Approval of Resolution Plan - Topworth Steel and Power Private Limited
- CitationIA No. 1486 of 2020 , IA 513 & 2355 of 2022 and CP (IB) No. 590-MB-C-I-2018
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The Adjudicating Authority's role in considering a resolution plan approved by the Committee of Creditors under Section 31(1) is limited to scrutinising whether the plan, as approved, satisfies the requirements of Section 30(2), and it may reject the plan only on grounds referable to those requirements where the plan does not conform to them. Where the Resolution Professional's compliance certificate, the statutory statements and the plan itself show that the plan provides for CIRP costs, payment of operational creditors, treatment of dissenting financial creditors, management and implementation, and does not contravene the law in force, and the plan is approved by the requisite majority of the Committee of Creditors, the plan meets the requirements of Section 30(2) and Regulations 37, 38, 38(1A) and 39(4) and is not in contravention of Section 29A, and the Tribunal is to approve it. Once a resolution plan is approved under Section 31(1), claims provided for in the plan stand frozen and bind the corporate debtor and all stakeholders, and claims not part of the plan stand extinguished on the date of approval, so that no proceedings may be instituted or continued in respect of them; any waiver of statutory obligations in the plan is subject to approval by the authorities concerned. A modification to a resolution plan that withdraws a proposed merger of the resolution applicant with the corporate debtor, without altering the payments offered to creditors or the timelines or the overall feasibility and viability of the plan, may be allowed. An application seeking detachment of an attached account becomes infructuous upon approval of a resolution plan where the claims of the beneficiary of the attachment have been admitted and dealt with in the approved plan.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
In the matter of State Bank of India …Financial Creditor Versus Topworth Steel and Power Private Ltd. …Corporate Debtor Order Delivered on :- 11.10.2023 Coram: Hon’ble Member (Judicial) : Justice V.G. Bisht (Retd.) Hon’ble Member (Technical) : Mr. Prabhat Kumar Appearances: For the Resolution Professional : Mr. Chetan Kapadia, Senior Advocate a/w Mr. Nausher Kohli and Dhrupad Vaghani, Advocates For the Resolution Applicant /Applicant in IA No. 2355 : Mr. Shyam Kapadia, Advocate For the CoC : Mr. Madhav, Advocate i/b Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 For the Applicant in : Ms. Nikita Abhyankar, Advocate i/b Gravitas Legal. IA No. 1486 of 2020 ORDER Per: Prabhat Kumar, Member (Technical) IA No. 513 of 2022 1. The present application is moved by Resolution Professional Mr. Sanjay Gupta (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 seeking approval of the resolution plan of Amalgam Steel and Power Limited (hereafter called as the “Successful Resolution Applicant/SRA”) under the provisions of Section 31(1) of the code, for Topworth Steel and Power Private Ltd. (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 29.01.2020. Mr. Dushyant Dave was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (hereinafter referred to as the IRP).
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 3. The Applicant is the Resolution Professional of the Corporate Debtor appointed by this tribunal vide order dated 14th July 2020. Committee of Creditors ("CoC") in its 3rd CoC meeting held on 15th May 2021 resolved to replace IRP and appoint Mr. Sanjay Gupta, the Applicant as the Resolution Professional of the Corporate Debtor. 4. The Applicant submits that till the date of filing of the present Application, a total of 29 (Twenty- Nine) CoC meetings of the Corporate Debtor have been held from time to time. 5. At the 2nd CoC Meeting held on 12th May 2020, the CoC approved appointment of two registered valuers viz. Mr. Rakesh Narula and Mr. Vishajeet Singh Jadon for Plant and Machinery, Ms. Aashima Narula and Mr. Yashdeep Jadon for Land and Building and Mr. Vineet Rathi and Mr. Jigar Shah for Securities and Financial Assets ("Registered Valuers"). The registered Valuers submitted their report in the month of February, 2021. The average liquidation value of the Corporate Debtor was determined as Rs.238,15,90,254/- (Rupees Two Hundred Thirty Eight Crore Fifteen Lakh Ninety Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Four only). The average fair value of the Corporate Debtor was determined as Rs.345,81,31,318/- (Rupees Three Hundred Forty Five Crores
