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The key dates and events during the Corporate Insolvency Resolution
Process period are tabulated as hereunder,
S. NO.
DATE
EVENTS
1
27.04.2021
Initiation of CIRP, Appointment of IRP in
respect of the CD
2
29.04.2021
Public Announcement through Publication
regarding
initiation
of
Corporate
Insolvency Resolution Process
3
13.05.2021
The
Committee
of
Creditors
was
constituted by the IRP based on the claims
received
4
18.05.2021
1st CoC Meeting
5
25.05.2021
Confirmation of IRP into RP
6
05.07.2021
Appointment of Registered Valuer for
valuation of Land, Building, Plant and
Machinery
7
19.09.2021
Invitation for Expression of Interest (EoI)
and Publication of Form G
8
24.10.2021
End of 180 days of Corporate Insolvency
Resolution Process Period
9
28.10.2021
Addendum to Form G Published
10
07.12.2021
Final
List
of
Eligible
Prospective
Resolution Applicants arrived
11
15.11.2021
Order Excluding 83 days and granting
extension by 90 days for continuing CIRP
12
25.05.2022
Order Excluding 79 days from CIRP
Period
13
25.05.2022
Appointment of SFA Valuers
14
30.08.2023
Order Appointing Mr. Anil Kumar Khicha
as RP to the CD replacing Mr. Tharuvai
Ramachandran Ravichnadran
15
13.10.2023
Order Excluding 480 days from CIRP
Period
16
30.11.2023
Order Excluding 89 days from CIRP
Period
17
15.02.2024
Last
Extended
date
for
submitting
Resolution Plan
18
23.02.2024
Order granting Extension by 60 days for
continuing CIRP
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19
21.03.2024
Approval of Resolution plan by CoC with
99.08% Voting in the 28th CoC Meeting
20
05.04.2024
Order granting Extension by 30 days for
continuing CIRP
21
20.04.2024
Filing of Resolution Plan before the
Adjudicatory Authority.
22
22.04.2024
Expiry of Extended Period of CIRP
23
13.05.2024
29th CoC Meeting where decision as to
withdraw the Pending PUFE and other
applications connected to the CD and
SRA/ Promoters.
DELIBERATION OF THE COC ON THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PLAN
During the 27th CoC Meeting held on 29.02.2024 and 01.03.2024 and
deliberations were made by the members of the CoC on the Resolution Plan
submitted by the SRAs and decision was made to vote the same.
Accordingly, the Resolution Plan was approved unanimously during the e-
voting conducted between 04.03.2024 to 21.03.2024. The e-voting results were
declared during the 28th CoC meeting held on 21.03.2024.
The voting results is extracted hereunder
The Approved resolution is as hereunder,
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Resolution 2: To approve the Resolution Plan of the promoters,
Mr. Manmohan Singh Jain and Mr. Atul Jain.
The final revised password protected resolution plan was received by
RP on 15.02.2024 and the addendum thereon received on 23.02.2024 and
29.02.2024. The members of the Committee deliberated thereon and having
found the same feasible and viable, directed the RP to put the plan to vote and
hence the following resolution.
‘RESOLVED THAT the members of the Committee of Creditors be and hereby
approves the Resolution Plan dated 15.02.2024 (& addendums thereon
submitted on 23.02.2024 & 29.02.2024) submitted by the promoters, Mr.
Manmohan Singh lain and Mr. Atul Jain in the matter of Kiran Global Chems
Limited after considering its feasibility and viability in terms of section 30(4)
of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (" Insolvency Code”).'
'RESOLVED FURTHER THAT the members of the Committee of Creditors
be and hereby authorizes the Resolution Professional to file an application
under section 30(6) of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 read with
Regulation 39 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency
Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 for the approval
of the Resolution Plan to the Hon'ble NCLT, Chennai Bench."
5.
DETAILS OF THE SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION APPLICANT
NAME
CATEGORY
ELIGIBILITY OF RA
Mr. Manmohan Singh Jain
@ Manmohana Jain and
Mr. Atul Jain
Individuals
(Promoters/
Suspended Directors
of the CD)
Eligible - Affidavits
& Declarations to
that effect has been
submitted.
It is submitted that the CD is a MSME within the meaning of MSME
Act, 2006 and in view of Section 240A of the code, existing Promoter /
Principal Shareholders are entitled to submit Resolution Plan and take part
as Resolution Applicant. Further it is submitted that the Promoters has not
been declared as Wilful Defaulter as per Law. An Affidavit to that effect has
7 of 42 been submitted at Page 168 – 175. Thus the Promoters have become the Successful Resolution Applicant when the CoC approved their Plan. It is submitted that the SRA has proven footprints for years in the manufacture of Sodium Silicate and Potassium Silicate. The SRAs are well qualified engineers and individuals having vast experience in the field of manufacturing to run a large scale business. SRA also proposed to include Key Managing Personal and Resource Experts to consolidate the existing business and Infuse funds. 6. SOURCE OF FUND On Perusal of the Plan document the source of funds are observed as follows,
- A sum of Rs.30.35 Crores from the Resolution Applicants themselves ( which includes Rs.17.14 as Bank Guarantee)
- A sum of Rs.44.71 Crores from Company’s Cash Flows and
- A sum of Rs.16.32 Crores from the Disposal of Assets. The Amounts referred above are to be sourced at different timelines over a maximum period of 4 years. A sum of Rs.13.35 Crores is to be infused by the Resolution Applicant themselves by way of unsecured debt. Further the RA provides for Performance Security for a sum of Rs.17.14 (25% of Total Resolution Plan Value i.e Rs.68.56 Crores) either as fixed bank deposits or direct transfer.
The table showing the same is extracted hereunder,
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SALIENT FEATURES OF THE RESOLUTION PLAN
The total resolution value as per the Respondent's plan is an amount
of Rs.68.56 Crores.
The liquidation value of the Corporate Debtor is Rs.176.82 Crores
(excluding inventories) and the fair value is Rs.225.08 Crores
(excluding inventories).
The Valuers excluded inventories from their scope/ report. When
enquired the reason thereof they informed that they had asked certain
details like item wise/ location wise details of inventories of Raw
Materials/ WIP/ Finished Goods etc. with rates & quantity, which
were not made available to them and hence they informed to the
erstwhile Resolution Professional Mr. Tharuvai Ramachandran
Ravichandran that they would not be able to value inventories. The
erstwhile Resolution Professional agreed to the same and hence
inventories were not valued.
Furthermore, the Applicant informed the CoC in the 21st CoC meeting
held on 12th December, 2023 that the valuation conducted by both the
Securities and Financial Assets valuers were undertaken for all
Securities and Financial Assets 'other than inventories' and that
investments were valued at Nil.
