Approval of Resolution Plan - Mitesh Trading Private Limited
- CitationIA- 2723 & 5226-2023 in C.P (IB) No. 3231-2019
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The Tribunal holds that an objection to a CoC-approved resolution plan under Section 30(6) and 31 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 is confined to the grounds the Adjudicating Authority may consider at the approval stage, namely whether the plan conforms to the requirements of Section 30(2); the Adjudicating Authority does not sit in appeal on the commercial decisions of the Committee of Creditors, which must be respected within those limits. Where a plan provides to operational creditors an amount not less than the higher of the liquidation waterfall entitlement under Section 53 and the amount they would have received had the plan distribution followed that waterfall, the requirement of Section 30(2)(b) is satisfied, notwithstanding that the operational creditor receives only a small percentage of its admitted claim.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
i. Declare that the CIRP of the Corporate Debtor be restarted owing to the misconduct of the Respondent No. 1; ii. Declare that the Resolution Plan fails to consider the interest of all the stakeholders and resultantly is in violation of the provisions of the Code and CIRP Regulations; iii. Declare that the Resolution Plan approved by the CoC be rejected and fresh resolution plans may be invited for the Corporate Debtor; iv. Direct the Respondent No. 1 to take steps to determine if the there is an avoidance transaction, preferential or undervalued or fraudulent transaction done by the Corporate Debtor;
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 v. Direct Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) to initiate investigation on the conduct and performance of the Respondent No. 1 as the resolution professional of the Corporate Debtor during CIRP of the Corporate Debtor; vi. Declare that the impugned Resolution Plan is in violation of Code and Regulations framed thereunder inter-alia for the reason that the Applicant (Operational Creditor) has been provided only 1.42% of the total admitted claim amount against 88.50% of the total debt to the Corporate Debtor and thus, the Resolution Plan is in violation of the code and regulation thereunder and infirm with misrepresentations; vii. Pass such orders(s) and/or direction(s) in interest of the justice which the tribunal deems fit. BRIEF FACTS OF OBJECTION APPLICATION: 2. The Applicant submits that in the First CoC meeting held on 15.02.2022, the Applicant being the Operational Creditor (holding 88.5% of the total debt) had limited right to attend the CoC meeting with no voting power, whereas Sagar Deposits and Advance Limited (SDAL) being the sole financial creditor, held 100 % voting rights. That the transaction of the Corporate Debtor with SDAL falls within the purview of an avoidance Transaction. 3. The Applicant submits that pursuant to issuance of Form G, Two Prospective Resolution plans were shortlisted and one plan submitted by M/s Bagaria & Company Pvt. Ltd. which were put for voting before the CoC members in the 5th CoC meeting was approved with the majority of members vote. A resolution was passed in the 6th CoC meeting for replacement of the Resolution Professional (RP) and that the new Resolution Professional was appointed. In the 8th CoC meeting the CoC disregarded the decision of the CoC with respect to the approved Resolution Plan. In the 11th CoC meeting, the process for voting on resolution plans were re-done. On this, the Resolution plan submitted by M/s GS Services Private Limited got approved by the CoC, and the Resolution Plan submitted by M/s Bagaria & Company Pvt. Ltd. stood withdrawn without any reason.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 4. The Applicant stated that permitting the PRA to withdraw the Resolution Plan after approval by CoC is violative of the provisions of the Code and the principles laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Ebix Singapore Private Limited v. Committee of Creditors of Educomp Solutions Limited (“Ebix Singapore”). 5. It is submitted that pursuant to the admission of CIRP, the Applicant submitted its claim for INR 70,00,00,000/-out of which INR 45,98,40,154/- was admitted by the RP. However, under the approved Resolution Plan, the payout to the Applicant will be 1.42% of the total admitted claim. Thus, the claim made by the operational creditor has not been given any consideration. 