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Eighty One Lakh Thirty One Thousand Three Hundred and Eighteen only). 6. Pursuant to amendment to Regulation 40C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process of Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 ("CIRP Regulations") and the Suo-Moto order of the Hon'ble National Company Law Appellant Tribunal dated 30th March 2020, a period of 252 days (23rd March 2020 to 30th November 2020) was excluded from the CIRP period of the Corporate Debtor. The Applicant filed an Interlocutory Application No. 621 of 2021, this Hon'ble Tribunal vide order dated 25th March 2021 excluded 145 days from CIRP period of the Corporate Debtor. 7. Subsequently, on 14th August 2020, 'Form G' was published by the Applicant in newspapers inviting Eols from interested PRA’s. The Applicant received 8 (Eight) resolution plans from the PRA’s. 8. At the 15th CoC Meeting held on 8th April 2021, the 8 (Eight) resolution plans were opened and deliberated upon. Pursuant to the discussion and deliberations amongst the CoC members, the members were unanimously of the view that the existing commercial offers under the resolution plans were not satisfactory. It was then decided to invite
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 fresh resolution plans, from all interested PRA’s for the Corporate Debtor. 9. Pursuant to the decision of CoC in its 15th CoC meeting, the Amended 'Form G’ was published on 16th April 2021 inviting fresh resolution plans from PRA’s. The last date for submission of the resolution plans was prescribed as 7th June 2021. Thereupon, the Applicant was in receipt of 31 (Thirty-One) Eols from PRA’s. Further, based on the request of the PRA’s, the last date for submission of the resolution plans was extended to 9th July 2021. On the last date of submission of the resolution plans, the Applicant was in receipt of 12 (Twelve) resolution plans from interested PRA’s 10. The Applicant submits that in the 20th CoC meeting it was decided that a Core Committee of 6 Lenders comprising of 87.10% of the voting share be formed for the purpose of evaluation and negotiations with the PRA’s. 11. The CoC, in the 23rd meeting held on 21.09.2021 decided to carry out the negotiation process with the PRA’s through competing negotiation process. 12. An elaborate process of inter se bidding was conducted amongst the PRA’s on 4th October 2021, during which the PRA’s submitted their
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 final financial proposals with respect to the resolution plan. Thereafter, the PRA’s were requested to once again submit the revised resolution plans. Out of the 12 (Twelve) resolution plans received, only 8 (Eight) resolution plans were legally compliant. 13. At the 25th CoC meeting held on 13th October 2021, the 8 resolution plans were presented to the CoC members. In the 26th CoC meeting held on 22nd October 2021, the 8 (Eight) legally complaint resolution plans, were put to vote through E-voting before the CoC members. The Voting commenced on 23rd October 2021 and ended on 24th December 2021 14. Pursuant to such discussion, the members of the CoC in their 26th meeting held on 22nd October 2021 approved the resolution plan submitted by Amalgam Steel and Power Limited ("Successful Resolution Applicant") with requisite majority of 89.61%. The copy of the voting result is attached to this Application as Exhibit “F-1” and “F- 2”. 15. Pursuant to the approval of the Resolution Plan by the CoC, the Successful Resolution Applicant has accepted the Letter of Intent in accordance with the RFRP and the Successful Resolution Applicant has issued a Performance Bank Guarantee dated 27th December 2021 from MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Yes Bank Limited in favor of State Bank of India for a sum of INR 30,00,00,000/- (Rupees Thirty Crores Only) in accordance with the RFRP. 16. 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 Applicant has also confirmed its eligibility under Section 29A of the Insolvency Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("Code"). 17. The Applicant submits that the CIRP costs amounting to Rs.20 Crores will be paid within 60 days of the Approval Date.
