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Approval of Resolution Plan - Parental Drugs (India) Limited

National Company Law Tribunal16 January 2025

Ratio decidendi

The rule this decision rests on

The Adjudicating Authority's role under Section 31(1) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, on an application under Section 30(6) is confined to scrutinising whether the resolution plan, as approved by the Committee of Creditors by the requisite voting share, meets the requirements of Section 30(2) and is not in contravention of any provision of law; it has no wider discretion to re-examine the commercial merits of the plan approved by the Committee of Creditors. Where a resolution plan is approved by the Committee of Creditors with the requisite voting share and the Resolution Professional certifies compliance with Section 30(2), the Code and the CIRP Regulations, the Tribunal may approve the plan, and upon approval the claims not provided for in the plan stand extinguished and the moratorium under Section 14 ceases to have effect.

Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.

Judgment

As delivered

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAWTRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH - IIA.No.78(Plan)/2024INCP(IB) No.690/MB/2020Under Section 60(5) & 30(6) of Insolvency &Bankruptcy Code, 2016In IA No. 78/2024Mr. Prawincharan Prafulcharan Dwary,....... Resolution Professionalof the Corporate DebtorIn the matter ofPunjab National bank... Financial CreditorVersusParental Drugs (India) Limited… Corporate DebtorOrder delivered on: 16.01.2025Coram:Prabhat Kumar Justice V.G Bisht (Retd).Hon’ble Member (Technical) Hon’ble Member (Judicial)Appearances:For the Applicant : Adv. Gaurav Jalendra a/w Mr.RohitGupta,Adv.IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNALMUMBAI BENCH, COURT – IIA No. 78/2024InC.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020ORDER

1. This Application has been filed by the Resolution Professional (“RP/Applicant”) under Section 30(6) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“Code”) on behalf of the Committee of Creditors (“CoC”) of Parental Drugs India Limited (“Corporate Debtor”) seeking approval of the Resolution Plan submitted by the Successful Resolution Applicant (“SRA”), IHL Lifesciences Private Limited and approved by 100% of the voting share of the members of the CoC of the Corporate Debtor viz. Parental Drugs India Limited (“Corporate Debtor”).

IA No. 78 of 2024

2. The present Application has been filed by Resolution Professional Prawincharan Prafulcharan Dwary (“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 IHL Lifesciences Private Limited (“Successful Resolution Applicant/SRA”) under the provisions of Section 31(1) of the Code, for Parenteral Drugs India Limited (“Corporate Debtor”) and for passing order/appropriate direction that this Tribunal may deem fit in the present matter.

Brief Facts

3. The CIRP was initiated against the Corporate Debtor vide Order dated 09.02.2023 and Mr. Kairav Anil Trivedi was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (“IRP”). 4. The IRP published a Public Announcement in Form-A on 13.02.2023 inviting claims from the Creditors of the Corporate Debtor.

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 5. At the 1st CoC meeting held on 18.04.2023, wherein the members of CoC inter alia disapproved the resolution pertaining to the appointment of IRP as the Resolution Professional (“RP”) of the Corporate Debtor. The applicant further submits that the IRP duly convened the 1st meeting of CoC wherein the members of CoC inter alia disapproved the resolution pertaining to the appointment of IRP as the Resolution Professional (‘RP') of the Corporate Debtor.

6. The applicant in IA No.1874 of 2023 states and submits that being aggrieved by conduct of IRP, the members of CoC through State Bank of India have preferred an application bearing IA No. 1874 of 2023 before the Tribunal seeking to replace the IRP of the Corporate Debtor. Mr. Prawincharan Prafulcharan Dwary has been appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) vide its order dated 17.10.2023, and also directed to convene the CoC meeting within one week of receiving the communication of this order.

7. At the 3rd CoC meeting held on 28.11.2023, wherein the RP apprised the members of CoC about non-cooperation faced from the erstwhile IRP in handing over the documents/records/ information pertaining to the CIR Process of the Corporate Debtor.

8. Thereafter the RP invited Expression of Interest (“EOI”) in Form G under Regulation 36A (1) of the CIRP Regulations from the general public. The paper publication was made on 13.02.2023. The last date for receipt of the EOI was set as 15.03.2024 and the last date for submission of Resolution Plan was set as 10.05.2024.

