An operational creditor can only trigger the CIRP process when there is an undisputed debt and a default in payment thereof. If the debt is disputed, the application of the Operational Creditor for initiation of CIRP must be dismissed.

ORDER

1. This appeal is against a judgment and order dated 10th January, 2022 passed by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi allowing Company Appeal (AT)(Insolvency) No. 332 of 2020 filed by the Respondent No.1 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and setting aside the order dated 12.02.2020 passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Kolkata, admitting an application filed by the appellant under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) as Operational Creditor, for initiation of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against HPCL Biofuels Ltd. (HBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of HPCL. The NCLAT directed the Adjudicating Authority NCLT to close the proceedings for CIRP initiated against HBL.

2. On or about 15.11.2018, the appellant filed an application for initiation of CIRP against HBL under Section 9 of the IBC in the Kolkata Bench of the NCLT. On 07.03.2019, HBL filed its reply to the said application made by the appellant and the appellant also filed a rejoinder thereto.

3. By an order dated 12.02.2020, the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) admitted the application for initiation of CIRP filed by the appellant, rejecting the contention raised by HBL that there were pre-existing disputes between the parties in respect of the claim of the appellant.

4. From the List of Dates filed by the appellant, it appears that between 27.06.2012 to 30.08.2012, various tenders were floated by HBL for enhancing the capacity of the Boiling Houses of HBL at Lauryia and Sugauli from 1750 TCD to 3500 TCD.

5. The appellant submitted its offer pursuant to the tenders. On or about 15.10.2012, four purchase orders were issued to the appellant in relation to the tender work of enhancing the capacity of the Boiler Houses. On 01.11.2012, Purchase Orders were issued by HBL for enhancing the Juice Heater and Evaporator Section and Pan and Crystallization Section at Sugauli Plant on a turnkey basis.

6. Between 21.11.2012 to 25.03.2013, the appellant raised invoices in respect of the purchase orders. It is not necessary for this Court to go into the details of what transpired between 21.11.2012 when the appellant started raising invoices of HBL and 29.12.2013.

7. Suffice it to mention that on 29.12.2013, HBL sent an email to the appellant pointing out that the appellant had been violating the terms of the purchase order and backing out from its commitments thereunder, thereby causing huge losses to HBL. HBL contended that because of the failure of the appellant to honour its commitments in terms of the Tenders/Purchase Orders it had to procure materials from other vendors.

8. On 02.01.2014, HBL sent a letter to the appellant stating that the appellant had acted in violation of the General Terms and Conditions, inter alia, by raising improper invoices for materials not supplied, not renewing bank guarantees, failing to effect supplies and complete work within the stipulated period. It was alleged that the service rendered and/or materials supplied by the appellant were of poor quality.

9. On 03.01.2014, HBL raised a debit note in respect of consumption by the appellant of spares and consumables from the warehouse of HBL. A series of correspondence followed. By a letter dated 11.4.2014 addressed to the appellant, HBL made allegations with regard to the service rendered and/or goods supplied by the appellants and contended that there was no payment outstanding from HBL to the appellant. On the other hand, HBL claimed that an amount of Rs. 1.49 crores was due from the appellant, which amount excluded consequential losses.

10. On 07.5.2014, HBL sent an email to the appellant stating that HBL would not release money to the appellant as the quality of work done by the Appellant was poor and the Appellant had breached the terms and conditions of the Purchase Orders. Further correspondence ensued.

11. Between 11.03.2015 to 27.03.2018 C-forms were issued by HBL to the appellant under Section 8 of the Ce