1958 (6) TMI 9 - HC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues involved:
1. Sanction of a scheme of arrangement under Section 391 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
2. Validity of the scheme based on the requisite majority.
3. Allegations of mala fide intentions behind the scheme.
4. Compliance with Section 293(d) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
5. Compliance with Section 81(1)(a) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.

Issue-wise detailed analysis:

1. Sanction of a scheme of arrangement under Section 391 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956:
The company sought court approval for a scheme of arrangement involving the reorganization of its share capital. The scheme included reducing the nominal value of various classes of shares and issuing new ordinary shares to raise further capital. The company faced financial difficulties since 1948 and aimed to stabilize its financial position through this scheme.

2. Validity of the scheme based on the requisite majority:
The court examined whether the scheme was passed by the requisite majority as per Section 391(2) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956. The provision requires a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or members present and voting. The court noted that the words "and voting" were introduced to ensure that the majority must be of persons who were present and took part in the voting. In this case, all preference shareholders present, except Mr. Pai, voted in favor of the resolution, thereby meeting the requisite majority.

3. Allegations of mala fide intentions behind the scheme:
The objector argued that the scheme was mala fide and intended to benefit the managing agents. However, the court found no evidence of fraud or irregularity by the managing agents. The court emphasized that the onus of proving unreasonableness or lack of good faith lies with the objector, which was not discharged in this case. The court referred to previous cases, noting that mere adversity faced by the company does not imply misconduct by the managing agents.

4. Compliance with Section 293(d) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956:
The objector contended that the scheme violated Section 293(d), which restricts the directors' power of borrowing. The court clarified that with the sanction of the company at a general meeting, the directors could borrow notwithstanding the provision. The scheme aimed to raise finance by issuing new shares rather than borrowing, which was necessary to attain solvency and raise further finance.

5. Compliance with Section 81(1)(a) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956:
The objector argued that the scheme contravened Section 81(1)(a) by authorizing the allotment of new shares without offering them to existing equity shareholders first. The court interpreted the section to mean that if the company at a general meeting resolves to allot shares to persons other than the equity shareholders, such a decision prevails. The court found that the scheme did not violate Section 81(1)(a) as it was resolved at a general meeting.

Conclusion:
The court sanctioned the modified scheme of arrangement, subject to conditions ensuring the payment of sundry creditors and the relinquishment of a portion of the managing agents' claim. The court also stipulated that if the company fails to pay dividends by December 31, 1961, the matter should be brought to the court's attention for potential changes in management. The order was stayed for three weeks, and costs were to be borne out of the company's assets.