16 Joint Committee On Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2015 1 PDF
16 Joint Committee On Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2015 1 PDF
16 Joint Committee On Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2015 1 PDF
REPORT OF
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON
THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2015
REPORT OF
THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON
THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2015
2
CONTENTS
Page No.
APPENDICES
Appendix I : Motion in Lok Sabha for reference of the Bill to the Joint Committee
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(iv)
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Shivkumar C. Udasi
7. Shri Anil Shirole
8. Shri Abhishek Singh
9. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
10. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
11. Shri Jagdambika Pal
12. Shri Jayadev Galla
13. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
14. Shri Chirag Paswan
15. Shri K. C. Venugopal
16. Ms. Sushmita Dev
17. Dr. P. Venugopal
18. Shri Kalyan Banerjee
19. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
20. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
21. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
22. Shri Ajay Sancheti
23. Shri Naresh Gujral #
24. Shri Bhubneswar Kalita @
25. Shri Praful Patel
26. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
27. Shri K.C. Tyagi
28. Shri Sukhendu Sekhar Roy
29. Shri Satish Chandra Misra
30. Shri Anand Sharma *
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# Vice Shri Naresh Gujral , MP (Rajya Sabha) retired from Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 9 th April, 2016 and re-
nominated from Rajya Sabha (Bulletin Part I, No. 5251) w.e.f. 25th April, 2016
*Vice Shri Anand Sharma, MP (Rajya Sabha) resigned his seat from Rajya Sabha w.e.f. 7 th March, 2016
(RS Bulletin Part –II dated 7th March, 2016) and re-nominated from Rajya Sabha (Bulletin Part I, No.
5251) w.e.f. 25th April, 2016
@ Vice Shri Bhubaneswar Kaliata, MP (Rajya Sabha) nominated from Rajya Sabha (Bulletin Part I, No.
5251) w.e.f. 25th April, 2016
4
Secretariat
(LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Since demitted office on 20 April, 2016.
#holding dual charge of Legislative Department and Department of Legal Affairs
w.e.f. 21 April, 2016
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REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY
CODE, 2015
I, the Chairperson of the Joint Committee to which the Bill* titled `Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘ was referred, having been authorised to submit the Report on their
behalf, present this Report with the Bill as amended by the Committee annexed thereto.
2. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 21
December, 2015. The motion for reference of the Bill to a Joint Committee of both the
Houses of Parliament was moved in Lok Sabha on 23 December, 2015 by Shri Arun
Jaitley, Minister of Finance (Appendix-I). The Rajya Sabha concurred in the said motion on
the same date (Appendix-II). The time given to the Committee for making the report as per
the aforesaid motion was the last day of the first week of the Budget Session, 2016. One
extension for making the report by the last day of the first week of the second part of the
Budget Session, 2016 was granted by the House as per the motion moved and adopted on
26 February, 2016(Appendix-III). With the prorogation of Lok Sabha on 29 March, 2016,
the second part of the Budget Session, 2016 stood cancelled. Subsequently, summons
were issued for the next session i.e. Eighth Session from 25 April, 2016 to 13 May, 2016.
The date of commencement of Eighth Session being same as commencement of second
part of Budget Session, 2016, the earlier extension given by the House was treated as
extension upto the last day of the first week of the Eight Session as per the motion moved
and adopted by the Lok Sabha on 25 April, 2016.
3. The objective of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 is to consolidate and
amend the laws relating to reorganization and insolvency resolution of corporate persons,
partnership firms and individuals in a time bound manner. There is no single law in India that
deals with insolvency and bankruptcy. As per the present legal framework, provisions
relating to insolvency and bankruptcy for companies can be found in the Sick Industrial
Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, the Recovery of Debt Due to Banks and
Financial Institutions Act, 1993, the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 and the Companies Act, 2013. Liquidation
of companies is handled by the High Courts. Individual Bankruptcy and Insolvency is dealt
with by the Courts.
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The existing framework for insolvency and bankruptcy is inadequate, ineffective and
results in undue delays in resolution. It has been mentioned in Statement of Objects
and Reasons that the Code seeks to provide an effective legal framework for timely
resolution of insolvency and bankruptcy which would support development of credit
markets and encourage entrepreneurship. It would also improve Ease of Doing
Business, and facilitate more investments leading to higher economic growth and
development.
5. At their first sitting held on 19 January, 2016, the Committee held general
discussion on the provisions of the Code and deliberated on the methodology for
completion of the task assigned and decided that memoranda from important experts,
trade unions, regulatory bodies, professional bodies and concerned Ministries on the
aforesaid Bill may be obtained and their views heard by the Committee for a
comprehensive and in-depth examination of the legislation.
6. Keeping in view the wide ranging importance of the provisions of the Code, the
Committee at their first sitting also decided to invite the views/suggestions from
stakeholder and public at large. A press communiqué inviting memoranda was issued
accordingly by giving advertisement through DAVP, in response to which 26
memoranda were received out of which 19 memoranda related to the Code were
circulated to the members of the Committee (Appendix-IV). The Committee also held a
briefing by the representatives of the Department of Economic Affairs.
7. At their second sitting held on 20 January, 2016, the Committee heard the views
of Shri T.K.Viswanathan, former Law Secretary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha
and Chairman, Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee which was constituted by the
Department of Economic Affairs to study the corporate bankruptcy legal framework in
India and to submit a report. The Committee had also a briefing meeting with
Departments of Financial Services, Economic Affairs and the Legislative Department.
8. The Committee at their third, fourth and fifth sittings held on 8, 9 and 16
February, 2016 heard the views/suggestions of 26 experts/representatives of
Statutory/Regulatory/Government Bodies and Research Bodies/Trade Unions as well
as organisations representing Industry and Professional Bodies (Appendix-V). The
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Committee also heard the views of Ministry of Labour & Employment and Department of
Public Enterprises.
9. The Committee at their sixth sitting held on 16 February, 2016 took evidence of
the nodal Department i.e. Department of Economic Affairs as well as Legislative
Department, Department of Financial Services and Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
10. Seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth sittings of the Committee were held on 3 and 17
March, 2016, 6 and 7 April, 2016 to take up clause-by-clause consideration of the Code.
11. At their eleventh sitting held on 21 April, 2016, the Committee considered
formulations and modifications submitted by the Legislative Department as per decision
taken by the Committee during the clause by clause consideration of the Code.
12. At their twelfth sitting held on 26 April, 2016, the Committee considered and
adopted the draft report and authorized the Chairman to present the report on their
behalf. The Committee also decided that (i) the evidence tendered before the
Committee might be laid on the Table of both the Houses of Parliament; (ii) two copies
each of the memoranda received by the Committee from various quarters might be
placed in the Parliament Library after the Report has been presented to Parliament, for
reference by the Members of Parliament.
The Committee note that Clause 3 defines relevant expressions used in the Bill.
Clause 3(14) which defines financial institutions provides as under:-
―financial institution means—
(a) a scheduled bank;
(b) financial institution as defined in section 45-I of the Reserve Bank of
India Act, 1934; and
(c) such other institution as the Central Government may by notification
specify as a financial institution.‖
8
The Committee are of the view that public financial institutions such as the Life
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The Infrastructure Development Finance Company
Limited (IDFC) play a crucial role in financing to corporates and as such need to be
included in the definition of financial institution. In this regard, the Committee note that
section 2(72) of ‗The Companies Act, 2013‘ defines public financial institutions which
also include LIC, IDFC, specified company referred to in the Unit Trust of India (Transfer
of Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2002 (58 of 2002), institutions notified by the Central
Government under sub-section(2) of section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956
(1 of 1956), such other institution as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with RBI.
In view of the above, the Committee decide that the following new sub-
Clause 3(14)(c) may be inserted in section 14:-
―Public financial institution as defined in clause (72) of section 2 of the
Companies Act, 2013‖
The existing Clause 3(14)(c) may accordingly be renumbered as 3(14)(d).
15. Operational Creditor – Clause 5(20)
The Committee note that clause 5(20) provides the definition of operational
creditor as under:
(20) ―operational creditor‖ means a person to whom an operational debt is owed
and includes any person to whom such debt has been legally assigned or
transferred (including a person resident outside India)‘‘
The Committee note that in clause 3(23) the definition of a person also
includes ‗a person resident outside India‘. The Committee therefore, feel that the
words ‗(including a person resident outside India)‘ in clause 5(20) are redundant
and as such these words may be omitted.
Clause 4 of the Bill specifies the amount of default for applicability of provisions
of Part-II relating to insolvency resolution and liquidation for corporate persons. The
aforesaid Clause provides as under:-
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―This Part shall apply to matters relating to the insolvency and liquidation of
corporate debtors where the amount of the default is not less than one lakh
rupees or such other amount not exceeding one crore rupees, as the Central
Government may, by notification, specify.‖
―The provisions of this Part shall not apply where the amount of the default is less
than one thousand rupees or such other amount not exceeding one lakh rupees,
as the Central Government may, by notification, specify.‖
The Committee note that the plain reading of the aforesaid Clauses indicates
that the provisions provide for a range i.e. one lakh rupees to one crore rupees for
corporate insolvency and one thousand rupees to one lakh rupees for individuals and
partnership firms insolvency and bankruptcy. In this regard, the Secretary, Department
of Economic Affairs during the course of deliberations clarified that section 4 deals with
the minimum amount only. It is not the higher amount. At present, the minimum
amount is one lakh rupees. In future, if the Central Government want to enhance this,
enabling provision has been given to the Central Government. The Central
Government can enhance it up to one crore rupees.
The Committee observe that the language of Clause 4 does not reflect the
intent of the Government as elaborated by the Secretary. Similar is the case with
Clause 78(2). The Committee, therefore, decide that Clause 4 and 78(2) may be
modified as under:-
‗Clause 4 –
This Part shall apply to matters relating to the insolvency and liquidation of
corporate debtors where the minimum amount of the default is one lakh rupees.
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, specify the minimum
amount of default of higher value which shall not be more than one crore rupees‘.
‗Clause 78-
This Part shall apply to matters relating to fresh start, insolvency and bankruptcy of
individuals and partnership firms where the amount of the default is not less than one
thousand rupees;
10
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, specify the minimum
amount of default of higher value which shall not be more than one lakh rupees‘.
Clause 78(1) and 78(3) have been deleted as elaborated in the later part of
report. Clause 78(2) may accordingly be renumbered as clause 78.
The Committee find that clause 8(1) of the Code provides that an operational
creditor may, on the occurrence of a default, deliver a demand notice of unpaid
operational debt or copy of an invoice demanding payment of the amount involved in
the default to the corporate debtor in such form as may be prescribed. through an
information utility, wherever applicable, or by registered post or courier or by such
electronic mode of communication, as may be specified.
The Committee are of the view that the details of the mode of delivery of
demand notice can be provided in the rules. The Committee, therefore, decide to
substitute words ―in such form as may be prescribed. through an information
utility, wherever applicable, or by registered post or courier or by such electronic
mode of communication, as may be specified‖ as appearing in clause 8(1) with
the words ―in such form and manner, as may be prescribed‖. Besides as a
consequential amendment words ―through an information utility or by registered
post or courier or by such electronic mode of communication as may be
specified‖ as appearing in clause 8(2) may also be omitted.
18. Giving reasons for rejection of an application for initiating corporate
insolvency resolution process – Clause 10(4)
Clauses 16(4), 82(1)(b), 97(1)(b) and 98(5)(b) provide that the Board shall
recommend/confirm the name/about the insolvency/resolution professional to the
Adjudicating Authority- that such professional has relevant expertise or is suitable to act
as a resolution professional.
The Committee find that as per provisions made under Clause 199, no person
shall carry on its business as insolvency professional agencies under this Code and
enroll insolvency professionals as its members except under and in accordance with a
certificate of registration issued in this behalf by the Board. Besides Clause 207
provides that no person shall render his services as insolvency professional under this
Code without being enrolled as a member of an insolvency professional agency. Every
insolvency professional shall, after obtaining the membership of any insolvency
professional agency, register themselves with the Board within such time, in such
manner and on payment of such fee, as may be specified by regulations. Moreover,
Clause 205 provides that the insolvency professional agency shall make bye-laws to the
minimum standards of professional competence for its members, the standards for
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professional and ethical conduct of its members and requirements for enrolment of
persons as its members.
From the aforesaid provisions, the Committee find that there are sufficient
safeguards to ensure that the competent persons are enrolled as insolvency
professionals. In view of this, the Committee feel that provisions made under
Clause 16(4)(a), 82(1)(b), 97(1)(b) and 98(5)(b) are redundant and may be omitted.
Besides for the purpose of uniformity words ―if no disciplinary proceedings are
pending against him‖ may be added after words interim resolution professional‖
under clause 16(2).
The Committee are of the opinion that when the interest of a creditor is
over secured, he could unreasonably withhold his consent. To obviate this
possibility, it need to be provided that the consent of such creditor shall not be
required where and, to the extent, the value of encumbered property is more than
twice the interest of such creditor.
The Committee in view of the above decide that the following proviso may
be inserted after Clause 20(2)(c):-
―Provided that no prior consent of the creditor shall be required where the
value of such property is not less than the amount equivalent to twice the amount
of the debt.‖
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21. Role of Operational Creditors - Clause 24
In this context, while appreciating that the operational creditors are important
stakeholders in a company, the Committee took note of the rationale of not including
operational creditors in the committee of creditors as indicated in notes on Clause 21
appended with the Bill which states as under:-
All decisions of the Committee shall be taken by a vote of not less than
seventy-five per cent of the voting share. In the event there are no
financial creditors for a corporate debtor, the composition and decision-
making processes of the corporate debtor shall be specified by the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board. The Committee shall also have the
power to call for information from the resolution professional.‖
The Committee after due deliberations are of the view that, if not voting
rights, operational creditors at least should have presence in the committee of
creditors to present their views/concerns on important issues considered at the
meetings so that their views/concerns are taken into account by the committee of
14
creditors while finalizing the resolution plan. The Committee, therefore, decide to
modify clause 24(3) and (4) as given under:-
In case of ‗Fresh Start Process‘, clause 89 (1)(a) to (f) provides grounds for
replacement of resolution professional by debtor or creditor. Again, in Chapter III,
Insolvency Resolution Process, the ground for replacement of resolution professional
have been indicated under 98(1) (a) to (d). Similarly, in the Chapter namely Insolvency
Resolution Process, under clause 145(1)(a), from (i) to (vi) as well as under clause
15
145(1)(b), grounds for replacement of bankruptcy trustee have been given. Further
clause 145(2) provides for suo motu replacement of bankruptcy trustee on the grounds
mentioned in clause 145(1) by the Adjudicating Authority.
The Committee after deliberations feel that notwithstanding the right of
committee of creditors to replace the insolvency resolution
professional/bankruptcy trustee, the grounds as mentioned in the aforesaid
clauses which may affect the career of the professional are not required,
particularly when these professionals are well regulated entities by the regulator
i.e. the Board as well as by the Insolvency Professional Agencies, with whom
they will be registered as per the provisions made under the Bill and penalties
have been prescribed for them in the Chapter offences and penalties. (Clause
185) for deliberately contravening the provisions of the Act in exercising powers.
In view of the above, the Committee decide to modify the aforesaid clauses as
under:
Clause 25 (3)
Clause 25 (3) may be substituted by the following renumbered clause i.e. clause
26;
―Application for avoidance of transactions not to affect proceedings
The filing of an avoidance application under clause (j) of sub-section (2) of
section 25 by the resolution professional shall not affect the proceedings of the
corporate insolvency resolution process‖.
Clause 26 may be renumbered as clause 27.
Clause 26 (1) may be modified as under;
‗Where, at any time during the corporate insolvency resolution process, the
committee of creditors is of the opinion that a resolution professional appointed
under section 22 is required to be replaced, it may replace him with another
resolution professional in the manner provided under this section.‘
Clause 27 –
Clause 27 may be omitted.
Clause 28 (5) may be modified as under:
―The committee of creditors may report the actions of the resolution professional
under sub-section (4) to the Board for taking necessary actions against him
under this Code.
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Clause 89(1), (2) & (3) may be modified as under:
―89(1) –Where the debtor or the creditor is of the opinion that the resolution
professional appointed under section 82 is required to be replaced, he may apply
to the Adjudicating Authority for the replacement of such resolution professional.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall within seven days of the receipt of the
application under sub-section (1) make a reference to the Board for replacement
of the resolution professional.
(3) The Board shall, within ten days of the receipt of a reference from the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (2), recommend the name of an
insolvency professional to the Adjudicating Authority against whom no
disciplinary proceedings are pending‖.
Clause 98(1), (2) & (3) may be modified as under:
―98(1) Where the debtor or the creditor is of the opinion that the resolution professional
appointed under section 97 is required to be replaced, he may apply to the Adjudicating
Authority for the replacement of the such resolution professional.‖
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall within seven days of the receipt of the
application under sub-section (1) make a reference to the Board for replacement
of the resolution professional.
(3) The Board shall, within ten days of the receipt of a reference from the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (2), recommend the name of the
resolution professional to the Adjudicating Authority against whom no disciplinary
proceedings are pending‖.
Clause 98(5) may be modified as under:
98 (5) ‗Where the Adjudicating Authority admits an application made under sub-
section (1) or sub-section (4), it shall direct the Board to confirm that there are no
disciplinary proceedings pending against the proposed resolution professional‘
(2) The committee of creditors may, at a meeting, by a vote of seventy five per cent
of voting share, propose to replace the bankruptcy trustee appointed under section
125 with another bankruptcy trustee.
(3) The committee of creditors may apply to the Adjudicating Authority for the
replacement of the bankruptcy trustee.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall within seven days of the receipt of the
application under sub-section (3) direct the Board to recommend for replacement of
bankruptcy trustee.
(5) The Board shall, within ten days of the direction of the Adjudicating Authority
under sub-section (4), recommend a bankruptcy trustee for replacement against
whom no disciplinary proceedings are pending.
(6) The Adjudicating Authority shall, by an order, appoint the bankruptcy trustee as
recommended by the Board under sub-section (5) within fourteen days of receiving
such recommendation.
(7) The earlier bankruptcy trustee shall deliver possession of the estate of the
bankrupt to the bankruptcy trustee appointed under sub-section (6), on the date of his
appointment.
(8) The Adjudicating Authority may give directions to the earlier bankruptcy trustee-
(a ) to share all information with the new bankruptcy trustee in respect of the
bankruptcy process; and
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(b ) to co-operate with the new bankruptcy trustee in such matters as may be
required.
(9) The earlier bankruptcy trustee replaced under this section shall be released in
accordance with the provisions of section 148.
(10) The bankruptcy trustee appointed under this section shall give a notice of his
appointment to the bankrupt within seven days of his appointment‖.
As a consequential amendment, clauses 89(6), 98(9) and 145(9) which provide
for taking action by the Board against the resolution professional/bankruptcy trustee
may also be omitted.
The Committee observe that sufficient parameters for resolution plan have
been indicated in clause 30(2) from (a) to (d), for which the Adjudicating Authority
has to ensure compliance under clause 31(1)(a) before approving the resolution
plan. The ground of material irregularity as provided in clause 31(1)(b) is vague
and open ended which may provide discretion/scope to the Adjudicating
Authority to reject the resolution plan on any procedural/technical ground. The
Committee in view of this decide to omit clause 31(1)(b). The modified clause 31
(1) may accordingly be as under;
―If the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the resolution plan as approved by
the committee of creditors under sub-section (4) of section 30 meets the requirements
as referred to in sub-section (2) of section 30, it shall by order approve the resolution
plan which shall be binding on the corporate debtor and its employees, members,
creditors, guarantors and other stakeholders involved in the resolution plan.‖
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24. Approval of resolution plan – Addition of a new clause providing the
manner of continued management of the corporate debtor.
The Committee after detailed deliberations are of the view that there is a
need for proper monitoring of implementation of the resolution plan by the
committee of creditors. Besides a provision need to be added for the manner of
continued management of the corporate debtor in the resolution plan itself. The
Committee, therefore, decide that clause 30(2) may be modified as under:-
―Clause 30(2)-The resolution professional shall examine each resolution plan received
by him to confirm that each resolution plan-
(a) provides for the payment of insolvency resolution process costs in a
manner specified by the Board in priority to the repayment of other debts of the
corporate debtor:
(b) provides for the repayment of the debts of operational creditors in such
manner as may be specified by the Board which shall not be less than the
amount to be paid to the operational creditors in the event of a liquidation of the
corporate debtor under section 53;
(c) provides for the management of the affairs of the corporate debtor after
approval of the resolution plan;
(d) the implementation and supervision of the resolution plan;
(e) does not contravene any of the provisions of the law for the time being in
force; and
(f) conforms to such other requirements as may be specified by the Board‖.
25. Initiation of Liquidation – Clause 33(5) - Proviso
Second proviso to clause 33(5) provides as under:
‗Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any proceeding
pending in appeal before the Supreme Court or a High Court‘.
Keeping in view the fact that to appeal before the Supreme Court or a High
Court is the right of every citizen, the Committee find this Clause redundant. The
Committee, therefore decide to omit the second proviso to clause 33(5).
The Committee feel that the words ‗mutatis mutandis‘ as appearing in clause
34(3) may be substituted by simple words. The Committee, therefore, decide to modify
34(3) as under:
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―The personnel of the corporate debtor shall extend all assistance and
cooperation to the liquidator as may be required by him in managing the
affairs of the corporate debtor and provisions of section 19 shall apply in
relation to voluntary liquidation process as they apply in relation to
liquidation process with the substitution of references to the liquidator for
references to the interim resolution professional‖.
27. Exclusion of provident fund, pension fund and the gratuity fund from the
liquidation estate assets and estate of bankrupt – Clause 36(4) and 155(2)
The representative of EPFO during the course of deliberations stated that the
priority of payment of debts under the Code is changed and EPF dues in the Bill have
been placed on a lower priority and the Eleventh Schedule of the Code proposes that
Section 326 and 327 shall not be applicable in the event of liquidation under the Code.
By this the provisions of Section 11 of the EPF and MP Act are rendered null and void.
The representative drew the attention of the Committee to the Supreme Court Judgment
whereby it was held that the EPF dues shall get priority over all other debts including
secured creditors.
Similarly, PFRDA in the memorandum has stated that the investment for old age
security/pension should be given higher priority in case of liquidation of assets of
bankrupt entities in line with the priority given to the dues of employees. Further, as
most of the subscribers under NPS regulated by PFRDA are from Government sector
and the NPS Life (Scheme for Economically Weaker Section), where the share of the
contribution is from the Government funds also, higher priority should be given to the
dues to pension fund investments to the bankrupt entities.
The Committee after in depth examination are of the view that provident
fund, pension fund and the gratuity fund provide the social safety net to the
workmen and employees and hence need to be secured in the event of liquidation
of a company or bankruptcy of partnership firm. The Committee, therefore, feel
21
that all sums due to any workman or employee from the provident fund, the
pension fund and the gratuity fund should not be included in the liquidation
estate assets and estate of the bankrupt.
In view of the above the Committee decide that the Clause 36(4)(a)(iii) may be
substituted by the following:
‗all sums due to any workman or employee from the provident fund, the pension
fund and the gratuity fund‘
Similarly, the following new sub-Clause 155(2)(d) may be added after Clause
155(2)(c).
‗all sums due to any workman or employee from the provident fund, the pension
fund and the gratuity fund‘.
Clause 155(2)(c) may accordingly be renumbered 155(2)(d).
―(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law enacted by the
Parliament or any State Legislature for the time being in force, the proceeds from the
sale of the liquidation assets shall be distributed in the following order of priority and
within such period as may be specified, namely:—
(a) the insolvency resolution process costs and the liquidation costs paid in full;
(b) the following debts which shall rank equally between and among the
following:—
(i) debts owed to a secured creditor in the event such secured creditor has
relinquished security in the manner set out in section 52; and
(ii) workmen‘s dues for the period of twelve months preceding the
liquidation commencement date;
(c) wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees other than workmen for the
period of twelve months preceding the liquidation commencement date‖;
22
Besides Clause 178 (1) (a) and (b) provides as under:-
―(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law enacted by the
Parliament or the State Legislature for the time being in force, in the distribution of the
final dividend, the following debts shall be paid in priority to all other debts—
(a) firstly, the costs and expenses incurred by the bankruptcy trustee for the
bankruptcy process in full;
(b) secondly,—
(i) debts owed to secured creditors; and
(ii) wages and unpaid dues owed to workmen of the bankrupt for the
whole or any part of the period of twelve months preceding the bankruptcy
commencement date‖;
The Committee observe that workers are the nerve centre of any company.
In the event of any company becoming insolvent or bankrupt, the workmen to get
affected adversely and, therefore, priority has to be given to their outstanding
dues. The Committee in this regard note that whereas amount due to the Central
Government and the State Government including the amount to be received on
account of the Consolidated Fund of India and the Consolidated Fund of a State
is to be paid in respect of the whole or any part of the period of two years
preceding the liquidation commencement date as per Clause 53(1)(e)(i) and
Clause 178 (1) (b), workmen and employees dues have been restricted to the
period of twelve months preceding the liquidation commencement date as per the
provisions given above. To protect the interest of the workmen, the Committee
are of the view that workmen dues for a period of tweleve months as provided in
the waterfall under Clause 53 and 178 may be increased to twenty-four months
preceding liquidation commencement date. Notwithstanding debts owed to
23
secured creditors being pari passu with the workmen‘s dues and wages &
unpaid dues to workmen of an insolvent company/bankrupt
individual/partnership firm as per Clause 53(1)(b) and Clause 178(1)(b)
respectively, the Committee decide that wages and unpaid dues may be placed
under item no.1 and debts owed to secured creditor at item no.2 under Clause
53(1)(b) and 178(1)(b).
The Committee, therefore, decide to modify Clause 53(1)(a), (b) and (c) and
178(1)(a) &(b) as under:-
(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law enacted by the
Parliament or any State Legislature for the time being in force, the proceeds from the
sale of the liquidation assets shall be distributed in the following order of priority and
within such period and in such manner as may be specified, namely:—
(a) the insolvency resolution process costs and the liquidation costs paid in full;
(b) the following debts which shall rank equally between and among the
following:—
(i) workmen‘s dues for the period of twenty-four months preceding the
liquidation commencement date; and
(ii) debts owed to a secured creditor in the event such secured creditor
has relinquished security in the manner set out in section 52.
(c) wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees other than workmen for the
period of twelve months preceding the liquidation commencement date;
(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law enacted by the
Parliament or the State Legislature for the time being in force, in the distribution of the
final dividend, the following debts shall be paid in priority to all other debts—
(a) firstly, the costs and expenses incurred by the bankruptcy trustee for the
bankruptcy process in full;
(b) secondly,—
24
(i) the workmen‘s dues for the period of twenty-four months preceding the
bankruptcy commencement date; and
(ii) debts owed to secured creditors.
(c) thirdly, wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees, other than workmen,
of the bankrupt for the period of twelve months preceding the bankruptcy
commencement date;
29. Adjudicating Authority for Corporate persons – Clause 60 and 79(14)(e)
FICCI in the memorandum submitted to the Committee was of the view that the
exclusion of moratorium period from calculation of limitation period applies only in the
context of suit or application in the name or on behalf of the corporate debtor. It is not
clear as such exclusion also applies in respect of suits against the company by the
creditors which are also subject to stay under the moratorium provisions. It was,
therefore, suggested that the words ―or against the corporate debtor‖ may be added
after the words ―corporate debtor‖ under Clause 60(6) of the Bill.
25
resolution of insolvency, he shall be liable for a penalty which may extend to one
crore rupees .
(2) If, any person initiates voluntary liquidation proceedings with the intent to
defraud any person he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one
lakh rupees and which may extend to one crore rupees
The Committee are of the view that it is essential to designate the
competent authority to impose penalty. As such Adjudicating Authority may be
designated the competent authority in the aforesaid situation. The Committee,
therefore, decide that for words ‗he shall be liable for‘, as appearing in sub-
clauses (1) and (2) of Clause 65, the Adjudicating Authority may impose upon
such person‘ may be substituted. Besides, in clause 65(2) minimum penalty is
provided which shall not be less than one lakh rupees. But minimum penalty is
not provided in sub-clause (1). The Committee decide to modify clause 65(1) to
provide the minimum penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees. The
clause 65(1) may be modified as under:
―If, any person initiates the insolvency resolution process or liquidation
proceedings fraudulently or with malicious intent for any purpose other than
for the resolution of insolvency, or liquidation, as the case may be, the
adjudicating authority may impose upon such person a penalty which shall
not be less than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees‖.
31. Punishment for various offences and penalties – Clause 68 to 74, 76 and 77
and clause 184 to 187
The Committee note that for various offences by any person, officer,
insolvency professional/insolvency trustee, debtor, creditor, operational creditor,
punishment has been prescribed under clause 68 to 77 and clause 184 to 187.
The Committee further find that under the aforesaid clauses imprisonment and
fine both have been provided for offences. The Committee are of the view that it
is appropriate to leave it to the court to impose either imprisonment or fine or
with both. In view of this, the Committee decide to modify the aforesaid clauses
accordingly.
32. Fraudulent trading or wrongful trading- Clause 66(1)
Clause 66(1) of the Code provides that if during the corporate insolvency
resolution process or a liquidation process, it is found that any business of the corporate
debtor has been carried on with intent to defraud creditors of the corporate debtor or
26
creditors of any other person, or for any fraudulent purpose, the Adjudicating Authority
on the application of the resolution professional may pass an order that the persons
who were knowingly parties to the carrying on of the business in such manner shall be
liable to make such contributions to the assets of the corporate debtor as it may deem
fit.
The Committee feel that liability to make contributions to the assets of the
corporate debtor in case it is found that any business of the corporate debtor has
been carried on with intent to defraud creditor of any other person is not justified
and as such decide to omit words ‗or creditors of any other person‘ as appearing
in clause 66(1) .
33. Applicability of the provisions made under Part-III of the Bill – Clause78(1)
Clause 78(1) provides that Part-III of the Bill shall apply to the whole of
India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Committee note that under
Clause 1(2) of the Bill that it has been provided that it extends to the whole of
India, provided that Part-III of this Code shall not extend to the State of Jammu
and Kashmir. The Committee are of the view that the provisions made under
clause 78(1) are redundant in view of specific provision made with regard to
applicability of the whole Code under clause 1(2) of the Code. The Committee,
therefore decide to omit clause 78(1).
Clause 78(3) provides for adjudicating authority for Part III. However, the
term ‗adjudicating authority‘ has been defined in Part II in clause 5(1). The
Committee decide that the said term may be defined in clause 79(1). The
modified clause 79(1) is as under :
37. The details regarding the personal information of the debtor and the
creditor – Clause 95(4)(a)
Clause 95(4)(a) provides for details that have to be accompanied with the
application by a creditor to initiate insolvency resolution process so as to get it admitted
by the Adjudicating Authority. One of the conditions as mentioned at Clause 95(4)(a) is
the personal information regarding the debtor that the creditor has in his possession.
The Committee after deliberations decide that clause 95(4)(a) may be omitted. The
subsequent sub-clauses may accordingly be renumbered.
Further the Committee note that under clause 114, the nature of order of
Adjudication Authority on the basis of report of resolution professional has not been
explicitly mentioned. The Committee, therefore, decide to modify clause 114 as under :
―114. (1) The Adjudicating Authority shall by an order approve or reject the
repayment plan on the basis of the report of the meeting of the creditors
submitted by the resolution professional under section 112:
30
Provided that where a meeting of creditors is not summoned, the
Adjudicating Authority shall pass an order on the basis of the report prepared by
the resolution professional under section 106.
(2) The order of the Adjudicating Authority approving the repayment plan may
also provide for directions for implementing the repayment plan.
(3) Where the Adjudicating Authority is of the opinion that the repayment plan
requires modification, it may direct the resolution professional to re-convene a
meeting of the creditors for reconsidering the repayment plan‘‘.
―115. (1) Where the Adjudicating Authority has approved the repayment plan under
section 114, such repayment plan shall –
(a ) take effect as if proposed by the debtor in the meeting; and
(b) be binding on creditors mentioned in the repayment plan and the
debtor.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority rejects the repayment plan under
section 114, the debtor and the creditors shall be entitled to file an application for
bankruptcy under Chapter IV.
(3) A copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority under sub-
section (2) shall be provided to the Board, for the purpose of recording an
entry in the register referred to in section 196‖.
40. Nomination of another person to act on behalf of resolution
professional/bankruptcy trustee as well as replacement/appointment of additional
resolution professionals- Clause108(2),(3) and (6), Clause 116(4),(5),(6) as well as
Clause 134(4)
The Committee note that Clause 108(2) and (3) provides that the resolution
professional may nominate another person qualified to act as a resolution professional
to act on his behalf, if for any reason he is unable to attend the meeting of the creditors.
Similar provision for bankruptcy trustee has been made under Clause 134(4) of the
Code.
The Committee after deliberations are of the opinion that the aforesaid
provision for nomination of another person by resolution professional or
bankruptcy trustee himself to act on his behalf is not justified, particularly when
the resolution professional/bankruptcy trustee is appointed by the adjudicating
31
authority after getting confirmation from the Board as per the provisions made
under the Code. The Committee are of the view that the resolution professional
appointed by Adjudicating Authority should not been on powered to create a
substitute for himself. In view of this the Committee decide to delete Clause
108(2), 108 (3) and 134(4).
The Committee further note that as per Clause 108(6), the creditors have
been authorized to replace the resolution professional or appoint additional
resolution professional for implementation of the repayment plan. The Committee
feel that the provision of appointment of additional resolution professional by the
creditors will create confusion and creditors should not have such authority. The
Committee, therefore, decide to delete Clause 108(6).
Further at the stage of implementation and supervision of repayment plan,
the creditors have been given the power to replace or appoint additional
resolution professional under clause 116(4), (5) & (6). The only difference in this
case is that the adjudicating authority has been authorized to pass an order to
give effect to such decision of the creditors. The Committee after examination
feel that it would be appropriate if the resolution professional who has been
consistently involved in preparation of repayment plan continue at the stage of
implementation of repayment plan. In view of this, the provision to provide for
replacement of the resolution professional or appointing additional resolution
professional at this stage would not be justified. The Committee, therefore,
decide to omit clause 116(4), (5) & (6).
As a consequential modification, the Committee decide to modify the
following sub-clauses:
(i) Under clause 151(e) words ‗act in his behalf‘ may be substituted with the
words ‗assist him‘;
(ii) Under section 98(4) reference of words ‗under sub-section (6) of section
108‘ may be omitted.
41. Voting rights in meeting of creditors – resolution professional to assign the
estimated value of debt – Clause 109
In case of voting for repayment plan for individuals and partnership firms, Clause
109(3) provides that a creditor shall not be entitled to vote in respect of a debt for an
unliquidated amount, or any debt the value of which is not ascertained, except where
the resolution professional agrees to assign an estimated value to the debt for the
32
purpose of entitlement to vote. Similar provision has been made for voting in case of
bankruptcy order for individual and partnership firms under Clause 135(3).
The Committee, therefore, decide to modify clause 138 and 139 as under
for the purpose of clarity.
―138. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall apply to the Adjudicating Authority
for a discharge order—
33
(3) A copy of the discharge order shall be provided to the Board, for
the purpose of recording an entry in the register referred to in section 196‖.
139. The discharge order under sub-section (2) of section 138 shall release
the bankrupt from all the bankruptcy debt:
Provided that discharge shall not-
(a) affect the functions of the bankruptcy trustee; or
(c) release the bankrupt from any debt incurred by means of fraud or
breach of trust to which he was a party; or
34
substituted by ‗modify or recall‘. The consequential modification may be made in
clause 141(2)(a), 142(2) and 142(4).
The Committee further feel that the provisions for modify or recall
bankruptcy order may suo motu may also be provided to the Adjudicating
Authority. The Committee therefore, decide that the words ‗on an application or
suo motu may be added after ‗may‘ under clause 142(1), page 66, line 26.
The Committee further note words ‗on any ground existing at the time of
bankruptcy order was made‘ as appearing in clause 142(1)(a), provide open
ended discretion to the Adjudicating Authority and hence decide that clause
142(1)(a) should be substituted by the following :
―142(1)(a) there exists an error apparent on the face of such order, or‖.
―Appointment of the Chairperson and the members of the Board other than
the appointment of an ex-officio member, under this section shall be made
after obtaining the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of-
(a) Cabinet Secretary – Chairperson;
(b) Secretary to the Government of India to be nominated by the Central
Government – Member;
(c) Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (in
case of selection of members of the Board) – Member;
(d) three experts of repute from the field of finance, law, management,
insolvency and related subjects, to be nominated by the Central
Government – Members.‖
36
49. Appointment of officers and employees by the Board – Clause 194(2)
Clause 194(2) provides that the Board may appoint such other officers and
employees as it considers necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions under
this Code.
The Committee are of the view that the rules terms and regulations of
appointment should be specified in the regulations made under the Code. The
Committee, therefore, decide to substitute words ‗under this Code‘ as appearing
in Clause 194(2) by the words ‗in such manner as may be specified‘.
50. Model bye laws to be framed by the Board – New Clause 196(2)
(i) The Committee are of the view that regulations and guidelines with regard
to mechanism for time bound disposal of the assets of the corporate debtor or
debtor need to be made. In view of this, the Committee decide to add a new sub-
clause 196(1)(t) in this regard.
(ii) As per Clause 205 of the Code every professional agency is required to
make bye- laws. The Committee note that although various parameters for
making such bye-laws have been given in Clause 205, no model bye-law has been
provided in the Code in the absence of which every professional agency may
have its own bye-laws. Since it is envisaged that there would be multiple IPAs,
which may lead to lack of uniformity in the bye-laws to be followed by different
insolvency professional agencies.
The Committee, therefore, decide that a new sub Clause 196(2) may be
added after Clause 196(1).
―Subject to the provisions of this Code and any rules or regulations made
thereunder and after obtaining the approval of the Board every insolvency
professional agency shall make bye-laws consistent with the model bye-laws
specified by the Board under sub-section (2) of section 196,‖
38
52. Specifying professional streams for insolvency professionals – new Clause
206
The Committee are of the view that the Code should itself specify as to
from which professional streams, the insolvency professional shall be drawn. The
Committee, therefore, decide that the Clause 207(1) may be renumbered as
Clause 206 A and modified as under-
206 A ―No person shall render his services as insolvency professional under this
Code without being enrolled as a member of an insolvency professional agency and
registered with the Board.‖
Besides 207(2) may be renumbered as 207(1) and a new clause 207(2) may
be inserted as under:
―207.(2) The Board may specify categories of professionals or persons
possessing such qualifications and experience in the fields of finance, law, management
or insolvency or such other field, as it deems fit.‖
53. Registration of information utility – Clause 210(2)
The Committee note that the proviso to Clause 210(2) provides that no
order shall be made under this sub-section unless the information utility
concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. After some
deliberations on this proviso the Committee decide to omit this proviso.
54. Interoperability of data with information utility – Clause 214
The Committee note that operational creditors may include employees, workmen,
trade creditors, who may not have the adequate resources to pay as fee to the
information utility for submission of information as provided under the aforesaid clause.
