Approval of Resolution Plan - Vinergy International Pvt. Ltd.
- CitationI.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 in C.P. (IB) No. 386-MB-2021
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The Adjudicating Authority's role under Section 30(6) and Section 31 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, when considering a resolution plan approved by the Committee of Creditors by the requisite voting share, is limited to scrutinising whether the plan meets the requirements of Section 30(2); it has no power to modify a plan that the CoC has approved in its commercial wisdom, and any ground for rejection must be referable to the matters specified in Section 30(2). Where a resolution plan is approved by the CoC, the Resolution Professional must submit it to the Adjudicating Authority under Section 30(6), and the Adjudicating Authority, on receipt, must be satisfied that the plan complies with Section 30(2) and the applicable Regulations before approving it under Section 31. Pending litigation involving the corporate debtor does not, by itself, bar approval of a resolution plan where the successful resolution applicant has undertaken that such proceedings will not prejudice or adversely affect implementation of the plan, and the plan is not contingent on their outcome; in such circumstances the plan is found to be in accordance with law. On approval, all claims not forming part of the resolution plan stand extinguished, and no person may initiate or continue proceedings in respect of such a claim, in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision in Ghanshyam Mishra & Sons Pvt. Ltd. v. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Limited, as applied by the Tribunal.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
1. The captioned application bearing I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 has been filed on 19.07.2024 by ARCK Resolution Professional LLP, the Applicant Resolution Professional (“ Applicant RP”) of Vinergy International Pvt. Ltd. (“Corporate Debtor”), under Section 30(6) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC, 2016”) on behalf of its Committee of Creditors seeking approval of the Resolution Plan submitted by U.V. Stressed Assets Management (“Successful Resolution Applicant”) and approved by 100% (one hundred percent) of the voting share of the members of the Committee of Creditors (“CoC”) of the Corporate Debtor for a Resolution Amount of INR 12.55Cr.
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 09.02.2023 of this Tribunal in C.P.(IB) No. 386/MB/2021, on an application filed by ICICI Bank Ltd. (“Financial Creditor”) u/s. 7 of the IBC, 2016. In furtherance thereof, Mr. Vishal Pawankumar Bidawatjika was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (“IRP”). The RP caused public announcement to be made in Form-A on 11.02.2023 informing the commencement of CIRP of the Corporate Debtor and invited claims from creditors, which were duly collated and verified, the IRP prepared a report on the constitution of CoC and filed the same along with list of creditors before this Tribunal. The same was taken on record by this Tribunal, vide its Order dated 20.04.2023.
2.2 In the intervening period however, disciplinary proceedings were initiated as against the said IRP and resultantly, the CoC sought to vote upon the appointment of the Applicant herein as the Resolution Professional
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 (“RP”). The said appointment was duly confirmed by this Tribunal on 19.05.2023 (In light of this Tribunal’s Order dated 30.01.2023 r/w. Rectification Order dated 07.06.2023).
2.3 Pursuant to the same, the CoC sought to pass a Resolution for Liquidation of the Corporate Debtor with 80.87% voting-share via its Fourth Meeting dated 08.06.2023. An Interlocutory Application bearing I.A. No. 3579 of 2023 was accordingly filed by the RP before this Tribunal, which was subsequently withdrawn at the backdrop of ongoing discussions towards materialisation of Resolution Plan(s), and the said withdrawal was duly allowed by this Tribunal vide its Order dated 20.11.2023.
2.4 During the subsequent meetings of the CoC of Corporate Debtor, discussions ensued towards materialisation of Resolution Plan received by M/s. U.V. Stressed Assets Management. The CoC however took note of the fact that M/s. U.V. Stressed Assets Management did not figure in the final list of Prospective Resolution Applicant(s) (“PRA”) in consonance with Regulation 36A of CIRP Regulations, and thereby sought to opt for re-publication of FORM-G on 04.05.2024. The re-publication was accordingly carried out, and the final list of PRAs was consequently issued on 28.05.2024, followed by issuance of Information Memorandum, Evaluation Matrix and Request for Resolution Plan(s) to the respective PRAs.
