NUJS-HSF Moot Court Competition, 2015: Finalists - Respondents
NUJS-HSF Moot Court Competition, 2015: Finalists - Respondents
NUJS-HSF Moot Court Competition, 2015: Finalists - Respondents
AT CALCUTTA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Abbreviations..................................................................................................................4
Index of Authorities....................................................................................................................6
Statement of Jurisdiction............................................................................................................9
Questions Presented.................................................................................................................10
Statement of Facts....................................................................................................................11
Summary of Pleadings.............................................................................................................15
Pleadings..................................................................................................................................18
I. The Incidents Surrounding the LoI do not Constitute a Fraudulent Breach of the SAA..18
[A]. The LoI does not Interfere with the Execution of the SAA......................................18
[B]. The Clause Restricting the Transferability of the Shares is Unenforceable Against
5G Star.............................................................................................................................18
[C] The LoI is not Legally Binding on the Parties and is Unenforceable Against
IndMobile.........................................................................................................................20
[D]. No Fraudulent Misrepresentation has been Made....................................................23
II. The Incidents Surrounding the Calcutta License do not Constitute a.............................25
Breach of the SAA...............................................................................................................25
[A]. License Set Apart on a Lower Standard...................................................................25
[B]. The Payments Made were Legitimate.......................................................................27
[C]. The License was not Quashed until after Completion of the Deal...........................28
III. The Incidents Surrounding the ARPU do not Constitute a Breach Of Representation..28
[A]. The Correct Figures were Supplied..........................................................................28
[B]. Celltone had The Ability to Conduct Due Diligence................................................29
[C]. In any event, There was No Fraudulent Misrepresentation......................................30
IV. The Damages Claimed are Incorrect and should not be Awarded..................................31
V.
LIST
OF
ABBREVIATIONS
Paragraph
AC
Appeal Cases
AIR
All ER
AoA
Articles of Association
ARPU
BCC
BCLC
Cal.
Ch
Chancery
Ch.D.
Chancery Division
Cir.
Circuit
Comm
Commercial
Comp Cases
Company Cases
Del. Ch.
Del. SC.
DLA
Edn.
Edition
EWCA
EWHC
F.Supp
Federal Supplement
HL
House of Lords
KB
Kings Bench
Lloyds Rep
LoI
Letter of Intent
PC
Privy Council
QB
Queen's Bench
SAA
SC
Supreme Court
SCC
Supp.
Supplement
TLR
UKHL
UK House of Lords
WLR
INDEX
OF
Indian Cases
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 5
AUTHORITIES
1. Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India, AIR 2012 SC 1.25
2. Dresser Rand S.A. v. M/s. Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. & Another,
AIR 2006 SC 871.........20
3. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. vs. Tata Motors, (2013) Indlaw Mum 679.33
4. Iridium India Telecom Ltd v. Motorola Incorporated & Ors., AIR 2011 SC 74.26
5. Jet Airways v. Sahara Airlines, Final Award, 12 April 2007 (Bombay HC)....33
6. Kokanda Poondacha v K.D Ganapathi, AIR 2011 SC 600..35
7. M. Radha Krishnamurthy v. State of AP, AIR 2009 SC 386...26
8. Mafatlal Industries Ltd. V. Gujarat Gas Co. Ltd. And Ors. (1999) 97 CompCases
301 Guj......................................................................................................................19