Sr. Category Admitted Proposed Manner of Dues/Claims Payment Settlement and No under the Plan Payment (In Rupees) (In Rupees)
1. CIRP cost - 20,00,00,000 Unpaid CIRP Cost to the extent of Rs. 20,00,00,000 is proposed to be paid within 60 days of the Approval Date. Unpaid amount of CIRP cost beyond Rs.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Sr. Category Admitted Proposed Manner of Dues/Claims Payment Settlement and No under the Plan Payment (In Rupees) (In Rupees)
20,00,00,000 if any, shall be reduced from the amount being offered to the Financial Creditors under the Resolution Plan. The CIRP cost will paid in priority to any payments being made to any creditors of the Corporate Debtor as specified in Section 30(2)(a) of the Code. 2. Operationa 1,16,43,749 1,16,43,749 To be paid and l Creditors plus such other settled within 60 (Employee dues in terms days of the s& of clause 4.2.5 Approval Date in Workmen) of this part compliance with Section 30(2)(b) of the Code read with Regulation 38 of the CIRP Regulations. 3. Operationa 568,98,47,184 2,00,00,000 To be paid and l Creditors settled within 60 plus, such (Other days of the additional than Approval Date in amount, if any Workmen compliance with as mentioned &Employe Section 30(2)(b) in clause 4.3.5 es) of the Code read of this part with Regulation
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Sr. Category Admitted Proposed Manner of Dues/Claims Payment Settlement and No under the Plan Payment (In Rupees) (In Rupees)
38 of the CIRP Regulations. 4. Financial 2672,01,81,064 236,00,00,000 To be paid and Creditors settled within 60 (Secured) days of the Approval Date.
The inter-se distribution of the said amount of RS. 236,00,00,000 (Rupees Two Hundred and Thirty Six Crore Only), amongst the Financial Creditors (Secured) shall be determined by the CoC in its discretion and any such decision shall be binding on all stakeholders. 5. Financial 257,18,21,487 97,00,000 To be paid and Creditors settled within 60 (Unsecured days of the ) Approval Date.
The inter-se distribution of the said amount of RS. 97,00,000
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Sr. Category Admitted Proposed Manner of Dues/Claims Payment Settlement and No under the Plan Payment (In Rupees) (In Rupees)
(Rupees Ninety Seven Lakhs Only), amongst the Financial Creditors (Unsecured) shall be determined by the CoC in its discretion and any such decision shall be binding on all stakeholders. 6. Others Nil Nil Not Applicable
7. Shareholde Nil Nil Not Applicable rs Total 3499,34,93,484 260,13,43,749
Section 30(2) of the Code
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:
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 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.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 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 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
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 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. 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, Sanjay Gupta, an insolvency professional enrolled with ICSI Institute of Insolvency Professionals and registered with the Board with registration number IBBI/IPA-002/IP-N00982- C01/2017-2018/10354, am the resolution professional for the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of Topworth Steels & Power Pvt Ltd. 2. The details of the CIRP are as under: Particulars Description Sl. No. 1 Name of the CD Topworth Steels & Power Pvt Ltd 2 Date of Initiation of CIRP 29.01.2020 (order received from NCLT on 28.01.2020) 3 Date of Appointment of IRP 29.01.2020 4 Date of Publication of Public 29.02.2020 Announcement 5 Date of Constitution of CoC 20.03.2020 6 Date of First Meeting of CoC 27.03.2020 7 Date of Appointment of RP 14.08.2020 8 Date of Appointment of Registered Valuers 12.05.2020
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 9 Date of Issue of Invitation for EoI 14.08.2020 16.04.2021 (further amended on May 20th, 2021) 10 Date of Final List of Eligible Prospective 27.05.2021 Resolution Applicants 11 Date of Invitation of Resolution Plan 08.05.2021 12 Last Date of Submission of Resolution 09.07.2021 Plan 13 Date of Approval of Resolution Plan by 24.12.2021 CoC 14 Date of Filing of Resolution Plan with 05.01.2022 Adjudicating Authority 15 Date of Expiry of 180 days of CIRP 17.08.2021 16 Date of Order extending the period of 21.12.2021 CIRP 17 Date of Expiry of Extended Period of 20.02.2022 CIRP 18 Fair Value 345.81 Crores 19 Liquidation value 238.15 Crores 20 Number of Meetings of CoC held 29 meetings
3. I have examined the Resolution Plan received from Resolution Applicant, Amalgam Steels and Power Ltd and approved by Committee of Creditors (CoC) of CLC Industries Limited by 89.61%.
