14th May, 2025 Approval of Resolution Plan - Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited [IA (IBC)/2142 (CHE)/2023 in CP (IBC)/ 290 (CHE)/ 2021] (1.08 MB)
IA (IBC)/ 2142 (CHE) /2023 in CP (IB)/ 290(CHE)/ 2021 - In the matter Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited
Page 1 of 45 IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL DIVISION BENCH – II, CHENNAI IA (IBC)/ 2142 (CHE)/ 2023 In CP (IBC)/ 290 (CHE)/ 2021 (Filed under Section 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 Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited, CIN: U74900TN2010PTC077867
SHRI A ARUMUGAM, Resolution Professional of Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited, No. 1/56, Market Road, Devi Stores, 1st Floor, Kelambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 603 103 … Applicant/Resolution Professional
In the matter of
JIANGSU YINHE ELECTRONICS COMPANY LIMITED
… Operational Creditor
-Versus-
MADURAI KRISHNA NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED
… Corporate Debtor
Order Pronounced on 8th April 2025
CORAM
SHRI JYOTI KUMAR TRIPATHI, MEMBER (JUDICIAL)
SHRI RAVICHANDRAN RAMASAMY, MEMBER (TECHNICAL)
Present:
For Applicant/ RP
: Mr. Om Prakash, Senior Advocate,
Mr. Kasturi Rangan, Advocate and RP in Person
For Successful
Resolution Applicant/
erstwhile Promoters
: Mr. Ramasamy Meyappan, Advocate For Operational Creditor : Mr. T V Suresh Kumar, Advocate
Private Limited
Page 2 of 45 ORDER (Hearing conducted through Hybrid Mode)
- IA(IBC)/2142/(CHE)/2023 in CP(IB)/290(CHE)/2021 is an application filed
by the Resolution Professional of the Corporate Debtor Viz., Madurai
Krishna Network Private Limited on 28.10.2023 under Section 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 seeking reliefs as follows:
a) To approve and give effect to the resolution plan submitted by the successful resolution applicant Mr.Sikkandar & Mr.Mohana Prasad, the suspended directors of CD as approved by the COC by e-voting with 100% % of voting share U/s 31(1) of IBC 2016 of the corporate debtor M/s Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited. b) To consider and if deems fit approve the fees of Resolution Professional fees as Rs.1,00,000 per month + GST (Rupees One Lakh per month) and provision for performance linked incentive fee for value maximization in accordance with Regulations 34B and Schedule —II of INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTY BOARD OF INDIA (INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR CORPORATE PERSONS) REGULATIONS 2016 (Rs.14,50,223) and Regulation 31 A. c) To approve the condonation of delay of 58 days in filing this application. d) To pass such other orders or further orders in this regard as this Hon'ble Tribunal may deed fit and proper and thus render justice. - The Applicant has submitted that, there is a delay of 58 days in filing the present application which seeks for approval of the resolution plan passed by the CoC of the Corporate Debtor on 17.04.2023. It is submitted that, the original application for approval of the Resolution Plan passed by the CoC of the Corporate Debtor was filed on 07.05.2023 which had been numbered as
Private Limited
Page 3 of 45 IA(IBC)/ 804(CHE)/ 2023 and listed before this tribunal on various dates and finally got dismissed on 17.08.2023. The operational portion of said dismissal order is extracted as follows, “A perusal of Form-H at 'Page No. 213' reveals that Form-H was signed on 02.05.2023. It is also seen from 'Page No. 219' under 'para-15', ‘sub-para – 4’ the RP has made a declaration that in the 'fraudulent transactions under Section 66 the date of filing is 09.05.2023. The extract of the Page No. 219 is reproduced below:
It is also seen from the Affidavit Verifying the present application was affirmed on 21.04.2023 whereas this application was filed on 02.05.2023. The plan has been approved by the COC on 17.04.2023. The plan is of ex- promoters taking benefit of Section 240A as MSME. During the course of hearing today, Counsel for the RP submits that Section 66 application was filed as IA(IBC)/ 1236(CHE)/ 2023 and was affirmed on 16.052023 but electronic filing as per DMS portal of NCLT was done only on 19.05.2023. Apparently, after filing the. petition seeking approval of the Resolution Plan of the MSME promoters, the application under Section 66 was brought on record of this Tribunal Be that as it may, there exist serious anomaly as regards the execution of the present application, Fonn-H filed along with the application is of a different date which is after later to the date of Affidavit Verifying Application. We fail to understand how application can be filed with such anomalies. In view of the contradictions in the dates and suppression of vital being non- disclosure of IA(IBC)/1236(CHE)/2023 pertaining to Section 66 as mentioned above, this IA(IBC)/1236(CHE)/2023 stands dismissed.
Private Limited
Page 4 of 45 The Sole Financial Creditor representing the COC is not present during the hearing. As reported by the RP, one Mr. Chandrasekaran, DGM of Canara Bank has not participated in the hearing. He is requested to appear on the next date of hearing. RP to inform the COC member accordingly.”
It is also submitted that the said dismissal order was uploaded on
31.08.2023. Subsequently, the applicant took legal suggestion on further
actions particularly filing of fresh application for approval from this
tribunal. In view of same he called for CoC meetings on 18.10.2023 in
which the CoC approved for refiling of a fresh application for the
approval of the Resolution Plan rectifying the issues discussed in the
dismissal order. Upon calculation of the time period for filing the present
application after excluding the time period involving in adjudication of
the earlier application IA(IBC)/ 804(CHE)/ 2023 till 31.08.2023, from the
01.09.2023 to 28.10.2023, there was a delay of 58 days.
Upon observation of the applicant submissions, this tribunal considers
it as just to condone the delay of 58 days, in relation to adjudication of the
present application for approval of Resolution Plan which is aiming at the
reviving of the CD and resolving the issues of Insolvency. Thereby the delay
of 58 days in filing the present application is hereby condoned.
3. ABOUT THE CORPORATE DEBTOR
The Corporate Debtor Viz. Madurai Krishna Network Private
Limited is an Indian Private Limited company incorporated under the
provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, engaged mainly in the business of
providing complete entertainment solutions for the general public in
Tamil Language all over Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry states, broadcasting
entertainment programme such as cinema, jokes, worship places,
interviews with leading personalities, medical, fashion related shows etc.,
24*7. It has its own studio with reasonable facilities and signed tie-up
Private Limited
Page 5 of 45 with Tata Communications Limited for Up - Linking the signal to the Cable TV operators who in turn bring the program to the drawing rooms of common man by connecting through set up boxes for quality and uninterrupted entertainment. Further, the Corporate Debtor have 3 channels namely MKTV, MKTV Tunes & MKTV Six with a good studio at Chennai to conduct entertainment programs such as Interview, dance, discussions on current affairs and other contents. It utilizes freelance programmers/reporters to cover outdoor programs. It hires camera and other equipment for outdoor programs. The CD states that it has future plans to go for news channel and sports channel and uses the service of Tata Communications Ltd for Up-Linking the programs and Down- Linking to individual links are done by V.K. Digital Network. Arasu cable TV network is relaying the program to all the homes in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry states. 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
Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited
CIN
U74900TN2010PTC077867
UDYAM
(MSME)
Registration No.
UDYAM-TN-12-0002127
Date of Incorporation
28.10.2010
Registered Office
1, Malligai Malar Street, Bharathi Nagar, Krishna
Colony, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India – 625 014
- CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS OF MADURAI KRISHNA NETWORK PRIVATE LIMITED
The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process in respect of the Corporate Debtor viz., Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited was initiated by this Adjudicating Authority vide its order dated 22.07.2022
Private Limited
Page 6 of 45
based on an application moved by Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Company
Limited, PR China, in the capacity of an Operational Creditor under
Section 9 of the code in CP (IB)/290(CHE)/2021, and Ms. Asha Rathod was
appointed as the ‘Interim Resolution Professional’.
The IRP made Public Announcement on 28.07.2022 in dailies,
Financial Express (English) and Malaimalar (Tamil) and thereafter
constituted the Committee of Creditors (CoC) on 17.08.2022 with the sole
financial creditor, Canara Bank. Thereafter, based on an application
IA (IBC)/ 99(CHE)/ 2022, the applicant herein Mr. Arumugam Arumugam
was appointed as the Resolution Professional vide order dated 22.09.2022.
The RP received 7 EoI, after the publication of 1st round of Form G
dated 01.11.2022, and the CoC in its 8th meeting (08.12.2022) approved
final list of 5 EoI applicants who were considered as eligible. No EMD
was received till 14.01.2023 despite the last date for submitting the
Resolution Plan was 14.01.2023 as per the Form G dated 01.11.2022.
Meanwhile, the Operational Creditor, Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Co.
Limited has submitted its Form FA with a tripartite agreement dated
11.01.2023. The said agreement was in the nature of settlement entered
among the OC, SRA and Unsuccessful Resolution Applicant Viz. Akshaya
Diginet Cable Vision Private Limited on certain terms and conditions.
In parallel, the CoC approved for publication of fresh Form G (2nd
Round of Resolution) as no resolution plan was received. Second Form G
was published on 17.01.2023 in the Business Standard (English) and
Malaimalar (Tamil). This time 3 EoI was received and during the 11th CoC
dated 02.02.2023, approved said EoI applicants as eligible to submit the
Resolution Plans.
Private Limited
Page 7 of 45 On 23.03.2023, the 13th CoC has approved the final list of 2 Resolution applicants out of 3 plans received from the EoI applicants. The two Resolution Applicants are as follows,
- Mr. Sikkandar and Mr. Mohana Prasad (Suspended Directors of the MSME CD)
- M/s. Akshaya Diginet Cable Vision Private Limited
The Two Prospective Resolution Applicants explained their plan
during the 14 – 16th CoC meetings. The CoC gave opportunity to modify
and improvise their plans and the amended Resolution Plan was
submitted on 12.04.2023 & 13.04.2023.
In the 16th CoC meeting dated 10.04.2023, it was decided to vote on the Resolution Plans submitted by the Prospective Resolution Applicants along with considering withdrawal of CIRP U/s. 12A of the Code by filing Form-FA submitted by the OC, Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Co. Ltd. and other matters. The e-voting happened between 15.04.2023 to 16.04.2023 and results were intimated to CoC in the 17th CoC meeting dated 17.04.2023, where the Plan was approved by the CoC with 100% voting share. The key dates and events during the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process period are tabulated as hereunder,
S. NO.
DATE
EVENTS
1.
22.07.2022
Initiation of CIRP, Appointment of IRP in respect of
the CD
2.
28.07.2022
Public Announcement through Publication regarding
initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process
3.
17.08.2022
The Committee of Creditors was constituted by the
IRP based on the claims received
4.
24.08.2022
1st CoC Meeting
5.
22.09.2022
Confirmation of IRP into RP
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6.
07.09.2022
&
22.10.2022
Appointment of Registered Valuer for valuation of
Plant and Machinery
7.
01.11.2022
Invitation for Expression of Interest (EoI) and
Publication of Form G (1st Round of Resolution)
8.
05.11.2022
Finalised List of Eligible PRA’s (1st Round)
9.
05.11.2022
Invitation for Resolution Plan (1st Round)
10.
14.01.2023
Last Date for submission of Resolution Plan (1st
Round)
11.
16.01.2023
Invitation for Expression of Interest (EoI) and
Publication of Form G (2nd Round of Resolution)
12.
17.01.2023
End of 180 days of Corporate Insolvency Resolution
Process Period
13.
08.02.2023
Finalised List of Eligible PRA’s (2nd Round)
14.
09.02.2023
Invitation for Resolution Plan (2nd Round)
15.
14.02.2023
Order extending CIRP Period for 90 days vide
IA(IBC)/132(CHE)/2023 till 17.04.2023
16.
10.03.2023
Last Date for submission of Resolution Plan (2nd
Round)
17.
29.03.2023
14th CoC meeting approving the appointment of
forensic auditor
18.
03.04.2023
Mr. Manimaran was appointed as the Forensic
Auditor to make necessary investigation and
examination.
19.
17.04.2023
Order Extending the CIRP Period till 16.06.2023
20.
17.04.2023
&
20.04.2023
Discussion of the Resolution Plan by the CoC in its
17th Meeting followed by the e-voting approval.
21.
02.05.2023
Filing of IA(IBC)/804(CHE)/2023 before this Tribunal
for consideration of the CoC approved Resolution
Plan
22.
13.05.2023
Report submitted by the Forensic Auditor
23.
19.05.2023
IA(IBC)/1236(CHE)/2023 - Application filed under
Sec 66 of IBC against the suspended directors /
Present SRA
24.
17.08.2023
Dismissal
of
IA
(IBC)/804(CHE)/2023
by
this
Tribunal.
Private Limited
Page 9 of 45
The Original Shareholding of the CD, as on 31.03.2022 is as follows,
S. No. Name of the Shareholder No. of Shares valuing Rs.10 each Value in Rs. 1 Poovalingam Sikkandar 68,32,781 6,83,27,810 2 Mohan Prasath Sikkandar 9,67,219 96,72,190 3 Poorna Prasath Sikkandar 3,00,000 30,00,000
The details of Claims stated as follows: S. No. Claim Received From Claim Amount Admitted Claim Remarks 1 Canara Bank Rs.5,79,60,351 Rs.4,71,40,159
2 Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Co. Ltd. Rs.5,09,95,190 Rs.5,09,95,190
3 Tata Communication Ltd. Rs.34,22,833 Rs.34,22,833
4 GST, Statutory Dues Rs.3,53,10,216 0 Claim Rejected as it was filed belatedly. 5 ESIC Rs.14,147 Rs.14,147
Details of Valuation:
It is submitted that, RP has appointed two valuers namely, Mr.
Jayaraman and M/s. Mayileru & Co to carry out valuation of Plant and
Machinery of the Corporate Debtor. The two valuers have valued the Plant
and Machinery of the CD and has given following values,
25.
18.10.2023
23rd CoC meeting approving the RP to refile an
application for approval of Resolution Plan by the
Adjudicating Authority.
26.
28.10.2023
Filing of the Present Interim Application, again
seeking for approval of Resolution Plan by AA.
