Approval of Resolution Plan - Dar Media Private Limited
- CitationIA No. 1234 of 2023 in CP (IB) No. 299-MB-C-I-2020
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The Adjudicating Authority, when considering approval of a resolution plan approved by the Committee of Creditors, is confined to determining whether the plan, as approved, meets the requirements specified in Section 30(2) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and the applicable CIRP Regulations, including Regulations 37, 38, 38(1A) and 39(4), and whether the plan is not in contravention of Section 29A; its discretion under Section 31 is circumscribed and does not extend to reassessing the commercial wisdom of the Committee of Creditors. Where the Resolution Professional's compliance certificate in Form H is in order and the plan has been approved by the Committee of Creditors by the requisite voting share, and the Section 30(2) requirements are satisfied on the face of the record, the plan is to be approved under Section 31(1). On approval, the claims as provided in the resolution plan are frozen and binding on the corporate debtor and its stakeholders, and all claims not forming part of the plan stand extinguished, with the moratorium under Section 14 ceasing from the date of approval.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
Appearances: For the Resolution Professional : Ms. Pushpa Tiwari, Advocate a/w Mr. Mayank Padiya, Learned Authorized Representative
ORDER Per: Prabhat Kumar, Member (Technical)
1. The present application is moved by Resolution Professional Mr. Paresh Chandulal Mehta (hereinafter called as “the Applicant”) under section 30 (6) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“code”) r/w Regulation 39(4) of the IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 for seeking approval of the resolution plan of Speed-O-Controls Private Limited (hereafter called as the “Successful Resolution Applicant/SRA”) under the provisions of Section 31(1) of the code, for Darr Media Private Limited. (hereinafter called as the “Corporate Debtor”) and for passing order/appropriate direction that this Tribunal may deem fit in the present matter. 2. The CIRP was initiated against the Corporate debtor vide Order dated 06.05.2022. The Applicant herein was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (hereinafter referred to as the IRP).
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
3. The Applicant was appointed as the Resolution Professional by the CoC in its first meeting held on 12.06.2022. The Applicant submits that till the date of filing of the present Application, a total of 7 (Seven) CoC meetings of the Corporate Debtor have been held from time to time. 4. The total resolution amount offered by the Successful Resolution Applicant is as follow:
Sr. Category Claim Resolution Amount No. admitted (in Allocated Rs.) Based on As % of Final Plan Claim admitted 1 Unpaid CIRP 13,55,255 13,55,255 100% Costs 2 Financial Creditors 7,46,91,095 10,44,745 42% 3 Operational 2,52,77,837 1,00,000 4% Creditors 4 Statutory 0 0 0% Authorities 5 Workmen 0 0 0% Total 10,13,24,187 25,00,000
5. The Applicant submits that the CoC comprises of the Sole Financial Creditor i.e. Speed-O-Controls Private Limited (Original Petitioner).
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
6. The Applicant had appointed two registered valuers i.e. Mr. Navin Khandelwal, CA and Mr. Modilal Pamecha to determine the fair value and the Liquidation Value. The Average Fair Value is Rs.3,70,744/-and the Average Liquidation Value is Rs.3,70,744/-. The valuation reports are placed as Annexure-4 of the Application. 7. Form G was published on 26.07.2022 in newspapers and the last date for submission of EOI’s by Prospective Resolution Applicant’s being 10.08.2022. 8. Subsequently, the Applicant received only one EOI from Speed-O- Controls Private Limited, who is also the sole Financial Creditor. In the 5th CoC meeting held on 12.10.2022 the Resolution Applicant expressed its inability to submit the Resolution Plan due to some difficulty in obtaining professional opinion and non-availability of complete data/information on the Corporate Debtor due non-corporation by the suspended board. 9. The Applicant had filed an Application for extension of timeline of CIRP period under section 12(2) of the Code. This Tribunal extended the CIRP for a period of 90 days, last date of completion of CIRP was extended till 03.02.2023.