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, Consortium of Amalgam Steels and Power Ltd 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 89.61% of voting share of financial creditors after considering its feasibility and viability and other requirements specified by the CIRP Regulations. (iv) 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.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018
5. The list of financial creditors of the CD being members of the CoC and distribution of voting share among them is as under: Name of Creditor Voting Share Sl. Voting for Resolution Plan (Voted (%) No. for / Dissented / Abstained) 1. State Bank of India 31.72 Assented 2. Punjab National Bank 17.90 Assented 3. Union Bank of India 11.90 Assented 4. Indian Bank 10.39 Dissented 5. IDBI Bank Ltd. 7.54 Assented 6. Bank of Baroda 7.65 Assented 7. Central Bank of India 6.75 Assented 8. JM Financial Asset 2.66 Assented Reconstruction Company Limited 9. Canara Bank 1.51 Assented 10. ICICI Bank Limited 1.44 Assented 11. Superways Enterprises Pvt. 0.54 Assented Ltd
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: Sl. Category of Sub-Category Amount Amount Amount Amount No. Stakeholder* of Stakeholder Claimed Admitted Provided Provided under the to the Plan#
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Amount Claimed (%) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 1 Secured (a) Creditors - - - - Financial not having a Creditors right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above: Liquidation (i) who did not 260,87,45,437 260,87,45,437 value is vote in favour provided in of the priority resolution Plan 2419,04,83,717 24,11,14,35,627 (ii) who voted 236,00,00,00 in favour of the 0 resolution plan Total[(a) + 26,79,92,29,1526,72,01,81,06 236,00,00,0 9% (b)] 4 5 00 2 Unsecured (a) Creditors - - - - Financial not having a Creditors right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above: (i) who did not 47,55,16,181. 47,55,16,181. Nil vote in favor of 48 48 the resolution 0.45% Plan 215,50,18,593 97,00,000 (ii) who voted 213,79,65,845 in favour of the resolution plan
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Total[(a) + 263,05,34,77 257,18,21,487 97,00,000 0.45% (b)] 4 3 Operational (a) Related - - - - Creditors Party of Corporate Debtor (b) Other than (a) above: (i)Government 140,89,98,972 2,00,00,000 (ii)Workmen 140,89,98,972 (Including (iii)Employees 116,43,749 Other OC) (iv) other 116,43,749 116,43,749 operational 568,98,47,184 creditors 428,09,67,489 (v) -- Contingency Total[(a) + 675,73,73,809 570,14,90,933 3,16,43,749 0.56% (b)] 4 Other debts and - - - -dues Grand Total 3618,71,37,73 3499,34,93,48 260,13,43,74 7.43% 7 5 9 *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: Category of Voting Share Voting Share Sl. No No. of Shares No. of Shares Share Holder held before held after the (%) held (%) held after CIRP CIRP before CIRP CIRP 1 Equity CREST Steel Amalgam Promoter: Public: 5% and Power Steel & Power 42.14% New Promoters: Private Limited- Public: 57.86 95% Limited 20,00,000 (Ref: (CSPPL) - Resolution Plan) 93067157 Abhay Lodha -1
2 Preference N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018
9. The compliance of the Resolution Plan is as under: Section of Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Complianc Resolution the Code / e (Yes / Plan Regulatio No) n No. Whether the Resolution Applicant meets the criteria Yes 25(2)(h) approved by the CoC having regard to the complexity and scale of operations of business of the CD? Section Whether the Resolution Applicant is eligible to submit Clause 6.1 29A resolution plan as per final list of Resolution Professional Yes or Order, if any, of the Adjudicating Authority? Section Whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted an - Yes affidavit stating that it is eligible? 30(1) Section Whether the Resolution Plan- (a) provides for the payment of insolvency resolution 30(2) process costs? Clause 4.1 Yes of Part V (b) provides for the payment to the operational creditors? (c) provides for the payment to the financial creditors who Clause 4.2 did not vote in favour of the resolution plan? and 4.3 of Yes Part V (d) provides for the management of the affairs of the corporate debtor? Clause 4.4.5, 4.4.6 (e) provides for the implementation and supervision of the at 4.5.5 and Yes resolution plan? 4.5.6 of Part V (f) contravenes any of the provisions of the law for the time being in force? Clause 2 of Part IV read with Yes Part II
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018