6. It is submitted that the Resolution Plan is in violation of Regulation 38(1- A) of the IBBI (CIRP) Regulations, as it does not discuss how the interests of all stakeholders have been dealt with. 7. It is submitted that the ruling made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the matter of Committee of Creditors of Essar Steel India Limited (through authorized signatory) v. Satish Kumar Gupta and Others, (2020) 8 SCC 531, held that the decision of the CoC must reflect the interest of all stakeholders have been balanced. (para 46) However, in the present facts and circumstances of the present matter, the interests of the operational creditors have not been balanced. SUBMISSIONS MADE BY THE RESPONDENT 8. The Respondent submits that Respondent No.1 along with the sole member have approved the withdrawal of the Resolution Plan of M/s Bagaria and Company, who was one of the Prospective Resolution Applicant. 9. It is submitted that facts of the matter in the instant case and Ebix Singapore judgement holds that the withdrawal of the Resolution Plan on the behest of Successful Resolution Applicant is not permitted once the same is submitted to the Adjudicating Authority. However, in the present case, the Applicant had not submitted the Resolution Plan of M/s.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Bagaria and Company to the Adjudicating Authority. Moreover, the withdrawal of the Resolution Plan was approved by the member of the CoC and Respondent No. 1 in the 11th meeting of the CoC held on 24.03.2023 on and thus, the ratio of Ebix Singapore laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court does not apply in the instant case. 10. Regarding the Contention of the Applicant only 1.42% of the claim being provided in the Plan, the counsel for RP submits that the Total Liquidation Value of the Corporate Debtor is Rs. 81,51,064/- and the SRA has provided an amount of Rs. 50,64,236/- to the Financial Creditors and Rs. 4,00,000/-towards CIRP Costs, thus leaving a balance of Rs. 26,86,828/-for the Operational Creditors. In the instant case, the SRA has provided an amount of Rs. 65,35,764/- which is much above the amount to be paid to the Operational Creditor under Section 53 of the IBC 2016, in the event of liquidation of the Corporate Debtor. Thus, interest of all the stakeholders is considered in the Resolution Plan.
11. The Respondent submits that it is also alleged by the Applicant that the Respondent No. 1 has not taken any steps to determine any avoidance transactions. In this regard, the Respondent No. 1 submits that there are no material transactions undertaken by the Corporate Debtor and thus, in the opinion of the Respondent No. 1, the Corporate Debtor is not subject to any avoidance transactions. Therefore, the Respondent No. 1 had determined NIL avoidance transactions in respect of the Corporate Debtor. FINDINGS 1. We take note of the facts of the case. Two Resolution plans were submitted and in the 5th CoC meeting. The Resolution Plan submitted by M/s Bagaria & Company Private Limited was approved with the majority of members vote. However, the minutes of the 5th CoC meeting were not confirmed in the next CoC meeting. Meanwhile, the CoC sought replacement of Resolution Professional, which was allowed by this bench. Post the 5th CoC meeting, the sole CoC member sent an email to NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Resolution Professional stating that “In continuation to the trail mail we request you to call a CoC for reviewing the resolution plan received in respect of Mitesh Trading Private Limited”.
2. We take note of the 11th CoC meeting held on 24.03.2023 wherein the Resolution Plan which was previously approved stood withdrawn, and CoC approved the Resolution Plan submitted by M/s GS Services Private Limited. 3. In the facts of the case, we do not find any infirmity in the decision of the CoC and find no reason to interfere in the decision on the Resolution Plan taken by the CoC in their Commercial Wisdom. 4. It is contested that the Resolution Plan provides only 1.42% of the total admitted claim. The Bench takes note of the Resolution Professional submissions that the total Liquidation Value of the Corporate Debtor is Rs. 81,51,064/- and that the Operational Creditor has been provided an amount of Rs. 65,35,764/- which is much higher from what they will get at the time of Liquidation as per section 53 waterfall mechanism. Section 30(2)(b) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 provides “for the payment of debts of operational creditors 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 a 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 distributed in accordance with the order of priority in sub-section (1) of section 53, whichever is higher, and provides for the payment of debts of financial creditors, who do not vote in favour of the resolution plan, in such manner as may be specified by the Board, which shall not be less than the amount to be paid to such creditors in accordance with sub-section (1) of section 53 in the event of a liquidation of the corporate debtor”.
5. The Bench observes that amount provided under the Resolution Plan to Operational Creditor in the Resolution Plan is in accordance
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 with the provisions of the IBC. Hence, we are not inclined to entertain the prayers of the applicant. 6. In view of the above, the IA- 5226/2023 is dismissed.
