In the matter of Central Bank of India Limited vs. Saurabh Dilip Pradhan,

NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL COURT-V, MUMBAI BENCH 102. C.P. (IB)/735(MB)2024 IN THE MATTER OF Central Bank Of India Limited … Petitioner Vs Saurabh Dilip Pradhan … Respondent U/s 95(1) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 Order Delivered on 26.11.2024 CORAM: MS. REETA KOHLI, MS. MADHU SINHA, MEMBER (J) MEMBER (T) Appearance through VC/Physical/Hybrid Mode: For the Petitioner: Adv. Roshan Gaud (PH) For the Respondent: ORDER 1. The above Company Petition is filed by Canara Bank of India Limited, for initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process against Shri Saurabh Dilip Pradhan, who is the Personal Guarantor of the Corporate Debtor i.e. Cottstown Fashion Limited.

2. Learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner invited the attention of this Bench to the Deed of Personal Guarantee dated 20.03.2015 executed by and between the Personal Guarantor. The Ld. Counsel for the Petitioner also invited the attention to the Demand Notice dated 07.05.2024 sent to the Respondent/Personal Guarantor in respect of unpaid debt in default due from M/s. Cottstown Fashion Limited.

3. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Dilip B Jiwrajka Vs. Union of India & Ors. Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1281 of 2021 decided on 09.11.2023 held as follows: “i. No judicial adjudication is involved at the stages envisaged in Section 95 to Section 99 of the IBC;

ii. The Resolution Professional appointed under Section 97 serves a facilitative role of collating all the facts relevant to the examination of the application for the commencement of the insolvency resolution process which has been preferred under Section 94 or Section 95. The report to be submitted to the Adjudicating Authority is recommendatory in nature on whether to accept or reject the application.”

4. The petition for initiating insolvency resolution process against Personal Guarantor to the Corporate Debtor is complete in all respect.

5. Having considered the submissions and upon perusing the above documents, this Bench is of the considered view that the present Company Petition is complete in all aspects as required by law and thus hereby appoints Mr. Sumeet Gupta, having Insolvency Registration No. IBBI/IPA-001/IP-P01016/2017- 2018/11667, Email Id: casumeet@gmail.com to act as the Resolution Professional.

6. The fee payable to Resolution Professional (RP) shall be in accordance with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) Regulations/Circulars/Directions issued in this regard.

7. This Bench also directs for an advance payment to the tune of Rs. 1,00,000/- to be paid by the Financial Creditor to the Resolution Professional immediately to initiate the process which shall be adjusted towards the expenses payable to the Resolution Professional. The fee may be decided by the Petitioner/FC.

8. The interim-moratorium under Section 96(1) (a) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 has commenced on the date of filing of this application by the Financial Creditor and will cease to have effect on the date of admission.

9. During such interim-moratorium period – i. any legal action or proceeding pending in respect of any debt shall be deemed to have been stayed; and ii. the creditors of the debtor shall not initiate any legal action or proceedings in respect of any debt.

10. The Resolution Professional is directed to examine the application as set out in Section 97(6) of IBC, 2016 who after examining, shall submit his report as provided under Section 99(1) of IBC, 2016 within 10 days.

11. Registry is directed to communicate this order immediately to the Resolution Professional.

12. Accordingly, stand over to 17.01.2025, for submission of the report by the Resolution Professional.

Sd/- Sd/- MADHU SINHA REETA KOHLI Member(Technical) Member(Judicial) /Ziyaul/