Clause 1 of Part IV Yes read with Part II No (Stated as Yes, Clause 2 of however, it Part IV seems to be error) Section Whether the Resolution Plan Clause 5 of Yes 30(4) (a) is feasible and viable, according to the CoC? Part VI (b) has been approved by the CoC with 66% voting 89.61% Yes share? Section Whether the Resolution Plan has provisions for its effective Clause 6 of Yes implementation plan, according to the CoC? Part VI 31(1) read with Part VII Regulation Where the resolution profesional made a determination if Yes, I.A. Yes 35A the corporate debtor has been subjected to any transaction No. 499 of of the nature covered under sections 43, 45, 50 or 66, 2021 filed before the one hundred and fifteenth day of the insolvency on commencement date, under intimation to the Board? 23.02.2021 And I.A. No. 1474 of 2020 filed on 01.07.2020 Regulation Whether the amount due to the operational creditors Clause 4.2 Yes under the resolution plan has been given priority in and 4.3 of 38 (1) payment over financial creditors? Part V Regulation Whether the resolution plan includes a statement as to how Clause 1 of Yes it has dealt with the interests of all stakeholders? Part VI 38(1A) read with Clause 4 of Part V Regulation (i) Whether the Resolution Applicant or any of its related Clause 4 of 38(1B) parties has failed to implement or contributed to the Part VI
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 failure of implementation of any resolution plan approved under the Code. (ii) If so, whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted N.A. N.A. the statement giving details of such non-implementation? Regulation Whether the Resolution Plan provides: Clause 3 of Yes 38(2) (a) the term of the plan and its implementation schedule? Part VI read with Part VII (b) for the management and control of the business of the Clause 2 of Yes corporate debtor during its term? IV read with Part II (c) adequate means for supervising its implementation? Clause 1 of Yes Part IV read with Part II 38(3) Whether the resolution plan demonstrates that – (a) it addresses the cause of default? Clause 3 of Yes Part VI (c) it is feasible and viable? Clause 5 of Yes Part VI (d) it has provisions for its effective implementation? Clause 6 of Yes Part VI read with (d) it has provisions for approvals required and the Pat VII Yes timeline for the same? Clause 9.14 of Part IV (e) the resolution applicant has the capability to implement the resolution plan? Yes Part VI read with Part VII of the Resolution Plan
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Whether the RP has filed applications in respect of Yes, I.A. Yes 39(2) transactions observed, found or determined by him? No. 499 of 2021 filed on 23.02.2021 And I.A. No. 1474 of 2020 filed on 01.07.2020 Regulati on Provide details of performance security received, as referred PBG dated Yes 39(4) to in sub-regulation (4A) of regulation 36B. 27.12.201 from Yes Bank Limited in favour of State Bank of India for a sum of INR 30,00,00,00 0/-
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 Commencement of CIRP and Appointment T 29.01.2020 Section 16(1) of IRP (order received from NCLT on 28.01.2020) Publication of Public Announcement 29.02.2020 Regulation 6(1) T+3 Submission of Claims 13.03.2020 Section 15(1)(c) T+14 /Regulation 12 (1) Verification of Claims 19.03.2020 Regulation 13(1) T+21
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 Application for Appointment of Authorised - Section 26(6A) / T+23 Representative, if necessary Regulation 15A Filing of Report Certifying Constitution of 21.03.2020 Regulation 17(1) T+23 CoC First Meeting of the CoC 27.03.2020 Section 22(1) T+30 and regulation 17(2) Regulation 35A Determination of fraudulent and other 12.05.2020 T+115 transactions Regulation 27 Appointment of two Registered Valuers 12.05.2020 T+47 Submission of Information Memorandum 28.10.2020 Regulation 36 (1) T+54 to CoC Regulation 36A Invitation of EoI 14.08.2020 T+75 Publication of Form G T+75 14.08.2020 16.04.2021 (further amended on May 20th, 2021) Provisional List of Resolution Applicants 04.05.2021 T+100 Final List of Resolution Applicants 10.05.2021 T+115 Regulation 36B Issue of Request for Resolution Plan, which 08.05.2021 T+105 includes Evaluation Matrix and Information Memorandum to Resolution Applicants Submission of CoC approved Resolution 22.10.2021 Section 30(6) / T+165 Plan Regulation 39(4) Approval of Resolution Plan As and when Section 31(1) T=180 approved by Hon’ble Adjudicating Authority
11. The time frame proposed for obtaining relevant approvals is as under: Nature of Approval Name of Name of When to be obtained Sl. No. applicable Law Authority who will grant Approval 1 Necessary approvals under Within a period of the relevant Applicable one year. Laws, required for the MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 purpose implementation of this Resolution Plan 2 RA declares that the N.A. N.A. N.A. transaction does not fall into the ambit of CCI for taking any approval
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): Reasons Whether rectified or Sl. Deviation/Non- Section of the Code / not compliance observed No. Regulation No. / Circular No. 1 NA N.A. N.A. N.A.