2.5 The CoC, via its Sixteenth Meeting dated 26.06.2024, sought to pass a resolution approving the Resolution Plan submitted by U.V. Stressed Assets Management with a voting-share of 73.91%, which was accordingly declared as the Successful Resolution Applicant (“SRA”). The records further reflect that one of the CoC members viz. Assets Care
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 and Reconstruction Enterprise Limited conveyed its voting for approval of the Resolution Plan via E-Mail dated 15.07.2024. In light of the same, the Applicant RP submits that the Resolution Plan (in consideration hereto) has been effectively approved with a voting share of 100%. The E-voting results of the Sixteenth Meeting of CoC dated 26.06.2024, concomitant to the afore-stated, is extracted as hereunder:
The Applicant RP has thus filed the captioned application, seeking approval of the Resolution Plan submitted by the Successful Resolution application a/w. certain reliefs, waivers and concessions as contained thereunder, before this Tribunal.
3. The SRA is admittedly a “..special purpose vehicle incorporated with the objective to carry on the business of acquisition, resolution or management of any financial assets and/ or act as financial consultants, management consultants, advisors in relation to MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 acquisition and/ or resolution of financial or stressed assets.” The SRA has further confirmed that it is eligible to submit Resolution Plan in consonance with Section 29A of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, and has sought to file an Affidavit dated 03.06.2024 to the same effect.
Salient features of the Resolution Plan
4. The key features of the Resolution Plan submitted by the SRA in the matter of Corporate Debtor herein, is summarized hereunder:
Currency: Rs. Timeline as Admitted claim Amount as per Resolution Plan per Clause as per IM 6.5 Pending CIRP Costs X + 30 Days 35,49,141.00 Payable as per actuals ‘Workmen and NA Nil Nil Employees Verified Operational X + 45 Days Creditors (Government Dues) Deputy Commissioner 1,12,15,88,036.00 3,22,672.93 Sales Tax Mumbai Commissioner, 28.47,13,688.20 81,910.11 Commercial Taxes, West Bengal The Ass. 15,65,92,673.00 45,050.60 Commissioner of Sales Tax, Vapi Ass. Commissioner of 4,80,54,668.00 13,824.99 Sales Tax, Hubbali
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 The Commercial Tax 4,30,05,233.00 12,372.30 Officer, (Audit 02), Dharwad Asst. Commissioner of 75,27,727.00 2,165.67 Sales Tax, Karwar Asst. Commissioner of 5,57,082.00 160.27 Sales Tax, Kumta Employees State Nil Nil Insurance Corporation Verified operational | NA Nil Nil creditors (Other than Workmen and Employees and Government Dues) Verified financial X + 60 Days creditors - Assigning Financial Creditors ACRE-144-TRUST 36,19,41,343.38 3,26,18,620.00 Bank of India 25,16,37,000.00 2,26,77,851.00 JC Flowers ARC 16,02,26,334.22 1,44,39,804.00 Kotak Mahindra Bank 10,51,76,015.96 94,78,598.00 Verified financial NA 50,80,38,985.20 4,57,85,127.00 creditors - UV Asset Reconstruction Company Limited Other creditors (other NA Nil Nil | than financial creditors and operational creditors) Total 3,12,85,33,086.96 12,55,00,000.00
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Indicative timeline for implementation of resolution plan Actionable Timelines Date of Adjudicating Authority’s approval of the Resolution Plan X Formation of Monitoring Committee and first meeting of the Committee X+7 to be held. Payment of CIRP cost X+30 Payment of dues to statutory authorities X+45 Payment to dissenting financial creditors if any. X+45 Payment of Assignment Consideration to Assigning Financial Creditors X+60 Change in management of the Corporate Debtor, by appointment of X+60 Directors and Key Managerial Personnel appointed by the Resolution Applicant on the board of the Corporate Debtor Re-organization of share capital as mentioned in clause 7.2.1 X+60 Date of cessation of the Monitoring Committee X+60 Approvals, if any, that may be required to be taken for the Corporate X+60 Debtor
Distribution of proceeds Currency (INR) Admitted Proportionate % of Assignment Claims Plan Values admitted Consideration. for Financial claims. Creditors ACCRE-144- 361,941,343.98 32,618,620.00 9.01% 32,618,620.00 TRUST Bank of India 251,637,000.00 22,677,851.00 9.01% 22,677,851.00 JC Flowers 160,226,334.22 14,439,804.00 9.01% 14,439,804.00 ARC Kotak 105,176,015.96 9,478,598.00 9.01% 9,478,598.00 Mahindra Bank UVARCL 508,038,985.20 47,785,127.00 9.01% NIL Total 1,387,19,678.19 125,000,000.00 9.01% 79,214,73.00
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Viability of the Resolution Plan
5. The Applicant RP hereby submits that the Resolution Plan approved by the CoC is in compliance with the legal requirements as mandated under IBC, 2016.
