legal and regulatory aspects of banking - jaiib

LEGAL.v REGULATORY

ASPECTS OF BANKING

ind

Edition

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF BANKING & FINANCE MACMILLAN

2

LEGAL & REGULATORY ASPECTS OF BANKING

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF BANKING & FINANCE

'THE ARCADE', WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CUFFE PARADE

MUMBAI400005

Established on 30th April 1928

MISSION

• To develop professionally qualified and competent bankers and financial professionals primarily

through a process of education, training, examination, consultancy/counselling and continuing professional development programs.

VISION

• To be the premier Institute for developing and nurturing competent professionals in banking and

finance field.

OBJECTIVES

• To facilitate study of theory and practice of banking and finance.

• To test and certify attainment of competence in the profession of banking and finance. • To collect, analyse and provide information needed by professionals in banking and finance. • To promote continuous professional development. • To promote and undertake research relating to Operations, Products, Instruments, Processes,

etc., in banking and finance and to encourage innovation and creativity among finance professionals so that they could face competition and succeed.

COMMITTED TO PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Website: www.iibf.org.in


(For JAIIB/Diploma in Banking &

Finance Examination)

2nd Edition

Indian Institute of Banking & Finance

MACMILLAN

ij

© INDIAN INSTITUTE OF BANKING & FINANCE, MUMBAI, 2005, 2008

(This book has been published by Indian Institute of Banking & Finance. Permission

of the Institute is essential for reproduction of any portion of this book. The views

expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Institute.)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or

transmitted, in any form or by any means, without permission. Any

person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication

may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

J-'im t'tlitiim. 2005 Second

edition, 2008 Reprinted, 2008

2009 (twice)

MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS INDIA LIMITED Delhi Bangalore Chennai Kolkata Mumbai Ahmedabad

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ISBN 10:0230-63610-1 ISBN

13:978-0230-63610-1

Published by Rajiv Beri for Macmillan Publishers India Limited, 2/10 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110 002

Printed by S.M. YOGAN at Macmillan India Press, Chennai 600 041.


Originally prepared by K.D. Zacharias (Module A), C.P. Ravindranath (Module B), P.R. Kulkarni (Module C), B. Gopalakrishnan (Module D) under the guidance of M.L. Chandak, Advocate, High Court, Mumbai.

Revised and updated by K.D. Zacharias, Legal Adviser, RBI (Module A), G.M. Ramamurthy, Legal Adviser, IDBI Ltd. (Modules B, C and D)

This book is meant for educational and learning purposes. The author(s) of the book has/have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of

the book do not violate any existing copyright or other intellectual property rights of any person in any manner whatsoever. Jn the event the author(s)

has/have been unable to track any source and if any copyright has been inadvertently infringed, please notify the publisher in writing for corrective

action.

FOREWORD

The world of banking and finance is changing very fast and banks are leveraging knowledge and

technology in offering newer services to the customers. Banks and technology are evolving so rapidly

that bank staff must continually seek new skills that enable them not only to respond to change, but

also to build competence in handling various queries raised by customers. Therefore, there is a need for

today's bank employees to keep themselves updated with a new set of skills and knowledge.

The Institute, being the main provider of banking education, reviews the syllabus for its associate

examinations viz. JAIIB/CAIIB and various other examinations with the help of Expert Groups from

time to time to make the contents relevant and contemporary in nature. The latest revision has been

done by an expert group under the Chairmanship of Prof. Y.K. Bhushan. This book and the other two

books mentioned below are the courseware for JAIIB which aims to impart up-to-date knowledge in

the field of banking and finance and equip the bankers to face the emerging challenges of today and

tomorrow.

As there is a growing demand for qualified manpower in the banking sector with accent on banking

knowledge and skills, together with technology-familiarity, customer-orientation and hands-on application

skills - which will substantially reduce the training intervention at the bank level before/immediately

after they are employed - the institute has launched the Diploma in Banking & Finance in 2007 for

graduation-plus level candidates. Candidates to the course will get extensive and detailed knowledge on

banking & finance and details of banking operations. The Diploma is offered in the distance learning

mode with a mix of educational support services like provision of study kits, contact classes, etc. The

key features of the Diploma is that it aims at exposing students to real-life banking environment and that

it is equivalent to JAIIB.

The JAIIB and the Diploma in Banking & Finance has three papers viz.

1. Principles & Practices of Banking

2. Accounting & Finance for Bankers

3. Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Banking

This book, the courseware for the third paper on Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Banking, deals

with legal and regulatory aspects that have a bearing on banking operations, and are woven in to the

units/chapters to make their relevance easily understandable. Banking and business laws insofar as they

relate to day-to-day banking operations, have also been covered at appropriate places. Case laws are

included, wherever appropriate. There are various newly enacted laws like Anti-money Laundering

Act, Right to Information Act, Information Technology Act, etc., which have significantly changed the

way banking operations are done, and these laws are explained in simple terms as needed to be understood

by a practicing banker.

The Institute had constituted teams consisting of eminent bankers and academicians to prepare the

reading material for all the subjects as self-instructional study kits obviating the need for the intervention

of a teacher. This book represents the outcome of this endeavour to bring out self-contained

comprehensive courseware/book on the subject. The Institute acknowledges with gratitude the valuable

services rendered by the authors in preparing the courseware in a short period of time.

VI

The team, who developed the book, has made all efforts to cover the entire syllabus prescribed for the subject. However, the candidates could still refer to a few standard textbooks to supplement this material which we are sure, will enhance the professional competence of the candidates to still a higher degree. We have no doubt that the study material will be found useful and will meet the needs of the

candidates to prepare adequately for the examinations. In addition, we are sure that these books will also be useful to practitioners, academicians, and other interested readers.

We welcome suggestions for improvement of the book.

Mumbai

3-7-2008

R. Bhaskaran

Chief Executive Officer

RECOMMENDED READING

The Institute has prepared comprehensive courseware in the form of study kits to facilitate

preparation for the examination without intervention of the teacher. An attempt has been made to cover fully the syllabus prescribed for each module/subject and the presentation of topics may not always be in the same sequence as given in the syllabus.

Candidates are also expected to take note of all the latest developments relating to the subject covered in the syllabus by referring to Financial Papers, Economic Journals, Latest Books and

Publications in the subjects concerned.

PAPER 3 - LEGAL & REGULATORY

ASPECTS OF BANKING

Objectives: The candidates would be able to acquire knowledge in:

• The legal & regulatory framework of the banking system and

• The various laws and enactments affecting day-to-day banking operations

MODULE A - REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

• The questions in this section will be with reference to legal issues and problems.

A. Provisions of RBI Act 1935, Banking Regulation Act 1949, Banking Companies [Acquisition

and Transfer of Undertakings Act 1970 & 1980].

B. Government and RBFs Powers:

- Opening of New Banks and Branch Licensing

- Constitution of Board of Directors and their Rights

- Banks Shareholders and their Rights

- CRR/SLR Concepts

- Cash/Currency Management

• Winding Up - Amalgamation and Mergers

• Powers to Control Advances - Selective Credit Control - Monetary and Credit Policy

• Audit and Inspection

• Supervision and Control-Board for Financial Supervision - Its Scope and Role

• Disclosure of Accounts and Balance Sheets

• Submission of Returns to RBI, etc.

• Corporate Governance

MODULE B - LEGAL ASPECTS OF BANKING OPERATIONS

• Case Laws on Responsibility of Paying/Collecting Banker

• Indemnities/Guarantees

- Scope and Application

- Obligations of a Banker

- Precautions and Rights

• Laws Relating to Bill Finance, LC and Deferred Payments

• Laws Relating to Securities

• Valuation of Securities - Modes of Charging Securities - Lien, Pledge, Mortgage, Hypothecation,

etc.

• Registration of Firms/Companies

• Creation of Charge and Satisfaction of Charge

MODULE C - BANKING RELATED LAWS

• Law of Limitation

• Provisions of Bankers Book Evidence Act

• Special Features of Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993

• TDS and Service Tax

• Banking Cash Transaction Tax

• Asset Reconstruction Companies

• The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002

• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986

• Banking Ombudsman 2006

• LokAdalats

• Lender's Liability Act

MODULE D - COMMERCIAL LAWS WITH REFERENCE TO BANKING OPERATIONS

• Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Indemnity, Guarantee, Bailment, Pledge and Agency, etc.)

• The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 (Sale and Agreement to Sell, Definitions, Conditions and Warranties,

Express and Implied, Right of Unpaid Seller, etc.)

• The Companies Act, 1956, Definition, Features of Company, Types of Companies, Memorandum, Articles of Association, Doctrines of Ultra Vires, Indoor Management and Constructive Notice, Membership of Company - Acquisition - Cessation, Rights and Duties of Members and Register of Members, Prospectus and Directors.

• Indian Partnership Act, 1932, Definition and Types of Partnership, Relation of Partners to One

Another-Relation of Partners to Third Parties, Minor Admitted to the Benefits of Partnership, Dissolution of Firm, Effect of Non-Registration

• The Transfer of Property Act

• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2000

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

• Right to Information Act, 2005

• Information Technology Act, 2000

CONTENTS

Foreword v

MODULE A - REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

1. Legal Framework of Regulation of Banks 3

2. Control Over Organisation of Banks 15

3. Regulation of Banking Business 31

4. Returns, Inspection, Winding Up 49

5. Public Sector Banks and Co-operative Banks 65

MODULE B - LEGAL ASPECTS OF BANKING OPERATIONS

6. Case Laws on Responsibility of Paying Bank 83

7. Case Laws on Responsibility of Collecting Bank 93

8. Indemnities 101

9. Bank Guarantees 107

10. Letters of Credit 119

11. Deferred Payment Guarantee 131

12. Laws Relating to Bill Finance 135

13. Various Types of Securities 143

14. Law Relating to Securities and Modes of Charging -1 • 155

15. Law Relating to Securities and Modes of Charging - II 163

16. Different Types of Borrowers 173

17. Types of Credit Facilities 181

18. Secured and Unsecured Loans, Registration of Firms, Incorporation of Companies 187

19. Registration and Satisfaction of Charges 197

MODULE C - BANKING RELATED LAWS

SECURITISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

AND ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST, 2002

(SARFAESI ACT)

20. Introduction to SARFAESI Act, 2002 205

21. Definitions at SARFAESI Act, 2002 209

22. Regulation of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets of

Banks and Financial Institutions 219

xii

23. Enforcement of Security Interest

24. Central Registry

25. Offences and Penalties

26. Miscellaneous Provisions

THE BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME, 2006

27. Purpose, Extent, Definitions, Establishment and Powers

28. Procedure for Redressal of Grievances

RECOVERY OF DEBTS DUE TO BANKS AND

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1993 (DRTACT)

29. Preliminary

30. Establishment of Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal

31. Jurisdiction, Powers and Authority of Tribunals

32. Procedure of Tribunals

33. Recovery of Debts Determined by Tribunal and Miscellaneous Provisions

THE BANKERS' BOOKS EVIDENCE ACT, 1891

34. The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891

THE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES ACT, 1987

35. LokAdalats

THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1987

36. Preliminary, Extent and Definitions

37. Consumer Protection Councils

38. Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies

THE LAW OF LIMITATION

39. Limitations of Suits, Appeals and Applications

TAX LAWS

40. Income Tax, Banking Cash, Transaction Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax and Service Tax

231

241

245

249

255

259

267

271

275

279

285

293

299

30

3

311

315

327

331

MODULE D - COMMERCIAL LAWS WITH REFERENCE TO BANKING OPERATIONS

41. Meaning and Essentials of a Contract

42. Contracts of Indemnity

43. Contracts of Guarantee

44. Contract of Bailment

45. Contract of Pledge

46. Contract of Agency

47. Meaning and Essentials of a Contract of Sale

48. Conditions and Warranties

341

345

347

353

357

359

365

369

XIII

49. Unpaid Seller

50. Definition, Meaning and Nature of Partnership

51. Relations of Partners to One Another

52. Relations of Partners to Third Parties

53. Minor Admitted to the Benefits of Partnership

54. Dissolution of a Firm

55. Effect of Non-Registration

56. Definition and Features of a Company

57. Types of Companies

58. Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

59. Doctrines of Ultra Vires/Constructive Notice/Indoor Management

60. Membership

61. Prospectus

62. Directors

63. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

64. Transfer of Property Act, 1882

65. The Right to Information Act, 2005

66. Right to Information and Obligations of Public Authorities

67. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

68. Information Technology Act, 2000

Bibliography

373

377

381

385

389

393

397

399

405

411

415

419

425

429

437

443

453

457

463

469

475

MODULE-A

REGULATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Unit 1. Legal Framework of Regulation of Banks

Unit 2. Control over Organisation of Banks

Unit 3. Regulation of Banking Business

Unit 4. Returns, Inspection, Winding Up

Unit 5. Public Sector Banks and Co-operative Banks

LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF REGULATION OF BANKS

L

STRUCTURE

1.0 Objectives

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Business of Banking

1.3 Constitution of Banks

1.4 Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

1.5 Banking Regulation Act, 1949

1.6 Reserve Bank as Central Bank and Regulator of Banks

1.7 Government as a Regulator of Banks

1.8 Control Over Co-operative Banks

1.9 Regulation by Other Authorities

1.10 Let Us Sum Up

1.11 Keywords

1.12 Check Your Progress

1.13 Answer to 'Check Your Progress'

1.14 Terminal Questions

1.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Unit are to understand:

• the definition and nature of the business of banking;

• the constitution of different types of banks;

• the regulatory scheme of the RBI Act and the BR Act;

• the role of the Reserve Bank and the Central Government as regulators; and

• the special position of public sector banks and co-operative banks.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Banking in India is mainly governed by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Reserve Bank of India

Act, 1934. The Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India exercise control over banks from

the opening of banks to their winding up by virtue of the powers conferred under these statutes.

All the regulatory provisions are not uniformly applicable to all banks. The applicability of the provisions

of these Acts to a bank depends on its constitution; that is, whether it is a statutory corporation, a

banking company or a co-operative society. In this unit, we look at the definition of banking, the

constitution of different types of banks and applicability of regulatory laws, the general framework of

the regulatory laws and the role of regulators namely, the Reserve Bank of India and the government.

1.2 BUSINESS OF BANKING

i. Definition of Banking: Banking is defined in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act as the

acceptance of deposits of money from the public for the purpose of lending or investment. Such

deposits may be repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or

otherwise. Thus, a bank must perform two essential functions: (i) acceptance of public deposits,

and (ii) lending or investment of such deposits. The deposits may be repayable on demand or for a

period of time as agreed by the banker and the customer. In terms of the definition, the banker can

accept "deposits" of money and not anything else. Further, accepting deposits from the "public"

implies that a banker accepts deposits from anyone who offers money for such purpose. However,

a banker can refuse to open account for undesirable persons and further, the opening of accounts

is subject to certain conditions like proper introduction and identification.

The "Know Your Customer" guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank require banks to follow certain

customer identification procedure for opening of accounts for protecting the banks from frauds,

etc., and also for monitoring transactions of a suspicious nature for the purpose of reporting to

appropriate authorities for taking anti-money laundering measurers and combating financing of

terrorism.

There is no exhaustive definition of "banking" in Common Law of England. However, the usual

characteristics of banking as identified by Lord Denning MR in United Dominions Trust Ltd. vs

Kirkwood ([1966] 1 All ER 968 at 975) are:

(a) the conduct of current accounts;

(b) the payment of cheques; and

(c) the collection of cheques for customers.

These characteristics are not equivalent to a definition, and these are also not the only characteristics.

(See, Paget's Law of Banking, 12th Edn., pp. 107 to 109)

ii. Deposits Withdrawable by Cheque: Under Section 49A of the Banking Regulation Act, no organisation

other than a bank is authorised to accept deposits withdrawable by cheque. The Savings Bank

Scheme run by the government, a Primary credit society and any other person or firm notified by

the government are exempted from this prohibition.

iii. Acceptance of Deposits by Non-banking Entities: There are also non-banking companies, firms

and other unincorporated associations of persons and individuals who accept deposits from the

public. Acceptance of deposits by non-banking financial companies is regulated by the Reserve

Bank under the Non-Banking Financial Companies Acceptance of Public Deposits (Reserve Bank)

Directions, 1998 and other directions issued by it under Chapter IIIB of the Reserve Bank of India

Act. Other companies are regulated by the Central Government under the Companies (Acceptance

of Deposit) Rules, 1975 issued under Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956. Individuals, firms

and other unincorporated associations of persons whose business includes the business of a financial

institution or whose principal business is acceptance of deposits, is prohibited under Section 45S

of the RBI Act (as amended in 1997) from accepting deposits from the public, except relatives.

This prohibition does not apply to acceptance of deposits by those who are mainly engaged in

manufacturing or trading.

iv. Licence for Banking: In India, it is necessary to have a licence from the Reserve Bank under

Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act for commencing or carrying on the business of banking.

Every banking company has to use the word "bank" as part of its name (See, Section 7 of the Act)

and no company other than a banking company can use the words "bank", "banker", "banking" as

part of its name. Further, no firm, individual or group of individuals is permitted to use the words

"bank", "banking" or "banking company" as a part of the name or for the purpose of business.

Subsidiaries of banks and association of banks in certain cases as also Primary Credit Societies are

exempted from this restriction.

v. Permitted Business: Although, traditionally, the main business of banks is acceptance of deposits

and lending, the banks have now spread their wings far and wide into many allied and even unrelated

activities. The forms of business permissible under Section 6(1) of the Banking Regulation Act,

apart from banking business, are summarised below:

(a) (i) Borrowing, raising or taking up of money;

(ii) Lending or advancing of money either upon security or without security;

(iii) Drawing, making, accepting, discounting, buying, selling, collecting and dealing in bills

of exchange, hundis, promissory notes, coupons, drafts, bills of lading, railway receipts,

warrants, debentures, certificates, scrips and other instruments and securities whether

transferable or negotiable or not;

(iv) Granting and issuing of letters of credit, travellers' cheques and circular notes; (v)

Buying, selling and dealing in bullion and specie; (vi) Buying and selling of foreign

exchange including foreign bank notes; (vii) Acquiring, holding, issuing on commission,

underwriting and dealing in stock, funds,

shares, debentures, debenture stock, bonds, obligations, securities and investments of

all kinds; (viii) Purchasing and selling of bonds, scrips and other forms of

securities on behalf of

constituents or others; (ix) Negotiating of loans and advances; (x) Receiving of all

kinds of bonds, scrips or valuables on deposit or for safe custody or

otherwise;

(xi) Providing of safe deposit vaults; and (xii) Collecting

and transmitting of money and securities.

(c) Contracting for public and private loans and negotiating and issuing the same. (d) Insure, guarantee, underwrite, participate in managing and carrying out any issue of state,

municipal or other loans or of shares, stock, debentures or debenture stock of companies

and lend money for the purpose of any such issue. (e) Carry on and transact every kind of guarantee and indemnity business. (f) Manage, sell and realise any property which may come into its possession in satisfaction of

any of its claims. (g) Acquire, hold and deal with any property or any right, title or interest in any such property

which may form the security for any loan or advance.

(h) Undertake and execute trusts. (i) Undertake the administration of estates as executor, trustee or otherwise. (j) Establish, support and aid associations, institutions, funds, trusts, etc., for the benefit of its

present or ex-employees; grant money for charitable purposes, (k) Acquire, construct and maintain any building for its own purpose. (1) Sell, improve, manage, develop, exchange, lease, mortgage, dispose of or turn into account

or otherwise deal with all or any part of the business of any person or company, when such

business is of a nature described in Section 6. (m) Acquire and undertake the whole or any part of the business of any person or company,

when such business is of a nature described in Section 6. (n) Do all such things which are incidental or conducive to the promotion or advancement of the

business of the company, (o) Do any other business specified by the Central

Government as the lawful business of a

banking company. The Central Government has accordingly specified leasing and factoring

as permissible business for banks.

vi. Prohibited Business: Section 8 of the Banking Regulation Act prohibits a banking company from engaging directly or indirectly in trading activities and undertaking trading risks. Buying or selling

or bartering of goods directly or indirectly is prohibited. However, this is without prejudice to the business permitted under Section 6(1) of the Act. Accordingly, a bank can realise the securities given to it or held by it for a loan, if need arises for the realisation of the amount lent. It can also buy or sell or barter for others in connection with: (i) bills of exchange received for collection or negotiation, and (ii) undertaking the administration of estates as executor, trustee, etc. Goods for the purpose of this Section means every kind of moveable property, other than actionable claims,

stocks, shares, money, bullion and specie and all instruments referred to in Clause (a) of sub-Section (1) of Section 6.

As regards immoveable properties, Section 9 prohibits a banking company from holding such property, howsoever acquired, except as is required for its own use, for a period exceeding seven years from the acquisition of the property. The Reserve Bank may extend this period by another

five years, if it is satisfied that such extension would be in the interest of the depositors of the banking company. The banking company shall be required to dispose of such property within the permitted period.

1.3 CONSTITUTION OF BANKS

i. Banks in India fall under one of the following categories:

(a) Body corporate constituted under a special statute; (b) Company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or a foreign company;

(c) Co-operative society registered under a central or state enactment on co-operative societies.

ii. Public Sector Banks: The public sector banks including nationalised banks, State Bank of India and its associates (subsidiaries) and the Regional Rural Banks fall in the first category. By the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and the Banking Companies

(Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980 the Central Government nationalised (took over the business undertakings) of certain banking companies and vested them in newly created statutory bodies (corresponding new banks) constituted under Section 3 of the 1970/1980 Act. The State Bank of India was constituted under the State Bank of India Act, 1955 and the six associate/subsidiary banks were constituted under the State Bank (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959 or other statutes (See Para 5.2.6). The regional rural banks are constituted under the Regional Rural

Banks Act, 1976. These banks are governed by the statutes creating them as also some of the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act. The details are discussed in Unit 5.

iii. Banking Companies: A banking company, as defined in Section 5(c) of the Banking Regulation Act is a company which transacts the business of banking. Such company may be a company constituted under Section 3 of the Companies Act or a foreign company within the meaning of Section 591 of that Act. All the private sector banks are banking companies. These banks are governed by the

Companies Act, 1956 in respect of their constitution and by the Banking Regulation Act and the RBI Act with regard to their business of banking.

iv. Co-operative Banks: A co-operative bank is a co-operative society registered or deemed to have been registered under any Central Act for the time being in force relating to the multi-state co-operative societies, or any other central or state law relating to co-operative societies for the time being in force. If a co-operative bank is operating in more than one state, the Central Act

applies. In other cases, the state laws apply. The Banking Laws (Application to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965 extended certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act to the co-operative banking sector. After the Supreme Court held in Apex Co-operative Bank's case (AI R 2004 SC 141) that multi-state co-operative societies cannot be licensed as co-operative banks, the Banking Regulation (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2004 was enacted to permit licensing of multi-state co-operative banks. A "multi-state co-

operative bank" under this Act means a multi-state co-operative society which is a primary co-operative bank.

1.4 RESERVE BANK OF INDIA ACT, 1934

i. The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 was enacted to constitute the Reserve Bank of India: (i) to regulate the issue of bank notes, (ii) for keeping reserves for securing monetary stability in India,

and (iii) to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage. The Act came into force on 6th March 1934. The Act has been amended from time to time to meet the demands of changing times. The last amendment to the Act was effected by the RBI (Amendment) Act, 2006.

ii. The Act deals with the constitution, powers and functions of the Reserve Bank. It does not directly deal with regulation of the banking system except for Section 42, which provides for cash reserves

of scheduled banks to be kept with the Reserve Bank, with a view to regulating the credit system and ensuring monetary stability. Further, Section 18 of the Act provides for direct discount of bills of exchange and promissory notes when a special occasion arises, making it necessary or expedient for the purpose of regulating credit in the interests of trade, industry and agriculture. The Act, in short, deals with:

(i) incorporation, capital, management and business of the bank:

8

(ii) the central banking functions like issue of bank notes, monetary control, acting as banker to

government and banks, lender of last resort; (iii) collection and furnishing of credit

information; (iv) acceptance of deposits by non-banking financial institutions; (v) general provisions regarding reserve fund, credit funds, publication of bank rate, audit and

accounts; and (vi) penalties for violation of the provisions of the Act or the directions issued thereunder.

1.5 BANKING REGULATION ACT, 1949

i. The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 was enacted to consolidate and amend the law relating to banking and to provide for a suitable framework for regulating the banking companies. Initially, the Act provided for regulation of banking companies only, but in 1965 the Act was amended to cover co-operative banks as well with certain modifications (See, Section 56). However, the Act, as provided in Section 3, does not apply to primary agricultural credit societies and co-operative land

mortgage banks. The provisions of the Act are applicable to banking companies in addition to other laws which are applicable to such companies, unless otherwise specifically provided in the Act. Thus, Companies Act, 1956 which deals with the incorporation and working of companies is applicable to banking companies except where special provisions are made in the Banking Regulation Act in that regard.

ii. The Act regulates entry into banking business by licensing as provided in Section 22 thereof. The

Act also puts restrictions on the shareholding, directorship, voting rights and other aspects of banking companies. There are several provisions in the Act regulating the business of banking such as restriction on loans and advances, rates of interest to be charged, requirement as to cash reserve and maintenance of percentage of assets, etc. There are provisions regarding audit and inspection and submission of balance sheets and accounts. The Act provides for control over the management of banking companies and also deals with the procedure for winding up of the business of the

banks and penalties for violation of its provisions. In short, the Act deals with:

(a) regulation business of banking companies; (b) control over the management of banking companies; (c) suspension and winding up of banking business; and (d) penalties for violation of the provisions of the Act.

1.6 RESERVE BANK AS CENTRAL BANK AND REGULATOR OF BANKS

i. The Reserve Bank was constituted under Section 3 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 for

taking over the management of currency from the Central Government and carrying on the business of banking in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Originally, under the RBI Act, the Bank had the responsibility of:

(a) regulating the issue of bank notes; (b) keeping of reserves for ensuring monetary stability; and

(c) generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage.

ii. The Reserve Bank is a body corporate having perpetual succession and common seal and shall sue and be sued in its name. The whole capital of the bank is held by the Central Government. The Bank has its central office in Mumbai and offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai, and branches at most of the state capitals and some other cities.

iii. The bank functions under the general superintendence and directions of the Central Board of

Directors. The bank has to abide by the directions given by the Central Government in public

interest after consultation with the Governor of the bank. The board shall consist of a Governor

and not more than four Deputy Governors to be appointed by Central Government and other

directors nominated by the Central Government. Apart from the Central Board, the bank has also

local boards situated at Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai, which perform any duty delegated to

them by the Central Board. The Governor has the power of general superintendence and direction

of the affairs of the bank and exercise all powers of the bank unless otherwise provided in the

regulations made by the Central Board. The Deputy Governors, Executive Directors and other

officers in different grades assist the Governor in the discharge of the Bank's functions.

iv. The Reserve Bank is the sole authority for issue and management of currency in India under

Section 22 of the RBI Act. The bank may issue notes of different denominations from Rs. 2 to Rs.

10,000 as the Central Government may decide on the recommendations of the Central Board of the

bank. Such notes shall be legal tender at any place in India.

v. The bank is the banker to the Central Government under Section 20 of the Act, and accordingly it

is obligatory to undertake banking business for the Central Government. In the case of state

governments, their banking business is undertaken by the bank based on agreements as provided in

Section 21 A. Bank provides ways and means of advances to the Central and state governments.

These are temporary advances to meet immediate needs when there is interval between expenditure

and flow of revenue.

vi. The role of the bank as regulator of banking sector is mainly by virtue of the provisions of the

Banking Regulation Act, 1949. In exercise of the powers under that Act the bank regulates the

entry into banking business by licensing, exercises control over shareholding and voting rights of

shareholders, exercises controls over the managerial persons, and regulates the business of banks.

The bank also inspects banks and exercises supervisory powers, and may issue directions from

time to time in public interest and in the interest of the banking system with respect to interest

rates, lending limits, investments and various other matters.

vii. The major powers of the Reserve Bank in the different roles as regulator and supervisor can be

summed up as under:

(a) power to licence;

(b) power of appointment and removal of banking boards/personnel;

(c) power to regulate the business of banks;

(d) power to give directions;

(e) power to inspect and supervise banks;

(f) power regarding audit of banks;

(g) power to collect, collate and furnish credit information;

(h) power relating to moratorium, amalgamation and winding up; and (i)

power to impose penalties.

1.7 GOVERNMENT AS A REGULATOR OF BANKS

i. The Reserve Bank is the primary regulator of banks. But the Central Government has also been

conferred extensive powers under the RBI Act and BR Act either directly or indirectly over the

banks.

ii. The government holds the entire capital of the Reserve Bank and appoints the Governor and the

----- mr.mhe.rs nf the Central Rmrd nnri Vns the power to remove them. The government has also the - - • j_______ i

10

necessary in public interest after consultation with the Governor. Thus, the government can exercise control over banks by influencing decision-making by the Reserve Bank and has also got appellate

authority in respect of several matters in which the Reserve Bank has been conferred the power to decide at the first instance. Thus, under the Banking Regulation Act appeal lies with the Central Government on removal of managerial personnel under Sections 10B and 36AA of the BR Act. Similarly, there are also provisions for appeal in respect of cancellation of banking licence (under Section 22) and refusal of certificate regarding floating charge on assets (Section 14A).

iii. The government has the power to suspend the operations of the Banking Regulation Act or to give

exemption from any of the provisions of the Act on the representation/recommendation of the Reserve Bank under Sections 4 and 53 of the Act, respectively. The government has also the power to notify other forms of business which a bank may undertake under Section 6(1 )(o) of the Act. Rule-making powers under Sections 52 and 45Y are vested in the Central Government. There are also other provisions under which the Central Government exercises powers as under:

(a) Approval for formation of subsidiary for certain business under Section 19;

(b) Notification with reference to accounts and balance sheet under Section 29; (c) Issue of direction for inspection of banks under Section 35; (d) Power to acquire undertakings of banks (Section 36AE); (e) Appointment of court liquidator; (f) Suspension of business and amalgamation of banks under Section 45.

The above provisions confer wide powers on the Central Government to regulate banks. These are in addition to the powers conferred on the government as majority shareholder or full owner of public sector banks under the statutes constituting them.

1.8 CONTROL OVER CO-OPERATIVE BANKS

i. A co-operative bank is a co-operative society engaged in the business of banking and may be a primary Co-operative bank, a district central co-operative bank or a state co-operative bank. Co-operative banks operating in one state only are registered under the State co-operative Societies Act concerned. The formation of such banks as well as their management and control over personnel is regulated by the co-operative law of the state. The Registrar of co-operative societies under the

Co-operative Societies Act exercises a wide range of powers on co-operative societies from registration to winding up.

ii. In the case of co-operative banks operating in more than one state, the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 is applicable. In that case, the Registrar appointed by the Central Government takes the place of the Registrar appointed by the State Government in other cases.

iii. With the introduction of Section 56 in the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with effect from 1965, co-operative banks have come under the regulatory purview of the Reserve Bank. While the formation and management of co-operative societies operating in one state only (including those conducting banking business) are under the control of the State Government, licensing and regulation of banking business rests with the Reserve Bank. Thus, there is dual control of State Governments and the Reserve Bank over these banks.

IV. In the case of co-operative banks which are registered under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, the Reserve Bank has the power to order their winding up. The circumstances in which Reserve Bank may require winding up are mentioned in Section 13D of the Act.

11

1.9 REGULATION BY OTHER AUTHORITIES

i. Banks may be subject to the control of other regulatory agencies in the conduct of their business.

For instance, a banking company will be subject to the control of the authorities under the Companies

Act in respect of company matters. Similarly, a bank is answerable to labour authorities in respect

of the terms and conditions of service of its workmen, opening and closing of its premises,

engagement of contract labour, etc. Banks are also liable to pay income tax like cash transaction

tax, service tax, etc., and other taxes and have to follow the rules and regulations in that regard.

ii. As provided in Section 6 of the Banking Regulation Act, banks may undertake certain non-banking

business in addition to the business of banking. In that regard also, banks may be subject to the

regulatory control of other agencies. For instance, in the case of dealings in securities like shares

and debentures, banks are subject to regulation by the Securities Exchange Board of India under

the Securities Contract (Regulation) Act, 1956 read with the Securities and Exchange Board of

India Act, 1992. If the Bank desires to raise capital through public issue, it has to comply with

SEBI guidelines. In case of Insurance Business - by IRDA and in case of Mutual Fund Business -

RBI, SEBI.

The study herein is, however, largely confined to the regulation of banks by the Reserve Bank and

the Central Government under the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act.

1.10 LET US SUM UP

1. Banking means acceptance of deposits of money from the public for lending or investment. Such

deposits may be repayable on demand or may be for a period of time as agreed to, by the banker

and the customer, and may be repayable by cheque, draft or otherwise. Apart from banking, banks

are authorised to carry on other business as specified in Section 6 of the Banking Regulation Act.

Banks are, however, prohibited from undertaking any trading activities.

2. Banks are constituted as companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956, statutory corporations

constituted under Special Statutes or Co-operative societies registered under the Central or State

Co-operative Societies Acts. The extent of applicability of the regulatory provisions under the

Banking Regulation Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act to a bank depends on the constitution of

the bank.

3. Reserve Bank of India is the central bank of the country and the primary regulator for the banking

sector. The government has direct and indirect control over banks. It can exercise indirect control

through the Reserve Bank and also act directly in appeals arising from decisions of the Reserve

Bank under the various provisions of the Banking Regulation Act. In public sector banks like the

State Bank of India and its subsidiaries, nationalised banks and the regional rural banks, 50% or

more of their shares are held by the Central Government. Central Government has substantial

control over the management of these banks. Only certain provisions of the BR Act are applicable

to these banks as indicated in that Act. Co-operative banks operating in one state only are registered

under the State Co-operative Societies Act and are subject to the control of the State Government

as also the Reserve Bank. In the case of non-banking business of the banks, they are subject to

control by other regulatory agencies.

1.11 KEYWORDS

Banking; Banking Company; Body Corporate; Co-operative Bank; Nationalised Bank; Regional Rural

Bank; Public Sector Bank.

12

1.12 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

A. 1. State whether the following statements are True or False. (i) A public sector bank is a body corporate created under a special statute. (ii) A banking company is registered under the Banking Regulation Act. (iii) Co-operative banks are registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act or a

State Co-operative Societies Act. (iv) Subsidiaries of the State Bank are companies registered under the Companies Act. (v) Accepting deposits for safe custody would fall within the definition of "banking".

2. Fill in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets. (i) Reserve Bank was constituted under ________ (BR Act, RBI Act, Companies Act) (ii) A Regional Rural Bank is ________ (a body corporate created under a special statute, a co

operative society, a company)

(iii) Banking companies are licensed by _____ Company Law Board)

(iv) Business which a banking company may undertake other than banking is as stipulated by _______ (Reserve Bank, BR Act, RBI Act)

(v) BR Act was enacted for ________ (regulating banking companies, creating Reserve Bank, regulating acceptance of deposits from public)

State whether the following statements are True or False, (i) Central Government can give direction to the Reserve Bank, (ii) All kinds of business of banks is regulated only by the Reserve Bank, (iii) Central Government is the primary regulator of banks, (iv) State governments have no control over co-operative banks. (v) On cancellation of licence of any bank, an appeal lies with Central Government.

Fill in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets.

_____ (State Co operative Societies Act, Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, RBI Act) Government can exempt a bank from the provisions of BR Act ________ (on the

recommendation of RBI, whenever the government is satisfied, if requested by a bank) _______ exercises the central banking function in India. (State Bank, Central Bank of

(i) Co-operative banks operating in different states are registered under

India, Reserve Bank)

(iv) Company matters of a banking company are regulated by _________ Authorities under the Companies Act, SEBI) (v) Trading in shares and

securities by banks is subject to regulation by . of Capital Issues, SEBI, Company Law Board)

1.13 ANSWERS TO 'CHECK YOUR PROGRESS'

A. 1. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) False. 2. (i) RBI Act (ii) a body corporate created under a special statute

(iii) Reserve Bank (iv) BRAct (v) for regulating banking companies.

B. 1. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) False; (iv) False; (v) True.

2. (i) Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (ii) On recommendation of RBI (iii) Reserve Bank

(Reserve Bank, Registrar of Companies,

B. 1

(ii)

(iii)

(Reserve Bank,

(Controller

13

(iv) Authorities under the Companies Act

(v) SEBI.

1.14 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

Fill in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets. 1.

One of the essential characteristics of banking is _

(lending to traders; investment in

securities; acceptance of deposits from the public) 2. Banking companies

operating in India are constituted in the form of.

constituted under a special statute; company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or a

foreign company; society registered under the Societies Registration Act) 3. Companies Act applies to banking companies _______ _. (notwithstanding the provisions of the

Banking Regulation Act; insofar as its provisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act; only in relation to registration and winding up)

4. Under the Reserve Bank of India Act, Reserve Bank regulates acceptance of deposits by

___________ (all companies; non-banking financial companies; non-banking non-financial

companies) 5. BR Act is applicable to co-operative banks _____

on co-operative societies; in a modified form as provided in Section 56 thereof; at par with commercial banks)

6. "Corresponding new banks" means ________ (new banks [nationalised banks] constituted under the Banking Companies [Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings] Act, 1970 and the Banking

Companies [Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings] Act, 1980; new generation banking companies registered under the Companies Act; a new bank formed by amalgamation of two banking companies)

7. Central Government may give directions to the Reserve Bank when considered necessary in

public interest only after consulting ________ (the Governor of Reserve Bank; the Central Board of the Reserve Bank; the Finance Commission)

8. A co-operative society registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act _________ (is

prohibited from undertaking banking business; can be declared as a state co-operative bank; can undertake banking business as a primary co-operative bank)

9. A multi-state co-operative bank means a multi-state co-operative society which is a ________ (primary co-operative bank; central co-operative bank; state co-operative bank) 10. For the

purposes of the BR Act, a "co-operative society" means a society registered or deemed to

have been registered under ________ (any Central Act for the time being in force relating to the

multi-state co-operative societies only; any state law relating to co-operative societies for the time being in force only; any Central Act for the time being in force relating to the multi-state co-operative societies or any other central or state law relating to co-operative societies for the time being in force)

_. (body corporate

_. (to the extent as provided in the state laws

UNIT

2

CONTROL OVER ORGANISATION OF BANKS

STRUCTURE

2.0 Objectives

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Licensing of Banking Companies

2.3 Branch Licensing

2.4 Paid-up Capital and Reserves

2.5 Shareholding in Banking Companies

2.6 Subsidiaries of Banking Companies

2.7 Board of Directors

2.8 Chairman of Banking Company

2.9 Appointment of Additional Directors

2.10 Restrictions on Employment

2.11 Control Over Management

2.12 Corporate Governance

2.13 Directors and Corporate Governance

2.14 Let Us Sum Up

2.15 Keywords


2.17 Answers to 'Check Your Progress'


16

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this unit are to understand the laws that govern banking companies, in respect of:

• Licensing and branch licensing

• Paid up capital and reserves

• Shareholding and rights of shareholders

• Formation of subsidiaries and holding of shares of other companies

• Constitution and regulation of board of directors

• Exercise of control by the Reserve Bank and the Government over the appointment and removal of

chairmen, managerial and other personnel

• Corporate governance

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The Banking Regulation Act provides for regulation of the organisation of banking companies. To start

with, there are restrictions at the entry point, by way of licensing and then the requirement of permission

for opening or shifting of branches. There are further regulations over the paid-up capital and reserves,

shareholder's rights, constitution of the board of directors, appointment of chairman and formation of

subsidiaries. Apart from the above, there are also controls over the managerial and other personnel,

including the power to remove unsuitable persons and to appoint suitable persons. In this unit, we

study various provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, providing for controls over the organisation

and management of banking companies.

2.2 LICENSING OF BANKING COMPANIES

i. License Requirement from RBI: To commence or carry on, the banking business in India, a company

requires a licence from the Reserve Bank under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Commencing or carrying on a banking business without a licence is prohibited. When the Act came

into force, the banking companies, which were then in existence were required to apply for licence

within six months from the commencement of the Act. But, such banking companies were permitted

to continue business, unless and until their applications for licence were rejected by the Reserve

Bank. The requirement of licence was meant to ensure the continuance of only those banks, which

were established and operating on sound lines and to prevent indiscriminate formation of banking

companies.

ii. Discretion of Reserve Bank: The granting of licence by the Reserve Bank may be subject to such

conditions as the RBI may think fit in each case. As held by the Gujarat High Court in Shivabhai vs

RBI, Ahmedabad (AIR 1986 Guj 19), Reserve Bank has the discretion to grant or refuse the licence

and when such decision based on relevant, material and germane considerations, the decision

cannot be assailed. Only if the decision is based on extraneous considerations or is perverse, the

court will intervene.

It is open to the RBI to consider the defects or improvements revealed in an inspection held under

Section 35 of the BR Act while disposing of an application for licence. (See, Sajjan Bank Pvt. Ltd.

vs RBI, AI R 1961 Mad 8). The refusal of licence to a company would make it ineligible to

undertake banking business, but it would still be open to the company to carry on other business

like money lending.

iii. Conditions to be Satisfied: Before granting a licence under Section 22, Reserve Bank may have to

be satisfied by an inspection of the books of the banking company or otherwise in respect of the fnllnwintr matters-

17

(a) Whether the company is or will be in a position to pay its present and future depositors in full as their claims accrue;

(b) Whether the affairs of the company are being conducted or likely to be conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of its present and future depositors;

(c) Whether the general character of proposed management of the company will not be prejudicial to public interest or the interest of depositors;

(d) Whether the company has an adequate capital structure and earning prospects; (e) Whether public interest will be served by grant of licence to the company;

(f) Whether considering the banking facilities available in the proposed area of operation, the potential scope for expansion of business by banks already in existence in that area and other relevant factors, the grant of licence would be prejudicial to the operation and consolidation of banking system, consistent with monetary stability and economic growth;

(g) The fulfilment of any other condition which the Reserve Bank considers relevant in public interest or in the interest of depositors.

Although Section 11 of BR Act specifies the minimum capital and reserves requirements of a banking company, the Reserve Bank can stipulate a higher requirement of capital for licensing a banking company as under Section 22 the Reserve Bank has to be satisfied that the company has an adequate capital structure and earning prospects.

iv. Foreign Banks: In the case of companies incorporated outside India applying for a licence, apart from the conditions specified in the case of domestic companies, three additional conditions have been stipulated for consideration by the Reserve Bank. These are:

(a) Whether carrying on of banking business by the company in India will be in public interest;

(b) Whether the government or the law of the country, in which the company is incorporated discriminates in any way against banking companies registered in India;

(c) Whether the company complies with provisions of the BR Act, as applicable to foreign companies.

v. Local Area Banks: The Reserve Bank has recognised the concept of local area banks and

licensed a few(four) such banks. These are banking companies operating only in a limited geographical area. The licence issued to these banks would restrict their operations to the specified local area to ensure adequate banking services in that area.

vi. Cancellation of Licence: Sub-Section (4) of Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act authorises the Reserve Bank to cancel the licence granted to any banking company. The cancellation of licence may be on any one or more of the following grounds:

(a) The company ceases to carry on banking business in India; (b) The company at any time fails to comply with any of the conditions imposed under the sub-

Section (1) of Section 22 of Banking Regulation Act; (c) The company does not fulfil at any time, any of the conditions referred to in the sub-Section(3)

or 3(A) of Section 22 of Banking Regulation Act.

Before cancellation of a licence for non-compliance with any of the conditions as above, the company has to be given an opportunity for taking necessary steps for complying with or fulfilling the conditions. However, in cases where the Reserve Bank is of the opinion that delay will be prejudicial to the interests of depositors or the public, the requirement of opportunity can be dispensed with. As observed by the Madras High Court in Sajjan Bank Pyt. Ltd. vs RBI (AIR 1961 Mad. 8), the Reserve Bank has a wide range of administrative discretion under the Act, which it is

competent to exercise, and it cannot be said that there is an excessive delegation of power. A banking company, whose licence is cancelled, can appeal to the Central Government within a t/\ J _____ r-.

__ ; __ i _ r

18

2.3 BRANCH LICENSING

i. Apart from the requirement of licence for commencing or carrying on banking business, banks have to obtain the prior permission of Reserve Bank for opening a new place of business or changing location of the existing place of business. Under Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 'Place of business' for this purpose includes any sub-office, pay office, sub-pay office or any place at which deposits are received, cheques cashed or moneys lent. However, changing the

location of an existing place of business within the same city, town or village would not need such permission. These restrictions also apply to foreign branches of banking companies incorporated in India. Opening of a temporary place of business up to one month for purpose of affording banking facilities for any exhibition, mela, conference or like occasion is exempt. However, the temporary branch has to be within the limits of the city; town or village where there is an existing branch or in the environs thereof. The present guidelines from RBI provide that Banks should

submit their request for new branches, administrative offices, ATMs once in a year for consideration of RBI as against the earlier practice of making individual applications for each and every branch. When approved, the permission would be valid for a period of one year before which the branches/ offices should be operationalised.

ii. For granting permission under Section 23, the Reserve Bank may require to be satisfied of the

following:

(a) Financial condition and history of the bank; (b) General character of its management; (c) Adequacy of capital structure and earning prospects; (d) Public interest.

This may be done by an inspection of the bank under Section 35 or otherwise.

While granting permission for opening or shifting a branch, the Reserve Bank may impose any

conditions which it thinks fit necessary. If any bank fails to comply with such conditions, the permission may be revoked after giving an opportunity to the bank to show cause.

iii. In the case of regional rural banks, the applications for permission have to be routed through the National Bank (NABARD), and the national bank has to offer its comments on merits to the Reserve Bank.

2.4 PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Section 11 of the Banking Regulation Act provides for certain minimum requirements as to paid-up capital and reserves of banking companies. Any company wanting to commence banking business has to comply with these requirements. The amounts stipulated have reference to the places of business.

'Place of business' for this purpose means any office, sub-office, sub-pay office and any place at which deposits are received, cheques cashed or moneys lent. In the case of any dispute regarding computation of paid-up capital and reserves of any banking company, the decision of the Reserve Bank shall be final.

i. Foreign Banks: Under the sub-Section (2) of Section 11 of the BR Act, a foreign bank (banking company incorporated outside India) operating in India, has to deposit and keep deposited with the

Reserve Bank, an amount of Rs.15 lacs and if it has a place of business in Mumbai or Kolkata or both, Rs. 20 lacs. The amount has to be kept in cash, unencumbered approved securities or partly in both. Apart from this, an amount of twenty per cent of the profit for each year in respect of business transacted through the branches in India as disclosed in the profit and loss account has to be deposited with the Reserve Bank. The securities deposited can be replaced by other unencumbered

19

approved securities or cash deposited can be similarly replaced by securities. The Central Government

can exempt any foreign bank from this requirement on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank

for a specified period if the amounts deposited already by it are considered adequate. On the

cessation of business by any foreign bank for any reason, these deposits shall form the assets of

the company on which the creditors in India shall have the first charge.

ii. Indian Banks: In case of banking companies incorporated in India, the requirements of minimum

paid-up capital and reserves under Section 11 (3) are as follows:

(a) If it has a place of business in more than one state, Rs. 5 lac and if such places of business

include Mumbai, Kolkata or both, Rs. 10 lac.

(b) If the place of business is in only one state and does not include Mumbai or Kolkata, Rupees 1

lac for its principal place of business, plus Rs. 10,000 for other places of business, in the same

district in which the principal place of business is situated, plus an additional Rs. 20,000, for

each place of business elsewhere; in total not exceeding Rs. 5 lacs. If the bank has only one

place of business, the amount is limited to Rs. 50,000.

For banking companies commencing business after the commencement of the Act, paid-up

capital is stipulated as Rs 5 lac.

(c) If places of business are in one state only, but one or more of them is in Mumbai or Kolkata,

Rs. 5 lac, plus Rs. 25,000 for each place of business outside these cities and the aggregate not

exceeding Rs. 10 lac.

During 2005, RBI stipulated the minimum capital requirement for a new Private Bank at Rs

300 crore as a part of Corporate Governance guidelines and as a policy of Foreign Direct

Investment.

iii. Paid-up Capital, Subscribed Capital and Authorised Capital: Apart from the above, Section 12(1) of

the Banking Regulation Act stipulates that the subscribed capital of a banking company shall not be

less than half of its authorised capital; and the paid-up capital shall not be less than half of its

subscribed capital. If capital is increased, this requirement has to be complied within a period not

exceeding two years as allowed by the Reserve Bank.

Banking companies are permitted to have only ordinary or equity shares. However, preference

shares issued before 1 July 1944 are exempt. Further, the provisions of Section 12(1) are not

applicable to banks incorporated before 15 January 1937. Now preference shares and other capital

instruments are also allowed. Since 2005, Banks have been permitted by RBI to raise capital even

in the from of innovative debt instruments which are perpetual and perpetual non-cumulative

preference shares in addition to the equity capital.

2.5 SHAREHOLDING IN BANKING COMPANIES

i. Voting rights of shareholders: There is no specified ceiling on a person's holding of shares in a

banking company under the Banking Regulation Act or any other law. However, Section 12(2) of

the Act puts certain restrictions on voting rights of shareholders. Accordingly, no shareholder can

exercise voting rights in respect of the shares held by him/her in excess of ten per cent of the total

voting rights of all the shareholders of the banking company. This provision does not in any way

affect the transfer of shares or the registration of such transfers. It only puts a limit on voting

rights. However, Section 12(3) bars suits or other proceedings against registered shareholders by

any other person claiming title except by a transferee of shares, in accordance with the law or on

behalf of minors or lunatics for whom the registered shareholder holds the shares. The provisions

of the Companies Act also govern transfer of shares of banking companies.

ii. Acknowledgement by Reserve Bank: Reserve Bank has instructed banking companies that when

20

they receive more than the specified percentage of their shares for transfer to one party, the bank's board must refer the matter to the Reserve Bank. The banks shall not transfer the shares without

receiving Reserve Bank's acknowledgement. This is with a view to ensure that the controlling interest in a banking company does not change hands without the knowledge and approval of the Reserve Bank.

iii. Reports on shareholding: A report regarding the particulars of shareholding of the chairman, managing director or chief executive officer, by whatever name called, of every banking company, requires submission to the Reserve Bank. Such report should contain the full particulars and extent of value

of shares held directly or indirectly and of any change in the extent of holding or of any variation in the rights attaching thereto. The Reserve Bank may also order for any other information relating to those shares.

iv. Commission, brokerage, discount: Section 13 of the Banking Regulation Act imposes a ceiling on the commission, brokerage, discount or remuneration on the sale of shares of banking companies. Accordingly, the payments on this account in any form should not exceed two-and-a-half per cent

of the paid-up value of the shares.

v. Dividend: There are also certain restrictions on the payment of dividend to the shareholders of banking companies. Thus, under Section 15 of the Banking Regulation Act, no dividend is payable until all capitalised expenses are completely written off. Such expenses include preliminary expenses, organisation expenses, share-selling commission, brokerage, loss incurred and any other item, of

expenditure not represented by tangible assets. However, dividends are payable without writing off depreciation, bad debt etc., as under:

(a) Depreciation in value of approved securities, which is not capitalised or accounted for as a loss.

(b) Depreciation in investment of shares, bonds or debentures, other than the approved securities

for which adequate provision has been made. (c) Bad debts for which an adequate provision is provided.

RBI has given detailed eligibility criteria for declaration of dividend by banks and also guidelines on the quantum of dividend that can be declared by banks. The eligibility criteria require a minimum 9 % of CAR and Net NPAs not exceeding 1%. The quantum of dividend that can be declared is based on the levels of net NPAs and in a graded level (Maximum 40% pay out ratio) and can be paid out of only current year's profits.

2.6 SUBSIDIARIES OF BANKING COMPANIES

i. Formation of Subsidiaries: There are certain restrictions under Section 19 of the Banking Regulation Act on the formation of subsidiaries by banking companies. This is for purpose of preventing banks from carrying on trading activities by acquiring a controlling interest in non-banking companies. Accordingly, subsidiaries are permissible only for the following purposes:

(i) Undertaking any business which is permissible for banking companies under Section 6(1)

clauses (a) to (o). (ii) Carrying on the business of banking exclusively outside India. Prior permission of the Reserve

Bank is a must for this banking business. (iii) Undertaking any other business which Reserve Bank with prior approval of the Central

Government permits. Reserve Bank may permit only such other business which it considers

conducive to the spread of banking in India or otherwise useful or necessary in the public interest. The undertaking of any business by a subsidiary will not be deemed to amount to the bank itself taking up that business directly or indirectly for the purpose of Section 8.

21

ii. Shareholding in other companies: Apart from the restriction on subsidiaries, there is also a ceiling

[Section 19(2)] on shareholding in companies other than subsidiaries. Thus, the holding of shares

by a banking company in any company as pledgee, mortgagee or absolute owner shall not be

exceeding thirty per cent of the paid-up share capital of that company or the paid-up share capital

and reserves of the banking company. Further, holding of shares in any company in which the

managing director or manager of a banking company is interested in or concerned with in any

manner, is prohibited except in the case of subsidiaries.

2.7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

i. Qualifications: Section lOAofthe Banking RegulationAct stipulates certain qualifications fordirectors

of banking companies. Accordingly at least fifty-one per cent of the total number of directors shall

be persons, who have special knowledge or practical experience, with respect of accountancy,

agriculture and rural economy, banking, cooperation, economics, finance, law, small scale industry

or any other matter, the special knowledge or practical experience which is useful to the banking

company, in the opinion of the Reserve Bank. Further, at least two of the directors should have

special knowledge or practical experience in agriculture and rural economy or co-operation or

small scale industry.

ii. Substantial interest: The directors of a banking company shall not have a substantial interest in or

be connected with as employee, manager or managing agent in a company or firm which carries

on trade, commerce or industry as per Section 10A (2)(b) of the BR Act. However, companies

registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act and small scale industrial concerns are not

included for the purpose. The proprietors of trading, commercial or industrial concerns other than

small scale industrial concerns are also disqualified for directorship. 'Substantial interest' for this

purpose is defined in Section 2 of the Banking Regulation Act. Accordingly, holding of beneficial

interest by any individual or his spouse or minor child, whether singly or taken together in the

shares of a company exceeding Rs. 5 lacs or ten per cent of the paid-up capital of the company

amounts to substantial interest. In the case of firms, such holding of beneficial interest exceeding

ten per cent of the total capital of the firm amounts to substantial interest.

iii. Period of office: The directors of a banking company shall not hold office for more than eight

years continuously. However, this provision is not applicable to the chairman or a whole-time

director. When the chairman or a whole-time director of a bank is removed from office, he/she

ceases to be a director of the bank and shall not be eligible for further appointment as director of

that banking company for a period of four years.

iv. Reconstitution of Board: When the board of a banking company is not constituted in accordance

with the requirements of Section 10A of the BR Act, the board has to be reconstituted, to comply

with the provisions. If any director has to be retired for such a reconstitution, this may be done by

lots, in the prescribed manner and such decision shall be binding on every director of the board. If

the Reserve Bank is of the opinion that the board of any banking company does not fulfil the

requirements, it may order such a bank to reconstitute the board after giving reasonable opportunity

of being heard. If, within two months' time, the bank does not fulfil the order of the Reserve Bank,

the Bank may then remove any director (determined by lots drawn in the prescribed manner) and

such a person shall cease to hold office. The Reserve Bank may also appoint a new director in the

place of the person removed and he/she shall continue in office until the date up to which his

predecessor would have held office. However, any proceedings of a banking company will not be

invalid only because of any defect in the composition of the board.

22

2.8 CHAIRMAN OF BANKING COMPANY

i. Whole-time Chairman/Managing Director: Section 1 OB of the Banking Regulation Act provides that every banking company should have a full-time or part-time chairman, appointed from among its directors. The chairman, if appointed on a whole-time basis is entrusted with the management of the entire affairs of the bank. The chairman on a part-time basis has to be appointed with the prior approval of the Reserve Bank and such an appointment shall be subject to any conditions that may

be imposed by the Reserve Bank while granting approval. In the absence of a chairman, the management of the whole of the affairs of the banking company shall be entrusted to a managing director. The exercise of powers by the whole-time chairman or managing director is subject to the superintendence, control and directions of the board of directors. The whole-time chairman and a managing director shall hold office for a period not exceeding five years as the board may fix and is also eligible for reelection or reappointment. Although the chairman is in full-time employment of

the bank, he may be a director of a subsidiary of the bank or of a company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act. The Reserve Bank may also permit the whole-time chairman or the managing director to undertake part-time honorary work not likely to interfere with the duties of the chairman or the managing director.

The whole-time chairman or the managing director of a banking company may continue in office at the end of the term of the office until his/her successor assumes office, subject to the approval

of the Reserve Bank.

ii. Qualifications of Whole-time Chairman/Managing Director: The whole-time chairman or the managing director of a banking company should have special knowledge or practical experience of the working of a banking company or the State Bank or a subsidiary bank or a financial institution or financial, economic or business administration. The whole-time chairman or the managing director will be disqualified under the following circumstances:

(a) if he/she is director of a company other than a subsidiary of the banking company or a charitable company (registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act);

(b) if he/she is a partner of any firm which carries on trade, business or industry; (c) if he/she has substantial interest in any other company or firm or is director, manager, managing

agent, partner or proprietor of any trading, commercial or industrial concern; or

(d) if he/she is engaged in any other business or vocation.

iii. Removal of Wholetime Chairman/Managing Director: If the Reserve Bank is of the opinion that the person elected to be the chairman of the board of directors and appointed on a whole time basis or the managing director is not a fit and proper person to hold such office, the Reserve Bank may require the banking company to remove such a chairman or the managing director and appoint a

suitable person. However, before taking such an action, the Reserve Bank has to give such a person, as also the banking company, a reasonable opportunity of being heard. If the banking company does not comply with the order within two months, the Reserve Bank may remove the person from the office and appoint a suitable person in his/her place. Such a chairman or managing director would continue in office, for the residual period of office of the person removed from office.

The banking company or the person affected by the Reserve Bank's order may appeal to the Central Government within thirty days. The order of the Government where an appeal is filed and the order of the Reserve Bank, where no appeal is filed shall be final and not liable to be challenged before any civil court.

vi. Temporary vacancies: In cases where the wholetime chairman or the managing director dies or

23

he/she resigns or is not capable of discharging his/her functions due to illness, temporary

arrangements can be made to carry out the duties of the chairman or the managing director for

a period not exceeding four months. However, this has to be done with the approval of the

Reserve Bank.

v. Power of Reserve Bank to appoint Chairman: In certain cases, the office of the whole-time chairman

or the managing director of a banking company may fall vacant and may not be filled up by the

bank immediately. This may adversely affect the interests of the banking company. If the Reserve

Bank is of the opinion that continuation of such vacancy is likely to be against the interests of the

banking company, it may appoint an eligible person to fill such vacancy under Section 10BB of the

Banking Regulation Act. If the chairman or the managing director so appointed is not a director of

the banking company, he/she shall be deemed to be a director of the banking company. Such

appointment may be for a period not exceeding three years. There is also a provision for

reappointment after the initial period. The chairman or the managing director so appointed may be

removed from office only by the Reserve Bank and shall draw pay and allowances from the

banking company, as determined by the Reserve Bank.

vi. Qualification shares: The whole-time chairman or the managing director of a banking company is

exempted under Section IOC of the Banking Regulation Act from the requirement of holding

qualification shares. Similar exemption is also available to a director of a banking company appointed

by Reserve Bank under Section 10A of the Act.

vii. Overriding provisions: The provisions of Section 10A, Section 10B and Section 10BB of the

Banking Regulation Act regarding the appointment and removal of a director, managing director or

the chairman shall have overriding effect over all other laws, contracts, etc. Any person affected

by any action taken under these provisions is not entitled to any compensation for any loss or for

termination of office.

2.9 APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS

i. The Reserve Bank has the power to appoint additional directors on the boards of banking companies

under Section 36AB of the Banking Regulation Act. One or more additional directors may be so

appointed when the bank is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so in the interest of:

(a) banking policy (b) public

(c) banking company (d) depositors of the banking company.

ii. The directors so appointed shall not require any qualification shares. They hold office during the

pleasure of the Reserve Bank. Subject to this, appointment may be for a period not exceeding three

years or further extended periods not exceeding three years at a time as specified by the Reserve

Bank. The additional directors are protected from any liability or obligation for executing their

functions in good faith. The provisions of Section 36AB have overriding effect over other laws.

2.10 RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT

i. The Banking Regulation Act (Section 10) prohibits employment of managing agents and imposes

restrictions on employment of certain type of persons, namely —

(a) a person who is or has been adjudicated insolvent or has suspended payment or has compounded

with his/her creditors; a nprtnn \\\r 9 r*riminQl rrmrt r\f

'An invnivina mortal

24

(c) a person whose remuneration or part thereof is by way of commission or share in the profits

of the company;

(d) a person whose remuneration is excessive in the opinion of the Reserve Bank. Before forming

an opinion regarding the remuneration, the Reserve Bank has to consider the financial condition

and history of the banking company, its area of operation, resources, volume of business and

the trend of its earning capacity, number of its branches, qualifications, age and experience of

the person concerned, remuneration of other personnel in the bank or persons holding similar

positions in other banks and the interest of depositors.