40
The Committee, therefore, decide that words ‗or, as the case may be, an
operational creditor‘ as appearing in clause 215(2) may be deleted. Besides a
new sub-clause as given under may be inserted after clause 215(2);
57. Removal of the information from records of information utility – Clause 216
Clause 216 provides as under:-
―A person who submits financial information to an information utility shall have
the following rights, namely: —
(a) to correct errors or update or modify any financial information so
submitted in a manner and within such time as may be specified;
(b) to demand the information utility to remove from its records the
information so submitted, with the concurrence of all counterparties to any
contracts or agreements, in a manner and within such time as may be specified.‖
The Committee after deliberations are not inclined to agree to the provision
to demand the information utility to remove from its records the information so
submitted by a person who submits financial information to an information utility,
with the concurrence of all counterparties to any contracts or agreements. With
regard to 216(1)(a) the Committee are of the view that the provision to correct
errors or update or modify any financial information to an information utility may
be on an application made to the information utility stating reasons therefor. The
Committee, therefore, decide to modify clause 216(1) as under:-
―A person who intends to update or modify or rectify errors in the financial
information submitted under section 215, may make an application to the
information utility for such purpose starting reasons therefor, in such manner and
within such time, as may be specified.‖
41
59. Imposition of monetary penalty by the disciplinary committee – Clause
220(3)
The Committee deliberated on the provision and felt that this Clause may
be redrafted to make it more clear. Accordingly, the Committee decide to modify
the Clause 220(3) as under –
60. Specifying the purposes for withdrawal of funds from insolvency and
bankruptcy Fund – Clause 224(3)
The Committee while deliberating on this Clause felt that there is a need to
specify the purposes for which a person who has contributed to the Fund may
make withdrawals from the Fund. Accordingly, the Committee decided to modify
Clause 224(3) as under –
―(3) A person who has contributed any amount to the Fund may, in the event of
proceedings initiated in respect of such person under this Code before an
Adjudicating Authority, make an application to such Adjudicating Authority for
withdrawal of funds not exceeding the amount contributed by it, for making
payments to workmen, protecting the assets of such persons, meeting the
incidental costs during the proceedings or such other purposes as may be
prescribed.‖
61. (a) Delegation of powers of the Board to any person– Clause 230
Clause 230 of the Bill provides that the Board may Board may, by general or
special order in writing delegate to any member, officer of the Board or any other person
subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, such of its powers
and functions under this Code as it may deem necessary.
42
The Committee note that clause 196(1) of the Code allows the Board to
perform a number of functions while giving it significant powers for the same,
‗subject to the general directions of the Central Government‘. The Committee are
of the opinion that delegating the powers of the Board to any other person is not
desirable as it may constitute excessive delegation of power. The Committee
further note that clause 230 provides for delegation of power by Board except the
powers under section 217. In this context, the Committee find that clause 217
provides for complaints against insolvency professional agency. There is section
238 which provides the power to make regulations. The Committee find that
clause 217 has been indicated as a mistake which should have been clause 238.
The Committee, therefore, decide that words ‗or any other person‘ as appearing
in clause 230 may be omitted. Besides section 217 may be substituted by section
236.
62. Insertion of new provisions relating to cross border insolvency after
clause 233– New Clause 233A and 233B
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 does not provide the provisions to
deal with the issues relating to cross border insolvency. The report of the Bankruptcy
Law Reforms Committee which was constituted to study the corporate bankruptcy
framework in India in its report has mentioned as under:
‗The Committee has taken up, and attempted to comprehensively solve, the
question of bankruptcy and insolvency insofar as it is a purely domestic question.
This is an important first milestone for India. The next frontier lies in addressing
cross-border issues. This includes Indian financial firms having claims upon
defaulting firms which are global, or global financial persons having claims upon
Indian defaulting firms. Some important elements of internationalization – foreign
holders of corporate bonds issued in India, or borrowing abroad by an Indian firm –
are dealt with by the present report. However, there are many other elements of
cross-border insolvency which are not addressed by this report. Examples of these
problems include thousands of Indian firms have become multinationals, and
Indian financial investors that lend to overseas persons. The Committee proposes
to take up this work in the next stage of its deliberations‘.
43
Shri T.K. Viswanathan during the course of deposition before the Committee
stated as under:
‗xxx the UNCITRAL and other international conventions are debating that India
should become a party to cross border insolvency. We have not so far formalized
our views because first we want to put this Bill and the court into action and then
explore how best we should handle that. So, we have not fully formalized our
views on that‘.
The Committee deliberated the issue and noted that ‗The Code at present does
not explicitly deal with issues and text related to cross border insolvency. However
given that many corporate transactions and businesses today involve an international
and cross border element, the implications of cross border insolvency cannot be ignored
for too long if India is to have a comprehensive and long lasting insolvency law as the
Code aims to achieve. Not incorporating this will lead to an incomplete Code‘
44
formulation. The title of the two new sections is Agreements with Foreign
Countries and the other one is Letter of Request to a country outside India in
certain cases.‖
The representative of the Ministry further stated that as per the proposed
formulation, it will be an enabling mechanism. But cross border insolvency has a larger
issue. There can be a multinational company having branches elsewhere and they
actually go for liquidation somewhere. That may have a ramification. There are various
other issues. Later on, these issues perhaps could be considered.
The Committee after deliberations decide to incorporate after clause 233
the following new provisions relating to cross border insolvency with the
marginal heading ‗Agreement with foreign countries (new Clause 233A) and new
Clause 233B with the marginal heading as Letter of request to a country outside
India in certain cases‘, as suggested by the Department of Economic Affairs, as a
beginning:
― 233A. (1) The Central Government may enter into an agreement with the
Government of any country outside India for enforcing the provisions of this
Code.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct
that the application of provisions of this Code in relation to assets or
property of corporate debtor or debtor, including a personal guarantor of a
corporate debtor, as the case may be, situated at any place in a country
outside India with which reciprocal arrangements have been made, shall be
subject to such conditions as may be specified.
233B. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code or any law for the
time being in force if, in the course of insolvency resolution process, or
liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings, as the case may be, under this Code,
the resolution professional, liquidator or bankruptcy trustee, as the case
may be, is of the opinion that assets of the corporate debtor or debtor,
including a personal guarantor of a corporate debtor, are situated in a
country outside India with which reciprocal arrangements have been made
under section 232, he may make an application to the Adjudicating Authority
that evidence or action relating to such assets is required in connection
with such process or proceeding.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority on receipt of an application under sub-section
(1) and, on being satisfied that evidence or action relating to assets under
sub-section (1) is required in connection with insolvency resolution process
or liquidation or bankruptcy proceeding, may issue a letter of request to a
court or an authority of such country competent to deal with such request.‖
45
The Committee also decide to make consequential change in the definition of
‗property‘ in Clause 3(27) by substituting the word ‗anywhere‘ with words ‗in India or
outside India‘
63. Deletion of Clause 236(3)
Clause 236(3) provides as under –
―The matters in respect of which rules may be made or notification issued are
matters of procedure or administrative detail and it is not practicable to provide for
them in the Bill itself. The delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal
character.‖
The Committee note that the aforesaid provisions are usually provided in
the Memorandum regarding Delegated Legislation as appended with a Bill. The
provisions have in fact been provided in the Memorandum. The Committee in
view of above decide to omit Clause 236(3) being redundant.
64. Trial of offences by the Special Court – Clause 240 (renumbered as clause
233c)
Clause 240 provides as under –
―Notwithstanding anything in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, offences
under Part II and offences by any insolvency professional under Part III of this
Code shall be tried by the Special Court established under Chapter XXVIII of the
Companies Act, 2013.‖
The Committee decide that words ―Part II and offences by any insolvency
professional under Part III of‖ as appearing in Clause 240(1) may be deleted.
The Committee while deliberating on the aforesaid provision are of the view
that the issues relating to who will take a statement and file a charge-sheet, may
be looked into and therefore decide to add new sub-Clauses (2),(3) and (4) as
given under in clause 240, renumbered as 233. –
―(2) No Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act, save
on a complaint made by the Board or the Central Government or any person
authorised by the Central Government in this behalf. ,
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall apply to the
proceedings before a Special Court and for the purposes of the said provisions,
the Special Court shall be deemed to be a Court of Session and the person
conducting a prosecution before a Special Court shall be deemed to be a Public
Prosecutor.
46
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
in case of complaint under sub-section (2), the presence of the person authorized
by the Central Government or the Board before the Court trying the offences shall
not be necessary unless the Court requires his personal attendance at the trial.‖
62(2) (ii) To file an appeal to the (ii) In Clause 62(2) the period of ninety days
Supreme Court by any person be changed to forty-five days.
aggrieved by order of NCLAT
62(2)
(iii) To extend the period of (iii) In Clause 62(2), the period of thirty days
such appeal by the Supreme to be changed to fifteen days
Court
89(2) and The period of examination of In Clause 89(2) and 98(2), the period of
98(2) application examination of application may be reduced to
47
seven days
102(1) To issue a public notice by the Under clause 102(1), the period of ten days
Adjudicating Authority inviting to issue a public notice inviting claims from all
claims from all creditors. creditors by the Adjudicating Authority, may
be changed to seven days.
102(2)(c) Last date for filling of Claims The specific timelines of twenty-one days
with regard to the last date for filling of claims
by the creditors should be given.
121(2) Filling of an application for The period of six months for filling of an
bankruptcy application for bankruptcy may be changed
from within a period of six months of the date
of the order passed by the Adjudicating
Authority to three months.
130(1)(b) Issue of a public notice by the The specific timelines of fourteen days with
Adjudicating Authority regard to the last date for filling of claims by
the creditors should be given.
181(1) (i) To file an appeal to DRAT (i) In clause 181(1), the period of forty-five
days to be changed to thirty days.
181(2) (ii) period of file an appeal to (ii) In Clause 181(2), the period of forty-five
DRAT days for filling an appeal to DRAT may be
changed to thirty days.
181(2)
(ii) Extension of time by DRAT (iii) The period of extension of time of thirty
days as appearing in Clause 181(2) may be
changed to fifteen days.
182(1) (i) To file an appeal to the (i) in clause 182(1), the period of ninety days
Supreme Court by any person to be changed to forty-five days.
aggrieved by order of DRAT
(ii) To file an appeal to the (ii) In Clause 182(2) the period of ninety days
Supreme Court by any person be changed to forty-five days.
aggrieved by order of DRAT
48
(iii) To extend the period of (iii) In Clause 182(2), the period of thirty days
such appeal by the Supreme to be changed to fifteen days
Court
183 Extension of period by DRT The days for extension by DRT and DRAT
and DRAT may be specified by inserting words ‗but not
exceeding ten days‘ at the end of clause 183
67. The Committee reviewed the timelines provided for various processes during the
course of insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy and decide to increase the timelines of
two, three and five days under the following Clauses to seven days to provide the
reasonable period for the purpose specified in the relevant Clause:
Sl. No. Clause No. Decision taken
1. Clause 7(5)(b) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
2. Clause 7(7)(b) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
3. Proviso to Clause To substitute the period of three days to seven days
9(5)(ii)
4. Clause 21(10) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
5. Clause 22(1) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
6. Clause 37(3) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
7. Clause 40(2) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
8. Clause 59(4) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
9. Clause 82(1) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
10. Clause 82(3) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
11. Clause 83(4) To substitute the period of five days to seven days
12. Clause 84(3) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
13. Clause 92(1) To substitute the period of five days to seven days
14. Clause 97(1) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
15. Clause 97(2) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
16. Clause 97(3) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
17. Clause 99(5) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
18. Clause 100(3) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
19. Clause 108(7) To substitute the period of five days to seven days
20. Clause 125(1) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
21. Clause 125(3) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
22. Clause 126(2) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
23. Clause 129(1) To substitute the period of five days to seven days
24. Clause 134(6) To substitute the period of three days to seven days
25. Clause 138(1)(b) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
26. Clause 145(11) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
27. Clause 146(2) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
28. Clause 146(7) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
29. Clause 147(7) To substitute the period of two days to seven days
30. Clause 150(2) To substitute the period of five days to seven days
49
68. Drafting corrections/improvement
The Committee during the course of deliberations noted certain drafting errors in
the Code. Legislative Department also brought in the notice of the Committee a number
of the Clauses in which drafting correction/language improvement was required for the
purpose of clarity. The Committee decide that the following modifications with the
purpose of drafting improvement may be made in the Code.
Sl. No. Clause No. Drafting corrections/improvement
1. Clause 2(d) Page No. 2, line no. 12
after word ‖such‖ add word ―other‖
2. Clause 2 Page No. 2, line no. 15
Substitute
50
7. Clause 3(37) Page 5, line no. 21 – 25
For
‗(37) words and expressions used but not defined in this Code
but defined in the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the Securities
Contact (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Securities Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992, the Limited Liability Partnership Act,
2008 and the Companies Act, 2013, shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them in those Acts.‘
Substitute
‗(37) Words and expressions used but not defined in this
Code but defined in the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the Indian
Partnership Act, 1932, the Securities Contact (Regulation)
Act, 1956, the Securities Exchange Board of India Act, 1992,
the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial
Institutions Act, 1993, the Limited Liability Partnership Act,
2008 and the Companies Act, 2013, shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them in those Acts.‘
8. Clause 5(4) Page 5, line no. 42
For
‗association or‘
Substitute
‗association,‘
(ii) For
‗partnership agreement‘
Substitute
‗incorporation document‘
9. Clause 5(14) Page 7, line no. 11
For
‗commencing on‘
Substitute
‗beginning from‘
10. Clause 5(20) Page 7, line no.29, omit ―(including a person resident outside
India)‖
51
11. Clause 5(23) Page 7, line no. 37
For
‗and designated partners‘
Substitute
‗, designated partners‘
12. Clause 5(28) Page 8, line no. 41
For
`is‘
Substitute
`means‘
(ii) For
`and‘
Substitute
`which‘
13. Clause 8(2)(a) Page 10, line no. 10
For
`prior to‘
Substitute
`before‘
14. Clause 9(3)(d) Page 10, line no. 36
Delete ‗or‘
15. Proviso to Clause Page 11, line no. 17
9(5) For
`prior to‘
Substitute
`shall before‘
16. Clause 14(1)(b) Page 12, line no. 38 – 39
For
‗(b) the corporate debtor from transferring, encumbering,
alienating or disposing of any of its assets or any legal right or
beneficial interest therein;‘
Substitute
‗(b) transferring, encumbering, alienating or disposing of by
the corporate debtor any of its assets or any legal right or
52
beneficial interest therein‘.
53
25. Clause 24(1) Page 17, line no. 32
Delete ‗other‘
26. Clause 25(2)(d) Page 18, line no. 19
For
‗lawyers and other advisors‘
Substitute
‗legal or other professionals‘
27. Clause 26(2) Page 18, line no. 38
Delete ‗by them‘
28. Clause 26(4) Page 18, line no. 44
Delete ‗sub-section (4) and (5) of‘
29. Clause 26(4) Page 19, lines 1 -3
Proviso to clause 26(4)
For
‗Provided that where any disciplinary proceedings are
pending against the proposed resolution professional, the
resolution professional appointed under section 22 shall
continue for the remaining corporate insolvency resolution
process period.‘
Substitute
‗Where any disciplinary proceedings are pending against the
provided resolution professional under sub-section (3) the
resolution professional appointed under section 22 shall
continue till the appointment of another resolution
professional under this section.‘
54
32. Clause 50(1) Page No. 30, line no. 9
For
‗part of a credit transaction‘
Substitute
‗a party to an extortionate credit transaction‘
33. Clause 56(1) Page 33, line no. 13
Add ‗the provisions of‘ after ‗subject to‘
34. Clause 56(2) Page 33, line no. 17
Delete words ‗way of‘
35. Clause 56(3) Page 33, line no.19 -22
For
―On receipt of an application under sub-section (2), if
the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the subject matter
of the case is such that fast track corporate insolvency
resolution process cannot be completed within a period of
ninety days, it may by order extend the duration of such
process beyond the said period of ninety days:
Provided that any extension of the fast track corporate
insolvency resolution process period granted by the
Adjudicating Authority under this section shall not be beyond
a period of forty five days:
Provided further that any extension of the fast track
corporate insolvency resolution process under this section
shall not be granted more than once.‖
Substitute
―On receipt of an application under sub-section (2), if
the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the subject matter
of the case is such that fast track corporate insolvency
resolution process cannot be completed within a period of
ninety days, it may by order extend the duration of such
process beyond the said period of ninety days by such further
period as it thinks fit but not exceeding forty-five days:
Provided that any extension of the fast track corporate
55
insolvency resolution process under this section shall not be
granted more than once.‖
56
‗National Company Law Appellate Tribunal‘
42. Clause 64(1) Page 36, line no 18
Omit words ‗Notwithstanding anything contained in the
Companies Act, 2013‘
43. Clause 64(2) Page 36, line no.27
Omit `by or‘ after `Tribunal‘
44. Clause 66(1) Page 36, line no.38
For
`on may‘
Substitute
àn‘
45. Clause 66(2) Page 36, line no. 41
Omit words ‗conduct of a‘
Page 36, line no.42
For
`may order‘
Substitute
`may by an order direct‘
57
‗directions have‘
48. Clause 67(2) Page 37, line no. 25-29
For
`Where the Adjudicating Authority makes an order under sub-
section (1) or (2) of section 66, as the case may be, in relation
to a person who is a creditor of the corporate debtor, it may
direct by an order that the whole or any part of any debt owed
by the corporate debtor to that person and any interest
thereon shall rank in priority after all other debts owed by the
corporate debtor and after any interest on those debts.‘
Substitute
`Where the Adjudicating Authority has passed an order under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 66, as the case
may be, in relation to a person who is a creditor of the
corporate debtor, it may, by an order direct that the whole or
any part of any debt owed by the corporate debtor to that
person and any interest thereon shall rank in the order of
priority of payment under section 53 after all other debts owed
by the corporate debtor‘.
49. Clause 68(i)(a) Page 37‘ line no. 37
Add `or‘ after `more‘
50. Clause 68 (i) (g) Page 38, line no. 6
Add word ‗clause‘ before ‗(e)‘
Page 38, line no.11
For
`receives‘
Substitute
`received‘
51. Clause 69(b) Page 38, line no.25
Omit word `since, or‘
58
‗of his‘
Substitute
‗the information in his‘
Substitute
`Punishment for false information furnished in application‘
58. Clause 76- Page 40
Marginal heading For
`Penalty for non-disclosure of dispute or repayment of debt by
operational creditor‘
Substitute
`Punishment for non-disclosure of dispute or repayment of
debt by operational creditor‘
59. Clause 77- Page 40
Marginal heading For
`Penalty for providing false information in application made by
59
creditor debtor‘
Substitute
`Punishment for providing false information in application
made by creditor debtor‘
60. Clause 77- Page 40, line no.34
Explanation Add `and sections 75 and 76‘ after `purposes of this
section‘
61. Clause 79(19) Page 42, line no.43
Omit à‘ after `for‘
62. Clause 81(1) Page 43, line no. 26 – 29
For
‘81. (1) When an application is filed under section 80 by a
debtor—
(a) an interim-moratorium shall commence on the date of
filing of said application in relation to all the debts and shall
cease to have effect on the date of admission or rejection of
such application, as the case may be; and
(b) during the interim-moratorium period
(i) any pending legal action or legal proceeding in respect of
any of his debts shall be deemed to have been stayed; and
(ii) no creditor shall initiate any legal action or proceedings in
respect of such debt‘
Substitute
Substitute
62
allowed by the Adjudicating Authority, it shall forward its order
to the Board and the Board may take action against the
resolution professional under section 219.‘
Substitute
‗Where the application under sub-section (1) has been
allowed by the Adjudicating Authority, it shall forward its order
to the Board and the Board may take such action as may be
required under chapter VI of Part IV against the resolution
professional.‘
71. Clause 90(1)(b) Page 47, line no.42
For
`on‘
Substitute
`of‘
72. Clause 95(7) Page 50, line no.5
For `(2)` Substitute `(4)‘
73. Clause 96(1)(b)(i) Page 50, line 12-13
For
‗any pending legal action or proceeding in respect of any debt
shall be deemed to have been stayed; and‘
Substitute
63
‗the‘
Substitute
‗such‘
75. Clause 99(4) (i) Page 52, line no. 17-18
For
‗call for‘
Substitute
‗seek‘
76. Clause 99(8) Page 52, line 30
For
‗issue‘
substitute
‗submit‘
77. Clause 100(4) Page 53, line 3
Omit ‗or‘ after ‗professional‘
78. Clause 102(2)(c) Page 53, line 27
For
‗filing‘
substitute
‗submission‘
79. Marginal heading Page 56
to Clause 112 ‗on repayment plan‘ to be added after words ‗creditors‘, in the
marginal heading to clause 112 in line 12.
80. Clause 118(3) Page 57, lines 42-43 and Page 58, lines 1-3
For
‘(3) The Adjudicating Authority shall pass an order on the basis
of the report submitted by the resolution professional stating
that—
(b) the debtor or the creditor, whose claims have not been
64
fully satisfied, shall be entitled to apply for a bankruptcy order
under Chapter IV‘.
substitute
‗thirty days‘
65
(a) published in at least one English and one vernacular
newspaper which is in circulation in the state where the
bankrupt reside‘.
Substitute
‗ ( 2 ) The public notice under clause (b) of sub-section (1)
shall include the last date up to which the claims shall be
submitted and such other matters and details as may be
prescribed and shall be -
(a) published in leading newspapers, one in English and
another in vernacular having sufficient circulation where the
bankrupt resides‘.
66
‗Punishment for contravention of provisions‘
91. Marginal heading Page 83
of Clause 187 For
‗Liability of bankruptcy trustee.‘
Substitute
‗Punishment for certain actions‘
92. Clause 194(3) Page 85, line 2
For
‗sub-section (1)‘
Substitute
‗sub-section(2)‘
93. Clause 196(1)(k) Page 85, line 35
For
‗relating so‘
Substitute
‗relating to‘
94. Clause 209 Page 90, lines 23 to 25
For
‗Save as otherwise provided in this Code, no information
utility shall carry on its business under this Code except under
and in accordance with a certificate of registration issued in
that behalf by the Board‘
Substitute
‗Save as otherwise provided in this Code, no person shall carry on
its business as information utility under this Code without a
certificate of registration issued in that behalf by the Board.‘
95. Clause 210(5)(b) Page 91, line 5
For
‗of the regulations made‘
Substitute
‗specified‘
96. Clause 214(1) Page 91, line 24
For
67
‗While‘
Substitute
‗For the purpose of‘
97. Clause 218(1) Page 92, line 16
(i) Omit ‗suo-motu‘
Page 92, line 20 – 21
For
‗authorised in this behalf (hereinafter referred to as the
Investigating Authority in this Chapter)‘
substitute
‗to act as the Investigating Authority‘
98. Clause 220(2) Page 93, line no. 11
Delete ‗monetary‘
99. Clause 224(4) Page 94, line 44
Omit ‗form and‘
100. Clause 231 (i) Page 96, line 7 and 10
For ‗Board‘
Substitute
‗Adjudicating Authority‘
(ii) Page 96 line 10
Omit ‗, or‘
101. Clause 233 Page 96
(i) After clause 233 insert clauses ‗233A‘ and ‗233B‘
(ii) After clause 233B insert clauses ‗233C‘ and ‗233D‘
Clause 240 renumbered as 233C(i)
102. Clause 237 Page 101, line 30
renumbered as (i) Insert ‗and‘ after every rule
239
(ii) omit every ‗bye law‘
(iii) in line 40 to 45 for words ‗rule, regulation or bye laws‘
substitute ‗rule or regulation‘
103. Clause 240 Page 103
Omit lines 1 to 3
104. Short title of the For
68
Bill ‗2015‘
Substitute
‗2016‘
105. Long title of the For
Bill ‗Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund‘
Substitute
‗Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India‘
106. Enacting Formula For
‗Sixty-sixth Year‘
Substitute
‗Sixty-seventh Year‘
107. Clause 1 Page 1, line 1
For
‗2015‘
Substitute
‗2016‘
69
ELEVENTH SCHEDULE, PAGE 107 – 113, THE MODIFICATIONS ARE AS UNDER –
70
'section 59'
122. Sl. no. 22 In section 336, in sub-section (1), in the opening paragraph,
for the words ‗whether by the Tribunal or voluntarily, or which
is subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or
which subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding
up‘ the words ‗by the Tribunal under this Act or which is
subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal under
this Act‘ shall be substituted.
Substitute
'In section 429, for sub-section (1),the following sub-section
shall be substituted, namely—
(1) The Tribunal may, in any proceedings for winding up of a
company under this Act or in any proceedings under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015, in documents,
request, in writing, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief
Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector within whose
jurisdiction any such property, books of account or other
documents of such company under this Act or of corporate
persons under the said Code, are situated or found, to take
possession thereof, and the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate,
Chief Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector, as the case
may be, shall, on such request being made to him,–
(a) take possession of such property, books of account or
other documents; and
(b) cause the same to be entrusted to the Tribunal or other
persons authorised by it.‖.
74
134. Sl. no. 39 Page 113, line 28
For
'For clause (b) of section III, of Schedule V,'
Substitute
'In Schedule V, in Part II, in section III, for Clause (b)'
The formulations with regard to the schedules in the Code are yet to be submitted
by the Legislative Department.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 seeks to provide for designating the
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) as the
Adjudicating Authorities for corporate persons and firms and individuals, respectively,
for resolution of insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy. Clause 61 provides that any
person aggrieved by the order of the Adjudicating Authority may prefer an appeal to the
National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). Besides clause 181 provides that
an appeal from an order of the Debt Recovery Tribunal shall be filed before the Debt
Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT).
Whereas as per clause 239(2)(i), all proceedings with regard to insolvency and
bankruptcy of individuals and partnership firms, pending under pending under and
relating to the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909, and the Provincial Insolvency
Act 1920, immediately before the commencement of the Code shall continue to be
governed under the aforementioned Acts, and heard and disposed of by the concerned
courts or tribunals, in case of corporate insolvency, Clause 252 of the Code seeks to
amend the Companies Act, 2013 as specified in the Eleventh Schedule of the Code.
Clause 434(1) of the Eleventh Schedule proposes to modify section 434 of the
Companies Act, 2013. As per this section, all matters, proceedings or cases pending
before the Board of Company Law Administration (herein in this section referred to as
the Company Law Board) constituted under sub-section (1) of section 10E of the
Companies Act, 1956, immediately before such date shall stand transferred to the
Tribunal.
1. Delhi (2 Nos)
2. Mumbai (2 Nos)
3. Chennai (1 No)
4. Kolkata (1 No)
5. Bangaluru (1 No)
6. Ahmedabad (1 No)
7. Hyderabad (1 No)
8. Allahabad (1 No)
9. Chandigarh (1 No)
10. Circuit Bench at Guhawati (1 No)
So far as work load of DRTs is concerned, the Committee have been apprised
that since the inception of DRTs, they have disposed 1,34,433 cases which have
resulted in recovery of an amount of Rs. 70,725 crore of the public money (as on
31.10.2015). With regard to pendency of cases, it has been stated by the Ministry that
as on 30.11.2015, there are 67,974 cases pending in DRTs.
76
The analysis of companies under liquidation as on 31.10.2015 as furnished by
Department of Financial Services is as under:-
Particular 0-5 years 5-10 years 10-20 years 20 years and above Total
When enquired whether any assessment with regard to work load going shifted
on NCLTs with the operationalisation of the Code, has been done and whether the
Government is thinking of having phased manner approach for dealing with pendency of
insolvency/liquidation cases in various Courts, the Committee have been apprised that
in order to provide flexibility to manage the transfer of existing cases from various
Courts and not to clog the NCLT on its very inception, amendment in Section 434 of the
Companies Act, 2013 is proposed wherein the Central Government may, by way of
rules, prescribe a stage at which the pending proceedings can be transferred to the
NCLT. The Ministry has also apprised the Committee that in law, no cap on number of
benches has been provided. However, both NCLT and DRT would need capacity
enhancement.
The Committee note that NCLTs and DRTs will be designated as the
Adjudicating Authorities for insolvency and liquidation of corporates as well as
bankruptcy for individuals and partnership firms respectively, once the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015 becomes operational. Not only that as per the amendments
proposed with regard to the Companies Act, 2013 in the Courts, proceedings or cases
pending before the Board of Company Law Administration constituted under sub-
section (1) of section 10E of the Companies Act, 1956, immediately before such date
shall stand transferred to the tribunal.
The Committee note that the Companies Act, 1956 was amended in 2002 to
provide for establishment of NCLT and NCLAT. The setting up of the tribunal/appellate
authority was delayed as the provisions for constitution were challenged in Courts. Due
to these reasons, the provisions of ‗The Companies Act, 2013‘ relating to winding up of
companies could not be implemented. The Committee further find that the Constitution
Bench of Supreme Court in its judgement delivered in May, 2015 has now allowed
establishment of NCLT and NCLAT and as per the Department‘s reply, 11 Benches and
77
1 Circuit Bench of NCLT are being established at various locations in the country. So far
as DRTs and DRATs are concerned, the Committee note 33 DRTs and 5 DRATs at
present are functioning in various parts of the Country. From the data furnished by the
Department of Financial Services, the Committee note that 881 cases are pending in
BIFR as on 14 January, 2016. Besides there are 67,974 cases pending in DRTs.
69. Need for setting up NCLT, DRT and Courts at one place
The Committee note that lawyers who take up cases in Civil Courts also take up
cases relating to insolvency, bankruptcy and liquidation etc.
The Committee feel that in order to achieve objectives of the Code for
speedy and efficient resolution of the insolvency, bankruptcy and liquidation
matters, it is desirable that the Civil Courts and adjudicating authorities (NCLT
and DRT) are located/set up within one complex to the extent possible. Where
these Courts and Authorities cannot be set up within one complex, the
Government may consider to set up them adjacent to each other as far as
possible.
70. Capacity building for the professionals/officials of NCLT/DRT/NCLAT/DRAT
and inclusion of curriculum relating to insolvency, bankruptcy and
liquidation process in the courses
The Committee note that insolvency professionals will play a key role in the
process of insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy proceedings under the provisions of
78
the Code. These professionals are to be drawn from the field of finance, law,
management, insolvency etc.
Considering the facts that the insolvency and bankruptcy Code is new
generation law and the need to enhance the capacity building of the
professionals in this field, the Committee recommend to include chapter/part
relating to insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy in the curriculum of law
/commerce/accountancy/management degree/higher level courses. The matter in
this regard may be taken up with the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Capacity building of the officials manning the adjudicating
authorities/appellate authorities will be another challenge for which emphasis
need to be given to trainings. The expert trainers for the purposes of the
provisions made in the Code will be another area, for which advance action need
to be taken to identify these experts who may be training the persons manning
the adjudicating authorities/appellate authorities.
71. Increasing awareness of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law among the
professionals, the business and industries and also the general public
The Committee note that the issues related to insolvency, bankruptcy and
liquidation have implications for variety of professionals who will be engaged as
insolvency professionals, the business industry and also public at large as well as
individuals.
The Committee feel that there is a need to increase awareness of this law in
the country to ensure better understanding and speedy implementation of the
provisions of the Code. The Committee, therefore, recommend that the
Government may organise workshops, seminars, etc. at different places in the
country in this regard.
72. Setting up of The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India expeditiously
The Code seeks to provide for establishment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Board of India (Board) for regulation of insolvency professionals, insolvency
professional agencies and information utilities as per Clause 188(1) of the Code.
Besides, the Central Government shall exercise all powers of the Board or designate
any financial sector regulator to exercise the powers and functions of the Board, till the
Board is established as per Clause 195 of the Code.
79
The Committee note that Clause 196(1) of the Code specifies the functions
of the Board which include registration of insolvency professional agencies,
insolvency professionals and information utilities, levy fee or other charges and
monitoring their performance as well as to specify mechanism for redressal of
grievances against them. Making regulations and guidelines on matters relating
to insolvency and bankruptcy under the Code is another function of the Board.
Keeping in view the important role of the Regulator i.e. the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Board of India, the Committee strongly recommend that the Board
should be established expeditiously for the effective implementation of the
provisions of the Code.
The Committee note that the administrative Ministry for the purpose of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 is the Department of Economic Affairs. For the
purpose of Companies Act, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is the administrative
Ministry. The powers of registration and striking off names of the company is with the
Registrar of Companies for which the administrative Ministry is the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs.
The Committee note that various provisions of the Code, as per the
existing state of affairs, would be administered by various Ministries/Departments
such as Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Department of Financial Services,
Department of Economic Affairs, etc. The Committee are concerned to note that
the administrative Ministry for administering the provisions of the Code is yet to
be decided by the Union Government. The Committee, therefore, recommend that
the decision with regard to the Nodal Ministry/Department having charge of
80
administration of the Code should be taken expeditiously by the Government for
smooth and effective implementation of the provisions of the Code.
Bhupender Yadav,
New Delhi
Chairman,
27 April, 2016 Joint Committee on Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, 2015.
81
THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2015
[Words underlined indicate the amendments suggested by the Joint Committee and
asterisks indicate omissions]
A
BILL
to consolidate and amend the laws relating to reorganisation
and insolvency resolution of corporate persons, partnership
firms and individuals in a time bound manner for maximisation
of value of assets of such persons, to promote entrepreneurship,
availability of credit and balance the interests of all the
stakeholders including alteration in the order of priority of
payment of Government dues and to establish an Insolvency
and Bankruptcy *Board of India, and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-seventh Year of the
Republic of India as follows:-
PART I
PRELIMINARY
1. (1)This Code may be called the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Short title, extent
and
Code, 2016. commencement.
(2) It extends to the whole of India:
Providedthat Part III of this Code shall not extend to the State
of Jammu and Kashmir.
(3)It shall come into force on such date as the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
appoint:
Provided that different dates may be appointed for different
provisions of this Code and any reference in any such provision
to the commencement of this Code shall be construed as a
reference to the commencement of that provision.
82
2.The provisions of this Code shall apply to— Application.
83
2008,or any other person incorporated with limited liability
under any law for the time being in force but shall not
include any financial service provider;
(8)―corporate debtor‖ means a corporate person who owes a
debt to any person;
(9)―core services‖ means services rendered by an
information utility for –
(a)accepting electronic submission of financial
information in such form and manneras may be
specified;
(b)safe and accurate recording of financial information;
(c)authenticating and verifying the financial
information submitted by a person; and
(d)providing access to information stored with the
information utility to persons as may be specified;
(10)―creditor‖ means any person to whom a debt is owed and
includes a financial creditor, an operational creditor, a
secured creditor, an unsecured creditor and a decree-holder;
(11)―debt‖ means a liability or obligation in respect of a
claim which is due from any person and includes a financial
debt and operational debt;
(12)―default‖ means non-payment of debtwhen whole or any
part or instalment of the amount of debt has become due and
payable and is not repaid by the debtor or the corporate
debtor, as the case may be;
(13)―financial information‖, in relation to a person, means
one or more of the following categories of information,
namely :-
(a)records of the debt of the person;
(b)records of liabilities when the person is solvent;
(c)records of assets of person over which security interest
has been created;
(d)records, if any, of instances of default by the person
against any debt; ***
(e)records of the balance sheet and cash-flow statements
of the person; and
(f) such other information as may be specified.
84
(14)―financial institution‖ means-
2 of 1934 (a) a scheduled bank;
(b) financial institution as defined in section 45-I of the
18 of 2013 Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; ***
(c) Public financial institution as defined in clause (72)
of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013; and
(d) such other institution as the Central Government
may by notification specify as a financial institution;
(15) ―financial product‖ means securities, contracts of
insurance, deposits, credit arrangements including loans and
advances by banks and financial institutions, retirement
benefit plans, small savings instruments, foreign currency
contracts other than contracts to exchange one currency
(whether Indian or not) for another which are to be settled
immediately, or any other instrument as may be prescribed;
(16) ―financial service‖ includes any of the
followingservices, namely:–
(a) accepting of deposits;
(b)safeguarding and administering assets consisting of
financial products, belonging to another person, or agreeing
to do so;
(c)effecting contracts of insurance;
(d)offering, managing or agreeing to manage assets
consisting of financial products belonging to another
person;
(e)rendering or agreeing, for consideration, to render advice
on or soliciting for the purposes of––
(i)buying, selling, or subscribing to, a financial
product;
(ii)availing a financial service; or
(iii)exercising any right associated with a financial
product or financial service;
(f)establishing or operating an investment scheme;
(g)maintaining or transferring records of ownership of a
financial product;
(h)underwriting the issuance or subscription of a financial
product; or
85
(i)selling, providing, or issuing stored value or payment
instruments or providing payment services;
(17)―financial service provider‖ means a person engaged in
the business of providing financial services in terms of
authorisation issued or registration granted by a financial
sector regulator;
(18) ―financial sector regulator‖means an authority or body
constituted under any law for the time being inforce to
regulate services or transactions of financial sector and
includes the Reserve Bank of India, the Securities and
Exchange Board of India, the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authorityof India, the Pension Fund
Regulatory Authority and such other regulatory authorities
as may be notified by the Central Government;
(19) ―insolvency professional‖ means a person enrolled
under section 206 with an insolvency professional agency as
its member and registered with the Board as an insolvency
professional under section 207;
(20)―insolvency professional agency‖ means any person
registered with the Board under section 201 as an insolvency
professional agency;
(21)―information utility‖ means a person who is registered
with the Board as an information utility under section 210;
(22)―notification‖ means a notification published in the
Official Gazette, and the terms ―notified‖ and ―notify‖ shall
be construed accordingly;
(23) ―person‖ includes -
(a)an individual;
(b)a Hindu Undivided Family;
(c) a company;
(d) a trust;
(e) a partnership;
(f) a limited liability partnership; and
(g)any other entity established under a statute;
and includes a person resident outside India;
(24)―person resident in India‖ shall have the meaning
asassigned to such term in clause (v) of section 2 of the
86
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999;
(25)―person resident outside India‖ means a person other
than a person resident in India;
(26)―prescribed‖ means prescribed by rules made by the
Central Government;
(27)―property‖ includes money, goods, actionable claims,
land and every description of property situated* in India or
outside Indiaand every description of interest including
42 of 1999 present or future or vested or contingentinterest arising out
of, or incidental to, property;
(28)―regulations‖ means the regulations made by the Board
under this Code;
(29) ―Schedule‖ means the Schedule annexed to this Code;
(30)―secured creditor‖ means a creditor in favour of whom
security interest is created;
(31)―security interest‖ means right, title or interest or a claim
to property, created in favour of, or provided for a secured
creditor by a transaction which secures payment or
performance of an obligation and includes mortgage, charge,
hypothecation, assignment and encumbrance or any other
agreement or arrangement securing payment or performance
of any obligation of any person:
Provided that security interest shall not include
aperformance guarantee;
(32)―specified‖ means specified by regulations made by the
Board under this Code and the term ―specify‖ shall be
construed accordingly;
(33)―transaction‖ includes a agreement or arrangement in
writing for the transfer of assets, or funds, goods or services,
from or to the corporate debtor;
(34)―transfer‖ includes sale, purchase, exchange, mortgage,
pledge, gift, loan or any other form of transfer of right, title,
possession or lien;
(35) ―transfer of property‖ means transfer of any property
and includes a transfer of any interest in the property and
creation of any charge upon such property;
(36)―workman‖ shall have the same meaning as assigned to
it in clause (s) of section 2 of the Industrial Disputes Act,
14 of 1947
87
1947;
9 of 1872 (37) words and expressions used but not defined in this Code
9 of 1932
but defined in the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the Indian
Partnership Act, 1932, the Securities Contact (Regulation)
42 of 1956
Act, 1956, the Securities Exchange Board of India Act,
15 of 1992 1992, the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial
51 of 1993 Institutions Act, 1993, the Limited Liability Partnership Act,
6 of 2009
2008 and the Companies Act, 2013, shall have the meanings
18 of 2013
respectively assigned to them in those Acts.
PART II
INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION FOR
CORPORATE PERSONS
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
4.(1) This Part shall apply to matters relating to the insolvency Application of
this Part.
and liquidation of corporate debtors where the minimum
amount of the default is ** one lakh rupees:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification,
specify the minimum amount of default of higher value which
shall not be more than one crore rupees.
5.In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,– Definitions.