14. The Resolution Plan is being filed 45 days before the expiry of the period of CIRP provided in section 12 of the Code.
15. Provide details of section 66 or avoidance application filed / pending. Type of Transaction Date of Filing with Date of Order of Brief of the Sl. Adjudicating the Adjudicating Order No. Authority Authority 1 Preferential transactions under 04.03.2021 Pending N.A. section 43 2 Undervalued transactions 04.03.2021 Pending N.A. under section 45 3 Extortionate credit transactions 04.03.2021 Pending N.A. under section 50 4 Fraudulent transactions under 04.03.2021 Pending N.A. section 66 15A. The committee has approved a plan providing for contribution under regulation 39B as under: a. Estimated liquidation cost: N.A. b. Estimated liquid assets available: N.A. c. Contributions required to be made: N.A. d. Financial creditor wise contribution is as under: Sl. No. Name of financial creditor Amount to be contributed (Rs.)
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 1 NA N.A. Total As per Regulation 2A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) regulations, 2016 if CoC has not approved the plan under Regulation 39B then FC will contribute to the cost in proportion to their debts. 15B. The committee has recommended under regulation 39C as under: a. Sale of corporate debtor as a going concern: NA b. Sale of business of corporate debtor as a going concern: NA The details of recommendation are available with the resolution professional. N.A. 15C. The committee has fixed, in consultation with the resolution professional, the fee payable to the liquidator during the liquidation period under regulation 39D.]: N.A.
21. 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.
22. 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.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 23. 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 89.61%. 24. We have examined the prayer sought in IA No. 2355 of 2022 and find that there are no material changes in Resolution Plan in terms of payment offered to the creditors and timelines of the plan. The overall feasibility and viability of the plan stands unaltered. The modification only pertains to the withdrawal of proposed merger of the Resolution Applicant with the Corporate Debtor upon approval of the plan. We feel that such prayer can be allowed. 25. There is one IA No. 1486 of 2020 filed by the Resolution Professional seeking detachment of TRA account. In view of the approval of plan, the said attachment is rendered infructuous as the claims of the beneficiary of the attachment are to be dealt in accordance with the approved plan. The resolution professional has already clarified that the claims of the beneficiary of attachment have already been admitted and considered in the Resolution Plan approved by CoC. This IA is also disposed of accordingly. 26. 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
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 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.
27. 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.
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 28. 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: “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
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 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 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 Monitoring Committee consisting of three Representatives of CoC who have highest exposures; the Resolution Professional and one Representative of the Resolution Applicant, shall
MUMBAI BENCH- I IA No. 513 of 2022, IA No. 2355 of 2022 and IA No. 1486 of 2020 IN CP (IB) No. 590/MB/C-I/2018 supervise the implementation of the Resolution Plan and file status of its implementation before this Authority after distribution of the Resolution Plan amongst the Stakeholders. The Monitoring Committee shall be chaired by the Resolution Professional. vi. The Resolution Applicant shall prosecute the avoidance Applications filed u/s 43 to 51 and 66 of the Code on best effort basis. The proceeds of such Applications, after deducting the costs, if any, incurred in prosecuting these Applications shall belong to the Financial Creditors and shall be shared by them in the manner decided by the CoC members. vii. 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. viii. The Applicant shall forthwith send a certified copy of this Order to the CoC and the Resolution Applicant, respectively for necessary compliance.
29. IA No. 513 of 2022 is allowed. IA No. 2355 of 2022 is allowed. IA No. 1486 of 2020 is dismissed as having become infructuous.
Sd/- Sd/- PRABHAT KUMAR JUSTICE V.G. BISHT Member (Technical) Member (Judicial) 11.10.2023 Priyal
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