Full Judgment Text
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REPORTABLE
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO. 20417 OF 2017
M/s. DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY LIMITED …PETITIONER
VERSUS
OSCAR INVESTMENTS LIMITED & ORS. ...RESPONDENTS
WITH
CONTEMPT PETITION (C) NO. 2120 OF 2018
IN
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO. 20417 OF 2017
AND
SUO MOTU CONTEMPT PETITION (C) NO. 4 OF 2019
J U D G M E N T
Uday Umesh Lalit, CJI.
1. The present proceedings arise out of an action initiated by Daiichi Sankyo
Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Daiichi”) for enforcing a
Foreign Arbitral Award dated 29.04.2016 made in Singapore and passed
in favour of Daiichi and against 20 Respondents i.e. Respondent 1:
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Malvinder Mohan Singh, Respondent 2: Malvinder Mohan Singh as
Karta of HUF, Respondent No.3: Malvinder Mohan Singh as Trustee of
Bhai Hospital Trust, Respondent No.4: Japna M. Singh, Respondent 5:
Nimrita Singh, Respondent 6: Shivinder Mohan Singh, Respondent 7:
Shivinder Mohan Singh as Karta of HUF, Respondent 8: Aditi Singh,
Respondent 9: Anhad Parvinder Singh, Respondent 10: Kabir Parvinder
Singh, Respondent 11: Udayveer Singh, Respondent 12: Vivan Singh,
Respondent 13: Nimmi Singh, Respondent 14: Oscar Investments Ltd.,
Respondent 15: Malav Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Respondent 16: Modland Wear
Pvt. Ltd., Respondent 17: Fern Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Respondent 18: ANR
Securities Pvt. Ltd., Respondent 19: RHC Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Respondent
20: Oscar Traders (Partnership Firm) (“Respondents/ Judgment
Debtors"), directing them to jointly and severally pay a sum of
approximately INR 2562 crores with further additional pre-award interest
(4.44%) and post-award interest (5.33%), in Arbitration Case
No.19074/CYK. The Award was challenged in Singapore as well as in
India but the objections were dismissed and the Award became final. In
the proceedings initiated for enforcement of said Award in the High
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Court , an objection was raised under Section 48 of the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act, 1996 (for short, ‘the Act’). However, said objection
was dismissed except insofar as original respondents No. 5 and 9 to 12,
1 High Court of Delhi at New Delhi.
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who were minors when the award was declared. The further challenge in
this Court to the rejection of the objection did not succeed and Special
Leave Petition (Civil) No. 4276 of 2018 preferred therefrom was
dismissed by this Court on 16.02.2018.
2. In the enforcement proceedings being OMP (EFA) (Comm.) No. 6 of
2016 initiated by Daiichi, an apprehension was expressed that the
Respondents were engaging in designs to move the assets outside the
reach of Daiichi. It was submitted that Fortis Healthcare Holdings
Private Limited (“FHHPL”) was a holding company under the control of
the Respondents and the value of its shares was derived solely from the
value of the downstream operating company- Fortis Healthcare Limited
(“FHL”); and that FHL shares held by FHHPL were being sold/
encumbered by the Respondents. In said proceedings, an undertaking
given by the learned counsel appearing for respondent Nos. 14 and 19
was recorded by the High Court in its order dated 21.06.2017 in
following terms:
“8. Since the petitioner has raised an issue with regard to the
shareholding of Fortis Healthcare Holding Pvt. Ltd. in Fortis Healthcare
Limited, the present order is being restricted to the value of the said
unencumbered asset disclosed in the affidavit.
9. Learned Senior Counsel appearing for respondent no. 14 and 19
submits that the value of the unencumbered asset comprising of equity
share in Fortis Healthcare Holding Private Limited has been disclosed as
Rs.452.60 Crores by respondent no. 14 and Rs.1889.30 crores by
respondent no. 19.
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10. Learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of respondent no. 14
and 19 undertakes that, irrespective of any transaction that the said
respondent may enter into, the value as disclosed to the court would not
be, in any manner, hampered or diminished.
11. The effect of the above statement of learned Senior Counsel for
respondent no. 14 and 19 is that the sum of Rs.2841.09 Crores (i.e.
Rs.452.60 + Rs.1889.30 crores) would always be available and
realizable as an asset of respondent no.14 and 19, in Fortis Healthcare
Holding Pvt. Ltd. Towards the satisfaction of the decretal amount as and
when the stages so arises.
12. The statement is taken on record and the undertaking accepted.”
3. In Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.20417 of 2017 the aforestated order
dated 21.06.2017 is under challenge mainly on the ground that rather than
recording said undertaking of the learned counsel, the High Court ought
to have issued appropriate process to secure the assets of those against
whom the Award was passed. As a matter of fact, the undertaking so
recorded in the order dated 21.06.2017 was the fifth assurance /
undertaking given by the learned counsel appearing for respondent Nos.
14 and 19. Previous four such
assurances were recorded by this Court in its judgment and order dated
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15.11.2019 passed in Vinay Prakash Singh vs. Sameer Gehlaut & Ors .
as under:
“Proceedings before the Delhi High Court
The first assurance
4. During the enforcement proceedings, the petitioner filed I.A. No. 6558
of 2016 before the High Court of Delhi praying that the respondents be
restrained from alienating or encumbering their assets. The petitioner
expressed an apprehension that the respondents would fritter away their
assets which would make the award unenforceable. On 24.05.2016 Mr.
2 “The judgement”, for short.
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Kapil Sibal, learned senior counsel appearing for the respondents assured
the High Court that the interest of the petitioner will be protected. Though
this assurance was not recorded by the Court, the same forms a part of the
letter sent by the counsel for petitioner, relevant portion of which reads as
follows:-
“1…Further, while directing that, inter alia, the Arbitration
Award dated 29 April 2016, be kept confidential, a formal
protective order has not been passed by the Hon’ble Court on the
strength of duly instructed oral assurance tendered by Learned
Senior Counsel Mr. Kapil Sibal (appearing for the Respondents)
that the Petitioner’s interest would be protected to the extent of
the total sum awarded under the Arbitral Award dated 29 April
2016, and there would be no fait accompli. Mr. Kapil Sibal had
also submitted that even recording of his personal statement in
the order would affect the respondents’ interest in the share
market as some of his clients are listed in stock exchange.”
It appears that the respondents had urged before the Court that their
assurance should not be recorded in the order of the Court, since that might
affect the value of their shares in the share market. This was the first
assurance given by the respondents to the High Court of Delhi. It would be
pertinent to mention that the fact that such an assurance was made is also
recorded in the order of the High Court dated 23.01.2017 wherein Mr.
Harish N. Salve, learned senior counsel appearing for the respondents 1 to
4 and 13 therein reiterated the assurance given to the Court as recorded in
the letter dated 24.05.2016.
The second assurance
5. On 25.07.2016, the High Court of Delhi passed an order directing the
respondents to disclose the details of their immovable assets and also to
disclose the details of assets that have been alienated and encumbered to
third parties. It appears that during this period reports appeared in various
newspapers that the respondents were disposing their stakes in subsidiary
companies and were also clandestinely disposing of their assets. Left with
no alternative, the petitioner filed an Interlocutory Application being I. A.
No. 618 of 2017 before the High Court of Delhi in which the following
prayer was made: -
a. “Urgently pass an order directing the Respondents to secure the
Award amount by depositing it with the Registrar of the Delhi
High Court or by providing adequate security or by bank
guarantee or by any other means that this Hon’ble Court may
deem fit;
b. Pass an order directing the attachment of the movable and
immovable assets and properties of the Respondents, and any
assets and properties in which the Respondents have any
beneficial interests until the disposal of the present petition, at
least to the extent of the amounts awarded in the Award;
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c. Pass an order restraining the Respondents and their group
companies from selling, alienating or encumbering their movable
or immovable properties/assets in any manner whatsoever;
d. Pass ex-parte, ad interim orders in terms of prayers (a), (b) and
(c) above and confirm the same after notice to the Respondents;”
On 23.01.2017, Mr. Harish N. Salve, learned senior counsel for some of the
respondents before the High Court of Delhi reiterated the assurance given
in the letter dated 24.05.2016 and sought two weeks’ time to furnish an
affidavit by one of the respondents giving the details of assets of all the
respondents. This was the second assurance.
The third assurance
6. The information was not provided in the manner sought by the High
Court which is reflected in the order dated 06.03.2017. The order records
that the respondents have been directed to furnish details of all
unencumbered assets both movable and immovable and not merely the list
of the investments, loans and advances as reflected in the affidavit filed by
the respondents. The respondents were directed to furnish further details
and the counsel for respondents had submitted that this would be done
within 1 week. The High Court in its order dated 06.03.2017 clarified as
follows: -
“8. The Court would like to clarify that the above understanding
by Respondent No.19 of what was required to be furnished in
terms of the order dated 23rd January 2017 is not correct. The
Respondents were in fact required to furnish the information
relating to all the unencumbered assets, both moveable and
immovable, and not merely investments and loans and advances.”
7. On 06.03.2017 Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mr. Rajiv Nayar, learned
senior counsel appearing for the respondents made a statement that the
complete details/particulars of all unencumbered assets would be filed
before the Registrar within one week. Certificates of Chartered
Accountants of the respondents were also directed to be filed giving the
following details: -
(i) “the value of all the unencumbered assets, including both
movable and immovable assets of Respondents 14 and 19, both
the book value as well as the fair value;
(ii) where these assets include investments in equity shares,
preference shares and debentures, to indicate to what extent are
these investments in related/group entities of the Respondents and
in companies whose shares are listed and which of these shares
have a condition of right of first refusal.
(iii) a clarification as to how much of the borrowings reflected in
the balance sheets are secured by way of pari passu charge on the
present and future current assets of the companies.”
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The Court again noted the statement of Dr. A.M. Singhvi and Mr. Rajiv
Nayar to the following effect: -
“12. Both Dr. Singhvi and Mr. Nayar state that if any change is
proposed in the status of any of the unencumbered assets whose
details are to be furnished as directed hereinbefore, the
Respondents will first apply to the Court.”
This was the third assurance on behalf of the respondents.
The fourth assurance
8 . OIL and RHC filed the certificates disclosing the value of the
unencumbered assets and investments. On 28.02.2017 OIL had
unencumbered assets of a book value of 1953.70 crores and fair value of
1204.78 crores. The fair value of the unencumbered investments of OIL in
listed entities including related/group entities was valued at 854.64 crores.
As far as RHC is concerned, the book value of the unencumbered assets
was shown as 6,346.69 crores and the fair value thereof at 3579.26 crores.
The fair value of unencumbered investments was shown as 3246.76 crores.
Therefore, it was projected by the respondents that these two companies
had a net value which was much more than the amount claimed by the
petitioner.
9 . As pointed out earlier FHL is a Public Limited Company in which OIL
and RHC held majority shares amounting to 52.20% through their wholly
owned subsidiary, Fortis Healthcare Holdings Private Limited (FHHPL) up
till March, 2017. On 25.05.2017, FHL issued notice to its shareholders
proposing that the shareholding of foreign investors would be increased.
Immediately, thereafter, the petitioner filed I.A. No. 7142 of 2017 before
the High Court of Delhi praying that OIL and RHC be restrained from
reducing their 100% shareholding in FHHPL and be restrained from
indirectly transferring FHHPL shares in FHL. It was prayed that these two
companies be directed to maintain their holding of 52% in FHHPL. In the
meantime, the disclosures made by FHL to the Bombay Stock Exchange
(BSE) showed that the shareholding of FHHPL in FHL had fallen to 45.7%.
10 . On 19.06.2017 the High Court of Delhi recorded in its order that the
learned senior counsel appearing for both OIL and RHC submitted that they
are not seeking to change the status of any unencumbered assets as
disclosed to the Court and the shareholding as disclosed in terms of the
order dated 06.03.2017 shall not be affected. The statement was taken on
record by the High Court and the application disposed of in terms of this
statement. This effectively meant that the Court had restrained OIL and
RHC from reducing their shareholding in FHL through FHHPL in any
manner. Relevant portion of the order passed by the High Court of Delhi
dated 19.06.2017 reads as follows: -
“5. Learned Senior Counsel for respondent no.14 and 19 submits that
they are not seeking to change the status of any unencumbered asset
as disclosed to the court and by mere passing of the impugned
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resolution, the shareholding as disclosed, in terms of order dated
06.03.2017, shall not be affected.
6. The statement is taken on record.
7. In view of the above statement, the application is disposed of.”
This was the fourth assurance given by the respondents.”
4. While dealing with said Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.20417 of 2017,
the proceedings arising from the order dated 21.06.2017 and the orders
passed by this Court were noted by this Court in the Judgment as under:
“Proceedings before this Court
13. The order dated 21.6.2017 of the Delhi High Court was challenged
by the petitioner before this Court and the main contention of the
petitioner was that despite the respondents violating the undertakings
time and again restraint orders were not being passed. In the Special
Leave Petition (Civil) No. 20417 of 2017 filed by the petitioner this
Court passed the following order on 11.08.2017: -
“In the interim it is directed that status quo as on today with
regard to the shareholding of Fortis Healthcare Holding Private
Limited in Fortis Healthcare Limited shall be maintained.”
As per the statutory disclosures made by FHHPL to the BSE and
National Stock Exchange (NSE), it was disclosed that on 14.08.2017,
30,59,260 shares of FHHPL in FHL were pledged in favour of
Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited (IHFL).
14. The petitioner filed a contempt petition being Diary No. 27334 of
2017 alleging that the conduct of the respondents in creating a 13
pledge on 14.08.2017 is violative of the order dated 11.08.2017 In the
meantime on 21.08.2017, OIL filed an application being I.A. 77497 of
2017 for directions permitting sale of encumbered shares to pay its
debts and also prayed that a clarification be issued that the order dated
11.08.2017 is limited to shares other than to those pledged to banks and
financial institutions. In I.A. 77497 of 2017, OIL had stated as follows:
-
“24. It is in these circumstances that the Respondent Company
seeks a direction from this Hon’ble Court that the order dated 11
August 2017 passed by this Hon’ble Court is limited to shares
other than those pledged to the banks and the financial
institutions, the sale of which is being made after obtaining prior
consent of the pledgee(s).
25. It is submitted that the said direction will not, in any event,
have an impact on the potential creditors and that the
availability of these funds will only help pare down the debt.
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This will only raise the value of the shares held by
Respondents.”
Similar application being I.A. No. 76959 of 2017 with identical
paragraphs 24 and 25 was filed by RHC.
15. On 31.08.2017, this Court directed as follows:-
“As the present Special Leave Petition is due to come up for a
fuller consideration on 23rd October, 2017, we do not consider
it necessary to delve into the issues raised at this stage as the
time taken to answer the same would be the same as would be
required to hear and decide the matter finally. We, therefore,
decline to pass any order in the matter, save and except, to put
on record that the interim order of this Court dated 11th August,
2017 was intended to be in respect of both the encumbered and
unencumbered shares of Fortis Healthcare Limited held by
Fortis Healthcare Holding Private Limited. Consequently, there
will be no transfer of the shares to the extent indicated above.
Parties may complete the pleadings in the meantime.
As we have now clarified the previous order of this Court dated
11th August, 2017 no case for contempt is made out. However,
it is needless to say that the present order and the above
clarification would govern the rights of the parties henceforth.
The contempt petition is accordingly disposed of.”
16. On this date, the contempt petition was disposed of and at the same
time it was mentioned that the order and the clarification contained
therein would govern the rights of the parties henceforth. The order
dated 11.08.2017 and 31.08.2017 were later clarified by this Court vide
order dated 15.02.2018 which reads as follows:-
“Having heard the learned counsels for the parties, we clarify
our interim orders dated 11th August, 2017 and 31st August,
2017 to mean that the status quo granted shall not apply to
shares of Fortis Healthcare Limited held by Fortis Healthcare
Holding Pvt. Ltd. as may have been encumbered on or before
the interim orders of this Court dated 11th August, 2017 and
31st August, 2017.
The applications for directions are disposed of in the above terms.”
It would be pertinent to mention that on 23.02.2018, this Court
passed the following order:
“Interim order of this Court dated 15th February, 2018 will
continue to hold the field till the High Court decides the matter.”
17. During the period 06.09.2018 to 18.09.2018 Indiabulls Ventures
Limited (IVL), with which FHHPL maintains a demat account
transferred 12,25,000 shares of FHL held by FHHPL to IHFL. In the
present contempt petition filed in October, 2018, it is alleged that this
transfer of shares was in contempt of the orders dated 11.08.2017,
31.08.2017, 15.02.2018 and 23.02.2018.”
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5. As stated in Paragraph 17 quoted hereinabove, Contempt Petition (C)
No.2120 of 2018 was filed in this Court alleging that transfer of shares
were effected in violation of the orders dated 11.08.2017, 31.08.2017,
15.02.2018 and 23.02.2018 passed by this Court. While dealing with the
matters in issue including the question whether 12,25,000 shares were
pledged prior to 11.08.2017 or not, this Court had set out a chart in
paragraph 3 of the Judgment as under:
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6. The issues whether there was contempt of the orders passed by this Court
and whether pledge of 12,25,000 shares was prior to 11.08.2017 or not
were considered by this Court as under:
“21. The main issue is whether these 12,25,000 shares were pledged prior
to 11.08.2017 or not. At this stage it would be pertinent to mention that
the stand of IHFL that no pledge was created after 11.08.2017 is
incorrect. The disclosure made on 21.08.2017 by FHHPL to BSE and
NSE clearly discloses that 30,59,260 shares of FHL held by FHHPL were
pledged on 14.08.2017 in favour of IHFL. This disclosure of 21.08.2017
is a part of the record and not specifically denied by IHFL.
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22. We may point out that till October 2017, IHFL was not represented in
this Court. However, on 16.08.2017 and 31.08.2017 through emails RHC
informed IHFL about the status quo order passed by this Court. Thus,
IHFL cannot claim that they were not aware of this Court’s orders.
However, from the material on record especially the replies filed by OIL,
RHC, MMS and SMS it is apparent that on 06.09.2018, 07.09.2018,
08.09.2018 IHFL transferred 6,00,000 shares of FHL held by FHHPL.
When RHC came to know about these transfers, it immediately informed
IHFL that transfers were in violation of the orders passed by this Court on
11.09.2017. Despite the communication dated 11.09.2018, IHFL
continued to transfer shares of FHL held by FHHPL on 11.09.2018,
12.09.2018, 14.09.2018, 17.09.2018 and 18.09.2018. On 24.09.2018, this
Court was informed that IHFL had transferred 12,25,000 shares held by
FHHPL in FHL in violation of the Court’s orders. As on 29.09.2018,
another transaction of 9,04,760 shares had taken place. The main issue is
whether 12,25,000 shares were encumbered or not.
23. FHL is a public company and being a listed company, it has to
disclose its shareholding patterns to the stock exchange. A chart showing
share holding pattern of FHHPL in FHL will show the position of
holdings at various stages:
| S.<br>No. | Quarter Ending | Total Shares | Encumbered<br>Shares | Unencumbered<br>shareholding<br>of FHHPL in<br>FHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 2016 | 32,50,91,529 | 27,21,59,955 | 5,29,31,574 |
| 2 | December 2016 | 32,50,91,529 | 25,22,63,248 | 7,28,28,281 |
| 3 | 28th Jan 2017 | 32,50,91,529 | 25,19,23,248 | 7,31,68,281 |
| 4 | March 2017 | 27,02,41,529 | 23,18,01,440 | 3,84,40,089 |
| 5 | June 2017 | 22,22,11,701 | 18,38,96,484 | 3,83,15,217 |
| 6 | September 2017 | 17,80,26,597 | 17,53,94,820 | 26,31,777 |
| 7 | December 2017 | 17,80,26,597 | 17,53,94,820 | 26,31,777 |
| 8 | March 2018 | 34,20,451 | 6,89,084 | 27,31,367 |
| 9 | June 2018 | 32,82,851 | 5,51,484 | 27,31,367 |
| 10 | September 2018 | 11,53,091 | 5,51,484 | 6,01,607 |
| 11 | December 2018 | 11,53,091 | 5,51,484 | 6,01,607 |
It is true that we have to decide whether there is any disobedience of the
orders of this Court, but while doing so we will make reference to the
proceedings before the Delhi High Court and the above chart to show how
both sets of respondents have violated the orders of the courts. As pointed
above, on 19.06.2017 learned counsel for OIL and RHC had made a
statement before the Delhi High Court that the status of unencumbered
assets as disclosed to the court would not be changed and the shareholding
as disclosed in terms of order dated 06.03.2017 shall not be affected.
