Mergers & Amalgamations under the Companies Act, 1956

The terms merger and amalgamation have not been defined in the Companies Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) though this voluminous piece of legislation contains 69 definitions in Section 2. The concept paper recently issued by the Ministry of Company Affairs, the fate of which is still unknown, contained 100 such definitions but still stopped short of defining merger or amalgamation. The terms merger and amalgamation are synonyms and the term ‘amalgamation’, as per Concise Oxford Dictionary, Tenth Edition, means, ‘to combine or unite to form one organization or structure’.

The provisions relating to merger and amalgamation are contained in sections 391 to 396A in Chapter V of Part VI of the Act. Any proposal of amalgamation or merger begins with the process of due diligence, as the proposal for merger without due diligence is like entering a tunnel with darkness growing with each step. The due diligence process makes the journey see the light at the end of the tunnel – the light of wisdom to amalgamate or not.

The Act and the relevant rules pertaining to amalgamation are to be followed scrupulously. The provisions of the Act also deal with compromise or arrangement within or without amalgamation or merger. Presently, the High Court enjoys powers of sanctioning amalgamation matters under section 394 of the Act though it is a matter of time when this power will be exercised by National Company Law Tribunal, a forum where Chartered Accountants shall be authorized to appear. Not losing sight of this opportunity coming way of the Chartered Accountants, the seminar on this very topic, assumes greater significance and it is imperative that professionals like Chartered Accountants should keep themselves informed of the provisions relating to merger and amalgamations. The role of Chartered Accountants, in any amalgamation case, cannot be undermined as without their uncanny insight within the financial maze, no due diligence, valuation, share exchange ratio etc. can be accomplished.

An attempt has been made in this paper to present the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 relating to mergers and amalgamations in form of questions and answers for ease of understanding, insight and awareness.

1. Can a compromise or arrangement between company and creditors and company and members be made and whether it requires approval of the Court?

Yes, compromise or arrangement can be made between a company and its creditors or any class of them and also between a company and its members or any class of them. Such a compromise or arrangement requires sanction of the court, which directs holding of meeting of creditors or members or class of creditors or members, as the case may be. On agreement of creditors or members present in majority representing three-fourth in value (both the conditions are concurrent and cumulative) of creditors or members, the court may sanction any such compromise or arrangement.

2. What are the powers vested in court in relation to amalgamation of two companies?

3. Is it necessary for the Court to consider the report of the Registrar of Companies prior to grant of sanction?

It is mandatory for the court to consider not only report of Registrar of Companies concerned but also the report of Official Liquidator prior to sanctioning the scheme of amalgamation. The Registrar of Companies & Official Liquidators have to make a report to the Court that the affairs of the company are not being conducted in a manner, prejudicial interest of their member or to public interest.

4. Is it possible to have the merger with retrospective effect?

Yes, a merger can be made effective from a past date, i.e. it can be retrospective. However, effective date, which is too far in the past, can create problems and adverse implication for such a merger in the form of non-compliance of various laws cannot be ruled out.

5. Can the merger be effective from a future date?

There is no bar to have the effective date of amalgamation in future. Incidentally, majority of the mergers are effective from a future date.

6. What is the difference between ‘Effective Date’ and the ‘Appointed Date’?

The ‘Appointed Date’ connotes the date of amalgamation i.e. the date from which the undertaking including assets and liabilities of the transferor company vest in transferee company. The ‘Effective Date’ signifies the completion of all the formalities of merger.

7. Is it possible to have reduction of capital as part of the scheme of amalgamation?

Yes, it is possible to include reduction of capital as part of the scheme of amalgamation provided the Articles of Association of the company authorize such reduction and special resolution to this effect is passed as contemplated under section 100 & 101 of the Act.

8. In case reduction of capital is inherent in a scheme of amalgamation, is it necessary to obtain separate Court approval after following the laid down procedure?

There have been numerous decided cases which indicate that separate petition under section 100 of the Act for reduction of capital need not be made if the same is covered as a part of scheme of amalgamation. The Courts have held that the provisions contained in section 391 are a complete code in itself. Thus, no separate petition is necessary for reduction of capital which is a part of scheme of amalgamation. However, in the resolution in which the approval for scheme of amalgamation is sought must, in explicit terms, state that this approval is also for reduction of capital, being part of the scheme.

9. What is ‘Reverse Merger’?

‘Reverse Merger’ is a coined term generally used in those cases of mergers where a company having higher net worth is merging into a company having net worth lower than it.

10. Do SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 are applicable to amalgamation or merger or demerger under the Act?

No, in cases of amalgamation or merger or demerger under the Act, SEBI Takeover Regulations have no applicability as laid down in Regulation 3(1)(j) of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.

11. Whether Transferor and Transferee companies have to make separate petitions for approval of scheme of amalgamation?

It has been held in some cases that where the entire undertaking of the transferor company is transferred to the transferee company not affecting the rights of the creditor or members inter se and there is no reorganization of capital of the transferee company, there is no need for the transferee company to file a separate petition. In practice, however, the petition is generally preferred by the transferee company.

12. Is it necessary to obtain approval of the Stock Exchanges prior to filing of amalgamation petition with the Court in case of listed companies?

The only obligation of listed companies, as provided in clause 24 of the Listing Agreement, is to file any scheme/petition propose to be filed before any Court/Tribunal under sections 391, 394 & 101 of the Act with the stock exchange for approval at least one month before it is presented to the Court or Tribunal. The requirement is, therefore, to file the Scheme/Petition at least 30 days prior to filing it with the Court/Tribunal. It is not necessary to obtain prior approval of the stock exchange. The Courts have ruled that non-receipt of approval from stock exchange does not bar the Courts to approve the amalgamation/merger as the approval of the stock exchanges is a mere procedural formality.

13. How the approval of shareholders’ and creditors’ are obtained in cases of amalgamation/merger?

The approval of shareholders’ and creditors – secured and unsecured are obtained in meetings convened under the directions of the Court. The Court normally appoints a Chairperson and an alternate Chairperson for each such meeting. The application is made to the Court for directing convening of meetings and the Court can issue directions on any or all of the following matters:-

14. Is it possible to obtain dispensation of the meetings of shareholders or creditors?

It is the discretion of the Court and generally where it is shown that creditors or members have given their consent to the scheme of amalgamation and their interest are not prejudicially affected, the Courts grant dispensation. The judicial discretion is exercised after careful considerations of the facts and circumstances of the case. A case in example could be grant of dispensation of shareholders’ meeting in a company with few shareholders and all of them have given their consent in writing.

15. Is voting by show of hands is allowed in meetings of creditors or members in which approval of the Scheme of Amalgamation is the only agenda item?

The voting at Court convened meetings of members or creditors is to done through poll only. The voting by show of hands is not permissible.

16. Is it necessary to pass a special resolution i.e. 3/4th majority for approval of scheme of amalgamation?

Section 391(2) requires that the resolution approving the scheme of amalgamation should be passed by majority in number representing 3/4th in value of the creditors or members. Both the conditions are cumulative. However, conditions of majority in number and representing 3/4th in value is to be applied for members or creditors present in person or through proxies at the time of meeting.