IA 2723 OF 2023
1. This Application has been filed on 18.04.2023 by the Resolution Professional under Section 30(6) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘the Code’) on behalf of the Committee of Creditors seeking approval of the Resolution Plan submitted by the Successful Resolution Applicant and approved by 100% of the voting share of the members of the Committee of Creditors (hereinafter referred to as ‘CoC’) of the Corporate Debtor viz. Mitesh Trading Private Limited [CIN: U74900MH2010PTC199988] (hereinafter referred to as ‘Corporate Debtor’). 2. The brief facts of the Application are as follows: 2.1 Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of the Corporate Debtor was initiated vide an order dated 19.01.2022 of this Court in C.P.(IB)-3231(MB)/2019 on an application filed by National Steel and Agro Industries Private Limited (Operational Creditor) under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016. Mr. Rajesh Lohia was appointed as Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) and later on was replaced by CoC in 6th CoC meeting held on 12.09.2022 and Mr. Saurabh Dhoot was appointed as the Resolution Professional vide the order dated 18.01.2023 of this Hon’ble Tribunal.
The NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Applicant made a public announcement in the newspapers in Form-A on 22.01.2022 inviting claims from the creditors, workers/employees of the Corporate Debtor and from government bodies. IRP constituted the Committee of Creditors (CoC) based on the claims received by him and the first meeting of the CoC held on 14.02.2022. 2.2 Form G was published on 06.04.2022 for inviting Expression of Interest and the last date for submission of the resolution plan was 06.06.2023, two Prospective Resolution Applicant i.e., GS India Services Private Limited & M/s Bagaria Company Private Limited submitted the Resolution Plan out of which GS India Services Private Limited which submitted the Resolution plan on 05.08.2023 read with addendum dated 28.03.2023 and got approved in E-voting held pursuant to 11th CoC Meeting. 2.3 The Resolution Plan submitted by the Resolution Applicant viz. GS India Services Private Limited was approved by the CoC in the 11th meeting held on 24.03.2023 through e-voting by 100% of the CoC member voting in favor of the Resolution Plan.
The resolution is reproduced below - “Resolved that, the consent of Committee of Creditors be and is hereby accorded to the approval of the resolution plan submitted by the NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 resolution applicant M/s GS India Services Private Limited as per section 30 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016, read with Regulation 39 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons), Regulations 2016.” 2.4 The RP issued Letter of Intent on 03.04.2023 in favor of the Resolution Applicant and also sought for Performance Security of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh Only). Further, on 04.04.2023 the Successful Resolution Applicant (SRA) furnished the duly countersigned copy of the letter of intent and on 08.04.2023 the SRA furnished the Performance security in the form of cheque of INR 10,00,000/-. Therefore, RP states that the Resolution Plan approved by the CoC is in compliance with the requirements of Section 30(2) of the Code. 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;
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 b. Provides for management of the affairs of the Corporate Debtor after approval of Resolution Plan; c. The implementation and supervision of Resolution Plan; d. Does not prima facie contravene any of the provisions of the law for time being in force, e. Conforms to such other requirements as may be specified by the Board. f. As per the Affidavit received and the further documents submitted, the Resolution applicants are not covered under 29A. In compliance of Regulation 38 of CIRP Regulations, the Resolution Professional confirms that the Resolution plan provides that: i. The amount due to the Operational Creditors under resolution plan shall be given priority in payment over Financial Creditors. ii. It has dealt with the interest of all Stakeholders including Financial Creditors and Operational Creditors of the CD. iii. 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. iv. The terms of the plan and its implementation schedule.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 v. The management and control of the business of the CD during its term. vi. Adequate means of Supervising its implementation. vii. The Resolution Plan Demonstrates that it addresses a. The cause of the Default b. It is feasible and viable c. Provision for effective implementation d. Provisions for approvals required and the time lines for the same. e. Capability to Implement the Resolution Plan 2.5 The Resolution Applicant viz. GS India Services Private Limited is a company engaged in the Principal business activities of Management and consultancy services, having office at Flat No. 101, Amar Tower, GF- 37 Scheme No. 54, Vijay Nagar, Indore, MP- 452010. The Resolution Applicant confirmed that it is eligible to submit Resolution Plan as per Section 29A of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. 