The above restrictions are applicable to workmen as well as management personnel, as held by the

Supreme Court in Central Bank of India vs Their Workmen (AIR 1960 SC 12). However, the

restriction on remuneration does not affect payment of bonus according to a settlement or award

or in accordance with a scheme framed by the bank or in accordance with the prevailing practice

in banking business. Commission paid to brokers, auctioneers, forwarding agents, etc., who are

not regular members of the bank's staff, is also not covered by these provisions.

ii. Persons who are directors of any company other than a subsidiary of a banking company or company

registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act are also prohibited from managing a banking

company. However, this prohibition shall not apply to a director for a temporary period of three

months, or a further period not exceeding nine months, if allowed by the Reserve Bank. Apart from

this, persons engaged in any other, business or vocation or whose term of office as a person managing

the company is for a period exceeding five years also fall in the prohibited category. However, the

period of office can be renewed or extended for further periods not exceeding five years at a time.

2.11 CONTROLS OVER MANAGEMENT

i. Power to remove Management and other personnel: The Reserve Bank is empowered under Section

36AA of the Banking Regulation Act to remove any chairman, director, chief executive officer (by

whatever name called), or other officer or employee of a banking company. For this purpose, the

bank has to be satisfied that it is necessary to do so. The bank (RBI) has the discretionary power

to remove management and other personnel in the following circumstances:

(a) Public interest

(b) Preventing the affairs of the banking company being conducted in a manner detrimental to the

interest of depositors

(c) Securing proper management of the banking company.

The Reserve Bank has to pass such an order recording the reasons in writing. Before passing the

order, the affected person has to be given a reasonable opportunity of making a representation

against the proposed order. Where an urgent action is required and delay would be against the

interests of the company or its depositors, the Reserve Bank is empowered to direct by order, at

the time of giving opportunity of making a representation that the person concerned shall not act in

his/her official capacity or directly or indirectly take part in the management of the bank from the

date of such order, pending consideration of the representation. The person so removed shall not

be entitled to any compensation for loss of office notwithstanding anything contained in any law,

the memorandum, articles or any contract to the contrary as the provisions of Section 36AA have

overriding effect.

ii. Appeal: An appeal against the order of removal lies with the Central Government. Such an appeal

has to be filed within thirty days from the date of communication of the order. The appellate

decision of the Central Government, and subject thereto the order of the Reserve Bank, shall be

final and not liable to challenge in any Civil Court.

25

iii. Effect of the order of removal: On the Reserve Bank passing a removal order, the person concerned

ceases to hold office which he/she was holding till then. Further, he/she is prohibited, from directly

or indirectly taking part in the management of any banking company for a period not exceeding five

years as may be specified in the order. Contravention of the order is punishable with a fine of Rs.

250 for each day during which the contravention continues.

iv. Appointment of a suitable person: When any chairman, director, chief executive officer, other

officer or employee is removed by the Reserve Bank under Section 36AA as above, the Reserve

Bank may appoint a suitable person in his place. Such person shall hold office at the pleasure of the

Reserve Bank. Subject to this, the appointment may be for a period not exceeding three years and

is extendable for further periods not exceeding three years at a time. Such appointee shall not incur

any obligation or liability for action taken in good faith in the execution of the duties of his office.

2.12 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

i. The Concept: Corporate governance is a dynamic concept involving promotion of corporate fairness,

transparency and accountability in the interest of shareholders, employees, customers and other

stakeholders. It is a concept of recent origin. However, there is considerable divergence in the

understanding and practice of corporate governance across different jurisdictions. The concept

has evolved since the first major study by the Cadbury Committee in 1992. The DECO principles

of corporate governance published in 1999, the first international code of good corporate governance

approved by governments, was revised in 2004. Corporate governance can be seen as 'the way in

which boards oversee the running of a company by its managers, and how board members are in

turn accountable to shareholders and the company' and it has implications for company behaviour

towards employees, shareholders, customers, banks and other stakeholders. Further, good corporate

governance plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of financial markets and the

lack of it can pave the way for financial difficulties and sometimes even fraud.

ii. OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, 2004: The OECD principles of corporate governance,

2004 stipulate what the corporate governance framework should ensure, which is briefly as under:

(a) Ensuring the basis for an effective corporate governance framework: To promote transparent

and efficient markets which are consistent with the rule of law. Also, to articulate clearly the

division of responsibilities among the different supervisory, regulatory and enforcement

authorities.

(b) The rights of shareholders and key ownership functions: To protect and facilitate the exercise

of shareholders' rights.

(c) The equitable treatment of shareholders: In the equitable treatment of shareholders are included

the minority and foreign shareholders. Further, all shareholders should have the opportunity to

obtain an effective redress for violation of their rights.

(d) The role of stakeholders in corporate governance: To recognise the rights of stakeholders,

established by law or through mutual agreements and encourage active cooperation between

the corporations and stakeholders in creating wealth, jobs, and the sustainability of financially

sound enterprises.

(e) Disclosure and transparency: Timely and accurate disclosures made on all material matters,

regarding the corporation, including the financial situation, performance, ownership, and

governance of the company.

(f) The responsibilities of the board: Strategic guidance of the company, effective monitoring of

management by the board and the board's accountability to the company and the shareholders

are the important aspects. These principles are applicable to all types of companies including

banks.

26

iii. Corporate Governance and Banks: Banks hold a special position in corporate governance as they

accept and deploy large amounts of public funds in fiduciary capacity and also leverage such funds through credit creation. The position of banks is also important for the smooth functioning of the payment system. Accordingly, legal prescriptions for ownership and governance of banks laid down in the statutes are supplemented by regulatory prescriptions. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued guidance (February 2006) for promoting the adoption of sound practices of corporate governance by banking institutions. This guidance, entitled Enhancing Corporate

Governance for Banking Organisations, highlights the importance of:

• the roles of boards of directors (with a focus on the role of independent directors) and senior management

• effective management of conflicts of interest • the roles of internal and external auditors, as well as internal control functionaries • governing in a transparent manner, especially where a bank operates in jurisdictions, or through

structures, that may impede transparency • the role of supervisors in promoting and assessing sound corporate governance practices.(See,

http://www.bis.org/press/pO6O213.htni).

Apart from the fiduciary role of banks, their cross-border operations add a special dimension. This provides an added impetus for convergence in standards internationally. In almost all countries, the

policy framework with regard to corporate governance involves a multiplicity of agencies. In India, the Department of Company Affairs, Securities and Exchange Board of India (in respect of listed entities) are involved apart from the Reserve Bank in respect of banks.

iv. Reserve Bank's approach: Following the formal policy announcement in regard to corporate governance, in the mid term Review of the Monetary and Credit Policy, in October, 2001, the Reserve bank constituted a Consultative Group in November, 2001 under the chairmanship of Dr.

A.S. Ganguly with a view to strengthen the internal supervisory role of the boards of banks. The report of the group was transmitted to all the banks for their consideration in June, 2002 and simultaneously to the Government of India for consideration. Earlier, an advisory group on corporate governance under the chairmanship of Dr. R.H. Patil had submitted its report in March, 2001 which examined the issues relating to corporate governance in banks in India, including the public sector banks and made recommendations to bring the governance standards in India on par with

the best international standards. There were also some relevant observations by the advisory group on banking supervision under the chairmanship of Shri M.S. Verma which submitted its report in January, 2003. Keeping all these recommendations in view and the cross-country experience, the Reserve Bank initiated several measures to strengthen the corporate governance in the Indian banking sector, including the concept of 'fit and proper' criteria for directors of banks which included the process of collecting information, exercising due diligence and constitution of a

nomination committee of the board to scrutinise the declarations made by the bank directors. The RBI guidelines on ownership and governance in the private sector banks released on February 28, 2005 (Paras 5 and 6) provide as under:

Shareholding

(i) The RBI guidelines on acknowledgement for acquisition or transfer of shares issued on 3 February, 2004 will be applicable for any acquisition of shares of five per cent and above of the paid-up capital of the private sector bank.

(ii) In the interest of diversified ownership of banks, the objective will be to ensure that no single entity or group of related entities has shareholding or control, directly or indirectly, in any bank in excess of ten per cent of the paid-up capital of the private sector bank. Any higher level of

27

acquisition will be with the prior approval of RBI and in accordance with the guidelines of 3 February, 2004 for grant of acknowledgement for acquisition of shares.

(iii) Where ownership is that of a corporate entity, the objective will be to ensure that no single

individual/entity has ownership and control in excess of ten per cent of that entity. Where the ownership is that of a financial entity the objective will be to ensure that it is a well-established regulated entity, widely held, publicly listed and enjoys good standing in the financial community.

(iv) Banks (including foreign banks having a branch presence in India)/FIs should not acquire any fresh stake in a bank's equity shares, if by such acquisition, the investing bank's/FI's holding exceeds five per cent of the investee bank's equity capital as indicated in RBI circular dated 6

July, 2004.

(v) As per the existing policy, large industrial houses will be allowed to acquire, by way of strategic investment, shares not exceeding ten per cent of the paid-up capital of the bank, subject to RBI's prior approval. Furthermore, such a limitation will also be considered, if appropriate, in regard to important shareholders with other commercial affiliations.

(vi) In case of a restructuring of the problem/weak banks or in the interest of consolidation in the

banking sector, RBI may permit a higher level of shareholding, including by a bank.

2.13 DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(i) The board of directors should ensure that the responsibilities of directors are well defined and the banks should arrange need based training for the directors in this regard. While the respective

entities should perform the roles envisaged for them, private sector banks will be required to ensure that the directors on their boards representing specific sectors, as provided under the B.R. Act, are indeed representatives of those sectors in a demonstrable fashion, they fulfil the criteria under corporate governance norms provided by the Ganguly Committee and they also fulfil the criteria applicable for determining 'fit and proper' status of important shareholders (i.e., shareholding of five per cent and above) as laid down in RBI circular dated 25 June, 2004.

(ii) As a matter of desirable practice, not more than one member of a family or a close relative (as defined under Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956) or an associate (partner, employee, director, etc.) should be on the board of a bank.

(iii) Guidelines have been provided in respect of 'fit and proper' criteria for directors of banks by the RBI circular dated 25 June, 2004 in accordance with the recommendations of the Ganguly

Committee on corporate governance. For this purpose a declaration and undertaking is required from the proposed/existing directors.

(iv) Being a director, the CEO should satisfy the requirements of the 'fit and proper' criteria applicable for directors. In addition, RBI may apply any additional requirements for the chairman and CEO. The banks will be required to provide all information that may be required while making an

application to RBI for approval of appointment of chairman/CEO.

With regard to public sector banks, the principles of corporate governance have been statutorily recognised as per Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Financial Institutions Laws (Amendment) Act, 2006. The Act as amended provides for shareholder directors to be a person having 'fit and proper' status and the Reserve Bank has to notify the 'Fit and Proper' criteria [Section 9(2)].

28

2.14 LET US SUM UP

A company wanting to commence banking business requires prior licence from the Reserve Bank. The Reserve Bank has the discretion to reject licence or approve the licence on such conditions as it thinks fit. Before granting licence, Reserve Bank has to be satisfied by inspection or otherwise of the suitability of the company for licence. A licence once given may also be cancelled after giving the bank an opportunity to be heard. Further, for opening new branches or shifting branches outside a city, town or village, permission of the Reserve Bank is required. Banking companies have to have minimum capital

and reserves as specified in the Banking Regulation Act. The shareholders of a banking company are entitled to dividends only after all the capitalised expenses are written off. The commission or brokerage payable on selling shares is restricted to two and half per cent of the paid-up value of the shares. The board of directors of a bank has to be constituted with persons having special knowledge or experience in accountancy, banking, economics, law, etc., as stipulated. The directors should not have substantial interest in other companies or firms. The maximum period of office is limited to eight years continuously.

The Reserve Bank is empowered to reconstitute the board, if the board is not properly constituted. Every banking company should have a full-time chairman (or a full-time managing director, if there is no full-time chairman) with the specified qualifications. The Reserve Bank has powers to remove the chairman and appoint a suitable person in his place in certain cases. The Reserve Bank also has powers to remove the directors or managerial personnel or other employees of banking companies. The principles of corporate governance including the 'fit and proper' criteria for directors apply to banking companies

as well as public sector banks.

2.15 KEYWORDS

Additional Director; Authorised Capital; Overriding Provisions; Paid-up Capital; Place of Business;

Substantial Interest; Subscribed Capital; Subsidiary.


1. Fill in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets. (i) A company has to obtain a _________ from the Reserve Bank to commence banking business

in terms of Section 22 of the BR Act. (registration; licence; commencement certificate) (ii) Shifting of a bank's branch in the same __________ does not require Reserve Bank's permission

under Section 23. (district; state, city, town or village) (iii) Foreign banks are

required under Section 11 of the BR Act to deposit of their business in India with the Reserve Bank, (twenty per cent of profit for each year; thirty

per cent of profit for each year; twenty per cent of the deposits collected each year) (iv) Banks may float subsidiaries for carrying on the business specified in __________ . (their

Memorandum of Association; Section 6(1 )(a) to (o) of the BR Act; their Articles of Association) (v) A shareholder of a banking company can exercise voting rights up to __________ of the total

voting rights of all shareholders, (one per cent; ten per cent; hundred per cent) (vi) Banking companies are not permitted to give dividend until all __________ are written off.

(bad debts, expenses, capitalised expenses)

Say whether True or False, (i) A temporary branch for less than thirty days in a town where a bank has an existing branch

does not require permission from Reserve Bank. (ii) A company whose banking licence is rejected can undertake business as a moneylender or

undertake other business, (iii) The decision of Reserve Bank to revoke licence is final and no appeal lies from it.

arising out

2.

29

(iv) Banking companies are permitted to give brokerage up to two-and-half per cent of the paid-up

value of shares. (v) No person can hold the shares of banks beyond ceiling specified under the BR Act. (vi) A banking company cannot hold shares in any other company other than a subsidiary.

3. Fill in the gaps choosing the answer from the brackets. (i) A director of a banking company should not have _________ in any other company, (beneficial

interest, any interest, substantial interest)

(ii) At least _________ of the directors should have the qualifications prescribed under Section

10A(2) of the BR Act. (50 per cent, 75 per cent, 51 per cent) (iii) When the board of a banking company is ordered to be reconstituted under Section 10A of the

BR Act, directors will be removed _________ for the purpose of reconstitution. (by rotation, by lots, by majority decision)

(iv) Before removing the chairman of a bank from office, Reserve Bank has to __________ . (give

compensation for loss of office, give opportunity of being heard, give an option to continue as

director) (v) The provisions of Section 36AA of the BR Act regarding removal of managerial personnel have

_________ over other laws, (no effect, overriding effect, persuasive effect) (vi) Reserve Bank is authorised to appoint ________ under Section 36AB of the BR Act. (directors,

additional directors, managing director)

(vii) The _________ (Central Government; RBI; SEBI) has stipulated the 'fit and proper' criteria

for directors of banking companies.

4. Say whether True or False. (i) The maximum period of office that may be held continuously by an ordinary director in a

banking company is eight years, (ii) The decisions of the board of directors, during the period when the board's constitution is

defective shall be void. (iii) The post of chairman of a banking company may be on part-time basis, (iv) The chairman of a banking company can hold office only for a maximum period of eight

years, (v) From the order removing chairman of a banking company, appeal lies to the Central Government

within thirty days of the order. (vi) Reserve Bank has the power to remove any officer or

other staff of a banking company under Section 36M of the BR Act.' (vii) The concept of 'fit and proper' criteria for directors is not

applicable to public sector banks.

2.17 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS'

1. (i) licence; (ii) same city, town or village; (iii) 20 per cent of profit for each year; (iv) Section 6(l)(a) to (o) of BR Act; (v) 10 per cent; (vi) capitalised expenses.

2. (i) True; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) False; (vi) False. 3. (i) substantial interest; (ii) 51 per cent; (iii) by lots; (iv) give opportunity of being heard; (v) over

riding effect; (vi) additional directors; (vii) RBI 4. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) True; (vi) True; (vii) False


Fill in the gaps choosing answers from the brackets.

30

_________ . (such conditions as the Central Government may specify; such conditions as the

Reserve Bank may think fit to impose; confirmation by the Central Government).

2. Reserve Bank is not empowered to cancel the licence granted to a banking company on the

ground that __________ . (the company ceases to carry on any of its business; the company

changes its registered office from one state to another state; the company is not in a position to

pay its depositors in full as their claims accrue).

3. A bank requires permission of the Reserve Bank for opening a new branch or shifting an existing

branch ___________ . (to any new location from where it is situated; otherwise than within the

same city, town or village; otherwise than in the same building).

4. In addition to the requirements as to minimum capital and reserves under Section 11 of the BR

Act, Reserve Bank __________ . (cannot look into the capital structure of a banking company;

has to satisfy itself under Section 22(3) of the BR Act as to adequacy of capital structure and

earning prospects; has to consult the Central Government as to the adequacy of the capital

structure of a banking company before licensing).

5. In the case of a banking company, a shareholder cannot exercise voting rights on poll

.

(in excess of ten per cent of the total voting rights of all the shareholders of the company; in

excess of two per cent of the total voting rights of all the shareholders of the company; in excess

of ten per cent of the total voting rights of all the shareholders except with prior permission of the

Reserve Bank).

Choose the correct statements from the following.

6. (i) There are no restrictions in the BR Act on payment of dividend by banking companies,

(ii) Before payment of dividend by a banking company, all its capitalised expenses, unless

specifically exempted under the BR Act, have to be completely written off. (iii) Banking

companies are not permitted to pay dividend above ten per cent of net profits.

7. (i) There are no specific qualifications required for the directors of a banking company.

(ii) At least fifty-one per cent of the directors of a banking company should consist of persons

with professional or other experience as provided in the BR Act. (iii) At least fifty-one per

cent of the directors of a banking company should be chartered accounts

or experts in finance.

8. (i) There is no provision for maintenance of reserves by a banking company under the BR Act.

(ii) Every banking company has to maintain a reserve fund and transfer before declaring dividend,

not less than twenty per cent of the profit to the reserve fund,

(iii) The maintenance of a reserve fund is optional for a bank.

9. (i) The chairman of a banking company has to be always on whole-time basis and should be

entrusted with the management of the whole of the affairs of the banking company, (ii)

The chairman of a banking company can be on part-time basis and a managing director can

be appointed on whole-time basis who shall be entrusted with the whole of the affairs of the

banking company, (iii) The chairman of a banking company can be on part-time basis and

the whole of the affairs

of the banking company shall be entrusted to a committee of the board of directors. 10.

(i) A banking company can form subsidiaries for undertaking any business approved by its

board of directors, (ii) A banking company can form subsidiaries for undertaking any

business mentioned in Section

6(1) (a) to (o) of the BR Act, which is permissible for a banking company to undertake,

(iii) A banking company does not require the permission of the Reserve Bank to form a subsidiary

for doing banking business exclusively outside India.

U N I T

3

REGULATION OF BANKING BUSINESS

STRUCTURE

3.0 Objectives

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Power to Issue Directions

3.3 Acceptance of Deposits

3.4 Nomination

3.5 Loans and Advances

3.6 Regulation of Interest Rate

3.7 Regulation of Payment Systems

3.8 Internet Banking Guidelines

3.9 Regulation of Money Market Instruments

3.10 Banking Ombudsman

3.11 Reserve Funds

3.12 Maintenance of Cash Reserve

3.13 Maintenance of Liquid Assets

3.14 Assets in India

3.15 Let Us Sum Up

3.16 Keywords




32

3.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this unit are to understand the law, in particular the provisions of the Banking Regulation

Act, relating to:

• issue of directions by Reserve Bank to banks • regulation of acceptance of deposits by banks • regulation of loans and advances • regulation of interest rates of banks on deposits and borrowing • maintenance of reserve fund

• maintenance of cash reserve by scheduled banks and other banks • maintenance of liquid assets • maintenance of assets in India

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The Banking Regulation Act provides for regulation of the business activities of banking companies.

Accordingly, the Act empowers the Reserve Bank to issue directions for regulating terms and conditions of making of loans and advances and other matters including acceptance of deposits. The Banking Regulation Act also imposes certain restrictions on loans and advances to the directors of banking companies, and companies and firms in which they are interested. The Act contains provisions for creation of a reserve fund and transfer of a percentage of profits to that fund. There are also provisions

for maintenance of cash reserve, liquid assets and assets in India. In this unit, we look at the relevant provisions of law in this regard.

3.2 POWER TO ISSUE DIRECTIONS

i. The Banking Regulation: Act authorises the Reserve Bank to issue directions to banks under Sections

21 and 35Aof the Act. While Section 21 gives the power to regulate advances by banking companies, Section 35A gives wide powers generally to regulate banking companies. The Reserve Bank has been issuing directions from time to time under Section 21 (read with Section 35A) regulating rates of interest and other terms and conditions of acceptance of deposits and making of loans and advances. Regulation of deposits and loans and advances are discussed below (See, Paras 3.4 and 3.5, respectively).

ii. Nature of Directions: The directions issued by the Reserve Bank in exercise of powers under Sections 21 and 35A of the BR Act, being statutory directions, are binding on the banks. The circulars of the Reserve Bank giving instructions to banks where it has statutory powers to give such instructions are also binding on the banks, even if they do not specifically refer to any statutory provisions. However, as held by the Supreme Court in State Bank of India vs. CIT (AIR 1986 SC 757), non-statutory circulars of the Reserve Bank cannot affect legal rights. The Reserve

Bank's powers to issue directions are over the banks. Hence, the directions are addressed to banks only and not to customers or the public. The effect of violation of Reserve Bank's directions/ instructions which are binding on banks, has been considered by the Supreme Court in BOI Finance Ltd. vs. The Custodian (AIR 1997 SC 1952) in the context of some banks entering into certain repo transactions against the circulars of the Reserve Bank prohibiting such transactions. The court found that the action of the banks violated the Reserve Bank's instructions and held that the

violations would not invalidate the contracts with third parties but would render the banks liable to prosecution. The effect of directions will be prospective and not retrospective in the absence of any statutory provisions providing for retrospective operation of directions.

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iii. Bonafides: The powers of the Reserve Bank to issue directions have to be exercised with bonafide

intentions, as held by the Gujarat High Court in RBI vs Harisidh Co-op. Bank Ltd. (AIR 1988 Guj

107). In that case the Court considered the power of the Reserve Bank to issue directions for

superseding the board of a co-operative bank for securing its proper management and upheld the

action taken by the Reserve Bank on the finding that it was without mala fide.

iv. Caution and Advice: Apart from giving directions, the Reserve Bank may also caution or give

advice to banking companies. Section 36 of the Banking Regulation Act provides that the Reserve

Bank may caution or prohibit banking companies generally or any banking company in particular

against any transaction or class of transactions. Further, the Reserve Bank may generally give

advice to any banking company.

3.3 ACCEPTANCE OF DEPOSITS

i. As discussed in unit I, the essence of banking business is the acceptance of deposits from the

public withdrawable by cheque. [See also the judgement of Madras High Court in Sajjan Bank Pvt.

Ltd. vs RBI (AIR 1961 Mad 8)]. The definition of "banking" in Section 5(b) of the Banking

Regulation Act acknowledges this position.

ii. Types of Deposits: Banks accept different types of deposits, both time and demand deposits, from

the public. While time deposits, like fixed deposits or recurring deposits are repayable after an

agreed period, demand deposits, like deposits in current account and savings bank accounts, are

repayable on demand, subject to the terms and conditions of the deposits. The period of the deposit

and rate of interest applicable to the deposit are matters to be agreed between the depositor and the

bank under the terms of the deposit, subject to any directions given by the Reserve Bank in this

regard.

iii. Regulation of acceptance of deposits: The Banking Regulation Act does not contain any specific

provisions for regulation of acceptance of deposits of banks. However, Section 35 A which authorises

the Reserve Bank to give directions is wide enough to cover acceptance of deposits. Accordingly,

acceptance of deposits may be regulated in the public interest or in the interest of banking policy or

in the interests of depositors by issuing directions. The Reserve Bank issues directions from time

to time regulating the rates of interest applicable to deposits. The directions may either fix the rates

or specify the minimum and/or maximum rate of interest on savings deposits and time deposits for

various periods as also for special categories of deposits like senior citizen, NRI deposits. If only

minimum and/or maximum rates are specified or no rates are specified, the banks are free to decide

their rates accordingly. The directions issued by the Reserve Bank may also stipulate conditions

regarding minimum or maximum periods for which deposits may be accepted, reduction of interest

payable on premature withdrawal and payment of interest on renewal of overdue deposits.

However, currently RBI prescribes the minimum and maximum period for which deposits can be

accepted and prescribes interest rates only in respect of Savings Deposits and NRI deposits leaving

others for the individual banks.

iv. Returns on unclaimed deposits: Banks have to file a return every year on their unclaimed deposits

under Section 26 of the Banking Regulation Act. The return has to be filed within thirty days of the

end of each calendar year in the form and manner prescribed and should cover all deposits not

operated for ten years. In the case of fixed deposits the period of ten years starts from the expiry

of the period of the deposit.

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3.4 NOMINATION

i. Repayment of Deposits: Section 45ZA of the Banking Regulation Act provides that a depositor or

depositors of a banking company (including co-operative banks) may nominate one person in the prescribed manner as nominee to whom the deposit may be returned in the event of death of the sole depositor or depositors. Unless the nomination is varied or cancelled, the nominee is entitled to all the rights of the depositor/s in the event of death of the depositor/s. In the case of minor nominees, there is also a provision to appoint a person to receive the deposit on behalf of the minor. Payment by a bank in accordance with these provisions gives a valid discharge to the bank, but this

does not affect the right or claim a person may have against the nominee in respect of the amount received by him. Rule 2 of the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985 provides for the procedure and forms for making nomination in respect of deposits with commercial banks. In the case of Co-operative banks, similar provisions are incorporated in the Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985.

ii. Articles in Safe Custody and Safety Lockers: There are also provisions in the Banking Regulation

Act for nomination in respect of articles kept in safe custody with banks and safety lockers. Sections 45ZC and 45ZE provide that any person who leaves any article in safe custody and in safety lockers respectively with a banking company, may nominate one person as nominee to receive the article in the event of death of that person. The nomination has to be in the prescribed manner and on return of articles kept in safe custody or removal of contents of locker by nominees as provided, the bank gets a valid discharge. Rules 3 and 4 of the Banking Companies (Nomination)

Rules, 1985, and also the Rules 3 and 4 of the Co-operative Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1985 deal with the form and procedure applicable to articles in safe custody and safety lockers respectively in the case of banking companies and co-operative banks.

3.5 LOANS AND ADVANCES

i. The definition of 'banking' in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act indicates that acceptance

of deposits may be for lending or investment. Thus, lending or making of loans and advances is a

core business of a banking company. Lending may be for short term or long term, on secured or unsecured basis and for different purposes.

ii. Regulation of Loans and Advances

(a) The Reserve Bank is empowered under Section 21 of the Banking Regulation Act to issue

directions to control advances by banking companies. Such directions may be issued to banking companies generally or to any particular banking company. The Reserve Bank may determine the policy in relation to advances and issue directions when it is satisfied that it is necessary to give directions:

(i) In public interest (ii) In the interests of depositors

(iii) In the interests of banking policy.

(b) The directions given by the Reserve Bank are binding on banking companies, and may be on

one or more of the following matters:

(i) Purpose for which advances may or may not be made. (ii) Margins, to be maintained in respect of secured advances. (iii) Maximum amount of advances or other financial accommodation which may be made to

any company, firm, association of persons or individual. The policy on these matters may

be specified having regard to the paid-up capital, reserves and deposits of the banking company and other relevant considerations.

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(iv) Maximum amount up to which guarantees may be given by a banking company on behalf of any company, firm, association of persons or individual. In this case, also the paid-up capital, reserves, deposits and other relevant considerations have to be taken into account

for determining the maximum amount. (v) Rate of interest and other terms and conditions on which advances and other financial

accommodation may be made or guarantees may be given.

The Reserve Bank issues directions from time to time regulating the lending operations of banking companies in exercise of these powers vested under Section 21. Apart from this, the general powers to give directions under Section 35A are also available for regulation of

loans and advances.

iii. Selective Credit Control

(a) Purpose: Banks have been traditionally financing trade and commerce and against items they

deal in even before the country started industrializing. To ensure that prices of essential commodities like food grains, pulses, edible oils, sugar, jaggery and cotton and textiles are not increased by certain sections of the business community with a motive of profit maximisation by hoarding with the help of bank finance, these restrictions have been put in place. These cover the quantum of credit that can be extended and also the rate at which it can be extended. With self-sufficiency achieved by our country over the years in almost all of the above, RBI

had taken them out of the purview of selective credit control and currently restrictions are there only in case of levy sugar.

(b) Methods and tools: Selective credit control seeks to influence the demand for credit by

(i) making borrowing more costly for certain purposes which are considered relatively inessen-tial, or

(ii) by imposing stringent conditions on lending for such purposes, or (iii) by giving concessions for certain desired types of activities.

The tools employed for exercising selective credit control are:

(i) minimum margins for lending against selected commodities; • (ii) ceilings on the levels of credit; and

(iii) charging of minimum rate of interest on advances against specified commodities.

The quantum and cost of credit are regulated by operating these tools of control.

iv. Price control: In India, selective credit control has been generally used for preventing speculative

hoarding of essential commodities and basic raw materials using bank credit. This is with a view to

check the undue rise of prices of such sensitive commodities.

v. Restrictions on loans and advances: Section 20 of the Banking Regulation Act imposes certain restrictions on loans and advances. Accordingly, no banking company shall grant loans or advances on the security of its own shares. Further, a banking company, is prohibited from entering into any commitment for granting any loans or advances to or on behalf of any of its directors. The prohibition also applies to loans and advances to:

(a) firms in which any director is interested as a partner, manager, employee or guarantor, and

(b) any company (other than a company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act) in which a director of the banking company holds substantial interest as defined in Section 5(ne) of the Act or of which he is director, manager, managing agent, employee or guarantor.

If the director of a banking company is a partner or guarantor of any individual, loans and advances

to such individual are also barred. 'Director' includes a member of any board for managing or

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advising the bank regarding management of all or any of its affairs. It is open to the Reserve Bank

to specify any transaction as not being a loan or advance for this purpose by a general or special

order. In so doing the bank has to consider the nature of the transaction, period, manner and

circumstances in which the amount is likely to be realised, the interest of depositors and other

relevant considerations. If there is any doubt or dispute as to whether a transaction is a loan or

advance, the decision of the Reserve Bank in the matter shall be final.

vi. Restrictions on power to remit debt: For remitting any debt to its directors, a banking company

requires prior permission of the Reserve Bank under Section 20A of the Banking Regulation Act.

Permission is also required for remission of loans to:

(a) any firm or company in which a director is interested as director, partner, managing agent, or

(b) any individual for whom a director is partner or guarantor. Any remission made in contravention

of Section 20 is void and will have no effect.

3.6 REGULATION OF INTEREST RATE

The Reserve Bank is authorised to regulate interest rates under Section 21 (read with Section 35A) of

the Banking Regulation Act. This includes rates of interest for loans and advances as well as deposits.

While giving directions on interest rates, there should not be any discrimination against any class of

depositors or loanees or banks. Any differential treatment should be justifiable in law as not being

against the principles of equality. In Harjit Singh vs Union of India (AIR 1994 SC 1433), the Supreme

Court held in the context of reduction of rate of interest on bank loans to riot victims that the concession

should be extended to loanees from financial institutions also, as there was no basis for discrimination

between loanees from banks and loanees from financial institutions.

i. Interest on deposits: The rates of interest on deposits were not regulated by the Reserve Bank until

1964. Hence, it was open to the banks to decide their deposit rates freely. Thereafter the Reserve

Bank has been issuing directions from time to time regulating rates of interest applicable to different

types of deposits. Accordingly, payment of interest on current account was prohibited. As the

directions are issued by virtue of the powers vested in the Reserve Bank under Section 35A of the

Banking Regulation Act, before issuing the directions the Bank has to be satisfied that the directions

are necessary in public interest or in the interest of depositors or of banking policy. Reserve Bank

may permit higher rate of interest in favour of certain categories of depositors like former/existing

employees or depositors of certain classes of banks like co-operative banks. Of late, the movement

has been in the direction of liberalisation of interest rates, thereby giving increased freedom to

banks to decide the rates themselves.

ii. Interest rate on loans and advances: Interest rate on loans and advances is subject to regulation

specifically under Section 21(2)(e) of the Banking Regulation Act apart from the general provisions

of Section 35A. The Reserve Bank has been issuing directions from time to time under Section 21

(read with Section 35A) of the Act regulating different aspects of lending including lending rates.

Accordingly, different rates are permissible for different sectors like small-scale industries, agriculture,

large-scale industries, etc., and of late, much freedom has been given to banks to decide the rates

themselves. Further, the rate of interest may vary on the basis of the period of the loan. The

Reserve Bank tightens the regulations or gives relaxations thereby permitting banks to decide the

rates on their own, depending on the position of money supply in the public interest or in the

interest of depositors or of banking policy. Currently the directions of RBI regarding interest rates

of advances cover only finance to exporters and small loans with limits up to Rs 2 lac and DRI

loans.

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iii. Usurious loans Act, 1918: The Usurious Loans Act, 1918 prohibits lending at exorbitant rates. The

law has been made to protect the weaker borrowers from the powerful moneylenders. Similarly,

debt relief legislation in different states attempts to protect the agriculturists and other weaker

sections from unscrupulous lenders, by remitting debts or giving other concessions. Although the

lending rates of banks are regulated by the Reserve Bank, borrowers often used to resort to these

laws for remitting loans or reducing rates of interest in respect of loans taken by them from banks.

This was coming in the way of the monetary policy decided by the central bank. Accordingly,

Section 21A was inserted in the Banking Regulation Act to make the rates of interest charged by

banking companies beyond the scrutiny of courts.

iv. Protection to interest rate: Section 21A of the Banking Regulation Act provides that a transaction

between a banking company and its debtor cannot be reopened by any court on the ground that the

rate of interest charged is excessive. This provision is given an overriding effect over the provisions

of the Usurious Loans Act, 1918 or any other law relating to indebtedness in force in any state.

Section 21A was held to be valid and not ultra vires the Constitution by the Supreme Court. In

Corporation Bank vs D. S. Gowda [(1994) 5 SCC 213], the Supreme Court held that banks can

compound interest on annual rates and not half yearly rates in view of the express directives of the

Reserve Bank. The court further held that where the Reserve Bank fixes both minimum and maximum

rates of interest, courts would not interfere in the matter of interest rate, if the rate charged by the

bank is not in violation of the Reserve Bank directive. However, the court did not express any

opinion on the question whether Section 21A would debar the courts from interfering if the circulars

or directives of the Reserve Bank do not fix the maximum and leave it to the discretion of the banks

to fix the rate above the minimum.

3.7 REGULATION OF PAYMENT SYSTEMS

The Reserve Bank of India Act, until recently, did not contain any provision for regulation of payment

systems. Section 58 empowers the Bank to make regulations for giving effect to the provisions of the

Act and Clause (g) of the sub-Section (2) thereof, provides for making provisions for regulation of

clearing houses for the banks including post office saving banks. (The clearing houses are now functioning

under the uniform clearing house rules and regulations framed by the mutual consent of members and

no statutory rules or regulations have been framed.) However, the regulation of payment systems has

become important in the context of electronic payment systems becoming popular and the probability

of complications in the absence of a suitable regulatory framework with statutory backing. In the

absence of specific powers under the Act, the Bank has not been able to frame any regulations relating

to payment systems. Hence, the Information Technology Act, 2000 has amended the Reserve Bank of

India Act, inserting the Clause (pp) in Section 58 (2) empowering the Reserve Bank to frame regulations

for payment systems of banks and financial institutions. Financial institution for this purpose will have

the same meaning as provided in the Clause (c) of Section 45 of the Reserve Bank of India Act.

Accordingly, the Central Board of the Reserve Bank has framed the Reserve Bank of India (Board for

Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems) Regulations, 2005. Further, RBI is in

the process of finalising the guidelines under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

i. Board for regulation and supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems: The Reserve Bank, in

terms of the RBI (Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems)

Regulations, 2005, has constituted a Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement

Systems (BPSS) as a committee of its Central board. The Board has the Governor of the Bank as

its chairman and its functions include prescribing policies relating to the regulation and supervision

of all types of payment and settlement systems, setting standards for existing and future systems,

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authorising the payment and settlement systems, determining criteria for membership to these

systems including continuation, termination and rejection of membership.

3.8 INTERNET BANKING GUIDELINES

The Reserve Bank has issued guidelines in respect of internet banking. These guidelines cover:

(i) technology and security issues; (ii) legal issues;

(iii) regulatory and supervisory issues.

These guidelines apply, in addition to Internet banking, to other forms of electronic banking to the

extent relevant. All banks offering internet banking have to make a review of their systems in the light of these guidelines and report to the Reserve Bank the types of services offered, extent of their compliance with the recommendations, deviations, if any and their proposal indicating a timeframe for compliance.

3.9 REGULATION OF MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS

The Reserve Bank of India (Amendment) Act, 2006 (Section 45W) empowers the Bank, in public

interest or to regulate the financial system of the country to its advantage, to determine the policy relating to interest rates or interest rate products and give directions in that behalf to all agencies or any of them, dealing in securities, money market instruments, foreign exchange, derivatives, or other instruments of like nature as the Bank may specify from time to time. Further, the Bank may, for the purpose of enabling it to regulate these agencies call for any information, statement or other particulars from them, or cause an inspection of such agencies to be made. However, the directions issued by the

Bank in this behalf shall not relate to the procedure for execution or settlement of the trades in respect of the transactions on the recognised Stock Exchanges. Every director or member or other body for the time being vested with the management of the affairs of the agencies falling under Section 45 W has to comply with the directions given by the Reserve Bank and submit the information or statement or particulars as required.

3.10 BANKING OMBUDSMAN

Ombudsman is generally an authority (official) appointed to receive and investigate on the public grievances against the Government or any other authority or institution or organisation and redress such grievances as a non-adversarial adjudicator, or an alternative to the adversary system for resolution of disputes. The position is that of an independent and non-partisan officer who deals with specific complaints from the public against administrative injustice and maladministration. The banking

ombudsman is an authority originally established under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 1995 by the Reserve Bank of India in exercise of the powers vested in it under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act. The scheme aimed at resolution and settlement of complaints of the banking public against the commercial banks (excluding RRBs) and the scheduled primary co-operative banks without resorting to courts. It was modified by the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2002 and later by the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 to enlarge the extent and scope of the authority and functions of banking

ombudsman for 'redressal of grievances against deficiency in banking services, concerning loans and advances and other specified matters'. All commercial banks, regional rural banks and scheduled primary co-operative banks are required to comply with the modified scheme.

1. Object of the scheme: The object of the scheme is to enable resolution of complaints relating to specified services rendered by the banks and to facilitate the satisfaction or settlement of such complaints.

2. Grounds of complaint: The grounds on which complaints may be made to the banking ombudsman are:

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3.

(i) Deficiency in banking or other services in respect of:

(a) non-payment or inordinate delay in the payment or collection of cheques, drafts, bills, etc.; (b) non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of small denomination notes tendered for any

purpose, and for charging of commission in respect thereof; (c) non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of coins tendered and for charging of commission

in respect thereof; (d) non-payment or delay in payment of inward remittances; (e) failure to issue or delay in issue of drafts, pay orders or bankers' cheques; (f) non-adherence to prescribed working hours;

(g) failure to honour guarantee or letter of credit commitments; (h) failure to provide or delay in providing a banking facility (other than loans and advances)

promised in writing by a bank or its direct selling agents; (i) delays, non-credit of proceeds to parties' accounts, non-payment of deposit or non-

observance of the Reserve Bank directives, if any, applicable to rate of interest on deposits

in any savings, current or other account maintained with a bank; (j) delays in receipt of

export proceeds, handling of export bills, collection of bills, etc., for exporters provided the said complaints pertain to the bank's operations in India; (k)

complaints from Non Resident Indians having accounts in India in relation to their remittances

from abroad, deposits and other bank-related matters; (1) refusal to open deposit accounts without any valid reason; (m) levying of charges without adequate prior notice to the customer; (n) non-adherence by the bank or its subsidiaries to the instructions of Reserve

Bank on ATM/ Debit card operations or credit card operations; (o) non-disbursement or delay in

disbursement of pension (to the extent the grievance can be

attributed to the action on the part of the bank concerned, but not with regard to its

employees); (p) refusal to accept or delay in accepting payment towards taxes, as required by Reserve

Bank/Government; (q) refusal to issue or delay in issuing, or failure to service or delay in servicing or redemption

of Government securities; (r) forced closure of deposit accounts without due notice or without sufficient reason; (s) refusal to close or delay in closing the accounts; (t) non-adherence to the fair practices code as adopted by the bank; (u) any other matter relating to the violation of the directives

issued by the Reserve Bank in

relation to banking services.

(ii) Deficiency in banking service in respect of loans and advances pertaining to:

(a) non-observance of Reserve Bank Directives on interest rates;

(b) delays in sanction, disbursement or non-observance of prescribed time schedule for disposal of loan applications but not declining credit;

(c) non-acceptance of application for loans without furnishing valid reasons to the applicant; (d) non-observance of any other direction or instruction of the Reserve Bank as may be

specified by the Reserve Bank for this purpose from time to time;

(iii) Such other matters as may be specified by the Reserve Bank from time to time in this behalf.

Jurisdiction and Procedure: The location and the territorial jurisdiction of the ombudsman are as specified by the Reserve Bank. A complaint may be made in writing by a person himself or through an authorised representative. No complaint to the banking ombudsman shall lie unless,

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(a) the complainant had, before making a complaint to the banking ombudsman, made a written

representation to the concerned bank and the bank had rejected the complaint or the complainant

had not received any reply within a period of one month after the bank received his representation

or the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given to him by the bank;

(b) the complaint is made not later than one year after the complainant has received the reply of the

bank to his representation or, where no reply is received, not later than one year and one month

after the date of the representation to the bank;

(c) the complaint is not in respect of the same subject matter which was settled or dealt with on

merits by any previous banking ombudsman proceedings whether or not received from the

same complainant or along with one or more complainants or one or more of the parties

concerned with the subject matter;

(d) the complaint does not pertain to the same subject matter for which any proceedings before

any court, tribunal or arbitrator or any other forum is pending or a decree or award or order

has been passed by any such court, tribunal, arbitrator or forum;

(e) the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious in nature;

(f) the complaint is made before the expiry of the period of limitation prescribed under the Indian

Limitation Act, 1963 for such claims.

The Supreme Court has in a recent case, M/s Durga Hotel Complex vs. Reserve Bank of India and

Ors. [Appeal (civil) 1389 of 2007], observed that a banking ombudsman, though might have

initially jurisdiction to entertain a complaint on the basis that it has a legal foundation, in terms of

the scheme, he may be divested of that jurisdiction, or the foundation in law might be lost, on either

of the parties, approaching the Court, the arbitrator or the debts recovery tribunal in respect of the

same subject matter. This is on the basis that the complaint must continue to have a foundation in

law at the time the ombudsman takes up the claim for his consideration and renders his decision or

award and that foundation would be lost when the complaint is taken to a Court, Arbitrator, Tribunal

or any other competent forum. The ombudsman being an authority or tribunal of limited jurisdiction

conferred by the scheme, the exercise of jurisdiction or power by the ombudsman would depend

on his having jurisdiction, not only to entertain a claim but also to end it. Accordingly, once he/she

is deprived of his jurisdiction or gets deprived of his jurisdiction over the subject matter, he/she

could no more proceed with a complaint which was earlier filed and therefore, a complaint goes

out of his/her purview when the subject matter of it is taken to a court, arbitrator, tribunal or

forum. Moreover, the relief that can be granted by the ombudsman may not conflict with a more

comprehensive adjudication by a court, arbitrator, tribunal or forum with wider powers.

In short, when the ombudsman is about to pronounce his award, he finds that the subject matter of

the dispute has been taken to the debts recovery tribunal or a civil court or an arbitrator or to any

other competent forum, the ombudsman will have to decline jurisdiction to pass any order or

award on the complaint to bring about a resolution of the complaint by way of a non adversarial

adjudication.

The ombudsman may call for information from the bank concerned and make endeavour to promote

a settlement with the bank. The ombudsman is free to follow the procedure considered appropriate.

Where a complaint is not settled by agreement within a period of one month from the date,of

receipt of the complaint or such further period as the banking ombudsman may consider necessary,

he may pass an award after affording the parties reasonable opportunity to present their case. He

shall be guided by the evidence placed before him by the parties, the principles of banking law and

practice, directions, instructions and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank from time to time and

such other factors which in his/her opinion are necessary in the interest of justice. An award shall

not be binding on a bank against which it is passed unless the complainant furnishes a letter of

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acceptance of the award in full and final settlement of his claim within a period of fifteen days from

the date of receipt of copy of the award. If the complainant fails to furnish his/her letter of

acceptance within this time or within extended time of fifteen days, the award will lapse. However,

on a written request for extension of time, the banking ombudsman may grant extension of time up

to a further period of fifteen days for such compliance. Within one month from the date of receipt

by the bank of the acceptance in writing of the award by the complainant (or within such time not

exceeding a period of fifteen days that may be granted by the banking ombudsman), the bank has

to comply with the award. However, if the bank or the complainant is aggrieved by the award, it/

he can make an appeal to the appellate authority (Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank) under the

scheme.

4. Banking Ombudsman and Reserve Bank Directions: The legal position of banking ombudsman vis

a-vis the Reserve Bank has been considered by the Supreme Court in Canara Bank vs P.R.N.

Upadhyaya (AIR 1998 SC 3000). The court observed that since an ombudsman is appointed by

virtue of the scheme framed under S 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, he/she is obliged to

comply with the directions/circulars and notifications issued by the Reserve Bank under Section

35A or 21 of the Act. He/She is also required to issue directions to banks based on the Reserve

Bank directions/circulars and ensure their compliance. The ombudsman cannot ignore these circulars

and directions while dealing with the complaints filed by customers of banks. The impugned award

having been made, ignoring various circulars/directions issued by the Reserve Bank, the same was

held to be not sustainable. The court, therefore, set aside the impugned award and remitted the

complaint to the ombudsman for its fresh disposal in the light of the circulars/directions issued by

the Reserve Bank with regard to charging of rate of interest from the landlord loanees, whose

buildings were taken on lease/rent by the concerned bank and calculating the interest rate at quarterly

rests.

5. Banking Ombudsman and Debt Recovery Tribunals: As regards the position of banking ombudsman

vis-a-vis the debt recovery tribunal, the Allahabad High Court in M/s Hindustan Ferro and Industries

Ltd. vs Debt Recovery Tribunal (AIR 2001 All 155) observed that while the object of the scheme

is to enable resolution of complaints relating to provision of banking services and the satisfaction

or settlement of such complaints, the purpose of the Act is to provide for the establishment of

tribunals for expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions

and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The procedure prevailing prior to the

enactment of the Act for recovery of debts due to the banks and financial institutions has blocked

a significant portion of their funds in unproductive assets, the value of which deteriorated with the

passage of time. It was for this compelling reason and to obviate the difficulties in recovering debts

due to the banks and financial Institutions that the Act was enacted. The scheme has nothing to do

with the proceedings of recovery of debts due to the banks and financial institutions. The scheme

formulated by the Reserve Bank under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 cannot override the

provisions of the Act.

3.11 RESERVE FUNDS

i. Creation of Reserve Fund: Every banking company incorporated in India has to create a reserve

fund under Section 17(1) of the BR Act out of the profits as shown in the profits and loss account

prepared under Section 29 of the Act. Every year, a sum equivalent to not less than twenty per cent

of such profits has to be transferred to the reserve fund. Such transfer of profits to reserve fund

has to be made before any dividend is declared.

ii. Exemption from Contribution: If any banking company has an adequate paid-up capital and reserves

42

in relation to its deposit liabilities, the Reserve Bank may recommend to the Government of India for exemption from the requirement of transfer of profits to reserve fund. Thereupon, the Government may pass an order in writing, exempting the banking company from Section 17(1) for such period as may be specified in the order. No such order shall be made unless the amount

already in the reserve fund together with the amount in the share premium account is not less than the paid-up capital of the banking company.

iii. Appropriation from Reserve Fund/Share Premium Account: Appropriation of any amount from the reserve fund or the share premium account has to be reported to the Reserve Bank within twenty-one days of such appropriation. The banking company has also to explain the circumstances in which such appropriation was made. It is open to the Reserve Bank in any particular case to extend

the period for submitting the report or to condone the delay in making the report.

iv. Foreign Banks: The provisions of Section 17(1) of the Banking Regulation Act for creating a reserve fund do not apply to foreign banks operating in India. In their case, instead of creating a reserve fund under Section 17(1), Section 11(2) of the Act requires them to deposit and keep deposited with the Reserve Bank an amount calculated at twenty per cent of the profit for each year in respect of all the business transacted through their branches in India. The amount may be

deposited in cash or unencumbered approved securities or partly in cash and partly in unencumbered approved securities. Section 11 (2A) also provides for exemption by Central Government on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank, where the deposits already made are considered adequate in relation to the deposit liabilities of the banking company.

3.12 MAINTENANCE OF CASH RESERVE

Every banking company which is a scheduled bank has a duty to maintain certain cash reserve with the Reserve Bank under Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act. In the case of non-scheduled banks, Section 18 of the Banking Regulation Act provides for the maintenance of cash reserve.

i. Scheduled Banks: A scheduled bank is a bank included in the second schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act. Under Section 42(6) of the Act, the Reserve Bank may include any bank in the second schedule if it satisfies the following requirements -

(a) it has a paid-up capital and reserves of an aggregate value of not less than Rs. 5 lac;

(b) it satisfies the Reserve Bank that its affairs are not conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of depositors;

(c) it is: (i) a state co-operative bank, or (ii) a company as defined in Section 3 of the Companies Act, or (iii) an institution notified by the Central Government in this behalf, or

(iv) a corporation or a company incorporated outside India under the foreign laws.

Thus, a banking company which has the requisite capital and reserves of Rs. 5 lac and the affairs of which are not conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of depositors is eligible to be included in the second schedule. The Reserve Bank, may exclude any bank from the second schedule, if the aggregate value of its paid-up capital falls below Rs. 5 lac, or its affairs are found to be conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of depositors on an inspection under

Section 35 of the Banking Regulation Act, or if it goes into liquidation, or otherwise ceases to carry on banking business.

ii. Quantum of Cash Reserve: The cash reserve required to be maintained by a scheduled bank with

the Reserve Bank under Section 42(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act (as amended in 2006) is an

43

average daily balance, being 'such per cent of the total of the demand and time liabilities in India of

that bank as shown in the return referred to in the sub-Section (2), as the Reserve Bank may from

time to time, having regard to the needs of securing the monetary stability in the country, notify in

the Gazette of India'. Thus, under the amended statute, the Reserve Bank can, in order to secure

monetary stability in the country, determine the CRR for scheduled banks without any ceiling or

floor rate (as against a statutory minimum of three per cent earlier). 'Average daily balance' for this

purpose means the average of the balances held at the close of business of each day for a fortnight.

The liabilities, for this purpose do not include paid-up capital and reserves and any credit balance in

the profit and loss account.

Further, the amounts borrowed from the Reserve Bank, IDBI, Exim Bank, IIBI, National Housing

Bank and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, are also excluded. Apart from this,

in case of a scheduled bank, other than a state co-operative bank, the aggregate of liabilities of the

scheduled bank to the State Bank, subsidiary banks, Nationalised banks, banking companies, co-

operative banks and any financial institutions notified by the Government in this behalf, shall be

reduced by the aggregate of liabilities of these banks and institutions to that scheduled bank.

Further, the Reserve Bank is empowered under the sub-Section (1C) of Section 42 to specify,

from time to time whether any transaction shall be regarded as liability in India of a scheduled

bank.

iii. Interest: Until the amendment to the RBI Act in 2006, the Reserve Bank was authorised under the

Act [Section 42(1 B)] to pay interest to a scheduled bank when it maintained reserves above the

statutory minimum as required under the Reserve Bank's notification under the erstwhile proviso

to the sub-Section (1) or under the sub-Section (1A) of Section 42. As the sub-Section ( I B )

providing for interest has been omitted now, the Reserve Bank cannot pay interest on any portion

of the CRR balances of banks.

iv. Returns: Every scheduled bank has to submit a return to the Reserve Bank showing its demand and

time liabilities and borrowings from banks in India, classifying them into demand and time liabilities

and giving other details required under Section 42(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act. The return

has to be as at the close of business on each alternate Friday and has to be sent not later than seven

days after the date to which it relates. In some cases, it may be impracticable to furnish fortnightly

returns by reason of the geographical position of the banks and its branches. If so, the Reserve

Bank may permit presentation of a provisional return fortnightly, to be followed by a final return

within twenty days after the date to which it relates. Alternatively, such a bank may be permitted to

file a monthly return within twenty days after the end of the month. In addition to the above, where

the last Friday of the month is not an alternate Friday for the purpose of return, a special return as

at the close of business on that day has to be submitted within seven days. Where the relevant

Friday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the return has to be prepared as at the

close of the preceding working day.

v. Penalties: When the balance maintained by any scheduled bank falls below the stipulated minimum,

such a bank shall be liable to pay a penal interest to the Reserve Bank. During the first fortnight,

when such shortage occurs, the penal interest shall be three per cent above the bank rate and if the

shortage continues in the next fortnight, the penal interest shall increase to five per cent above the

bank rate. Where the shortfall still persists in the third fortnight, every director, manager or secretary

of the bank who is a wilful party thereto shall be punishable with a fine. In that case, the Reserve

Bank may also prohibit the bank from accepting fresh deposits. Contravention of the order of

prohibition is also punishable with a fine. Failure to file the return as required, also attracts a penalty

under Section 45(4) of the Act. Where Reserve Bank is satisfied that a bank had sufficient reason

for committing the default, either in maintaining reserves or in filing return, the penalty may be

44

waived. When penalty is imposed for a default, the amount has to be paid within fourteen days of the notice demanding payment. On failure to pay accordingly, Reserve Bank may obtain a direction

from the Principal Civil Court for levying the penalty and obtain a certificate for the amount which may be enforced like a decree of a civil court.

vi. Cash Reserves of Non-Scheduled Banks: In the case of banking companies, which are not scheduled banks under Section 18 of the Banking Regulation Act, the cash reserve need not be maintained with the Reserve Bank. It may be with the bank itself, or in a current account with the Reserve Bank or by way of net balance in current accounts or in one or more of these ways. The balance maintained should not be less than three per cent of the demand and time liabilities as on the last

Friday of the second preceding fortnight. The bank has also to submit a return to the Reserve Bank before the twentieth day of every month showing the amount so held on alternate Fridays during the month, along with particulars of its demand and time liabilities in India on such Fridays. If the Fridays concerned fall on holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the returns have to be filed as on the preceding working day.

3.13 MAINTENANCE OF LIQUID ASSETS

Every banking company has a duty to maintain a certain percentage of their assets in India under Section 24 of the Banking Regulation Act in the form and manner specified by the Reserve Bank by notification in the official gazette. Recently, the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2007 amended the provisions of Section 24, omitting the sub-Sections (1) and (2) of Section 24 which

provided for a statutory minimum requirement of 25 per cent. Under the sub-Section (2A), as modified by the Ordinance, a scheduled bank, in addition to the average daily balance which it is, or may be required to maintain under Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 shall maintain in India, assets, the value of which shall not be less than such percentage not exceeding 40 per cent of the total of its demand and time liabilities in India as on the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight. Banking companies other than scheduled banks have also to maintain such assets in addition to the cash

reserve, which they are required to maintain under Section 18 of the BR Act.

i. Returns: For ensuring compliance with the above provisions, a monthly return has to be submitted to the Reserve Bank by every banking company. The return has to be submitted not later than twenty days from the end of the month to which it relates, in the prescribed form and manner and giving particulars of assets and demand and time liabilities at the close of business of each alternate

Friday. If such a Friday is a public holiday, the return has to be prepared as at the close of the preceding working day. Without prejudice to the above, the Reserve Bank is also empowered to require a banking company to furnish a return showing particulars of the assets and demand and time liabilities as at the close of each day of a month.

ii. Penalty for Default: If the balance on any alternate Friday (or the preceding working day, when such Friday is a holiday) falls below the minimum requirement, the banking company is liable to

pay to the Reserve Bank penal interest at the rate of three per cent above bank rate on the shortfall for the day. If the default recurs on the succeeding alternate Friday, the penal interest is raised to five per cent above the bank rate on the shortfall. If the default occurs on the next succeeding Friday, then every director, manager and secretary of the banking company is punishable with a fine. The Reserve Bank is also empowered to impose a similar penal interest for shortfall in the assets on any day and if shortfall continues on the succeeding working day, the higher penal

interest is payable as above. If the Reserve Bank is satisfied on the application of a banking company that it had sufficient cause not to comply with the provisions as to maintenance of assets, penal interest may be waived.

45

3.14 ASSETS IN INDIA

i. Quarterly position of assets: Every banking company has to maintain in India certain amount of assets as required under Section 25 of the Banking Regulation Act. Accordingly, at the close of business on the last Friday of every quarter, such assets shall not be less than seventy five per cent of the demand and time liabilities of the banking company in India. If the last Friday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the assets are based upon as at the close of business on the

preceding working day. 'Quarter' for this purpose means the period of three months ending on the last day of March, June, September and December. This provision is meant to ensure that the resources mobilised by banks operating in India, especially the foreign banks, are largely invested within the country. The assets may be in cash, gold or unencumbered approved securities. 'Assets in India' also include export bills drawn in and import bills drawn on and payable in India and expressed in currencies approved by the Reserve Bank for this purpose. Such bills and securities

approved by the Reserve Bank in this behalf are treated as assets in India even if these assets were held outside India. The paid-up capital, reserves and any credit balance in the profit and loss account of a banking company shall not be treated as 'liabilities in India' for this purpose.

ii. Returns: A return regarding the assets maintained in India under Section 25(1) of the Banking Regulation Act has to be submitted to the Reserve Bank within one month from the end of every quarter. Such return has to be filed in the form and manner prescribed by the rules made under the Act.

3.15 LET US SUM UP

i. The Banking Regulation Act empowers the Reserve Bank to issue directions to banking companies in public interest, in the interest of banking policy and in the interest of depositors. Section 21 provides for the issue of directions to regulate loans and advances by banking companies. This

may be done by regulating the purposes of lending, margins in respect of secured loans, rate of interest and terms and conditions of lending. Section 35A gives wide general powers to issue directions. The Reserve Bank issues directions from time to time under Section 21 (read with Section 35 A) regulating acceptance of deposits and lending. Under Section 21A of the Act, the rate of interest on loans and advances contracted between a bank and its customer is not liable to be reopened by a court of law. Section 20 of the Act imposes restrictions on loans and advances to

directors, and companies and firms in which directors are interested as director, partner, etc.

ii. A banking company which is a scheduled bank has to maintain a certain percentage of the time and

demand liabilities as cash reserve with the Reserve Bank under Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, as notified by the Reserve Bank from time to time. Failure to do so renders the banking company liable to penalty. For non-scheduled banking companies, Section 18 of the BR Act provides for cash reserve. Banking companies have also to maintain a certain percentage of their demand and time liabilities in liquid assets as stipulated under Section 24 of the BR Act. These assets may

be maintained to the extent and in the form and manner as notified by the Reserve Bank. Apart from this, banking companies are required to maintain such assets in India at not less than seventy five per cent of demand and time liabilities as at the close of business of the last Friday of every quarter. Banking companies also have to transfer to the reserve fund twenty per cent of their annual profits as disclosed in the profit and loss account.

3.16 KEYWORDS

Bank Rate; Demand Liabilities; Scheduled Bank; Selective Credit Control; Time Liabilities; Usurious

Loans.

46


1. Fill in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets.

(i) Reserve Bank may issue directions to banking companies under Section 21 of BR Act on

__________ . (audit, loans and advances, capital structure) (ii) _________ may regulate acceptance of deposits including rate of interest on deposits by

banking companies under Section 35A of the BR Act. (Government, Reserve Bank, Board of Directors) The banking ombudsman can settle a dispute between ________________ . (a bank and its

customer/ s, two or more customers, a bank and the Government) Directions can be issued to banking companies on loans and advances ________________ . (in strict confidence, in public interest, in the interest of borrowers) The purpose of ________________ is to make credit available to essential sectors of the

economy

according to national priorities, (selective credit control, maintenance of cash reserve, reserve fund) _________________ Act prohibits lending at exorbitant rates and empowers reopening of such contracts. (BR Act, RBI Act, Usurious Loans Act)

whether the following statements are true or false. Reserve Bank can issue directions on loans and advances under Section 21 of the Banking

Regulation Act. Regulation of credit to different sectors of the economy is known as selective credit control. Banks are free to lend to their directors. Banks have to file a return to Reserve Bank regarding unclaimed deposits under Section 26 of

the BR Act. Directions may be issued under RBI Act to banks in respect of loans and advances in the

interest of depositors. The directions issued by Reserve Bank under Section 35 A of the BR Act may be either generally

to banks or to a particular bank.

in the gaps choosing the answers from the brackets.

The amount transferable to the reserve fund by the banks incorporated in India is ________________

of the profit for each year. (25 per cent, 20 per cent, 10 per cent) Every banking company has to maintain certain amount of assets under Section 25 of the

Banking Regulation Act as at the ________________ (last Friday of every fortnight, last Friday of

every month, last Friday of every quarter) The penalty which is payable by a banking company which is a scheduled bank for failure to

maintain the cash reserve in any week for the first time is ________________ (3 per cent, 3 per cent over the bank rate, 5 per cent over the bank rate) _________________ have to maintain cash reserve under Section 18 of the BR Act.