6. As per the RP the Fair Value and Liquidation Value determined by the Registered Valuer are as follows:
Fair Value: INR 3,50,88,074/- (Rupees Three crores, fifty lakhs, eighty-eight thousand, and seventy-four only)
Liquidation Value: INR 2,93,41,457/- (Rupees Two crores, ninety-three lakhs, forty-one thousand, four hundred and fifty-seven only)
7. The Applicant RP 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 Resolution Plan has 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, ARCK Resolution Professionals LLP, IPE registered as IP, an insolvency professional enrolled with Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of ICAI and registered with the Board with registration number IBBI/IPE- 0030/IPA-1/2022-23/50013, is the resolution professional for the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of Vinergy International Private Limited. 2. The details of the CIRP are as under:
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Sl. No. Particulars Description 1 Name of the CD VINERGY INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LIMITED
2 Date of Initiation of CIRP 09.02.2023 3 Date of Appointment of IRP 09.02.2023 4 Date of Publication of Public Announcement 12.02.2023 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 19.05.2023 8 Date of Appointment of Registered Valuers 20.04.2023 9 Date of Issue of Invitation for EoI I – 05.05.2023 II – 04.05.2024 10 Date of Final List of Eligible Prospective Resolution Applicants I – Not specified by IRP II – 28.05.2024 11 Date of Invitation of Resolution Plan I – Not specified by IRP II – 29.05.2024 12 Last Date of Submission of Resolution Plan I – Not specified by IRP II – 28.06.2024 13 Date of Approval of Resolution Plan by CoC 11.07.2024 14 Date of Filing of Resolution Plan with Adjudicating Authority 19.07.2024 15 Date of Expiry of 180 days of CIRP 08.08.2023 16 Date of Order extending the period of CIRP 30.04.2024 17.05.2024
17 Date of Expiry of Extended Period of CIRP 19.07.2024 18 Fair Value ₹ 3,50,88,074 19 Liquidation value ₹ 2,93,41,457 20 Number of Meetings of CoC held 16
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 2. I have examined the Resolution Plan received from Resolution Applicant UV Stressed Assets Management Private Limited and approved by Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Vinergy International Private Limited. 3. 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 UV Stressed Assets Management 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 meeting of the CoC on 26.06.2024 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. *One of the COC member could not vote within the stipulated timelines, however, vide email dated 15.07.2024, the COC member conveyed its vote for approval of resolution plan. 4. The list of financial creditors of the CD Vinergy International Private Limited being members of the CoC and distribution of voting share among them is as under: Sl. No. Name of Creditor Voting Share (%) Voting for Resolution Plan (Voted for / Dissented / Abstained) 1 UV Asset Reconstruction 36.63% Voted for Company Limited 2 Assets Care and Reconstruction 26.09% Voted for * Enterprise Limited (ACRE) 3 JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction 11.56% Voted for Pvt. Ltd. 4 Kotak Mahindra Bank 7.58% Voted for 5 Bank of Inda 18.14% Voted for * The COC member could not vote within the stipulated timelines, however, vide email dated 15.07.2024, the COC member conveyed its vote for approval of resolution plan.
