INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF INDIA (LIQUIDATION PROCESS) REGULATIONS, 2016

INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF INDIA (LIQUIDATION PROCESS) REGULATIONS, 2016[1]

[AMENDED UPTO 28-04-2022]

IBBI/2016-17/GN/REG005.-In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54, 196 and 208 read with section 240 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016), the Board hereby makes the following Regulations, namely-

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY

Regulation - 1. Short title and commencement.

(1)     These Regulations may be called the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016.

(2)     These Regulations shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

(3)     These Regulations shall apply to the liquidation process under Chapter III of Part II of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Regulation - 2. Definitions.

(1)     In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-

(a)      “books of the corporate debtor” means

(i)       the books of account and the financial statements as defined in section 2(13) and 2(40) of the Companies Act, 2013,

(ii)      the books of account as referred to in section 34 of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, or

(iii)     the books of accounts as specified under the applicable law, as the case may be;

(b)      “Code” means the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016;

[2][(ba) “consultation committee” means the stakeholders’ consultation committee constituted under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 31A;]

(c)      “contributory” means a member of the company, a partner of the limited liability partnership, and any other person liable to contribute towards the assets of the corporate debtor in the event of its liquidation;

[3][(ca) “Corporate Liquidation Account” means the Corporate Liquidation Account operated and maintained by the Board under regulation 46;]

(d)      “electronic means” mean an authorized and secured computer programme which is capable of producing confirmation of sending communication to the participant entitled to receive such communication at the last electronic mail address provided by such participant and keeping record of such communication;

(e)      “identification number” means the Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number or the Corporate Identity Number, as the case may be;

[4][(ea) “liquidation cost” under clause (16) of section 5 means-

(i)       fee payable to the liquidator under regulation 4;

(ii)      remuneration payable by the liquidator under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 7;

(iii)     costs incurred by the liquidator under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 24;

(iv)    costs incurred by the liquidator for preserving and protecting the assets, properties, effects and actionable claims, including secured assets, of the corporate debtor;

(v)      costs incurred by the liquidator in carrying on the business of the corporate debtor as a going concern;

(vi)    interest on interim finance for a period of twelve months or for the period from the liquidation commencement date till repayment of interim finance, whichever is lower;

(vii)   the amount repayable [5][***] under sub-regulation (3) of regulation 2A;

(viii)  any other cost incurred by the liquidator which is essential for completing the liquidation process:

Provided that the cost, if any, incurred by the liquidator in relation to compromise or arrangement under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), if any, shall not form part of liquidation cost.]

(f)       “Preliminary Report” means the report prepared in accordance with Regulation 13;

(g)      “Progress Report” means the quarterly report prepared in accordance with Regulation 15;

(h)     “registered valuer” means a person registered as such in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) and rules made thereunder;

(i)       “Schedule” means a schedule to these Regulations;

(j)       “section” means section of the Code; and

(k)      “stakeholders” means the stakeholders entitled to distribution of proceeds under section 53.

(2)     Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions used and not defined in these Regulations, but defined in the Code, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Code.

Regulation - 2A. Contributions to liquidation costs.

Regulation - [6][2A. Contributions to liquidation costs.

(1)     Where the committee of creditors did not approve a plan under sub-regulations (3) of regulation 39B of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016, the liquidator shall call upon the financial creditors, being financial institutions, to contribute the excess of the liquidation costs over the liquid assets of the corporate debtor, as estimated by him, in proportion to the financial debts owed to them by the corporate debtor.

Illustration

Assume that the excess of liquidation costs over liquid assets is Rs.10, as estimated by the liquidator. Financial creditors will be called upon to contribute, as under:

(2)     The contributions made under the plan approved under sub-regulation (3) of regulation 39B of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 or contributions made under sub-regulation (1), as the case may be, shall be deposited in a designated escrow account to be opened and maintained in a scheduled bank, within seven days of the passing of the liquidation order.

(3)     The amount contributed under sub-regulation (2) shall be repayable with interest at bank rate referred to in section 49 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (2 of 1934) as part of liquidation cost.

[7][Explanation.- It is hereby clarified that the requirements of this regulation shall apply to the liquidation processes commencing on or after the date of the commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.]

Regulation - 2B. Compromise or arrangement.

(1)     Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), it shall be completed within ninety days of the order of liquidation under [8][***] section 33.

[9][ Provided that a person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor, shall not be a party in any manner to such compromise or arrangement.]

(2)     The time taken on compromise or arrangement, not exceeding ninety days, shall not be included in the liquidation period.

(3)     Any cost incurred by the liquidator in relation to compromise or arrangement shall be borne by the corporate debtor, where such compromise or arrangement is sanctioned by the Tribunal under sub-section (6) of section 230:

Provided that such cost shall be borne by the parties who proposed compromise or arrangement, where such compromise or arrangement is not sanctioned by the Tribunal under sub-section (6) of section 230.]

CHAPTER II APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF LIQUIDATOR

Regulation - 3. Eligibility for appointment as liquidator.

(1)     An insolvency professional shall be eligible to be appointed as a liquidator if he, and every partner or director of the insolvency professional entity of which he is a partner or director, is independent of the corporate debtor.

Explanation– A person shall be considered independent of the corporate debtor, if he-

(a)      is eligible to be appointed as an independent director on the board of the corporate debtor under section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), where the corporate debtor is a company;

(b)      is not a related party of the corporate debtor; or

(c)      has not been an employee or proprietor or a partner:

(i)       of a firm of auditors or [10][secretarial auditors] or cost auditors of the corporate debtor; or

(ii)      of a legal or a consulting firm, that has or had any transaction with the corporate debtor contributing ten per cent or more of the gross turnover of such firm, in the last three financial years.

(2)     A liquidator shall disclose the existence of any pecuniary or personal relationship with the concerned corporate debtor or any of its stakeholders as soon as he becomes aware of it, to the Board and the Adjudicating Authority.

(3)     An insolvency professional shall not continue as a liquidator if the insolvency professional entity of which he is a director or partner, or any other partner or director of such insolvency professional entity represents any other stakeholder in the same liquidation process.

Regulation - 4. Liquidator’s fee.

Regulation - 4. [11][Liquidator’s fee.

(1)     The fee payable to the liquidator shall be in accordance with the decision taken by the committee of creditors under regulation 39D of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016.

(2)     In cases other than those covered under sub-regulation (1), the liquidator shall be entitled to a fee-

(a)      at the same rate as the resolution professional was entitled to during the corporate insolvency resolution process, for the period of compromise or arrangement under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013); and

(b)      as a percentage of the amount realised net of other liquidation costs, and of the amount distributed, for the balance period of liquidation, as under:

[12][Clarification: For the purposes of clause (b), it is hereby clarified that where a liquidator realises any amount, but does not distribute the same, he shall be entitled to a fee corresponding to the amount realised by him. Where a liquidator distributes any amount, which is not realised by him, he shall be entitled to a fee corresponding to the amount distributed by him.]