9. Ninagawwa v. Byrappa Shiddapa Hirekubar, AIR 1978 SC 956.24
10. Pushpa Katoch v. Manu Maharani, (2006) 131 Comp Cases 42 (Delhi)......19
11. RC Thakkar v. Gujarat HSG Board, AIR 1973 Guj 34.30
12. Rickmers Verwaltung Gmbh v. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., AIR 1999 SC 504.21
13. S.P. Jain v. Kalinga, AIR 1965 SC 1535...19
14. Shankar Nimbaji Shintre & ors. vs. Laxman Supdu Shelke, AIR 1940 Bom 16132
15. Shri Krishnan v. Kurukshetra University, AIR 1976 SC 376..24,30
16. State Bank of Saurashtra v. Ashit Shipping, AIR 2002 SC 1993.33
17. Tata Cellular v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 651..26
18. V.B. Rangaraj v. V.B. Gopalakrishnan and Others, AIR 1992 SC 453....19
19. Western Maharashtra Development Corp v. Bajaj Auto Ltd, (2010) 154 Comp Cases
593.19
U.K Cases
1. Barbudev v. Eurocom Cable Management Bulgaria, [2011] EWHC 1560 (QBD,
Comm)................................................................................................................20,22, 23
Bechey Lal v. Rex [1950] ALJ 57...27
2. Bell v. Lever Bros Ltd, [1932] AC 16123
3. Bottin International Investments Ltd v. Venson Group plc, [2004] EWCA Civ
1368...29
4. Courtney and Fairbairn Ltd v. Tolaini Bros (Hotels) Ltd., [1975] 1 All ER 716.23
5. Eurocopy v Teesdale, [1992] B.C.L.C. 106724
6. Foley v. Cassique Coaches Ltd., [1934] 2 KB 1...21
7. Malik v. Bank of Credit, [1997] UKHL 23...32
8. Pagnan SpA v. Feed products, [1987] Lloyds Rep 601...21
9. Phoenix International Life Sciences v. Rilett, [2001] BCC 115...28
10. Procter and Gamble (Health and Beauty Care) Ltd v. Carrier Holdings, [2003] EWHC
83...28
11. Re.Denver Hotel Co., [1893] (1) Ch. D 495.19
12. RTS Flexible Systems Limited v. Molkerei Alois Mller GmbH & Co KG,
[2010] 1 WLR 753....21
13. Smith v. South Wales Switchgear, [1978] 1 WLR 16533
14. Strover v. Harrington, [1988] Ch 390...24
15. Sudbrook Trading Estates Ltd. v. Eggleton, [1983] 1 AC 444....21
16. Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v. Nattrass, [1971] 2 WLR 1166.26,27
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 6
Statutes
1. Companies Act, 195619
2. Companies Act, 201319
3. Indian Contract Act, 187221,29
4. Prevention of Corruption Act 1988...............................................................................27
Books
1. Beatson et al, ANSONS LAW OF CONTRACT (29th edn., 2010)......................................24
2. M. Gurson et al, LEGAL OPINIONS IN INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS
(4th edn, 2003)...35
3. M.P. Jain & S.N. Jain, PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (17th edn. 2013).....25
4. P.V. Ramakrishnan, A TREATISE ON ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS IN INDIA (13th edn., 2005)
.26
STATEMENT
OF JURISDICTION
APPEAL I
The appellant has approached this Honourable Court under Clause 15 of Letters Patent for the
High Court of Calcutta, 1865. The respondents humbly submit to the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court.
APPEAL II
The appellant has approached this Honourable Court under Clause 15 of Letters Patent for the
High Court of Calcutta, 1865. The respondent humbly submits to the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court.
APPEAL III
The appellant has approached this Honourable Court under Clause 15 of Letters Patent for the
High Court of Calcutta, 1865. The respondent humbly submits to the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court
QUESTIONS PRESENTED
I. WHETHER
BREACH OF THE
II. WHETHER
CONSTITUTE A FRAUDULENT
SAA?
BREACH OF THE
III. WHETHER
LOI
CALCUTTA
LICENSE CONSTITUTE A
SAA?
SAA?
STATEMENT
OF
FACTS
THE BACKGROUND
IndMobile Telecoms Limited [IndMobile], a company incorporated in India and a member
of Nifty 50, is a successful telecom equipment company. The chairman and managing director
of the company is Mr Sardar, who along with his family, is also the promoter of the IndMobile
and holds 35% of the shares in the company with them.
In order to enter the telecom services business, IndMobile decided to bid for the licenses for
5G mobile networks to be granted by the Government of India [GoI]. For housing this
telecom service business, a wholly owned subsidiary named 5G Star Networks Limited [5G
Star] had been set up by IndMobile.