Private Limited
Page 10 of 45
The liquid current assets of the CD stated are as follows,
It is submitted that the Applicant has already filed an application which was numbered as IA(IBC)/ 804(CHE)/ 2023 for approval of the Resolution Plan approved by the CoC of the Corporate Debtor which was dismissed by this Tribunal on account of certain irregularities. Therefore, the present application is filed freshly after seeking necessary approval from the CoC which is deliberated early in this order. The present application was earlier reserved for orders on 11.06.2024 and de-reserved on 25.09.2024, after finding the fact that, a litigation was proceeded involving the CD and connected to the Resolution Plan before the Hon’ble High Court of Madras, where an interim stay was granted vide
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Page 11 of 45
order dated 28.06.2024 in CRP No.2423 of 2024, which was finally disposed
as dismissed on account of withdrawal of the petition before the Hon’ble
High Court of Madras on 12.11.2024.
5. DELIBERATION OF THE COC ON THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PLAN
During the 16th CoC Meeting held on 15.04.2023, the members of
the CoC made their deliberations on the Resolution Plan submitted by the
SRAs and decision was made to vote on the same. Accordingly, the
Resolution Plan was approved unanimously by the Canara Bank, the Sole
Financial Creditor and the CoC member with voting right during the
e-voting conducted between 15.04.2023 to 16.04.2023. The e-voting results
were declared during the 17th CoC meeting held on 17.04.2023. The details
of resolutions subjected for voting is extracted hereunder,
The CoC has approved the Resolution Plan as follows,
Private Limited
Page 12 of 45 “Based on the e-voting conducted on 15.04.2023, the following resolutions are passed by the Committee. l) Resolution No. l Resolved that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved that the Suspended Directors Mr. Sikkandar & Mr. Mohana Prasad are selected as Successful Resolution Applicant and their revised resolution plan submitted by the suspended directors the Suspended Directors Mr. Sikkandar & Mr. Mohana Prasad are approved by the Committee of with 100% voting share. 2) Resolution No. 2 Resolved that the Creditors Committee of with 100% voting share has rejected the proposal submitted by M/s Akshaya Diginet Cable Vision Network Pvt Ltd. 3) Resolution No. 3
Resolved that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has rejected the application for withdrawal U/s 12A of Code in Form-FA submitted by M/s Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Co., Ltd. 4) Resolution No. 4 Resolved that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved that the interest on interim finance on CIRP amount spent by Canara Bank as part of CIRP cost payable by the successful resolution applicant.”
It is observed that, during the 23rd CoC meeting dated 18.10.2023, the RP had communicated the dismissal of IA (IBC)/804(CHE)/2023 which was filed for approval of Resolution Plan by this Adjudicating Authority on 17.08.2023. Subsequently, the CoC approved the RP by passing resolutions to refile the application for approval of resolution plan with the Adjudicating Authority as follows, “After Prolonged discussions, the following decisions are taken, 3) Resolution No. 1
Private Limited
Page 13 of 45 Resolved that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved that the application for approval of resolution plan have to be refilled with corrections in Form-H. 4) Resolution No. 2 Resolved that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved the extension of 60 days by exclusion from 18.10.2023 to complete the CIRP process. 5) Resolution No. 3 Resolved further that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved and directed the Resolution Professional to file the necessary application in NCLT. 6) Resolution No. 4 Resolved further that the Committee of Creditors with 100% voting share has approved the additional CIRP cost for the CD as a going concern expenses.” 6. DETAILS OF THE SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION APPLICANT (SRA) NAME CATEGORY ELIGIBILITY OF RA
- Poovalingam Sikkandar
- Mohana Prasath Sikkandar
- Poorna
Prasath
Sikkandar
Individuals
(Except
Poorna
Prasath
Sikkandar other two
are
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. It is also stated that the Resolution Applicants are eligible to submit a Resolution Plan in terms of 'Invitation seeking Resolution Plan for Madurai Krishna Network Private Limited' dated 08.02.32023 and submitted that they are not disqualified U/s.29A of the IBC Code since the
Private Limited
Page 14 of 45 corporate debtor is a MSME undertaking and an affidavit to that effect has been submitted with the Resolution Professional at the time of submission of Expression of Interest. Thus, the Promoters have become the Successful Resolution Applicant when the CoC approved their Plan. It is submitted that the SRA have vast experience in the field and their information from the Plan is extracted as follows, Name of the Resolution PAN DIN Experience in the Industry (in years) Poovalingam Sikkandar AYBPS0300G 03208599 43 Mohana Prasath Sikkandar AYXPM3405C 03247924 11 Poorna Prasath Sikkandar CJOPP4416N 06777006 6 7. SOURCE OF FUND On Perusal of the Plan document, it is submitted that the source of funds proposed to be paid by the SRA are observed as follows, The Sum of Rs.4,16,25,397/- (Rupees Four crores, sixteen lakhs, twenty-five thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven only) would be paid as an upfront amount. The sources of the said amount are,
- Rs.298 Lakhs which is already available in the form of Fixed Deposit Receipts in the name of the Corporate Debtor and the Suspended Directors.
- Rs.18.11 Lakhs which is deposited in the account of the CD
- Rs.0.14 Lakhs which is already paid to the ESI by the RP
- Rs.100 Lakhs which is paid as EMD will be made available by the SRA.
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Page 15 of 45 The Sum of Rs.3,04,50,711/- (Rupees Three crores, four lakhs, fifty thousand, seven hundred and eleven only) will be freshly infused by the Resolution Applicants by way of equity/ quasi equity/ debt fund. Mohana Prasath Sikkandar, one of the SRA, has provided two Performance Bank Guarantee from ICICI Bank, Ekkatuthangal Branch, Chennai to a tune of Rs.3,25,75,000/- (Rupees Three crores, twenty-five lakhs and seventy-five thousand only) in total dated 11.07.2023 in favour of the CD. The detailed treatment of admitted claims and payment were discussed in 9 Points as Notes at Page 30 to 33 of Plan Document.
- SALIENT FEATURES OF THE RESOLUTION PLAN
o The Corporate Debtor is a Small-Scale Enterprise (MSME). The New Director along with the existing Promoters intends to bring additional funds to the tune of Rs.4,50,76,108 (Rupees Four Crores Fifty Lakhs Seventy-Six Thousand One Hundred and Eight only) out of which EMD amount of Rs. 100.00 Lakhs, Rs.28.00 Lakhs lien marked fixed deposit in the name of Mr. Mohana Prasath, amount already brought in during CIRP
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Page 16 of 45 period of Lakhs, ESI paid of Rs.0.14 Lakh and the balance Rs.304.50 Lakhs in a phased manner as Promoter’s Contribution towards resolution Plan.
o The New Director will ensure that the expertise and resourcefulness of existing management is optimally utilized to revive and revitalize the Corporate Debtor.
o The New Director would have powers to bring about check and control with reference to operations of the Corporate and restructure the operations of Corporate Debtor should there be need for additional funds or working capital requirements.