(3)     Where the fee is payable under clause (b) of sub-regulation (2), the liquidator shall be entitled to receive half of the fee payable on realisation only after such realised amount is distributed.

Clarification: Regulation 4 of these regulations, as it stood before the commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019 shall continue to be applicable in relation to the liquidation processes already commenced before the coming into force of the said amendment Regulations.]

CHAPTER III POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF LIQUIDATOR

Regulation - 5. Reporting.

(1)     The liquidator shall prepare and submit:

(a)      a preliminary report;

(b)      an asset memorandum;

(c)      progress report(s);

(d)      sale report(s);

(e)      minutes of consultation with stakeholders; and

(f)       the final report prior to dissolution to the Adjudicating Authority in the manner specified under these Regulations.

(2)     The liquidator shall preserve a physical as well as an electronic copy of the reports and minutes referred to in sub-regulation (1) for eight years after the dissolution of the corporate debtor.

(3)     Subject to other provisions of these Regulations, the liquidator shall make the reports and minutes referred to sub-regulation (1) available to a stakeholder in either electronic or physical form, on receipt of

(a)      an application in writing;

(b)      costs of making such reports and minutes available to it; and

(c)      an undertaking from the stakeholder that it shall maintain confidentiality of such reports and minutes and shall not use these to cause an undue gain or undue loss to itself or any other person.

Regulation - 6. Registers and books of account.

(1)     Where the books of account of the corporate debtor are incomplete on the liquidation commencement date, the liquidator shall have them completed and brought up-to-date, with all convenient speed, as soon as the order for liquidation is passed.

(2)     The liquidator shall maintain the following registers and books, as may be applicable, in relation to the liquidation of the corporate debtor, and shall preserve them for a period of eight years after the dissolution of the corporate debtor-

(a)      Cash Book;

(b)      Ledger;

(c)      Bank Ledger;

(d)      Register of Fixed Assets and Inventories;

(e)      Securities and Investment Register;

(f)       Register of Book Debts and Outstanding Debts;

(g)      Tenants Ledger;

(h)     Suits Register;

(i)       Decree Register;

(j)       Register of Claims and Dividends;

(k)      Contributories Ledger;

(l)       Distributions Register;

(m)    Fee Register;

(n)     Suspense Register;

(o)      Documents Register;

(p)      Books Register;

(q)      [13][Register of unclaimed dividends and undistributed proceeds; and]

(r)      such other books or registers as may be necessary to account for transactions entered into by him in relation to the corporate debtor.

(3)     The registers and books under sub-regulation (2) may be maintained in the forms indicated in Schedule III, with such modifications as the liquidator may deem fit in the facts and circumstances of the liquidation process.

(4)     The liquidator shall keep receipts for all payments made or expenses incurred by him.

Regulation - 7. Appointment of professionals.

(1)     A liquidator may appoint professionals to assist him in the discharge of his duties, obligations and functions for a reasonable remuneration and such remuneration shall form part of the liquidation cost.

(2)     The liquidator shall not appoint a professional under sub-regulation (1) who is his relative, is a related party of the corporate debtor or has served as an auditor to the corporate debtor in the five years preceding the liquidation commencement date.

(3)     A professional appointed or proposed to be appointed under sub-regulation (1) shall disclose the existence of any pecuniary or personal relationship with any of the stakeholders, or the concerned corporate debtor as soon as he becomes aware of it, to the liquidator.

Regulation - 8. Consultation with stakeholders.

(1)     The stakeholders consulted under section 35(2) shall extend all assistance and cooperation to the liquidator to complete the liquidation of the corporate debtor.

(2)     The liquidator shall maintain the particulars of any consultation with the stakeholders made under this Regulation, as specified in Form A of Schedule II.

Regulation - 9. Personnel to extend cooperation to liquidator.

(1)     The liquidator may make an application to the Adjudicating Authority for a direction that a person who-

(a)      is or has been an officer, auditor, employee, promoter or partner of the corporate debtor;

(b)      was the interim resolution professional, resolution professional or the previous liquidator of the corporate debtor; or

(c)      has possession of any of the properties of the corporate debtor;

shall cooperate with him in the collection of information necessary for the conduct of the liquidation.

(2)     An application may be made under this Regulation only after the liquidator has made reasonable efforts to obtain the information from such person and failed to obtain it.

Regulation - 10. Disclaimer of onerous property.

(1)     Where any part of the property of a corporate debtor consists of-

(a)      land of any tenure, burdened with onerous covenants;

(b)      shares or stocks in companies;

(c)      any other property which is not saleable or is not readily saleable by reason of the possessor thereof being bound either to the performance of any onerous act or to the payment of any sum of money; or

(d)      unprofitable contracts;

the liquidator may, notwithstanding that he has endeavored to sell or has taken possession of the property or exercised any act of ownership in relation thereto or done anything in pursuance of the contract, make an application to the Adjudicating Authority within six months from the liquidation commencement date, or such extended period as may be allowed by the Adjudicating Authority, to disclaim the property or contract.

(2)     The liquidator shall not make an application under sub-regulation (1) if a person interested in the property or contract inquired in writing whether he will make an application to have such property disclaimed, and he did not communicate his intention to do so within one month from receipt of such inquiry.

(3)     The liquidator shall serve a notice to persons interested in the onerous property or contract at least seven days before making an application for disclaimer to the Adjudicating Authority:

Explanation: A person is interested in the onerous property or contract if he-

(a)      is entitled to the benefit or subject to the burden of the contract; or

(b)      claims an interest in a disclaimed property or is under a liability not discharged in respect of a disclaimed property.

(4)     Subject to the order of the Adjudicating Authority approving such disclaimer, the disclaimer shall operate to determine, from the date of disclaimer, the rights, interest and liabilities of the corporate debtor in or in respect of the property or contract disclaimed, but shall not, except so far as is necessary for the purpose of releasing the corporate debtor and the property of the corporate from liability, affect the rights, interest or liabilities of any other person.

(5)     A person affected by the disclaimer under this Regulation shall be deemed to be a creditor of the corporate debtor for the amount of the compensation or damages payable in respect of such effect, and may accordingly be payable as a debt in liquidation under section 53(1)(f).

Regulation - 11. Extortionate credit transactions.

A transaction shall be considered an extortionate credit transaction under section 50(2) where the terms-

(1)     require the corporate debtor to make exorbitant payments in respect of the credit provided; or

(2)     are unconscionable under the principles of law relating to contracts.

CHAPTER IV GENERAL

Regulation - 12. Public announcement by liquidator.

(1)     The liquidator shall make a public announcement in Form B of Schedule II within five days from his appointment.

