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Introduction

There is a worrying trend in the construction industry: contractor insolvencies are on the rise.

According to a release from The Insolvency Service, the construction industry accounted for 3,213 insolvency cases in the 12 months leading up to April 2022. This equates to almost a fifth (19%) of the overall cases of insolvency and, more worryingly, these numbers are still growing. These insolvencies have occurred throughout the market but have particularly affected smaller and mid-tier contractors.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has on 21 September 2022 released the Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022 (Bill) which consolidates and amends the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933, and The Telegraph Wires, (Unlawful Protection) Act 1950. In Chapter 5 (Restructuring, Defaults in Payment and Insolvency), the Bill addresses situations wherein payment defaults or insolvency proceedings have been initiated against a telecommunication company (Telco or Corporate Debtor).

Introduction

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) on 16 September 2022 promulgated the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (CIRP Amendment Regulations) amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 (CIRP Regulations).  

The key amendments introduced by the CIRP Amendment Regulations are as follows: 

In a recent order passed by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (“NCLAT”) in Somesh Choudhary v Knight Riders Sports Private Limited & Anr. under Company Appeal (AT) Insolvency No.

On 27 July 2022, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in Zoom Communications Private Limited v Par Excellence Real Estate Private Limited, Company Appeal (AT) (Insolvency) No. 619 of 2022 upheld the order of the National Company Law Tribunal, New Delhi (NCLT) dated 17 May 2022 dismissing an application to initiate Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) on the ground that the debt appeared suspicious and collusive in nature.

Background

As challenging trading conditions in the UK economy persist, insolvency is a real prospect facing many companies. Businesses are increasingly likely to find themselves dealing with other businesses that are in financial difficulties or even insolvent. In such cases, the need to plan ahead, develop strategies to minimise problems and manage relationships with customers and suppliers should not be underestimated.

This article looks at some of the issues to consider when dealing with companies that are either insolvent or on the brink of insolvency and how to protect your business.