2.6 The Resolution Applicant has confirmed that - i. its connected persons are not convicted for any offence during the preceding five years and no criminal proceedings are pending against any person. ii. not disqualified under Companies Act, 2013 to act as a Director.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 iii. not identified as a willful defaulter by any bank of financial institution or consortium thereof in accordance with the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India. iv. not debarred from accessing to, or trading in securities markets under any order or directions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. 2.7 As per the RP the Fair Value and Liquidation Value determined by the registered Valuer are as follows: Fair Value Rs. 1,04,99,149/- Liquidation Value Rs. 81,51,064/- 3. Resolution Plan for the Corporate Debtor (the key features of the Resolution Plan submitted by GS India Service Private Limited is summarized below):
3.1 The value of the said Resolution Plan is Rs. 1,20,00,000/- which includes the payments towards the CIRP cost, payment to the Secured Financial Creditors and Operational Creditor (others) the summary of payment is enumerated below: Creditors Claims Amount % of Admitte Proposed Propos d (in under the ed INR) Plan (in amount INR) to the admitte d amount
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 CIRP Cost (Within 30 4,00,000 days from NCLT approval of Resolution Plan Secured Financial 50,64,23 50,64,236/- 100% Creditors (Upfront 6/-payment within 3 months from the date of NCLT approval of Resolution Plan) Unsecured Financial - - - Creditors (Related Parties) Operational - - - Creditors (Employees & Workmen) Operational 45,98,40, 65,35,764 1.42% Creditors 154/- (Others)[Payment within 3 months of NCLT approval date] Other Creditors - - - TOTAL 46,53,04, 1,20,00,000/- 390
4. Ld. Counsel for the Resolution Professional has annexed a certificate of the Form-H to the Application under Regulation 39(4) In Form-H of the CIRP Regulations, 2016 to certify that the NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Resolution Plan as approved by the CoC meets all the requirements of the IBC and its Regulations.
FORM H COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE FORM H COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (Under Regulation 39(4) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016
1. I, CA Saurabh Dhoot, insolvency professional enrolled with Indian Institute of Insolvency Professional of ICAI and registered with the Board with registration number IBBI/IPA-001/IP-P-02367/2021- 2022/13988, am the resolution professional for the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of Mitesh Trading Private Limited (CD).
2. The details of the CIRP are as under: Sl. Particulars Description No. 1 Name of the CD Mitesh Trading Private Limited 2 Date of Initiation of CIRP 19-01-2022 3 Date of Appointment of IRP 19/01/2022 (Order received on 22/01/2022 through Applicant
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Operational Creditor) 4 Date of Publication of Public 23-01-2022 Announcement 5 Date of Constitution of CoC 08-02-2022 6 Date of First Meeting of CoC 14-02-2022 7 Date of Appointment of RP 15-02-2022 8 Date of Appointment of Registered 07-03-2022 Valuers 9 Date of Issue of Invitation for EoI 07-04-2022 10 Date of Final List of Eligible Prospective 17-05-2022 Resolution Applicants 11 Date of Invitation of Resolution Plan 07-05-2022 12 Last Date of Submission of Resolution Plan 05-08-2022 13 Date of Approval of Resolution Plan by 29-03-2023 CoC 14 Date of Filing of Resolution Plan with 13-04-2023 Adjudicating Authority 15 Date of Expiry of 180 days of CIRP 18-04-2023 including extension allowed by the AA 16 Fair Value Rs. 1,04,99,149 17 Liquidation value Rs. 81,51,064
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 18 Number of Meetings of CoC held 11 CoC Meeting
3. I have examined the Resolution Plan received from Resolution Applicant M/s GS INDIA SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED and approved by Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Mitesh Trading Private Limited.
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) 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 M/s GS INDIA SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED has submitted an affidavit pursuant to section 30(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 11th meeting of the CoC on 24th March 2023 where all the members of the CoC were present and I sought vote of members of the CoC by electronic voting system which was kept open at NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 least for 24 hours from Tuesday 28th of March 2023 to Wednesday 29th of March 2023 as per the regulation 26.