(2)     [14][The public announcement shall-

(a)      call upon stakeholders to submit their claims or update their claims submitted during the corporate insolvency resolution process, as on the liquidation commencement date; and

(b)      provide the last date for submission or updation of claims, which shall be thirty days from the liquidation commencement date.]

(3)     The announcement shall be published-

(a)      in one English and one regional language newspaper with wide circulation at the location of the registered office and principal office, if any, of the corporate debtor and any other location where in the opinion of the liquidator, the corporate debtor conducts material business operations;

(b)      on the website, if any, of the corporate debtor; and

(c)      on the website, if any, designated by the Board for this purpose.

Regulation - 13. Preliminary report.

The liquidator shall submit a Preliminary Report to the Adjudicating Authority within seventy- five days from the liquidation commencement date, detailing-

(a)      the capital structure of the corporate debtor;

(b)      the estimates of its assets and liabilities as on the liquidation commencement date based on the books of the corporate debtor:

Provided that if the liquidator has reasons to believe, to be recorded in writing, that the books of the corporate debtor are not reliable, he shall also provide such estimates based on reliable records and data otherwise available to him;

(c)      whether, he intends to make any further inquiry in to any matter relating to the promotion, formation or failure of the corporate debtor or the conduct of the business thereof; and

(d)      the proposed plan of action for carrying out the liquidation, including the timeline within which he proposes to carry it out and the estimated liquidation costs.

Regulation - 14. Early dissolution.

Any time after the preparation of the Preliminary Report, if it appears to the liquidator that-

(a)      the realizable properties of the corporate debtor are insufficient to cover the cost of the liquidation process; and

(b)      the affairs of the corporate debtor do not require any further investigation;

he may apply to the Adjudicating Authority for early dissolution of the corporate debtor and for necessary directions in respect of such dissolution.

Regulation - 15. Progress reports.

(1)     The liquidator shall submit Progress Reports to the Adjudicating Authority as under-

(a)      the first Progress Report within fifteen days after the end of the quarter in which he is appointed;

(b)      subsequent Progress Report(s) within fifteen days after the end of every quarter during which he acts as liquidator; and

Provided that if an insolvency professional ceases to act as a liquidator during the liquidation process, he shall file a Progress Report for the quarter up to the date of his so ceasing to act, within fifteen days of such cessation.

(2)     A Progress Report shall provide all information relevant to liquidation for the quarter, including-

(a)      appointment, tenure of appointment and cessation of appointment of professionals;

(b)      a statement indicating progress in liquidation, including-

(i)       settlement of list of stakeholders,

(ii)      details of any property that remain to be sold and realized,

(iii)     distribution made to the stakeholders, and

(iv)    distribution of unsold property made to the stakeholders;

(c)      details of fee or remuneration, including-

(i)       the fee due to and received by the liquidator together with a description of the activities carried out by him,

(ii)      the remuneration or fee paid to professionals appointed by the liquidator together with a description of activities carried out by them,

(iii)     other expenses incurred by the liquidator, whether paid or not;

(d)      developments in any material litigation, by or against the corporate debtor;

(e)      filing of, and developments in applications for avoidance of transactions [15][under Part II] of the Code; and

(f)       changes, if any, in estimated liquidation costs.

(3)     A Progress Report shall enclose an account maintained by the liquidator showing-

(a)      his receipts and payments during the quarter; and

(b)      the cumulative amount of his receipts and payments since the liquidation commencement date.

(4)     A Progress Report shall enclose a statement indicating any material change in expected realization of any property proposed to be sold, along with the basis for such change:

Provided that this statement shall not be accessible to any person during the course of liquidation, unless permitted by the Adjudicating Authority.

(5)     The Progress Report for the fourth quarter of the financial year shall enclose audited accounts of the liquidator’s receipts and payments for the financial year:

Provided that in case an insolvency professional ceases to act as liquidator, the audited accounts of his receipts and payments for that part of the financial year during which he has acted as liquidator, shall be enclosed with the Progress Report to be filed after cessation of his appointment.

Illustration: An insolvency professional becomes a liquidator on 13th February, 2017, and ceases to act as liquidator on 12th February, 2019. He shall submit Progress Reports as under:

He shall submit the audited accounts of his receipts and payments as under:

CHAPTER V CLAIMS

Regulation - 16. Submission of claim.

Regulation - 16. [16][Submission of claim.

(1)     A person, who claims to be a stakeholder, shall submit its claim, or update its claim submitted during the corporate insolvency resolution process, including interest, if any, on or before the last date mentioned in the public announcement.

(2)     A person shall prove its claim for debt or dues to him, including interest, if any, as on the liquidation commencement date.]

Regulation - 17. Claims by operational creditors.

(1)     A person claiming to be an operational creditor of the corporate debtor, other than a workman or employee, shall submit proof of claim to the liquidator in person, by post or by electronic means in Form C of Schedule II.

(2)     The existence of debt due to an operational creditor under this Regulation may be proved on the basis of-

(a)      the records available with an information utility, if any; or

(b)      other relevant documents which adequately establish the debt, including any or all of the following -

(i)       a contract for the supply of goods and services with corporate debtor;

(ii)      an invoice demanding payment for the goods and services supplied to the corporate debtor;

(iii)     an order of a court or tribunal that has adjudicated upon the non-payment of a debt, if any; and

(iv)    financial accounts.

Regulation - 18. Claims by financial creditors.

(1)     A person claiming to be a financial creditor of the corporate debtor shall submit proof of claim to the liquidator in electronic means in Form D of Schedule II.

(2)     The existence of debt due to the financial creditor may be proved on the basis of-

(a)      the records available in an information utility, if any; or

(b)      other relevant documents which adequately establish the debt, including any or all of the following-

(i)       a financial contract supported by financial statements as evidence of the debt;

(ii)      a record evidencing that the amounts committed by the financial creditor to the corporate debtor under a facility has been drawn by the corporate debtor;

(iii)     financial statements showing that the debt has not been repaid; and

(iv)    an order of a court or tribunal that has adjudicated upon the non-payment of a debt, if any.

Regulation - 19. Claims by workmen and employees.

(1)     A person claiming to be a workman or an employee of the corporate debtor shall submit proof of claim to the liquidator in person, by post or by electronic means in Form E of Schedule II.

(2)     Where there are dues to numerous workmen or employees of the corporate debtor, an authorized representative may submit one proof of claim for all such dues on their behalf in Form F of Schedule II.

(3)     The existence of dues to workmen or employees may be proved by them, individually or collectively, on the basis of-

(a)      records available in an information utility, if any; or

(b)      other relevant documents which adequately establish the dues, including any or all of the following -

(i)       a proof of employment such as contract of employment for the period for which such workman or employee is claiming dues;

(ii)      evidence of notice demanding payment of unpaid amount and any documentary or other proof that payment has not been made; and

(iii)     an order of a court or tribunal that has adjudicated upon the non-payment of dues, if any.