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The Applicant brought to the knowledge of the CoC that the
inventory as disclosed by the Management/ erstwhile RP in the
Audited financial statements as on 31.03.2021 was Rs.9.87 Crores and
as on 26.04.2021 was Rs.11.17 Crore
Inventories of Rs.7.62 Crore has also written off for the FY 2021 – 2022.
8.
PAY-OUT TO STAKEHOLDERS AS PROPOSED IN THE PLAN
Total Distribution to all the Stake Holders as per the Plan is as follows,
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Total Distribution to the secured creditors as per the Plan is as follows,
11 of 42 Time Line for Deferred Payments for Secured Financial Creditors is as follows,
Total Distribution to the Unsecured Financial creditors as per the Plan is as follows,
Time Line for Deferred Payments for Unsecured Financial Creditors is as follows,
IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING COMMITTEE (IMC) The Projected timelines of Plan Implementation is extracted as follows,
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Effective Date i) Date of Approval of Plan by the Adjudicatory Authority is the Effective date for implementation as per the plan.
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ii)
Implementation & Monitoring Committee (IMC) shall be
constituted to monitor the implementation of the Plan. The
members shall comprise -
1.
A Monitoring Professional, who shall be an Insolvency
Professional (Chairman of the Committee), appointed on
mutual consent by the CoC and the Resolution Applicant.
2.
Two Representative of the CoC
3.
Two Representative of the Resolution Applicant
Upfront Payment Date
i)
The IMC shall continue till Upfront Payment Date (Shall
mean the date, not being a date later than 30 days from the
Effective date, on which the Management and Control of the
CD will be passed on to the management comprising of the
representatives of the representatives of the Resolution
Applicant
i.e.
On
paying
the
Upfront
Amount
of
Rs.19,12,00,000/-).
ii)
The Monitoring Committee shall be responsible for
monitoring the implementation and supervision of the
Resolution Plan with effect from the Effective Date. The
Monitoring Committee shall provide such information on the
implementation of the Resolution Plan requested by the
Resolution Applicant.
iii)
The fees payable to the Chairman of the Monitoring
Committee shall mutually agree between the Resolution
Applicants and Monitoring professional.
iv)
On the Upfront Payment Date, the existing suspended board
of directors of the CD shall be reinstated on, in the manner
specified by the Resolution Applicant. The Management and
control of the CD from the Upfront Payment Date will vest
with the Resolution Applicant.
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v)
The Monitoring Committee dissolves on Upfront Payment
date after constituting Independent Monitoring Agency
(MA) which will oversee and supervise the implementation
of the Resolution Plan until complete Payments stipulated
under the Resolution plan is paid as per the Deferred
Payment Schedule until Closing Date (Shall mean the date of
payment of last instalment under the Deferred Payment
Amount).
vi)
Payments to CIRP and Implementation costs.
vii)
Initial Payments to Financial Creditors and Operational
Creditors.
viii)
Payment
of
Assignment
Consideration
1
towards
Assignment Debt - Rs.5 Lakh towards the release of charge in
lieu of Schedule V Property.
ix)
Initiating Measures for disposal of Identified Assets
mentioned in schedule IV.
x)
Re-instatement of suspended board of directors and
shareholders of the CD.
xi)
Appointment of Independent Monitoring Agency to support
management and implementation for further 4 years till
closing date.
After upfront Payment date and Till Closing date
i)
Payment of Deferred Payment Amounts (Outstanding Principal
- Interest) in respect of SFC debt and UFC debt. ii) Payment of SFC (Secured Financial Creditor) debt in 8 instalments amounting to Rs.48.08 Crores towards Secured Financial Creditors with semi- Annual interest at 16.50% per annum over a period of 4 years after 180 days from effective date. iii) Payment of UFC (Unsecured Financial Creditor) debt in 2 instalments amounting Rs1.30 crores towards unsecured
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financial creditors without interest component over a period of 1
year after 60 days from the effective date.
iv)
Payment of Assignment Consideration 2 towards Assignment
debt 2 of Rs.1 lakh towards other financial creditors over period
of 365 days from effective date for purpose of releasing charge
created over properties of CD by 3rd Parties.
10.
MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATE DEBTOR
Board of Directors and Management team:
On approval of the proposed Resolution Plan the existing board of
directors of the Corporate Debtor shall be reinstated and continue to be
responsible for the management and control of the Corporate Debtor
upon infusion of the Upfront Payment Amount.
Share Holding Structure of the Corporate Debtor
The Existing Equity shareholding structure of the Corporate Debtor
shall continue pursuant to infusion of the Upfront Payment Amount.
The existing Shareholding pattern is extracted as follows,
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11.
MANDATORY COMPLIANCE UNDER IBC & REGULATIONS
From the averments made in the application as well as on perusal of
Form -H, as filed by the Resolution Professional in relation to the procedural
aspects, the same seems to have been duly complied with, for which the
Resolution Professional has issued a certificate and it is not necessary for this
Authority to go into the same. However, this Authority is duty bound to
examine the Resolution Plan within the contours of Section 30 (2) of the IBC,
2016. A Comparison vis-à-vis with the Mandatory Compliance under the IBC
and the Compliance made under the Resolution Plan are tabulated
hereunder,
MANDATORY COMPLIANCE UNDER
IBC, 2016
COMPLIANCE UNDER
RESOLUTION PLAN
S. 25(2)(h) - Resolution Applicant
meets the criteria approved by the
CoC
having
regard
to
the
complexity and scale of Operations
of business of the CD
Clause IV (2) of the Resolution Plan
S. 29A - Resolution Applicant is
eligible to submit resolution plan as
per
final
list
of
Resolution
Professional or Order, if any, of the
Adjudicating Authority
Clause IV (2) of the Resolution Plan
S. 30(1) - Resolution Applicant to
submit an affidavit stating that he is
eligible under Sec.29A of the Code,
2016
Resolution
Applicant
filed
an
Undertaking and affidavit at Page
168 - 175 of the application
S.30(2)(a) - Payment of Insolvency
and Resolution cost in the manner
specified by the Board
Clause V (1) of the Resolution
Plan provides for the payment of
CIRP costs in priority.
S.30(2)(b) - Payment of debts of
Operational
Creditors
in
such
manner as may be specified by the
Board, which shall not be less than
the amount to be paid to the
Operational Creditors in the event
of a liquidation of the Corporate
Part V (3) of the Resolution Plan
provides
for
the
Operational
Creditors’ claims.
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Debtor under Sec. 53.
S. 30(2)(c) – Management of the
affairs of the Corporate Debtor after
approval of the Resolution Plan.
