NCLAT directs Liquidator’ to proceed in accordance with law

S.C. Sekaran Vs Amit Gupta & Ors. (NCLAT)

Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the ‘Liquidator’, on instructions from the ‘Liquidator’, who is present, submits that the ‘Liquidator’ will ensure that both the companies remain going concern and if so necessary, he will take appropriate orders from the Adjudicating Authority. He may also take other steps in accordance with law as suggested by the learned counsel for the appellant subject to the approval of the Adjudicating Authority.

In view of the provision of Section 230 and the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in ‘Meghal Homes Pvt. Ltd.’ and ‘Swiss Ribbons Pvt. Ltd.’, we direct the ‘Liquidator’ to proceed in accordance with law. He will verify claims of all the creditors; take into custody and control of all the assets, property, effects and actionable claims of the ‘corporate debtor’, carry on the business of the ‘corporate debtor’ for its beneficial liquidation etc. as prescribed under Section 35 of the I&B Code. The Liquidator will access information under Section 33 and will consolidate the claim under Section 38 and after verification of claim in terms of Section 39 will either admit or reject the claim, as required under Section 40. Before taking steps to sell the assets of the ‘corporate debtor(s)’ (companies herein), the Liquidator will take steps in terms of Section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Adjudicating Authority, if so required, will pass appropriate order. Only on failure of revival, the Adjudicating Authority and the Liquidator will first proceed with the sale of company’s assets wholly and thereafter, if not possible to sell the company in part and in accordance with law.

The ‘Liquidator’ if initiates, will complete the process under Section 230 of the Companies Act within 90 days. For the purpose of counting the period of liquidation, the pendency of the appeal(s) preferred by the ‘Eight Finance Pvt. Ltd.’ that is from 12^thJuly, 2018 and till date should be excluded. In the circumstances, while we are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order(s) both dated 25t^hJune, 2018 direct the Liquidator to act in accordance with law and as observe above.

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF NCLAT

Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content.