17. Is it necessary to submit report of Chairman to the Court?

18. How the share exchange ratio is decided?

The share exchange ratio is derived or decided on the basis of valuation done by a Chartered Accountant. Considering the valuation report, share exchange ratio is arrived upon.

19. Whether it is mandatory to obtain Chartered Accountants report or share exchange ratio can be derived without it?

Though it is not mandatory to obtain CA report, it is important to arrive at share exchange ratio on the basis of such a report only as the Courts rely to a greater degree on such reports, being given by financial experts and the Courts are suspicious of genuineness of share exchange ratio which has been arrived at without such a report.

20. Is there any Accounting Standard on ‘Accounting for Amalgamations’?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued AS-14 Accounting for Amalgamations which deal with accounting treatment and disclosure in case of Amalgamations.

DUE DILIGENCE IN MERGERS AND AMALGAMATIONS

Due Diligence refers to the process of appraising, assessing and evaluating business risk with analysis of cost benefit which is involved in Merger & Amalgamation. It is like trying to find a switch to put on the light when in entering a dark room. The decision to merge or amalgamate has to be based on considered opinion, which can be formed only after scanning of information and records available. Due Diligence embraces the assessment process to judge the benefits vis-à-vis the troubles that will be faced in post merger scenario. The process of due diligence cannot be sidestepped in Mergers and Acquisitions.

The due diligence process is a team work consisting of chartered accountants, lawyers, valuers having expertise in their own field. The assessment, review, analysis, scrutiny and examination under due diligence process involves specialization and application of mind which goes beyond fact finding exercise i.e. mere checking of records available. The Chartered Accountants play a major role in due diligence process and no meaningful due diligence would be complete without their participation. The team, which has been, assigned the task of due diligence follows the following steps: -

1. Identification of the purpose of Merger and Acquisition.

2. Review and Study of past Business operations.

3. Study of Information System within the organization.

4. Collection of Documents.

5. Assemblage of Key Information from Management and Independent sources.

6. Allocation of review responsibilities amongst team members.

7. Compilation of findings of team members.

8. Assessment of findings.

9. Preparation of due diligence report.

TEXT OF RELEVANT SECTIONS OF COMPANIES ACT, 1956 IN RELATION TO ARRANGEMENT, COMPROMISES, AMALGAMATION/MERGERS

390. Interpretation of sections 391 and 393 - In sections 391 and 393 -

(a) the expression “company” means any company liable to be wound up under this Act;

(b) the expression “arrangement” includes a reorganization of the share capital of the company by the consolidation of shares of different classes, or by the division of shares into shares of different classes or, by both those methods; and

(c) unsecured creditors who may have filed suits or obtained decrees shall be deemed to be of the same class as other unsecured creditors.

391. Power to compromise or make arrangements with creditors and members -

392. Power of Tribunal to enforce compromise and arrangement -

(1) Where the Tribunal makes an order under section 391 sanctioning a compromise or an arrangement in respect of a company, it -

(a) shall have power to supervise the carrying out of the compromise or an arrangement; and

(b) may, at the time of making such order or at any time thereafter, give such directions in regard to any matter or make such modifications in the compromise or arrangement as it may consider necessary for the proper working of the compromise or arrangement.

(2) If the Tribunal aforesaid is satisfied that a compromise or an arrangement sanctioned under section 391 cannot be worked satisfactorily with or without modifications, it may, either on its own motion or on the application of any person interested in the affairs of the company, make an order winding up the company, and such an order shall be deemed to be an order made under section 433 of this Act.

(3) The provisions of this section shall, so far as may be, also apply to a company in respect of which an order has been made before the commencement of the Companies (Second Amendment) Act, 2002 sanctioning a compromise or an arrangement.

393. Information as to compromises or arrangements with creditors and members: -

(1) Where a meeting of creditors or any class of creditors, or of members or any class of members, is called under section 391 -

(a) with every notice calling the meeting which is sent to a creditor or member, there shall be sent also a statement setting forth the terms of the compromise or arrangement and explaining its effect, and in particular, stating material interests of the directors, managing director or manager of the company, whether in their capacity as such or as members or creditors of the company or otherwise, and the effect on those interests, of the compromise or arrangement, if, and in so far as, it is different from the effect on the like interests of other persons; and

(b) in every notice calling the meeting which is given by the advertisement, there shall be included either such a statement as aforesaid or a notification of the place at which and the manner in which creditors or members entitled to attend the meeting may obtain copies of such a statement as aforesaid.

(2) Where the compromise or arrangement affects the rights of debenture holders of the company, the said statement shall give the like information and explanation as respects the trustees of any deed for securing the issue of the debentures as it is required to give as respects the company’s directors.

(3) Where a notice given by advertisement includes a notification that copies of a statement setting forth the terms of the compromise or arrangement proposed and explaining its effect can be obtained by creditors or members entitled to attend the meeting, every creditor or member so entitled shall, on making an application in the manner indicated by the notice, be furnished by the company, free of charge, with a copy of the statement.

(4) Where default is made in complying with any of the requirements of this section, the company, and every officer of the company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and for the purpose of this sub-section any liquidator of the company and any trustee of a deed for securing the issue of debentures of the company shall be deemed to be an officer of the company:

Provided that a person shall not be punishable under this sub-section if he shows that the default was due to the refusal of any other person, being a director, managing director, manager or trustee for debenture holders, to supply the necessary particulars as to his material interests.

(5) Every director, managing director, or manager of the company, and every trustee for debenture holders of the company, shall give notice to the company of such matter relating to himself as may be necessary for the purposes of this section; and if he fails to do so, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

394. Provisions for facilitating reconstruction and amalgamation of companies -

(1) Where an application is made to the Tribunal under section 391 for the sanctioning of a compromise or arrangement proposed between a company and any such persons as are mentioned in that section, and it is shown to the Tribunal.

(a) that the compromise or arrangement has been proposed for the purposes of, or in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of any company or companies, or the amalgamation of any two or more companies; and

(b) that under the scheme the whole or any part of the undertaking, property, or liabilities of any company concerned in the scheme (in this section referred to as a “transferor company”) is to be transferred to another company (in this section referred to as the “transferee company”):

The Tribunal may, either by the order sanctioning the compromise or arrangement or by a subsequent order, make provision for all or any of the following matters: -

(i) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the undertaking, property or liabilities of any transferor company;

(ii) the allotment or appropriation by the transferee company of any shares, debentures, policies, or other like interests in that company which, under the compromise or arrangement are to be allotted or appropriated by that company to or for any person;

(iii) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or against any transferor company;

(iv) the dissolution, without winding up, of any transferor company;

(v) the provisions to be made for any person who, within such time and in such manner as the tribunal directs, dissent from the compromise or arrangement; and

(vi) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are necessary to secure that the reconstruction or amalgamation shall be fully and effectively carried out.