(4)     The liquidator may admit the claims of a workman or an employee on the basis of the books of account of the corporate debtor if such workman or employee has not made a claim.

Regulation - 20. Claims by other stakeholders.

(1)     A person, claiming to be a stakeholder other than those under Regulations 17(1), 18(1), or 19(1), shall submit proof of claim to the liquidator in person, by post or by electronic means in Form G of Schedule II.

(2)     The existence of the claim of the stakeholder may be proved on the basis of -

(a)      the records available in an information utility, if any, or

(b)      other relevant documents which adequately establish the claim, including any or all of the following-

(i)       documentary evidence of notice demanding payment of unpaid amount or bank statements of the claimant showing that the claim has not been paid and an affidavit that the documentary evidence and bank statements are true, valid and genuine;

(ii)      documentary or electronic evidence of his shareholding; and

(iii)     an order of a court, tribunal or other authority that has adjudicated upon the non- payment of a claim, if any.

Regulation - 21. Proving security interest.

The existence of a security interest may be proved by a secured creditor on the basis of-

(a)      the records available in an information utility, if any;

(b)      certificate of registration of charge issued by the Registrar of Companies; or

(c)      proof of registration of charge with the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India.

Regulation - 21A. Presumption of security interest.

Regulation - [17][21A. Presumption of security interest.

(1)     A secured creditor shall inform the liquidator of its decision to relinquish its security interest to the liquidation estate or realise its security interest, as the case may be, in Form C or Form D of Schedule II:

Provided that, where a secured creditor does not intimate its decision within thirty days from the liquidation commencement date, the assets covered under the security interest shall be presumed to be part of the liquidation estate.

[18][(2) Where a secured creditor proceeds to realise its security interest, it shall pay -

(a)      as much towards the amount payable under clause (a) and sub-clause (i) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 53, as it would have shared in case it had relinquished the security interest, to the liquidator within ninety days from the liquidation commencement date; and

(b)      the excess of the realised value of the asset, which is subject to security interest, over the amount of his claims admitted, to the liquidator within one hundred and eighty days from the liquidation commencement date:

Provided that where the amount payable under this sub-regulation is not certain by the date the amount is payable under this sub-regulation, the secured creditor shall pay the amount, as estimated by the liquidator:

Provided further that any difference between the amount payable under this sub- regulation and the amount paid under the first proviso shall be made good by the secured creditor or the liquidator, as the case may be, as soon as the amount payable under this sub-regulation is certain and so informed by the liquidator.

(3)   Where a secured creditor fails to comply with sub-regulation (2), the asset, which is subject to security interest, shall become part of the liquidation estate.

[19][Explanation.- It is hereby clarified that the requirements of this regulation shall apply to the liquidation processes commencing on or after the date of the commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.]

Regulation - 22. Production of bills of exchange and promissory notes.

Where a person seeks to prove a debt in respect of a bill of exchange, promissory note or other negotiable instrument or security of a like nature for which the corporate debtor is liable, such bill of exchange, note, instrument or security, as the case may be, shall be produced before the liquidator before the claim is admitted.

Regulation - 23. Substantiation of claims.

The liquidator may call for such other evidence or clarification as he deems fit from a claimant for substantiating the whole or part of its claim.

Regulation - 24. Cost of proof.

(1)     A claimant shall bear the cost of proving its claim.

(2)     Costs incurred by the liquidator for verification and determination of a claim shall form part of liquidation cost:

Provided that if a claim or part of the claim is found to be false, the liquidator shall endeavor to recover the costs incurred for verification and determination of claim from such claimant, and shall provide the details of the claimant to the Board.

Regulation - 25. Determination of quantum of claim.

Where the amount claimed by a claimant is not precise due to any contingency or any other reason, the liquidator shall make the best estimate of the amount of the claim based on the information available with him.

Regulation - 26. Debt in foreign currency.

The claims denominated in foreign currency shall be valued in Indian currency at the official exchange rate as on the liquidation commencement date.

Explanation- “The official exchange rate” is the reference rate published by the Reserve Bank of India or derived from such reference rates.

Regulation - 27. Periodical payments.

In the case of rent, interest and such other payments of a periodical nature, a person may claim only for any amounts due and unpaid up to the liquidation commencement date.

Regulation - 28. Debt payable at future time.

(1)     A person may prove for a claim whose payment was not yet due on the liquidation commencement date and is entitled to distribution in the same manner as any other stakeholder.

(2)     Subject to any contract to the contrary, where a stakeholder has proved for a claim under sub-regulation (1), and the debt has not fallen due before distribution, he is entitled to distribution of the admitted claim reduced as follows-

X/ (1+r)n

where–

(a)      “X” is the value of the admitted claim;

(b)      “r” is the closing yield rate (%) of government securities of the maturity of “n” on the date of distribution as published by the Reserve Bank of India; and

(c)      “n” is the period beginning with the date of distribution and ending with the date on which the payment of the debt would otherwise be due, expressed in years and months in a decimalized form.

Regulation - 29. Mutual credits and set-off.

Where there are mutual dealings between the corporate debtor and another party, the sums due from one party shall be set off against the sums due from the other to arrive at the net amount payable to the corporate debtor or to the other party.

Illustration: X owes Rs. 100 to the corporate debtor. The corporate debtor owes Rs. 70 to X. After set off, Rs. 30 is payable by X to the corporate debtor.

Regulation - 30. Verification of claims.

The liquidator shall verify the claims submitted within thirty days from the last date for receipt of claims and may either admit or reject the claim, in whole or in part, as the case may be.

Rule - 30A. Transfer of debt due to creditors.

Regulation - [20][30A. Transfer of debt due to creditors.

(1)     A creditor may assign or transfer the debt due to him or it to any other person during the liquidation process in accordance with the laws for the time being in force dealing with such assignment or transfer.

(2)     Where any creditor assigns or transfers the debt due to him or it to any other person under sub-regulation (1), both parties shall provide to the liquidator the terms of such assignment or transfer and the identity of the assignee or transferee.

(3)     The liquidator shall modify the list of stakeholders in accordance with the provisions of regulation 31.]

Regulation - 31. List of stakeholders.

(1)     The liquidator shall prepare a list of stakeholders, category-wise, on the basis of proofs of claims submitted and accepted under these Regulations, with-

(a)      the amounts of claim admitted, if applicable,

(b)      the extent to which the debts or dues are secured or unsecured, if applicable,

(c)      the details of the stakeholders, and

(d)      the proofs admitted or rejected in part, and the proofs wholly rejected.

[21][(2) The liquidator shall file the list of stakeholders with the Adjudicating Authority within forty-five days from the last date for receipt of the claims.]

(3)   The liquidator may apply to the Adjudicating Authority to modify an entry in the list of stakeholders filed with the Adjudicating Authority, when he comes across additional information warranting such modification, and shall modify the entry in the manner directed by the Adjudicating Authority.