Part II (4) and Part VIII (8) of the
Resolution
Plan
provides
for
Management and control of the
operations
of
the
Corporate
Debtor.
S.30(2)(d) – Implementation and
Supervision of the Resolution Plan.
Part VIII of the Plan provides for
implementation & supervision of
the plan.
S. 30(2)(e) – The plan does not
contravene any of the provisions of
the law for the time being in force.
Part XV of the plan expresses that
the plan does not contravene any
provisions of the law for the time
being in force.
S.30(2)(f) – Conforms to such other
requirements as may be specified.
Part XV of the plan provides for
the same.
S.30(4) - Committee of Creditors
approve the Resolution Plan by not
less than 66% of the voting share of
Financial
Creditors,
after
considering its feasibility, viability
and such other requirement as
specified by the Board
The CoC, in its 28th meeting, has
approved the Resolution Plan with
99.08% voting.
S.30(2)(f) - Resolution Plan has provisions for its effective implementation of the plan, according to the CoC Part VIII of the Plan
MANDATORY CONTENTS OF THE RESOLUTION PLAN IN TERMS OF REGULATION 38 OF CIRP REGULATIONS
MANDATORY
COMPLIANCE
UNDER
CIRP REGULATION
COMPLIANCE UNDER
RESOLUTION PLAN
38(1)
The amount due to the Operational
Creditor under Resolution Plan shall be
given
priority
in
payment
over
Financial Creditor.
Part V (3) of the Plan
38(1A)
A Resolution Plan shall include a
statements as to how it has dealt with
the
interest
of
all
stakeholders,
including
Financial
Creditors
and
Operational Creditors of the Corporate
Debtor.
Part V of the Plan
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38(1B)
A Resolution Plan shall include a
statement
giving
details
if
the
Resolution Applicant or any of its
related parties has failed to implement
or
contributed
to
the
failure
of
implementation of any other resolution
plan approved by the Adjudicating
Authority at any time in the past.
No
38(2)
a)
term
of
the
plan
and
its
implementation schedule
Part VIII of the Plan
b) management and control of the
business of the Corporate Debtor
during its term;
Part II (4) and Part
VIII (8) of the Plan
c) adequate means for supervising its
implementation
Part VIII of the Plan
38(3)
a) it address the cause of default;
Part III of the Plan
b) it is feasible and viable
Part XV of the Plan
c) it has provisions for effective
implementation
Part VIII of the Plan
d) it has provisions for approval
required and the timeline for the same;
and
Part VIII of the Plan
e) the resolution applicant has the
capability to implement the Resolution
Plan.
Part XV and Clause
II of the Plan
39(2)
RP has filed applications in respect of
PUFE Transactions observed, found or
determined by him
Yes.
(But Withdrawn in
order to pursue the
plan)
39(4)
Details
of
Performance
Security
Received as referred in Regulation
36B(4A)
Part XIV of the Plan.
JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE HON’BLE SUPREME COURT IN RELATION TO APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION PLAN 12.1 In so far as the approval of the Resolution Plan is concerned, this Authority is not sitting in appeal against the decision of the Committee of Creditors and this Authority is duty bound to follow the Judgment
19 of 42 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of K. Sashidhar –Vs– Indian Overseas Bank (2019) 12 SCC 150, decided on 05.02.2019 wherein in para 19 and 62 it is held as under; “19…….In the present case, however, our focus must be on the dispensation governing the process of approval or rejection of resolution plan by the CoC. The CoC is called upon to consider the resolution plan under Section 30(4) of the I&B Code after it is verified and vetted by the resolution professional as being compliant with all the statutory requirements specified in Section 30(2).
- ………In the present case, however, we are concerned with the provisions of I&B Code dealing with the resolution process. The dispensation provided in the I&B Code is entirely different. In terms of Section 30 of the I&B Code, the decision is taken collectively after due negotiations between the financial creditors who are constituents of the CoC and they express their opinion on the proposed resolution plan in the form of votes, as per their voting share. In the meeting of the CoC, the proposed resolution plan is placed for discussion and after full interaction in the presence of all concerned and the Resolution Professional, the constituents of the CoC finally proceed to exercise their option (business/commercial decision) to approve or not to approve the proposed resolution plan. In such a case, non-recording of reasons would not per-se vitiate the collective decision of the financial creditors. The legislature has not envisaged challenge to the “commercial/business decision” of the financial creditors taken collectively or for that matter their individual opinion, as the case may be, on this count.” 12.2 Further the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of K. Sashidhar v. Indian Overseas Bank and Ors. (2019) 12 SCC 150 decided on 05.02.2019 has lucidly delineated the scope and interference of the
20 of 42 Adjudicating Authority in the process of approval of the Resolution Plan and held as under; “55. Whereas, the discretion of the adjudicating authority (NCLT) is circumscribed by Section 31 limited to scrutiny of the resolution plan “as approved” by the requisite per cent of voting share of financial creditors. Even in that enquiry, the grounds on which the adjudicating authority can reject the resolution plan is in reference to matters specified in Section 30(2), when the resolution plan does not conform to the stated requirements. Reverting to Section 30(2), the enquiry to be done is in respect of whether the resolution plan provides: (i) the payment of insolvency resolution process costs in a specified manner in priority to the repayment of other debts of the corporate debtor, (ii) the repayment of the debts of operational creditors in prescribed manner, (iii) the management of the affairs of the corporate debtor, (iv) the implementation and supervision of the resolution plan, (v) does not contravene any of the provisions of the law for the time being in force, (vi) conforms to such other requirements as may be specified by the Board. The Board referred to is established under Section 188 of the I&B Code. The powers and functions of the Board have been delineated in Section 196 of the I&B Code. None of the specified functions of the Board, directly or indirectly, pertain to regulating the manner in which the financial creditors ought to or ought not to exercise their commercial wisdom during the voting on the resolution plan under Section 30(4) of the I&B Code. The subjective satisfaction of the financial creditors at the time of voting is bound to be a mixed baggage of variety of factors. To wit, the feasibility and viability of the proposed resolution plan and including their perceptions about the general capability of the resolution applicant to translate the projected plan into a reality. The resolution applicant may have given projections backed by normative data but still in the opinion of the dissenting financial creditors, it would not be free from being speculative. These aspects are completely within the domain
21 of 42 of the financial creditors who are called upon to vote on the resolution plan under Section 30(4) of the I&B Code.