Provided that no compromise or arrangement proposed for the purposes of, or in connection with, a scheme for the amalgamation of a company, which is being wound up, with any other company or companies, shall be sanctioned by the Tribunal unless the Tribunal has received a report form the Registrar that the affairs of the company have not been conducted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of its members or to public interest:

Provided further that no order for the dissolution of any transferor company under clause (iv) shall be made by the Tribunal unless the Official Liquidator has, on scrutiny of the books and papers of the company, made a report to the Tribunal that the affairs of the company have not been conducted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of its members or to public interest.

(2) Where an order under this section provides for the transfer of any property or liabilities, then, by virtue of the order, that property shall be transferred to and vest in, and those liabilities, shall be transferred to and become the liabilities of, the transferee company; and in the case of any property, if the order so directs, freed from any charge which is, by virtue of the compromise or arrangement, to cease to have effect.

(3) Within thirty days after the making of an order under this section, every company in relation to which the order is made shall cause a certified copy thereof to be filed with the Registrar for Registration.

If default is made in complying with this sub-section, the company, and every officer of the company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.

(4) In this section -

(a) “Property” includes property, rights and power of every description; and “liabilities” includes duties of every description; and

(b) “transferee company” does not include any company other than a company within the meaning of this Act; but “transferor company” includes any body corporate, whether a company within the meaning of this Act or not.

394A. Notice to be given to Central Government for applications under section 391 and 394 - The Tribunal shall give notice of every application made to it under section 391 or 394 to the Central Government and shall take into consideration the representations, if any, made to it by that Government before passing any order under any of these sections.

395. Power and duty to acquire shares of shareholders dissenting from scheme or contract approved by majority

(1) Where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of shares in a company (in this section referred to as "the transferor company") to another company (in this section referred to as "the transferee company"), has, within four months after the making of the offer in that behalf by the transferee company, been approved by the holders of not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares whose transfer is involved (other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a nominee for, the transferee company or its subsidiary) the transferee company may, at any time within two months after the expiry of the said four months, give notice in the prescribed manner140 to any dissenting shareholder, that it desires to acquire his shares; and when such a notice is given, the transferee company shall, unless, on an application made by the dissenting shareholder within one month from the date on which the notice was given, the Court thinks fit to order otherwise, be entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which, under the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to the transferee company:

Provided that where shares in the transferor company of the same class as the shares whose transfer is involved are already held as aforesaid to a value greater than one-tenth of the aggregate of the values of all the shares in the company of such class, the foregoing provisions of this sub-section shall not apply, unless-

(a) the transferee company offers the same terms to all holders of the shares of that class (other than those already held as aforesaid) whose transfer is involved; and

(b) the holders who approve the scheme or contract, besides holding not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares (other than those already held as aforesaid) whose transfer is involved, are not less than three-fourths in number of the holders of those shares.

(2) Where, in pursuance of any such scheme or contract as aforesaid, shares, or shares of any class, in a company are transferred to another company or its nominee, and those shares together with any other shares or any other shares of the same class, as the case may be, in the first-mentioned company held at the date of the transfer by, or by a nominee for, the transferee company or its subsidiary comprise nine-tenths in value of the shares, or the shares of that class, as the case may be, in the first-mentioned company, then,-

(a) the transferee company shall, within one month from the date of the transfer (unless on a previous transfer in pursuance of the scheme or contract it has already complied with this requirement), give notice of that fact in the prescribed manner to the holders of the remaining shares or of the remaining shares of that class, as the case may be, who have not assented to the scheme or contract, and

(b) any such holder may, within three months from the giving of the notice to him, require the transferee company to acquire the shares in question;

and where a shareholder gives notice under clause (b) with respect to any shares, the transferee company shall be entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which, under the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving shareholders were transferred to it, or on such other terms as may be agreed, or as the Court on the application of either the transferee company or the shareholder thinks fit to order.

(3) Where a notice has been given by the transferee company under subsection (1) and the Court has not, on application made by the dissenting shareholder, made an order to the contrary, the transferee company shall, on the expiry of one month from the date on which the notice has been given, or, if an application to the Court by the dissenting shareholder is then pending, after that application has been disposed of, transmit a copy of the notice to the transferor company together with an instrument of transfer executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferee company and on its own behalf by the transferee company, and pay or transfer to the transferor company the amount or other consideration representing the price payable by the transferee company for the shares which, by virtue of this section, that company is entitled to acquire; and 141[the transferor company shall-

(a) thereupon register the transferee company as the holder of those shares, and

(b) within one month of the date of such registration, inform the dissenting shareholders of the fact of such registration and of the receipt of the amount or other consideration representing the price payable to them by the transferee company:]

Provided that an instrument of transfer shall not be required for any share for which a share warrant is for the time being outstanding.

(4) Any sums received by the transferor company under this section shall be paid into a separate bank account, and any such sums and any other consideration so received shall be held by that company in trust for the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of which the said sums or other considerations were respectively received.

(4A) (a) The following provisions shall apply in relation to every offer of a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of shares in the transferor company to the transferee company, namely:-

(i) every such offer or every circular containing such offer or every recommendation to the members of the transferor company by its directors to accept such offer shall be accompanied by such information as may be prescribed143;

(ii) every such offer shall contain a statement by or on behalf of the transferee company, disclosing the steps it has taken to ensure that necessary cash will be available;

(iii) every circular containing or recommending acceptance of, such offer shall be presented to the Registrar for registration and no such circular shall be issued until it is so registered;

(iv) the Registrar may refuse to register any such circular which does not contain the information required to be given under sub-clause (i) or which sets out such information in a manner likely to give a false impression; and

(v) an appeal shall lie to the Court against an order of the Registrar refusing to register any such circular.

(b) Whoever issues a circular referred to in sub-clause (iii) of clause (a) which has not been registered, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 20A[five thousand rupees].]

(5) In this section

(a) "dissenting shareholder" includes a shareholder who has not assented to the scheme or contract and any shareholder who has failed or refused to transfer his shares to the transferee company in accordance with the scheme or contract;

(b) "transferor company" and "transferee company" shall have the same meaning as in section 394.

(6) In relation to an offer made by the transferee company to shareholders of the transferor company before the commencement of this Act, this section shall have effect.-

(a) with the substitution, in sub-section (1), for the words "the shares whose transfer is involved (other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a nominee for, the transferee company or its subsidiary)," of the words "the shares affected" and with the omission of the proviso to that sub-section;

(b) with the omission of sub-section (2);

(c) with the omission in sub-section (3) of the words "together with an instrument of transfer executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferee company and on its own behalf by the transferee company" and of the proviso to that sub-section; and

(d) with the omission of clause (b) of sub-section (5).

396. Power of Central Government to provide for amalgamation of companies in national interest

(1) Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is essential in the 144[public interest] that two or more companies should amalgamate, then, notwithstanding anything contained in section 394 and 395 but subject to the provisions of this section, the Central Government may, by order notified in the Official Gazette, provide for the amalgamation of those companies into a single company with such constitution; with such property, powers, rights, interest, authorities and privileges; and such liabilities, duties, and obligations; as may be specified in the order.