5. 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. 6. The amounts provided for the stakeholders under the Resolution Plan is as under: (Amount in Rs. lakh)
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Sl. Category of Sub-Category of Amount Amount Amount Amount No. Stakeholder* Stakeholder Claimed Admitted Provided Provided under the to the Plan# Amount Claimed (%)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 1 Secured Financial (a) Creditors not having 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 vote in NA NA NA NA favour of the resolution Plan
13870.20 13870.20 1250 9.01% (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan
Total[(a) + (b)] 13870.20 13870.20 1250 9.01% 2 Unsecured (a) Creditors not having a NA NA NA NA Financial Creditors right to vote under sub-section (2) of section 21 (b) Other than (a) above:
(i) who did not vote in NA NA NA NA favour of the resolution Plan (ii) who voted in favour of the resolution plan NA NA NA NA
Total[(a) + (b)] NA NA NA NA
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 3 Operational (a) Related Party of NA NA NA NA Creditors Corporate Debtor (b) Other than (a) above:
(i) Government 17,384.42 17,379.64 5.00 0.03% (ii) Workmen NA NA NA NA (iii)Employees NA NA NA NA
Total[(a) + (b)] 17,384.42 17,379.64 5.00 0.03% 4 Other debts and NA NA NA NA dues Grand Total 31,254.62 31,249.84 1,255.00 4.015% *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.] 3. The interests of existing shareholders have been altered by the Resolution plan as under: Sl. No Category of No. of Shares No. of Shares Voting Share (%) Voting Share (%) Share Holder held before CIRP held after the held before CIRP held after CIRP CIRP 1 Equity 14,21,850 0 100 0 2 Preference 0 0 0 0 4. The compliance of the Resolution Plan is as under: Section of the Requirement with respect to Resolution Plan Clause of Compliance Code / Regulation Resolution Plan (Yes / No) No. 25(2)(h) Whether the Resolution Applicant meets the criteria approved by NA NA the CoC having regard to the complexity and scale of operations of business of the CD? Section 29A Whether the Resolution Applicant is eligible to submit resolution Yes plan as per final list of Resolution Professional or Order, if any, of the Adjudicating Authority? Section 30(1) Whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted an affidavit Appendix 10 Yes stating that it is eligible? Section 30(2) Whether the Resolution Plan- (a) provides for the payment of insolvency resolution process Clause 4, Pg 6 Yes costs?
(b) provides for the payment to the operational creditors? Clause 5,4, Pg 7 Yes (c) provides for the payment to the financial creditors who did not Clause 3.3, Pg 6 Yes vote in favour of the resolution plan?
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 (d) provides for the management of the affairs of the corporate Clause 9, Pg 11 Yes debtor? (e) provides for the implementation and supervision of the Clause 6, Pg 7 Yes resolution plan? Clause 9, Pg 11 (f) contravenes any of the provisions of the law for the time being Clause 13, Pg Yes. (Provided in force?] that it does not 16 contravene any of the provisions of law) Section 30(4) Whether the Resolution Plan Yes Yes (a) is feasible and viable, according to the CoC? 15th COC (b) has been approved by the CoC with 66% voting share? Meeting 16th COC Meeting Voting Section 31(1) Whether the Resolution Plan has provisions for its effective 15th COC Yes implementation plan, according to the CoC? Meeting Regulation 38 (1) Whether the amount due to the operational creditors under the Clause 5.4, Pg 7 Yes resolution plan has been given priority in payment over financial creditors?] & Clause 3.3, Pg 6 Regulation 38(1A) Whether the resolution plan includes a statement as to how it has Clause 3, 4, 5 Yes dealt with the interests of all stakeholders? Pg 5, 6, 7 Clause 13.6 Pg 17 Regulation 38(1B) (i) Whether the Resolution Applicant or any of its related Clause 13.2, Yes (Provided parties has failed to implement or contributed to the failure of that it has not Pg 16 failed to implement any resolution p lan) implementation of any resolution plan approved under the Code.