10. In the 6th CoC meeting held on 24.01.2023, the CoC approved the Request for Resolution Plans (“RFRP”) and Evaluation Matrix and the MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 time for submission of Resolution Plan. The Applicant issued the RFRP, Information Memorandum and Evaluation Matrix to the Prospective Resolution Applicant on 24.01.2023. 11. The Resolution Applicant submitted the Resolution Plan on 29.01.2023. The Applicant after conducting due diligence submitted the Resolution Plan to CoC for approval. Thereafter, the CoC in 7th meeting held on 31.03.2023, approved the Plan by the vote of 100%. The minutes of the 7th CoC meeting is placed as Annexure 10. 12. The Resolution Amount is Rs.25,00,000/- towards full and final settlement of dues of creditors and CIRP costs. The entire resolution amount is proposed to be paid within 30 days from effective date. 13. Pursuant to the approval of the Resolution Plan by the CoC, the Successful Resolution Applicant has accepted the Letter of Intent and the Successful Resolution Applicant has issued a cheque of Rs.24,000/- (Rupees Twenty Four Thousand) towards Performance Security and has deposited EMD of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakh Only).
14. The Applicant submits that the Resolution Plan and the approval of the Resolution Plan are in accordance with all the provisions of the Code and CIRP Regulations and that it does not contravene any of the provisions of the law for the time being. The Successful Resolution
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
Applicant has also confirmed its eligibility under Section 29A of the Insolvency Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("Code").
Section 30(2) of the Code
15. In compliance of Section 30(2) of IBC, 2016, the Resolution Professional has examined the Resolution plan of the Successful Resolution Applicant and confirms that this Resolution Plan: a) Provides for payment of Insolvency Resolution Process cost in a manner specified by the Board in the priority to the payment of other debts of the corporate debtor; b) Provides for payment of debts of operational creditor in such manner as may be specified by the board which shall not be less than (i) The amount to be paid to such creditors in the event of liquidation of the corporate debtor under Section 53; or (ii) The amount that would have been paid to such creditors, if the amount to be distributed under the Resolution Plan had been distribute in accordance with sub-section (1) of Section 53 in the event of liquidation of the corporate debtor.
c) Provides for management of the affairs of the Corporate Debtor after approval of Resolution Plan;
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 d) The implementation and supervision of Resolution Plan; e) Does not prima facie contravene any of the provisions of the law for time being in force, f) Confirms to such other requirements as may be specified by the Board. g) As per the Affidavit, the Resolution Applicant is not covered under 29A.
16. In compliance of Regulation 38 of CIRP Regulations, the Resolution Professional confirms that the Resolution plan provides that a) The amount due to the Operational Creditors under resolution plan shall be given priority in payment over Financial Creditors. b) It has dealt with the interest of all Stakeholders including Financial Creditors and Operational Creditors of the CD. c) A statement that neither the Resolution Applicants nor any related parties have failed to implement nor have contributed to the failure of implementation of any other Resolution Plan approved by the AA in the past. d) The terms of the plan and its implementation schedule. e) The management and control of the business of the CD during its term.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 f) Adequate means of Supervising its implementation. g) The Resolution Plan Demonstrate that it addresses i.The cause of the Default ii. It is feasible and viable iii. Provision for effective implementation iv.Provisions for approvals required and the time lines for the same. v. Capability to Implement the Resolution Plan 17. The Resolution Professional has annexed Form H of the Application under Regulation 39(4) In FORM H of the CIRP Regulations to certify that the resolution plan as approved by the CoC meets all the requirements of the IBC and its Regulations.