When the petitioner felt that this order is not being complied with, it filed
contempt petition in the Delhi High Court. Within two days another order
was passed by the Delhi High Court on the basis of the undertaking given
to it.
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24. The above chart would show that in the quarter ending June 2017, the
total shares held by FHHPL in FHL were 22,22,11,701 and the
encumbered shares were 18,38,96,484. Only 3,83,15,217, were
unencumbered.
25. This Court on 11.08.2017 directed that status quo with regard to
shareholding of FHHPL in FHL be maintained. On 31.08.2017 it was
clarified that the order would apply to both encumbered and
unencumbered shares. On 14.08.2017, 30,59,260, unencumbered shares
were pledged in favour of IHFL. As far as this violation of the order dated
11.08.2017 is concerned, in view of the order dated 31.08.2017, the same
stands condoned. This would further mean that the unencumbered shares
should have been reduced to 3,52,55,957.
26. However, the figures of September 2017 show a totally different
situation. The total shareholding has fallen to 17,80,26,597 and the
unencumbered shares to 26,31,777. This means that in addition to
30,59,260 shares pledged on 14.08.2017, 3,26,24,180 number of shares
were encumbered or transferred during this period. There is no explanation
by OIL, RHC, MMS or SMS, as to how these unencumbered shares were
encumbered or transferred in total violation of the orders of the courts.
27. We shall now deal with the issue as to whether IHFL and IVL had
violated the orders of this Court or not? To decide this issue, it would be
appropriate to determine whether IHFL transferred any shares which were
not encumbered up to 14.08.2017.
28. This brings us to the shareholding pattern of FHL for the period
between 01.07.2018 and 30.09.2018 because it is during this period that
IHFL transferred the shares. According to IHFL these 12,25,000 shares
stood pledged with them. Neither in I.A. No. 109493 of 2017 nor in the
reply filed by contemnor nos. 1-8, is there any clear-cut statement as to
how and when the different pledges were created. Reference has been
made to loan documents of 2016 and also to the pledge of 14.08.2017.
According to alleged contemnor nos. 1 to 8, FHL was maintaining a demat
account with IVL. The case set up is that when the value of the shares of
IHFL fell in the market, to make the security equal to the outstanding due
to IHFL, further shares were transferred by IVL to IHFL. It is urged that
this was done in view of the instructions given prior to 11.08.2017 by
FHHPL to IVL and IHFL. These transfers were done on the basis of the
delivery instructions slips executed by IHFL as power of attorney holder
of FHHPL. Even if this be true, the alleged contemnors are guilty of
violating the orders of this Court. The order dated 11.08.2017 clearly
debars FHHPL from changing its shareholding in IHFL. Vide order dated
31.08.2017, it was clarified that the order dated 11.08.2017 would apply
both to encumbered and unencumbered shares. It was only on 15.02.2018
that the order was clarified that it would not apply to shares encumbered
prior to 11.08.2017 and 31.08.2017. A reading of the 3 orders makes it
clear that no unencumbered shares could be charged after 31.08.2017 at
least. Even if FHHPL had given power of attorney empowering IVL to
transfer shares from its demat account to top up the security value, that
power of attorney could not be used to violate the orders of this Court.
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What FHHPL could not do, could obviously not be done by its agent or
attorney. The shares which were used to top up the security after
31.08.2017 were obviously unencumbered shares prior to this date. The
plea is clearly unacceptable and a lame excuse for the wilful disobedience
of the order directing maintenance of status quo which, as modified, was
to apply to the unencumbered shares. The respondents were aware and
cannot claim ignorance of the purported agreements under which they
were required to top-up upon the securities, in case of fall of market value
of the shares. In other words, the interim order passed by this Court was to
apply even if there was a fall in market value of the securities held by the
creditors.
29. To make this position clear, we may refer to the disclosures made by
FHL to BSE. The above chart shows that in the quarter ending 30.06.2018,
FHHPL held 32,82,851 shares in FHL out of which only 5,51,484 were
encumbered, meaning that the balance 27,31,367 were unencumbered
shares. The disclosure of 30.09.2018 and 31.12.2018 both reflect that the
number of encumbered shares have not changed but the total shareholding
of FHHPL in FHL has reduced from 32,82,851 to 11,53,091. This means
that what was transferred were 21,29,760 unencumbered shares and not
encumbered shares. The transaction of 12,25,000 shares therefore is out of
the unencumbered shares because after 31.03.2018, the encumbered shares
were much below 12,25,000.
30. We are not entering into the dispute whether the shares were
transferred on the basis of pre-signed slips or delivery instruction slips
based on the power of attorney but the fact remains that the official record
shows that these shares were not encumbered and the contemnors have
failed to place any cogent material on record to show that these 12,25,000
shares were pledged on or before 31.08.2017.
31. IHFL, in fact, flagrantly violated this Court’s orders and made various
transactions transferring even unencumbered shares. The best course
available to IHFL would have been to approach this Court seeking a
clarification before it made the transfers. This they did not do. We are,
therefore, clearly of the view that IHFL and IVL and their officials i.e.
contemnor nos.1 to 8 knowing fully well that this Court had passed an
order directing status quo to be maintained with regard to the holding of
FHHPL in FHL, violated the order. There can be no manner of doubt that
IHFL and IVL have violated these orders and, therefore, we find
contemnor nos.1-8 who are active directors of IHFL and IVL guilty of
knowingly and wilfully disobeying the orders of this Court and find them
guilty of committing Contempt of Court. We will hear them on the
question of sentence.”
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7. This Court thereafter considered the role of contemnor Nos. 9 and 10,
namely, Malvinder Mohan Singh (MMS) and Shivinder Mohan Singh
(SMS) respectively as follows:
“ 34. We have given detailed facts of the shareholding of FHHPL in FHL
during the period of quarter ending September 2016 to December 2018
hereinabove. As far as these contemnors are concerned, the first assurance
given by them to the High Court of Delhi was on 24.05.2016 when they
assured the High Court of Delhi that any dealings made by them would
not affect the rights of the petitioners. As on 30.09.2016, FHHPL held
32,50,91,529 shares in FHL out of which 27,21,59,955 shares were
encumbered shares and 5,29,31,574 shares were unencumbered shares.
For various reasons, the total number of shares fell to 22,22,11,701 in
quarter ending June 2017 and the number of encumbered shares became
18,38,96,484 and the unencumbered shares dropped by about 1.5 crore
shares to 3,83,15,217. Even after giving an assurance on 21.06.2017 to the
High Court of Delhi, unencumbered shares were encumbered or
transferred as is apparent from the above table.
35. The petitioner came to this Court when the order dated 11.08.2017 was
passed and clarified by order dated 31.08.2017. During this period also the
total shareholding of FHHPL in FHL fell from 22,22,11,701 to
17,80,26,597 by 4,41,85,104 shares. MMS and SMS have not furnished
any explanation as to how this happened. The contemnors were the best
persons to disclose how this happened. They have not done so. The only
explanation we have before us is about the pledge of 30,59,260 shares on
14.08.2017. It is difficult to ignore this huge drop in shareholding but even
if we were to ignore this, we do not understand how in March 2018, the
shareholding fell to 34,20,451 and finally in December 2018 to 11,53,091.
The undertaking given to the High Court of Delhi was that the
shareholding as on 19.06.2017 and 21.06.2017 would be maintained. On
11.08.2017, this Court injuncted the respondents from changing the
shareholding. On 11.08.2017, this Court passed the order of status quo
referred to above. Despite that specific order, on 14.08.2017 a pledge was
created. This was a violation of the orders of this Court. RHC and OIL
filed applications before this Court on 21.08.2017 praying for
modification of the order and for a direction that the order dated
11.08.2017 may be limited to the shares other than those which already
stood pledged to banks and financial institutions. Though separate
applications have been filed, Paragraph 25 of both the applications are
identical and has been quoted hereinabove.
36. These applications were filed on affidavit and it has held out to this
Court that if the order dated 11.08.2017 is limited to unencumbered shares
it would have no impact on the availability of funds to protect the interest
of the petitioner. On the basis of this statement, the order dated 31.08.2017
was passed and this Court took a lenient view on the matter and disposed
of the contempt without taking any action.
16
37. Unfortunately, the actions of these contemnors clearly show that these
statements were made without the least intention of complying with them.
These contemnors had already prepared a well thought out scheme of
diluting their shareholdings directly or indirectly in FHL to defeat the
rights of the petitioner.
38. The explanations provided are not worth consideration. According to
SMS he was not even taking part in the administration of these companies
and had gone into religious service. This is belied from the fact that he has
been attending most of the meetings of the Board of Directors. The next
defence taken by both the contemnors is that they lost control over the
companies because the encumbered shares were sold. As pointed out
above it is not only the encumbered shares but also the unencumbered
shares which have been transferred. In December 2017, the unencumbered
shares of FHHPL in FHL were 26,31,777 and in December, 2018 there
were only 6,01,607 unencumbered shares. This shows beyond any manner
of doubt that there has been wilful violation of the orders of this Court. It
is apparent that the contemnors knowingly and willingly lost control of
FHL.
39. A litigant should always be truthful and honest in court. One who
seeks equity must not hide any relevant material. In the present case, the
petitioner has violated the undertakings given to the Delhi High Court as
also the orders of this Court. The Delhi High Court will deal with the issue
in so far as the undertakings made before it are concerned. We have no
doubt in our mind that contemnor nos.9 and 10 have also wilfully and
contumaciously disobeyed the orders of this Court. What has happened
during the period when this matter has been pending in this Court is that
the shareholdings of FHHPL, which is wholly owned by OIL and RHC
which in turn are controlled by SMS and MMS, have virtually vanished in
FHL. FHHPL owns no shares in FHL now. It may be true that IHH
Healthcare Bhd. (Malaysian Company) through its actually owned
subsidiary Northern TK Venture Pte Ltd. is now the majority stake holder
but that is due to allotment of preferential shares. In addition to the
preferential shares allotted to them, the shares which were owned by MMS
and SMS through their holdings in FHHPL in FHL have vanished into thin
air and the only conclusion which we can draw is that this was a well
thought out plan to deprive the petitioner from the amounts due to it.
40. No person or institution howsoever powerful, can be permitted to
misuse the process of the Court. Contempt of court can be committed in
various ways. Civil contempt is defined under the Contempt of Courts Act,
1971 under Section 2(b) to mean wilful disobedience of any judgment,
decree, direction, order of the Court of wilful breach of an undertaking
given to the Court. Criminal contempt has been defined under Section 2(c)
to include anything which scandalizes or tends to scandalize or lower or
tends to lower the authority of the Court. Criminal contempt also means
any act which prejudices or interferes or tends to interfere with the due
course of judicial proceedings. As far as the present case is concerned, the
conduct of contemnor nos.9 and 10 definitely undermines the authority of
the Court. We are dealing with an international arbitration which has
17
fructified into an award but by misusing the legal process contemnor nos.9
and 10 have successfully avoided paying off the petitioner. In our view,
action for committing criminal contempt could have been taken against
contemnor nos. 9 and 10, but by taking a lenient view of the matter we are
only treating it as a civil contempt.
41. The order passed by this Court on 11.08.2017 with a clarification on
31.08.2017, and modification made on 15.02.2018, is not to be read in
isolation but along with the solemn undertakings and assurances given by
the contemnors on as many as five occasions before the Delhi High Court,
the last one being as late as on 21.06.2017. These assurances were to the
effect that even if the Court permits sale of encumbered shares for
payment of debt, it would not have any impact on the (potential) creditors
and availability of the funds would only pare down the debt and increase
the value of the shares. Contrary to the aforesaid solemn assurances and
undertakings, which were repeatedly reiterated to procure orders, the
shareholding went into a downward spiral, as is apparent from the table in
paragraph 23. There was a significant decline in the total number of shares
held by FHHPL, both encumbered and unencumbered, which fell down
from 27,21,59,955 and 5,29,31,574 in September 2016 to 5,51,484 and
6,01,607 in December 2018. The aforesaid fact with the impact on
valuation was never brought to the notice of the Court and was concealed
with the knowledge that these facts, if brought to the notice, would have
substantial bearing on the orders that would be passed to protect the
interest of the petitioner.
42. What is even more shocking and clearly contemptuous is the manner
in which, in a well thought off plan, the authorized capital of FHL was
increased with the objective and purpose to transfer controlling interest in
the company. Consequently, the controlling interest of MMS and SMS
came down in FHL, as the company changed hands. Controlling interest
held by the majority shareholders has considerable market value. Further,
the amount brought in by a foreign shareholder, who now has the
controlling interest in FHL, has been transferred in a dubious and
clandestine manner without full facts being brought on record. This
amount is not available for payment and satisfaction of the Award. About
Rs.4,600 crores has been transferred in a very hurried and clandestine
manner to a trust registered in Singapore i.e. RHT Health Trust (RHT).
Coincidentally, respondents no.9 and 10 themselves or through their
holding companies were at one time the biggest unitholders in the trust. It
is obvious that the respondents being debtors are maneuvering,
transferring and converting the assets of value, with the desire and intent
that the petitioners would not be able to recover the decretal amount as per
the award.
43. We would, therefore, not read the orders of this Court in isolation but
along with the five solemn assurances and undertakings given before the
High Court. Directions given by this Court and the orders passed were in
light of the fact that the contemnors always projected that the said
assurances and undertakings were binding and adhered.
18
44. There can be no manner of doubt that contemnors 9 and 10 have
changed the shareholding of FHHPL in FHL knowingly and wilfully. They
have done this with a view to defeat the rights of the petitioner. They have
also wilfully and contumaciously violated the orders of this Court dated
11.08.2017, 31.08.2017 and 15.02.2018. They are accordingly held guilty
of committing contempt of court. We shall hear them on the question of
sentence. We give one chance to the contemnors no.9 and 10 to purge
themselves of the contempt.
45. On 21.06.2017, a statement was made on behalf of contemnor nos. 9
and 10 before the High Court of Delhi that in respect of any transaction
that these respondents may enter into, a sum of Rs.2341.90 crores i.e.
Rs.452.60 crores of OIL and Rs.1889.30 crores of RHC would always be
made available and realizable from the assets of the company. We,
therefore, direct that in case each of the respondents deposits a sum of
Rs.1170.95 crores i.e. 50% of Rs.2341.90 crores in this Court within eight
weeks from today then we may consider dealing with them in a lenient
manner.
Violation of order dated 14.12.2018
46. It was also argued that contemnor nos.9 and 10 have also violated the
order dated 14.12.2018. Since this is not the subject matter of the main
contempt petition and no notice has been issued to the concerned parties in
this regard, we feel that this issue has to be segregated from the rest of the
contempt petitions because the main pleadings and replies are in respect of
the alleged contempt of orders dated 11.08.2017, 31.08.2017, 15.02.2018
and 23.02.2018.
47. However, we cannot let the matters stand as they are. On 14.12.2018,
this Court had passed the following order:
“Issue notice. The personal presence of the alleged respondents
contemnors is dispensed with for the present. Status quo with
regard to sale of the controlling stake in Fortis Healthcare to
Malaysian IHH Healthcare Berhad be maintained.”
The order directs that the status quo with respect to the sale of
controlling stake in FHL to IHH Healthcare Bhd. (Malaysian Company)
should be maintained. We are now told that this sale had already taken
place. This matter needs to be enquired into and we have to be certain
when this sale actually took place and when was the controlling stake in
FHL transferred to the IHH Healthcare Bhd. (Malaysian Company).
Furthermore, on 09.01.2019, FHL moved an application in this Court and
stated that the transaction between the FHL and IHH Healthcare Bhd.
(Malaysian Company) had been completed on 13.11.2018 and prayed that
the order dated 14.12.2018 be modified insofar as it pertains to sale of
controlling stake in IHH Healthcare Bhd. (Malaysian Company).
48. I.A. No. 8948 of 2019 was filed by the petitioner on 15.01.2019
stating that FHL is proposing to transfer Rs.4,000/- crores approximately,
received by it [as a result of the transferring of shares to the IHH
19
Healthcare Bhd. (Malaysian Company)] to RHT Health Trust, Singapore
(RHT). Petitioner prayed for restraining this transfer of funds and
compliance of order dated 14.12.2018. FHL filed a reply to this I.A.,
which made it apparent that on 15.01.2019 itself FHL had completed the
transaction involving acquisition of assets from Singapore based RHT
even though it was fully aware that this Court was seized of the matter.
49. Interestingly, the main promoters of RHC and OIL i.e. MMS and
SMS were the biggest unit holders in RHT when it was initially
incorporated. The statistics of unit holding as on 20.06.2017 of RHT
Trust, Singapore shows that SMS, MMS, their family members, FHHPL,
FHL and RHC virtually owned the RHT trust. That situation has now
changed and now the situation is such that the companies/associations of
which MMS and SMS are partners are no longer visibly present and there
are other persons who are there. When and how the holdings in RHT trust
were transferred by various people is a matter which is required to be
gone into.”
8. Having found the contemnor Nos.9 and 10 and the entities RHC, OIL and
FHL guilty of violating the assurances given to the Court, this Court
directed in the Judgment as under:
“ 51. In view of the above discussion, we, dispose of this contempt
petition in the following terms: -
(i) We find Sameer Gehlaut, Director of Indiabulls Housing Finance
Limited and Director of Indiabulls Ventures Limited (Contemnor
Nos.1 & 5), Gagan Banga, Director of Indiabulls Housing Finance
Limited and Director of Indiabulls Ventures Limited (Contemnor
Nos.2 & 6), Ashwini Kumar Hooda, Director of Indiabulls Housing
Finance Limited (Contemnor No.3), Sachin Chaudhary, Director of
Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited (Contemnor No.4), Divyesh
Bharat Kumar Shah, Director of Indiabulls Ventures Limited
(Contemnor No.7) and Pinank Jayant Shah, Director of Indiabulls
Ventures Limited (Contemnor No.8), who are active directors of
IHFL and IVL of knowingly and wilfully disobeying the orders of
this Court dated 11.08.2017, 31.08.2017 and 15.02.2018 as
continued on 23.02.2018 and find them guilty of committing
contempt of this Court. We will hear them on the question of
sentence. We afford an opportunity to contemnor nos.1-8 to purge
themselves of the contempt by depositing the value of 12,25,000
shares as on 31.08.2017 in the Bombay Stock Exchange within eight
weeks from today. In case, the said respondents purge themselves of
the contempt, we may take a lenient view while imposing sentence.
20
(ii) Malvinder Mohan Singh, Director of Oscar Investments Limited
and Director of RHC Holding Private Limited (Contemnor Nos.9
and 12) and Shivinder Mohan Singh, Director of Oscar Investments
Limited and Director of RHC Holding Private Limited (Contemnor
Nos.10 and 13) have knowingly and wilfully violated the orders of
this Court dated 11.08.2017, 31.08.2017 and 15.02.2018 as
continued on 23.02.2018. Therefore, we hold both of them guilty of
committing Contempt of this Court. We give one chance to them to
purge themselves of the contempt. We, direct that in case each of the
contemnors deposits a sum of Rs.1170.95 crores in this Court within
eight weeks from today then we may consider dealing with them in a
lenient manner, while imposing sentence.