THE AWARD OF LICENSES
In the bidding process conducted by the GoI in 2013, bids were placed by 5G star for Kolkata,
Chennai and Hyderabad circles. 5G star satisfied both the technical and financial criteria and
was successful in bagging the license for Kolkata and Hyderabad. The actual license
agreements were executed between 5G Star and the GoI on November 1, 2013. In order to
source the expertise required to run this new business, IndMobile invited Celltone plc, a UK
based leading telecom services company who agreed to invest US $490 million for a stake of
49% in 5G star.
THE DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS
Celltone had a zero tolerance policy for corruption and hence adopted a cautious approach
before finalizing the deal. It decided to conduct a full blown due diligence and for this
purpose, appointed M/s Lexman Associates, a leading Indian law firm and DBAB Partners, a
leading accounting firm. During a meeting in Kolkata, Mr Gangston, the project manager of
Celltone, was assured by 5G Stars representatives that the process of award of licenses was
transparent and entirely above board. Celltone and their lawyers and accountants were
provided full access to all the relevant books and records of 5G Star and to the extent
necessary, those of IndMobile.
During further investigation, Mr Gangston came across a former employee of IndMobile who
revealed that in the past the company entertained government employees and showered them
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 10
I.
OF
PLEADINGS
It is submitted that the shares sold to Celltone are correct and legal. First, the LoI did not
hinder the transferability of the Sale Shares to Celltone. The LoI that was entered into between
IndMobile and Grovera was simply concerning the sale of 9% shares owned by IndMobile in
5G Star. Even if those shares are sold to another party, it would not constitute a breach of the
LoI as the obligation under the LoI could still be met out of the remaining 51% shares held by
IndMobile in 5G Star. Secondly, in any event, the clause restricting the transfer of shares to a
party other than Grovera is patently illegal as it is against the spirit of free transferability of
shares as provided in the Companies Act, 2013. Since the private agreement does not find a
place in the AoA of 5G Star, it cant be enforced against 5G Star. Thirdly, on a correct
construction of the LoI in question, it can be concluded that it was too uncertain and
incomplete to constitute a binding contract between the parties and hence the parties could not
have intended to enter into legal relations. Neither party came forward to negotiate in good
faith at any time nor did they act in furtherance of the understanding set forth in the LoI at all.
This is indicative of a lack of intention to enter into a binding contract with each other.
Therefore, the LoI is not even enforceable against IndMobile. Fourthly, there is no fraudulent
misrepresentation as even though the LoI was not binding, the document was brought to the
knowledge of Celltone while it was conducting due diligence. IndMobile and 5G Star cannot
be held liable when it was aware of a contractual representation of fact before the closing and
nonetheless elected to close on the contract, despite having a contractual right to terminate.
II.
It is submitted that the incidents surrounding the cancellation of the Calcutta license do not
constitute a breach of the SAA. First, the Calcutta license was set apart by the Court on a
standard of possibility of bias and not existence of bias. No actual corruption was proven
and the license was set aside on a lower standard. Thus, 5G Star were not in violation of any
law. Second, the payments made to the consultancy firm were legitimate. The payments were
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 14
It is submitted that there was no breach of representation with respect to the ARPU. First, the
correct figures were supplied by 5G Star without any hesitation during due diligence. The
failure of Celltone to assimilate this information cannot be used to hold 5G Star liable.
Further, the conduct of Celltone indicated that they were satisfied with the response and thus
the communication of the information was complete. Second, Celltone had the means of
discovering the truth by ordinary due diligence. The principle of caveat emptor applied and
the appellant ought to have safeguarded its own interest. Third, there was no fraudulent
misrepresentation since there was no intention on the part of 5G Star to deceive the other
party and no reliance was placed on this representation by Celltone. Celltone did not raise any
objection regarding the projection after the phone call, which is indicative of the information
being immaterial to them. Hence, there was no fraudulent breach of representation.
IV.
It is submitted that since there is no breach of warranty or representation, the damages claimed
should not be awarded. In any case, the damages are limited by the SAA to 50% of the
purchase consideration. It is only the actual loss that is suffered by Celltone that should be
awarded as damages. This amount should be calculated by the Courts on the basis of the
difference between the purchase consideration and actual value of the business. This is an
action of actio quanti minoris and should be treated as such. Hence, the damages claiming
the entire purchase consideration are incorrect and should not be awarded.
