Taxmann's Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code Ready Reckoner

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Contents I-9 Acronyms I-23 Section Index I-27 CHAPTER 1 DECLINING STAGE OF AN ORGANISATION 1 CHAPTER 2 INSOLVENCY PROFESSIONAL 43 CHAPTER 3 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 58 CHAPTER 4 CONDUCTING CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS 102 CHAPTER 5 RESOLUTION PLAN BY RESOLUTION APPLICANT 146 CHAPTER 6 FAST TRACK CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS 181 CHAPTER 6A PRE-PACKAGED INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS (PPIRP) 183 Chapter-Heads PAGE I-5
CHAPTER 6B PROCEDURE FOR PPIRP AFTER ADMISSION OF APPLICATION 207 CHAPTER 6C SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION PLAN UNDER PPIRP 229 CHAPTER 7 LIQUIDATION OF CORPORATE PERSON 249 CHAPTER 8 ADMISSION AND PROOF OF CLAIMS BY LIQUIDATOR 267 CHAPTER 9 REALISATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS BY LIQUIDATOR 280 CHAPTER 10 PAYMENT OF DUES TO STAKEHOLDERS AFTER LIQUIDATION OR DURING FORMULATION OF RESOLUTION PLAN 287 CHAPTER 11 VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION OF COMPANIES 297 CHAPTER 12 ADJUDICATION AND APPEALS FOR CORPORATE PERSONS 304 CHAPTER 13 CROSS BORDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY 312 CHAPTER 14 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES IN RELATION TO CORPORATE INSOLVENCY 314 PAGE CHAPTER-HEADS I-6
CHAPTER 15 BANKRUPTCY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND PARTNERSHIP FIRMS 321 CHAPTER 16 FRESH START PROCESS 324 CHAPTER 17 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF INDIVIDUAL AND FIRM 330 CHAPTER 18 BANKRUPTCY ORDER FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS 344 CHAPTER 19 BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEE 357 CHAPTER 20 SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST BANKRUPT 368 CHAPTER 21 COMPROMISES, ARRANGEMENTS AND AMALGAMATIONS 372 CHAPTER 22 REGISTERED VALUERS 386 CHAPTER 23 REMOVAL OF NAME OF COMPANIES FROM REGISTER OF MEMBERS 394 CHAPTER 24 NCLT AND NCLAT 405 CHAPTER 25 RECOVERY OF DEBTS AND BANKRUPTCY ACT, 1993 417 CHAPTER 26 SARFAESI ACT 440 PAGE I-7 CHAPTER-HEADS
CHAPTER 27 RBI DIRECTIONS ON RESOLUTION OF STRESSED ASSETS 501 SUBJECT INDEX 507 PAGE CHAPTER-HEADS I-8
Contents Chapter-heads I-5 Acronyms I-23 Section Index I-27 1 DECLINING STAGE OF AN ORGANISATION 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Overall scheme of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 9 1.3 Insolvency Code has overriding effect 14 1.4 Limitation Act applies to proceedings before NCLT or NCLAT 16 1.5 Provisions in Companies Act, 2013 relating to winding up are applicable to the extent not contrary to Insolvency Code 23 1.6 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) 23 1.7 Adjudicating Authority (AA) and Appellate Authorities 27 1.8 Information Utility (IU) 27 1.9 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund 29 1.10 Winding up provisions under Companies Act revamped 29 1.11 Transitory provisions for shifting from winding up proceedings to Insolvency 30 1.12 Lenders may apply under SARFAESI and DRT and in addition they can go for Insolvency resolution 32 1.13 Transitory provisions as SICA repealed 34 1.14 Income tax provisions for corporate debtors where application for CIRP has been admitted 34 I-9 PAGE
1.15 Promoter/director can be Resolution applicant if Corporate Debtors is MSME 36 1.16 Special provisions under GST relating to companies under Insolvency Process 40 1.17 Institution and/or continuation of proceedings under FTDR against companies against whom proceedings have been instituted under Insolvency Code 41 1.18 Role of Government and its agencies in CIRP and Liquidation Process 42 2 INSOLVENCY PROFESSIONAL 2.1 Background 43 2.2 Insolvency Professional Agency (IPA) 43 2.3 Insolvency Professional (IP) 45 2.4 Panel of Insolvency Professionals to recommend to NCLT as Interim Resolution Professional or Liquidator 54 2.5 Insolvency Professional Entities 55 3 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 3.1 Background 58 3.2 Initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process 58 3.3 Who can initiate insolvency resolution process 67 3.4 Initiation of proceedings by financial creditor 70 3.5 Insolvency proceedings can be initiated against corporate guarantor or personal guarantors 81 3.6 Initiation of insolvency resolution by operational creditor 84 3.7 Initiation of insolvency resolution process by corporate applicant himself 97 3.8 Appointment of Interim Resolution Professional 99 3.9 Further procedure before NCLT 101 CONTENTS I-10 PAGE
3.10 Withdrawal of application after admission with approval of 90% voting by CoC 101 4 CONDUCTING CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS 4.1 Background 102 4.2 Moratorium and public announcement 106 4.3 Public announcement of corporate insolvency resolution process 115 4.4 Appointment and tenure of interim resolution professional 115 4.5 Submission of proof of claims to interim resolution professional 120 4.6 Committee of Creditors (CoC) 123 4.7 Appointment of resolution professional in first meeting of CoC 130 4.8 Powers and functions of Committee of Creditors (CoC) 132 4.9 Duties of resolution professional 136 4.10 Prior approval of committee of creditors for certain actions by resolution professional 139 4.11 Preparation of information memorandum 140 4.12 Protection to insolvency resolution professional in respect of earlier transactions 141 4.13 Special Provisions in respect of NBFC with assets of Rs. 500 crore or more 141 5 RESOLUTION PLAN BY RESOLUTION APPLICANT 5.1 Background 146 5.2 Ineligible Resolution Applicant 147 5.3 Invitation for expression of interest 155 5.4 Submission of resolution plan by resolution applicant to insolvency professional 156 5.5 Insolvency resolution process costs 164 5.6 Approval of resolution plan by Committee of Creditors 167 5.7 Submission of plan to Adjudicating Authority 171 I-11 CONTENTS PAGE