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 (ii) If so, whether the Resolution Applicant has submitted the statement giving details of such non-implementation?]
Regulation 38(2) Whether the Resolution Plan provides: (a) the term of the plan and its implementation schedule? Clause 6, Pg 7, 8 Yes (b) for the management and control of the business of the Clause 9, Pg 11 Yes corporate debtor during its term?
(c) adequate means for supervising its implementation? Clause 9.1.e, Pg Yes 11 Clause 13, Pg 1 6 38(3) Whether the resolution plan demonstrates that – (a) it addresses the cause of default? Clause 8.4, Pg 9 Yes (b) it is feasible and viable? Clause 13.8, Pg Yes 16 (c) it has provisions for its effective implementation? Clause 13.8, Pg Yes 16 Clause 9, Pg 11 (d) it has provisions for approvals required and the timeline for Clause 6.5, Pg 9 Yes the same?
(e) the resolution applicant has the capability to implement the Clause 1, Pg 3 Yes resolution plan? Clause 1, Pg 17 39(2) Whether the RP has filed applications in respect of transactions No such observed, found or determined by him? transactions observed Regulation 39(4) Provide details of performance security received, as referred to in EMD I & II sub-regulation (4A) of regulation 36B.] amount Rs. 60,00,000 Bank Guarantee Rs. 1,27,50,000
2. The CIRP has been conducted as per the timeline indicated as under:
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Section of the Code / Description of Activity Latest Timeline Actu al Date Regulation No. under regulation 40A Section 16(1) Commencement of CIRP and Appointment of IRP T 09.02.2023 09.02.2023 Regulation 6(1) Publication of Public Announcement T+3 12.02.2023 12.02.2023 Section 15(1)(c) Submission of Claims T+14 /Regulation 12 (1) 23.02.2023 23.02.2023 Regulation 13(1) Verification of Claims T+21 02.03.2023 01.03.2023 Section 26(6A) / Application for Appointment of Authorised T+23 Regulation 15A Representative, if necessary 04.03.2023 03.03.2023 Regulation 17(1) Filing of Report Certifying Constitution of CoC T+23 04.03.2023 03.03.2023 Section 22(1) and First Meeting of the CoC T+30 regulation 17(2) 11.03.2023 13.03.2023 Regulation 35A Determination of fraudulent and other transactions T+115 No transaction 09.06.2023 determined Regulation 27 Appointment of two Registered Valuers T+47 28.03.2023 20.04.2024 Regulation 36 (1) Submission of Information Memorandum to CoC T+95 15.05.2023 29.05.2024 Regulation 36A Invitation of EoI T+60 I – 05.05.2023 10.04.2023 II – 04.05.2024 Publication of Form G T+60 I – 05.05.2023 10.04.2023 II – 04.05.2024 Provisional List of Resolution Applicants T+85 I – No EoI received 05.05.2023 II – 22.05.2024 Final List of Resolution Applicants T+100 I – NA 20.05.2023 II – 28.05.2024 Regulation 36B Issue of Request for Resolution Plan, which T+105 I – NA includes Evaluation Matrix and Information 25.05.2023 II – 29.05.2024 Memorandum to Resolution Applicants Section 30(6) / Submission of CoC approved Resolution Plan T+165 19.07.2024 Regulation 39(4) 24.07.2023 Section 31(1) Approval of Resolution Plan T=180 As per 08.08.2023 Adjudicating Authority 3. The time frame proposed for obtaining relevant approvals is as under: Sl. No. Nature of Approval Name of applicable Name of Authority When to be obtained Law who will grant Approval 1 Approval of Resolution Plan Insolvency & Hon’ble NCLT As per Adjudicating Bankruptcy Code, Authority 2016 2 Any other statutory approvals As applicable As applicable Within 60 days from the date of approval of resolution plan by Hon’ble NCLT
5. The Resolution Plan is not subject to any contingency. or MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 The Resolution Plan is subject to the following contingencies (Elaborate the contingencies): i………………………………………………………………… ii………………………………………………………………... 6. 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): Sl. Deviation/Non-compliance Section of the Code / Reasons Whether rectified or No. observed Regulation No. / Circular not No.