It is submitted that Band Bank is not obligated to release the escrow amount since the
conditions for releasing the amount under the escrow agreement have not been met. As per the
escrow agreement, the escrow amount was to be applied towards any indemnification
obligations that may have arisen under the SAA. It is submitted the indemnification
obligations have not been triggered since first, there has been no breach of warranty,
representation, et al. Second, the suit filed by Celltone is premature since no actual damage
has been suffered by them. Celltone has also not incurred an absolute liability or crystallized
its claim since no absolute liability can be said to have been incurred while the suit is still
pending before the court. Hence, the suit is premature. Thirdly, Celltone was negligent in its
dealings with IndMobile and cannot claim indemnity for damage caused by its own
negligence.
VI. DLA IS NOT LIABLE TO PAY DAMAGES TO CELLTONE
It is submitted that DLA cannot be held liable for rendering an incorrect opinion. First, a
statement on which liability can be based must be one of fact and not of opinion. In the instant
case, DLAs opinion letter was not a factual guarantee and did not make it an insurer of the
soundness of its opinion. Thus, it cannot be held liable for an incorrect opinion. Second, DLA
owed no duty of care towards Celltone since Celltone was a third party and had conflicting
interests with DLAs client, IndMobile. While Celltone wanted to protect its investments,
IndMobiles interests lied in ensuring that Celltone invested in its company. Owing to such
conflicting interests, DLA owed no duty of care towards Celltone and cannot be held liable by
it. Third, in any case, the opinion was circumscribed and qualified by the assumptions on
which it was based and thus DLA cannot be held liable for misrepresentation. Fourth,
assuming DLA was negligent; the negligence of Celltone exceeds that of DLA and exculpates
DLA of any liability. In light of above submissions, it is submitted that DLA is not liable to
pay any damages
THE
BREACH
LOI
DO NOT
OF THE
CONSTITUTE
FRAUDULENT
SAA
1. It is submitted that the shares sold to Celltone are correct and legal and IndMobile is
the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Sale Shares in question, free and clear of all
liens and is absolutely entitled to sell them to Celltone. This is owing to three reasons:
First, the LoI does not interfere with the execution of the SAA [A]. Second, the clause
restricting the transferability of the shares is unenforceable against 5G Star [B]. Third,
the LoI is not legally binding on the parties and is unenforceable against
IndMobile[C]. Fourth, in any event, there was no fraudulent misrepresentation [D].
[A]. THE LOI DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE EXECUTION OF THE SAA
2. It is submitted that even if the LoI is assumed to have been binding on IndMobile and
Grovera Inc., it does not render the SAA unenforceable. The LoI was simply
concerned with the transfer of 125,988 shares. 1 The agreement in the LoI did not
pertain to the specific 9% shares acquired by Celltone in 5G Star but any 125,988
shares of the company. The obligation under the LoI can still be met out of the
remaining 51% shares held by IndMobile in 5G Star. Therefore, the claim of Grovera
Inc. that the sale of the specified number of shares in 5G Star to Celltone was illegal
does not hold good.
[B]. THE CLAUSE RESTRICTING THE TRANSFERABILITY OF THE SHARES IS UNENFORCEABLE
AGAINST 5G STAR
3. It is submitted that the terms of the LoI restricting IndMobile from selling or
transferring the shares is unenforceable against 5G star on account of it not being
incorporated in the AoA of the company.
1 Appendix C, Factsheet.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 17
2 Section 58 (2), COMPANIES ACT, 2013. Section 111A (2) of Companies Act, 1956 is the corresponding
provision.
3 S.P. Jain v. Kalinga, AIR1965 SC1535; V.B. Rangaraj v. V.B. Gopalakrishnan and Others,
AIR 1992 SC 453.