5.8 Assistance of district administration in implementing the resolution plan 176 5.9 Effect if resolution plan rejected by NCLT 176 5.10 Appeal against order of adjudicating authority 176 5.11 Immunity from prosecution of corporate debtor after approval of CIRP 176 5.12 No action against property of corporate debtor in respect of offence committed prior to CIRP if there was change in management or sale of assets 177 5.13 Corporate debtor and new management to provide assistance to investigating agency 179 5.14 Preservation of records of CIRP by RP 180 6 FAST TRACK CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS 6.1 Speedy process for insolvency resolution 181 6.2 Application for fast track process 181 6.3 Procedure for fast track process 182 6A PRE-PACKAGED INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS (PPIRP) 6A.1 Background of the PPIRP (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) 183 6A.2 Basic design of pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (PPIRP) 187 6A.3 Application of provisions of CIRP to PPIRP 191 6A.4 Priority to PPIRP over CIRP, except where CIRP proceedings have already commenced 193 6A.5 Eligibility and conditions to apply for PPIRP 195 6A.6 Initiation of PPIRP by Corporate Debtor 197 6A.7 Duties and authorities of Insolvency Professional proposed to be appointed as Resolution Professional 199 6A.8 Procedure prior to application to AA for approval to initiate PPIRP 201 6A.9 Filing of application by Corporate Applicant with Adjudicating Authority 203 CONTENTS I-12 PAGE
6A.10 Admission or rejection of application by Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) 205 6A.11 Moratorium during PPIRP period 206 6B PROCEDURE FOR PPIRP AFTER ADMISSION OF APPLICATION 6B.1 Formal process of PPIRP starts only after admission of application 207 6B.2 Conduct of PPIRP by Resolution Professional 208 6B.3 Powers of Resolution Professional during initial stages of PPIRP 210 6B.4 Filing of Application for avoidance of transactions 211 6B.5 Prior approval of Committee of Creditors (CoC) for certain actions by corporate debtor 213 6B.6 Information to be supplied by financial institutions to Resolution Professional 215 6B.7 Submission of List of claims and its updation in PPIRP 215 6B.8 Conduct of business of Corporate Debtor during PPIRP 218 6B.9 Constitution and functioning of Committee of Creditors in PPIRP 219 6B.10 Meeting of Committee of Creditors in PPIRP 222 6C SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION PLAN UNDER PPIRP 6C.1 What is a resolution plan 229 6C.2 Submission of Base Resolution Plan by RP to CoC 233 6C.3 Invitation to Resolution Applicants if CoC does not approve base resolution plan or operational creditors cannot be satisfied 235 6C.4 Furnishing of information to Resolution Applicants 237 6C.5 Submission of resolution plan by resolution applicant and its evaluation 239 6C.6 Submission of Resolution Plans by Resolution Professional to CoC 240 I-13 CONTENTS PAGE
6C.7 Submission of Resolution Plan approved by CoC for approval by AA 243 6C.8 Termination of PPIRP which ultimately results in liquidation of corporate debtor 245 6C.9 CoC may terminate PPIRP if corporate debtor eligible for CIRP 247 7 LIQUIDATION OF CORPORATE PERSON 7.1 Initiation of Liquidation 249 7.2 Appointment of Liquidator and his fees 253 7.3 Powers and duties of Liquidator 256 7.4 Liquidation Estate 260 7.5 Realization of security interest by secured creditor 262 7.6 Distribution of unsold assets 263 7.7 Liabilities of contributory in liquidation 264 8 ADMISSION AND PROOF OF CLAIMS BY LIQUIDATOR 8.1 Liquidator has powers to access information 267 8.2 Ascertaining claims against corporate debtor 268 8.3 Avoidance of preferential transactions by liquidator 271 8.4 Avoidance of undervalued transactions 274 8.5 Action if corporate debtor had defraud creditors 275 8.6 Protection to corporate debtor against extortionate credit transactions 276 8.7 Position of secured creditor in liquidation proceedings 277 9 REALISATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS BY LIQUIDATOR 9.1 Realisation of assets by Liquidator 280 9.2 Mode of sale 280 9.3 All money to be paid into bank account except petty cash 281 CONTENTS I-14 PAGE
9.4 Distribution of assets 281 9.5 Distribution of cash to stakeholders 284 9.6 Completion of liquidation within one year 284 9.7 Final report by Liquidator prior to dissolution 285 9.8 Unclaimed proceeds of liquidation or undistributed assets to be transferred to Corporate Liquidation Account 285 9.9 Dissolution of corporate debtor 286 10 PAYMENT OF DUES TO STAKEHOLDERS AFTER LIQUIDATION OR DURING FORMULATION OF RESOLUTION PLAN 10.1 Insolvency Code is complete code in respect of distribution of assets 287 10.2 Money held in trust has priority over all dues 288 10.3 Statutory dues under other laws 289 10.4 Workmen’s portion of Workmen’s dues previous for two years have overriding priority 290 10.5 Provisions relating to secured creditors 292 10.6 Priority of tax dues in winding up over secured creditors 293 10.7 Preferential Payments under Companies Act 295 10.8 Distribution of surplus amount members 295 10.9 Tax liability under Income Tax in respect of distribution of assets to equity shareholders 295 11 VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION OF COMPANIES 11.1 Voluntary liquidation by corporates with no default 297 11.2 Procedure for Voluntary Liquidation 297 11.3 Notification to Registrar after resolution 298 11.4 Application to NCLT after assets wound up 298 11.5 Procedure for voluntary liquidation 298 11.6 Claim by various creditors Proof of claim 299 11.7 Realisation of Assets 301 I-15 CONTENTS PAGE
11.8 Completion of liquidation 301 11.9 Cases where voluntary liquidation was allowed 303 12 ADJUDICATION AND APPEALS FOR CORPORATE PERSONS 12.1 Adjudicating Authority in relation to insolvency resolution and liquidation for corporate persons 304 12.2 Appeals and Appellate Authority 306 12.3 Appeal to Supreme Court on question of law 308 12.4 Civil Court not to have jurisdiction where NCLT or IBBI has jurisdiction 308 12.5 Expeditious disposal of applications 309 12.6 Penalty for Fraudulent or malicious initiation of proceedings 309 12.7 Penalty of carrying on business fraudulently to defraud traders 310 13 CROSS BORDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY 13.1 Enabling provisions for cross border transactions 312 13.2 Agreements with foreign countries 312 13.3 Letter of request to a country outside India in respect of assets 312 14 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES IN RELATION TO CORPORATE INSOLVENCY 14.1 Punishments for offences 314 14.2 Punishment for concealment of property 314 14.3 Punishment for transactions defrauding creditors 315 14.4 Punishment for misconduct in course of corporate insolvency resolution process 316 14.5 Offences by insolvency professional 317 14.6 Punishment for falsification of books of corporate debtor 317 CONTENTS I-16 PAGE