- Indubitably, the inquiry in such an appeal would be limited to the
power exercisable by the resolution professional under Section 30(2) of
the I&B Code or, at best, by the adjudicating authority (NCLT) under
Section 31(2) read with Section 31(1) of the I&B Code. No other inquiry
would be permissible. Further, the jurisdiction bestowed upon the
appellate authority (NCLAT) is also expressly circumscribed. It can
examine the challenge only in relation to the grounds specified in Section
61(3) of the I&B Code, which is limited to matters “other than” enquiry
into the autonomy or commercial wisdom of the dissenting financial
creditors. Thus, the prescribed authorities (NCLT/NCLAT) have been
endowed with limited jurisdiction as specified in the I&B Code and not
to act as a court of equity or exercise plenary powers.”
(Emphasis supplied) 12.3 The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Committee of Creditors of Essar Steels –Vs– Satish Kumar Gupta & Ors. (Civil Appeal No. 8766 – 67 of 2019) decided on 15.11.2019 at para 42 has held as under; - ………Thus, it is clear that the limited judicial review available, which can in no circumstance trespass upon a business decision of the majority of the Committee of Creditors, has to be within the four corners of Section 30(2) of the Code, insofar as the Adjudicating Authority is concerned, and Section 32 read with Section 61(3) of the Code, insofar as the Appellate Tribunal is concerned, the parameters of such review having been clearly laid down in K. Sashidhar (supra). 12.4 Also the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Committee of Creditors of Essar Steel India Limited v. Satish Kumar Gupta and
22 of 42 Ors. (2020) 8 SCC 531 decided on 15.11.2019 after referring to the decision in K. Sashidhar (supra) has held as under; “73. There is no doubt whatsoever that the ultimate discretion of what to pay and how much to pay each class or sub-class of creditors is with the Committee of Creditors, but, the decision of such Committee must reflect the fact that it has taken into account maximizing the value of the assets of the corporate debtor and the fact that it has adequately balanced the interests of all stakeholders including operational creditors. This being the case, judicial review of the Adjudicating Authority that the resolution plan as approved by the Committee of Creditors has met the requirements referred to in Section 30(2) would include judicial review that is mentioned in Section 30(2)(e), as the provisions of the Code are also provisions of law for the time being in force. Thus, while the Adjudicating Authority cannot interfere on merits with the commercial decision taken by the Committee of Creditors, the limited judicial review available is to see that the Committee of Creditors has taken into account the fact that the corporate debtor needs to keep going as a going concern during the insolvency resolution process; that it needs to maximise the value of its assets; and that the interests of all stakeholders including operational creditors has been taken care of. If the Adjudicating Authority finds, on a given set of facts, that the aforesaid parameters have not been kept in view, it may send a resolution plan back to the Committee of Creditors to re-submit such plan after satisfying the aforesaid parameters. The reasons given by the Committee of Creditors while approving a resolution plan may thus be looked at by the Adjudicating Authority only from this point of view, and once it is satisfied that the Committee of Creditors has paid attention to these key features, it must then pass the resolution plan, other things being equal.” (emphasis supplied) 12.5 The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its recent decision in Jaypee Kensington Boulevard Apartments Welfare Association & Ors. –Vs-
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NBCC (India) Ltd. & Ors in Civil Appeal no. 3395 of 2020 decided
24.03.2021 has held as under;
76. The expositions aforesaid make it clear that the decision as to whether
corporate debtor should continue as a going concern or should be
liquidated is essentially a business decision; and in the scheme of IBC,
this decision has been left to the Committee of Creditors, comprising of
the financial creditors. Differently put, in regard to the insolvency
resolution, the decision as to whether a particular resolution plan is to be
accepted or not is ultimately in the hands of the Committee of Creditors;
and even in such a decision-making process, a resolution plan cannot be
taken as approved if the same is not approved by votes of at least 66% of
the voting share of financial creditors. Thus, broadly put, a resolution
plan is approved only when the collective commercial wisdom of the
financial creditors, having at least 2/3rd majority of voting share in the
Committee of Creditors, stands in its favour.
- In the scheme of IBC, where approval of resolution plan is exclusively in the domain of the commercial wisdom of CoC, the scope of judicial review is correspondingly circumscribed by the provisions contained in Section 31 as regards approval of the Adjudicating Authority and in Section 32 read with Section 61 as regards the scope of appeal against the order of approval.
77.1. Such limitations on judicial review have been duly underscored by this Court in the decisions above-referred, where it has been laid down in explicit terms that the powers of the Adjudicating Authority dealing with the resolution plan do not extend to examine the correctness or otherwise of the commercial wisdom exercised by the CoC. The limited judicial review available to Adjudicating Authority lies within the four corners of Section 30(2) of the Code, which would essentially be to examine that the resolution plan does not contravene any of the provisions of law for the time being in force, it conforms to such other
24 of 42 requirements as may be specified by the Board, and it provides for: (a) payment of insolvency resolution process costs in priority; (b) payment of debts of operational creditors; (c) payment of debts of dissenting financial creditors; (d) for management of affairs of corporate debtor after approval of the resolution plan; and (e) implementation and supervision of the resolution plan.
77.2. The limitations on the scope of judicial review are reinforced by the limited ground provided for an appeal against an order approving a resolution plan, namely, if the plan is in contravention of the provisions of any law for the time being in force; or there has been material irregularity in exercise of the powers by the resolution professional during the corporate insolvency resolution period; or the debts owed to the operational creditors have not been provided for; or the insolvency resolution process costs have not been provided for repayment in priority; or the resolution plan does not comply with any other criteria specified by the Board
77.6.1. The assessment about maximization of the value of assets, in the scheme of the Code, would always be subjective in nature and the question, as to whether a particular resolution plan and its propositions are leading to maximization of value of assets or not, would be the matter of enquiry and assessment of the Committee of Creditors alone. When the Committee of Creditors takes the decision in its commercial wisdom and by the requisite majority; and there is no valid reason in law to question the decision so taken by the Committee of Creditors, the adjudicatory process, whether by the Adjudicating Authority or the Appellate Authority, cannot enter into any quantitative analysis to adjudge as to whether the prescription of the resolution plan results in maximization of the value of assets or not. The generalised submissions and objections made in relation to this aspect of value maximisation do not, by
25 of 42 themselves, make out a case of interference in the decision taken by the Committee of Creditors in its commercial wisdom
- To put in a nutshell, the Adjudicating Authority has limited jurisdiction in the matter of approval of a resolution plan, which is well defined and circumscribed by Sections 30(2) and 31 of the Code read with the parameters delineated by this Court in the decisions above referred. The jurisdiction of the Appellate Authority is also circumscribed by the limited grounds of appeal provided in Section 61 of the Code. In the adjudicatory process concerning a resolution plan under IBC, there is no scope for interference with the commercial aspects of the decision of the CoC; and there is no scope for substituting any commercial term of the resolution plan approved by the CoC. Within its limited jurisdiction, if the Adjudicating Authority or the Appellate Authority, as the case may be, would find any shortcoming in the resolution plan vis-à-vis the specified parameters, it would only send the resolution plan back to the Committee of Creditors, for re-submission after satisfying the parameters delineated by Code and exposited by this Court. 12.6 The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its recent decision in Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. Verus Raman Ispat Private Limited & Ors. In Civil Appeal no. 7976 of 2029 decided 17.07.2023 has held as under;
- Rainbow Papers (Supra) did not notice the ‘waterfall mechanism’ under Section 53 – the provision had not been adverted to or extracted in the Judgement. Furthermore, Rainbow Papers (Supra) was in the context of a resolution process and not during liquidation. Section 53, as held earlier, enacts the waterfall mechanism providing for the hierarchy or priority of claims of various classes of creditors. The careful design of Section 53, locates amounts payable to secured creditors and workmen at the second place, after the costs & expenses of the liquidator payable during the liquidation proceedings. However, the dues payable to the
26 of 42
government are placed much below those of secured creditors and even
unsecured creditors. This design was either not brought to the notice of
the Court in Rainbow Papers (supra) or was missed altogether. In any
event, the Judgment has not taken note of the provisions of the IBC
which treat the dues payable to secured creditors at a higher footing than
dues payable to central or state Government.
