The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015

Highlights of the Code

• The Code creates time-bound processes for insolvency resolution of companies and individuals. These processes will be completed within 180 days. If insolvency cannot be resolved, the assets of the borrowers may be sold to repay creditors.

• The resolution processes will be conducted by licensed insolvency professionals (IPs). These IPs will be members of insolvency professional agencies (IPAs). IPAs will also furnish performance bonds equal to the assets of a company under insolvency resolution.

• Information utilities (IUs) will be established to collect, collate and disseminate financial information to facilitate insolvency resolution.

• The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) will adjudicate insolvency resolution for companies. The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) will adjudicate insolvency resolution for individuals.

• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India will be set up to regulate functioning of IPs, IPAs and IUs.

Key Issues and Analysis

• Time-bound insolvency resolution will require establishment of several new entities. Also, given the pendency and disposal rate of DRTs, their current capacity may be inadequate to take up the additional role.

• IPAs, regulated by the Board, will be created for regulating the functioning of IPs. This approach of having regulated entities further regulate professionals may be contrary to the current practice of regulating licensed professionals. Further, requiring a high value of performance bond may deter the formation of IPAs. 

• The Code provides an order of priority to distribute assets during liquidation. It is unclear why: (i) secured creditors will receive their entire outstanding amount, rather than up to their collateral value, (ii) unsecured creditors have priority over trade creditors, and (iii) government dues will be repaid after unsecured creditors.

• The Code provides for the creation of multiple IUs. However, it does not specify that full information about a company will be accessible through a single query from any IU. This may lead to financial information being scattered across these IUs.

• The Code creates an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Fund. However, it does not specify the manner in which the Fund will be used.

Various stages of resolution

There are five stages in all.

One, when a loan default occurs, and either the borrower or the lender approaches the NCLT or DRT for initiating the resolution process. 

Two, the creditors appoint an interim Insolvency Professional (IP) to take control of the debtor’s assets and company’s operations, collect financial information of the debtor from information utilities, and constitute the creditors’ committee. 

Three, the committee has to then take decisions regarding insolvency resolution by a 75% majority. 

Four, once a resolution is passed, the committee has to decide on the restructuring process that could either be a revised repayment plan for the company, or liquidation of the assets of the company. If no decision is made during the resolution process, the debtor’s assets will be liquidated to repay the debt. 

Five, the resolution plan will be sent to the tribunal for final approval, and implemented once approved.