88
insolvency resolution process under the constitutional
document of the corporate debtor; or
(c)an individual who is in charge of managing the
*operations and resources of the corporate debtor; or
(d)a person who has the controland supervision over the
financial affairs of the corporate debtor;
(6)―dispute‖ includes a suit or arbitration proceedings
relating to–
(a)the existence * ofthe amount of debt;
(b) the quality of goods or service; or
(c) the breach of a representation or warranty;
(7) ―financial creditor‖ means any person to whom a
financial debt is owed and includes a person to whom such
debt has been legally assigned or transferred to;
(8) ―financial debt‖ means a debt alongwith interest, if any,
which is disbursed against the consideration for the time
value of money and includes–
(a)money borrowed against the payment of interest;
(b)any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance
credit facility or its de-materialised equivalent;
(c)any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase
facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan
stock or any similar instrument;
(d)the amount of any liability in respect of any lease or
hire purchase contract which is deemedas a finance or
capital lease under the Indian Accounting Standards or
such other accounting standards as may be prescribed;
(e) receivables sold or discounted other than any
receivables sold on non-recourse basis;
(f)any amount raised under any other transaction,
including any forward sale or purchase agreement, having
the commercial effect of a borrowing;
(g)any derivative transaction entered into in connection
with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any
rate or price and for calculating the value of any
derivative transaction, only the market value of such
transaction shall be taken into account;
89
(h)any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a
guarantee, indemnity, bond, documentary letter of credit
or any other instrument issued by a bank or financial
institution;
(i) the amount of any liability in respect of any of the
guarantee or indemnity for any of the items referred to in
sub-clauses (a) to (h) of this clause;
(9) ―financial position‖, in relation to any person, means the
financial information of a person as on a certain date;
(10) ―information memorandum‖ means a memorandum
prepared by resolution professionalunder sub-section (1) of
section 29;
(11) ―initiation date‖ means the date on which a financial
creditor, corporate applicant or operational creditor, as the
case may be, makes an application to the Adjudicating
Authority for initiating corporate insolvency resolution
process;
(12) ―insolvency commencement date‖ means the date of
admission of an application for initiating corporate
insolvency resolution process by the Adjudicating Authority
under sections 7, 9 or section 10, as the case may be;
(13) ―insolvency resolution process costs‖ means –
(a)the amount of any interim finance and thecosts
incurred in raising such finance;
(b)the fees payable to any person acting as a resolution
professional;
(c)any costs incurred by the resolution professional in
running the business of the corporate debtor as a going
concern;
(d) any costs incurred at the expense of the Government
to facilitate the insolvency resolution process; and
(e)any other costs as may be specified by the Board;
(14) ―insolvency resolution process period‖ means the period
of one hundred and eighty days * beginning from the
insolvency commencement date and ending on one hundred
and eightieth day;
(15) ―interim finance‖ means any financial debt raised by the
resolution professional during the insolvency resolution
90
process period;
(16) ―liquidation cost‖ means any cost incurred by the
liquidator during the period of liquidation subject to such
regulations, as may be specified by the Board;
(17) ―liquidation commencement date‖ means the date on
which proceedings for liquidation commence in accordance
with section 33 or section 59, as the case may be;
(18) ―liquidator‖ means an insolvency professional
18 of 2013
appointed as a liquidator in accordance with the provisions
of Chapter III or Chapter V of this Part, as the case may be.
6 of 2009
(19) ―officer‖ for the purposes of Chapter VII of this Part,
means an officer who is in default, as defined in clause (60)
of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013 or a designated
partner as defined inclause (j) of section 2 of the Limited
Liability Partnership Act, 2008, as the case may be;
(20) ―operational creditor‖ means a person to whom an
operational debt is owed and includes any person to whom
such debt has been legally assigned or transferred;**
18 of 2013
6 of 2009 (21) ―operational debt‖ means a claim in respect of the
provision of goods or services including employment or a
debt in respect of the repayment of dues arising under any
law for the time being in force and payable to the Central
Government, any State Government or any local authority;
(22)―personal guarantor‖ means an individual who is the
surety in a contract of guarantee to a corporate debtor;
(23) ―personnel‖ includes the directors, managers, key
managerial personnel,*designated partners and employees, if
any, of the corporate debtor;
(24)―related party‖, in relation to a corporate debtor, means-
(a) a director or partner of the corporate debtor or a relative
of a director or partner of the corporate debtor;
(b)a key managerial personnel of the corporate debtor or a
relative of a key managerial personnel of the corporate
debtor;
(c) a limited liability partnership or a partnership firm in
which a director, partner, or manager of the corporate debtor
or his relative is a partner;
(d) a private company in which a director, partner or
manager of the corporate debtor is a director and holds along
91
with his relatives, more than two per cent of its share capital;
(e) a public company in which a director, partner or manager
of the corporate debtor is a director and holds along with
relatives, more than two percent of its paid- up share capital;
(f) anybody corporate whose board of directors, managing
director or manager, in the ordinary course of business,
actson the advice, directions or instructions of a director,
partner or manager of the corporate debtor;
(g) any limited liability partnership or a partnership firm
whose partners or employees in the ordinary course of
business, acts on the advice, directions or instructions of a
director, partner or manager of the corporate debtor;
(h) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions, a
director, partner or manager of the corporate debtor is
accustomed to act;
(i) a body corporate which is a holding, subsidiary or an
associate company of the corporate debtor, or a subsidiary
of a holding company to which the corporate debtor is a
subsidiary;
(j) any person who controls more than twenty per cent of
voting rights in the corporate debtor on account of ownership
or a voting agreement;
(k) any person in whom the corporate debtor controls more
than twenty per cent of voting rights on account of
ownership or a voting agreement;
(l) any person who can control the composition of the board
of directors or corresponding governing body of the
corporate debtor;
(m) any person who is associated with the corporate debtor
on account of-
(i)participation in policy making processes of the
corporate debtor; or
(ii)having more than two directors in common between
the corporate debtor and such person; or
(iii)interchange of managerial personnel between the
corporate debtor and such person; or
(iv)provision of essential technical information to, or
from, the corporate debtor;
92
(25) ―resolution applicant‖ means any person who submits a
resolution plan to the resolution professional;
(26) ―resolution plan‖ means a plan proposed by any person
for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor as a going
concern in accordance with Part II;
(27) ―resolution professional‖, for the purposes of this Part,
means an insolvency professional appointed to conduct the
corporate insolvency resolution process and includes an
interim resolution professional; and
(28) ―voting share‖ * means the share of the voting rights of
a single financial creditor in the committee of creditors *
which is based on the proportion of the financial debt owed
to such financial creditor in relation to the ***financial debt
owed by the corporate debtor.
CHAPTER II
CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS
6.Where any corporate debtor commits a default, a financial Persons who may
initiate corporate
creditor, an operational creditor or the corporate debtor itself insolvency
may initiate corporate insolvency resolution process in respect resolution
of such corporate debtor in the manner as provided under this process.
Chapter.
7.(1)A financial creditor either by itself or jointly with other Initiation of
corporate
financial creditors may file an application for initiating insolvency
corporate insolvency resolution process against a corporate resolution process
debtor before the Adjudicating Authority when a default has by financial
creditor.
occurred.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this sub-section, a default
includes a default in respect of a financial debt owed not only to
the applicant financial creditor but to any other financial
creditor of the corporate debtor.
(2) The financial creditor shall make an application under sub-
section (1) in such form and manner and accompanied with
such fee as may be prescribed.
(3) The financial creditor shall, along with the application
furnish -
(a) record of the default recorded with the information
utility or such other record or evidence of default as may be
specified;
(b ) the name of the resolution professionalproposedto act as
93
an interim resolution professional; and
(c) any other information as may be specified by the Board.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall, within fourteen days of
the receipt of the application under sub-section (2), ascertain the
existence of a default from the records ofan information utility
or on the basis of other evidence furnished by the financial
creditor under sub-section (3).
(5) Where the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that –
(a) a default has occurred and the application under sub-
section (2) is complete, and there is no disciplinary
proceedings pending against the proposed resolution
professional, it may, by order, admit such application; or
(b) default has not occurred or the application under sub-
section (2) is incomplete or any disciplinary proceeding is
pending against the proposed resolution professional, it may,
by order, reject such application:
Provided that the Adjudicating Authority shall, before rejecting
the application ***under clause (b) of sub-section (5),***give a
notice to the applicant to rectify the defect in his application
within seven days of receipt of such notice from the
Adjudicating Authority.
(6)The corporate insolvency resolution process shall commence
from the date of admission of the application under sub-section
(5).
(7) The Adjudicating Authority shall communicate-
(a) the order under clause (a) of sub-section (5) to the
financial creditor and the corporate debtor;
(b) the order under clause (b) of sub-section (5) to the
financial creditor,
within* seven days of admission or rejection of such
application, as the case may be.
8. (1) An operational creditor may, on the occurrence of a Insolvency
resolution by
default, deliver a demand notice of unpaid operational debtor operational
copy of an invoice demanding payment of the amount involved creditor.
in the default to the corporate debtor in such form and
manner***as may be prescribed.
(2)The corporate debtor shall, within a period of ten days of the
receipt of the demand notice or copy of the invoice mentioned
94
in sub-section (1) bring to the notice of the operational creditor
-
(a) existence of a dispute, if any, and record of the
pendency of the suit or arbitration proceedings filed * before
the receipt of such notice or invoice in relation to such
dispute;***
(b) the repayment of unpaid operational debt-
(i) by sending an attested copy of the record of electronic
transfer of the unpaid amount from the bank account of the
corporate debtor; or
(ii) by sending an attested copy of record that the
operational creditor has encashed a cheque issued by the
corporate debtor.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section, a ―demand
notice‖ means a notice served by an operational creditor to the
corporate debtor demanding repayment of the operational debt
in respect of which the default has occurred.
9. (1) After the expiry of the period of ten days from the date Application for
initiation of
of delivery of the notice or invoice demanding payment under corporate
sub-section (1) of section 8, if the operational creditor does not insolvency
receive payment from the corporate debtor or notice of the resolution process
by operational
dispute under sub-section (2) of section 8, the operational creditor.
creditor may file an application before the Adjudicating
Authority for initiating a corporate insolvency resolution
process.
(2) The application under sub-section (1) shall be filed in such
form and manner and accompanied with such fee as may be
prescribed.
(3) The operational creditor shall, along with the application
furnish-
(a) a copy of the invoice demanding payment or demand
notice delivered by the operational creditor to the corporate
debtor;
(b) an affidavit to the effect that there is no notice given
by the corporate debtor relating to a dispute of the unpaid
operational debt;
(c)a copy of the certificate from thefinancial institutions
maintaining accounts of the operational creditor confirming
that there is no payment of an unpaid operational debt by
95
the corporate debtor; and
(d)such other information *** as may be specified.
(4) An operational creditor initiating a corporate insolvency
resolution process under this section, may propose a resolution
professional to act as an interim resolution professional.
(5) The Adjudicating Authority shall, within fourteen days of
the receipt of the application under sub-section (2), by an order–
(i) admit the application and communicate such decision to the
operational creditor and the corporate debtor if, -
(a)the application made under sub-section (2) is
complete;
(b)there is no repayment of the unpaid operational debt;
(c)the invoice or notice for payment to the corporate
debtor has been delivered by the operational creditor;
(d)no notice of dispute has been received by the
operational creditor or there is no record of dispute in the
information utility; and
(e) there is no disciplinary proceeding pending against
any resolution professional proposed under sub-section (4),
if any.
96
notice to the applicant to rectify the defect in his application
within * seven days of the date of receipt of such notice from
the adjudicating Authority.
(6) The corporate insolvency resolution process shall
commence from the date of admission of the application under
sub-section (5) of this section.
10. (1) Where a corporate debtor has committed a default, a Initiation of
corporate
corporate applicant thereof may file an application for initiating insolvency
corporate insolvency resolution process with the Adjudicating resolution process
Authority. by corporate
applicant.
97
date of making of the application; or
(c)a corporate debtor or a financial creditor who has
violated any of the terms of resolution plan which was
approved twelve months before the date of making of an
application under this Chapter; or
(d)a corporate debtor in respect of whom a
liquidation order has been made.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this section, a corporate
debtor includes a corporate applicant in respect of such
corporate debtor.
12.(1) Subject to sub-section (2), the corporate insolvency Time-limit for
completion of
resolution process shall be completed within a period of one insolvency
hundred and eighty days from the date of admission of the resolution
application to initiate such process. process.
98
as laid down in section 16.
(2) The public announcement referred to in clause (b) of sub-
section (1) shall be made immediately after the appointment of
the interim resolution professional.
14.(1)Subject to provisions of sub-sections (2) and (3), on the Moratorium.
insolvency commencement date, the Adjudicating Authority
shall by order declare moratorium for prohibiting all of the
following, namely:-
(a) the institution of suits or continuation of pending
suits or proceedings against the corporate debtor including
execution of any judgement, decree or order in any court of
law, tribunal, arbitration panel or other authority;
(b)**transferring, encumbering, alienating or disposing of
by the corporate debtorany of its assets or any legal right or
beneficial interest therein;
(c)any action to foreclose, recover or enforce any security
interest created by the corporate debtor in respect of its
property including any action under the Securitisation and
Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
54 of 2002
Security Interest Act, 2002;
(d)the recovery of any property by an owner or lessor
where such property is occupied by or in the possession of
the corporate debtor.
(2) The supply of essential goods or services to the corporate
debtor as may be specified shall not be terminated or suspended
or interrupted during moratorium period.
(3) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to such
transactions as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with any financial sector regulator.
(4) The order of moratorium shall have effect from the date of
such order till the completion of the corporate insolvency
resolution process:
Provided that where at any time during the corporate insolvency
resolution process period, if the Adjudicating Authority
approves the resolution plan under sub-section (1) of section 31
or passes an order for liquidation of corporate debtor under
section 33, the moratorium shall cease to have effect from the
date of such approval or liquidation order, as the case may be.
99
15.(1) The public announcement of the corporate insolvency Public
announcement of
resolution process under the order referred to in section 13 shall corporate
contain the following information, namely: – insolvency
resolution
(a)name and address of the corporate debtor under the process.
corporate insolvency resolution process;
(b) name of the authority with which the corporate debtor
is incorporated or registered;
(c)the last date for submission of claims;
(d)details of the interim resolution professional who shall
be vestedwith the management of the corporate debtor and
be responsible for receiving claims;`
(e)penalties for false or misleading claims; and
(f)the date on which the corporate insolvency resolution
process shall close, which shall be the one hundred and
eightieth day from the date of the admission of the
application under sections 7, 9 or section 10, as the case may
be.
(2)The public announcement under this section shall be made in
such manner as may be specified.
16.(1) The Adjudicating Authority shall appoint an interim Appointment and
tenure of interim
resolution professional within fourteen days from the resolution
insolvency commencement date. professional.
101
available with government authorities, statutory auditors,
accountants and such other persons as may be specified.
18.(1)The interim resolution professional shall perform the Duties of interim
resolution
following duties, namely:- professional.
(a) collect all information relating to the assets, finances
and operations of the corporate debtorfor determining the
financial position of the corporate debtor, including
information relating to -
(i) business operations for the previous two years;
(ii)financial and operational payments for the previous
two years;
(iii) list of assets and liabilities as on the initiation date;
and
(iv) such other matters as may be specified;
(b) receive and collate all the claims submitted by creditors
to him, pursuant to the public announcement made under
sections 13 and 15;
(c) constitute a committee of creditors;
(d) monitor the assets of the corporate debtor and manage
its operations until a resolution professional is appointed by
the committee of creditors;
(e) file information collected with the information utility, if
necessary; and
(f)take control and custody of any asset over which the
corporate debtor has ownership rights as recorded in the
balance sheet of the corporate debtor, or with information
utility or the depository of securities or any other registry
that records the ownership of assets including -
(i)assets over which the corporate debtor has ownership
rights which may be located in a foreign country;
(ii)assets that may or may not be in possession of the
corporate debtor;
(iii) tangible assets, whether movable or immovable;
(iv) intangible assets including intellectual property;
(v) securities including shares held in any subsidiary of
the corporate debtor, financial instruments, insurance
policies;
102
(vi) assets subject to the determination of ownership by
a court or authority:
(g) to perform such other duties as may be specified by the
Board.
Explanation. –For the purposes of this sub-section, the term
―assets‖ shall not include the following,namely:-
(a) assets owned by a third party in possession of the
corporate debtor held under trust or under contractual
arrangements including bailment ;
(b) assets of any Indian or foreign subsidiary of the
corporate debtor; and
(c) such other assets as may be notified by the Central
Government in consultation with any financial sector
regulator.
19. (1)The personnel of the corporate debtor, *its promoters or Personnel to
extend co-
any other person * associated with the management of the operation to
corporate debtor shall extend all assistance and cooperation to interim resolution
the interim resolution professional as may be required by him in professional.
managing the affairs of the corporate debtor.
(2)Where any personnel of the corporate debtor, its promoter or
any other person required to assist or cooperate with the interim
resolution professional does not assist or cooperate, the interim
resolution professional may make an application to the
Adjudicating Authority for necessary directions.
(3)The Adjudicating Authority, on receiving an application
under sub-section (2), shall by an order, direct such personnel
or other personto comply with the instructions of the resolution
professional and to cooperate with him in collection of
information and management of the corporate debtor.
20.(1) The interim resolution professional shall make every Management of
operations of
endeavour to protect and preserve the value of the property of corporate debtor
the corporate debtor and manage the operations of the corporate as going concern.
debtor as a going concern.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the interim
resolution professional shall have the authority-
(a) to appoint accountants, legal *or *other professionals
as may be necessary;
(b) to enter into contracts on behalf of the corporate debtor
or to amend or modify the contracts or transactions which
103
were entered into before the commencement of corporate
insolvency resolution process;
(c) to raise interim finance provided that no security
interest shall be created over any encumbered property of the
corporate debtor without the prior consent of the creditors
whose debt is secured over such encumbered property:
Provided that no prior consent of the creditor shall be required
where the value of such property is not less than the amount
equivalent to twice the amount of the debt.
(d) to issue instructions to *personnel of the corporate
debtor as may be necessary for keeping the corporate debtor
as a going concern; and
(e) to take all such actions as are necessary to keep the
corporate debtor as a going concern.
21.(1) The interim resolution professional shall after collation Committee of
creditors.
of all claims received against the corporate debtor and
determination of the financial position of the corporate debtor,
constitute a committee of creditors.
(2)The committee of creditors shall comprise all financial
creditors of the corporate debtor:
Provided that a related partyto whom a corporate debtor owes a
financial debt shall not have any right of representation,
participation or voting in a meeting of the committee of
creditors.
(3)Where the corporate debtor owes financial debts to two or
more financial creditors as part of a consortium or agreement,
each such financial creditor shall be part of the committee of
creditors and their voting share shall be determined on the basis
of the financial debts owed to them.
(4)Where any person is a financial creditor as well as an
operational creditor,-
(a) such person shall be a financial creditor to the extent
of the financial debt owed by the corporate debtor,and shall
be included in the committee of creditors, with voting share
proportionate to the extent of financial debts owed to such
creditor;
(b) such person shall be considered to be an operational
creditor to the extent of the operational debt owed by the
corporate debtor to such creditor.
104
(5)Where an operational creditor has assigned or legally
transferred any operational debt to a financial creditor, the
assignee or transferee shall be considered as an operational
creditor to the extent of such assignment or legal transfer.
(6)Where the terms of the financial debt extended as part of a
consortium arrangement or syndicated facility or issued as
securities provide for a single trustee or agent to act for all
financial creditors, each financial creditor may-
(a)authorise the trustee or agent to act on his behalf in the
committee of creditors to the extent of his voting share;
(b) represent himself in the committee of creditors to the
extent of his voting share;
(c) appoint an insolvency professional (other than the
resolution professional) at his own cost to represent himself
in the committee of creditors to the extent of his voting
share; or
(d) exercise his right to vote to the extent of his voting
share with one or more financial creditors jointly or
severally.
(7)The Board may specify the manner of determining the voting
share in respect of financial debts issued as securities under
sub-section (6).
(8)All decisions of the committee of creditors shall be taken by
a vote of not less than seventy - five per cent of voting share of
the financial creditors:
Provided that where a corporate debtor does not have any
financial creditors, the committee of creditors shall be
constituted and comprise of such persons to exercise such
functions in such manner as may be specified by the Board.
(9) The committee of creditors shall have the right to require
the resolution professional to furnish any financial information
in relation to the corporate debtor at any time during the
corporate insolvency resolution process.
(10)The resolution professional shall make available any
financial information so required by the committee of creditors
under sub-section (9) within a period of *sevendays of such
requisition.
22.(1) The first meeting of the committee of creditors shall be Appointment of
resolution
held within *sevendays of the constitution of the committee of professional.
105
creditors.
(2)The committee of creditors, may, in the first meeting, by a
majority vote of not less than seventy- five percent of the voting
share of the financial creditors, either resolve to appoint the
interim resolution professional as a resolution professional or to
replace the interim resolution professional by another resolution
professional.
(3)Where the committee of creditors resolves under sub-section
(2)-
(a)to continue the interim resolution professional as
resolution professional, it shall communicate its decision to
the interim resolution professional, the corporate debtor and
the Adjudicating Authority; or
(b) to replace the interim resolution professional, it shall
file an application before the Adjudicating Authority for the
appointment of the proposed resolution professional.
(4)The Adjudicating Authority shall forward the name of the
resolution professional proposed under clause (b) of sub-
section(3) to the Board for its confirmation and shall make such
appointment after confirmation by the Board.
(5)Where the Board does not confirm the name of the proposed
resolution professional within ten days of the receipt of the
name of the proposed resolution professional, the Adjudicating
Authority shall, by order, direct the interim resolution
professional to continue to function as the resolution
professional until such time as the Board confirms the
appointment of the proposed resolution professional.
23. (1) Subject to section 27, the resolution professional shall Resolution
professional to
conduct the entire corporate insolvency resolution process and conduct corporate
manage the operations of the corporate debtor during the insolvency
corporate insolvency resolution process period. resolution
process.
(2)The resolution professional shall exercise powers and
perform duties as are vested or conferred on the interim
resolution professional under this Chapter.
(3)In case of any appointment of a resolution professional under
sub-sections (4) of section 22, the interim resolution
professional shall provide all the information, documents and
records pertaining to the corporate debtor in his possession and
knowledge to the resolution professional.
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24.(1)The members of the committee of creditors may meet in Meeting of
committee of
person or by such *electronic means as may be specified. creditors.
(2)All meetings of the committee of creditors shall be
conducted by the resolution professional.
(3)The resolution professional shall give notice of each meeting
of the committee of creditors to*** ––
(a) members of Committee of creditors;
(b) members of the suspended Board of Directors or the
partners of the corporate persons, as the case may be;
(c) operational creditors or their representatives ifthe
amount of their aggregate dues isnot less than ten per cent of
the debt.
(4) The directors,* partners and one representative of
operational creditors,asreferred to in sub-section (3), may attend
the meetings of committee of creditors, but shall not have any
right to vote in such meetings:
Provided that the absence of any such director, partneror
representative of operational creditors, as the case may be, shall
not invalidate proceedings of such meeting.
(5)Any creditor who is a member of the committee of creditors
may appoint an insolvency professional other than the
resolution professional to represent such creditor in a meeting
of the committee of creditors:
Provided that the fees payable to such insolvency professional
representing any individual creditor will be borne by such
creditor.
(6)Each creditor shall vote in accordance with the voting share
assigned to him based on the financial debts owed to such
creditor.
(7)The resolution professional shall determine the voting share
to be assigned to each creditor in the manner specified by the
Board.
(8)The meetings of the committee of creditors shall be
conducted in such manner as may be specified.
25.(1)It shall be the duty of the resolution professional to Duties of
resolution
preserve and protect the assets of the corporate debtor, professional.
including the continued business operations of the corporate
debtor.
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(2)For the purposes of sub-section (1), the resolution
professional shall undertake the following actions, namely:-
(a) take immediate custody and control of all the assets of
the corporate debtor, including the business records of the
corporate debtor;
(b) represent and act on behalf of the corporate debtor with
third parties, exercise rights for the benefit of the corporate
debtor in judicial, quasi-judicial or arbitration proceedings;
(c) raise interim finances subject to the approval of the
committee of creditors under section 28;
(d) appoint accountants, ** legal or other professionals in
the manner as specified by Board;
(e) maintain an updated list of claims;
(f) convene and attend all meetings of the committee of
creditors;
(g) prepare the information memorandum in accordance
with section 29;
(h) invite prospective lenders, investors, and any other
persons to put forward resolution plans;
(i) present all resolution plans at the meetings of the
committee of creditors;
(j) file application for avoidance of transactions in
accordance with Chapter III, if any; and
(k) such other actions as may be specified by the Board.
***
Application 26. The filing of an avoidance application under clause (j) of
for avoidance
of transactions
sub-section (2) of section 25 by the resolution professional shall
not to affect not affect the proceedings of the corporate insolvency
proceedings resolution process.
27.(1) Where,at any time during the corporate insolvency Replacement of
resolution
resolution process, the committee of creditors is of the opinion professional by
that a resolution professional appointed under section 22***is committee of
required to be replaced, it may replace him with another creditors.
resolution professional in the manner provided under this
section.
(2) The committee of creditors may, at a meeting, by a vote of
seventy five per cent of voting shares, propose to replace the
resolution professional appointed ***under section 22 with
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another resolution professional.
(3) The committee of creditors shall forward the name of the
insolvency professional proposed by them to the Adjudicating
Authority.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall forward the name of the
proposed resolution professional to the Board for its
confirmation and a resolution professional shall be appointed in
the same manner as laid down in **section 16.
(5)**Where any disciplinary proceedings are pending against
the proposed resolution professional under sub-section (3), the
resolution professional appointed under section 22 shall
continue***till the appointment of another resolution
professional under this section.
********* *** ***
28.(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for Approval of
committee of
the time being in force, the resolution professional, during the creditors for
corporate insolvency resolution process, shall not take any of certain actions.
the following actions without the prior approval of the
committee of creditors namely:-
(a) raise any interim finance in excess of the amountas may
be decided by the committee of creditors in their
***meeting;
(b) create any security interest over the assets of the
corporate debtor;
(c) change the capital structure of the corporate debtor,
including by way of issuance of additional securities,
creating a new class of securities or buying back or
redemption of issued securities in case the corporate debtor
is a company;
(d) record any change in the ownership interest of the
corporate debtor;
(e) give instructions to financial institutions maintaining
accounts of the corporate debtor for a debit transaction from
any such accounts in excess of the amountas may be
decided by the committee of creditors in their ***meeting;
(f) undertake any related party transaction;
(g) amend any constitutional documents of the corporate
debtor;
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(h) delegate its authority to any other person;
(i) dispose of or permit the disposal of shares of any
shareholder of the corporate debtor or their nominees to third
parties;
(j) make any change in the management of the corporate
debtor or its subsidiary;
(k) transfer rights or financial debts or operational debts
under material contracts otherwise than in the ordinary
course of business;
(l) make changes in the appointment or terms of contract of
such personnel as specified by the committee of creditors; or
(m) make changes in the appointment or terms of contract
of statutory auditors or internal auditors of the corporate
debtor.
(2) The resolution professional shall convene a meeting of the
committee of creditors and seek the vote of the creditors prior
to taking any of the actions under sub-section (1).
(3) No action under sub-section (1) shall be approved by the
committee of creditors unless approved by a vote of seventy
five percent of the voting shares.
(4) Where any action under sub-section (1) is taken by the
resolution professional without seeking the approval of the
committee of creditors in the manner as required in this section,
such action shall be void.
(5) The committee of creditors may report the actions of the
resolution professional under sub-section (4) to the Board for
taking necessary actions against him under this Code.
29.(1)The resolution professional shall prepare an information Preparation of
information
memorandum in such form and manner containing such memorandum.
relevant information as may be specified by the Board for
formulating a resolution plan.
(2) The resolution professional shall provide to the resolution
applicant access to all relevant information in physical and
electronic form,provided such resolution applicant undertakes-
(a) to comply with provisions of law for the time being in
force relating to confidentiality and insider trading;
(b) to protect any intellectual property of the corporate
debtor it may have access to; and
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(c) not to share relevant information with third parties
unless clauses (a) and (b) of this sub-section are complied
with.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, ―relevant
information‖ means the information required by the resolution
applicant to make the resolution plan for the corporate debtor,
which shall include the financial position of the corporate
debtor, all information related to disputes by or against the
corporate debtor and any other matter pertaining to the
corporate debtor as may be specified.
30.(1) A resolution applicant may submit a resolutionplan to the Submission of
resolution plan.
resolution professional prepared on the basis of the information
memorandum.
(2) The resolution professional shall examine each
resolution plan received by him to confirm that each resolution
plan -
(a) provides forthe payment of insolvency resolution process
costs in a manner specified by the Board in priority to the
repayment of other debts of the corporate debtor;
(b) provides forthe repayment of the debts of operational
creditors in such manner as may be specified by the Board
which shall not be less than the amount to be paid to the
operational creditors in the event of a liquidation of the
corporate debtor under section 53;
(c)provides forthe management of the affairs of the
Corporate debtor after approval of the resolution plan;
(d) the implementation and supervision of the resolution
plan;
(e)does not contravene any of the provisions of the law for
the time being in force.
(f)conforms to such other requirements as may be specified
by the Board.
(3)The resolution professional shall present to the committee of
creditors for its approvalsuch resolution plans which confirm
the conditions referred to in sub-section (2).
(4) The committee of creditors may approve a resolution plan
by a vote of not less than seventy five per cent of voting share
of the financial creditors.
(5) The resolution applicant may attend the meeting of the
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committee of creditors in which the resolution plan of the
applicant is considered:
Provided that the resolution applicant shall not have a right to
vote at the meeting of the committee of creditors unless such
resolution applicant is also a financial creditor.
(6) The resolution professional shall submit the resolution plan
as approved by the committee of creditors to the Adjudicating
Authority.
31.(1) If the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the Approval of
resolution plan.
resolution plan as approved by the committee of creditors under
sub-section (4) of section 30 meetsthe requirements as referred
to in sub-section (2) of section 30, it shall by order approve the
resolution plan which shall be binding on the corporate debtor
and its employees, members, creditors, guarantors and other
stakeholders involved in the resolution plan.
***
***
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the
resolution plan does not confirm to the requirements referred to
in **sub-section(1), it may, by an order, reject the resolution
plan.
(3) After the order of approval under sub-section (1), -
(a)the moratorium order passed by the Adjudicating
Authority under section 14 shall cease to have effect; and
(b) the resolution professional shall forward all records
relating to the conduct of the corporate insolvency resolution
process and the resolution plan to the Board to be recorded
on its database.
32. Any appeal from an order approving the resolution plan Appeal.
shall be in the manner and on the grounds laid down in sub-
section (3) of section 61.
CHAPTER III
LIQUIDATION PROCESS
33. (1)Where the Adjudicating Authority, - Initiationof
liquidation.
(a) before the expiry of the insolvency resolution process
period or the maximum period permitted for completion of the
corporate insolvency resolution process under section12 or the
fast track corporate insolvency resolution process under section
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56, as the case may be,does not receive a resolution plan under
sub-section (6) of section 30; or
(b) rejects the resolution plan under section 31 for the non-
compliance of the requirements specified therein,
it shall -
(i) pass an order requiring the corporate debtor to be liquidated
in the manner as laid down in this Chapter;
(ii) issue a public announcement stating that the corporate
debtor is in liquidation; and
(iii) require such order to be sent to the authority with which the
corporate debtor is registered.
(2) Where the resolution professional, at any time during the
corporate insolvency resolution process but before confirmation
of resolution plan, intimates the Adjudicating Authority of the
decision of the committee of creditors to liquidate the corporate
debtor, the Adjudicating Authority shall pass a liquidation
order as referred to in sub-clauses (i), (ii) and(iii) of clause (b)
of sub-section (1).
(3) Where the resolution plan approved by the Adjudicating
Authority is contravened by the concerned corporate debtor,
any person other than the corporate debtor, whose interests are
prejudicially affected by such contravention, may make an
application to the Adjudicating Authority for a liquidation
order as referred to in sub-clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of clause (b)
of sub-section (1).
(4) On receipt of an application under sub-section(3),if the
Adjudicating Authority determines that the corporate debtor has
contravened the provisions of the resolution plan, it shall pass
a liquidation order as referred to in sub-clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1).
(5) Subject to section 52, when a liquidation order has been
passed, no suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted by
or against the corporate debtor:
Provided that a suit or other legal proceeding may be instituted
by the liquidator, on behalf of the corporate debtor, with the
prior approval of the Adjudicating Authority.
***
(6)The provisions of sub-section (5) shall not apply to legal
proceedings in relation to such transactions as may be notified
113
by the Central Government in consultation with any financial
sector regulator.
(7) The order for liquidation under this section shall be deemed
to be a notice of discharge to the officers, employees and
workmen of the corporate debtor, except when the business of
the corporate debtor is continued during the liquidation process
by the liquidator.
34. (1)Where the Adjudicating Authority passes an order for Appointment of
liquidator and fee
liquidation of the corporate debtor under section 33, the to be paid.
resolution professional appointed for the corporate insolvency
resolution process under Chapter II shall act as the liquidator
for the purposes of liquidation unless replaced by the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (4).
(2) On the appointment of a liquidator under this section, all
powers of the board of directors, key managerial personnel and
the partners of the corporate debtor, as the case may be, shall
cease to have effect and shall be vested in the liquidator.
(3)The personnel of the corporate debtor shall extend all
assistance and cooperation to the liquidator as may be required
by him in managing the affairs of the corporate debtor and
provisions of section 19 shall apply***in relation to voluntary
liquidation process as they apply in relation to liquidation
process with the substitution of references to the liquidator for
references to the interim resolution professional.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall by order replace the
resolution professional, if–
(a) the resolution plan submitted by the resolution
professional under section 30 was rejected for failure to meet
the requirements mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 30;
or
(b) the Board recommends the replacement of a resolution
professional to the Adjudicating Authority for reasons to be
recorded in writing.
(5) For the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (4), the
Adjudicating Authority may direct the Board to propose
thename of anotherinsolvency professional to be appointed asa
liquidator.
(6) The Board shall propose the name of another insolvency
professional within ten days of the direction issued by the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (5).
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(7) The Adjudicating Authority shall, on receipt of the proposal
of the Board for the appointment of an insolvency professional
as liquidator, by an order appoint such insolvency professional
as the liquidator.
(8) An insolvency professional proposed to be appointed as a
liquidator shall charge such fee for the conduct of the
liquidation proceedings and in such proportion to the value of
the liquidation estate assets, as may be specified by the Board.
(9) The fees for the conduct of the liquidation proceedings
under sub-section (8) shall be paid to the liquidator from the
proceeds of the liquidation estate under section 53.
35.(1)Subject to the directions of the Adjudicating Authority, Powers and duties
of liquidator.
the liquidator shall have the following powers and duties,
namely: -
(a) to verify claims of all the creditors;
(b) to take into his custody or control all the assets,
property, effects and actionable claims of the corporate
debtor;
(c) to evaluate the assets and property of the corporate
debtor in the manner as may be specified by the Board and
prepare areport;
(d) to take such measures to protect and preserve the assets
and properties of the corporate debtor as he considers
necessary;
(e) to carry on the business of the corporate debtor for its
beneficial liquidation as he considers necessary;
(f) subject to section 52, to sell the immovable and movable
property and actionable claims of the corporate debtor in
liquidation by public auction or private contract, with power
to transfer such property to any person or body corporate, or
to sell the same in parcels in such manner as may be
specified;
(g) to draw, accept, make and endorse any negotiable
instruments including bill of exchange, hundi or promissory
note in the name and on behalf of the corporate debtor, with
the same effect with respect to the liability as if such
instruments were drawn, accepted, made or endorsed by or
on behalf of the corporate debtor in the ordinary course of its
business;
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(h) to take out, in his official name, letter of administration
to any deceased contributory and to do in his official name
any other act necessary for obtaining payment of any money
due and payable from a contributory or his estate which
cannot be ordinarily done in the name of the corporate
debtor, and in all such cases, the money due and payable
shall, for the purpose of enabling the liquidator to take out
the letter of administration or recover the money, be deemed
to be due to the liquidator himself;
(i) to obtain any professional assistance from any person or
appoint any professional, in discharge of his duties,
obligations and responsibilities;
(j) to invite and settle claims of creditors and claimants and
distribute proceeds in accordance with the provisions of this
Code;
(k) to institute or defend any suit, prosecution or other legal
proceedings, civil or criminal, in the name of on behalf of
the corporate debtor;
(l) to investigate the financial affairs of the corporate
debtorto determine undervalued or preferential transactions;
(m) to take all such actions, steps, or to sign, execute and
verify any paper, deed, receipt document, application,
petition, affidavit, bond or instrument and for such purpose
to use the common seal, if any, as may be necessary for
liquidation, distribution of assets and in discharge of his
duties and obligations and functions as liquidator;
(n) to apply to the Adjudicating Authority for such orders
or directions as may be necessary for the liquidation of the
corporate debtor and to report the progress of the liquidation
process in a manner as may be specified by the Board; and
(o) to perform such other functions as may be specified by
the Board.
(2) The liquidator shall have the power to consult any of the
stakeholders entitled to a distribution of proceeds under section
53:
Provided that any such consultation shall not be binding on the
liquidator:
Provided further that the records of any such consultation shall
be made available to all other stakeholders not so consulted, in
116
a manner specified by the Board.
36.(1)For the purposes of liquidation, the liquidator shall form Liquidation
Estate.
an estate of the assets mentioned in sub-section (3), which will
be called the liquidation estate in relation to the corporate
debtor.
(2) The liquidator shall hold the liquidation estate as a fiduciary
for the benefit of all the creditors.
(3) Subject to sub-section (4), the liquidation estate shall
comprise all liquidation estate assets which shall include the
following :-
(a) any assets over which the corporate debtor has
ownership rights, including all rights and interests therein as
evidenced in the balance sheet of the corporate debtor or an
information utility or records in the registry or any
depository recording securities of the corporate debtor or by
any other means as may be specified by the Board, including
shares held in any subsidiary of the corporate debtor;
(b) assets that may or may not be in possession of the
corporate debtor including but not limited to encumbered
assets;
(c) tangible assets, whether movable or immovable;
(d) intangible assets including but not limited to intellectual
property, securities (including shares held in a subsidiary of
the corporate debtor) and financial instruments, insurance
policies, contractual rights;
(e) assets subject to the determination of ownership by the
court or authority;
(f) any assets or their value recovered through proceedings
for avoidance of transactions in accordance with this
Chapter;
(g) any asset of the corporate debtor in respect of which a
secured creditor has relinquished security interest;
(h) any other property belonging to or vested in the
corporate debtor at the insolvency commencement date; and
(i) all proceeds of liquidation as and when they are realised.
(4) The following shall not be included in the liquidation estate
assets and shall not be used for recovery in the liquidation:-
(a) assets owned by a third party which are in possession of
117
the corporate debtor, including -
(i) assets held in trust for any third party;
(ii) bailment contracts;
(iii) ***all sums due to any workman or employee from
the provident fund, the pension fund and the gratuity
fund;
(iv) other contractual arrangements which do not
stipulate transfer of title but only use of the assets; and
(v) such other assets as may be notified by the Central
Government in consultation with any financial sector
regulator;
(b) assets in security collateral held by financial services
providers and are subject to netting and set-off in multi-
lateral trading or clearing transactions;
(c) personal assets of any shareholder or partner of a
corporate debtor as the case may be provided such assets are
not held on account of avoidance transactions that may be
avoided under this Chapter;
(d) assets of any Indian or foreign subsidiary of the
corporate debtor; or
(e) any other assets as may be specified by the Board,
including assets which could be subject to set-off on account
of mutual dealings between the corporate debtor and any
creditor.