(emphasis supplied)
12.7 Thus, from the catena of judgments rendered by the Hon’ble Supreme
Court on the scope of approval of the Resolution Plan, it is crystal clear
that only limited judicial review is available for the Adjudicating
Authority under Section 30(2) and Section 31 of IBC, 2016 and this
Adjudicating Authority cannot venture into the commercial aspects of
the decisions taken by the Committee of Creditors.
13.
RELIEF & CONCESSIONS:
The Resolution Applicant has sought for various waivers and
Concessions in Clause XIII of the Resolution Plan, which are as follows,
S. NO.
RELIEF / CONCESSIONS/DISPENSATIONS
SOUGHT FOR
ORDERS THEREON
1.
The Corporate Debtor shall not be
denied
any
benefit
under
any
Applicable Laws, government schemes,
policy, incentives including but not
limited to Income Tax Act, 1961, Goods
and Service Tax, Act, merely on account
of
unavailability
of
supporting
documents (including but not limited to
purchase invoices, shipping bill, bill of
export, etc.) and all stakeholders should
cooperate with the Corporate Debtor for
claiming any such amount
Appropriate
authorities to consider
keeping in view the
object of IBC, 2016.
2.
The benefit of brought forward losses
under Income Tax Act 1961 will not be
denied due to change of management.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
27 of 42
3.
All Governmental Authorities and other
relevant Person shall provide a Cure
period of l2 months after the Effective
Date to the Corporate Debtor for curing
any Non-Compliances of the Corporate
Debtor under the Applicable Law,
Permits or any contract, agreement or
arrangement to which the Company is
party, which was existing as on the
Effective Date.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
4.
On and after the Effective Date, all the
contracts of the Corporate Debtor which
are in force on the Effective Date shall
remain in existence on the same terms
and conditions except to the extent the
Resolution
Applicant
/
Corporate
Debtor at its sole discretion reserves the
right under such contracts to modify,
change or terminate the said contracts
without assigning any reasons thereof
and without any penalty, charges, fees,
fines, liabilities, damages in relation
thereto. In relation to any contracts of
the Corporate Debtor, which are expired
or to be expired within a period of six
months from the Effective Date, the
Resolution Applicant prays that to the
extent
such
contracts,
deeds
or
arrangements which are necessary for or
incidental to continuing or carrying on
the operations and business of the
Corporate
Debtor,
such
contracts,
agreements or arrangements shall be
renewed/
remain
in
existence
for
smooth transition of Corporate Debtor
and implementation of Resolution Plan
and shall continue for a period of at
least six months from the Effective Date
on the same terms and conditions as
applicable to the parties thereto or as
may
be
mutually
agreed
upon,
notwithstanding the fact that such
contracts are lapsed or expired due to
any Non-Compliance or efflux of time.
Granted,
subject
to
the provisions of IBC,
2016,
mutual
consensus
between
the contractual parties
and other Applicable
laws
5.
Direct GAIL to restore the combined gas
supply to the Corporate debtors for
operations through approval of this
Appropriate
keeping in view the
28 of 42
Resolution Plan.
6.
Direct DGFT to remove the Corporate
Debtor from Denied Entity Status
("DEL") Status.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
7.
Waiver from payment of fees, charges,
stamp duty (whether by Department of
Registration
and
Stamps
and
Governmental
Authorities
of
Maharashtra and such other states and
geographies
where
the
Corporate
Debtor or the Resolution Applicant
carries on its business and operations or
where its assets are located), registration
and/or
filing
fees
(including
fees
payable to the jurisdictional Registrar of
Companies)
for
various
actions
contemplated under this Resolution
Plan
(including
transfer
of
non-
convertible
debentures,
issuance
of
Equity Shares pursuant to conversion of
non-convertible
debentures
or
otherwise, change in control, etc.) and
that the fees payable (including stamp
duty and any other charges) to the
Registrar of Companies in respect of the
increase of authorized share capital and
amendment
of
memorandum
of
association and articles of association of
the Corporate Debtor for allotment of
fresh shares to the Resolution Applicant
and other relevant parties be waived
and the Registrar of Companies be
directed to approve the relevant forms
under the Companies Act and rules
thereto without payment of fees in
respect thereof.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
8.
The
Corporate
Debtor
and
the
Resolution Applicant shall be granted
an exemption from all Taxes, levies,
surcharges,
cess,
fees,
transfer
premiums, and surcharges that arise
from or relate to various actions
contemplated under this Resolution
Plan (including issuance of Equity
Shares, change in control, etc.).
Appropriate
keeping in view the
With effect from the Effective Date, Appropriate
29 of 42 National Securities Depository Limited, Central Depository Services Limited and depository participants are requested to credit the new equity shares to the account of the new owners, the Resolution Applicant within timelines applicable under Law; any prior dues to the depositories shall be waived off. In case the shares are not in the dematerialized form, existing hard copy of shares stand null and void without any value being attributable from the Effective Date keeping in view the
On approval of resolution plan, all
expenses claimed by the Company in
the preceding eight years and returns as
submitted or not submitted to be treated
as assessed and all carry forward losses
and depreciation to be treated as
allowed
Appropriate
keeping in view the
11.