FORM H COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (Under Regulation 39(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016
I, Paresh Chandulal Mehta, an insolvency professional enrolled with Insolvency Professional Agency of Institute of Cost Accountants of India and registered with the Board with registration number IBBI/IPA-003/IP- N00099/2017-2018/11008, am the resolution professional for the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of Dar Media Private Limited (CD) 2. The details of the CIRP are as under: Sl. No. Particulars Description
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
1 Name of the CD Dar Media Pvt. Ltd. 2 Date of Initiation of CIRP 06/05/2022 (Order Recd. On 12/05/2022) 3 Date of Appointment of IRP 12/05/2022 4 Date of Publication of Public Announcement 15/05/2022 5 Date of Constitution of CoC 05/06/2022 6 Date of First Meeting of CoC 12/06/2022 7 Date of Appointment of RP 12/06/2022 8 Date of Appointment of Registered Valuers 26/06/2022 9 Date of Issue of Invitation for EoI 26/07/2022 10 Date of Final List of Eligible Prospective Resolution Applicants 13/09/2022 11 Date of Invitation of Resolution Plan 23/01/2023 12 Last Date of Submission of Resolution Plan 29/01/2023 13 Date of Approval of Resolution Plan by CoC 31/01/2023 14 Date of Filing of Resolution Plan with Adjudicating Authority 02/01/2023 15 Date of Expiry of 180 days of CIRP 05/11/2022 16 Date of Order extending the period of CIRP 06/01/2023 17 Date of Expiry of Extended Period of CIRP 03/02/2023 18 Fair Value Rs. 401884/- (By Valuer 1) Rs. 339603/- (By Valuer 2) 19 Liquidation value Rs. 401884/- (By Valuer 1) Rs. 339603/- (By Valuer 2) 20 Number of Meetings of CoC held 7 (Seven)
3. I have examined the Resolution Plan received from Resolution Applicant Speed-O-Control Pvt. Ltd. and approved by Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Dar Media Pvt. Ltd. 4. I hereby certify that- (i) the said Resolution Plan complies with all the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (Code), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons)
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
Regulations, 2016 (CIRP Regulations) and does not contravene any of the provisions of the law for the time being in force. (ii) the Resolution Applicant Speed-O-Control has submitted an affidavit pursuant to section30(1) of the Code confirming its eligibility under section 29A of the Code to submit resolution plan. The contents of the said affidavit are in order. (iii) the said Resolution Plan has been approved by the CoC in accordance with the provisions of the Code and the CIRP Regulations made thereunder. The Resolution Plan has been approved by 100 % of voting share of financial creditors after considering its feasibility and viability and other requirements specified by the CIRP Regulations. (iv) The voting was held in the meeting of the CoC on 31/01/2023 where all the members of the CoC were present. 5. The list of financial creditors of the CD Dar Media Private Limited being members of the CoC and distribution of voting share among them is as under: Sl. No. Name of Creditor Voting Share (%) Voting for Resolution Plan (Voted for / Dissented / Abstained) 1 Speed-O-Control Private 100% Voted for Resolution Plan Limited NIL 6. The Resolution Plan includes a statement under regulation 38(1A) of the CIRP Regulations as to how it has dealt with the interests of all stakeholders in compliance with the Code and regulations made thereunder. 7. The amounts provided for the stakeholders under the Resolution Plan is as under: (Amount in Rs. lakh) Sl. Category of Sub-Category of Amount Amount Amount Amount No. Stakeholder* Stakeholder Claimed Admitted Provided Provided under the to the Plan# Amount Claimed (%) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 1 Secured Financial (a) Creditors not having NIL NIL NIL NIL Creditors a right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above:
(i) who did not vote in NIL NIL NIL NIL favour of the resolution Plan
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 (ii) who voted in favour NIL NIL NIL NIL of the resolution plan
Total[(a) + (b)] NIL NIL NIL NIL 2 Unsecured (a) Creditors not having Financial Creditors a right to vote under sub- NIL NIL NIL NIL section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above:
(i) who did not vote in favour of the resolution NIL NIL NIL NIL Plan (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan 74691095 74691095 1082475 1.45%
Total[(a) + (b)] 74691095 74691095 1082475 1.45% 3 Operational (a) Related Party of NIL NIL NIL NIL Creditors Corporate Debtor (b) Other than (a) above:
(i)Government NIL NIL NIL NIL (ii)Workmen NIL NIL NIL NIL (iii)Employees NIL NIL NIL NIL (iv)Unrelated party 25277837 25277837 100000 0.40%
Total[(a) + (b)] 25277837 25277837 100000 0.40% 4 Other debts and NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL dues Grand Total 99968932 99968932 1182475 1.18% *If there are sub-categories in a category, please add rows for each sub-category.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
# Amount provided over time under the Resolution Plan and includes estimated value of non-cash components. It is not NPV.] 8. The interests of existing shareholders have been altered by the Resolution plan as under: Sl. No Category of No. of Shares No. of Shares Voting Share Voting Share (%) Share Holder held before held after the (%) held before held after CIRP CIRP CIRP CIRP 1 Equity 12545153 0 100 0 2 Preference 45458500 0 100 0 3 9. The compliance of the Resolution Plan is as under: Section of Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Compliance the Code Resolution (Yes / No) /Regulation Plan No.