4 Appendix C, Factsheet.
5 Appendix C, Factsheet.
6 Appendix C, Factsheet.
7 V.B. Rangaraj v. V.B. Gopalakrishnan and Others, AIR 1992 SC 453.
8 Mafatlal Industries Ltd. v. Gujarat Gas Co. Ltd. And Ors.,(1999) 97 CompCas 301 Guj.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 18
9. It is submitted that the LoI signed by IndMobile and Grovera was merely a
preliminary agreement that lacked the characteristics of a binding contract and thus
was not legally binding on them.10 The question of whether the LoI is merely an
expression of future interest to transact, or is a final and binding contract has to be
decided through a construction of the terms of the LoI. 11 Upon a reading of the LoI, it
is clear that it merely required IndMobile to keep the offer open for three months
during which the parties had to work in good faith towards the completion and
9
Pushpa
Katoch
v.
Manu
Maharani,
(2006)
131
Comp
Cas
42
(Delhi);
Re.Denver Hotel Co., [1893] (1) Chancery Division 495 affirmed in Western Maharashtra
Development Corp v. Bajaj Auto Ltd, (2010) 154 Comp Cas 593.
10 Dresser Rand S.A. v. M/s. Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. & Another, AIR 2006 SC 871.
11 Dresser Rand S.A. v. M/s. Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. & Another, AIR 2006 SC 871.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 19
17 Foley v. C;assique Coaches Ltd., [1934] 2 KB 1, Sudbrook Tradomg Esattes Ltd. V. Eggleton, [1983] 1 AC
444.
18 13, Factsheet.
19 Appendix C, Factsheet
20 Sec. 13, Indian Contract Act, 1872; Rickmers Verwaltung Gmbh v. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.,AIR 1999
SC 504.
21 13, Factsheet.
22 Barbudev, [2011] EWHC 1560 (QBD, Comm).
23 Barbudev, [2011] EWHC 1560 (QBD, Comm).
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 21
18. It is submitted that, in any case, no fraudulent misrepresentation has been made by
IndMobile and 5G Star. The failure to disclose a material fact does not give the right to
the affected party to sue for fraudulent misrepresentation.31 It is settled law that a nondisclosure is not fraudulent if the person on whom the fraud has been committed can
discover the truth with due diligence. 32 In the instant case, Celltone was in fact
provided with the LoI during the due diligence and hence cannot hold the respondents
liable for non-disclosure of a material fact.
28 Courtney and Fairbairn Ltd v. Tolaini Bros (Hotels) Ltd.,[1975] 1 All ER 716.
29 Courtney and Fairbairn Ltd v. Tolaini Bros (Hotels) Ltd.,[1975] 1 All ER 716.
30 Courtney, [1975] 1 All ER 716.
31 Bell v. Lever Bros Ltd, [1932] AC 161.
32 Shri Krishnan v. Kurukshetra University, AIR 1976 SC 376.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 23
THE
CALCUTTA LICENSE
DO NOT
CONSTITUTE
BREACH
OF THE
SAA
21. It is submitted that the incidents of the Calcutta license do not amount to a breach of a
warranty in the SAA for three reasons. First, the license was set apart on a standard of
suspicion of biases and not existence of bias [A]. Second, the payments to the
consulting firm were legitimate payments and do not indicate corruption or bribery
[B]. Third, the license was not quashed until after the completion of the deal and thus
no breach of warranty can be claimed[C].
[A]. LICENSE SET APART ON A LOWER STANDARD.
22. It is submitted that the Calcutta license was set apart by the High Court on the wellestablished standard of suspicion of bias and not because of its actual existence.39
Therefore, all that was proven before the Court was simply the possibility of
corruption, but no actual corruption. Therefore, there is no violation of a law or
regulation by 5G Star or IndMobile.
23. The allegations before the Calcutta High Court were allegations against the bidding
process40 and not allegations against 5G Star. The case was therefore, decided on
whether a reasonable outsider might assume bias in the tendering process.41 The
decision of the High Court in this case therefore, in no way alleges a breach of a law or
regulation by 5G Star or IndMobile.
24. The judgment in Centre for Public Interest Litigation also affirms the same principle,
by stating that proving corruption is not necessary to set aside a tender award. 42
Therefore, the representations made by 5G Star that the process was above board43
39 M.P. Jain & S.N. Jain, PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, 542 (17th edn., 2013).
40 11, Factsheet.
41 Supra, note 39.
42 Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India, AIR 2012 SC 1.