(Cooperative

banks, Banking companies which are not scheduled banks, Nationalised banks) The liquid assets to be maintained under Section 24(2A) of BR Act are _____________ _______________________________________________________________________________ of the

balances maintained under Section 42 of the RBI Act. (inclusive, not inclusive, partly inclusive) The payment of penalty under Section 24 of BR Act can be enforced by making an application

before _________ (the Government, civil court, high court)

whether the following statements are true or false.

Only scheduled banks have a duty to maintain cash reserve under Section 42 of the Reserve

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

2. Say

(i)

(ii) (iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

3. Fill

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

4. Say

(i)

Bank of India Act. Every banking company has to maintain the liquid assets as required under Section 24 of the

Banking Regulation Act.

47

(hi) The share capital and reserves of a banking company form part of its demand and time liabilities

for the purpose of Section 42 of the RBI Act. (iv) The cash reserve required under Section 42(1) of the RBI Act will be a minimum of three per

cent of the demand and time liabilities, (v) Interest is payable to scheduled banks on the cash

reserve maintained as required under Section

42(1) of the RBI Act. (vi) No banking company incorporated in India is required to maintain reserve fund under Section

17(1) of the BR Act.


1.

2.

3.

4.

(i) Loans and Advances (iii) a bank and its customer/s (v)

Selective Credit Control

(i) True; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv)

True; (v) False; (vi) True

(i) 20 per cent (ii) last Friday of every quarter (iii) 3 per cent over bank rate

(iv) banking companies which are not scheduled banks (v) not inclusive (vi) civil court

(i) True; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False; (v) False; (vi) False



1. The directions of the Reserve Bank issued to the banking companies under Section 35A of the

Banking Regulation Act are _________ . (binding on them only; not binding on them and are in

the nature of guidelines; binding on the banks and the public) 2. A contract if entered into by a banking company with any party in contravention of a direction

issued by the Reserve Bank _________ . (shall be invalid; shall render the banking company

liable to prosecution for violation of directions; shall render the bank and any other party to the

contract liable to prosecution for violation of directions) 3. Liquid assets are required to be maintained in India under Section 24 of the BR Act, may be held

in the form of _________ . (cash only; cash and gold only; cash, gold or unencumbered approved

securities) 4. For the purpose of maintenance of liquid assets under Section 24 of the BR Act, unencumbered

approved securities shall be valued at _________ . (face value; current market price; average of

market price for previous six months) 5. The penal interest chargeable on a banking company under Section 24(4) of the BR Act for not

maintaining liquid assets as specified under Section 24(2A) of the Act __________ . (may be

waived by the Reserve Bank if it is satisfied that the bank had sufficient cause for the failure; has to be charged in all cases and the Reserve Bank has no option but to waive penal interest; can be reduced by the Reserve Bank, but, not completely waived).

Choose the correct statements from the following:

6. (i) There are no restrictions on a banking company against grant of loans or advances on the

security of its own shares.

(ii) Reserve Bank (iv) in Public Interest (vi) Usurious Loans Act

48

(ii)

(iii)

7. (i)

(ii)

(iii)

8. (i)

00

(iii)

9. (i) (ii)

(iii)

10

.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

A banking company can lend to any firm in which its director is a partner. A banking company is prohibited from entering into any commitment for granting loans or advances to

or on behalf of any individual in respect of whom any of its directors is a partner or guarantor.

The power of the Reserve Bank to control advances extends to specifying the purposes for which advances may or may not be made. A direction, regarding advances may be issued by Reserve Bank to banking companies

generally and not to any banking company in particular.

A direction regarding advance can be issued by the Reserve Bank only in the interest of banking policy and on no other grounds.

The depositor of a banking company can make a nomination in the form prescribed under the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985. There is no form prescribed for nomination by depositors under Banking Companies

(Nomination) Rules, 1985. The nominee is entitled to receive the proceeds of the deposit on maturity of the deposit during the lifetime of the depositor or later.

Banking ombudsman is appointed by the Government under the Banking Regulation Act. Banking ombudsman is appointed by the Reserve Bank under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 framed in the nature of directions under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Banking ombudsman is appointed by the Reserve Bank under the Reserve Bank of India Act.

For maintenance of cash reserve under Section 42 of the RBI Act, 'demand and time liabilities' do not include paid-up capital of the banking company. Loan taken from the Reserve Bank and Exim Bank are included in 'demand and time liabilities' under Section 42 of the RBI Act. Any loan taken by a regional rural bank from its sponsor, forms part of its demand and time

liabilities for the purpose of cash reserve under Section 42 of the RBI Act.

U N I T

4

RETURNS, INSPECTION, WINDING UP

STRUCTURE

4.0 Objectives

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet

4.3 Audit and Auditors

4.4 Submission of Returns

4.5 Preservation of Records and Return of Paid Instruments

4.6 Inspection and Scrutiny

4.7 Board for Financial Supervision

4.8 Acquisition of Undertakings

4.9 Amalgamation of Banks

4.10 Winding up of Banks

4.11 Penalties for Offences

4.12 Let Us Sum Up

4.13 Keywords




50

4.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this unit are to understand the laws applicable to banking companies in respect of

• preparation of accounts and balance sheet • audit of accounts • filing of returns • inspection and scrutiny

• acquisition of assets by the Central Government • amalgamation with other banks • winding up • penalties for default or contravention

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Banking companies have to prepare their balance sheet and accounts annually as provided in the Banking

Regulation Act. The accounts have to be audited by duly qualified auditors as stipulated in the Act. The audited balance sheet and accounts have to be submitted as returns to the Reserve Bank and copies thereof have to be submitted to the Registrar of Companies. Banking companies have to file many other returns to the Reserve Bank. The Banking Regulation Act also provides for inspection and scrutiny of the books and accounts of banking companies. The board for financial supervision has been set up for

this purpose. The Central Government is authorised to acquire the assets of banking companies and order the amalgamation of any banking company with another banking company. The Reserve Bank has the power to apply to the High Court for the winding up of banking companies. Non-compliance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, the Banking Regulation Act and the orders, rules, regulations, or directions issued under them is punishable under these acts. In this chapter, we examine the law relating to the above matters.

4.2 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEET

i. All Banks whose shares are listed with Stock Exchanges are required to publish their unaudited

quarterly results as per proforma prescribed by the SEBI. Every banking company has to prepare its balance sheet and profit and loss account as stipulated in Section 29 of the Banking Regulation Act. The balance sheet and profit and loss account, has to be prepared at the end of each calendar year or on expiry of the twelve months period, ending with any other date which the Central

Government may notify in the official gazette in this behalf, as on the last working day of the year or the period, as the case may be. For this purpose, banking companies incorporated in India, have to cover their entire business and in the case of foreign banks operating in India, the business transacted through all their branches in India. While preparing the accounts, the banking company has to comply with the directions and instructions issued by the Reserve Bank in respect of income recognition, asset classification, provisioning, etc., from time to time.

ii. The balance sheet and profit and loss account of a banking company incorporated in India has to be signed by the manager or principal officer of the company and at least three directors if there are more than three directors and by all directors if there are not more than three directors. In the case of foreign banks, the manager or the agent of its principal office in India can sign.

iii. The balance sheet and profit and loss account have to be prepared in the forms set out in the III

Schedule to the BR Act or as near thereto as circumstances permit. The Companies Act requires every company to prepare its balance sheet and profit and loss account in the forms set out in the part I of schedule VI to that Act. However, the respective provisions of the Banking Regulation Act have overriding effect in respect of banking companies. Hence, the provisions of the Companies

!

51

Act that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act are not applicable to

banking companies. However, those provisions of the Companies Act that are consistent with the

Banking Regulation Act are applicable. The forms specified in the third schedule of the Banking

Regulation Act may be modified by the Central Government from time to time by notification in the

official gazette.

iv. In the case of banking companies, the profit and loss account, which has to be placed before the

annual general meeting should relate to the period ending with the last working day of the year

immediately preceding the year in which the annual general meeting is held. The provisions of

Section 210 of the Companies Act, in this behalf have been specifically made inapplicable to banking

companies by Section 2y^3A) of the Banking Regulation Aci.

Publication of Accounts and Balance Sheet: The accounts and balance sheet prepared under Section

29 of the Banking Regulation Act along with the auditors' report have to be published, as provided

in Section 31 thereof read with Rule 15 of the Banking Regulation (Companies) Rules, 1949.

Accordingly, the publication has to be made in a newspaper, which is in circulation at the place

where the banking company has its principal office, within a period of six months from the end of

the period to which the account and balance sheet relate. For this purpose, 'newspaper' means any

newspaper or journal published at least once a week but does not include a journal other than a

banking, commercial, financial or economic journal. As per current guidelines, Banks whose shares

are listed in the capital market are required to publish their unaudited quarterly results as per

proforma prescribed by SEBI.

Submission to Reserve Bank: Every banking company has to submit three copies of its balance

sheet and profit and loss account to the Reserve Bank within three months from the end of the

period to which they relate. This period may be extended by the Reserve Bank by a further period

not exceeding three months.

Furnishing of Accounts and Balance Sheet to Registrar: Section 220 of the Companies Act provides

for submission by companies of copies of accounts and balance sheet along with the auditor's

report to the Registrar of Companies. However, in the case of banking companies, Section 32 of

the Banking Regulation Act provides for furnishing to the registrar three copies of the accounts,

balance sheet and auditor's report submitted to the Reserve Bank under Section 31 of the Act,

which would be dealt with in all respects, as if these were submitted under Section 220 of the

Companies Act. When any company submits additional information relating to balance sheet and

profit and loss account to the Reserve Bank under Section 27(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, the

company has to send a copy thereof to the Registrar as well.

viii. Display of Balance Sheet and Accounts: Foreign banks (banking companies incorporated outside

India) operating in India have to display in a conspicuous place, in their principal office a copy of

the last audited balance sheet and profit and loss account. This has to be done not later than the

first Monday in August of any year in which it carries on business. The accounts and balance sheet

have to be kept displayed until replaced by a copy of the subsequent balance sheet and profit and

loss account. Similarly, foreign banks have also to display copies of their complete audited balance

sheet and profit and loss account relating to their banking business as soon as these are available

and keep displayed till the subsequent accounts are available.

4.3 AUDIT AND AUDITORS

The balance sheet and profit and loss account of a banking company have to be audited, as stipulated

under Section 30 of the Banking Regulation Act. Accordingly, a person duly qualified under any law for

the time being to be an auditor of companies is eligible to be the auditor of a banking company.

v.

VI

vu

52

i. Powers and Functions of Auditors: The powers, functions and duties of the auditors and the liabilities and penalties to which they are subjected to under Section 227 of the Companies Act are applicable to auditors of banking companies. In addition to the above, the auditor of a banking company has to give certain additional information in his audit report. In the case of banks

incorporated in India, the additional matters are as under:

(a) Whether or not information and explanation, required by him were found to be satisfactory; (b) Whether or not the transactions of the company, as noticed by him were within the powers of

the company; (c) Whether or not returns from branches were adequate for the audit; (d) Whether or not profit and loss account shows a true picture of the profit and loss for the

period covered; (e) Any other matter, which the auditor considers necessary to bring to the notice of the shareholders

of the company.

In dealing with bank accounts, the responsibility of the auditor is not confined to safeguarding the interests of the proprietors. The auditor will be reasonably blamed, if after signing the usual auditor's

report on an apparently sound balance sheet, the bank is afterwards found insolvent (See the judgment of the Kerala High Court in Institute of Chartered Accountants vs. Srinivasa, AIR 1960 Kerala. 309 at 311 and the judgment of Madras High Court in Registrar of Companies vs. RM. Hegde, AIR 1954 Madras 1080 at 1084).

ii. Special Audit: Reserve Bank is empowered under Section 30( IB) of the Banking Regulation Act to

order a special audit of the accounts of any banking company. Such an order may be passed when the Reserve Bank is of the opinion that special audit is necessary in the public interest or in the interest of the banking company or its depositors. An order, on special audit may relate to any transaction or class of transactions or such period or periods as the Reserve Bank may specify in the order. The bank may by the same order or by a different order appoint a duly qualified auditor for this purpose or may direct the auditor of the banking company himself to conduct such a

special audit. The Reserve Bank's directions are binding on the auditor of the banking company and the auditor has to make a report of such an audit to the Reserve Bank and also give a copy thereof to the banking company. The expenses in relation to the special audit have to be borne by the banking company.

4.4 SUBMISSION OF RETURNS

Every banking company has to furnish several returns to the Reserve Bank under various provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and under the Reserve Bank of India Act. The details of these returns are discussed below.

i. Return on Liquid Assets: Every banking company has to submit a return of its liquid assets under Section 24(3) of the Banking Regulation Act. The return has to be submitted within twenty days

from the end of the month to which it relates. The return has to be in the form prescribed under Rule 13A of the Banking Regulation (Companies) Rules, 1949. The return should contain particulars of assets and the demand and time liabilities, as at the close of business of each alternate Friday or when such a Friday is a holiday, as at the close of business of the preceding working day. The Reserve Bank is also empowered to require a banking company to furnish returns showing particulars of assets and demand and time liabilities as at the close of each day of the month.

ii. Monthly Returns: Every month, a banking company has to submit to the Reserve Bank a return

under Section 27 of the BR Act, showing its assets and liabilities in India as at the close of business

53

on the last Friday of the previous month. Such a return has to be submitted before the close of the month succeeding to which it relates. The return has to be in the form prescribed under Rule 14A of the Banking Regulation (Companies) Rules, 1949. Apart from this, the Reserve Bank may also call for statements and information relating to the business or affairs of a banking company at any time. The bank may direct the banking company to submit such statement or information within such time as it may direct. The Bank may also call for information every half year regarding

investments of a banking company or the classification of its advances in respect of industry, commerce or agriculture.

iii. Accounts and Balance Sheet: The annual accounts and balance sheet have to be submitted to the Reserve Bank within three months from the end of the period to which they relate. The Reserve Bank may extend the time by a further period of three months.

iv. Return of Assets in India: A banking company has to submit to Reserve Bank under Section 25(1)

of the Banking Regulation Act, a quarterly return regarding its assets in India. The return has to be submitted within one month of the end of the quarter. The return has to be filed in the form specified in the Rule 14A of the Banking Regulation (Companies) Rules.

v. Return of Unclaimed Deposits: Under Section 26 of the BR Act, a banking company has to file within thirty days of the close of each calendar year a return on unclaimed deposits (not operated

for ten years). This has to be submitted as specified in the Rule 14B of the Banking Regulation (Companies) Rules.

vi. Return of Cash Reserve of Non-Scheduled Banks: Every banking company, not being a scheduled bank, has to furnish a return to the Reserve Bank under Section 18(1) of the BR Act relating to cash reserve. The return has to be submitted before the twentieth day of every month showing the amounts held on the alternate Fridays during a month along with the particulars of demand and

time liabilities in the form stipulated in the Rule 13A of the BR (Companies) Rules.

vii. Return by Scheduled Banks: Under Section 42 of the RBI Act, scheduled banks have to submit

returns to the Reserve Bank of their demand and time liabilities as specified in the sub-Section (2)

thereof.

4.5 PRESERVATION OF RECORDS AND RETURN OF PAID INSTRUMENTS

i. Preservation of Records: The Central Government is empowered under Section 45 Y of the Banking Regulation Act to make rules specifying the periods of preservation of books, accounts and other documents by banks and the periods of preservation of different instruments paid by banks. Accordingly, the Government has notified the Banking Companies (Preservation of Records) Rules,

1985 and the Cooperative Banks (Period of Preservation of Records) Rules, 1985. These rules specify the period of preservation of different types of ledgers and registers, and records other than ledgers and registers. The rules further provide that, notwithstanding this, the Reserve Bank may, having regard to the factors specified in Section 35A(1) of the BR Act, direct any bank by an order in writing for preserving any books, accounts or registers for a longer period than the period specified under the rules.

ii. Return of Paid Instruments: Under Section 45Z of the Banking Regulation Act, a bank is authorised to return paid instruments to their customers even before the end of the period of preservation specified under the Act. However, in that case, the bank shall not return the instrument without making and keeping in its possession a true copy of all relevant parts of the instruments by a mechanical or another process ensuring accuracy of the copy. Banks are not entitled to charge the customers (including Government departments and corporations) for giving such copies of instruments.

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4.6 INSPECTION AND SCRUTINY

i. Inspection: The Reserve Bank is empowered under Section 35 of the Banking Regulation Act to conduct an inspection of any banking company. The bank may conduct such an inspection at any time. The Central Government may also direct the Reserve Bank to conduct inspection of any bank and in that case, the Reserve Bank is bound to comply with such a direction. After inspection of the books and accounts of the banking company, a copy of the inspection report has to be given to the banking company. The directors and officers of a banking company are bound to produce for

inspection all books, accounts and other documents in their custody. The inspecting team may also require the bank to furnish any statements or information relating to the affairs of the banking company within the time specified by them. The inspecting officer is authorised to examine any director or officer of a banking company on oath.

ii. Powers of the Government: A copy of the report of inspection has to be sent to the Central Government in all cases where inspections have been conducted as directed by the Central

Government. In other cases, it is optional for the Reserve Bank to send copies of inspection to the Government. On consideration of the report, if the Central Government is of the opinion that the affairs of a banking company are being conducted to the detriment of the interests of the depositors, the Government may -

(a) Prohibit the banking company from receiving fresh deposits.

(b) Direct the Reserve Bank to apply for winding up of the banking company under Section 38 of the BR Act.

However, before taking such action, the Government has to give an opportunity to the banking company to make a representation in respect of the report. The Central Government is authorised to defer the passing of such an order or to cancel or modify such an order subject to any terms and conditions imposed by it. It is also open to the Central Government to publish an inspection report or a portion thereof after giving the banking company a reasonable notice.

iii. Scrutiny: Apart from making regular inspections, Reserve Bank is also empowered to conduct a scrutiny of the affairs and the books and accounts of any banking company under the sub-Section (1 A) of Section 35 of the Banking Regulation Act. One or more officers of the Reserve Bank may conduct such a scrutiny. A copy of the report has to be furnished to the banking company, if it makes a request for the same or if adverse action is contemplated against the banking company,

based on the scrutiny. Otherwise, unlike in the case of inspection, it is not mandatory to give a copy of the report to the banking company. The powers of the Reserve Bank to call for books, accounts and documents or statements and information as for examination of any director or officer of the banking company on oath extend to scrutiny as well.

4.7 BOARD FOR FINANCIAL SUPERVISION

i. Constitution of the Board: The Board for Financial Supervision (Board) is a committee established

under Regulation 4 of the Reserve Bank of India (Board for Financial Supervision) Regulations, 1994. These regulations were framed by the Reserve Bank under Section 58 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 with the previous sanction cfthe Central Government. The Board has jurisdiction over the banking companies, Nationalised banks, State Bank and its subsidiaries.

ii. Composition of the Board: The Board consists of the following members:

(a) Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, (S)he is the chairperson of the board. (b) Deputy Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, one of the deputy Governors shall be nominated

by the Governor as the full time vice chairman.

(c) Four directors from the central board of the Reserve Bank nominated by the Governor as

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members, the Governor has to make the nominations to the board in consultation with the central board of the Reserve Bank (Central Board) for a specified period,

iii. Functions and Powers: The board performs the functions and exercises the powers of supervision and inspection under the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act, in relation to different sectors of the financial system, including banking companies. The board shall also perform any other function as may be notified by the central board of the Reserve Bank. The board is assisted by the department of supervision in the Reserve Bank and may also draw personnel from

outside. The chairman, vice-chairman and members can jointly and severally exercise the powers vested in the board, as may be specified by the central board from time to time. The board can also authorise senior officers of the department of supervision with prior approval of the central board to carry out certain functions. The board has to report to the central board on a half yearly timeline.

iv. Meetings of the Board: The board meets at least once in a month. Three members, of whom, one shall be the chairman or the vice chairman shall form a quorum for the meeting. A member who

absents himself/herself without leave of the chairman for three consecutive meetings of the board, would cease to hold office.

v. Executive Committee: The board has the power to constitute sub-committees. One such sub-committee is the executive committee. The vice chairman of the Board, is the ex-officio chairman of the committee and there shall also be not less than two members of the board in that committee.

The committee meets as often as necessary.

vi. Advisory Council: Governor may constitute an advisory council to tender advice from time to time to the board. This council will have not less than five members having special knowledge of accountancy, law, economics, banking, finance and management. The Governor presides over the meetings of the council and the vice-chairman and other members are members of the council.

4.8 ACQUISITION OF UNDERTAKINGS

The Central Government can acquire the undertakings of banking companies in certain cases as mentioned in Section 36AE of the Banking Regulation Act. 'Undertaking' means the entire organisation (See the judgement of the Supreme Court in R.C. Cooper vs Union of India, AIR 1970 SC 564). Acquisition may

be made if on receipt of a report from the Reserve Bank, the Government is satisfied that it is necessary to acquire any undertaking on certain grounds. Before passing the order, the Central Government may make such consultation with the Reserve Bank as it thinks fit. The grounds for acquisition are as under:

• Banking company has failed on more than one occasion to comply with the Reserve Bank's directions under Section 21 or 35A of the Banking Regulation Act.

• Banking company is managed in a manner detrimental to the interests of depositors and it is necessary to acquire its undertaking in the interests of depositors or in the interests of banking policy or for better provision of credit generally or to any particular section of the community or any particular area.

Before acquiring the assets of a banking company, it has to be given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposal.

i. On acquisition of the undertaking all the assets and liabilities of the acquired bank stand transferred to and vests in the Central Government. It is also open to the Central Government to order the vesting of the undertaking of the acquired bank in a company or corporation instead of vesting in the Government. In that case, the transferee bank takes over all the acquired assets and liabilities of the transferer bank.

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ii. Power to make scheme: The Central Government is empowered under Section 36AF to make a scheme for any acquired bank. Such a scheme is framed in consultation with the Reserve Bank.

The scheme may provide for all matters relating to property, assets, liabilities, board of management, service of employees and their terms and conditions, payment of compensation to shareholders of acquired bank and other matters. The Central Government may modify or vary any such scheme after consulting the Reserve Bank. The scheme and any subsequent modification thereof is published in the official gazette and laid down before the Parliament. The provisions of part IIC of the Act providing for acquisition of undertakings of banks by the Government and of any scheme framed

there under shall have an overriding effect on other laws. The scheme shall have binding effect on the Government, the acquired bank, members, creditors and depositors of the acquired bank and all other persons having any rights or liabilities in respect of the acquired bank.

iii. Compensation to shareholders: The shareholders of an acquired bank have a right to get compensation under Section 36AG of the Banking Regulation Act. The amount thereof will be determined as provided in the fifth schedule to the Act, after consultation with the Reserve Bank. There is also a

provision (Section 36AH) for a reference to a tribunal for hearing claims relating to compensation. If the compensation offered by the Government or the transferee bank is not acceptable to any person to whom such compensation is payable, he may request the Central Government to refer the matter to the tribunal, and a reference has to be made to the tribunal, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. In the case of acquisition of the undertaking of a foreign bank in India, a reference has to be made to the tribunal, if requested by the foreign bank.

4.9 AMALGAMATION OF BANKS

i. Voluntary Amalgamation: A banking company may be amalgamated with another banking

company under Section 44A of the Banking Regulation Act. For this purpose, a scheme has to be prepared, containing the terms of such an amalgamation in a draft and placed before the shareholders of the two companies separately. The scheme has to be approved by a

resolution passed by majority of members representing two-thirds in value of the shareholders of each company present in person or by proxy. Notice has to be given to every shareholder in this behalf. A share holder who votes against such scheme or dissents to the scheme and gives notice as stipulated, may claim the value of his shares from the banking company, in the event of sanction of the scheme by the Reserve Bank. After the scheme is approved by the requisite majority, the scheme has to be submitted to the Reserve Bank for sanction. On

sanction by Reserve Bank, the assets and liabilities of the amalgamated company pass to the banking company, with which it is to be amalgamated. The Reserve Bank may also direct that the amalgamated company will stand dissolved from any specified date and intimate the Registrar of Companies accordingly. The order of sanction of amalgamation by Reserve Bank will be the conclusive evidence of amalgamation.

ii. Amalgamation by Government: The Central Government is empowered to order amalgamation of two banking companies under Section 396 of the Companies Act. However, such power has to be exercised only after consultation with the Reserve Bank.

iii. Moratorium and Amalgamation: The Reserve Bank is authorised under Section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act to apply to the Central Government for an order of moratorium in respect of any banking company where it appears to it that there is good reason to do so. After considering the application, the Central Government may pass an order of moratorium staying the commencement or continuation of any action or proceedings against the banking company for a fixed period. This

may be on such terms and conditions as the Government thinks fit and prefers to impose. The

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period of moratorium is extendable from time to time. However, the total period of moratorium

shall not exceed six months. During the period of moratorium, the banking company shall not make any payment to depositors or discharge any liabilities or obligations to any other creditors unless otherwise directed by the Central Government in the order of moratorium or at any time thereafter.

iv. Scheme of Amalgamation:

(a) During the period of moratorium, Reserve Bank may prepare a scheme either for reconstruction

of the banking company, or for amalgamation of the banking company with any other banking institution. Such a scheme may be prepared if the Reserve Bank is satisfied that it is necessary to do so:

(i) in the public interest; (ii) in the interests of the depositors; (iii) for securing the proper management of the banking company;

(iv) in the interest of the banking system of the country as a whole.

(b) The scheme of amalgamation or reconstruction may contain provisions for all or any of the matters specified in the clauses (a) to (I) of the sub-Section (5) of Section 45. These include:

(i) constitution, name, registered office, capital assets, powers, rights, duties and obligations

of the banking company after reconstruction of the transferee company; (ii) transfer

of assets from transferrer bank to transferee bank, and terms and conditions

thereof in the case of amalgamation; (iii) change in or appointment of board of directors; (iv) alteration in memorandum and articles; (v) continuation of action by or against the banking company after amalgamation or

reconstruction; (vi) reduction of the interest or rights of members, depositors or other creditors considered

necessary in public interest or in the interest of members, depositors or creditors or for maintenance of the business of banking company; (vii) payment in cash or otherwise

to creditors and other depositors; (viii) allotment of shares of the transferrer bank to the shareholders of transferrer bank for

shares held by them in the transferrer bank; (ix) continuance of service of employees after reconstruction or amalgamation.

The scheme has to provide for the continuance of all workmen and other staff (excepting those specifically excluded by name in terms of the scheme) on the same terms and conditions of service as before. The scheme should also provide that within three years, these employees have to be given the same pay and terms and conditions as are applicable to the other employees of the transferee bank of corresponding rank or status of equivalent qualifications and

experience. See the judgements of the Supreme Court in State Bank of Travancore vs Elias (1970)2 SCC 761 and also K.I. Shepherd and others vs Union of India and others AIR 1988 SC 686. In the case of any dispute regarding rank, status, etc., of employees in this regard, the decision of the Reserve Bank shall be final.

Scheme has also to provide for payment of terminal benefits to workers who have opted not to continue in service on amalgamation or reconstruction and other employees, who have been specifically mentioned in the scheme for exclusion from service. The scheme may contain

other terms and conditions of amalgamation or reconstruction and also incidental matters.

(c) Sanction of Scheme by Government: A copy of the draft of the scheme prepared by the Reserve Bank has to be sent to the Government and also to the banking company, transferee

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bank and any other banking company concerned in the amalgamation, for their suggestions and objections, if any. The Reserve Bank may specify the period for receipt of such suggestions and objections. In the light of any suggestions and objections received, modification may be

made in the draft, as considered necessary by the Reserve Bank. Thereafter, the scheme, may be placed before the Central Government for sanction. The Government may sanction the scheme with such modifications as it may consider necessary. The scheme shall come into force from the date of the sanction.

(d) Effect of Sanction: On the Central Government sanctioning the scheme, it becomes binding on

the banking company, transferee bank and the members, depositors and other creditors, employees and any person having any right or liability in relation to the banking company. The sanction by the Central Government is the conclusive evidence that the amalgamation or reconstruction has been done in compliance with the provisions of Section 45 of the Act. The assets and properties of the banking company shall stand transferred to and vest in, and liabilities shall stand transferred and become liabilities of the transferee bank as provided in the

scheme.

If any difficulty arises in implementing the scheme, the Central Government may pass the necessary orders for removing the difficulties. A copy of the scheme and any orders passed for removing difficulties has to be placed before the Parliament.

Consequent to amalgamation, the transferee bank has to carry on the business of the banking

company acquired by the transferee bank, according to the law governing the transferee bank. The Central Government may give necessary exemptions and modifications in this behalf on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank. However, such modification or exemption should not last for more than seven years.

A single scheme of amalgamation can be made in respect of several banking companies under

moratorium. The provision of Section 45 and the scheme sanctioned there under shall have overriding effect on other laws, agreements, awards or instruments.

4.10 WINDING UP OF BANKS

i. Suspension of Business and Winding Up: A banking company which is temporarily unable to meet its obligations may apply to the High Court under Section 37 of the Banking Regulation Act for staying the commencement or continuance of any proceedings against it. Such stay will be for a fixed period and subject to any terms and conditions imposed by the High Court as it may think fit. The total period of such moratorium shall not exceed six months. An application for moratorium shall be supported by a report of the Reserve Bank indicating that the banking company will be able

to pay its debts if the application is allowed. The Court, for sufficient reasons, may grant the relief, even if the application is not supported by the Reserve Bank's report. In that case, a report will be called for and the order, may be modified or rescinded based on the report. On passing of moratorium order the court may appoint a special officer to take custody and control of the assets, books, etc., of the banking company in the interests of the depositors.

If the Reserve Bank is satisfied that the affairs of a banking company under moratorium as above, are being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the depositors, it may apply to the High Court for winding up of the company. Thereafter, the High Court shall not extend the period of moratorium.

ii. Winding Up by High Court:

(a) The High Court shall order the winding up of a banking company in the circumstances mentioned in Section 38 of the Banking Regulation Act. They are:

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(i) The banking company is unable to pay its debts; (ii) An application for winding up has been made by the Reserve Bank under Section 37 or

Section 38 of the Act.

(b) The Reserve Bank is bound to make an application for winding up under Section 38, if directed by the Central Government under Section 35(4) of the Banking Regulation Act. The Central Government may issue such direction under Section 35(4) when, on consideration of the report of inspection or scrutiny made by the Reserve Bank at the direction of the Central Government, it is of opinion that the affairs of the bank are being conducted to the detriment of the interests of the depositors. However, before giving such direction, the banking company has to be given an opportunity to make a representation in connection with the report of inspection or scrutiny.

(c) It is open to the Reserve Bank to apply for winding up of a banking company in certain other cases as follows:

(i) failure to comply with the requirements of Section 11 regarding minimum paid-up capital and reserves; (ii) bank being not entitled to carry on banking business in India under

Section 22 of the BR

Act by reason of rejection or cancellation of licence; (iii) prohibition to accept fresh deposits under Section 35(4) of the BR Act or Section 42

(3A)(b) of the Reserve Bank of India Act; (iv) failure to comply with the requirements of the BR Act other than Section 11 and

continuance of such failure or contravention beyond the period or periods specified by

the Reserve Bank in this behalf and after notice in writing of such failure or contravention. In addition to the above, the Reserve Bank may apply for winding up of a banking

company if it is of the opinion that:

(a) a compromise or arrangement sanctioned for a banking company cannot be worked satisfactorily with or without modification; or

(b) the returns, statements and information given by the bank under the Act show that it cannot pay its debts; or

(c) the continuance of the banking company is prejudicial to the interests of the depositors.

A banking company shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts if it has refused to meet any lawful demand made at any of its offices or branches within the stipulated time and the Reserve Bank certifies in writing that the banking company is unable to pay its debts. If the demand is made at a place where the Reserve Bank has an office, branch or agency, the time limit is two days and in other cases five days. When the Reserve Bank makes an application for winding up, the court is bound to allow the application. As held by the Supreme Court in the Palai Central Bank case (AIR 1962 SC 1371 at 1383), as between the Court and the Reserve Bank, the momentous decision to wind up in the interests of depositors may reasonably be left to the Reserve Bank.

iii. Official Liquidator: Section 38A of the BR Act provides for a liquidator to be appointed by the Central Government, attached to respective High Court, for conducting the winding up proceedings relating to banking companies. Such a liquidator need not be appointed where enough cases of winding up of banking companies are not available in any High Court.

iv. Reserve Bank as Liquidator: Although there is a provision for an official liquidator as above, if the Reserve Bank applies to the Court under Section 39 of the Act, the Reserve Bank, State Bank or any other bank notified by the Central Government in this behalf or any individual stated in the application may be appointed as the official liquidator. The remuneration of the liquidator and other costs and expenditure of winding up shall be borne by the banking company. All provisions of the Companies

60

Act, which are not inconsistent with the Banking Regulation Act shall be applicable to such a liquidator. The liquidator has to make a preliminary report to the High Court within two months of the winding up order on the availability of assets for making preferential payments under Section 530 of the Companies Act and for discharging liabilities to depositors and other creditors. Within fifteen days of the winding up order, the liquidator has to give notice calling for claims for preferential payment and other claims from every secured and unsecured creditor. Under Section 43 of the Act, the depositors need not make claims. The claims of every depositor of a banking company is deemed to have filed for the amount as shown in the books of the banking company standing to his credit.

v. Preferential Payment: In the winding up proceedings, the liquidator of a banking company has to make certain preferential payments under Section 43 A of the Banking Regulation Act. Accordingly, the preferential payments referred to in Section 530 of the Companies Act, in respect of which, claims have been made within one month of service of notice, get the first preference. After that, depositors in savings bank account up to Rs. 250 and then other depositors up to Rs. 250 get priority over all other creditors. After making these payments, the balance available will be utilised for payment to general creditors and then for payment of further amounts due to the depositors. The provision for preferential payment by liquidator will not apply to depositors covered by the DICGC Act.

vi. Voluntary Winding Up: Apart from the provision for compulsory winding up as above, Section 44 provides for voluntary winding up by banking companies. However, no such winding up will be permissible unless the Reserve Bank certifies that the bank will not be able to pay in full all its debts as they accrue. It is open to the High Court to order during voluntary winding up of a banking company that it shall continue, subject to the supervision of the Court. The High Court may also order winding up by Court either on its own motion or on the application by the Reserve Bank, if during voluntary winding up it becomes clear that the company is not able to meet its debts as they accrue or if continuing voluntary winding up or winding up under supervision of the court may be detrimental to the interests of depositors.

4.11 PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES

A banking company has to abide by the requirements of the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act and the subordinate legislation there under, namely statutory rules, directions, etc., issued under these Acts. Failure to do so invites penalties.

i. Penalties Under the RBI Act: Chapter V of the Reserve Bank of India Act deals with penalty for violation of the Act. Banking companies have to make applications and furnish returns, statements, etc., under different provision of the Act, regulations, orders, directions, etc. While doing so, the making of any statement which is false in any particular material, knowing it to be false or wilfully omitting to make any material statement, is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of three years and also a fine.

Failure to produce any books, accounts or other documents or statements, or information which a person is duty bound to make under the Act, or any order, regulation or direction is punishable with fine up to Rs. 2,000 for each offence. For continuing offences, there is a provision for fine of Rs. 100 for each day when the offence continues. There are penalties under the sub-Section (3) to (5B) of Section 58B for contravention of specific provisions of the Act or orders, direction, etc., made there under. Apart from this, for contravention of any other provisions or not complying with any requirements under the Act, order, regulation or direction, the guilty shall be punishable with fine up to Rs. 2,000, and further Rs. 100 every day for continuing the offence.

In the case of offences by companies, every person who was in charge of or responsible for conduct of the company's business shall be deemed guilty of the contravention or default unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had exercised due diligence to prevent the

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offence. The court will not take cognizance of an offence under the Act (except offences relating to

acceptance of deposits under the Chapter IIIC) otherwise than on a complaint by an officer of the bank

generally or specially authorised in writing in this behalf by the Bank. A metropolitan magistrate or

magistrate of the first class or court superior thereto shall try the offences.

ii. Penalties under the BR Act: The provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, relating to penalties, are

provided in Section 46 thereof. Accordingly, making wilfully any false statement in any return,

balance sheet or other document or information given under the Act is punishable. Similarly, wilful

omission to make any material statement is also punishable. In both cases, punishment is up to

three years imprisonment and fine.

Failure to produce any book, account or other document or to furnish a statement or information that

is obligatory to be produced under Section 35(2), during inspection or scrutiny is punishable with fine

up to Rs. 2,000. Similarly, failure to answer any question relating to the business of the banking

company during inspection is also punishable. Continuance of the offence is punishable with fine of

Rs. 100 for every day during which the offence continues. Acceptance of deposits against an order

prohibiting acceptance of deposits under Section 35(4) is punishable with a fine up to twice the amount

of deposits accepted. Every director or officer is punishable in this case, unless he proves that the

contravention was without his knowledge or that he had exercised all diligence to prevent it. Any

contravention of other provisions of the Act, or any rule, order or direction made or condition imposed,

is punishable with fine up to Rs. 50,000 or twice the amount involved in the contravention. In the case

of continuing offences, a fine up to Rs. 2,500 for each day may be imposed. In the case of offences by

companies, every person who was in charge of the company at the time of commission of the offence

is punishable unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or in spite of his

exercising due diligence to prevent it.

Under Section 47, the offences are cognizable only by a metropolitan magistrate, judicial first class or

a court superior thereto on a complaint by an officer of the Reserve Bank and in some cases by the

National Bank.

Under Section 47A, the Reserve Bank is empowered to impose a penalty for default or contravention.

If the Reserve Bank exercises that power, no complaint shall be filed in a Court in respect of the same

contravention or default.

4.12 LET US SUM UP

Every banking company has to prepare its balance sheet and profit and loss account annually as at the

end of the calendar year or at the end of twelve months as on a date notified by the Central Government.

The accounts have to be audited by auditors duly qualified to be auditors of companies. Three copies

of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and the auditor's report have to be submitted as returns to

the Reserve Bank and to the Registrar of Companies. Banking companies have also to furnish other

returns like return on maintenance of cash reserve, maintenance of liquid assets, etc. The Reserve

Bank is authorised to inspect or conduct, scrutiny of banking companies, their books and accounts.

The Board for Financial Supervision set up by the Reserve Bank by statutory regulations framed under

the Reserve Bank of India Act supervises the affairs of banking companies. The Government may

acquire the undertakings of banking companies in certain circumstances based on a report from the

Reserve Bank. The Central Government may also order moratorium on banking companies on the

application of the Reserve Bank. During moratorium, the Reserve Bank may prepare a scheme for

amalgamation, which may be sanctioned by the Central Government. Such an amalgamation scheme

will have overriding effect on any laws, agreements, etc. The Reserve Bank may also apply to the High

Court for winding up of a banking company when it is not able to pay its debts and also in certain other

circumstances. The Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act impose certain penalties

for contravention or default committed by banking companies or other persons.

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4.13 KEYWORDS

Amalgamation; Board for Financial Supervision; Continuing Offence; Inspection; Moratorium; Scrutiny; Winding up.


1. Fill in the gaps choosing answers from the brackets.

(i) A banking company has to prepare profit and loss accounts and balance sheet as at the

_________ or at the expiration of twelve months ending with such date as notified by the

Central Government, (end of calendar year, end of March, end of June) (ii) The balance sheet and profit and loss account shall be audited by a person duly qualified to

be _________ . (a certified financial analyst, auditor of companies, auditor of cooperative

societies) (iii) Three copies of the balance sheet and accounts along with the auditor's report of a banking

company sent to the Reserve Bank under Section 31 of the BR Act, have also to be sent to

_________ . (the Central Government, Registrar of Companies, Company Law Board) (iv) Reserve Bank is empowered to conduct _________ of a banking company under Section

35(1) of the BR Act. (inspection, special audit, audit) (v) A copy of the inspection report, relating to a banking company, _________ to that banking

company, (should be given, need not be given, should be given at request)

(vi) The board for Financial Supervision is constituted by _________ . (the Government, Reserve

Bank, Indian Banks Association) (vii) Under Section 35(4) of the BR Act, Central Government can prohibit a banking company

from accepting fresh deposits if the business of the banking company is conducted

_________ . (not profitably, not in compliance with the Act, to the detriment of interest of

its depositors)

Say whether true or false: (i) Foreign banks have to prepare accounts and balance sheet in respect of all business transacted

by them in India, (ii) Reserve Bank requires the permission of the Central Government for ordering special audit

of a banking company, (iii) Three copies of the balance sheet, profit and loss account, and

auditor's report of a banking

company have to be submitted to the Reserve Bank as returns, (iv) A copy of scrutiny report has to be given to the banking company whether requested by it

or not. (v) The Board for Financial Supervision is set up under the regulations framed by the Reserve

Bank under Section 58 of the Banking Regulation Act. (vi) The Central Government is

not empowered to order Reserve Bank for inspection of a

banking company, (vii) Central Government has to give notice to the banking company before publishing its

inspection report or any part of it.


(i) The undertaking of a banking company may be acquired by the Central Government if it is satisfied on a report from the Reserve Bank that the banking company has failed on more

than one occasion to comply with the _________ . (directions of the Government, directions

under Sections 21 and 35A of BR Act, provisions of the Companies Act) (ii) The Central Government may make a _________ after consultation with the Reserve Bank

2.

3.

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for carrying out the purposes of part IIC of the BR Act, in relation to an acquired bank. (scheme, plan, memorandum)

_________ may apply to the High Court for winding up of a banking company under

(iii)

Section 38 of the BR Act. (Registrar of Companies, Reserve Bank, Central Government) (iv) The High Court shall order winding up of a banking company if the banking company is

unable to _________ (pay its debts, file returns in time, eliminate non-performing assets) (v) In a winding up proceeding the depositors shall _________ for the amounts shown in the

books of the bank standing to their credit, (be deemed to have filed claim, have to file claim,

have no claim) (vi) The _________ may apply to the Central Government for an order of moratorium in

respect of a banking company, (banking company, Registrar of Companies, Reserve Bank) (vii) The provisions of a scheme of amalgamation sanctioned by the Central Government under

Section 45 of the BR Act will _________ the provisions of other laws, (not affect, have

overriding effect on, will be subject to).

4. Say whether true or false

(i) Central Government can acquire the undertaking of a banking company under Section

36AE of the Banking Regulation Act in the interest of banking policy without any report from the Reserve Bank on the affairs of the banking company, (ii) The undertaking of an

acquired bank may vest in the Central Government or in any company

or corporation as directed by the Central Government, (iii) On the application of Reserve Bank, the High Court may stay the commencement or

continuance of proceedings against any banking company for any period, (iv) The Reserve Bank or State Bank or another person as specified by the Reserve Bank in its

application before the High Court may be appointed as liquidator of a banking company, (v) On winding up of a banking company, all the depositors as a class get the first preference

for payment, (vi) The Reserve Bank may prepare a scheme for reconstruction or amalgamation of a banking

company under moratorium under Section 45 of the BR Act. (vii) Making any false statement in a return or other document submitted under the provisions of

the BR Act is punishable with imprisonment and fine also.


1. (i) end of calendar year (ii) auditor of companies (iii) Registrar of Companies (iv) Inspection

(v) should be given (vi) Reserve Bank

(vii) to the detriment of interest of the depositors

2. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) False; (vi) False; (vii) True

3. (i) directions under Sections 21 and 35A of the BR Act (ii) Scheme (iii) Reserve Bank

(iv) Pay its debts (v) be deemed to have filed claim

(vi) Reserve Bank (vii) have overriding effect on

4. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) False; (vi) True; (vii) True


Fill in the blanks choosing answers from brackets —1 A banking

mmpany has tn prepare its annual accounts in the forms

_. (decided by the

64

board of the banking company and approved in general meeting; specified by the Department of Company Affairs; in the form set out in the Third Schedule to the BR Act or as near thereto as circumstances admit)

2. A banking company has to submit three copies of its accounts and balance sheet together with

auditors' report _________ . (to the Reserve Bank and also to the Registrar of Companies; only

to the Reserve Bank; only to the Registrar of Companies). 3. The expenses incidental to a special audit under Section 3O(1B) of the BR Act shall be borne by

_________ . (the Reserve Bank of India; the banking company; the Government of India) 4. The balance sheet and profit and loss account of a banking company, have to be audited, as

stipulated under Section 30 of the Banking Regulation Act, by _________ . (a person duly qualified

under any law for the time being in force to be an auditor of companies; Reserve Bank; Registrar of Companies).

5. Reserve Bank shall cause an inspection of a banking company, by one or more of its officers

__________ . (if so required by shareholders representing at least ten per cent of the shares of the

bank; if so required by the Central Government; if so required by the Registrar of Companies.)


6. (i) Reserve Bank may publish, if they consider in the public interest to do so, any information

obtained by them under the BR Act in such consolidated form as it thinks fit. (ii) Reserve Bank may not publish any information in whatever form collected from a banking

company in exercise of the powers under the BR Act. (iii) Reserve Bank may not publish information obtained during inspection of a banking company

even in a consolidated form. 7. (i) Board of Financial Supervision is a body established by the Government under the provisions

of the BR Act. (ii) Board of Financial Supervision is a body established under the Reserve Bank of India Act for

the supervision of banks and financial companies, (iii) Board of Financial Supervision is a body established by the Government for supervising the

securities market.

8. (i) The Reserve Bank may order moratorium in respect of a banking company when it is satisfied

that there is good reason to do so. (ii) The Central Government may order moratorium on its own motion when it is satisfied that

the financial position of the banking company is not satisfactory, (iii) The Central Government may after considering the application made by the Reserve Bank

for an order of moratorium in respect of a banking company, order moratorium staying the

commencement and continuance of all actions and proceedings against the banking company. 9. (i) The High Court shall under Section 38 of the BR Act order winding up of a banking company

if it is unable to pay its debts, (ii) The High Court shall under Section 38 of the BR Act order winding up of a banking company

if the Government makes an application therefore under Section 37 of the BR Act. (iii)

The High Court shall under Section 38 of the BR Act order winding up of a banking company

if the continuance of the banking company is prejudicial to the interests of its shareholders

and the Reserve Bank applies to the court on that ground. 10. (i) No provisions of the Companies Act apply to the liquidator in the winding up of a banking

company, (ii) All provisions of the Companies Act apply to the liquidator in the winding up of a banking

company, (iii) All provisions of the Companies Act relating to liquidator, insofar as they are consistent with

BR Act, apply to a liquidator of a banking company.

U N I T

5

PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS AND CO-OPERATIVE BANKS

STRUCTURE

5.0 Objectives

5.1 Introduction

5.2 State Bank and Its Subsidiaries

5.3 Regional Rural Banks

5.4 Nationalised Banks

5.5 Application of Banking Regulation Act to Public Sector Banks

5.6 Disinvestment of Shares by Government

5.7 Co-operative Banks

5.8 Let Us Sum Up

5.9 Keywords




66

5.0 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this unit are to understand:

• the special laws governing the public sector banks, namely, State Bank and its subsidiaries, Nationalised banks, and regional rural banks;

• the applicability of Banking Regulation Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act to these banks; • laws governing the co-operative banks, in particular applicability of Banking Regulation Act to co

operative banks; • extent of legal control of state governments over co-operative banks.

5.1 INTRODUCTION

i. The public sector banks, namely, the State Bank of India and its subsidiaries, Nationalised banks and regional rural banks are established by special statutes. These statutes and the rules, regulations and/or schemes framed thereunder provide the powers, functions and management of these banks. The Banking Regulation Act is applicable to these banks only in a limited way, as some of

the provisions are not applicable.

ii. In the case of co-operative banks, these banks being created and governed by the laws relating to co-operative societies, if they operate only in one state, the State Act and if they operate in different states, the Central Act applies. The Banking Regulation Act is applicable to co-operative banks in a modified manner as provided in Section 56 of the Act.

iii. In this unit, we study the special laws applicable to the public sector banks and co-operative banks

as also the Banking Regulation Act and Reserve Bank of India Act as they apply to these banks.

5.2 STATE BANK AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

i. Establishment of State Bank: State Bank of India was established under Section 3 of the State Bank

of India Act, 1955 for taking over the undertaking of the Imperial Bank and to carry on the business of banking and other business in accordance with that Act. It is a body corporate, with perpetual succession and common seal and shall sue and be sued in its name. The majority of ; shares are held by the GOI. Further, no shareholder other than the GOI can exercise voting right above ten per cent, unless otherwise specified by the Central Government in consultation with the

Reserve Bank. Now the complete holding of RBI is acquired by the central government.

ii. Management: The State Bank has its central office in Mumbai and local head offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other places as decided by its Central Board in consultation with the Central Government. The superintendence and direction of the affairs of the bank is vested in the Central Board, which has to function according to the business principles having regard to public interest.

The Central Government can give directions to the bank on matters of policy involving public interest in consultation with the Governor of the Reserve Bank and the Chairman of the State Bank. The directions have to be given through the Reserve Bank. The board is empowered to make regulations for carrying out the purposes of the Act in consultation with the Reserve Bank and with the previous sanction of the Central Government.

iii. Composition of the Board: The Board shall consist of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, not more than

two Managing Directors appointed by the Central Government, presidents of local boards and other directors. There are directors falling in different categories, namely, appointed by the Government to represent workmen and officers, nominated by the Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank from among persons with special knowledge of co-operatives and rural

67

economy, nominated by Reserve Bank, nominated by Central Government and elected by shareholders

other than Reserve Bank.

The chairman and managing directors are appointed for a period not exceeding five years and are

eligible for reappointment. Their services can be terminated by the Central Government by giving

a three month's notice or notice pay in lieu thereof, after consultation with the Reserve Bank.

Local boards are set up at each place where there is a local head office to exercise all powers and

to perform the functions and duties of the bank delegated under Section 2 IB of the Act. The local

board consists of the chairman and other elected and nominated members as specified in Section

21 of the Act.

iv. Business of State Bank: The State Bank shall act as an agent of the Reserve Bank at the places

where it has a branch and where Reserve Bank has no branch, if so required, by the Reserve Bank,

for transacting Government business and other business entrusted to it by the Reserve Bank. The

terms and conditions thereof shall be as agreed between the Reserve Bank and the State Bank. If

agreement is not reached, the terms shall be decided by the Central Government. The State Bank

may transact the work through its subsidiaries or an agent approved by the Reserve Bank. Apart

from this, the State Bank may carry on the business of banking as defined in Section 5(b) of the

Banking Regulation Act and other business specified in Section 6(1) of that Act. The bank is

permitted to acquire business of other banks with the sanction of the Central Government or if so

directed by the Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank.

v. Accounts and Audit: The State Bank has to close its books and balance accounts each year as on

31 March or such other date as may be specified by the Central Government. Within three months

of the closing date, it has to furnish to the Central Government and the Reserve Bank its balance

sheet and profit and loss account together with auditors' report and a report by the Central Board

on the working and activities of the bank. The audit may be conducted by any person duly qualified

to be auditors of companies under Section 226 of the Companies Act. No Director, member of

local board, local committee or an officer of the State Bank shall be eligible to be the auditor. The

appointment of auditors is done by the Reserve Bank in consultation with the Central Government.

The auditors' report and report of the Central Board have to be placed before the Parliament. The

State Bank has also to transmit to the Central Government and the Reserve Bank within two

months of the date of annual closing of accounts, the particulars of its shareholders as on that date.

The balance sheet and profit and loss account, auditor's report and report of the Central Board

shall be open for discussion by the shareholders at the annual general meeting. The annual general

meeting has to be held within six weeks of the date of sending the balance sheet, etc., to the Central

Government and the Reserve Bank.

vi. Subsidiary Banks: The subsidiary banks of the State Bank of India were established by different

special statutes. The State Bank of Hyderabad was constituted as Hyderabad State Bank under the

Hyderabad State Bank Act and later renamed as State Bank of Hyderabad under the State Bank of

Hyderabad Act, 1956. The State Bank of Saurashtra was constituted under the Saurashtra State

Banks (Amalgamation) Ordinance, 1950. The other banks were established under Section 3 of the

State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959. Every subsidiary bank is a body corporate with

perpetual succession and common seal and shall sue and be sued in its own name. The majority of

the issued share capital of the subsidiary banks is held by the State Bank. The shares of the

subsidiary banks are freely transferable as provided in Section 18 of the Act. However, the State

Bank is not entitled to transfer the shares if such transfer would result in reducing its shareholding

to less than fifty per cent of the issued capital.

vii. Management of Suhsidiarv Ranlrs- Tht* opnprai cimonnton/fon^ ^~A ~ ,,-,+ ,-v-f-* f*4?£nZ-~r* rt-C ~ . ___1-. — 1 .31 _____

68

bank vests in its board of directors and the board may exercise all the powers and carry out all

functions with the assistance of the managing director, subject to the directions and instructions

given by the State Bank from time to time.

The board consists of the chairman (State Bank Chairman, ex-officio), managing director and

other directors. The directors are nominated or appointed by the Central Government, Reserve

Bank or the State Bank except for the directors to be elected by the shareholders other than the

State Bank. The State Bank appoints the managing director after consulting the board of the subsidiary

bank and with the approval of the Reserve Bank. The day-to-day administration vests in the managing

director. The State Bank may, with the approval of the Reserve Bank and after giving opportunity

to show cause, remove the managing director from office. The Act provides for an executive

committee, consisting of directors, which may deal with any matter within the competence of the

board subject to any regulations made under the Act.

viii. Business of Subsidiary Banks: A subsidiary bank has to act as agent of the State Bank under

Section 36 of the (SBI Subsidiary Banks) Act, at any place as required by the State Bank to receive,

collect and remit money, bullion and Government securities on behalf of the Government of India,

and undertake other business which the Reserve Bank may entrust the State Bank from time to

time, with the approval of the Reserve Bank. Under Section 36A, a subsidiary bank has also act as

an agent of the Reserve Bank if required by it, to undertake Government work or other work

entrusted by the Reserve Bank. The terms and conditions of agency with the Reserve Bank will be

as agreed between the Reserve Bank and the subsidiary bank and if no agreement is reached or

dispute arises, the decision of the Central Government shall be final. A subsidiary bank shall also

transact the business of banking as defined in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act and any

other business specified in Section 6(1) of that Act.

The Central Government may after consultation with the State Bank and Reserve Bank, by order in

writing authorise a subsidiary bank to undertake other form of business or prohibit it from carrying

on any business, which is otherwise lawful for it to engage in. It is open to a subsidiary bank to

acquire the business of other banks with the approval of State Bank. The Reserve Bank may direct

the bank in consultation with State Bank to acquire the business of any bank.

ix. Accounts and Audit: Subsidiary banks have to close and balance their accounts annually as on 31

March or such other date as may be specified by the Central Government by notification in the

official gazette. After providing for bad and doubtful debts and other matters specified in Section

40 of the SBI (sub-Banks) Act, a subsidiary bank may declare a dividend out of its profits.

The audit of accounts has to be done by a qualified auditor of companies as specified under Section

226 of the companies Act who shall be appointed by the State Bank in consultation with the

Reserve Bank.

The balance sheet and profit and loss account together with auditors' report and report of the

board on the working and activities of the bank have to be submitted as returns to the State Bank,

Reserve Bank and the Central Government within three months of the date of closing accounts.

The Reserve Bank may extend the period by further three months in consultation with the State

Bank.

A general meeting of shareholders shall be held annually as required under Section 44 of the Act

within six weeks of sending the accounts, etc., to the State Bank and others. The shareholders are

entitled to discuss the balance sheet, profit and loss account, auditor's report and the board's

report at such meeting.

The State Bank is empowered under Section 47 to inspect the subsidiary banks.

69

x. Rules and Regulations: The Central Government is empowered to make rules under Section 62 of

the Act for giving effect to the purposes of the Act. The State Bank is also empowered to make

regulations under Section 63 with the approval of the Reserve Bank for giving effect to the purposes

of the Act.

5.3 REGIONAL RURAL BANKS

The Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are public sector institutions, regionally based, rural oriented and

engaged in commercial banking. They were first set up in 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Ordinance,

1975. The ordinance was later replaced by the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976. The formation of these

banks was the result of the growing realisation that the ethos and attitude of the existing public sector

banks were not fully conducive to meet the credit needs of the rural people. As stated in the preamble

to the Act, the object of setting up regional rural banks is to develop rural economy by providing credit

and other facilities for the purpose of development of agriculture, trade, commerce, industry and other

productive activities in rural areas, particularly to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers,

artisans and small entrepreneurs.

i. Establishment of RRBs: Section 3 of the Act authorises the Central Government to establish regional

rural banks by notification in the official gazette at the request of a sponsor bank to operate within

specified local limits. 'Sponsor Bank' is a bank by which a regional rural bank is sponsored and it

holds 35 per cent of the issued capital of the RRB, while the Central Government holds 50 per cent

and the State Government holds the remaining fifteen per cent of the issued capital. Every RRB is

a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal with power to acquire, hold and

dispose of property and to sue and be sued in its name. Generally, a regional rural bank is allotted

a compact area of operation comprising a few districts with homogeneous agro-climatic conditions

and rural clientele: These banks may accept all types of deposits from the public and engage in the

business of 'banking' as defined in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act.

ii. Management of the Affairs of an RRB: The management of RRB vests in the board of directors.

The board has to function on business principles with due regard to public interest. The board is

empowered to make regulations for giving effect to the provisions of the Act in consultation with

the sponsor bank and with previous approval of the Central Government. The Central Government

is empowered to give directions to RRBs on matters of policy involving public interest.

The board consists of a chairman appointed by the sponsor bank from among its officers in

consultation with the National Bank, or otherwise in consultation with the Central Government.

The chairman holds office on whole-time basis and is removable by the sponsor bank, where the

chairman is an officer of the sponsor bank, in consultation with the National Bank and in other

cases in consultation with the Central Government.

A person who is adjudged insolvent or is convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude is

disqualified to be a director and has to vacate office. Absence from three meetings consecutively

without leave of the board also results in vacation of office.

iii. Business of Regional Rural Banks: Regional rural banks may transact the business of banking as

defined in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act and any other business permissible for a bank

to undertake under Section 6(1) of that Act. However, the main thrust of the business would be

granting of loans and advances to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, agricultural

marketing societies, farmers' service societies, artisans, small entrepreneurs, etc., within the notified

area of operation.

70

other date as the Central Government may specify. The auditors have to be appointed with the approval of the Central Government. A person qualified to act as an auditor of companies under Section 226 of the Companies Act is qualified to be an auditor of a regional rural bank. The auditor's report and report on the working of the bank has to be laid before the Parliament. The

sponsor bank is empowered to monitor the progress of the RRBs by inspection, internal audit and scrutiny and suggest corrective measures.

v. Amalgamation: Two or more RRBs may be amalgamated by the Central Government by notification in the official gazette. Such notification shall provide for all terms and conditions of amalgamation including continuation of service of employees and shall be binding on the banks and all other

parties concerned.

5.4 NATIONALISED BANKS

The Bank Nationalisation Acts [Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, isfeO] transferred

the undertakings of then existing private banks to the corresponding new banks established under these Acts. These corresponding new banks, are popularly known as Nationalised banks. Originally, the entire paid-up capital (equity shares), of the Nationalised banks were held by the Central Government. Some of these banks have recently made public issues of shares, but the Central Government still holds the majority of shares in all these banks. The Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) and Financial Institutions Laws (Amendment) Act, 2006 enables these banks to

raise capital by way of public issue or preferential allotment or private placement of equity shares or preference shares. The Central Government shall, however, at all times hold not less than fifty one per cent of the equity of these banks. The shares other than those held by the Central Government are freely transferable. The guidelines for issue of preference shares (including those on the classes of preference shares) shall be issued by the Reserve Bank. No equity shareholder other than the Central Government can exercise voting rights in excess of one per cent of the total voting rights of

all the shareholders. In the case of the preference shareholders, they shall have a right to vote in respect of those shares only on resolutions which directly affect the rights attached to the preference shares. Further, no preference shareholder shall be entitled to exercise voting rights in respect of the preference shares held by him in excess of one per cent of the total voting rights of all the shareholders holding preference share capital only.

Every Nationalised bank is a body corporate having perpetual succession and common seal and power to acquire, hold and dispose of property and enter into contracts and to sue and be sued in its

name. These banks may carry on the business of banking as defined in Section 5(b) of the Banking Regulation Act and other forms of business specified in Section 6(1) of that Act. The Nationalised banks have also to act as agents of the Reserve Bank, if so required by the Reserve Bank to undertake the banking business of Central Government and any other business entrusted by the Reserve Bank.

a. Management: The general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs of a Nationalised

bank vests in the board of directors. The board can exercise all the powers and functions of the bank and shall be entitled to discuss, approve and adopt the annual accounts. The Central Government is empowered to issue directions to the bank in the discharge of its functions on matters of policy involving public interest after consultation with the Governor of the Reserve Bank, to supersede the board on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank and also to appoint an administrator. Further,

under Section 9 of both the Nationalisation Acts, the Central Government has the power to make a scheme for carrying out the provisions of the Act after consultation with the Reserve Bank. The

71

Government may also amend or vary the scheme in consultation with the Reserve Bank. Such a scheme has to be laid before Parliament and is binding on the bank and any person having any right or liability in relation to the bank.

b. Directors: The directors of Nationalised banks are nominated by the Central Government or elected from the shareholders. The nomination of directors is as under:

(i) not more than four whole-time directors (as against two earlier);

(ii) one director who is an official of the Central Government to be nominated by the Central Government; (iii) one director, possessing necessary expertise and 'experience in matters

relating to regulation

or supervision of commercial banks, to be nominated by the Central Government on the

recommendation of the Reserve Bank; (iv) a director representing workmen employees of

the bank; (v) a director representing officers of the bank; (vi) one chartered accountant with not less than fifteen years experience nominated in consultation

with Reserve Bank; (vii) not more than six directors to be nominated by Central Government.