The Corporate Debtor or the Resolution
Applicant shall not, at any point of time,
be held financially liable under the
provisions in relation to the liability of
the Corporate Debtor as per Section 170
of the Income Tax Act, 1961 on account
of any action taken pursuant to this
Resolution Plan including acquisition of
control by the Resolution Applicant
over the Corporate Debtor pursuant to
this Resolution Plan
Appropriate
keeping in view the
12.
The requirement of obtaining a no
objection certificate under Section 81 of
the Central Goods and Services Tax Act,
2017, Section 281 of the IT Act and
provisions of taking over predecessor's
Tax liability under Section 170 of the
said Act shall not be applicable and be
waived off- Further, the transaction
shall not be treated as void under
Section 281 of the IT Act for any claims
in respect of Tax or any other sum
payable by the Corporate Debtor or its
existing shareholders or any principal
officer as defined under Section 2(35) of
the IT Act or their successors, Similarly,
any requirements to obtain waivers
Appropriate
keeping in view the
30 of 42
from any Tax Authorities in terms of
Section 79 and Section 115JB or any
other applicable provisions of the IT Act
is deemed to have granted upon
approval of this Resolution Plan on the
Effective
Date.
In
addition,
the
requirement of affording a reasonable
opportunity of being heard to the
jurisdictional Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner of the Corporate Debtor
under Section 79 of the IT Act is deemed
to have been fulfilled upon approval of
this Resolution Plan
13.
Any change in shareholding of the
Corporate Debtor pursuant to this
Resolution Plan shall not result in lapse
of any carry forward accumulated Tax
losses of the Corporate Debtor in view
of the specific provisions under Section
79 of the IT Act. Further, the Section 79
Notice may be issued to the Principal
Commissioner or the Commissioner of
Income Tax, as the case may be, by the
Resolution
Professional.
If
no
representation is received from the
Principal
Commissioner
or
Commissioner of Income Tax within 30
(thirty) days of issuance of the Section
79
Notice
or
the
Effective
Date,
whichever is earlier, it shall be deemed
that the Principal Commissioner or
Commissioner of income Tax have no
objections to the Corporate Debtor
carrying forward its Tax losses and such
notice shall be treated as having
accorded a reasonable opportunity of
being
heard
to
the
Principal
Commissioner
or
Commissioner
of
Income Tax in relation to this Resolution
Plan. Furthermore, upon approval of the
Resolution
Plan
by
Adjudicating
Authority, all Tax losses (including
capital losses) of the Corporate Debtor
shall be allowed to be carried forward
and set off by Corporate Debtor.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
14.
The Corporate Debtor shall be entitled
to carry forward the accumulated input
Appropriate
31 of 42
tax credit balances under the indirect
Tax laws and to utilize such amounts to
set off against tax liability arising in
future in accordance with applicable
Laws.
keeping in view the
15.
The Financial Creditors shall confirm
that, on and from the Effective Date, all
accounts of the Corporate Debtor shall
stand
regularized
and
their
asset
classification shall be 'standard' for the
purposes of all applicable Law.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws.
16.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs to
release and extinguish all the security
interests created by the Corporate
Debtor in favour of the creditors on and
from the Effective Date.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws.
17.
The Resolution Applicant shall be
granted a waiver, from all actions,
Proceedings or penalties under any
applicable Law for any non-compliance
for an additional period of 12 (twelve)
months starting from the day following
the Effective Date
Appropriate
keeping in view the
18.
Without
prejudice
to
the
other
provisions of this Resolution Plan, it is
prayed that the Taxes which may arise
pursuant to implementation of this
Resolution Plan (including but not
limited to Tax under Sections 269T,
56,41(1), and 28 of the IT Act pursuant
to implementation of this Resolution
Plan) either on the Resolution Applicant
or the Corporate Debtor and/or its
successors or any other Person who is
likely to be impacted due to the
implementation of this Resolution Plan
shall
be
waived
and
shall
stand
extinguished.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
19.
All Business Permits, rights, licenses,
approvals, registrations, consents, etc. of
the Corporate Debtor that may have
lapsed or expired shall stand renewed
by
the
respective
Governmental
Authorities
with
effect
from
the
Effective
Date
and
the
Resolution
Professional shall take all necessary
Appropriate
keeping in view the
32 of 42 steps to ensure such renewal in furtherance of its satisfactory duties under Section 20(1) read with Section 23(2) of the Code. For avoidance of doubt it is hereby clarified that, all Business Permits, rights, entitlements, benefits, subsidies and privileges whether under applicable Law, contract, lease or license granted in favour of the Corporate Debtor or to which the Corporate Debtor is entitled to or accustomed to, which have expired on the Effective Date, shall be deemed to be renewed by the relevant Governmental Authority on an expedited basis and pending receipt of such Business Permits, the Corporate Debtor shall be permitted to continue to operate its business as a going concern, without disruption for the benefit of the Corporate Debtor for a period of 24 (twenty four) months or until renewed by the relevant Governmental Authority, whichever is later. Without any liability for non-compliance by the Corporate Debtor, during the time specified above, the Resolution Applicant undertakes to cause the Corporate Debtor to obtain/ renew such expired consents, licenses, approvals, rights, entitlements, benefits, incentives, subsidies and privileges, whether under law, contract, lease or license, granted in favour of the Corporate Debtor or to which the Corporate Debtor is entitled or accustomed to, evaluate the steps required to address the same and take steps remedy the same to the extent possible. During the 24 (twenty four) month period, the Resolution Applicant and the Corporate Debtor shall have immunity from any actions and penalties under any applicable Law for any non-compliance of applicable Law in relation to the Corporate Debtor as well as with the terms of any agreement or arrangement entered into with the
33 of 42
Corporate Debtor which was existing as
on the Effective Date and which
continues for a period of 24 (twenty
four)
months
from
the
date
of
acquisition of Control by the Resolution
Applicant. If
(i)
any Governmental Authority
has
suspended,
cancelled,
revoked
or
terminated
any
Business
Permits
of
the
Corporate Debtor; or
(ii)
any Governmental Authority
has
threatened
to
suspend,
cancel, revoke or terminate any
Business
Permits
or
the
operations of any unit or facility
of the Corporate Debtor; or
(iii)
where the Corporate Debtor has
been in breach of the terms of
any Business Permits or the
provisions of applicable Law,
then
all
such
relevant
Governmental Authorities shall
provide 24 months after the
Effective Date in order for the
Resolution Applicant to assess
the status of these Business
Permits
or
such
Non-
Compliances and ensure that
the
Corporate
Debtor
is
compliant with the terms of
such
Business
Permits
and
applicable Law - without such
Governmental
Authorities
initiating
any
investigations,
actions
or
Proceedings
in
relation
to
such
non-
compliances
or
taking
any
adverse measure which may
interrupt
or
suspend
the
operations of the Corporate
Debtor or any facility/ unit
thereof.