o The existing Promoters have already deposited a sum of Rs.100.00 Lakhs towards Earnest Money Deposit to show their willingness to revive the Corporate Debtor and the same need not be refunded back if the resolution plan being approved, hence the same may be treated as Initial contribution towards implementation of the resolution plan.
o In line with the Reserve Bank of India Circular No: RBI/2018-19/203, DBR No: BP: BC: 45/21.04.048/2018 dated June 7th 2019, the Proposed Resolution Plan is envisaging Change in Management and a New Director, Mr. Poorna Prasath Sikkandar, will be inducted into the Board, whose Profile is given below:
Private Limited
Page 17 of 45 o Resolution Applicants meet the criteria approved by the CoC having regard to the complexity and scale of operations of business of the CD in line with Section 25(2)(b) of the Code and are eligible to submit resolution plan as per Section 29A of the Code as the Corporate Debtor is a Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME).
o The Proposed Resolution Plan is in conformity and providing for payment as per Section 30(2) of the Code and related regulations including the mandatory requirements.
o Payment of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process cost will be paid in priority. Necessary provisions for payment of the same in priority to all other debts of the Company, has been envisaged in the Resolution Plan as below; a. the payment to the operational creditors in line with Regulation 38(1) of the Code has been given priority in payment over financial creditors b. payment to the financial creditors who did not vote in favour of the resolution plan c. provides for the management of the affairs of the corporate debtor d. provides for the implementation and supervision of the resolution plan e. The Proposed resolution plan is feasible and viable in line with section 30(4) of the Code
o The Proposed Resolution Plan has provisions for its effective implementation plan as per section 31(1) of the Code.
o The resolution applicants, or any of its related parties has not failed to implement or contributed to the failure of implementation of any resolution plan approved under the Code and complied with provisions of the Regulation 38(IB) of the Code.
o In line with Regulation 38(2) of the code, the Proposed resolution Plan providing the term of the plan and its implementation schedule, the management and control of the business of the corporate debtor during its term and adequate means for supervising its implementation.
o The proposed resolution plan has provided payment to all stakeholders in the following manner
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- PAY-OUT TO STAKEHOLDERS AS PROPOSED IN THE PLAN From the Notes to the Detailed Treatment of Admitted Claims under Section VI of the proposed plan, payout to the stakeholders of the plan is inferred as below; CIRP Costs: Total estimated CIRP cost for 15 months would be Rs.193.00 Lakhs. It is stated that, a sum of Rs.18,11,250/- which was already paid on different dates after the CIRP Commencement in the account of CD maintained with the Canara Bank would be considered as Promoters Contribution and shall be treated as upfront contribution of the Resolution Applicants on acceptance of the Letter of Intent and should be adjusted towards the liability against the CIRP costs. The Balance amount of Rs.1,74,88,750/- towards the CIRP costs would be paid within 5 days from the approval of the Resolution Plan by the SRA.
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Page 19 of 45 Financial Creditors: Total admitted claim of the sole Secured Financial Creditor, Canara Bank to a tune of Rs.4,71,40,159/- will be settled in full as follows, Fixed Deposit for a value of Rs.2,70,00,000/-, which is in the name of the CD as on the date of CIRP commencement shall be set off against the settlement liability and should be treated as upfront contribution from the SRA. Fixed Deposit for a value of Rs.28,00,000/- which is in the name of Mr. Mohana Prasath, one of the suspended director and present SRA as on the date of the CIRP commencement, shall be set off against the settlement liability and should be treated as upfront contribution from the SRA. EMD for a value of Rs.1,00,00,000/- which is submitted with the RP for the process of submission of Resolution Plan shall be adjusted towards the settlement liability of the Financial Creditor. The Balance sum of Rs.73,40,159/- would be settled within a period of 14 days from the approval of the Resolution Plan to the Financial Creditor. Operational Creditors:
Plan proposes payment of total amount of Rs.54,41,802/-, which is 10% of the total admitted claim amount Rs.5,44,18,023/- of the Operational Creditors. A sum of Rs.50,99,519/- Lakhs will be paid to Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics Co. Limited, operational creditor towards the admitted claims of Rs.5,09,95,190/- within 5 days from the approval of the Resolution Plan by AA. A sum of Rs.3,42,283/- will be paid to Tata Communications Limited, Operational creditors towards the admitted claim of
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Page 20 of 45 Rs.34,22,833/- within 5 days from the approval of the Resolution Plan by AA. ESI Dues: ESI dues to a tune of Rs.14,147/- that including interest, penalities, and damages has been already paid by the RP during the CIRP period. Therefore the said amount shall also be treated as upfront contribution upon approval of the plan and adjusted against the liabilities. IBBI Fees: The Payout Scheme further includes the IBBI fees of 0.25% of the Plan value which arrives at Rs.1.80 Lakhs. 9. IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE (IC)
Section
VII
of
the
Resolution
plan
discuss
about
the
Implementation committee that shall be constituted to monitor the
implementation of the Plan.
The Implementation Committee shall comprise of following persons -
- A Resolution Professional, mutually agreed between the Financial Creditor and the Resolution Applicant
- A person chosen by the financial creditor.
- A person chosen by the Resolution Applicant. The IC shall consist of persons nominated by CoC as custodians and shall be appointed as supervisor to implement the Resolution Plan till complete implementation of the proposed Resolution Plans as approved by the Adjudicating Authority. The proposed Custodian Shall open an escrow account in the Corporate Debtor's name and the Resolution Applicants shall deposit the money as agreed in the plan as per the stipulated timelines. Further the Custodian shall operate the said account and settle all the stakeholders as per the plan as approved by the Adjudicating Authority.
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Page 21 of 45 The committee members with the assistance of the Custodian will make best efforts for successful implementation of the plan. Further arrangement for infusing working capital as and when required will be infused by the Resolution Applicants as decided by the management team of the Corporate Debtor for smooth operation of the business. The Company shall be revived within Six Months from the effective date to keep the company as a going concern and operate in its normal course of production in the supervision of the Implementation Committee till the full payment deposited into the escrow account as envisaged in the agreed Resolution Plan. From the chart of Plan implementation time line, the time scheduled for payments is inferred hereunder. 1. Time Line of Implementation provides for Schedule of Payments to the stakeholders under the Resolution Plan. 2. It is inferred that, as per the Time Line chart, the Total Payable amount stands at Rs.7,20,76,108/- (Rupees Seven crores, twenty lakhs, seventy-six thousand, one hundred and eight only) out of which Rs.6,47,35,959/- (Rupees Six crores, forty- seven lakhs, thirty-five thousand, nine hundred and fifty-nine only) will be paid within 5 days from the Effective date and the remaining Rs.73,40,159/- (Rupees Seventy-Three lakhs, forty thousand, one hundred and fifty-nine only) will be paid within 14 days from the Effective date. 3. The detailed settlement proceeds are as follows, Within 5 days from the effective date: For Canara Bank (Sole Financial Creditor) - Rs.3,98,00,000/- For CIRP Cost
-
Rs.1,93,00,000/- For Operational Creditors
-
Rs.54,41,802/- For Provident Fund and ESI Dues
-
Rs.14,147/- For IBBI Fees
-
Rs.1,80,000/-
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Page 22 of 45 Within 14 from the effective date: For Canara Bank (Sole Financial Creditor) - Rs.73,40,159/-
Other Timelines: Within 90 days from approval of the Resolution Plan by AA: Writing off the Present Equity Share Capital. Infusion of Fresh Equity Capital as discussed in Plan.