The other shareholders can elect up to a maximum of three directors to the board. No person shall be eligible to be elected as director, unless he is a person having fit and proper status based upon

track record, integrity and such other criteria as the Reserve Bank may notify from time to time in this regard. The Reserve Bank may also specify in the notification, the authority to determine the fit and proper status, the manner of such determination, the procedure to be followed for such determination and such other matters as may be considered necessary or incidental thereto.

The directors nominated under Item (vii) and the elected directors should have special knowledge

or practical experience of agriculture and rural economy, banking, cooperation, economics, finance, law, small scale industry or other knowledge or experience useful to the bank in the opinion of the Reserve Bank or must represent the interest of depositors or farmers or workers and artisans. An elected director, who in the Reserve Bank's opinion does not qualify the requirements, can be removed by the Reserve Bank after giving an opportunity of being heard. The board can co-opt any other qualified persons in his place who will continue until another director, is duly elected in the

next annual general meeting. Apart from the direction and management of affairs of the bank, the board has also the power to frame regulations under Section 19 for giving effect to the provisions of the Act. This has to be done in consultation with the Reserve Bank and with the sanction of the Central Government.

c. Additional directors: The Reserve Bank may appoint one or more additional directors on the board

of a Nationalised bank, if it is of the opinion that in the interest of banking policy or in the public interest or in the interests of the bank or its depositors, it is necessary to do so. The appointment may be made from time to time, by order in writing, with effect from such date, as may be specified in the order and the additional directors shall hold office during the pleasure of the Reserve Bank and subject thereto, for a period not exceeding three years or such further periods not exceeding three years at a time as the Reserve Bank may specify. They shall not incur any

obligation or liability by reason only of being a director or for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the execution of the duties of this office or in relation thereto.

d. Accounts and Audit: Every Nationalised bank has to close its account as on 31 March or such other date specified by the Central Government by notification in the official gazette as provided in Section 10 of the Act. The auditor shall be a person duly qualified to be an auditor of a company

under Section 226 of the Companies Act. The auditor shall make a report to the Central Government

72

upon the balance sheet as stipulated in Section 10 of the Act. The auditor shall send copies of the

report to the bank and the Reserve Bank. The bank has to furnish copies of the balance sheet,

profit and loss account and auditor's report along with the report of the board of directors on the

working and activities of the bank to the Central Government and the Reserve Bank. The auditor's

report and report of the board have to be laid before the Parliament. Without prejudice to the above,

the Centra] Government is also empowered to appoint auditors as it thinks fit at any time to

examine and report on the accounts of a Nationalised bank.

A Nationalised bank may pay dividends out of profits after making the necessary provisions under

the law or as usually provided by banking companies. An annual general meeting of shareholders

has to be held within six weeks of the date of forwarding the balance sheet, etc., to the Central

Government. In such meeting, the shareholders will be free to discuss the balance sheet, accounts,

auditors' report and report of the board. For the purpose of Income Tax Act, a Nationalised bank

is treated as an Indian company.

e. Schemes of Management: In exercise of the powers under Section 9 of the Banking Companies

(Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and Section 9 of the Banking Companies

(Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980, the Central Government has framed two

schemes, namely:

(i) Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Scheme, 1970. (ii)

Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Scheme, 1980.

These schemes provide in detail for constitution of board of directors, appointment of chairman and

managing director, term of office of whole-time director including managing director, term of office of

other directors, disqualifications of directors and vacation of office, meetings of board and committees

of the board (management committee and advisory committee), regional consultative committees,

increase in paid-up capital and other miscellaneous matters.

5.5 APPLICATION OF BANKING REGULATION ACT TO PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

Section 51 of the Banking Regulation Act provides that certain provisions of the Act would apply to

State Bank and its subsidiaries, Nationalised banks and Regional Rural Banks as they apply to banking

companies. The applicable provisions are Sections 10, 13 to 15, 17, 19 to 21 A, 23 to 28, 29 [excluding

the sub-Section (3)], the sub-Sections (IB), (1C) and (2) of Sections 30, 31, 34, 35, 35A, 36 [excluding

clause (d) of the sub-Section (1)], 45Y to 45ZF, 46 to 48, 50, 52 and 53. The proviso to Section 51 also

gives certain exemptions from the applicable provisions regarding holding of office in approved institutions

under Section 10(l)(c), to the chairman and the managing director of State Bank, granting of loan,

etc., under Section 20(l)(b)(iii) to all banks and nominee directors in respect of Sections 46 and 47A.

The provisions which are not made applicable, are mainly the preliminary provisions up to Section 9,

provisions relating to capital (Sections 11 and 12), prohibition of common directors (Section 16),

licensing (Section 22) audit except special audit (Section 30), control over management [Part IIA

(Sections 36AA to 36AD)], acquisition of undertaking in Part C (Sections 36AE to 36AJ) and winding

up in Part III and Part IIIA (Sections 36B to 45X).

i. Public Sector Banks as Scheduled Banks: All the public sector banks are scheduled banks under

Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act and have to comply with the requirements of maintaining

cash reserve as provided therein.

5.6 DISINVESTMENT OF SHARES BY GOVERNMENT

In the context of the Government policy to dilute the holdings in public sector banks, certain amendments

72

upon the balance sheet as stipulated in Section 10 of the Act. The auditor shall send copies of the report to the bank and the Reserve Bank. The bank has to furnish copies of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and auditor's report along with the report of the board of directors on the

working and activities of the bank to the Central Government and the Reserve Bank. The auditor's report and report of the board have to be laid before the Parliament. Without prejudice to the above, the Central Government is also empowered to appoint auditors as it thinks fit at any time to examine and report on the accounts of a Nationalised bank.

A Nationalised bank may pay dividends out of profits after making the necessary provisions under the law or as usually provided by banking companies. An annual general meeting of shareholders

has to be held within six weeks of the date of forwarding the balance sheet, etc., to the Central Government. In such meeting, the shareholders will be free to discuss the balance sheet, accounts, auditors' report and report of the board. For the purpose of Income Tax Act, a Nationalised bank is treated as an Indian company.

e. Schemes of Management: In exercise of the powers under Section 9 of the Banking Companies

(Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and Section 9 of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980, the Central Government has framed two schemes, namely:

(i) Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Scheme, 1970. (ii)

Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Scheme, 1980.

These schemes provide in detail for constitution of board of directors, appointment of chairman and managing director, term of office of whole-time director including managing director, term of office of other directors, disqualifications of directors and vacation of office, meetings of board and committees of the board (management committee and advisory committee), regional consultative committees, increase in paid-up capital and other miscellaneous matters.

5.5 APPLICATION OF BANKING REGULATION ACT TO PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS

Section 51 of the Banking Regulation Act provides that certain provisions of the Act would apply to State Bank and its subsidiaries, Nationalised banks and Regional Rural Banks as they apply to banking companies. The applicable provisions are Sections 10, 13 to 15, 17, 19 to 21 A, 23 to 28, 29 [excluding

the sub-Section (3)], the sub-Sections (IB), (1C) and (2) of Sections 30, 31, 34, 35, 35A, 36 [excluding clause (d) of the sub-Section (1)], 45Y to 45ZF, 46 to 48, 50, 52 and 53. The proviso to Section 51 also gives certain exemptions from the applicable provisions regarding holding of office in approved institutions under Section 10(l)(c), to the chairman and the managing director of State Bank, granting of loan, etc., under Section 20(l)(b)(iii) to all banks and nominee directors in respect of Sections 46 and 47A.

The provisions which are not made applicable, are mainly the preliminary provisions up to Section 9, provisions relating to capital (Sections 11 and 12), prohibition of common directors (Section 16), licensing (Section 22) audit except special audit (Section 30), control over management [Part IIA (Sections 36AA to 36AD)], acquisition of undertaking in Part C (Sections 36AE to 36AJ) and winding up in Part III and Part IIIA (Sections 36B to 45X).

i. Public Sector Banks as Scheduled Banks: All the public sector banks are scheduled banks under Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act and have to comply with the requirements of maintaining cash reserve as provided therein.

5.6 DISINVESTMENT OF SHARES BY GOVERNMENT

In the context of the Government policy to dilute the holdings in public sector banks, certain amendments

were made in the statutes governing public sector banks. The State Bank of India Act, was amended by

the State Bank of India (Amendment) Act, 1993. Section 4 was modified to divide capital into shares of

Rs. 10 each instead of Rs. 100. The restriction on voting rights (which existed under Section 11, being

up to two hundred shares only) was modified as up to ten per cent of the issued capital and restriction

on dividends was deleted.

The Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 (and also the 1980 Act)

were modified by Amendment Acts of 1994 and 1995, for facilitating public holding of shares. Section

3 was amended to provide for an authorised capital of Rs. 1,500 crore, divided into shares of Rs. 10

each, to increase or reduce the authorised capital between Rs. 1,500 crore and Rs. 3,000 crore, for

transferability of shares, other than those held by the Government, raising of capital through public

issue, voting rights of shareholders (limited to one per cent per shareholder) and keeping register of

shareholders including in floppies. Section 10A was amended to declare dividends, as earlier balance of

profits was to be transferred to the Central Government..

5.7 CO-OPERATIVE BANKS

i. Applicability of BR Act:

(a) Co-operative banks are registered either under the state laws governing co-operatives or under

the multi-state Co-operative Societies Act. If a co-operative bank operates only in one state,

the state law applies and in the case of co-operative banks operating in more than one state, the

Central Act applies. While the state law/Central law governs the constitution and related matters,

the business of banking is regulated by the Banking Regulation Act as applicable to co-operative

societies.

(b) The Banking Regulation Act is applicable to co-operative societies subject to the modifications

stipulated in Part V (Section 56) of the Act. The Act was made applicable to co-operative

societies by the Banking Laws (Application to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965. As defined in

Section 5 (cci) of the BR Act (as applicable to co-operative societies), a co-operative bank

means a state co-operative bank, a central co-operative bank and a primary co-operative bank.

A primary co-operative bank is a co-operative society other than a primary agricultural credit

society, which satisfies the following criteria;

(i) The primary object or principal business is the transaction of banking business, (ii) The

paid-up share capital and reserves are not less than Rs. 1 lac. (iii) The byelaws do not

permit admission of any other co-operative society as a member (except the membership

of a co-operative bank by subscribing to the share capital of the society out of the funds

provided by the state Government).

(c) A state co-operative bank is the principal co-operative society in a state with the primary

objective of financing other societies. A central co-operative bank is the principal co-operative

society in a district with the primary objective of funding other co-operative societies in the

district

The reference to banking company in the Act shall be construed as a reference to co-operative

banks unless the context otherwise requires.

ii. Bank, Banker, Banking: No co-operative society other than a co-operative bank is permitted to use

as part of its name or in connection with the business, the words 'bank', 'banker' and 'banking'.

Further, a co-operative society carrying on banking business has to use at least one of such words

as part of its name. However, certain categories of co-operative societies are exempt from these

provisions as follows:

(a) a primary credit society;

74

(b) a co-operative society formed for the protection of the mutual interest of co-operative banks or co-operative land development banks;

(c) a co-operative society other than a primary credit society formed by employees of the State

Bank, a subsidiary bank, a Nationalised bank or a co-operative bank, a primary credit society, or a co-operative land development bank.

iii. Paid-up Capital and Reserves: The minimum paid-up capital and reserves required to commence or carry on banking business by a co-operative bank is not less than Rs. 1 lakh under Section 11 (as applicable to co-operative banks). However, this provision is not applicable to a primary credit society, which becomes a primary co-operative bank after the commencement of the Act, for a

period of two years from the date it becomes a primary co-operative bank. The Reserve Bank may give a further period of one year in the interests of depositors of the primary co-operative bank in any particular case. For calculating the value of paid-up capital and reserves, the real and exchangeable value and not the nominal value would be considered. In the case of a dispute regarding the value of paid-up capital and reserves, Reserve Bank's decision shall be final.

iv. Cash Reserve: Co-operative banks other than scheduled Co-operative Banks and scheduled state

co-operative banks have to maintain in India by way of cash reserve with itself or by way of balance in current account with the Reserve Bank or the state co-operative bank of the state concerned or district Co-operative Bank or by way of net balance in current accounts or any one or more of these ways a sum equivalent to at least three per cent of its total demand and time liabilities in India. In the case of a primary co-operative bank the balance in current accounts with the central co-operative bank of the district concerned may also be taken into account. The balance

has to be reckoned as on the last Friday of the second preceding fortnight. The co-operative bank has to submit a return every month showing such amount held by it on alternate Fridays during a month along with the particulars of its demand and time liabilities in India on such Fridays. When the relevant Friday is a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the return shall be required as at the close of business on the preceding working day. The demand and time liabilities have to be calculated as stipulated in Section 18 (as applicable to co-operative societies). For scheduled Primary

Co-operative Banks and State co-operative Banks, CRR has to be maintained as per Section 42 of RBI Act.

v. Restrictions on Loans and Advances:

(a) Section 20 of the Banking Regulation Act (as applicable to co-operative societies) lays down certain restrictions on loans and advances by co-operative banks. Accordingly, a co-operative bank shall not grant loans and advances as under:

(i) loans and advances on the security of its own shares; (ii) unsecured loans or advances to any of its directors;

(iii) unsecured loans or advances to firms or private companies in which any of its directors are interested as partner, managing agent or guarantor, or to individuals in cases where any of its directors is a guarantor for the loans or advances;

(iv) unsecured loans or advances to any company in which the chairman of the co-operative bank is interested as managing agent or chairman or managing director.

However, these restrictions do not apply to unsecured loans or advances made by a co-

operative bank against bills for supplies or services made to Government or bills of exchange arising out of bona fide, commercial or trade transactions. Further, unsecured loans or advances in respect of which trust receipts are furnished to the co-operative bank and loans to directors or any other persons within the limits and on terms and conditions approved by the Reserve Bank are also exempted.

i

I i

ij

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(b) Every co-operative bank has to submit a return in the prescribed form showing the unsecured loans and advances granted by it to companies in which its directors are

interested as director, managing agent, or guarantor. Such returns have to be filed before the close of the month succeeding to which the return relates. If it appears to the Reserve Bank on examination of any return that the loans or advances were granted to the detriment of the interest of depositors, Reserve Bank may prohibit granting of such further loans or advances. The Reserve Bank may also impose other restrictions on the grant of such loans and direct the co-operative bank to secure the repayment of the loan

or advance within a stipulated time.

Note: It must be noted here that RBI with effect from 1 October 2003, has prohibited co-operative banks from providing, renewing secured or unsecured loans and advances or any other funded or non-funded financial accommodation to their directors or their relatives and firm/companies in which their relatives are interested.

vi. Licensing of Co-operative Banks:

(a) Every co-operative society requires a licence from the Reserve Bank under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act (as applicable to co-operative societies) to carry on banking business in India. However, primary credit societies are exempt from the requirement.

The Reserve Bank may impose such conditions as it may deem fit while granting licence to a co-operative bank. Co-operative societies carrying on banking business at the commence ment of the Banking Laws (Application to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965 were given exemption for a period of one year. Every co-operative society carrying on banking business at the commencement of the Act had to apply for a licence within three months from such commencement and every primary co-operative society, which becomes a

primary co-operative bank after such commencement has to apply for a licence before three months from the date of it becoming a primary co-operative bank. After applying for licence the co-operative bank can continue to carry on banking business unless its licence is rejected.

(b) A co-operative bank requires the prior permission of the Reserve Bank for opening a new place of business or changing an existing place of business otherwise within the same city, town or

village where it has an existing place of business. However, opening of temporary branches for a period not exceeding one month within the city, town or village where it has a place of business, on the occasion of an exhibition, conference, mela or any like occasion is permissible. The opening or changing of location of branches by a central co-operative bank within its area of operation is also exempt. The application of a co-operative bank for permission to open a branch, other than of a primary co-operative bank, has to be routed through the National Bank.

However, an advance copy of the application has to be sent directly to Reserve Bank.

vii. Liquid Assets: Co-operative banks have to maintain liquid assets as provided in Section 24(1) of the Banking Regulation Act. In computing the amount of liquid assets any balances maintained by a co-operative bank in current account with the Reserve Bank or by way of net balances in current accounts would be taken into account. In the case of state co-operative banks, which are scheduled banks, the balances required under Section 42 of the RBI Act will also be accounted. In the case of

the Central co-operative banks, balances maintained with the state co-operative bank concerned and in the case of primary co-operative banks the balances maintained with Central co-operative banks or the state co-operative bank concerned shall be accounted. The co-operative banks have also to maintain as specified in Section 24(2A) liquid assets being not less than 25 per cent or such other percentage not exceeding forty per cent as the Reserve Bank may stipulate by notification in the Gazette. The amount has to be maintained as at the close of business on any day. For this

76

purpose, any balance maintained by a scheduled private co-operative banks and state co-operative

bank with the Reserve Bank in excess of the balance required under Section 42 of the RBI Act shall

be accounted. Similarly, cash or balances maintained in India by a non-scheduled co-operative

bank with itself or with the state co-operative bank or in current account with Reserve Bank or net

balance in current accounts in excess of the requirement of Section 18 would be accounted. In the

case of primary co-operative banks, such balances maintained with the Central co-operative bank

of the district concerned will also be taken into account.

The co-operative banks have to file a return with the Reserve Bank and every co-operative bank,

other than a primary co-operative bank has also to furnish a copy thereof to the National Bank.

viii. Accounts and Audit: Every co-operative bank has to prepare a balance sheet and profit and loss

account of its business as on the last working day of the year. The balance sheet and accounts have

to be prepared in the forms set out in the third schedule to the Act or as near thereto as circumstances

admit. Three copies of such balance sheet and accounts, along with statutory auditor's report has

to be submitted to the Reserve Bank within six months. A state co-operative bank and a central co-

operative bank have to submit such return to the National Bank also.

ix. Inspection: The provisions of Section 35 relating to inspection are applicable to co-operative banks

with minor modifications. It is also open to Reserve Bank to call for inspection of a primary co-

operative bank by one or more officers of the state co-operative bank in the state where the primary

co-operative bank is registered. The Reserve Bank may supply a copy of the report on any inspection

or scrutiny to the state co-operative bank or the Registrar of Co-operative Societies concerned.

x. Insured Co-operative Banks:

(a) Registration with DICGC: The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961,

which provides for insuring deposits of banks, is applicable to co-operative banks also.

Accordingly, under Section 13C of the Act, co-operative banks have to be registered with the

corporation for this purpose. The registration of a co-operative bank may be cancelled if:

(i) it is prohibited from accepting deposits;

(ii) its licence is cancelled;

(iii) it has been ordered to be wound up;

(iv) it has ceased to be a co-operative bank under the sub-Section (2) of Section 36A of the

BRAct;

(v) it has converted into a non-banking co-operative society; (vi) it

has been amalgamated with any other co-operative society; (vii) it

has transferred its deposit liabilities to any other institute or; (viii) it

ceases to be an eligible co-operative bank.

(b) Eligible Co-operative Bank: An eligible co-operative bank is defined in Section 2(gg) of the Act.

Accordingly, for a co-operative bank to become an eligible co-operative bank, the law governing

that co-operative bank should have the following provisions:

(i) An order for the winding up, or an order sanctioning a scheme of compromise or

arrangement or of amalgamation or reconstruction of the bank, may be made only with

the previous sanction in writing of the Reserve Bank.

(ii) An order for the winding up of the bank shall be made, if so required by the Reserve

Bank in the circumstances referred to in Section 130.

(iii) An order shall be made for the supersession of the committee of management or other

managing body of the bank and the appointment of an administrator therefore for such

period or periods not exceeding five years in the aggregate as may be specified by the

77

Reserve Bank if so required by the Reserve Bank in the public interest or for preventing

the affairs of the bank being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the

depositors or for securing the proper management of the bank.

(iv) An order for the winding up of the bank, or an order sanctioning a scheme of compromise

or arrangement or of amalgamation or reconstruction or an order for the supercession of

the committee of management or other managing body of the bank and the appointment

of an administrator therefore made with the previous sanction in writing or on the

requisition of the Reserve Bank shall not be liable to be called in question in any manner.

(v) The liquidator or the insured bank or the transferee bank, as the case may be, shall be

under an obligation to repay the corporation as provided in Section 21 of the Act.

(c) Requisition by Reserve Bank for Winding Up: Section 130 of the DICGC Act mentions the

circumstances in which Reserve Bank may require winding up of a co-operative bank. Such

circumstances are that:

(i) the co-operative bank has failed to comply with the requirements as to minimum paid-up

capital and reserves specified in Section 1 ] of the Banking Regulation Act; (ii) the co-

operative bank has under Section 22 of the Act (dealing with licence) become disentitled

to carry on banking business in India;

(iii) the co-operative bank has been prohibited from receiving fresh deposits by an order

under Section 35(4) of the Act or under Section 42(3A)(b) of the Reserve Bank of India

Act;

(iv) the co-operative bank having failed to comply with any requirement of the Banking

Regulation Act, 1949, other than the requirements laid down in Section 11 thereof, has

continued such failure or having contravened any provisions of the Act, has continued

such contravention beyond such period or periods as may be specified by the Reserve

Bank, after notice in writing of such failure or contravention has been conveyed to the

co-operative bank;

(v) the co-operative bank is unable to pay its debts;

(vi) in the opinion of the Reserve Bank, a compromise or arrangement sanctioned by a

competent authority in respect of the co-operative bank cannot be worked satisfactorily

with or without modification, or the continuance of the co-operative bank is prejudicial

to the interests of its depositors.

A co-operative bank, shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts if, (i) on the basis of the

returns, statements or information furnished to the Reserve Bank under or in pursuance of the

provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, the Reserve Bank is of opinion that the co-operative

bank is unable to pay its debts, (ii) if the co-operative bank has refused to meet any lawful

demand made at any of its offices or branches within two working days, if such demand is

made at a place where there is an office, branch or agency of the Reserve Bank, or within five

working days if such demand is made elsewhere and, in either case, the Reserve Bank certifies

in writing that the co-operative bank is unable to pay its debts

5.8 LET US SUM UP

1. The public sector banks, namely, State Bank and its subsidiaries, the Nationalised banks and the

regional rural banks are statutory corporations (or body corporate) established under special statutes.

State Bank and its subsidiaries, as Nationalised banks, are commercial banks engaged in the business

of banking and other forms of business permissible for banking companies. The regional rural

banks are also commercial banks but operating in limited local areas to cater to rural industries,

71

trade, farmers, artisans, etc. The State Bank and its subsidiaries and the Nationalised banks also act as agents of the Reserve Bank to transact the banking business of the Central Government. All public sector banks are governed by their respective, statutes and the rules, regulations or schemes made under these statutes. In addition to this, these banks are also governed by certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act as stipulated in Section 51 of that Act. The provisions of the Reserve

Bank of India Act are also applicable to them. 2. The co-operative banks, functioning in one state only are registered under the state laws on co-

operative societies. The co-operative banks operating in more than one state, are registered under the multi-state Co-operative Societies Act. The Banking Regulation Act is applicable to co-operative banks as provided in Section 56 of that Act with certain modifications. For this purpose, a co-operative bank means a state co-operative bank, Central co-operative bank and

a primary co-operative bank. While, the constitution of the bank is governed by the co-operative laws, the business of banking undertaken by them is regulated by the Reserve Bank under the BR Act.

5.9 KEYWORDS

Nationalised Bank; Subsidiary Bank; Primary Co-operative Bank; Regional Rural Bank; Sponsor Bank; Co-operative Bank; Central Co-operative Bank; State Co-operative Bank; Co-operative Credit Society.


1. Fill up the blanks choosing answers from the brackets.

constituted under the State Bank of India Act.

(banking company, body corporate, society) The Chairman

of the State Bank is appointed by. Bank, (the Central Board, Banking Service Recruitment Board, Central Government) State Bank has to act as __________________ and carry out Central Government business and other business entrusted by the Reserve Bank, (agent of Reserve Bank, agent of Central Government, advisor to the Central Government)

(iv) The provisions of the__________ are applicable to State Bank as stipulated in Section 51 of the BR Act. (RBI Act, Banking Regulation Act, Companies Act)

(v) The majority of shares of subsidiary banks are held by ________ Government, State Bank)

(vi) Regional rural banks operate in _________ . (a notified area, the whole of a state, only a

district)

(vii) The management of the affairs of a regional rural bank vests in _________ . (the Sponsor Bank, its board of directors, the National Bank)

Say whether true or false

(i) The State Bank can make statutory regulations for carrying out the purposes of the State

Bank of India Act, in consultation with Reserve Bank and with previous approval of the

Central Government, (ii) The Central Government is not authorised to give any directions to the State Bank in matters

of policy involving public interest, (iii) The provisions of Section 42 of the Reserve Bank of India Act relating to cash reserve apply

to State Bank. (iv) Subsidiary banks do not have to maintain liquid assets under Section 24 of the BR Act. (v)

Regional rural banks may transact the business of banking as defined in Section 5(b) of the

BR Act and also other business specified in Section 6(1) of that Act.

2.

3.

(i) The State Bank of India is a

(ii)

(iii)

in consultation with the Reserve

_. (Reserve Bank, Central

2.

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3.

4.

(vi) Two regional rural banks may be amalgamated by the Reserve Bank by notification in the

gazette, (vii) The management of Nationalised Banks is governed by the Nationalised Banks (Management

and Miscellaneous Provisions) Schemes of 1970 and 1980.


(i) Unless the context otherwise requires, the reference to a

Regulation Act shall be construed as reference to a co-operative bank, (co-operative society, banking company, body corporate)

(ii) _________ in relation to a co-operative society, for the purpose of BR Act, includes a

member of any committee or body for the time being vested with the management of the

affairs of that society. (Director, Member, Manager) (iii) The requirement of minimum

paid-up capital and reserves for a co-operative bank to

commence or carry on banking business is _______ . (Rs. 1 crore, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh) (iv) There are restrictions on co-operative banks on __________ in other co-operative societies

under Section 19 of the BR Act. (holding of shares, keeping deposits, acquiring any interest) (v) Central and state co-operative banks have to submit their returns under Section 31 of BR

Act to ______ . (Reserve Bank and National Bank, National Bank only, Reserve Bank only)

(vi) Under Section 23 of the BR Act, without the permission of Reserve Bank, a __________ can open a new place of business within the area of its operation, (central co-operative

bank, state co-operative bank, primary co-operative bank) (vii) Co-operative banks have to prepare their balance sheet and profit and loss account in the

forms set out in the Third Schedule to _________ . (Banking Regulation Act, Reserve Bank

of India Act, State Co-operative Societies Act)

Say whether true or false.

(i) Banking Regulation Act was made applicable to co-operative banks by the Banking Laws

(Application to Co-operative Societies) Act, 1965. (ii) A primary co-operative bank does not require licence from the Reserve Bank to carry on

banking business, (iii) The provisions of the Banking Regulation Act as provided in Section 56 of the Act apply to

co-operative banks, (iv) A 'Co-operative Bank' means a primary co-operative bank, central co-operative bank and a

state co-operative bank, (v) There are no restrictions under the BR Act on lending by co-operative banks to their directors

or firms in which they are interested, (vi) A scheduled co-operative bank has to maintain cash reserve as stipulated in Section 42 of

the Reserve Bank of India Act (as applicable to co-operative societies). (vii) Inspection of co-operative banks is done by the state Government under the Co-operative Socie-

ties Act and the Reserve Bank has no power to inspect under the Banking Regulation Act.


1. (i) body corporate (ii)

(iii) Agent of Reserve Bank (iv) (v) SBI (vi)

(vii) its board of directors

2. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) True; (vi) False; (vii) True 3. (i) Banking company (ii) Director

(iii) Rs. 1 lakh (iv) Holding of shares

in the Banking

Central Government BRAct notified area

(vi) Central co-operative bank (vii) Bunking Regulation Act 4. (i) True; (ii)

False; (iii) True; (iv) True; (v) False; (vi) True; (vii) False


Fill in the blanks choosing answers from brackets. 1.

State Bank may act as agent of the Reserve Bank

. (for transacting only Government

business; for transacting Government business and other business entrusted by the Reserve

Bank; only for collection of taxes) ______________ shall be the ex-officio chairman of the subsidiary banks. (Chairman of State Bank; Finance Secretary to Central Government; Managing Director of the State Bank)

3. The thrust of business of regional rural banks is to make loans and advances available 'in rural areas' (only to farmers; only to small enterprises; small and marginal formers, agricultural labourers, artisans and small entrepreneurs in particular).

4. Nationalised banks can undertake __________ (only such business as permitted by the Government from time to time; only such business as permitted by the Reserve Bank in consultation with Central Government; banking business and any other business permissible for banks under

Section 6(1) of the BR Act. 5. The auditor of a Nationalised bank has to be _________ (an officer of the Central Government

under the C&AG; an officer of the Reserve Bank; a person duly qualified to be an auditor of a company under Section 226 of the Companies Act.


6. (i) The provisions relating to licensing under Section 22 of the BR Act are applicable to Nationalised

banks, (ii) The provisions of Section 22 of the BR Act relating to licensing are not applicable to Nationalised

banks, (iii) The provisions relating to cancellation of licence under Section 22 of the BR Act are applicable

to Nationalised banks. 7. (i) All public sector banks are scheduled banks.

(ii) All regional rural banks are not scheduled banks, (iii) Some public sector banks are not scheduled banks.

8. (i) BR Act is not applicable to primary agricultural credit societies. (ii) Primary credit societies are required to hold a licence under the BR Act. (iii) BR Act is applicable to co-operative land development banks (Agricultural and Rural Development Banks)

9. (i) A co-operative bank is not eligible for insurance under the DICGC Act. (ii) An eligible co-operative bank under Section 2(gg) of the DICGC Act has to be registered

with the DICGC for insurance. (iii) The registration of a co-operative bank for insurance with DICGC cannot be cancelled even

if it converts into a non-banking co-operative society.

10. (i) Reserve Bank can direct the Registrar of co-operative societies to wind up an insured co-

operative bank if it is unable to pay its debts. (ii) Reserve Bank can suo moto wind up a co-operative bank if the bank is unable to pay its

debts. (iii) The Registrar can suo moto wind up a co-operative bank in the circumstances mentioned in

Section 13D of the DICGC Act.

2.

MODULE -B

LEGAL ASPECTS OF BANKING OPERATIONS

Unit 6. Case Laws on Responsibility of Paying Bank

Unit 7. Case Laws on Responsibility of Collecting Bank

Unit 8. Indemnities

Unit 9. Bank Guarantees

Unit 10. Letters of Credit

Unit 11. Deferred Payment Guarantee

Unit 12. Laws Relating to Bill Finance

Unit 13. Various Types of Securities

Unit 14. Law Relating to Securities and Modes of Charging -1

Unit 15. Law Relating to Securities and Modes of Charging - II

Unit 16. Different Types of Borrowers

Unit 17. Types of Credit Facilities

Unit 18. Secured and Unsecured Loans, Registration of Firms, Incorporation of Companies

Unit 19. Registration and Satisfaction of Charges

CASE LAWS ON RESPONSIBILITY OF PAYING BANK

STRUCTURE

6.0 Objectives

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Negotiable Instruments Act and Paying Banks

6.3 Liability of Paying Banker when Customer's Signature on Cheque is Forged

6.4 Payment to be in Due Course for Bank to Seek Protection

6.5 Payment in Good Faith, without Negligence of an Instrument on which Alteration is not Apparent

6.6 Payment by Bank Under Mistake Whether Recoverable

6.7 Let Us Sum Up

6.8 Keywords



' L.K.A.D-7

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6.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• explain the various laws applicable to a paying bank; • explain the responsibilities of a paying bank based on case laws; • explain the protection given under law to a paying bank as decided by Courts.

6.1 INTRODUCTION

The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 lays down the law relating to payment of a customer's cheque by a banker and the protection available to a banker. The relationship between a banker and customer

being debtor-creditor relationship the banker is bound to pay the cheques drawn by his customer. This duty on the part of the banker, to honour his customers' mandate, is laid down in Section 31 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Sections 10, 85, 85A, 89 and 128 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, grant protection to a paying banker. We shall in detail, examine individually these sections and with the help of case laws apply the

provisions of these sections to a given set of facts.

6.2 NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS ACT AND PAYING BANKS

As stated in Part 1.1 of this unit, the customer who has deposited money with a bank being a creditor has the right to ask back the money from the banker who is a debtor. The duty on the part of the banker to pay has been laid down in Section 31 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in the following terms:

'The drawee of a cheque having sufficient funds of the drawer in his hands properly applicable to the

payment of such cheque must pay the cheque when duly required to do so, and, in default of such payment, must compensate the drawer for any loss or damage caused by such default.'

The following points are important to note:

i. Section 31 Applies Only to Bankers: This is because as per Section 6 of the Negotiable Instruments

Act, 1881 'cheque' has been defined as a "bill of exchange drawn on a specified banker and not expressed to be payable otherwise than on demand'", ii. Sufficient Funds: The banker should

have sufficient funds of the drawer, i.e. there should be

sufficient credit balance in the customer's account, iii. Properly Available: The funds available in the customer's account should also be properly available

for the payment of the cheque. The funds may not be available to pay the cheque if:

(a) the banker has exercised his right of set off for amounts due from the customer, or (b) there is an order passed by a Court, competent authority or other lawful authority restraining

the bank from making payment.

iv. When Duly Required to Do So: The banker is duty bound to pay the cheque only when he is duly required to do so. It means that the cheque must be properly drawn and signed by the drawer.

v. Compensate the Drawer: In case the banker refuses payment wrongfully, then he is liable only to the drawer of the cheque and not to any endorsee or holder, except when

(a) the bank is wound up, in which case the holder becomes a creditor entitled to make a claim;

(b) the banker pays a cheque disregarding the crossing, wherein the true owner can hold the banker liable.

vi. Loss or Damage Caused by Default: A banker is liable to the drawer for any loss or damage, which may have occurred to the drawer due to the wrongful dishonour of the customer's cheque.

85

Protection to paying banker: For a paying banker to claim protection under the Negotiable Instruments

Act, one of the criteria he has to satisfy, is that the payment is in due course. As to what is, payment in

due course has been stated in Section 10, which reads as follows:

Payment in due course: 'Payment in due course' means payment in accordance with the apparent

tenor of the instrument in good faith and without negligence to any person in possession thereof under

circumstances which does not afford a reasonable ground for believing that he is not entitled to receive

payment of the amount therein mentioned.

From the above definition, it can be seen that payment in due course requires the payment to be made

(a) in accordance with the apparent tenor of the instrument;

(b) in good faith;

(c) without negligence;

(d) to the person in possession of the instrument; and

(e) while making payment the banker should not have reasons to 'believe' that the person in possession

of the instrument is not entitled to receive payment of the amount mentioned in the instrument.

Section 85 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 grants protection to a banker on his making

payment of a cheque. Though this principle may sound as a simple logic, it is to be noted that the

protection granted as per Section 85 is not absolute.

Section 85 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 can be explained as follows:

1. Where a cheque payable to order purports to be endorsed by or on behalf of the payee, the drawee

is discharged by payment in due course.

2. Where a cheque is originally expressed to be payable to bearer, the drawee is discharged by payment

in due course to the bearer thereof, notwithstanding any endorsement whether in full or in blank

appearing thereon, and notwithstanding that any such endorsement purports to restrict or exclude

further negotiation.

Section 89 of the Negotiable Instruments Act states the effect of making payment on instrument on

which alteration is not apparent and reads as follows:

Section 89

Payment of instrument on which alteration is not apparent: Where a promissory note, bill of exchange

or a cheque has been materially altered but does not appear to have been so altered, or where a cheque

is presented for payment which does not at the time of presentation appear to be crossed or to have had

a crossing which has been obliterated, payment thereof by a person or banker liable to pay, and paying

the sum according to the apparent tenor thereof at the time of payment and otherwise in due course,

shall discharge such person or banker from all liability thereon, and such payment shall not be questioned

by reason of the instrument having been altered or the cheque crossed.

6.3 LIABILITY OF PAYING BANKER WHEN CUSTOMER'S

SIGNATURE ON THE CHEQUE IS FORGED

Section 128

Where the banker on whom a crossed cheque is drawn has paid the same in due course, the banker

paying cheque, and in case such cheque has come to the hands of the payee the drawer thereof, shall

respectively be entitled to the same rights, and be placed in the same position in all respects as they

would respectively be entitled to and placed in if the amount of the cheque, has heen pair! tn and

received by the true owner thereof.

i. When the customer's signature on the cheque is forged there is no mandate to the hank tn

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pay. As such a banker is not entitled to debit the customer's account on such forged cheque: Canara Bank vs Canara Sales Corporation and Others [(1987) 2 Supreme Court

Cases 666]: The company had a current account with the bank which was operated by the company's Managing Director. The Company's accountant in whose custody the cheque book was, forged the signature of the Managing Director in forty-two cheques totalling Rs. 3,26,047.92 over a period of time. This was detected by another accountant. The company immediately on detection of the fraud demanded the amount from the bank. The bank refused payment and therefore the company filed a suit against the bank. The bank lost the

suit and took the matter up to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of the bank and held that:

"Since, the relationship between the customer and the bank is that of a creditor and debtor, the bank had no authority to make payment of a cheque containing a forged signature. The bank would be acting against the law in debiting the customer with the amount of the forged

cheque, as there would be no mandate on the bank to pay. The Supreme Court pointed out that the document in the cheque form on which the customer's name as drawer was forged was a mere nullity. The bank would succeed only when it would establish adoption or estoppel."

In deciding the case, the Supreme Court relied on its earlier judgement in Bihta Co-operative

Development and Cane Marketing Union Ltd. vs Bank of Bihar (AIR 1967 Supreme Court 389).

ii. In a joint account if one of the signatures is forged then there is no mandate and banker cannot make payment: The case law in this case is of Bihta Co-operative Development and Cane Marketing Union Ltd. vs Bank of Bihar: The Co-operative Marketing Union had an account with the bank, which was authorised to be operated by the joint secretary and treasurer of the Co-operative

Marketing Union. On 16 April 1948, the bank made payment of Rs. 11,000 on a loose leaf cheque and not on a cheque from the cheque book issued to the Society. Though the two signatures appeared on the cheque, one of them, the signature of the Joint Secretary was forged. The bank made payment, whereupon the Co-operative Marketing Union sued the bank for recovery of the money. Though the bank admitted negligence on its part, it argued that the employees of the Co-operative Marketing Union were dishonest in the discharge of their duties

and as such it cannot succeed. The matter went up to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court, while allowing the case of the Co-operative Marketing Union held that 'one of the signatures was forged so that there never was any mandate by the customer at all to the banker and the question of negligence of the customer in between the signature and the presentation of the cheque never arose.'

6.4 PAYMENT TO BE IN DUE COURSE FOR BANK TO SEEK PROTECTION

i. The Supreme Court in Bank of Bihar vs Mahabir Lai (AIR 1964 Supreme Court 397) held that a banker can seek protection under Section 85 only where payment has been made to the holder, his servant or agent, i.e. payment must be made in due course.

In this case, the bank had agreed to grant the firm a cash credit facility against the pledge of cloth bales, on the firm fulfilling certain conditions, one of which, was that the money for purchasing the cloth would not be directly given to the firm, but instead, the supplier would be paid the amount by the bank and the cloth bales would be kept by the bank as pledge for the loan. The firm thereafter was required to draw a cheque on itself which was handed over to the bank. The bank instead of handing over cash to the firm's partner to be paid over to the wholesalers, entrusted it

with one of the bank's employees (Potdar) who accompanied the partner to the wholesalers. However, before the rnoney could be paid to the wholesalers the Potdar absconded. The bank

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sought repayment of the money, which was refused by the firm. The bank therefore sued the firm for the money relying on Sections 85 and 118 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The matter reached the Supreme Court and it was held that, before the provisions of Section 85 can assist the bank it had to be established that payment had in fact, been made to the firm or to a person on

behalf of the firm. Payment to a person who had nothing to do with the firm or a payment to an agent of the bank would not be a payment to the firm.

ii. The Calcutta High Court had occasion to consider as to whether a bank had made payment in due course or not in the case of Bhutoria Trading Company (BTC) vs Allahabad Bank (AIR 1977 Cal. 363) the facts of which are as follows:

BTC, a limited company, had sold some jute to WFD another limited company, for payment of which WFD issued an un-crossed cheque payable to BTC or order which was delivered to one of

the officials of BTC. The official using the company's seal endorsed the cheque as manager and encashed it over the counter. BTC later sued the bank for recovery of the money on the grounds of damages or in the alternative on the grounds of money had and received by the bank. The Court held that:

'The Expression payment in due course has been defined in Section 10 of the Negotiable Instruments

Act to mean payment in accordance with the apparent tenor of the instrument in good faith and without negligence to any person in possession thereof, under circumstances which do not afford reasonable ground for believing that he is not entitled to receive payment of the amount therein mentioned. It can hardly be questioned that the payment by the defendant bank of the cheque in question has been made by the defendant bank in accordance with its apparent tenor. The cheque is an un-crossed cheque payable to the plaintiff or order. The cheque was endorsed by the plaintiff

through its Manager. The fact that Jethmall is the Manager is borne out by the seal of the company which is unquestionably an authentic seal. The seal of the Manager is also equally authentic. That the payment was made in good faith has not been disputed for all practical purposes. There is not a grain of evidence before the Court from which it remotely appears that the payment was not made in good faith. Now that the entire evidence is before the Court, the question of onus to prove good faith loses much of its importance. No negligence has been proved against the bank. The

defendant bank insisted on identification of Jethmall and Jethmall was, in fact, identified by Kishanlal Maheswari, a constituent of the bank, the defendant No. 3. The defendant bank therefore took all reasonable precautions even though the circumstances in which the cheque was presented for payment did not afford any reasonable ground for believing that Jethmall was not entitled to receive payment of the amount mentioned therein. The plaintiff having failed to prove the trade practice which he alleged and the bank having paid the cheque, in accordance with the apparent tenor of the

instrument, in good faith, and without negligence, to Jethmall who was in possession thereof, the defendant is entitled to succeed. There were no circumstances which afforded any reasonable ground for believing that he was not entitled to receive payment of the cheque. It must be held that the bank made the payment in due course. The learned Judge, in our opinion has rightly pointed out that payment in due course is necessarily payment in the ordinary course.

iii. Whether payment made by a bank was payment in due course would depend on the facts of a

given case. In Madras Provincial Co-operative Bank Ltd. vs Official Liquidator, South Indian Match Factory Ltd. (AIR 1945 Mad 30) the Court held that payment to a liquidator against the cheque presented across the counter was not a payment in due course and the bank was not entitled to seek protection under Section 85 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

In this case the Official Liquidator of the Company had sold certain properties of the company, for which payment was made by the purchaser by giving a cheque in favour of the liquidator. The liquidator presented the cheque over the counter and obtained payment in cash which he

88

! !

misappropriated. He was later prosecuted and convicted and removed from office. His successor

proceeded against the bank for recovery of the amount on the ground that the bank was negligent

and the amount was wrongly paid. The Court held that under Section 244A of the Indian Companies

Act, 1913, an official liquidator was required to open an account with a bank and pay therein

moneys received by him in the course of the liquidation. Rule 66 of the Rules framed by the Madras

High Court under the Act required that all bills and other securities payable to the company or to the

liquidator should, unless the judge otherwise directs, shall as soon as they came into the hands of

the liquidator, be deposited by him in the bank. From the cheque itself the bank had noticed that it

was payable to the liquidator in his official capacity. That the bank realised this in full was shown

by the fact that it called for the order of his appointment. The learned judge therefore concluded:

We have no doubt that the officers of the bank did not realise, as they should have done, that the

bank was doing something improper, but in the circumstances there was negligence. They knew

or must have deemed to have known that this money could only be collected by the payee through

his own bank and therefore it was most improper on his part to ask for payment over the drawee's

counter. In our judgement there was a clear breach of a statutory duty placed upon the bank and

the learned judge was right in holding the bank liable.

6.5 PAYMENT IN GOOD FAITH WITHOUT NEGLIGENCE OF AN

INSTRUMENT ON WHICH ALTERATION IS NOT APPARENT

i. The effect of Sections 10 and 89, and Section 31 was considered by the Supreme Court in Bank of

Maharashtra vs M/s Automotive Engineering Co. (1993) 2 SCC 97.

The question, which arose for consideration in this appeal, was whether the paying bank was

bound to keep an ultraviolet ray lamp and to scrutinise the cheque under the said lamp even if no

infirmity on the face of the said cheque on visual scrutiny was found.

Briefly stated, the respondent, a partnership firm, opened a current account with the Wagle Industrial

Estate branch of the appellant bank. The said branch was in the industrial area on the outskirts of

City of Bombay, where forgery of cheques were rampant and although other branches of the

appellant bank were provided with ultraviolet ray lamps, the said branch was not provided with

such lamp. On 26 May 1967, one Shri Shah, as a proprietor of Messrs Imperial Tube and Hardware

Mart, opened an account, in the name of his firm, with a branch of the Union Bank of India.

Shri Shah presented a cheque dated 29 May 1967 for Rs. 6,500 in favour of his firm to Union Bank

of India. On presentation of the cheque through clearing, the appellant bank passed the cheque and

debited the amount to the account of the respondent. Later on, on receipt of the objection from the

respondent-defendant, the said cheque was examined under the ultraviolet ray lamp when it transpired

that the original cheque was issued in favour of Shri G.R. Pardawala and the amount of the said

cheque was Rs. 95.98. The writing on the cheque was chemically altered with regard to date, the

name of the payee and also the amount. The respondent made demands to the appellant bank to

credit the amount to its account.

The appellant bank filed a suit in which the agent of the appellant bank was examined, who stated

that before passing the said cheque for payment he had checked the serial number and date of the

cheque and had compared the signature of the respondent with the specimen signature and that

from visual appearance of the cheque no infirmity was noted by him and from the tenor of the

cheque it appeared to be a genuine one.

The Trial Court dismissed the suit on the ground that by not providing the facility of ultraviolet ray

lamp, the appellant bank had failed to discharge proper care and, therefore, did not pass the said

cheque with the due diligence.

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On appeal, the District Judge, while agreeing that no abnormal features to suspect the genuineness

of the cheque could be found on visual inspection of the cheque, was of the view that the appellant

bank was not entitled to protection for the lapse in subjecting the said cheque for scrutiny under

the ultraviolet ray lamp.

On further appeal, the High Court of Bombay, while accepting the finding that the cheque in

question apparently did not show any sign of alteration, held that the appellant bank did not act with

proper care and caution in not providing necessary device for detecting forged cheques. Since the

absence of such a lamp amounted to negligence on the part of the appellant bank, no protection

was available because payment was not made in due course.

The appellant bank preferred this appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court allowed the

appeal of the bank on the following grounds:

(i) Section 89 of the Negotiable Instruments Act gives protection to the paying banker of a

cheque which has been materially altered but does not appear to have been so altered, if

payment was made according to the apparent tenor thereof at the time of payment and

otherwise in due course.

(ii) Section 10 of the said Act defines payment in due course to mean payment in accordance

with the apparent tenor of the instrument in good faith and without negligence to any person

in possession thereof under circumstances which do not afford a reasonable ground for

believing that he is not entitled to receive payment of the amount therein mentioned.

(iii) Section 31 of the said Act obliges the drawee bank having sufficient funds of the drawer in its

hands properly applicable to the payment of such cheque to make payment of the cheque

when duly required to do so.

(iv) On analysing the evidence, the Courts below have held that on visual examination no sign of

forgery or tampering with the writings on the cheque could be detected. It was found that the

agent of the appellant bank had verified the serial number and signature on the cheque and

had compared the signature on the cheque with the specimen signature of the respondent and

on scrutiny of the cheque visually, no defects could be detected by him. There were sufficient

funds of the drawer with the appellant bank, which had no occasion to doubt about the

genuineness of the cheque from the apparent tenor of the instrument. There was no evidence

to hold that, the payment was not made in good faith. Simply, because the ultraviolet ray lamp

was not kept in the branch and the said cheque was not subjected to such lamp would not be

sufficient to hold the appellant bank guilty of negligence, more so when it has not been

established on evidence that the other branches of the appellant bank or the other commercial

banks had been following a practice of scrutinising each and every cheque or cheques involving

a particular amount under such lamp by way of extra precaution.

(v) In such circumstances, it is not a correct legal proposition that the bank, in order to get

absolved from the liability of negligence, was under an obligation to verify the cheque for

further scrutiny under advanced technology or for that matter, under ultraviolet ray lamp,

apart from visual scrutiny even though the cost of such scrutiny was only nominal and it

might be desirable to keep such lamp at the branch to take aid in appropriate case.

(vi) The Courts below were not justified in holding that the bank had failed to take reasonable care

in passing the cheque for payment without subjecting it to further scrutiny under ultraviolet

ray lamp because the branch was in the industrial area where such forgery was rampant and

other branches of the appellant bank were provided with such lamp.

The appeal was, therefore, allowed and the Suit of the appellant bank was decreed only for

the principal amount without any interest on the same.

ii. The protection granted to a banker under Section 89 had come up for consideration before the

Calcutta High Court in Brahma Shumshere Jung Bahadur vs Chartered Bank of India, Australia and

China (AIR 1956 Cal. 399):

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In this case B who was a member of the royal family of Nepal had an overdraft account with the bank, for which certain securities were deposited with the bank. The overdraft limit was not a fixed limit and fluctuated depending on the securities deposited. In April 1946, B requested the bank to enhance the overdraft limit which however, was not agreed to by the bank and the limit was Rs. 70,000. In July 1946, B sent a cheque by post, drawn on the overdraft account which was intercepted in the mail and the amount was raised from Rs. 256 to Rs 2,34,081. The cheque was put for collection in another bank which was paid by B's bank. B on coming to know about the forgery, sued both the paying and collecting bank, contending that though the cheque was signed by him it was written out by some other person and as such it should have aroused the suspicion of the bank. The Court, however, held that since no alteration or obliteration was visible at the time of payment, the payment was made according to the apparent tenor at the cheque. Further since B had on other occasions also issued cheque signed by him and written by others, the bank's suspicion could not have aroused. The Court also held that the words 'liable to pay' appearing in the third paragraph of Section 89 included a liability to pay under an overdraft agreement as much as it applied to an ordinary deposit account.

As regards exceeding the overdraft limit, the Court held that no definite limit was fixed at any time and it fluctuated according to the securities deposited by B. In this case the collecting bank was liable for other reasons for which we shall see in the next unit.

iii. In the case of Tanjore Permanent Bank vs S.R. Rangachari (AIR 1959 Madras 119) the High Court was called upon to decide a case in which cheque was materially altered and the bank sought protection under Section 89. In this case R had an overdraft account with the bank and requested the Manager to advance him Rs. 16,000 to the debit of his account. The Manager asked R to send him three blank cheques signed.

R accordingly did the same. However, of the three cheques only one was utilised for the payment of Rs. 16,000. The other two cheques were alleged to have been filled by the accountant of the bank for Rs. 7,600 and Rs. 4,200 and the names of two clerks were written as the payees. In both the cheques the alterations were apparent and visible but the bank paid these cheques. On R not clearing the debit because of his overdraft account, the bank sued him. R contended that the two debit entries for Rs. 7,600 and 4,200 were made by the bank wrongly and as such he cannot be held liable.

The Court held that since the material alteration on both the cheques were visible and since they were not authenticated by the drawer's initials, the payment made by the bank was not according to the apparent tenor of the instrument and as such the bank cannot claim protection under Section 89 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Court in coming to the above conclusion relied on the following paragraph of Bhashyam and Adiga's Negotiable Instruments Act:

The bank has also to see whether there are any alterations in the cheque and whether they have been properly authenticated. Therefore, where an alteration in a cheque is initialled not by all the drawers but only some of them, the bank will be paying the amount on the said cheque at its own risk. In this connection it is necessary to notice that under Section 89 protection is afforded to the bank paying a cheque where the alteration is not apparent.

It is to be noted that as per Section 89, the bank can seek protection only if there is no material alteration in the cheque and does not appear to have been altered. This, however, does not protect a banker in case the signature of the customer is forged. As stated earlier a forged cheque is no mandate of the customer and as such the bank cannot make payment on a cheque where the signature of the customer is forged. The question whether a signature is forged or not depends on the evidence and the court in coming to a conclusion that the signature is forged would look into the facts and circumstances that led to the payment of the cheque.

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iv. Bareilly Bank Ltd. vs Naval Kishore (AIR 1964 All 78): N opened an account with the bank by making a cash deposit of Rs. 19,900. N was issued a cheque book containing 25 cheques. 17 months after the opening of the account N drew a cheque for the first time for Rs. 5,900 which was dishonoured by the bank. On enquiries N was informed that 11 months back three cheques

aggregating Rs. 19,500 were paid by the bank and the present balance in the account was a mere Rs. 437. N denied issuing of the cheques and sued the bank.

In evidence it came out that 3 cheques used to withdraw the amounts were not from the cheque book issued to N and were from a different cheque book. Though bank was not in a position to explain this lapse, they made an attempt to counter the contentions of N by producing his specimen signature which appeared to be similar to the ones on the cheques. N however denied that the specimen signature was his and the Court concluded that the alleged specimen signature were

totally different from N's regular signature. Evidence also was led to show that the bank's own employees were involved in the forgery since the ledger page of N's account showed that certain erasures and scorings were made and the signature of N missing in the cheque book issue register.

Therefore the Court refused to accept the bank's contention.

6.6 PAYMENT BY BANK UNDER MISTAKE WHETHER RECOVERABLE

The question whether a bank paying a forged cheque can recover the same from the payee was considered by the Calcutta High Court in United Bank of India vs AT Ali Hussain & Co. (AIR 1978 Calcutta 169).

In this case, a cheque for Rs. 5,000, purportedly drawn by a company was presented by the collecting bank to the paying bank, and was paid. The signature as well as all other writings on the cheque were forged. The forgery was so perfect that it was not possible even for a trained eye to detect it. The paying bank, having subsequently come to know of the forgery, filed a suit against the collecting bank and the payee of the cheque, for recovery of the amount paid, on the ground of payment under

mistake. Defending the suit, the collecting bank contended that it received the cheque in the ordinary course of its business, and presented the same for encashment in good faith. The payee contended, that he received the cheque from some persons claiming to be representatives of a company, in the ordinary course of business, towards payment of the price of the goods to be supplied by him, that he acted in good faith, having no reason to suspect that the cheque was forged, and that he parted with the goods only on receipt of intimation from the collecting bank that the cheque had been encashed.

The Trial Court having dismissed the suit on the ground that the paying bank had no cause of action, an appeal was preferred to the High Court.

Decision: The High Court dismissed the appeal and held that both from the point of view of equitable principles and the doctrine of estoppel, the paying bank was disentitled to recover the money either from the collecting bank or the payee. In the course of his judgement, M.M. Dutt. J. said:

The evidence on record supports the findings of the learned Judge that the forgery was so accurate that it was not possible even to a trained eye to detect the same. In these circumstances, it is difficult to hold that the plaintiff bank had acted carelessly or negligently. The encashment was made by the plaintiff bank on the mistaken belief that the cheque was a genuine one. The defendant United Bank had nothing to do with the question as to whether the cheque was genuine or forged. In due course of business, it presented the cheque to the plaintiff bank for collection and after the cheque was encashed,

intimation was given by it to its constituent, namely, the defendant No.l, and the latter, in its turn, sold goods to the persons who came with the forged cheque as the representatives of the Metal Alloy Co. Thus, it appears that the parties in the suit acted in good faith in due course of business. It was due to

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the mistake that was committed by the plaintiff bank that it had to suffer the loss of the said sum of Rs. 5,200. Upon the consideration of the principles of law as noticed above, it seems to us that so long as

the status quo is maintained and the payee has not changed his position to his detriment, he must repay the money back to the payer. If, however, there has been a change in the position of the payee who, acting in good faith, parts with money to another without any benefit to himself before the mistake is detected, he cannot be held liable. Equity disfavours unjust enrichment. When there is no question of unjust enrichment of the payee by reaping the benefit of an accidental windfall he should not be made to suffer, for he would be as innocent as the payer who paid the money acting under a mistake.

6.7 LET US SUM UP

The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 lays down the law relating to the payment of a customer's

cheque and the protection that is available to a banker making payment of a cheque in due course.

Sections 10, 85, 85A, 89 and 128 of the Act deal with the protection available to a banker whereas Section 31 lays down the condition as to when a bank has to make payment on a cheque drawn by the customer. The banker on making the payment in due course is entitled to seek protection provided the cheque has not been altered or the alteration, if altered, is not apparent. However, the banker does not get protection, if signature of the customer is forged

6.8 KEYWORDS

Apparent Tenor of the Instrument; Material Alteration.


1. State whether true or false.

(i) The law relating to the payment of cheques and protection to a banker is contained in the

Indian Contract Act. (ii) The responsibility of a banker to pay back the money of the customer specifically stated in

the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. (iii) Section 31 of the Negotiable Instruments Act applies only to the banker, (iv) The banker is first bound to honour a customer cheque and only thereafter exercise his

right of set off. (v) A forged signature is no mandate of the customer, (vi) A customer is bound to inform the bank about lost cheque leaves, (vii) In a joint account if one of the signatures is forged, the bank and the customer are equally

liable, (viii) Payment to be made in due course need not always be made to holder but can be made to

his agent or servant, (ix) In case bank makes payment by mistake it can recover the same even if the payee has

changed his position, (x) If a bank makes payment without checking the instrument under an ultraviolet lamp, it can

be held liable on the grounds of negligence.


1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) True; (vi) False; (vii) False; (viii) True; (ix) False; (x) False

I

Rs.

;as >ay

ho, :is of ide

UNIT

7

CASE LAWS ON RESPONSIBILITY OF COLLECTING BANK

r's se. ;as he

he

lOt

STRUCTURE

7.0 Objectives

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Statutory Protection to Collecting Bank

7.3 Duties of the Collecting Bank

7.4 Let Us Sum Up

7.5 Keywords



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7.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit you should be able to understand:

• the duties of a collecting banker when opening an account and collecting cheques in the account;

• the protection granted under the Negotiable Instruments Act to a banker collecting a cheque.

7.1 INTRODUCTION

In the earlier unit, we had studied the duties imposed on a paying banker under the Negotiable Instruments

Act and the protection granted to him. In this unit, we will be studying the duties of a collecting banker

that has been imposed, more by the practice adopted by bankers over a period rather than by law. We

shall also be studying the protection available to a collecting banker which is granted by certain provisions

under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Before we delve into the subject, it would be worth trying to

understand who a collecting bank is by an illustration.

Illustration

Ram has an account with Ideal Bank Ltd. The bank has issued a cheque book to Ram to withdraw

money from the account. Ram owes Rs. 400 to Shyam and to repay this amount, Ram draws (issues)

a cheque in favour of Shyam. Shyam has two ways to obtain payment of the cheque. He can go

straight to the Ram's bank (Ideal Bank Ltd.) and collect cash against the cheque if it is not crossed or

he can deposit the cheque in his account with his banker, who would send the same to Ram's banker

(Ideal Bank Ltd.) and collect the amount. Here, Shyam's banker is the collecting bank and Ram's bank,

i.e. Ideal Bank Ltd. is the paying bank. If in the above illustration, Ram were to post the cheque to

Shyam and the same were stolen by X in transit and X were to open an account in the name of Shyam

and collect the cheque, the bank that opened the account of X to collect the proceeds of the cheque

would be the collecting bank.

7.2 STATUTORY PROTECTION TO COLLECTING BANK

Section 131 of the Negotiable Instruments Act grants protection to a collecting banker and reads as

follows:

Section 131

i. Non-liability of a Banker Receiving Payment of Cheque: A banker, who has, in good faith and

without negligence, received payment for a customer of a cheque crossed generally or specially to

himself shall not, in case the title to the cheque proves defective, incur any liability to the true

owner of the cheque by reason only of having received such payment.

Explanation: A banker receives payment of a crossed cheque for a customer within the meaning of

this section notwithstanding that he credits his customer's account with the amount of the cheque

before receiving payment thereof.

The provisions of the above section has been applied to drafts as per Section 131A of the Negotiable

Instruments Act.

ii. Conditions for Protection: Though Section 131 grants protection to a collecting banker, the protection

is conditional. For the collecting banker to claim the protection under Section 131 he has to comply

with certain conditions and they are:

1. The collecting banker should have acted in good faith.

2. He should have acted without negligence.

3. He should receive payment for a customer.

4. The cheque should be crossed generally or specially to himself.

I

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7.3 DUTIES OF THE COLLECTING BANK

Since no specific enactment has been laid down prescribing the nature of duties a banker will have to observe while acting as a collecting banker, Section 131 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which

affords protection to the collecting bank requires amongst other conditions that the bank should not have been negligent. To show that the bank has not been negligent the bank will have to prove that it has taken all precautions that would be required of a prudent banker in collecting a cheque. Over the years based on practice and judicial pronouncements, these precautions have been laid down as duties imposed on bankers, the non-compliance of which can make the bank liable on the grounds of negligence. We shall now individually examine these duties.

i. Duty to Open the Account with References and Sufficient Documentary Proof: The duty to open an account only after the new account holder has been properly introduced is too well ingrained in the today's banker's mind that it would be impossible to find an account without introduction. The necessity to obtain introduction of a good customer is to keep off crooks and fraudsters who may open accounts to collect forged cheques or other instruments. As an added precaution, RBI has insisted that while opening accounts photograph of the customer and sufficient documentary proofs for constitution and address be obtained under the applicable KYC norms.