9. At the 8th CoC meeting held on 14.03.2024, during which the RP informed the CoC members that the 180-day CIRP period for the Corporate Debtor would expire on 16.03.2024, after accounting for the 221 days period excluded as per this Tribunal's order dated

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 24.01.2024. In this meeting, the CoC members resolved to extend the CIRP period of the Corporate Debtor by an additional 90 days, beyond the initial 180 days, i.e., from 16.03.2024. 10. At the 9th CoC meeting held on 26.03.2024, wherein the RP apprised the members of CoC about receipt of 26 (twenty-six) EOI from the Prospective Resolution Applicants ('PRAs') further, In the said meeting, the CoC members approved the RFRP and Evaluation Matrix.

11. At the 15th CoC meeting held on 07.06.2024, whereby the members of the CoC discussed on fresh issuance of the Form G in the CIRP for maximization of Value of the Corporate Debtor. The members of CoC inter alia resolved to extend the CIRP Period by further 60 days beyond 270 days i.e., from 16.06.2024.

12. At the 16th CoC meeting held on 19.06.2024, RP informed the CoC about receipt of two ( 2) modified Resolution Plans from RAs. i.e., 1) M/s. United Biotech Private Limited and 2) IHL Lifesciences Private Limited. RP further informed that the Resolution Plan submitted by the M/s. United Biotech Private Limited was non-compliant as same was without differential Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). The members of the CoC have requested RP to provide the Resolution Plan of IHL Lifesciences Private Limited, along with the Compliance Report.

13. At the 18th CoC meeting held on 09.08.2024 RP informed the members of the CoC that the modified resolution plan with requisite update is yet to be received from RA i.e., M /s. IHL Lifesciences Private Limited and the same would be submitted to the CoC for approval.

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 14. At the 19th CoC meeting held on 12.08.2024, the Resolution Plan submitted by the Resolution Applicant was discussed, along with the proposed changes/modifications to the plan. During the meeting, the members of the CoC, by a unanimous vote of 100%, approved the Resolution Plan of M/s. IHL Lifesciences Private Limited.

15. The RP has issued the Letter of Intent to SRA on 20.08.2024. On 23.08.2024, SRA vide its email requested additional time to furnish the performance bank guarantee (PBG) .On 07.09.2024, the SRA M/s. IHL Lifesciences Private Limited has provided the Performance Bank Guarantee as issued by the State Bank of India. The total Guarantee amount which is furnished by the SRA is Rs 7,82,10,000.

16. The RP issued the Letter of Intent to the SRA on 20.08.2024. On 23.08.2024, the SRA, through an email, requested additional time to submit the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG). On 07.09 2024, the SRA, M/s. IHL Lifesciences Private Limited, provided the Performance Bank Guarantee issued by the State Bank of India. The total guarantee amount furnished by the SRA is Rs. 7,82,10,000.

Salient Features of the Resolution Plan

17. The key features of the Revised Resolution Plan along with Addendum to the Resolution Plan as submitted by M/s. IHL Lifesciences Private Limited: 17.1 IHL Lifesciences Private Limited, formerly known as Virat trade Corp Private Limited is primarily engaged in manufacturing, sale and distribution of intravenous fluids and also a leading player in import, sale and distribution of polymer products in central India. It is promoted by Mr. Anant Kumar Bomb and Mr. Aniket Bomb, who are central India's largest Del-Credere agents of Reliance Industries Ltd. Presently IHL Lifesciences is IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 manufacturing IV fluids at manufacturing facility of Parental Drugs India Ltd. and has successfully revived the unit with requisite investment (on take back arrangement basis) which was closed for nearly a year post plant shut down in May 2022. The company has definitive visionary plans to expand and grow its pharmaceutical business and be a leading player in its domain.

17.2 Payment as envisaged under the Resolution Plan:

Sr. Particulars of Claim Admitted Settlement % No. Amount (INR) Amount (INR) 01. CIRP Cost at actuals 3,40,00,000 100%

02. Secured Financial 11,79,30,90,000 57,55,00,000 4.91% Creditors 03. Unsecured Financial Nil Nil Nil Creditor 04. Employee & Workmen 9,99,52,694 1,09,64,451 10.96% Dues (excluding gratuity) 05. EPFO Dues 10,66,87,238 10,66,87,238 100% 06. Gratuity Dues 4,65,00,000 4,65,00,000 100% 07. Operational Nil Nil Nil Creditors(Government dues) 08. Operational 98,02,025 3,92,081 0.04% Creditors(other) 09. Capital expenditure & 11,79,00,000 Working Capital 10. Contingency Fund 80,00,000

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 90,00,00,000

17.3 Sources of Funds of the Resolution Applicant is as follows: Particulars Amount Sr.No. In Cr. 01 The Resolution Applicant has 7,82,10,000/-already paid Earnest Money Deposit in form of Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) from State Bank of India. 02. The Resolution Applicant will be 15,00,00,000/-infusing its own funds 03. Loans/Debt securities 46.79 04. The Resolution Applicant will be 25.32 paying upfront within a period of 90 days from the effective date

17.4 (i) The Resolution Applicant may incorporate Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) to take over the assets and liabilities of the Corporate Debtor. The Resolution Applicant along with its affiliates/group companies would hold shares in SPV (ii) the Corporate Debtor will issue 10,000 new Equity shares of Rs.10 face value to the Resolution Applicant/SPV which shall be payable from its own funds and (iii) the balance amount will be infused from any Unsecured Loan/debt instruments.