37.(1)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for Powers of
liquidator to
the time being in force, the liquidator shall have the power to access
access any information systems for the purpose of admission information.
and proof of claims and identification of the liquidation estate
assets relating to the corporate debtor from the following
sources, namely: -
(a) an information utility;
(b) credit information systems regulated under any law for
the time being in force ;
(c) any agency of the Central, State or Local Government
including any registration authorities;
(d) information systems for financial and non-financial
liabilities regulated under any law for the time being in
force;
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(e) information systems for securities and assets posted as
security interest regulated under any law for the time being
in force;
(f) any database maintained by the Board; and
(g) any other source as may be specified by the Board.
(2) The creditors may require the liquidator to provide them
any financial information relating to the corporate debtor in
such manner as may be specified.
(3) The liquidator shall provide information referred to in sub-
section (2) to such creditors who have requested for such
information within a period of * sevendays from the date of
such request or provide reasons for not providing such
information.
38.(1)The liquidator shall receive or collect the claims of Consolidation of
claims.
creditors within a period of thirty days from the date of the
commencement of the liquidation process.
(2) A financial creditor may submit a claim to the liquidator by
providing a record of such claim with an information utility:
Provided that where the information relating to the claim is not
recorded in the information utility, the financial creditor may
submit the claim in the same manner asprovided for the
submission of claims for the operational creditor under sub-
section (3).
(3) An operational creditor may submit a claim to the liquidator
in such form and in such manner and along with such
supporting documents required to prove the claim as may be
specified by the Board.
(4)A creditor who is partly a financial creditor and partly an
operational creditor shall submit claims to the liquidator to the
extent of his financial debt in the manner as provided in sub-
section (2) and to the extent of his operational debt under sub-
section (3).
(5) A creditor may withdraw or vary his claim under this
section within fourteen days of its submission.
39. (1) The liquidator shall verify the claims submitted under Verification of
claims.
section 38 within such time as specified by the Board.
(2) The liquidator may require any creditor or the corporate
debtor or any other person to produce any other document or
evidence which he thinks necessary for the purpose of verifying
119
the whole or any part of the claim.
40.(1)The liquidator may, after verification of claims under Admission or
rejection of
section 39, either admit or reject the claim, in whole or in part, claims.
as the case may be:
Provided that where the liquidator rejects a claim, he shall
record in writing the reasons for such rejection.
(2) The liquidator shall communicate his decision of admission
or rejection of claims to the creditor and corporate debtor within
*sevendays of such admission or rejection of claims.
41.The liquidator shall determine the value of claims admitted Determination of
Valuation of
under section 40 in such manner as may be specified by the claims.
Board.
42. A creditor may appeal to the Adjudicating Authority against Appeal against the
decision of
the decision of the liquidator rejecting the claims within liquidator.
fourteen days of the receipt of such decision.
43. (1)Where the liquidator or the resolution professional, as the Preferential
transactions and
case may be, is of the opinion that the corporate debtor has at a relevant time.
relevant time given a preference in such transactions and in
suchmanner as laid down in sub-section (2) to any persons as
referred to in sub-section (4), he shall apply to the Adjudicating
Authority for avoidance of preferential transactions and for, one
or more of the orders referred to in section 44.
(2) A corporate debtor shall be deemed to have given a
preference, if–
(a) there is a transfer of property or an interest thereof of the
corporate debtor for the benefit of a creditor or a surety or a
guarantor for or on account of an antecedent financial debt or
operational debt or other liabilities owed by the corporate
debtor; and
(b) the transfer under clause (a) has the effect of putting
such creditor or a surety or a guarantor in a beneficial
position than it would have been in the event of a
distribution of assets being made in accordance with section
53.
(3) For the purposes of sub-section (2), a preference shall
not include the following transfers–
(a) transfer made in the ordinary course of the business or
financial affairs of the corporate debtor or the transferee;
(b) any transfer creating a security interest in property
120
acquired by the corporate debtor to the extent that –
(i) such security interest secures new value and was
given at the time of or after the signing of a security
agreement that contains a description of such property as
security interest,and was used by corporate debtor to
acquire such property; and
(ii)such transfer was registered with an information utility
on or before thirty days after the corporate debtor receives
possession of such property:
Provided that any transfer made in pursuance of the order
of a court shall not, preclude such transfer to be deemed as
giving of preference by the corporate debtor.
Explanation. –For the purpose of sub-section (3) of this section,
―new value‖ means money or its worth in goods, services, or
new credit, or release by the transferee of property previously
transferred to such transferee in a transaction that is neither void
nor voidable by the liquidator or the resolution professional
under this Code, including proceeds of such property, but does
not include a financial debt or operational debt substituted for
existing financial debt or operational debt.
(4)A preference shall be deemed to be given at a relevant time,
if –
(a) It is given to a related party (other than by reason only of
being an employee), during the period of two years
preceding the insolvency commencement date; or
(b) a preference is given to a person other than a related
party during the period of one year preceding the insolvency
commencement date.
44. (1) The Adjudicating Authority, may, on an application Orders in case of
preferential
made by the resolution professional or liquidator under sub- transactions.
section (1) of section 43, by an order :
(a) require any property transferred in connection with the
giving of the preference to be vested in the corporate
debtor;
(b) require any property to be so vested if it represents the
application either of the proceeds of sale of property so
transferred or of money so transferred;
(c) release or discharge (in whole or in part) of any security
interest created by the corporate debtor;
121
(d) require any person to pay such sums in respect of
benefits received by him from the corporate debtor, such
sums to the liquidator or the resolution professional, as the
Adjudicating Authority may direct;
(e) direct any guarantor, whose financial debts or
operational debts owed to any person were released or
discharged (in whole or in part) by the giving of the
preference, to be under such new or revived financial debts
or operational debts to that person as the Adjudicating
Authority deems appropriate;
(f) direct for providing security or charge on any property
for the discharge of any financial debt or operational debt
under the order, and such security or charge to have the
same priority as a security or charge released or discharged
wholly or in part by the giving of the preference; and
(g) direct for providing the extent to which any person
whose property is so vested in the corporate debtor, or on
whom financial debts or operational debts are imposed by
the order, are to be proved in the liquidation or the
corporate insolvency resolution process for financial debts
or operational debts which arose from, or were released or
discharged wholly or in part by the giving of the
preference:
Provided that an order under this section shall not -
(a) affect any interest in property which was acquired
from a person other than the corporate debtoror any
interest derived from such interest and was acquired in
good faith and for value;
(b)require a person, who received a benefit from the
preferential transaction in good faith and for value to pay
a sum to the liquidator or the resolution professional.
Explanation-I.– For the purpose of this section, it is clarified
that where a person,who has acquired an interest in property
from another person other than the corporate debtor, or who has
received a benefit from the preference or such another person to
whom the corporate debtor gave the preference, -
(i) had sufficient information of the initiation or
commencement of insolvency resolution process of the
corporate debtor;
(ii) is a related party,
122
it shall be presumed that the interest was acquired or the benefit
was received otherwise than in good faith unless the contrary is
shown.
Explanation-II. – A person shall be deemed to have sufficient
information or opportunity to avail such information if a public
announcement regarding the corporate insolvency resolution
process has been made under section 13.
45.(1)If the liquidator or the resolution professional, as the case Avoidance of
undervalued
may be, on an examination of the transactions of the corporate transactions.
debtor referred to in sub-section (2) of section 43 determines
that certain transactions were made during the relevant period
under section 46, which were undervalued, he shall make an
application to the Adjudicating Authority to declare such
transactions as void and reverse the effect of such transaction in
accordance with this Chapter.
(2) A transaction shall be considered undervalued where the
corporate debtor –
(a) makes a gift to a person; or
(b) enters into a transaction with a person which
involves the transfer of one or more assets by the
corporate debtor for a consideration the value of which is
significantly less than the value of the consideration
provided by the corporate debtor,
and such transaction has not taken place in the ordinary course
of business of the corporate debtor.
46.(1)In an application for avoiding a transaction at undervalue, Relevant period
for avoidable
the liquidator or the resolution professional, as the case may be, transactions.
shall demonstrate that –
(i) such transaction was made with any person within the
period of one year preceding the insolvency commencement
date; or
(ii) such transaction was made with a related party within
the period of two years preceding the insolvency
commencement date.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority may require an independent
expert to assess evidence relating to the value of the
transactions mentioned in this section.
123
the liquidator or the resolution professional as the case may be, of undervalued
transactions.
has not reported it to the Adjudicating Authority, a creditor,
member or a partner of a corporate debtor, as the case may be,
may make an application to the Adjudicating Authority to
declare such transactions void and reverse their effect in
accordance with this Chapter.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority, after examination of the
application made under sub-section (1), is satisfied that -
(a) undervalued transactions had occurred; and
(b) liquidator or the resolution professional, as the case may
be, after having sufficient information or opportunity to avail
information of such transactions did not report such transaction
to the Adjudicating Authority,
it shall pass an order-
(a) restoring the position as it existed before such transactions
and reversing the effects thereof in the manner as laid down in
section 45 and section 48;
(b) requiring the Board to initiate disciplinary proceedings
against the liquidator or the resolution professional as the case
may be.
48. (1)The order of the Adjudicating Authority under sub- Order in cases of
undervalued
section (1) of section 45 may provide for the following:- transactions.
(a) require any property transferred as part of the
transaction, to be vested in the corporate debtor;
(b) release or discharge (in whole or in part) any security
interest granted by the corporate debtor;
(c) require any person to pay such sums, in respect of
benefits received by such person, to the liquidator or the
resolution professional as the case may be, as the Adjudicating
Authority may direct; or
(d) require the payment of such consideration for the
transaction as may be determined by an independent expert.
49.(1)Where the corporate debtor has entered into an Transactions
defrauding
undervalued transaction as referred to in sub-section (2) of creditors.
section 45 and the Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that such
transaction was deliberately entered into by such corporate
debtor -
(a) for keeping assets of the corporate debtor beyond the
124
reach of any person who is entitled to make a claim against the
corporate debtor; or
(b) in order to adversely affect the interests of such a person
in relation to the claim,
the Adjudicating Authority shall make an order-
(i) restoring the position as it existed before such transaction as
if the transaction had not been entered into; and
(ii)protecting the interests of persons who are victims of such
transactions:
Provided that an order under this section -
(a) shall not affect any interest in property which was acquired
from a person other than the corporate debtor and was acquired
in good faith, for value and without notice of the relevant
circumstances, or affect any interest deriving from such an
interest, and
(b) shall not require a person who received a benefit from the
transaction in good faith, for value and without notice of the
relevant circumstances to pay any sum unless he was a party to
the transaction.
50.(1)Where the corporate debtor has been a partyto an Extortionate credit
transactions.
extortionatecredit transaction involving the receipt of financial
or operational debt during the period within two years
preceding the insolvency commencement date, the liquidator or
the resolution professional as the case may be, may make an
application for avoidance of such transaction to the
Adjudicating Authority if the terms of such transaction required
exorbitant payments to be made by the corporate debtor.
(2) The Board may specify the circumstances in which a
transactions which shall be covered under sub-section (1).
Explanation .- For the purpose of this section, it is clarified that
any debt extended by any person providing financial services
which is in compliance with any law for the time being in force
in relation to such debt shall in no event be considered as an
extortionate credit transaction.
51. Where the Adjudicating Authority after examining the Orders of
Adjudicating
application made under sub-section (1) of section 50 is Authority in
satisfied that the terms of a credit transaction required respect of
exorbitant payments to be made by the corporate debtor, it extortionate credit
transactions.
shall, *by an order –
125
(a) * restore the position as it existed prior to such
transaction;
(b) set aside the whole or part of the debt created on
account of the extortionate credit transaction;
(c) modify the terms of the transaction;
(d) require any person who is, or was, a party to the
transaction to repay any amount received by such person; or
(e) require any security interest that was created as part of
the extortionate credit transaction to be relinquished in
favour of the liquidator or the resolution professional, as the
case may be.
52.(1) A secured creditor in the liquidation proceedings may- Secured creditor
in liquidation
(a) relinquish its security interest to the liquidation estate proceedings.
and receive proceeds from the sale of assets by the liquidator
in the manner specified in section 53; or
(b) realise its security interest in the manner specified in this
section.
(2) Where the secured creditor realises security interest under
clause (b) of sub-section (1), he shall inform the liquidator of
such security interestand identify the asset subject to such
security interest to be realised.
(3) Before any security interest is realised by the secured
creditor under this section, the liquidator shall verify such
security interest and permit the secured creditor to realise only
such security interest, the existence of which may be proved
either –
(a) by the records of such security interest maintained by an
information utility; or
(b) by such other means as may be specified by the Board.
(4) A secured creditor may enforce, realise, settle,
compromise or deal with the secured assets in accordance with
such law as applicable to the security interest being realised and
to the secured creditor and apply the proceeds to recover the
debts due to it.
(5) If in the course of realising a secured asset, any secured
creditor faces resistance from the corporate debtor or any
person connected therewith in taking possession of, selling or
otherwise disposing off the security, the secured creditor may
make an application to the Adjudicating Authority to facilitate
126
the secured creditor to realise such security interest in
accordance with law for the time being in force.
(6) The Adjudicating Authority, on the receipt of an application
from a secured creditor under sub-section (5) may pass such
order as may be necessary to permit a secured creditor to realise
security interest in accordance with law for the time being in
force.
(7) Where the enforcement of the security interest under sub-
section (4) yields an amount by way of proceeds which is in
excess of the debts due to the secured creditor, the secured
creditor shall-
(a) account to the liquidator for such surplus; and
(b) tender to the liquidator any surplus funds received from
the enforcement of such secured assets.
(8) The amount of insolvency resolution process costs, due
from secured creditors who realise their security interests in the
manner provided in this section, shall be deducted from the
proceeds of any realisation by such secured creditors, and they
shall transfer such amounts to the liquidator to be included in
the liquidation estate.
(9) Where the proceeds of the realisation of the secured
assets are not adequate to repay debts owed to the secured
creditor, the unpaid debts of such secured creditor shall be paid
by the liquidator in the manner specified in clause (e) of sub-
section (1) of section 53.
53.(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Distribution of
assets.
any law enacted by the Parliament or any State Legislature for
the time being in force, the proceeds from the sale of the
liquidation assets shall be distributed in the following order of
priority and within such periodand in such manner as may be
specified, namely :-
(a) the insolvency resolution process costs and the
liquidation costspaid in full;
(b) the following debts which shall rank equally between and
among the following :-
(i)***workmen’s dues for the period of * twenty-four
months preceding the liquidation commencement date;
and
(ii)***debts owed to a secured creditor in the event such
127
secured creditor has relinquished security in the manner
set out in section 52;
(c) wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees other than
workmen for the period of twelve months preceding the
liquidation commencement date;
(d) financial debts owed to unsecured creditors;
(e)the following dues shall rank equally between and among
the following :-
(i) anyamount due to the Central Government and the
State Government including the amount to be received on
account of the Consolidated Fund of India and the
Consolidated Fund of a State, if any, in respect of the
whole or any part of the period of two years preceding the
liquidation commencement date;
(ii) debts owed to a secured creditor for any amount
unpaid following the enforcement of security interest;
(f) any remaining debts and dues;
(g) preference shareholders, if any; and
(h) equity shareholders or partners, as the case may be.
(2) Any contractual arrangements between recipients under
sub-section (1) with equal ranking, if disrupting the order of
priority under that sub-section shall be disregarded by the
liquidator.
(3) The fees payable to the liquidator shall be deducted
proportionately from the proceeds payable to each class of
recipients under sub-section (1), and the proceeds to the
relevant recipient shall be distributed after such deduction.
Explanation. –For the purpose of this section-
(i) it is hereby clarified that at each stage of the distribution of
proceeds in respect of a class of recipients that rank equally,
each of the debts will either be paid in full, or will be paid in
equal proportion within the same class of recipients, if the
proceeds are insufficient to meet the debts in full; and
(ii) the term ―workmen’s dues‖ shall have the same meaning as
18 of 2013.
assigned to it in section 326 of the Companies Act, 2013.
54. (1) Where the assets of the corporate debtor have been Dissolution of
Corporate Debtor.
completely liquidated, the liquidator shall make an application
to the Adjudicating Authority for the dissolution of such
128
corporate debtor.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall on application filed by
the liquidator under sub-section (1) order that the corporate
debtor shall be dissolved from the date of that order and the
corporate debtor shall be dissolved accordingly.
(3) A copy of an order under sub-section (2) shall within
seven days from the date of such order, be forwarded to the
authority with which the corporate debtor is registered.
CHAPTER IV
FAST TRACK CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION
PROCESS
55. (1) A corporate insolvency resolution process carried Fast track
corporate
out in accordance with this Chapter shall be called as fast track insolvency
corporate insolvency resolution process. resolution
process.
(2) An application for fast track corporate insolvency
resolution process may be made in respect of the following
corporate debtors, namely:-
(a) a corporate debtor with assets and income below a level
as may be notified by the Central Government; or
(b) a corporate debtor with such class of creditors or such
amount of debt as may be notified by the Central Government;
or
(c) such other category of corporate persons as may be
notified by the Central Government.
56. (1)Subject to the provisions ofsub-section (3), the fast track Time period for
completion of fast
corporate insolvency resolution process shall be completed track corporate
within a period of ninety days from the insolvency insolvency
commencement date. resolution
process.
(2) The resolution professional shall file an application to
the Adjudicating Authority to extend the period of the fast track
corporate insolvency resolution process beyond ninety days if
instructed to do so by * a resolution passed at a meeting of the
committee of creditors and supported by a vote of seventy five
percent of the voting share.
(3) On receipt of an application under sub-section (2), if the
Adjudicating Authority is satisfied that the subject matter of the
case is such that fast track corporate insolvency resolution
129
process cannot be completed within a period of ninety days, it
may, by order, extend the duration of such process beyond the
said period of ninety daysby such further period, as it thinks fit,
but not exceeding forty-five days:
***
Provided*that any extension of the fast track corporate
insolvency resolution process under this section shall not be
granted more than once.
57.An application for fast track corporate insolvency resolution Manner of
initiating fast
process may be * filed by a creditor or corporate debtor as the track corporate
case may be, * alongwith–– insolvency
resolution
(a)the proof of the existence of default as evidenced by process.
records available with an information utility or such other
means as may be specified by the Board; and
(b) such other information as may be specified by the
Board to establish that the corporate debtor is eligible for fast
track corporate insolvency resolution process.
58. The process for conducting a corporate insolvency Applicability of
Chapter II to this
resolution process under Chapter II and the provisions relating Chapter.
to offences and penalties under Chapter VII shall apply to this
Chapter as the context may require.
CHAPTER V
VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION OF CORPORATE PERSONS
59.(1) A corporate person who intends to liquidate itself Voluntary
liquidation of
voluntarily and has not committed any default may initiate corporate persons.
voluntary liquidation proceedings under the provisions of this
Chapter.
(2) The *voluntary liquidation of a corporate person under sub-
section (1) shall meet such conditions and procedural
requirements as may be specified by the Board.
(3)Without prejudice to sub-section (2), voluntary liquidation
proceedings of a corporate person registered as a company shall
meet the following conditions, namely:-
(a) a declaration from majority of the directors of the
company verified by an affidavit stating that –
(i) they have made a full inquiry into the affairs of the
company and they have formed an opinion that either the
company has no debt or that it will be able to pay its debts
130
in full from the proceeds of assets to be sold in the
voluntary liquidation; and
(ii) the company is not being liquidated to defraud any
person;
(b) the declaration under sub-clause (a) shall be accompanied
with the following documents, namely:-
(i)audited financial statements and record of business
operations of the company for the previous two years or for
the period since its incorporation, whichever is later;
(ii) a report of the valuation of the assets of the company,
if any prepared by a registered valuer;
(c) within four weeks of a declaration under sub-clause (a),
there shall be -
(i) a special resolution of the members of the company in
a general meeting requiring the company to be liquidated
voluntarily and appointing an insolvency professional to
act as the liquidator; or
(ii) a resolution of the members of the company in a
general meeting requiring the company to be liquidated
voluntarily as a result of expiry of the period of its
duration, if any, fixed by its articles or on the occurrence
of any event in respect of which the articles provide that
the company shall be dissolved, as the case may be and
appointing an insolvency professional to act as the
liquidator:
Provided that the company owes any debt to any person,
creditors representing two-thirds in value of the debt of the
company shall approve the resolution passed under sub-clause
(c) within seven days of such resolution.
(4) The company shall notify the Registrar of Companies and
the Board about the resolution under sub-section (3) to liquidate
the company within *sevendays of such resolution or the
subsequent approval by the creditors, as the case may be.
(5) Subject to approval of the creditors under sub-section (3),
the voluntary liquidation proceedings in respect of a company
shall be deemed to have commenced from the date of passing of
the resolution under sub-clause (c) of sub-section (3).
(6) The provisions of sections 35 to 53 of Chapter III and
Chapter VII shall apply * to voluntary liquidation proceedings
131
for corporate persons *with such modifications as may be
necessary.
(7) Where the affairs of the corporate person have been
completely wound up, and its assets completely liquidated, the
liquidator shall make an application to the Adjudicating
Authority for the dissolution of such corporate person.
(8) The Adjudicating Authority shall on anapplication filed by
the liquidator under sub-section (7), pass an *order that the
corporate debtor shall be dissolved from the date of that order
and the corporate debtor shall be dissolved accordingly.
(9) A copy of an order under sub-section (8) shall within
fourteen days from the date of such order, be forwarded to the
authority with which the corporate person is registered.
CHAPTER VI
ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY FOR CORPORATE PERSONS
60.(1) The Adjudicating Authority, in relation to insolvency Adjudicating
Authority for
resolution and liquidation for corporate persons including corporate persons.
corporate debtors and personal guarantors thereofshall be the
National Company Law Tribunal having territorial jurisdiction
over the place where the registered office of the*corporate
personis located.
(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1) and notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Code, where a
corporate insolvency resolution process or liquidation
proceeding of a corporate debtor is pending before aNational
Company Law Tribunal, an application relating to the
insolvency resolution or bankruptcy of a personal guarantor of
such corporate debtor shall be filed before *suchNational
Company Law Tribunal.
(3) An insolvency resolution process or bankruptcy proceeding
of a personal guarantor of the corporate debtor pending in any
court or tribunal shall stand transferred to the Adjudicating
Authority dealing with insolvency resolution process or
liquidation proceeding of such corporate debtor.
(4) The National Company Law Tribunal shall be vested with
all the powers of the Debt Recovery Tribunal as contemplated
under Part III of this Code for the purpose of sub-section (2).
(5) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any
other law for the time being in force, the National Company
132
Law Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to entertain or dispose of -
(a) any application or proceeding by or against the
corporate debtor or corporate person;
(b) any claim made by or against the corporate debtor or
corporate person, including claims by or against any of its
subsidiaries situated in India; and
(c) any question of priorities or any question of law or
facts, arising out of or in relation to the insolvency resolution
or liquidation proceedings of the corporate debtor or
corporate person under this Code.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Limitation Act,
36 of 1963
1963 or in any other law for the time being in force, in
computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or
application ** by or againsta corporate debtor for which an
order of moratorium has been made under this Part, the period
during which such moratorium is in place shall be excluded.
61.(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained Appeals and
Appellate
18 of 2013 under the Companies Act 2013, any person aggrieved by the Authority.
order of the Adjudicating Authority under this part may prefer
an appeal to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.
(2) Every appeal under sub-section (1) shall be filed within *
thirtydays before the National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal:
Provided that the National Company LawAppellate
Tribunal may allow an appeal to be filed after the expiry of the
said period of * thirtydays if it is satisfied that there was
sufficient cause for not filing the appeal but such period shall
not exceed fifteen days.
(3)An appeal against an order approving a resolution plan under
section 31 may be filed onthe following grounds, namely:–
(i) the approved resolution plan is in contravention of the
provisions of any law for the time being in force;
(ii) there has been material irregularity inexercise of the
powers by the resolution professional during the corporate
insolvency resolution period;
(iii) the debts owed to operational creditors of the corporate
debtor have not been provided for in the resolution plan in
the manner specified by the Board;
(iv) the insolvency resolution process costs have not been
133
provided for repayment in priority to all other debts; or
(v) the resolution plan does not comply with any other
criteria specified by the Board.
(4) An appeal against a liquidation order passedunder section
33 may be filed on grounds of material irregularity or fraud
committed in relation to such a liquidation order.
62. (1)Any person aggrieved by an order of the National Appeal to
Supreme Court.
Company Law Appellate Tribunal may file an appeal to the
Supreme Court on a question of law arising out of such order
under this Code within *forty-five days from the date of receipt
of such order.
(2) The Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that a person was
prevented by sufficient cause from filing an appeal within
*forty-fivedays, allow the appeal to be filed within a further
period not exceeding fifteendays.
63. No civil court or authority shall have jurisdiction to Civil court not to
have jurisdiction.
entertain any suit or proceedings in respect of any matter on
which National Company Law Tribunal or the National
Company Law Appellate Tribunal has jurisdiction under this
Code.
64.(1) ***Where an application is not disposed of or anorder is Expeditious
disposal of
18 of 2013. not passed within the period specified in this Code, the National applications.
Company Law Tribunal or the National Company Law
Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, shall record the reasons
for not doing so within the period so specified; and the
President of the National Company Law Tribunal or the
Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be, may, after taking into account the reasons
so recorded, extend the period specified in the Act but not
exceeding ten days.
(2) No injunction shall be granted by any court, tribunal or
authority in respect of any action taken, or to be taken, in
pursuance of any power conferred on the National Company
Law Tribunal or the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
*under this Code.
65. (1)If, any person initiates the insolvency resolution process Fraudulent or
malicious
or liquidation proceedings fraudulently or with malicious intent initiation of
for any purpose other than for the resolution of insolvency, or proceedings.
liquidation, as the case may be, the adjudicating authority may
impose upon such person** a penalty which shall not be less
134
than one lakh rupees, butmay extend to one crore rupees.
(2)If, any person initiates voluntary liquidation proceedings
with the intent to defraud any person,the adjudicating authority
may impose upon such person a penalty which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but may extend to one crore rupees.
66. (1)If during the corporate insolvency resolution process or Fraudulent trading
or wrongful
a liquidation process, it is found that any business of the trading.
corporate debtor has been carried on with intent to defraud
creditors of the corporate debtor **or for any fraudulent
purpose, the Adjudicating Authority may on the application of
the resolution professional pass *anorder that any persons who
were knowingly parties to the carrying on of the business in
such manner shall be liable to make such contributions to the
assets of the corporate debtor as it may deem fit.
(2) On an application made by a resolution professional during
the ***corporate insolvency resolution process, the
Adjudicating Authority may by anorder directthat a director or
partner of the corporate debtor, as the case may be, shall be
liable to make such contribution to the assets of the corporate
debtor as it may deem fit, if-
(a) before the insolvency commencement date, such
director or partner knew or ought to have known that the
there was no reasonable prospect of avoiding the
commencement of a corporate insolvency resolution process
in respect of such corporate debtor; and
(b) such director or partner did not exercise due diligence
in minimising the potential loss to the creditors of the
corporate debtor.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section a director or
partner of the corporate debtor, as the case may be, shall be
deemed to have exercised due diligence if such diligence was
reasonably expected of a person carrying out the same functions
as are carried out by such director or partner, as the case may
be, in relation to the corporate debtor.
67. (1) Where the Adjudicating Authority *haspassedan order Proceedings under
section 66.
under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 66, as the
case may be, it may give such further directions as it may deem
appropriate for giving effect to the order, and in particular, the
Adjudicating Authority may—
(a) provide for the liability of any person under the order to
135
be a charge on any debt or obligation due from the corporate
debtor to him, or on any mortgage or charge or any interest
in a mortgage or charge on assets of the corporate debtor
held by or vested in him, or any person on his behalf, or any
person claiming as assignee from or through the person
liable or any person acting on his behalf; and
(b) from time to time, make such further directions as may
be necessary for enforcing any charge imposed under this
section.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section, ―assignee‖
includes a person to whom or in whose favour, by the directions
of the person *heldliable under clause (a) **the debt,
obligation, mortgage or charge was created, issued or
transferred or the interest created, but does not include an
assignee for valuable consideration given in good faith and
without notice of any of the grounds on which the
**directionshavebeen made.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority *has passedan order
under sub-section (1) or sub-section(2) of section 66, as the
case may be, in relation to a person who is a creditor of the
corporate debtor, it may, by an order,direct that the whole or
any part of any debt owed by the corporate debtor to that person
and any interest thereon shall rank in the order ofpriority of
payment under section 53after all other debts owed by the
corporate debtor**.
CHAPTER VII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
68. Where any officer of the corporate debtor has,– Punishment for
concealment of
(i) within the twelve months immediately preceding the property.
insolvency commencement date,–
(a) wilfully concealed any property or part of such
property of the corporate debtor or concealed any debt
due to, or from, the corporate debtor, of the value of ten
thousand rupees or more; or
(b) fraudulently removed any part of the property of the
corporate debtor of the value of ten thousand rupees or
more; or
(c) wilfully concealed, destroyed, mutilated or falsified
any book or paper affecting or relating to the property of
136
the corporate debtor or its affairs, or
(d) wilfully made any false entry in any book or paper
affecting or relating to the property of the corporate
debtor or its affairs, or
(e) fraudulently parted with, altered or made any
omission in any document affecting or relating to the
property of the corporate debtor or its affairs; or
(f) wilfully created any security interest over, transferred
or disposed of any property of the corporate debtor which
has been obtained on credit and has not been paid for
unless such creation , transfer or disposal was in the
ordinary course of the business of the corporate debtor; or
(g) wilfully concealed the knowledge of the doing by
others of any of the acts mentioned in clauses (c), (d) or
clause (e); or
(ii) at any time after the insolvency commencement date,
committed any of the acts mentioned in sub-clause (a) to (f)
of clause (i) or has the knowledge of the doing by others of
any of the things mentioned in sub-clauses (c) to (e) of
clause (i); or
(iii)at any time after the insolvency commencement date,
taken in pawn or pledge, or otherwise received the property
knowing it to be so secured, transferred or disposed,
such officer shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years but which may extend
to five years, *orwith fine, which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees, or with both:
Provided that nothing in this section shall render a person
liable to any punishment under this section if he proves that he
had no intent to defraud or to conceal the state of affairs of the
corporate debtor.
69. On or after the insolvency commencement date, if an officer Punishment for
transactions
of the corporate debtor or the corporate debtor- defrauding
creditors.
(a) has made or caused to be made any gift or transfer of, or
charge on, or has caused or connived in the execution of a
decree or order against, the property of the corporate debtor;
(b) has concealed or removed any part of the property of
the corporate debtor * within two months before the date of
any unsatisfied judgment, decree or order for payment of
137
money obtained against the corporate debtor,
such officer of the corporate debtor or the corporate debtor, as
the case may be, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than one year, but which may
extend to five years,* or with fine, which shall not be less than
one lakh rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees, or with
both:
Providedthata person shall not be punishable under this section
if the acts mentioned in clause (a) were committed more than
five years before the insolvency commencement date; or if he
proves that, at the time of commission ofthose acts, he had no
intent to defraud the creditors of the corporate debtor.
70.(1) On or after the insolvency commencement date, where Punishment for
misconduct in
an officer of the corporate debtor — course of
corporate
(a) does not disclose to the resolution professional all the
insolvency
details of property of the corporate debtor, and details of resolution
transactions thereof, or any such other information as the process.
resolution professional may require; or
(b)does not deliver to the resolution professional ** all or
part of the property of the corporate debtor in his control or
custody and which he is required to deliver; or
(c)does not deliver to the resolution professional * all
books and papers in his control or custody belonging to the
corporate debtor and which he is required to deliver; or
(d) fails to inform theresolution professionalthe information
inhis knowledge that a debt has been falsely proved by any
person during the corporate insolvency resolution process;
or
(e)prevents the production of any book or paper affecting
or relating to the property or affairs of the corporate debtor;
or
(f) accounts for any part of the property of the corporate
debtor by fictitious losses or expenses, or if he has so
attempted at any meeting of the creditors of the corporate
debtor within the twelve months immediately preceding the
insolvency commencement date,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall
not be less than three years, but which may extend to five
years,* or with fine, which shall not be less than one lakh
138
rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees, or with both:
Provided that nothing in this section shall render a person
liable to any punishment under this section if he proves that he
had no intent to do so in relation tothe state of affairs of the
corporate debtor.
(2) If an insolvency professional deliberately contravenes the
provisions of this Part***he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months,* or
with fine which shallnot beless than one lakh rupees,* butmay
extend to five lakhs rupees, or with both.
71. On and after the insolvency commencement date, where any Punishment for
falsification of
person destroys, mutilates, alters or falsifies any books, papers books of
or securities, or makes or is in the knowledge of making of any corporate debtor.
false or fraudulent entry in any register, book of account or
document belonging to the corporate debtor with intent to
defraud or deceive any person, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three
years, but which may extend to five years,* or with fine which
shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one
crore rupees, or with both.
72. Where an officer of the corporate debtor makes any material Punishment for
wilful and
and wilful omission in any statement relating to the affairs of material
the corporate debtor, he shall be punishable with imprisonment omissions from
for a term which shall not be less than three years but which statements
relating to affairs
may extend to five years,* or with fine which shall not be less of corporate
than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees, or debtor.
with both.
73.* Where any officer of the corporate debtor — Punishment for
false
(a) on or after the insolvency commencement date, makes a representations to
creditors.
false representation or commits any fraud for the purpose of
obtaining the consent of the creditors of the corporate debtor
or any of them to an agreement with reference to the affairs
of the corporate debtor, during the corporate insolvency
resolution process, or the liquidation process;
(b) prior to the insolvency commencement date,has made
any false representation, or committed any fraud, for that
purpose,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall
not be less than three years, but may extend to five years *or
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but may
139
extend to one crore rupees, or with both.
74. (1) Where the corporate debtor or any of its officer violates Punishment for
contravention of
the provisions of section 14, any such officer who knowingly or moratorium or the
wilfully committed or authorised or permitted such resolution plan.
contravention shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which shall not be less than three years, but may extend to five
years *or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees,
but may extend to three lakh rupees, or with both.
(2) Where any creditor violates the provisions of section 14,
any person who knowingly and wilfully authorised or permitted
such contravention by a creditor shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year,
but may extend to five years, *or with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one crore rupees,
or with both.
(3) Where the corporate debtor, any of its officersor creditors
or any person on whom the approved resolution plan *is
binding under section 31, knowingly and wilfully *contravenes
any of the terms of such resolution plan or abetssuch
contravention, such corporate debtor, officer, creditor or person
shall be punishable with imprisonment of not less than one
year, but may extend to five years, * or with fine which shall
not be less than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one crore
rupees, or with both.
75. Where any person furnishes information in the application Punishment for
false information
made under section 7, which is false in material particulars, furnished in
knowing it to be false or omits any material fact, knowing it to application.
be material, such person shall be punishable with fine which
shallnotbe less than one lakh rupees, but may extend to one
crore rupees.
76.Where- Punishment for
non-disclosure of
(a) an operational creditor has wilfully or knowingly dispute or
repayment of debt
concealed in an application under section 9 the fact that the
by operational
corporate debtor had notified him of a dispute in respect of creditor.
the unpaid operational debt or the full and final repayment of
the unpaid operational debt; or
(b) any person who knowingly and wilfully authorised or
permitted such concealment under clause (a),
such operational creditor or person, as the case may be, shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
140
than one year but may extend to five years *or with fine which
shall not be less than one lakh rupees but may extend to one
crore rupees, or with both.
77.Where–– Punishment for
providing false
(a)a corporate debtor provides information in the information in
application made
application under section 10 which is false in material
by corporate
particulars, knowing it to be false and omits any material debtor.
fact, knowing it to be material; or
(b) any person who knowingly and wilfully authorised or
permitted the furnishing of such information under sub-
clause (a),
such corporate debtor or person, as the case may be, shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less
than three years, but which may extend to five years *orwith
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but which
may extend to one crore rupees, or with both.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this sectionand sections 75
and 76, an application shall be deemed to be false in material
particulars in case the facts mentioned or omitted in the
application, if true, or not omitted from the application as the
case may be, would have been sufficient to determine the
existence of a default under this Code.
PART III
INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION AND BANKRUPTCY FOR
INDIVIDUALS AND PARTNERSHIP FIRMS
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
***
78. ***This Part shall apply to matters relating to fresh start, Application.
insolvency and bankruptcy of individuals and partnership firms
where the amount of the default is not less than one thousand
rupees:
Provided that Central Government may, by notification, specify
the minimum amount of default of higher value which shall not
be more than one lakh rupees.
***
79. In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires, - Definitions.
141
(1) ―Adjudicating Authority‖ means the Debt Recovery
Tribunal constituted under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the
51 of 1993. Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act,
1993;
(2)―associate‖ of the debtor means –
(a) a person who belongs to the immediate family of the
debtor;
(b) a person who is a relative of the debtor or a relative of the
spouse of the debtor;
(c) a person who is in partnership with the debtor;
(d) a person who is a spouse or a relative of any person with
whom the debtor is in partnership;
(e) a person who is employer of the debtor or employee of
the debtor;
(f) a person who is a trustee of a trust in which the
beneficiaries of the trust include a debtor, or the terms of the
trust confer a power on the trustee which may be exercised for
the benefit of the debtor; and
(g) a company, where the debtor or the debtor along with his
associates, own more than fifty per cent of the share capital of
the company or control the appointment of the board of
directors of the company.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this sub-section,
―relative‖,with reference to any person, means anyone who is
related to another, if-
(i) they are members of a Hindu Undivided Family;
(ii) one person is related to the other in such manner as may be
prescribed .
(3)―bankrupt‖ means –
(a) a debtor who has been adjudged as bankrupt by a
bankruptcy order under section 126;
(b) each of the partners of a firm, where a bankruptcy order
under section 126 has been made against a firm;or
(c) any person adjudged as an undischarged insolvent;
(4)―bankruptcy‖ means the state of being bankrupt;
(5)―bankruptcy debt‖, in relation to a bankrupt, means –
(a) any debt owed by him as on the bankruptcy
142
commencement date;
(b) any debt for which he may become liable after
bankruptcy commencement date but before his discharge by
reason of any transaction entered into before the bankruptcy
commencement date; and
(c) any interest which is a part of the debt under section 171;
(6) ―bankruptcy commencement date‖ means the date on which
a bankruptcy order is passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under section 126;
(7) ―bankruptcy order‖ means an order passed by an
Adjudicating Authority under section 126;
(8) ―bankruptcy process‖ means a process against a debtor
under Chapters IV and V of this part;
(9) ―bankruptcy trustee‖ means the insolvency professional
appointed as a trustee for the estate of the bankrupt under
section 125;
(10) ―Chapter‖ means a chapter under this Part;
(11)―committee of creditors‖ means a committee constituted
under section 134;
(12) ―debtor‖ includes a judgment-debtor;
(13) ―discharge order‖ means an order passed by the
Adjudicating Authority discharging the debtor under sections
92, 119 and section 138, as the case may be;
(14) ―excluded assets‖ for the purposes of this part includes –
(a) unencumbered tools, books, vehicles and other equipment
as are necessary to the debtor or bankrupt for his personal use
or for the purpose of his employment, business or vocation,
(b) unencumbered furniture, household equipment and
provisions as are necessary for satisfying the basic domestic
needs of the bankrupt and his immediate family;
(c) any unencumbered personal ornaments of such value, as
may be prescribed, of the debtor or his immediate family which
cannot be parted with, in accordance with religious usage;
(d) any unencumbered life insurance policy or pension plan
taken in the name of debtor or his immediate family; and
(e) an unencumbered single dwelling unit owned by the debtor
of such value as may be prescribed;
143
(15) ―excluded debt‖ means –
(a)liability to pay fine imposed by a court or tribunal;
(b)liability to pay damages for negligence, nuisance or
breach of a statutory, contractual or other legal obligation;
(c) liability to pay maintenance to any person under any law
for the time being in force;
(d) liability in relation to a student loan; and
***
(e)any other debt as may be prescribed;
(16) ―firm‖ means a body of individuals carrying on business in
partnership *whetheror notregistered under section 59 of the
IndianPartnership Act, 1932; 9 of 1932.