14.7 Punishment for wilful and material omissions from statements relating to affairs of corporate debtor 317 14.8 Punishment for false representations to creditors 317 14.9 Punishment for contravention of moratorium or the resolution plan 317 14.10 Punishment for false information furnished in application 318 14.11 Punishment for non-disclosure of ( a) dispute or (b) payment of debt by operational creditor 318 14.12 Punishment for providing false information in application made by corporate debtor 318 14.13 Residual punishment of fine for violation of provisions of Insolvency Code 319 14.14 NCLT can ask Government to investigate and Government can file complaint before Special Court 319 14.15 Punishment for providing false information in pre-packaged insolvency resolution process 319 14.16 Punishment in case of contravention of provisions of chapter III-A (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) 320 14.17 When the application shall be deemed to be false in material particulars 320 15 BANKRUPTCY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND PARTNERSHIP FIRMS 15.1 Background 321 15.2 Adjudicating Authority 322 15.3 Civil Court not to have jurisdiction 323 15.4 Appeal against order of DRT 323 15.5 Appeal to Supreme Court 323 16 FRESH START PROCESS 16.1 Introduction 324 16.2 Interim moratorium 326 16.3 Procedure after receipt of application 326 16.4 Objections by creditor 327 16.5 Discharge order 328 PAGE I-17 CONTENTS
17 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF INDIVIDUAL AND FIRM 17.1 What is insolvency resolution? 330 17.2 Creditor can initiate insolvency resolution process 331 17.3 Interim moratorium 332 17.4 Admission or rejection of application by Adjudicating Authority 333 17.5 Moratorium if application is admitted by Adjudicating Authority 334 17.6 Registering of claims by creditors after public notice 334 17.7 Repayment plan by debtor in consultation with resolution professional 335 17.8 Summoning of meeting of creditors 335 17.9 Rights of secured creditors in relation to repayment plan 336 17.10 Approval of repayment plan by creditors by more than 75% voting 337 17.11 Order of Adjudicating Authority on repayment plan 337 17.12 Report of Completion of repayment plan 338 17.13 Discharge order 339 17.14 Special provisions for insolvency resolution for personal guarantors of corporate debtors 339 18 BANKRUPTCY ORDER FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS 18.1 Bankruptcy if insolvency resolution process fails 344 18.2 Interim moratorium as soon as application is filed 345 18.3 Bankruptcy order by Adjudicating Authority 346 18.4 Statement of financial position by bankrupt 347 18.5 Settlement of claims of creditors 348 18.6 Administration and distribution of estate of bankrupt 349 18.7 Discharge order 349 18.8 Modification or recall of bankruptcy order 350 18.9 Disqualification of bankrupt from bankruptcy commencement date till he is discharged 350 PAGE CONTENTS I-18
18.10 Bankruptcy process for personal guarantors to Corporate Debtors 351 19 BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEE 19.1 Standard of conduct of bankruptcy trustee 357 19.2 Release of bankruptcy trustee 358 19.3 Administration and distribution of estate of bankrupt by bankruptcy trustee 358 19.4 Approval of creditors for certain acts to be done by bankruptcy trustee 360 19.5 Estate of bankrupt 360 19.6 Onerous property of bankrupt can be disowned 362 19.7 Challenge against disclaimed property 363 19.8 Undervalued transactions 364 19.9 Preference transactions 365 19.10 Extortionate credit transactions 366 19.11 Proceedings continue even if bankrupt dies 366 20 SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST BANKRUPT 20.1 Proof of debt 368 20.2 Distribution of interim dividend 369 20.3 Distribution of property among creditors 369 20.4 Final dividend 369 20.5 Claims of creditors who had not proved their debt 370 20.6 Priority of payment of debts 370 21 COMPROMISES, ARRANGEMENTS AND AMALGAMATIONS 21.1 Background 372 21.2 Application to NCLT 374 21.3 Sections 230 to 240 is complete code of ‘single window clearance’ 376 PAGE I-19 CONTENTS
21.4 Merger and Amalgamation 377 21.5 Procedure to be followed 379 21.6 Simplified fast track procedure in case of small companies or holding/subsidiary companies 382 21.7 Cross border mergers 383 21.8 Takeover of another company by purchasing 100% of shares 383 21.9 Compromise or arrangement may include takeover 384 21.10 Compulsory offer to purchase of minority shareholding if acquirer already holds 90% or more equity shares 385 21.11 Power to Central Government to order compulsory amalgamation 385 22 REGISTERED VALUERS 22.1 Background 386 22.2 Qualifications and eligibility and registration as valuer 389 22.3 Methods of valuation 393 22.4 Liability of valuer is as ‘expert’ 393 23 REMOVAL OF NAME OF COMPANIES FROM REGISTER OF MEMBERS 23.1 Removal of name - Short cut to winding up 394 23.2 Striking off name of a company 394 23.3 Company may itself request for removal of its name from register of companies 396 23.4 NCLT can issue winding up order even if name of struck off the register 398 23.5 Restrictions in applying for removal of name 398 23.6 Effect if company is dissolved by removing name from register 399 23.7 Effect if company carries on business even after name is struck off the register 400 23.8 Fraudulent application for removal of name 400 23.9 Appeal before NCLT against removal of name of company 400 CONTENTS I-20 PAGE
23.10 When NCLT can restore name of company 402 23.11 Restoration of name of company if application made within 20 years 404 24 NCLT AND NCLAT 24.1 Background 405 24.2 Constitution of Tribunal (NCLT) 408 24.3 National Company Law Appellate Tribunal 409 24.4 Provisions common to NCLT and NCLAT 410 24.5 Procedural aspects of NCLT and NCLAT 412 24.6 Appeal to Supreme Court against order of NCLAT 415 25 RECOVERY OF DEBTS AND BANKRUPTCY ACT, 1993 25.1 Background of RDB Act 417 25.2 Debt Recovery Tribunal 424 25.3 General provisions relating to DRT and DRAT 428 25.4 Procedure at Debt Recovery Tribunal 429 25.5 Appeal against order of DRT 433 25.6 Further appeals after order of DRAT 435 25.7 Court decree can be executed by DRT 437 25.8 Recovery Powers after issue of certificate 437 26 SARFAESI ACT 26.1 Overview 440 26.2 Enforcement of Security Interest 446 26.3 How to enforce security interest 454 26.4 How the secured creditor can exercise his right? 459 26.5 Other related provisions 460 PAGE I-21 CONTENTS
PAGE 26.6 Procedure for sale of asset 465 26.7 Takeover of management of defaulting borrower 476 26.8 Application, Appeals and Penalty 478 26.9 Securitisation 484 26.10 Asset Reconstruction Companies 487 26.11 Acquiring financial assets by ARC from Bank/FI 492 26.12 Central Registry under SARFAESI Act 496 26.13 Asset Reconstruction 500 27 RBI DIRECTIONS ON RESOLUTION OF STRESSED ASSETS 27.1 Background 501 27.2 RBI Directions on Prudential Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets 502 27.3 Framework for Resolution of Stressed Assets as directed by RBI 503 27.4 Provisioning in case of delayed Implementation of Resolution Plan 505 27.5 Prudential Norms 505 27.6 Supervisory Review by RBI 506 27.7 Disclosures by lenders in financial statements 506 27.8 Exceptions to the directions for stressed assets 506 SUBJECT INDEX 507 CONTENTS I-22