(4)   The liquidator shall modify an entry in the list of stakeholders filed with the Adjudicating Authority, in the manner directed by the Adjudicating Authority while disposing off an appeal preferred under section 42.

(5)   The list of stakeholders, as modified from time to time, shall be-

(a)      available for inspection by the persons who submitted proofs of claim;

(b)      available for inspection by members, partners, directors and guarantors of the corporate debtor;

(c)        displayed on the website, if any, of the corporate debtor.

[22][(d) filed on the electronic platform of the Board for dissemination on its website:

Provided that this clause shall apply to every liquidation process ongoing and commencing on or after the date of commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021.]

Regulation - 31A. Stakeholders’ consultation committee.

Regulation - [23][31A. Stakeholders’ consultation committee.

[24][(1) The liquidator shall constitute a consultation committee within sixty days from the liquidation commencement date, based on the list of stakeholders prepared under regulation 31, to advise him on matters relating to-

(a)      appointment of professionals and their remuneration under regulation 7;

(b)      sale under regulation 32, including manner of sale, pre-bid qualifications, reserve price, amount of earnest money deposit, and marketing strategy:

Provided that the decision(s) taken by the liquidator prior to the constitution of consultation committee shall be placed before the consultation committee for information in its first meeting.;]

(2)   The composition of the consultation committee under sub-regulation (1) shall be as shown in the Table below:

Table

 (3) The liquidator may facilitate the stakeholders of each class to nominate their representatives for inclusion in the consultation committee.

[25][(4) If the stakeholders of any class fail to nominate their representatives, under sub- regulation (3), such representatives shall be selected by a majority of voting share of the class, present and voting.]

(5)   Subject to the provisions of the Code and these regulations, representatives in the consultation committee shall have access to all relevant records and information as may be required to provide advice to the liquidator under sub-regulation (1).

(6)   The liquidator shall convene a meeting of the consultation committee when he considers it necessary and shall convene a meeting of the consultation committee when a request is received from at least fifty-one percent of representatives in the consultation committee.

(7)   The liquidator shall chair the meetings of consultation committee and record deliberations of the meeting.

(8)   The liquidator shall place the recommendation of committee of creditors made under sub- regulation (1) of regulation 39C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016, before the consultation committee for its information.

(9)   The consultation committee shall advise the liquidator, by a vote of not less than sixty-six percent of the representatives of the consultation committee, present and voting.

(10) The advice of the consultation committee shall not be binding on the liquidator:

Provided that where the liquidator takes a decision different from the advice given by the consultation committee, he shall record the reasons for the same in writing [26][and mention it in the next progress report]]

[27][Explanation.- It is hereby clarified that the requirements of this regulation shall apply to the liquidation processes commencing on or after the date of the commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.]

CHAPTER VI REALISATION OF ASSETS

Regulation - 32. Sale of Assets, etc.

Regulation - 32. [28][Sale of Assets, etc.

The liquidator may sell-

(a)      an asset on a standalone basis;

(b)      the assets in a slump sale;

(c)      a set of assets collectively;

(d)      the assets in parcels;

(e)      the corporate debtor as a going concern; or

(f)       the business(s) of the corporate debtor as a going concern:

Provided that where an asset is subject to security interest, it shall not be sold under any of the clauses (a) to (f) unless the security interest therein has been relinquished to the liquidation estate.]

Regulation - 32A. Sale as a going concern.

Regulation - [29][32A. Sale as a going concern.

(1)     Where the committee of creditors has recommended sale under clause (e) or (f) of regulation 32 or where the liquidator is of the opinion that sale under clause (e) or (f) of regulation 32 shall maximise the value of the corporate debtor, he shall endeavour to first sell under the said clauses.

(2)     For the purpose of sale under sub-regulation (1), the group of assets and liabilities of the corporate debtor, as identified by the committee of creditors under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 39C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 shall be sold as a going concern.

(3)     Where the committee of creditors has not identified the assets and liabilities under sub- regulation (2) of regulation 39C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016, the liquidator shall identify and group the assets and liabilities to be sold as a going concern, in consultation with the consultation committee.

(4)     If the liquidator is unable to sell the corporate debtor or its business under clause (e) or (f) of regulation 32 within ninety days from the liquidation commencement date, he shall proceed to sell the assets of the corporate debtor under clauses (a) to (d) of regulation 32.]

Regulation - 33. Mode of sale.

(1)     The liquidator shall ordinarily sell the assets of the corporate debtor through an auction in the manner specified in Schedule I.

(2)     The liquidator may sell the assets of the corporate debtor by means of private sale in the manner specified in Schedule I when-

(a)      the asset is perishable;

(b)      the asset is likely to deteriorate in value significantly if not sold immediately;

(c)      the asset is sold at a price higher than the reserve price of a failed auction; or

(d)      the prior permission of the Adjudicating Authority has been obtained for such sale: Provided that the liquidator shall not sell the assets, without prior permission of the Adjudicating Authority, by way of private sale to-

(a)      a related party of the corporate debtor;

(b)      his related party; or

(c)      any professional appointed by him.

(3)     The liquidator shall not proceed with the sale of an asset if he has reason to believe that there is any collusion between the buyers, or the corporate debtor’s related parties and buyers, or the creditors and the buyer, and shall submit a report to the Adjudicating Authority in this regard, seeking appropriate orders against the colluding parties.

Regulation - 34. Asset memorandum.

(1)     On forming the liquidation estate under section 36, the liquidator shall prepare an asset memorandum in accordance with this Regulation within seventy-five days from the liquidation commencement date.

(2)     The asset memorandum shall provide the following details in respect of the assets which are intended to be realized by way of sale-

(a)      value of the asset, valued in accordance with Regulation 35;

[30][(b) value of the assets or business(s) under clauses (b) to (f) of regulation 32, valued in accordance with regulation 35, if intended to be sold under those clauses;]

(c)   intended manner of sale in accordance with Regulation 32, and reasons for the same;

(d)   the intended mode of sale and reasons for the same in accordance with Regulation 33;

(e)   expected amount of realization from sale; and

(f)    any other information that may be relevant for the sale of the asset.

(3)     The asset memorandum shall provide the following details in respect of each of the assets other than those referred to in sub-regulation (2)-

(a)      value of the asset;

(b)      intended manner and mode of realization, and reasons for the same;

(c)      expected amount of realization; and

(d)      any other information that may be relevant for the realization of the asset.

(4)     The liquidator shall file the asset memorandum along with the preliminary report to the Adjudicating Authority.

(5)     The asset memorandum shall not be accessible to any person during the course of liquidation, unless permitted by the Adjudicating Authority.

Regulation - 35. Valuation of assets intended to be sold.

Regulation - 35. [31][Valuation of assets intended to be sold.