In this regard, the English Decision Ladbroke vs Todd (1914) 30 TLR 433 can be referred to. In this case, a thief stole a cheque in transit and collected the same through a bank, where he had opened an

account without reference and by posing himself as the payee whose signature the thief forged. After collection of the cheque, the thief withdrew the amount. The bank was held liable to make good the amount since it acted negligently while opening the account inasmuch as it had not obtained any reference.

In Syndicate Bank vs Jaishree Industries and Others AIR 1994 Karnataka 315, the appellant opened an

account in the name of M/s Axle Conductor Industries Ltd. by the Proprietor, R.K. Vyas. A person Mr Nanjunde Gowda, who was having a small shop at the address given by the account holder, gave the introduction. The address of the account holder, given by the account holder, was just opposite the appellant bank. In the account opening form, the name of the account holder was given as M/s Axle Conductor Industries by the Proprietor R.K. Vyas. No information was sought or inquiry neither held as to the incorporation of the account holder nor was the memorandum of association, resolution, etc.,

scrutinised. On 3 January 1979, partners of Firm 'A' purchased a draft for Rs. 2,51,125 from State Bank of India, Ahmednagar, in favour of M/s Axle Conductor Industries Ltd. The draft was deposited in the account with the appellant on 5 October 1979 and the amount was collected by the appellant and credited to the account on 9 October 1979. On 10 October 1979, the monies were withdrawn from the account. The partners of 'A filed a suit against the appellant and State Bank of India for recovery of Rs. 2,51,125 wrongly collected by appellant and paid by State Bank of India.

The High Court held that there was failure to follow the proper procedure for opening account in the name of a limited company, that the account was opened as if it was a proprietary concern, the staff of the appellant bank did not bestow sufficient care even to notice the word 'Ltd.' on several occasions, such as, at the time of opening of the account or withdrawal of amounts from the account. The High Court felt that having accepted the application as if it was an application by a proprietary concern,

strangely the appellant bank allowed the account to operate in the name of the limited concern. There was, therefore, lack of care on the part of the appellant bank in the entire transaction.

The conditions to be satisfied for claiming protection under Section 131 of the Negotiable Instruments

Act are:

(a) that the banker should act in good faith and without negligence in receiving payment, i.e. in the process of collection;

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(b) that the banker should receive payment for a customer, i.e. act as mere agent in the collection of the cheque, and not on his account as holder;

(c) that the person for whom the banker acts must be his customer; (d) that the cheque should be one crossed generally or specially to himself.

The High Court stated that if the draft was drawn in favour of a fictitious person, it could not be said that the ownership stood transferred to a non-existent person for the purpose of examining the question whether the bank as a collecting banker acted negligently or not. The ownership would pass to the true owner. The High Court did not consider it necessary to decide as to what extent a person obtaining a

draft in favour of a fictitious person would lose the ownership in favour of a bona fide 'holder in due course'.

In view of the aforesaid, the appellant bank was held to have acted without taking any care, and was found negligent throughout and was not entitled to the protection under Section 131 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

In Indian Bank vs Catholic Syrian Bank AIR 1981 Mad 129, the Madras High Court had occasion to consider negligence of the collecting banker, which had opened an account after proper introduction.

Briefly, the facts were that one D had opened an account with Salem branch of bank 'A'. A customer of that branch had taken D to the said branch and had informed the manager that D was a man from Indore and that .he wanted to open a bank account to enable him to purchase carpets from Salem. Although the bank A had claimed that the customer, who had introduced D, was a well-known customer of the bank A and was a leading merchant of Salem and had a large volume of business, it was found in

the evidence recorded by the Court that these claims were not true. The introducer had an account and had some fixed deposits with the bank A. The transactions were for paltry amounts and the amount standing to the credit of the introducer at the relevant time, was only Rs. 192.57.

On 12 June 1969, M obtained a demand draft for Rs. 20 from the branch at Singanallur of the bank B. The draft was drawn on the branch office of bank B in favour of D and company. By means of a clever forgery, the draft was altered for Rs. 29,000 drawn in favour of D. D presented the draft on 13 June 1969 for credit to his account opened with Salem branch of bank A and the amount was

collected by bank A from bank B and credited to the account of D.

On 14 June 1969, the Salem branch of bank B came to know from its Singanallur branch that the draft

issued for Rs. 20 and was drawn in favour of D and company, payable at Cochin and that no draft for a sum of Rs. 29,000 had been issued. At once the Salem branch of bank A was contacted and was informed of the fraud, but unfortunately by then bank A had already paid a large part of the draft amount to D under a self cheque.

Bank B (Paying banker) filed the suit against bank A (collecting banker) for recovery of Rs. 29,000 on

the ground that the collecting banker had been negligent while opening an account in the name of D and by reason of its negligence and want of good faith, the forged draft got to be wrongly converted.

The High Court observed that the collecting banker had opened the account in the name of D on a mere introduction of one of its account holders, knowing fully well that the said account holder was not a well known leading merchant and had no large business with it at the relevant time. Further, the

collecting banker had not independently questioned D about his business and his creditworthiness before allowing him to open an account. When D stated that he had come from Indore, the manager of the collecting banker did not even care to find out his permanent address, more so, when in the application for opening account filed by D, the address given was of that of the introducer. Moreover,

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when D told the manager of collecting banker that he had not until then opened any account although

he had come from Indore to Salem to do business, the collecting banker, before opening the account,

should have been more alert.

ii. Duty to Confirm the Reference where the Referee is not known or has given Reference in

Absentia: However, as a matter of practice, bankers in India require introduction by an existing

customer of the bank, this may not always be possible especially when the branch is newly opened.

In such cases, the customers are required to get references from known persons in the locality or

from the existing bankers. In such case, the banker is required to make enquiries with the referee

to confirm that the person whose account is newly opened is a genuine person. Under the current

KYC norms, the authenticity of the customer is required to be verified by calling for a direct

identification document like a copy of passport, PAN number issued by IT department, Identity

certificate issued by Election authorities or identification issued by the employer if the company is

a prominent one. The address can be authenticated by obtaining a copy of a electricity or Telephone

bill, or copy of ration card, or copy of any bank statement where the customer has already an

account. Only in the case of very small customers, this requirement is waived and a third party

introduction is accepted.

In Harding vs London Joint Stock Bank [1914] 3 Legal Decision Affecting Bankers 81, an account

was opened for a new customer after complying with the necessary formalities. The account was

not opened by deposit of cash, as is the usual practice but was opened by paying in a third party

cheque. The bankers in the case made enquiries with the customer who thereupon produced a

forged letter issued by his employer giving him power to deal with the cheque. It was thereafter

found that the cheque was stolen by the customer and credited to his account. The bank was held

negligent for failure to make necessary enquiries from the employer as to whether the customer

who was an employee had, in fact, the necessary power to deal with the cheque.

iii. Duty to Ensure Crossing and Special Crossing: It is the duty of the banker to ensure that the cheque is

crossed specifically to himself and if the cheque is crossed to some other banker they should refuse to

collect it. Similarly, where the cheque is crossed to a specific account then crediting the same to

another account without necessary enquiries would make him liable on the grounds of negligence. In

case of 'non-negotiable' crossing a banker cannot be held negligent merely because of collection of

such instruments. In the case of Crumpling vs London Joint Stock Bank Ltd. [1911-13] All England

Rep 647. It was held that a non-negotiable crossing is only one of the factors amongst others to be

considered to decide about the bankers, negligence and that the mere taking of a non-negotiable

cheque cannot be held to be evidence of negligence on the part of the bankers.

iv. Duty to Verify the Instruments or any Apparent Defect in the Instruments: Sometimes the instrument,

which is presented for collection would convey to the banker a warning that a customer who has

presented the instrument for collection either is committing a breach of trust or is misappropriating

the money belonging to some other. In case the banker does not heed the warning, which is

required of a prudent banker, then he could be held liable on the grounds of negligence as can be

seen from the following cases:

(a) In Underwood Ltd. vs Bank of Liverpool Martin Ltd. [1924] 1 KB 775, the Managing Director

of a company paid into his private account large number of cheques which were to be paid into

the company's account and the bank was held negligent since it did not make enquiries as to

whether the managing director was, in fact, entitled to the amounts represented by these

cheques.

(b) In Savory Company vs Llyods Bank [1932] 2 KB 122, the cheques which were payable to the

employer was collected by the employee in a private account opened by him and the bank was

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held liable for negligence. In this case, two dishonest clerks of a stock broker stole bearer

cheques belonging to their employer which were collected in an account maintained by one of the clerks and in another account in his wife's name. It was held that the bank had been

negligent in opening the clerk's account inasmuch as they had not obtained his employer's name while opening the account and that in the case of his wife's account the bank was negligent inasmuch as it had not obtained the husband's occupation and his employer's name while opening the account.

(c) In the case of Australia and New Zealand Bank vs Ateliers de Constructions Electriques de

Cherleroi [1967] 1 AC 86 PC, an agent paid his principal's cheque into his personal account and the bank was charged with conversion. However, the bank defended the same because there was implied authority from the principal to his agent to use his private account for such purpose. Though the banker was negligent in dealing with the cheques without specific authority the bank escaped liability since it was found that the principal had, in fact, authorised his agent to use his private account.

(d) In Morrison vs London County and Westminster Bank Ltd. [1914-5] All ER Rep 853, the manager of the plaintiff was permitted to draw cheques per pro his employer and he drew some cheques payable to himself which he collected into his private account. The bank was held negligent for collecting such cheques without making necessary enquiries even though there was a clear indication that the manager was signing as an agent of the firm.

v. Duty to take into Account the State of Customer's Account: The collecting banker is required to take into account the status of the customer and the various transactions that have taken place in the customer's account to know the circumstances and the standard of living of the customer. If for example, a person is an employee and the nature of his employment is that of a clerk, his salary would be approximately known to the bank and any substantial credits by way of collection of

cheques would be suspected and it would be the duty of the banker to take necessary precautions while collecting such cheques.

In Nu-Stilo Footwear Ltd. vs Lloyds Bank Ltd. [1956] 7 Legal Decisions Affecting Bankers P. 121, the plaintiffs who were manufacturers of ladies footwear were defrauded by their secretary and works accountant who converted nine cheques payable to the plaintiffs into his account. The

secretary opened the accounts in the defendant's bank in a false name and as reference gave his real name. The bank thereupon called the reference and got a satisfactory reply, which included the fact that the account holder had recently come down from Oxford and intended setting up a business of his own. The secretary thereupon presented nine cheques totally aggregating to £ 4855. Since these cheques were drawn on the plaintiffs, they sued the defendant bank who had collected the cheques. The Court held that the collecting bank was negligent inasmuch as the

collecting bank did not take necessary precautions because the amounts collected were inconsistent with the business of the account holder and therefore necessary enquires should have been made by the bank.

vi. Negligence of Collecting Bank in Collecting Cheques Payable to Third Parties: The collecting bank has to make necessary enquiries before any third party cheques, are collected on behalf of its customer. In Ross vs London County Westminster and Parrs Bank Ltd. [1919] 1 KB 678, cheques payable to 'the Officer in charge, Estate Office, Canadian Overseas Military Force' were used by

an individual to payoff his debts. There was an instruction in all the cheques that it was negotiable by the concerned officer. However, it was held that the fact that the cheques were drawn in favour of the officer in charge should have put the banker on enquiry and since no such enquiry was made by the banker the bank is liable on the grounds of negligence.

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7.4 LET US SUM UP

However, the Negotiable Instruments Act does not specifically lay down the duties of a collecting

banker while collecting cheque, it gives protection to a collecting banker under Section 131. From Section 131, it can be deduced that a banker to claim protection should comply with certain basic duties failing which he will not be entitled to seek protection under Section 131. These duties are:

1. The collecting banker should have acted in good faith.

2. He should have acted without negligence. 3. He should receive payment for a customer. 4. The cheque should be crossed generally or specially to himself.

In concluding whether the bank had been negligent or not the following matters would be relevant and if the banker has failed to carry out any of the following duties then he can be liable on the grounds of

negligence. These duties are:

(i) To open the account with proper references and documentary proof. (ii) To confirm the reference, where the referee is not known and or does not come personally. (iii) To ensure crossing and special crossing. (iv) To verify the instruments or any apparent defect in the instruments. (v) To take into account the state of customer's account.

(vi) To make enquiries by the collecting bank in collecting cheques payable to third parties.

7.5 KEYWORDS

Conversion; Non-negotiable crossing.


1. State whether true or false. (i) The statutory protection to a collecting banker is as per Section 6 of the Indian Contract Act. (ii) Section 131A of the Negotiable Instruments Act extends the protection granted to a banker

while receiving payment of a cheque, and drafts, (iii) The duties of collecting bank to claim protection has been laid down under the Indian Contract

Act and Banking Regulation Act. (iv) In the absence of proper reference the banker can be held liable on the grounds of negligence, (v) It is necessary for the banker to make enquiries regarding the reference given by the customer.


1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) True

L.K.A.B.8

INDEMNITIES

STRUCTURE

8.0 Objectives

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Contract of Indemnity Defined

8.3 Distinctive Features of Indemnity Contract and Guarantee

8.4 Scope and Application of Indemnity Contracts to banks

8.5 Rights of an Indemnity Holder

8.6 Let Us Sum Up

8.7 Keywords



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8.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit, you should be able to understand:

• the definition and concept of indemnity;

• distinctive features of an Indemnity Contract and how it differs from a guarantee; • when and why bankers take indemnities; • know the rights of an indemnity holder; • know the liabilities of the indemnifier.

8.1 INTRODUCTION

The word indemnity means 'to save from loss'. This loss could be either due to the act of the party

giving the indemnity or due to the act of a third party. The law regarding indemnity as laid down in Sections 124 and 125 of the Indian Contract Acts, is not exhaustive. The law of indemnity is much wider than as stated in the Contract Act, since Courts applying the principles of equity have developed it. A Contract of Indemnity is a contingent contract, i.e. its performance is made dependent upon the happening or non-happening of some event.

8.2 CONTRACT OF INDEMNITY DEFINED

Section 124 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 defines contract of indemnity as follows:

Sectionl24. 'Contract of Indemnity' defined: A contract by which one party promises to save the other

from loss caused to him by the conduct of the promisor himself or by the conduct of any other person,

is called a 'Contract of Indemnity'.

Section also gives an illustration of a Contract of Indemnity as follows:

A contract to Indemnify B against the consequences of any proceedings which C may take against B in

respect of a certain sum of Rs. 200, is called a contract of Indemnity.

In the above definition, the person giving the promise is called the indemnifier and the person to whom the promise is made is called the indemnified or the indemnity holder. As stated, earlier the contract of indemnity as defined in the contract is narrow and not exhaustive and the law regarding indemnity is

much wider than that as defined in the Contract Act. For example, all insurance contracts come within the ambit of a contract of indemnity, but are not dealt with under Section 124 of the Contract Act. Section 124 deals only with one particular type of indemnity, viz., where a person gives a promise to save another person from loss caused by either the conduct of the person giving the promise or by the conduct of any other person. Over and above the kind of indemnity stated in Section 124, there are cases where the Courts applying the principles of general law have held a person liable to indemnify,

though the person never did undertake such a liability. The decision of the Privy Council in Secretary of State vs Bank of India Ltd. (AIR 1938 PC 191) best illustrates this point. In this case, Ms. G was the holder of a Government promissory note which she had handed over to Mr. A, her broker. Mr. A forged Ms. G's signature and endorsed it in his favour. Mr. A then endorsed it for value to the bank. The bank in good faith applied to the Government Public Debt Office to have the note exchanged in their name, which was done. Ms. G on being aware that she has been defrauded, sued the Government and

recovered the appropriate damages. The Government in turn sued the bank to indemnify the Government against the loss suffered by them. The Court held the bank to be liable because under common law covering right of indemnity, the bank is responsible for an injury to a third party's rights.

A contract of indemnity, though similar to a contract of guarantee differs on various counts. To know the difference between these two types of contracts we shall examine their respective features one by one in the next part.

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8.3 DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF INDEMNITY CONTRACT AND GUARANTEE

i. Number of Parties to the Contract of Indemnity: In a contract of indemnity there are two parties, viz., the indemnifier and the indemnified whereas in a contract of guarantee there are three parties, viz., the debtor (the person on whose behalf the guarantee is given), the creditor (the beneficiary, the person to whom the guarantee is given) and the surety (the person who gives the guarantee).

ii. Contingent Risk: In an indemnity, the risk is contingent whereas in a guarantee the liability is subsisting. ,

iii. Nature of Liability: In a contract of indemnity, the indemnifier is required to make good the loss as

soon as it occurs and he cannot rely on the fact that the person on whose behalf the indemnity is given has not made good the loss, whereas in a contract of guarantee, the surety's liability is secondary and the principal debtor is primarily liable.

iv. Number of Contracts: There are only two parties to a contract of indemnity and as such only one contract. However, in a contract of guarantee there are at least three contracts: one between the debtor and creditor, the other between the creditor and the surety and the third between the surety

and the debtor. v. Purpose of Contract: An indemnity is for the reimbursement of a loss whereas a guarantee is for

the security of the creditor.

8.4 SCOPE AND APPLICATION OF INDEMNITY CONTRACTS TO BANKS

As far as a banker is concerned, the law relating to indemnities is of great importance. Customers of

the bank who have lost a demand draft or travellers' cheque are required to give an indemnity before

the issuance of a fresh instrument in lieu of the lost one. These indemnities are required since the bank has to protect itself from any subsequent claim made by a person who may have for value received these instruments. In some cases over and above the indemnity, banks ask for surety. This is usually done in cases where the amount involved is quite substantial or the banker does not know the customer well enough, since the customer must have had only one or two dealings with the banker. Indemnity bonds are also insisted by bankers while issuing duplicate FDRs, settling death claims to heirs or while

issuing duplicate pay orders (bankers' cheque), etc.

In the indemnity taken by the bank the customer undertakes to protect the bank from any loss or damage and for costs incurred. In most states, these indemnities are stamped as an agreement. However, if they are witnessed, they would be treated as an indemnity bond thereby being liable for payment of ad valorem stamp duty.

8.5 RIGHTS OF AN INDEMNITY HOLDER

Section 125 of the Contract Act lays down the rights of an indemnity holder.

125. 'Rights of indemnity holder when sued: The promisee in a contract of indemnity, acting within the scope of his authority, is entitled to recover from the promisor the following:

i. All damages which he may be compelled to pay in any suit in respect of any matter to which the

promise to indemnify applies, ii. All costs which he may be compelled to pay in any such suit if,

in bringing or defending it, he did

not contravene the orders of the promisor, and acted as it would have been prudent for him to act in the absence of any contract of indemnity, or, if the promisor authorised him to compromise the

suit, iii. All sums which he may have paid under the terms of any compromise of any such suit, if the

compromise was not contrary to the orders of the promisor, and was one, which it would have

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been prudent for the promisee to make in the absence of any contract of indemnity, or, if the

promisor authorised him to compromise the suit.

A reading of the above Section shows that the rights of an indemnity holder are subject to:

(a) his acting within the scope of his authority;

(b) he does not contravene the specific directions of the promisor.

In case the indemnity holder does not violate the above two conditions, he is then entitled to be

indemnified by the indemnifier to the extent of:

(a) the damages paid by him; (b) the costs required either to file the suit or defend it; (c) any amounts paid by him pursuant to a compromise in the suit provided that the compromise

was not contrary to any of the order or directions of the indemnifier and the compromise was such that it was an act of prudence in the absence of a contract of indemnity.

1. Damages: As regards damages, it is to be noted that High Courts have differed in the views as to when the indemnifier's liability commences. Some High Courts have held that the liability commences only from the time the indemnity holder actually incurs loss, whereas some others have held that an

indemnity holder can compel the indemnifier to put him in a position to meet the liability. The former view is to be preferred.

2. Costs: As regards costs, costs paid to solicitors, travelling expenses and also costs reasonably incurred in resisting or reducing or ascertaining the claim, may be recovered. The general principle in computing the costs is that it should be such as, would a reasonable man think if necessary to incur.

3. Sums paid on Compromise: As per Section 125, if the indemnity holder acts within the scope of his authority, then he is entitled to recover from the indemnifier all the sums that he may have paid

pursuant to a compromise in a suit, provided however that

(a) such compromise was not contrary to the orders of the indemnifier;

(b) such compromise was prudent to be made by the indemnity holder in the absence of any contract of indemnity;

(c) the indemnifier had authorised the indemnity holder to compromise the suit.

The Madras High Court in Venkataramana vs Mangamma AIR 1944 Mad. 457, has held that even in the absence of a notice to the indemnifier (promisor), the compromise would bind him, if not

contrary to the orders of the promisor, and is entered bona fide and without any collusion and is not imprudent.

8.6 LET US SUM UP

Sections 124 and 125 of the Indian Contract Act respectively, lays down the laws of indemnity and the

rights of indemnity holder. These sections are not exhaustive and the general law of indemnity, which is wider, has been applied in cases not covered by Sections 124 and 125. The indemnifier has to compensate the indemnity holder who is entitled to the damages suffered, costs incurred and to recover any sums paid in a compromise of any suit. Bankers obtain indemnities to protect themselves from any loss that they may incur while issuing duplicate of instruments like demand drafts or travellers' cheques, FDRS, pay-orders, etc.

8.7 KEYWORDS

Indemnity; Indemnifier; Indemnity holder.

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of the Indian Contract Act defines an indemnity.

(ii) A person promising to save another from loss is called

(iii) _________ is a person who is promised to be saved from loss.

2. State whether the statements are true or false. (i) Contract of Indemnity as defined in the Contract Act is exhaustive, (ii) Insurance Contracts are not contracts of indemnity.

B. 1. Fill in the blanks. (i) There are__________ parties to a contract of indemnity. (ii) Indemnifiers liability in a contract of indemnity is _________ .

2. State whether the following statements are true or false. (i) There are three parties to a contract of indemnity, the indemnifier, the indemnity holder and

the person on whose behalf the indemnity is given, (ii) Indemnifter's liability occurs only if the indemnity holder suffers loss.

C. 1. State whether the statements are true or false. (i) Customers as a matter of right and without an indemnity can obtain duplicate of demand

drafts or travellers' cheques. (ii) Indemnities are required by banks purely as a formality and does not serve any other purpose, (iii) The indemnity obtained by banker only protects him from the actual value of the instrument.

D. 1. What are the two conditions that an indemnity holder is bound to comply before being indemnified

for a loss?

2. To what extent is the indemnity holder entitled to be indemnified? 3. In case of compromise the indemnity holder has to satisfy certain conditions before recovering

the loss from the indemnifier, what are these conditions? 4. State whether the statements are true or false.

(i) An indemnity holder can act beyond his authority. (ii) An indemnity holder can be compensated only for damages and not for the costs incurred

by him. (iii) An indemnity holder is entitled to compromise a suit as thought fit by him though contrary

to the orders of the indemnifier.


A. 1. (i) 124; (ii) Indemnifier; (iii) Indemnity holder 2. (i) False; (ii) False

B. 1. (i) 2; (ii) Primary 2. (i) False; (ii) True

C. 1. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) False.

D. 1. (i) He should act within the scope of his authority and should not contravene any directions

of the indemnifier. 2. To the extent of the damages suffered, costs incurred and sums paid for compromise of any

suit. 3. (i) The compromise was not contrary to the orders of the indemnifier.

(ii) Such compromise was prudent.

(iii) the indemnifier had authorised the indemnity holder to compromise the suit. 4. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) False

A. 1. Fill in the blanks, (i) Section ____

BANK GUARANTEES

STRUCTURE

9.0 Objectives

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Bank Guarantees

9.3 Various Ttypes of Bank Guarantees

9.4 Banker's Duty to Honour Guarantee

9.5 Issuance of Bank Guarantee - Precautions to be taken

9.6 Payment Under Bank Guarantee - Precautions to be taken

9.7 Let Us Sum Up

9.8 Keywords



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9.0 OBJECTIVES


• various kinds of bank guarantees, their nature and scope; • the precautions to be taken while issuing a bank guarantee; • the precautions to be taken on invocation of a bank guarantee.

9.1 INTRODUCTION

In commercial transactions, bank's customers are sometimes required to give a bank guarantee. This is mostly as an alternative to keep cash as a security deposit. The third party who seeks the guarantee, not being aware of the customer's financial standing, prefers a bank guarantee. In turn, the bank, which very well understands the financial standing of the customer, undertakes to guarantee the customer's

financial commitments or the performance of contracts by him. The bank charges a commission for this service which depends on the security available and the financial stability of the customer. In this Chapter, you will learn what exactly is a bank guarantee, the various types of bank guarantees, the precautions to be taken while issuing a bank guarantee and on making payment on a bank guarantee the distinction between a bank guarantee and an ordinary guarantee, why in a bank guarantee the banker's duty to honour the guarantee is of prime importance and the limit to which this duty can be extended.

9.2 BANK GUARANTEES

The term 'bank guarantee' briefly stated means:

a guarantee given by a bank to a third person, to pay him a certain sum on behalf of the bank's customer, on the customer failing to fulfil any contractual or legal obligations towards the third person.

From the above, it can be seen that there should first be a commitment on the part of the customer to fulfil certain obligations to a third party. This could be contractual or legal, i.e. imposed by law. This

commitment of the customer is guaranteed by a bank and if the customer fails to honour his commitment the banker pays the amount, it has promised to pay. Once the bank gives a guarantee, then its commitment to honour the guarantee is onerous and as such, it is prudent that a banker before issuing a guarantee on behalf of his customer takes appropriate security and understands his rights and duties. Before we embark on a study of the banker's duty to honour guarantees and the onerous obligation he undertakes on behalf of the customer when he issues a guarantee, it would be necessary to understand the various

kinds of guarantees that a banker usually issues.

9.3 VARIOUS TYPES OF BANK GUARANTEES

Though under law, bank guarantees have not been classified by the nature of the underlying contract entered into by the customer, in practice such classification has been made. Though there are various

types of guarantees, the important ones, which a banker would be regularly required to issue in the course of his business are as follows:

i. Financial Guarantee: These are guarantees issued by banks on behalf of the customers, in lieu of the customer's requirement to deposit a cash security or earnest money. These kinds of guarantees are mostly issued on behalf of customers/contractors dealing with Government departments. Such guarantees are also issued in situations where a party is required to deposit cash as a part of

contract. Most Government departments insist that before the contract is awarded to contractor he should show that he is willing to perform the contract and to ensure that now frivulous tenders

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are mad, insist on an Earnest Money Deposit. However in lieu of the earnest money government departments are generally willing to accept a bank guarantee. This also helps the contractor who can utilise the funds for fulfilling his obligations under the contract. In case the contractor does not take up contract of awarded then the Government departments invoke the guarantee and collect the money from the banks.

ii. Performance Guarantee: These are guarantees issued by the bank on behalf of its customer whereby the bank assures a third party, that the customer will perform the contract entered into by the customer as per the condition stipulated in the contract, failing which the bank will compensate the third party up to the amount specified in the guarantee. These types of guarantees are usually issued by bankers on behalf of their customers, who have entered into contracts to do certain things on or before a given date. Though the bank assures, that the conditions as stipulated in the

contract will be complied with by the customer in practice, the banks on being served a notice of default by the third party pays over the amount guaranteed without going into the technicality of the contract. This is because, after a guarantee is issued, the contract of guarantee is independent of underlying commercial transaction and any claim as per terms of guarantee is required to be honoured. Though, in certain performance guarantees a clause is inserted, that proof of default of the customer is necessary, most bank guarantees do not insist on such proof. A mere demand from

the beneficiary that there has been a default by the bank's customer is sufficient for the bank to make payment. This is so, since banks by the nature of their expertise prefer to deal with documents and they would not like to go beyond the contract and verify whether there has been a breach of the contract or not. This is because, generally the guarantee document makes it obligatory on the part of the issuing bank to honour their guarantee without going into the points of differences between the beneficiary and the principal on whose behalf he had issued the guarantee.

iii. Deferred Payment Guarantee: Under this type of guarantee, the banker guarantees payment of instalments spread over a period. This type of guarantee is required, when goods or machinery are purchased by a customer on long-term credit and the payment is to be made in instalments on specified dates spread over more than a year. In terms of the contract of sale, the seller draws drafts (bills of exchange) of different maturities on the customer which are to be accepted by the

customer. The banker guarantees due payment of these drafts. A deferred payment guarantee constitutes an undertaking on the part of the bank to make payments of deferred instalments to the seller (beneficiary) on the due dates, in the event of default by the customer (buyer). While issuing a deferred payment guarantee, the banker has to assess the ability and sources of funds of the customer to honour the payment of instalments on due dates.

9.4 BANKER'S DUTY TO HONOUR GUARANTEE

Bank guarantees are called 'the life blood of national and international commerce' and even though they are an offshoot of a primary contract between the debtor and creditor, these guarantees are independent commitments taken by bank on the behalf of their customers. In most bank guarantees, banks undertake

to make payment merely on demand by the beneficiary. It is therefore absolutely necessary that irrespective of the underlying contract and any dispute between the parties to the contract, the bank makes payment, if the guarantee has been invoked properly. We shall now examine this duty of the banker to honour his commitment under a guarantee and the grounds on which payments can be refused.

i. Bank's Obligation to Pay Primary

(a) The obligation of a banker, to honour his commitment on a guarantee given by him being primary, casts a duty on the bank to honour it irrespective of the disputes between the beneficiary

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and the debtor. The first of the cases wherein the bank's commitment to honour its guarantee

was discussed was the English case of R.D. Harbottle Ltd. vs National Westminster Bank Ltd.

(1978) OB 146, wherein Justice Kerr held as follows:

Such guarantees even though having their genesis in the primary contract between the parties are nevertheless autonomous and independent contracts and a bank, which has given a performance guarantee must honour that guarantee according to its terms. It is not concerned in the least with relations, between the supplier and the customer, nor with the question whether

the supplier has performed his contracted obligations or not, nor with the question whether the supplier is in default or not and the only exception is when there is a clear fraud, of which the bank has notice.

(b) The above principle has been accepted by Courts in India and they have refused to grant injunctions against banks from making payment under the guarantee except in cases of fraud or special equities in favour of the person on whose behalf the guarantee has been issued. The

decision of the Calcutta High Court in Texmaco Ltd. vs State Bank of India AIR (1979) Cal 44, the first among the Indian cases illustrates the duty imposed on a bank to honour its guarantee. In this case, the bank had issued a guarantee to STC on behalf of M/s Texmaco Ltd., wherein the bank irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed the due performance of the contractual obligations of M/s Texmaco and in case of default by Texmaco, the bank, on first demand by STC, guaranteed payment of the amount without any contestation, demur or protest and/or

without reference to Texmaco and/or without questioning the legal relationship subsisting between Texmaco and STC. The guarantee was invoked by STC upon which Texmaco filed a suit for injunction to restrain the bank from making any payment. The High Court held that:

In the absence of such special equities and in the absence of any clear fraud, the bank must pay on demand, if so stipulated, and whether the terms are such must have to be found out from the performance guarantees as such. Here though the guarantee was given for the performance by Texmaco in an

orderly manner their contractual obligation, the obligation was taken by the bank to repay the amount on 'first demand' and 'without contestation, demur or protest and without reference to Texmaco and without questioning the legal relationship subsisting between STC and Texmaco'. It further stipulated, as I have mentioned before, that the decision of STC as to the liability of the bank under the guarantee and the amounts payable thereunder shall be final and binding on the bank. It has further stipulated that the bank should forthwith pay the amount due 'notwithstanding any dispute between STC and Texmaco'.

In that context, in my opinion the moment, a demand is made without protest and contestation, the bank has obliged itself to pay irrespective of any dispute as to whether there has been performance in an orderly manner of the contractual obligation by the party.

The Supreme Court has also considered the liability of a banker on a guarantee and after referring to the various English decisions and the decisions of various High Courts held in UP Co-operative Federation

vs Singh Consultant [1988 (1) SCC 174] that commitments of banks must be honoured free from interference by the Courts. Otherwise, trust in commerce, internal and international, would be irreparably damaged. It is only in exceptional cases, that is to say, in case of fraud or in case of irretrievable injustice be done, the Court should interfere.

LIABILITY OF BANK UNDER A GUARANTEE GIVEN ON BEHALF OF A

COMPANY ORDERED TO BE WOUND UP

In Maharashtra Electricity Board, Bombay vs Official Liquidator, High Court of Ernakulam and Another (AIR 1982 SC. 1497), the Supreme Court had occasion to consider the liability of a bank on a guarantee

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given by it on behalf of a company that was being wound up, the facts of which; in a nutshell are as

follows:

The Cochin Malleable Private Limited (Company) entered into a contract with Maharashtra State Electricity

Board, Bombay (Board) for supply of goods from time to time. As per the terms of the contract, the

company furnished a bank guarantee for Rs. 50,000 as earnest money deposit. As per the guarantee

given by Canara Bank Limited (Bank), the bank agreed unequivocally and unconditionally to pay within

forty-eight hours on demand in writing from the board a sum not exceeding Rs. 50,000. On 30 July

1973, a petition for winding up of the company was presented and the High Court, Kerala, on 16

September 1974, ordered the company to be wound up. On 27 August 1973, the board called upon the

bank to pay the guarantee amount of Rs. 50,000 followed by several reminders and final demand was

made on 23 July 1974.

On 4 November 1974, the Bank wrote to the official liquidator stating that the company was liable to

the bank for payment of Rs. 1,64,353.12 which included the guaranteed amount. Thereupon, the

official liquidator filed an application before the company Judge, praying for an order restraining the

board from realising the amount covered by the bank guarantee on the ground that since the company

was ordered to be wound up, the board could not claim payment under the bank guarantee.

The learned company Judge upheld the plea of the official liquidator and issued an order restraining the

board from realising the amount from the bank. The board filed an appeal to the Division Bench of the

High Court, which was also dismissed. The board thereupon approached the Supreme Court. The

Supreme Court held that:

Where under a letter of guarantee the bank has undertaken to pay any amount not exceeding Rs. 50,000

to the board, within forty-eight hours of the demand and the payment of the amount guaranteed by the

bank was not made dependent on the proof of any default on the part of the company in liquidation, the

bank was bound to make payment to the board. The board was not concerned with what the bank did

in order to reimburse itself after making the payment under the bank guarantee. It was the responsibility

of the bank to deal with the securities held by it in accordance with law. The Supreme Court observed

that under Section 128 of the Contract Act, the liability of the surety is co-extensive with that of the

principal debtor, unless, it is otherwise provided in the contract. Further, a surety is discharged under

Section 134 by any contract between the creditor and the principal debtor by which the principal debtor

is released or by any act or omission of the creditor, the legal consequence of which is the discharge of

the principal debtor. But a discharge which a principal debtor may secure by operation of law in

bankruptcy (or in liquidation proceedings in the case of a company) would not absolve the bank from

its liability under the bank guarantee.

LIABILITY OF BANKS UNDER A GUARANTEE WHEN

THE MAIN CONTRACT IS SUSPENDED

The question whether the bank is absolved of its liability under a guarantee issued by it when the main contract is suspended by a statute was considered by the Bombay High Court in Messrs SCII (India) Limited vs Indian Bank and Another (AIR 1992 Bom. 121). The facts of the case are as follows:

For carrying out erection, testing and commissioning of IP pipe works, the company engaged the services of a contractor. At the request of the contractor, the bank furnished a performance guarantee where under the bank undertook to pay to the company on demand 'any and all monies payable by the contractor to the extent of Rs. 10,72,806 at any time up to 30 June, 1989 without demur, reservation, contest, recourse of protest and/or without reference to the contractor'.

The Government of West Bengal had issued a notification under which the contractor was declared as an unemnlovment relief undertaking under the West Bengal Act, 1972, and had suspended all contracts

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On invocation of the guarantee the contractor, therefore, submitted that the contract of erection, etc.,

entered into by the contractor with the company stood suspended.

On behalf of the company, it was submitted that the bank guarantee was an independent contract

between the bank and the company and was not affected or suspended by operation of the above

referred to Act or the notification.

The High Court observed that the company had not invoked the guarantee fraudulently or mala fide. The High Court pointed out that according to the decision of the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court, the contract of bank guarantee is an independent and separate contract. The High Court noted,

that in several Supreme Court decisions, particularly in M.S.E.B. Bombay vs Official Liquidator, AIR 1982, S.C. 1497, and in State Bank of India vs Messrs Saksaria Sugar Mills Limited, AIR 1986, S.C. 868, it was held that the liability of the guarantor to pay was not affected by suspension of liability of the principal debtor under some statutory provisions. In the result, the High Court refused to grant any injunction restraining the bank from making payment under the bank guarantee more so when there was no special equity in favour of the contractor.

From the above decisions, it can be seen that the liability of the bank is not dependent on the underlying contract but is an independent contract which the Courts would enforce except in case of fraud.

ii. Exceptions

(a) Cases of fraud: The Supreme Court in United Commercial Bank vs Bank of India AIR 1981 SC 1426 observed as follows:

Except possibly in clear case of fraud of which the banks have notice, the Courts will leave the merchants to settle their disputes under the contracts by utilisation or arbitration as available to them or as stipulated in the contracts.

Fraud, has been held to be one of the exceptions to the general rule regarding the contracts of guarantee. A banker, who has knowledge of fraud, can therefore refuse payment of the amount guaranteed. The question however, would arise as to how a banker can decide as to whether a fraud has been committed or not. In such cases, it is advisable that the banks inform their customer about the invocation of the guarantee by the creditors and the banks intention to pay

within a given time if the unless restrained by an injunction order of a court. This would relieve the bank of the task of judging as to whether a fraud has been committed or not. On this point the observations of Supreme Court in UP Co-operative Federation vs Singh Consultants 1988 (1) Section 174 is worth noting, whether it is a traditional letter of a credit or a new device like performance bond or performance guarantee, the obligation of banks appears to be the same. If the documentary credits are irrevocable and independent, the banks must pay when demands

are made. Since the bank pledges its own credit involving its reputation, it has no defence except in the case of fraud. The bank's obligations, of course should not be extended to protect the unscrupulous seller, that is, the seller who is responsible for the fraud. However, the banker must be sure of his ground before declining to pay. The nature of the fraud that the Courts talk about, is fraud of an 'egregious nature as to vitiate the entire underlying transaction'. It is fraud of the beneficiary, not the fraud of somebody else. If the bank detects, with a

minimal investigation, the fraudulent action of the seller the payment could be refused. The bank cannot be compelled to honour the credit in such cases. However, it may be very difficult for the bank to take a decision on the alleged fraudulent action. In such cases, it would be proper for the bank to ask the buyer to approach the court for an injunction. M/s Escorts Limited vs Messrs Modern insulators and Another AIR 1988 Delhi 345 also illustrates the point that banks in case of doubt should seek appropriate direction from the Court. In this case, the

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Escorts supplied generator sets to Modern Insulators the performance of which were guaranteed by the bank. Modern invoked the guarantee, whereupon Escorts moved the Court to restrain

Modern from recovering the amount and the bank from making payment of the guaranteed sum. The Court granted injunction since the guarantee was not invoked properly. Thereafter Modern invoked the guarantee once again but the bank did not pay. The matter came before the High Court and Escorts pleaded that Modern had played a fraud and hence were not entitled to the guaranteed amount. The High Court held that averments of fraud have to be pleaded and proved, which was not done by Escorts. Of importance in this judgement is the

Court's remark as regards the conduct of the bank. The Court remarked that the bank should have approached the Court for appropriate directions if it had any doubts. Merely because an application for injunction was made, would not be a ground for the bank not to honour its commitment under the bank guarantee.

It is therefore important to ensure that a clear cut case of fraud is established before a bank can refuse payment.

(b) Special equity in favour of debtor: If there is a possibility of an irretrievable harm or injustice

to one of the parties concerned, the Courts would adjunct the bank from making payment. As an illustration to the exception the Supreme Court cited and approved the decision of the US Court in Itek Corp. vs First National Bank of Boston (566 Fed. Supp 1210). In this case, an exporter in USA entered into an agreement with the Imperial Government of Iran and sought an order terminating its liability on stand by letters of credit issued by an American Bank in favour of an Iranian Bank as part of the contract. The relief was sought because of the

situation created after the Iranian revolution when the American Government cancelled the export licences in relation to Iran and the Iranian Government had forcibly taken 52 American citizens as hostages. The US Government had blocked all Iranian assets under the jurisdiction of the United States and had cancelled the export contract. The Court upheld the contention of the exporter that any claim for damages against the purchaser if decreed by the American Courts would not be executable in Iran under these circumstances and realisation of the bank

guarantee/letters of credit would cause irreparable harm to the Plaintiff. This contention was upheld. To avail of this exception, therefore, exceptional circumstances, which make it impossible for the guarantor to reimburse himself if he ultimately succeeds, will have to be decisively established. Clearly, a mere apprehension that the other party will not be able to pay, is not enough. In the Itek case there was a certainty on this issue. Secondly, there was good reason, in that case for the Court to be prima facie satisfied that the guarantors, i.e. the bank and its

customer would be found entitled to receive the amount paid under the guarantee.

9.5 ISSUANCE OF BANK GUARANTEE - PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN

The liability of a bank under a guarantee depends on two fundamental criteria, viz., the amount guaranteed and the period of the guarantee. These two factors have to be specifically stated since in the absence of

any one or both of these factors, the bank's liability could be unlimited either in the amount guaranteed or the period during guarantee. The banker should also obtain a counter guarantee from his customer on whose behalf he has given the guarantee, so that in case he is required to pay the guarantee he can fall back on the counter guarantee to claim the amount paid by him. We shall study these aspects in detail since in your day-to-day practice as a banker you will come across these aspects quite frequently.

i. Amount Guaranteed: When the bank issues a guarantee, the first and foremost consideration that

should weigh in a banker's mind is the amount of the guarantee he is called upon to issue. In the guarantee agreement, the amount has to be specifically stated, both in figures and words. While

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stating the amount, that the bank would guarantee to pay, care should be taken to state whether or not the amount is inclusive of all interests, charges, taxes and other levies. This is important to avoid unnecessary disputes regarding the liability of the bank. On invocation, the bank is liable to

pay the whole amount of the guarantee unless as stated earlier a case of fraud has been brought to its notice.

ii. Period of Guarantee: Banks always specify the period for which their guarantee subsists and an additional period during which a claim has to be made on the bank to make payment. The former period during which the guarantee subsists, is called the validity period and the latter, the claim period. If any default has been committed by the debtor (i.e. the bank's customer) it should be

within the validity period. The claim period is only to facilitate the beneficiary to prepare and lodge claim, if any, under the guarantee. It is thus, necessary as a matter of great caution that this period be specified to the exact date, for example, 'this guarantee is valid up to 31 December 2007.'

Once this outer limit for the bank to guarantee a default of the debtor is fixed, then the creditor can make a claim only if the default has occurred within this period, and for any default beyond this date the bank cannot be held liable. Once a default is made then the beneficiary has to make a claim on the bank

to make good the loss within the claim period.

Claim period in a guarantee: In a guarantee, it is necessary to provide for a period slightly longer than the validity period for the beneficiary to make a claim. The claim period is usually a few months more than the validity period of the guarantee. Since if the debtor were to commit a default on the last day of the validity period, then the beneficiary, at the earnest, invoke the same only on the next day.

Taking into account the time to communicate the invocation, etc., the claim period should at least be fifteen to thirty days after the validity period. For example, if the validity period of the guarantee is up to 31 December 2007, then the claim period would normally be up to 31 January 2008.

Amendment to Section 28 of Indian Contract Act and its effect on Bank Guarantee: Prior to the amendment of Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 most bank guarantees had a standard clause at the end of their guarantee agreements. As per this clause, the beneficiary was required to enforce his

claims within a period of three to six months, failing which, the bank's liability was extinguished and hence the rights of the beneficiary. The above clause was necessitated due to the fact that in the absence of it, Government departments and municipal bodies can file a suit against the bank under a bank guarantee within a period of thirty years after making a claim. The banks would therefore be required to carry forward this liability for a long period and thereby required to make provisions for the same in their balance sheets. Added to this, the customers cash margin and security would have to be

retained either until the guarantee is returned by the beneficiary or until the expiration of the period of limitation. However, this clause, had been challenged before various High Courts and the High Courts have held that such clauses in the bank guarantees to be valid, and not violative of Section 28 of the Contract Act.

However, from 1 January 1997, Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act has been amended due to which

the standard limitation clauses in the bank guarantees by which the bank extinguished their liability as been declared illegal. As such, at present if a beneficiary were to invoke the guarantee within the claim period, for a default committed by the debtor during the validity period then in case the bank did not make payment, the beneficiary can sue the bank within the normal period as provided in the Limitation Act, 1963. This period under the Limitation Act is thirty years in case the beneficiary is Government department or municipal body and three years in all other cases.

As such it is prudent to insist that the bank guarantee be returned after the claim period duly cancelled by the beneficiary or a certificate be obtained from the beneficiary that there are no claims under the

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guarantee, and until such time the cash margin and the security of the debtor (customer) has to be

retained.

iii. Counter Guarantee and Other Security: Though a bank guarantee is a contingent liability, it is

always prudent for a banker to secure this contingent liability to cover himself in case it is enforced. This

can be done by obtaining a counter guarantee-cum-indemnity executed by the customer in favour of the

bank. The counter guarantee-cum-indemnity, should be carefully drafted to ensure, that in case the

bank were to make payment on behalf of the customer, then the customer in turn 1 should not only

make good the amounts paid by the bank to the creditor but also any expenses connected therewith

including costs of attorney, any interest on delayed payment, taxes and other levies. It is to take care of

all the above payments that the counter guarantee also includes an indemnity aspect. The counter

guarantee should also include a clause that it would remain in force until the guarantee given by the bank

subsists, viz., until the bank is duly discharged by the beneficiary or a certificate to this effect is issued by

the beneficiary.

Though a counter guarantee-cum-indemnity is taken as a security for every guarantee issued by

the bank, its value would depend on the financial standing of the person/company giving the

counter guarantee. As such, it is preferable that keeping in mind the financial worth of the counter

guarantor necessary security in the form of tangible securities like fixed deposits, other paper

securities or immovable properties, etc., are obtained or the existing charge of the debtor be also

extended to cover the guarantee.

9.6 PAYMENT UNDER BANK GUARANTEE - PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN

Before making payment, a banker has to ensure that the invocation of the guarantee has been properly

made; failing which he may not have any recourse against the debtor. The banker should also see that

no order of injunction has been passed by any Court of law prohibiting the bank from making payment.

In case, a banker makes payment ii1 spite of there being an order by a competent Court in which the

bank is a party, then the bank will be answerable for Contempt of Court.

i. Proper Invocation of Guarantee: The bank while making payment on its guarantee has to be careful

and ensure that the invocation has been properly made. There are divergent views as regards the

proper manner in which a bank guarantee should be invoked. The Delhi High Court, in M/s Harprashad

and Co. Ltd. vs Sudarshan Steel Mills, AIR 1980, Delhil74, had occasion to consider this question.

In this case, the High Court took the view that:

The duty of the beneficiary in making the demand on the bank is like the duty of the plaintiff to disclose

the cause of action in the plaint. Just as a plaint is liable to be rejected for non-disclosure of the cause

of action, a demand by the beneficiary of the bank guarantee is liable to be rejected by the bank if it does

not state the facts showing that the conditions of the bank guarantee have been fulfilled.

However, in contrast to the above views of the Delhi High Court, the Calcutta High Court in Road

Machines (India) Pvt. Ltd. vs The Project and Equipment Corporation of India Ltd. and Another (AIR

1983 Cal91) held that:

It is not necessary that a bank guarantee should be invoked in an exact and punctilious manner setting

out the entire case of the beneficiary under the guarantee in the same way as setting out a cause of

action in a plaint. A bank guarantee is a commercial document and is neither a statutory notice nor a

pleading in a legal proceeding. A bank guarantee may be invoked in a commercial manner. The invocation

would be sufficient and proper if the bank concerned understands, that the guarantee is being invoked

by the beneficiary, in terms of the guarantee.

As a banker, it would be prudent to verify that the invocation made is proper and in deciding whether

the invocation made is proper the banker has to see among other things that the following requirements

are satisfied:

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1. The invocation is within validity period.

2. The invocation amount is not more than the guaranteed amount. In case it is more then only the

maximum amount stipulated in the guarantee need be paid.

3. The authority invoking the guarantee is competent or empowered to invoke the guarantee. In guarantees issued to Government departments the authority to invoke is usually designated by the

post, so as to avoid any later problems by change in the person holding the post. The banker has to ensure that the person invoking has the powers to do so.

The Supreme Court in its decision in Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. vs State of Bihar (1999) 8 SCC436 has held that where as per the terms of the guarantee the invocation was to be done by the chief engineer, the invocation by the executive engineer was wholly wrong and the refusal of the bank

to make payment was valid.

ii. No Injunction Prohibiting Payment: Though Courts are reluctant to interfere with the bank guarantee, there have been instances where Courts have granted injunction restraining the banks from making payment under a guarantee. In one such case that came up before the Calcutta High Court injunction was granted. The facts of the case in Messrs G.S. Atwal Co. Engineers Pvt. Ltd. vs Hindustan Works Construction Limited (AIR 1989 Cal 184) is as follows:

Under the terms of the contract entered into between the HWC Ltd. and the GSA Co, the Petitioner was to furnish a bank guarantee for mobilisation advance made by the Respondent to the Petitioner for Rs. 32.50 lakh. The contract did not require the Petitioner to give any bank guarantee for the due performance

of the contract. The Petitioner requested the bank to issue a guarantee for Rs. 32.50 lakh to cover the mobilisation advance received by the Petitioner from the Respondent. The bank made use of its standard format of guarantee and did not delete certain clauses therein because of which the guarantee issued by it became a mobilisation advance-cum-performance guarantee. Since the bank and the Respondent, as beneficiaries, were the only parties to the bank guarantee, the Petitioner never knew of the mistake on the part of the bank. The Respondent took advantage of the mistake and although the mobilisation

advance was recovered in full, it invoked the bank guarantee for recovery of its claim for damages for loss suffered, as a result of non-performance of the contract by the Petitioner and demanded payment from the bank. On the bank showing its willingness to make payment of the amount guaranteed by it, the Petitioner approached the High Court for an order restraining the bank from making payment.

The High Court held that: The Respondent was aware of the mistake on the part of the bank and with ulterior motive took advantage of the mistake by demanding payment in respect of its claim for damages for non-performance and not in respect of any amount due for mobilisation advance given to the Petitioner.

The bank has no right to saddle its customer with any additional liability under the guarantee by issuing

the same contrary to the instructions by its customer.

The Respondent has invoked the guarantee for recovery of loss and damages, alleged to have been suffered due to alleged breach of contract by the Petitioner.

Though the general principle of non-interference by the Court in cases of bank guarantee and letter of credit is for the smooth functioning of international trade and commerce, this principle would not apply where the bank has acted negligently and issued bank guarantee contrary to the customer's instructions.

Whether the invocation of the bank guarantee was in terms of the guarantee or not will depend upon the

terms of the guarantee and the letter of invocation. The bank cannot act arbitrarily or whimsically in deciding whether the invocation was in terms of the guarantee when in fact it was not.

In the instant case, the bank guarantee" was for mobilisation advance and not for performance of the contract and the invocation of the bank guarantee was admittedly for recovery of damages for the

alleged non-performance of the contract. The High Court, therefore, held that there was special equity

in favour of the Petitioner and he can prevent the beneficiary from enforcing the bank guarantee.

It is, therefore, absolutely necessary for the bank to confirm that no injunction order has been issued

restraining the bank from making payment.

9.7 LET US SUM UP

A bank guarantee is a contract by which the bank guarantees a certain sum to a person/entity on the

customer failing to fulfil any contractual or legal obligation to the said person/entity. Guarantee issued

by banks mainly are financial guarantees, performance guarantees, deferred payment guarantees and

statutory guarantees. Bank under a contract of guarantee is bound to honour its guarantee and its

obligations to pay is primary and independent of the underlying contract between the customer on

whose behalf the guarantee is given and the beneficiary. This has been settled by the various decisions

of the Courts. The only exception for a bank not to make payment under a guarantee is when a fraud

exists, which must be proved beyond doubt or special equity is in favour of the debtor.

While issuing a guarantee a bank has to ensure that, the amount guaranteed and the period of the

guarantee is specifically stated in the guarantee. Pursuant to the amendment to Section 28 of the Indian

Contract Act, the limitation period on a contract of guarantee cannot be restricted to less than the

period provided under the Limitation Act. As such, if the guarantee is invoked in time then the beneficiary

can sue the bank within thirty years in case the beneficiary is a Government or municipal body or three

years in all other cases. The bank while making payment under a guarantee has to ensure that the

invocation is proper and that the person invoking the guarantee has the authority to invoke the guarantee.

The bank while issuing a guarantee has to obtain a counter guarantee from its customer and if necessary,

additional security to protect the bank in case it is required to pay under the guarantee.

9.8 KEYWORDS

Bank guarantee; Beneficiary; Counter guarantee; Debtor; Surety.


1. State briefly what is a bank guarantee?

2. What purpose does a bank guarantee serve?

3. List the various types of bank guarantees and explain in brief their specific nature.

4. Explain in brief- 'On a bank guarantee the banks duty to pay is primary.'

5. There are two exceptions to the general rule that banks must pay on a guarantee. What are these

two exceptions? Explain in brief.

6. Choose the right answer from the choices given:

(i) In bank guarantees the bank makes payment on:

(a) being convinced that the beneficiary has incurred loss;

(b) on being sued by the beneficiary;

(c) on the guarantee being invoked and after seeking concurrence of the debtor;

(d) merely on demand by the beneficiary.

(ii) In case of bank guarantees on behalf of company that is in liquidation the bank on invocation

of the guarantee by the beneficiary:

(a) must pay the amount to the Liquidator and not the beneficiary;

(b) must deposit the amount in the court to avoid any controversy;

(c) must pay the beneficiary;

(d) need not pay, since the bank guarantee lapses on the company being liquidated.

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7. State in brief the precautions to be taken while issuing a bank guarantee. 8. While issuing a guarantee the bank omits to mention the amount and the period of the guarantee.

Can the bank still be held liable? What would be the extent of the liability?

9. What is a validity period and claim period in a bank guarantee?

10. Can the bank in a guarantee issued by it restrict the claim period so as to avoid its liability?

11. What is a counter guarantee and when is it obtained?


6. (i) d; (ii) c.

LETTERS OF CREDIT

STRUCTURE

10.0 Objectives

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Letters of Credit - General Consideration

10.3 Parties to a Letter of Credit

10.4 Types of Letters of Credit

10.5 Documents Under a Letter of Credit

10.6 Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits - UCPDC 600

10.7 Payment Under Letter of Credit - Banks Obligation Primary

10.8 Let Us Sum Up

10.9 Keywords



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10.0 OBJECTIVES


• what is a letter of credit and its purpose;

• the parties involved in a letter of credit transaction;

• the various types of letters of credits;

• the various documents involved in a letter of credit transaction;

• the law as laid down in UCP 600.

10.1 INTRODUCTION

The simplest form of payment in a business transaction is payment by cash, and then comes payment

by cheques, drafts, travellers cheques, etc. However, all these modes of payment require proximity

between the buyer and seller and the element of trust between them. In international trade, the buyer

and seller are miles apart, having different legal systems and each unaware of the other's financial

position. In such cases, it would be preferable that both parties deal through their bankers. This is done

when the documents covering the goods traded re-routed through the bankers. However, in this method

the seller should have confidence that the buyer would pay for the goods as and when the same is due

either immediately or after the agreed period of credit. In case the seller is not fully satisfied about this

he may ask for an assurance from a banker that the terms of trade would be complied with and his

interest would be protected. One of the methods of achieving this assurance more in international trade

is by completing the transaction through the system of a letter of credit. Due of the devices used by the

bankers to effect payment for goods supplied or services provided is called Banker's Commercial

Credit or Letter of Credit (LC for brevity). Though this device for payment is the creation of the

British merchants, it has now become a universally accepted method of payment. As a banker, you will

at some point of time in your career, be required to deal with letters of credit. As such, it is necessary

that you understand the various provisions relating to LC and the legal aspects involved therein.

In this chapter, unless specifically stated so, the term letters of credit is used interchangeably

as LC or credits and should not be mistaken as a different term.

10.2 LETTERS OF CREDIT - GENERAL CONSIDERATION

An LC can be compared to a guarantee given by a bank on behalf of its customer to the effect that the

bank would make payment to the beneficiary when the beneficiary presents the documents as is

required in the LC. They are not negotiable instruments.

To understand better a LC transaction, let us consider a practical situation.

M/s Bharath & Co. in India want to import certain machinery, which they know is manufactured by

M/s Edward & Co. in England. They enter into a contract for purchase of the machinery, payments for

which are required to be made by a LC. Since neither party knows the other, they are not sure whether

the other will fulfil his part of the obligation. In such a situation, M/s Bharath & Co. will approach its

banker, Bank of India and make a request by an application for opening a letter of credit (LC) in favour

of M/s Edward & Company. Bank of India, after opening a letter of credit LC in favour of M/s Edward

& Co., informs another bank in England, the UK bank with whom Bank of India has an arrangement,

to forward the letter of credit LC to M/s Edward & Co. The UK bank (say Barclays Bank) after

verifying the authenticity of the LC (letter of credit) and finding it as genuineness forwards the same to

M/s Edward & Co. After verifying that the LC has been drawn according to the sale contract M/s

Edward & Co. ships the machinery to M/s Bharath & Co. M/s Edward & Co. now collect the bills of

lading handed over by the shipping Co. and other documents required as per the LC and draws a bill of

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exchange (Bills) under the LC and presents it to its bankers, the Barclays Bank, for negotiating the bill

and to obtain the payment. Barclays Bank, on their part, receive the bill and the documents from M/s

Edward & Co. and checks that they are as per the terms of the LC. On finding them to be in order,

Barclays Bank negotiates the bill and makes payment to M/s Edward & Co. Barclays Bank thereafter

sends the bill and documents to Bank of India. Bank of India on its part verifies the bill and documents

and if found in order sends the bill to M/s Bharath & Co. for payment. M/s Bharath & Co. on receiving

the bills checks the documents or pays the bill. On M/s Bharath & Co. making payment, Bank of India

will release the shipping document so that M/s Bharath & Co. can collect the goods from the shipping

company.

The above illustrates the simplest form of payment under a letter of credit. The terms of an LC are

sometimes complicated and various kinds of LCs have been devised since the concept of LC was

introduced, which requires a banker to be very well versed in this aspect of financing.

Before we proceed to understand the parties to a letter of credit and the various types of letters of

credit, it would be worthwhile to examine the advantages of a letter of credit (LC). As regards the

Buyer, i.e. M/s Bharath & Co. in the above illustration the major advantages are as follows:

(a) No payment has to be made in advance to the seller.

(b) The buyer can induce the seller to give credit from his supplier, which he may not be otherwise

willing to give, since there is a guarantee from a banker regarding payment on due date.

(c) In most cases the bills are payable over a period of time (called usance bills) thereby giving additional

credit to the buyer.

(d) The buyer can, while opening the LC insist that the quality of goods are certified by an independent

body and such certificate be sent along with the bill for negotiation, thereby assuring himself that

the goods meet with the required quality as specified. In case the seller does not enclose such a

document then the banks will not make payment on the Bills. He can also stipulate other terms and

conditions to protect his interests and which are also acceptable to the seller.

As regards the seller, i.e. M/s Edward & Co. in the illustration the advantages are as follows:

(a) The seller is assured that he will receive payment on his complying with the terms of the LC.

(b) On shipment of the goods the seller can draw and negotiate the bills thereby getting immediate

payment in his country, which payment otherwise would be made only after the goods are received

by the buyer, which would cause delay in payment.

(c) The seller need not bother himself about the import regulations of the buyer's country since this is

the responsibility of the buyer.

(d) The seller also need not bother about the fluctuations in currency since this will be the responsibility

of the buyer.

10.3 PARTIES TO A LETTER OF CREDIT

You have learnt by now that in a letter of credit transaction various parties are involved. Various terms,

have been coined to identify these parties, which you, as a banker, will be required to know since, in all

transactions involving letters of credit, the terminology used to identify parties will be on these lines. To

help us better understand the parties we shall be making use of the illustration given in Para 10.2.

(i) Applicant-Buyer-Importer-Opener: He is the person who applies to the bank to open a letter

of credit, since he would be either purchasing goods or availing services for which payment has

to be made. In the illustration - M/s Bharath & Co.

(ii) Issuing Bank: The bank which opens the letter of credit LC on the request of the applicant/

buyer. Also called the opening bank or importers bank. In the illustration - Bank of India.

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(iii) Beneficiary-Exporter-Seller: Is the person who is entitled to receive the benefit under a LC (letter of credit), i.e. the right to receive payment or to draw bills and receive payment as per the

terms of the LC. In the illustration - M/s Edward & Co.. (iv) Advising Bank: The bank in the beneficiary/exporters country through which the letter of

credit is advised to the beneficiary. The advising bank only forwards the LC to the beneficiary, thereby enabling the beneficiary to rely on its authenticity and genuineness. The advising bank is also sometimes termed as the Notifying Bank. In the illustration - The UK Bank.

(v) Negotiating Bank: The bank in the beneficiary/exporters country which negotiates the bills

(i.e. makes payment on the bills drawn by the seller and accepts the documents). If the LC specifies a bank then that bank is the negotiating bank and is also called the nominated bank

or paying bank. If the LC however does not specify a bank, then any bank can be the negotiating bank, since the issuing banks open invitation contained in the credit is an offer, which is accepted as soon as the negotiating bank negotiates the bills and accepts the documents. In the illustration, Barclays Bank would be the negotiating bank. If Barclays Bank was also

specifically mentioned in the credit as the negotiating bank, then Barclays Bank will also be the nominated Bank.