Till 6 months/ 180 days from the effective date: The Supervision of the implementation committee would continue till the full payment is deposited into the escrow account as discussed in the proposed plan, and ensure the revival of the Company by keeping it as a going concern and operating it in normal course or production.
The Projected timeline of Plan Implementation, which is tabulated at Page 64 of the Plan is extracted as follows,
- MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATE DEBTOR
Board of Directors and Management team: On approval of the proposed Resolution Plan, the Resolution Applicants will appoint the Board of Directors for managing the affairs of the Revived Corporate Entity. Share Holding Structure of the Corporate Debtor
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Page 23 of 45 The Resolution Applicants shall be the 100% shareholder of the Corporate Debtor and undertakes that on approval of the Resolution Plan by the Adjudicating Authority, it shall comply with all the stipulations mentioned in the Resolution Plan proposed. The proposed Shareholding pattern is extracted as follows,
Applicants shall infuse funds for working capital by way of raising
funds through banking channel or from borrowing funds. The further
investment of funds and operations and management of the Corporate
Debtor shall be in terms of Articles of Association and Management
agreements if any entered between the parties.
11. MANDATORY COMPLIANCE UNDER IBC & CIRP REGULATIONS
SEC./
REG.
MANDATORY COMPLIANCE UNDER
CIRP REGULATION
COMPLIANCE UNDER
RESOLUTION PLAN
Sec.
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
Section V, under the head
Resolution
Applicants,
at
Page 24 of the Resolution
Plan.
Sec.
29A
Eligibility of the RA to submit
Resolution Plan.
Section III, under the head
Declarations, at Page 7 & 8 of
the Resolution Plan.
Sec.
30(1)
Resolution Applicant to submit an
affidavit stating that he is eligible
under Sec. 29A of the Code, 2016
Section V, under the head
Resolution
Applicants,
at
Page 24 of the Resolution
Plan.
Sec.
30(2)
(a) Payment of Insolvency and
Resolution cost in the manner
specified by the Board
Note
1
of
the
Detailed
Treatment
of
Admitted
Claims under Section VI, at
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Page 24 of 45 Page 25, 26, 29 & 30 of the Resolution Plan.
Check Regulation 34B and
Schedule II
(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
Debtor under Sec. 53.
Note 5 & 6 of the Detailed
Treatment
of
Admitted
Claims under Section VI, at
Page 25, 27, 29, 32 & 33 of the
Resolution Plan.
(c) Management of the affairs of the
Corporate Debtor after approval of
the Resolution Plan
Section VI and VII of the
Resolution Plan at Page 25,
26, 27, 33, 35 & 37.
(d)
Implementation
and
Supervision of the Resolution Plan.
Section VII of the Resolution
Plan
under
the
head
Implementation Plan at Page
35 - 37
(e) The plan does not contravene
any of the provisions of the law for
the time being in force.
Section VIII of the Resolution
under the head Prayers to the
NCLT, at Page 51
(f)
Conforms
to
such
other
requirements as may be specified.
Section VIII of the Resolution
under the head Prayers to the
NCLT, at Page 50, 51
Sec.
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 17th meeting,
has approved the Resolution
Plan with 100% voting.
Reg.
38(1)
The amount due to the Operational
Creditor under Resolution Plan
shall be given priority in payment
over Financial Creditor.
Note 5 & 6 of the Detailed
Treatment
of
Admitted
Claims under Section VI, at
Page 25, 27, 29, 32 & 33 of the
Resolution Plan.
Reg.
38(1A)
A Resolution Plan shall include a
statement as to how it has dealt
with
the
interest
of
all
stakeholders, including Financial
Creditors
and
Operational
Creditors of the Corporate Debtor.
Notes
of
the
Detailed
Treatment
of
Admitted
Claims under Section VI, at
Page 25 – 34 of the Plan
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Page 25 of 45
Reg.
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.
Not available.
Implementation Committee
is tasked to ensure this
compliance
as
per
the
Regulation 38(1B) of the
CIRP regulations.
Reg.
38(2)
a) term of the plan and its
implementation schedule
Section XIII, under the head
Time
Line
of
Implementation, at Page 64
of the Resolution Plan
b) management and control of the
business of the Corporate Debtor
during its term;
Section VI and VII, at Page
25, 26, 27, 33, 35 & 37 of the
Resolution Plan.
c) adequate means for supervising
its implementation
Section VII under the head
Implementation
Plan,
at
Page
35
–
37
of
the
Resolution Plan
Reg.
38(3)
a) it addresses the cause of default;
As per the Regulation 38(3),
the
Implementation
Committee is tasked with
ensuring
the
required
compliance.
b) it is feasible and viable
Section XII, under the head
Business Strategy, at Page
61 – 62 of the Resolution
Plan
c) it has provisions for effective
implementation
Section VII under the head
Implementation
Plan,
at
Page
35
–
37
of
the
Resolution Plan
d) it has provisions for approval
required and the timeline for the
same; and
Section XIII, under the head
Time Line of Implementation,
at Page 64 & at Page 37 of the
Resolution Plan.
e) the resolution applicant has the
capability
to
implement
the
Resolution Plan.
Section V, under the head
Resolution Applicants, at
Page 24 of the Resolution
Plan.
From the averments made in the application as well as on perusal of Form-H, filed by the Resolution Professional in relation to the procedural aspects, the same seems to have been complied with, for
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Page 26 of 45 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 above.
- 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 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).
62… 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
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Page 27 of 45 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 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 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
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Page 28 of 45 “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. in Civil Appeal No. 8766 – 67 of 2019 decided on 15.11.2019 at para 42 has held as under; 42. … 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 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
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Page 29 of 45 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- NBCC (India) Ltd. & Ors in Civil Appeal no. 3395 of 2020 decided 24.03.2021 has held as under;
-
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 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.
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Page 30 of 45
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 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;
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Page 31 of 45
- 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 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.
- RELIEF & CONCESSIONS: The Resolution Applicant has prayed for various waivers, Reliefs and Concessions in Section VIII of the Resolution Plan, which are as follows, S. NO. RELIEF / CONCESSIONS SOUGHT FOR ORDERS THEREON
On receipt of the payment of entire dues of Canara Bank as per this plan, the Canara Bank shall unconditionally release all the assets of the Corporate Debtor provided as security against the debt availed by the Company and the Secured Financial Creditors in pro-rata basis. Granted, subject to the provisions of IBC, 2016 and other Applicable laws, taking consideration of the judgement of Ghanashyam Mishra case, [2021] 13 S.C.R. 737. 2.
To pass an order confirming that this Resolution Plan for the Corporate Debtor has dealt with the interests of all the stakeholders in the Corporate Debtor, The Plan is recommended and approved by the CoC after taking into
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Page 32 of 45 including the Financial Creditors (whether secured or unsecured, assenting or dissenting), Operational Creditors, Other Creditors and all other stakeholders in accordance with the Code; account the interest of all the stakeholders, the relief is not maintainable before this Adjudicating authority. 3.