1 NA NA NA NA
2 NA NA NA NA
3 NA NA NA NA
7. The Resolution Plan is being filed 0 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: Yes / No (b) filed Form CIRP 8 with the Board on or before the one hundred and fortieth day of the insolvency commencement date: Y es / No 8. Provide details of section 66 or avoidance application filed / pending. Sl. Type of Transaction Date of Filing with Date of Order of the Brief of the No. Adjudicating Authority Adjudicating Authority Order
1 Preferential transactions under NA NA NA section 43
2 Undervalued transactions under NA NA NA section 45
3 Extortionate credit transactions NA NA NA under section 50
4 Fraudulent transactions under NA NA NA section 66
15A. The committee has approved a plan providing for contribution under regulation 39B as under: a. Estimated liquidation cost: Rs. 70,00,000/- b. Estimated liquid assets available: Rs. Nil/- c. Contributions required to be made: Rs 70,00,000/- d. Financial creditor wise contribution is as under:
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 Sl. No. Name of financial creditor Amount to be contributed (Rs.) 1 UV Asset Reconstruction Company Limited ₹ 25,64,100 2 ACRE ₹ 18,26,300 3 JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Pvt Ltd ₹ 8,08,500 4 Kotak Mahindra Bank ₹ 5,30,600 5 Bank of India ₹ 12,69,800 Total ₹ 70,00,000
15B. The committee has recommended under regulation 39C as under: a. Sale of corporate debtor as a going concern: Ye s / No b. Sale of business of corporate debtor as a going concern: Yes / No The details of recommendation are available with the resolution professional. 15C. The committee has fixed, in consultation with the resolution professional, the fee payable to the liquidator during the liquidation period under regulation 39D.] 9. I, ARCK Resolution Professionals LLP, hereby certify that the contents of this certificate are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
Name of the Resolution Professional: ARCK Resolution Professionals LLP IP Registration No: IBBI/IPE-0030/IPA-1/2022-23/50013 Address as registered with the Board: Flat No 409, 4th Floor Ansal Bhawan, 16, K G Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001 Email id as registered with the Board: insolvency@arck.in Date: 19.07.2024
Place: New Delhi
Findings of this Tribunal
8. 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. U.V. Stressed Assets Management stating that the plan is in accordance with the Section 30(2) and other provisions laid down under the code.
9. On perusal of the Resolution Plan, it is observed that the Resolution Plan provides for the following:
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 9.1.1 Payment of CIRP Cost as specified u/s 30(2)(a) of the Code. 9.1.2 Repayment of Debts of Operational Creditors as specified u/s 30(2)(b) of the Code. 9.1.3 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. 9.1.4 The implementation and supervision of Resolution Plan by the RP and the CoC as specified u/s 30(2)(d) of the Code.
10. 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.
11. 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 16th Meeting dated 26.06.2024, with an effective voting-share of 100%. Further, there are no such pending proceedings u/s. 66(1) r/w. 43(1) and 44(1) of the Code.
