Petition to Institute Arbitration Proceedings Against CD Rejected as Moratorium Imposed by NCLT Restrains Its Institution | HC

  • Blog|News|Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code|
  • 2 Min Read
  • By Taxmann
  • |
  • Last Updated on 23 October, 2024

Moratorium Enforcement

Case Details: Mercury Car Rentals (P.) Ltd. v. Shiva Industrial Security Agency Gujrat Ltd. - [2024] 167 taxmann.com 472 (HC-Delhi)

Judiciary and Counsel Details

  • C. Hari Shankar, J.
  • Ms Kaadambari SinghMs Muskaan Chawla, Advs. for the Petitioner.
  • Ms Kanchan YadavMs Sonia DubeMs Saumya Sharma, Advs. for the Respondent.

Facts of the Case

In the instant case, the CIRP was initiated against the respondent-corporate debtor, and a moratorium was imposed. The moratorium had been imposed by the NCLT order, which prohibited the institution or continuation of any proceedings against the respondent, including arbitral proceedings.

Meanwhile, the former Director of the respondent assailed the aforesaid order before the NCLAT, arguing that there had been breaches of a lease agreement. The NCLAT, while issuing a notice on appeal, observed/ruled that submissions advanced by both parties needed scrutiny.

Later, the NCLAT acknowledged the appeal but did not stay the moratorium imposed by the NCLT. The petitioner submitted that, as the NCLAT had stated that no further steps be taken in pursuance of the order passed by the NCLT, the moratorium imposed by the said order must be treated as stayed.

The petitioner further contended that since the NCLAT had directed no further steps to be taken regarding the moratorium, it should be considered a stay.

High Court Held

The High Court held that the moratorium imposed by the NCLT specifically restrains the institution and continuation of any proceedings, including arbitral proceedings against the respondent. Therefore, the petition for the institution of arbitral proceedings against the respondent could not be granted while the moratorium was in place.

List of Cases Reviewed

  • SSMP Industries Ltd. v Perkan Food Processors Pvt Ltd (para 9) distinguished

Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Everything on Tax and Corporate Laws of India

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter please log in/register on Taxmann.com

Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied