1994 (12) TMI 292 - HC - Companies Law

Court orders Central Gov't to appoint inspectors for company investigation within 3 months. Resolutions from 1994 now in effect.

Uunet India Limited Versus IC. Rao

The court directed the Central Government to appoint inspectors to investigate the company's affairs within three months. Interim orders restraining the ... Investigation of company affairs in other cases Issues Involved:1. Validity of the appointment of the second respondent as an alternate director.2. Legitimacy of the board meetings and resolutions held on specified dates.3. Allegations of mismanagement and financial misconduct by respondents.4. Requests for investigation under Section 237(a)(ii) of the Companies Act, 1956.5. Interim reliefs related to the operation and management of the company.6. Jurisdictional issues concerning the maintainability of the company petition and related civil suits.Detailed Analysis:1. Validity of the Appointment of the Second Respondent as an Alternate Director:The petitioners disputed the appointment of the second respondent as an alternate director to Dr. Vijayalakshmi Achanti, arguing that there was no resolution appointing her as an NRI director, thus making the second respondent's appointment illegal. They alleged that the first respondent conspired to capture financial control of the company by appointing the second respondent in violation of company law and the articles of association.2. Legitimacy of the Board Meetings and Resolutions:The petitioners contested the validity of board meetings held on September 20, 1993, October 4, 1993, March 31, 1994, April 7, 1994, and April 24, 1994, claiming they were fabricated and lacked proper quorum and notice. They also questioned the resolutions passed during these meetings, including the appointment of new directors, changes to the registered office, allotment of shares, and changes in bank account signatories.3. Allegations of Mismanagement and Financial Misconduct:The petitioners accused respondents Nos. 1 and 2 of mismanagement and financial misconduct, including unauthorized participation in company affairs, illegal board meetings, and resolutions. They sought an investigation by an inspector appointed by the Central Government under Section 237(a)(ii) of the Companies Act, 1956.4. Requests for Investigation under Section 237(a)(ii):The court considered whether the circumstances warranted an investigation by the Central Government. It noted that the power to order such an investigation is not judicial or quasi-judicial but merely paves the way for action by the Central Government or other authorities. The court directed the Central Government to appoint inspectors to investigate the company's affairs and report back.5. Interim Reliefs:The petitioners sought various interim reliefs, including restraining respondents from conducting board meetings, passing resolutions, issuing shares, and operating bank accounts. They also requested the production and safe custody of company records. The court granted some interim reliefs, such as restraining respondents from conducting the annual general body meeting scheduled for June 14, 1994.6. Jurisdictional Issues:The respondents raised jurisdictional issues concerning the maintainability of the company petition and related civil suits. The court noted that its jurisdiction was limited to directing an investigation under Section 237(a)(ii) of the Companies Act and that other prayers were beyond its scope. It emphasized that civil courts' jurisdiction under Section 9 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, is not barred for matters not enumerated under the Companies Act.Conclusion:The court directed the Central Government to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of the company within three months. It vacated interim orders restraining the effect of resolutions passed on October 20, 1994, allowing them to take effect in accordance with the law. The court clarified that its order was limited to directing an investigation under Section 237(a)(ii) and did not adjudicate on other prayers or the maintainability of related civil suits.