5. The list of financial creditors of the Mitesh Trading Private Limited being members of the CoC and distribution of voting share among them is as under:
Sl. Name of Creditor Voting Share Voting for Resolution Plan No. (%) (Voted for / Dissented / Abstained) 01 SAGAR DEPOSITS 100% Voted in favour of & ADVANCES resolution plan LIMITED
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 Sub-Category of Amount Amount Amount Amount N of Stakeholder Claimed Admitted Provided Provide d to the o. Stakehold under the Amount er* Plan# Claimed (%) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 1 Secured (a) Creditors not Financial having a right to Creditors 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 Plan (ii) who voted in 50,64,236 50,64,236 50,64,236 100% favour of the resolution plan Total[(a) + (b)] 50,64,236 50,64,236 50,64,236 100% 2 Unsecure (a) Creditors not d having a right to Financial vote under sub- Nil Nil Nil Nil Creditors section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above: (i) who did not Nil Nil Nil Nil vote in favour of NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 the resolution Plan (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan Total[(a) + (b)] Nil Nil Nil Nil 3 Operation (a) Related Party al of Corporate Nil Nil Nil Nil Creditors 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)Operational 7,61,207,74 4,59,840,15 Creditor other 65,35,764 1.42% than workman 2 4 & Employees
Total[(a) + (b)] 7,61,207,74 4,59,840,15 65,35,764 1.42% 2 4 4 Other debts and Nil Nil Nil Nil dues
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Grand Total 79,13,59,09 4,64,904,39 1,16,00,00 3 0 0 *If there are sub-categories in a category, please add rows for each sub-category. # 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 No. of No. of Voting Voting Share of Share Shares Shares Share (%) (%) held after Holder held before held after held before CIRP CIRP the CIRP CIRP 1 Equity 10,000 Nil 100% Nil 2 Preference Nil Nil Nil Nil
9. The compliance of the Resolution Plan is as under: Section of Requirement with respect to Clause of Complia the Code / Resolution Plan Resolution Plan nce (Yes / Regulation No) No. 25(2)(h) Whether the Resolution Applicant According to the meets the criteria approved by the EOI eligibility CoC having regard to the complexity criteria the PRAs and scale of operations of business of must have Net Yes the CD? worth of Rs. 25 lakhs, as on latest available
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 financial statements. The RA has provided latest available financial statements as on 31st March 2021 having Net worth more than Rs. 25 Lakhs. Section 29A Whether the Resolution Applicant is eligible to submit resolution plan as Affidavit under per final list of Resolution Yes 29A Professional or Order, if any, of the Adjudicating Authority? Section Whether the Resolution Applicant Affidavit under 30(1) has submitted an affidavit stating that Yes 29A it is eligible? Section Whether the Resolution Plan- 30(2) Clause (a) provides for the payment of 3.4/point 1 read Yes insolvency resolution process costs? with Point 1 of Clause 3.13 (b) provides for the payment to the Clause operational creditors? 3.1/point 2 read with Point 2 of Yes Clause 3.13
Yes Clause 3. 3
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 (c) provides for the payment to the financial creditors who did not vote in favor of the resolution plan? Clause 3.7 read with clause Yes (d) provides for the management of 3.13/point 3 the affairs of the corporate debtor? Clause 3.8 read Yes with clause (e) provides for the implementation 3.13/point 4 and supervision of the resolution plan? Yes Clause 3.13 /point 5 (f) contravenes any of the provisions of the law for the time being in force? Section Whether the Resolution Plan The CoC member 30(4) (a) is feasible and viable, according to in the 11th CoC the CoC? meeting held on (b) has been approved by the CoC 24-03-2023 with 66% voting share? confirmed that Yes the plan feasible and viable & the same has been approved through e-voting. Section Whether the Resolution Plan has Clause 2.8 & 31(1) provisions for its effective Clause Yes implementation plan, according to 3.13/point 24 the CoC? Regulation Whether the amount due to the Clause 3.13/point Yes 38 (1) operational creditors under the 2
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 resolution plan has been given priority in payment over financial creditors?