(1)     Where the valuation has been conducted under regulation 35 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 or regulation 34 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Fast Track Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2017, as the case may be, the liquidator shall consider the average of the estimates of the values arrived under those provisions for the purposes of valuations under these regulations.

(2)     [32][In cases not covered under sub-regulation (1) or where the liquidator is of the opinion that fresh valuation is required under the circumstances, he shall within seven days] of the liquidation commencement date, appoint two registered valuers to determine the realisable value of the assets or businesses under clauses (a) to (f) of regulation 32 of the corporate debtor:

Provided that the following persons shall not be appointed as registered valuers, namely: -

(a)      a relative of the liquidator;

(b)      a related party of the corporate debtor;

(c)      an auditor of the corporate debtor at any time during the five years preceding the insolvency commencement date; or

(d)      a partner or director of the insolvency professional entity of which the liquidator is a partner or director.

(3)     The Registered Valuers appointed under sub-regulation (2) shall independently submit to the liquidator the estimates of realisable value of the assets or businesses, as the case may be, computed in accordance with the Companies (Registered Valuers and Valuation) Rules, 2017, after physical verification of the assets of the corporate debtor.

(4)     The average of two estimates received under sub-regulation (3) shall be taken as the value of the assets or businesses.]

Regulation - 36. Asset sale report.

On sale of an asset, the liquidator shall prepare an asset sale report in respect of said asset, to be enclosed with the Progress Reports, containing -

(a)      the realized value;

(b)      cost of realization, if any;

(c)      the manner and mode of sale;

(d)      if the value realized is less than the value in the asset memorandum, the reasons for the same;

(e)      the person to whom the sale is made; and

(f)       any other details of the sale.

Regulation - 37. Realization of security interest by secured creditor.

(1)     A secured creditor who seeks to realize its security interest under section 52 shall intimate the liquidator of the price at which he proposes to realize its secured asset.

(2)     The liquidator shall inform the secured creditor within twenty one days of receipt of the intimation under sub-regulation (1) if a person is willing to buy the secured asset before the expiry of thirty days from the date of intimation under sub-regulation (1), at a price higher than the price intimated under sub-regulation (1).

(3)     Where the liquidator informs the secured creditor of a person willing to buy the secured asset under sub-regulation (2), the secured creditor shall sell the asset to such person.

(4)     If the liquidator does not inform the secured creditor in accordance with sub-regulation (2), or the person does not buy the secured asset in accordance with sub-regulation (2), the secured creditor may realize the secured asset in the manner it deems fit, but at least at the price intimated under sub-regulation (1).

(5)     Where the secured asset is realized under sub-regulation (3), the secured creditor shall bear the cost of identification of the buyer under sub-regulation (2).

(6)     Where the secured asset is realized under sub-regulation (4), the liquidator shall bear the cost [33][***] incurred to identify the buyer under sub-regulation (2).

(7)     The provisions of this Regulation shall not apply if the secured creditor enforces his security interest under the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (54 of 2002) or the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 (51 of 1993).

[34][(8) A secured creditor shall not sell or transfer an asset, which is subject to security interest, to any person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor.]

Regulation - 37A. Assignment of not readily realisable assets.

Regulation - [35][37A. Assignment of not readily realisable assets.

(1)     A liquidator may assign or transfer a not readily realisable asset through a transparent process, in consultation with the stakeholders’ consultation committee in accordance with regulation 31A, for a consideration to any person, who is eligible to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor.

Explanation. — For the purposes of this sub-regulation, “not readily realisable asset” means any asset included in the liquidation estate which could not be sold through available options and includes contingent or disputed assets and assets underlying proceedings for preferential, undervalued, extortionate credit and fraudulent transactions referred to in sections 43 to 51 and section 66 of the Code.]

Regulation - 38. Distribution of unsold assets.

(1)     The liquidator may, with the permission of the Adjudicating Authority, distribute amongst the stakeholders, an asset that [36][could not be sold, assigned or transferred] due to its peculiar nature or other special circumstances.

(2)     The application seeking permission of the Adjudicating Authority under sub-regulation (1) shall-

(a)      identify the asset;

(b)      provide a value of the asset;

(c)      detail the efforts made to sell the asset, if any; and

(d)      provide reasons for such distribution.

Regulation - 39. Recovery of monies due.

The liquidator shall endeavor to recover and realize all assets of and dues to the corporate debtor in a time-bound manner for maximization of value for the stakeholders.

Regulation - 40. Liquidator to realize uncalled capital or unpaid capital contribution.

(1)     The liquidator shall realize any amount due from any contributory to the corporate debtor.

(2)     Notwithstanding any charge or encumbrance on the uncalled capital of the corporate debtor, the liquidator shall be entitled to call and realize the uncalled capital of the corporate debtor and to collect the arrears, if any, due on calls made prior to the liquidation, by providing a notice to the contributory to make the payments within fifteen days from the receipt of the notice, but shall hold all moneys so realized subject to the rights, if any, of the holder of any such charge or encumbrance.

(3)     No distribution shall be made to a contributory, unless he makes his contribution to the uncalled or unpaid capital as required in the constitutional documents of the corporate debtor.

Explanation: For the purpose of this chapter and Schedule I, ‘assets’ include an asset, all assets, a set of assets or parcel of assets [37][, business], as the case may be, which are being sold.

CHAPTER VII PROCEEDS OF LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS

Regulation - 41. All money to be paid in to bank account.

(1)     The liquidator shall open a bank account in the name of the corporate debtor followed by the words ‘in liquidation’, in a scheduled bank, for the receipt of all moneys due to the corporate debtor.

(2)     The liquidator shall deposit in the bank account opened under sub-regulation (1) all moneys, including cheques and demand drafts received by him as the liquidator of the corporate debtor, and the realizations of each day shall be deposited into the bank account without any deduction not later than the next working day.

(3)     The liquidator may maintain a cash of one lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be permitted by the Adjudicating Authority to meet liquidation costs.

(4)     All payments out of the account by the liquidator above five thousand rupees shall be made by cheques drawn or online banking transactions against the bank account.

Regulation - 42. Distribution.

(1)     Subject to the provisions of section 53, the liquidator shall not commence distribution before the list of stakeholders and the asset memorandum has been filed with the Adjudicating Authority.

(2)     The liquidator shall distribute the proceeds from realization within [38][ninety days] from the receipt of the amount to the stakeholders.

(3)     The insolvency resolution process costs, if any, and the liquidation costs shall be deducted before such distribution is made.

Regulation - 43. Return of money.

A stakeholder shall forthwith return any monies received by him in distribution, which he was not entitled to at the time of distribution, or subsequently became not entitled to.

Regulation - 44. Completion of liquidation.