(iii) In case any of the contemnors deposits the amount as directed
hereinabove, this Court shall decide on the next date as to how this
amount is to be disbursed.
(iv) The Registry is directed to register a suo motu contempt petition
against RHC Holding Private Limited, Oscar Investments Limited,
Malvinder Mohan Singh, Shivinder Mohan Singh and Fortis
Healthcare Limited, for having wilfully violated the order of this
Court dated 14.12.2018 and issue notice to them returnable for
03.02.2020 asking them to show cause why they should not be
punished for contempt.
52. List the present contempt petition on 03.02.2020 when all the
contemnors named hereinabove shall remain present in the Court. On that
day, we shall hear them on the issue of sentence. Along with this, the
contempt petition which has been ordered to be registered shall also be
listed on 03.02.2020.”
9. In terms of leave granted in sub paragraph (i) of paragraph 51 quoted
above, the amount of Rs.17,93,40,000/- having been deposited by
Contemnor Nos.1 to 8, it was held by this Court in its order dated
18.12.2019 that said Contemnors had purged themselves of the contempt
and the matter was therefore closed as against them.
10. The Special Leave Petition and the Contempt Petition along with Suo
Motu Contempt Petition No.4 of 2019, registered pursuant to direction
(iv) in paragraph 51 as quoted above, were then taken up for hearing.
21
By order dated 11.2.2021, this Court issued notice to 17 Banks/
Financial institutions with whom certain financial transactions were
entered into by the Contemnors and companies under their control; and
some of the shares were pledged to them, so that the version of said
Banks/ Financial institutions could be taken into account.
11. The Order dated 18.02.2021 passed by this Court noted the submissions
advanced on behalf of the Contemnors, Noticees and Daiichi, whereafter
certain directions were passed by this Court as under: -
“7. Mr. Kailash Vasdev, learned Senior Advocate, appearing for one of
the contemnors had invited our attention to the affidavit filed on behalf of
Respondent No. 14 in compliance of order dated 14.05.2018 (Volume
55). The tabular chart given in paragraph 7 of said affidavit and assertions
in paragraph 8 thereof were to the following effect:
“7. The details of the number of shares held by FHHL in FHL are as
follows:
| Date | Encumbered<br>Shares | Unencumbered<br>Shares | Total<br>Number of<br>shares |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.02.2017 | 26,81,66,020 | 3,84,25,509 | 30,65,91,529<br>(59.23%) |
| 31.03.2017 | 23,18,01,440 | 3,84,40,089 | 27,02,41,529 |
| 31.07.2017 | 18,64,94,060 | 84,89,948 | 19,49,84,008 |
| 31.08.2017 | 17,53,94,820 | 26,31,777 | 17,80,26,597 |
| 31.01.2018 | 17,53,83,820<br>(pursuant to a<br>release of<br>11,500 pledged<br>shares) | 26,43,277 | 17,80,26,597 |
| 28.02.2018 | 7,65,584 | 26,54,867 | 34,20,451 |
| 31.03.2018 | 6,89,084 | 27,31,367 | 34,20,451 |
| 16.05.2018 | 6,31,484 | 27,31,367 | 33,62,851<br>(0.65%) |
8. Neither Respondent no.14 nor Respondent No.19 sold and/or
further encumbered any shares after 06.03.2017. However, pursuant
22
to the existing loan/pledge agreements, various banks themselves
exercised the right of pledge/top-up of the pledge shares without any
reference or any action from Respondent Nos.14 & 19 and/or FHHL,
described in greater detail hereinbelow. Further, the Hon’ble
Supreme Court, vide its orders dated 11.08.2017 and 31.08.2017
injuncted FHHL and all financial institutions from selling/alienating
encumbered as well as unencumbered shares held by FHHL in FHL.
This order was modified by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 15.0-
2.2018, whereby the encumbered shares were permitted to be sold by
the respective lenders. Due to all above, there were sale/fresh
encumbrances from the period 06.03.2017 till 31.08.2017 but
thereafter 5ill 15.02.2018 there was no change in the said
encumbrance/sale and once again there were further sales after
15.02.2018. The unencumbered shares held by FHHL in FHL are
protected by the order dated 23.02.2018 passed by the Hon’ble
Supreme and cannot be encumbered/alienated by FHHL. Copies of
the orders dated 11.08.2017, 31.08.2017, 15.02.2018 and 23.02.2018
passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court are annexed herewith and
marked as Annexure A (colly).”
8. This reply, thus, clearly shows that though allegedly neither
Respondent No. 14 nor Respondent No. 19 sold or further encumbered
any shares after 06.03.2017, various banks/financial institutions
themselves exercised the right of pledge/top-up of pledged shares without
any reference to or action from either Respondent No. 14 or Respondent
No. 19.
9. In the circumstances, notices were issued to various banks/financial
institutions as detailed in the order dated 11.02.2021.
10. Appearing for some of the banks/financial institutions, Mr. Shyam
Divan and Mr. Ramji Srinivasan, learned Senior Advocates; and Mr.
Jayant Mehta, Mr. Sanjay Gupta and Mr. Sharma, learned Advocates,
submitted inter alia that the issue was already gone into by this Court and
that there were no pleadings to which any response could be filed by the
concerned banks/financial institutions.
11. In reply, Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, learned Senior Advocate invited our
attention to the chart set out in paragraph 23 of the Order, to submit that
first three entries of the chart disclose that the total number of shares
remained constant at 32,50,91,529; and that after the assurance was given
on 23.01.2017 by the concerned respondents before the High Court of
Delhi (marked as second assurance in paragraph 5 of the Order), not only
the total number of shares started dwindling but the number of
unencumbered shares went down from 7,31,68,281 to 6,01,607, as stated
in the chart. Mr. Dwivedi, then, referred to the affidavit dated 08.02.2017
filed on behalf of all the respondents in the High Court of Delhi which
held out that the value of unencumbered shares was more than Rs.4,000/-
crores and that the value of the unencumbered security was sufficient in
23
the event the award was to be enforced. The relevant paragraphs of said
affidavit were as under: -
“2. That vide order dated 23.1.2017, this Hon’ble Court had directed
an affidavit to be filed by anyone of the Respondents on behalf of all
the Respondents in respect of the unencumbered assets held by the
Respondents in support of the assurance given to the Court as
recorded in the letter dated 24.5.2016.
3. Therefore, in furtherance of the Order dated 23.1.2017, I am filing
the present affidavit on behalf of Respondent No. 19 and all other
Respondents.
4. All the Respondents had submitted their respective affidavits
disclosing their assets on 6.12.2016 to this Hon’ble Court. The
aggregate book value of investments held by all the Respondents
(excluding investments inter se amongst the Respondents) as per the
said Affidavits is Rs.10,217.10 Crores out of which investments to
the tune of Rs.1,409.93 crores are encumbered leaving the residual
investments to the tune of Rs.8,807.18 Crore as unencumbered.
Further, as on 31.12.2016, the book value of investments held only
by RHC Holding Private Limited (Respondent No.19) as on
31.12.2016 is Rs.6,510.54 Crores out of which investments to the
tune of Rs.1,513.86 Crores are encumbered leaving the residual
investments to the tune of Rs.4,996.68 Crores as unencumbered.
5. Respondent No.19 has also undertaken an internal valuation of its
unencumbered investments as on 31.12.2016 mentioned in para (4)
above and based on such internal valuations, the estimated (on a
conservative basis] fair value of its unencumbered investments as on
31.12.2016 is approximately Rs.3,453 Crores.
6. Apart from the aforesaid investments, Respondent No.19 has also
extended loans and advances (other than loans and advances to other
Respondent entities) and after netting off the loans raised on current
assets, the amount of loans and advances recoverable is Rs.252.59
Crores as on 31.12.2016 which is over and above the aforesaid
investments.
7. There is no intention of selling any of the unencumbered
investments by way of shares held by Respondent No.19. A proposal
which is under discussion may involve the sale of 29,00,000 equity
shares of SRL Limited held by Respondent No.19 and 7.05,000
equity shares of SRL Limited held by Malav Holding Private
Limited (Respondent No.15) to external investors in the near future.
These shares of SRL Limited are encumbered and thus not included
in the value of unencumbered assets mentioned at paras (4) & (5)
above. Obviously this will have to be after obtaining the consents of
the security holders. The proceeds of such sale will have to be
utilized to pare down the debt – the net assets of the Respondents
24
will thus remain unchanged. The shares being sold [36,00,000]
which are below 5% of the share capital of SRL will be sold to an
external investor. The further proposal under consideration is to
merge SRL with another listed group company at a later point of
time. Even if this does take place, this will have no implications on
the next assets of the Respondents.
8. There are proposals to issue further capital in the downstream
companies [below Respondent No.19]. The net result of issue of
shares will be accretion in the value of the shares of the upstream
company. The promoters would continue to remain the single largest
shareholders in the companies where fresh capital is being issued to
minority investors, and that will create value going forward. The
induction of a Private Equity fund or some such investor – were it to
take place – will improve the finances of the downstream companies
and thus add to the fair value of the unencumbered and encumbered
shares.
9. The value of the unencumbered assets declared is sufficient
security for the Award in the event it is enforced. This fair value of
the unencumbered assets as mentioned in para (5) does not include
value of 5 crore equity shares of Fortis Healthcare Limited held by
the underlying subsidiary of the Respondents which have been kept
aside from the aforesaid valuation for the sake of flexibility and debt
repayments of various group entities.”
12. It was, therefore, submitted that it was not just a case of creating
encumbrance or pledge but, there were instances of sale of shares and the
purpose was definitely to reduce the extent of control of FHHPL. He
further submitted that at the stage when the applications for
modification/clarification were preferred by the banks and financial
institutions, on the basis of which the order dated 25.02.2018 was passed
by this Court, none of the banks had told this Court what the
consequences of said order would be; and that in a matter of a yearand-
half, the shareholding of FHHPL stood reduced to negligible level.
13. Mr. Arvind P. Datar, learned Senior Advocate, added that there would
normally be a basic arrangement or loan agreement, in terms of which
various kinds of securities including charge over properties, corporate
and personal guarantees would be offered; and that a pledge of shares
would only be by way of an additional security. None of the
banks/financial institutions had indicated why the unencumbered shares
were sought to be put under encumbrance or the shares were sold when
other forms of securities were available. He further submitted that the
arrangements under which the shares were pledged must be disclosed so
that the purpose for which the basic accommodation or loan was obtained
would also be clear. For example, according to him, in November, 2016 a
loan agreement was entered into between India Bulls and RHC Holding
Private Limited for an amount of Rs.350 crores purportedly for
‘construction/development of residential projects’. He submitted that no
25
such project had come up and the amount of Rs.350/- crores through
successive transactions, was siphoned away. What kind of due diligence
was undertaken by the banks/financial institutions while extending the
loan facility must therefore be brought on record.
14. Both the learned Senior Counsel submitted that with various orders
passed by the High Court and this Court, the concerned individuals and
corporate entities could not sell the shares held by FHHPL directly and,
therefore, a device was employed and the arrangement was so structured
that the shares were proceeded against by the banks and financial
institutions. It was submitted that the banks/financial institutions had
intervened in the matters pending before this Court, that they were
definitely aware of the Award granted in favour of M/s. Daiichi Sankyo
Company Limited; and that the role of banks and financial institutions
would, therefore, require closer scrutiny.
15. In the premises, for the present, we direct all the noticee banks and
financial institutions: -
“(a) to place on record the basic documents pertaining to loans
advanced or financial accommodations extended in respect of
which the shares of FHL were pledged with them;
(b) to place on record the nature of securities offered in
connection with such loan arrangements;
(c) to place on record the details of the encumbered and
unencumbered shares of FHL standing in the name of
FHHPL, held by them in September, 2016;
(d) to place on record the details of encumbered and
unencumbered shares of FHL standing in the name of
FHHPL, held by them on 11.08.2017;
(e) to give details of shares of FHL standing in the name of
FHHPL, which were put by them under encumbrance after
11.08.2017;
(f) to give details of shares of FHL standing in the name of
FHHPL, sold by banks/financial institutions from January,
2017;
(g) to disclose whether such encumbrance created after
11.08.2017 was in pursuance of any fresh arrangement or
agreement and, if so, the details of such
agreement/arrangement;
(h) to disclose whether under such agreement/arrangement any
other security was given by the pledgors; and
(i) to give the value of the encumbered shares as they stood in
September, 2016, on 11.08.2017 and on subsequent dates.”
26
12. The subsequent Order dated 15.4.2021 passed by this Court noted
submissions advanced on behalf of Noticee No.4 and passed directions as
under:
“Mr. Sanjay Gupta, learned advocate appearing for M/s. RBL Bank
Ltd.- Noticee No.4 submits: -
(a) As on 11.08.2017, 38.75 crores shares of Fortis Healthcare Ltd.
stood pledged with the noticee in respect of facilities granted to
M/s. Religare Wellness Ltd (now known as RWL Healthworld Ltd.)
and to Religare Aviation Ltd. (now known as Ligare Aviation Ltd.)
(b) On 20.02.2018, 33.75 crores shares were sold for Rs. 47 crores
while another tranche of 80,000 shares was sold on 24.05.2018 for
about Rupees one crore.
(c) Thus, 4.20 lakh shares are still under the control of Noticee No.4.
(d) All the facilities now stand squared up and the amounts advanced
by the noticee have been recovered.
It is also submitted that the pledgor never approached the notice for
recovery of additional shares amounting to 4.20 lakhs shares, though all
the arrangements had squared up.
In the circumstances, we direct the Noticee No.4 to hold on to these
4.20 lakhs shares till further orders.
…”
13. All the concerned Contemnors as well as Noticees filed their responses
enclosing relevant documents and materials. The concerned documents
run into more than 200 volumes. The broad outline of submissions
advanced on behalf of the Noticees is to the following effect that for
various financial accommodations/ loans taken by the companies directly
or indirectly under the control of Contemnor Nos.9 and 10, shareholding
of FHHPL in FHL was pledged as collateral security with authorisation in
27
favour of the Noticees to sell those shares in open market to protect the
interest of the Noticees if the value of the security was getting reduced or
diminished. Various transactions have been referred to in the responses
filed on behalf of the Noticees and relevant documents in support have
been placed on record.