(2) The order aforesaid may provide for the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or against may transferor company and may also contain such consequential, incidental and supplemental provisions as may, in the opinion of the Central Government, be necessary to give effect to the amalgamation.

(3) Every member or creditor (including a debenture holder) of each of the companies before the amalgamation shall have, as nearly as may be, the same interest in or rights against the company resulting from the amalgamation as he had in the company of which he was originally a member or creditor; and to the extent to which the interest or rights of such member or creditor in or against the company resulting from the amalgamation are less than his interest in or rights against the original company, he shall be entitled to compensation which shall be assessed by such authority as may be prescribed and every such assessment shall be published in the Official Gazette.

The compensation so assessed shall be paid to the member or creditor concerned by the company resulting from the amalgamation.

(3A)Any person aggrieved by any assessment of compensation made by the prescribed authority under sub-section (3) may, within thirty days from the date of publication of such assessment in the Official Gazette, prefer an appeal to the Company Law Board and thereupon the assessment of the compensation shall be made by the Company Law Board.

(4) No order shall be made under this section, unless-

(a) a copy of the proposed order has been sent in draft to each of the companies concerned;

(aa) the time for preferring an appeal under sub-section (3A) has expired, or where any such appeal has been preferred, the appeal has been finally disposed of; and

(b) the central Government has considered, and made such modifications, if any, in the draft order as may seem to it desirable in the light of any suggestions and objections which may be received by it from any such company within such period as the Central Government may fix in that behalf, not being less than two months from the date on which the copy aforesaid is received by that company, or from any class of shareholders therein, or from any creditors or any class of creditors thereof.

(5) Copies of every order made under this section shall, as soon as may he after it has been made, be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

396A. Preservation of books and papers of amalgamated company

The books and papers of a company which has been amalgamated with, or whose shares have been acquired by, another company under this Chapter shall not be disposed of without the prior permission, of the Central Government and before granting such permission, that Government may appoint a person to examine the books and papers or any of them for the purpose of ascertaining whether they contain any evidence of the commission of an offence in connection with the promotion or formation, or the management of the affairs, of the first-mentioned company or its amalgamation or the acquisition of its shares.

TEXT OF RELEVANT RULES FROM THE COMPANIES (COURT) RULES, 1959

Compromise or Arrangement under section 391 and 394

68. Summons for directions to convene a meeting

An application under section 391(1) for an order convening a meeting of creditors and / or members or any class of them shall be by a Judge’s summons supported by an affidavit. A copy of the proposed compromise or arrangement shall be annexed to the affidavit as an exhibit thereto. Save as provided in rule 68 hereunder, the summons shall be moved ex parte. The summons shall be in Form No. 33, and the affidavit in support thereof in Form No. 34.

69. Service on company

Where the company is not the applicant, a copy of the summons and of the affidavit shall be served on the company, or, where the company is being wound-up, on its liquidator, not less than 14 days before the date fixed for the hearing of the summons.

70. Directions at hearing of summons

Upon the hearing of the summons or any adjourned hearing thereof, the Judge shall, unless he thinks fit for any reason to dismiss the summons, give such directions as he may think necessary in respect of the following matters: -

(1) determining the class or classes of creditors and/or of members whose meeting or meetings have to be held for considering the proposed compromise or arrangement;

(2) fixing the time and place of such meeting or meetings;

(3) appointing a Chairman or Chairmen for the meeting or meetings to be held, as the case may be;

(4) fixing the quorum and the procedure to be followed at the meeting or meetings, including voting by proxy;

(5) determining the values of the creditors and / or the members, or the creditors or members of any class, as the case may be, whose meetings have to be held;

(6) notice to be given of the meeting or meetings and the advertisement of such notice;

(7) the time within which the Chairman of the meeting is to report to the Court the result of the meetings; and such other matters as the Court may deem necessary.

The order made on the summons shall be in Form No. 35 with such variations as may be necessary.

71. Proxies

(1) Voting by proxy shall be permitted, provided a proxy in the prescribed form duly signed by the person entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is filed with the company at its registered office not later than 48 hours before the meeting.

(2) Where a body corporate which is a member or creditor (including holder of debentures) of a company authorizes any person to act as its representative at the meeting of the members or creditors of the company, or of any class of them, as the case may be, a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such body corporate authorizing such person to act as its representative at the meeting, and certified to be a true copy by a director, the manager, the secretary, or other authorized officer of such body corporate, shall be lodged with the company at its registered office not later than 48 hours before the meeting.

(3) Rules 227 to 229 of these rules relating to proxies shall also apply to proxies lodged under this rule.

72. Application for stay

An application under sub-section (6) of section 391 for stay of the commencement or continuation of any suit or proceeding against the company may be moved by a Judge’s summons ex parte, provided that where a petition for winding-up the company or a petition under section 397 or 398 is pending, notice of the application shall be given to the petitioner in such petition.

73. Application to vacate or vary order of stay

Where an order has been made staying the commencement or continuation of any suit or proceeding under sub-section (6) of section 391, any person aggrieved by such order may apply to the Court by a Judge’s summons to vacate or vary such order. Notice of the application shall be given to the applicant at whose instance the order of stay was made and to such other persons as the Court may direct.

74. Notice of meeting

The notice of meeting to be given to the creditors and / or members, or to the creditors or members of any class, as the case may be, shall be in Form No. 36, and shall be sent to them individually by the Chairman appointed for the meeting, or, if the Court so directs, by the company (or its Liquidator), or any other person as the Court may direct, by post under certificate of posting to their last known address not less than 21 clear days before the date fixed for the meeting. It shall be accompanied by a copy of the proposed compromise or arrangement and of the statement required to be furnished under section 393, and a form of proxy in Form No. 37.

75. Advertisement of the notice of meeting

The notice of the meeting shall be advertised in such newspapers and in such manner as the Judge may direct, not less than 21 clear days before the date fixed for the meeting. The advertisement shall be in Form No. 38.

76. Copy of compromise or arrangement to be furnished by the company

Every creditor or member entitled to attend the meeting shall be furnished by the company, free of charge and within 24 hours of a requisition being made for the same with a copy of the proposed compromise or arrangement together with a copy, of the statement required to be furnished under section 393, unless the same had been already furnished to such member or creditor.

77. Affidavit of service - The Chairman appointed for the meeting or the Company or other person directed to issue the advertisement and the notices of the meeting shall file an affidavit not less than 7 days before the date fixed for the holding of the meeting or the holding of the first of the meetings as the case may be, showing that the directions regarding the issue of notices and the advertisement have been duly complied with. In default thereof, the summons shall be posted before the Judge for such orders as he may think fit to make.

78. Result of the meeting to be decided by poll

The decisions of the meeting or meetings held in pursuance of the order made under rule 69 on all resolutions shall be ascertained only by taking a poll.