144
80. (1) A debtor, who is unable to pay his debt and fulfils the Eligibility for
making an
conditions specified in sub-section (2), shall be entitled to make application.
an application for a fresh start for discharge of his qualifying
debt under this Chapter.
(2) A debtor may apply, either personally or through a
resolution professional, for a fresh start under this Chapter in
respect of his qualifying debts to the Adjudicating Authority if -
(a) the gross annual income of the debtor does not exceed
sixty thousand rupees;
(b) the aggregate value of the assets of the debtor does not
exceed twenty thousand rupees ;
(c) the aggregate value of the qualifying debts does not
exceed thirty-five thousand rupees ;
(d) he is not an undischarged bankrupt;
(e) he does not own a dwelling unit, irrespective of whether
it is encumbered or not;
(f) a fresh start process, insolvency resolution process or
bankruptcy process is not subsisting against him; and
(g) no previous fresh start order under this Chapter has been
made in relation to him in the preceding twelve months of the
date of the application for fresh start.
81. (1) When an application is filed under section 80 by a Application for
fresh start order.
debtor, an interim-moratorium shall commence on the date of
filing of said application in relation to all the debts and shall
cease to have effect on the date of admission or rejection of
such application, as the case may be.
***
***
(2) During the interim-moratorium period, -
(i) any *legal action or legal proceedingpending in respect
of any of his debts shall be deemed to have been stayed;
and
(ii) no creditor shall initiate any legal action or
proceedings in respect of such debt.
( 3 ) The application under section 80 shall be in such form and
manner and accompanied by such fee, as may be prescribed.
(4)The application under sub-section * (3) shall contain the
following information supported by an affidavit, namely:–
145
(a) a list of all debts owed by the debtor as on the date of the
said application along with details relating to the amount of
each debt, interest payable thereon and the names of the
creditors to whom each debt is owed;
(b) the interest payable on the debts and the rate thereof
stipulated in the contract;
(c) a list of security held in respect of any of the debts,
(d) the financial information of the debtor and his immediate
family ***up to two years prior to the date of the
application;
(e) the particulars of the debtor's personal details, as may be
prescribed;
(f) the reasons for making the application;
(g) the particulars of any legal *proceedingswhich, to the
debtor's knowledge has been commenced against him;
(h) the confirmation that no previous fresh start order under
this Chapter has been made in respect of the qualifying debts
of the debtor in the preceding twelve months of the date of
the application.
82. (1) Where an application under section 80 is filed by the Appointment of
Resolution
debtor through a resolution professional, the Adjudicating Professional.
Authority shall direct the Board within *seven days of the date
ofreceiptof the application and shall seek confirmation from the
Board that there are no disciplinary proceedings against the
resolution professional who has submitted such application.
***
***
(2)The Board shall communicate to the Adjudicating Authority
in writing either –
(a) confirmation of the appointment of the resolution
professional who filed an application under sub-section (1);
or
( b ) rejection of the appointment of the resolution
professional who filed an application under sub-section (1)
and nominate a resolution professional suitable for the fresh
start process.
(3) Where an application under section 80 is filed by the debtor
himself and not through the resolution professional, the
Adjudicating Authority shall direct the Board within *
146
sevendays of the date of the receipt of an application to
nominate a resolution professional for the fresh start process.
(4) The Board shall nominate a resolution professional within
ten days of receiving the direction issued by the Adjudicating
Authority under sub-section (3).
(5) The Adjudicating Authority shall by order appoint the
resolution professional recommended or nominated by the
Board under sub-section (2) or sub-section (4), as the case may
be.
(6) A resolution professional appointed by the Adjudicating
Authority under sub-section (5) shall be provided a copy of the
application for fresh start.
***
83.(1) The resolution professional shall examine the application Examination of
application by
made under section 80 within ten days of his appointment, and resolution
submit a report to the Adjudicating Authority, either professional.
recommending acceptance or rejection of the application.
(2) The report referred to in sub-section (1) shall contain the
details of the amounts mentioned in the application which in the
opinion of the resolution professional are–
(a) qualifying debts; and
(b) liabilities eligible for discharge under sub-section (3) of
section 92.
(3) The resolution professional may call for such further
information or explanation in connection with the application as
may be required from the debtor or any other person who, in the
opinion of the resolution professional, may provide such
information.
(4) The debtor or any other person, as the case may be, shall
furnish such information or explanation within *sevendays of
receipt of the request under sub-section ( 3 ) .
(5) The resolution professional shall presume that the debtor is
unable to pay his debts at the date of the application if -
(a) in his opinion the information supplied in the
application indicates that the debtor is unable to pay his
debts and he has no reason to believe that the information
supplied is incorrect or incomplete; and
(b) he has reason to believe that there is no change in the
financial circumstances of the debtor since the date of the
147
application enabling the debtor to pay his debts.
(6) The resolution professional shall reject the application, if in
his opinion -
(a) the debtor does not satisfy the conditions specified under
section 80; or
(b) the debts disclosed in the application by the debtor are
not qualifying debts; or
(c) the debtor has deliberately made a false representation or
omission in the application or with respect to the documents
or information submitted.
(7) The resolution professional shall record the reasons for
recommending the acceptance or rejection of the application in
the report to the Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (1)
and shall give a copy of the report to the debtor.
84.(1) The Adjudicating Authority may within fourteen days Admission or
rejection of
from the date of submission of the report by the resolution application by
professional, pass an order either admitting or rejecting the Adjudicating
application made under sub-section (1) of section 81. Authority.
148
( b ) not dispose of or alienate any of his assets;
(c) inform his business partners that he is undergoing a fresh
start process;
(d) be required to inform prior to entering into any financial
or commercial transaction of such value as may be notified by
the Central Government, either individually or jointly, that he
is undergoing a fresh start process;
(e) disclose the name under which he enters into business
transactions, if it is different from the name in the application
admitted under section 84;
(f) nottravel * outside India except*with the permission of
the Adjudicating Authority.
(4)The moratorium ceases to have effect at the end of the period
of *one hundred and eighty daysbeginning with the date of
admission unless the order admitting the application is revoked
under sub-section (2) of section 91.
86.(1) Any creditor mentioned in the order of the Adjudicating Objections by
creditor and their
Authority under section 84 to whom a qualifying debt is owed examination by
may, within a period of ten days from the date of receipt of the Resolution
order under section 84, object only on the following Professional.
grounds,namely:-
(a ) inclusion of a debt as a qualifying debt; or
(b) incorrectness of the details of the qualifying debt
specified in the order under section 84.
(2) A creditor may file an objection under sub-section (1) by
way of an application to the resolution professional.
(3) The application under sub-section (2) shall be supported by
such information and documents as may be prescribed.
(4) The resolution professional shall consider every objection
made under this section.
(5)The resolution professional shall examine the objections
under sub-section ( 2 ) and either accept or reject the objections,
within ten days of the date of the application.
(6) The resolution professional may *examine *any matter that
appears to him to be relevant to the making of a final list of
qualifying debts for the purposes of section 92.
(7) On the basis of the *examinationunder sub-section (5) or
sub-section (6), the resolution professional shall -
149
(a) prepare an amended list of qualifying debts for the
purpose of the discharge order;
(b) make an application to the Adjudicating Authority for
directions under section 90; or
(c) take *suchother stepsas he considers necessary in relation
to the debtor.
87.(1) The debtor or the creditor who is aggrieved by the action Application
against decision
taken by the resolution professional under section 86 may, of resolution
within ten days of such decision, make an application to the professional.
Adjudicating Authority challenging such action on any of the
following grounds, namely :–
(a ) that the resolution professional has not given an
opportunity to the debtor or the creditor to make a
representation; or
(b) that the resolution professional colluded with the other
party in arriving at the decision; or
(c) that the resolution professional has not complied with the
requirements of section 86.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall decide the application
referred to in sub-section (1) within fourteen days of such
application, and make an order as it deems fit.
(3) Where the application under sub-section (1) has been
allowed by the Adjudicating Authority, it shall forward its order
to the Board and the Board may take suchactionas may be
required under Chapter VI of Part IVagainst the resolution
professional. **
88.(1) The debtor shall - General duties of
debtor.
150
start process.
89. ***(1) Where the debtor or the creditor is of the opinion Replacement of
resolution
that the resolution professional appointed under section 82 is professional.
required to be replaced, he may apply to the Adjudicating
Authority for the replacement of suchresolution professional.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall *** within * sevendays of
the receipt of the application under sub-section (1)make a
reference to the Board for replacement of the resolution
professional.
***
(3) The Board shall, within ten days of the receipt of a reference
from the Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (2),
recommend the name of an insolvency professional to the
Adjudicating Authority against whom no disciplinary
proceedings are pending.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall appoint another resolution
professional for the purposes of the fresh start process on the
basis of the recommendation by the Board.
(5) The Adjudicating Authority may give directions to the
resolution professional replaced under sub-section (4) -
(a ) to share all information with the new resolution
professional in respect of the fresh start process; and
(b ) to co-operate with the new resolution professional ***as
may be required.
***
90. (1)The resolution professional may apply to the Directions for
compliances of
Adjudicating Authority for any of the following directions, restrictions etc.
namely:-
(a) compliance of any restrictions referred to in sub-section
(3) of section 85, in case of non-compliance by the debtor; or
(b) compliance of the duties of the debtor referred to in
section 88, in case *of non-compliance by the debtor.
(2) The resolution professional may apply to the Adjudicating
Authority for directions in relation to any other matter under
this Chapter for which no specific provisions have been made.
91.(1)The resolution professional may submit an application to Revocation of
order admitting
the Adjudicating Authority seeking revocation of its order made application.
under section 84 on the following grounds, namely :-
151
(a) if due to any change in the financial circumstances of the
debtor, the debtor is ineligible for a fresh start process; or
(b) non-compliance by the debtor of the restrictions imposed
under sub-section (3) of section 85; or
(c) if the debtor has acted in a mala fidemanner and has
wilfully failed to comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall, within fourteen days of
the receipt of the application under sub-section (1), may by
order admit or reject the application.
(3) On passing of the order admitting the application referred to
in sub-section (1), the moratorium and the fresh start process
shall cease to have effect.
(4) A copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under this section shall be provided tothe Board for the purpose
of recording an entry in the register referred to in section 196.
***
***
92. (1) The resolution professional shall prepare a final list of Discharge order.
qualifying debts and submit such list to the Adjudicating
Authority at least *seven days before the moratorium period
comes to an end.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall pass a discharge order at
the end of the moratorium period for discharge of the debtor
from the qualifying debts mentioned in the list under sub-
section ( 1 ).
(3 ) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (2), the
Adjudicating Authority shall discharge the debtor from the
following liabilities, namely :-
(a ) penaltiesin respect of the qualifying debts from the date of
application till the date of the discharge order;
(b) interest including penal interest in respect of the qualifying
debts from the date of application till the date of the discharge
order; and
(c ) any other sums owed under any contract in respect of the
qualifying debts from the date of application till the date of the
discharge order.
(4) The discharge order shall not discharge the debtor from any
debt not included in sub-section (2) and from any liability not
152
included under sub-section (3).
(5) The discharge order shall be forwarded to the Board for the
purpose of recording an entry in the register referred to in
section 196.
***
***
(6) A discharge order under sub-section (2) shall not discharge
any other person from any liability in respect of the qualifying
debts.
93. The resolution professional shall perform his functions and Standard of
conduct.
duties in compliance with the code of conduct provided under
section 208.
CHAPTER III
INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS
94. (1) A debtor who commits a default may apply, either Application by
debtor to initiate
personally or through a resolution professional, to the insolvency
Adjudicating Authority for initiating the insolvency resolution resolution
process, by submitting an application. process.
(2) Where the debtor is a partner of a firm, such debtor shall not
apply under this Chapter to the Adjudicating Authority in
respect of the firm unless all or a majority of the partners of the
firm file the application jointly.
(3) An application under sub-section (1) shall be submitted only
in respect of debts which are not excluded debts.
(4) A debtor shall not be entitled to make an application under
sub-section (1) if he is -
( a ) an undischarged bankrupt;
(b ) undergoing a fresh start process;
(c ) undergoing an insolvency resolution process ; or
(d ) undergoing a bankruptcy process.
(5) A debtor shall not be eligible to apply under sub-section (1)
if an application under this Chapter has been admitted in respect
of the debtor during the period of twelve months preceding the
date of submission of the application under this section.
(6) The application referred to in sub-section (1) shall be in
such form and manner and accompanied with such fee as may
153
be prescribed.
95. (1) A creditor may apply either by himself, or jointly with Application by
creditor to initiate
other creditors, or through a resolution professional to the insolvency
Adjudicating Authority for initiating an insolvency resolution resolution
process under this section by submitting an application. process.
156
(b) rejecting appointment of the nominated resolution
professional and recommend a new resolution professional.
(7) On the basis of the communication of the Board under sub-
section (3) or sub-section (6), the Adjudicating Authority shall
pass an order appointing a new resolution professional.
(8) The Adjudicating Authority may give directions to the
resolution professional replaced under sub-section (7) -
(a ) to share all information with the new resolution
professional in respect of the insolvency resolution process;
and
(b) to co-operate with the new resolution professional in
such matters as may be required.
***
99.(1) The resolution professional shall examine the application Submission of
report by
referred to in section 94 or section 95, as the case may be, resolution
within ten days of his appointment, and submit a report to the professional.
Adjudicating Authority recommending for approval or rejection
of the application.
(2) Where the application has been filed under section 95, the
resolution professional may require the debtor to prove
repayment of the debt claimed as unpaid by the creditor by
furnishing -
(a) evidence of electronic transfer of the unpaid amount
from the bank account of the debtor;
(b) evidence of encashment of a cheque issued by the
debtor; or
(c) a signed acknowledgment by the creditor accepting
receipt of dues.
(3 ) Where the debt **for which an application has been filed by
a creditor is registered with the information utility, the debtor
shall not be entitled to *disputethe validity of suchdebt.
(4) For the purposes of examining an application, the resolution
professional may *seeksuch further information or explanation
in connection with the application as may be required from the
debtor or the creditor or any other person who, in the opinion of
the resolution professional, may provide such information.
(5) The person from whom information or explanation is
sought under sub-section (4) shall furnish such information or
157
explanation within *sevendays of receipt of the request.
(6) The resolution professional shall examine the application
and ascertain that -
(a ) the application satisfies the requirements set out in
section 94 or 95;
(b) the applicant has provided information and given
explanation sought by the resolution professional under sub-
section (4).
(7) After examination of the application under sub-section (6),
he may recommend acceptance or rejection of the application in
his report.
(8)Where the resolution professional finds that the debtor is
eligible for a fresh start under Chapter II, the resolution
professional shall *submita report recommending that the
application by the debtor under section 94 be treated as an
application under section 81 by the Adjudicating Authority.
(9) The resolution professional shall record the reasons for
recommending the acceptance or rejection of the application in
the report under sub-section (7).
(10) The resolution professional shall give a copy of the report
under sub-section (7) to the debtor or the creditor, as the case
may be.
100. (1) The Adjudicating Authority shall, within fourteen days Admission or
rejection of
from the date of submission of the report under section 99 pass application.
an order either admitting or rejecting the application referred to
in section 94 or 95, as the case may be.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority admits an application
under sub-section (1), it may, on the request of the resolution
professional, issue instructions for the purpose of conducting
negotiations between the debtor and creditors and for arriving at
a repayment plan.
(3)The Adjudicating Authority shall provide a copy of the order
passed under sub-section ( 1 ) along with the report of the
resolution professional and the application referred to in section
94 or 95, as the case may be, to the creditors within *sevendays
from the date of the said order.
(4)If the application referred to in section 94 or 95, as the case
may be, is rejected by the Adjudicating Authorityon the basis of
report submitted by the resolution professional *that the
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application was made with the intention to defraud his creditors
or the resolution professional, the order under sub-section (1)
shall record that the creditor is entitled to file for a bankruptcy
order under Chapter IV.
101. (1) When the application is admitted under section 100, a Moratorium.
moratorium shall commence in relation to all the debts and shall
cease to have effect at the end of the period of one hundred and
eighty days beginning with the date of admission of the
application or on the date the Adjudicating Authority passes an
order on the repayment plan under section 114, whichever is
earlier.
( 2 ) During the moratorium period-
( a ) any pending legal action or proceeding in respect of any
debt shall be deemed to have been stayed; ***
(b) the creditors shall not initiate any legal action or legal
proceedings in respect of any debt;and
(c)the debtor shall not transfer, alienate, encumber or
dispose of any of his assets or his legal rights or beneficial
interest therein;
(3) Where an order admitting the application under section 96
has been made in relation to a firm, the moratorium under sub-
section (1) shall operate against all the partners of the firm.
(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to such
transactions as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with any financial sector regulator.
102. (1) The Adjudicating Authority shall issue a public notice Public notice and
claims from
withinseven days of passing the order under section 100inviting creditors.
claims from all creditors within*twenty-onedays* of such issue.
(2) The notice under sub-section (1) shall include–
(a) details of the order admitting the application;
(b)particulars of the resolution professional with whom the
claims are to be registered; and
(c) the last date for * submissionof claims.
(3) The notice shall be -
(a) published in at least one English and one vernacular
newspaper which is in circulation in the state where the
debtor resides;
(b) affixed in the premises of the Adjudicating Authority;
159
and
(c) placed on the website of the Adjudicating Authority.
103.(1) The creditors shall register claims with the resolution Registering of
claims by
professional by sending details of the claims by way of creditors.
electronic communications or through courier, speed post or
registered letter.
(2 ) In addition to the claims referred to in sub-section (1), the
creditor shall provide to the resolution professional, personal
information and such particulars as may be prescribed.
104. (1) The resolution professional shall prepare a list of Preparation of list
of creditors.
creditors on the basis of -
(a) the information disclosed in the application filed by the
debtor under section 94 or 95, as the case may be;
(b ) claims received by the resolution professional under
section 102.
(2) The resolution professional shall prepare the list mentioned
in sub-section (1) within thirty days from the date of the notice.
105. (1) The debtor shall prepare, in consultation with the Repayment plan.
resolution professional, a repayment plan containing a proposal
to the creditors for restructuring of his debts or affairs.
***
(2) The repayment plan may authorise or require the resolution
professional to -
(a) carry on the debtor's business or trade on his behalf or
in his name; or
(b) realise the assets of the debtor; or
(c) administer or dispose of any funds of the debtor.
( 3 ) The repayment plan shall include the following, namely:-
(a ) justification for preparation of such repayment plan and
reasons on the basis of which the creditors may agree upon
the plan;
(b) provision for payment of fee to the resolution
professional;
(c) such other matters as may be specified.
106.***(1) The resolution professional shall submit the Report of
resolution
repayment plan under section 105along with his report on such professional on
plan to the Adjudicating Authority within a period of twenty-
160
one days from the last date of submission of claims under repayment plan.
section 102.
(2 ) The report referred in sub-section (1) shall include that-
(a)the repayment plan is in compliance with the
provisions of any law for the time being in force;
(b)the repayment plan has a reasonable prospect of being
approved and implemented; and
(c) there is a necessity of summoning a meeting of the
creditors, if required, to consider the repayment plan:
Provided that where the resolution professional
recommends that a meeting of the creditors is not required to be
summoned, reasons for the same shall be provided.
( 3 ) The report referred to in sub-section (2) shall also specify
the date on which, and the time and place at which, the meeting
should be held if he is of the opinion that a meeting of the
creditors should be summoned.
( 4 ) For the purposes of sub-section (3) -
( a ) the date on which the meeting is to be held shall be
not less than fourteen days and not more than twenty eight
days from the date of submission of report under sub-
section( 1 ) ;
(b ) The resolution professional shall consider the
convenience of creditors in fixing the date and venue of the
meeting of the creditors.
107.(1) The resolution professional shall issue a notice calling Summoning of
meeting of
the meeting of the creditors at least fourteen days before the creditors.
date fixed for such meeting.
(2 ) The resolution professional shall send the notice of the
meeting to the list of creditors prepared under section 104.
(3) The notice sent under sub-section (1) shall state the address
of the Adjudicating Authority to which the repayment plan and
report of the resolution professional on the repayment plan has
been submitted and shall be accompanied by -
(a) a copy of the repayment plan;
(b) a copy of the statement of affairs of the debtor;
(c) a copy of the said report of the resolution professional;
and
161
(d) forms for proxy voting
(4) The proxy voting, including electronic proxy voting
shall take place in such manner and form as may be specified.
108. (1) The meeting of the creditors shall be conducted in Conduct of
meeting of
accordance with the provisions of this section and sections creditors.
109,110 and 111.
***
***
(2) In the meeting of the creditors, the creditors may decide
to approve, modify or reject the repayment plan.
(3)The resolution professional shall ensure that if modifications
are suggested by the creditors, consent of the debtor shall be
obtained for each modification.
(6) ***
(4)The resolution professional may for a sufficient cause
adjourn the meeting of the creditors for a period of not more
than *sevendays at a time.
109.( 1 ) * Acreditor shall beentitled to vote at every meeting of Voting rights in
meeting of
the creditors in respect of the repayment planin accordance with creditors.
the voting share assigned to him.
***
(2) The resolution professional shall determine the voting share
to be assigned to each creditor in the manner specified by the
Board.
(3) A creditor shall not be entitled to vote in respect of a debt
for an unliquidated amount. ***
(4) A creditor shall not be entitled to vote in a meeting of the
creditors if he ––
(a ) is not a creditor mentioned in the list of creditors under
section 104; or
(b ) is an associate of the debtor.
110. (1) Secured creditors shall be entitled to participate and Rights of secured
creditors in
vote in the meetings of the creditors. relation to
repayment plan.
(2) A secured creditor participating in the meetings of the
creditors and voting in relation to the repayment plan shall
forfeit his right to enforce the security during the period of the
repayment plan in accordance with the terms of the repayment
162
plan.
(3) Where a secured creditor does not forfeit his right to enforce
security, he shall submit an affidavit to the resolution
professional at the meeting of the creditors stating -
(a) that the right to vote exercised by the secured creditor is
only in respect of the unsecured part of the debt; and
(b) the estimated value of the unsecured part of the debt.
(4) In case a secured creditor participates in the voting on the
repayment plan by submitting an affidavit under sub-section
(3), the secured and unsecured parts of the debt shall be treated
as separate debts.
(5) The concurrence of the secured creditor shall be obtained if
he does not participate in the voting on repayment plan but
provision of the repayment plan affects his right to enforce
security.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section, "period of the
repayment plan" means the period from the date of the order
passed under section 114 till the date on which the notice is
given by the resolution professional under section 117 or report
submitted by the resolution professional under section 118, as
the case may be.
111.The repayment plan or any modification to the repayment Approval of
repayment plan
plan shall be approved by a majority of more than three-fourth by creditors.
in value of the creditors present in person or by proxy and
voting on the resolution in a meeting of the creditors.
112. (1) The resolution professional shall prepare a report of the Report of meeting
of creditorson
meeting of the creditorson repayment plan. repayment plan.
( 2 ) The report under sub-section (1) shall contain -
(a) whether the repayment plan was approved or rejected
and if approved, the list the modifications, if any;
(b ) the resolutions which were proposed at the meeting
and the decision on such resolutions;
(c ) list of the creditors who were present or represented at
the meeting, and the voting records of each creditor for all
meetings of the creditors; and
(d) such other information as the resolution professional
thinks appropriate to make known to the Adjudicating
Authority.
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113. The resolution professional shall provide a copy of the Notice of
decisions taken at
report of the meeting of creditors prepared under section 99 to - meeting of
creditors.
( a ) the debtor;
( b ) the creditors, including those who were not present at
the meeting; and
(c) the Adjudicating Authority.
114.(1) The Adjudicating Authority shall *by an order approve Order of
Adjudicating
or reject the repayment planon the basis of the report of the Authority on
meeting of the creditors submitted by the resolution repayment plan.
professional under section 112:
Provided that where a meeting of creditors is not
summoned, the Adjudicating Authority shall pass an order on
the basis of the report prepared by the resolution professional
under section 106.
(2) The order of the Adjudicating Authority approving the
repayment plan may also provide for directions for
implementing the repayment plan.
***
(3)**Where the Adjudicating Authority is of the opinion that
the repayment plan requires modification, it may direct the
resolution professional to re-convene a meeting of the creditors
for reconsidering the repayment plan.
115.(1) Where the Adjudicating Authority has *approved the Effect of order of
Adjudicating
repayment planunder section 114, suchrepayment plan shall –– Authority on
repayment plan.
(a ) take effect as if proposed by the debtor in the meeting;
and
( b ) b e binding on creditors mentioned in the repayment
plan and the debtor.
(2) Where **the Adjudicating Authority *rejects the repayment
plan *under section 114, the debtor and the creditors shall be
entitled to file an application for bankruptcy under Chapter IV.
(3) A copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under sub-section (2) shall be provided to the Board, for the
purpose of recording an entry in the register referred to in
section 196.
***
***
164
116. (1 ) The resolution professional appointed under section Implementation
and supervision
97 or under section 98 shall supervise the implementation of the of repayment
repayment plan. plan.
166
debt.
120. The resolution professional shall perform his functions and Standard of
conduct.
duties in compliance with the code of conduct provided under
section 208.
CHAPTER IV
BANKRUPTCY ORDER FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
PARTNERSHIP FIRMS
121. (1) An application for bankruptcy of a debtor may Application for
bankruptcy.
be made, by a creditor individually or jointly with other
creditors or by a debtor, to the Adjudicating Authority in the
following circumstances, namely;–
(a) where an order has been passed by an Adjudicating
Authority under sub-section 4 of section 100; or
(b) where an order has been passed by an Adjudicating
Authority under sub-section 2 of section 115; or
(c) where an order has been passed by an Adjudicating
Authority under sub-section 3 of section 118.
(2) An application for bankruptcy shall be filed within a period
of * threemonths of the date of the order passed by the
Adjudicating Authority under the sections referred to in sub-
section (1).
(3) Where the debtor is a firm, the application under sub-section
(1) may be filed by any of its partners.
122.(1) The application for bankruptcy by the debtor shall be Application by
debtor.
accompanied by -
(a) the records of insolvency resolution process undertaken
under Chapter III of Part III;
(b) the statement of affairs of the debtor in such form and
manner as may be prescribed, on the date of the application
for bankruptcy; and
(c) a copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under Chapter III of Part III permitting the debtor to apply
for bankruptcy.
(2) The debtor may propose an insolvency professional as the
bankruptcy trustee in the application for bankruptcy.
(3) The application referred to in sub-section (1) shall be in
such form and manner and accompanied by such fee as may be
prescribed.
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(4) An application for bankruptcy by the debtor shall not be
withdrawn without the leave of the Adjudicating Authority.
123.(1) The application for bankruptcy by the creditor shall be Application by
creditor.
accompanied by-
(a) the records of insolvency resolution process undertaken
under Chapter III;
(b) a copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under Chapter III permitting the creditor to apply for
bankruptcy;
(c) details of the debts owed by the debtor to the creditor as
on the date of the application for bankruptcy; and
(d) such other information as may be prescribed.
(2)An application under sub-section (1) made in respect of a
debt which is secured, shall be accompanied with -
(a) a statement by the creditor having the right to enforce
the security that he shall, in the event of a bankruptcy order
being made, give up his security for the benefit of all the
creditors of the bankrupt; or
(b) a statement by the creditor stating–
(i) that the application for bankruptcy is only in respect
of the unsecured part of the debt; and
(ii) an estimated value of the unsecured part of the debt.
(3) If a secured creditor makes an application for bankruptcy
and submits a statement under clause (b) of sub-section (2), the
secured and unsecured parts of the debt
shall be treated as separate debts.
(4) The creditor may propose an insolvency professional as the
bankruptcy trustee in the application for bankruptcy.
(5) An application for bankruptcy under sub-section (1), in case
of a deceased debtor, may be filed against his legal
representatives.
(6) The application for bankruptcy shall be in such form and
manner and accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed.
(7) An application for bankruptcy by the creditor shall not be
withdrawn without the permission of the Adjudicating
Authority.
124. (1) When an application is filed under sections 122 or Effect of
application.
123,–
168
(a) an interim-moratorium shall commence on the date of
the making of the application on all actions against the
properties of the debtor in respect of his debts and such
moratorium shall cease to have effect on the bankruptcy
commencement date; and
(b) during the interim-moratorium period -
(i) any pending legal action or legal proceeding
against any property of the debtor in respect of any of
his debts shall be deemed to have been stayed;
(ii) the creditors of the debtor shall not be entitled to
initiate any legal action or legal proceedings against any
property of the debtor in respect of any of his debts.
(2) Where the application has been made in relation to a firm,
the interim-moratorium under sub-section (1) shall operate
against all the partners of the firm as on the date of the making
of the application.
(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to such
transactions as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with any financial sector regulator.
125.(1) If an insolvency professional is * proposed as the Appointment of
insolvency
bankruptcy trustee in the application for bankruptcy under Professional as
section 122 or section 123, the Adjudicating Authority shall bankruptcy
direct the Board within *seven days of receiving the application trustee.
for bankruptcy * to confirm that there are no disciplinary
proceedings pending againstsuch professional.
***
***
(2) The Board shall within ten days of the receipt of the
direction under sub-section (1) * in writing either –
(b) confirm the appointment of the proposed insolvency
professional as the bankruptcy trustee for the bankruptcy
process; or
(c) reject the appointment of the proposed insolvency
professional as the bankruptcy trustee and nominate another
bankruptcy trustee **for the bankruptcy process.
(3) *Where a bankruptcy trustee is not proposed by the debtor
or creditor under section 122 or 123, the Adjudicating Authority
shall direct the Board within *sevendays of receiving the
application to nominate a bankruptcy trustee for the bankruptcy
169
process.
(4) The Board shall nominate a bankruptcy trustee within ten
days of receiving the direction of the Adjudicating Authority
under sub-section (3).
(5) The bankruptcy trustee confirmed or nominated under
**this section shall be appointed as the bankruptcy trustee by
the Adjudicating Authority in the bankruptcy order under
section 126.
***
126. (1) The Adjudicating Authority shall pass a bankruptcy Bankruptcy order.
order within fourteen days of receiving the confirmation or
nomination of the bankruptcy trustee under section 125.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall provide the following
documents to bankrupt, creditors and the bankruptcy trustee
within * seven days of the passing of the bankruptcy order,
namely :-
(a) a copy of the application for bankruptcy; and
(b) a copy of the bankruptcy order.
127. The bankruptcy order passed by the Adjudicating Validity of
bankruptcy order.
Authority under section 126 shall continue to have effect till the
debtor is discharged under section 138.
128. (1) On the passing of the bankruptcy order under section Effect of
bankruptcy order.
126, –
(a) the estate of the bankrupt shall vest in the bankruptcy
trustee as provided in section 154;
(b) the estate of the bankrupt shall be divided among his
creditors;
(c) subject to provisions of sub-section (2), a creditor of the
bankrupt indebted in respect of any debt claimed as a
bankruptcy debt shall not–
(i) * initiateany action against the property of the bankrupt
in respect of such debt; or
(ii) commence any suit or other legal proceedings except
with the leave of the Adjudicating Authority and on such
terms as the Adjudicating Authority may impose.
(2) Subject to the provisions of section 123, the bankruptcy
order shall not affect the right of any secured creditor to realize
or otherwise deal with his security interest in the same manner
170
as he would have been entitled if the bankruptcy order had not
been passed:
Provided that no secured creditor shall be entitled to any
interest in respect of his debt after the bankruptcy
commencement date if he does not take *any actionto realise
his security within * thirty daysfrom the said date.
(3) Where a bankruptcy order under section 126 has been
passed against a firm, the order shall operate as if it were a
bankruptcy order made against each of the individuals who, on
the date of the order, is a partner in the firm.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to such
transactions as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with any financial sector regulator.
129. (1) Where a bankruptcy order is passed on the application Statement of
financial position.
for bankruptcy by a creditor under section 123, the bankrupt
shall submit his statement of financial position to the
bankruptcy trustee within *sevendays from the bankruptcy
commencement date.
(2 ) The statement of financial position shall be submitted in the
such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3) Where the bankrupt is a firm, its partners on the date of the
order shall submit a joint statement of financial position of the
firm, and each partner of the firm shall submit a statement of
his financial position.
( 4 ) The bankruptcy trustee may require the bankrupt or any
other person to submit in writing further information explaining
or modifying any matter contained in the statement of financial
position.
130.(1) The Adjudicating Authority shall– Public notice
inviting claims
(a) send notices within ten days of the bankruptcy from creditors.
commencement date, to the creditors mentioned in -
(i) the statement of affairs submitted by the bankrupt under
section 129; or
(ii) the application for bankruptcy submitted by the
bankrupt under section 122.
(b) issue a public notice inviting claims from creditors.
( 2 ) The public notice under clause (b) of sub-section (1) shall
include the * last date up to which the claims shall be
*submitted and such other matters and details as may be
171
prescribed and shall be -
(b) published in ***leading newspapers, one in English and
* another in vernacular * having sufficient circulation***
where the bankrupt resides;
(c) affixed on the premises of the Adjudicating Authority;
and
(d) placed on the website of the Adjudicating Authority.
(3)The notice to the creditors referred to under clause (a) of
sub-section (1) shall include such matters and details as may be
prescribed.
131. (1) The creditors shall register claims with the bankruptcy Registration of
claims.
trustee within seven days of the publication of the public notice,
by sending details of the claims to the bankruptcy trustee in
such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The creditor, in addition to the details of his claims, shall
provide such other information and in such manner as may be
prescribed.
132. The bankruptcy trustee shall, within fourteen days from Preparation of list
of creditors.
the bankruptcy commencement date, prepare a list of creditors
of the bankrupt on the basis of -
(a) the information disclosed by the bankrupt in the
application for bankruptcy filed by the bankrupt under
section 118 and the statement of affairs filed under section
125; and
(b) claims received by the bankruptcy trustee under sub-
section (2) of section 130.
133. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall, within * twenty-onedays Summoning of
meeting of
from the bankruptcy commencement date, issue a notice for creditors.
calling a meeting of the creditors, to every creditor of the
bankrupt as mentioned in the list prepared under section 132.
(2) The notices issued under sub-section (1) shall -
(a) state the date of the meeting of the creditors, which shall
not be later than twenty-one days from the bankruptcy
commencement date;
(b) be accompanied with forms of proxy voting ;
(c) specify the form and manner in which the proxy voting
may take place.
(3) The proxy voting, including electronic proxy voting shall
172
take place in such manner and form as may be specified.
134. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall be the convener of the Conduct of
meeting of
meeting of the creditors summoned under section 133. creditors.
(2) The bankruptcy trustee shall decide the quorum for the
meeting of the creditors, and conduct the meeting only if the
quorum is present.
(3 ) The following business shall be conducted in the meeting of
the creditors in which regard a resolution may be passed,
namely : –
(a) the establishment of a committee of creditors;
(b) any other business that the bankruptcy trustee thinks fit to
be transacted.
***
(4)The bankruptcy trustee shall cause the minutes of the
meeting of the creditors to be recorded, signed and retained as a
part of the records of the bankruptcy process.
(5)The bankruptcy trustee shall not adjourn the meeting of the
creditors for any purpose for more than *sevendays at a time.
135. (1) Every creditor mentioned in the list under section 132 Voting rights of
creditors.
or his proxy shall be entitled to vote in respect of the resolutions
in the meeting of the creditorsin accordance with the voting
share assigned to him.
***
(2) The resolution professional shall determine the voting share
to be assigned to each creditor in the manner specified by the
Board.
(3) A creditor shall not be entitled to vote in respect of a debt
for an unliquidated amount.***
(4) The following creditors shall not be entitled to vote under
this section, namely :–
(a) creditors who are not mentioned in the list of creditors
under section 132 and those who have not been given a
notice by the bankruptcy trustee;
(b) creditors who are associates of the bankrupt.
136. The bankruptcy trustee shall conduct the administration Administration
and distribution
and distribution of the estate of the bankrupt in accordance with of estate of
the provisions of Chapter V. bankrupt.
173
137. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall convene a meeting of the Completion of
administration.
committee of creditors on completion of the administration and
distribution of the estate of the bankrupt in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter V.
(2) The bankruptcy trustee shall provide the committee of
creditors with a report of the administration of the estate of the
bankrupt in the meeting of the said committee.
(3) The committee of creditors shall approve the report
submitted by the bankruptcy trustee under sub-section (2)
within seven days of the receipt of the report and determine
whether the bankruptcy trustee should be released under section
148.
(4)The bankruptcy trustee shall retain sufficient sums from the
estate of the bankrupt to meet the expenses of convening and
conducting the meeting required under this section during the
administration of the estate.
138.(1) The bankruptcy trustee shall apply to the Adjudicating Discharge order.
Authority for a discharge order –
(a) On the expiry of one year from the bankruptcy
commencement date; or
(b) within *sevendays of the approval of the committee of
creditors of the completion of administrationof the estates of
the bankruptunder section 137, where *such approval is
obtainedprior to the period mentioned in clause (a) .
(2) The Adjudicating Authority shall pass a discharge order on
an application by the bankruptcy trustee under sub-section (1).
(3) A copy of the discharge order shall be provided to the Board
for the purpose ofrecording anentry in the registerreferred to in
section 196.
***
***
139. * The discharge order under sub-section (2) of section Effect of
discharge.
138shall release the bankrupt from all the bankruptcy debt:
***
***
Provided that discharge shall not –
(a) affect the functions of the bankruptcy trustee; or
174
(b) affect the operation of the provisions of Chapters IV and
V of Part III; or
(c) release the bankrupt from any debt incurred by means of
fraud or breach of trust to which he was a party; or
(d) discharge the bankrupt from any excluded debt.
***
140.(1) The bankrupt shall, from the bankruptcy Disqualification
of bankrupt.
commencement date, be subject to the disqualifications
mentioned in this section.***
(2) In addition to any disqualification under any other law for
the time being in force, a bankrupt shall be disqualified from–
(a)being appointed or acting as a trustee or representative in
respect of any trust, estate or settlement;
(b) being appointed or acting as a public servant;
(c) being elected to any public office where the
appointment to such office is by election; and
(d)being elected or sitting or voting as a member of any
local authority.
(3) Any disqualification to which a bankrupt may be subject
under this section shall cease to have effect, if –
(a) the bankruptcy order against him is * modified or
recalled under section 142; or
(b) he is discharged under section 138.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section, the term ―public
servant‖ shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in
section 21 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
141. (1) A bankrupt, from the bankruptcy commencement date, Restrictions on
bankrupt.
shall –
(a) not act as a director of any company, or directly or
indirectly take part in or be concerned in the promotion,
formation or management of a company;
(b) without the previous sanction of the bankruptcy trustee,
be prohibited from creating any charge on his estate or
taking any further debt;
(c) be required to inform his business partners that he is
undergoing a bankruptcy process;
175
(d) prior to entering into any financial or commercial
transaction of such value as may be prescribed, either
individually or jointly, inform all the parties involved in such
transaction that he is undergoing a bankruptcy process;
(e) without the previous sanction of the Adjudicating
Authority, be incompetent to maintain any legal action or
proceedings in relation to the bankruptcy debts; and
(f) not be permitted to travel overseas without the
permission of the Adjudicating Authority.
(2) Any restriction to which a bankrupt may be subject under
this section shall cease to have effect, if -
(a) the bankruptcy order against him is * modified or
recalledunder section 142; or
(b) he is discharged under section 138.