25(2)(h) Whether the Resolution Applicant meets the criteria approved by Chapter I, Yes the CoC having regard to the complexity and scale of operations Pg. 1 and of business of the CD? Financial Statements submitted with EOI Section 29A Whether the Resolution Applicant is eligible to submit resolution Annex-3 of Yes plan as per final list of Resolution Professional or Order, if any, of the Plan the Adjudicating Authority? Section 30(1) Whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted an affidavit Annex-3 of Yes stating that it is eligible? the Plan Section 30(2) Whether the Resolution Plan-provides for the payment of insolvency resolution process costs? Clause B, Yes Chapter III, at pg. 4 Clause 3.3, Chapter IV at pg. 9 provides for the payment to the operational creditors? Clause B, Yes Chapter III, at pg. 4 Clause 3.4 to 3.6, Chapter IV at pg. 9-10
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
Section of Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Compliance the Code Resolution (Yes / No) /Regulation Plan No.
provides for the payment to the financial creditors who did not vote Clause B, Yes in favour of the resolution plan? Chapter III, at pg. 4 Clause 3.7, Chapter IV at pg. 10 provides for the management of the affairs of the corporate debtor? Chapter VII at Yes Pg. 24-25 provides for the implementation and supervision of the resolution Chapter X, pg. Yes plan? 34-35 contravenes any of the provisions of the law for the time being in Clause F, Yes force? Chapter III, Pg. 6 Section 30(4) Whether the Resolution Plan Yes - is feasible and viable, according to the CoC? Ref. Minutes Yes of 7th CoC Meeting - has been approved by the CoC with 66% voting share? Ref. Minutes Yes of 7th CoC Meeting Section 31(1) Whether the Resolution Plan has provisions for its effective Ref. Minutes Yes implementation, according to the CoC? of 7th CoC Meeting Chapter VII at Pg. 24-25 Chapter X, pg. 34-35 Regulation Whether the resolution professional made a determination if the Not Not 35A corporate debtor has been subjected to any transaction of the nature Applicable Applicable covered under sections 43, 45, 50 or 66, before the one hundred and fifteenth day of the insolvency commencement date, under intimation to the Board? Regulation Whether the amount due to the operational creditors under the Clause B, Yes 38 (1) resolution plan has been given priority in payment over financial Chapter III, at creditors? pg. 4 Clause 3.4 to 3.6, Chapter IV at pg. 9-10 Regulation Whether the resolution plan includes a statement as to how it has Chapter V, Pg. Yes 38(1A) dealt with the interests of all stakeholders? 12-20
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
Section of Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Compliance the Code Resolution (Yes / No) /Regulation Plan No.
Regulation Whether the Resolution Applicant or any of its related parties has Clause H, Yes 38(1B) failed to implement or contributed to the failure of implementation Chapter III, of any resolution plan approved under the Code. pg. 7 If so, whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted the Not Not statement giving details of such non-implementation? Applicable Applicable Regulation Whether the Resolution Plan provides: 38(2)
the term of the plan and its implementation schedule? Chapter XI, Yes Pg. 36-38 adequate means for supervising its implementation? Chapter X, Yes pg. 34-35
Regulation Whether the resolution plan demonstrates that – 38(3) it addresses the cause of default? Chapter XIII, Yes Pg. 42 it is feasible and viable? Ref. Minutes of 7th CoC Meeting it has provisions for its effective implementation? Chapter VII at Pg. 24-25 Chapter X, pg. 34-35 Chapter VI, Pg. 21-25 it has provisions for approvals required and the timeline for the Chapter XI, same? Pg. 36-38 the resolution applicant has the capability to implement the Chapter I, resolution plan? Pg. 1 and Financial Statements submitted with EOI
39(2) Whether the RP has filed applications in respect of transactions Not Not observed, found or determined by him? Applicable Applicable Regulation Provide details of performance security received, as referred to in Not Yes 39(4) sub-regulation (4A) of regulation 36B. Applicable (Performance Security of 2 % of amount receivable financial creditors by MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
Section of Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Compliance the Code Resolution (Yes / No) /Regulation Plan No.