Statutory Compliance 18. 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:

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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; 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.

19. 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 IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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. 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

20. Relief and Concessions: i. The Corporate Debtor be permitted to carry forward and set-off losses under Section 79 of the Income Tax Act. ii. The Resolution Plan seeks waiver of payment of stamp duty towards implementation of the Resolution Plan. iii. All Pending dues, duties, Penalties, interest, past and on-going assessments, re-assessments and audits, investigation qua the Corporate Debtor be treated as closed and no further action be taken for any transaction carried out before the implementation of the Resolution Plan.

21. The Resolution Professional has annexed Form H under Regulation 39(4) of the CIRP Regulations to certify that the Resolution Plan as approved by the CoC meets all the requirements of the Code and its Regulations. The relevant extracts, as otherwise stated elsewhere in the order, are as follows –

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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, Prawincharan Prafulcharan Dwary an Insolvency Professional enrolled with ICSI Institute of Insolvency Professionals (ICSI IIP) and registered with the Board with registration number (IBBI/IPA-002/IP-N00331/2017-2018/10937), I am the resolution professional of Parental Drugs India Limited. 2. The details of the CIRP are as under: Sr. No. Particulars Description 1. Name of the CD Parenteral Drugs (India) Limited (In CIRP) 2. Date of Initiation of CIRP 09.02.2023 3. Date of Appointment of IRP 09.02.2023 4. Date of Publication of Public 13.02.2023 Announcement 5. Date of Constitution of CoC 03.03.2023 6. Date of First Meeting of CoC 13.03.2023 7. Date of Appointment of RP 17.10.2023 (Copy of the order was received on 20.10.2023). 8. Date of Appointment of Registered 1. SFA - 25.01.2024 Valuers 2. Land & Building-15.09.2023 3. Plant & Machinery- 15.09.2023 9. Date of Issue of Invitation for EoI 21.01.2024 10. Date of Final List of Eligible Prospective 25.03.2024 Resolution Applicants 11. Date of Invitation of Resolution Plan 26.03.2024

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 12. Last Date of Submission of Resolution 10.05.2024 (on the request of the Plan Perspective Resolution Applicants CoC extended the last date from 25.04.2024) 13. Date of Approval of Resolution Plan by 12.08.2024 CoC

14. Date of Filing of Resolution Plan with - Adjudicating Authority 15. Date of Expiry of 180 days of CIRP 16.03.2024 (after exclusion of 221 days of litigation period) 16. Date of Order extending the period of 14.06.2024 CIRP. 17. Date of Expiry of Extended Period of 14.08.2024 CIRP However, another application seeking extension for another 30 days has been filed on 12.08.2024 vide filing No. 2709138/08067/2024 18. Fair Value 1. Land & Building a. 31,68,68,725/- b. 32,18,67,000/- 2. Plant & Machinery a. 32,80,00,000/- b. 31,00,00,000/- 3. SFA a. 25,87,500/- b. 34,30,286/- 19. Liquidation value 1. Land & Building a. 20,59,64,671

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 b. 21,11,00,000/- 2. Plant & Machinery a. 21,32,00,000 b. 21,70,00,000 3. SFA a. 10,000/- b. 10,000/- 20. Number of Meetings of CoC held Twenty

3. I have examined the Resolution Plan received from Resolution Applicants IHL Lifesciences Private Limited jointly with Mr. Anant Kumar Bomb and approved by Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Parenteral Drugs (India) Limited (In CIRP).

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 IHL Lifesciences Private Limited jointly with Mr. Anant Kumar Bomb 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.

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 (iv) The voting was held in the meeting of the CoC on 12th August, 2024 where all the members of the CoC were present. or I sought vote of members of the CoC by electronic voting system which was kept open at least for 24 hours as per the regulation 26.