20.
From the Effective Date, all inquiries,
investigations, suits, Claims, disputes,
counter-claims, Proceedings (including
any Tax Proceedings), non-compliances
Appropriate
keeping in view the
34 of 42
against the Corporate Debtor, pending
or threatened present or future in
relation to any period until the Effective
date
shall
stand
withdrawn
and
dismissed
and
all
liabilities
and
obligations therefore, whether or not set
out in the balance sheets of the
Corporate Debtor or the profit and loss
account statements of the Corporate
Debtor will be deemed to have been
written off fully, and permanently
extinguished and no adverse orders
passed in the said matters should apply
to
the
Corporate
Debtor
or
the
Resolution Applicant. Upon approval of
this Resolution Plan, all new inquiries,
assessments,
reassessments,
rectifications,
revisions,
surveys,
summons, investigations, notices, suits,
claims, disputes, litigations, arbitrations
or other judicial, regulatory (including
any Tax Proceedings) or administrative
proceedings will be deemed to be
barred and will not be initiated or
admitted against the Corporate Debtor
in relation to any period until the
Effective Date and the Corporate Debtor
and/ or the Resolution Applicant shall
at no point of time be, directly or
indirectly, held responsible or liable in
relation thereto.
21.
From and on the Effective Date and
upon complete implementation of the
Resolution Plan, all assets of the
Corporate
Debtor
(whether
under
dispute or not) (including freehold
properties, leasehold interests, or rights
of the Corporate Debtor under leave
and license agreements executed by it
until the Effective Date) shall be vested
in the Corporate Debtor, free and clear
of
all
Encumbrances,
other
than
Encumbrances required to be assigned
to the Resolution Applicant (to the
extent applicable) and those expressly
continued under the terms of this
Resolution Plan.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws.
35 of 42
22.
All benefits, exemptions, deductions,
rebates, reliefs, credits etc. under any tax
laws in India available to the Corporate
Debtor shall not lapse pursuant to the
Resolution Plan and shall be available to
Corporate Debtor post the Effective
Date
Appropriate
keeping in view the
23.
From and on the Effective Date, all non-
compliances
and
defaults
of
the
Corporate Debtor with any statutory or
government authority or any other
rules,
regulations,
circulars
or
guidelines issued by such authority for
the period prior to the Effective Date
shall be waived of and extinguished. It
is
hereinafter
clarified
that
the
Resolution Applicant shall not be liable
for any non-compliances, breach or
defaults in respect of the Corporate
Debtor with the relevant statutory
authority under applicable Laws for the
period prior to the Effective Date.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
24.
The Corporate Debtor shall not be liable
in any manner whatsoever or otherwise
prosecuted (threatened, impleaded or
otherwise) as a result of, arising from or
in connection with, any transaction, act,
omission, commission, default, (whether
identified
or
unidentified)
of
the
Company
or
Existing
Promoters,
subsidiary companies and/or group
companies of the Company, for the
period prior to and up to the Effective
Date.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
25.
Any approvals that may be required
&om
Governmental
Authorities
(including
Tax
authorities)
in
connection with the implementation of
the
Resolution
Plan
including
on
account of change in ownership /
Control / voting power of the Corporate
Debtor shall be deemed to have been
granted on the Effective Date.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
26.
No Governmental Authority (including
regulatory, judicial and quasi-judicial
authority)
shall
issue
any
orders,
directions, decrees, Judgments etc. that
Appropriate
keeping in view the
36 of 42
will
be
in
contravention
of
the
provisions
of
the
Resolution
Plan
(including the financial plan).
27.
The Resolution Applicant is submitting
the Resolution Plan for the Corporate
Debtor as a going concern. If the
Resolution Professional is considering a
Resolution Plan providing for the
acquisition or transfer of any of the
undertakings of the Corporate Debtor
separately, the Resolution Applicant
shall be notified of the same and shall be
accorded the right to modify this
Resolution Plan appropriately.
Appropriate
keeping in view the
28.
The provisions of this Resolution Plan
shall prevail over the provisions of all
agreements / arrangements / purchase
orders / work orders, etc. entered into
by the Corporate Debtor to the extent of
any inconsistencies.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws
29.
The Resolution Applicant and the
Corporate Debtor shall have immunity
in respect of any Proceedings initiated
by any Person at any time in connection
with any matter whatsoever which
relates to the period prior to the
Effective Date. For the avoidance of
doubt, it is hereby clarified that such
immunity shall also extend to;
(i)
any director or officer of the
Corporate
Debtor
who
was
associated with the Corporate
Debtor prior to the Effective Date
and continues to be a director or
officer of the Corporate Debtor
following the Effective Date; and
(ii)
any individual who becomes a
director
or
officer
of
the
Corporate Debtor following the
Effective Date.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws
30.
All
agreements,
contracts,
confirmations, terms and conditions,
guarantees, indemnities, work orders,
purchase orders, invoices, employment
agreements,
offer
letters,
standing
orders,
letters,
commitments,
guarantees, indemnities, power(s) of
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws
37 of 42
attorneys, acceptances, promises, notes,
hypothecations,
pledges,
mortgages,
charges, trusts and/or any other deed or
document in favour of, or for the benefit
of, or executed with, any Operational
Creditor, including any person whose
Claim has not been filed or if filed, not
been admitted, or any trustee or agent of
such Operational Creditor, in relation to
any period until the effective Date, shall
stand terminated, unless as otherwise
specified herein.
31.
Notwithstanding anything contained in
this Resolution Plan, the Resolution
Applicant confirms in the event any of
the reliefs sought by the Resolution
Applicant in this Resolution Plan are not
granted, such denial or rejection will not
affect the remaining portions of the
Resolution Plan and the Resolution Plan
shall continue to be binding on the
Resolution
Applicant
and
the
Resolution Applicant will implement
the Resolution Plan as approved by the
Adjudicating Authority or any appellate
authority
in
accordance
with
the
timelines stipulated herein. Further, the
total
amounts
payable
under
the
Resolution Plan shall also not be
affected or reduced in case of any such
reliefs not being granted. Further, the
Resolution Applicant hereby undertakes
and confirms to bear all costs in relation
to the implementation of this Resolution
Plan as per the terms stipulated herein.
Granted,
subject
to
2016
and
other
Applicable laws
The Applicant has filed Form - H in accordance with the IBBI (CIRP Regulations, 2016) along with this Application and the same is placed along with the application. Further, it is observed from Form-H that the amount proposed in the plan is much lower than the Liquidation Value of the
38 of 42
Corporate Debtor. The fair value and the Liquidation Value as mentioned in
Form-H is as hereunder,
1.