14. A comprehensive list of dates and events emerging from the documents
so placed on record by the Noticees is tabulated hereunder. The
abbreviations used in the list of dates are as under: -
Axis Bank Limited (ABL)
Ambit Finvest Private Limited (Ambit)
Credit Suisse Finance (India) Pvt. Ltd. (CSFIPL)
Dion Global Solutions Ltd. (DION)
ECL Finance Ltd. (ECL)
Finserve Shared Services Limited (FSSPL)
FHL (Fortis Healthcare Limited)
FHHL (Fortis Healthcare Holding Limited)
Fortis Healthcare Holding Private Limited (FHHPL)
Healthfore Technologies Ltd. (HTL)
Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited (IHFL)
Ligare Voyages Ltd. (LVL)
Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB)
Oscar Investments Limited (OIL)
RHC Holdings Private Limited (RHC)
Religare Enterprises Limited (REL)
Religare Aviation Limited/Ligare Aviation Ltd. (RAL/LAL)
Religare Finvest Limited (RFL)
Religare Capital Markets International (Mauritius) Limited (RCMIML)
Religare Wellness Ltd./RWL Healthworld Ltd. (RWL)
28
Rantakar Bank Limited (RBL)
Yes Bank Limited (YBL)
The relevant dates regarding arbitral and execution proceedings as well as
the undertakings given on behalf of the respondents are highlighted in the
list of dates for easy reference. The list of dates and events is as under:
| Date | Particulars | Pg.No. |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-2014 | FHL Shares pledged on various dates in favour of ABL to secure<br>various credit facilities.<br>Upon closure of these facilities, pledged shares were released. | Vol. 197, Pg.1 |
| 2009-2013 | Loans extended by YBL to Group Companies owned and<br>controlled by Singh Brothers since 2009.<br>3.3 Crores FHL Shares were pledged in favour of YBL in July<br>2010 to secure certain facilities. Pledged shares were released<br>upon closure of these facilities. | Vol. 200, Pg.2 |
| 08.11.2010 | Overdraft Facility for Rs.50 Crores executed between RHC and<br>ABL, security being “First Charge on the entire current assets of<br>the company, both present and future” | Vol. 167, Pg.137 |
| 27.07.2012 | Credit Facility for Rs.53 Crores (Rs.45 Crores + Rs.8 Crores)<br>extended to RWL by RBL under the security of:<br>A. “First pari pasu charge on all current assets and movable fixed<br>assets of the company, both present and future”<br>and<br>B. “unconditional and irrevocable corporate guarantee of RHC<br>Holdings Private Limited and same to remain outstanding during<br>currency of RBL Loan” | Vol. 178, Pg.30 |
| 12.11.2012 | Initiation of Arbitration Proceedings by Daiichi in Singapore<br>being Arbitration Case No. 19074/CYK | |
| 29.11.2012 | Credit Facility for Rs.75 Crores extended to RAL by RBL on<br>following security:<br>A. Subservient charge on all current assets and movable fixed<br>assets of the company, both present and future<br>B. Mortgage of land & building located at Gurgaon owned by<br>Torus Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. providing minimum hard asset cover of<br>1.40 X based on latest market value of the land and building<br>C. Unconditional and irrevocable corporate guarantee of M/s<br>Torus Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. till the end of the tenor of the facility. | Vol. 178, Pg.18 |
29
| 03.08.2013<br>06.08.2013 | Rs.100 Crores Loan extended by YBL to RAL against:<br>A. First Pari Passu charge on Current Assets and Moveable Fixed<br>Assets of the Borrower (both present and future).<br>B. Exclusive Charge on con1rnercial land (admeasuring - 10.35<br>acre at Sector 62, Golf course extension, Gurgaon) road owned by<br>RS Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. ensuring cover of 1.33x<br>C. Unconditional and Irrevocable Corporate Guarantee of RS<br>Infrastructure Private Limited to remain valid during the entire<br>tenor of the facility.<br>D. Non-Disposal Undertaking from Lowe Infra and Wellness<br>Private Limited for their entire shareholding in RS Infrastructure<br>Private Limited.<br>E. Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA) equivalent to three<br>months interest payment shall be created upfront in the form of<br>lien marked Fixed Deposit with YBL<br>Rs.10 Crores remains outstanding from this borrower as on<br>23.03.2021. | Vol. 175,<br>Pg.543, 592 |
30
| 03.08.2013<br>06.08.2013 | Rs.200 Crores Loan extended by YBL to HTL against:<br>A. First Pari Passu charge on Current Assets and Moveable Fixed<br>Assets of the Borrower (both present and future).<br>B. Exclusive Charge on con1rnercial land (admeasuring - 10.35<br>acre at Sector 62, Golf course extension, Gurgaon) road in owned<br>by RS Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. ensuring cover of 1.33x<br>C. Unconditional and Irrevocable Corporate Guarantee of RS<br>Infrastructure Private Limited to remain valid during the entire<br>tenor of the facility.<br>D. Non-Disposal Undertaking from Lowe Infra and Wellness<br>Private Limited for their entire shareholding in RS Infrastructure<br>Private Limited.<br>E. Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA) equivalent to three<br>months interest payment shall be created upfront in the form of<br>lien marked Fixed Deposit with YBL<br>Facility closed on 16.10.2019 after recovery through sale of<br>securities. | Vol. 175,Pg. 556<br>Vol. 176, Pg.604 |
|---|---|---|
| 06.03.2014<br>12.03.2014 | Rs.130 Crores Loan extended by YBL to DION. | Vol. 175, Pg.503 |
| Rs.10 Crores remains outstanding from this borrower as on<br>23.03.2021. | Vol. 176, Pg.<br>618, 646 | |
| 27.03.2014 | Facility Agreement for Term Loan of Rs.235 Crores to FSSPL by<br>ABL<br>(Agreement not put on record) | Vol. 197, Pg.1 |
| 28.03.2014 | 1,80,00,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of ABL to secure<br>credit facility of Rs.235 Crores | Vol. 197, Pg.1 |
| 02.05.2014 | 1,55,00,000 FHL Shares pledged with YBL [w.r.t. DION<br>06.03.2014]<br>Pledge over 50,000 FHL Shares released on 29.07.2015. | Vol. 173, Pg.147 |
| 10.06.2014 | Standby Letter of Credit of Rs.130 Crores extended by YBL to<br>LVL.<br>This facility was closed on 27.09.2016. | Vol. 200, Pg.3 |
31
| 27.06.2014 | Facility Agreement for Term Loan of Rs.100 Crores executed<br>between LAL and ABL against security of:<br>A. Exclusive charge on the aircraft Falcon 2000 (Serial Number:<br>IOI)<br>B. Subservient charge on all current and movable fixed assets of<br>the company, both present & future.<br>C. Pledge of (in compliance with Sec 19 (2) of the Banking<br>Regulation Act) equity shares of FHL and REL aggregating to<br>Rs.32.50 Crores<br>D. Corporate Guarantee of RHC Holding Private Limited<br>E. Unconditional and irrevocable joint and several Personal<br>Guarantees from Singh Brothers<br>F. Assignment of insurance of the aircraft in favour of lender | Vol. 168, Pg.230 |
|---|---|---|
| 30.06.2014 | 10,00,000 FHL shares pledged in favour of ABL to secure credit<br>facility of Rs.100 Crores | Vol. 168, Pg.252 |
| 26.09.2014 | RBL issued Modified Sanction Letter, requesting pledge of FHL<br>Shares. | Vol. 178, Pg.41 |
| 30.09.2014 | Standby Letter of Credit for Rs.220.5 Crores extended by YBL to<br>LVL.<br>This facility was closed on 27.09.2016. | Vol. 200, Pg.3 |
| Sep’2014 | Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed between<br>RCMIML and ABL.<br>75,00,000 FHL shares pledged in favour of ABL. | Vol. 197, Pg.2 |
| 08.10.2014 | Credit Facility dated 27.07.2012 stood enhanced to Rs.63.75<br>Crores [Rs.33.75 Crores + 8 Crores + 15 Crores + 7 Crores) by<br>RBL against following securities:<br>A. First pari passu charge on all current assets and movable fixed<br>assets including the security deposits of the company, both<br>present and future.<br>B. Unconditional and irrevocable corporate guarantee of RHC,<br>and same to remain outstanding during currency of RBL Loan | Vol. 178, Pg.43 |
| 15.10.2014 | 52,04,000 FHL Shares pledged by FHHPL in favour of RBL<br>[w.r.t. 26.09.2014] | Vol. 178, Pg.65 |
| 20.02.2015 | YBL sanctioned a loan amount of Rs.500 Crores to OIL.<br>This facility was closed on 23.02.2017 | Vol. 200, Pg.4 |
| 20.02.2015 | 65,10,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>facilities extended to LAL (Rs.100 Crores) + HTL (Rs.200<br>Crores) + LVL (Rs.220.5 Crores + Rs.130 Crores) | Vol. 173, Pg.184 |
32
| This facility was closed | Vol. 200, Pg.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 25.02.2015 | Release of 40,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 28.03.2014] | Vol. 197, Pg.2 |
| 05.06.2015 | 15,72,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>facilities extended to LAL (Rs.100 Crores) + HTL (Rs.200<br>Crores) + LVL (Rs.220.5 Crores + Rs.130 Crores)<br>This facility was closed. | Vol. 174, Pg.221 |
| 29.07.2015 | Release of 33,50,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 28.03.2014] | Vol. 197, Pg.3 |
| Release of 15,04,000 FHL Shares by RBL [w.r.t. 29.11.2012] | Vol. 201, Pg.3 | |
| Release of 50,00,000 FHL Shares by YBL [w.r.t. 02.05.2014] | Vol. 200, Pg.5 | |
| 11.09.2015 | 44,43,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>facilities extended to LAL (Rs.100 Crores) + HTL (Rs.200<br>Crores) + LVL (Rs.220.5 Crores + Rs.130 Crores) | Vol. 174, Pg.206 |
| This facility was closed. | Vol. 200, Pg.5 | |
| 28.09.2015 | 2,15,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL in<br>respect of Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 million<br>executed between RCMIML and ABL. | Vol. 197, Pg.3 |
| 29.09.2015 | Release of 75,00,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 28.03.2014] | Vol. 197, Pg.3 |
| 30.09.2015 | 26,80,000 FHL Shares pledged with LVB against Rs.40 Crores<br>Credit Facility | Vol. 202, Pg.2 |
| 30.09.2015 | Rs.250 Crores extended by YBL to FSSPL. This facility was<br>closed on 16.10.2019 via sale of securities | Vol. 200, Pg.5<br>Vol. 175,Pg. 578 |
| 07.10.2015 | Brand License Agreement executed between RHC and FHL | Vol. 104, Pg.292 |
| 14.10.2015 | Release of 1,95,00,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 29.09.2015] | Vol. 197, Pg.3 |
| 16.10.2015 | 46,30,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure Rs.250<br>Crores credit facility to FSSPL. These pledges were released on<br>27.11.2015. | Vol. 200, Pg.6 |
| 27.10.2015 | 2,37,35,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>Rs.250 Crores credit facility to FSSPL. | Vol. 174, Pg.267 |
| 29.10.2015 | 30.09.2015 Facility by LVB continued for Sanction Letter dated<br>29.10.2015 | Vol. 202, Pg.2 |
| 10.11.2015 | Brand License Agreement executed between RHC and SRL<br>Limited | Vol. 104, Pg.352 |
| 27.11.2015 | 46,30,000 FHL Shares released by YBL [w.r.t. 16.10.2015] | Vol. 200, Pg.6 |
| 27.11.2015 | 38,28,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>facilities extended to LAL (Rs.100 Crores) + HTL (Rs.200<br>Crores) + LVL (Rs.220.5 Crores + Rs.130 Crores) | Vol. 174, Pg.211 |
| This facility was closed. | Vol. 200, Pg.7 |
33
| 12.01.2016 | Credit Facility dated 27.07.2012 modified by RBL to Rs. 52.50<br>crores (Rs.22,50,00,000 + 15,00,00,000 + 8,00,00,000 +<br>7,00,00,000) | Vol. 178, Pg.56 |
|---|---|---|
| 18.02.2016 | Release of 11,00,000 FHL Shares by RBL [w.r.t. 29.11.2012] | Vol. 201, Pg.3 |
| 11.03.2016 | Credit Facility [w.r.t. 27.07.2012] enhanced by RBL by Rs.40<br>crores against pledge of FHL shares to the extent of 1.40 X of<br>facility amount with following security:<br>A. First pari pasu charge on all current assets and movable fixed<br>assets of the company, both present and future<br>and<br>B. Pledge of shares of REL and FHL to the extent of 1.40 X of<br>the facility amount | Vol. 178, Pg.59-<br>64 |
| 11.03.2016 | 30.09.2015 Facility by LVB continued for Sanction Letter dated<br>29.10.2015 | Vol. 202, Pg.2 |
| 14.03.2016 | Credit Facility Agreement containing a top up mechanism<br>between RHC and CSFIPL secured by pledge of 1,86,75,000 FHL<br>Shares | Vol. 171, Pg.25 |
| 15.03.2016 | 35,47,500 FHL Shares pledged in favour of YBL to secure<br>facilities extended to LAL (Rs.100 Crores) + HTL (Rs.200<br>Crores) + LVL (Rs.220.5 Crores + Rs.130 Crores) | Vol. 174, Pg.216 |
| This facility was closed. | Vol. 200, Pg.7 | |
| 18.03.2016 | 14,75,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of RBL [w.r.t.<br>11.03.2016] | Vol. 178, Pg.75 |
| In toto, RBL held pledge over 40,75,000 FHL Shares as on<br>18.03.2016 | Vol. 201, Pg.4 | |
| 28.03.2016 | Rs.300 Crores loan extended by YBL to RHC. This facility was<br>closed on 17.03.2017 | Vol. 200, Pg.7 |
| Pre<br>30.03.2016 | 5,41,35,500 FHL Shares were already encumbered in favour of<br>YBL prior to 30.03.2016. | Vol. 200, Pg.1 |
| 30.03.2016 | Agreement to Pledge 2,65,02,852 FHL shares in favour of YBL<br>by FHHPL | Vol. 174,<br>Pg.346,392<br>Vol. 200, Pg.8 |
| Pre<br>29.04.2016 | 1,36,50,000 FHL Shares stood encumbered in favour of ABL | Vol. 197, Pg.3 |
| Pre<br>29.04.2016 | 8,06,38,352 FHL Shares were encumbered in favour of YBL | Vol. 228, Pg.4<br>Vol. 200, Pg.8 |
| 29.04.2016 | Arbitral Award in favour of Daiichi | Vol.5,6, Pg.8 |
| 18.05.2016 | Ss.47/49 Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 preferred<br>before the Delhi High Court by Daiichi being OMP (FEA) | Vol. 1, Pg.24 |
34
| (Comm.) No. 06/2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 20.05.2016 | Credit Facility Agreement containing a top up mechanism<br>between RHC and CSFIPL secured by pledge of 68,50,000 FHL<br>Shares | Vol. 171,<br>Pg.117, 232 |
| 24.05.2016 | First Undertaking before the Delhi High Court by<br>Respondents | Vol. 1, Pg.78 |
| 30.06.2016<br>19.07.2016 | Standby Letter of Credit of Rs.304.5 Crores extended by YBL to<br>LVL. | Vol. 200, Pg.9<br>Vol. 175, Pg.508<br>Vol. 176,<br>Pg.710, 743<br>Vol. 224, Pg.8 |
| Rs.72.5 Crores remains outstanding as on 23.03.2021.<br>YBL extended Credit Facility of Rs.304.5 Crores to Ligare<br>Voyages Ireland Ltd. for refinance of loan granted by ICICI Bank<br>and Punjab National Bank for purchase of 5 Aircrafts | ||
| 27.07.2016 | Put Option Agreement executed between FHHPL and YBL<br>recording that pursuant to various loans to group companies, YBL<br>had a right to call upon FHHPL to pay any amount due to YBL | Vol. 200, Pg.9,<br>44 |
| 27.07.2016 | 91,43,554 FHL Shares were encumbered in favour of YBL to<br>secure Put Option | Vol. 200, Pg.10<br>Vol. 175, Pg.424 |
| 28.07.2016 | Cross Collateral by YBL over 2,65,02,852 FHL Shares [w.r.t.<br>30.03.2016] to secure LVL [Rs.304.5 Crores] Facility | Vol. 175, Pg.401 |
| 22.08.2016 | Submission before the Delhi High Court by the Respondents<br>that there is no change in ownership of assets (Second<br>Undertaking) | Vol. 1, Pg.87 |
| 26.08.2016 | Cross Collateral by YBL over 1,05,50,000 FHL Shares [w.r.t.<br>02.05.2014] to secure LVL [Rs.304.5 Crores] Facility | Vol. 173, Pg.160 |
| 26.08.2016 | Cross Collateral by YBL over 1,99,00,500 FHL Shares [w.r.t.<br>20.02.2015, 05.06.2015, 11.09.2015, 27.11.2015, 15.03.2016] to<br>secure LAL (Rs.100 Crores), LVL [Rs.304.5 Crores], LVL<br>(Rs.130 Crores), HTL (Rs.200 Crores) Facility | Vol. 174,<br>Pg.240, 252 |
| 30.08.2016 | 7,25,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of LVB against<br>26.10.2016 Facility | Vol. 202, Pg.2 |
| 30.09.2016 | 20,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL<br>w.r.t. Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed<br>between RCMIML and ABL. | Vol. 169, Pg.424 |
| 30.09.2016 | 60,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL<br>w.r.t. Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed<br>between RCMIML and ABL. | Vol. 169, Pg.424 |
| 30.09.2016 | 50,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL<br>w.r.t. Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed<br>between RCMIML and ABL | Vol. 169, Pg.424 |
35
| 30.09.2016 | 10,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL<br>w.r.t. Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed<br>between RCMIML and ABL | Vol. 169, Pg.424 |
|---|---|---|
| 30.09.2016 | 2,00,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL w.r.t.<br>Standby Letter of Credit for USD 72.5 mn executed between<br>RCMIML and ABL. | Vol. 169, Pg.424 |
| 30.09.2016 | Total 40,75,000 FHL Shares stood encumbered in favour of RBL | Vol. 201, Pg.4 |
| 04.10.2016 | Release of 20,00,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 29.09.2015] | Vol. 197, Pg.4,<br>44 |
| 07.10.2016 | OIL paid back Rs.161 Crores to YBL against loan sanctioned on<br>20.02.2015 | Vol. 224, Pg.6 |
| 31.10.2016 | 38,95,000 FHL Shares pledged in favour of LVB against<br>26.10.2016 Facility | Vol. 202, Pg.2 |
| 02.12.2016 | Affidavit of Assets preferred by Singh Brothers, OIL, RHC<br>before the Delhi High Court | Vol. 54,<br>Pg.31,39,46,51 |
| 09.12.2016 | LVB released 18,00,000 FHL Shares against reduction of Loan<br>Facility of 26.10.2016 from Rs.150 Crores to Rs.100 Crores | Vol. 202, Pg.3 |
| 15.12.2016 | Total of 2,58,50,000 FHL Shares stood encumbered in favour of<br>YBL | Vol. 228, Pg.4 |
| 23.12.2016 | YBL sanctioned a loan amount of Rs.565 Crores to OIL | Vol. 175, Pg.521 |
| Rs.225 Crores released immediately.<br>Rs.430.4 Crores remain outstanding as of 23.03.2021. | Vol. 200, Pg.11<br>Vol. 176,<br>Pg.754, 786 | |
| 05.01.2017 | Loan cum Pledge Agreement executed between Ambit, RHC and<br>FHHPL | Vol. 159, Pg.35 |
| 10.01.2017 | Cross Collateral [w.r.t. 27.10.2015] over 2,37,35,000 FHL Shares<br>to secure LVL [Rs.304.5 Crores] Facility by YBL | Vol. 174, Pg.307 |
| 17.01.2017 | Delhi High Court Order recording Respondent’s Submission<br>that undertaking dated 24.05.2016 still holds (Third<br>Undertaking) | |
| Pre 23.1.17,<br>6.3.17 | ABL held pledges of 2,58,50,000 FHL Shares | Vol.197, Pg.5 |
| 23.01.2017 | Undertaking furnished before the Delhi High Court by the<br>Respondents (Fourth Undertaking) | |
| 08.02.2017 | Delhi High Court Order recording Respondents’ undertaking<br>(Fifth Undertaking) | Vol. 1, Pg.143 |
| 15.02.2017 | Pledge over 58,31,000 FHL Shares recorded in favour of YBL | Vol. 174, Pg.255 |
| 23.02.2017 | OIL paid back Rs.339 Crores to YBL against loan sanctioned on<br>20.02.2015 | Vol. 224, Pg.6 |
36
| 28.02.2017 | Affidavit filed by Daiichi Sankyo annexing a list of all<br>outstanding charges of all Respondent Companies in the<br>Enforcement Petition till 27.02.2017 per filings with Ministry of<br>Corporate Affairs | Vol. 1, Pg.211-<br>2281 |
|---|---|---|
| 06.03.2017 | Sixth Undertaking furnished before the Delhi High Court by<br>the Respondents | |
| 09.03.2017 | Amendment to 27.07.2016 Put Option Agreement between<br>FHHPL & YBL, recording that Put Option Right would now also<br>cover an additional facility of OIL (Rs.565 crores) | Vol. 200, Pg.63 |
| 09.03.2017 | Top up Pledge over additional shares of REL created in favour of<br>Ambit due to margin shortfall | Vol. 159, Pg.96 |
| 09.03.2017 | Cross Collateral by YBL [w.r.t. 02.05.2014] over 1,05,50,000<br>FHL Shares to secure Put Option w.r.t. RHC (Rs.300 Crores),<br>LAL (Rs.100 Crores), HTL (Rs.200 Crores), LVL (Rs.304.5<br>Crores), Dion (Rs.130 Crores), OIL (565 Crores), FSSPL (Rs.250<br>Crores) | Vol. 176,177<br>Pg.797, 811 |
| 09.03.2017 | Cross Collateral by YBL [w.r.t. 20.02.2015, 05.06.2015,<br>11.09.2015, 27.11.2015, 15.03.2016, 30.03.2016] over<br>2,57,31,500 FHL Shares to secure Put Option w.r.t. RHC (Rs.300<br>Crores), LAL (Rs.100 Crores), HTL (Rs.200 Crores), LVL<br>(Rs.304.5 Crores), Dion (Rs.130 Crores), OIL (565 Crores),<br>FSSPL (Rs.250 Crores) | Vol. 177,<br>Pg.815,828 |
| 09.03.2017 | Cross Collateral by YBL [w.r.t. 27.10.2015] over 2,37,35,000<br>FHL Shares to secure Put Option w.r.t. RHC (Rs.300 Crores),<br>LAL (Rs.100 Crores), HTL (Rs.200 Crores), LVL (Rs.304.5<br>Crores), Dion (Rs.130 Crores), OIL (565 Crores), FSSPL (Rs.250<br>Crores) | Vol. 177, Pg.832 |
| 09.03.2017 | Cross Collateral by YBL [w.r.t. 30.03.2016, 27.07.2016] over<br>3,56,46,406 FHL Shares to secure Put Option w.r.t. RHC (Rs.300<br>Crores), LAL (Rs.100 Crores), HTL (Rs.200 Crores), LVL<br>(Rs.304.5 Crores), Dion (Rs.130 Crores), OIL (565 Crores),<br>FSSPL (Rs.250 Crores) | Vol. 175, Pg.463 |
| 15.03.2017 | 14.03.2016 Credit Facility between CSFIPL and RHC Holdings<br>Ltd. closed. CFSIPL released all pledges over shares of FHL. | Vol. 203, Pg.2 |
| 22.03.2017 | 20.05.2016 Credit Facility between CSFIPL and RHC Holdings<br>Ltd. closed. CFSIPL released all pledges over shares of FHL. | Vol. 203, Pg.2 |