(vi) Confirming Bank: The advising bank is only required to advise the credit to the beneficiary. If the seller is not conversant with the issuing bank or not satisfied with his financial position, he may ask for an additional assurance/guarantee from another bank located in his country/place and the second guarantee is called confirming the LC. The seller would look to the confirming

bank to pay the amount covered by the bill if drawn as per terms of the LC. If however in addition to' advising the credit the advising bank were to confirm it, then the advising bank will also be the confirming bank. In such case, the confirming bank is deemed to undertake on its part the liabilities of the credit vis-a-vis the beneficiary or the Negotiating bank.

(vii) Reimbursing Bank: It is the bank, which is appointed by the Issuing bank to make reimbursement to the negotiating, paying or confirming bank.

10.4 TYPES OF LETTERS OF CREDIT

i. Acceptance Credit: Ordinary letters of credit are usually sight credits, i.e. immediate payment should be made of the bills drawn by the beneficiary. However, sometimes as per the terms of the letter of credit (LC) the bills will be payable after an agreed period of time (such bills being called

usance bills). Such an LC under which usance bills can be drawn is an acceptance credit or time

credit. The bills drawn on the various dates, will be honoured on their maturity. This is one of the methods by which, a buyer can obtain credit from the seller. The seller can either wait until the date of maturity to receive money or he can discount the bills and obtain immediate value for the goods supplied.

ii. Irrevocable Credit: An irrevocable credit is a credit, that can neither be amended nor cancelled

without the consent of the beneficiary. The issuing/opening bank is bound by the commitments given in the credit. As per the latest uniform customs and practice for documentary credits 600, all credits are irrevocable.

iii. Confirmed Credit: If a bank advising the credit to the beneficiary adds its own confirmation to the credit, then the credit would be called a confirmed credit. Only irrevocable letters of credit can be

confirmed, since in a revocable credit the issuing bank can amend or cancel the credit without notice, and as such if an advising bank were to confirm it, it would be liable without having any recourse to the 'issuing bank'. Confirmation here means that the confirming bank would fulfil the obligation under the letter of credit if the beneficiary complies with the terms contained therein. A confirming bank accepts this responsibility only on instructions by the issuing bank and as such, if

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any of the terms in the LC have to be changed then the concurrence of all the parties would be necessary.

iv. With Recourse and Without Recourse Credits: When a beneficiary draws a bill under a letter of

credit, he is generally liable to any negotiating LC bank if the drawee fails to make payment under the Negotiable Instruments Act. In other words, his liability is extinguished only on the drawee making payment. LC calling for these kinds of bills is with recourse LCs. However, the beneficiary can exclude this liability by adding to the bill the following words 'without recourse', which means that the right (recourse) against the drawer under the bill is not available to any endorsee of the bill of exchange. This defence however is available to the beneficiary only on the bills drawn by him.

In case there is any discrepancy in the documents submitted then the beneficiary cannot avail any protection on a bill with the endorsement 'without recourse'. However, as per the current guidelines from RBI, banks are not supposed to accept any inland bill drawn 'without recourse' for negotiation.

v. Transferable Credits: As stated earlier, a letter of credit is not a negotiable instrument, though the bills of exchange drawn under it are negotiable. As such, the rights under an LC cannot be transferred and is vested in the beneficiary. A transferable credit is one under which the beneficiary can

transfer his rights to third parties (secured beneficiaries). Unless specifically stated an LC is not transferable.

vi. Back-to-Back Credits: This a credit which is an offshoot of the credit issued to the beneficiary. In a back-to-back credit, the beneficiary in whose favour an LC is issued uses the same to open another credit from his (beneficiary's) bank in favour of his supplier. There are thus three banks involved in a back-to-back credit. First, the bank issuing the original credit to the beneficiary, the

second, the advising bank through which the credit has been advised to the beneficiary and the third the bank, which issues an ancillary credit against the security of the original credit, vii. Anticipatory Letter of Credit:

(i) Red Clause letter of credit: In a usual LC transaction, the beneficiary will be entitled to receive payment only on his handing over the documents and the bills drawn under the LC to the negotiating bank. However, in certain credits the beneficiary will be entitled to get an advance

of the price. These credits contain a 'red clause' (because the clause is printed in red) which authorises an intermediary bank to make an advance to the beneficiary before shipment. Red Clause LCs are however dying out.

(ii) Green Clause letter of credits: This is a refinement of the 'Red Clause'. This type of LC not only permits pre shipment advance but also permits advances to the exporter to cover storage at the port of shipment. The red clause and green clause credit are called anticipatory credits

since payment of an advance is provided for in anticipation of the seller making shipment.

ix. Revolving Letter of Credit: In a regular LC transaction, once the bills are negotiated the entire transaction comes to an end. If fresh shipment is to be made, another LC will have to be drawn. This procedure becomes time consuming especially when there is regular trade between the same parties. In such cases, it is preferable to open a revolving letter of credit. In this type of credit though the amount is fixed, it can be renewed as soon as the earlier bills have been paid.

10.5 DOCUMENTS UNDER A LETTER OF CREDIT

One of the two basic doctrines that underlie the letter of credit transaction is the principle of strict

compliance. The other being the independent nature of the letter of credit transaction.

As per the strict compliance doctrine all the parties to a letter of credit transaction should strictly observe the terms and conditions under which the credit is issued and on failure to do so, the defaulting party would be either liable to the others or have no cause of action to recover any payment if made by the defaulting party.

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Within the sweep of the strict compliance doctrine comes the duty of a banker to "ensure that the documents tendered are strictly those specified in the letter of credit. In this regard it would be worth noting the observation given more than half a century back by LORD SUMNER in Equitable Trust Co.

vs Dawson Partners (27 Lloyds Law Reports 49).

There is no room for documents which are almost the same or which will do just as well.

In this case, the credit required inter alia a certificate testifying to the quality of the purchase that was to be signed by (experts). However, due to a decoding error, the message received by the advising bank

required only a certificate signed by 'an expert'. The beneficiary therefore, while presenting the documents submitted a certificate signed by a single expert, which was honoured by the advising bank and accepted by the issuing bank. However, since the goods were defective, the applicant refused to reimburse the issuing bank, which was upheld by the Courts.

The issuing bank owes a duty to its customer to ensure that the documents tendered by the beneficiary under the credit comply with the instructions given by its customer. Any default, on the part of issuing

bank would forbid the bank from claiming reimbursement from its customer with the added disadvantage that it would not be entitled to claim any remuneration for the transaction. The matter of strict compliance as far as a bank is concerned has been emphasised by Courts of Law all over the world. A bank is not compelled to honour the credit unless the beneficiary pursues and conforms in every material particular to the authority conferred therein. Due to the prime importance given to documents under a letter of credit transaction, it is necessary for a banker to understand the documents that accompany a letter of

credit.

i. Bill of Exchange: This is a financial document. Payment is made on this document. This for brevity sake is called 'bill' and is sometimes referred to as 'draft' (to be distinguished from a 'demand draft'). In a letter of credit transaction the right to draw a bill is conferred only on the beneficiary. The bill amount should be within the limit fixed in the letter of credit. The tenor, endorsement and

the drawee should be the same as given in the letter of credit. This document should be distinguished from 'bills of lading', which is a transport document and is discussed later on in this chapter. Bills or drafts can be payable on presentation (sight bills) or on a certain date (usance bill).

ii. Invoice: This is the basic commercial document. This document gives details of the sale. It should be made in the name of the opener/importer unless required otherwise in the letter of credit. All the details mentioned in the invoice must tally with those mentioned in the letter of credit, failing which

it may amount to a discrepancy, making the documents liable for rejection. Where the quantities are specified in a letter of credit, the form in which they are specified should be adhered to. For example, if the letter of credit calls for 100 kg of tea, the invoice should be made accordingly and converting the measure to equivalent pounds or quintals would make it liable to be rejected. A further problem posed is whether it would be in order, whereas per the credit the value of the shipment is Rs. 15 lakh and the goods shipped is worth Rs. 20 lakh, with a request that Rs. 15 lakh

be paid and excess Rs. 5 lakh collected to be repaid later. This would not comply with the credit terms and the opener/buyer/importer would be legally entitled to reject the documents.

iii. Transport Documents: The mode of despatch of goods or the transporting of goods would depend on the terms of contract between the buyer and the seller and the same is incorporated in the letter of credit. The two main modes of transport of goods are either by sea or by air. In case the goods are shipped, the document evidencing the shipment of the goods is called the 'Bill of Lading'. In

case the goods are transported by air, the documents evidencing receipt of goods would be the 'Airway Bill' in case the goods are directly handed over to an Airline or its agent. In case goods are transported through postal system or courier service, the document evidencing receipt of goods would be either the 'Post Parcel Receipt' or the 'Courier Receipts'.

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iv. Bills of Lading: Bills of Lading are of two types - one, the traditional ship bill of lading and the other, the 'Combined Transport Bill': a creation of modern age containerisation of shipments which

permits more than one means of carriage and is also known as 'Multimodal Transport'. Bill of lading is a document to title to goods, i.e. they are representatives of the goods and holder of the same is entitled to get possession of the goods. A bill of lading, to a certain extent is negotiable inasmuch as a bona fide transfer of the same by endorsement entitles the transferee the right to the goods. A bill of lading is issued in sets of 2, 3, or 4 and all are termed as originals. A banker should see that all the originals are received. Unless otherwise specified in the letter of credit, a bill of

lading must be a 'shipped' bill of lading and a 'received for shipment' or 'transportation' bill of lading or a 'charter party' bill of lading is not acceptable. This is because the shipped bill indicates that the goods have been taken on board of a specified ship and the journey has commenced while in the case of received for shipment bill though the goods have been delivered to the transporter the journey is yet to commence.

v. Airway Bill: This is a document, which evidences that the goods have been received by an airline

company or its agent. Unlike a bill of lading an airway bill does not carry with it the right to the goods, i.e., it is not a document of title to the goods. If however the letter of credit terms permit acceptance of an airway bill then the banker is within his rights to accept it.

vi. Post Parcel Receipt and Courier Receipts: When the goods to be sent are small in quantity, then they can be sent through post or courier. The document issued by the postal department or the courier are similar in nature to the airway bill. They are not title to goods and only evidence that the

goods have been entrusted for transportation to either the postal department or the courier company and most often than not the goods are addressed directly to the buyer.

vii. Insurance Documents: The goods shipped, if required to be insured under the terms of the letter of credit should be so insured and the insurance document as required in the letter of credit should be enclosed with the other documents. Either an insurance company or underwriter or their agents should sign it. The type of insurance cover should be the same as specified

in the credit. The requirements of the buyer regarding the amount of the policy, the currency, the risk to be covered and the place of payment in case of claim are to be strictly complied with.

viii. Other documents: Over and above, the major documents discussed above which are required in all letters of credit transaction, the letter of credit may also call for certain other documents among which include certificate of origin, certificate of weight or quality or analysis, Health authorities

certificate, etc. Such documents/enclosures are mandatory with the other documents, failing which payment can be refused. In interpreting these documents too, the Courts have applied the principle of strict interpretation.

10.6 UNIFORM CUSTOMS AND PRACTICE FOR

DOCUMENTARY CREDITS - UCPDC 600

The ICC Banking Commission, approved the UCP 600, ICC's new rules on documentary credits, on 25 October 2006. UCP 600, which came into effect on 1 July 2007, contains significant changes, including:

• A reduction in the number of articles from 49 of UCP 500 to 39. • New articles on 'Definitions' and 'Interpretations' to provide more clarity and precision in the

rules. • The replacement of the phrase 'reasonable time' for acceptance or refusal of documents by a

definite period of five banking days. • New provisions which allow for the discounting of deferred payment credits. • A definitive description of negotiation as 'purchase' of drafts of documents.

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The new UCP 600 also contains within the text the 12 Articles of the eUCP, ICC's supplement to the

UCP governing presentation of documents in electronic or part-electronic form.

10.7 PAYMENT UNDER LETTER OF CREDIT - BANKS OBLIGATION PRIMARY

We had earlier while studying the various aspects pertaining to bank guarantees, noted that under a

bank guarantee the liability of the bank to make payment is primary and unless a case of fraud is made out or there are special equities in favour of the debtor, Courts would not adjunct a bank from making payment under a guarantee. The same analogy applies to payment by banks under a letter of credit. The Supreme Court had occasion to consider this aspect in various cases and in all these cases, the Court has held that the obligation of a bank to pay under a letter of credit is primary, irrespective of the underlying contract. We shall now refer to some of the decisions of Supreme Court, which have been

the touch stone for later judgements of the Supreme Court and also the High Courts.

I. Tarapore and Company, Madras vs Messrs v/o Taractor.expert, Moscow, Another (AIR 1970

Supreme Court 891)

(i) Facts of the case: The Indian firm opened in favour of the Russian firm a confirmed, irrevocable

and divisible letter of credit with the Bank of India for the entire value of the machinery. Under the letter of credit, the bank was required to pay to the Russian firm twenty-five per cent on presentation of documents specified therein and the balance of seventy-five per cent on the expiry of one year from the date of first payment. The Russian firm supplied, and the Indian firm took possession of, the entire machinery to be supplied under the contract. After using the machinery for some time, the Indian firm complained that the performance of the machinery

was not satisfactory and was causing considerable loss. With a view to preventing the Russian firm from realising the balance of the amount payable under the letter of credit, the Indian firm filed a suit against the Russian firm, but the same was withdrawn on an agreement having been arrived at between the parties. In pursuance of the said agreement, it was agreed that the Russian firm would instruct its bankers not to make a demand for further payment against the letter of credit for a period of six months from the due dates of the drafts and that, during this

period the parties would do their best to reach an amicable settlement. It would appear that the parties did not amicably settle the dispute and when the extended time was about to come to a close, the Indian firm instituted another suit praying that the Russian firm and the Bank of India be restrained from taking any further steps in pursuance of the letter of credit opened by the Indian firm in favour of the Russian firm.

(ii) Decision: Rejecting the contention of the Indian firm that the Russian firm should not be

allowed to take away the money secured by the letter of credit, since the Russian firm had no assets in India and the Indian firm might not be able to enforce its claims under any decree that might be passed in its favour, the Supreme Court observed:

'An irrevocable letter of credit has a definite implication. It is a mechanism of great

importance in international trade. Any interference with that mechanism is bound to

have serious repercussions on the international trade of this country. Except, under

exceptional circumstances, the Court should not interfere with that mechanism.'

The Supreme Court considered some of the important decisions of the Courts in England and America and observed:

'A letter of credit is independent of an unqualified contract of sale or underlying

transaction. The autonomy of an irrevocable letter of credit is entitled to protection. As

a rule, Courts refrain from interfering with that autonomy.'

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II. In United Commercial Bank vs Bank of India (AIR 1981 SC 1426)

(i) Facts of the case: The question, considered by the Supreme Court in this appeal was whether

the Court should grant injunction at the instance of the beneficiary of an irrevocable letter of credit, restraining the issuing bank from recalling the amount paid under reserve from the negotiating bank, acting on behalf of the beneficiary, against a document of guarantee/indemnity at the instance of the beneficiary.

Facts were rather complicated, but briefly, the relevant facts were that G agreed to supply to B 1000 metric tonnes of 'Sizola Brand Pure Mustard Oil'. A letter of credit was opened in favour of G by the

appellant bank. The goods were supplied in two lots. When the documents were presented by G for payment of the amount against first lot, the appellant bank refused to make payment except under reserve on the ground of discrepancies in the documents presented to it. The main discrepancy was that the goods were described in the railway receipts as 'Sizola Brand Pure Mustard Oil "Unrefined"'. Bank of India, under instructions of G, accepted payment under reserve. Regarding the second lot, also payment was made and accepted under guarantee in favour of United Commercial Bank, whereby the

Bank of India unconditionally agreed to hold the United Commercial Bank harmless and indemnified for all consequences of non-acceptance and/or non-payment of bills due to the discrepancies in the documents. The goods despatched, were not accepted by B. The United Commercial Bank, therefore, made a demand upon the Bank of India, to refund the amounts paid under reserve. Thereupon G approached the High Court for interim injunction restraining Bank of India from making payment. The single Judge of the High Court made absolute the temporary injunction granted earlier, until the disposal

of the suit on the ground that the United Commercial Bank, in terms of the credit, could not unilaterally impose the condition of payment 'under reserve' or refuse to pay against the documents tendered by G merely because of alleged discrepancies.

The matter on further appeals finally reached the Supreme Court. After considering the case law on the

subject, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal for the following reasons:

(a) A letter of credit constitutes the sole contract with the banker and the bank issuing the letter of credit has no concern with any question that may arise between the seller and the purchaser of goods. The judicial authority lays down the necessity of strict compliance both by the seller with the letter of credit and by the banker with his customer's instructions.

(b) As pointed out by Halsbury's Laws of England, the documents must be those called for, and not

documents which are almost the same or which will do just as well. (c) The banker is not called upon to know or interpret trade customs and terms. (d) In Paget's Law of Banking, 8th Edn. p. 648, it has been stated thus - Unless documents tendered

under a credit are in accordance with those for which the credit calls and which are embodied in the promise of the issuing banker, the beneficiary cannot claim against him and it is the banker's duty to refuse payment.

(e) The well established rule is that a bank issuing or confirming a letter of credit is not concerned with the underlying contract between the buyer and seller. Duties of a bank under a letter of credit are created by the documents itself, but in any case, it has the power and is subject to the limitations which are given or imposed by it, in absence of the appropriate provisions in the letter of credit.

(f) The Courts usually refrain from granting injunction to restrain the performance of a contractual obligation arising out of a letter of credit or a bank guarantee between one bank and another. The

whole banking system would fail if the banker making payment under reserve were restrained by injunction from recalling the amount.

(g) Buyer-customer cannot instruct the banker not to pay in view of banker's obligations to pay under irrevocable letter of credit. Confirmed letter of credit imposes an absolute obligation to the banker to pay.

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(h) A bank giving a performance guarantee must honour that guarantee according to its terms.

(i) It is in exceptional cases that the Court would interfere with the machinery of irrevocable obligations

assumed by the banks, such as, clear cases of fraud of which the banks have notice, (j) The payments were made 'under reserve' and against the indemnity or guarantee of Bank of India.

Therefore, when the bills of exchange were dishonoured, on being presented, the amount became

immediately, payable on demand.

10.8 LET US SUM UP

A letter of credit (LC) otherwise called a banker's commercial credit is a device used for effecting payment by bankers for goods supplied or services provided between two parties and is mostly used in foreign trade. It is similar to a bank guarantee, inasmuch as the bank, issuing the LC, guarantees payment to the seller, in case the terms as required under the LC are complied with. There are various parties to a letter of credit transaction. The opener of the letter of credit otherwise called the Buyer or Importer. The bank, which issues the LC called the Issuing Bank or the Opening Bank or Importer's

Bank. The person in whose favour the LC is issued - the Beneficiary, also called the Exporter or Seller. The Advising Bank that advises the LC to the beneficiary, also called the Notifying Bank. The Negotiating Bank,.i.e. the bank that makes payment on the bills drawn by the seller also called the Nominated Bank or Paying Bank. The Confirming Bank, which is the advising bank when it also confirms the credit. The Reimbursing Bank, which reimburses, the negotiating/paying/confirming bank. Letter of credit are classified based on the various terms and conditions they contain. Main

among them, are the following Acceptance Credit, where the payment is made after a certain period; Revocable Credit, where the credit terms can be unilaterally altered or cancelled by the issuing bank in contrast to an Irrevocable Credit where any alteration of terms or cancellation requires the concurrence of beneficiary; Confirmed Credit, where the advising bank adds its own confirmation to the credit while advising the beneficiary; With Recourse Credits - where the beneficiary is liable on a bill drawn by him under an LC in contrast to a Without Recourse, where the beneficiary is not liable;

Transferable Credits, where rights under an LC can be transferred to third parties; Back-to-Back

Credits, where on the basis of LC in favour of the beneficiary, his bank opens another LC in favour of the beneficiary's supplier. Red Clause Credits, where the beneficiary is entitled to advance payment before production of documents; Green Clause Credits wherein addition to advance, the beneficiary is entitled to payment of storage/warehousing charges; Revolving Credits, where the amount is fixed but can be utilised repeatedly as and when the earlier bills drawn are paid. There are two basic principles

that underline every LC transaction the first one being that in every transaction strict compliance of terms is required and the other being the independent nature of LC transaction. As such, it is necessary to ensure strict compliance of the documents required under an LC. The documents include bill of exchange (drafts, bills), invoice, transport documents, insurance documents are primary for most transactions. Over and above these documents the credit terms, which may require various certificates and/or other documents. The rights and liabilities of all parties to an LC have been laid down in the UCP

600 a document published by the International Chamber of Commerce. The UCP 600 though not enforceable as law, is incorporated as a part of the credit terms and as such is enforceable as a contractual term.

A letter of credit being similar to a bank guarantee, the liability to make payment by a bank under an LC is primary and the Supreme Court has endorsed this view in various decisions.

10.9 KEYWORDS

Acceptance Credit; Advising Bank; Airway Bill; Applicant; Back-to-Back Credit; Bankers Commercial

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Credit; Beneficiary; Bill of Exchange; Bill of Lading; Confirmed Credit; Confirming Bank; Green Clause

Credit; Invoice; Issuing Bank; Negotiating Bank; Red Clause Credit; Reimbursing Bank; Revocable

Credit; Revolving Credit; Transferable Credit; UCP 600; With Recourse Credit; Without Recourse

Credit;


1. State whether true or false.

(i) A letter of credit is a form of guarantee given by banks on behalf of its customer. (ii)

Letters of credit are bills of exchange drawn by a seller or a buyer, (iii) LCs are

negotiable instruments.

2. Choose the right answer.

(a) The letter of credit is opened on the request of

(i) Issuing bank (iii) Beneficiary

(b) The LC issuing bank is also called

(i) the importers bank or the opening bank

(ii) the advising bank or the confirming bank (iii)

the negotiating bank or the nominated bank (iv) the

reimbursement bank

(c) The right to receive payment under a letter of credit or the right to draw bills on a letter of

credit is vested in

(i) the opener of the LC (ii) the issuing bank only

(iii) the seller only (iv) all the three parties

(d) The advising bank's responsibility is

(i) to inform the issuing bank as to whom to issue the letter of credit (ii)

to advise the buyer the despatch of documents by the seller (iii) to inform

the beneficiary/seller about the letter of credit (iv) none of the above

(e) The advising bank is also called the

(i) Confirming bank (ii) Notifying bank

(iii) Reimbursing bank (iv) None of the above

(f) Negotiating bank is the bank which

(i) negotiates the preliminary contract of sale between the buyer and the seller

(ii) makes payment of the bills drawn by the seller and accepts the documents

(iii) guarantees payment by the issuing bank

(iv) none of the above

(g) When the LC specifies the bank that is to negotiate the bills drawn under the LC then the

bank is also called

(i) Confirming bank (ii) Reimbursing bank

(iii) Nominated bank (iv) None of the above

(h) The confirming bank is

(i) the issuing bank when it confirms the issue of the LC (ii) the

negotiating bank when it confirms the negotiation of the bills (iii) the

advising bank when it confirms the LC (iv) none of the above

(i) When the confirming bank confirm the credit it

(i) does not take any liability

(ii) Applicant (iv)

Confirming bank

130

(ii) undertakes on its part the liability under the LC

(iii) undertakes to make timely delivery of the documents and bills to the buyer or his bank

(iv) none of the above (j) Reimbursing bank is the bank

(i) that reimburses the seller

(ii) that reimburses the negotiating/paying or confirmingbank

(iii) that reimburse the buyer on the goods being found defective

(iv) none of the above

3. Fill in the blanks. (a) Ordinary letters of credit are usually _________ , i.e. the bills drawn hereunder have to be

paid immediately. (b) Letter of credit under which usance bills can be drawn is called an __________ . (c) In a revocable LC the credit can be amended or cancelled by the __________ . (d) Only _________ letters of credit can be confirmed. (e) Credit in which the beneficiary is not liable for the bills drawn thereunder is ___________

credit.

(f) A back-to-back credit would involve at least bank, viz., the _________ bank, the __________ bank and the _________ bank.

4. State whether true or false. (a) All parties to a letter of credit transaction need to comply with the terms only as far as

practical and not strictly. (b) In case the documents submitted by seller do not comply with the terms of letter of credit

then the same can be accepted and sent for confirmation of buyer.

(c) A bill of exchange is a document to title to goods. (d) A bill of exchange is also called a 'bill' or a 'draft'. (e) Invoice in a letter of credit transaction is a document similar to a quotation based on which

the buyer places his order. (f) A bill of lading on a bona fide transfer confers on the transferee a right to the goods. (g) An airway bill is also a document evidencing title to goods.


1. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) False 2. (a) ii; (b) i; (c) iii; (d) iii; (e) ii; (f) ii; (g) iii; (h) iii; (i)ii;j)ii 3. (a) Sight credits; (b) Acceptance credits; (c) Issuing bank; (d) Irrevocable; (e) without recourse;

(f) Three; issuing, advising, third

4. (a) False; (b) False; (c) False; (d) True; (e) False; (f) True; (g) False

DEFERRED PAYMENT GUARANTEE

STRUCTURE

11.0 Objectives

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Purpose of Deferred Payment Guarantee

11.3 Method of Payment

11.4 Let Us Sum Up

11.5 Keywords



132

11.0 OBJECTIVES


• a deferred payment guarantee, • purpose of a deferred payment guarantee, • various methods of payment under a deferred payment guarantee.

11.1 INTRODUCTION

Though we had touched this type of guarantee while studying bank guarantees, we shall deal with it here in more detail, since this type of a guarantee is regularly issued by banks. 'Deferred Payment Guarantee' as the name itself suggests, is a guarantee that indicates that deferred (postponed) payments. Suppose a bank's customer were to import capital goods on a deferred payment credit where the price is to be paid in instalments spread over a five year period, the exporter will have to wait for each instalment to mature until the whole amount is paid. In the meantime, the chances of the importer going

bankrupt or failing to pay may arise. To avoid such a situation the exporter can request the importer to obtain a guarantee that the payment in instalments will be made. The importer would therefore, approach his banker to guarantee the payments in instalments. This guarantee of the bank, assuring the exporter of the timely payment of the instalments, is in short, called 'Deferred Payment Guarantee' in brevity referred to as DPG.

11.2 PURPOSE OF DEFERRED PAYMENT GUARANTEE

When import or export of raw materials or consumer goods are made the payment is done either immediately or within 360 days. This period is called short term. However, in the case of capital goods the amount involved being quite substantial, short-term credit would not be of much help to the buyer, unless he has made arrangements to get a term loan. Added to this, the requirement of substantial amount of foreign exchange, may place the buyer at a great disadvantage. To overcome this payment problem, since the fifties the concept of deferred payment was introduced in India. As stated earlier, in

a deferred payment arrangement, the buyer/importer is not required to make the entire payment of the goods at one time, instead the price of the goods is paid in instalments over a period of time as per terms mutually agreed to with the seller.

In a deferred payment guarantee, a third party, mostly banks and financial institutions, guarantee the payment of the instalments. This guarantee ensures timely payment of the instalments to the seller/

exporter, failing which, the guarantee can be invoked and payment received. To understand better the deferred payment guarantee, it is necessary to understand how a payment is made in a deferred payment contract and how the same is guaranteed by a bank.

11.3 METHOD OF PAYMENT

In a contract for import of goods on deferred payment terms, the importer is required to make payments in instalments over a period of time which may range from one to seven years, in a normal deferred payment contract. The payment, is usually done on the following terms:

1. Advance payment of ten per cent to fifteen per cent of the price of the goods is made by the buyer. 3. Another ten per cent to fifteen per cent on receipt of documents under letter of credit. 3. The balance amount, is paid in instalments spread over a period of one to seven years, which is secured by a 'Deferred Payment Guarantee'.

In a deferred payment guarantee, which as stated earlier, issued by banks and financial institutions,

iED PAYMENT GUA 133

what is guaranteed, is the timely payment of instalments and interest if provided. This is done by

issuing a deferred payment guarantee in which the following terms are mandatory:

1. the supply of goods by the seller to the buyer and the seller agreeing to postpone the payment of the

price, this being the consideration of the guarantee;

2. the payment schedule of both the instalment and the interest;

3. the unconditional and irrevocable assurance of the bank that it would make payments on the

invocation of the guarantee.

As regards the supply of goods by the seller, it is to be remembered, that banks do not take the respon-

sibility to ensure that the goods shipped are what is required by the buyer/importer. Since the guarantee,

is mostly given prior to shipment of the goods, if the documents are, as required under the letter of

credit, and are valid, then the guarantee of the bank subsists and the buyer cannot after receipt of the

goods, request the bank to stop payment on a deferred payment guarantee on the grounds of defective

goods.

As regards the payment schedule, it is to be noted that the payment schedule is usually incorporated in

the main contract between the buyer/importer and the seller/exporter and the bank guarantees the

payment as stipulated in the schedule. Some banks as a matter of abundant caution or to have better

clarity of the payment schedule incorporate the same in the guarantee issued by them, though it is, for

all purpose a verbatim reproduction of the payment schedule from the main contract. In certain cases

the seller/exporter would draw bills on the buyer/importer for the amounts of the deferred instalments

including interest, which are usance bills (being payable on a particular date and not immediately) and

payment of these bills are guaranteed by the bank. The advantage of this method is that the seller/

exporter can discount these bills with his banker and get immediate finance.

In a deferred payment guarantee, like all other bank guarantees, the banks undertake to make payment

without any demur or protest, since as per the guarantee, the bank has given an unconditional and

irrevocable assurance to the seller/exporter. It is on such assurance that the seller/exporter has sold the

goods. It is therefore, of prime importance that the bank honours its commitment. We have studied

earlier while dealing with the bank guarantees, that the bank's liability in a bank guarantee is primary

and independent of the underlying contract between the buyer/importer and the seller/exporter. These

principles apply in toto to a DPG also.

11.4 LET US SUM UP

A deferred payment guarantee (DPG) is an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee given by a bank to

a seller/exporter that on his supplying goods to the buyer/importer (who is the bank's customer) on

instalment basis the bank would ensure payment on the due dates. DPGs are usually insisted upon,

when capital goods are imported and the seller/exporter requires an additional assurance that the instalment

payment allowed by him to the buyer/importer is met. In a DPG the bank guarantees either the payment

of the instalments and the interest on the due dates or the payment of the bills drawn on various dates

by the seller/exporter. A DPG being a guarantee given by a bank, its commitment to honour the same is

absolute unless there exists a case of fraud.

11.5 KEYWORDS

Deferred Payment; Deferred Payment Guarantee.


1. Say whether true or false.

(i) In a deferred payment guarantee, the guarantee is to ensure delivery of eoods.

134

(ii) A deferred payment guarantee is mostly based on a primary contract between the buyer and

the seller, (iii) A deferred payment guarantee differs from other kinds of guarantee issued by banks as

regards payment liability of the bank on invocation, (iv) In a deferred payment guarantee the banks liability comes into existence only if all the

instalments are not paid and not on the non-payment of any one instalment by the customer.

11.7 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False.

er and

nks as

ill the

tomer.

LAWS RELATING TO BILL FINANCE

STRUCTURE

12.0 Objectives

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Class of Bills and Law Governing Bills

12.3 Classification of Bills

12.4 Various Categories of Bill Finance

12.5 Bill Finance and Legal Position of a Banker

12.6 Let Us Sum Up



136 BEGUL/

12.0 OBJECTIVES


• basic law relating to bill finance;

• legal position of banker in case of bill finance.

12.1 INTRODUCTION

Bill finance is one of the modes of lending by a banker. As compared to other modes of financing, Bill finance offers a banker an easy mode of lending. From the banker's point of view, bill finance has

many advantages. Bill finance involves discounting or purchase of commercial bills arising out of sale of goods. Bill finance, as compared to cash credit and overdraft, has the following advantages:

(a) The underlying transactions are easily identifiable (b) There is definite date of repayment (c) The bill will carry more than one signature if it is on usance basis (d) It represents an easily transferable asset and in case of need the same can be rediscounted to

improve the liquidity of the bank.

12.2 CLASS OF BILLS AND LAW GOVERNING BILLS

(a) Bills Discounted by banks belong to one of the following categories

(i) Clean bills (ii) Documentary bills

(iii) Bills drawn under credit

(b) Laws Governing Bills: The law on bills deals with the liabilities and rights of parties to a bill is

governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

(i) What is a BUI? The term 'Bill' is the short form of 'Bill of Exchange'. Section 5 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 defines bill of exchange as 'instruments in writing containing an

unconditional order signed by maker, directing a certain person to pay certain sum of money only, to or to the order of a certain person or to the bearer of the instrument.'

(ii) 'Drawer', 'Drawee', 'Payee': Section 7 of the Act provides that amaker of 'Bill of Exchange' is called 'Drawer' and the person who is directed to pay is called 'Drawee' and the person entitled to receive payment of amount represented by 'Bill' is called 'Payee', (iii) Relationship of Parties to a Bill: 'Drawer' of bill is a creditor/seller and the 'Drawee' of a bill is the

debtor/buyer. If the bill is assigned to third parties, then such assignees will become creditors and drawer would be liable for such assignees in case of default by drawee.

(c) A Glimpse of some important provisions of Negotiable Instruments Act relating to Bills: It

will have to be noted that a 'Bill' is a negotiable instrument. Any person to whom the bill is transferred

in accordance with the provisions of the Act, would become entitled to receive the amounts represented by the bill. We shall now examine certain important provisions of the Act.

Section 8 'Holder': Section 8 of the Negotiable Instruments Act defines the word 'Holder'. A Holder of bill of exchange means a person entitled in his own name to possess the bill and recover the amount represented by bill.

Section 9 'Holder in Due Course': 'Holder in due course' means any person who for consideration

became the possessor of the bill (that is a person to whom the bill is transferred).

Section 10 'Payment in Due Course': 'Payment in due course' means payment in accordance with

137

the apparent tenor of bill of exchange to the holder or holder in due course in good faith and without negligence.

Section 14 'Negotiation': When a bill is transferred for considerations to any person so as to entitle

him to claim the amount represented by bill, then such transfer is called 'Negotiation'.

Section 15 'Endorsement': If the holder of instrument signs the bill of exchange for the purpose of

transferring it, such signing is called 'Endorsement'.

Section 30 'Liability of Drawer': The drawer of a bill of exchange or cheque is bound in the case of dishonour (failure to pay) by the drawee or acceptor thereof, to compensate the holder, provided due notice of dishonour has been given to, or received by, the drawer.

Section 32 'Liability of Acceptor/Drawee of Bill': An acceptor of bill of exchange is bound to pay the amount thereof at maturity according to apparent tenor of the acceptance.

Section 35 'Liability of Endorser': In the absence of contract to the contrary, whoever endorses and delivers a negotiable instrument is bound thereby to every subsequent holder in the case of dishonour unless his liability is excluded.

Section 79 'Interest rate Specified': When interest at a specified rate is expressly made payable on a bill of exchange, then interest shall be calculated at such rates specified and payable.

Section 80 'Interest when no rate is specified': When no rate of interest is specified in the instrument,

interest due thereon shall be calculated at the rate of eighteen per cent p.a.

12.3 CLASSIFICATION OF BILLS

'Bills' used under bill finance can be classified depending upon the place where drawn, period and their

nature as under:

Nature

5. Clean bills 2. Foreign bills 4. Usance bills 6. Documentary bills

1. Inland Bills: Bills drawn or made in India and made payable in or drawn upon any person resident in India are inland bills. The necessary requisites of inland bills are:

(a) it must be drawn and made payable in India; (or)

(b) it must be drawn in India upon some person resident in India, though it may be made payable in a foreign country.

Inland instruments are defined in Section 11 of Negotiable Instruments Act, as under - Inland

Instrument:

"A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque drawn or made in India and made payable in or

drawn upon any person resident in India shall be deemed to be an inland instrument."

2. Foreign Bills: As per Section 12 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, Foreign Bills are:

(a) Bills, drawn outside India and made payable in or drawn upon any person, resident in any country outside India;

(b) Bills drawn outside India and made payable in or drawn upon any person, resident in India.

3. Demand Bills: Section 19 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, defines 'Demand Bill': It is an instrument

payable on demand and no time for payment is specified therein. 'Demand Bill' is otherwise called 'sight bill'. In these bills, the payee is entitled to the value of the bill on demand and on presentation.

4. Usance Bills: A usance bill is a bill payable otherwise than on demand. It specifies nnrmaiiv <. *;~~

Place

Inland bills

Period

3. Demand bills 4. Usance bills

1.

138

li

for payment of the value it represents. 'Usance Bills' are otherwise called 'Bills payable after sight'. In these kinds of bills, the drawer draws a bill of exchange and specifies a time within which the

payment shall be made and presents the same to drawee for acceptance. Once the drawee accepts the bill, the drawer at the time or date specified on bill for payment can present the same to drawee and demand payment. The date specified for payment is otherwise called 'maturity/due date'.

5. Clean Bills: A clean bill is a bill of exchange drawn as per the requirements of the Negotiable Instruments Act and is not supported by documents of title to goods. Clean bills are drawn normally

to effect discharge of a debt or claim. Clean bills also arise when the goods covered by the bill are directly sent to the buyer due to mutual consent e.g. local bills and supply bills.

6. Documentary Bills: A bill of exchange accompanying documents of title to goods, is called

'Documentary Bill'. These bills, are drawn to claim price of goods supplied.

(i) Bills drawn with an instruction to deliver against payment: (or) D.P. Bills: In a transaction

for supply of goods, a seller draws a bill on the buyer and sends the same to his banker along with document of title to goods like bill of lading, or railway receipt or lorry receipt. The seller instructs the banker to deliver the bill and documents of title to goods only when the buyer pays the price of goods. These types of bills are D.P. bills in other words 'Delivery against Payment Bills'.

(ii) Bills drawn with instruction to deliver against acceptance or DA. Bills: An usance bill

supported by documents of title to goods bearing an instruction that the documents can be delivered, if the buyer accepts the bill of exchange drawn on him. These are called D.A. Bills or 'Delivery against Acceptance Bills'.

Besides the above, when the government department is supplied goods or raw materials a bill is drawn on them for the price of goods supplied. These are called supply bills. They do not squarely

fall within the ambit of Negotiable Instruments Act. However, principle underlying to bills is also applied to 'Supply Bills'.

12.4 VARIOUS TYPES OF BILL FINANCE

Basically, a banker offers following types of bill finance.

1. Bill Purchase (B.P.) 2. Bill Discount (B.D.)

3. Advance against Bills for Collection (A.B.C.)

1. Bills Purchased: When the bank negotiates bills payable on demand, whether clean or documentary, the facility is known as bill purchase. The face value of the bill, is immediately paid to the holder. The bank, after purchasing the bill, becomes the holder in due course of the bill and acquires all the rights of ownership over the instrument. Bill purchase facility is extended generally in the case of bills payable on demand. However, in the case of usance bills also this is extended when the due

date of the bill is not readily known at the time of extending this facility. Such a situation arises when the bill is drawn payable after some days after sight. The due date of such a bill is known when the bill is presented to the drawee and the period of usance commences from the date of presentation.

2. Bills Discounting: This facility is extended by banker when the bills of exchange are payable after a particular period, that is bills payable otherwise on demand. For example, 'A' draws a bill on 'B'

payable after three months and 'B' on presentation accepts the same and agrees to pay after three months. Such a bill is called a bill payable, otherwise on demand or usance bill. In this type of facility a banker pays the face value of the bill less discount, becomes holder in due course, and acquires all the rights under the bill.

139

3. Advance Against Bills for Collection: When the bank advances against the bills, which are in course

of collection, the facility is known as advance against bills for collection. Under this facility, a

prescribed margin is kept by the bank and the amount, in consideration of this is allowed to the

customer. The bill thereafter is sent for collection.

In all these cases, the legal effect is that the banker, who lends money, becomes holder in due

course for the bill.

12.5 BILL FINANCE AND LEGAL POSITION OF A BANKER

Bill Discounting and Rights of a Banker: In the case of bills discounting or bills purchase the bill of

exchange drawn by the borrower on third parties is presented to banker. Then the banker pays the

value of the bill of exchange to the borrower after charging a commission or after a discount and gets

the bill transferred to his name. By such transfer, which is made by endorsement by the borrower, the

banker becomes the 'Holder in due course' and would be entitled to receive the amounts from the

acceptor of the bill. Hence, it is imperative that a banker acquaints himself with the legal aspects of

lending through 'Bills discounting'.

Legal Relationship in the Case of Bills Discounting: In 'Bills discounting' transactions a banker

becomes a lawful holder of the bill by taking a proper endorsement of the bill in his favour. The banker

becomes 'payee' of the bill and is entitled to recover the amount represented by the bill. We will study

some cases in respect of bills discounting facilities that have been decided by courts.

(i) Irinjalakuda Bank Ltd. vs Pourthussery Panchayat (1970) 40 Compo Cases. 767: In this

case a document in the form of cheque issued by a Panchayat on a Government treasury payable

to 'self or order' was discounted by a bank. It was dishonoured by the treasury, since Panchayat

Inspector countermanded the payment. The Court held that the banker is a holder in due course

and hence can recover the amount from the Panchayat.

(ii) Shambumal Gangaram and Another vs State Bank of Mysore (AIR 1971 Mys. 156): In

this case, legal action was initiated by the bank for the recovery of dues from the customer

because of the bill discounting facility granted to the customer. The bank was providing 'Local

Bill Discounting' (LBD) facility to its customer by discounting the bills drawn by customer and

endorsed by the customer in bank's favour. The drawees of the bills generally paid the amounts

of bills. However, several bills remained unpaid and bank filed a suit for recovery from the

customer. The customer contended that bank should have filed suit against the drawees of bill of

exchange. The Court rejected the argument of the customer and directed him to pay the amount

to bank holding that customer being drawee is liable to bank who are holders in due course.

Discounting of Documentary Bills

A banker provides discounting of 'Documentary Bills', as a credit facility to his customer.

What is a Documentary Bill?

'Documentary Bill' is a bill which is supported or accompanied by a document of title to goods.

A lorry receipt or railway receipt, warehouse receipt, bill of lading, etc., are some of the examples of

documents of title to goods.

Law relating to Documents of Title to Goods

Sale of Goods Act and Bill of Lading Act: Government documents of title to goods. Under these Acts,

'documents of title to goods' is one in which ownership in goods can be transferred by endorsement

and delivery. Therefore, a banker as an endorsee of a lorry receipt, railway receipt or bill of lading

becomes the owner of goods on transfer of said documents in his name.

140

In the case of Morvi Merchantile Bank Ltd. vs Union of India (1965) 35 Compo Cases 629, a Bombay firm, sent by rail (to self) six boxes stated to contain menthol crystals from Thana to Okhla. The railway receipts were endorsed by the firm to a bank against an advance of Rs. 20,000. The boxes were not delivered at Okhla and the bank sued the railway claiming damages amounting to Rs. 35,000 which was stated to be the value of the consignments. The Trial Court dismissed the suit. On appeal by the bank, the Bombay High Court held that the bank as an endorsee of railway receipts was entitled to

receive the amount. The Supreme Court confirmed the order of High Court.

Drawee Bills Acceptance and Bill Co-acceptance Facilities

In 'Drawee Bills Acceptance Facility', the bank agrees to pay the drawer the amount of bills drawn on

the borrower on presentation and recovers from the drawee on the respective due dates. This credit facility is normally extended to borrowers who have been granted working capital facilities. This is an alternative to cash credit or overdraft. The amounts of bills accepted by the bank are debited to 'drawee bills' discounting account and the borrower reimburses the bank the amounts paid by bank with interest on the respective due dates. These advances, are also governed by the principles of law under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The bank would be entitled to sue the borrower and recover from him the

amount due on bills. The bank will have also an additional advantage of suing the drawer in event of dishonour of bill.

In the case of 'Bills Co-acceptance Facility', the banker accepts the bills along with the borrower. Under this facility banker undertakes a joint liability along with the borrower and enters into agreement with the borrower for reimbursement.

12.6 LET US SUM UP

1. Law relating to bills is provided in the Negotiable Act, 1881.

2. Categories of bills financed by banker are: (i) Clean bills (ii) Documentary bills

(iii) Bills drawn under credit

3. Maker of bill of exchange is called drawer.

4. Drawee of a bill of exchange is a person who is directed to pay the value of bill, and in the case of usance bill of exchange, the drawee is called acceptor.

5. In the case of bills relationships between the parties are: (i) The drawer of the bill is creditor, (ii) The drawee of a bill is the debtor.

6. Holder in due course means any person who for consideration became the possessor of the bill and is entitled to all the rights of holder of the bill.

7. Payment in due course means payment in accordance the tenor of bill to the holder in due course or to the holder of the bill, in due course and in good faith and without negligence.

8. Endorsement means signing the bill of exchange for the purpose of transfer.

9. Depending upon the place where the bills are made, they can be classified into

(i) Inland Bills (ii) Foreign Bills

10. Documentary bill means a bill accompanying documents of title to goods.


1. Bill of exchange means a unconditional direction to the drawer to pay the moneys. (True/False)

2. The maker of the bill is called __________ .

-^ rtrr? ATIM.

3. Bill purchase facility is granted in the case of demand bills. (True /False)

4. _________ facility is granted in the case of usance bills.

5. _________ of the bill is bound in case of dishonour of bill.

6. Ownership of goods can be transferred by endorsement and delivery of __________ .

7. In bills co-acceptance facility the banker becomes a surety for the value of bill. (True/False)

/


1. True; 2. Drawer; 3. True; 4. Bill Discounting; 5. Drawer; 6. Document of title to goods; 7. True.

VARIOUS TYPES OF SECURITIES

STRUCTURE

13.0 Objectives

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Various Kinds of Securities

13.3 Let Us Sum Up

13.4 Keywords



144

13.0 OBJECTIVES


• various kinds of securities;

• advantages and disadvantages of the various securities.

13.1 INTRODUCTION

An advance made by a banker may be secured by a collateral security. The effectiveness of a security would largely depend on the nature of the security. The effectiveness of the securities can be broadly classified on two aspects, the first being the economic aspect, that is the marketability, valuation and other economic factors that has a bearing on the value of the security. The other the legal aspect is the

validity and enforceability of the security. The requisites of a good and acceptable security are as follows:

1. The borrower should have a good title to the security. 2. It should be easily and freely transferable. 3. It should not have any encumbrance or liability for, e.g., partly paid shares. 4. It should be easily marketable.

5. It should not be liable to wide price fluctuations. 6. Its value should be easily ascertainable. 7. Its storing should not be difficult. 8. It should be durable. 9. It should be easily transportable.

We shall now study the various kinds of securities in the light of above requisites and understand their advantages and disadvantages.

13.2 VARIOUS KINDS OF SECURITIES

1. Land/Real Estate: Bankers in the olden days were very much averse to accept land and building as a security, but this prejudice has over a period of time changed and land and building as a security has become an acceptable collateral in most advances, more particularly to corporate customers. The advantages and disadvantages of this form of security cannot be universally applied to all lands and it depends on the nature of the land offered. We shall now discuss both the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

(i) The advantage that land has over other types of securities is that its value generally increases with time. With every fall in the value of money, the value of land goes up and due to its scarce availability in developing areas its value is bound to increase.

(ii) It cannot be shifted, a fact which sometimes is also a disadvantage.

Disadvantages

(i) Valuation is at-times difficult: The value of a building depends on several factors such as

location, size of property, state of repair, amenities, etc., and in the case of factories and industrial buildings, the machinery, nature of industry, etc. This makes the valuation very difficult. Buildings and the materials used in the buildings are not alike. In fact, buildings must be valued on a conservative basis because of limited market in the event of sale.

(ii) Ascertaining the title of the owner: The banker cannot obtain a proper title unless the borrower himself has title to the property to be mortgaged. In India, the laws of succession

145

a security

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ands

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ises its

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particularly those relating to Hindus and Muslims being very complicated, it is difficult to ascertain whether a person has a perfect title to the property or not. The banker would therefore have to consult solicitors and obtain their opinion before accepting it as a security,

which in many cases delays lending. Title verification, must also be done to know whether the property was encumbered. This has to be done by verifying record with the Registrar's office, which involves expense and time. In the case of agricultural land, with the introduction of land ceiling legislation, legislation protecting the tenants' rights, absence of up-to-date and proper land records, it has become less valuable as a security. Added to this there have been a number of legislations in different states giving debt relief to the farmers and prohibiting

transfer of land to persons other than agriculturists.

(iii) Difficult to realise the security: Land is not easily and quickly realisable due to lack of ready market. It may take months to sell and some times if the market is not favourable, it may fetch a lower price than what was anticipated.

(iv) Creating a charge is costly: The security can be charged either by way of legal mortgage or by way of an equitable mortgage. An equitable mortgage may be created by a simple deposit

of title deeds with or without a memorandum. Although equitable mortgage is less expensive, a banker always prefers legal mortgage to an equitable mortgage, since the remedies under a legal mortgage are better than those under an equitable mortgage. However, completing a legal mortgage involves expenses including stamp duty and lot of formalities.

(v) Difficulty on account of Rent Control Act: In the case of buildings, which come within the purview of the Rent Control Act, it would be difficult to sell the building, particularly when

a tenant has been occupying it for a long time. This reduces the marketability and value.

Precautions to be taken by the banker

(i) Financial soundness of borrower: The banker should place more reliance on the financial soundness of the borrower.

(ii) Borrower's title: The banker should get a solicitor to verify the title to the property and the

right of the borrower to mortgage.

(iii) Enquiry regarding prior charges: The borrower should produce a certificate from the Registrar's office listing the charges over the property over a period of time (generally 30 years) that the property is free from encumbrances. This is commonly understood as non-encumbrance certificate. If any prior charges exist the banker's right will be subject to such prior charges.

(iv) Freehold or leasehold: A freeholder is the absolute owner of his land and is able to deal with it as he likes. A leasehold property is one which is taken on lease for a period and a leaseholder derives a legal status for a term of years from the freeholder and is free to deal with the land when acting within the terms of the lease and within the law during that period. When the lease expires, the land reverts to the freeholder. In the case of leasehold property, the unexpired period of the lease is an important consideration. The longer the

unexpired period of the lease, greater is the value of the security. The bank should also ensure by verifying a copy of lease deed that there are no onerous covenants such as the necessity of taking the freeholder's consent before mortgaging the property. The banker should also obtain the last ground receipt to ensure that the lease is active.

(v) Valuation of the property: Valuation can be done in anyone of the following ways:

(a) By utilising the services of recognised valuers who would be engineers or architects.

(b) Making enquiries with local real estate agents. (c) By local authorities.

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(d) Latest sale transaction of neighbouring properties.

(e) Calculations based on the annual rental value.

(vi) Registration: Where the principal money secured is Rs. 100 or more, a mortgage charge

is required to be registered unless the charge is an equitable mortgage, (vii) Documentations: The mortgage deed must be drafted carefully considering all the legal

stipulations. It should be witnessed by at least two persons. In case of simple mortgage it

attracts ad-valorum stamp duty, (viii) Verification of Tax Receipts: The banker should request the borrower to produce latest

property tax receipts since any arrears of tax constitute a preferential charge on property, (ix) Insurance of the property: To avoid loss of security by fire, natural calamities, it is prudent

that in case of buildings the banker insist on insurance of the property for its full value at the

borrower's expense.

2. Stocks and Shares

Shares: These may be classified into preference shares (which enjoy preference both with regards the payment of dividend and repayment of capital) and equity shares, i.e., shares which are not preference shares. Banks accept only quoted shares as security.

Advantages

(i) Value of the security can be ascertained without any difficulty. (ii) In normal times, stocks and shares enjoy stability of value and are not subject to wide

fluctuations. (iii) Stocks and shares require very little formalities for taking them as security, (iv) It is easier compared to real estate to ascertain the title, more so with the advent of depositories. (v) Creating a charge of this is less expensive than real estate, (vi) They yield intermittent income by way of dividends, which can be appropriated towards the

loan account. (vii) Being a tangible form of securities they are more reliable, (viii) The release of such securities involves very little expense and formality.

Disadvantages

(i) Being easy to realise, they are fraud prone and as such they must be properly secured, (ii) In the case of partly paid shares, the following demerits are there:

(a) The banker may have to pay the calls. (b) Partly paid shares are subject to violent price fluctuations.

(c) They are not easily realisable because of the restricted market for such shares.

Precautions while taking stocks and shares as security: Banker must take the following

precautions while advancing against stocks and shares:

(i) In the case of partly paid shares (a) the banker should never register them in his name.

(b) He must ensure that pending calls are paid. (c) Sufficient margin should be taken to avoid any future loss or change in the value of

the security. (d) The banker should verify share certificate and ensure that the calls are paid properly

and entered in the space provided for the same.

Other precautions

(i) Update the list of shares which the particular bank is willing to lend against on a regular basis.

I 147

(ii) Updating the amount that can be lent against a particular share which is called the card limit

at regular intervals, (iii) Yearly review of the portfolio or more frequent review depending

upon the volatility in the

capital market.

3. Debentures: Debenture is a document issued by a company acknowledging its indebtedness to the

bearer or a registered holder. A fixed rate of interest is payable at stated periods on such debentures.

In the case of mortgage debentures, a charge is created on the assets of the company issuing such

debentures in favour of a trustee who is responsible to take care of the interest of individual

investors.

Advantages

(i) Easy to sell.

(ii) Not subject to violent price fluctuations.

(iii) They can be transferred at minimum cost.

(iv) Bearer debentures are fully negotiable.

(v) They rank in priority to shares and mostly secured by a charge on the company's property.

Disadvantages

(i) If interest is not paid regularly on the debentures, it would affect its price and marketability, (ii)

If the charge on property of company is not registered, the subsequent charges will get a

priority, (iii) Debentures may be issued by companies having no power to

borrow money.

Precautions to be taken while taking debentures as security

(i) The nature of the debentures must be ascertained, i.e., whether they are unsecured or

secured, the later being preferred, (ii) The borrowing powers of the company issuing the

debentures must be ascertained and to

verify that the same has not been exceeded.

(iii) Deposit of the debentures plus a memorandum of deposit is necessary, (iv) The

nature and value of the assets charged must be examined frequently. (v) The banker

must find out whether there are any uncancelled redeemed debentures.

4. Goods: Though, earlier, bankers were not forthcoming to advance against goods or documents of

title to goods, now more and more secured advances of the scheduled banks in India are against

goods.

Merits of this Security

(i) Goods have a ready market and as such can be easily sold unlike other kinds of security.

(ii) Valuation of the goods can be easily done.

(iii) The banker gets a tangible form of security compared to unsecured advances, which in

case of default by the borrower, can be realised by sale of pledged goods, (iv) Advances

against goods are normally given for short periods and therefore the risk of the

banker is considerably reduced, (v) Barring a few states where the stamp duty is heavy,

creating a charge on the security is less

costly and involves minimum formalities, (vi) Banker acquires a good title to the goods

when dealing with customers of repute and

standing.

Demerits of this Security

(i) Certain goods are liable to perish or deteriorate in quality over a period of time, thus resulting in

reduction of the value of the banker's security.

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(ii) There are possible risks of fraud or dishonesty on the part of the borrower. For example, when 10,000 tins of cashew nuts are shown in the godown as security for an advance, it is not possible for the banker to verify the quality and quantity in every tin. It is not even

possible to verify whether all the 10,000 tins contain cashew nuts. A fraudulent borrower may not store the full stocks as declared in the godown.

(iii) The value of the security in certain cases more particularly electronic consumer goods are subject to wide fluctuations. Therefore, the valuation of such goods is difficult. Even in the case of necessaries, there being several varieties, unless the banker has expert knowledge, the valuation may be misleading. Disposing of large quantities of goods within a short time

may be difficult and may not fetch the expected / declared price. (iv) The banker may find it difficult to store the goods. (v) Transporting the goods from the borrower's premises to the banker's premises and thereafter

to the market in case of sale is a considerably costly and time-consuming affair. (vi) When the banker releases goods for sale on the execution of trust receipts, the money

realised by the sale of such goods may not be deposited with the banker and the borrowers

may default to the bankers. (vii) If the goods are warehoused, the warehouse keeper enjoys a lien over the goods for any

unpaid charges. The banker therefore, has to ensure periodically that all charges are duly paid.

Valuation of Goods

(i) Advances are given based on the stocks and their value declared in monthly stock/statements. The stock/goods are to be inspected at regular intervals and prices verified and tallied with

purchase invoices. (ii) By visiting factory/godown by officials and valuers like cost accountants, (iii) Follow up of account ensuring payment to creditors for stock and collection of debtors

thus avoiding diversion/misuse of funds.

Precautions to be taken

(i) Advances against goods should be restricted to genuine traders and not to speculators, (ii) Loans must be given for short periods, since the quality and thereby the value of the security

is likely to diminish, (iii) The banker must have a working knowledge and gather information of the different types

of goods regarding their character, price movements, storage value, etc. (iv) The banker should confirm the state of goods, (v) The goods should be insured against loss by theft or fire, (vi) The banker should verify and confirm the title of the borrower to the goods by inspecting

the invoices or cash memos. (vii) The banker as a Pawnee is liable, if reasonable care is not taken of the goods pledged. He

should therefore, take proper care for their storage and also take reasonable steps to protect them from damage and pilferage.

(viii) The price of the goods must be accurately ascertained, (ix) Necessary margin must be taken by the banker to protect him against fluctuations in the

price of goods.

(x) The banker must obtain absolute or constructive possession of the goods, (xi) In the case of hypothecated goods, the bank should obtain from the borrower a written

undertaking that the goods are not charged to any bank or creditor and will not be so

charged as long as the borrower is indebted to the bank. The banker should obtain at regular

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periods certificates regarding the quantity and valuation of the goods, which should be

physically verified by the banker.

Documents of Title to Goods: What are Documents of Title to Goods?

As per the Section 2(4) of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, a document of title to goods is 'a document

used in the ordinary course of business as a proof of possession or control of goods authorising or

purporting to authorise either, by endorsement or delivery, the possessor of the documents to

transfer or receive the goods thereby represented.' Thus, the essential requisites of a document of

title to goods are:

(i) The mere possession of the documents creates a right either by virtue of law or trade usage,

to possess the goods represented by the documents, (ii) Goods represented by the

documents can be transferred by endorsement and/or delivery of

the documents.

(iii) The transferee of the documents can take delivery of the goods in his own right, (iv)

Although they appear to be negotiable instruments, documents of title to goods are not

negotiable instruments. The title of bona fide transferee for value can be affected by defects in

the title of transferor. They may be called quasi-negotiable instruments.

Examples of documents of title to goods are bills of lading, dock warrant, warehouse-keeper's

certificate, railway receipts, delivery orders, etc. Documents of title to goods must be distinguished

from other documents like the warehouse-keeper's non-transferable receipts, which are mere

acknowledgement of the goods. Documents of title to goods are preferred by bankers because

under Section 52(2)(e) of the Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, 1909, and Section 28(3) of the

Provincial Insolvency Act, 1920, possession of goods represented by such instruments duly endorsed

in his favour are taken out of the order and disposition of the insolvent. The significance of this is

that in case the borrower becomes insolvent, the Official Receiver or Official Assignee as the case

may be, cannot include such goods in the assets of the insolvent.

Merits of this Security

(i) By mere pledge of the instruments the goods are pledged and serve as a good security, (ii)

The person in possession of the document can transfer the goods by endorsement and/or

delivery. The transferee thereafter is entitled to take delivery of the goods in his own right,

(iii) The documents are easily transferable, and the formalities involved are less compared to

mortgage or assignment.

Demerits of this Security

(i) Possibility for fraud and dishonesty: Since the bill of lading or a railway receipt or a

warehouse-keeper's certificate does not certify or guarantee the correctness of the contents

of the bags or packages, the banker will have no remedy against the carrier or warehouse-

keeper, if they turn out to be containing worthless goods.

(ii) Forged and altered documents: The documents might be forged ones, or even if genuine,

the quantity may be altered.

(iii) Not Negotiable documents: The document being "Not Negotiable", the transferee of such

documents will not get a better title than that of the transferor. Therefore, if the person who

pledged the documents has a defective title, the banker will not acquire a better title, (iv)

Unpaid vendor's right of stoppage in transit: Under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, an

unpaid vendor has the 'right of stoppage in transit' and he is entitled to direct the carrier that the

goods need not be delivered, if not already done. If this right is exercised by the unpaid vendor,

the banker cannot obtain the goods and his security is of no value.

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(v) In the case of lost documents, delivery of the goods is allowed on the execution of an

indemnity bond, this option may be misused by the borrower by selling the goods to some

other customer who may take delivery of the goods declaring that he had lost/misplace the

document and indemnifying the carrier. To avoid such a contingency, the banker can give

notice to the carrier regarding his interest and the pledge.


(i) The documents must be examined thoroughly to ensure that they are genuine and of recent

origin. In the case of bills of lading, they are prepared generally in triplicate and as such all

the copies must be obtained by the banker. Otherwise, the carrier is released from his

obligation by delivering the goods on the presentation of any one copy containing ostensibly

regular endorsements.

(ii) The banker should ensure that the documents do not contain any onerous clauses or prejudicial

remarks about the condition of goods received.

(iii) Banker should ensure that the goods are adequately covered by insurance for full value

against risks of theft, fire, damage in transit, etc., and in the case of goods shipped by sea,

all the marine risks should be covered.

