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Issues:
1. Validity of the order for winding up of the company. 2. Compliance with the Companies Act, 1956 and relevant rules. 3. Adequacy of notice and service to the company and directors. 4. Requirement of advertisement in newspapers and Official Gazette. 5. Applicability of legal principles regarding winding-up petitions and debt disputes. Detailed Analysis: 1. The judgment dealt with the validity of the order for winding up the company based on a petition filed under section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 1956. The appellant challenged the order, arguing that the advertisement could not proceed without giving them an opportunity to oppose it. The respondent countered these arguments, asserting that proper procedures were followed, and notice was issued before directing the advertisement of the petition. 2. The court analyzed the relevant provisions of the Companies (Court) Rules, 1959, specifically Rules 96 and 99, which govern the admission of petitions and directions for advertisement. It was highlighted that the judge may issue notice to the company before directing advertisement, as per Rule 96. The judgment also referred to the Supreme Court's stance on the alternatives available to the High Court when dealing with petitions for winding up, emphasizing the necessity of advertisement as per the rules. 3. The issue of notice and service to the company and directors was raised by the appellant's counsel. The court clarified that notice to the company, as a legal entity separate from the directors, was essential for compliance with the rules. It was noted that the notice issued to the company was served through the managing director, and the majority of directors were also served, satisfying the requirements. 4. Regarding the requirement of advertisement, the appellant argued that the petition should have been advertised in the Official Gazette in addition to newspapers. The court explained that Rule 99 allows for specific directions by the court regarding advertisement, and compliance with such directions overrides the general requirements of Rule 24(1). Therefore, the advertisement in newspapers without publication in the Gazette was deemed valid. 5. The judgment also addressed the legal principles related to winding-up petitions and debt disputes. The court emphasized that a winding-up petition should not be misused to enforce payment of a disputed debt. However, in this case, the appellant's delay in objecting to the advertisement raised questions about the genuine intent behind the opposition. The court dismissed the appeal, emphasizing that the objections should have been raised promptly if the concern was genuine, and costs were awarded to the respondent. Overall, the court upheld the validity of the order for winding up the company, finding the appeal lacking in merit and dismissing it with costs to the respondent.
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