| March’17 | YBL released Rs.340 Crores to Oscar against loan sanctioned on<br>23.12.2016 | Vol. 224, Pg.6 |
| 03.05.2017 | Loan of Rs.150 Crores sanctioned by YBL to LAL. | Vol. 200, Pg.14<br>Vol. 175, Pg.530 |
| Rs.10 Crores remains outstanding as of 23.02.2021. | ||
| 19.05.2017 | Standby Letter of Credit for Rs.100 crores executed between<br>DION and ABL. 42,33,333 FHL shares pledged in favour of<br>ABL. | Vol. 170, Pg.649 |
37
| 19.05.2017 | Short Term Loan Facility for Rs.140 crores executed between<br>DION and ABL. 64,16,667 FHL shares pledged in favour of<br>ABL. | Vol. 170, Pg.672 |
|---|---|---|
| 19.05.2017 | 3,50,000 FHL shares additionally pledged in favour of ABL in<br>relation to Standby Letter of Credit for Rs.100 crores executed<br>between DION and ABL. | Vol. 170, Pg.649 |
| 24.05.2017 | Letter of Intent issued by IHH Healthcare Berhad to FHL and<br>connected entities in furtherance of a proposal for acquisition | Vol. 86, Pg.32 |
| 02.06.2017 | Top up Pledge over additional shares of FHL created in favour of<br>Ambit due to margin shortfall | Vol. 159, Pg.95 |
| 07.06.2017 | Release of 1,06,50,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 28.03.2014] | Vol. 197, Pg.84-<br>92 |
| 07.06.2017 | Pledge Agreement in respect of 22,00,000 FHL Shares already<br>encumbered in favour of RBL w.r.t. 29.11.2012 to also secure<br>credit facility w.r.t. 27.07.2012 | Vol. 178, Pg.92 |
| 15.06.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 1,42,00,000<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 30.09.2016] to secure Ligare<br>Facilities | Vol. 168, Pg.294 |
| 15.06.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 1,42,00,000<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017] to secure DION<br>Facility | Vol. 170, Pg.695 |
| 15.06.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 1,42,00,000<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017] to secure DION<br>Facility | Vol. 170, Pg.718 |
| 19.06.2017 | Seventh Undertaking before the Delhi High Court by the<br>Respondents | |
| 21.06.2017 | Eighth Undertaking before the Delhi High Court by the<br>Respondents [Order under challenge in the present SLP] | |
| 20 -23.6.17 | Release of 60,00,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 30.09.2016]<br>Release of 18,25,000 FHL Shares by ABL [w.r.t. 30.09.2016] | Vol. 197, Pg.7,8 |
| 22.06.2017 | SLP (C) 20417/2017 preferred before the Supreme Court<br>against 21.06.2017 Delhi High Court Order | Vol. 1 |
| Post<br>23.06.2017 | ABL continued to hold pledge over 1,83,75,000 FHL Shares | Vol. 197, Pg.9 |
| 11.07.2017 | LVB released 1,00,000 FHL Shares on payment of Rs.1.6 Crores | Vol. 202, Pg.3 |
| 17.07.2017 | Ambit issued a Loan Recall Notice to RHC and called upon RHC<br>to repay entire loan amount with interest | Vol. 159, Pg.97 |
| 17.07.2017 | RBL issued a Loan Recall Notice w.r.t. 29.11.2012 Facility | Vol. 201, Pg.7 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 45,83,333<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>RHC Holding Facility | Vol. 167, Pg.155 |
38
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 64,16,667<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>RHC Holding Facility | Vol. 167, Pg.180 |
|---|---|---|
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 10,00,000<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 30.06.2014 & 28.07.2016<br>ABL] to secure RHC Holding Facility | Vol. 168, Pg.204 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 45,83,833<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>Ligare Facility | Vol. 168, Pg.319 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 64,16,667<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>Ligare Facility | Vol. 168, Pg.344 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 10,00,000<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 30.06.2014 & 28.07.2016<br>ABL] to secure 30.09.2016 Facility | Vol. 169, Pg.446 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 45,83,333<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>30.09.2016 Facility | Vol. 169, Pg.470 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 64,16,667<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>30.09.2016 Facility | Vol. 169, Pg.493 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 64,16,667<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>another 19.05.2017 ABL Facility | Vol. 170, Pg.764 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge Agreement to create a Cross Collateral over 45,83,333<br>FHL Shares already pledged [w.r.t. 19.05.2017 ABL] to secure<br>another 19.05.2017 Facility | Vol. 170, Pg.741 |
| 18.07.2017 | LVB sold 5,00,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.7,44,96,752 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 18.07.2017 | Cross Collateral over 1,05,50,000 FHL Shares [w.r.t. 02.05.2014]<br>to secure LAL Facility by YBL (Rs.150 Crores) | Vol. 173, Pg.176 |
| 18.07.2017 | Cross Collateral over 2,57,31,500 FHL Shares [w.r.t. 20.02.2015,<br>05.06.2015, 11.09.2015, 27.11.2015, 15.03.2016, 30.03.2016] to<br>secure LAL Facility by YBL (Rs.150 Crores) | Vol. 174, Pg.260 |
| 18.07.2017 | Cross Collateral over 2,65,02,852 FHL Shares [w.r.t. 30.03.2016]<br>to secure LAL Facility by YBL (Rs.150 Crores) | Vol. 406, Pg.175 |
| 18.07.2017 | Pledge invoked against 5,00,000 FHL Shares by LVB | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 19.07.2017 | Pledge invoked against 2,80,000 + 7,25,000 + 38,95,000 FHL<br>Shares by LVB | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 19.07.2017 | LVB sold 11,00,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.16,61,19,096 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 19.07.2017 | LVB sold 10,00,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.15,20,65,630 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 19.07.2017 | LVB sold 5,50,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.8,29,46,812 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
39
| 19.07.2017 | LVB sold 10,00,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.15,06,83,015 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 21.07.2017 | RHC repaid Ambit’s entire outstanding | Vol. 231, Pg.2 |
| 21.07.2017 | Pledge over 2,98,15,406 FHL Shares recorded in favour of YBL<br>[w.r.t. 30.03.2016, 27.07.2016] | Vol. 200, Pg.15 |
| 24.07.2017 | Ambit released the pledge over shares of FHL and REL | Vol. 231, Pg.2 |
| 08.08.2017 | RBL released 2,00,000 FHL Shares [w.r.t. 29.11.2012]<br>Total no. of encumbered shares of FHL with RBL stood at<br>38,75,000 | Vol. 201, Pg.7 |
| 10.08.2017 | RBL received Rs. 3.20 Crores [w.r.t. 29.11.2012] | Vol. 201, Pg.8 |
| 11.08.2017 | Order by this Court directing Status Quo w.r.t. shareholding<br>of FHHPL in FHL | |
| 11.08.2017 | Total FHL shares that stood encumbered in favour of ABL were<br>1,83,75,000 | Vol. 228, Pg.4 |
| 14.08.2017 | Loan Recall Notice issued by RBL w.r.t. 27.07.2012 Facility | Vol. 201, Pg.8<br>Vol. 23, Pg.42 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 1,00,000 FHL shares and realised Rs.1,49,79,271 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 4,00,000 FHL Shares and realised Rs.6,06,50,588 | Vol. 202, Pg.4 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 3,34,350 FHL Shares and realised Rs.5,02,68,887.26 | Vol. 202, Pg.5 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 65,000 FHL Shares and realised Rs.98,60,578 | Vol. 202, Pg.5 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 1,50,650 FHL Shares and realised Rs.2,28,54,809 | Vol. 202, Pg.5 |
| 14.08.2017 | LVB sold 2,00,000 FHL Shares and realised Rs.2,99,49,031 | Vol. 202, Pg.5 |
| 14.08.2017 | Pledge created by Indiabulls | Vol. 1, LOD<br>filed by Kunal<br>Chhaterji Pg.20 |
| 31.08.2017 | Order by this Court recording that 11.08.2017 Order<br>operative w.r.t. encumbered and unencumbered shares of | |
| 08.02.2018 | Singh Brothers tendered their resignation from the Fortis and<br>Religare Board of Directors | Vol. 1, LOD<br>filed by Kunal<br>Chhaterji Pg.23 |
| 12.02.2018 | Master Purchase Agreement executed in Singapore for acquisition<br>of RHT Assets for Rs.4650 Crores. It was endorsed by Gurpreet<br>Singh Dhillon on behalf of RHT. | Vol. 1, LOD<br>filed by Kunal<br>Chhaterji Pg.24 |
| 14.02.2018 | Singh Brothers resigned from the Board of Religare Enterprises<br>Limited | Vol. 67, Pg.33 |
| 15.02.2018 | This Court modified its Order and allowed the banks to enforce<br>their pledges created prior to 11.08.2017 | |
| 16.02.2018 | YBL invoked its pledge over 8,97,81,906 FHL Shares | Vol. 200, Pg.16 |
40
| 20.02.2018 | ABL invoked its pledge over 1,83,75,000 Shares | Vol. 197, Pg.10 |
|---|---|---|
| 20.02.2018 | RBL sold 33,75,000 Shares and realised Rs.47,04,11,504 | Vol. 201, Pg.11 |
| 01.03.2018 | Pledge over 16,500 FHL shares released by Ambit | Vol. 101, Pg.159 |
| March’ 18 | Invocation of pledges held by various banks caused fall in<br>shareholding of FHHPL in FHL from 71.7% to 0.66% | Vol. 1, LOD<br>filed by Kunal<br>Chhaterji Pg.28 |
| 24.05.2018 | RBL sold 80,000 Shares and realised Rs.1,14,54,502<br>RBL left with 4,20,000 Shares | Vol. 201, Pg.11 |
| Jun-Sep’18 | Board of Directors of Religare entities were reconstituted and<br>initiated insolvency proceedings against 23 entities which owed<br>Rs.2,300 crores | Vol. 227, Pg.28 |
| 13.07.2018 | Share Subscription Agreement executed between FHL and IHH | Vol. 1, LOD<br>filed by Kunal<br>Chhaterji Pg.36 |
| 24.09.2018 | RHC Holdings’ Affidavit informing this Court about violation of<br>11.08.2017 SCI Order by IHFL having pledged 12,25,000 shares<br>of FHL | Vol. 38 |
| 06.10.2018 | Daiichi filed Contempt Petition before this Court | Vol. 39, Pg.5 |
| 29.10.2018 | Daiichi granted permission to file formal intervention Application<br>for Intervention in NCLT | Vol. 119 @<br>Pg.97 |
| 07.12.2018 | Daiichi preferred Application for Intervention before NCLT | Vol. 75 @ Pg.10 |
| 17.12.2018 | REL preferred Complaint u/Ss. 210, 212 and 447 of Companies<br>Act 2013 against Singh Brothers and known associates | Vol. 67 @ Pg.62 |
| 18.12.2018 | RFL preferred Complaint against Singh Brothers and their<br>associates before Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police – FIR<br>50/2019 | Vol.67 @ Pg.98 |
| 14.03.2019 | SEBI passed an order consequent to an independent investigation<br>which found large scale diversion of funds from the REL and its<br>subsidiaries at the behest of promoters.<br>REL and RFL directed to recall the loans and take recovery steps<br>for entities belonging to promoter group | Vol.67 @<br>Pg.145 |
| 22.03.2019 | Complaint preferred by REL against erstwhile promoters and<br>their entities including Oscar Investments Limited with EOW,<br>Delhi Police for misappropriation to the tune of Rs.525 crores | Vol. 227 @<br>Pg.29 |
| 27.03.2019 | NCLT reserved order in the Daiichi matter | Vol. 119 @<br>Pg.106 |
| 05.04.2019 | I.A. 58004/2019 mentioned before SCI and interim stay was<br>granted against NCLT proceedings in favour of Daiichi | Vol. 67 @ Pg.28 |
| 10.04.2019 | Application for vacation of interim stay dated 05.04.2019<br>preferred by Religare | Vol. 67 |
41
| 08.08.2019 | RFL preferred complaint against OSPL Infradeal Ltd, the Singh<br>Brothers and RHC Holding for misappropriation to the tune of<br>Rs.250 crores – FIR 64/2020 | Vol. 227 @<br>Pg.29 |
|---|---|---|
| 11.09.2019 | Vide separate order, SEBI confirmed directions issued by it on<br>14.03.2019 | Vol. 75 @<br>Pg.231 |
| 21.09.2019 | RFL preferred Complaint against ZEE Group Companies, Singh<br>Brothers and RHC Holdings for causing wrongful loss of Rs.150<br>crores – FIR 82/2020 | Vol. 227 @<br>Pg.29 |
| 23.09.2019 | FIR 189/2019 registered based on Complaint filed by RFL on<br>15.05.2019 | Vol. 227 @<br>Pg.30 |
| 15.11.2019 | This Court held Singh Brothers and officials of IFHL guilty of<br>contempt | Vol. 226, Pg.4 |
| 06.01.2020 | Chargesheet in FIR 50/2019 filed by EOW | Vol. 120 @<br>Pg.131 |
| 03.02.2020 | This Court granted time to Singh Brothers to come up with<br>proposal to purge contempt | Vol. 226, Pg.5 |
| 23.03.2020 | Chargesheet in FIR 189/2019 filed by EOW | Vol. 121 @<br>Pg.269 |
| 15.10.2020 | Delhi High Court judgement | |
| 12.11.2020 | SEBI passed order directing initiation of adjudication proceedings<br>against 10 entities for diversification of funds | Vol. 211 @ Pg.9 |
| 11.02.2021 | Notice Issued to Lenders – Banks and Financial Institutions by<br>this Court | |
| 18.02.2021 | Questions posed to Lenders by this Court [18.02.2021 Order] |
15. The submissions advanced on behalf of the concerned Contemnors,
Respondents, Noticees and other parties, with salient points are in the
following volumes: -
A. Volume 126: Submissions by Securities and Exchange Board of India
B. Volume 157: Brief Submissions by Mr. Arvind P. Datar regarding Banks and
Financial Institutions and Creation of Wrongful Pledges
C. Volume 160: Julius Baer Capital India Private Limited
D. Volume 161: Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited
E. Volume 163: ECL Finance Ltd.
F. Volume 178: RBL Bank Ltd.
G. Volume 182: Aditya Birla Finance Limited
H. Volume 183: First Abu Dhabi Bank Limited
I. Volume 191: Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited
J. Volume 203: Credit Suisse Finance Limited
42
Released all pledges and closed both ANR and RHC Facilities before
Supreme Court passed its status quo order.
K. Volume 214: Submissions by Religare Finvest Limited (Respondent No.17)
L. Volume 215: Submissions by Religare Enterprises Limited, Religare Finvest
Limited, Religare Comtrade Limited (Respondent No. 16, 17, 18)
No final relief has been claimed by the Petitioner against Religare
Group
Petitioner’s Intervention resulted in interim stay in the 23 Matters
initiated at the instance of this Respondent before NCLT
Respondent, being a financial creditor of the debtor entities, its
financial debts rank higher in the waterfall mechanism upon
liquidation, as compared to Petitioner’s.
Religare didn’t participate in fraud and was not a beneficiary
M. Volume 218, 225, 226: Submissions on behalf of Shivender Mohan Singh &
Malvinder Mohan Singh (Contemnor No. 9,10,12,13)
N. Volume 222: The Petitioner’s proposal for purging of contempt by the
Respondents
8 Properties being Land Areas and 1 Property being a Building
3 Brands/Trademarks being Religare, SRL and Fortis
Cash in Bank available with Ligare Voyages (Ireland) Limited
Cancellation of Pledges created or top up rights exercised after
24.05.2016
Withdrawal of Amount deposited by Indiabulls on 18.11.2019
Recovery from FHL based on assurances made by Singh Brothers
before the Delhi High Court
O. Volume 223: Petitioner’s Submissions regarding role of Shivender Mohan
Singh
In every aspect, the Singh Brothers were together till Delhi High
Court pronounced 31.01.2018 Judgement and Singapore High Court
pronounced judgement dated 21.12.2018
P. Volume 224: Submissions by Yes Bank Limited (Noticee No.1)
YBL is a secured creditor
A clean chit has been given to YBL insofar as Subject
Encumbrances are concerned
YBL, vide submissions in Volumes 173 – 177, 199, clarified that it
had created no encumbrances over FHL Shares post 11.08.2017, and
subject encumbrances were invoked only pursuant to 15.02.2018
Order by SCI
YBL was not a party before the Delhi High Court when the
assurances were given by the Judgement Debtors
YBL is not a judgement debtor qua the Petitioner
YBL has several recovery proceedings pending against the JDs
43
FHHPL, under various pledge agreements with YBL, gave a
representation that there was no litigation pending qua the FHL
Shares.
No personal guarantee obtained from SMS
Cross Collateralization is not creation of fresh encumbrances
Q. Volume 228: Axis Bank Limited
A clean chit had been given to ABL
Vol.197 Filed
No Top Ups created by ABL
Cross Collateralization Agreements only in relation to Pledges that
were already encumbered and as per standard industry lending
practices
ABL invoked all pledges after 15.02.2018 Order
R. Volume 162/229: Submissions by Lakshmi Vilas Bank (Noticee No.17):
No notice of proceedings
Bonafide Transactions(s) with Ranchem
Pledging and Invocation of Pledge on Shares of FHL
S. Volume 230: Submissions on behalf of Daiichi Sankyo (Petitioner)
3 Proceedings pending before this Court –
1. SLP(C)20417/2017
2. Contempt Petition (C) 2120/2018
3. SMC (C) 4/2019
Banks and Financial Institutions categorized into three:
4. 8 Banks that have wilfully violated the orders and assurances
given to DHC as well as to SCI
5. 4 Banks that released the shares and sold no shares after
24.05.2016
6. 4 Banks and Financial Institutions which neither appeared nor
filed any affidavit in compliance with order dated 18.02.2021.
Petitioner be permitted to withdraw the Contempt Deposit
Direction to FHL/IHH to bring back Rs.4000 Crores and
consequences thereof
T. Volume 231: Ambit Finvest Private Limited
Pledge over the shares never invoked
16. We heard Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, Mr. Arvind P. Datar
and Mr. Joydeep Gupta, learned Senior Advocates on behalf of Daiichi
while Contemnors Nos.9 and 10 were represented by Mr. Kailash Vasdev
and Ms. Meenakshi Arora, learned Senior Advocates. On behalf of YES
44
Bank Ltd. (YBL), Axis Bank Ltd. (ABL) and Indiabulls Housing Finance
Limited (IHFL) submissions were advanced by Mr. Shyam Divan,
learned Senior Advocate while rest of the Noticees were represented by
the other learned Counsel.
17. The basic submissions made on behalf of Daiichi were:
(A) The respondents having suffered a Foreign Award, devised a well-
planned scheme to dilute the share-holdings held by companies
controlled by said Contemnors Nos.9 and 10; and thus, attempted
to frustrate the execution of said award.
(B) Various transactions referred to in the documents submitted before
the Court clearly show that multiple forms of Security including
charge on immovable properties, personal undertakings and other
securities were available to the banks and financial institutions.
However, what was proceeded against were the shares held by
FHHPL in FHL.
(C) The manner in which the controlling interest in FHL, which
company in turn controlled all the physical assets, was diluted,
was doubtful and questionable. Similarly, the acquisition of the
controlling interest by IHH/NTK would show that the very same
assets are now being controlled by RHT which was nothing but a
trust established by Contemnor Nos. 9 and 10.
45
(D) These transactions were not bona fide and in order to unravel the
truth, this Court may consider appointing Forensic Auditor(s).
18. In the written submissions filed by Daiichi, the roles of the Judgment
Debtors as well as of various entities were specifically dealt with as
under:
“A. Judgment Debtors:
I. The Petitioner filed SLP [Vol 1and2] on 22 June 2017 [SLP Vol I
and 2]. Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, Senior Advocate, made submissions on
behalf of the Petitioner [SLP Vol 221, 223], inter alia, against
arguments made by counsel for MMS and SMS (Mr. Kailash Vasdev
and Ms. Meenakshi Arora, respectively). Petitioner has also
specifically responded to this Hon'ble Court's query regarding the
pleadings against Judgment Debtors in the Contempt Petition [SLP
Vol 217] on the basis of which the Contempt Judgment was passed,
against them.
2. The Judgment Debtors were given full opportunity to respond and
defend their case before this Hon'ble Court. MMS and SMS filed
separate replies to the SLP and the Contempt Petition. MMS filed its
reply affidavit in SLP dated 13 March 2019 (SLP Vol 54, 55) and
SMS filed its reply to SLP on 12 March 2019 (SLP Vol 53). MMS
also filed its reply to Contempt Petition (SLP Vol 59). In addition,
MMS filed a sur-rejoinder in the Contempt Petition (SLP Vol 65).
SMS also filed a sur-rejoinder in the Contempt Petition (SLP Vol
62). The Petitioner filed a rejoinder-affidavit to the reply of MMS
(SLP Vol. 61). The Petitioner in its rejoinder-affidavit explained how
MMS and SMS blatantly misled the court by asserting that the banks
and financial institutions had acted on their own accord in invoking
their right to top-up under pre-existing contractual obligations.