Insolvency Resolution of corporate persons

Part II of Insolvency Code, 2016 [sections 4 to 77] deal with Insolvency Resolution and liquidation of corporate persons.

This part is divided into seven chapters. Each chapter dealing with different issues relating to Insolvency Resolution and liquidation of corporate persons.

The Insolvency Code initially made provisions of corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP). Now, w.e.f. 4-4-2021 separate provisions have been made for pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (PPIRP) of corporate debtor under Chapter III-A of the Insolvency Code, specifically for MSME sector. The provisions relating to PPIRP are discussed separately.

Corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) can be commenced when a corporate debtor commits a default - section 4(1) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

The default should be minimum Rs one crore - proviso to section 4(1) of Insolvency Code, 2016 [Limit of Rs one lakh increased to Rs one crore vide Notification No. S.O. 1205(E) dated 24-3-2020] - noted and followed in Pankaj Aggrawal v. UOI (2020) 160 SCL 624 = 117 taxmann.com 494 (Del HC).

CIRP cannot be initiated if amount involved is less than Rs one lakh (now Rs one crore)

- Deltas Pharma v. Life Essential Personalcare (2018) 148 SCL 234 = 94 taxmann.com 222 (NCLT).

When amount involved exceeds Rs one lakh (now Rs one crore), Adjudicating Authority is not required to determine exact amount defaulted. Discrepancy in calculation can be settled by CoC - Bank of Baroda v. Barnala Steel Industries P Ltd. (2018) 148 SCL 246 = 94 taxmann.com 202 (NCLT) * Standard Chartered Bank v. Woolways India Ltd. [2018] 94 taxmann.com 381 (NCLT).

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Dispute regarding quantum of admitted liability is immaterial at admission stage of CIRP application, once liability is accepted – Apya Capital Services v. Guardian Homes [2021] 129 taxmann.com 393 (NCLAT).

Minimum default for pre-packaged IRP (PPIRP) can be set upto Rupees one crore (presently minimum Rs. 10 lakhs) - The Central Government may, by notification, specify such minimum amount of default of higher value, which shall not be more than one crore rupees, for matters relating to the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process of corporate debtors (PPIRP) under Chapter III-A (Pre-packaged insolvency resolution process) - second proviso to section 4 of Insolvency Code inserted vide IBC (Amendment) Act, 2021 w.r.e.f. 4-4-2021.