(iv) Banker should ensure to get consignee copy and banks name being entered as consignee, so

that endorsement/transfer of title is specific.

Trust Receipt

Whenever the bank releases documents of title to goods to the borrower without payment being

made, then a 'Letter of Trust' should be taken. So also in the case of goods hypothecated to the

bank. The reasons are as follows:

(i) The borrower on sale of the goods has to hold proceeds in trust for the banker. (ii) The

goods taken under such trust receipts or the sale proceeds thereof, are not available to the

official receiver in case the borrower becomes insolvent.

A Trust letter incorporates the following clauses

(i) Borrower's recognition, of bank's rights in the goods as security and in case of sale, the

proceeds, thereof.

(ii) Borrower's, undertaking to hold the goods or sale proceeds thereof, in trust for the banker,

(iii) Borrower's undertaking, to ensure proper storage and insurance, at his cost. (iv)

Borrower's undertaking to direct the buyer to pay the monies directly to the banker, if so

required by the banker, (v) Borrower's undertaking to return unsold goods on banker's

request or dispose of the same

as directed by the banker.

5. Life Policies: Purpose of Life Policy: A life policy is taken for two purposes:

(i) It is a source of income for the dependents of the assured in case of his death, (ii) It is an

ideal form of saving since along with income tax deduction on the premium, paid loans can

be raised on the policies in times of need.

Advantages

(i) Life insurance business being highly regulated and permitted only to companies having

sound financial health, the banker need not doubt the realisation of the policies, which will

be done without any difficulty, if the policy and the claim are in order.

(ii) The assignment of the policy in favour of the banker requires very little formalities and the

banker obtains a perfect title.

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6.

(iii) The longer the period for which the policy has been in force, the greater the surrender value. It is also useful as an additional security because, in the event of the borrower's death, the debt is easily liquidated from the proceeds of the policy.

(iv) The security can be realised immediately on the borrower's default of payment by surrendering the policy to the insurance company.

(v) The policy is a tangible security and is in the custody of the bank. The banker only has to ensure that regular payment of premiums is made.

Disadvantages

(i) If the premium is not paid regularly, the policy lapses and reviving the policy is complicated. (ii) Insurance contracts being contracts of utmost good faith, any misrepresentation or non-

disclosure of any particulars by the assured would make the policy void and enable the insurer to avoid the contract.

(iii) The person (proposer) who has obtained the policy must have an insurable interest in the

life of the assured or the contract is void. (iv) The policy may contain special clauses, which may restrict the liability of the insurer. (v) When the banker accepts a policy coming under Married Women Property Act he must

ensure that all the parties sign in the bank's form of assignment. (vi) There is facility to obtain the duplicate policy if the original is lost. This can be misused by

persons by obtaining duplicate policies. Banker should, therefore, verify that no duplicate

policy has been issued and there are no encumbrances on the policy.

Advantages

(i) The policy must be assigned in favour of the bank and should be sent directly to the insurance company for registration and ensured that only authorised office of Insurance Company has noted assignment.

(ii) The bank should see that the age of the assured is admitted.

(iii) The banker should ensure the regular payment of premium.

Book Debts: Borrowers can take advances by assigning book debts in favour of the bank. Section

130 of the Transfer of Property Act permits assignment of actionable claim and the procedure to

be followed is:

(i) The assignment must be in writing and signed by the transferor or his duly authorised

agent.

(ii) Notice of the assignment in writing must be given to the debtor; and. (iii) The assignment may be absolute or by way of charge.

Legal implication of assignment

(i) The assignee can sue in his/their own name and can give a valid discharge.

(ii) The debtor can exercise any right of set off against the assignee, which but for such

transfer, he could have exercised against assignor, (iii) As an actionable claim includes future debts, there can be a valid assignment of future debts

as well.

Precautions to be taken

(i) The value of the security depends on the solvency of the debtor and his right of set off, if any. The banker must enquire into both aspects, (ii) The instrument of assignment must

be in writing and duly signed in the presence of the

banker, signed by the assignor or his duly authorised agent.

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(iii) The banker must serve notices of assignment on debtors, who must be asked to acknowledge

its receipt and confirm:

(a) The amount of the debt.

(b) His right of set off, if any, and (c) Whether he has received notice of prior assignments, if any.

(iv) An undertaking from the borrower should be taken that the amount of debts collected directly if any by him will be passed on to the banker, towards the loan account and operations in account be controlled to ensure this compliance.

(v) Where the book debts are as assigned by a joint stock company, the charge must be registered

with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies.

7. Fixed Deposit: When money deposited by a customer is not repayable on demand and is payable on the expiry of a specified period from the date of deposit such a deposit is called a 'Fixed Deposit'. The banker evidences a deposit by issuing a receipt known as fixed deposit receipt. Interest is paid at regular intervals at a specified rate on such deposits. Banks usually permit depositors to borrow against the deposit. This security is certainly the most valuable, as the money represented by the

receipt is already with the bank and there is no problem of valuation or enquiring the title, or the problem of storage and costs associated with storage.

Precautions

(i) The banker should grant the advance only to the person in whose name the money is deposited. Banker should not advance against fixed deposit receipts of other banks. This is because the banker who has received the deposit will have a general lien over such monies. Even if the lending bank gives notice to the bank, which has received the deposit, the latter may even refuse to register the lien in favour of the lending bank.

(ii) If the deposit is in joint names the request for loan must come from all of them.

(iii) When the deposit receipt is taken as security, the banker should ensure that all the depositors duly discharge it on the back of the instrument after affixing the appropriate revenue stamp. In addition to this, the banker should obtain a letter of appropriation which authorises the banker to appropriate the amount of the deposit on maturity or earlier towards the loan amount.

(iv) After granting the advance, the banker must note his lien in the fixed deposit register to avoid payment by mistake and the lien, must also be noted on the receipt itself.

(v) Advance should preferably not be made against fixed deposit receipt in the name of a minor, unless a declaration is taken from guardian, that loan will be utilised for benefit of the minor.

(vi) Where the money is being advanced against the fixed deposit receipt issued by another branch, the FDR duly discharged must be sent to the branch where such money is deposited for the following purposes:

(a) To verify the specimen signature of the depositor

(b) To ensure that no prior lien exists on the fixed deposit receipt

(c) To mark lien on the FDR and the FDR register, in favour of branch advancing money.

(vii) Sometimes a person may approach for advances by offering the fixed deposit receipts held by third parties as security. In such a case, the fixed deposit receipt must be duly discharged by the third party, i.e., FD holder and he should declare in writing the bank's right to hold the deposit receipt as security, and also to adjust the deposit amount towards the loan

account on maturity or on default in repayment of instalment if any.

8. Supply Bills: Supply bills arise in relation to transactions with the Government and public sector undertakings. A party might have taken a contract for execution, and he is entitled to progressive

153

payments based on work done, for which he has to submit bills in accordance with the terms and

conditions of the contract. Similarly, parties who have accepted tenders for supply of goods over

a period are entitled to payments on the supply of goods, for which they submit bills in accordance

with the terms of the contract. These bills are known as supply bills.

Procedure followed in respect of supply bills

(i) The supplier delivers the goods supported by a delivery challan and produces the documents.

The appropriate authority of the government department inspects these goods and accepts

for payment on due date and the supplier obtains an inspection note. In the case of contracts,

an engineer's certificate regarding work done is obtained.

(ii) The supplier or the contractor as the case may be, prepares the bill for obtaining payment.

Government departments take quite some time to verify the bills and pass them for payment.

Therefore, the supplier or contractor submits these bills together with the accepted delivery

challan and inspection note or the engineer's certificates to the appropriate Government

department through the banker and requests the banker to advance against such bills.

These bills do not enjoy the status of negotiable instruments. They are in the nature of debts

and are assigned, in favour of the banker for payment, after affixing a revenue stamp for

having received the amount. The bank should also obtain a letter from the supplier or

contractor, requesting the appropriate department to make the payment directly to the banker.

Risks involved in advancing against supply bills

(i) Although the advance is self-liquidating in nature, in certain cases it can take quite some

time before the advance is realised because of administrative and other Governmental

procedures, (ii) It is virtually a clean advance and the bank may not realise the full

amount, because of the

possibility of counter claim or the right of set off by the Government, as the charge is only

by way of assignment, (iii) Sometimes, the Government may not pass the bills for

full payment because of the

unsatisfactory quality of goods or defective work done by the contractor or delays in the

completion of work.


(i) Advances against supply bills should be made only to borrowers who have sufficient

experience in Government business and Government regulations. (ii) The contract

between the supplier and the Government department should be scrutinised

by the banker, to know the volume of transaction, period of supply, rates agreed upon and

various other terms and conditions. The Government will not pass the bills unless there is

faithful adherence to the terms and conditions by the supplier, (iii) The banker should

obtain a power of attorney from the supplier authorising him to receive

the money. The same should be registered with the appropriate Government department,

(iv) The banker should obtain the inspection note or the engineer's certificates along with the

bills. There should be no adverse remarks in the inspection report regarding the quality and

quantity of goods supplied, (v) There are two types of bills that are

submitted by the suppliers. They are:

(a) Interim bills against which Government pays eighty to eighty-five per cent of the

amount.

(b) Final Bills for the balance of twenty to fifteen per cent which will be paid only after

complete verification of goods at the point of destination. Because of the delay involved

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in the settlement of final bills, banks should prefer the interim bills for advancing and final bills only for collection. Keep sufficient margin to cover advance with interest thereon from proceeds to be received.

(vi) Banker must reserve the right of demanding the repayment of advance, if the bills remain

unpaid for a specified period. The banker, in other words, treats the bills as only items for

collection and the advances are recovered.

13.3 LET US SUM UP

The effectiveness of a security offered to a banker would largely depend on the nature of the security,

which includes its marketability, valuation and other economic factors and certain legal aspects, like the borrower's title, existing encumbrance or liability attached to the security. The various kinds of normally acceptable securities include land/real estate, stocks and shares, debentures, goods, life policies, book debts, fixed deposit receipts and supply bills.

The securities depending on their nature have various advantages and disadvantages. The banker however,

has to verify the worth of the security and its readability, before accepting it. Of all the kinds of security, fixed deposit receipt of the bank is the best and most reliable compared to other forms of security. The security of goods can be created either by pledging the goods directly or by pledging the title to goods, which in turn is a pledge of the goods or by charge by way of hypothecation.

13.4 KEYWORDS

Preference Shares; Equity Share; Debenture; Documents of Title to Goods; Life Policy; Trust Receipt.


1. State whether true or false. (a) If money lent is more than Rs 100 on the security of land, then the mortgaged (simple)

requires registration. (b) A mortgage deed need not be witnessed. (c) Permission from Income Tax Authorities under the Section 230 to create mortgage is required

only if the land belongs to a company.

(d) Arrears of tax constitute a preferential charge on the property. (e) There are three types of shares - ordinary, equity and preference. (f) Debenture is a kind of share issued by a company and has no voting rights. (g) Borrower can create a valid pledge with documents of title to goods. (h) Bills of lading, dock warrants, warehouse-keeper's certificate, etc., are some examples of

documents of title to goods.

(i) Documents of title to goods are negotiable instruments. (j) Only Life Insurance Companies can issue life policies, (k) Insurance contracts are contracts of absolute good faith. (1) An assignee of a life policy can sue in his/her own name, (m) For a

loan against fixed deposit receipt, the stamp duty is very high, (n) Supply bills are bills of exchange.


1. (a) True; (b) False; (c) False; (d) True; (e) False; (f) False; (g) True; (h) True; (i) False; (j) True; (k) True; (I) True; (m) False; (n) False.

LAW RELATING TO SECURITIES AND MODES OF CHARGING - I

STRUCTURE

14.0 Objectives

14.1 Introduction

14.2 Mortgage

14.3 Let Us Sum Up



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14.0 OBJECTIVES


• various types of mortgages and law relating thereto;

• essential features of various types of mortgages.

14.1 INTRODUCTION

When land/building is offered as a security, it is charged to the bank by a mortgage. Mortgages are of

six kinds, though as a banker you would be dealing in only three of them. The law, relating to mortgages

is dealt with in the Transfer of Property Act, 1882. and more particularly in Sections 58 to 99 and 102

to 104. We shall now study these provisions and see how they affect us, as bankers in our business of

lending.

14.2 MORTGAGE

Section 58(a) of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 defines a mortgage as follows:

'A mortgage is the transfer of interest in specific immoveable property, for the purpose of securing the

payment of money advanced or to be advanced by way of loan, on existing or future debt or the

performance of an engagement which may give rise to a pecuniary liability.'

The transferor is called the 'mortgagor' and the transferee a 'mortgagee' the principal money and

interest of which payment is secured is called mortgage money and the instrument by which the

transfer is effected is called the 'mortgage deed'.

1. Ingredients of Mortgage: From the above definition of mortgage, the following are the requirements

of a mortgage:

(i) There should be transfer of interest in the property by the mortgagor (the owner or lessor),

(ii) The transfer should be to secure the money paid or to be paid by way of loan.

2. Mortgage of Land - Various Types: The Transfer of Property Act contemplates six different kinds

of mortgages. They are:

(i) Simple mortgage (ii) Mortgage by conditional sale

(iii) Usufructuary mortgage (iv) English mortgage

(v) Mortgage by deposit of title deeds (Equitable mortgage)

(vi) Anomalous mortgage

Simple mortgage

According to Section 58(b) of the Transfer of Property Act, a simple mortgage is a transaction

whereby, 'without delivering possession of the mortgaged property, the mortgagor binds himself

personally to pay the mortgage money and agrees, expressly or impliedly, that in the event of his failing

to pay according to his contract, the mortgagee shall have a right to cause the mortgaged property to

be sold by a decree of the Court in a suit and the proceeds of the sale to be applied so far as may be

necessary in payment of the mortgage money.'

Features of simple mortgage

(i) The mortgagee has no power to sell the property without the intervention of the Court.

In case there is shortfall in the amount recovered even after sale of the mortgaged property the

mortgagor continues to be personally liable for the shortfall, (ii) The mortgagee has no right to

get any payments out of the rents and produce of the mortgaged

property.

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of

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(iii) The mortgagee is not put in possession of the property.

(iv) Registration is mandatory if the principal amount secured is Rs. 100 and above.

Mortgage by way of conditional sale

As per Section 58(c) of the Transfer of Property Act, a mortgage by way of a conditional sale of the property

is a transaction whereby the mortgagor ostensibly sells the mortgaged property on the condition that:

(a) on default of payment of the mortgage money on a certain date, the sale shall become absolute, or

(b) on such payment being made the sale shall become void; or

(c) on such payment being made, the buyer shall transfer the property to the seller.

No such transaction shall be deemed to be a mortgage of conditional sale, unless the condition is

embodied in the document, which effects or purports to effect the sale.

Essential features

( i) The sale is ostensible and not real.

(ii) If the money is not repaid on the agreed date, the ostensible sale will become absolute upon the

mortgagor applying to the Court and getting a decree in his favour. The mortgagor in such a case

loses his right to redeem his property, (iii) The mortgagee can sue for foreclosure, but not for

sale of the property. Foreclosure, means the

loss of the right possessed by the mortgagor to redeem the mortgaged property, (iv) There is no

personal covenant for repayment of the debt and therefore bankers do not prefer this

type of mortgage. The mortgagee cannot look to the other properties of the mortgagor in case the

mortgaged property proves insufficient.

Usufructuary mortgage

According to Section 58(d) of the Transfer of Property Act, 'a Usufructuary mortgage is a transaction

in which

(a) the mortgagor delivers possession expressly, or by implication and binds himself to deliver

possession of the mortgaged property to the mortgagee; and

(b) authorises the mortgagee to retain such possession until payment of the mortgage money and to

receive the rents and profits accruing from the property or any part of such rents and profits and

to appropriate the same in lieu of interest, or in payment of the mortgage money, or partly in lieu

of interest and partly in payment of the mortgage money.

Essential features

(i) The mortgagee is put in possession of the mortgaged property. Here, by possession it is meant,

the legal possession and not the physical possession. For example, the mortgagor may continue

to enjoy the physical possession as the lessee of the mortgagee or the mortgagor may be the

caretaker of the property directing the tenants to pay rent to the mortgagee. However, the deed

must contain a clause providing for the delivery of the property to the mortgagee and authorising

him to retain such possession.

(ii) The mortgagee has the right to receive the rents and profits accruing from the property. Such

rents and profits or part thereof, may be appropriated in lieu, of interest or in payment of the

mortgage money or partly for both.

(iii) Unless there is a personal covenant for the repayment of the mortgage money, there is no personal

liability for the mortgagor. Therefore, the mortgagee cannot sue the mortgagor for repayment of

the mortgage debt; nor can he sue mortgagor for the sale or foreclosure of the mortgaged

property.

(iv) There is no time limit specified and the mortgagee remains in possession of the property until the

debt is repaid. The only remedy for the mortgagee is to remain in possession of the mortgaged

property and pay themselves out of the rents and or profits of the mortgaged property. If the

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mortgagor fails to sue for redemption within thirty years, the mortgagee becomes the absolute

owner of the property.

Bankers do not prefer this form of mortgage for the following reasons:

(i) There is no personal covenant to repay the debt.

(ii) As the mortgaged money can be recovered only by the appropriation of rents and/or profits, it

will take a very long time to recover money through this process.

English Mortgage

According to Section 58(e) of the Transfer of Property Act, an 'English Mortgage' is a transaction in

which, the mortgagor binds himself 'to repay the mortgage money on a certain date and transfers the

mortgaged property absolutely to the mortgagee, but subject to the provision that he will retransfer it to

the mortgagor upon payment of the mortgage money as agreed'.

Essential features

(i) It provides for a personal covenant to pay on a specified date notwithstanding the absolute

transfer of the property to the mortgagee, (ii) There is an absolute transfer

of the property in favour of the mortgagee.

However, such absolute transfer is subject to a provision that the property shall be re-conveyed to

the mortgagor in the event of the repayment of mortgage money, (iii) The mortgagee can sue

the mortgagor for the recovery of the money and can obtain a decree for

sale.

Equitable mortgage or mortgage by deposit of title deeds

According to Section 58(f) of the Transfer of Property Act, 'Where a person in any of the following

towns - namely, the towns of Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai and in any other town which the State

Government concerned may, by notification in the official gazette, specify in this behalf - delivers to a

creditor or his agent documents of title to immoveable property, with intent to create a security thereon,

the transaction is called a mortgage by deposit of title deeds.'

Documents of title

Documents of title or title deed in case of mortgage by deposit of title deeds, shall be documents or

instruments which relate to ownership of the mortgagor over the property. In other words, by virtue of

a document or instrument, if a person has a right to peaceful possession and enjoyment of the immoveable

property, then such a document or instrument is called the title deed. In the case of Syndicate Bank vs

Modern Tile and City Works (1980 KL T 550); it was explained by the learned Judges that documents

of title or deed means the legal instrument which proves the right of a person in a particular property.

Essential features

(i) Such a mortgage can be affected only in the towns notified by the State Government. However,

the territorial restriction refers to the place where the title deeds are delivered and not to the

situation of the property mortgaged.

(ii) To create this mortgage, there must be three ingredients i.e. a debt, a deposit of title deeds and an

intention that the deeds shall be act as security for the debt.

Anomalous mortgage

According to Section 58(g) of the Transfer of Property Act, 'a mortgage which is not a simple

mortgage, a mortgage by conditional sale and usufructuary mortgage and English mortgage or a mortgage

by deposit of title deeds within the meaning of this Section, is called an 'Anomalous Mortgage.'

Essential features

(i) It must be a mortgage as defined by Section 58 of the Transfer of Property Act.

(ii) It is negatively defined and should not be anyone of the mortgages listed above.

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(iii) Anomalous mortgages are usually a combination of two mortgages. Examples of such mortgages are:

(a) a simple and usufructuary mortgage, and

(b) an usufructuary mortgage accompanied by conditional sale. There may be other forms,

moulded by custom and local usage.

3. Merits and Demerits of an Equitable Mortgage

Merits

(i) The borrower saves the stamp duty on the mortgage deed and the registration charges. It

involves minimum formalities, (ii) It involves less time

and can be conveniently created.

It can be done without much publicity and therefore, the customer's position is not exposed to

public gaze.

Demerits

(i) In case of default, the remedy is to obtain a decree for sale of the property. Since, this

involves going to the Court, it is expensive and time consuming. This shortcoming, can be

overcome by inserting a covenant by which the mortgagee is given the power of sale. In

that case, the mortgage deed must be properly stamped and registered and the mortgage

loses the advantage of being simple in procedure and less expensive.

(ii) Where the borrower is holding the title deeds in his capacity as a trustee and equitable

mortgage of the same is effected, the claim of the beneficiary, under trust will prevail over

any equitable mortgage. Therefore, the banker has to make a proper scrutiny of the title

deeds before accepting them as a security.

(iii) The borrower may create a subsequent legal mortgage in favour of another party. However,

this possibility is not there, if the equitable mortgagee holds the original title deeds. In India,

there is no difference between the two types of mortgages. According to Section 48 of the

Registration Act, 1908, a mortgage by deposit of title deeds prevails against any subsequent

mortgage relating to the same property. Similarly, the title of the equitable mortgagee, is not

defeated by any subsequent sale without notice. However, to avoid any risk of this type, the

equitable mortgage should be accepted only after obtaining the original title deeds.

The law in England is slightly different. As between equitable mortgage and legal (simple)

mortgage, the latter prevails even though it is effected subsequently. The law, regarding this

is, as between law and equity, law prevails. As between the equities, the prior in time prevails.

4. Difference between Equitable Mortgage and Pledge

Table 14.1: Difference between Equitable Mortgage and Pledge

Pledge Mortgage

Pledgee acquires only a limited interest in the property and ownership remains with the right of pledger. The Pawnee has 'special property' in the goods pledged and can sell the same in the event of default by the pledger of course, after giving reasonable notice. Pawnee has no right of foreclosure. He can only sell the property to realise his dues.

Here the legal ownership passes to mortgagee, of course, subject to the mortgagor to redeem the property. The mortgagee as a rule takes decree of a Court of Law before having recourse against the property mortgaged. In certain cases, the mortgagee can foreclose the property.

5. Priority of Mortgages: Indian Law of Priorities is provided in Section 48 of the Transfer of Property

Act. The rule is based on maxim 'He has a better title who was first in point of time.' It lays the

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general rule regarding priority of rights created by transfer by a person at different times in or over

the same immoveable property and provides that, as between such rights, each later created right

is subject to the rights previously created. We may further see, as how the rule of priorities operate

in respect of different instruments creating mortgages.

(a) Priority among registered instruments: Section 47 of the Registration Act, 1908 provides

that a registered document operates, not from the date of its registration, but from the time

of its execution. Thus, a document executed earlier, though registered later than another,

has priority over the documents executed later.

(b) Priority between registered and unregistered instruments: Let us now deal with the exceptions

to the rule that priority is determined by order of time which either have been created by

statute or owe their origin to the ancient rule of Hindu Law, which required delivery of

possession in the case of a security of land. There are also some exceptions recognised in

the Indian system founded upon those general principles of justice and equity, which in the

absence of any express enactment, Indian judges are bound to administer, and which have

been mostly borrowed from the English Law.

The first exception is that contained in Section 50 of the Registration Act which under certain

circumstances allows a registered mortgage priority over unregistered mortgage. However, it may

be noted that prior mortgage by deposit of title deeds is not affected by subsequent registered mort-

gage as the same need not be registered. This is provided in Section 48 of Indian Registration Act.

6. Limitation Period in Mortgages: Article 62 of the Indian Limitation Act, 1963 provides limitation

period for filing of suit for recovery of mortgaged debt and sale of mortgaged property in the event

of non-payment of the mortgaged debt. Article 63(a) of the said Act provides a limitation period, in

case of foreclosure of the mortgaged property. The limitation period for filing a suit for sale of

mortgaged property is TWELVE YEARS, from the date the mortgage debt becomes due. The

limitation period for filing suit for foreclosure is THIRTY YEARS from the date the money secured

by mortgage becomes due.

Enforcement of Mortgage - Some Important Aspects

We will now learn some important aspects as to enforcement of mortgage. It may be noted that a

banker, secures moneys advanced by creating one of the various types of mortgages mentioned above.

Popular types of mortgages obtained by a banker are:

(i) Mortgage by deposit of title deeds (ii) Simple mortgage and in some cases

(iii) English mortgage.

Enforcement of all these types of mortgages is by way of filing a suit for sale of mortgaged properties.

The procedure for filing a suit for a sale is provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The

Section 16(c) of the Civil Procedure provides that a suit for sale of mortgaged property shall be filed in

the Court within whose jurisdiction the mortgaged property is situated. Order 34 of the Code provides

for various things to be adhered to while filing suit for sale of mortgaged property. When a suit for sale

is filed, the Court after hearing the parties passes a preliminary decree. Through the preliminary decree

it directs the mortgagor to pay the mortgage debt within a certain period and in the event of his failure

to pay the money due under the mortgage, the Court orders for sale of mortgaged properties by passing

a final decree. After passing of the final decree, the mortgagee with the help of the Court gets the

mortgaged property sold in execution of the mortgage decree.

14.3 LET US SUM UP

1. Mortgage is a transfer of interest in immoveable property to secure an advanced loan, or an

existing debt or a future debt or performance of an obligation.

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2. Transfer of Property Act, contemplates six types of mortgages, they are:

(a) Simple mortgage (b) Mortgage by conditional sale

(c) Usufructuary mortgage (d) English mortgage

(e) Mortgage by deposit of title deeds (f) Anomalous mortgage

3. In Simple mortgage, the mortgage is by deposit of title deeds and in English mortgage, the possession of the mortgaged properties is not given to the mortgagee.

4. In usufructuary mortgage and in mortgage by conditional sale, possession of mortgaged properties is normally given to the mortgagee.

5. In the case of simple mortgage and mortgage by deposit of title deeds, the mortgagee has a right to proceed against the property mortgaged and also personally against the mortgagor.

6. Mortgage is to be created by way of deed and requires to be registered under the Registration Act.

7. Mortgage by deposit of title deeds, is not required to be created by way of a deed and does not require registration.

8. The rule of priority in case of successive mortgages is in the order of time they are created.

9. Limitation period for filing a suit for sale of mortgaged property is twelve years from the date mortgage debt becomes due.

10. Limitation period for filing a suit for foreclosure is thirty years from the date mortgage debt

becomes due.

11. Enforcement of mortgage is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Suit for sale of mortgaged properties are to be filed in the Court, within whose jurisdiction the mortgage property is situated.

12. In a suit for sale, of mortgaged properties, the Court first passes a preliminary decree and thereafter a final decree.


in the immoveable property.

2. Simple mortgage is created by an instrument in writing. (True/False)

3. Mortgage by deposit of title deeds is required to be registered. (True/False)

4. In the case of usufructuary mortgage the possession of the properties is given. (True/False)

5. In mortgage by way of conditional sale the property is sold with a condition for re-conveyance. (True/False)

6. All successive mortgages created will rank equally and no mortgage will have a greater priority

over the other. (True/False)

7. To decide as to which mortgage will have priority over the other in the case of two or more

mortgages on the same immoveable property, the date of _________ mortgage is pertinent.

8. Limitation period for filing a suit for sale of mortgaged properties is __________ years from the

date the mortgage debt becomes due.

9. Mortgage suits are filed in the Court within whose jurisdiction the mortgagee resides. (True/ False)


!• transfer of interest; 2. True; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. False; 7. execution of; 8. twelve; 9. False

1. Mortgage is

LAW RELATING TO SECURITIES AND MODES OF CHARGING - II

STRUCTURE

15.0 Objectives

15.1 Introduction

15.2 Pledge

15.3 Hypothecation

15.4 Let Us Sum Up



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15.0 OBJECTIVES


• the law relating to security of pledge and hypothecation;

• basic features of pledge and hypothecation.

15.1 INTRODUCTION

A banker, in his business of lending takes security of pledge and hypothecation of moveable goods to secure cash credit and overdraft. These are popular securities obtained by a banker. In this unit, we will

learn about the law relating to security of pledge and hypothecation.

15.2 PLEDGE

'Pledge means bailment of goods for purpose of providing security for payment of debt or performance

of promise' (as per the Section 172 of Contract Act 1872).

As per the above definition to constitute a valid pledge, three requirements are to be satisfied:

1. There must be bailment of goods (bailment means delivery of goods);

2. The bailment must be, by or on behalf of the debtor; and

3. The bailment, must be for the purpose of providing security for the payment of a debt or performance of promise.

The person, whose goods are bailed is called the Pawnor, the person who takes the goods as security is called the Pawnee.

1. Legal Implications of a Pledge: The following are the legal implications of a pledge:

(a) The ownership of the property is retained by the pawnor, which is subject only to the qualified interest which passes to the pawnee by the bailment.

(b) One of the main and most essential requirements of a pledge is the actual or constructive

delivery of the goods to the pawnee. By constructive delivery, it is meant that there need be no physical transfer of goods from the custody of the pledger/pawnor to the pawnee. All that is required is, that the goods, must be placed in the possession of the pawnee or of any person authorised to hold them on his behalf.

Goods, may be delivered by one of the following ways (as mentioned in the Sale of Goods Act):

(i) By handing over the key of the godown in which the goods are kept. (ii) By attornment, i.e. if goods are in public warehouse, the warehouseman acknowledges to

the pawnee that he will hold the goods thereafter on behalf of the pawnee. (iii) Handing over the document of title to goods, such as railway receipt, bill of lading, warehouse

receipts, etc.

(iv) Even if the goods are in possession of the pawnor, he may acknowledge that he holds them thereafter for and on behalf of the pawnee. This is again similar to attornment. Thus, delivery may be physical, when goods are physically transferred or symbolic as in the case of handing over the key to the godown, where the goods are stored so as to be out of the control of the pawnor or constructive as in the case of an attornment.

In the case of Co-operative Hindustan Bank Ltd. vs Surendar Nath Dey AIR 1932 Cal 524,

it was observed that it is essential in a transaction of pledge that there must be a delivery of goods to the pawnee and he must keep the goods. The delivery need not be simultaneous with lending of money. It may be actual delivery or symbolic delivery, e.g. by delivery of

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key of the warehouse where the goods are stored or something may be done which is equivalent to delivery that is keeping of goods without any actual delivery, as if the pawnee has the possession or effect of possession.

(c) Pledge can be created only in the case of existing goods which are in the possession of the pawnor himself. There can be no pledge of future goods or goods which the pawnor is

likely to get into his possession subsequently. Since delivery is involved, goods must be specific and identified.

(d) Possession of goods is the most important characteristic of pledge and therefore, pledge is lost when possession of the goods is lost. However, the pawnee may release the goods after obtaining a letter of trust from the pawnor. Such a letter of trust is known as the trust receipt. It is an instrument by which the borrower

receives the goods or documents of title to goods and undertakes to hold them or the proceeds thereof, in trust for the lender. Because of the trust receipt, the bankers, rights as a pawnee remains unaffected. Even if the borrower becomes insolvent, the Official Receiver cannot claim the goods.

(e) An agreement of pledge may be implied from the nature of the transaction or the circumstances of the case. However, an agreement in writing clearly laying down the terms

and conditions leaves no ambiguity.

2. Who can create a Pledge?

The following persons can make a valid pledge:

(a) Owner of the goods (b) A mercantile agent, provided the following conditions are satisfied

(i) He should be in possession of the goods, or the documents of title to goods with the

consent of the owner.

(ii) The goods must have been entrusted to him in his capacity as a mercantile agent, (iii) The mercantile agent should create the pledge in the ordinary course of his business

as such agent, (iv) The pawnee acts in good faith and has no notice at the time of pledge that the pawnor

has no authority to pledge (as per Section 178 of Contract Act). (c) Persons in possession of goods under a voidable contract, provided the contract, has not

been rescinded at the time of pledge (d) Seller of the goods, who continues to be in possession of the goods even after sale, can create

a valid pledge. The pawnee must act in good faith and without notice of the previous sale.

A pawnee can repledge the goods, but it is valid only to the extent of his interest in such goods. When the original pawnor repays the debt to the first pawnee, he is entitled to the return of the

goods although they may be in the hands of the second pawnee to whom the first pawnee has not repaid the debt.

3. Rights of Pawnee

(a) Right of retainer: As per Section 173 of the Contract Act, the pawnee can keep the goods

pledged not only for the non-payment of the debt or non-performance of the promise, but also for the interest on the debt and for all expenses properly and necessarily incurred for the preservation of the goods pledged. This is similar to the rights of the bailee.

(b) Right to claim extraordinary expenses: In respect of such expenditure incurred for taking care of the pledged goods, he cannot claim lien over the goods but can only sue to recover the goods.

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4.

(c) No right to retain in respect of the other debts: In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the pawnee cannot retain the goods for a debt or a promise, other than the promise or debt for which they are pledged. However, in the case of subsequent advances made, such a contract is presumed, in the absence of anything, to the contrary.

(d) Rights against third parties: A pawnee has the same remedies against third persons, as the owner himself would have, if he is deprived of his goods. (Morvi Mercantile Bank Ltd.

vs Union of India AIR 1965 Supreme Court 1954.) (e) Pawnee's right where Pawnor makes default in payment: In case where the pawnor

makes default, the pawnee has three rights:

(i) He may sue the pawnor upon the debt or promise; (ii) He may retain the pawned goods as collateral security; or (iii) He may sell it after giving the pawnor reasonable notice of the sale.

The right to retain the pawn(pawned goods) and the right to sell it are alternative and not concurrent rights. While the pawnor retains, he does not sell and when he sells he does not retain. However, the pawnee has the right to sue on the debt or the promise concurrently with his right to retain the pawn or sell it. The retention of the pawn does not exclude this right of suit, since the pawn is a collateral security only.

In Nanak Chand Ramkrishandas vs Lalchand Ganeshilal AIR 1958 Punj. 222, it was held that a

pawnee may keep the goods as security for the debt due to him from the pawnor and although he has got the right to sell after notice to the pawnor, he is not bound to sell at any particular time. The mere fact that the pawnee gave a notice that he would sell the goods cannot possibly be a compelling factor for sale to be effected. If the goods are sold, by the pawnee without a notice, as provided by this Section, they will be deemed to have been converted and an action for conversion of the same

would lie against the pawnee; but damages would be assessed, by taking into consideration the market rate of the goods in question as on the date of conversion, which ordinarily, would be the date on which the goods were wrongfully sold. In case of an improper sale, the pawnee is liable for conversion, but the sale cannot be set aside.

Whether two notices must be given

It was held in A. Srinivasalu vs Gajaraj Mehta & Sons 1990 (II) MLJR 188, that a sale notice is only an intimation of the proposed sale by the pawnee and it is not necessary that such notice must be proceeded by another notice informing the pawnor that on his not making payment the goods would be sold. The sale notice also need not be signed by the pawnee or the amount due be mentioned.

If the goods are sold by the pawnee after giving reasonable notice, the pawnor is entitled to receive from him any surplus over and above the debt amount.

The pawnor has a right to redeem the goods even though the time stipulated for payment is over, provided the goods have not been sold by the pawnee.

Duties of Pawnor:

(a) He must disclose to the pawnee any material faults or extra ordinary risks in the goods to which the pawnee may be exposed. Failure to disclose makes him responsible for damages for any loss caused to the pawnee.

(b) The pawnor must reimburse the pawnee for any expenses incurred for the preservation of the goods.

(c) In the case of forced sale, if the amount realised is less than the debt due from the pawnor, he is liable to make good the balance.

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5.

6.

(d) When the goods are pledged, there is the implied condition that the pawnor has title to the goods pledged. However, in practice the banker obtains the pawnor's signature to a document

known as an agreement of pledge. The following are the important points usually covered in the document:

(i) The pledge is in respect of all the goods delivered and upon all documents of title to

goods deposited by the pawnor (ii) A declaration that the securities deposited would cover the existing and future debt,

interest and expenses (iii) The letter stipulates that it will be a continuing security without the operation of the

rule in Clayton's case, (iv) Pawnors title to the security is clear, that the goods will be insured adequately at his

expense and that sufficient margin will be maintained as agreed upon, (v) A promise to pay all the money secured by the pledge on demand, and in the case of

default in repayment, the bank to have the right of sale, (vi) Where the pawnor fails to insure the goods, the banker reserves the right to effect

such insurance and debit the premium and other charges to the account of the customer, (vii) A declaration by the pawnor not to hold the bank responsible for the default of any

broker employed to sell the goods. The pawnor undertakes to pay the rent and other charges incidental to warehousing, (viii) The banker reserves the right of general

lien and nothing in the agreement, shall be

construed as excluding such right, (ix) The pawnor undertakes to submit periodical statements of stocks and to allow inspection

of the goods and records by the bank, all at his cost.

Advantages of Pledge:

(a) The goods are in the custody of the pawnee and, therefore, it is easy to sell in case of default. If the banker takes proper precautions, through periodical inspections, it will not be possible for the pawnor to create subsequent charges against the same goods.

(b) Because of close supervision, it will not be possible for the pawnor to manipulate the stocks.

(c) Even if the goods are lost, the banker can recover the amount under the insurance policy. (d) The formalities connected with the pledge are simpler than in the case of mortgage.

Precautions to be taken:

(a) To ensure that the pawnor has the title to goods.

(b) To ensure that the contract of pledge is complete in all respects and incorporates the already referred to usual clauses.

(c) To exercise full and effective control over all the goods pledged. (d) To put up a signboard at the godown prominently displaying, that the goods are pledged to

the banker.

(e) To take reasonable care of the goods as a man of ordinary prudence would under similar circumstances take of his own goods of the same bulk quantity and value of the goods pledged. Any loss arising to the goods due to failure to take such care must is to be compensated to the pawnor. In his own interest also, the banker must take such care so that the value of security is not eroded.

(f) Banker must make periodical inspections to verify the quality, quantity, value, etc., of the goods

and ensure the maintenance of reasonable margin throughout the period until the debt is repaid.

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7. Cases Relating to Pledge

(a) Morvi Mercantile Bank Ltd. vs Union of India AIR 1965 SC 1954. In this case M/s Harshadrai

Mohanlal & Co., a firm, entrusted on 4 Octobe, 1949 to GIP Railway, 4 boxes of menthol

crystals belonging to the firm for transport from Thane to Okhla near Delhi. Further, on 11

October 1949 the firm sent two more boxes to Okhla from Thane through the railways. The

firm was issued railway receipts. The firm endorsed the railway receipts in favour of Morvi

Mercantile Bank. On failure of railways to deliver the goods, the bank, claiming as an endorsee

of the railway receipts for valuable consideration, filed a suit against railways for recovery of

the value of the goods.

The Supreme Court delivering a judgement in appeal, decided that the bank was entitled to

recover the value of goods for the following reasons:

(i) Valid pledge can be created by endorsement of railway receipts.

(ii) For a valid pledge, actual delivery is not necessary and constructive delivery is sufficient,

(iii) By endorsing the railway receipts, the firm created a valid pledge in bank's favour, (iv)

Pledge being the bailment of goods, the bank as a pledgor will have all the rights of owner

of goods, (v) Hence, the bank is entitled to recover value of goods from the

railway as a pledge.

(b) Lallan Prasad vs Rahmat Ali and Another AIR 1967 SC 1322. The question decided in this

case was whether a pawnee can file a suit for recovery of debt due to him if the pawnee lost

the goods pledged to him. In this case, on 10 January 1946, Lallan Prasad gave a loan of Rs

20,000 to Rahmat Ali. Lallan Prasad also obtained a pledge of 147 tonnes of aero-scraps from

Rahmat Ali. On failure to repay the loan, Lallan Prasad filed a suit against Rahmat Ali for

recovery. Rahmat Ali argued that Lallan Prasad is not in a position to deliver the goods

pledged and he should not be granted a decree for recovery of money.

Supreme Court after analysing the facts of the case rendered a judgement that a pawnee

under the Contract Act is entitled to retain the goods pledged and file a suit for recovery of the

money. However, this right of pawnee can be countenanced only when pawnee is in a position

to return the goods pledged, when pawnor repays the debt. A pawnee cannot be allowed to

have a decree for recovery, if he is not willing to return the goods pledged.

(c) Bank of Bihar vs State of Bihar AIR 1971 SC 1210. In this case the rights of pawnee came up

for consideration of the Court. In this case, Bank of Bihar lent moneys and took security by

way of pledge of different varieties of sugar. Government of Bihar seized the bags of sugar

from the borrower and sold them to recover Government dues. The bank filed a suit for

recovery of moneys due to it against Government of India.

The Supreme Court deciding the case, held that right of bank as a pawnee cannot be taken away

by government and hence, the Government of Bihar shall pay the amount due to the bank.

(d) Standard Chartered Bank vs Custodian AIR 2000 SC 1488. In this case, the Supreme Court

held that, if during the pledge there is an increase in value of the goods pledged, the pawnee

is entitled to the increase, as an integral part of his security. In this case, the shares and

debentures were pledged with the bank and these shares and debentures were entitled to

bonus, dividend and interest. The Supreme Court held, that these accretions formed part of

the pledged property and as such the pawnee is required to return the same only when the

pledged goods were returned and in case of pawnor's default in payment of debt, the pawnee

has the right to sell the pledged property along with the accretions after giving reasonable

notice to the borrower.

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15.3 HYPOTHECATION

Until recently there was no legislative definition of the term 'hypothecation'. This term came to be

defined in the S ARFAESI Act, 2002. As per the definition contained in the Act, the term 'Hypothecation'

means a charge in or upon any moveable property, existing or future, created by a borrower in favour

of a secured creditor, without delivery of possession of the moveable property to such creditor, as a

security for financial assistance and includes floating charge and crystallisation of such charge into

fixed charge on moveable property.

The mortgage of moveable property is called 'Hypothecation'. It may be described as 'a transaction

whereby money is borrowed by the debtor (owner of the goods) on the security of the moveable

property without transferring either the property or the possession to the creditor'. Hart describes

hypothecation as 'a charge against property for an amount of debt where neither ownership nor possession

is passed to the creditor'. Hypothecation differs from pledge because goods remain in the possession

of the borrower and are equitably charged in favour of the creditor under documents signed by the

borrower. However, the document provides for a covenant, whereby the borrower agrees to give

possession of the goods when called upon to do so by the creditor. Once the possession is given up, the

charge becomes transformed into pledge.

Hypothecation differs from mortgage in two respects. Firstly, mortgage relates to immoveable property

whereas hypothecation relates to moveables. Secondly, in a mortgage, there is transfer of interest in the

property to the creditor but in hypothecation there is only obligation to repay money and no transfer of

interest.

Facility limited to respectable customers

Law permits hypothecation of assets as a security by sole proprietorships, partnerships, joint stock

companies and even individuals. However, the charge being only equitable without possession, the

facility is normally granted to customers of undoubted integrity. There is less risk when such a facility

is granted to a joint stock company because of the registration of such a charge with the Registrar of

Companies. Such a registration constitutes a constructive notice to the world at large, but such a

facility is not available in the case of other forms of business.

Hypothecation is resorted to in the following cases:

(a) When loan is to be raised against work-in-progress, the only way of creating a charge is

hypothecation.

(b) It is also done in respect of goods which require constant handling in a factory, e.g. rice mills, oil

expellers, etc.

(c) This charge is also convenient, where lending is to be done against goods in a shop or showroom

which are required in day-to-day business.

1. Drawbacks of Hypothecation

(a) The fundamental difficulty about this charge is that goods remain in the possession of the

borrower and therefore the creditor's control over such goods is almost nil. This may give

rise to fraudulent dealings in such goods by the borrower.

(b) The borrower may realise stocks hypothecated and pay to other creditors. He may even sell

marketable stocks and keep only obsolete and slow moving stocks for the banker to realise.

Thus erosion of security can take place.

(c) The borrower may hypothecate the same stock with more than one banker or having

previously hypothecated, the goods may subsequently be pledged to another creditor.

(d) The realisation of the assets in case of default of payment is a difficult, prolonged and costly

affair. As stated earlier, the banker may find only obsolete and slow-moving items.

170

(e) According to Section 534 of the Companies Act, 1956, any floating charge on the undertaking

or property of the company created within a period of twelve months preceding the

commencement of the winding up, becomes invalid under certain circumstances.

2. Precautions to be taken in the case of Hypothecation: Although these disadvantages seriously

limit the value of hypothecation as a security, the banker can take certain precautions and avoid at

least some of the disadvantages. The following precautions usually are taken by banks:

(a) Banks ensure that the borrower is not enjoying hypothecation facilities from other banks and is

confining his borrowings to only one bank. An undertaking to this effect is obtained from the

borrower in writing. Banks also ensure that boards are prominently displayed on the premises

where the goods are stored stating that the goods are hypothecated to the bank.

(b) In the case the borrower is a company registered under the Companies Act, the charge by

way of hypothecation must be registered within a period of thirty days of its creation or a

further period of thirty days on payment of fine. If this is not done, the charge would be

void against the liquidator or any other creditor of the company.

(c) The banker must obtain periodical statements of stocks with a declaration regarding the

borrower's clear title to the goods and the correctness of the quality, quantity and valuation.

Banks should not merely be content with the receipt of the stock statements, but should also

effectively supervise the goods hypothecated and the financial position of the borrower from

time to time. Banks should verify in such an inspection that there is no depreciation in the value

of the security or any adverse change in the borrower's financial position. If an inspection

discloses such a state of affairs, the banker should take appropriate action immediately.

Deed of Hypothecation: While lending against hypothecation of goods, bankers obtain a letter of

hypothecation which serves as the hypothecation agreement and contains several clauses to protect

the banker's interest under all contingencies. It is a very comprehensive document and contains

the following important clauses:

(a) The request made by the borrower for the grant of accommodation in the form of loan or

cash credit on the hypothecation of goods, resulting in the agreement.

(b) The description of the goods in a separate statement giving the particulars, quality, rate,

quantity, market value and an undertaking that the particulars are true and that the borrowers

are the absolute owners of the property and with authority to hypothecate. The statement

also declares that the goods are not subject to any lien, claim or charge of any sort.

(c) An undertaking that no further charge or encumbrance will be created on the goods and that

all money realised by way of sale proceeds or realisation of insurance claims, will be held

exclusively as the bank's property and such money will be paid in, to the satisfaction of the

balance due and owing on the account kept by the bank in respect of such accommodation.

(d) The borrower, whenever required by the bank, must give full particulars of all his assets

and of the hypothecated goods. He must, at all times allow the bank or its authorised agent

to inspect the hypothecated goods and all records of the borrower. All costs, charges and

expenses incurred by the bank in respect of such an inspection are to be paid to the bank on

demand, failing which, the amount and interest thereof will be a charge upon the hypothecated

goods.

(e) The borrower undertakes to insure the goods against risks specified by the banker at his

cost. The policy so taken is to be endorsed and assigned in favour of the bank.

(f) The borrower undertakes to maintain the agreed,margin of security at all times during the

continuance of the security.

(g) The borrower undertakes to pay all rents, taxes, payments and outgoings in respect of the

immoveable property, in which the hypothecated goods are kept.

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(h) The bank reserves the right to call upon the borrower to pay to the bank the loan amount together with interest and other charges at any time. In the event of default, the bank

reserves the right to dispose the hypothecated stocks and apply the proceeds in satisfaction of the loan amount. If the proceeds are insufficient, it reserves the right to recover the balance from the borrower.

(i) The borrower undertakes not to dispute the correctness of any sum due to the banker as stated in the demand made by the banker under the hypothecation agreement.

(j) A clause stating that the security shall be a continuing security for the balance due to the

bank from time to time. Where by any chance, the cash credit results in a credit balance, it is not to be considered to be closed for the purpose of the security. In other words, the security is not treated as exhausted simply because the cash credit showed a credit balance at any time.

15.4 LET US SUM UP

1. Pledge means bailment of goods for the purpose of securing a payment of debt or an obligation.

2. Pawnee has special property rights in the goods pledged.

3. A valid pledge can be created by owner of goods or a mercantile agent.

4. A constructive pledge involves only delivery of keys of the warehouse.

5. Under the contract of pledge, the pawnee can sell the goods pledged after notice or retain the goods and file a suit for recovery of debt.

6. Mortgage of moveable property is called Hypothecation.


1. Pledge means _________ of goods for purpose of securing a payment of debt or performance

of promise, (fill with appropriate words)

2. The most important characteristic of pledge is _________ of goods, (fill with appropriate words)

3. Owner of goods cannot make a pledge. (True/False)

4. Hypothecation is an implied pledge in cases where constructive possession of goods is given. (True/False)

5. Hypothecation letter gives a banker right to possession of goods in the event of default.

(True/False)


1. bailment; 2. possession; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BORROWERS

STRUCTURE

16.0 Objectives

16.1 Introduction

16.2 T^pes of Borrowers

16.3 Let Us Sum Up

16.4 Keywords



174

16.0 OBJECTIVES


• the legal aspects pertaining to different borrowers;

• the laws governing various types of borrowers.

16.1 INTRODUCTION

One of the prime functions of a banker is lending money. In its business of lending money, a banker shall acquaint himself with various laws governing different types of borrowers. The borrowers of a bank may be Individuals, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family, Companies' and other Corporate entities. This unit deals with various laws that banker should acquaint himself in his business of lending.

16.2 TYPES OF BORROWERS

Types of borrowers, for the convenience of our study, can be classified as follows:

1. Individual 2. Partnership Firm

3. Hindu Undivided Family 4. Companies

5. Statutory Corporations 6. Trusts and Co-operative Societies

1. Individual: An Individual borrower is one of the constituents of a bank in its business of lending.

When a banker lends to an individual, he should verify certain facts, so that the bank's lending is

not affected.

One of the essential elements of a contract is the capacity of the parties to contract. The bank, while lending to an individual should ensure that he is competent to enter into contract. Money lent to an individual who is not competent to contract cannot be recovered in the following circumstances:

(i) If an individual is a. minor: A person who has not attained the age of eighteen years under

Indian Majority Act and twenty-one years if he is a ward, under the Guardians and Wards Act, is considered a 'Minor' in the eyes of law. Under the law a 'minor' is not competent to contract. Therefore, if a banker lends money to a minor, then the same, cannot be recovered, if the minor fails to repay.

Exceptions:

The only exception recognised in a contract with a minor is of supply of necessities to him. If a bank lends money to a minor to meet the expenses for purchasing necessities of life, then bank can recover the money from the estate of the minor.

(ii) If an individual is not of sound mind: If a person is not of a sound mind, then he is

incompetent to enter into a contract. The Contract Act says that a person will be considered not of sound mind if, at the time when he makes the contract, he is not capable of understanding it and of forming a rational judgement as to its effect upon his interests.

Notice that a contract entered, would be invalid if proof is shown that the borrower at the time of entering into contract was not in sound state of mind and could not understand what he was doing and could not understand the implications of entering into contract.

(iii) Disqualified persons: There may be statutory disqualifications imposed on certain persons in respect of their capacity to contract. For example, a person, declared as insolvent under the Insolvency Law. As long as the person continues to be a non-discharged insolvent, he cannot enter into contract. The contracts entered into by such a person are not enforceable.

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In our country there are various businesses and economic activities conducted by a single person which are called sole proprietary concerns. In the eyes of the law there is no distinction between the assets and liabilities of the person and the business conducted in the name of

the sole proprietor.

2. Partnership Firm: 'Partnership Firm' is another entity with which a banker deals within the course of his business. The Indian Partnership Act, 1932 governs the 'Partnership Firm'. Section 4 of the Act says, that a partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the profits of a business, carried on by all or any of them acting for all. The relationship between the partners is

governed by partnership deed.

Legal position of a partnership

A partnership is not distinct from its partners. Under the law, the name of a partnership firm, is regarded as an abbreviation of the names of partners. The Indian Partnership Act, 1932, provides

for registration of a partnership and it is necessary that a banker dealing with a partnership firm should verify as to whether the firm is registered or not. This would help him know all the names of partners and their relationship.

Authority of the partners

Section 19 of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 deals with the implied authority of a partner as an agent of the firm and Section 22 deals with the mode of doing acts to bind the firm. In view of the provisions of Sections 19 and 22, it should be noted that the acts of a partner shall be binding on the firm if they are done:

1. in the usual business of the partnership,

2. in the usual way of the business, and

3. as a partner, i.e. on behalf of the firm and not solely on his own behalf.

Business of partnership firm; How is it done?

In the case of a partnership firm, rights and duties of the partners are determined by the deed of partnership. It provides for opening of bank accounts, borrowing powers, signing of cheques, etc. Generally, there may be a managing partner who conducts the business on behalf of the other

partners. A banker dealing with a partnership firm, should ensure that the business is conducted as per the partnership deed. If the managing partner does not have the powers to conduct certain transactions then, it should be ensured, that consent of all partners are obtained.

Partnership firm and transactions in immoveable property

Section 19 of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 states that a partner cannot affect the transfer of immoveable property of the firm unless expressly authorised. A banker taking a mortgage security of firm's immoveable property should ensure that the partner who is creating the mortgage is expressly authorised to create the mortgage. If the partner, has no authority to create the mortgage, then the banker should ensure that all the partners jointly create the mortgage.

Insolvency of the firm

The banker, on receiving notice of insolvency of the firm, must immediately stop any further transactions in the account irrespective of the fact that the account is in credit or debit. In case there is a credit balance, and the banker does not intend to set off the same against the dues in any other account, then the balance has to be handed over to the official receiver appointed by the

Court or as directed by the Court. In case the account is in debit then the banker would be required to prove his debt before the Court and thereafter will be entitled to receive the same from the Official Receiver either in full or as per the dividend declared by the Courts.

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Insolvency of the partner

If at the time of insolvency of one of the partners, the firm's account is in credit then the other partners can operate the same, but the banker should obtain a fresh mandate and all previous cheques issued by the insolvent partner may be paid provided the other partners confirm the same. In case, the account is in debit then further transactions in the account should be stopped so that the rule in Clayton's case does not apply.

Death of a partner

In case of death, the principles as stated in Insolvency of a partner applies. Since the death of a partner dissolves the partnership firm, upon receipt of such information, banks are required to stop the transactions of the firm in a running credit facility like cash credit, overdraft to crystllise the liability of the deceased partner and make his/her estate liable for its dues. Banks allow the transactions in a separate account so that the business of the firm is not adversely affected.

3. Hindu Undivided Family: 'Hindu Undivided Family' otherwise known as 'Joint Hindu Family' is a

creature of Customary Law among Hindus and is governed by personal laws. In Bengal and other parts of erstwhile Bengal province, a Hindu Undivided Family is governed by Dayabhag Law. In other parts of India, it is governed by Mitakshara Law.

Constitution of a Joint Hindu Family

A joint Hindu Family consists of male members descended lineally from a common male ancestor,

together with their mothers, wives or widows and unmarried daughters bound together by the fundamental principle of family relationship which is the essence and distinguishing feature of institution. The Joint Hindu Family, is purely a creature of law and cannot be created by an act of parties.

Law governing Joint Hindu Family

Joint Hindu Family is governed basically by two schools of thought. They are Dayabhag and Mitakshara schools.

The law governing Joint Hindu Family is codified under Hindu Code and now, succession among Hindus is governed by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Though Hindu Code changed the law applicable to Hindus substantially, the spirit of joint family concept is retained; Women are also made members of the Family as its male members. It is to be noted that a woman member also

inherits properties at par with a male member and is treated as co-parceners.

Management of business of a Joint Hindu Family

In a Joint Hindu Family, for as long as members remain undivided, the senior most male member of the family is entitled to manage the family properties. He is called 'Manager' or 'Karta' of the joint family.

In a Hindu Family, the 'Karta' or Manager, occupies a position superior to that of the other members

insofar as he manages the family property or business or looks after the family interests on behalf of the other members. The managership of the joint family property comes to a person by birth and he does not owe his position as manager on the consent of other co-parceners. The liability of the 'Karta' is unlirftited, whereas the liability of the co-parceners is limited to their shares in the joint family estate.

Powers and duties of the manager

A manager or 'Karta' of a joint family has the following powers and duties:

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Powers

(a) Right to possession and management of the joint family property (b) Right to income from the joint family property (c) Right to represent the joint family

(d) Right to sell the joint family property for family purpose.

Duties

(a) Duty to run the family business and manage the property for the benefit of the family

(b) Duty to account for the income from the joint family business and property.

Banker and his dealings with joint family

(a) A banker dealing with a Hindu Undivided Family, should know the 'Karta' of the family. (b) Banker should ensure that 'Karta' of the joint family deals with the bank and borrows only for

the benefit of joint family business. (c) The application to open an account must be signed by all the members and all adult members

should be made jointly and severally liable for any borrowings or if the account gets overdrawn.

4. Companies: A company is another type of borrower, which a banker deals with in his business of lending. A company is a juristic person created by law, having a perpetual succession and Common seal distinct from its members. A company, depending upon its constitution is governed by various laws.

Basic laws governing company

In India, companies are governed by the Companies Act, 1956. Companies as per the Companies Act, 1956 are required to be registered under the Act. Section 11 of the Companies Act provides that an association or partnership consisting of more than ten in the case of banking business and more than twenty in the case of other business, shall be registered under the Companies Act. If not registered, the said association or partnership will be illegal.

Incorporation of company

Section 12 of the Companies Act, 1956 provides that any seven or more persons or where a company formed is a private company, any two or more persons can form a company, by subscribing their names to the Memorandum of Association.

Requirements of forming a company

The business and objects of a company and the rules and regulations governing its management are

known by two important documents called 'Memorandum of Association' and 'Articles of

Association'. Therefore, for the formation of a company these documents are essential. What is

Memorandum of Association?

The memorandum of association is the charter of the company. Its purpose is to enable the

shareholders, creditors and those dealing with the company to know its permitted range of business.

Memorandum of Association of a company contains the following details among others:

(a) Name of the company (b) State in which the registered office of the company is to be situated (c) Objects of the company

(d) Liability of the members and (e) Share capital and its division.

What is Articles of Association?

Articles of Association are rules and regulations governing the internal management of the company.

178

They define the powers of the officers of the company. Articles of Association are subordinate to Memorandum of Association and it contains the following details among other things:

(a) Number of directors of the company (b) Procedure for conducting meetings of the shareholders, board of directors, etc. (c) Procedure for transfer and transmission of shares (d) Borrowing powers of the company (e) Officers of the company and other details.

Types of companies

(a) Private company: According to the Section 3(1) (iii) a private company is one which contains following provisions in its Articles of Association:

(i) Restrictions on the right to transfer its shares

(ii) Limitation on number of members to fifty, excluding the people, who are employees

and ex-employees of the company (iii) Prohibition as to participation by

general public in its capital requirements.

(b) Public company: A public company is one, which is not a private company. That is, a public company does not have any restrictions of the private company and its main features are as follows:

(i) Shares are freely transferable

(ii) No restriction on number of members

(iii) Public at large can participate in its share capital.

The public companies can be further classified as:

(i) Limited liability company (ii) Unlimited liability company (iii) Limited by guarantee.

It can be seen from the classification itself that in a limited liability company, liability of the members is limited to their contribution of capital. In the case of unlimited liability company, the liability of the members is unlimited. In the case of guarantee companies, the liability of

members is not limited to the extent of the amount guaranteed by them. (c) Government company: A company in which Central Government or State Government or

both has not less than fifty-one per cent of the share capital, is called Government Company. (d) Other companies: Besides the above, Companies Act, 1956 classifies companies on the

basis of time, place of incorporation and nature of working of share capital into the following categories:

(i) Existing company (ii) Foreign company

(iii) Holding company (iv) Subsidiary company, etc.

(i) Existing Company: A company, already existing before the coming into force of the

Companies Act, 1956. (ii) Foreign Company: A company registered in a foreign country, (iii) Holding

Company: A company owning more than fifty per cent of share capital in

another company or a company, which can appoint the majority of directors in another company, (iv) Subsidiary Company: It can be seen that when there is a holding

company, the other company is called a subsidiary company.

We will study in detail in other chapters about incorporation of companies and the precautions a banker should take while lending to a company.

179

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5. Statutory Corporations: Besides companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956, there may be corporations established by an Act of Parliament. These are called 'Statutory Corporations'. For example State Bank of India is established under State Bank of India Act, 1955. Nationalised banks are established under the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.

These statutory corporations are governed by the Acts under which they were established. These Acts provide for making rules and regulations by the Government for the corporation. The Act, rules and regulations define the scope, objects and range of business of the corporations.

6. Trusts and Co-operative Societies, etc.

(i) Clubs, societies, schools and other non-trading associations: Such bodies, if not incorporated

under the laws governing them, cannot enter into any transactions. These bodies are usually governed by the Companies Act or the Co-operative Societies Act and function within the ambit of those laws. For example clubs can be registered either under the Companies Act, 1956 or under the Societies Registration Act or the Co-operative Societies Act. In the case of lending to these bodies, a banker should study the bye-laws, rules and regulations

applicable to them and ascertain the legality of lending to them, (ii) Trusts: These are governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, if they are private trusts and by Public Trusts Act if they are public trust, or Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, if they are trusts of Hindus and in the case of Muslims they are governed by Wakf Act. A banker dealing with trusts should acquaint himself with the respective laws applicable to them and should ensure that his lending is within the ambit of those laws, (iii) Trustee: Trustees manage trusts. The powers and

duties of the trustees are provided in trust deed and are also regulated by the respective laws applicable to such trusts. For example, in the case of public trusts, Charity commissioners, or commissioner of endowments appointed by the Government, have the power to supervise the activities of the trusts. The trustee of the Muslim Wakf is called Mutawali and his conduct and functions are regulated by the Wakf Board. Therefore, a banker dealing with a trust should ensure that all the permission required for taking a loan is obtained from

respective Government authorities.