142. (1) The Adjudicating Authority may,*on an application or Modification or
recallof
suo motu, modify or recall a bankruptcy order, whether or not bankruptcy order.
the bankrupt is discharged, if it appears to the Adjudicating
Authority that —
***
(a) there existsan error apparent on the face of such order; or
(b) both the bankruptcy debts and the expenses of the
bankruptcy have,afterthe making of the bankruptcy order,
either been paid for or secured to the satisfaction of the
Adjudicating Authority.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority * modifies or recalls the
bankruptcy order under this section, any sale or other
disposition of property, payment made or other things duly
done by the bankruptcy trustee shall be valid except that the
property of the bankrupt shall vest in such person as the
Adjudicating Authority may appoint or, in default of any such
appointment, revert to the bankrupt on such terms as the
Adjudicating Authority may direct.
(3) A copy of the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority
under sub-section (1) shall be provided to the Board, for the
purpose of recording an entry in the register referred to in
section 191.
***
***
176
(4) ** Themodification or recall of the orderby the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (1) shall be binding
on all creditors so far as it relates to any debts due to them
which form a part of the bankruptcy.
143. The bankruptcy trustee shall perform his functions and Standard of
conduct.
duties in compliance with the code of conduct provided under
section 208.
144.(1) A bankruptcy trustee appointed for conducting the Fees of
bankruptcy
bankruptcy process shall charge such fees as may be specified trustee.
in proportion to the value of the estate of the bankrupt.
(2) The fees for the conduct of the bankruptcy process shall be
paid to the bankruptcy trustee from the distribution of the estate
of the bankrupt in the manner provided in section 178.
145. ***(1) Where Committee of creditors is of the opinion Replacement of
bankruptcy
that at any time during the bankruptcy process, a bankruptcy trustee.
trustee appointed under section 125 is required to be replaced, it
may replace him with another bankruptcy trustee in the manner
provided under this section.
***
(2) The Committee of creditors may, at a meeting, by a vote of
seventy five per cent of voting share, propose to replace the
bankruptcy trustee appointed under section 125 with another
bankruptcy trustee.
***
(3) The Committee of creditors may apply to the Adjudicating
Authority for the replacement of the bankruptcy trustee.
***
( 4 ) The Adjudicating Authority shall within * sevendays of the
receipt of the application undersub-section (3)direct the Board
to recommend for replacement of bankruptcy trustee.
(5) The Board shall, within ten days of the direction of the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (4), recommend a
bankruptcy trustee ** for replacement against whom no
disciplinary proceedings are pending.
(6) The Adjudicating Authority shall, by an order, appoint the
bankruptcy trustee as recommended by the Board under sub-
section (5) within fourteen days of receiving such
recommendation.
177
(7) The earlierbankruptcy trustee shall deliver possession of the
estate of the bankrupt to the bankruptcy trustee appointed under
sub-section (6), on the date of his appointment.
(8) The Adjudicating Authority may give directions to the
earlierbankruptcy trustee-
(a ) to share all information with the new bankruptcy trustee in
respect of the bankruptcy process; and
(b ) to co-operate with the new bankruptcy trustee in such
matters as may be required.
***
(9) The earlierbankruptcy trustee replaced under this section
shall be released in accordance with the provisions of section
148.
(10)The bankruptcy trustee appointed under this section shall
give a notice of his appointment to the bankrupt within *
sevendays of his appointment.
146. (1)A bankruptcy trustee may resign if - Resignation by
bankruptcy
trustee.
178
(a) to share all information with the new bankruptcy trustee
in respect of the bankruptcy process; and
(b) to co-operate with the new bankruptcy trustee in such
matters as may be required.
( 7 ) The bankruptcy trustee appointed under this section shall
give a notice of his appointment to the committee of creditors
and the bankrupt within * seven days of his appointment.
( 8 ) The bankruptcy trustee replaced under this section shall be
released in accordance with the provisions of section 148.
147. (1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of the bankruptcy Vacancy in office
of bankruptcy
trustee for any reason other than his replacement or resignation, trustee.
the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of
this section.
(2) In the event of the occurrence of vacancy referred to in sub-
section (1), the Adjudicating Authority shall direct the Board
for replacementof a bankruptcy trustee.
(3) The Board shall, within ten days of the direction of the
Adjudicating Authority under sub-section (2),recommenda
bankruptcy trustee as a replacement.
(4) The Adjudicating Authority shall appoint the bankruptcy
trustee recommended by the Board under sub-section (3) within
fourteen days of receiving the recommendation.
(5) The earlier bankruptcy trustee shall deliver possession of
the estate of the bankrupt to the bankruptcy trustee appointed
under sub-section (4), on the date of his appointment.
(6) The Adjudicating Authority may give directions to the
bankruptcy trustee who has vacated the office -
(a) to share all information with the new bankruptcy trustee
in respect of the bankruptcy;
(b) to co-operate with the new bankruptcy trustee in such
matters as may be required.
(7) The bankruptcy trustee appointed under sub-section (4)
shall give a notice of his appointment to the committee of
creditors and the bankrupt within * sevendays of his
appointment.
(8) The earlier bankruptcy trustee replacedunder this section
shall be released in accordance with the provisions of section
148:
Provided that this section shall not apply if the vacancy has
179
occurred due to temporary illness or temporary leave of the
bankruptcy trustee.
148. (1) A bankruptcy trustee shall be released from his office Release of
bankruptcy
with effect from the date on which the Adjudicating Authority trustee.
passes an order appointing a new bankruptcy trustee in the
event of replacement, resignation or occurrence of vacancy
under sections 145, 146 or section147, as the case may be.
(2) Notwithstanding the release under sub-section (1), the
bankruptcy trustee who has been so released, shall share all
information with the new bankruptcy trustee in respect of the
bankruptcy process and co-operate with the new bankruptcy
trustee in such matters as may be required.
(3) A bankruptcy trustee who has completed the administration
of the bankruptcy process shall be released of his duties with
effect from the date on which the committee of creditors
approves the report of the bankruptcy trustee under section 137.
CHAPTER V
A DMINISTRATION AND D ISTRIBUTION OF THE ESTATE
OF THE BANKRUPT
149. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall perform the following Functions of
bankruptcy
functions in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter – trustee.
(a) investigate the affairs of the bankrupt;
(b) realise the estate of the bankrupt; and
(c) distribute the estate of the bankrupt.
150.(1) The bankrupt shall assist the bankruptcy trustee in Duties of
bankrupt towards
carrying out his functions under this Chapter by - bankruptcy
trustee.
(a) giving to the bankruptcy trustee the information of his
affairs;
(b) attending on the bankruptcy trustee at such times as may
be required;
(c) giving notice to the bankruptcy trustee of any of the
following events which have occurred after the bankruptcy
commencement date, -
(i) acquisition of any property by the bankrupt;
(ii) devolution of any property upon the bankrupt;
(iii) increase in the income of the bankrupt;
180
(d) doing all other things as may be prescribed.
(2) The bankrupt shall give notice of the increase in income or
acquisition or devolution of property under clause (c) of sub-
section (1) within *seven days of such increase, acquisition or
devolution.
(3) The bankrupt shall continue to discharge the duties under
sub-section (1) other than the duties under clause (c) even after
the discharge under section 138.
151. For the purpose of performing his functions under this Rights of
bankruptcy
Chapter, the bankruptcy trustee may, by his official name - trustee.
(a) hold property of every description;
(b) make contracts;
(c) sue and be sued;
(d) enter into engagements in respect of the estate of the
bankrupt;
(e) employ persons to ** assist him;
(f) execute any power of attorney, deed or other instrument;
and
(g) do any other act which is necessary or expedient for the
purposes of or in connection with the exercise of his rights.
152.The bankruptcy trustee may while discharging his functions General powers
of bankruptcy
under this Chapter, - trustee.
(a) sell any part of the estate of the bankrupt;
(b) give receipts for any money received by him;
(c) prove, rank, claim and draw a dividend in respect of
such debts due to the bankrupt as are comprised in his
estate;
(d) where any property comprised in the estate of the
bankrupt is held by any person by way of pledge or
hypothecation, exercise the right of redemption in respect of
any such property subject to the relevant contract by giving
notice to the said person;
(e) where any part of the estate of the bankrupt consists of
securities in a company or any other property which is
transferable in the books of a person, exercise the right to
transfer the property to the same extent as the bankrupt
might have exercised it if he had not become bankrupt; and
181
(f) deal with any property comprised in the estate of the
bankrupt to which the bankrupt is beneficially entitled in the
same manner as he might have dealt with it.
153. * The bankruptcy trustee for the purposes of this Chapter Approval of
creditors for
may after procuring the approval of the committee of creditors, certain acts.
-
(a) carry on any business of the bankrupt as far as may be
necessary for winding it up beneficially;
(b) bring, institute or defend any legal action or
proceedings relating to the property comprised in the estate
of the bankrupt;
(c) accept as consideration for the sale of any property a
sum of money due at a future time subject to certain
stipulations such as security;
(d) mortgage or pledge any property for the purpose of
raising money for the payment of the debts of the bankrupt;
(e) where any right, option or other power forms part of the
estate of the bankrupt, make payments or incur liabilities
with a view to obtaining, for the benefit of the creditors, any
property which is the subject of such right, option or power;
(f) refer to arbitration or compromise on such terms as may
be agreed, any debts subsisting or supposed to subsist
between the bankrupt and any person who may have
incurred any liability to the bankrupt;
(g) make compromise or other arrangement as may be
considered expedient, with the creditors;
(h) make compromise or other arrangement as he may
deem expedient with respect to any claim arising out of or
incidental to the bankrupt's estate;
(i) appoint the bankrupt to -
(A) supervise the management of the estate of the
bankrupt or any part of it;
(B) carry on his business for the benefit of his creditors;
(C)assist the bankruptcy trustee in administering the
estate of the bankrupt.
************
154. (1) The estate of the bankrupt shall vest in the bankruptcy Vesting of estate
of bankrupt in
182
trustee immediately from the date of his appointment. bankruptcy
trustee.
(2) The vesting under sub-section (1) shall take effect without
any conveyance, assignment or transfer.
155. (1) The estate of the bankrupt shall include, – Estate of
bankrupt.
(a) all property belonging to or vested in the bankrupt at the
bankruptcy commencement date;
(b) the capacity to exercise and to initiate proceedings for
exercising all such powers in or over or in respect of
property as might have been exercised by the bankrupt for
his own benefit at the bankruptcy commencement date or
before the date of the discharge order passed under section
138; and
(c) all property which by virtue of any of the provisions of
this Chapter is comprised in the estate.
(2) The estate of the bankrupt shall not include –
(a) excluded assets;
(b) property held by the bankrupt on trust for any other
person; *
(c)all sums due to any workman or employee from the
provident fund, the pension fund and the gratuity fund;and
(d) such assets as may be notified by the Central
Government in consultation with any financial sector
regulator.
156. The bankrupt, his banker or agent or any other person Delivery of
property and
having possession of any property, books, papers or other documents to
records which bankruptcy trustee is required to take possession bankruptcy
for the purposes of the bankruptcy process shall deliver the said trustee.
property and documents to the bankruptcy trustee.
157. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall take possession and Acquisition of
control by
control of all property, books, papers and other records relating bankruptcy
to the estate of the bankrupt or affairs of the bankrupt which trustee.
belong to him or are in his possession or under his control.
( 2 ) Where any part of the estate of the bankrupt consists of
things in actionable claims, they shall be deemed to have been
assigned to the bankruptcy trustee without any notice of the
assignment.
158. (1) Any disposition of property made by the debtor, during Restrictions on
disposition of
the period between the date of filing of the application for
183
bankruptcy and the bankruptcy commencement date shall be property.
void.
(2) Any disposition of property made under sub-section (1)
shall not give rise to any right against any person, in respect of
such property, even if he has received such property before the
bankruptcy commencement date in –
(a) good faith;
(b) for value; and
(c) without notice of the filing of the application for
bankruptcy.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the term ―property‖ means
all the property of the debtor, whether or not it is comprised in
the estate of the bankrupt, but shall not include property held by
the debtor in trust for any other person.
159.(1) The bankruptcy trustee shall be entitled to claim for the After-acquired
property of
estate of the bankrupt, any after-acquired property by giving a bankrupt.
notice to the bankrupt.
(2) A notice under sub-section (1) shall not be served in respect
of -
(a) excluded assets; or
(b ) any property which is acquired by or devolves upon the
bankrupt after a discharge order is passed under section 138.
(3)The notice under sub-section (2) shall be given within fifteen
days from the day on which the acquisition or devolution of the
after-acquired property comes to the knowledge of the
bankruptcy trustee.
(4) For the purposes of sub-section (3)-
(a ) anything which comes to the knowledge of the bankruptcy
trustee shall be deemed to have come to the knowledge of the
successor of the bankruptcy trustee at the same time; and
(b) anything which comes to the knowledge of a person before
he is appointed as a bankruptcy trustee shall be deemed to
have come to his knowledge on the date of his appointment as
bankruptcy trustee.
(5) The bankruptcy trustee shall not be entitled, by virtue of this
section, to claim from any person who has acquired any right
over after-acquired property, in good faith, for value and
without notice of the bankruptcy.
184
(6) A notice may be served after the expiry of the period under
sub-section (3) only with the approval of the Adjudicating
Authority.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section, the term "after-
acquired property" means any property which has been acquired
by or has devolved upon the bankrupt after the bankruptcy
commencement date.
160. (1) The bankruptcy trustee may, by giving notice to the Onerous property
of Bankrupt.
bankrupt or any person interested in the onerous property,
disclaim any onerous property which forms a part of the estate
of the bankrupt.
(2) The bankruptcy trustee may give the notice under sub-
section (1) notwithstanding that he has taken possession of the
onerous property, endeavoured to sell it or has exercised rights
of ownership in relation to it.
(3) A notice of disclaimerunder sub-section (1) shall -
(a) determine, as from the date of * such notice, the rights,
interests and liabilities of the bankrupt in respect of the
onerous property disclaimed;
( b ) discharge the bankruptcy trustee from all personal
liability in respect of the onerous property as from the date
of appointment of the bankruptcy trustee.
(4) A notice of disclaimer under sub-section (1) shall not be
given in respect of the property which has been claimed for the
estate of the bankrupt under section 155 without the permission
of the committee of creditors.
(5) A notice of disclaimer under sub-section (1) shall not affect
the rights or liabilities of any other person, and any person who
sustains a loss or damage in consequence of the operation of a
disclaimer under this section shall be deemed to be a creditor of
the bankrupt to the extent of the loss or damage.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section, the term
―onerous property‖ means -
(i) any unprofitable contract; and
(ii) any other property comprised in the estate of the
bankrupt which is unsaleable or not readily saleable, or is
such that it may give rise to a claim.
161.(1) No notice of disclaimer under section 160 shall be Notice to disclaim
onerous property.
185
necessary if -
(a) a person interested in the onerous property has applied in
writing to the bankruptcy trustee or his predecessor requiring
him to decide whether the onerous property should be
disclaimed or not; and
(b) a decision under clause (a) has not been taken by the
bankruptcy trustee within seven days of receipt of the notice.
(2) Any onerous property which cannot be disclaimed under
sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be part of the estate of the
bankrupt
Explanation. – For the purposes of this section, an onerous
property is said to be disclaimed where notice in relation to that
property has been given by the bankruptcy trustee under section
160.
162. (1) The bankruptcy trustee shall not be entitled to disclaim Disclaimer of
leaseholds.
any leasehold interest, unless a notice of disclaimer has been
served on every interested person and –
(a) no application objecting to the disclaimer by the
interested person, has been filed with respect to the leasehold
interest, within fourteen days of the date on which notice
was served; and
(b) where the application objecting to the disclaimer has
been filed by the interested person, the Adjudicating
Authority has directed under section 163 that the disclaimer
shall take effect.
(2) Where the Adjudicating Authority gives a direction under
clause (b) of sub-section (1), it may also make order with
respect to fixtures, improvements by tenant and other matters
arising out of the lease as it may think fit.
163.(1)An application challenging the disclaimer may be made Challenge against
disclaimed
by the following persons under this section to the Adjudicating property.
Authority-
(a) any person who claims an interest in the disclaimed
property; or
(b) any person who is under any liability in respect of the
disclaimed property; or
(c) where the disclaimed property is a dwelling house, any
person who on the date of application for bankruptcy was in
occupation of or entitled to occupy that dwelling house.
186
(2) The Adjudicating Authority may on an application under
sub-section (1) make an order for the vesting of the disclaimed
property in, or for its delivery to any of the persons mentioned
in sub-section ( 1 ).
(3) The Adjudicating Authority shall not make an order in
favour of a person who has made an application under clause
(b) of sub-section (1) except where it appears to the
Adjudicating Authority that it would be just to do so for the
purpose of compensating the person.
(4) The effect of an order under this section shall be taken into
account while assessing loss or damage sustained by any person
in consequence of the disclaimer under sub-section (5) of
section 160.
(5) An order under sub-section (2) vesting property in any
person need not be completed by any consequence, assignment
or transfer.
164. (1) The bankruptcy trustee may apply to the Adjudicating Undervalued
transactions.
Authority for an order under this section in respect of an
undervalued transaction between a bankrupt and any person.
(2) The undervalued transaction referred to in sub-section (1)
should have –
(a) been entered into during the period of two years ending
on the filing of the application for bankruptcy; and
(b) caused bankruptcy process to be triggered.
(3) A transaction between a bankrupt and his associate entered
into during the period of two years preceding the date of
making of the application for bankruptcy shall be deemed to be
an undervalued transaction under this section.
(4) On the application of the bankruptcy trustee under sub-
section (1), the Adjudicating Authority may -
(a) pass an order declaring an undervalued transaction void;
(b) pass an order requiring any property transferred as a part
of an undervalued transaction to be vested with the
bankruptcy trustee as a part of the estate of the bankrupt; and
(c) pass any other order it thinks fit for restoring the
position to what it would have been if the bankrupt had not
entered into the undervalued transaction.
(5) The order under clause (a) of sub-section (4) shall not be
passed if it is proved by the bankrupt that the transaction was
187
undertaken in the ordinary course of business of the bankrupt:
Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not
be applicable to undervalued transaction entered into between a
bankrupt and his associate under sub-section (3) of this section.
(6) For the purposes of this section, a bankrupt enters into an
undervalued transaction with any person if -
(a) he makes a gift to that person;
(b) no consideration has been received by that person from
the bankrupt;
(c) it is in consideration of marriage; or
(d) it is for a consideration, the value of which in money or
money's worth is significantly less than the value in money
or money's worth of the consideration provided by the
bankrupt.
165.(1) The bankruptcy trustee may apply to the Adjudicating Preference
transactions.
Authority for an order under this section if a bankrupt has given
a preference to any person.
(2) The transaction giving preference to an associate of the
bankrupt under sub-section (1) should have been entered into
by the bankrupt with the associate during the period of two
years ending on the date of the application for bankruptcy.
(3) Any transaction giving preference not covered under sub-
section (2) should have been entered into by the bankrupt
during the period of six months ending on the date of the
application for bankruptcy.
(4) The transaction giving preference under sub-section (2) or
under sub-section (3) should have caused the bankruptcy
process to be triggered.
(5) On the application of the bankruptcy trustee under sub-
section (1), the Adjudicating Authority may –
(a) pass an order declaring a transaction giving preference
void;
(b) pass an order requiring any property transferred in
respect of a transaction giving preference to be vested with
the bankruptcy trustee as a part of the estate of the bankrupt;
and
(c) pass any other order it thinks fit for restoring the
position to what it would have been if the bankrupt had not
entered into the transaction giving preference.
188
(6) The Adjudicating Authority shall not pass an order under
sub-section (5) unless the bankrupt was influenced in his
decision of giving preference to a person by a desire to produce
in relation to that person an effect under clause (b) of sub-
section (8).
(7) For the purpose of sub-section (6), if the person is an
associate of the bankrupt, (otherwise than by reason only of
being his employee), at the time when the preference was given,
it shall be presumed that the bankrupt was influenced in his
decision under that sub-section.
(8) For the purposes of this section, a bankrupt shall be deemed
to have entered into a transaction giving preference to any
person if –
(a) the person is the creditor or surety or guarantor for any
debt of the bankrupt; and
(b) the bankrupt does anything or suffers anything to be
done which has the effect of putting that person into a
position which, in the event of the debtor becoming a
bankrupt, will be better than the position he would have been
in, if that thing had not been done.
166. (1) Subject to the provision of sub-section (2) , an order Effect of Order.
passed by the Adjudicating Authority under section 164 or
section 165 shall not, -
(a) give rise to a right against a person interested in the
property which was acquired in an undervalued transaction
or a transaction giving preference, whether or not he is the
person with whom the bankrupt entered into such
transaction.
(b) require any person to pay a sum to the bankruptcy
trustee in respect of the benefit received from the
undervalued transaction or a transaction giving preference,
whether or not he is the person with whom the bankrupt en-
tered into such transaction.
(2) The provision of sub-section (1) shall apply only if the
interest was acquired or the benefit was received -
(a) in good faith;
(b) for value;
(c) without notice that the bankrupt entered into the
transaction at an undervalue or for giving preference;
(d) without notice that the bankrupt has filed an application
189
for bankruptcy or a bankruptcy order has been passed; and
(e) by any person who at the time of acquiring the interest
or receiving the benefit was not an associate of the bankrupt.
(3) Any sum required to be paid to the bankruptcy trustee under
sub-section (1) shall be included in the estate of the bankrupt.
167. (1) Subject to sub-section (6), on an application by the Extortionate
credit
bankruptcy trustee, the Adjudicating Authority may make an transactions.
order under this section in respect of extortionate credit
transactions to which the bankrupt is or has been a party.
( 2 ) The transactions under sub-section ( 1 ) should have been
entered into by the bankrupt during the period of two years
ending on the bankruptcy commencement date.
(3)An order of the Adjudicating Authority may -
(a) set aside the whole or part of any debt created by the
transaction;
(b) vary the terms of the transaction or vary the terms on
which any security for the purposes of the transaction is
held;
(c) require any person who has been paid by the bankrupt
under any transaction, to pay a sum to the bankruptcy
trustee;
(d) require any person to surrender to the bankruptcy trustee
any property of the bankrupt held as security for the
purposes of the transaction.
(4) Any sum paid or any property surrendered to the bankruptcy
trustee shall be included in the estate of the bankrupt.
(5) For the purposes of this section, an extortionate credit
transaction is a transaction for or involving the provision of
credit to the bankrupt by any person-
(a) on terms requiring the bankrupt to make exorbitant
payments in respect of the credit provided; or
(b) whichis unconscionable under the principles of law
relating to contracts.
190
entered into by the bankrupt with a person before the contracts.
bankruptcy commencement date.
(2)Any party to a contract, other than the bankrupt under sub-
section (1), may apply to the Adjudicating Authority for –
(a) an order discharging the obligations of the applicant or
the bankrupt under the contract; and
(b) payment of damages by the party or the bankrupt, for
non-performance of the contract or otherwise.
(3) Any damages payable by the bankrupt by virtue of an order
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) shall be provable as
bankruptcy debt.
(4) When a bankrupt is a party to the contract under this section
jointly with another person, that person may sue or be sued in
respect of the contract without joinder of the bankrupt.
169.If a bankrupt dies, the bankruptcy proceedings shall, *** Continuance of
proceedings on
continueas if he were alive. death of bankrupt.
192
the estate of the bankrupt.
(2) Sums due from the bankrupt to another party shall not be
included in the account taken by the bankruptcy trustee under
sub-section (1), if that other party had notice at the time they
became due that an application for bankruptcy relating to the
bankrupt was pending.
174. (1) Whenever the bankruptcy trustee has sufficient funds Distribution of
interim dividend.
in his hand, he may declare and distribute interim dividend
among the creditors in respect of the bankruptcy debts which
they have respectively proved.
(2) Where the bankruptcy trustee has declared any interim
dividend, he shall give notice of such dividend and the *
mannerin whichit is proposed to be distributed.
(3) In the calculation and distribution of the interim dividend,
the bankruptcy trustee shall make provision for -
(a) any bankruptcy debts which appear to him to be due to
persons who, by reason of the distance of their place of
residence, may not have had sufficient time to tender and
establish their debts; and
(b) any bankruptcy debts which are subject of claims which
have not yet been determined;
(c) disputed proofs and claims; and
(d) expenses necessary for the administration of the estate of
the bankrupt.
175. (1) The bankruptcy trustee may, with the approval of the Distribution of
property.
committee of creditors, divide in its existing form amongst the
creditors, according to its estimated value, any property in its
existing form which from its peculiar nature or other special
circumstances cannot be readily or advantageously sold.
(2) An approval under sub-section (1) shall be sought by the
bankruptcy trustee for each transaction, and a person dealing
with the bankruptcy trustee in good faith and for value shall not
be required to enquire whether any approval required under
sub-section (1) has been given.
(3) Where the bankruptcy trustee has done anything without the
approval of the committee of creditors, the committee may, for
the purpose of enabling him to meet his expenses out of the
estate of the bankrupt, ratify the act of the bankruptcy trustee.
(4) The committee of the creditors shall not ratify the act of the
193
bankruptcy trustee under sub-section (3) unless it is satisfied
that the bankruptcy trustee acted in a case of urgency and has
sought its ratification without undue delay.
176. (1) Where the bankruptcy trustee has realised the entire Final dividend.
estate of the bankrupt or so much of it as could be realised in
the opinion of the bankruptcy trustee, he shall give notice -
(a) of his intention to declare a final dividend; or
(b) that no dividend or further dividend shall be declared.
(2)The notice under sub-section (1) shall contain such
particulars as may be prescribed and shall require all claims
against the estate of the bankrupt to be established by a final
date specified in the notice.
(3) The Adjudicating Authority may, on the application of any
person interested in the administration of the estate of the
bankrupt, postpone the final date referred to in sub-section (2).
(4) After the final date referred to in sub-section (2), the
bankruptcy trustee shall -
(a) defray any outstanding expenses of the bankruptcy out of
the estate of the bankrupt; and
(b) if he intends to declare a final dividend, declare and
distribute that dividend among the creditors who have
proved their debts, without regard to the claims of any other
persons.
(5) If a surplus remains after payment in full with interest to
all the creditors of the bankrupt and the payment of the
expenses of the bankruptcy, the bankrupt shall be entitled to the
surplus.
(6) Where a bankruptcy order has been passed in respect of
one partner in a firm, a creditor to whom the bankrupt is
indebted jointly with the other partners in the firm or any of
them shall not receive any dividend out of the separate property
of the bankrupt until all the separate creditors have received the
full amount of their respective debts.
177.(1)A creditor who has not proved his debt before the Claims of
creditors.
declaration of any dividend is not entitled to disturb, by reason
that he has not participated in it, the distribution of that
dividend or any other dividend declared before his debt was
proved, but –
(a)when he has proved the debt, he shall be entitled to be
paid any dividend or dividends which he has failed to
194
receive, out of any money for the time being available for the
payment of any further dividend; and
(b) any dividend or dividends payable to him shall be paid
before that money is applied to the payment of any such
further dividend.
(2) No action shall lie against the bankruptcy trustee for a
dividend, but if the bankruptcy trustee refuses to pay a dividend
payable under sub-section (1), the Adjudicating Authority may
order him to –
(a) pay the dividend; and
(b) pay, out of his own money -
(i) interest on the dividend; and
(ii) the costs of the proceedings in which the order to pay
has been made.
178.(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Priority of
payment of debts
any law enacted by the Parliament or the State Legislature for .
the time being in force, in the distribution of the final dividend,
the following debts shall be paid in priority to all other debts —
(a) firstly, the costs and expenses incurred by the
bankruptcy trustee for the bankruptcy process in full;
(b) secondly, -
(i)** the workmen’s dues for the ** period of * twenty-
four months preceding the bankruptcy commencement
date; and
(ii) debts owed to secured creditors;
(c) thirdly, wages and any unpaid dues owed to employees,
other than workmen, of the bankrupt for ** the period of
twelve months preceding the bankruptcy commencement
date;
(d) fourthly, any amount due to the Central Government and
the State Government including the amount to be received
on account of Consolidated Fund of India and the
Consolidated Fund of a State, if any,in respect of the whole
or any part of the period of two years preceding the
bankruptcy commencement date;
(e) lastly, all other debts and dues owed by the bankrupt
including unsecured debts.
(2) The debts in each class specified in sub-section (1) shall
rank in the order mentioned in that sub-section but debts of the
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same class shall rank equally amongst themselves, and shall be
paid in full, unless the estate of the bankrupt is insufficient to
meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions
between themselves.
(3) Where any creditor has given any indemnity or has made
any payment of moneys by virtue of which any asset of the
bankrupt has been recovered, protected or preserved, the
Adjudicating Authority may make such order as it thinks just
with respect to the distribution of such asset with a view to
giving that creditor an advantage over other creditors in
consideration of the risks taken by him in so doing.
(4) Unsecured creditors shall rank equally amongst themselves
unless contractually agreed to the contrary by such creditors.
(5) Any surplus remaining after the payment of the debts under
sub-section (1) shall be applied in paying interest on those debts
in respect of the periods during which they have been
outstanding since the bankruptcy commencement date.
(6) Interest payments under sub-section (5) shall rank equally
irrespective of the nature of the debt.
(7) In the case of partners, the partnership property shall be
applicable in the first instance in payment of the partnership
debts and the separate property of each partner shall be
applicable in the first instance in payment of his separate debts.
(8) Where there is a surplus of the separate property of the
partners, it shall be dealt with as part of the partnership
property; and where there is a surplus of the partnership
property, it shall be dealt with as part of the respective separate
property in proportion to the rights and interests of each partner
in the partnership property.
CHAPTER VI
ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
PARTNERSHIP FIRMS
179.(1)Subject to the provisions of section 60, the Adjudicating Adjudicating
Authority for
Authority, in relation to insolvency matters of individuals and individuals and
firms shall be the Debt Recovery Tribunal having territorial partnership firms.
jurisdiction over the place where the individual debtor actually
and voluntarily resides or carries on business or personally
works for gain and can entertain an application under this Code
regarding such person.
196
(2) The Debt Recovery Tribunal shall, notwithstanding anything
contained in any other law for the time being in force, have
jurisdiction to entertain or dispose of -
(a) any suit or proceeding by or against the individual
debtor;
(b) any claim made by or against the individual debtor;
(c) any question of priorities or any other question whether
of law or facts, arising out of or in relation to insolvency and
bankruptcy of the individual debtor or firm under this Code.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Limitation Act,
14 of 1963. 1963 or in any other law for the time being in force, in
computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or
application in the name and on behalf of a debtor for which an
order of moratorium has been made under this Part, the period
during which such moratorium is in place shall be excluded.
180. (1)No civil court or authority shall have jurisdiction to Civil court not to
have jurisdiction.
entertain any suit or proceedings in respect of any matter on
which the Debt Recovery Tribunal or the Debt Recovery
Appellate Tribunal has jurisdiction under this Code.
(2) No injunction shall be granted by any court, tribunal or
authority in respect of any action taken, or to be taken, in
pursuance of any power conferred on the Debt Recovery
Tribunal or the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal by or under
this Code.
181. (1) An appeal from an order of the Debt Recovery Appeal to Debt
Recovery
Tribunal under this Code shall be filed within * thirtydays Appellate
before the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal. Tribunal.
197
183. Where an application is not disposed of or order is not Expeditious
disposal of
passed within the period specified in thisCode, the Debt applications.
Recovery Tribunal or the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal, as
the case may be, shall record the reasons for not doing so within
the period so specified; and the Chairperson of the Debt
Recovery Appellate Tribunal, after taking into account the
reasons so recorded, extend the period specified in thisCode,but
not exceeding ten days.
CHAPTER VII
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
184.(1) If a debtor or creditor provides information which is Punishment for
false information
false in any material particulars to the resolution professional, etc. by creditor in
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may insolvency
extend to one year, *or with fine which may extend to five lakh resolution
process.
rupees, or with both.
(2) If a creditor promises to vote in favour of the repayment
plan dishonestly by accepting any money, property or security
from the debtor, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to two years, * orwith fine which may
extend to * three times the amount or its equivalent of such
money, property or securityaccepted by such creditor, as the
case may be, or with both:
Provided that where such amount is not quantifiable, the total
amount of fine shall not exceed five lakh rupees.
185. If an insolvency professional deliberately contravenes the **Punishment for
contravention of
provisions of **this Part, he shall be punishable with provisons.
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months,**or
with fine, which shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but may
extend to five lakhs rupees, or with both.
186.If the bankrupt - Punishment for
false information,
(a) knowingly makes a false representation or wilfully omits concealment, etc.
or conceals any material information while making an by bankrupt.
application for bankruptcy under section 122 or while
providing any information during the bankruptcy process, he
shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to
six months, * or withfine which may extend to five lakh
rupees, or with both.
Explanation.–For the purposes of clause (a), a false
representation or omission includes non-disclosure of the
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details of disposal of any property, which but for the
disposal, would be comprised in the estate of the bankrupt,
other than dispositions made in the ordinary course of
business carried on by the bankrupt;
(b) fraudulently has failed to provide or deliberately
withheld the production of, destroyed, falsified or altered, his
books of accounts, financial information and other records
under his custody or control, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment which may extend to one year, * or withfine,
which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both;
(c) has contravened the restrictions under section 140 or the
provisions of section 141, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months,
or* withfine, which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both;
(d) has failed to deliver the possession of any property
comprised in the estate of the bankrupt under his possession
or control, which he is required to deliver under section 156,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to six months,or with fine, which may extend to
five lakh rupees, or with both;
(e) has failed to account, without any reasonable cause or
satisfactory explanation, for any loss incurred of any
substantial part of his property comprised in the estate of the
bankrupt from the date which is twelve months before the
filing of the bankruptcy application, he shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two
years, *or with fine, which may extend to three times of the
value of the loss, or with both:
Provided that that where such loss is not quantifiable, the
total amount of fine imposed shall not exceed five lakh
rupees;
(f) has absconded or attempts to absconds after the
bankruptcy commencement date, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year,* or
with fine, which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
Explanation. – For the purposes of this clause, a bankrupt
shall be deemed to have absconded if he leaves, or attempts
to leave the country without delivering the possession ofany
property which he is required to deliver to the bankruptcy
trustee under section 156.
199
187. (1) If a bankruptcy trustee, – ** Punishment
for certain
(a) has fraudulently misapplied, retained or accounted for actions.
any money or property comprised in the estate of the
bankrupt; or
(b) has wilfully acted in a manner that the estate of the
bankrupt has suffered any loss in consequence of breach of
any duty of the bankruptcy trustee in carrying out his
functions under section 149,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to three years,* or with fine, which shall not be less than
three times the amount of the loss caused, or likely to have been
caused, to persons concerned on account of such contravention,
or with both:
Provided that where such loss or unlawful gain is not
quantifiable, the total amount of fine imposed shall not exceed
five lakh rupees:
Provided further that the bankruptcy trustee shall not be liable
under this section if he seizes or disposes of any property which
is not comprised in the estate of the bankrupt and at that time
had reasonable grounds to believe that he is entitled to seize or
dispose that property.
PART IV
REGULATION OF INSOLVENCY PROFESSIONALS,
AGENCIES AND INFORMATION UTILITIES
CHAPTER I
THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF
INDIA
188.(1)With effect from such date as the Central Government Establishment and
incorporation of
may, by notification, appoint, there shall be established, for the Board.
purposes of this Code, a Board by the name of the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Board of India.
(2) The Board shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid,
having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power,
subject to the provisions of this Code, to acquire, hold and
dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to
contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued.
(3) The head office of the Board shall be at * such place in the
National Capital Region, as the Central Government may, by
notification, specify.
200
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section, the expression
―National Capital Region‖ shall have the same meaning as
assigned to it in clause (f) of section 2 of the National Capital
2 of 1985. Region Planning Board Act, 1985.
(4) The Board may establish offices at other places in India.
189.(1)The Board shall consist of the following members who Constitution of
Board.
shall be appointed by the Central Government, namely:-
(a) a Chairperson;
(b) three members from amongst the officers of the Central
Government not below the rank of Joint Secretary or
equivalent, one each to represent the Ministry of Finance,
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Law, ex -
officio;
(c) one member to be nominated by the Reserve Bank of
India, ex-officio ;
(d) five other members to be nominated by the Central
Government, of whom at least three shall be the whole-time
members.
(2) The Chairperson and the other members shall be persons of
ability, integrity and standing, who have shown capacity in
dealing with problems relating to insolvency or bankruptcy and
have special knowledge and experience in the field of law,
finance, economics, accountancy or administration.
***
(3)* The appointment of the Chairperson and the members of
the Board other than the appointment of an ex-officio member
under this section shall be made after obtaining the
recommendation of a selection committee consisting of ***
(a) Cabinet Secretary – Chairperson;
(b) Secretary to the Government of India to be nominated
by the Central Government – Member;
(c) Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (in case of selection of members of the Board) –
Member;
(d) three experts of repute from the field of finance, law,
management, insolvency and related subjects, to be
nominated by the Central Government – Members.
(4) The term of office of the Chairperson and members (other
201
than ex-officio members) shall be five years or till they attain
the age of sixty five years, whichever is earlier, and they shall
be eligible for re-appointment.
(5) The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and
conditions of service of, the Chairperson and members (other
than the ex-officio members) shall be such as may be
prescribed.
190. The Central Government may remove a member from Removal of
member from
office if he– office.
(a) is an undischarged bankrupt as defined under Part III;
(b) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as
a member;
(c) has been convicted of an offence, which in the opinion
of Central Government involves moral turpitude;
(d) has, so abused his position as to render his continuation
in office detrimental to the public interest:
Provided that no member shall be removed under clause (d)
unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being
heard in the matter.
191. Save as otherwise determined by regulations, the Powers of
Chairperson.
Chairperson shall have powers of general superintendence and
direction of the affairs of the Board and may also exercise such
other powers as may be delegated to him by the Board.
192.(1)The Board shall meet at such times and places, and Meetings of
Board.
observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of
business at its meetings (including quorum at such meetings) as
may be determined by regulations.
(2) The Chairperson, or if, for any reason, the Chairperson is
unable to attend any meeting of the Board, any other member
chosen by the members present at the meeting shall preside at
the meeting.
(3) All questions which come up before any meeting of the
Board shall be decided by a majority votes of the members
present and voting, and, in the event of an equality of votes, the
Chairperson, or in his absence, the person presiding, shall have
a second or casting vote.
193. Any member, who is a director of a company and who Member not to
participate in
as such director has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in meetings in
any matter coming up for consideration at a meeting of the certain cases.
202
Board, shall, as soon as possible after relevant circumstances
have come to his knowledge, disclose the nature of his interest
at such meeting and such disclosure shall be recorded in the
proceedings of the Board, and the member shall not take any
part in any deliberation or decision of the Board with respect to
that matter.
194. (1) No act or proceeding of the Board shall be invalid Vacancies etc.,
not to invalidate
merely by reason of – proceedings of
Board, and
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the
Officers and
Board; or employees of
Board.
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a
member of the Board; or
(c) any irregularity in the procedure of the Board not
affecting the merits of the case.
(2)The Board may appoint such other officers and employees as
it considers necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions
** in such manner as may be specified.
(3)The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and
conditions of service of, officers and employees of the Board
appointed under sub-section * (2) shall be such as may be
specified by regulations.