43 5, Factsheet.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 25
30. It is submitted that 5G Star validly held all the licenses and approvals to carry on
business at the time of the signing of the SAA, therefore any later challenge to the
license would not amount to a breach of warranty. The only date at which the
warranty can possibly be breached, with respect to Clause 6.5 of the SAA, is the date
at which the delivery of the shares was made. 61 In the instant case, on this date, 5G
Star was the valid holder of all licenses. Therefore, at the time of signing the contract,
5G Star was not in breach of any warranty regarding the Calcutta license, as there was
no misrepresentation regarding the availability of licenses.
III. THE INCIDENTS SURROUNDING
THE
ARPU
DO NOT
CONSTITUTE
BREACH
OF REPRESENTATION
31. It is submitted that there was no breach of representation as the correct figure of ARPU
had been supplied to Celltone. The submission is on three grounds. First, the correct
figures were supplied. [A] Second, Celltone had the opportunity of conducting due
diligence [B]. Third, in any case, there was no fraudulent misrepresentation. [C].
[A]. THE CORRECT FIGURES WERE SUPPLIED
32. It is submitted that 5G Star provided the correct figures after enquiry during due
diligence, and therefore, there was no suggestion of a wrong fact.
33. The initial figure of Rs.250 was not a representation of fact, but merely preliminary
information subject to the purchasers ability to check that information in the course of
the due diligence investigation of the company, which all parties understood would
37. In order to successfully bring a claim for fraud, it must be proven that there was
suggestion of an untrue fact, with the intention to induce the other party to enter into
the contract, and this suggestion was relied upon by the other party.70
38. It is submitted that in this case, none of the three elements have been met, and
therefore a claim for fraud cannot be sustained.
39. In the instant case, 5G Star has not made a suggestion of an untrue fact. The correct
information was disclosed by 5G Star personnel during due diligence. 71 The fault for
Celltones inability to assimilate such information, and proceed without clarification
cannot be imputed to 5G Star.72 The representation made by the 5G Star officials is
67 12, Factsheet.
68 Sec 19, Indian Contract Act, 1872.
69 Shri Krishnan v. Kurukshetra University, AIR 1976 SC 376
70 RC Thakkar v. Gujarat HSG Board, AIR 1973 Guj 34.
71 12, Factsheet.
72ABRY Partners v. F&W Acquisition, CA No.1756-N. (Del. Ch 2006).
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 30
AWARDED.
42. It is submitted that there has been no breach of representation or warranty by the
respondents, as proven above. In the instant case, therefore, no damages should be
awarded to Celltone.
43. In any case, even if the Court finds the respondents to be in breach of a warranty, it is
submitted that the damages claimed are incorrect and should not be awarded. The
indemnification obligations of the respondents are limited to 50% of the purchase
consideration and damages greater than this should not be awarded.76
73 12, Factsheet.
74 12, Factsheet.
75 12, Factsheet.
76 Cl. 10.1, Appendix A, Factsheet.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 31
BAND BANK
IS NOT
OBLIGATED
TO
RELEASE
THE
ESCROW AMOUNT
45. It is submitted that Band Bank is not bound to release the escrow amount since the
escrow agent is bound to follow the instructions in the escrow agreement strictly and
the conditions for its release have not been met. 79 According to the agreement, the
escrow amount was to be applied towards satisfaction of any indemnification
obligations of IndMobile and 5G Star that may arise under the SAA. 80 It is submitted
that no indemnification obligation has arisen for three reasons. First, there was no
breach of warranty, representation, covenant, agreement, fraud or deliberate omission.
[A] Second, the suit filed by Celltone is premature [B]. Third, Celltone cannot claim
indemnity for damages caused due to its own negligence[C].
[A]. THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN TRIGGERED
46. As submitted above, there has been no breach of warranty, representation etc. and thus
no indemnification obligations have arisen. The escrow agent is bound to follow the
instructions strictly and cannot release the escrow amount before the conditions have
been met.81 Furthermore, no liability attaches to the escrow holder for his failure to do
77 Lion Nathan Ltd v. CC Bottlers, [1996] 1 WLR 1438.
78 Fortune v. Fraser, [1993] SCLR 470.
79Malik v. Bank of Credit, [1997] UKHL 23.
