Is Time of Essence: A Test of IBC’s Timelines and Accountability
by Aseem Chaturvedi*, Arpit Kumar Singh**, Siddhant Kumar*** and Amaan Khan****
corporate insolvency resolution process
Force Majeure doesn’t absolve Corporate Debtor from contractual obligations; NCLT directs initiation of CIRP against Corporate Debtor
The NCLT acknowledged the impact of force majeure events, particularly the unprecedented rise in coal prices and operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Corporate Debtor.
Electricity is an “essential service” under Section 14(2) IBC; can’t be discontinued even if dues remain unpaid during CIRP: NCLAT
“If the Corporate Debtor operates as a manufacturing facility, then electricity may be treated as critical service by the insolvency professional and the dues for such services must be paid.”
Financial Creditors’ involvement in project monitoring does not absolve Corporate Debtors from repayment obligations: NCLAT
“Any dispute even pending in the arbitration does not in any manner prohibit the financial creditor to take remedy under Section 7 IBC.”
Proviso to S. 31(4) IBC mandatory in nature; Breakdown of SC’s 2:1 verdict holding AGI Greenpac’s Resolution Plan for HNGIL unsustainable
“Legislative intent behind inserting the proviso to Section 31(4) of the IBC would suggest that prior approval of the CCI was specifically mandated and it should not be seen as a flexible provision to be ignored in certain exigencies.”
NCLT dismisses Akshay Kumar’s insolvency plea against Math tutoring platform, Cue Learn
“The essence of the IBC lies in resolving insolvency matters through a process driven approach, and any deviation from its prescribed scope would undermine the legislative intent of the Code.”
NCLT allows liquidation of Go First Airways
“Decision taken by the CoC for liquidation in commercial wisdom of the CoC should not be interfered with by the Adjudicating Authority.”
Strengthening Our Insolvency Regime: The Answer Lies Within
by Arush Khanna* and Swetalana Rout**
‘Delays arising from statutory compliance not force majeure’; NCLT admits insolvency proceeding against Raheja Developers
The NCLT held that non-delivery of possession despite payments and continued acknowledgment of liability through emails and communications proved default under Section 7 IBC.
‘Absence of NOC not automatically invalidates Security Documents’; NCLT upholds Axis Bank & NKGSB Bank’s claims as Secured Debt
The NCLT held that the Resolution Professional does not have adjudicatory powers to invalidate or challenge the charges based on an absence of NOC.
Suspension of CIRP for defaults during Pandemic under Section 10-A IBC does not apply to personal guarantors: NCLT
NCLT held that the Resolution Professional followed the principles of Natural Justice and considered relevant documents, therefore, the Personal Insolvency Resolution Process should be initiated.
Money advanced for clearing land title is an investment, not financial debt under Section 5(8) of the IBC: NCLAT
The NCLAT reinforced that not all financial transactions qualify as financial debts under the IBC.
Insolvency proceeding under Section 95 IBC can’t be continued against legal heirs after personal guarantor’s death: NCLT
“The term “personal guarantor” is defined under Section 5(22) of the IBC as “personal guarantor” means an individual who is the surety in a contract of guarantee to a corporate debtor.”
[Jaypee Infratech Resolution Plan] SC closes home buyers’ pleas after Suraksha Realty offers for allotment of homes or refund
About 538 home buyers, who paid more than 80% of the demand, will be given this option for allotment of the flat, in which event, the said home buyers will be treated on par with other home buyers.
NCLT approves replacement of IRP with Insolvency Professional Entity based on CoC’s resolution & IBC’s timeline
The NCLT noted that Form AA, meant for individual Insolvency Professionals, had been modified by the Insolvency Professional Entity to fit its consent as no separate form for IPEs exists.
[Clean Slate Basis] Delhi HC sets aside assessment order pertaining to previous liability against corporate debtor issued after NCLT Chennai concluded the CIRP
The Court stated that once the resolution plan was approved by the COC, it should be binding on all the stakeholders. Thus, the successful resolution applicant starts running the business of the corporate debtor on a fresh slate.
‘Indemnity obligation on guarantee is not operational debt’; NCLT dismisses CIRP petition due to limitation and Lack of Privity
The NCLT stated that the petitioner neither had a direct contractual relationship with the respondent, nor was the respondent provided with any goods/services, thereby disqualifying them as an operational creditor.
NCLT initiates corporate insolvency proceedings against Himalayan Mineral Water
The application is filed by Jammu and Kashmir Bank against the Himalayan Mineral Waters Private Limited for a total financial debt of Rs. 50,04,38,456/- for the credit facilities availed by Leel Electricals.