(1)     [39][The liquidator shall liquidate the corporate debtor within a period of one year from the liquidation commencement date, notwithstanding pendency of any application for avoidance of transactions under [40][***] Part II of the Code, before the Adjudicating Authority or any action thereof:

Provided that where the sale is attempted under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 32A, the liquidation process may take an additional period up to ninety days.]

(2)     If the liquidator fails to liquidate the corporate debtor within [41][one year], he shall make an application to the Adjudicating Authority to continue such liquidation, along with a report explaining why the liquidation has not been completed and specifying the additional time that shall be required for liquidation.

[42][Explanation.- In relation to the liquidation processes commenced prior to the commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, the requirements of this regulation as existing before such commencement, shall apply.]

Regulation - 45. Final report prior to dissolution.

(1)     When the corporate debtor is liquidated, the liquidator shall make an account of the liquidation, showing how it has been conducted and how the corporate debtor’s assets have been liquidated.

(2)     If the liquidation cost exceeds the estimated liquidation cost provided in the Preliminary Report, the liquidator shall explain the reasons for the same.

(3)     [43][The liquidator shall submit an application along with the final report and the compliance certificate in form H to the Adjudicating Authority for –

(a)      closure of the liquidation process of the corporate debtor where the corporate debtor is sold as a going concern; or

(b)      for the dissolution of the corporate debtor, in cases not covered under clause (a).]

Regulation - 46. Corporate Liquidation Account.

Regulation - [44][46. Corporate Liquidation Account.

(1)   The Board shall operate and maintain an Account to be called the Corporate Liquidation Account in the Public Accounts of India:

Provided that until the Corporate Liquidation Account is operated as part of the Public Accounts of India, the Board shall open a separate bank account with a scheduled bank for the purposes of this regulation.

(2)     A liquidator shall deposit the amount of unclaimed dividends, if any, and undistributed proceeds, if any, in a liquidation process along with any income earned thereon till the date of deposit into the Corporate Liquidation Account before he submits an application under sub- regulation (3) of regulation 45.

(3)     A liquidator, who holds any amount of unclaimed dividends or undistributed proceeds in a liquidation process on the date of commencement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, shall deposit the same within fifteen days of the date of such commencement, along with any income earned thereon till the date of deposit.

(4)     A liquidator, who fails to deposit any amount into the Corporate Liquidation Account under this regulation, shall deposit the same along with interest thereon at the rate of twelve percent per annum from the due date of deposit till the date of deposit.

(5)     A liquidator shall submit to the authority with which the corporate debtor is registered and the Board, the evidence of deposit of the amount into the Corporate Liquidation Account under this regulation, and a statement in Form-I setting forth the nature of the amount deposited into the Corporate Liquidation Account, and the names and last known addresses of the stakeholders entitled to receive the unclaimed dividends or undistributed proceeds.

(6)     The liquidator shall be entitled to a receipt from the Board for any amount deposited into the Corporate Liquidation Account under this regulation.

(7)     A stakeholder, who claims to be entitled to any amount deposited into the Corporate Liquidation Account, may apply to the Board in Form J for an order for withdrawal of the amount:

Provided that if any other person other than the stakeholder claims to be entitled to any amount deposited into the Corporate Liquidation Account, he shall submit evidence to satisfy the Board that he is so entitled.

(8)     The Board may, if satisfied that the stakeholder or any other person referred to under sub- regulation (7) is entitled to withdrawal of any amount from the Corporate Liquidation Account, make an order for the same in favour of that stakeholder or that other person.

(9)     The Board shall maintain a corporate debtor-wise ledger of the amount deposited into and the amount withdrawn from the Corporate Liquidation Account under this regulation.

(10)   The Board shall nominate an officer of the level of Executive Director of the Board as the custodian of the Corporate Liquidation Account and no proceeds shall be withdrawn without his approval.

(11)   The Board shall maintain proper accounts of the Corporate Liquidation Account and get the same audited annually.

(12)   The audit report along with the statement of accounts of the Corporate Liquidation Account referred to in sub-regulation (11) shall be placed before the Governing Board and shall be forwarded to the Central Government.

(13)   Any amount deposited into the Corporate Liquidation Account in pursuance of this regulation, which remains unclaimed or undistributed for a period of fifteen years from the date of order of dissolution of the corporate debtor and any amount of income or interest received or earned in the Corporate Liquidation Account shall be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.]

Regulation - 47. Model time-line for liquidation process.

Regulation - 47. [45][Model time-line for liquidation process.

The following Table presents a model timeline of liquidation process of a corporate debtor from the liquidation commencement date, assuming that the process does not include compromise or arrangement under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) or sale under regulation 32A:

Model Timeline for Liquidation Process

[AA: Adjudicating Authority, LCD: Liquidation Commencement Date, SCC: Stakeholders’ Consultation Committee]

[50][Exclusion of period of lockdown.

Regulation - 47A.

Subject to the provisions of the Code, the period of lockdown imposed by the Central Government in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak shall not be counted for the purposes of computation of the time-line for any task that could not be completed due to such lockdown, in relation to any liquidation process.]

SCHEDULE I

MODE OF SALE

(Under Regulation 33 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

1. AUCTION

(1)     Where an asset is to be sold through auction, a liquidator shall do so the in the manner specified herein.

(2)     The liquidator shall prepare a marketing strategy, with the help of marketing professionals, if required, for sale of the asset. The strategy may include-

(a)      releasing advertisements;

(b)      preparing information sheets for the asset;

(c)      preparing a notice of sale; and

(d)      liaising with agents.

(3)     The liquidator shall prepare terms and conditions of sale, including reserve price, earnest money deposit as well as pre-bid qualifications, if any.

[51][Provided that the liquidator shall not require payment of any non-refundable deposit or fee for participation in an auction under the liquidation process:

Provided further that the earnest money deposit shall not exceed ten percent. of the reserve price.]

(4)     [52][The reserve price shall be the value of the asset arrived at in accordance with regulation 35.

(4A) Where an auction fails at the reserve price, the liquidator may reduce the reserve price by up to twenty-five percent of such value to conduct subsequent auction.

(4B) Where an auction fails at reduced price under clause (4A), the reserve price in subsequent auctions may be further reduced by not more than ten percent at a time.]

(5)     The liquidator shall [53][issue a public notice] of an auction in the manner specified in Regulation 12(3);

Provided that the liquidator may apply to Adjudicating Authority to dispense with the requirement of Regulation 12(3)(a) keeping in view the value of the asset intended to be sold by auction.

(6)     The liquidator shall provide all assistance necessary for the conduct of due diligence by interested buyers.

(7)     The liquidator shall sell the assets through an electronic auction on an online portal, if any, designated by the Board, where the interested buyers can register, bid and receive confirmation of the acceptance of their bid online.

(8)     If the liquidator is of the opinion that a physical auction is likely to maximize the realization from the sale of assets and is in the best interests of the creditors, he may sell assets through a physical auction after obtaining the permission of the Adjudicating Authority. The liquidator may engage the services of qualified professional auctioneers specializing in auctioning such assets for this purpose.