12. Upon due perusal of the Resolution Plan, this Bench deemed it fit to seek clarification in relation to its implementation at the backdrop of certain pending litigation(s) and their impact apropos the implementation of Resolution Plan. The captioned plan-approval application was accordingly listed for clarification on 25.10.2024 and the Ld. Counsel appearing at the behest of Resolution Professional was accordingly directed to file the requisite additional-affidavit explaining the same. In compliance with the afore-said directions, the Resolution Professional has sought to file its Additional Affidavit dated 28.10.2024, whereby the following has been brought on record:
“
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 3. That the Successful Resolution Applicant, namely M/s UV Stressed Assets Management Private Limited (hereinafter referred to as ‘SRA’), has provided in clause 11.1 of the resolution plan dated 19.06.2024 as follows:
“The Corporate Debtor will continue to pursue any litigation or claim being presently pursued by the corporate Debtor or initiate any such litigation in future in order to effectuate the Resolution Plan. Aay recovery made by the corporate Debtor shall be utilized by the corporate Debtor in any manner at the discretion of the Resolution Applicant. Litigation against the Corporate Debtor (as identified in Annexure 3 herein) shall, unless otherwise specifically stated in the plan. Shall stand abated.” However, the SRA has also submitted an undertaking that the SRA/ Corporate Debtor will pursue the existing proceedings concerning and related to the Corporate Debtor, which are currently pending before this Hon’ble Tribunal as well as the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. […] The said list of matters pertaining to the Corporate Debtor are listed below:
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 The Applicant further submits that, in accordance with the undertaking submitted by the SRA pursuant to the directions of Hon’ble NCLT, the SRA has undertaken that the aforesaid ongoing matters currently pending before this Hon’ble Tribunal and the Hon’ble Bombay High Court do not, in any manner, prejudice or adversely affect the implementation of the Resolution Plan submitted by M/s UV Stressed Assets Management Private Limited. It is stated that the Resolution Plan approved by the COC is in no manner contingent on the outcome and subject matter in the aforesaid Applications (Pending before Hon’ble NCLT Mumbai as well as the matter pending before Hon’ble High Court). Further, Resolution Plan is not at all affected in any manner by the decisions in the aforesaid applications. It is pertinent to note that the present Application seeking approval of Resolution plan has already been heard and reserved for orders on 03.10.2024. 4. It is stated that the aforesaid undertaking by SRA has also been put forth in the COC meeting held on 28.10.2024 and duly approved unanimously by COC members. […]
5. Accordingly, it is humbly submitted that these pending matters, in no manner, cause any prejudice to or adversely impact the implementation of the resolution plan dated 19.06.2024 filed in present IA. The resolution plan remains unaffected by the pending proceedings in the aforementioned matters and continues to be in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. […] ” In light of the afore-said, we find that the same is in due consonance with the extant tenets of law, and the Additional Affidavit dated 28.10.2024 is accordingly taken on record.
13. 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 MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 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 Section 30(2) when the Resolution Plan does not conform to the stated requirements.
14. 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).”
15. 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
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 of any of the provisions of Section 29A of the Code and is in accordance with law. The same needs to be approved. Ordered accordingly.
16. The present Application bearing I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 in C.P. (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 is hereby 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.
16.1. 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.
16.2. At the risk of re-iteration, the approval of this resolution plan shall not be construed as waiver of any statutory obligations of the Corporate Debtor, and the same shall be dealt by the appropriate authorities in accordance with law.
16.3. Further in terms of the judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Ghanshyam Mishra & Sons Pvt. Ltd. v. 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 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 a part of the Resolution Plan.
16.4. 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.
MUMBAI BENCH – IV I.A. (IBC)(Plan) No. 57 of 2024 IN C.P (IB) No. 386/MB/2021 16.5. The Moratorium u/s. 14 of IBC, 2016, shall cease to have effect from the date of pronouncement of this Order.
16.6. The Applicant shall supervise the implementation of the Resolution Plan and shall effectively file status of its implementation before this Tribunal from time to time without fail, preferably every quarter.
16.7. The Applicant shall forward all records relating to the conduct of the CIRP and the Resolution Plan to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, along-with the copy of this Order for requisite information.
16.8. The Applicant shall forthwith send a Certified Copy of this Order to the CoC and the Successful Resolution Applicant, for necessary compliances thereof.
Sd/- Sd/- ANU JAGMOHAN SINGH KISHORE VEMULAPALLI MEMBER (TECHNICAL) MEMBER (JUDICIAL) 09.12.2024 Aditya Kalia
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