To pass an order directing that in
accordance with Section 238 of the Code,
any action undertaken pursuant to the
Resolution
Plan
by
the
Resolution
Applicant or the Corporate Debtor will not
require
compliance
with
requirements
under
any
other
laws,
for
the
implementation of this Resolution Plan,
and except as set out in the Resolution Plan,
upon the Resolution Applicant ensuring
compliance with the provisions of the Code
and the CIRP Regulations, no further
compliance, actions or consents will be
required under other laws and regulations
for undertaking the individual actions
contemplated under the Resolution Plan.
The Code is a complete code by itself and
the NCLT acting under the Code functions
as a single window clearance for all action
proposed to be undertaken pursuant to a
resolution plan approved by the NCLT.
Accordingly, the process stipulated under
the code for implementation of a Resolution
Plan is a final and binding process on all
stakeholders (Including any Government
Authorities)
Not Granted.
Approval
of
the
Resolution Plan does
not simpliciter grant
all clearances.
Resolution
Plan
Applicants
has
to
approach appropriate
authorities or forum
for
necessary
consideration as per
relevant laws.
4.
To pass an order for extinguishment and waiver of other claims and liabilities which are not the part of the Resolution Plan. Also, (i) all obligations, claims and liabilities (whether final or contingent, whether disputed or undisputed and whether or notified to or claimed against the Company) of the Company and (ii) all outstanding disputes or legal proceedings against the Company, and (iii) all rights or claims of any person against the Company; in each case Granted subject to the Provisions of IB Code, 2016 and other applicable laws, of the judgement of Ghanashyam Mishra 737.
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Page 33 of 45 relating to the period prior to the Effective Date, shall immediately, irrevocably and unconditionally stand extinguished, waived, withdrawn and abated on and from the Effective Date, and no person shall have any further rights or Claims against the Company in this regard 5.
To pass an order directing that upon the NCLT Approval Date, the reconstituted board of directors of the Company shall be entitled to run the business of the Corporate Debtor as a going concern in accordance with this Resolution Plan and the Code. Granted subject to applicable laws. 6.
To pass an order directing that, the Corporate Debtor shall continue to be given unfettered access to all its assets, including any movable assets located on properties that do not belong to the Corporate Debtor, on the same terms and in the same manner as were in existence prior to the Insolvency Commencement Date. Granted subject to applicable laws, of the judgement of Ghanashyam Mishra 737. 7.
To pass an order directing that any and all security interest created or suffered to exist where there is a right to create such a security over the assets of the Company, to secure any obligations towards the Financial Creditors and/or Operational Creditors (whether by way of hypothecation, pledge, mortgage, guarantee or otherwise) shall stand automatically, irrevocably and unconditionally extinguished, released, discharged and terminated, and the Financial Creditors shall make all the necessary filings and notifications to the same. Granted subject to applicable laws, of the judgement of Ghanashyam Mishra 737. 8.
To pass an order that any person appointed to the reconstituted board of directors of the Corporate Debtor pursuant to this Resolution Plan, shall neither be disqualified to hold directorships in terms of Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 nor have to vacate their office as Appropriate authorities to consider keeping in view the object of IBC, 2016, Companies Act, 2013 and the judgement of
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Page 34 of 45 directors in terms of Section 167 of the Companies Act, 2013 on account of any non-compliance by the Corporate Debtor for the requirements set out in Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013; Ghanashyam Mishra 737. 9.
To pass an order that all contracts of
employment or consultancy with, and any
benefits, fees, commissions, perquisites or
profit in lieu of or in addition to any salary
or wages or any policy of providing such
benefits, fees, commissions, perquisites or
profit extended by the Corporate Debtor to
the promoters of the corporate Debtor or
the related parties of the promoters of the
Corporate Debtors shall be deemed to be
terminated and extinguished on and from
the
NCLT
Approval
Date,
and
the
Corporate Debtor will not have any further
obligation to provide the same.
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
10.
To pass an order directing that any and all
pledge created on the Equity Shares shall
stand
automatically,
irrevocably
and
unconditionally released and discharged,
on and from the Effective Date.
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
11.
Upon approval of the plan by the NCLT
under Section 31 of the Code, all pending
proceedings relating to the winding up of
the Corporate Debtor, if any shall stand
irrevocably and unconditionally abated in
perpetuity and all violation or breach of
any agreement of the Corporate Debtor
shall stand condoned or waived and such
agreements shall be treated as if no
violation
or
breach
has
ever
been
committed.
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
12.
Upon approval of this Resolution Plan by
the NCLT, all dues under the provisions of
Income Tax Act, 1961, including taxes,
duty, penalties, interest, fines, Cess, unpaid
tax deducted at source / tax collected at
source, whether admitted or not, due or
contingent, whether part of above claim of
income tax authorities or not, asserted or
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
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Page 35 of 45
unasserted,
crystalized
or
crystalized,
known or unknown, secured or unsecured,
disputed or undisputed, present or future,
in relation to any period prior to the
Completion date, shall stand extinguished
and the Corporate Debtor shall not be liable
to pay any amount against such demand.
All assessments / appellate or other
proceedings
pending
in
case
of
the
Corporate Debtor, on the date of the order
of NCLT relating to the period prior to that
date, shall stand terminated and all
consequential liabilities, if any, stand
abated and should be considered as not
payable by the Corporate Debtor. All
notices
proposing
to
initiate
any
proceedings against the Corporate Debtor
in relation to the period prior to the date of
NCLT order and pending on that date, shall
be initiated on the Corporate Debtor in
relation to period prior to acquisition of
control by the Resolution Applicant and
any consequential demand should be
considered non-existing and as not payable
by the Corporate Debtor. Any proceedings
which were kept in abeyance in view of the
Insolvency process or otherwise shall not
be revived post the order of NCLT.
737.
13.
Upon approval of this Resolution Plan by
the NCLT, all dues under the provisions of
all the indirect taxes, including but not
limited to, the Central Excise Act, 1944, the
Finance Act, 1994 (Service Tax), the
Customs Act, 1952, the Central Sales Tax
Act, 1956, the Goods and Services Tax Act,
2017 and any other indirect tax laws,
including taxes, duty, penalties, interest,
fines, cess, charges, unpaid TDS/TCS (to the
extent applicable), whether admitted or not,
due or Contingent, whether part of the
above-mentioned
contingent
liability
schedule dues or not, whether claimed by
the tax authorities or not, asserted or
unasserted,
crystallized,
known
or
unknown, secured or unsecured, disputed
or undisputed, present or future, in relation
to any period prior to the Completion Date,
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
Private Limited
Page 36 of 45
shall stand extinguished and the Corporate
Debtor will not be liable to pay any amount
against such demand.
Upon approval of this Resolution Plan by
the
NCLT,
all
outstanding
litigations/demands, assessments/appellate
or other proceeding, including but not
limited to any audits, investigations, search
and seizure, pending in case of the
Corporate Debtor in relation to the period
prior to the date of NCLT order and
pending on that date, shall be considered
deleted
and
proceedings
under
the
provisions of any of the indirect tax laws
should not be initiated on the Corporate
Debtor in relation to the period prior to
acquisition of control by the Resolution
Applicant and any consequential demand
shall be considered non-existing and as not
payable by the Corporate Debtor, any
proceedings which were kept in abeyance
in view of Insolvency process or otherwise
shall not be revived post the order of
NCLT.