Petitioner also showed how the Respondents obstructed the course of
justice by falsely asserting that five crore shares had already been
kept aside for satisfying the debts of the banks and financial
institutions and that a sufficient number of unencumbered shares
were available to satisfy and realize the Award. The Respondents
never informed the courts of the existence of "pre-signed slips"
which could be used by the banks and financial institutions on
account of Respondents' poor economic condition and inability to
service the debt or the "manufactured defaults". The Respondents
submitted before the DHC that " ...[On a Group basis, the market fair
value of assets pledged is more than sufficient to meet the liabilities.
46
Were it not to be so, the lenders would have asked for topping of the
securities" [SLP Vol. 149/Page 18-25].
3. Mr. Dwivedi made rebuttal submissions against the Judgment
Debtors [SLP Vol 221/Page 1-9, 17-23]. His submissions were (i)
Judgment Debtors made active misrepresentations regarding
unencumbered shares/ existence of top-up clauses to the Petitioner,
DHC and this Hon'ble Court; (ii) the value of assets of RHC and
Oscar in the form of FHHPL shares derived their value solely from
the value of the shares of FHL owned by FHHPL; (iii) there was no
fall in the share price of FHL shares due to any steps taken by
Daiichi to enforce the Award; and (iv) Judgment Debtors did not take
steps in the commercial interest of FHL. In respect of I.A. No. 43119
of 2020 filed by MMS in the SLP, the Petitioner filed its reply [SLP
Vol 110/Page 1-11], inter alia, agreeing with the proposal for a
forensic audit of all entities in Table "A" and Table "B" [SLP Vol
222/Page 2]. Furthermore, the Petitioner also agreed to MMS's
request for the sale of land parcels, brand/trademarks and operating
companies, and the monies so realized to be deposited with this
Hon'ble Court in the Petitioner's favour.
4. In response to this Hon'ble Court's query regarding the proposal
for purging of contempt, the Petitioner has proposed certain reliefs
against the Judgment Debtors: ([SLP Vol 222/Page 2-4]
B. Banks and Financial Institutions
5. The Petitioner, pursuant to the Contempt Judgment, in its response
to reply filed by FHL in the SMC [SMC Vol 26/Page 27- 37],
apprised this Hon'ble Court of the creation of pledges and the
exercise of top-ups by banks and financial institutions in collusion
with MMS, SMS, other Judgment Debtors, IHH Healthcare Berhad
and FHL, which ultimately led to the dilution of the controlling
shareholding of OIL and RHC (through FHHPL) in FHL.
6. Thereafter, Mr. Arvind P. Datar, Senior Advocate, on behalf of the
Petitioner, by way of oral submissions and brief written submissions
- filed on 17 February 2021 [SLP Vol 157], informed this Hon'ble
Court that wrongful pledges were created after the first assurance
was given to the DHC on 24 May 2016. Since these pledges were
created in violation of court orders, Mr. Datar requested this Hon'ble
Court to pass orders to, inter alia, restore the status quo ante in
respect of the shareholding of FHHPL in FHL, as on 24 May 2016,
and to restitute the Petitioner in respect of creation of all wrongful
pledges after 24 May 2016.
7. In its written submissions [SLP Vol 125/Page 3], the Petitioner has
requested this Hon'ble Court to void the impugned pledges
and/securities created after 24 May 2016 or, in the alternate, to
compensate and restitute the Petitioner for the loss caused due to the
creation of pledges and subsequent sale of shares by banks/financial
47
institutions on or after 24 May 2016 [SLP Vol 125/Page 6-7]. The
Petitioner has also informed this Hon'ble Court of the scheme
adopted by the banks and financial institutions in collusion with
MMS, SMS, FHL and IHH, to deprive the Petitioner of the rights
accorded to it on FHL shares by the systemic dilution of controlling
stake of FHHPL in FHL [SLP Vol 138/Page 7/Paragraph/9-11, 15].
8. In view of the above submissions, this Hon'ble Court, by order
dated 18 February 2021, directed various banks and financial
institutions to file affidavits responding to certain queries by this
Hon'ble Court. In purported compliance with the order dated 18
February 2021, some of the banks and financial institutions have
filed their affidavits. The Petitioner has filed additional submissions
dated 23 March 2021 [SLP Vol 187] informing this Hon’ble Court of
the contemptuous acts of the banks and financial institutions in
collusion with the Judgment Debtors. The Petitioner informed this
Hon'ble Court that, until May 2017, there could not have been any
occasion for a top up by banks or financial institutions as the share
price of FHL shares had remained more or less stable and the share
price had not been impacted. It was submitted that the banks and
financial institutions had actively misled this Hon’ble Court along
with the Judgment Debtors to obtain orders dated 15 February 2018
(modification of orders dated 11 August 2017 and 31 August 2017 in
SLP) from this Hon'ble Court by submitting that "any change in the
status of encumbered assets of the said downstream companies or
any change in the shareholding of Respondent No. 1 and 8 herein in
the downstream companies in order to reduce liabilities, will not
have any negative impact, either on the value of assets or the no. of
unencumbered shares" [SLP Vol. 187/Page 4/Paragraph 4]. It was
thus submitted by the Petitioner that the banks and financial
institutions were fully aware of the court orders and the assurances
given to the DHC by the Judgment Debtors and are, therefore, guilty
of a deliberate and wilful violation of the orders of the DHC.
9. Following detailed oral submissions by Senior Counsel on behalf
of the banks and financial institutions - Mr. Shyam Divan (Yes, Axis
and IHFL), Mr. Gopal Jain (L VB, Julius Baer and First Gulf), Mr.
Pinaki Mishra (Credit Suisse), Mr. Ramji Srinivasan (Ambit Finvest)
and Mr. Amit Sibal (ECL Finance), the Petitioner filed its
rebuttal/rejoinder submissions on 12 May 2021 [SLP Vol. 221/11/10-
16, 24-103]. Mr. Dwivedi also made extensive oral submissions
rebutting the submissions made by the banks and financial
institutions. For the convenience of this Hon'ble Court, Mr Dwivedi
categorized the banks and financial institutions into the following
three categories:
(i) Category I: Eight banks that have wilfully violated the orders
and assurances given to the DHC as well as to this Hon'ble
Court should be issued a notice of contempt [SLP Vol 221/Page
47-64];
48
(ii) Category II: Four banks that have released shares and have
sold no shares after 24 May 2016 [SLP Vol 221/Page 65-71];
and
(iii) Category III: Four banks and financial institutions which
neither appeared nor filed any affidavit in compliance with the
order dated 18 February 2021 [ SLP Vol 221/Page 83].
10.In response to this Hon'ble Court's query regarding the proposal
for purging of the contempt by the contemnors, the Petitioner has
proposed certain reliefs with respect to the wrongful pledges created
by the banks and financial institutions contemptuously and for a
direction to conduct a forensic audit. [SLP Vol 222/Page 4-5].
C. Fortis Healthcare Limited and IHH Healthcare Berhad
11. Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, Senior Counsel, on behalf of the Petitioner
submitted that at the time of issuance of the Award, the Singh
Brothers, through their group companies, RHC and OIL, enjoyed a
controlling shareholding (71.7%) in FHL, a listed company which
owns and controls various hospitals across India [SLP Vol 133]. The
ownership of FHL at the relevant times is described in a chart filed
by the Petitioner [Annexure W- 1/SLP Vol 133/Page 10] [Also, SMC
Vol 26/Page 20]. The Petitioner, at all times, has submitted that the
value of shares of RHC and Oscar in FHHPL was derived solely
from FHHPL's controlling stake in FHL [SLP Vol 221/Page 2].
12. On 06 December 2018, the Petitioner filed I.A. No. 176128 of
2018 in SLP (SLP Vol 40) seeking leave to file additional documents
in the Contempt Petition. These documents disclosed the
shareholding pattern of FHL for the quarter ending June 2017 to the
quarter ending September 2018 in order to highlight the diminution
of shareholding held in FHL through FHHPL. The Petitioner had
also filed application - IA No. 9264 of2018 before the DHC on 16
July 2018 in the enforcement proceedings drawing attention to the
press releases dated 27 March 2018 and 13 July 2018 showing that
IHH was proposing to acquire FHL and assets of RHT Trust [SLP
Vol 40/page 83-85]. The Petitioner prayed that the Judgment Debtors
be directed to deposit the entire decretal amount and FHL be
injuncted from proceeding ahead with the transaction with IHH
Healthcare [SLP Vol 40/page 94]. FHL filed a reply to IA 9264 of
2018 on 31 July 2018 [SLP Vol 40/Page 98-127]. The Petitioner has
submitted that sufficient material was placed before this Hon'ble
Court which established that (i) the Judgment Debtors not only
breached the undertakings given to the DHC but they also violated
the orders of this Hon'ble Court; (ii) false affidavits were filed by the
Judgment Debtors both in the DHC as well as before this Hon'ble
Court; and (iii) this Hon'ble Court had been deliberately misled by
the Judgment Debtors, and banks and financial institutions to obtain
a modification on 15 February 2018 of the status quo orders dated 11
August 2017 and 31August 2017.
49
13. The Petitioner also filed an application for directions (I.A. No.
8948 of 2019) in the Contempt Petition on 15 January 2019, upon
learning that, despite this Hon'ble Court's order dated 14 December
2018, the transaction of transferring the controlling stake in FHL to
IHH was proceeding ahead and the amount of INR 4000 crores
received by FHL was being transferred to RHT Trust, in which the
Singh Brothers and Judgment Debtors had a substantial interest. The
Petitioner had prayed in this application that the transfer of funds to
RHT be injuncted until the undertaking recorded in DHC order dated
21 June 2017 was fulfilled/satisfied, and also to ensure compliance
with the order dated 14 December 2018. [SLP Vol 45/page 9-19].
14. The Petitioner filed another application for directions (IA No.
15162 of 2019) in the Contempt Petition on 24 January 2019 [SLP
Vol 46/Page 1-5] after ascertaining that FHL had completed the
acquisition of portfolio assets of RHT and on 15 January 2019 INR
4650 crores had been transferred in violation of this Hon'ble Court's
order dated 14 December 2018 within a few hours of Petitioner's
application. FHL filed a reply to I.A. No. 8948 of 2019 [SLP Vol 50]
and to I.A. No. 15162 of 2019 [SLP Vol 49] in February 2019.
15. On 09 March 2021, during the course of oral submissions, FHL
defended the RHT transaction and submitted that FHL's actions did
not amount to an act of contempt. Mr. Datar, in his oral and written
submissions dated 18 March 2021 [SLP Vol 185], while addressing
this Hon'ble Court's queries related to the role of IHH, FHL and
RHT, highlighted the clandestine method by which the amount of
INR 4000 crores was transferred out of India, despite knowledge of
the pending application and the status quo order dated 14 December
2018. Mr. Datar also submitted that the remittance of INR 4000
crores was in clear violation of the status quo order dated 14
December 2018. He submitted that since RHT had, on 31 December
2018, made a disclosure to the Singapore stock exchange of the
extension of the long stop date to 26 March 2019 for the RHT
Transaction, there was no apparent urgency to remit this amount to
RHT on 15 January 2019. To frustrate the claims of the Petitioner
further, the monies received in violation of the order dated 14
December 2018 were immediately distributed by RHT to its
unitholders [SLP Vol 185/Page 9]. Of this amount, FHL has
admittedly received - INR 817 crores [SMC Vol 37/Page 81].
16. Mr. Datar briefly reiterated the Petitioner's position on the RHT
transaction during the closing arguments on 12 May 2021. Mr. Datar
also placed reliance on the principle of tort of conspiracy to explain
the large-scale conspiracy carried out by the banks and financial
institutions in tandem with the Respondents, FHL and IHH, and
argued that that it is only just and proper that FHL is directed to
make available the amount of INR 4000 crores for Daiichi to ensure
restitution in respect of the undertaking given by its Chief Executive
50
Officer and Managing Director (SMS and MMS respectively) on 21
June 2017 [SMC 26/Page 63/Paragraph 97].
17. In response to this Hon'ble Court's query regarding the proposal
for purging of contempt, the Petitioner has proposed certain reliefs
against Fortis Healthcare Limited and IHH Healthcare Berhad [SLP
Vol 222/Page 6].
D. RHT Trust, Singapore
18.Mr. Datar made oral submissions regarding the FHL-IHH-RHT
transaction. In a nutshell, the submissions were as follows: (i) Mr.
Gurinder Singh Dhillon and Mr. Gurpreet Singh Dhillon are
unitholders of RHT. Mr Gurpreet Singh Dhillon was an executive
director and chief executive officer of RHT [SLP Vol 26/Page 61-
62]; (ii) FHL-IHH-RHT transaction was initially negotiated in 2017
between the Singh Brothers and IHH [SLP Vol 26/Page 37]; and (iii)
FHL-IHH-RHT transaction was undertaken at the behest of and for
the mutual benefit of the Singh Brothers, FHL, IHH and various
banks and financial institutions [SLP Vol 26/Page 43]. It should be
noted that Mr. Gurinder Singh Dhillon and Mr. Gurpreet Singh
Dhillon are close relatives of the Singh Brothers and it is probable
that the Dhillon family (of which Mr. Gurinder Singh Dhillon and
Mr. Gurpreet Singh Dhillon are members) also benefitted from the
FHL-IHH-RHT transaction.
19. In response to this Hon'ble Court's query regarding the proposal
for purging of contempt, the Petitioner has proposed certain reliefs
against RHT including a notice to RHT. [SLP Vol 222/Page 6].
E. Religare
20.Mr. Krishnan Venugopal, Senior Counsel, made extensive oral
submissions on behalf of the Petitioner in reply to the arguments
made by Mr. C.U. Singh, Senior Advocate, appearing for Religare
Enterprises Limited, Religare Comtrade Limited and Religare
Finvest Limited ("Religare Group"). The Religare Group has sought
vacation of the order dated 05 April 2019 passed by this Hon'ble
Court in SLP thereby staying the insolvency proceedings against 23
entities before the National Company Law Tribunal, Delhi.
21.Mr. Venugopal relied on his rebuttal submissions [SLP Vol 220]
and convenience compilation [SLP Vol 209]. Further, reliance was
also placed on the application for additional documents [SLP Vol
211] where he highlighted that the order passed by SEBI on 14
March 2019 had, in fact, been revoked by order dated 12 November
2020. The submissions made by Mr. Venugopal, in a nutshell, were
as follows: (i) Religare Group has not initiated insolvency
proceedings against eight out of the nine entities whose lands have
51
been offered for sale; (ii) the lands acquired by these companies
were acquired mostly before 2010, whereas Religare Group gave
loans only in 2016-2018 and therefore, Religare Group's loans could
not possibly have been used to acquire those lands; (iii) entities in
Religare Group are not decree holders and are therefore not entitled
to share in any amounts recovered pursuant to the present
proceedings, which proposition has been settled in the facts of this
case itself by the High Court of Delhi as well as by this Hon'ble
Court; and (iv) since Religare Group's insolvency petitions are
admittedly premised on fraud, they must not be permitted to be
admitted.
22. During the course of closing submissions on behalf of the
Petitioner, Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, sought a continuance of the stay
order dated 05 April 2019 as it has a direct bearing on the outcome
of the present Contempt Petition. It was submitted on behalf of the
Petitioner that, in the absence of continuation of this order, the assets
that may be utilized for the purging of contempt committed by the
Singh Brothers will become subject to insolvency proceedings
thereby jeopardizing the process of purging of contempt. [SLP Vol
222/Page 7].
F. Miscellaneous
23. Withdrawal of INR 17,93,40,000 deposited by Contemnor Nos.
1- 8 (IHFL and IVL, and its directors) ("Contempt Deposit") in
compliance with the direction contained in paragraph 51 (i) of the
Contempt Judgment. Mr. Jaideep Gupta, Senior Advocate, made
submissions on behalf of Daiichi on 12 May 2021. He submitted that
the Petitioner is entitled to receive the Contempt Deposit and, hence,
it should be permitted to withdraw the Contempt Deposit, as prayed
for in IA No. 50764 of 2020 in the Contempt Petition. [SLP Vol 91].
24. The Contempt Deposit was made as a result of the contemptuous
conduct of the contemnors that has severely affected the interest of
the Petitioner. No third parties can claim a share in the deposit made
by a party committing contempt of protective orders passed in favour
of the Petitioner. Further, these are monies deposited in contempt
proceedings and Section 73 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 is
not applicable in these proceedings.”
19. In support of the contention that IHH / NTK be directed to put the funds
back in FHL, it was submitted that matter raised following questions:
52
“(i) Whether Fortis Healthcare Limited/ IHH etc. in remitting the sum
of approximately INR 4000 crores on 15 January 2019 have violated
the status quo order dated 14 December 2018, and thus committed
contempt?
(ii) Whether INR 4000 crores should be brought back by IHH and
deposited with Fortis Healthcare Limited?
(iii) Whether the deposit of INR 4000 crores, if directed to be made,
could be utilized to honour the undertakings recorded and
representations made on various occasions before the Delhi High
Court and this Hon'ble Court?
The additional questions raised during the hearing on 12 May 2021,
and submissions made by Mr. Datar on behalf of the Petitioner are set
out below:
Additional Q. No. 1: Whether the submissions on tort of
conspiracy and the theory of attribution were made in the
absence of pleadings?
(a) A specific plea regarding conspiracy was made by the Petitioner in
para 97 of SMC Volume 26 at page 63. For ready reference, the
paragraph is reproduced below:
"97. Given the large-scale conspiracy carried out by the banks
and financial institutions in tandem with the Respondents, FHL
and IHH, Daiichi Sankyo submits that it is only just and proper
that FHL be required to make this amount of INR. 4000 crores
available for Daiichi Sankyo in respect of the undertaking given
by its CEO and Managing Director on 21 June 2017. Daiichi
Sankyo further says and submits that until and unless FHL makes
available this amount for realization of the decretal sum,
FHL/IHH should not be allowed to proceed with the Open Offer
or utilize the amount of INR 4000 lying in the escrow account
for that purpose. "
The award dated 29 April 2016 was against 19 respondents. Repeated
assurances I undertakings were given to the Delhi High Court that the
total assets were in excess of INR 10,000 crores and that in any event,
a sum of INR 2341.9 crores will always be available to satisfy the
award I decretal debt. These undertakings were on behalf of the entire
group, including Fortis Healthcare Limited ("FHL"), as has been
pointed out in written submissions [SLP Vol 185] and reiterated in
these submissions. In I.A. No. 9264 of 2018 was filed by Daiichi on
16 July 2018 in the Delhi High Court to stop the takeover of FHL by
IHH. A reply dated 2018 filed by R19 (RHC) inter alia that: "Given
the group's liabilities, including the award .... ". Thus, the award is
equally the liability of FHL, as it is of other group companies of the
Singh Brothers.
53
(b) The manner in which the shareholding of Fortis Healthcare
Holding Private Limited ("FHHPL") in FHL was reduced from 71.1
% to 0.66% was in complete violation of eight undertakings given to
the Delhi High Court and to the Supreme Court and could not have
been done without the active knowledge of the banks and IHH.
(c) Apart from specific pleadings, the conspiracy is also revealed
from the extensive pleadings in these matters and the role of the
following entities:
(i) Banks, which gave large amount of loans to group companies of
the Singh Brothers without any scrutiny on end utilization of the
loans (this has been explained by Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, Senior
Advocate)
(ii) FHL and IHH Healthcare Berhad, in transferring INR 4000 crores
in violation of the status quo order and to frustrate the decree.
(iii) RHT Health Trust, Singapore, in participating in the transaction
of receipt of INR 4000 crores from FHL and IHH, being transferred
out of India in violation of the status quo order dated 14 December
2018. This was done while Mr. Gurpreet Singh Dhillon (maternal
cousin of Singh Brothers) was the signatory and at the helm of the
affairs of RHT.
(d) Theory of attribution: It is a settled principle that acts of
directors, who are in management and control, are deemed to be acts
of a company which is a legal entity but has no mind or body to think
and act. It is well settled that the acts of the directors in control are
attributable as the acts of the company and treated as such. There are
extensive pleadings which show that the group companies, including
FHHPL and FHL, were under the management and control of the
Singh Brothers. Thus, the theory or principle of attribution applies.