Minimum default should be Rupees ten lakhs in case of PPIRP - Minimum default should be Rs. ten lakhs for the matters relating to the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process of corporate debtor under Chapter III-A of the Insolvency Code - Notification No. S.O. 1543(E) dated 9-4-2021. There is no upper limit for maximum default. Corporate debtor - “Corporate debtor” means a corporate person who owes a debt to any person - section 3(8) of Insolvency Code, 2016 - section 3(8) of Insolvency Code, 2016. IBC Code applies to Government company also - IBC Code applies to Government company also - Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited Officers’ and Supervisors’ Association v. Union of India [2021] 130 taxmann.com 153 (Gauhati HC DB).

Proceedings for CIRP is not a ‘suit’, hence partnership firm can apply under Insolvency Code - Application for CIRP is not a ‘suit’. Provisions of section 69(2) of Indian Partnership Act, 1932, applies to ‘suits’ and therefore, same cannot apply to ‘proceedings’ under Code - NN Enterprises v. Relcon Infra Projects Ltd. [2020] 159 SCL 229 = 114 taxmann.com 673 (NCLT) * Shree Dev Chemicals v. Gammon India (2020) 161 SCL 59 = 118 taxmann.com 56 (NCLT) [section 69(2) of Indian Partnership Act bars an unregistered firm from filing a ‘suit’].

Insolvency proceedings before NCLT is not a ‘suit’ - Bimalkumar Manubhai Savalia v. Bank of India [2020] 117 taxmann.com 227 (NCLAT).

Reasons for default are not relevant – If there was debt and there is default, application is required to be admitted. Reasons for default are not relevant – Dr. H N Nagaraj v. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Co Ltd. (2018) 148 SCL 447 = 84 taxmann.com 326 (NCLAT). [In this case, the applicant argued that the restructured loan instalments were to be paid by selling immovable properties. However, these could not be sold as financial creditor had obtained injunction from Court].

Application is for resolution of insolvency and not recovery proceeding - Application to initiate CIRP is for resolution of insolvency or liquidation and not (in effect) for recovery of debt. Such application cannot be admitted - C Shivakumar Reddy v. Dena Bank (2020) 158 SCL 375 = 114 taxmann.com 219 (NCLAT) - relying on Jignesh Shah v. UOI (2019) 109 taxmann.com 486 = 156 SCL 542 = 10 SCC 750 (SC 3 member bench).

NCLT cannot exercise inherent powers to decide any dispute under section 7, 9 or 10NCLT has to decide issue of ‘dispute’ as per the definition. NCLT cannot exercise inherent powers to decide any dispute under section 7, 9 or 10 (by considering some extraneous matters) – Neha Himatsinghka v. Himatsingka Resorts P Ltd. (2019) 151 SCL 359 = 100 taxmann.com 421 (NCLAT).

59 INITIATION
OF CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS Para 3.2

Joint application against two corporate debtors permissible - Joint application against two corporate debtors is permissible if developer and landowner has collaborated i.e. had Joint Development Agreement – Mrs Mamatha v. AMB Infrabuild P Ltd. (2019) 151 SCL 507 = 101 taxmann.com 309 (NCLAT).

In Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd. v. Sachet Infrastructure (P.) Ltd. [2019] 111 taxmann.com 115 (NCLAT), corporate debtors (landholders) in concert with principal borrower decided to develop an area by constructing infrastructure for allottees. Lands of all corporate debtors were consolidated for construction purpose. It was held that Resolution Process would not succeed if whole project was not taken over by Resolution Professional for consolidated ‘resolution plan’. Hence, group CIRP proceedings is required to be initiated against corporate debtors apart from CIRP already initiated against principal borrower.

However, in Dr. Vishnu Kumar Agarwal v. Piramal Enterprises Ltd. (2019) 151 SCL 555 = 101 taxmann.com 464 (NCLAT), it was held that financial creditor cannot file two CIRP against two corporate guarantors, for same set of debt.

Consolidated CIRP in case of group companies i.e. holding and subsidiary - In Axis Bank Ltd., In re (2020) 162 SCL 67 = 115 taxmann.com 133 (NCLT), CIRP was initiated against three group companies - one holding and two 100% subsidiaries. It was noted that each 100% subsidiary depended on outcome of holding company, and without consolidation of CIRP of the three companies, resolution was not possible. Hence, consolidation of CIRP was ordered.

Direct liquidation if no possibility of revival of corporate debtor - If there is no possibility of revival of corporate debtor, it would be just and proper to put the corporate debtor under liquidation process, rather than to put it in CIRP in first instance - GNB Technologies P Ltd., In re [2020] 115 taxmann.com 188 (NCLT) * Ultratreat Industrial Services v. Karan Processors (P.) Ltd. [2021] 124 taxmann.com 84 (NCLT).

Interim order before admission of CIRP to protect assets - Interim order can be passed by NCLT even before admission of CIRP to protect assets of corporate debtor Yes Bank v. Dewan Housing Finance (2022) 139 taxmann.com 222 (NCLAT).

Suspension of initiation of CIRP - No CIRP if default occurs on or after 25-3-2020 and upto 24-3-2021 - In view of lockdown due to Covid-19 (Corona virus), if any default occurs on or after 25-3-2020, application for CIRP cannot be filed for one year (initially it was for six months) in specified situations. This is not universal suspension of Insolvency Code but only suspension of CIRP if default occurs during Covid-19 period i.e. 25-3-2020 to 24-32021.