79. Report of the result of the meeting

The Chairman of the meeting, (or where there are separate meetings, the Chairman of each meeting) shall, within the time fixed by the Judge, or where no time has been fixed, with seven days after conclusion of the meeting, report the result thereof to the Court. The report shall state accurately the number of creditors or class of creditors or the number of members or class of members, as the case may be, who were present and who voted at the meeting either in person or by proxy, their individual values and the way they voted. The report shall be in Form No. 39.

80. Petition for confirming compromise or arrangement

Where the proposed compromise or arrangement is agreed to, with or without modification, as provided by sub-section (2) of section 391, the company, (or its liquidator, as the case may be) shall within 7 days of the filing of the report by the Chairman, present a petition to the Court for confirmation of the compromise or arrangement. The petition shall be in Form No. 40.

Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed for the purposes of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction of any company or companies, or for the amalgamation of any two or more companies, the petition shall pray for appropriate orders and directions under section 394.

Where the company fails to present the petition for confirmation of the compromise or arrangement as aforesaid, it shall be open to any creditor or contributory as the case may be, with the leave of the Court, to present and the company shall be liable for the costs thereof.

Where no petition for confirmation of the compromise or arrangement is presented, or where the compromise or arrangement has not been approved by the requisite majority under section 391(2) and consequently no petition for confirmation could be presented, the report of the Chairman as to the result of the meeting made under the preceding rule shall be placed for consideration before the Judge for such orders as may be necessary.

81. Date and notice of hearing

The Court shall fix a date for the hearing of the petition, and notice of the hearing shall be advertised in the same papers in which the notice of the meeting was advertised, or in such other papers as the Court may direct, not less than 10 days before the date fixed for the hearing.

82. Order on petition

Where the Court sanctions the compromised or arrangement, the order shall include such directions in regard to any matter and such modifications in the compromise or arrangement as the Judge may think fit to make for the proper working of the compromise or arrangement. The order shall direct that a certified copy of the same shall be filed with the Registrar of Companies within 14 days from the date of the order, or such other time as may be fixed by the Court. The order shall be in Form No. 41, with such variations as may be necessary.

83. Application for directions under section 394

Where the compromise or arrangement has been proposed for the purposes of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction of any company or companies or the amalgamation of any two or more companies, and the matters involved cannot be dealt with or dealt with adequately on the petition for sanction of the compromise or arrangement, an application shall be made to the Court under section 394, by a summons supported by affidavit, for directions of the Court as to the proceedings to be taken. Notice of the summons shall be given in such manner and to such persons as the Court may direct.

84. Directions at hearing of applications

Upon the hearing of the summons or upon any adjourned hearing thereof the Court may make such order or give such directions as it may think fit, as to the proceedings to be taken for the purpose of the reconstruction or amalgamation, as the case may be, including, where necessary, an inquiry as to the creditors of the transferor company and the securing of the debts and claims of any of the dissenting creditors in such manner as to the Court may seem just.

85. Order under section 394

An order made under section 394 shall be in Form No. 42 with such variation as the circumstances may require.

86. Compromise or arrangement involving reduction of capital

Where a proposed compromise or arrangement involves a reduction of capital of the company, the procedure prescribed by the Act and these Rules relating to the reduction of capital, and the requirement of the Act and these Rules in relation thereto, shall be complied with, before the compromise or arrangement so far as it relates to reduction of capital, is sanctioned.

87. Report on working of compromise or arrangement

At any time after the passing of the order sanctioning the compromise or arrangement, the Court may, either of its own motion or the application of any person interested, make an order directing the company, or, where the company is being wound-up, the liquidator, to submit to the Court within such time as the Court, may fix, a report on the working of the said compromise or arrangement. On a consideration of the report, the Court may pass such orders or give such directions as it may think fit.

88. Liberty to apply

(1) The Company, or any creditor or member thereof, or in case of a company which is being wound-up, the liquidation, may, at any time after the passing of the order sanctioning the compromise or arrangement, apply to the Court for the determination of any question relating to the working of the compromise or arrangement.

(2) The application shall in the first instance be posted before the Court for directions as to the notices and the advertisement, if any to issue, as the Court may direct.

(3) The Court may, on such application, pass such orders and give such directions as it may think fit in regard to the matter, and may make such modifications in the compromise or arrangement as it may consider necessary for the proper working thereof, or pass such orders as it may think fit in the circumstances of the case.

227. Minor not to be appointed proxy

No person shall be appointed as a general or special proxy who is a minor.

228. Filing in proxy where creditor or contributory is blind or incapable –

The proxy of a creditor or a contributory blind or incapable of writing may be accepted if such creditor or a contributory has attached his signature or mark thereto in the presence of a witness who shall add to his signature, his description and address:

Provided that all insertions in the proxy are in the hand-writing of the witness and such witness shall have certified at the foot of the proxy that all such insertions have been made by him at the request and in the presence of the creditor or contributory before he attached his signature or mark.

229. Proxy of person not acquainted with English

The proxy of a creditor or contributory who does not know English may be accepted if it is executed in the manner prescribed in the last preceding rule and the witness certifies that it was explained to the creditor or contributory in the language known to him, and gives the creditor’s or contributory’s name in English below the signature.

FORM No. 31 (See rule 65)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Petition No…......... of 20…....

A. B. & Co. Ltd. – Petitioner

Form of minute

The capital of A. B. & Co., Ltd. is henceforth Rs…..... divided into ............. shares of Rs….....each, reduced from Rs…..... divided into …......... shares of Rs…..... each. At the date of the registration of this minute, …......... shares numbered …......... etc., have been issued and are deemed to be fully paid [and the remaining …......... shares are unissued].

[Note.—1. The words 'and reduced' are to be added only where the order so directs.]

2. If all the shares of a class are not issued, the minute should state the serial numbers of the issued shares. Partly paid shares should also be distinguished by their serial numbers and the amounts paid thereon should be stated. The serial numbers of shares with calls in arrears and of forfeited shares should also be stated.

FORM No. 32

(See rule 65)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Petition No …......... of 20…...

A. B. & Co. Ltd. – Petitioner

Notice of registration of order and minute

Notice is hereby given that the order of the High Court at …......... (or the district court of …........) dated the …......... 19…...., confirming the reduction of the capital of the above-named company from Rs…..... divided into …......... shares of Rs…..... each, to Rs…..... divided into …......... shares of Rs…..... each and the minute approved by the court showing, with respect to the share capital of the above company as altered, the several particulars required by the above Act, were registered by the Registrar of Companies on the …......... day of …......... 19…....

Dated ….........

(Sd.) ….................……….

Advocate for the Company

FORM No. 33

(See rule 67)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

…............. Applicant(s)

Summons for directions to convene a meeting under section 391

Let all parties concerned attend the Judge in Chambers on …......... (day), the …............ day of …......... 19….... at …......... o'clock in the …......... noon on the hearing of an application of the above named company (or of the applicant(s) above-named) for an order that a meeting (or separate meetings) be held at …......... of [here enter the creditors or class of creditors e.g., debenture holders other secured creditors, unsecured creditors, etc., or the members or class of members e.g., preference shareholders, equity shareholders, etc. of which class or classes, the meetings have to be held] of the above company, for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving, with or without modification, a scheme of compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the company and the said [here mention the creditors or class of creditors or members, or the class of members] of the said company.