Regulation Whether the resolution plan includes 38(1A) a statement as to how it has dealt with Clause 3.13/point Yes the interests of all stakeholders? 21
Regulation (i) Whether the Resolution Applicant 38(1B) or any of its related parties has failed to implement or contributed to the failure of implementation of any resolution plan approved under the Clause 3.1/ point Code. w Yes (ii) If so, whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted the statement giving details of such non-implementation? Regulat(iao) n Whether the Resolution Plan 38(2) provides: Yes Clause 3.1 (a) the term of the plan and its implementation schedule? (b) for the management and control of Yes Clause 3.7 the business of the corporate debtor during its term? (c) adequate means for supervising its Yes Clause 3.8 implementation?
38(3) Whether the resolution plan Clause 3.13/ demonstrates that – Yes point 24
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 (a) it addresses the cause of default? (b) it is feasible and viable? (c) it has provisions for its effective implementation? (d) it has provisions for approvals required and the timeline for the same? (e) the resolution applicant has the capability to implement the resolution plan?
39(2) (b) Whether the RP has filed applications in respect of transactions observed, No such -found or determined by him? application filed (c) Regulat(ido)n Provide details of performance Amount of Rs 10 39(4) security received, as referred to in lakhs has been sub-regulation (4A) of regulation 36B. received from Yes Successful RA on 08-04-2023
10. The CIRP has been conducted as per the timeline indicated as under:
Section of the Description of Activity Latest Actual Date Code / Timeline Regulation No. under regulation 40A Section 16(1) Commencement of CIRP and T T Appointment of IRP
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Regulation Publication of Public T+3 23-01-2022 6(1) Announcement Section Submission of Claims T+14 05-02-2022 15(1)(c) /Regulation 12 (1) Regulation Verification of Claims T+21 07-02-2022 13(1) Section 26(6A) Application for Appointment of T+23 NA / Regulation Authorised Representative, if 15A necessary Regulation Filing of Report Certifying T+23 08-02-2022 17(1) Constitution of CoC Section 22(1) First Meeting of the CoC T+30 14-01-2022 and regulation 17(2) Regulation Determination of fraudulent and T+115 12-05-2022 35A other transactions Regulation 27 Appointment of two Registered T+47 07-03-2022 Valuers Regulation 36 Submission of Information T+54 07-05-2022 (1) Memorandum to CoC Regulation Invitation of EoI T+75 07-04-2022 36A Publication of Form G T+75 07-04-2022 Provisional List of Resolution T+100 02-05-2022 Applicants Final List of Resolution Applicants T+115 17-05-2022
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Regulation Issue of Request for Resolution T+105 07-05-2022 36B Plan, which includes Evaluation Matrix and Information Memorandum to Resolution Applicants Section 30(6) / Submission of CoC approved T+165 13-04-2023 Regulation Resolution Plan to AA 39(4) Section 31(1) Approval of Resolution Plan by T=180 18-04-2023 AA
11. The time frame proposed for obtaining relevant approvals is as under:
Sl. No. Nature of Approval Name of Name of When to be applicable Authority obtained Law who will grant Approval
NA
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):
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Sl. Deviation/Non- Section of the Reasons Whether No. compliance Code / rectified or not observed Regulation No. / Circular No. NA
14. The Resolution Plan is being filed 5 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 There are no such transaction found BY erstwhile RP & the same was informed to the CoC. (b) filed Form CIRP 8 with the Board on or before the one hundred and fortieth day of the insolvency commencement date: No]
15. Provide details of section 66 or avoidance application filed / pending. Sl. Type of Transaction Date of Filing Date of Order Brief of No. with of the the Order Adjudicating Adjudicating Authority Authority
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 1 Preferential Nil Nil Nil transactions under section 43 2 Undervalued Nil Nil Nil transactions under section 45 3 Extortionate credit Nil Nil Nil transactions under section 50 4 Fraudulent Nil Nil Nil transactions under section 66
15A. The committee has approved a plan providing for contribution under regulation 39B as under: a. Estimated liquidation cost: Rs 15,80,000 b. Estimated liquid assets available: Rs 30,00,000 c. Contributions required to be made: On actual basis d. Financial creditor wise contribution is as under: Sl. No. Name of financial creditor Amount to be contributed (Rs.) 1 SAGAR DEPOSITS & On actual basis ADVANCES LIMITED Total On actual basis
15B.. The committee has recommended under regulation 39C as under: a. Sale of corporate debtor as a going concern: Yes b. Sale of business of corporate debtor as a going concern: Yes
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019
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.