Section 10A of Insolvency Code, as introduced w.r.e.f. 5-6-2020, reads as follows -

Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 7, 9 and 10 of Insolvency Code, no application for initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process of a corporate debtor shall be filed, for any default arising on or after 25-3-2020 for a period of six months or such further period, not exceeding one year from such date, as may be notified in this behalf. No application shall ever be filed for initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process of a corporate debtor for the said default occurring during the said period - Explanation to section 10A of Insolvency Code.

It is clarified that the provisions of this section shall not apply to any default committed under the said sections before 25-3-2020.

Para 3.2 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 60

Corporate person means company or LLP or other body corporate with limited liability. However, the Code does not cover Bank, Financial Institutions, Insurance Company, Asset Reconstruction Company, Mutual Funds, Collective Investment Schemes or Pension Funds.

“Corporate person” means a company as defined in section 2(20) of the Companies Act, 2013, a limited liability partnership (LLP) or any other person incorporated with limited liability under any law for the time being in force, but shall not include any financial service provider - section 3(7) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

However, section 227 of Insolvency Code empowers Central Government to notify financial services to whom provisions of Insolvency Code shall apply. Under these powers, Insolvency Code has been made applicable to NBFC with assets of Rs 500 crore or more.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service

Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019.

“Financial service provider” means a person engaged in the business of providing financial services in terms of authorisation issued or registration granted by a financial sector regulator - section 3(17) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

“Financial sector regulator” means an authority or body constituted under any law for the time being in force to regulate services or transactions of financial sector and includes the Reserve Bank of India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority and such other regulatory authorities as may be notified by the Central Governmentsection 3(18) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

“Financial service” includes any of the following services - section 3(16) of Insolvency Code, 2016—

(a)accepting of deposits.

(b)safeguarding and administering assets consisting of financial products, belonging to another person, or agreeing to do so.

(c)effecting contracts of insurance.

(d)offering, managing or agreeing to manage assets consisting of financial products belonging to another person.

(e)rendering or agreeing, for consideration, to render advice on or soliciting for the purposes of— (i) buying, selling, or subscribing to, a financial product (ii) availing a financial service; or (iii) exercising any right associated with a financial product or financial service.

(f)establishing or operating an investment scheme.

(g)maintaining or transferring records of ownership of a financial product.

(h)underwriting the issuance or subscription of a financial product.

(i)selling, providing, or issuing stored value or payment instruments or providing payment services.

Financial Product - “Financial product” means securities, contracts of insurance, deposits, credit arrangements including loans and advances by banks and financial institutions, retirement benefit plans, small savings instruments, foreign currency contracts other

61 INITIATION OF CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS Para 3.2

than contracts to exchange one currency (whether Indian or not) for another which are to be settled immediately, or any other instrument as may be prescribed - section 3(15) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

Definition of ‘corporate person’ completely excludes financial service providers, unless specifically notified under section 227 of Insolvency Code. The reason is that they are regulated by specialized agencies. Thus, the Code does not cover Bank, Financial Institutions, NBFC, Insurance Company, Asset Reconstruction Company, Mutual Funds, Collective Investment Schemes or Pension Funds, unless specifically notified.

The provisions of Insolvency Code have been made applicable to NBFC (which include housing finance companies) with asset size of Rs 500 crore or more as per last audited balance sheet, vide Notification No. S.O. 4139(E) dated 18-11-2019. RBI will be the ‘Appropriate Financial Regulator’ for this purpose.

NBFC cannot be a ‘corporate debtor’ (unless notified under section 227 of Insolvency Code) - In Jindal Saxena Financial Services v. Mayfair Capital (2018) 146 SCL 76 = 90 taxmann.com 127 (NCLT), it was held that NBFC is engaged in various activities and hence NBFC is not ipso facto excluded from definition of ‘corporate person’ under section 3(7) of Insolvency Code. NBFC can be a ‘corporate debtor’. However, this decision has been reversed in Randhiraj Thakur v. Jindal Saxena Financial Services (2018) 150 SCL 154 = 98 taxmann.com 192 (NCLAT), where it was held that when RBI has granted certificate of registration as NBFC, it is financial service provider and hence NBFC cannot be a corporate debtor.

Application against NBFC under section 7 of Insolvency Code is not maintainable –Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. v. RHC Holding (P.) Ltd. [2019] 107 taxmann.com 200 (NCLAT) * Gyanchand Mutha v. Aditya Birla Money Ltd. [2021] 128 taxmann.com 422 (NCLAT).

NBFC cannot be a ‘corporate debtor as it is financial service provider. Application under section 7 is not maintainable against NBFC – Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. v. RHC Holding (2019) 155 SCL 4 = 107 taxmann.com 200 (NCLAT) * Saumil

A Bhavnagri v. Nimit Builders (2020) 158 SCL 133 = 114 taxmann.com 55 (NCLAT).

Only RBI can initiate proceedings against NBFC - Proceedings under Insolvency Code against NBFC with assets exceeding Rs 500 crores can be initiated only by Regulator i.e. RBI Bank of India v. AKJ Fincap Ltd. (2022) 139 taxmann.com 34 (NCLT).

Provisions of Insolvency Code do not apply to financial service providers unless specific notification is issued under section 227 of Insolvency Code.

The insolvency and liquidation proceedings for financial service providers or categories of financial service providers may be conducted with such modifications and in such manner as may be prescribed – Explanation to section 227 of Insolvency Code inserted vide IBC (Amendment) Act, 2020, w.r.e.f. 28-12-2019.

Para 3.2 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 62

Presently provisions of Insolvency Code apply to NBFC (which include housing finance companies) with asset size of Rs 500 crore or more as per last audited balance sheet, vide Notification No. S.O. 4139(E) dated 18-11-2019. RBI will be the ‘Appropriate Financial Regulator’ for this purpose.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019 have been notified on 1-12-2019.

