In the market of changing scenarios, the companies are faced by numerous challenges on the business front. At times they may be confronted with such financial crisis that it is no longer practical to continue the business operations and deal with the mounting losses. In such situations, the companies may be referred for insolvency resolution.

Guiding light

Relying on Report of Insolvency Law Committee, Supreme Court of India has held that insertion of Section 238A in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is retrospective.

Setting aside the NCLAT Order, the court in its judgement dated 11-10-2018 held that Limitation Act, 1963 will apply to the applications made under Section 7 and/or Section 9 of the IBC on and from its commencement on 1-12-2016 till 6-6-2018 when the provisions of applicability of Limitation Act were incorporated.

Supreme Court ruling in ArcelorMittal case — An analysis

By Mitali Daryani

The Supreme Court on 4-10-2018 allowed yet another opportunity to mining major ArcelorMittal and Russia's VT B Capital-backed NuMetal to bid for Essar Steel provided they clear their Non-Performing Asset (NPA) dues in two weeks. The bench comprising Justice R. F. Nariman and Justice Indu Malhotra, has also taken this opportunity to interpret and clarify Section 29A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. However, the Essar saga is far from over.

In the age of growing competition in the market and ever changing fast paced technologies, the business houses face different challenges some of which may question their very existence. With changing times and circumstances, the corporates are required to undergo a structural modification in order to continue their working and to save their decaying and old outlook. The old standards need modifications rejuvenating with latest thoughts and new fashionable products. It is seen often, recourses to mergers and acquisitions are taken.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as “the Code”) undergoes yet another amendment to ensure enforcement of the provisions of the Code aiming towards the fulfilment of its objective of time-bound resolution process. These amendments will facilitate effective implementation and obtain desired results. The highlights of a few provisions in the said regard are:

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (‘Code’) aims for resolution of insolvency as opposed to liquidation. The law was framed with the intention to expedite and simplify the process of insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings in India ensuring fair negotiations between opposite parties and encouraging revival of the company by formulation of a resolution plan.

The IBC has undergone multiple amendments, since its inception in 2016. June saw another major amendment, which finally addressed a few issues which had plagued the Code and had resulted in litigation. The June amendment provided the much-needed relief to home buyers and placed them on par with financial creditors, eased the procedure for seeking an extension of time for competing the CIRP and allowed withdrawal of insolvency proceedings under certain conditions.

On 20 June 2018, the Indian Government released a suggested draft chapter on cross-border insolvency to be included into the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code). This addresses a missing link in the ambitious reforms of the Indian insolvency framework and is to be welcomed.