14.
To pass an order granting a time period of
180 days, or such other extended time as
may
be
required
by
the
concerned
Government Authority, to the Corporate
Debtor and the Resolution Applicant to
obtain all the necessary approvals from
Government
Authorities
required
for
implementation of the Resolution Plan.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
15.
To pass an order granting a restraint on,
and prohibition of, all adverse actions
against the Corporate Debtor until the
implementation of this Resolution Plan in
full.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
16.
To pass orders in respect of such incidental,
consequential and supplemental matters as
are necessary to ensure that the Resolution
Plan is fully and effectively carried out;
Approach
the
Adjudicating
Authority
for
necessary
reliefs
when required as per
the
provisions
of
applicable laws and
IBC, 2016.
17.
To pass an order sanctioning the Resolution
Plan submitted by the Resolution Applicant
Granted subject to
Private Limited
Page 37 of 45
and approved by the COC, including
sanction of the Acquisition of the Corporate
Debtor by the Resolution Applicant in
accordance with the provisions of the Code
and other Applicable Law by infusion of
funds through subscription to securities of
the Corporate Debtor and/or reduction of
capital pursuant to cancellation of all the
securities of the Corporate Debtor that are
currently in existence or otherwise and
making the resolution Plan binding on the
Corporate
Debtor,
all
shareholders,
creditors,
guarantors
and
all
other
stakeholders and persons, and ordering
implementation of the Resolution Plan,
without the requirement of any further act,
deed, document or costs;
applicable laws.
18.
To pass an order that as time is of the
essence of the Code, and to preserve the
value of the assets of the Corporate Debtor,
the
speedy
implementation
of
the
Resolution Plan is of utmost importance
and therefore, all Government Authorities
are required to take all necessary actions (as
required) for the implementation of the
Resolution Plan approved by the NCLT,
without delay;
Granted subject to
applicable
laws.
Further,
SRA
to
approach appropriate
authorities
for
necessary
support
and action as per law.
19.
To pass an order directing that in
accordance with Section 31(1) of the Code,
this Resolution Plan shall be binding on the
Corporate
Debtor
together
with
its
employees, members, creditors, guarantors
and all other stakeholders affected by the
Resolution Plan and accordingly, the
approval of such employees, member,
creditors,
guarantors
and
other
stakeholders
shall
not
be
separately
required to be undertaken, whether before
or
after
the
Effective
Date,
for
implementation
of
various
actions
proposed to be taken pursuant to this
Resolution Plan.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
20.
The Adjudicating Authority shall exempt
compliance with the provisions of Chapter
XV of the Companies Act 2013 and the
corresponding rules issued there under in
respect of scheme of arrangement and
Granted subject to
Code,
2016,
the
Companies Act, 2013
and other applicable
Private Limited
Page 38 of 45
transaction contemplated under the Plan.
laws.
21.
The Adjudicating Authority shall exempt
compliance with the applicable provisions
of the Companies Act 2013 and the
corresponding rules issued there under, in
respect of cancellation of shares of the
Existing Equity Shareholders.
Granted subject to
Code,
2016,
the
Companies Act, 2013
and other applicable
laws.
22.
The concerned Government Authority for
revenue/ Stamp duty / registry, in every
relevant state, should waive
(i) the stamp duty and other fees to be paid
for any registration of the documents,
which are required to be registered under
the Applicable Law, but have not been
registered by the Company as on the
Effective Date,
(ii) Late fee or penalty for delay in
registration by the Company as on the
Effective Date,
(iii) Right and Power to claim penalties for
non-registration
and
inadequate/
non-
stamping of the documents required to be
registered and stamped under Applicable
Law, but have not been registered/properly
stamped by the Company as on the
Effective Date,
Appropriate
authorities
to
consider keeping in
view the object of
IBC, 2016, and the
judgement
of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
Approach
Appropriate
Authorities
for
necessary reliefs as
per
the
applicable
laws.
23.
The NCLT shall direct the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs to waive of its rights and
power
to
levy
penalty
and
initiate
proceedings of any nature against the
Company or any person responsible
(i) for the non-compliance of any provision
of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made
there under,
(ii) Statutory registers not being properly
maintained, etc. Non-compliances by the
Company as per the information received
Not Granted as the
relief
sought
is
ambiguous
without
reference to any time
period.
The
Principle
of
Clean slate would be
applicable only for
the period prior to
approval of the Plan
by the Adjudicating
authority.
24.
The
NCLT
shall
direct
the
relevant
Government Authority that the Company
shall not be held liable for any non-
compliance, default, breach, etc., by the
Company during the period prior to the
Effective Date, in relation to:
(i) any contractual arrangements of the
Company with counter parties, including
Appropriate
authorities
to
consider keeping in
view the object of
IBC, 2016 and the
judgement
of
Ghanashyam Mishra
Private Limited
Page 39 of 45
Government Authorities and
(ii) Failure to take or obtain any approvals,
consents or permits or make any fillings
required to make by the Company to the
relevant Government Authorities under the
Applicable Law.
737.
25.
The NCLT shall direct that all proceedings,
investigations,
complaints,
notices,
inquiries etc. made, commenced or initiated
by
any
person/authority
against
the
Company in relation to the period prior to
the Effective Date shall irrevocably and
unconditionally stand abated, withdrawn,
settled
and/or
extinguished,
and
the
Company shall have no liability in this
regard, unless as contemplated under this
plan.
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
26.
The
NCLT
shall
direct
relevant
Government Authorities to:
(i) refund all duties/taxes paid under
protest by the Company in respect of tax
related litigations; and
(ii) Continue with tax credits and State
incentives available to the Company.
Appropriate
authorities
to
consider keeping in
view the object of
IBC, 2016 and the
judgement
of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
27.
The NCLT shall direct the relevant parties
with which the Company has entered into
agreements, wherein such agreements have
been expired and the service under such
agreement have been continuing till the
Effective Date, to renew such expired
agreements without any onerous terms and
conditions to be fulfilled by the Company.
Granted.
It is up to the new
management/SRA
and
appropriate
parties to decide on
terms and conditions
for
renewal
of
expired
contracts/
agreements.
28.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct
that:
(a) pending the occurrence of the Effective
Date, no Financial Creditor shall be entitled
to take initiate or continue any steps or
proceedings against the Company or its
assets (whether by way of demand, legal
proceedings,
alternative
determination
process such as arbitration or other expert
determination process, the levying of
distress,
execution
of
judgement
or
otherwise) in any jurisdiction whatsoever
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
Private Limited
Page 40 of 45
for the purpose of obtaining payment of
any liability, or for the purpose of placing
the Company into Liquidation or any
analogous proceedings; and
(b) pending the occurrence of the Effective
date, no Operational Creditors shall be
entitled to take, initiate or continue any
steps or proceedings against the Company
or its assets (whether by way of demand,
legal
proceedings,
alternative
determination process such as arbitration or
other expert determination process, the
levying of distress, execution of judgment
or
otherwise)
in
any
jurisdiction
whatsoever for the purpose of obtaining
payment of any liability or for the purpose
of placing the Company into liquidation or
any analogous proceedings.