195. Until the Board is established, the Central Government Power to
designate
may by notification, designate any financial sector regulator to financial sector
exercise the powers and functions of the Board under this Code. regulator
CHAPTER II
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
196. (1)The Board shall, subject to the general direction of Powers and
functions of
the Central Government, perform all or any of the following Board.
functions namely :-
(a) register insolvency professional agencies, insolvency
professionals and information utilities and renew, withdraw,
suspend or cancel such registrations;
(b) specify the minimum eligibility requirements for
registration of insolvency professional agencies, insolvency
professionals and information utilities;
(c) levy fee or other charges for the registration of
insolvency professional agencies, insolvency professionals and
information utilities;
203
(d) specify by regulations standards for the functioning of
insolvency professional agencies, insolvency professionals and
information utilities;
(e) lay down by regulations the minimum curriculum for the
examination of the insolvency professionals for their enrolment
as members of the insolvency professional agencies;
(f) carry out inspections and investigations on insolvency
professional agencies, insolvency professionals and information
utilities and pass such orders as may be required for compliance
of the provisions of this Code and the regulations issued
hereunder;
(g) monitor the performance of insolvency professional
agencies, insolvency professionals and information utilities and
pass any directions as may be required for compliance of the
provisions of this Code and the regulations issued hereunder;
(h) call for any information and records from the insolvency
professional agencies, insolvency professionals and information
utilities;
(i) publish such information, data, research studies and other
information as may be specified by regulations;
(j) specify by regulations the manner of collecting and storing
data by the information utilities and for providing access to
such data;
(k) collect and maintain records relating to insolvency and
bankruptcy cases and disseminate information relating * tosuch
cases;
(l) constitute such committees as may be required including in
particular the committees laid down in section 197;
(m) promote transparency and best practices in its governance;
(n) maintain websites and such other universally accessible
repositories of electronic information as may be necessary;
(o) enter into memorandum of understanding with any other
statutory authorities;
(p) issue necessary guidelines to the insolvency professional
agencies, insolvency professionals and information utilities;
(q) specify mechanism for redressal of grievances against
insolvency professionals, insolvency professional agencies and
information utilities and pass orders relating to complaints filed
204
against the aforesaid for compliance of the provisions of this
Code and the regulations issued hereunder;
(r) conduct periodic study, research and audit the functioning
and performance of to the insolvency professional agencies,
insolvency professionals and information utilities at such
intervals as may be specified by the Board;
(s) specify mechanisms for issuing regulations, including the
conduct of public consultation processes before notification of
any regulations;
(t) make regulations and guidelines on matters relating to
insolvency and bankruptcy as may be required under this Code,
including mechanism for time bound disposal of the assets of
the corporate debtor or debtor; and
(u) perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
(2) The Board may make model bye-laws to be to adopted by
insolvency professional agencies which may provide for –
(a) the minimum standards of professional competence of
the members of insolvency professional agencies;
(b) the standards for professional and ethical conduct of the
members of insolvency professional agencies ;
(c) requirements for enrolment of persons as members of
insolvency professional agencies which shall be non-
discriminatory.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this clause, the term "non-
discriminatory" means lack of discrimination on the grounds
of religion, caste, gender or place of birth and such other
grounds as may be specified;
(d) the manner of granting membership;
(e) setting up of a governing board for internal governance
and management of insolvency professional agency in
accordance with the regulations specified by the Board;
(f) the information required to be submitted by members
including the form and the time for submitting such
information;
(g) the specific classes of persons to whom services shall be
provided at concessional rates or for no remuneration by
members;
(h)the grounds on which penalties may be levied upon the
205
members of insolvency professional agencies and the manner
thereof;
(i) a fair and transparent mechanism for redressal of
grievances against the members of insolvency professional
agencies;
(j) the grounds under which the insolvency professionals
may be expelled from the membership of insolvency
professional agencies;
(k) the quantum of fee and the manner of collecting fee for
inducting persons as its members;
(l) the * procedure for enrolment of persons as members of
insolvency professional agency;
(m) the manner of conducting examination *** for
enrolment of insolvency professionals;
(n) the manner of monitoring and reviewing the working of
insolvency professional who are members;
(o) the duties and other activities to be performed by
members;
(p) the manner of conducting disciplinary proceedings
against its members and imposing penalties;
(q) the manner of utilising the amount received as penalty
imposed against any insolvency professional.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force, while exercising the powers under this
Code, the Board shall have the same powers as are vested in a
civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while 5 of 1908
trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:–
(i) the discovery and production of books of account and
other documents, at such place and such time as may be
specified by the Board;
(ii) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and
examining them on oath;
(iii) inspection of any books, registers and other documents
of any person at any place;
(iv) issuing of commissions for the examination of witnesses
or documents.
197. The Board may, for the efficient discharge of its Constitution of
advisory
functions, may constitute advisory and executive committees or committee,
206
such other committees, as it may deem fit, consisting of a executive
committee or
Chairperson and such other members as may be specified by other committee.
regulations.
198. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code, where Condonation of
delay.
the Board does not perform any act within the period specified
under this Code, the relevant Adjudicating Authority may, for
reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the delay.
CHAPTER III
INSOLVENCY PROFESSIONAL AGENCIES
199. Save as otherwise provided in this Code, no person shall No person to
function as
carry on its business as insolvency professional agencies under insolvency
this Code and enrol insolvency professionals as its members professional
except under and in accordance with a certificate of registration agency without
valid certificate of
issued in this behalf by the Board. registration.
200. The Board shall have regard to the following principles Principles
governing
while registering the insolvency professional agencies under registration of
this Code, namely:– insolvency
professional
(a) to promote the professional development of and agency.
regulation of insolvency professionals;
(b) to promote the services of competent insolvency
professionals to cater to the needs of debtors, creditors and such
other persons as may be specified;
(c) to promote good professional and ethical conduct
amongst insolvency professionals;
(d) to protect the interests of debtors, creditors and such
other persons as may be specified;
(e) to promote the growth of insolvency professional
agencies for the effective resolution of insolvency and
bankruptcy processes under this Code.
201. (1) Every application for registration shall be made Registration of
insolvency
to the Board in such form and manner, containing such professional
particulars, and accompanied by such fee, as may be specified agency.
by regulations:
Provided that every application received by the Board shall be
acknowledged within seven days of its receipt.
(2) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the
Board may, on being satisfied that the application conforms
with all requirements specified under sub-section (1), grant a
207
certificate of registration to the applicant or else, reject, by
order, such application:
Provided that no order rejecting the application shall be made
without giving an opportunity of being heard to the applicant:
Provided further that every order so made shall be
communicated to the applicant within a period of fifteen days.
(3) The Board may issue a certificate of registration to the
applicant in such form and manner and subject to such terms
and conditions as may be specified.
(4) The Board may renew the certificate of registration from
time to time in such manner and on payment of such fee as may
be specified.
(5) The Board may, by order, suspend or cancel the certificate
of registration granted to an insolvency professional agency on
any of the following grounds, namely:–
(a) that it has obtained registration by making a false
statement or misrepresentation or by any other unlawful
means;
(b) that it has failed to comply with the requirements of the
regulations made by the Board or bye-laws made by the
insolvency professional agency;
(c) that it has contravened any of the provisions of the Act
or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;
(d) on any other ground as may be specified by regulations:
Provided that no order shall be made under this sub-section
unless the insolvency professional agency concerned has been
given a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided further that no such order shall be passed by any
member except whole-time members of the Board.
202.Any insolvency professional agency which is aggrieved by Appeal to
National
the order of the Board made under section 201 may prefer an Company Law
appeal to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in Appellate
such form, within such period, and in such manner, as may be Tribunal.
specified by regulations.
203.* The Board may, for the purposes of ensuring that every Governing Board
of insolvency
insolvency professional agency takes into account the professional
objectives sought to be achieved under this Code, make agency.
regulations to specify–
208
(a) the setting up of a governing board of an insolvency
professional agency;
(b) the minimum number of independent members to be on
the governing board of the insolvency professional agency;
and
(c) the number of the insolvency professionals being its
members who shall be on the governing board of the
insolvency professional agency.
204.An insolvency professional agency shall perform the Functions of
insolvency
following functions, namely:– professional
agencies.
(a) grant membership to persons who fulfil all requirements set
out in its bye-laws on payment of membership fee;
(b) lay down standards of professional conduct for its members;
(c) monitor the performance of its members;
(d) safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of insolvency
professionals who are its members;
(e) suspend or cancel the membership of insolvency
professionals who are its members on the grounds set out in its
bye-laws;
(f) redress the grievances of consumers against insolvency
professionals who are its members; and
(g) publish information about its functions, list of its members,
performance of its members and such other information as may
be specified by regulations.
205.Subject to the provisions of this Code and any rules or Insolvency
Professional
regulations made thereunder andafter obtaining the approval of Agencies to make
the Board,every insolvency professional agency shall make bye-laws.
bye-laws *** consistent with the model bye-laws specified by
the Board under sub-section (2) of section 196.
* * * * *
*** *** *** *** ***
CHAPTER IV
INSOLVENCY PROFESSIONALS
206.No person shall render his services as insolvency **Enrolled and
registered persons
professional under this Code without being enrolled as a to act as
member of an insolvency professional agencyand registered insolvency
with the Board. professionals.
209
207.***(1)Every insolvency professional shall, after obtaining Registration of
insolvency
the membership of any insolvency professional agency, register professionals.
*himself with the Board within such time, in such manner and
on payment of such fee, as may be specified by regulations.
(2) The Board may specify the categories of professionals or
persons possessing such qualifications and experience in the
field of finance, law, management, insolvency or such other
field,as it deems fit,
208.(1)Where any insolvency resolution , fresh start, liquidation Functions and
obligations of
or bankruptcy process has been initiated, it shall be the function insolvency
of an insolvency professional to take such actions as may be professionals.
necessary, in the following matters, namely: –
(a) a fresh start order process under Chapter II of Part III;
(b) individual insolvency resolution process under Chapter
III of Part III
(c)corporate insolvency resolution process under Chapter II
of Part II.
(d) individual bankruptcy process under Chapter IV of Part
III; and
(e) liquidation of a corporate debtor firm under Chapter III
of Part II.
(2) Every insolvency professional shall abide by the following
code of conduct:–
(a) to take reasonable care and diligence while performing
his duties;
(b)to comply with all requirements and terms and
conditions specified in the bye-laws of the insolvency
professional agency of which he is a member;
(c) to allow the insolvency professional agency to inspect
his records;
***
(d)to submit a copy of the records of every proceeding
before the Adjudicating Authority to the Board as well as to
the insolvency professional agency of which he is a member;
and
(e) to perform his functions in such manner and subject to
such conditions as may be specified.
210
CHAPTER V
INFORMATION UTILITIES
209. Save as otherwise provided in this Code, no *personshall No person to
function as
carry on its business as information utilityunder this Code * information utility
without a certificate of registration issued in that behalf by the without
Board. certificate of
registration.
210.(1)Every application for registration shall be made to the Registration of
information
Board in such form and manner, containing such particulars, utility.
and accompanied by such fee, as may be specified by
regulations:
Provided that every application received by the Board shall be
acknowledged within seven days of its receipt.
(2) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the
Board may, on being satisfied that the application conforms * to
all requirements specified under sub-section (1), grant a
certificate of registration to the applicant or else, reject, by
order, such application.
***
(3) The Board may issue a certificate of registration to the
applicant in such form and manner and subject to such terms
and conditions as may be specified.
(4) The Board may renew the certificate of registration from
time to time in such manner and on payment of such fee as may
be specified by regulations.
(5) The Board may, by order, suspend or cancel the certificate
of registration granted to an information utility on any of the
following grounds, namely:–
(a) that it has obtained registration by making a false
statement or misrepresentation or any other unlawful means;
(b) that it has failed to comply with the requirements of the
regulations made by the Board;
(c) that it has contravened any of the provisions of the Act
or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;
(d) on any other ground as may be specified by regulations:
Provided that no order shall be made under this sub-section
unless the information utility concerned has been given a
reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided further that no such order shall be passed by any
211
member except whole-time members of the Board.
211.Any information utility which is aggrieved by the order of Appeal to
National
the Board made under section 209 may prefer an appeal to the Company Law
National Company Law Appellate Tribunal in such form, Appellate
within such period, and in such manner, as may be specified by Tribunal.
regulations.
212.The Board may, for ensuring that an information utility Governing Board
of information
takes into account the objectives sought to be achieved under utility.
this Code, require every information utility to set up a
governing board, with such number of independent members, as
may be specified by regulations.
213.An information utility shall provide such services as may Core services, etc.
of information
be specified including core services to any person if such utilities.
person complies with the terms and conditions as may be
specified by regulations.
214.* For the purposes ofproviding core services to any person, Obligations of
information
every information utility shall–– utility.
(a) create and store financial information in a universally
accessible format;
(b)accept electronic submissions of financial information
from persons who are under obligations to submit financial
information under sub-section * (1) of section 215, in such
form and manner as may be specified by regulations;
(c) accept, in specified form and manner, electronic
submissions of financial information from persons who
intend to submit such information;
(d) meet such minimum service quality standards as may be
specified by regulations;
(e)get the information received from various persons
authenticated by all concerned parties before storing such
information;
(f) provide access to the financial information stored by it
to any person who intends to access such information in such
manner as may be specified by regulations;
(g) publish such statistical information as may be specified
by regulations;
(h) have inter-operatability with other information utilities.
215.(1)Any person who intends to submit financial information Procedure for
submission, etc.
212
to the information utility or access the information from the of financial
information.
information utility shall pay such fee and submit information in
such form and manner as may be specified by regulations.
(2) A financial creditor ***shall submit financial information
and information relating to assets in relation to which any
security interest has been created, in such form and manner as
may be specified by regulations.
(3)An operational creditor may submit financial information to
the information utility in such form and manner as may be
specified.
216. (1) A person who * intends to update or modify or rectify Rights and
obligations of
errors in the financial information submitted under section 215, persons
he may make an application to the information utility for such submitting
purpose stating reasons therefor, in such manner and within financial
information.
such time, as may be specified.
***
(2) A person who submits financial information to an
information utility shall not provide such information to any
other person, except to such extent, under such circumstances,
and in such manner, as may be specified.
CHAPTER VI
215
made.
CHAPTER VII
FINANCE, ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT
221. The Central Government may, after due appropriation Grants by Central
Government.
made by Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Board
grants of such sums of money as that Government may think fit
for being utilised for the purposes of this Code.
222.(1)There shall be constituted a Fund to be called the Fund Board’s Fund.
of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board and there shall be
credited thereto –
(a) all grants, fees and charges received by the Board under
this Code;
(b) all sums received by the Board from such other sources
as may be decided upon by the Central Government;
(c) such other funds as may be specified by the Board or
prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The Fund shall be applied for meeting –
(a) the salaries, allowances and other remuneration of the
members, officers and other employees of the Board;
(b) the expenses of the Board in the discharge of its
functions under section 196;
(c) the expenses on objects and for purposes authorised by
this Code.
(d) such other purposes as may be prescribed.
223.(1)The Board shall maintain proper accounts and other Accounts and
audit.
relevant records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in
such form as may be prescribed by the Central Government in
consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India at such intervals as
may be specified by him and any expenditure incurred in
connection with such audit shall be payable by the Board to the
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any
other person appointed by him in connection with the audit of
the accounts of the Board shall have the same rights and
privileges and authority in connection with such audit as the
Comptroller and Auditor-General generally has in connection
216
with the audit of the Government accounts and, in particular,
shall have the right to demand the production of books,
accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers
and to inspect any of the offices of the Board.
(4) The accounts of the Board as certified by the Comptroller
and Auditor General of India or any other person appointed by
him in this behalf together with the audit report thereon shall be
forwarded annually to the Central Government and that
Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House
of Parliament.
PART V
MISCELLENEOUS
224. (1) There shall be formed a Fund to be called the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Fund
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund (hereafter in this section
referred to as the ―Fund‖) for the purposes of insolvency
resolution, liquidation and bankruptcy of persons under the
Code.
(2) There shall be credited to the Fund the following amounts,
namely —
(a) the grants made by the Central Government for the
purposes of the Fund;
(b) the amount deposited by persons as contribution to the
Fund;
(c) the amount received in the Fund from any other source;
and
(d) the interest or other income received out of the
investment made from the Fund.
(3) A person who has contributed any amount to the Fund may,
in the event of proceedings initiated in respect of such person
under this Code before an Adjudicating Authority, make an
application to such Adjudicating Authority for withdrawal of
funds not exceeding the amount contributed by it, for making
payments to workmen, protecting the assets of such persons,
meeting the incidental costs during the proceedings or such
other purposes as may be prescribed.
(4) The Central Government shall, by notification, appoint an
administrator to administer the fund in such ** manner as may
be prescribed.
225.(1)Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this Power of Central
Government to
217
Code, the Board shall, in exercise of its powers or the issue directions.
performance of its functions under this Code, be bound by such
directions on questions of policy as the Central Government
may give in writing to it from time to time:
Provided that the Board shall, as far as practicable, be given an
opportunity to express its views before any direction is given
under this sub-section.
(2) The decision of the Central Government as to whether a
question is one of policy or not shall be final.
226.(1)If at any time the Central Government is of opinion – Power of Central
Government to
(a) that on account of grave emergency, the Board is unable supersede Board.
to discharge the functions and duties imposed on it by or
under the provisions of this Code; or
(b) that the Board has persistently not complied with any
direction issued by the Central Government under this Code
or in the discharge of the functions and duties imposed on it
by or under the provisions of this Code and as a result of
such non-compliance the financial position of the Board or
the administration of the Board has deteriorated; or
(c) that circumstances exist which render it necessary in the
public interest so to do,
the Central Government may, by notification, supersede the
Board for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be
specified in the notification.
(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1)
superseding the Board, - (a) all the members shall, as from the
date of supersession, vacate their offices as such; (b) all the
powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the
provisions of this Code, be exercised or discharged by or on
behalf of the Board, shall until the Board is reconstituted under
sub-section (3), be exercised and discharged by such person or
persons as the Central Government may direct; and (c) all
property owned or controlled by the Board shall, until the
Board is reconstituted under sub-section (3), vest in the Central
Government.
(3) On the expiration of the period of supersession specified in
the notification issued under sub-section (1), the Central
Government may reconstitute the Board by a fresh appointment
and in such case any person or persons who vacated their
offices under clause (a) of sub-section (2), shall not be deemed
218
disqualified for appointment:
Provided that the Central Government may, at any time, before
the expiration of the period of supersession, take action under
this sub-section.
(4) The Central Government shall cause a notification issued
under sub-section (1) and a full report of any action taken under
this section and the circumstances leading to such action to be
laid before each House of Parliament at the earliest.
227. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary examined in this Power of Central
Government to
Code or any other law for the time being in force, the Central notify financial *
Government may, if it considers necessary, in consultation with serviceproviders,
the appropriate financial sector regulators, notify financial etc.
service providers or categories of financial service providers for
the purpose of their insolvency and liquidation proceedings,
which may be conducted under this Code, in such manner as
may be prescribed.
228.(1) The Board shall prepare, in such form and at such time Budget.
in each financial year as may be prescribed, its budget for the
next financial year, showing the estimated receipts and
expenditure of the Board and forward the same to the Central
Government.
229. (1) The Board shall prepare, in such form and at such time Annual Report.
in each financial year as may be prescribed, its annual report,
giving a full account of its activities during the previous
financial year, and submit a copy thereof to the Central
Government.
(2) A copy of the report received under sub-section (1) shall be
laid, as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of
Parliament.
230. The Board may, by general or special order in writing Delegation.
delegate to any memberor officer of the Board ** subject to
such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, such of
its powers and functions under this Code (except the powers
under section * 236) as it may deem necessary.
231. No civil court shall have jurisdiction in respect of any Bar of
jurisdiction.
matter inwhich the * Adjudicating Authority is empowered by,
or under, this Code to pass any order and no injunction shall be
granted by any court or other authority in respect of any action
taken or to be taken in pursuance of any order passed by * such
* Adjudicating Authorityunder this Code.
219
232. The Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees Members, officers
and employees of
of the Board shall be deemed, when acting or purporting to act the Board to be
in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Code, to be public public servants.
21 of 1860.
servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal
Code.
233. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie Protection of
action taken in
against the Government or any officer of the Government, or good faith.
the Chairperson, Member, officer or other employee of the
Board or an insolvency professional or liquidator for anything
which is in done or intended to be done in good faith under this
Code or the rules or regulations made thereunder.
234. (1) The Central Government may enter into an agreement Agreements with
foreign countries.
with the Government of any country outside India for enforcing
the provisions of this Code.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, direct that the application of provisions of this Code in
relation to assets or property of corporate debtor or debtor,
including a personal guarantor of a corporate debtor, as the case
may be, situated at any place in a country outside India with
which reciprocal arrangements have been made, shall be subject
to such conditions as may be specified.
235. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Code or Letter of request
to a country
any law for the time being in force if, in the course of outside India in
insolvency resolution process, or liquidation or bankruptcy certain cases.
proceedings, as the case may be, under this Code, the resolution
professional, liquidator or bankruptcy trustee, as the case may
be, is of the opinion that assets of the corporate debtor or
debtor, including a personal guarantor of a corporate debtor, are
situated in a country outside India with which reciprocal
arrangements have been made under section 232, he may make
an application to the Adjudicating Authority that evidence or
action relating to such assets is required in connection with such
process or proceeding.
(2) The Adjudicating Authority on receipt of an application
under sub-section (1) and, on being satisfied that evidence or
action relating to assets under sub-section (1) is required in
connection with insolvency resolution process or liquidation or
bankruptcy proceeding, may issue a letter of request to a court
or an authority of such country competent to deal with such
request.
236. (1) Notwithstanding anything in the Code of Criminal Trial of offences
220
2 of 1974 Procedure, 1973, offences under of this Code shall be tried by by Special Court.
the Special Court established under Chapter XXVIII of the
18 of 2013 Companies Act, 2013.
(2) No Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable
under this Act, save on a complaint made by the Board or the
Central Government or any person authorised by the Central
Government in this behalf.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
shall apply to the proceedings before a Special Court and for
the purposes of the said provisions, the Special Court shall be
deemed to be a Court of Session and the person conducting a
prosecution before a Special Court shall be deemed to be a
Public Prosecutor.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973, in case of a complaint under sub-section (2),
the presence of the person authorised by the Central
Governmentor the Board before the Court trying the offences
shall not be necessary unless the Court requires his personal
attendance at the trial.
237. The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, Appeal and
revision.
all the powers conferred by Chapters XXIX and XXX of the
2 of 1974 Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a High Court, as if a
Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the
High Court were a Court of Session trying cases within the
local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court.
238. The provisions of this Code shall have effect, Provisions of this
Code to override
notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in other laws.
any other law for the time being in force or any instrument
having effect by virtue of any such law.
239. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, make Power to make
rules.
rules for carrying out the provisions of this Code.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-
section (1), the Central Government may make rules for any of
the following matters, namely:-
(a) any other instrument which shall be a financial product
under clause (15) of section 3;
(b) other accounting standards which shall be a financial
debt under clause (d) of sub-section (8) of section 5;
(c) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
before the Adjudicating Authority for initiating corporate
221
insolvency resolution process by financial creditor under sub-
section (2) of section 7;
(d) the form and mannerin which demand notice may be
made** and the manner of delivery thereof to the corporate
debtor under sub-section (1) of section 8;
(e) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
before the Adjudicating Authority for initiating corporate
insolvency resolution process by operational creditor under
sub-section (2) of section 9;
(f) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
before the Adjudicating Authority for initiating corporate
insolvency resolution process by corporate applicant under
sub-section (2) of section 10;
(g) the persons who shall be relative under clause (ii) of the
Explanation to sub-section (1) of section 79;
(h) the value of unencumbered single dwelling unit owned
by the debtor under clause (e) of sub-section (13) of section
79;
(i) the value under clause (c), and any other debt under
clause (f), of sub-section (14) of section 79;
(j) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
for fresh start order under sub-section *(3) of section 81;
(k) the particulars of the debtor's personal details under
clause (e) of sub-section (3) of section 81;
(l) the information and documents to support application
under sub-section (3) of section 86;
(m) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
for initiating the insolvency resolution process by the debtor
under sub-section (6) of section 94;
(n) the form, the manner and the fee for making application
for initiating the insolvency resolution process by the creditor
under sub-section (6) of section 95;
(o) the particulars to be provided by the creditorto the
resolution professional under sub-section (2) of section 103;
(p) the form and the manner for making application for
bankruptcy by the debtor under clause (b) of sub-section (1)
of section 122;
(q) the form and the manner of the statement of affairs of the
222
debtor under sub-section (3) of section 122;
(r) the other information under clause (d) of sub-section (1)
of section 123;
(s) the form, the manner and the fee for making
applicationfor bankruptcy under sub-section (6) of section
123;
(t) the form and the manner in which statement of financial
position shall be submitted under sub-section (2) of section
129;
(u) the matters and the details which shall be included in the
public notice under sub-section (2) of section 130;
(v) the matters and the details which shall be included in the
notice to the creditors under sub-section (3) of section 130;
(w) the manner of sending details of the claims to the
bankruptcy trustee and other information under sub-sections
(1) and (2) of section 131;
(x) the value of financial or commercial transaction under
clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 141;
(y) the other things to be done by a bankrupt to assist
bankruptcy trustee in carrying out his functions under clause
(d) of sub-section (1) of section 150;
(z) the manner of dealing with the surplus under sub-section
(4) of section 170;
(za) the form and the manner of proof of debt under clause
(c) of sub-section (2) of section 171;
(zb) the manner of receiving dividends under sub-section (7)
of section 171;
(zc) the particulars which the notice shall contain under sub-
section (2) of section 176;
(zd) the salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms
and conditions of service of, the Chairperson and members of
the Board under sub-section (5) of section 189;
(ze) the other functions of the Board under clause (u) of sub-
section (1) of section 196;
(zf)the other funds under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
section 222;
(zg) the other purposes for which the fund shall be applied
223
under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of section 222;
(zh) the form in which annual statement of accounts shall be
prepared under sub-section (1) of section 223;
(zi) the purpose for which application for withdrawal of
funds may be made under sub-section (3) of section 224;
(zj) the manner of administering the fund under sub-section
(4) of section 224;
(zk) the manner of conducting insolvency and liquidation
proceedings under section 227;
(zl) the form and the time for preparing budget by the
Board under section 228;
(zm) the form and the time for preparing annual report under
sub-section (1) of section 229;
(zn) the time up to which a person appointed to any office
shall continue to hold such office under clause (vi) of sub-
section (2) of section 239.
240.(1) The Board may, by notification, make regulations Power to make
regulations.
consistent with this Code and the rules made thereunder, to
carry out the provisions of this Code.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of
the following matters, namely :—
(a) the form and the manner of accepting electronic
submission of financial information under sub-clause (a) of
clause (9) of section 3;
(b) the persons to whom access to information stored with
the information utility may be provided under sub-clause (d)
of clause (9) of section 3;
(c) the other information under sub-clause (f) of clause (13)
of section 3;
(d) the other costs under clause (e) of sub-section (13) of
section 5;
(e) the cost incurred by the liquidator during the period of
liquidation which shall be liquidation cost under sub-section
(16) of section 5;
(f) the other record or evidence of default under clause (a),
and any other information under clause (c), of sub-section
224
(3) of section 7;
***
(g) the other information under clause (d) of sub-section (3)
of section 9;
(h) the period under clause (a) of sub-section (3) of section
10;
(i) the supply of essential goods or services to the corporate
debtor under sub-section (2) of section 14;
(j) the manner of making public announcement under sub-
section (2) of section 15;
(k) the manner of taking action and the restrictions thereof
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 17;
(l) the other persons under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of
section 17;
(m) the other matters under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of
section 17;
(n) the other matters under sub-clause (iv) of clause (a), and
the other duties to be performed by the interim resolution
professional under clause (g), of section 18;
(o) the persons who shall comprise the committee of
creditors, the functions to be exercised such committee and
the manner in which functions shall be exercised under the
proviso to sub-section (8) of section 21;
(p) the other electronic means by which the members of the
committee of creditors may meet under sub-section (1) of
section 24;
(q) the manner of assigning voting share to each creditor
under sub-section (7) of section 24;
(r) the manner of conducting the meetings of the committee
of creditors under sub-section (8) of section 24;
(s) the manner of appointing accountants, lawyers and other
advisors under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of section 25;
(t) the other actions under clause (k) of sub-section (2) of
section 25;
(u) the form and the manner in which an information
memorandum shall be prepared by the resolution
professional sub-section (1) of section 29;
225
(v) the other matter pertaining to the corporate debtor under
the Explanation to sub-section (2) of section 29;
(w) the manner of making payment of insolvency
resolution process costs under clause (a), the manner
ofrepayment of debts of operational creditors under clause
(b), and the other requirements to which a resolution plan
shall conform to under clause (d), of sub-section (2) of
section 30;
(x) the fee for the conduct of the liquidation proceedings
and proportion to the value of the liquidation estate assets
under sub-section (8) of section 34;
(y) the manner of evaluating the assets and property of the
corporate debtor under clause (c), the manner of selling
property in parcels under clause (f), the manner of reporting
progress of the liquidation process under clause (n), and the
other functions to be performed under clause (o), of sub-
section (1) of section 35;
(z) the manner of making the records available to other
stakeholders under sub-section (2) of section 35;
(za) the other means under clause (a) of sub-section (3) of
section 36;
(zb) the other assets under clause (e) of sub-section (4) of
section 36;
(zc) the other source under clause (g) of sub-section (1) of
section 37;
(zd) the manner of providing financial information relating
to the corporate debtor under sub-section (2) of section 37;
(ze) the form, the manner and the supporting documents to
be submitted by operational creditor to prove the claim under
sub-section (3) of section 38;
(zf) the time within which the liquidator shall verify the
claims under sub-section (1) of section 39;
(zg) the manner of determining the value of claims under
section 41;
(zh) the manner of relinquishing security interest to the
liquidation estate and receiving proceeds from the sale of
assets by the liquidator under clause (a), and the manner of
realising security interest under clause (b) of sub-section (1)
of section 52;
226
(zi) the other means under clause (b) of sub-section (3) of
section 52;
(zj) the manner in which secured creditor shall be paid by
the liquidator under sub-section (9) of section 52;
(zk) the period and the manner of distribution of proceeds
of sale under sub-section (1) of section 53;
(zl) the other means under clause (a) and theother
information under clause (b) of section 57;
(zm) the conditions and procedural requirements under sub-
section (2) of section 59;
(zn) the details and the documents required to be submitted
under sub-section (7) of section 95;
(zo) the other matters under clause (c) of sub-section *
(3)of section 105;
(zp) the manner and form of proxy voting under sub-
section (4) of section 107;
*(zq) the manner of assigning voting share to creditor
under sub-section (2) of section 109;
(zr)the manner and form of proxy voting under sub-section
(3) of section 133;
(zs) the fee to be charged under sub-section (1) of section
144;
(zt)the appointment of other officers and employees under
sub-section (2), andthe salaries and allowances payable to,
and other terms and conditions of service of, suchofficers
and employees of the Board under sub-section (3), of section
194;
(zu)the other information under clause (i) of sub-section (1)
of section 196;
(zv) the intervals in which the periodic study, research and
audit of the functioning and performance of the insolvency
professional agencies, insolvency professionals and
information utilities under clause (r), and mechanism for
disposal of assets under clause (t), of sub-section (1) of
section 196;
(zw)the place and the time for discovery and production of
books of account and other documents under clause (i) of
sub-section (3) of section 196;
227
(zx)the other committees to be constituted by the Board and
the other members of such committees under section 197;
(zy)the other persons under clause (b) and clause (d) of
section 200;
(zz) the form and the manner of application for registration,
the particulars to be contained therein and the fee it shall
accompany under sub-section (1) of section 201;
(zza)the form and manner of issuing a certificate of
registration and the terms and conditions thereof, under sub-
section (3) of section 201;
(zzb)the manner of renewal of the certificate of registration
and the fee therefor, under sub-section (4) of section 201;
(zzc)the other ground under clause (d) of sub-section (5) of
section 201;
(zzd)the form of appeal to the National Company Law
Appellate Tribunal, the period within which it shall be filed
under section 202;
(zze)the other information under clause (g) of section 204;
(zzf)the other grounds under Explanation to section 205;
(zzg)the setting up of a governing board for its internal
governance and management under clause (e), the
curriculum under clause (l), the manner of conducting
examination under clause (m), of section 205;
***
***
(zzh) the time within which, the manner in which, and the
fee for registration of insolvency professional under sub-
section (1)of section 207;
(zzi) the categories of professionals or persons, the
qualifications and experience and the fields under sub-
section (2) of section 207;
(zzj) the manner and the conditions subject to which the
insolvency professional shall perform his function under
clause (f) of sub-section (2) of section 208;
(zzk) the form and manner in which, and the fee for
registration of information utility under sub-section (1) of
section 210;
228
(zzl) the form and manner for issuing certificate of
registration and the terms and conditions thereof, under sub-
section (3) of section 210;
(zzm) the manner of renewal of the certificate of
registration and the fee therefor, under sub-section (4) of
section 210;
(zzn) the other ground under clause (d) of sub-section (5)
of section 210;
(zzo) the form, the period and the manner of filling appeal
to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal under
section 211;
(zzp) the number of independent members under section
212;
(zzq) the services to be provided by information utility
and the terms and conditions under section 213;
(zzr) the form and manner of accepting electronic
submissions of financial information under clause (b) and
clause (c) of section 214;
(zzs) the minimum service quality standards under clause
(d) of section 214;
(zzt) the information to be accessed and the manner of
accessing such information under clause (f) of section 214;
(zzu) the statistical information to be published under
clause (g) of section 214;
(zzv) the form, the fee and the manner for submitting or
accessing information under sub-section (1) of section 215;
(zzw) the form and manner for submitting financial
information and information relating to assets under sub-
section (2) of section 215;
(zzx) the manner and the time within which * financial
information may be * updated or modified or rectified under
** section 216;
***
(zzy) the form, *manner and timeof filing complaint under
section 217;
(zzz) the time and manner of carrying out inspection or
investigation under sub-section (2) of section 218;
229
(zzza) the manner of carrying out inspection of insolvency
professional agency or insolvency professional or
information utility and the time for giving reply under
section 219;
(zzzb) the procedure for claiming restitution under sub-
section (6), the period within which such restitution may be
claimed and the manner in which restitution of amount may
be made under sub-section (7) of section 220;
(zzzc) the other funds of clause (c) of sub-section (1) of
section 222.
241. Every ruleand every regulation ** made under this Code Rules
andregulations **
shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each to be laid before
House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of Parliament.
thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or
more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the
session immediately following the session or the successive
sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any
modification in the ruleor regulation ** or both Houses agree
that the ruleor regulation ** should not be made, the ruleor
regulation ** shall thereafter have effect only in such modified
form or be of no effect, as the case may be; however, that any
such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to
the validity of anything previously done under that ruleor
regulation**.
242.(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions Power to remove
difficulties.
of this Code, the Central Government may, by order, published
in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent
with the provisions of this Code as may appear to be necessary
for removing the difficulty:
Provided that no order shall be made under this section
after the expiry of five years from the commencement of this
Code.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as
may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament.
243.(1) The Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909 and the Repeal of certain
enactments and
3 of 1909 Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920 are hereby repealed. savings.
5 of 1920 (2) Notwithstanding the repeal under sub-sections (1), -
(i) all proceedings pending under and relating to the
Presidency Towns Insolvency Act 1909, and the Provincial
Insolvency Act 1920 immediately before the commencement
230
of this Code shall continue to be governed under the
aforementioned Acts and be heard and disposed of by the
concerned courts or tribunals, as if the aforementioned Acts
have not been repealed;
(ii) any order, rule, notification, regulation,
appointment, conveyance, mortgage, deed, document or
agreement made, fee directed, resolution passed, direction
given, proceeding taken, instrument executed or issued, or
thing done under or in pursuance of any repealed enactment
shall, if in force at the commencement of this Code,
continue to be in force, and shall have effect as if the
aforementioned Acts have not been repealed;
(iii) anything done or any action taken or purported to
have been done or taken, including any rule, notification,
inspection, order or notice made or issued or any
appointment or declaration made or any operation
undertaken or any direction given or any proceeding taken
or any penalty, punishment, forfeiture or fine imposed
under the repealed enactments shall be deemed valid;
(iv) any principle or rule of law, or established
jurisdiction, form or course of pleading, practice or
procedure or existing usage, custom, privilege, restriction
or exemption shall not be affected, notwithstanding that
the same respectively may have been in any manner
affirmed or recognised or derived by, in, or from, the
repealed enactments;
(v) any prosecution instituted under the repealed
enactments and pending immediately before the
commencement of this Code before any court or tribunal
shall, subject to the provisions of this Code, continue to be
heard and disposed of by the concerned court or tribunal;
(vi) any person appointed to any office under or by
virtue of any repealed enactment shall continue to hold
such office until such time as may be prescribed; and
(vii) any jurisdiction, custom, liability, right, title,
privilege, restriction, exemption, usage, practice, procedure
or other matter or thing not in existence or in force shall not
be revised or restored.
(3) The mention of particular matters in sub-section (2) shall
not be held to prejudice the general application of section 6 of
the General Clauses Act, 1897 with regard to the effect of
repeal of the repealed enactments or provisions of the
enactments mentioned in the Schedule.
231
10 of 1897.
234
4. In section 8, after sub-section (1), the following section shall
be inserted, namely :-
―(1A) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish
such number of Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals to exercise
jurisdiction, powers and authority to entertain appeal against the
order made by the Adjudicating Authority under Part III of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016‖.
5. In section 17, -
(i) after sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be
inserted, namely :-
―(1A) Without prejudice to sub-section (1),–
(a) the Tribunal shall exercise, on and from the date to be
appointed by the Central Government, the jurisdiction, powers
and authority to entertain and decide applications under Part III
of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016.
(b) the Tribunal shall have circuit sittings in all district
headquarters.‖
(ii) after sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be
inserted, namely :-
―(2A) Without prejudice to sub-section (2), the Appellate
Tribunal shall exercise, on and from the date to be appointed by
the Central Government, the jurisdiction, powers and authority
to entertain appeals against the order made by the Adjudicating
Authority under Part III of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code,2016.‖
6. After section 19, the following section shall be inserted,
namely:–
―19A. The application made to Tribunal for exercising the
powers of the Adjudicating Authority under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code,2016shall be dealt with in the manner as
provided under that Code‖.
7. In section 20, in sub-section (4), after the word, brackets and
figure ―sub-section (1)‖, the words, brackets and figures ―or
under sub-section (1) of section 181 of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall be inserted.
THE SIXTH SCHEDULE
(See section 250 )
AMENDMENT TO THE FINANCE ACT, 1994
235
(32 OF 1994)
In section 88, for the words and figures ―and the Securitisation
and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and the Enforcement of
Security Interest Act, 2002‖, the words and figures ― the
Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and the
Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 and the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall be substituted.
THE SEVENTH SCHEDULE
(See section 251)
AMENDMENT TO THE SECURITIZATION AND
RECONSTRUCTION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND
ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST ACT, 2002
(54 OF 2002)
In section 13, in sub-section (9), for the words ―In the case of‖,
the words and figures ―Subject to the provisions of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016, in the case of‖ shall be
substituted.
THE EIGHTH SCHEDULE
(See section 252)
AMENDMENT TO SICK INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES
(SPECIAL PROVISIONS) REPEAL ACT, 2003
(1 OF 2004)
In section 4, for sub-clause (b), the following sub-clause shall
be substituted, namely -
―(b) On such date as may be notified by the Central
Government in this behalf, any appeal preferred to the
Appellate Authority or any reference made or inquiry pending
to or before the Board or any proceeding of whatever nature
pending before the Appellate Authority or the Board under the
Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act,1985 shall
stand abated:
Provided that a company in respect of which such appeal
or reference or inquiry stands abated under this clause may
make reference to the National Company Law Tribunal under
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 within one hundred
and eighty days from the commencement of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code,2016in accordance with the provisions of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016:
236
Provided further that no fees shall be payable for making
such reference under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
by a company whose appeal or reference or inquiry stands
abated under this clause.‖
THE NINTH SCHEDULE
(See section 253)
AMENDMENT TO PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT
SYSTEMS ACT, 2007
(51 OF 2007)
1. In section 23,in sub-sections (4), (5) and (6),after the words
and figures ―the Banking Regulation Act, 1949‖ ―the
Companies Act, 2013‖,the words and figures ―or the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall be inserted.