The Rules shall apply to such FSPs or categories of FSPs, as will be notified by the Central Government under section 227 of Insolvency Code from time to time in consultation with appropriate regulators, for the purpose of their insolvency and liquidation proceedings.

The Rules provide that the provisions of the Code relating to the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), Liquidation Process and Voluntary Liquidation Process for a corporate debtor shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to a process for an FSP, subject to modifications, as under –

(

a)The CIRP of an FSP shall be initiated only on an application by the appropriate regulator (and not by corporate debtor). [In case of NBFC, ‘appropriate regulator’ is RBI]. This will be treated as application by financial creditor under section 7 of Insolvency Code.

(b)On admission of the application, the Adjudicating Authority shall appoint the individual, who has been proposed by the appropriate regulator in the application for initiation of CIRP, as the Administrator (He will be termed as ‘administrator’ instead of ‘insolvency professional’, ‘insolvency resolution professional’, ‘resolution professional’, ‘liquidator’ etc.)

(c)While conducting a proceeding of an FSP, the Administrator shall have the same duties, functions, obligations, responsibilities, rights, and powers of an insolvency professional, interim resolution professional, resolution professional or liquidator, as the case may be. He shall be appointed or replaced by the Adjudicating Authority on an application made by the appropriate regulator in this behalf.

(d)The appropriate regulator may constitute an Advisory Committee of three or more experts to advise the Administrator in the operations of the FSP during the CIRP Rule 5(c). Thus, there will be no Committee of Creditors. An interim moratorium shall commence on and from the date of filing of the application for initiation of CIRP by the appropriate regulator till its admission or rejection by the Adjudicating Authority [Rule 5(b)(i)].

(e)The provisions of interim-moratorium under rule 5(b) or moratorium under section 14 of Insolvency Code shall not apply to any third-party assets or properties in custody or possession of the FSP, including any funds, securities and other assets required to be held in trust for the benefit of third parties [Rule 10(1)]

(f)The Administrator shall take control and custody of third-party assets or properties in custody or possession of the FSP and deal with them in the manner, to be notified by the Central Government under section 227 [rule 10(2)]

(g)The license or registration which authorises the FSP to engage in the business of providing financial services shall not be suspended or cancelled during the interimmoratorium and the CIRP [rule 5(b)(ii)]

63 INITIATION OF CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS Para 3.2

(h)Upon approval of the resolution plan by the Committee of Creditors under section 30(4) of Insolvency Code, the Administrator shall seek ‘no objection’ from the appropriate regulator to the effect that it has no objection to the persons, who would be in control or management of FSP after approval of the resolution plan under section 31 of Insolvency Code [rule 5(d)(ii)]. The appropriate regulator shall issue ‘no objection’ on the basis of the ‘fit and proper’ criteria applicable to the business of the FSP without prejudice to the provision of Section 29A of the Code [rule 5(d)(iii)].

(i)Provisions of voluntary liquidation apply to notified FSP. The FSP shall obtain prior permission of the appropriate regulator for initiating voluntary liquidation proceedings [rule 8]. The Adjudicating Authority shall provide the appropriate regulator an opportunity of being heard before passing an order for dissolution of financial service provider under section 59 of Insolvency Code [rule 8(c)]

(

j)The Adjudicating Authority shall provide the appropriate regulator an opportunity of being heard before passing an order for liquidation under section 33 or dissolution of the FSP under section 54 of Insolvency Code [rule 7(b)].

Manner of dealing with third party assets in custody or possession of financial service providers by administrator - Manner of dealing with third party assets in custody or possession of financial service providers by administrator has been specified in Notification No. SO 464(E) dated 30-1-2020.

Third party receivables which are administered by financial service provider as servicing or collection agent on behalf of third parties should continue. Statements and records should be maintained.

In case of third party assets in custody or possession of financial service provider, records should be maintained, assets should be properly maintained and returned/transferred to person entitled for the same.

The definitions of debt, claim, financial debt, operational debt are highly relevant under Insolvency Code.

Debt - “Debt” means a liability or obligation in respect of a claim which is due from any person and includes a financial debt and operational debt – section 3(11) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

Debt due means debt due and payable. If the debt is barred by law under Limitation Act, it is not ‘debt due’ - B K Educational Services v. Parag Gupta and Associates (2018) 150 SCL 293 = 98 taxmann.com 213 (SC) = (2019) 11 SCC 633 - followed in SK Systems v. Hamtek Infra Projects India (2020) 157 SCL 678 = 113 taxmann.com 201 (NCLT).

If recovery certificate was issued on 24-12-2001, petition for CIRP on 21-7-2017 is barred. Section 23 of Limitation Act applies to continuous wrong and not to continuous right –Vashdeo R Bhojwani v. Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank (2019) 9 SCC 158.

Claim - “Claim” means— (a) a right to payment, whether or not such right is reduced to judgment, fixed, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured (b) right to remedy for breach of contract under any law for the time being in force, if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or not such right is reduced to judgment,

Para 3.2 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 64

fixed, matured, un-matured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured – section 3(6) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

Financial Debt - “Financial debt” means a debt along with interest, if any, which is disbursed against the consideration for the time value of money and includes—

(

a)money borrowed against the payment of interest.

(

b)any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance credit facility or its dematerialised equivalent.

(

c)any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or any similar instrument.

(d)the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract which is deemed as a finance or capital lease under the Indian Accounting Standards or such other accounting standards as may be prescribed.

(e)receivables sold or discounted other than any receivables sold on non-recourse basis.

(f)any amount raised under any other transaction, including any forward sale or purchase agreement, having the commercial effect of a borrowing. Explanation.— For the purposes of this sub-clause - (i ) any amount raised from an allottee under a real estate project shall be deemed to be an amount having the commercial effect of a borrowing; and ( ii) the expressions, “allottee” and “real estate project” shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in section 2(d) and 2(zn) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 [Explanation inserted w.e.f. 6-6-2018].