way of cheque)
10. The CIRP has been conducted as per the timeline indicated as under: Section of the Code / Description of Activity Latest Timeline Actual Date under regulation Regulation No. 40A Section 16(1) Commencement of CIRP and Appointment of T 12/05/2022 IRP Publication of Public Announcement 15/05/2022 Regulation 6(1) T+3 Section 15(1)(c) Submission of Claims T+14 26/05/2022 /Regulation 12 (1) Regulation 13(1) Verification of Claims T+21 30/05/2022 Section 26(6A) / Application for Appointment of Authorised T+23 NO Representative, if necessary Regulation 15A Regulation 17(1) Filing of Report Certifying Constitution of CoC T+23 06/06/2022 Section 22(1) and First Meeting of the CoC T+30 12/06/2022 regulation 17(2) Regulation 35A Determination of fraudulent and other transactions T+115 24/07/2022 Regulation 27 Appointment of two Registered Valuers T+47 26/07/2022 Regulation 36 (1) Submission of Information Memorandum to CoC T+54] 26/06/2022 Regulation 36A Invitation of EoI 26/07/2022 T+75 Publication of Form G T+75 26/07/2022 Provisional List of Resolution Applicants T+100 03/09/2022 Final List of Resolution Applicants T+115 13/09/2022 Regulation 36B Issue of Request for Resolution Plan, which T+105 23/01/2023 includes Evaluation Matrix and Information Memorandum to Resolution Applicants Section 30(6) / Submission of CoC approved Resolution Plan T+165 02/02/2022 Regulation 39(4) Section 31(1) Approval of Resolution Plan T=180
11. The time frame proposed for obtaining relevant approvals is as under: Sl. No. Nature of Approval Name of applicable Name of Authority When to be obtained Law who will grant Approval 1
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
3
12. The Resolution Plan is not subject to any contingency.
13. Following are the deviations / non-compliances of the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, regulations made or circulars issued thereunder (If any deviation/ non-compliances were observed, please state the details and reasons for the same): NOT APPLICABLE Sl. Deviation/Non-compliance Section of the Code / Reasons Whether rectified or No. observed Regulation No. / Circular not No. 1 2 3
14. The Resolution Plan is being filed 1 days before the expiry of the period of CIRP provided in section 12 of the Code.
14A. Whether the resolution professional has, in accordance with regulation 35A,- (a) applied to the Adjudicating Authority on or before the one hundred and thirty-fifth day of the insolvency commencement date: No (b) filed Form CIRP 8 with the Board on or before the one hundred and fortieth day of the insolvency commencement date: Yes 15 Provide details of section 66 or avoidance application filed / pending. Sl. Type of Transaction Date of Filing with Date of Order of the Brief of the No. Adjudicating Adjudicating Order Authority Authority 1 Preferential transactions under NO section 43 2 Undervalued transactions under NO section 45 3 Extortionate credit transactions NO under section 50 4 Fraudulent transactions under NO section 66
15A. The committee has approved a plan providing for contribution under regulation 39B as under: a. Estimated liquidation cost: Rs NO b. Estimated liquid assets available: Rs NO
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 c. Contributions required to be made: Rs NO d. Financial creditor wise contribution is as under: Sl. No. Name of financial creditor Amount to be contributed (Rs.)
.. Total 15B. The committee has recommended under regulation 39C as under: a. Sale of corporate debtor as a going concern: No b. Sale of business of corporate debtor as a going concern: No The details of recommendation are available with the resolution professional. 15C. The committee has fixed, in consultation with the resolution professional, the fee payable to the liquidator during the liquidation period under regulation 39D.] NOT APPLICABLE
16. I, Paresh Chandulal Mehta hereby certify that the contents of this certificate are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
Name of the Resolution Professional: Paresh Chandulal Mehta IP Registration No:IBBI/IPA-003/IP-N00099/2017-2018/11008 Address as registered with the Board: 13B, Nirmal Society, Pandurang Wadi, Dombivli East, 421201 Email id as registered with the Board: pareshmehta5959@gmail.com
Date: 31/01/2023
Place: Dombivli
18. On perusal of the Resolution Plan, we find that the Resolution Plan provides for the following: a) Payment of CIRP Cost as specified u/s 30(2)(a) of the Code. b) Repayment of Debts of Operational Creditors as specified u/s 30(2)(b) of the Code. c) For management of the affairs of the Corporate Debtor, after the approval of Resolution Plan, as specified U/s 30(2)(c) of the Code. d) The implementation and supervision of Resolution Plan by the RP and the CoC as specified u/s 30(2)(d) of the Code.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020
19. The RP has complied with the requirement of the Code in terms of Section 30(2)(a) to 30(2)(f) and Regulations 38(1), 38(1)(a), 38(2)(a),
38(2)(b), 38(2)(c) & 38(3) of the Regulations.