Undertakings by the Singh Brothers are undertaking of the group
companies, including and, in particular, that of FHL.
Additional Q. No.2: Whether this Hon'ble Court can issue
directions in addition to imposing any punishment for contempt?
(a) This Hon'ble Court has the power to punish for contempt under
Article 129 of the Constitution of India. Willful breach of an
undertaking given to a court is a civil contempt under section 2(b) of
the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. Further, the doing of "any other act
whatsoever" which "interferes with or tends to interfere with, or
obstructs or tends to obstruct the administration of justice in any other
manner" is a criminal contempt under section 2(c)(iii) thereof.
(a) The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 only provides for imposing
punishment for contempt of court. But the contempt jurisdiction of
this Hon'ble Court enables not only imposition of punishment but
granting relief by way of restitution. The judgment of this Hon'ble
54
3
Court in Delhi Development Authority v. Skipper Construction
makes it amply clear that the court can give appropriate directions
for remedying and rectifying the things done in violation of its
orders.
4
(b) A reference can also be made to the decisions in s , which held
that this Hon'ble Court can take cognizance even for violation of
orders of the High Court. (This was overruled on another point in
5
Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of lndia ).
(c) At stake in the present case is the sanctity and validity of
undertakings given to the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. If
these can be violated with impunity, it will be a serious setback to the
rule of law and the image and the prestige of the superior judiciary in
India. It is humbly stated that it should be made clear that if an
undertaking is violated, particularly in the context of group
companies, the High Courts and the Supreme Court have sufficient
power under Articles 129 and 215 to pass whatever directions are
necessary to ensure that the undertakings are fulfilled.
Additional Q. No. 3: If FHL/ IHH is directed to bring back INR
4000 crores, whether Petitioner will be entitled to recover the
award/ decretal amount from these funds ?
(a) In the answer to Question No.2 of the earlier written
submissions [SLP Vol 185/Page 9], submissions have been made as to
why it is imperative that INR 4000 crores should be brought back.
The extraordinary and unseeming haste in sending INR 4000 crores
outside India was in breach of the status quo order of this Hon'ble
Court dated 14 December 2018. It is well settled that any act in
violation of court's order is void and the status quo ante must be
6
restored. [(i) Satya Brata Biswas v. Kalyan Kumar and (ii) Vidur
7
lmpex and Traders Private Ltd. v. Tosh apartments Private Ltd . ].
(b) If the sum of INR 4000 crores is brought back, it will be an
asset in the books of accounts of FHL. This will be like any other
asset of FHL namely lands, buildings, investments, cash account, cash
in bank, etc., and can be attached to fulfill the undertaking given.
(c) As pointed out in detail later in this additional written
submission, there were multiple undertakings given by the Singh
Brothers and judgment debtors that the award will be binding on the
group companies.
3 (2007) 15 SCC 60 I - For text, see SMC Vol 36, P 227-251 on para 24-28.
4 (1995) 2 584, 602-603 (paras 22 and 23).
scc
5 (1998) 4 SCC 409 - the Supreme Court could not remove an advocate's name from the rolls of the State Bar
Council.
6 (1994) 2 SCC 266 (para 23 and pages 106-117 of SMC Vol 36.
7 (2012) 8 SCC 384 (para 49. page 118-150 of SMC Vol 36.
55
(d) The first undertaking in the execution proceedings (on 24 May
2016) was given only to ensure that the listed entities, primarily FHL,
Religare, etc. remained unaffected. Further, undertakings were also
given to ensure that no prejudice was caused to FHL which was a
flagship company.
(e) There is no dispute that FHHPL and FHL are part of the group
companies on whose behalf the undertakings were given. Thus, even
though these two companies are not the judgment debtors in the
arbitral award, the obligation to ensure that the award is satisfactorily
complied with is upon all these group companies including FHHPL
and FHL.
(f) At the time of the first undertaking, the Singh brothers held
71.7% ownership directly and indirectly in FHL through FHHPL.
They were in control of the management of FHL. The undertakings
that were given to prevent of the award, execution has directly enured
to the benefit of FHL whose business operations continued without
any hindrance.
(g) The undertakings given by Singh Brothers are thus binding on
FHL as well. These undertakings, given at the time when they had
more than 71 % control, would be binding even after their FHL
shareholding was reduced. It is submitted that an undertaking given to
the court by a person or persons who are majority shareholders, will
continue to bind that company even if their shareholding is
subsequently reduced to a minority. This is particularly important
when such shareholding is reduced in violation of assurances and
undertakings to a court.
8
(h) In Rosnan Sam Boyce v. B.R. Cotton Mills Ltd. , it was held
that the undertaking given by the person in management and control,
will be the undertaking of the company itself. In the same way, the
undertaking given by the Singh Brothers would equally bind FHL.
The systematic attempt to frustrate the undertaking should not be
permitted. In the B.R. Cotton Mills case, it was held that under Article
142, the court could do complete justice and that the undertaking
given by the director was an undertaking by the first respondent
company would be treated as having committed contempt. In the
same way, FHL may be equally bound by the undertaking.
(i) Thus, the undertakings I assurance that a sum of INR 2341. 9
crores will always be available for satisfaction of the award amount
will also be an undertaking on behalf of FHL. Once the undertakings
were given on behalf of the group and was been made amply clear
that FHL was the most valuable member of this group/ single
economic entity, the undertakings are binding on all the entities on
8 (1990) 2 SCC 636, (para 7, 8, 9 at page 58-60 of SMC Vol 36)
56
whose behalf the undertaking was given. Daiichi will be entitled to
recover the amount by attaching assets of any of these entities,
including FHL as well.
(j) FHL cannot escape liability on the ground that it is a listed
entity or that Singh Brothers along with their investment companies
had less than 1 % shares of FHL on the date on which INR 4000
crores was sent out. IHH, the new investor in FHL and now in charge
of the management of FHL, had full knowledge of the various
undertakings given to the High Courts and the Supreme Court. IHH
and its directors cannot now escape the liability to honour the
understandings I assurances by taking shelter under the concept of
separate corporate personality. The assets of FHL are liable to be
attached in execution of the award at the present moment as they
would be when the Singh brothers were m control and gave the
undertakings / assurances.
(k) If FHL is permitted to evade liability, then undertakings can
be given on behalf of a group of companies and these will be
rendered meaningless if a new management takes over or there are
new shareholders who have a majority .”
20. On behalf of Contemnor No.9 – Malvinder Mohan Singh, it was
submitted that the transactions in question were entered into in normal
course of business and there was no attempt on part of the contemnors to
put the assets beyond the reach and control of Daiichi. It was submitted
that whatever the Noticees, banks and financial institutions did was
pursuant to the transactions entered into well before the assurances /
undertakings were given to the High Court and this Court. In his attempt
to purge himself of contempt, Contemnor No.9 submitted that certain
properties held by his relations and Companies under the control of his
group could still be proceeded against. The details of such properties
given in the written submissions, were as under:
| Loan extended by | Loan extended to | Amount | Cumulative |
|---|
57
| (Rs.<br>Crores) | amount<br>(Rs.<br>Crores) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Modland Wears Private<br>Limited | Gurinder Singh Dhillon | 1.57 | 223.15 |
| Gurkirat Singh Dhillon | 88.78 | |||
| Gurpreet Singh Dhillon | 79.71 | |||
| Nayan Tara Dhillon | 0.61 | |||
| Shabnam Dhillon | 52.48 | |||
| 2. | Devera Developers Private<br>Limited | Gurkiran Singh Dhillon | 65.47 | 122.62 |
| Gurpreet Singh Dhiilon | 57.16 | |||
| 3. | Fern Healthcare Private<br>Limited | Gurkirat Singh Dhillon | 101.91 | 292.5 |
| Gurpreet Singh Dhiilon | 110.81 | |||
| Sanjay Godhwani | 1.92 | |||
| Sunil Godhwani | 68.60 | |||
| Prime Trust | 4.19 | |||
| Luminous Holdings<br>Pvt. Ltd. | 5.07 | |||
| 4. | Best Healthcare Private<br>Limited | Gurkirat Singh Dhillon | 103.37 | 207.15 |
| Gurpreet Singh Dhiilon | 103.78 | |||
| 5. | Adept Lifespaces Private<br>Limited | Gurkirat Singh Dhillon | 85.58 | 152.88 |
| Gurpreet Singh<br>Dhiillon | 67.30 | |||
| Total | 998.3 |
21. It was submitted by Contemnor No.10 – Shivendra Mohan Singh that he
was neither involved in the management nor in the negotiations or talks in
respect of any of the transactions entered into which was seriously being
questioned. According to said Contemnor, it was his brother namely
Contemnor No.9, who was completely responsible for all said
transactions.
22. As the record shows, the bulk of the shareholding held by FHHPL in FHL
was pledged with YES Bank Ltd. (YBL) and Axis Bank Ltd. (ABL). Mr.
Shyam Divan, learned Senior Advocate advanced submissions on behalf
58
of these two entities and took us through various documents placed on
record.
The preliminary submissions advanced on behalf of YBL were as under:
“ 7. The crux of YBL's case is that 8,97,81,906 FHL shares were
encumbered in favour of YBL, by 28.07.2016. Out of the 8,97,81,906
FHL shares, 5,41,35,500 FHL shares were encumbered under various
agreements, prior to 30.03.2016. A further 2,65,02,852 FHL shares were
encumbered under agreement to pledge dated 30.03 .2016. Thus, prior to
the date of the arbitral award (29.04.2016), a total of 8,06,38,352 FHL
shares were encumbered in favour of YBL. Subsequently, on 28.07.2016,
i.e. after the 'First Assurance' by the Judgment Debtors (before the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court in OMP EFA 6 of 2016) and prior to the
Second and Third assurance, a further 91,43,554 FHL shares were
encumbered under another agreement to pledge. Therefore, by
28.07.2016, 8,97,81,906 FHL shares were encumbered in favour of YBL,
prior to the second to fifth assurances given by the JDs before the Hon'ble
Delhi High Court. These 8,97,81,906 FHL shares were sold only pursuant
to this Hon'ble Court's Order of 15.02.2018.(Pg. 1, Vol 200)
8. It is pertinent to reiterate that YBL was never a party before the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court when the assurances were given by the JDs.
Furthermore, YBL was not even a party to the captioned SLP filed
against the Order dated 21.06.2017 passed by the Hon'ble Delhi High
Court. YBL was also not aware of the contents of the affidavits being
filed by the JDs nor was it aware of the nature of the assurances being
given by the JDs to the Hon'ble Delhi High Court. (Para 47, Pg. 34, Vol
173)
9. Admittedly, FHHPL is not a judgment debtor qua Daiichi. Further, the
Orders of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court and this Hon'ble Court make it
clear that there was no injunction qua the shares of FHL held by FHHPL
at any time prior to 11.08.2017. There was also no restriction on lending
to the JDs or their group companies at any point of time. In fact, even the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court vide its judgment dated 15.10.2020 passed in
EA No. 615, 625 and 815 in OMP EFA 6 of2016 (order upheld by this
Hon'ble Court) ("15 October 2020 Judgment") has categorically held that
there was neither any restriction on lending to the JDs nor was there any
injunction qua the JDs assets till 19.02.2018. The Hon'ble Delhi High
Court's reasoning was based on the premise that the foreign arbitral
award in favour of Daiichi became a decree only on 31.01.2018, after
Daiichi's enforcement petition was allowed, in terms of Section 49 of the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. (Paras 49 to 52, Pg. 37, Vol 173)
59
10. Further, all allegations of collusion between the JDs and YBL for the
purpose of defeating Daiichi's rights are completely incorrect, meritless
and baseless, and are unsupported by any evidence. This is also evident
from the fact YBL has several recovery proceedings pending against the
JDs and the borrowers before various forums for an outstanding amount
of INR 532.9 Crore (excluding interest) (as of 22.02.2021). (Paras 43 to
46, Pg. 33, Vol.173)
11. Moreover, there were contemporaneous public disclosures made by
FHL / FHHPL with the stock exchange concerning the Subject
Encumbrances, thereby negating the argument that these encumbrances/
pledges were being created in a discreet and collusive manner.
Additionally, it also appears that JD Nos. 14 and 19, in their affidavit of
unencumbered assets dated 14.03.2017 had mentioned that 5 crore
unencumbered shares of FHL held by FHHPL would be kept aside for
repayment of debt obligations of the group companies (Para 4, Pg. 254,
Vol 2, Pg. 444, 455, Vol 6). Furthermore, admittedly, neither the JDs nor
Daiichi had ever informed YBL that there was any restriction on either
lending to the JDs or their group companies post 24.05.2016, nor was
YBL informed of any injunction existing qua the FHL shares or any other
assets of the JDs' or their group companies. Moreover, FHHPL, under the
various pledge agreements executed with YBL, also gave a representation
that there was no litigation pending qua the FHL shares. (For eg., Clause
4.l(o), Pg. 439, Vol 175) This shows that it was a well-accepted position
among the different stakeholders including Daiichi that there was no such
injunction / restriction qua the FHL shares, prior to 11.08.2017. (Paras 43
to 46, Pg. 33, Vol 173)
12. Therefore, there is absolutely no legal basis to nullify YBL's subject
loan and security agreements executed between 24.05.2016 and
11.08.2017. Thus, to hold YBL, a bona-fide secured creditor, accountable
for certain unilateral assurances given by the JDs to the Hon'ble Delhi
High Court, would be a travesty of justice.”
Similarly, preliminary submissions advanced on behalf of ABL were
as under:
“ 7. The crux of ABL's case is that 1,36,50,000 FHL shares were
encumbered in favour of ABL under various agreements prior to
29.04.2016 (the date of the arbitral award in favour of Daiichi). Further, a
total of2,58,50,000 FHL shares were encumbered in favour of FHL by
15.12.2016 which is even prior to the second (23.01.2017) and third
assurances (6.03.2017) given by the IDs to the Hon'ble Delhi High Court
(Tranches 1 to 9, @ Pgs. 1 to 5 Vol. 197).
60
8. Contrary to Daiichi' s claim, after the third undertaking, the total
encumbrance in favour of ABL in fact reduced to 1,83,75,000 FHL shares
from previously held 2,58,50,000 shares. Thus, as of 11.08.2017, ABL
had in its favour an encumbrance over 1,83,75,000 FHL shares. These
encumbrances were invoked only pursuant to the Supreme Court's Order
of 15.02.2018 (Pgs. 9, 10 Vol. 197).
9. It is pertinent to reiterate that ABL was never a party before the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court when the assurances were given by the JDs.
Furthermore, ABL was not even a party to the captioned SLP filed against
the Order dated 21.06.2017 passed by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court.
ABL was also not aware of the contents of the affidavits being filed by
the JDs nor was it aware of the nature of the assurances being given by
the JDs to the Hon'ble Delhi High Court. (Para 43, Pg. 26, Vol 167)
10. Admittedly, FHHPL is not a judgment debtor qua Daiichi. Further, the
Orders of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court and this Hon'ble Court make it
clear that there was no injunction qua the shares of FHL held by FHHPL
at any time prior to 11.08.2017. There was also no restriction on lending
to the JDs or their group companies at any point of time. In fact, even the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court vide its judgment dated 15.10.2020 passed in
EA No. 615, 625 and 815 in OMP EFA 6 of 2016 (order upheld by this
Hon'ble Court) ("15 October 2020 Judgment") has categorically held that
there was neither any restriction on lending to the JDs nor was there any
injunction qua the JDs' assets till 19.02.2018. The Hon'ble Delhi High
Court's reasoning was based on the premise that the foreign arbitral
award in favour of Daiichi became a decree only on 31.01.2018, after
Daiichi's enforcement petition was allowed, in terms of Section 49 of the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. (Paras 45 to 48, Pg. 27 to 30, Vol.
167)
11. Further, all allegations of collusion between the JDs and ABL for the
purpose of defeating Daiichi's rights are completely baseless, and are
unsupported by any evidence. This is also evident from the fact ABL has
several recovery proceedings pending against the JDs and the borrowers
before various forums for an outstanding amount. As stated in its
compliance affidavit, even today there is approximately an outstanding
amount of INR 624 Crores (approx.) as of 22.02.2021. (Paras 39 to 42,
Pg.25, Vol 167)
12. Moreover, there were contemporaneous public disclosures made by
FHL / FHHPL with the stock exchange concerning the Subject
Encumbrances, thereby negating the argument that these encumbrances
were being created in a discreet and collusive manner. Additionally, it
also appears that JD Nos. 14 and 19, in their affidavit of unencumbered
assets dated 14.03.2017 had mentioned that 5 crore unencumbered shares
of FHL held by FHHPL would be kept aside for repayment of debt
obligations of the group companies (Para 4, Pg. 254, Vol 2, Pg. 444, 455,
Vol 6). Furthermore, admittedly, neither the JDs nor Daiichi had ever
informed ABL that there was any restriction on either lending to the JDs
or their group companies post 24.05.2016, nor was ABL informed of any
injunction existing qua the FHL shares or any other assets of the JDs' or
61
their group companies. This shows that Daiichi was also well aware that
that there was no such injunction / restriction qua the FHL shares, prior to
11.08.2017. (Paras 39 to 42, Pg. 25, Vol 167).
13. Therefore, there is absolutely no legal basis to nullify ABL's subject
loan and security agreements executed between 24.05.2016 and
11.08.2017. Thus, to hold ABL - a bona-fide secured creditor -
accountable for certain unilateral assurances given by the IDs to the
Hon'ble Delhi High Court, would be a travesty of justice.”
23. Mr. Harish N. Salve, learned Senior Advocate advanced submissions on
behalf of the IHH/ NTK. It was submitted that the shareholding held by
FHHPL in FHL was not in any way transferred in favour of IHH/ NTK
but what was allocated to IHH/ NTK was subscription of fresh shares.
The money so put in by way of capital into the company was then utilized
by FHL for streamlining its business structure. It was submitted that
under an antecedent arrangement, the proprietary interest in the hospitals
and diagnostic centres was held by RHT, a trust set up in Singapore and
those assets were being utilized by FHL for its business purposes; and in
return FHL was paying a huge amount of money by way of lease rentals.
The liability to pay these lease rentals was affecting the financial health of
FHL considerably and as such a decision was taken by the management to
gain a proprietary interest in said assets rather than continue under the
lease arrangement. It was for the purpose of acquisition of such
proprietary interest that the amount of Rs.4,666/- crores was transferred
by FHL in favour of RHT Trust. These transactions were completely
bona fide and entered into for the purposes of securing and protecting the
62
business structure and interest of FHL. In the written submissions the
concerned events were set out as under:
“ 2. As explained below, the events that took place were as follows:
(a) Daiichi had initiated an arbitration against the Singh Brothers and
others in relation to allegations of fraud in the sale of their shares of
Ranbaxy Ltd. It is pertinent to note that the present transaction has no
connection with that transaction.
(b) Having secured an award in their favour, the Decree Holder then took
to enforcing the award in India. In the course of these enforcement
proceedings, undertakings were given on behalf of the Singh Brothers to
the Hon'ble Delhi High Court that they would not alienate their assets. At
some point, the Decree Holder also carried the matter to this Court, and
undertakings were also given in this court by the Decree Holder to the
same effect.
(c) It appears that in the meantime since there was a fall in the value of
the shares of FHL, the banks from whom loans had been obtained against
the security of the shares, invoked pre existing pledges. In the petition for
leave to appeal filed by the Decree Holder, initially on 11 August 2017,
this Hon'ble Court injuncted the banks from encashing any pledges. This
order however came to be modified on 15 February 2018 when this court
clarified that the injunction would relate only to pledges created after 11
August 2017.
(d) Upon the modification of the order, the bankers who now became
entitled to enforce the pledges took steps to transfer the shares to
themselves or their nominees including the sale of the shares, and this
caused a drastic fall in the shareholding of the Singh Brothers in FHL.