And that directions may be given as to the method of convening, holding. and conducting the said meeting(s) and as the notices and advertisements to be issued.

And that a Chairman (or Chairmen) may be appointed of the said meeting(s), who shall report the result thereof to the Court.

Advocate for the applicant(s)

Registrar

The affidavit of …......... will be used in support of the summons.

[Note.—Where the company is not the applicant, the summons should be served on the company, or where it is being wound-up, on its liquidator].

FORM No. 33

(See rule 67)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 20…....

…............. Applicant(s)

Summons for directions to convene a meeting under section 391

Let all parties concerned attend the Judge in Chambers on …......... (day), the …............ day of …......... 19….... at …......... o'clock in the …......... noon on the hearing of an application of the above named company (or of the applicant(s) above-named) for an order that a meeting (or separate meetings) be held at …......... of [here enter the creditors or class of creditors e.g., debenture holders other secured creditors, unsecured creditors, etc., or the members or class of members e.g., preference shareholders, equity shareholders, etc. of which class or classes, the meetings have to be held] of the above company, for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving, with or without modification, a scheme of compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the company and the said [here mention the creditors or class of creditors or members, or the class of members] of the said company.

And that directions may be given as to the method of convening, holding. and conducting the said meeting(s) and as the notices and advertisements to be issued.

And that a Chairman (or Chairmen) may be appointed of the said meeting(s), who shall report the result thereof to the Court.

Advocate for the applicant(s)

Registrar

The affidavit of …......... will be used in support of the summons.

[Note.—Where the company is not the applicant, the summons should be served on the company, or where it is being wound-up, on its liquidator].

FORM No. 34

(See rule 67)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

…............. Applicant(s)

Affidavit in support of summons

I, …......... Of etc., solemnly affirm and say as follows:—

1. I am the managing director / secretary/a director/ …........./of the said company, (or an auditor of the said company authorised by the directors to make this affidavit, or liquidator of the said company in liquidation).

[where the application is not by the company or its liquidator, but by a member or creditor the above paragraph should be suitably altered].

2. The company was incorporated on …......... 19….... The document now produced and shown to me is printed copy of the memorandum and articles of association of the said company, and also contains copies of all the special resolutions which have been passed and are now in force.

3. The registered office of the company is situate at ….........

4. The capital of the company is rs…..... Divided into …......... [here set out the classes of shares issued and the amounts paid up on each share].

5. The objects of the company are set out in the memorandum of association annexed hereto. They are briefly (here set out the main objects in brief).

6. The company commenced the business of …......... (e.g. Hides and skins. Etc.,) and has been carrying on the same since ….........

7. [here set out in separate paragraphs the circumstances that have necessitated the proposed compromise or arrangement, the objects sought to be achieved by it, the terms of the compromise or arrangement, and the effect, if any, of the compromise or arrangement on the material interests of the directors, managing director, 2[***] or the manager of the company, and were the compromise or arrangement affects the interests of the debentures holders, its effect on the material interests of the trustees of the debenture truest deed. A copy of the proposed compromise or arrangement should be marked as an exhibit and annexed to the affidavit.]

8. [here set out the class of creditors or members with whom the compromise or arrangement is to be made; where the arrangement is between the company and its members, it should be stated whether any creditors or class of creditors are likely to be affected by it].

9. It is necessary that a meeting (or meetings) of the creditors/members (if the meeting is to be only of a class of creditors or a class of members, it should be so stated) should be called to consider and approve the proposed compromise or arrangement.

10. It is suggested that the meeting (or meetings) may be held at the premises of the registered office of the company or at such other place as may be determined by the court, and on such date(s) and at such time(s) as this court may direct; and that a chairman may be appointed for the meeting (or for each of the meetings) to be held.

11. It is suggested that notice of the proposed compromise or arrangement and of the meeting may be published once in (here set out the newspapers) and in such manner as the court may direct.

12. It is prayed that necessary directions may be given as to the issue and publication of notices and the convening, holding and conducting of the meeting(s) proposed above.

Solemnly affirmed, etc.

(sd.) X. Y ….....................

Before me

(sd.) ….....................

Commissioner for oaths

FORM No. 35

(See rule 69)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19 …...

…..................... Applicant(s)

Before the Hon'ble Mr. Justice ….....................

Dated ….........

Order on summons for directions

Upon the application of the above-named company* (or, the applicant(s) above named) by summons dated the …......... day of …......... 19….... , upon hearing Shri …......... advocate for the company [Or (where the company is not the applicant) upon hearing the advocate for the applicant(s) and the advocate for the Company], and upon reading the affidavit of …......... filed the …......... day of …................ 19….. , and the exhibits therein referred to (Exhibit …......... being a copy of the proposed compromise or arrangement).

IT IS ORDERED:

That a meeting (or, separate meeting as hereinafter set out) of (here set out the class or classes of creditors and /or members of whom the meeting or meetings have to be held), of above company shall be convened and held at …......... on …......... (day), the …......... day of …......... 19…...., at .......... o'clock in the …... noon, for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving, with or without modifications, the compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the said company and (here set out the class or classes of creditors or members as the case may be) of the said company.

[Note.—If separate meetings of different classes of creditors and/or members are to be held, state the date, time and place of each of such meetings as fixed by the Judge, in separate paragraphs.]

That at least 21 clear days before the day appointed for the meeting (or the first of the meetings, an advertisement convening the same and stating that copies of the said compromise or arrangement and of the statement required to be furnished pursuant to section 393 and forms of proxy can be obtained free of charge at the registered office of the company or at the office of its advocate, be inserted once in the …......... Gazette and once in each of (here set out the newspaper or newspapers).

That, in addition, at least 21 clear days before the meeting (or the first of the meetings) to be held as aforesaid, a notice convening the said meeting at the place and time aforesaid, together with a copy of the said compromise or arrangement, a copy of the statement required to be sent under section 393, and the prescribed Form of proxy, shall be sent by pre-paid letter post under Certificate of posting addressed to each of (here mention the class or classes of creditors or members whose meeting or meetings are to be held) at their respective registered or last known addresses.

That the advocate for the company above-named do, within 3 days from this date file in court the form of the advertisement, the notice and the statement to accompany the notice, and the same shall be settled by the Registrar of this Court.

That Shri …....................., and failing him, Shri …....................., shall be the Chairman of the meeting to be held on …......... as aforesaid.

That the Chairman appointed for the meeting do issue the advertisement and send out the notices of the meeting (s) referred to above.

That the quorum for the said meeting(s) shall be ….................................

That voting by proxy be permitted, provided that a proxy in the prescribed form duly signed by the person entitled to attend and vote at the meeting, is filed with the company at its registered office at …......... not later than 48 hours before the meeting.