29.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct the
Ministry of Corporate Affairs of waive the
requirements under Section 140 of the
Companies Act, 2013 in respect of removal
of existing auditors of the Company.
Appropriate
authorities
to
consider keeping in
view the object of
IBC, 2016, Companies
Act, 2013 and the
judgement
of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
30.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct that
there shall be no interruption or Stoppage in
the supply of essential goods and services
as defined under Regulation 32 of the CIRP
Regulations to the Company until ninety
(90) days from the date of approval of
resolution plan.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
31.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct that
any
person
(including
the
Existing
Promoter) that has provided any form of
security for and on behalf of, and/or in
order to secure any obligations of the
Company
(whether
by
way
of
hypothecation, pledge, mortgage, guarantee
or otherwise) shall not be entitled to
exercise any subrogation rights, directly or
indirectly, in respect of such arrangements,
and they shall have no rights or claims
against the Company, All obligations,
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
Private Limited
Page 41 of 45
liabilities, claims or proceedings against the
Company in this regard shall be deemed to
be owed to the relevant security provider
and,
due
as
of
the
Insolvency
Commencement
date,
and
shall
immediately,
irrevocably
and
unconditionally stand extinguished, waived
and withdrawn and abated on and from the
Effective Date. The Existing Promoter and
any other security provider shall have been
deemed to have waived the right of
subrogation against the Company and the
Company shall not be liable in respect of
any such claims, demands or proceedings.
32.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct that
the Company shall incur no liabilities,
directly or indirectly (including but not
limited to debt servicing liabilities), other
than to the extent specified in this plan, for
the
period
from
the
Insolvency
Commencement Date until the Effective
Date.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
33.
The Adjudicating Authority shall direct that
the Resolution Applicant be granted such
reliefs and concessions as granted by the
Adjudicating Authority from time to time in
favor of Resolution Applicant of CIRP of
other corporate debtors as may be beneficial
to the Resolution Applicant and/or the
Company for the successful corporate
insolvency resolution of the Company and
which shall not adversely impact the
financial proposal under this plan for the
Financial Creditors.
Approach
this
Adjudicating
Authority when facts
and
circumstances
necessities if any.
34.
To pass an order directing to withdraw any
suits/
applications
filed
against
the
Corporate
Debtor
and
the
erstwhile
promoters/directors
of
the
Corporate
Debtor.
Any litigation filed
against the CD prior
to the approval of the
resolution
plan
would automatically
stand unenforceable.
However, no direction can be given in respect of litigations instituted against the erstwhile promoters/ directors
Private Limited
Page 42 of 45
of
the
Corporate
Debtors.
35.
The Resolution Applicants will have the
option to pre-pay the dues of the Financial
Creditors, without any additional levies as
proposed in the plan;
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
36.
If the waiver and proposed under the
resolution plan not granted by the CoC, the
Resolution Applicants will abide the plan.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
37.
All liabilities (Whether Contingent or
crystallized) in relation to any corporate
guarantees, indemnities and all other forms
of credit support provided by the Corporate
Debtor prior to the effective date shall stand
extinguished
and
discharged
on
the
effective date.
Granted subject to
applicable
laws,
of the judgement of
Ghanashyam Mishra
737.
38.
The payment to all persons contemplated in
this Resolution Plan shall be the Corporate
Debtor's and Resolution Applicant's Full
and final performance and satisfaction of all
its
obligations
towards
any
dues
or
outstanding against the Corporate Debtor
and all remaining claims, dues, outstanding
amount shall be waived by whatever name
called
like
interest,
penal
interest,
compound
interest,
damages
other
commitment charges and any other amount
whatsoever nature in terms of Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency
resolution
for
Corporate
Persons)
Regulations, 2016
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
39.
For any default in making payment as
specified in this plan, a cure period of 90
days would be provided to cure the
default/delayed payment.
Approach
this
Adjudicating
Authority based on
the necessity.
40.
The
Resolution
Applicants
and
the
company shall be entitled to share certified
copy of the resolution plan and the order of
the Adjudicating Authority approving this
resolution plan with the third parties
including Government Agencies.
Granted subject to
applicable laws.
41.
The Resolution Applicant is permitted to
start with clean slate on the basis of its
approved plan.
Granted subject to
Private Limited
Page 43 of 45 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 higher than the Liquidation Value and Fair Value of the Corporate Debtor. The fair value and the Liquidation Value as mentioned in Form-H is as hereunder,
Fair Value Rs.3,53,69,171 (Rupees Three Crore, fifty-three lakh, sixty-nine thousand, one hundred and seventy-one) 2. Liquidation Value Rs.3,38,95,662 (Rupees Three Crore, thirty-eight lakh, ninety-five thousand, six hundred and sixty- two only) 3. Plan Value Rs.7,20,76,108 (Rupees Seven crores, twenty lakhs, seventy-six thousand, one hundred and eight only)
It is seen that the resolution plan has been approved with 100% 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 accordance with Section 30 & 31 of the IBC and also in compliance with regulations 38 & 39 of the IBBI (CIRP) Regulations, 2016. 16. In the light of the aforesaid, it is hereby ordered that the payment to the members of the Implementation 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.
Private Limited
Page 44 of 45
17.
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.
18.
Subject to the observations made in this Order, 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.
19.
The Total value of the APPROVED PLAN herein is Rs.7,20,76,108 (Rupees
Seven crores, twenty lakhs, seventy-six thousand, one hundred and eight
only).
20.
Further with respect to the issue of Resolution Professional’s Fees, this
Tribunal during the hearing dated 05.12.2024 directed the Successful
Resolution Applicant to submit an undertaking and the SRA submitted
the undertaking to pay the RP’s fees in full. Further it is observed that the
SRA has submitted an affidavit cum undertaking in compliance of the
order dated 05.12.2024 and brought quietness to the issue.
21.
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
finalize the further line of action required for starting the operation of the
Corporate Debtor under the control of the Resolution Applicant.
Private Limited
Page 45 of 45 22. Certified copy of this Order be issued on demand to the concerned parties, upon due compliance. 23. Liberty is granted for moving any Application if required in connection with the implementation of this Resolution Plan. 24. A copy of this Order be submitted to the Office of the concerned Registrar of Companies. 25. The SRA is directed to renew the Performance Bank Guarantees dated 11.07.2023 and 14.07.2023 provided by them which expired on 11.01.2024 & 14.01.2024 and the Implementation Committee is tasked with ensuring compliance of the same. 26. The Resolution Professional shall stand discharged from his duties with effect from the date of this Order. 27. IA(IBC)/ 2142 (CHE)/ 2023 stands disposed of accordingly. 28. 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. 29. File be consigned to the record room.
-Sd/-
-Sd/- RAVICHANDRAN RAMASAMY JYOTI KUMAR TRIPATI MEMBER (TECHNICAL)
MEMBER (JUDICIAL)
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