2006 (3) TMI 334 - HC - Companies Law

Summary

Issues:
- Appeal under section 483 of the Companies Act, 1956 against a winding up petition.
- Dispute over payment for supply of mutton between parties.
- Non-payment of bills and security deposit refund.
- Adjudication of liability and enhanced rates.

Analysis:
1. The appellant filed an appeal against an order disposing of a winding up petition under section 433(e) read with sections 434 and 439 of the Companies Act, 1956. The dispute arose from an agreement for the supply of mutton between the parties, where the appellant claimed non-payment of bills and refund of a security deposit.

2. The appellant supplied mutton to the respondent for two months beyond the agreement's expiry, claiming payment at enhanced rates. The appellant sent a statutory notice demanding payment, leading to the filing of the winding up petition against the respondent.

3. The respondent contended that it did not agree to the enhanced rates claimed by the appellant and had made payments at old rates for the mutton supplied. The appellant also initiated a suit for recovery of the outstanding balance from the respondent.

4. The appellant argued that the respondent failed to reply to letters regarding enhanced rates and statutory notices, indicating an admission of liability. However, the respondent maintained that payments were made at old rates and disputed the entitlement to enhanced rates.

5. The court considered the submissions and found that the non-reply to the appellant's letters and notices did not establish an admitted debt under the Companies Act, 1956. The court emphasized that the disputed question of enhanced rates should be determined in the pending recovery suit, not in the winding up petition.

6. Ultimately, the court upheld the findings of the Company Judge, stating that the claim for payment at enhanced rates was a disputed question requiring evidence and adjudication in a suit. The court dismissed the appeal, finding no merit for interference, and ordered no costs to be paid.

This detailed analysis highlights the legal proceedings, arguments presented by both parties, and the court's decision based on the Companies Act, 1956, regarding the payment dispute over the supply of mutton.