(9)     An auction shall be transparent, and the highest bid at any given point shall be visible to the other bidders.

(10)   If the liquidator is of the opinion that an auction where bid amounts are not visible is likely to maximize realizations from the sale of assets and is in the best interests of the creditors, he may apply, in writing, to the Adjudicating Authority for its permission to conduct an auction in such manner.

(11)   If required, the liquidator may conduct multiple rounds of auctions to maximize the realization from the sale of the assets, and to promote the best interests of the creditors.

[54][(11A) Where the liquidator rejects the highest bid in an auction process, he shall intimate the reasons for such rejection to the highest bidder and mention it in the next progress report.]

(12)   [55][On the close of the auction, the highest bidder shall be invited to provide balance sale consideration within ninety days of the date of such demand:

Provided that payments made after thirty days shall attract interest at the rate of 12%:

Provided further that the sale shall be cancelled if the payment is not received within ninety days.

(13)   On payment of the full amount, the sale shall stand completed, the liquidator shall execute certificate of sale or sale deed to transfer such assets and the assets shall be delivered to him in the manner specified in the terms of sale.]

2. PRIVATE SALE

(1)     Where an asset is to be sold through private sale, a liquidator shall conduct the sale in the manner specified herein.

(2)     The liquidator shall prepare a strategy to approach interested buyers for assets to be sold by private sale.

(3)     Private sale may be conducted through directly liaising with potential buyers or their agents, through retail shops, or through any other means that is likely to maximize the realizations from the sale of assets.

(4)     The sale shall stand completed in accordance with the terms of sale.

(5)     Thereafter, the assets shall be delivered to the purchaser, on receipt of full consideration for the assets, in the manner specified in the terms of sale.

SCHEDULE II

FORM A

PROFORMA FOR REPORTING CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

(Under Regulation 8 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

Separate proforma to be used for each stakeholder or group of homogenous stakeholders

SCHEDULE II

[56][ FORM B

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

(Regulation 12 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE STAKEHOLDERS OF [Name of Corporate Debtor]

Notice is hereby given that the National Company Law Tribunal (Name of Bench) has ordered the commencement of liquidation of the [Name of the corporate debtor] on [date of passing of order of liquidation under section 33 of the Code].

The stakeholders of [ Name of the corporate debtor] are hereby called upon to submit their claims with proof on or before [57][insert the date falling thirty days from the liquidation commencement date], to the liquidator at the address mentioned against item No.10.

The financial creditors shall submit their claims with proof by electronic means only. All other creditors may submit the claims with the proof in person, by post or by electronic means.

Submission of false or misleading proof of claims shall attract penalties.

Name and signature of liquidator :

Date and place: :

SCHEDULE II

FORM C

PROOF OF CLAIM BY OPERATIONAL CREDITORS EXCEPT WORKMEN AND EMPLOYEES

(Under Regulation 17 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

[Date]

To

The Liquidator

[Name of the Liquidator]

[Address as set out in the public announcement]

From

[Name and address of the operational creditor]

Subject: Submission of proof of claim in respect of the liquidation of [name of corporate debtor] under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Madam/Sir,

[Name of the operational creditor] hereby submits this proof of claim in respect of the liquidation of [name of corporate debtor]. The details for the same are set out below:

*PAN, Passport, AADHAAR Card or the identity card issued by the Election Commission of India.

AFFIDAVIT

I, [name of deponent], currently residing at [address of deponent], do solemnly affirm and state as follows:

1.        The above named corporate debtor was, at liquidation commencement date, that is, the day of 20  and still is, justly and truly indebted to me [or to me and[insert name of co-partners], my co-partners in trade, or, as the case may be] in the sum of Rs.  for [please state consideration].

2.        In respect of my claim of the said sum or any part thereof, I have relied on and the documents specified below:

[Please list the documents relied on as evidence of debt.]

3.        The said documents are true, valid and genuine to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

4.        In respect of the said sum or any part thereof, I have not, nor have my partners or any of them, nor has any person, by my/our order, to my/our knowledge or belief, for my/ our use, had or received any manner of satisfaction or security whatsoever, save and except the following:

[Please state details of any mutual credit, mutual debts, or other mutual dealings between the corporate debtor and the operational creditor which may be set-off against the claim.]

Solemnly, affirmed at                                           on

                                                                       day of       20       

Before me,

Notary / Oath Commissioner

Deponent's signature

VERIFICATION

I, the Deponent hereinabove, do hereby verify and affirm that the contents of para   to    of this affidavit are true and correct to my knowledge and belief. Nothing is false and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.

Verified at              on this              day of              201           

Deponent's signature

SCHEDULE II

FORM D

PROOF OF CLAIM BY FINANCIAL CREDITORS

(Under Regulation 18 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

[Date]

To

The Liquidator

[Name of the Liquidator]

[Address as set out in the public announcement]

From

[Name and address of the registered office and principal office of the financial creditor]

Subject: Submission of proof of claim in respect of the liquidation of [name of corporate debtor] under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Madam/Sir,

[Name of the financial creditor] hereby submits this proof of claim in respect of the liquidation of [name of corporate debtor]. The details for the same are set out below:

*PAN, Passport, AADHAAR Card or the identity card issued by the Election Commission of India.

AFFIDAVIT

I, [name of deponent], currently residing at [address of deponent], do solemnly affirm and state as follows:

(1)     The above named corporate debtor was, at the liquidation commencement date, that is, the          day of          20       and still is, justly and truly indebted to me [or to me and [insert name of co-partners], my co-partners in trade, or, as the case may be] in the sum of Rs.           for [please state consideration].

(2)     In respect of my claim of the said sum or any part thereof, I have relied on the documents specified below:

[Please list the documents relied on as evidence of debt and of non-payment.]

(3)     The said documents are true, valid and genuine to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

(4)     In respect of the said sum or any part thereof, I have not, nor have my partners or any of them, nor has any person, by my/our order, to my/our knowledge or belief, for my/ our use, had or received any manner of satisfaction or security whatsoever, save and except the following:

[Please state details of any mutual credit, mutual debts, or other mutual dealings between the corporate debtor and the financial creditor which may be set-off against the claim.]

Solemnly, affirmed at                   day of     20          on          day, the       20     

Before me,

Notary / Oath Commissioner.

Deponent's signature.

VERIFICATION

I, the Deponent hereinabove, do hereby verify and affirm that the contents of para   to    of this affidavit are true and correct to my knowledge and belief. Nothing is false and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.

Verified at ________ on this ________ day of ________ 201___.

Deponent's signature.

SCHEDULE II

FORM E

PROOF OF CLAIM BY A WORKMAN OR EMPLOYEE

(Under Regulation 19 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016)

[Date]

To

The Liquidator