Fair Value
Rs. 225.08 Crore (excluding inventories)
2.
Liquidation Value
Rs. 176.82 Crore (excluding inventories)
3.
Plan Value
Rs. 68.56 Crore
It is seen from Form-H, that there are some application filed under Section 66 of the code and the same is under adjudication in respect of the CD. This Tribunal vide order dated 03.05.2024 directed the Applicant to clarify with CoC on all pending applications before this forum. The applicant vide memo dated 25.05.2024 clarified the status and intention of the CoC in respect of said applications. Based on the said memo and oral submissions made by the counsels this Tribunal vide order dated 25.06.2024 made the following orders, Case No. Decision IA(IBC)/481(CHE)/2023 Disposed of as withdrawn MA(IBC)/97/CHE/2021 Disposed of as withdrawn IA(IBC)/1221/2021 Disposed of as withdrawn IA/565(CHE)/2021 Disposed of as withdrawn IA(IBC)/1113(CHE)/2022 Disposed of as withdrawn IA(IBC)/23(CHE)/2023 Disposed of as withdrawn IA(IBC)1064(CHE)/2022 Disposed of as withdrawn 16. All the related avoidance applications have been withdrawn. But there are litigations pending before various forum connected to the corporate debtor which can be observed from the Schedule III of the Resolution Plan.
39 of 42 17. This Tribunal vide order dated 22.07.2024 listed this application and sought certain records and clarifications in respect of the Plan. The same is extracted hereunder, “The following Clarifications are sought:
- Master data of the company is not available.
- MSME UDYAM registration certificate is not available.
- Long payment schedule of 48 months to be reasoned. CoC’s rationale behind accepting such long payment schedules.
- Information about powers and function of Independent Monitoring Agency is not explained.
- Whether Operational Creditors and Dissenting financial creditors are satisfied at par with value realized by Liquidation of the CD is to be explained?
- Resolution plan does not provide details about consequences on failure of Resolution applicant or any of its related parties in the implementation of the plan.
- No proof submitted in respect of the performance guarantee.
- The avoidance application filed against the Promoters by the applicant has been withdrawn stating that, the benefits coming out of said applications would again reach the SRA. The CoC’s is to explain the reason for this stand.
- Schedule III of the plan shows lot of pending litigations in respect of the CD and its Promoters. Explanations as to the possibility of those litigations affecting the plan and its implementation is not clarified.”
The applicant vide Affidavit dated 01.08.2024 provided the documents and clarifications concerned to the Plan after discussing with the CoC in the 31st CoC meeting dated 26.07.2024 which was adjourned to 29.07.2024 and this tribunal makes the observations as follows, i) The Master Data and MSME UDYAM registration certificated are placed at Page 9 – 14 of the said Affidavit. ii) The Respondents/ Resolution Applicants 4 Performance Guarantee (Bank Guarantee) dated 26.03.2024 and 28.03.2024 to a value of Rs.17.14 Crores is furnished at Page 34 – 54 of the said Affidavit.
40 of 42 iii) CoC reasoned its rationale behind approval of the present Plan having long payment schedules. iv) The estimated realizable value of the assets of the Corporate Debtor would not be sufficient to cover the debt of the Secured Financial Creditors itself. Reference is made to Financial outlay in Part V of the Resolution Plan. v) The Independent Monitoring Agency constituted after the upfront payment date is provided with supervisory power to access the information and documents necessary for complete implementation of the Resolution Plan. vi) In event of Resolution applicant’s failure/ contribute to failure of implementation of the Resolution Plan, the CoC or the RP have the right to forfeit the Performance Guarantee furnished. Reference is made to Clause (i) of Part VII and last para of the Part XV of the Resolution Plan. vii) CoC confirmed that in the event of Resolution Plan being not approved by this Adjudicating Authority or in the event of failure of Implementation of the Resolution Plan, CoC reserves the right to pursue the withdrawn Avoidance Applications initiated against the Respondents. viii) CoC affirmed that 4 legal proceedings are pending against the Corporate Debtor and 8 proceedings pending against the 3rd parties which were initiated by the Corporate Debtor and none has cascading effect on the Resolution Plan. 19. It is seen that the resolution plan has been approved with 99.08% voting share. As per the CoC, the plan meets the requirement of being viable and feasible for the revival of the Corporate Debtor. By and large, all the compliances have been made by the RP and the Resolution Applicant for making the plan effective after approval by this Authority. On perusal of the documents on record, we are satisfied that the Resolution Plan is in
41 of 42 accordance with Section 30 & 31 of the IBC and also in compliance with regulations 38 & 39 of the IBBI (CIRP) Regulations, 2016. 20. In the light of the aforesaid, it is hereby ordered that the payment to the members of the Monitoring Committee shall be made by the Corporate Debtor on such terms and conditions agreed between the parties for the entire period of implementation as mentioned in this resolution plan. 21. In case of non-compliance/non-implementation/ failure during implementation of this order or withdrawal of the Resolution Plan by the Successful Resolution Applicant, the RP shall forfeit the EMD/Performance Guarantee or any further amount paid as per the terms of the resolution plan without any recourse to this Authority. 22. Subject to the observations made in this Order, the Resolution Plan along with the addendum to the Resolution Plan is hereby APPROVED by this Adjudicating Authority. The Resolution Plan shall form part of this Order. The Resolution Plan is binding on the Corporate Debtor and other stakeholders involved so that the revival of the Debtor Company shall come into force with immediate effect. The Moratorium Imposed under section 14 shall cease to have effect from the date of this Order. 23. The Resolution Professional shall submit the records collected during the commencement of the proceedings to the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India for its record and also return to the Resolution Applicant. The Resolution Professional is further directed to hand over all records/premises/factories/documents to the Resolution Applicant to
42 of 42 finalize the further line of action required for starting the operation of the Corporate Debtor under the control of the Resolution Applicant. 24. Certified copy of this Order be issued on demand to the concerned parties, upon due compliance. 25. Liberty is granted for moving any Application if required in connection with the implementation of this Resolution Plan. 26. A copy of this Order be submitted to the Office of the concerned Registrar of Companies. 27. The Resolution Professional shall stand discharged from his duties with effect from the date of this Order. 28. IA (IBC) (PLAN)/4/CHE/2024 stands disposed of accordingly. 29. The Registry is directed to send e-mail copies of the order forthwith to all the parties and their Learned Counsel for information and for taking necessary steps. 30. File be consigned to the record room.
-Sd/-
-Sd/- RAVICHANDRAN RAMASAMY
JYOTI KUMAR TRIPATHI MEMBER (TECHNICAL)
MEMBER (JUDICIAL)
Ganesh Prabhu
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