That the value of each member or creditor shall be in accordance with books of the company, and, where the entries in the books are disputed, the Chairman shall determine the value for purposes of the meeting.

And it is further ordered that the chairman do report to this Court the result of the said meeting within ….........days of the conclusion of the meeting and the said report shall be verified by his affidavit.

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

(By the Court)

Registrar

Note.—Where separate meetings are to be held, the provisions should be repeated in respect of each of such meetings.

Note.—Where the Court directs the company or its Liquidator or any other person to issue the advertisement and notices, suitable alteration should be made.

*Where the application is by a liquidator of the company substitute the words 'liquidator of the above company in liquidation' for the word 'company' wherever necessary.

FORM No. 36

(See rule 73)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

…................ Applicant(s)

Notice convening meeting

To

…...........................

…...........................

Take notice that by an order made on …......... 19…...., the Court has directed that a meeting of (here mention the class of creditors or members of whom the meeting is to be held) of the company be held at …......... on the …......... day of …......... 19…..., at …....o'clock, for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving, with or without modification, the compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the said company and (here mention the class of creditors or members with whom the compromise or arrangement is to be made) of the company.

Take further notice that in pursuance of the said order, a meeting of (here mention the class of creditors or members of whom the meeting is to be held) of the company will be held at …......... on …......... (Day), the …......... day of …......... 19…...., when you are requested to attend.

Take further notice that you may attend and vote at the said meeting in person or by proxy, provided that a proxy in the prescribed form, duly signed by you, is deposited at the registered office of the company at …......... not later than 48 hours before the meeting.

This court has appointed Shri ……........... , and failing him, Shri …..………...., to be the Chairman of the said meeting.

A copy each of the compromise or arrangement, the statement under section 393 and a form of proxy is enclosed.

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

Chairman appointed for the meeting

(or as the case may be).

[Note.—All alterations made in the form of the proxy should be initialled.]

FORM No. 37

(See rule 73)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

…................ Applicant(s)

Form of proxy

I, the undersigned [an unsecured creditor], of the above company hereby appoint C.D., of etc., and failing him X. Y., of etc, as my proxy, to act for me at the meeting of [unsecured creditors] to be held at …......... on the …......... day of …......... 19….... , at ….. o'clock in the …......... noon, for the purpose of considering and, If thought fit, approving, with or without modification, a compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the said company and its unsecured creditors] and at such meeting and any adjournment thereof, to vote for me, and in my name …......... [here, if 'for', insert 'for'; if 'against', insert 'against', and in the latter case, strike out the words below after 'compromise or arrangement'] the said compromise or arrangement either with or without modification as my proxy may approve.

[strike out what is not necessary]

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

Signature ….....................

Address …...................…

FORM No. 38

(See rule 74)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

…................ Applicant(s)

Notice convening meeting of creditors/shareholders, etc.

Notice is hereby given that by an order dated the …......... 19….... the court has directed a meeting (or, separate meetings) to be held of [here mention 'debenture holders', or 'first debenture holders' or' second debentures holders' or' unsecured creditors' or 'secured creditors' or 'preference shareholders' or 'equity shareholders' as the case may be whose meeting or meetings have to be held] of the said company for the purpose of' considering, and, if thought fit, approving with or without modification, the compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the said company and (here mention the class of creditors or members with whom the compromise or arrangement is to be made') of the company aforesaid.

In pursuance of the said order and as directed therein, further notice is hereby given that a meeting of (here set out the class of creditors or members whose meeting has to be held) of the said company will be held at …......... on (day), the …......... day of …......... 19…...., at …......... o'clock in the …......... noon at which time and place the said (here mention the class of creditor or members) are requested to attend.

[Where separate meetings of classes of creditors or members are to be held, set them out separately with the place, date and time of the meeting in each case.]

Copies of the said compromise or arrangement, and of the statement under section 393 can be had free of charge at the registered office of the company or at the office of its advocate Shri ….................... at ….........

Persons entitled to attend and vote at the meeting ( or respective meetings) may vote in person or by proxy, provided that all proxies in the prescribed form are deposited at the registered office of the company at …......... not later than 48 hours before the meeting.

Forms of proxy can be had at the registered office of the Company.

The Court has appointed Shri …......... and failing him, Shri …........., as Chairman of the said meeting (or several meetings). The above-mentioned compromise or arrangement, if approved by the meeting, will be subject to the subsequent approval of the Court.

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

Chairman appointed for the meeting

(or as the case may be)

FORM No. 39

(See rule 78)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Application No …......... of 19 …....

….................. Applicant(s)

Report by Chairman

I, E.F., the person appointed by this Hon'ble Court to act as Chairman of the meeting of [the debenture holders or first debenture holders or second debenture holders or unsecured creditors or secured creditors or preference shareholders or equity shareholders] of the above-named company, summoned by notice served individually upon them and by advertisement dated the …...... day of …......... 19….... and held on the …......... day of …......... 19….... at…........., do hereby report to this Hon'ble Court as follows:-

1. The said meeting was attended either personally or by proxy by (here state the number of creditors or the class of creditors or the number of members or the class of members as the case may be, who attended the meeting), of the said company entitled together to …......... (here mention the total value of the debts, or debentures, where the meeting was of creditors, and the total number and value of the shares, where the meeting was of members, of those who attended the meeting).

2. The compromise or arrangement was read out and explained by me to the meeting and the question submitted to the said meeting was whether the (here state the class of creditors or members, as the case may be) of the said company approved of the compromise or arrangement submitted to the meeting and agreed thereto.

3. The said meeting was unanimously of the opinion that the compromise or arrangement should be approved* and agreed to/or the result of the voting upon the said question as follows:—

The under-mentioned [here mention the class of creditors or members who attended the meeting] voted in favour of the proposed compromise or arrangement being adopted and carried into effect:—

The under-mentioned [Here mention the class of creditors or members who attended the meeting] voted against the proposed compromise or arrangement being adopted and carried into effect:—

Dated this …..................... day of …......... 19…....

(Sd.) E.F. ….....................

Chairman.

* If the compromise or arrangement was approved with modifications, it should be so stated and the modifications made should be set out, and also the particulars of the voting on the modifications.

FORM No. 40

(See rule 79)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Petition No …......... of 19…....

connected with

Company Application No. …......... of 19…....

A. B. & Co. [Ltd.] in liquidation, by its liquidator*

….......................... ) Petitioner

Petition to sanction compromise or arrangement

The petition of A. B. & Co. [Lid]., (*in liquidation, by its liquidator) the petitioner above-named is as follows:—

1. The object of this petition is to obtain sanction of the Court to compromise or arrangement whereby (here set out the nature of the compromise or arrangement).

2. The company was incorporated under the …......... Act …......... with a nominal capital of Rs…..... divided into …......... shares of Rs…..... each, of which …......... shares were issued and Rs…..... was paid up on each share issued.

3. The objects for which the company was formed are as set in the company's memorandum of association. They are in brief (Set out the principal objects).

