THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (IBC) AND THE STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITY (SRA) CAN HAVE CONFLICTS IN HOW THEY HANDLE CORPORATE INSOLVENCY.
The Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRS) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) are different frameworks that are used to address housing issues and insolvency. Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRS) A PPP scheme that encourages private developers to invest in slum rehabilitation projects The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) oversees, coordinates, and approves the SRS The SRS offers extra Floor Square Index (FSI) to developers in exchange for their investment Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) A structured framework that helps resolve insolvencies The IBC aims to recover maximum asset value and resolve distressed entities quickly. The IBC has a stipulated resolution time of 330 days, including litigations POWERS OF SRA Attachment of property The SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) may want to attach property under the PMLA, but the IBC’s Section 32A protects property from confiscation. Pre-CIRP electricity dues The SRA shouldn’t be held liable for pre-CIRP electricity dues once a resolution plan is approved. Stay of acquisition process The RP may want to stay the SRA’s acquisition process, but the HC ruled that the IBC doesn’t allow staying the operation of another law remove defaulting developers under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). How the SRA can pursue avoidance applications If the Resolution Plan gives the SRA the power to pursue avoidance applications, then the SRA can do so. The SRA can pursue avoidance applications that were filed by the erstwhile Administrator and are pending before the NCLT. How the IBC prevails over other laws The IBC’s Section 238 states that the IBC prevails over other laws in cases of conflict. In the case of Rakesh Kumar Gupta v. Mahesh Bansal, the NCLT ruled that the IBC’s Section 7 can be applied even if there are proceedings pending under other laws. The IBC is a more recent special legislation, so it prevails over earlier laws. However, the IBC is a special legislation that prevails over other laws, including the SRA, in cases of conflict. the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) of 2016 prevails over other laws if there is a conflict, according to Section 238 of the IBC. This means that the IBC takes precedence over any other law, including state enactments. How IBC prevails over other laws. Section 238 includes a “non-obstante clause” that neutralizes any contrary provisions. The IBC’s provisions have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent with any other law. The IBC’s overriding effect has been upheld by the Supreme Court. Examples of IBC overriding other laws: In Leo Edibles & Fats Ltd v. the Income-tax Department, the court ruled that the IBC overrides the Income Tax Act when determining dues during liquidation. In Alchemist Asset Reconstruction Company Limited v Hotel Gaudavan Private Limited and Others, the Supreme Court ruled that the IBC prevails over state enactments. BUT SLUM LAW AND IBC VIEW OF COURT IS AS UNDER: The provisions of the IBC are not meant to defeat slum redevelopment and similar or allied statutes. To hold otherwise would simply be unthinkable. It would mean that a Writ Court would put a premium on corporate wrongdoing and that even a defaulting corporate debtor who had not complied with the terms of a LoI […]
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