16. I CA Saurabh Dhoot 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.
CA Saurabh Dhoot RP for Mitesh Trading Private Limited (Company under CIRP) 308, Sham Tower, 164/2 RNT Marg, Indore-452001 Reg. no. IBBI/IPA-001/IP-P-02367/2021-2022/13988 AFA valid till 28-04-2023 Process Specific Email ID: cirp.mitesh@gmail.com/ IBBI Reg. Email ID : casaurabhdhoot@gmail.com
5. In the circumstances mentioned hereinabove, the Applicant has filed Application seeking approval of this Tribunal on the Resolution Plan, submitted by the Resolution Applicant i.e GS India Service Private Limited stating that the plan is in accordance with the Section 30(2) and other provisions laid down under the code. 6. On perusal of the Resolution Plan, it is observed that the Resolution Plan provides for the following:
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 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. 7. 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. 8. 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 in the 11th CoC meeting held on 24.03.2023 with 100% (Hundred percent). 9. There is no such pending proceedings u/s 66(1) r/w 43(1) and 44(1) of the Code. 10. We make it categorically clear that approval of this Resolution Plan does not tantamount to allowance of any relief(s), concession(s) or dispensation(s) that fall within
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 the domain of any government department(s) and/or authorities thereto. The reliefs, concessions and dispensations that pertain to other governmental authorities and/or departments shall be dealt with by the respective competent authorities/fora/offices, Government (State or Central) with regard to the respective reliefs, if any. 11. In the case of “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 Court observed that the role of the NCLT is ‘no more and no less’. The Hon’ble 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 the Resolution Plan is in reference to matters specified in NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 Section 30(2) when the Resolution Plan does not conform to the stated requirements. 12. In CoC of Essar Steel (Civil Appeal No. 8766-67 of 2019 decided on 15.11.2019) the Hon’ble Apex Court clearly laid down that the Adjudicating Authority would not have power to modify the Resolution Plan which the CoC in their commercial wisdom have approved. In para 42 Hon’ble Court observed as under:
“Thus, it is clear that the limited judicial review available, which can in no circumstance trespass upon a business decision of the majority of the Committee of Creditors, has to be within the four corners of section 30(2) of the Code, insofar as the Adjudicating Authority is concerned, and section 32 read with section 61(3) of the Code, insofar as the Appellate Tribunal is concerned, the parameters of such review having been clearly laid down in K. Sashidhar(supra).”
13. 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.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 ORDER 14. The Application IA-2723/2023 in CP(IB)/3231/(MB- IV)/2019 is allowed. The Resolution Plan annexed to the Application is hereby approved. It shall become effective from this date and shall form part of this order. 13.1. 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. 13.2. The approval of the resolution plan shall not be construed as waiver of any statutory obligations of the Corporate Debtor and shall be dealt by the appropriate authorities in accordance with law. Further in terms of the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Ghanshyam Mishra And Sons Private Limited V/S Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Limited”, on the date of approval of the Resolution Plan by the adjudicating authority, all such claims which are not a part of Resolution Plan, shall stand extinguished and no person will be entitled to NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 initiate or continue any proceedings in respect to a claim which is not a part of the Resolution Plan.
13.3. 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 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. 13.4. The moratorium under Section 14 of the Code shall cease to have effect from this date. 13.5. 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. 13.6. 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. 13.7. The Applicant shall forthwith send a certified copy of this Order to the CoC and the Resolution Applicant, respectively for necessary compliance.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH-IV IA 5226/2023 & IA-2723/2023 IN CP (IB)/3231/MB-IV/2019 15. The Interlocutory Application i.e. IA-2723/2023 in CP(IB)/3231(MB)/2019 is allowed accordingly disposed of and IA 5226/2023 is dismissed. Sd/- Sd/- Anu Jagmohan Singh Kishore Vemulapalli Member (Technical) Member (Judicial)
This page reproduces a public judgment and a summary of it. It is research material, not legal advice, and it is no substitute for advice from an advocate on your own facts.
Research this judgment with Miss Lucy
Ask what it holds, what has followed it, and what it means for your matter — in plain English, with the citations.
Try Miss Lucy free