4. [Here set out the nature of the business carried on by the company, its financial position and the circumstances that necessitated the compromise or arrangement and the benefits sought to be achieved by the compromise or arrangement and its effect].

5. The compromise or arrangement was in the following terms :-

[Here set out the terms of the compromise or arrangement].

6. By an order made in the above matter on …..…….... 19……, the petitioner was directed to convene a meeting of [Here set out the class of creditors or members of whom the meeting was to be held] of the company for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, approving, with or without modifications, the said compromise or arrangement, and the said order directed that E. F., or failing him, X. Y., should act as Chairman of the said meeting and should report the result thereof to this Court.

7. Notice of the meeting was sent individually to the [Here mention the class of creditors or members to whom the notice was sent] as required by the order together with a copy of the compromise or arrangement and of the statement required by section 393 and a form of proxy. The notice of the meeting was also advertised as directed by the said order in (here set out the newspapers).

8. On the …......... 19…...., a meeting of (here mention the class of creditors or members whose meeting was convened) of the company duly convened in accordance with the said order, was held at …......... and the said E. F., acted as the chairman of the meeting.

9. The said E. F., has reported the result of the meeting to this Hon'ble Court.

10. The said meeting was attended by (here set out the number of the class of creditors or members, as the case may be, who attended the meeting either in person or by proxy), and the total value of their [here mention debts, debentures or shares, as the case may be is Rs …......... [In the case of shares, the total number and value of the shares should be mentioned. The said compromise or arrangement was read and explained by the said E. F., to the meeting and it was resolved unanimously [or by a majority of …......... votes against …......... votes] as follows:—

[Here set out the resolution as passed]

11. The sanctioning of the compromise or arrangement will be for the benefit of the company.

12. Notice of this petition need not be served on any person.

The petitioner therefore prays:

(1) That the said compromise or arrangement may be sanctioned by the Court so as to be binding on all the [here set out the class of creditors or members of the company on whom the compromise or arrangement is to be binding] of the said company and on the said company.

(2) Or, such other order may be made in the premises as to the Court shall seem fit.

Verification, etc.

Petitioner

[Note.—The affidavit in support should verify the petition and prove any matters not proved in any prior affidavit, such as advertisement, holding of meetings, posting of notices, copies of compromise or arrangement and proxies, etc., and should exhibit the report of the Chairman and verify the same.]

Note.—If the company is being wound-up, say so.

Note.—If any modifications were made in the compromise or arrangement at the meeting they should be set out in separate paragraph.

* To be inserted where the company is being wound-up.

FORM No. 41

(See rule 81 )

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Petition No …......... of 19…....

connected with

Company Application No …......... of 19…....

A. B. & Co., [Ltd.] (*in liquidation, by its liquidator ) petitioner

Before the Hon'ble Mr. Justice ….........

Dated ….........

Order on petition

The above petition coming on for hearing on …......... upon reading the said petition, the order dated …......... where by the said company (or, liquidator of' the said company), was ordered to convene a meeting (or separate meetings) of the creditors/ debenture holders/preference shareholders/equity shareholders of the above company for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving with or without modification, the compromise or arrangement proposed to be made between the said company and …......... and annexed to the affidavit of …......... filed the …......... day of' …................... 19…...., the …......... Gazette dated ............ and the (here mention the newspaper) dated …........ each containing the advertisement of the said notice convening the said meeting (s) directed to be held by the said order dated ….............. 19…...., the affidavit of …......... filed the …......... day of …......... 19…...., showing the publication and despatch of the notices convening the said meeting(s), the report(s) of the Chairman/Chairmen of the said meeting(s) (respectively) dated …......... as to the result of the said meeting(s), (and upon hearing Shri …………….......... advocate for …......... etc.) and it appearing from the report(s) that the proposed compromise and arrangement has been approved** …......... (here state whether unanimously or by a majority of not less than three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors or members or class of members as the case may be, present and voting in person or by proxy).

This Court doth hereby sanction the compromise or arrangement set forth in para ….............. of the petition herein and in the Schedule hereto, and doth hereby declare the same to be binding on …......... (here enter the class of creditors or members on whom it is to be binding) of the above-named company and also on the said company (and its liquidator*)

And this Court doth further order:—

[Here enter any directions given or modifications made by the Court regarding the carrying out of the compromise or arrangement.]

That the parties to the compromise or arrangement or other persons interested shall be at liberty to apply to this Court for any directions that may be necessary in regard to the working of the compromise or arrangement, and

That the said company [or the liquidator of the said company] do file with the Registrar of Companies a certified copy of this order within 14 days from this date.

Schedule

Scheme of compromise or arrangement as sanctioned by the Court.

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

(By the Court)

Registrar

* To be inserted where the company is being wound-up.

** Where the compromise or arrangement has been approved with modifications, it should be so stated.

FORM No. 42

(See rule 84)

[Heading as in Form No. 1]

Company Petition No …......... of 19…....

*Application No …......... of 19…....

…….............. Applicant

Before the Hon'ble Mr. Justice ….........

Dated ….........

Order under section 394

Upon the above petition [and application] coming on for further hearing on …............, upon reading, etc., and upon hearing, etc.

This Court Doth Order

(1) That all the property, rights and powers of the transferor company specified in the first, second and third parts of the Schedule hereto and all the other property, rights and powers of the transferor company be transferred without further act or deed to the transferee company and accordingly the same shall pursuant to section 394(2) of the Companies Act, 19….56, be transferred to and vest in the transferee company for all the estate and interest of the transferor company therein but subject to nevertheless to all charges now affecting the same [other than (here set out any charges which by virtue of the compromise or arrangement are to cease to have effect)]; and

(2) That all the liabilities and duties of the transferor company be transferred without further act or deed to the transferee company and accordingly the same shall pursuant to section 394(2) of the Companies Act, 1956, be transferred to and become the liabilities and duties of the transferee company; and

(3) That all proceedings now pending by or against the transferor company be continued by or against the transferee company; and

(4) That the transferee company do without further application allot to such members of the transferor company as have not given such notice of dissent as is required by clause …........... of the compromise or arrangement herein the shares in the transferee company to which they are entitled under the said compromise or arrangement; and

(5) That the transferor company do within 14 days after the date of this order cause a certified copy of this order to be delivered to the Registrar of Companies for registration and on such certified copy being so delivered the transferor company shall be dissolved** and the Registrar of Companies shall place all documents relating to the transferor company and registered with him on the file kept by him in relation to the transferee company and the files relating to the said two companies shall be consolidated accordingly; and

(6) That any person interested shall be at liberty to apply to the Court in the above matter for any directions that may be necessary.

Schedule

Part I

(Insert a short description of the freehold property of the transferor company)

Part II

(Insert a short description of the leasehold property of the transferor company)

Part III

(Insert short description of all stocks, shares, debentures and other charges in action of the transferor company)

Dated this …......... day of …......... 19…....

(By the Court)

Registrar

* To be inserted where an application is made.

** Where the Court directs that the transferor company should be dissolved from any other date, the clause should be altered accordingly.