NCLT case coverage: Reliance rejects Subhash Chandra’s allegations against its media entities as ‘baseless’

Reliance Group says it strongly denies the allegations and insinuations against its media entities, which have never been used to attack anyone.

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Group on Friday rejected allegations made by Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra against Reliance’s media businesses, amid a controversy surrounding Chandra’s personal insolvency proceedings and reports that creditors could face a 99.97% haircut on claims exceeding ₹22,000 crore.

In a statement, Reliance Group expressed its disappointment over Chandra’s comments and described the allegations as “baseless”.

“We strongly deny the allegations and insinuations against the media entities that are a part of the Reliance Group. Our media brands have never been used to attack anyone, nor will they ever be. We hold Shri Subhash Chandra in high regard as a businessman and entrepreneur. We wish him well,” Reliance said.

NCLT approves ₹6.5 crore settlement

Quick answers to key questions

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QUESTIONS

Subhash Chandra has disputed claims that he owes ₹22,000 crore in personal insolvency proceedings and denied that he personally borrowed money, asserting he only provided personal guarantees for loans of associated companies.

Reliance Group described Chandra's allegations as 'baseless' and expressed disappointment, emphasizing that their media brands have never been used to attack anyone.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved a repayment plan where Subhash Chandra will pay ₹6.5 crore towards admitted claims of ₹22,000 crore.

Yes, creditors should be concerned as historically, they have recovered about 1% of their admitted claims against personal guarantors, raising questions about the viability of guarantees.

To exit insolvency, a personal guarantor must have a repayment plan approved by the NCLT, fully implement the plan, and ensure compliance with statutory obligations under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

On Tuesday, NCLT Member (Judicial) Nilesh Sharma, who was appointed as the third member to resolve differences between the original bench members, approved a resolution plan under which Chandra would pay around ₹6.5 crore towards admitted claims of creditors.

The original two-member NCLT bench had delivered a split verdict. Following the disagreement, the President of the tribunal appointed Sharma as the third member to decide the matter.

Creditors challenge payout as ‘unlawful’

Sharma rejected objections raised by dissenting creditors, led by LIC Housing Finance, which had opposed the proposed settlement and described the payout as “unviable and unlawful”.

The creditors argued that the resolution plan offered only ₹6.25 crore towards admitted claims of approximately ₹22,006.57 crore. An additional ₹25 lakh was proposed to meet the costs associated with the insolvency process.

The outcome effectively means that creditors would recover only a tiny fraction of the claims admitted in the proceedings, resulting in a substantial haircut.

Chandra disputes ₹22,000 crore claim figure

On Thursday, Chandra issued a statement disputing reports that the total claims against him in the personal insolvency proceedings amounted to more than ₹22,000 crore.

He said the aggregate claim against him was only “ ₹3,992 crore” and stressed that he was acting as a personal guarantor rather than the borrower in relation to the underlying loans.

The dispute has therefore centred not only on the proposed repayment amount but also on the nature and quantum of liabilities attributed to Chandra in the insolvency proceedings.

Case returns to original NCLT bench

The matter will now return to the original division bench for issuance of a formal order in accordance with the majority opinion. The procedure follows Section 419(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, which governs the course of action after a difference of opinion between tribunal members is resolved by a third member.

About the Author

With a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades at the highest levels of financial journalism, Rajendra Kumar Saxena stands as a cornerstone of the editorial leadership team at Livemint.com. In his current capacity as Content Editor, he is responsible for managing the comprehensive editorial lifecycle of the publication. His role is multifaceted, encompassing the strategic selection of high-impact stories, original reporting, and meticulous editing. <br> Furthermore, Rajendra is instrumental in executing a sophisticated Search Engine Optimization (SEO)-driven content strategy, ensuring that the platform's digital content reaches a global audience while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy prior to publication. <br> Rajendra’s professional journey is characterized by a profound expertise in a wide array of critical sectors. His analytical depth covers global economics, commodities, and stock market dynamics (across both Indian and United States landscapes). <br> Beyond the financial markets, he possesses a keen understanding of political affairs, banking and finance, foreign affairs, and the rapidly evolving technology sector. <br> His eighteen years journey in financial and business journalism includes a significant tenure at Financialexpress.com and freelance contributions to The Hindu. <br> Currently based in Delhi, Rajendra holds a Master of Journalism degree from the prestigious Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCNUJC). His blend of academic rigor and decades of on-the-ground experience makes him a leading voice in navigating the complexities of today’s financial world.

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