80 9, Factsheet.
81 Malik v. Bank of Credit, [1997] UKHL 23.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 32
47. It has been held by the Courts that a cause of action for seeking indemnity would arise
only when the damage is suffered by the indemnity holder and if a suit is brought
before actual loss it will be a premature suit.83 It is submitted that the suit filed is
premature since no damage has been caused or no actual loss has been incurred by the
parties. In cases of indemnities a proof that loss is suffered is required.84 In the instant
case, the loss would occur only in the event of its allegations of breach of warranty,
representation etc being upheld by the Court. Filing a suit before the damages being
proved to have been suffered is premature. Even if it is accepted that suffering actual
loss is not necessary and the indemnifier can be called upon to indemnify even when
an absolute liability has been incurred by the indemnity holder or his claim has
crystallized, the claim of the appellant fails.85 In this case, the claim of the appellant
has not been crystallized since the judgment has not yet been passed in its favor. No
absolute liability can be said to have been incurred when the matter is still pending
before the court.86
[C]. CELLTONE CANNOT SEEK INDEMNITY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY ITS OWN NEGLIGENCE.
48. It is a well-established principle that the scope of an indemnity clause cannot extend to
cases where the party has caused harm to itself due to its own negligence unless the
82Carlsen v. Security Trust & Sav. Bank, 205 Cal. 302 (Cal. 1928).
83 Shankar Nimbaji Shintre and others vs. Laxman Supdu Shelke and others, AIR 1940 Bom
161.
84 State Bank of Saurashtra v. Ashit Shipping, AIR 2002 SC 1993.
85 Jet Airways v. Sahara Airlines, Final Award, 12 April 2007 (Bombay HC).
86 Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. vs. Tata Motors, (2013) Indlaw Mum 679.
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 33
IS NOT
LIABLE
TO
PAY DAMAGES
TO
CELLTONE
49. It is submitted that DLA cannot be held liable for rendering an incorrect opinion. The
submission is on four grounds. First, an incorrect opinion is not actionable [A].
Second, DLA owed no duty of care to Celltone and cannot be sued by them [B]. Third,
in any case, the opinion cannot be considered incorrect in light of the assumptions on
which it was based [C] Fourth, Celltones own negligence exceeded that of DLA and
hence it cannot be held liable by them [D].
[A]. AN INCORRECT OPINION IS NOT ACTIONABLE
IN INTERNATIONAL
2003).
104 Fortress Credit Corp v. Dechert, LLP 934 N.Y.S.2d 119 (App. Div. 2011).
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 36
55. Assuming DLA was negligent in investigation, the negligence of Celltone exceeded
that of DLA. It had ample opportunities to discover about the corruption issue and the
LoI in question. When the opinion recipients negligence exceeds that of the opinion
giver, the opinion giver is exculpated entirely for not making proper investigation
before giving the opinion due to the recipients own negligence.108
56. In the instant case, Mr. Gangston, the project manager of Celltone, had come across
certain revelations about corruption while investigating, but the matter was not
pursued further.109 The LoI too was given to Lexman Associates and DBAD Partners
during the due diligence process.110 This indicates they had sufficient opportunities to
discover the fraud and misrepresentation. There negligence, in this case, exceeds that
105 Fortress Credit Corp v. Dechert, LLP 934 N.Y.S.2d 119 (App. Div. 2011).
106 Nolte v Pearson, 994 F.2d 1311 (8th Cir. 1993).
107 Appendix B, Factsheet.
108 Greyhound Leasing co v. FinNorwest Bank, 854 F.2d 1122 (8th Cir, 1988).
109 6, Factsheet.
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PRAYER
Wherefore in light of the issues raised, arguments advanced and authorities cited, it is humbly
prayed that this Court may be pleased to hold, adjudge and declare that;
1. The appeals filed by the appellant are dismissed.
2. IndMobile and 5G Star are not liable to refund the purchase consideration of US$ 490
million or pay any damages to Celltone.
3. Band Bank is not obligated to release the escrow amount.
4. Darsh Legal Associates is not liable to pay any damages to Celltone.
And pass any other order it may deem fit in the interest of justice, equity and good
conscience.
