Introduction

In 2016, with the birth of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC”), for the first time in its history, the country witnessed a comprehensive legislation which provided for a consolidated insolvency regime, whether it be for companies, partnership firms or individuals.

This article discusses the applicability of IBC to companies in which the Government of India has a stake.

What the law does not say

Introduction

The Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC”) has been one of the most talked about debated, evolving legislations of recent times. It has brought with itself, a sea change in the manner that debt is resolved in India. From its very advent in late 2016, IBC has been embroiled in long fought interpretational tussles which have resulted in various gaps being filled in by the Supreme Court of India. In fact, the legislation itself has undergone several and frequent amendments.

Introduction

National Company Law Tribunal (“NCLT”) was introduced in the Companies Act, 1956 in the year 2002. However, despite that, the erstwhile Company Law Board continued to function and NCLTs remained only on the statute book. It was only in late 2016 when the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“IBC”) was notified, that the NCLTs became operational.

Exclusive Jurisdiction