Salient Features of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016

Following are the key features of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016:

1. Resolution of Insolvency: 

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 lays down the separate insolvency resolving procedures for companies, individuals as well as partnership companies. It is possible to initiate the procedure either by the creditors or the debtors. The code lays down a maximum time period for completing the insolvency resolution procedure for individuals and corporates. In the case of a company, the procedure must be fully completed in one hundred and eighty days, which can later be stretched by ninety days only when a large percentage of creditors permit or agree. On the other hand, in the case of start-ups (aside to the partnership companies), small organizations as well as other organizations (having less than Rs 1 crore worth of assets), the resolution procedure would be fulfilled within a period of ninety days of initiating the required that can be further stretched by as many as 45 days. 

2. Regulator of Insolvency: 

The Code lays down that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India shall oversee the proceedings related to insolvency in the nation and also regulate all the organizations that have been registered by the board. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board shall consist of ten members, which would also include the representatives of the Law and Finance ministries as well as the RBI (Reserve Bank of India). 

3. Licensed Insolvency Professionals: 

The management of insolvency procedures shall be done by licensed insolvency professionals. They would also exercise control on the debtor’s assets at the time of the insolvency procedure. 

4. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Adjudicator: 

The Code has introduced two distinct tribunals for overseeing the procedure resolving insolvency, for companies and individuals. These are (i) the National Company Law Tribunal for organizations and Limited Liability Partnership companies; as well as (ii) the Debt Recovery Tribunal for overseeing insolvency resolution for individuals as well as partnership firms. 

5. Procedure: 

An insolvency plea is given to the authority that adjudicates (incorporate debtor’s case it is NCLT) by operation or financial creditors or the corporate debtor. The plea can be accepted or rejected in a maximum time period of fourteen days. In case the plea gets acceptance then the tribunal will have to quickly appoint an IRP or Insolvency Resolution Professional for drafting a plan of resolution within a period of 180 days (that can be extended by ninety days). Following this, the court would initiate the process of resolving corporate insolvency. For that particular period, the company’s directors shall remain suspended whereas the promoters shall have no say in the company management. The Insolvency Resolution Professional can seek help of the management of the company for handling everyday operations. In case the CIRP is unable to revive the organization, then the process of liquidation shall be initiated. 

6. Amendments: 

Certain individuals are prohibited from providing any plan of resolution in case there are any defaults. Hence, wilful defaulters, management, or promoters of the company in case there is any non-performing outstanding debt for more than a year, as well as directors who have been disqualified cannot submit any plan. Apart from this, the bill also places a restriction on the selling of a defaulter’s property to any such individuals at the time of liquidation.   

Related Articles:

• What is Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016?

• Fast Track Insolvency Resolution Process

• Insolvency Professional Meaning, Registration

• Voluntary Winding Up of a Company