All of which is humbly prayed,
Team Code HS15F,
Counsel for the Respondents.
APPENDIX I
111 Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India, 2012 3 SCC 1.
112 Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v. Nattrass, 1971 UKHL 1.
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Lord Reid held that "The person who acts is not speaking or acting for the company. He is
acting as the company and his mind which directs his acts is the mind of the company. If it is
a guilty mind then that guilt is the guilt of the company."
3. Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc. v. Rilett113
The plaintiffs entered into negotiations to purchase a company in respect of which receivers,
the defendants, had been appointed. The plaintiffs were particularly interested in the extent of
the companys outstanding debtors and the value of a backlog of contract work. During the
course of preliminary discussions, the defendant gave an estimate of both those values and
the plaintiff made an offer to purchase the company subject to certain conditions, a due
diligence exercise and the "execution of a mutually satisfactory contract". One of the
conditions was that a payment of GBP 200,000, made by the plaintiff on acceptance of the
offer, would be returned if the plaintiff were to withdraw from the transaction due to breach
of any of the specified conditions or significant due diligence findings.
The plaintiff subsequently discovered that the values were substantially less than those given
in the estimate. The plaintiff withdrew its offer and issued proceedings for recovery of the
GBP 200,000
It was held by the Court that the offer letter was not in itself a contract, but an agreement to
contract in the future. The estimate was the best which the defendant could provide at the
time but was subject to the plaintiff carrying out detailed checks, as understood by all parties
at the time. The preliminary estimate therefore, was not actionable and no misrepresentation
had taken place by virtue of the preliminary information.
4. Fortress Credit Corp v. Dechert114
In this case, the lender (petitioner) agreed to loan the borrowers some money on the condition
that the borrowers hire an independent law firm to issue an opinion letter to the lender.
113 Phoenix International Life Sciences Inc v. Rilett, 2001 BCC 115.
114 Fortress Credit Corp v. Dechert, LLP 934 N.Y.S.2d 119 (App. Div. 2011).
MEMORIAL FOR THE RESPONDENTSPAGE 41
7. Dresser Rand S.A. v. M/s. Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. & Another117
In this case, the Court held that that a letter of intent merely indicates a partys intention to
enter into a contract with the other party in future. A letter of intent is not intended to bind
either party ultimately to enter into contract. However, it might be construed as a letter of
acceptance if such intention is evident from its terms. The question whether the letter of
intent is merely an expression of an intention to place an order in future or whether it is a
final acceptance of the offer thereby leading to a contract, is a matter that has to be decided
with reference to the terms of the letter. Parties may express negative contractual intention,
but where this is not so, the court can hold parties bound by the document, especially when
parties have acted on it, or have spent money on its reliance. A letter of intent, for example,
might merely provide that the offer shall be left open.
8. Barbudev v. Eurocom Cable Management Bulgari118
Barbudev concerned a side letter to a Share and Purchase Agreement in relation to the
proposed sale of a Bulgarian cable TV and internet company which appeared to offer Mr
Barbudev (the investor) the opportunity to invest in a newly merged entity on terms that
were to be agreed in an Investment and Shareholders Agreement. The side letter confirmed
that Eurocom Cable Management Bulgaria EOOD & Ors (the sellers of the company)
would negotiate the sale of the company in good faith and some of the principal terms of
the investment (including a minimum sale figure for the company of not less than
1.65million) were included. The side letter was drafted by lawyers, contained legal
terminology such as in consideration of your agreeing to enter into and ended with an
English law jurisdiction clause. Ultimately, the Investment and Shareholders Agreement
was never entered into and Mr Barbudev sought to enforce the terms of the side letter in
relation to the lost investment opportunity he said he suffered when his investment fell
through. The Court of Appeal disagreed with the High Court that the parties had intended
the side letter to be legally binding, but agreed that the terms of the side letter were too
117 Dresser Rand S.A. v. M/s. Bindal Agro Chemical Ltd. & Another, AIR 2006 SC 871
118 Barbudev v. Eurocom Cable Management Bulgaria, [2011] EWHC 1560 (QBD, Comm).
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