20. The RP has filed Compliance Certificate in Form-H along with the Plan. On perusal the same is found to be in order. The Resolution Plan has been approved by the CoC by 100%.
21. In K Sashidhar v. Indian Overseas Bank & Others (in Civil Appeal
No.10673/2018 decided on 05.02.2019) the Hon’ble Apex Court held that if the CoC had approved the Resolution Plan by requisite percent of voting share, then as per section 30(6) of the Code, it is imperative for the Resolution Professional to submit the same to the Adjudicating
Authority (NCLT). On receipt of such a proposal, the Adjudicating
Authority is required to satisfy itself that the Resolution Plan as approved by CoC meets the requirements specified in Section 30(2). The Hon’ble Apex Court further observed that the role of the NCLT is ‘no more and no less’. The Hon’ble Apex Court further held that the discretion of the Adjudicating Authority is circumscribed by Section 31 and is limited to scrutiny of the Resolution Plan “as approved” by the requisite percent of voting share of financial creditors. Even in that enquiry, the grounds on which the Adjudicating Authority can reject
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 the Resolution Plan is in reference to matters specified in Section 30(2)
when the Resolution Plan does not conform to the stated requirements.
22. In view of the discussions and the law thus settled, the instant Resolution Plan meets the requirements of Section 30(2) of the Code and Regulations 37, 38, 38 (1A) and 39 (4) of the Regulations. The Resolution Plan is not in contravention of any of the provisions of Section 29A of the Code and is in accordance with law. The same needs to be approved. Hence ordered.
23. The Resolution Plan annexed to the Application is hereby approved. It shall become effective from this date and shall form part of this order with the following directions: i. It shall be binding on the Corporate Debtor, its employees, members, creditors, including the Central Government, any State Government or any local authority to whom a debt in respect of the payment of dues arising under any law for the time being in force is due, guarantors and other stakeholders involved in the Resolution Plan. ii. The approval of the Resolution Plan shall not be construed as waiver of any statutory obligations/liabilities of the Corporate Debtor and shall be dealt by the appropriate Authorities in accordance with law. Any waiver sought in the Resolution Plan, shall be subject to approval by the Authorities concerned in light of the Judgment of Supreme Court in Ghanshyam Mishra and Sons Private Limited v/s. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Limited, the relevant para’s of which are extracted herein below:
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 “95. (i) Once a resolution plan is duly approved by the adjudicating authority under sub-section (1) of Section 31, the claims as provided in the resolution plan shall stand frozen and will be binding on the corporate debtor and its employees, members, creditors, including the Central Government, any State Government or any local authority, guarantors and other stakeholders. On the date of approval of resolution plan by the adjudicating authority, all such claims, which are not a part of the resolution plan shall stand extinguished and no person will be entitled to initiate or continue any proceedings in respect to a claim, which is not part of the resolution plan;
(ii) 2019 Amendment to Section 31 of the I&B Code is clarificatory and declaratory in nature and therefore will be effective from the date on which the Code has come into effect;
(iii) consequently, all the dues including the statutory dues owed to the Central Government, any State Government or any local authority, if not part of the resolution plan, shall stand extinguished and no proceedings in respect of such dues for the period prior to the date on which the adjudicating authority grants its approval under Section 31 could be continued.” iii. The Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA) shall accordingly be amended and filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Mumbai, Maharashtra for MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 1234 of 2023 In CP (IB) No. 299/MB/C-I/2020 information and record. The Resolution Applicant, for effective implementation of the Plan, shall obtain all necessary approvals, under any law for the time being in force, within such period as may be prescribed. iv. The moratorium under Section 14 of the Code shall cease to have effect from this date. v. The Applicant shall supervise the implementation of the Resolution Plan and file status of its implementation before this Authority from time to time, preferably every quarter. vi. The Applicant shall forward all records relating to the conduct of the CIRP and the Resolution Plan to the IBBI along with copy of this Order for information. vii. The Applicant shall forthwith send a certified copy of this Order to the CoC and the Resolution Applicant, respectively for necessary compliance.
Sd/- Sd/- PRABHAT KUMAR JUSTICE V.G. BISHT Member (Technical) Member (Judicial) 27.10.2023 Priyal
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