(e) By March 2018, the shareholding of the Singh Brothers in FHL had
dropped to below 1 %. The Singh Brothers also resigned from the Board
of Directors of FHL. The new shareholders nominated professional
directors and professional management to run the affairs of FHL.
(f) The financial condition of FHL was precarious and that is why the
board of FHL decided to induct fresh capital to salvage the company. This
was done by a public process inviting bids from interested parties. The
highest premium was quoted by IHH Healthcare Berhad ("IHH") and it is
through this process that NTK (100% indirectly owned subsidiary of
IHH) came to subscribe to shares issued by FHL.
(g) This transaction of issuance of shares was consummated by 13
November 2018, i.e., prior to the Stay Order of 14 December 2018.
However, as a consequence of the acquisition of shares pursuant to the
investment of 4000 crores (at 170 per share, with a premium of around ₹ ₹
20% above the prevailing market price) which was by way of a
preferential allotment under the Share Subscription Agreement dated 13
July 2018 between NTK and FIIL ("Share Subscription Agreement").
63
[SMC Compilation/Vol.15/Page 410-4 71] and NTK became obliged to
make a public offer to acquire the shares of such of those (it members of
the public who would like to exit FHL.
(h) The consequence of the order of injunction passed on 14 December
2018 is to render this process of acquisition of shares of the members of
the public in an Open Offer (as defined below) under a freeze. It is
submitted that the injunction is not serving anybody's purpose and in fact,
is contrary to the interests of the public shareholders. The only interest
the Decree Holder has in pursuing this course of action is to try to
pressurize IHH to pay them their decretal dues, for the reason that the
prospects of recovery from the Singh Brothers (who are already in jail for
non-payment) appear to be bleak.”
24. In its response to the submissions made on behalf of the Contemnors
regarding purging of Contempt, following submissions were made on
behalf of Daiichi:
“A. Judgment Debtors
1. As sought by the contemnor MMS in (and as proposed in) I.A.
No.43119 of 2020, this Hon’ble Court may direct a forensic audit of the
group companies of MMs and SMS identified in Vol. 90/Table A/pages 4
and 5 and the companies and individuals to which loans have been
advanced by the judgment debtors and associate companies as set forth in
Vol. 90/Table B/pages 6 and 7 . Extracts from I.A. 43119 of 2020
describing Table ‘A’ and Table ‘B’, are annexed herewith as Annexure “ P-
1 ”. The SC may also direct forensic audit of entities (indirectly owned and
controlled by MMS and SMS) which are registered outside India. An
illustrative list of such entities is annexed herewith as Annexure “ P-2 ”.
2. The SC may also direct a forensic audit of all the concerned companies
that borrowed from banks and financial institutions (Dion Global Solutions
Limited, Ligare Aviation Private Limited, Ligare Voyages Private Limited,
Ranchem Private Limited, ANR Securities Private Limited, RHC Holding
Private Limited, Oscar Investments Limited, Fortis Healthcare Holding
Private Limited (“FHHPL”), RWL Healthworld Limited and Religare
Capital Markets International Mauritius Limited) and for which the shares
of Fortis Healthcare Limited (“ FHL ”) owned by FHHPL were pledged
from time to time, including where top-ups with respect to the pledges
were made, in violation of the orders and undertakings given to the
Hon’ble Delhi High Court (“ DHC ”) and the SC. A list of borrower entities
is annexed herewith as Annexure “ P-3 ”.
64
3. As per MMS and SMS, the following assets are available for sale to
purge a part of the contempt:
| S. NO. | LOCATION OF<br>LAND/ BUILDING &<br>AREA | OWNED BY |
|---|---|---|
| LAND | ||
| 1. | Land at Ulhasnagar, Dist.<br>Thane, Maharashtra: 35.150<br>Acre | Green Grass Estates<br>Pvt Ltd. |
| 2. | Land at Ulhasnagar, Dist.<br>Thane, Maharashtra: 31.775<br>Acre | White Feather Estates<br>Pvt. Ltd. |
| 3. | Land at Badlapur, Maharashtra:<br>129.560 Acre | Vitoba Realtors Pvt.<br>Ltd. |
| 4. | Land and Building at Asola,<br>Delhi: 5 Bigha 16 Biswas | Bindas Realtors Pvt.<br>Ltd. |
| 5. | Land at Mehsana, Gujarat | RHC Holding Pvt. Ltd. |
| 6. | Land at Mehsana, Gujarat | RHC Holding Pvt. Ltd. |
| 7. | Land [Noida/Ludhiana]-<br>12,845 Sq Feet- Noida<br>3578.96 Sq Yard-Ludhiana | Green Biofuels Farms<br>Pvt. Ltd. |
| 8. | Land-Gawalpahari, Gurgaon-<br>27.57 Acre | Greenline Buildwell<br>Pvt Ltd. |
| BUILDING | ||
| 9. | Flat C-4/5. Ist Floor, Taj<br>Building, Fort, Mumbai | A-1 Book Company<br>Pvt Ltd. |
4. In addition to the aforesaid land parcels, MMS and SMS have also
stated that the following brands/trademarks are available for sale to purge a
part of the contempt:
| BRAND/ TRADEMARK | OWNER | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Religare | Elive Infotech Private<br>Limited (Group<br>company-owned by the<br>Contemnors) |
| 2. | SRL | Headway Brands Private<br>Limited (group<br>company-owned by the<br>Contemnors) |
| 3. | Fortis | RHS Healthcare<br>Management Services<br>(group company-owned<br>by the Contemnors) |
5. As per SMS, an amount of US$ 10.89 million is available with Ligare
Voyage (Ireland) Limited. Accordingly, this Hon’ble Court mat by pleased
65
to direct the Contemnors deposit this amount, i.e., US$ 10.89 million held
by Ligare Voyages, with this Hon’ble Court [Vol. 88/Page 7,9,33]
| TYPE OF ASSET | ENTITY |
|---|---|
| Cash in Bank<br>[US$ 10.89 Mn] | Ligare Voyages (Ireland) Limited |
6. The request for the aforesaid sale of lands/properties given by MMS
and SMS should be considered favorably by this Hon’ble Court, and a
retired judge of this Hon’ble Court may be appointed to undertake this sale
process in a time-bound manner.
B. Banks
7. Banks and financial institution who have created additional pledges or
exercised right of top-ups after 24 May 2016 (i.e., the date of the first
assurance) have been instrumental in the systematic dilution of the FHL
shares owned by FHHPL. The Judgment Debtors have deliberately
pledged the shares in relation to (and as collateral for) dubious loans
extended to the various group companies of FHL (owned and controlled by
the Singh Brothers). Eight banks and financial institutions (Axis Bank,
Yes Bank, RBL Bank, ECL Finance Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank,
Indiabulls, Aditya Birla Finance Limited and Lakshmi Vilas Bank) have
engaged in this reprehensible conduct and, as per the share price as on 11
May 2021, the vale of the shares pledged after 24 May 2016, is
approximately and amount of INR 2859,45,32,748/- (That is, Indian
Rupees Two Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Nine Crores Forty-Five Lakhs
Thirty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Eight Only).
Banks and financial institution who have created pledges or exercised right
of top-ups after 24 May 2016 (i.e., the date of the first undertaking), should
be directed to deposit the equivalent amounts with this Hon’ble Court.
This Hon’ble Court may also direct that the money being deposited by the
banks and financial institution is pursuant to the exercise of its contempt
jurisdiction and, therefore, any and all monies if so directed to be
deposited to purge the contempt can only be released in favour of Daiichi
who has suffered as a result of the contemptuous acts. A table of pledges
created (after 24 May 2016) by each bank and the total value is annexed as
Annexure “P-4” .
8. DCB Bank, HDFC Limited and Citi Corp Finance (Noticee Nos. 12, 10
and 13 respectively) have not appeared before this Hon’ble Court despite
service of the notice on them. This Hon’ble Court should cancel the
pledges created by them on the shares of FHL as owned by FHHPL in
violation of the court orders and they should be directed to deposit the
equivalent amount with the Hon’ble Court. [ Vol. 210/Page 82 ]
66
9. This Hon’ble Court may direct RBL Bank to deposit a sum equivalent
to the value of 4,20,000 shares of FHL i.e., approx., INR 9,88,89,000
(Indian Rupees Nine Crores Eighty-Eight Lakhs Eighty-Nine Thousand
Only) which were injuncted from being transferred or sold by order dated
15 April 2021 of the SC.
10. While Indiabulls sold 12,25,000 shares of FHL in violation of the
orders of the SC and has been held guilty for this, it has also sold 9,04,760
shares during the period of 05 September 2018 – 21 September 2018 I
gross violation of orders of this Hon’ble Court. Therefore, the SC should
direct Indiabulls to deposit an amount of INR 21,30,25,742 (Indian Rupees
Twenty-One Crores Thirty Lakhs Twenty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred
and Forty-Two Only), which is an amount equivalent of the value of these
shares (as on 11 May 2021). No separate suo motu contempt proceedings
are required.
11. Axis Bank still retains 90,00,000 shares of FHL and these shares must
be directed to be sold and the monies so realized must be deposited with
this Hon’ble Court.
12. There was an unlawful top-up of shares by banks of:
(i) 5,00,000 shares by First Abu Dhabi Bank on 31 May 2017 (Approx.
value: INR 11,74,00,000 (Indian Rupees Eleven Crores Seventy-Four
Lakhs Only)); and
(ii)1,10,00,000 shares by Axis Bank on 30 November 2016 (Approx.
value: INR 11,77,25,000 (Indian Rupees Eleven Crores Seventy-Seven
Lakhs Twenty-Five Thousand Only)).
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Axis Bank should therefore be directed to
deposit the aforesaid amounts equivalent to the value of the shares which
were unlawfully topped-up in blatant violation of orders of the DHC and
the SC.
13. This Hon’ble Court may allow Daiichi Sankyo to withdraw INR
17,93,40,000 deposited by Indiabulls on 18 November 2019 in compliance
with the directions in the judgment dated 15 November 2019. Daiichi has
filed I.A. No. 50764 of 2019 seeking withdrawal of these monies. [ Vol.91 ]
C. Fortis Healthcare Limited
14. By their undertaking as recorded in DHC’s order dated 21 June 2017,
Respondents/Judgment Debtors had assured that a sum of INR 2341.90
crores will always be available and realizable to satisfy the Award dated
29 April 2016. At this juncture, the Singh Brothers were the Chairman and
the Managing Director of FHL.
15. Daiichi Sankyo has the right to recover the amount of INR 2341.90
crores from FHL because FHL is also subject to and bound by the
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undertakings given from time to time by the Singh Brothers. By the theory
of attribution, the undertakings/representations/assurances made from time
to time are as if they have been (and, indeed, should be deemed to have
been made by FHHPL and FHL, both of whom (although there are not
judgment debtors) form part of the Fortis Group. It is submitted that FHL
is as bound by the assurances/undertakings given eight times because,
inter alia, the Singh brothers were the directing mind and will of FHL.
16. FHL and IHH have violated the order dated 14 December 2020 of this
Hon’ble Court by transferring an amount of INR 4000 crores (that is,
Indian Rupees Four Thousand Crores) outside India to RHT Trust,
Singapore. This amount should be brought back and deposited with this
Hon’ble Court. This Hon’ble Court has initiated suo moto contempt action
against FHL in this regard. FHL, IHH and NTK must be directed to
deposit this amount with this Hon’ble Court.
D. RHT Trust
17. Notice of contempt to be issued to RHT Trust and its following
officials;
(i) Tank Kang Fun-CEO/CFO-Trustee Manager; and
(ii) Gurpreet Singh Dhillon – former CEO and Executive Director of the
RHT Trust and a close relative of the Singh Brothers.
This Hon’ble Court may direct RHT Trust and Gurpreet Singh Dhillon to
explain their roles in:
(i) the transfer of INR 4000 crores by FHL to RHT Trust in breach of the
order dated 14 December 2018 of the SC:
(ii) the further transfer of the monies to RHT’s unitholders (including
directly/indirectly members of the Dhillon family and the Singh
Brothers) which was also in violation of the order dated 14 December
2018. This transfer involved a further transfer of INR 817 crores to
FHL (as a unitholder); and
(iii) the execution of definitive agreement dated 13 February 2018 between
FHL and RHT for the buy-back of RHT portfolio assets based on the
term sheet dated 14 November 2017 and disclosure to the SGX dated 15
November 2017 that resulted in the transfer of a controlling stake in
FHL to IHH. This was in breach of the assurances given to the DHC
and the status quo order of this Hon’ble Court.
E. Religare
1. Any IBC proceeding should be subject to the outcome of the contempt
proceedings and orders passed by this Hon’ble Court.
2. No IBC proceeding should be admitted against the judgment debtors,
Fern Healthcare Private Limited, Modland Wears Private Limited and
ANR Securities Private Limited.
3. This Hon’ble Court may reserve the right of Daiichi Sankyo to raise all
the arguments raised before this Hon’ble Court and the NCLT may be
68
directed to examine all arguments without prejudice to any arguments
under Section 65 of the IBC.
4. The proceedings against 23 entities initiated by Religare Finvest
Limited, if permitted, will directly impact the outcome of the contempt
proceedings.”
25. In the backdrop of these submissions, following questions arise for our
consideration: -
(a) Whether the acts of commission or omission on part of Contemnor
Nos.9 and 10 and the entities controlled by them, were calculated
to put the assets of the companies under their control beyond the
reach of Daiichi?
(b) Having given clear assurances to the High Court and this Court,
whether such acts of commission and omission on part of
Contemnor Nos.9 and 10 amount to contempt of the orders passed
by the High Court and this Court?
(c) Whether the banks and financial institutions sold the shares which
were pledged with them, purely as a matter of commercial
expediency or whether there was any deliberate act of defiance to
defeat the rigour and width of the orders passed by the High Court
and this Court?
(d) Whether the acts committed by them were in connivance with
Contemnor Nos.9 and 10?
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(e) Whether the transactions entered into by or with IHH/ NTK were
bona fide or whether there was a deliberate attempt to defeat the
processes of Court and thereby keep the assets beyond the reach of
Daiichi?
26. The first two questions raised hereinabove need no further elaboration as
the conduct of contemnor Nos.9 and 10 was considered and they were
held guilty of having committed contempt of the orders passed by the
High Court and this Court. While holding them guilty, by its judgment
and order dated 15.11.2019 this Court had given them an opportunity to
purge themselves of contempt. Therefore, insofar as the role played by
Contemnor Nos.9 and 10 is concerned, the matter rests in a narrow
compass i.e., whether they have purged themselves of contempt or not?
The kind of assets that have been offered by said Contemnor Nos.9 and
10 in their affidavit are so inadequate that it is impossible to satisfy the
amount awarded in favour of Daiichi in the foreign arbitral award. We
are, thus, left with no alternative but to hold that said Contemnor Nos.9
and 10 have failed to purge themselves of contempt. As a matter of fact,
there is no genuine attempt on their part. The question then comes up is
about the quantum of sentence. Considering the enormity of their actions,
in our view, the maximum sentence that can be awarded, must be
imposed. We, therefore, sentence them to suffer six months
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imprisonment and impose fine of Rs.5,000/- for having committed
contempt of court with default sentence of two months.
27. That takes us to the next set of questions regarding the role played by the
noticee banks and financial institutions. With the assistance of the
learned counsel appearing for the parties we made an attempt to go
through the documents placed on record but find ourselves unable to
come to a definite conclusion whether there were antecedent
arrangements which enabled said banks and financial institutions to keep
attaching the shares and keep on converting large quantity of shares from
the compartment of “unencumbered shares” to that of “encumbered
shares” and thereafter keep disposing of said shares. We are also unable
to come to a clear conclusion whether all those actions were protected by
the order dated 15.02.2018 passed by this Court enabling the banks and
financial institutions to sell encumbered shares.
This exercise will require going into issues of fact, comparing of
the documents and accounts as well as considering the expediency
whether the shares were required to be sold in order to keep affording
comfort and sufficient security to said banks and financial institutions.
28. It is true that it is possible for a court, while exercising jurisdiction in
contempt, to pass consequential orders in the nature of sequestration
orders to secure the properties which the contemnor had put beyond the
71
reach of the court or which were acquired by the contemnor for himself or
for any other person or entity by his wrongful acts. But there are two
difficulties to undertake such exercise in contempt jurisdiction in the
present matter. First, these noticees were not parties to the initial
proceedings in this Court. Secondly, they have come up with a defence
that all their acts were purely commercial in nature and it was the
expediency of the situation which demanded such actions on their part.
These issues need to be gone into at the appropriate stage(s). But before
reacting that level, a factual analysis in the form of forensic audit as
suggested by Daiichi is also required to be undertaken. Such exercise
will certainly help the court in arriving at an appropriate conclusion and
in passing appropriate orders or directions. We, therefore, refrain from
passing any directions against said banks and financial institutions for the
present but observe that the executing court or any other authority
competent to exercise such power shall do well to appoint forensic
auditor(s) to undertake proper exercise to unravel the truth.
29. Insofar as the issues concerning the acquisition of proprietary interests in
hospitals and diagnostics centers at a price of Rs.4,666 crores by FHL is
concerned, facts on record are not quite adequate to enter into such arena.
Prima facie, it appears to be acquisition of proprietary interest to subserve
the business structure of FHL as suggested by IHH/NTK. But again, that
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is a matter to be enquired into and facts to be assessed in the light of any
forensic analysis, if the court so deems appropriate.
30. In the premises we pass following directions:
(a) Contemnor Nos. 9 and 10 are sentenced to suffer six months
imprisonment and pay fine in the sum of Rs.5,000/- each within four
weeks from today. In case of default of payment of fine, the contemnors
shall undergo further imprisonment of two months.
(b) Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.20417 of 2017, Contempt
Petition No.2120 of 2018 in SLP (C) No.20417 of 2017 and Suo Motu
Contempt Petition (C) No.4 of 2019 are disposed of with a direction to
the High Court, before whom the proceedings in execution are pending,
to consider appointment of forensic auditor(s) to analyse the transactions
entered into by the noticee banks and financial institutions and to look
into whether such transactions were bona fide and entered into in
commercial expediency.
(c) The executing court may also consider issuing appropriate process
and appointing forensic auditor(s) to analyse the transactions entered into
between FHL and RHT and other related transactions.
(d) The amount of Rs.17,93,40,000/- which stands deposited in the
Registry of this Court shall be transmitted to the executing court along
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with interest accrued thereon. The said amount shall be available to the
executing court while considering execution of the instant foreign arbitral
award.
(e) Certain shares which are still lying with the noticee banks and
financial institutions, for example, the shares of FHL pledged with and
continued to be held by RBL Bank which were dealt with in the order
dated 15.04.2021 passed by this Court, shall be available to the executing
court and shall abide by such order as the executing court may deem
appropriate to pass.
(f) All the properties offered by Contemnor Nos.9 and 10 in their
attempt to partially purge themselves of contempt shall also be available
to the executing court and shall abide by such directions as the executing
court may deem appropriate to pass. Consequently, there shall be
attachment of all those assets which may await the decision or direction
to be passed by the executing court in due course of time which may also
include the questions whether the assets in question apparently in the
names of certain persons/ entities can be proceeded against.
(g) Needless to say that it shall be open to the executing court to pass
such directions as the facts and circumstances presented before it may
justify.
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(h) All pending proceedings before the concerned courts, including the
First Information Reports and proceedings before NCLT shall be taken to
logical conclusion in accordance with law.
(i) The Registry shall send copies of all volumes, submissions and
pleadings filed by the parties in the instant matters to the executing court
for facility and record.
.…………………………….CJI.
[Uday Umesh Lalit]
………………………………..J.
[Indira Banerjee]
………………………………..J.
[K.M. Joseph]
New Delhi;
September 22, 2022.