5. The list of financial creditors of the CD Parenteral Drugs (India) Limited being members of the CoC and distribution of voting share among them is as under:

Sr. Name of Creditor Voting Voting for Resolution No. Share (%) Plan (Voted for / Dissented / Abstained) 1. National Asset 100% Voted For Reconstruction Company 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) Sr. Category of Sub-Category Amount Amount Amount Amount Provided to No. Stakeholder* of Claimed Admitted Provided the Amount Claimed Stakeholder under the (%) Plan# (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 1 Secured (a) Creditors NA NA NA NA Financial not having a IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 Creditors right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above: (i) who did not NA NA NA NA vote in favour of the resolution Plan 1,17,309 1,17,224 5,755** 4.91 (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan

Total[(a) + 1,17,309 1,17,224 5,755** 4.91 (b)] 2 Unsecured (a) Creditors Financial not having a NA NA NA NA Creditors right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above:

(i) who did not NA NA NA NA vote in favour of the IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 resolution NA NA NA NA Plan (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan

Total[(a) + NA NA NA NA (b)] 3 Operational (a) Related Creditors Party of NA NA NIL NIL Corporate Debtor (b) Other than (a) above: (i) 84.19 NA NA NA Government 177.03 176.94 92 51.97 (ii) Workmen 1,648.98 822.58 18 1.09 (iii)Employees 702.93 98 4 0.57 (iv) Others a. Operation al 1,813.42 1067 1067 58.84 Creditors - - 465 100 other than the above Operation al Creditors b. EPFO

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 c. Gratuity to Employee s & Workmen Total [(a) + 4,426.55 2,164.52 1,646 37.18 (b)] 4 Other debts CIRP Cost 340 340 340 100 and dues Grand Total 1,22,075. 1,19,728.5 7,741 6.34 55 2

*If there are sub-categories in a category, please add rows for each sub-category. ** Including Contigencies subject to minimum payment of Rs.52,01,10,000/- # Amount provided over time under the Resolution Plan and includes estimated value of non-cash components. It is not NPV.]

22. This Bench called for the minutes of 1st and 2nd CoC meeting to verify whether such minutes records any discussion in relation to alleged relatedness of the lessee of the manufacturing facility, who is SRA also, and the suspended directors. The same was placed on record vide affidavit dated 18.12.2024 filed by the Applicant. On perusal of these minutes of meeting, we could not find any allegation having been made by the State Bank of India, the predecessor of the financial creditor, in relation to lessee being front of the suspended board. 23. The Applicant further placed on record vide Affidavit dated 18.12.2024 to explain the sources of funds to make upfront payments as proposed in the Plan and explained that the Resolution Applicant is going to avail a term loan/ working capital debt for making payment towards the Resolution Plan. In respect of the term

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 loan/working capital debt, the Resolution applicant had already furnished the comfort letter of State Bank of India for availing the financial assistance. A copy of said comfort letter was placed before this Tribunal through purshis.

24. The Resolution applicant, IHL Lifesciences Private Limited, has provided their bank statement for account number 00000042216797893 as of January 6, 2024, which shows that they have a sanctioned credit limit of INR 8,25,00,000 (Rupees Eight Crore Twenty-Five Lakhs Only) secured against their mortgaged property. Out of this, a balance of INR 3,63,39,843 (Rupees Three Crore Sixty-Three Lakhs Thirty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Three Only) remains as an unutilized fund. It was further submitted that the Resolution Plan submitted by the RA is fully tied up. Further, the upfront payment of INR 15,32,00,000/- (Rupees Fifteen Crore and Thirty-Two Lakhs Only) is to be made within 90 days from the effective date out of which 7,82,50,000/-, in the form of EMD, is already with the RP and balance amount will be arranged for which sufficient means are available with the Resolution Applicant. It was further clarified that the there is no bar in RFRP on appropriation of EMD towards the upfront payment to be made by SRA, as such EMD is in addition to the performance guarantee.

25. On perusal of the Resolution Plan IA 78 of 2024, 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.

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 d) The implementation and supervision of Resolution Plan by the RP and the CoC as specified u/s 30(2)(d) of the Code.

26. 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.

27. 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 majority of 100%.

28. 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 the Resolution Plan is in reference to matters specified in Section 30(2) when the Resolution Plan does not conform to the stated requirements.

29. 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 IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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.

30. The Resolution Plan along with the Addendum thereto 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 paras of which are extracted herein below:

“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

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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), Pune, 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. 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.

IN THE NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL MUMBAI BENCH, COURT – I IA No. 78/2024 In C.P.(IB) No. 690(MB)/2020 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.

31. Accordingly, IA No. 78/2024 is allowed.

Sd/- Sd/- Prabhat Kumar Justice V.G. Bisht Member (Technical) Member (Judicial)

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