(g)any derivative transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price and for calculating the value of any derivative transaction, only the market value of such transaction shall be taken into account.

(h)any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, indemnity, bond, documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial institution.

(i)the amount of any liability in respect of any of the guarantee or indemnity for any of the items referred to in sub-clauses (a) to (h) of this clause - Section 5(8) of Insolvency Code, 2016.

Broad definition of ‘financial debt’ - In Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure Ltd. v. UOI (2019) 8 SCC 416 = 108 taxmann.com 147 = 155 SCL 622 (SC 3 member bench), it was held that wider words have been deliberately used in a residuary provision [section 5(8)(f) of Insolvency Code, to make the scope of the definition of “financial debt” subsume matters which are not found in the other sub-clauses of section 5(8) of Insolvency Code - quoted and followed in Dr. S.K. Srihari Raju v. Leesa Lifesciences (P.) Ltd. [2021] 123 taxmann.com 367 (NCLT), where it was held that if petitioner paid certain amount to lender of corporate debtor on behalf of corporate debtor as part of sale consideration for purchase of land, petitioner would fall within definition of ‘financial creditor’.

‘Financial debt’ includes interest free loan also and hence CIRP can be initiated – Orator Marketing v. Samtex Desinx [2021] 167 SCL 610 = 128 taxmann.com 424 (SC).

65 INITIATION OF CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS Para 3.2

Home Buyers can initiate Corporate Insolvency Process - The home buyers can initiate Corporate Insolvency Process against builder or developer as they have been included in definition of ‘financial debt’ as per explanation to section 5(8)(c) of Insolvency Code, inserted w.e.f. 6-6-2018. – confirmed in Shinoj Koshy v. Granite Gate Properties (2019)

152 SCL 125 = 102 taxmann.com 165 (NCLT) * Mohan Agarwal v Crown Realtech (2020)

158 SCL 74 = 113 taxmann.com 546 (NCLT).

“Allottee” in relation to a real estate project, means the person to whom a plot, apartment or building as the case may be, has been allotted, sold (whether as freehold or leasehold) or otherwise transferred by the promoter, and includes the person who subsequently acquires the said allotment through sale, transfer or otherwise but does not include a person to whom such plot, apartment or building, as the case may be, is given on rent –section 2(d) of RERA i.e. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

“Real estate project” means the development of a building or a building consisting of apartments, or converting an existing building or a part thereof into apartments, or the development of land into plots or apartments, as the case may be, for the purpose of selling all or some of the said apartments or plots or building, as the case may be, and includes the common areas, the development works, all improvements and structures thereon, and all easement, rights and appurtenances belonging thereto - – section 2(zn) of RERA i.e. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

In Chitra Sharma v. UOI (2018) 148 SCL 833 = 96 taxmann.com 216 (SC), SC directed initiation of CIRP to protect interests of home buyers. It was also held that promoters will not be eligible to participate in CIRP due to section 29A of Insolvency Code.

In Jaypee Greens Krescent Home Buyers Welfare Association v. Jaypee Infratech Ltd. (2019) 151 SCL 402 = 101 taxmann.com 220 (NCLT), it was found that due to scattered nature of home buyers, it is difficult to get required 66% voting. However, there was difference of opinion on how to determine voting shares in such cases. Hence, the matter was referred to President.

CIRP should be limited to particular real estate project and not to entire companyCIRP should be limited to particular real estate project and not to entire company. CIRP should not affect other projects where no default has occurred. Debt of corporate debtor are specific to a project and creditors are also different for different projects - Flat Buyers Association of Winter Hills-77 v. Umang Realtech [2020] 115 taxmann.com 249 (NCLAT) [No doubt a practical view but its legality has to be tested in law, as it is doubtful if resolution plan can be project wise].

Money disbursed by land owner to developer for construction is financial debt – Money disbursed by land owner to developer for construction of residential building is financial debt - G Sreevidhya v. Karishnaa Foundations P Ltd. (2019) 153 SCL 30 = 104 taxmann.com 202 (NCLAT).

Subscription money for purchase of shares is not financial debt - Subscription money for purchase of shares is not financial debt– ACPC Enterprises v. Affinity Beauty Saon (2018) 145 SCL 47 = 87 taxmann.com 324 (NCLT).

Credit facility availed through corporate credit card is financial debt - Credit facility availed through corporate credit card is financial debt and if not paid, CIRP can be initiated – American Express Banking Corporation v. Jambu Kuits P Ltd. (2018) 149 SCL 567 = 97 taxmann.com 310 (NCLT).

Para 3.2 INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION OF CORPORATE PERSONS 66

INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE READY RECKONER

AUTHOR : V.S. DATEY

PUBLISHER : TAXMANN

DATE OF PUBLICATION : JANUARY 2023

EDITION : 2023

ISBN NO : 9789356223684

NO.OF PAGES : 558

BINDING TYPE : PAPERBACK

DESCRIPTION

Rs. 1395 USD 49

This book is a comprehensive, topic-wise commentary on laws governing Insolvency & Bankruptcy in India. This book covers an analysis of the following Laws:

• Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC)

• Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993

• Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFESI Act)

The book intends to answer the practical issues professionals face on a routine basis. It provides complete and accurate information about all Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws provisions.

The Present Publication is the 2023 Edition, authored by V.S. Datey, updated till 15th December 2022, with the following noteworthy features:

•[Topic-wise Commentary on 25+ Topics] of IBC

•[Analysis of all Provisions] of the IBC with relevant Rules/Regulations, Judicial Pronouncements, Circulars and Notifications

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