CIRP application filed u/s 9 of IBC in respect of claims arising under the Settlement Agreement does not come within the definition of ‘Operational Debt’ – Mr. Maulik Kirtibhai Shah Vs. United Telecoms Ltd. – NCLAT Chennai
NCLAT held that the Petition filed in respect of claims arising under the aforementioned Settlement Agreement [even if disputed herein] does not come within the definition of Operational Debt]. Time and again, the Hon’ble Apex Court in a catena of Judgments held that the IBC is not a recovery mechanism. Even if the Settlement Agreement is taken into consideration, this Tribunal is of the earnest view that the claims arising under the MOU lost the character of Operational Debt and became a debt simpliciter. In respect of in the definition of Operational Debt cannot be interpreted widely so as to include any agreement between the parties which does not specifically pertain to the supply of goods or services. A wide interpretation would only defeat the scope and objective of the code. Keeping in view, the spirit of the Code, this Tribunal is of the considered view that at best, the claims are contractual claims for which appropriate Civil Proceedings may lie.