237
namely:-
―(94A) ―winding up‖ means winding up under this Act or
liquidation under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016, as
applicable.‖
2. In ** section 8, in sub-section (9), for the words ―the
Rehabilitation and Insolvency Fund formed under section 269‖,
the words ―Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund * formed under
section 224 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall
be substituted.
3. In ** section 66, in sub-section (8), for the words, brackets
and figures ―** is unable, within the meaning of sub-section (2)
of section 271, to pay the amount of his debt or claim,‖, the
words and figures ―commits a default, within the meaning of
section 6 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, ** in
respect of the amount of his debt or claim,‖ shall be substituted.
4. In sections 77 **,in sub-section (3), after the words ―the
liquidator‖, ** the words and figures ―appointed under this Act
or the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as the case may
be,‖ shall be inserted.
5. In ** section 117, in sub-section (3), in clause (f), for the
word and figures ―section 304‖, the words and figures ―section *
59 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall be
substituted.
6. In ** section 224, in sub-section (2), after the words ―wound
up under this Act‖, the words and figures ―or under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖ shall be inserted.
6A. In section 230, ––
(a) in sub-section (1), after the word ―liquidator‖, the words
―appointed under this Act or under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as the case may be,‖ shall be inserted;
(b) in sub-section (6), after the word ―on the liquidator‖, the
words―appointed under this Act or under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as the case may be,‖ shall be inserted;
7.** In section 249, in sub-section (1), for clause (e), the
following clause shall be substituted, namely:-
―(e) is being wound up under Chapter XX of this Act or under
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.‖
8. Sections 253 to * 269 shall be omitted.
238
9. ***
10. For section 270, the following section shall be substituted,
namely: -
Winding up by
Tribunal . ―270. The provisions of ** Part I shall apply to** the winding
up of a company by the Tribunal under this Act.‖
11. for section 271, the following section shall be substituted,
namely: -
Circumstances
in which ―271. A company may, on a petition under section 272, be
company may wound up by the Tribunal,—
be wound up by
Tribunal. (a) if the company has, by special resolution, resolved that
the company be wound up by the Tribunal;
(b) if the company has acted against the interests of the
sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State,
friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or
morality;
(c) if on an application made by the Registrar or any other
person authorised by the Central Government by notification
under this Act, the Tribunal is of the opinion that the affairs of
the company have been conducted in a fraudulent manner or the
company was formed for fraudulent and unlawful purpose or the
persons concerned in the formation or management of its affairs
have been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or misconduct in
connection therewith and that it is proper that the company be
wound up;
(d) if the company has made a default in filing with the
Registrar its financial statements or annual returns for
immediately preceding five consecutive financial years; or
(e) if the Tribunal is of the opinion that it is just and
equitable that the company should be wound up.‖
12. For section 272, the following section shall be substituted,
namely:-
Petition for
winding up. ―272. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a petition to
the Tribunal for the winding up of a company shall be presented
by—
(a) the company;
(b) any contributory or contributories;
(c)all or any of the persons specified in clauses (a) and (b) *;
239
(d) the Registrar;
(e) any person authorised by the Central Government in that
behalf; or
(f) in a case falling under clause (b) of section 271, by the
Central Government or a State Government.
(2) A contributory shall be entitled to present a petition for the
winding up of a company, notwithstanding that he may be the
holder of fully paid-up shares, or that the company may have no
assets at all or may have no surplus assets left for distribution
among the shareholders after the satisfaction of its liabilities,
and shares in respect of which he is a contributory or some of
them were either originally allotted to him or have been held by
him, and registered in his name, for at least six months during
the eighteen months immediately before the commencement of
the winding up or have devolved on him through the death of a
former holder.
(3)The Registrar shall be entitled to present a petition for
winding up under section 271, except on * the grounds specified
in ** clause (a) or clause (e) of that sub- section:
Provided that the Registrar shall obtain the previous sanction of
the Central Government to the presentation of a petition:
Provided *further that the Central Government shall not accord
its sanction unless the company has been given a reasonable
opportunity of making representations.
(4)A petition presented by the company for winding up before
the Tribunal shall be admitted only if accompanied by a
statement of affairs in such form and in such manner as may be
prescribed.
(5)A copy of the petition made under this section shall also be
filed with the Registrar and the Registrar shall, without prejudice
to any other provisions, submit his views to the Tribunal within
sixty days of receipt of such petition.‖
13. In section 275, –
(a) for sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be
substituted, namely:-
―(2) The provisional liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as
the case may, shall be appointed by the Tribunal from amongst
the insolvency professionals registered under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code,2016.‖;
240
(b) sub-section (4) shall be omitted.
14. For section 280, the following section shall be substituted,
namely:-
Jurisdiction of
Tribunal. ―280. The Tribunal shall, notwithstanding anything contained in
any other law for the time being in force, have jurisdiction to
entertain, or dispose of,—
(a) any suit or proceeding by or against the company;
(b) any claim made by or against the company, including
claims by or against any of its branches in India;
(c) any application made under section 233;
(d) any question of priorities or any other question
whatsoever, whether of law or facts, including those relating
to assets, business, actions, rights, entitlements, privileges,
benefits, duties, responsibilities, obligations or in any matter
arising out of, or in relation to winding up of the company,
whether such suit or proceeding has been instituted, or is
instituted, or such claim or question has arisen or arises or such
application has been made or is made or such scheme has been
submitted, or is submitted, before or after the order for the
winding up of the company is made.‖
15. Section 289 shall be omitted.
15A. The heading ―Part II.––Voluntary winding up‖ shall be
omitted.
16. Sections 304 to 323 shall be omitted.
17. Section 325 shall be omitted.
18. For section 326, the following section shall be substituted,
namely:-
Overriding
preferential ―326. (1) In the winding up of a company under this Act, the
payments following debts shall be paid in priority to all other debts:
(a) workmen’s dues; and;
(b) where a secured creditor has realised a secured asset, so
much of the debts due to such secured creditor as could not be
realised by him or the amount of the workmen’s portion in his
security (if payable under the law), whichever is less, pari passu
with the workmen’s dues:
Provided that in case of the winding up of a company, the sums
referred to in sub-clauses (i) and (ii) of clause (b) of the
Explanation, which are payable for a period of two years
241
preceding the winding up order or such other period as may be
prescribed, shall be paid in priority to all other debts (including
debts due to secured creditors), within a period of thirty days of
sale of assets and shall be subject to such charge over the
security of secured creditors as may be prescribed.
(2) The debts payable under the proviso to sub-section (1) shall
be paid in full before any payment is made to secured creditors
and thereafter debts payable under that sub-section shall be paid
in full, unless the assets are insufficient to meet them, in which
case they shall abate in equal proportions.
Explanation. –For the purposes of this section, and section
327—
(a) ―workmen’’, in relation to a company, means the employees
of the company, being workmen within the meaning of clause
(s) of section 2 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947;
(b) ―workmen’s dues’’, in relation to a company, means the
aggregate of the following sums due from the company to its
workmen, namely:—
(i) all wages or salary including wages payable for time or piece
work and salary earned wholly or in part by way of commission
of any workman in respect of services rendered to the company
and any compensation payable to any workman under any of the
provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947;
(ii) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any
workman or, in the case of his death, to any other person in his
right on the termination of his employment before or by the
effect of the winding up order or resolution;
(iii) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely
for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation with another
company or unless the company has, at the commencement of
the winding up, under such a contract with insurers as is
mentioned in section 14 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act,
1923, rights capable of being transferred to and vested in the
workmen, all amount due in respect of any compensation or
liability for compensation under the said Act in respect of the
death or disablement of any workman of the company;
(iv) all sums due to any workman from the provident fund, the
pension fund, the gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare
of the workmen, maintained by the company.
(c) ―workmen’s portion’’, in relation to the security of any
242
secured creditor of a company, means the amount which bears to
the value of the security the same proportion as the amount of
the workmen’s dues bears to the aggregate of the amount of
workmen’s dues and the amount of the debts due to the secured
creditors.
Illustration
The value of the security of a secured creditor of a company is
Rs. 1,00,000. The total amount of the workmen’s dues is Rs.
1,00,000. The amount of the debts due from the company to its
secured creditors is Rs.3,00,000. The aggregate of the amount of
workmen’s dues and the amount of debts due to secured
creditors is Rs. 4,00,000. The workmen’s portion of the security
is, therefore, one-fourth of the value of the security, that is Rs.
25,000.‖
19. In section 327, ––
(a) after sub-section (6), the following sub-section shall be
inserted, namely :-
―(7) Sections 326 and 327 shall not be applicable in the event
of liquidation under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016.‖;
(b) in the Explanation, for clause (c), the following clause shall
be substituted, namely :-:
―(c)the expression ―relevant date‖ means in the case of a
company being wound up by the Tribunal, the date of
appointment or first appointment of a provisional liquidator, or
if no such appointment was made, the date of the winding up
order, unless, in either case, the company had commenced to be
wound up voluntarily before that date under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code,2016;‖.
20. For section 329, the following section shall be substituted,
namely: -
Transfers not in
good faith to be ―329. Any transfer of property, movable or immovable, or any
void. delivery of goods, made by a company, not being a transfer or
delivery made in the ordinary course of its business or in favour
of a purchaser or *encumbrancer in good faith and for valuable
consideration, if made within a period of one year before the
presentation of a petition for winding up by the Tribunal under
this Act shall be void against the Company Liquidator.‖.
21. For section 334, the following section shall be substituted,
243
Transfer etc., namely:-
after
commencement ―334. In the case of a winding up by the Tribunal, any
of winding up to
be void. disposition of the property including actionable claims, of the
company and any transfer of shares in the company or alteration
in the status of its members, made after the commencement of
the winding up shall, unless the Tribunal otherwise orders, be
void.‖
22. ***
***
***
In section 336, in sub-section (1), in the opening paragraph, for
the words ―whether by the Tribunal or voluntarily, or which is
subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or which
subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up‖, the
words ―by the Tribunal under this Act or which is subsequently
ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal under this Act‖ shall be
substituted;
23. In section 337, for the words ―or which subsequently passes
a resolution for voluntary winding up,‖, the words ―under this
Act‖, shall be substituted.
24.** In section 342, sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) shall be
omitted.
25. **In section 343, for sub-section (1), the following sub-
section shall be substituted, namely-
―(1)The Company Liquidator may, with the sanction of the
Tribunal, when the company is being wound up by the
Tribunal,–
(i)pay any class of creditors in full;
(ii)make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or
persons claiming to be creditors, or having or alleging
themselves to have any claim, present or future, certain or
contingent, against the company, or whereby the company
may be rendered liable; or
(iii)compromise any call or liability to call, debt, and
liability capable of resulting in a debt, and any claim,
present or future, certain or contingent, ascertained or
sounding only in damages, subsisting or alleged to subsist
between the company and a contributory or alleged
contributory or other debtor or person apprehending liability
244
to the company, and all questions in any way relating to or
affecting the assets or liabilities or the winding up of the
company, on such terms as may be agreed, and take any
security for the discharge of any such call, debt, liability or
claim, and give a complete discharge in respect thereof.‖.
26.**In section 347, for sub-section (1), the following sub-
section shall be substituted, namely-
―(1)When the affairs of a company have been completely wound
up and it is about to be dissolved, * the books and papers **of
such company and those of the Company Liquidator may be
disposed of in such manner as the Tribunal directs.‖
27.** In section 348, for sub-section (1), the following sub-
section shall be substituted, namely-
―(1)If the winding up of a company is not concluded within one
year after its commencement, the Company Liquidator shall,
unless he is exempted from so doing, either wholly or in part by
the Central Government, within two months of the expiry of
such year and thereafter until the winding up is concluded, at
intervals of not more than one year or at such shorter intervals, if
any, as may be prescribed, file a statement in such form
containing such particulars as may be prescribed, duly audited,
by a person qualified to act as auditor of the company, with
respect to the proceedings in, and position of, the liquidation,
with the Tribunal:
Provided that no such audit as is referred to in this sub-section
shall be necessary where the provisions of section 294 apply‖.
28. For section 357, the following section shall be substituted,
namely:-
Commencement
of winding up ―357. The winding up of a company by the Tribunal under this
by Tribunal. Act shall be deemed to commence at the time of the presentation
of the petition for the winding up.‖.
29. In section 370, in the proviso, after the words ―obtained for
the winding up the company‖, the words ―in accordance with the
provisions of this Act or of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016‖ shall be inserted.
30. In section 372, after the words ―The provisions of this Act‖,
the words ―or of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016,
**as the case may be,‖ shall be inserted.
31. ***
245
32 ***
33. ***
34. ** In section 419, for sub-section (4), the following sub-
section shall be substituted, namely: -
―(4) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish
such number of benches of the Tribunal, as it may consider
necessary, to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority of
the Adjudicating Authority conferred on such Tribunal by or
under Part II of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖.
***
35. In ** section 424,–
(i) in sub-section (1), after the words, ―other provisions of this
Act‖, the words ―or of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code,2016‖ shall be inserted;
(ii) in sub-section (2), after the words, ―under this Act‖, the
words ―or under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,2016‖
shall be inserted.
36. In ** section 429, **
***
***
In section 429, for sub-section (1), the following sub-section
shall be substituted, namely :-
― (1) The Tribunal may, in any proceedings for winding up of a
company under this Act or in any proceedings under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, in order to take into
custody or under its control all property, books of account or
other documents, request, in writing, the Chief Metropolitan
Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector
within whose jurisdiction any such property, books of account or
other documents of such company under this Act or of corporate
persons under the said Code, are situated or found, to take
possession thereof, and the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief
Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector, as the case may be,
shall, on such request being made to him,–
(a) take possession of such property, books of account or
other documents; and
(b) cause the same to be entrusted to the Tribunal or other
persons authorised by it.‖.
246
37. For section 434, the following section shall be substituted,
namely: -
Transfer of
certain pending ―434.(1)On such date as may be notified by the Central
proceedings. Government in this behalf,—
(a)all matters, proceedings or cases pending before the
Board of Company Law Administration (herein in this
section referred to as the Company Law Board) constituted
under sub-section (1) of section 10E of the Companies Act,
1956, immediately before such date shall stand transferred to
the Tribunal and the Tribunal shall dispose of such matters,
proceedings or cases in accordance with the provisions of this
Act;
(b)any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the
Company Law Board made before such date may file an
appeal to the High Court within sixty days from the date of
communication of the decision or order of the Company Law
Board to him on any question of law arising out of such
order:
Provided that the High Court may if it is satisfied that the
appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing an
appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a
further period not exceeding sixty days; and
(c)all proceedings under the Companies Act, 1956,
including proceedings relating to arbitration, compromise,
arrangements and reconstruction and winding up of
companies, pending immediately before such date before any
District Court or High Court, shall stand transferred to the
Tribunal and the Tribunal may proceed to deal with such
proceedings from the stage before their transfer:
Provided that only such proceedings relating to the winding up
of companies shall be transferred to the Tribunal that are at a
stage as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The Central Government may make rules consistent with
the provisions of this * Actto ensure timely transfer of all
matters, proceedings or cases pending before the Company Law
Board or the courts, to the Tribunal under this section.‖
38.**In section 468, for sub-section (2), the following sub-
section shall be substituted, namely -
―(2)In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the
247
following matters, namely:—
(i) as to the mode of proceedings to be held for winding up
of a company by the Tribunal under this Act;
(ii)for the holding of meetings of creditors and members in
connection with proceedings under section 230;
(iii)for giving effect to the provisions of this Act as to the
reduction of the capital;
(iv)generally for all applications to be made to the Tribunal
under the provisions of this Act;
(v)the holding and conducting of meetings to ascertain the
wishes of creditors and contributories;
(vi)the settling of lists of contributories and the rectifying of
the register of members where required, and collecting and
applying the assets;
(vii)the payment, delivery, conveyance, surrender or
transfer of money, property, books or papers to the liquidator;
(viii)the making of calls; and
(ix)the fixing of a time within which debts and claims shall
be proved.‖
39. ** In Schedule V, in Part II, in section III, for clause (b),the
following clause shall be substituted, namely: -
―(b)where the company—
(i)is a newly incorporated company, for a period of seven
years from the date of its incorporation, or
(ii)is a sick company, for whom a scheme of revival or
rehabilitation has been ordered by the Board for Industrial
and Financial Reconstruction for a period of five years from
the date of sanction of scheme of revival,
(iii) is a company in relation to which a resolution
plan has been approved by the National Company Law
Tribunal under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
for a period of five years from the date of such approval,
it may pay remuneration up to two times the amount
permissible under section II.‖
248
APPENDIX I
Motion in Lok Sabha for reference of the Bill to the Joint Committee.
That in order to constitute a sitting of the Joint Committee the quorum shall be
one-third of the total number of members of the Joint Committee
That the committee shall make a report to this House by the last day of the first
week of the Budget Session, 2016;
That this House recommends to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do join the said
Joint Committee and communicate to this House the name of the members to be
appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee."
249
APPENDIX II
Motion in Rajya Sabha for reference of the Bill to the Joint Committee.
―That this House concurs in the recommendation of the Lok Sabha that this
House do join in the Joint Committee of the Houses on the Bill to consolidate and
amend the laws relating to reorganisation and insolvency resolution of corporate
persons, partnership firms and individuals in a time bound manner for maximization of
value of assets of such persons, to promote entrepreneurship, availability of credit and
balance the interest of all the stake holders including alteration in the order of priority of
payment of Government dues and to establish an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund and
for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto and resolves that the following
Members of the Rajya Sabha be nominated to serve on the said Joint Committee:—
250
APPENDIX III
(Vide para 2 of the Report)
"That this House do extend time for presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee
on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 upto the last day of the first week of
251
Appendix IV
(vide para 6 of the Report)
List of stakeholders/public at large from whom memoranda were received by the Joint
Committee in response to the Press communiqué issued on 26.01.2016
1 Shri Bala S S
Email: [email protected]
5. Rohit Kumar
IPUC HEPS
Alvas Pre University College
Moodbidri
Dist Dakshin Kannada
Karnataka
7. Shri V V Anand
General Manager(Retd.)
State Bank of India
09920227284, [email protected]
252
Anurag Das
Managing Partner
RAIN TREE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PTE LTD.
12, Marina View, #21-01, Asia Squiare Towr 2, Singapore-018961
10. Received from Dr. Stephen Louie, Adv. Madras High Court mail id
[email protected]
13. Kristin van Zwieten, Law Faculty University of Oxford, St. Cross Road,
Oxford, +44 7830056820
[email protected]
18 Mrs.Sobha Rastogi
C-199 (First Floor)
Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi 110048
Mob: 9818201761
253
19 Shri P.D.Sharma,
President
Apex Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Punjab)
Room No. 204, 2nd Floor, Savitri Complex-I, G.T.Road
Ludhiyana -141003
Mob. 09914220555
Tel: 0161-5036851
254
APPENDIX V
(vide para 8 of the Report)
List of Experts/ Statutory/ Regulatory/ Government Bodies/ Trade Unions as well
as organizations representing Industry and Professional Bodies who submitted
memoranda and tendered evidence before the Joint Committee
255
Sl. No. Name of Association / Date on which evidence was taken
Organisation/Experts/ Individual etc.
1 2 3
9. Federation of Indian Chambers of 9th February, 2016
Commerce and Industries (FICCI)
Federation House, Tansen Marg, New
Delhi 110001
10. The Associated Chambers of 9th February, 2016
Commerce and Industries of India
(ASSOCHAM)
ASSOCHAM Corporate Office, 5,
Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New
Delhi 110021
17. Centre for Law and Policy Research 15th February, 2016
(CLPR)
D6, Donna Cynthia,35, Primrose Road,
Craig Park Layout, Ashok Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
256
Sl. No. Name of Association / Date on which evidence was taken
Organisation/Experts/ Individual etc.
1 2 3
18. PRS Legislative Research 15th February, 2016
3rd Floor, Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
212, Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg,
New Delhi 110002
257
APPENDIX VI
Minutes of the First sitting of the Joint Committee on the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015, held on Tuesday, the 19th January, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1500 hrs. to 1730 hrs. in Committee Room 'C', Ground
Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
PRESENT
2. Shri P.P.Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Shivkumar C. Udasi
7. Shri Anil Shirole
8. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
9. Shri Jayadev Galla
10. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
11. Shri Chirag Paswan
12. Shri K.C.Venugopal
13. Smt.. Sushmita Dev
14. Dr. P. Venugopal
15. Shri Kalyan Banerjee
16. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
17. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
18. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
19. Shri Ajay Sancheti
20. Shri Naresh Gujral
21. Shri Anand Sharma
22. Dr. Balachandra Mungekar
23. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
SECRETARIAT
258
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members to the first sitting of the
Joint Committee. The Chairperson apprised that the Joint Committee of the Houses
has been constituted on a motion moved and adopted in Lok Sabha on the 23 rd
December, 2015 and concurred in by Rajya Sabha on the same date to examine the Bill
titled `The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘ and present report to the House.
The Chairperson apprised the Committee that the aforesaid Bill is an important
legislation which seeks to consolidate and amend the laws relating to reorganization
and insolvency resolution of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals in a
time bound manner. As per the motion, the report on the Bill has to be presented to
Parliament by the last day of the first week of the Budget Session 2016. The
Chairperson then apprised the Committee about the laid down procedure followed by
the Joint/Select Committees for examination of a Bill. The Chairperson also sought the
cooperation of all to fulfill the onerous task entrusted to the Committee.
259
[The representatives of the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) and
representatives of the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) were then
called in.]
260
Minutes of the Second sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bill titled `The
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘, held on Wednesday, the 20th January,
2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1340 hrs. in Committee Room `E‘,
Basement, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
RAJYA SABHA
15. Shri Ajay Sancheti
16. Shri Naresh Gujral
17. Shri Anand Sharma
18. Dr. Balachandra Mungekar
19. Shri K.C. Tyagi
SECRETARIAT
261
WITNESS
EXPERT
262
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members of the Committee and
Shri T.K.Viswanathan, former Law Secretary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha and
Chairman, Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee to the sitting of the Committee and
drew their attention to Direction 55(1) of the Directions by Speaker regarding
confidentiality of the proceedings of the Committee. Thereafter, Shri T.K.Viswanathan
presented his considered views on the proposed legislation which he described as a
comprehensive Code. He also stated that the whole rationale of this Code is to be
based on a default based test to find out the sickness at the earlier stages instead of net
worth erosion test which is followed in the SICA and other laws. He also elaborated as
to how the Code would address the constraints and difficulties being faced in the
insolvency resolution of the companies and individuals under the existing framework.
The members, thereafter, raised pertinent queries to which the expert responded. To
some of the queries raised by the Committee on which the replies were not readily
available, the witness was requested to furnish written replies.
[The expert then withdrew and the representatives of the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs, Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services), Department of
Economic Affairs as well as Legislative Department were called in to brief the
Committee.]
263
related to synchronizing of the provisions of three Acts which the Department
administers, viz. Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institution Act, 1953,
The Securitisation and Reconstruction Of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest Act of 2002 (SARFESI), Payment and Settlement Act (PSS Act) with the
provisions made in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015. The representatives
responded to the queries of the Chairperson and members and assured written replies
to the points on which information was not readily available.
264
Minutes of the Third sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bill titled Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, 2015, held on Monday, the 8th February, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1300 hrs. and 1400 hrs. to 1515 hrs. in
Committee Room No. 074, Ground Floor, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.
PRESENT
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Anil Shirole
7. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
8. Shri Jayadev Galla
9. Shri K. C. Venugopal
10. Ms. Sushmita Dev
11. Dr. P. Venugopal
12. Shri Kalyan Banerjee
13. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
14. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
RAJYA SABHA
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Anand Sharma
17. Dr. Balachandra Mungekar
18. Shri Praful Patel
19. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
20. Shri K.C. Tyagi
SECRETARIAT
1. Smt. Sudesh Luthra - Joint Secretary
2. Shri J. V. G. Reddy - Director
3. Smt. Jagriti Tewatia - Deputy Secretary
265
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members to the sitting of the
Committee convened to take oral evidence of some of the
Statutory/Regulatory/Government Bodies in connection with examination of the Bill. The
Committee then took the oral evidence of the representatives of the following Bodies:
266
(iv) Competition Commission of India (CCI)
1. Shri Devender K. Sikri - Chairperson
2. Ms. Smita Jhingran - Secretary
3. Ms. Archana Goyal Gulati - Adviser (FA)
4. Ms. R. Bhama - Adviser (Law)
267
Minutes of the Fourth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bill titled `The
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘, held on Tuesday, the 9th February, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1345 hrs. in Committee Room No. 074,
Ground Floor, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.
PRESENT
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Anil Shirole
7. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
8. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
9. Shri Jayadev Galla
10. Ms. Sushmita Dev
11. Dr. P. Venugopal
12. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
13. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
RAJYA SABHA
14. Shri Ajay Sancheti
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Anand Sharma
17. Dr. Balachandra Mungekar
18. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
19. Shri Sukhendu Sekhar Roy
SECRETARIAT
268
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members to the sitting of the
Committee and informed them that in continuation of evidence of stakeholders held on
the 8th February, 2016, the Committee at this sitting would be taking oral evidence of
some of the organisations representing Industry, International Centre for Alternative
Dispute Resolution, Institutes of Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants and
Company Secretaries and Bar Council of India in connection with examination of the Bill.
The Committee then took the oral evidence of the representatives of the following
stakeholders:
269
(iii) The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM)
1. Shri Sunil Kanoria, President ,ASSOCHAM
2. Shri Raman Aggarwal, Chairman , FIDC
(iv) International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution(ICADR)
1. Shri B.S. Saluja, Secretary General
(v) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
1. CA. S. Santhanakrishnan, Central Council Member & Chairman Corporate Laws &
Corporate Governance Committee, ICAI
2. CA. Naveen ND Gupta, Central Council Member & Chairman, Committee on
Economic, Commercial Law & WTO, ICAI
3. A. Dhinal Shah, Central Council Member & Vice- Chairman, Committee on
Economic,Commercial Law & WTO, ICAI
4. CA. Sarika Singhal, Assistant Secretary, ICAI
270
various aspects related to examination of the above-mentioned Bill particularly in the
context of their mandate
4. During the course of evidence, members raised certain queries/sought
clarifications which were responded to by the representatives of the aforesaid
Organisations/Institutes. The representatives were asked to submit written
replies/clarifications in respect of queries to which replies could not be furnished
immediately.
The witnesses then withdrew.
271
Minutes of the Fifth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bill titled `The
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘, held on Monday, the 15th February,
2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1545 hrs. in Committee Room No. 074,
Ground Floor, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
3. Shri Subhash Baheria
4. Shri Nishikant Dubey
5. Shri Shivkumar C. Udasi
6. Shri Anil Shirole
7. Shri Jagdambika Pal
8. Shri Jayadev Galla
9. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
10. Shri Chirag Paswan
11. Shri K. C. Venugopal
12. Shri Kalyan Banerjee
13. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
14. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
RAJYA SABHA
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Anand Sharma
17. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
18. Shri Satish Chandra Misra
SECRETARIAT
272
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
Ministry of Finance
Legislative Department
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members to the sitting of the
Committee convened to take oral evidence of various research organisations, a
regulatory body, a LLP organisation, Trade Unions and also Ministries of Labour &
Employment, Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises (Department of Public Enterprises)
in connection with examination of the Bill titled `The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2015‘. The Committee then took oral evidence of the representatives of the following
stakeholders:-
273
PRS Legislative Research
1. Dr. M R Madhavan
2. Dr. Mandira Kala
3. Shri Aravind Gayam
4. Shri Vatsal Khullar
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research
274
Ministry of Labour & Employment
275
Minutes of the Sixth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bill titled `The
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘, held on Tuesday, the 16th February,
2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1425 hrs. in Committee Room No. 074,
Ground Floor, Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Shivkumar C Udasi
7. Shri Anil Shirole
8. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal
9. Shri Jagdambika Pal
10. Shri Jayadev Galla
11. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
12. Shri Kalyan Banerjee
13. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
RAJYA SABHA
14. Shri Ajay Sancheti
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Anand Sharma
17. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
18. Shri Satish Chandra Misra
SECRETARIAT
1. Smt. Sudesh Luthra - Joint Secretary
2. Shri J. V. G. Reddy - Director
3. Smt. Jagriti Tewatia - Deputy Secretary
276
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES
2. At the outset the Chairperson welcomed the members and representatives to the
sitting of the Joint Committee convened to take oral evidence of the representatives of
Departments of Economic Affairs, Financial Services, Legislative Department and
Ministry of Corporate of Affairs on the provisions contained in the Bill titled ‗The
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015. The Chairperson then drew the attention to the
provisions of the Direction 55(1) regarding the confidentiality of the evidence tendered
before the Committee.
4. The Committee, thereafter, reviewed the status of examination of Bill and noted
that as per the mandate of the House, the Committee were required to finalise and
present the Report on the Bill by the last day of the first week of the Budget Session
2016 i.e. 26 February, 2016. The Committee observed that they had completed
evidence of various experts/stakeholders, concerned Union Ministries/Departments,
but they were yet to complete certain stages of examination of the Bill which included
giving notice of amendments by the members, which would be followed by clause-by-
clause consideration of the Bill, drafting, consideration, adoption and presentation of the
Report to the Parliament. Considering the work involved in completing the remaining
stages of examination, the Committee felt that it would not be possible to finalise and
present the Report by the stipulated date i.e. 26 February, 2016. The Committee,
therefore, decided to seek extension of time for presentation of the Report upto the last
day of the first week of the second part of the Budget Session, 2016 i.e. 29 April, 2016.
5. The Committee also decided that the members of the Committee may give notice
of amendments on the clauses of the Bill up to 23 February, 2016.
6. The Committee then decided to hold the next sitting on 3 March, 2016 to take up
clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.
The Committee sat from 0930 hrs. to 1015 hrs. in Room No. 062, Parliament
House, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Shivkumar C Udasi
7. Shri Anil Shirole
8. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
9. Shri Jayadev Galla
10. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
11. Shri Chirag Paswan
12. Dr. P Venugopal
13. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
14. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
15. Shri Ajay Sancheti
16. Shri Naresh Gujral
SECRETARIAT
279
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
Ministry Of Finance
A. Legislative Department
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members of the Joint Committee
and representatives of Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and
Department of Legal Affairs to the sitting of the Committee convened to take up clause-
by-clause consideration of the Bill titled `The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘.
The Chairperson then apprised the Committee that having concluded the evidences the
members of the Joint Committee were requested to give notice of amendments as per
laid down rules/procedure. The last date for giving notice of amendment by members
was 23 February, 2016 which was further extended upto 29 February, 2016 on the
request of some of the members of the Committee. 106 amendments and another 36
suggestions on the Bill, which contains 252 clauses have been received from members
of the Committee. The amendments have been consolidated, arranged clause-wise by
the Secretariat and circulated to the members of the Committee. The Chairperson also
apprised the Committee that House has granted extension of time for presentation of
the report on the Insolvency Code, 2015 upto last day of the first week of second part of
Budget Session, 2016 i.e. 29 April, 2016.
280
3. The Chairperson then drew the attention of the Committee to provisions of
Direction 55(1) of the Directions by the Speaker Lok Sabha regarding the confidentiality
of the proceedings of the sitting of the Committee. The Committee after some
deliberations decided to meet again on 17 March, 2016 to take up clause-by-clause
consideration of the Bill.
281
Minutes of the Eighth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015, held on Thursday, the 17th March, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1350 hrs. in Committee Room No. G074,
PLB, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Anil Shirole
7. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal
8. Shri Jayadev Galla
9. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
10. Shri Chirag Paswan
11. Dr. P Venugopal
12. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
13. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
RAJYA SABHA
14. Shri Ajay Sancheti
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
17. Shri Sukhendu Sekhar Roy
SECRETARIAT
282
REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE
3. The Chairperson then put the Bill before the Committee clause-by-clause as per
Direction 77 and requested members to move their amendments on a clause, if any,
followed by deliberations by the Committee. The Chairperson also drew the attention
of members to Rule 92 whereby clause one, the Enacting Formula, the Preamble and
the Title of a Bill stand postponed until the other clauses and schedules have been
disposed of. The Chairperson also drew the attention to the provisions of Direction
55(1) regarding confidentiality of the proceedings of the Committee.
283
4. The Committee then took up clause-by-clause consideration of the Code from
clause 2 onwards. The Committee took up clauses one by one and after deliberations
took decisions on clause 2-13.
284
Minutes of the ninth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015, held on Thursday, the 6th April, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1640 hrs in Committee Room No. G074,
PLB, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Abhishek Singh
7. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal
8. Shri Jayadev Galla
9. Dr. P Venugopal
10. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
11. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
12. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
13. Shri Ajay Sancheti
14. Shri Naresh Gujral
15. Shri Praful Patel
16. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
17. Shri K C Tyagi
18. Shri Satish Chandra Mishra
SECRETARIAT
1. Smt. Sudesh Luthra - Joint Secretary
2. Shri J. V. G. Reddy - Director
3. Smt. Jagriti Tewatia - Deputy Secretary
285
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
1. Dr. G Narayanan Raju - Secretary
2. Dr. Mukulita Vijayawargiya - Addl. Secretary
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members and the representatives
of Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and Department of Legal
Affairs to the sitting of the Joint Committee. The Chairperson drew the attention of the
members of the Committee to the extension granted by the House for presentation of
the report i.e. upto the last day of the first week of Budget Session, 2016. He then
apprised the members about the prorogation of Lok Sabha on 29 th March, 2016 and as
a result of which the second part of the Budget Session, 2016 stood cancelled. In these
circumstances, the Committee decided that a motion stating that the extension of time
granted to the Joint Committee on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 by the
House on 26th February, 2016 for presentation of the Report upto the last day of the first
week of the second part of the Budget Session, 2016, may be treated as extension upto
the last day of the first week of the current Session, may be moved in the House when
convened during the next Session i.e. Eighth Session of Lok Sabha. The attention of
Committee was also drawn to Direction 55(1) regarding confidentiality of the
proceedings of the Committee.
286
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 from clause 14 onwards before the Committee.
The members moved the amendments clause-wise as given in the notices of
amendments circulated to the members of the Committee. The general suggestions
given by the members were also considered by the Committee while taking decision the
respective clause. The Committee after deliberations took decision from clause 14 to
93.
287
Minutes of the tenth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bankruptcy and
Insolvency Code, 2015 held on Thursday, the 07th April, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1810 hrs in Committee Room No. G074,
PLB, New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Subhash Baheria
5. Shri Nishikant Dubey
6. Shri Abhishek Singh
7. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
8. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal
9. Shri Jagdambika Pal
10. Shri Jayadev Galla
11. Dr. P Venugopal
12. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
13. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
14. Shri Ajay Sancheti
15. Shri Naresh Gujral
16. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
17. Shri K C Tyagi
18 . Shri Satish Chandra Mishra
SECRETARIAT
288
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES OF FINANCE
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members and the representatives
of Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and Department of Legal
Affairs to the sitting of the Joint Committee. The attention of Committee was drawn to
Direction 55(1) regarding confidentiality of the proceedings of the Committee.
289
4. The Committee desired that the Legislative Department may suggest formulation
wherever accepted by the Committee. It was also decided that the Legislative
Department may also take care of the consequential amendments that may be required
in other Clauses of the Bill pursuant to the amendments accepted by the Committee.
290
Minutes of the Eleventh sitting of the Joint Committee on the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2015, held on Thursday, the 21st April, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1100 hrs. to 1228 hrs in Committee Room "E",
Basement, PHA, New Delhi.
PRESENT
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Nishikant Dubey
5. Shri Anil Shirole
6. Shri Sanjay Jaiswal
7. Shri Jagdambika Pal
8. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
9. Smt. Sushmita Dev
10 Shri Kalyan Banerjee
11. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
12. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
13. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
SECRETARIAT
291
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MINISTRIES OF FINANCE AND LAW & JUSTICE
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members and the representatives
of Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and Department of Legal
Affairs to the sitting of the Joint Committee. The Chairperson apprised the members
that the sitting of the Committee has been convened to consider and approve the
formulations with regard to the amended clauses as decided by the Committee at their
sittings held on 17 March, 6 and 7 April, 2016. In this regard, two documents (i) the
amendments as incorporated in the Bill, as drafted by the Legislative Department in
consultation with the Department of Economic Affairs; and (ii) the draft report
incorporating the formulations have been circulated to the members of the Committee
for their consideration and approval. The attention was also drawn to Direction 55(1)
regarding confidentiality of the proceedings of the Committee.
The Committee then considered and approved the draft formulations with regard
to the amendments decided by the Committee.
292
new clause 205 as proposed by the Committee relating to model bye-laws, clause
216(1)(b) relating to removal of information from the records of the information utility.
The Committee after deliberations decided to modify these clauses.
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Minutes of the twelfth sitting of the Joint Committee on the Bankruptcy and
Insolvency Code, 2015 held on Thursday, the 26th April, 2016.
The Committee sat from 1300 hrs. to 1320 hrs in Committee Room "B", PHA,
New Delhi.
PRESENT
LOK SABHA
2. Shri P. P Chaudhary
3. Shri Gopal Chinayya Shetty
4. Shri Nishikant Dubey
5. Shivkumar C Udasi
6. Shri Anil Shirole
7. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
8. Shri Jayadev Galla
9. Shri Chandrakant Khaire
10. Shri Chirag Paswan
11. Smt. Sushmita Dev
12. Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab
13. Shri B. Vinod Kumar
14. Shri Jitendra Chaudhury
RAJYA SABHA
15. Shri Ajay Sancheti
16. Shri Praful Patel
17. Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
18. Shri K C Tyagi
19. Shri Anand Sharma
20. Shri Naresh Gujral
21. Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita
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SECRETARIAT
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
2. At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the members and the representatives
of the Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and Department of Legal
Affairs to the sitting of the Joint Committee convened to consider and adopt the draft
report on the Bill titled `Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015‘ alongwith the amended
Bill. The Chairperson then felicitated Shri Anand Sharma and Shri Naresh Gujral,
members of Rajya Sabha for their re-appointment to the Joint Committee. The
Chairperson also felicitated Shri Bhubaneshwar Kalita, member of Rajya Sabha for
joining the Committee on his appointment to the Joint Committee.
4. Subsequent to adoption of the draft report, the Committee took the following
decisions:-
(i) The Legislative Department was authorised to correct patent errors, if any,
in the Bill.
(ii) The records of evidence tendered before the Committee may be laid on
the Table of both the Houses of Parliament.
(iii) Two sets of memoranda containing comments and suggestions of
stakeholders on the provisions of the Bill, as circulated to the Members of
the Committee in Parliament Library, after the Report has been presented,
for reference of the Members of Parliament.
(iv) To authorise Chairperson to finalise and present/lay the report to Lok
Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
5. The Chairperson drew the attention of members of the Committee to Direction 84
and 85 and stated that members desirous of submitting dissent note may do so by 1200
hrs. on 27th April, 2016,
6. The Chairperson in his concluding remarks thanked all the members of the Joint
Committee for their unstinted support and cooperation which made the Committee to
examine and finalize the report on a comprehensive and important legislation within a
short time. The Chairperson then thanked Shri T.K. Viswanathan, Chairman,
Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee, various experts/representatives of
Statutory/Regulatory/Government Bodies and Research Bodies/Trade Unions,
organisations representing Industry and Professional Bodies, stakeholders, Ministry of
Labour & Employment, Department of Public Enterprises and Department of Financial
Services for submitting their views before the Committee. The Chairperson also
thanked the Secretaries, Department of Economic Affairs, Legislative Department and
Department of Legal Affairs and their team of officers for furnishing necessary
information/documents and rendering valuable assistance to the Committee. The
Chairperson, thereafter placed on record the appreciation for the relentless assistance
provided to the Committee by the officers and staff of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
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