16.3 LET US SUM UP

As a banker, it is necessary to be aware of the various types of borrowers and the laws applicable along with the precautions to be taken while dealing with them. Borrowers can be broadly classified in the

following categories: individuals, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family, companies, statutory corporations, trusts and co-operative societies. The laws applicable to all these different kinds of borrowers are different. Individuals are governed by the Indian Contract Act, partnership firms by the Indian Partnership Act, Hindu Undivided Family by the customary law pertaining to Hindus, companies by the Companies Act, statutory corporations by the Acts that created them, trusts by the Indian Trusts Act, Public Trusts Act, Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, Wakf Act and co-operative societies

by the Co-operative Societies Act or the Societies Registration Act. .

16.4 KEYWORDS

Memorandum of Association; Articles of Association; Company; Hindu Undivided Family (HUF); Partnership; Trustee.

ms

L.R.A.B-13

180


1. Fill in the blanks.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

Individual borrowers are governed by the _________ Act. In a Hindu undivided family the business of the family is managed by A company is _________ and __________ from its members.

number of members and a maximum

A Private Limited Company has minimum ___ of _________ numbers of members. A Public Limited Company shares are ______ Statutory corporations are established by Acts of ___

Private trusts are governed by the ________________________________Trusts of Hindus are governed by the _ Trusts of

Muslims are governed by the


1. (a) Indian Contract; (b) Karta; (c) separate and distinct; (d) 2, 50; (e) freely; (f) Parliament;

(g) Indian Trusts Act; (h) Religious and Charitable Endowments Act; (i) Wakf.

transferable.

Act.

Act.

um

TYPES OF CREDIT FACILITIES

:nt;

STRUCTURE

17.0 Objectives

17.1 Introduction

17.2 Types of Credit Facilities

17.3 Cash Credit and Overdraft

17.4 Term/Demand Loans

17.5 Bill Finance

17.6 Let Us Sum Up



182

17.0 OBJECTIVES


• various types of credit facilities and the laws governing them;

• laws affecting credit facilities granted by the bank.

17.1 INTRODUCTION

Lending is a principal activity of a bank. The advances portfolio of a bank indicates its dynamic perso-

nality. A banker to grow in the business of banking should have a thorough knowledge of the requirements of his customer and should be in a position to cater to the needs of the customer. It is common know-ledge that a bank's existence depends on its customer's need to borrow. A banker should be in a posi-tion to identify the needs of the customer for funds and mould the lending tool, according to the requirements of the customer conforming to the laws of the land. Therefore, a banker for his success

as a lender is required to acquaint himself with various types of credit facilities that are presently in vogue in business of lending and shall understand the legal relationship existing under different credit facilities. In this unit, we will study different types of credit facilities and their legal aspects.

17.2 TYPES OF CREDIT FACILITIES

We have seen earlier that the primary business of a bank is lending. The business of lending is carried on by the bank by offering various credit facilities to its customers. We can classify the credit facilities into 'Fund' based credit facilities and 'Non-Fund' based credit facilities and

customised credit facilities in the case of special constituents. We know that Nationalisation of Banks ushered in a new concept in bank's lending and added a dimension of social banking to business of lending by banks. Basically various credit facilities offered by banks are generally repayable on demand. That being the case, a banker, to ensure proper recovery of funds lent by him, should acquaint himself with the nature of legal remedies open to him and law affecting the credit facilities provided by him.

Credit facilities are broadly classified into two types based on funds outflow; they are:

1. Fund based credit facilities

2. Non-fund based credit facilities

1. Fund Based Credit Facilities: Fund based credit facilities involve the outflow of funds meaning thereby, the money of the banker is lent to the customer. They can be generally of following types:

(a) Cash credits/overdrafts (b) Term loans/Demand loans

(c) Bill finance

2. Non-Fund Based Credit Facilities: In this type of credit facility the bank's funds are not directly lent to the customer and they include:

(a) Bank guarantee (b) Letter of credit facility

(c) Acceptance facility

These have already been dealt with elaborately in other units and hence, are only outlined here.

17.3 CASH CREDIT AND OVERDRAFT

A cash credit or overdraft is an arrangement by which a banker allows his customer to borrow money up to a certain limit. This is the most popular mode of borrowing by the large commercial and industrial concerns in India, on account of the inherent advantage. A customer need not borrow at once, the

183

whole of the amount up to the limit as the same may not required from day one, but can draw such

amounts as and when required.

Cash credit/overdraft is a contract of a loan between a bank and its borrower. The contract of cash

credit or overdraft can be express or implied.

In the case of Bank of Maharashtra vs United Construction Co. & Others (1986),[ 60 Compo Cases

163 (Bom).] a customer overdrew his account. There was no written contract for an overdraft. The

bank demanded repayment of the moneys overdrawn with interest. The customer refused to pay

interest. The bank therefore, filed a suit for recovery of the monies overdrawn with interest. The

Bombay High Court held that there is no need for express contract for an overdraft and directed the

borrower to repay the moneys with interest as there is an implied contract of an overdraft.

Rule in Clayton's Case

The credit facility, given in the form of a cash credit/overdraft is operated normally, through a running

account opened and kept by the customer. Whenever a customer withdraws money, the account being

debited for the amount and whenever the customer pays, the account being credited. Under the law,

each item of debit forms a separate loan and each credit as a repayment of the earliest debits. This

aspect of discharge of the debit items by subsequent credits was first enunciated in a case, called the

Clayton's case. In that case, the Courts held that the first sum of money paid into the account, is

deemed to repay the first item recorded on the debit side of the account. For example, if there are two

items on the debit side of the customer's current account. A debit of Rs. 1,000 on 3 March and Rs 500

on 6 March, in a year and the borrower pays Rs. 750 on 12 March; the sum will be appropriated first,

by reducing the earlier debit of Rs. 1,000 rather than discreating a charge the later debt of Rs. 500. This

creates problems for recovery for the bank. Hence, the bankers, to avoid the rule in the Clayton's case

agree on the method of appropriation and treat all debits as one debt.

Bank not to Terminate Overdraft Facility without Notice

Once a bank grants an overdraft facility, then there is a contract between the bank and the customer

that is not be cancellable unilaterally. The Gujarat High Court vs Indian Overseas Bank considered this

in M/s Narain Prasad Govindlal Patel (AIR 1980 Guj 158). In this case, a firm was enjoying temporary

overdraft facility to a limit of Rs. 5,000 with the bank, for a period of four years. No document was

executed nor was any security furnished. The bank unilaterally, without notice, terminated the facility

with the result that a cheque drawn by the firm was dishonoured by the bank on the ground that there

was insufficient balance in the account. The firm claimed damages for wrongful dishonour of the

cheque. Both the Trial Court and the Appellate Court allowed the claim of the firm. A further appeal by

the bank to the High Court was dismissed, in which the High Court observed:

The bank grants overdraft facility in order to earn interest. Its constituents enjoy the overdraft facility

in order to develop their business. Therefore, both are deeply interested in such an arrangement. Such

an arrangement - euphemistically called by Mr Chhatrapati as a facility - is nothing but a contract. The

contract, if it is well settled, can be inferred from the conduct of the parties. The enjoyment of overdraft

facility for a period of four years unfailingly points to the conduct of the bank.

A temporary overdraft facility is not one, which can be terminated unilaterally at the sweet will of the

bank without giving its constituent a notice thereof. It is temporary because, it is not intended to be a

permanent and everlasting arrangement. Sometimes, a constituent is required to square up his account

at the end of every half financial year - 30 June and 31 December. Merely because, the overdraft is

called temporary overdraft, it does not militate against the plaintiff drawing a cheque upon the bank in

favour of its constituent and in getting it honoured by the bank.

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11

17.4 TERM/DEMAND LOANS

Term/Demand loans are granted to customers generally for meeting the capital expenditure needs of

the business. Term loans are granted in one lump sum and are allowed to be repaid over a period in

instalments the schedule of which is specified in the agreement itself. Demand loans are those which

are repayable on demand through a repayment schedule is agreed upon by the bank. Term loans on the

basis of period of repayment are further classified into:

(i) Short-term Loans, (ii) Medium-term Loans, (iii) Long-term Loans.

Short-term loans are loans that are repayable within one year, medium-term loans within two to seven

years and long-term loans above seven years periods. Banks normally grant the short-term and medium-

term loans. The development financial institutions usually grant long-term loans. Banks in certain cases

like housing loans sanction long-term loans which are repayable over longer period of 20-25 years.

Law relating to term loans

Term loans are governed by the agreement entered into between the parties. The loan agreement

provides for various eventualities and contains details of the loan, repayment or amortisation schedule

and other obligations of the borrower like payment of interests, costs and expenses, etc. We will now

consider a case decided by High Court in respect of term loans.

(i) Acceleration of Repayment: P.K. Achuthan vs State Bank of Travancore 1974 K.L.T. 806

(FB): A question that came for a decision in this case was, whether a provision in the hypothecation

bond to the effect that on a default of the borrower in paying any of the instalments, the lender would

be entitled to recover the whole of the debt due, inclusive of the future instalments in one lump sum

is legal. The Kerala High Court held that where the contract provides for repayment of money in

instalments and also contains a stipulation that on a default being committed in paying any of the

instalments, the whole sum shall become payable, then the lender would be entitled to recover the

whole sum inclusive of future instalments.

(ii) Time within which a suit for recovery shall be filed: We have seen earlier that in the case of

term loans, periodical repayment in instalments is allowed. In the event of a default in payment of

instalments, the bank can institute a suit for recovery of the unpaid instalment. Besides, the bank

is entitled to wait until the due date of the last instalment and then institute a suit for recovery of

whole amount. The limitation period for filing a suit in the case of term loans is three years from

the date of default of a particular/specific instalment. However, if by doing so the time limit gets

over in case of some earlier defaulted instalments, bank looses its right against such unpaid

instalments. In the case of a demand loan the time limit is three years from the date of default.

17.5 BILL FINANCE

Bill finance is also one of the important facets of lending by banks. Generally, the bill finance is

conducted through discounting of bills of exchange drawn by the borrower or third persons on the

customers of borrower. The methods of bill finance, depending upon payment obligations incurred by

the bank, can be classified into:

(i) Bill discounting and bills purchase; (ii) Drawee bill acceptance;

(iii) Bills co-acceptance.

In all these cases, the banker undertakes an obligation and depending on the nature of bill finance, the

first two are fund-based facilities and the last is a non-fund based facility.

This subject has been dealt with in more detail in the chapter of 'Law Relating to Bill Finance'.

185

Non-Fund Based Facilities

In the business of lending, a banker also extends non-fund based facilities. Non-fund based facilities do

not involve an immediate outflow of funds. The banker undertakes a risk to pay the amounts on

happening of a contingency. Non-fund based facilities can be of following types among other:

(a) Guarantee facility; (b) Letter of credit facility;

(c) Underwriting and credit guarantee.

(a) Guarantee facility: The banker in his business of lending extends various facilities to its constituents.

Under this facility, the bank undertakes to discharge the liability of the borrower to third parties.

The nature of guarantees includes; performance guarantees, deferred payment guarantees, advance

payment guarantees, guarantees to Government departments, etc.

(b) Letter of credit facility: Letter of credit or documentary credit facility is another non-fund based

facility extended by the bankers to their constituents. Under this facility the banker undertakes to

pay on presentation of documents of title to goods. The banks generally adopt the Uniform

Customs and Practices relating to Documentary Credits 600 (UCPDC 600) framed by International

Chamber of Commerce which defines the obligations and rights of the parties w.e.f. 1 July 2007.

(c) Underwriting and credit guarantee: Besides the above non-fund based facilities, some banks also

do underwriting and credit guarantee business. The risk under this activity involves the obligation

of the banker to provide funds or pay, in the event of the failure of the borrower to raise moneys,

or to repay moneys. After the advent of merchant banking, this type of lending by commercial

banks is on the decline.

(d) Derivative products: In addition to the above traditional non-fund facilities, banks are now

increasingly offering the derivative products to their clients to enable them to hedge their currency

and interest rate risks.

Other credit facilities

A banker besides extending fund based and non-fund based credit facilities, also extends various other

miscellaneous credit facilities depending upon the constitution of the borrower. For example, in the

case of individual borrowers, many of the banks are extending, personal loans for purchase of a house,

car, and other consumer durables. This type of lending, otherwise called 'Consumer Credit' has become

very popular these days and contributes significantly to the profitability of the bank's business.

17.6 LET US SUM UP

1. Credit facilities are mainly classified into:

(i) Fund based facilities (ii) Non-fund based facilities

2. Fund based facilities, among other things, include:

(i) Cash credits/Overdrafts (ii) Term loans

(iii) Bill finance

3. Non-fund based facilities, among other things, include:

(i) Bank guarantee (ii) Letter of credit facility

4. Under customary law of bankers, interest can be charged on the temporary overdrafts granted.

5. As per rule, in the Clayton's case each credit discharges the earliest of the debit entries.

6. Term loans based on period of repayment are classified into:

(i) Short-term loan (ii) Medium-term loan

(iii) Long-term loan

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1. Cash Credit facility is a ________

2. Bills co-acceptance facility is a __________ .

3. Banker is entitled to charge interest on temporary overdraft under __________.

4. Limitation period for filing a suit in term loans is __________ years from the date of default of

instalment.

5. Period of repayment in the case of medium-term loan is __________ .


1. Fund based facility; 2. Non-Fund based facility; 3. Banking custom; 4. 3 (Three); 5. 5-7 years.

SECURED AND UNSECURED LOANS, REGISTRATION OF FIRMS, INCORPORATION OF COMPANIES

STRUCTURE

18.0 Objectives

18.1 Introduction

18.2 What are 'Unsecured Loans' and 'Secured Loans'?

18.3 Why a Secured Loan?

18.4 Registration of Firms

18.5 Consequences of Non-registration of Firm

18.6 Incorporation of a Company

18.7 Let Us Sum Up



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18.0 OBJECTIVES


• what is a secured and unsecured loan;

• the law governing bankers' securities;

• the procedure for registration of firms and incorporation of companies.

18.1 INTRODUCTION

In the earlier units, we have studied about type of borrowers, credit facilities and the laws governing

them. In this unit, we will endeavour to understand the securities for bank's lending business, legal

status of a banker in the case of unsecured loans, and more about law relating to partnership firms and

companies, their registration and incorporation.

18.2 WHAT ARE 'UNSECURED LOANS' AND 'SECURED LOANS'?

Unsecured Loans

Most of the loans granted by banks in India are generally secured by tangible security being assets

purchased out of the bank funds and/or some valuable collateral such as bonds, shares and merchandise

deposited either in the bank's godowns or in the godowns of the borrowers under agreement of

hypothecation, and immoveable property, but occasionally loans are granted even without any security.

An unsecured loan is one for which the banker has to rely upon the personal integrity of the borrower.

The chief basis of such transactions is the personal credit or credit worthiness of the customer. In

other words, 'creditworthiness' is the confidence of a banker on the future solvency of a person or his

future financial strength, which enables him to take a loan at present and pay it in future. All unsecured

loans, otherwise called clean loans are dependent on the borrower's financial strength to pay in future.

Secured Loans

Secured loans are the antithesis to unsecured loans. These loans are given by a banker not merely based

on his confidence on the borrower's future financial strength but also based on his present net worth

that he is able to give a banker to rely upon and recover the moneys lent in the event of his failure to

repay the loan in the ordinary course. We will elaborate it a little further. In the case of secured loans,

a banker besides verifying the future solvency of the borrower asks for the charge over property of the

borrower so that in the event of failure by the borrower to repay, the banker can sell the property of the

borrower charged to him and recover the moneys.

18.3 WHY A SECURED LOAN?

We have seen the difference between an unsecured loan and a secured loan. It would be relevant to

know why a 'secured loan' is preferred over 'unsecured loan'. It is common knowledge that lending

by a banker is generally for the economic activity of the borrower and recovery of loans given by a

banker is mostly dependent on the economic success of the borrower. Success or failure of an economic

activity depends on various macro and micro economic factors. A banker lending to a customer can

assess only the existing macro and micro economic factors and can only predict success or failure of

the borrower's activity in the future reasonably. A banker cannot be absolutely certain about the recovery

of the amounts lent, if he solely relies on the economic success of the borrower. Therefore, a banker

asks for further security in form of a charge on property of the borrower. The charge created over the

property of the borrower acts as cushion to absorb the shocks of economic failure of the borrower as

the banker can safely sell the properties charged to him and recover the moneys lent. This is the

primary reason for preference of secured loans over unsecured loans.

18.4 REGISTRATION OF FIRMS

We have in an earlier unit, dealt with borrowers who are 'Partnership Firms' and governed by the

Indian Partnership Act, 1932. In this unit, we shall study the law relating to registration of partnership

firms.

Registration

It is in the interest of the partners themselves to have their firms registered under the Partnership Act.

The procedure for the registration of firms and other incidental matters has been dealt in Sections 56 to

68 of the Unit VII of Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

For registration, an application is to be submitted to the Registrar of Firms of the area in which any

place of business of the firm is conducted, with a statement in the prescribed form and accompanied

by the prescribed fee, stating

(a) name of the firm,

(b) place or principal place of business of the firm,

(c) names of any other place where the firm carries on business,

(d) date of joining of each of the partners,

(e) names in full and permanent addresses of the partners,

(f) duration of the firm-length of time for which the firm wants/proposes to conduct the business.

We have to note that the Act contemplates registration of firms, not the registration of partnership deed.

The registration of the firm is optional and not compulsory. So a mere non-registration would not

affect the carrying on business and giving effect to partnership deed.

When the Registrar is satisfied that the provision of Section 58 has been duly complied with, he will

record an entry of the statement in the register called the Register of Firms. In addition to making the

necessary entries in the Register of Firms, he is required to file the original of every statement submitted

to him. The original statement and all subsequent statements and notices will be filed together so that all

original papers relating to any firm will be conveniently found together in one file. Note that the registration

of the firm takes place only when the Registrar makes the necessary entries in the Register of Firms

under-Section 59. In other words, a firm is deemed to be registered only when the certificate of

registration is granted.

Alterations

Rules relating to alterations are provided in Section 60 which reads:

1. When alteration is made in the firm's name or in the location of the principal place of business of a

registered firm a statement may be sent to the Registrar accompanied by the prescribed fee,

specifying the alteration and signed and verified in the manner required under Section 58.

2. When the Registrar is satisfied that the provisions of the sub-Section (1) of the Section 60 has been

complied with, he shall amend the entry relating to the firm in the Registrar of Firms in accordance

with the statement and shall file it along with the statement filed under the Section 59. There is no

time limit fixed as to when notices of alterations have to be given.

Section 61 provides that when a registered firm discontinues business in any place or begins to carry

on business at any place, such a place, not being its principal place of business, any partner or agent of

the firm, may send an intimation thereof 'to the Registrar', who shall make a note of such an intimation

in the entry relating to firms in the Registrar of Firms and shall file the intimation along with the

statement relating to firm filed under Section 59. Similarly, when any partner in a registered firm, alters

his name or permanent address, an intimation of the alteration may be sent by any partner or agent or

firm to the Registrar, and he shall deal with it in the manner nrnv ;« c—

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Section 63 provides for the recording of a change in and the dissolution of a firm and also the recording

of withdrawal of a minor.

There is no particular form of notice. If substantial compliance has been made with the provision that

would be sufficient for the purpose of the section.

Rectification of Mistake

The Registrar has power at all times to rectify any mistake so as to bring the entry in the Register of firms relating to any firm in conformity with the documents relating to that firm already filed with him.

The Registrar may also rectify any mistake on the application made by the parties who had signed the document. However, this power is not a general power, but limited to rectifying the mistakes to bring the entry in conformity with the document filed by the partners or their agents. If there is an omission

in the mention of one of the places of business of the firm, the omission is capable of rectification under this provision. Moreover, this omission does not affect the registration; similarly, if certain persons are wrongly noted in the Register, this is a mistake which can be rectified under this provision.

Amendment of Register by Court's Order

Provision is made for a Court deciding any matter relating to a registered firm may direct the Registrar to make any amendment in the entry in the Register of Firms relating to such firms which is consequential upon its decision, and the Registrar shall amend the entry accordingly.

Inspection

The Register of Firms, the statements, notices and intimations filed with the Registrar are open to inspection by any person on payment of a prescribed fee.

Copies

Similarly, any person can obtain a copy of any entry or portion in the Register of Firms by making an application to the Registrar and paying prescribed fee.

Evidentiary Value

Section 68(1) provides, any statement, intimation or notice recorded or noted in the Register of Firms shall, as against any person by whom or on whose behalf such statement, intimation or notice was signed is conclusive proof of any fact stated therein.

Penalty

Section 70 provides that any person who signs any statement, amending statement, notice or intimation under the Unit VII of the Partnership Act containing any particulars, which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true or containing particulars which he knows to be incomplete or does not believe to be complete, shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three month, or with fine or both.

18.5 CONSEQUENCES OF NON-REGISTRATION OF A FIRM

Section 69 of Indian Partnership Act, 1932 sets out the effect of non-registration of firm and may be conveniently studied under the following four heads:

(i) suits by partners inter se (ii) suits by a firm against third parties

(iii) exceptions (iv) non-application of provisions to certain suits, (i) Suits by Partners Inter se: If a firm is not registered under the Indian Partnership Act, then no

suit to enforce a right, arising from a contract or conferred by the Partnership Act, shall be

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191

instituted in any Court, by or on behalf of any person suing as a partner in a firm against the firm

or against any other partner of the firm. This prohibition applies to the claim of set off or other

proceeding to enforce a right arising from a contract.

The Supreme Court in the case of Loon Karan Sethia (AIR 1977 SC 336) has held that this

provision for registration is mandatory in character and its effect is to render a suit by the plaintiff

in respect of a right vested in him or required by him under contract, which he entered into as a

partner of a unregistered firm, whether existing, or dissolved as void. In other words, a partner

of an erstwhile un-registered partnership firm cannot bring a suit to enforce a right arising out of

a contract falling within the ambit of Section 69 and simply by making an application for registration

before instituting a suit is also not sufficient.

(ii) Suit by a Firm Against Third Parties: No suit to enforce a right arising from a contract can be

instituted in any Court, by or on behalf of a firm against any third party, unless the firm is

registered and the persons suing or have been shown in the Register of Firms as partners in the

firm. This provision also applies to a claim of set off or other proceeding to enforce a right arising

from a contract.

Before the bar of the Section 69 can be invoked there should be clear evidence that the plaintiffs

were partners as defined in the Section 4 of the Act and the loose use of the term 'partnership' on

a firm would not by itself establish that the plaintiffs were partners in the true sense of the term.

Moreover, the burden of proof would be on the defendant.

The bar under this section applies to rights arising out of a contract only and not in respect of

other rights as the sub-Section (i) above. Some of the illustrations of such rights are: the right to

enforce a contract embodied in a negotiable instrument, right to eject a landlord, right to determine

the liability of the landlord, etc.

Section 69(2) requires that the person serving must have been shown in the Register of Firms

as a partner, but the mode of proof of that fact is not in anyway restricted.

(iii) Exceptions: Sub-Section (3) of the Section 69 provides for two exceptions:

(a) The enforcement of right to sue for dissolution of a firm, or for accounts of a dissolved firm

or any right or power to realise the property of the dissolved firm.

(b) The powers of an official assignee receiver or Court, under the Presidency Towns Insolvency

Act, 1909 to realise the property of an insolvent partner.

(iv) Non-application of Section 69: Certain Suits: Sub-Section (4) of Section 69 provides that the

Section 69 shall not apply

(a) to firms to which the Act extends or whose places of business in the said territories are

situated in areas to which, by notification under the Section 56 Unit VII of the Partnership

Act does not apply; or

(b) to any suit or claim of set off not exceeding Rs. 100 in value which, according to the

Presidency Towns is not of a kind specified in the Section 19 of the Presidency Small Cause

Courts Act, 1882, or outside the presidency towns, is not of the kind specified in the second

Schedule to the Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887, or to any proceedings in execution

or other proceeding incidental to or arising from any such suit or claim.

The bar does not apply to suits of Small Cause nature, value of which not exceeding Rs. 100. But

when a suit or cross-objection is not cognisable either by the Presidency Court of Small Causes

or by the Small Causes Court, the Section 69(4)(b) will not apply even though the relief for

accounts may be value at Rs. 100.

192

18.6 INCORPORATION OF A COMPANY

We have seen in the earlier units that among others 'company' is also one of the borrowers of a banker.

We have also studied briefly the law governing companies. In this unit, we will study the law relating to

companies and their incorporation.

1. Company - Meaning and Characteristics: A company is an artificial person, since it is created by

law. It is clothed with many of the rights, liabilities, powers and duties prescribed by law. Among

the two most important characteristics of a company, one is its separate individuality and the other

is perpetuity within the limits prescribed by law. It can do all acts as a natural person may do.

A company has a 'Corporate Personality' separate from all the members who have formed it unlike a

partnership firm. Because of this, a company incurs all the liabilities and possesses all rights of a natural

person subject to the regulation of law. The classical judgement of the House of Lords in Salomon vs.

Salomon & Co. Ltd. (1897) AC 22 lays down the principle of 'corporate personality'.

The facts of this case are that one Mr. Salomon who was individually carrying on the business of boot

and shoe manufacture, incorporated a company named 'Salomon & Co. Ltd.' which consisted of

seven of his family members. This company took over the personal business assets of Mr. Salomon for

38,782 pounds and in turn Mr. Salomon took 20,000 shares of one pound each and debentures worth

10,000 pounds, for which there was a charge on the company's assets and balance in cash.

All his family members took one share of a pound each. The company later went into liquidation and

various unsecured creditors contended that Mr. Salomon could not be treated as a secured creditor of

the company in respect of debentures held by him. The House of Lords after hearing the arguments

held that:

The company is by law a different person altogether from its shareholders and though it may be that

after incorporation, the business is precisely the same as it was before and the same persons are

managers and the same hands receive the profits; the company is not in law the agent of the shareholders

or trustees for them. Nor are the shareholders liable in any shape or form except to extent and the

manner provided in the Act.

The Salomon Case for the first time authoritatively and clearly established the fact that a company has

its own existence or personality, which is separate and distinct from its members and as a result a

shareholder cannot be held liable for the acts of the company, even though he holds virtually the entire

share capital. The case also recognised and accepted the concept of limited liability. The legal status

and position of a company has been aptly described by Supreme Court in Tata Engineering and

Locomotive Company Ltd. vs State of Bihar AIR 1965 SC 40 in the following words:

The corporation in law is equal to a natural person and has a legal entity of its own. The entity of the

corporation is entirely separate from that of its shareholders; it bears its own name and has a seal of its

own; its assets are separate and distinct from those of its members and it can sue and be sued exclusively

for its own purpose; its creditors cannot obtain satisfaction from the asset of its members; the liability

of the members or the shareholder is limited to the capital invested by them. Similarly, the creditors of

the members have no right to the assets of the corporation.

The main characteristics of a company are summed up as under:

(i) Company is a voluntary association of persons who have come together to carry on some business

for profit, (ii) It has a perpetual existence and though members may come and members may go,

the company

continues forever. Change in its members or in their identity does not affect the legal existence or

its identity. Only law can dissolve it, since it is a creation of law.

193

(iii) The shares of joint stock companies are freely transferable and in the case of a private limited

company, the Companies Act has put certain restrictions on the transferability of shares. Every

member who owns fully paid-up shares is free to dispose of his shares according to his choice

but subject to any regulation of the company. Any absolute bar or restriction on the right to

transfer shares is void.

(iv) The member's/shareholder's liability in a company is limited to the extent of the nominal value of

the shares held by them. Under no circumstance, is a member/shareholder directed to pay

anything more than the unpaid value of his shares. As regards a company limited by guarantee,

the members are liable only to the extent of the amount guaranteed by them and not beyond and

that too only when the company goes into liquidation.

(v) As a corporate person, a company is entitled to own and hold property in its own name.

(vi) A company being a body corporate can sue and be sued in its own name.

In brief, the most striking features of a company are its distinct legal personality, the easy

transferability of its shares, and the limited liability of its members.

Incorporation of a Company

We shall now in brief understand the various steps to be taken and as to how a company comes into

existence. It is to be noted that at the time of formation of the company the promoters have to amongst

other things decide the following aspects:

(a) Type of company: Under the Companies Act, 1956 only two types of companies can be registered,

viz.,

(i) Public companies (ii) Private companies.

These companies may further be classified as follows:

(i) Companies limited by shares

(ii) Companies limited by guarantee with or without share capital and

(iii) Unlimited companies with or without share capital.

(b) Name of company: A company is identified by the name under which it is registered. According

to Section 13 of the Act, the Memorandum of Association of a company should state the name of

the company. To avoid delay and to afford flexibility to the Registrar to decide the availability of

names the promoters are required to submit at least three suitable names in the order of preference.

The name of a company must necessarily end with the word 'limited' in the case of a public

company and the words 'private limited' in case the company is a private company. In case of a

Section 25 Company, the inclusion of the word 'limited' can be dispensed with by obtaining a

licence from the Regional Director. Section 20 prohibits the registration of a company, the name

of which is undesirable or which is identical with or too nearly resembles the name of an existing

company. A company will not be permitted to use a name which is prohibited under the Emblems

and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

The Registrar is required by law to make preliminary enquiries so as to ensure that the name

permitted by him will not be misleading or is not intended to deceive with reference to its objects

clause.

(c) Memorandum of Association: The memorandum of association is the constitution of a company

and amongst other things, defines the area withiirwhich the company can act. It is, therefore,

necessary to state the object for which the company has been formed, the various businesses that

it can undertake, the liability of its members, etc. For a banker it is absolutely essential to verify

the memorandum and ensure that the business undertaken by the company is within its objects,

if not, any loan made to the company would not be recoverable.

194

(d) Articles of Association: The other important document of a company is the articles of association, which contains the rules and regulations relating to the internal management of a company. Section 15 of the Companies Act stipulates that every memorandum should be signed by each subscriber who should add his address, description and occupation, if any, in the presence of at least one witness who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his address, description and occupation, if any. As regards companies having a share capital the subscribers to the memorandum should at least take one share each and they have to state clearly the number and nature of the shares taken by them.

The articles of association should similarly be signed separately by persons subscribing to the same. The signatures of the subscribers in the Articles of Association are also to be attested by a witness.

(e) Preparation of other documents: The promoters forming the company are also required to submit various other forms and documents prescribed under Companies (Central Governments' General Rules and Forms) Act, 1959.

(f) Payment of registration fees: The fee prescribed for registration of a company is required to be paid the quantum of which depends on the nominal capital of the company to be incorporated in the case of companies having share capital.

(g) Certificate of Incorporation: Once all the formalities as detailed above are satisfied, the promoters are entitled to get from the Registrar of Companies the certificate of Incorporation. Section 33(3) of the Companies Act states that if the Registrar is satisfied that all the requirements, as stated above have been complied with by the company and that it is authorised to be registered under the Act, he shall retain and register the memorandum, articles, if any. On the registration of the memorandum of a company the Registrar shall certify under his hand that the company is incorporated and, in the case of a limited company that the company is limited. From the date of incorporation mentioned in the certificate of incorporation, such of the subscribers of the memorandum and other persons, as may from time to time be members of the company, shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the memorandum, capable forthwith of exercising all the functions of an incorporated company and having perpetual succession and a common seal, but with such liability on the part of the members to contribute to assets of the company in the event of its being wound up as mentioned in the Act (Section 34).

Certificate of Incorporation: Conclusive Evidence

Section 35 of the Act states that a certificate of incorporation given by the Registrar in respect of any association shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of the Act have been complied with in respect of registration and matters precedent and incidental thereto, and that the association is a company authorised to be registered and duly registered under the Act. The certificate of incorporation is conclusive evidence that everything is in order as regards registration and that the company has come into existence from the earliest moment of the day of incorporation stated therein with rights and liabilities of a natural person, competent to contracts. Once a certificate of incorporation has been issued its validity cannot be impeached. In the case of Moosa vs Ebrahim [ILR (1913)40 Cal.l (PC.)] the memorandum of association of a company was signed by two adults and by a guardian of the other five members, who happened to be minors. The Registrar, however, registered the company and issued under his hand a certificate of incorporation. It was contended that the certificate of incorporation should be declared to be void. Lord Macnaughten deciding the case said:

Their Lordships will assume that the conditions of registration prescribed by the Indian Companies Act were not duly complied with; that there were no seven subscribers to the memorandum and that the Registrar ought not to have granted the certificate. But the certificate is conclusive for all purpose. Thus, the certificate prevents anyone alleging that the company does not exist.

195

Though the certificate of incorporation makes the existence of a company legally valid, it does

not mean that the certificate legalises an illegal object mentioned in the memorandum. In fact, it is

for the purpose of incorporation only that the certificate is made conclusive by law.

(h) Certificate of Commencement of Business: Once a certificate of incorporation has been issued, a

company becomes forthwith capable of exercising all the functions of an incorporated company.

This however applies only to private companies and a company having no share capital. In the

case of companies other than a private company and a company having no share capital, a further

requirement is to be complied with, namely, obtaining a certificate of commencement of business

before commencing any business. Thus, whereas a private company and a company having no

share capital can commence business right from the date of its incorporation, a public company

is required to file either a prospectus or a statement, in lieu of prospectus and the declaration of

statutory compliances, as prescribed under Section 149 with the Registrar of Companies of the

State where the company is situated and obtain from the Registrar a certificate of commencement

of business before the company commences business.

Documents to be filed with the Registrar (Section 33)

After taking the above steps, the following documents are required to be filed with the Registrar

of Companies of the state in which the registered office of the company is to be situated:

(i) The memorandum of association duly signed by the prescribed minimum number of

subscribers, duly stamped and signed by witness.

(ii) The articles of association should also be similarly signed, stamped and witnessed, (iii)

Any agreement which the company proposes to enter into with any individual for appointment

as its managing or whole time director or manager, (iv) Any other agreement, if referred to

in the memorandum and articles of association, in case,

it will form part of the memorandum and articles, (v) Letter of authority (stamped as a

specific power of attorney) signed by the subscribers

authorising a representative to make amendments and/or alterations in the memorandum

and articles of association, (vi) A copy of the letter received from the Registrar of

Companies intimating the availability of

the proposed name, (vii) A statutory declaration in the prescribed form by an advocate, an

attorney or pleader entitled

to appear in a High Court or a secretary or a chartered accountant practising in India, who

is engaged in the formation of the company, or by a person who is named as a director or

manager or secretary of the company stating that all requirements of the Act and the Rules

thereunder have been complied with in respect of registration and matters precedent and

incidental thereto (Section 33). (viii) In case the first directors are appointed by the

articles, or named in the prospectus or

statement in lieu of prospectus:

• a written consent of each director to act as such, signed by him or by an agent duly

authorised in writing in prescribed form; and

• an undertaking in the same form as referred above in writing, agreeing to take from the

company and pay for his qualification shares, if any, or sign the memorandum for

shares not being less than his qualification shares (Section 266). In case, a prospectus

is issued in relation to the intended company and proposed directors are named therein,

then the consent and undertaking must be filed before the publication of the prospectus.

(i) Payment of the requisite fee for registration

Procedure for the incorporation of a company limited by guarantee: Though the procedure

involved for the incorporation of a company limited by guarantee is the same as that of the public

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company or a private company, as described above, following must however be noted in this regard:

• In the memorandum of association of such a company, a clause stating the amount of guarantee will have to be added in addition to the other necessary clauses to this effect.

• A guarantee company may be a company with the share capital or without the share capital. • A company formed with no intention to generate profit is usually formed as a guarantee

company. • A company limited by guarantee can either be a private or a public company.

18.7 LET US SUM UP

1. An insecured loan is one for which the banker has to rely upon the personal security of the borrower.

2. Secured loans are antithesis to insecured loans.

3. Various methods of securing a loan are pledge, hypothecation, mortgage and assignment of debts of the borrower.

4. If two or more persons come together and agree to share profits of a business, it is called a partnership.

5. A partnership firm can be registered under the Section 58 of Partnership Act, 1932.

6. If a firm is not registered, then a partner cannot sue the other partners or third parties to enforce

contractual rights.

7. A company is an artificial person created by law.

8. There are only two types of companies that are registered under the Companies Act. They are:

(a) Public Limited Company (b) Private Limited Company

9. Certificate of incorporation is the conclusive evidence of coming into existence of the company.

10. Certificate of commencement of business is required for a public company to start business.


1. Only personal security of the borrower is available in the case of.

2. Secured loans are normally secured by _________ .

3. Pledge is _________ of goods as a security for debt.

4. Hypothecation is treated as _________ pledge.

5. Personal obligation of mortgagor is a distinct feature of _______

6. Section 58 of Partnership Act, 1932 provides for __________ .

7. A partner on behalf of firm cannot institute a suit on contract, if the firm is registered. (True/False)

8. Shares of public limited company are freely transferable. (True/False)

9. Certificate of incorporation is a document evidencing existence of company. (True/False)

10. Certificate of commencement of business is required for private limited company to start business. (True/False)


1. Insecured; 2. pledge, hypothecation, mortgage or assignment of debts; 3. bailment; 4. constructive; 5. mortgage by deposit of title deeds; 6. registration of partnership; 7. False; 8. True; 9. True; 10. False.

loans.

REGISTRATION AND SATISFACTION OF CHARGES

STRUCTURE

19.0 Objectives

19.1 Introduction

19.2 What is a Charge?

19.3 Procedure for Registration of Charge

19.4 Effect of Non-registration of Charges

19.5 Provisions of Law Relating to Registration of Charges

19.6 Let Us Sum Up



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19.0 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit, you should be able to briefly understand:

• the creation of charge over the properties, registration of charges under different enactments;

• registration of charges with the various authorities.

19.1 INTRODUCTION

We have seen in earlier units, the types of loans granted by a banker and methods of securing a loan. In this unit, we will focus on the meaning of 'charge' under the Companies Act and registration of charges.

19.2 WHAT IS A CHARGE?

1. Before studying the meaning of word 'charge' and provisions relating to the registration of charges, we will learn the general meaning of the word 'charge'.

It may be noted that the word 'charge' is used to mean any form of security for debt, unless the word is used otherwise. We have seen in the earlier chapters, that a banker accepts different types of securities to secure a loan granted to borrowers. Section 125(4) of the Companies Act, 1956 provides, that for the purpose of registration under the said Act, it includes all the following charges:

(a) A charge for the purpose of securing debentures

(b) A charge on uncalled capital of the company

(c) A charge on any immoveable property, wherever situated, or any interest therein

(d) A charge on any book debts of the company

(e) A charge, not being a pledge, on any moveable property of the company

(f) A floating charge on the undertaking or any property of the company including stock-in-

trade (g) A charge on calls made but not paid (h) A charge on a ship or any share in a ship

(i) A charge on goodwill, on a patent or a licence under a patent, or a trademark, or on a

copyright or a licence under a copyright

2. Types of Charges: 'Charges' registered under the Companies Act can be classified into the two

types:

(i) Fixed charge (ii) Floating charge

(i) Fixed charge- 'Fixed charge' is also called 'specific charge'. It extends over a specific property or properties of the company. In other words, when a particular or a specific property of the company is given as a security for loan, then a 'fixed charge' is said to be created over the property. It may be noted, that charges specified in Section 125(4)(b) ot the Companies Act, 1956, created in conformity with the provisions of the said Act over a specific property gives right to the creditor so secured, to sell the said property and claim the proceeds towards the dues payable by the company.

(ii) Floating Charge: A 'floating charge' means a 'charge' that is general and not specific. It

can be said to be a charge

(a) that floats over the present and future property of the company subject thereto, that means it does not fasten on or attach to any particular or specific property;

(b) that does not restrict the company from assigning the property, subject to charge to

third persons, whether by way of sale or security;

(c) that on happening of an event or contingency, crystallises as a fixed charge.

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From the above, it can be noted that when the charge is floating, the company may, in the

ordinary course of business, deal with the property in any manner until the charge attaches.

In other words, a floating charge is an equitable charge which does not fasten on any

specific property but covers the whole of the company's property whether it is or is not

subject to fixed charge.

When floating charge becomes fixed or crystallised/attaches

When the debtor company ceases to carry on business or goes into liquidation or the debenture holder

or creditor, in whose favour charge is created, intervenes by getting a receiver appointed or doing some

other act which affects the powers of the company to dispose the assets charged. A floating charge

may also crystallise on the happening of an event specified in the creating a charge deed.

Effect of floating charge becoming fixed or crystallised

When a floating security upon all the property or assets of the company becomes fixed, it constitutes

a charge upon all the property or assets then belonging to the company. It has priority over the subsequent

equitable charges and over insecured creditors and over money advanced to the liquidator.

19.3 PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF CHARGE

Companies Act, 1956 under Section 125(1) provides that all the particulars of a charge created by the

company shall be filed with the Registrar of Companies together with an instrument, creating charge,

for registration within thirty days of the creation of charge. The time limit of thirty days within which

the charge shall be registered can be extended by Registrar of Companies by further thirty days.

The procedure for registration is provided under the Rule 6 of the Companies (Central Government's)

General Rules and Forms:

(a) It provides that for the registration of charge, the company shall file the prescribed particulars for

creation, modification or satisfaction of the charge in the Form 8, or Form 13 or Form 17 in

triplicate. The forms are prescribed under the rules.

(b) A copy of every instrument evidencing any charge or modification of charge is required to be filed

with the registrar duly verified and certified.

(c) The fee prescribed for registration shall be paid.

Recently Government of India has introduced electronic filing of returns. This is a centralized registry

and all companies are required to file all returns which they were filing with ROC earlier are required to

file them with this new registry. Even banks and other charge holders are required to file the particulars

of the charges created in their favour by the companies under this method. This is to ensure reduction

in delays and one point availability of information about any company.

19.4 EFFECT OF NON-REGISTRATION OF CHARGES

Section 125 of the Companies Act provides that the charge created by the company over the properties,

if not registered, would not be valid against the liquidator and any creditor of the company.

It has been held in various cases by the Courts that non-registration of charge under Section 125 would

not render the security invalid automatically. The only consequence of non-registration is that the

charge would not be valid against the liquidator and other creditors of the company in the event of

winding up.

It must be noted that, as against the company itself, so long as the company does not go into liquidation,

the mortgage or charge is good and maybe enforced.

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19.5 PROVISIONS OF LAW RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF CHARGES

Sections 124 to 145 of the Companies Act, 1956 provides for the registration of charges. They can be stated briefly as follows:

Section 124: This Section provides that 'charge' means and includes mortgage over any or all properties of the company.

Section 125: This Section provides that the charge created over the properties of the company shall be registered with the Registrar of Companies within thirty days of creation of charge. It also provides

that if the charge is not registered then the charge created would be invalid as against the liquidator and other creditor of the company in its winding up.

Section 126: This Section provides that after registration of charge created, any other person acquiring such property charged or any party thereof, shall be deemed to have notice of the charge registered and shall take the property subject to such charge.

Section 127: This Section provides that if a company acquires a property charged under Section 125, then the company shall declare the same by filing the particulars of the property, so acquired, subject to charge.

Section 128: This Section provides that provision for registration charges is also applicable for securing debentures issued by the company. The registration of charge for securing debentures shall be carried

out by filing particulars of the amount of debentures, the date of the resolutions authorising the issue of the series of debentures, general description of property charged, and the names of the trustees.

Section 129: This Section provides that the particulars filed for creating the charge for securing deben-tures shall also contain any commission, allowance or discount paid directly or indirectly by the company to any person in consideration of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe or procuring subscriptions.

Section 130: It is provided under this Section that Registrar of Companies shall keep a register of

charges containing particulars of all charges requiring registration. This Section further provides that a copy of particulars contained in the register of charges can be obtained by any person on payment of fee.

Section 131: This Section provides that Registrar of Companies shall maintain an index of register of charges.

Section 132: This Section provides that the Registrar shall give a certificate under his hand of the registra-tion of any charge registered, stating the amounts thereby secured; and the certificate shall be a conclusive evidence of that the requirements of Companies Act as to registration has been complied with.

Section 133: This Section directs that the company, in the case of secured debentures, shall cause a copy of every certificate of registration given under Section 132 to be endorsed on every debenture or certificate of debenture stock.

Section 134: This Section imposes duty on a company to register a charge required to be registered under the Act. It also provides that any person interested in registration of charge can also apply for registration.

Section 135: This Section provides that the procedure and law of registration of charges is equally applicable to modification of charges.

Section 136: This Section requires the company that a copy of an instrument or document creating

the charge shall be kept at the registered office of the company.

Section 137: Under this Section any person appointed as receiver or manager of the property charged, shall give notice to Registrar of Companies within 30 days of his appointment.

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Section 138: Under this Section, the company shall give intimation to the Registrar of the payment or satisfaction in full, of any charge, relating to the company and requiring registration under this part, within thirty days from the date of such payment or satisfaction. Thereafter the Registrar of Companies shall record such satisfaction of charge.

Section 139: Under this Section, Registrar of Companies that on evidence being given to his satisfaction with respect to any registered charge:

(a) that the debt for which the charge was given has been paid or satisfied in whole or in part; or (b) that part of the property or undertaking charged has been released from the charge, or has ceased

to form part of the company's property or undertaking can record the fact that charge is satisfied or property is released.

Section 140: This Section provides that the Registrar after entering memorandum of satisfaction in whole or in part, in pursuance of Section 138 or 139, he shall furnish the company with a copy of memorandum.

Section 141: Under this Section the Company Law Board can order for the creation of charge or modification or satisfaction of the charge, if the company due to inadvertence or by accident, omitted filing charges under those provisions.

Section 142: This Section empowers Registrar to impose a penalty on the company, if it fails to comply with the provisions of law relating to registration of charges.

Section 143: This Section enjoins upon a company to keep at its registered office a register of charges and enter therein all the charges specifically affecting the property of the company.

Section 144: This Section provides that any creditor or member of company can inspect the books relating to charges created by the company and it is the duty of the company to keep the register of charges open to inspection.

19.6 LET US SUM UP

1. The word 'charge' means any form of security for debt, unless the word is used otherwise.

2. All charges created by a company are required to be registered with Registrar of Companies

under Section 125 of the Companies Act, 1956.

3. Charges can be fixed or floating.

4. Charge will have to be registered within thirty days of creation of the charge.

5. If the charge created is not registered, then the same is invalid against liquidator and other

creditors on winding up of the company.

6. Sections 124 to 145 of the Companies Act deal with Registration of Charges.


(a) Charge means any form of _____

(b) Charges created by company shall be registered with __________ .

(c) Under Companies Act a charge includes _________ .

(d) Charge, if not registered is not enforceable against company. True/False

(e) Charge shall be registered within _________ days from the date of creation of charge.


(a) Security, debt; (b) Registrar of Companies; (c) Mortgage; (d) False; (e) 30

for

MODULE -C

BANKING RELATED LAWS

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SECURITISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY

INTEREST, 2002 (SARFAESI ACT, 2002)

Unit 20. Introduction to Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and

Enforcement of Security Interest, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002)

Unit 21. Definitions of SARFAESI Act, 2002

Unit 22. Regulation of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets of Banks and

Financial Institutions

Unit 23. Enforcement of Security Interest

Unit 24. Central Registry

Unit 25. Offences and Penalties

Unit 26. Miscellaneous Provisions

THE BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME, 2006

Unit 27. The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006: Purpose, Extent, Definitions,

Establishment and Powers

Unit 28. Procedure for Redressal of Grievance

RECOVERY OF DEBTS DUE TO BANKS AND

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1993 (DRT ACT)

Unit 29. Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (DRT Act)

Preliminary

Unit 30. Establishment of Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal

Unit 31. Jurisdiction, Powers and Authority of Tribunals

Unit 32. Procedure of Tribunals

Unit 33. Recovery of Debts Determined by Tribunal and Miscellaneous Provisions


Unit 34. The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891

THE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES ACT, 1987

Unit 35. The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Lok Adalats

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THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986

Unit 36. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Preamble, Extent and Definitions

Unit 37. Ponsumer Protection Councils Unit 38. Consumer Disputes Redressal

Agencies


Unit 39. Limitation of Filing Suits, Appeals and Applications

TAXLAWS Unit 40. Income Tax, Banking Cash,

Transaction Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax and Service Tax

INTRODUCTION TO SECURITISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST, 2002 (SARFAESI ACT, 2002)

STRUCTURE

20.0 Objectives

20.1 Introduction

20.2 Constitutional Validity of the Act

20.3 Let Us Sum Up

20.4 Keywords



20.7 Multiple Choice Terminal Questions

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20.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective, of this unit is to see why there was a need for the new legislation, viz., Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest, 2002 (SARFAESI Act 2002) and why it was enacted. The Act has created a new legal framework, new concepts about security and new procedures for recovery of dues by banks and financial institutions.

20.1 INTRODUCTION

1. Banks and Financial institutions lend money by obtaining security, except for the category of clean

loans. The security obtained is to act as a protection for the money advanced and in the case of need, the money can be realised by the sale of securities.

2. The lender's rights over the securities, both moveable and immoveable, for realisation of the amount advanced, were limited and less effective since they were required to take help of the legal

system which was taking unduly long time to complete prior to the passing of the SARFAESI Act, 2002. This Act introduced major changes in the legal framework for the recovery of dues by laying hands on the securities.

3. The Act is a major step in financial sector reforms. It has brought a legal framework for the following important activities in the credit market:

(a) Securitisation of financial assets. (b) Reconstruction of financial assets. (c) Recognition of any 'interest' created in the security for due repayment of a loan as a 'security

interest', irrespective of its form and nature but when it is not in the possession of the creditor. (d) Power to enforce such a security for the realisation of money due to banks and the financial

institutes in the event of a default, without the intervention of the Courts. (e) Enabling provisions for the setting up a central registry for the purpose of registration of

transactions of securitisation, reconstruction and the creation of the security interest.

4. The Act extends to whole of India including the State of Jammu & Kashmir. It is effective from 21 June, 2002. The Act is applicable also to housing finance companies whose names are notified by the Central Government for such applicability.

5. The provisions of the Act, relating to enforcement of the security interest, applies to cases in which the security interests are created for due repayment of financial assistance. The Act has presupposed a simple thing, that there is an obligation on the part of the borrowers to repay loans and if they are unable to repay, then the securities for the loans are liable to be sold for the recovery of loans. The Act has retrospective application, i.e., it applies for loans and securities created prior to the Act coming into operation of the Act.

20.2 CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF THE ACT

1. In Mardia Chemicals vs Union of India (2004) 21 ILD 521 SC, a three member bench of the Supreme Court has declared this Act as constitutionally valid, except a part of the Section 17(2). The Section 17(2) had laid down that when the lender intends to take action of taking possession

of the security asset, the borrower can file an appeal to the DRT only after depositing seventy-five per cent of the amount claimed by the lender. The Supreme Court has declared this condition of the deposit of seventy five per cent of the claim amount as unreasonable, oppressive, arbitrary and violative of the Article 14 of the Constitution.

After the Supreme Court decision in the Mardia case and its fall out on the very intention of the

legislation giving importance for recovery and prevent long legal battles that borrowers create without

207

any payment, the Government of India has issued a notification amending the Section 17(2) of the SARFAESI Act. The amendment now stipulates payment of fifty per cent amount instead of seventy five per cent as originally enacted. An aggrieved person has now a right to refer the matter to DRT and then to the Appellate Tribunal by depositing fifty per cent of the claimed amount.

20.3 LET US SUM UP

In this unit, we have seen how new changes are brought in by the Act. The comfort available for the lender for his money to come back will give him a confidence for lending.

20.4 KEYWORDS

Security in Possession; Remedy with and/or without Court Intervention; Prudential Norms; Security

Interest; Financial Assets; Securitisation of Financial Asset; Reconstruction of Financial Asset; Enforcement of Security; Possession and Sale of Asset.


1. Banks obtain security while lending, so that in the case of need, the money can be _________ of

securities.

2. The SARFAESI Act is applicable to the housing finance companies whose names are notified by the Central Government. (True or False)

3. In Mardia Chemical Case the Supreme Court decided that the condition of deposit of amount is fully invalid. (True or False)

4. After Mardia Chemical Case, the amendment made in the SARFAESI Act stipulates deposit of

_________ amount before preferring the appeal to DRT (Appellate Tribunal).


1. realised by sale; 2. True; 3. True; 4. 50 per cent.

20.7 MULTIPLE CHOICE TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1. Whether moveable securities in possession of the bank can be sold by the bank without the intervention of the Court?

(a) Now, a Court order is required to sale the security. (b) Yes, bank can sell as provided in the Contract Act, 1872. (c) Yes, as the SARFAESI Act, 2002 has made provisions to that effect. (d) No, until the account is not declared as NPA by the bank.

2. As per the laws existing today, the mortgaged security cannot be sold without a Court intervention. Is this correct?

(a) Yes, Court intervention is required as per the provisions of the Transfer of Properties Act. (b) No, SARFAESI Act, 2002 has now made enabling provisions. (c) Yes, since the Contract Act has made no provisions about any Court intervention.

(d) No, due to the recent amendments in the Transfer of Property Act no Court intervention is required.

rto-wmxrrseeurifies?

(a) Any moveable or immoveable security charged to the bank or financial institution.

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(b) To mortgage securities only. (c) Where the security interests are created for repayment of financial assistance given by the

bank or a financial institution. (d) To the properties owned by the defaulter borrower, but those that are not charged to the

bank.

4. In the Mardia case what did the Supreme Court declared as invalid?

(a) Entire SARFAESI Act, 2002.

(b) Creation of security interest. (c) Formation of Reconstruction Companies. (d) Condition to pay seventy-five per cent of the amounts as pre-condition while preferring

appeal to the DRT.

Ans. I. (b); 2. (b); 3. (c); 4. (d).

U N I T

21

DEFINITIONS OF SARFAESI ACT, 2002

STRUCTURE

21.0 Objective

21.1 Introduction

21.2 Preamble

21.3 Appellate Tribunal

21.4 Asset Reconstruction

21.5 Bank

21.6 Board

21.7 Borrower

21.8 Central Registry

21.9 Debt Recovery Tribunal

21.10 Default

21.11 Financial Assistance

21.12 Financial Asset

21.13 Financial Institution

21.14 Hypothecation

21.15 Non-performing Asset

21.16 Originator

21.17 Obligor

21.18 Property

21.19 Qualified Institutional Buyer

21.20 Reconstruction Company

21.21 Scheme

21.22 Securitisation

21.23 Securitisation Company

21.24 Security Agreement

21.25 Secured Asset

21.26 Secured Creditor

21.27 Secured Debt

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21.28 Security Interest

21.29 Security Receipt

21.30 Sponsor

21.31 Keywords




211

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21.0 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this unit, are to understand:

• The purpose of enacting the Act;

• Important definitions given in the SARFAESI Act, 2002.

21.1 INTRODUCTION

For any Act, different concepts and effects revolve mainly around certain defined words. The Act also

takes some definitions from some other Acts, to the extent it is relevant and applicable. The preamble to the Act gives in a nutshell, the purpose of the enactment.

21.2 PREAMBLE

The preamble indicates the purpose of the enactment. For the SARFAESI Act, the preamble states 'An Act to regulate securitisation and reconstruction of financial assets and the enforcement of security interest and for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.'

21.3 APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Any person aggrieved by the order passed by the 'Debt Recovery Tribunal' can file an appeal to the

authority called as the 'Appellate Tribunal', subject to the maintainability of the appeal. These tribunals are constituted by the Central Government for the various States as per the provisions of the Recovery of Debts due to Bank and Financial Institutions Act, 1993.

21.4 ASSET RECONSTRUCTION

Acquisition of any right or interest, of any bank or financial institution, in any financial assistance, by any securitisation company or reconstruction company, for the purpose of realisation of such financial assistance, is called as asset reconstruction. In simple words, it is the takeover of loans or advances from the bank or financial institution for the purpose of recovery.

21.5 BANK

All the banking companies, Nationalised banks, the State Bank of India as well as its subsidiary banks and co-operative banks are within the meaning of the word bank for the purpose of this Act. This definition has excluded the regional rural banks. So the SARFAESI Act is not applicable to RRBs.

21.6 BOARD

The word 'Board' is used in the Act to mean the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It is established under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

21.7 BORROWER

The borrower means,

(i) any person, who has been granted financial assistance by any bank or financial institution, or (ii) who has given any guarantee, or (iii) who has created any mortgage or pledge as a security for the financial assistance granted by any

bank or financial institution, or

212

(iv) a person who becomes the borrower of a securitisation company or reconstruction company, consequent upon acquisition by it of any right or interest of any bank or financial institution, in relation to such financial assistance.

21.8 CENTRAL REGISTRY

Under this Act, 'Central Registry' means the registering office, set up or caused to be set up by the

Central Government. With this proposed set up, all the transactions of asset securitisation, reconstruction as well as transactions of creation of security interests, will have to be registered with this authority. The registration system will operate on a priority of registration basis, i.e., first in time to register gets priority over the person doing registration at a later time. The registry will also serve the purpose of maintaining credit information for the lenders.

21.9 DEBT RECOVERY TRIBUNAL

These tribunals were established under the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions

Act, 1993, to deal with the cases of recovery of debts above Rs. 10 lakh due to the banks and financial institutions.

21.10 DEFAULT

1. When the borrower does not pay any principal debt or any interest on the principle debt or any

other amount payable to the secured creditor and due to such non-payment the account of such

a borrower is classified as a non-performing asset (NPA) in the books of accounts of the secured creditor, as per the RBI guidelines, it is called default.

2. For getting the right of security enforcement, under this Act, there should be a default committed by the borrower. The creditor must also be a secured creditor. Any insecured creditor has no right of any nature in this Act.

3. In the Mardia Chemicals case, it was argued before the Supreme Court by the bank, that bank can

classify the account as NPA as per its decision. The Supreme Court rejected this argument and stated that it should be done as per RBI guidelines only.

21.11 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Whenever any bank or financial institution grants a loan or advance or makes subscription of debenture

or bonds or gives guarantee or issues letters of credit or extends other credit facility, it is called financial assistance.

21.12 FINANCIAL ASSET

Financial asset means debt or receivables and includes:

(i) a claim to any debt or receivables or part thereof whether secured or insecured, or (ii) any debt or receivable secured by mortgage of or charge in immoveable property, or (iii) a mortgage charge, hypothecation or pledge of moveable property, or (iv) any right or interest in the security, whether full or part, securing debt, or

(v) any beneficial interest in any moveable or immoveable property or in debt, receivables, whether such an interest is existing, future, accruing, conditional or contingent, or

(vi) any financial assistance.

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21.13 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

The financial institution means:

(i) A public financial institution within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1956. (ii) Any institution specified by the Central Government under the Recovery of Debts due to Bank

and Financial Institutions Act, 1993. (iii) The 'International Finance Corporation', established

under the International Finance Corporation

(Status, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 1958. (iv) Any other institution or non-banking financial company as defined in the Reserve Bank of India

Act, 1934, which the Central Government may specify as a financial institution for the purpose

of this Act.

21.14 HYPOTHECATION

1. Hypothecation means:

• a charge in or upon any moveable property

• existing or future

• created by a borrower

• in favour of a secured creditor

• without delivery of possession of the moveable property to such creditor as a security for financial assistance and includes floating charge and crystallisation of such charge into fixed charge on moveable property.

2. Prior to this Act no Indian Law has defined the term hypothecation though hypothecation is a very

common type of charge on a security for a banks' lending.

21.15 NON-PERFORMING ASSET

It is an asset or account of a borrower classified by a bank or financial institution as sub-standard,

doubtful or a loss asset, in accordance with the directions or under guidelines relating to asset classification issued by the Reserve Bank. For classification of any account as NPA it is important that the classification is done as per the RBI directives.

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21.16 ORIGINATOR

Originator is the owner of a financial asset that is acquired by a securitisation company or reconstruction company for the purpose of securitisation or asset reconstruction. In plain meaning, when the bank or

financial institution lends money against security they are the originator.

21.17 OBLIGOR

Obligor means a person liable,

(i) To pay to the originator, whether under a contract or otherwise, or (ii) To discharge any obligation in respect of a financial asset, whether existing, future, conditional

______ or contingent, or ---------------------------------------- (iii) and includes a borrower.

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21.18 PROPERTY

1. Property means:

(i) Immoveable property, (ii) Moveable property,

(iii) Any debt or any right to receive payment of money whether secured or insecured, (iv) Receivables, whether existing or future, (v) Intangible assets such as; know-how, patents, copyright, trademarks, licence, franchise or

any other business or commercial right of a similar nature.

2. Definition of property is made much wider by this Act. Prior to this Act, property has been defined under various Acts such as Transfer of Property Act, Registration Act, etc. By this Act, the addition

of properties stated at sub-clauses (iii), (iv) and (v) here above is made. Due to this, now security interest can be created against these properties for raising loans from the banks and financial institutions.

21.19 QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER

1. Such buyer means a financial institution or an insurance company or a bank or a state financial corporation or state industrial development corporation or trustee or any asset management company,

making an investment on behalf of a mutual fund or provident fund or gratuity fund or pension fund or a foreign institutional investor, registered under the SEBI Act, 1992 or any other body corporate as may be specified by SEBI.

2. This definition covers several categories of institutional investors but does not include a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956. If any company wants to become a qualified institutional buyer then it will have to get such a registration from SEBI.

21.20 RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY

A company formed for the purpose of asset reconstruction and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 is called Reconstruction Company.

21.21 SCHEME

The securitisation company or the reconstruction company can raise funds from qualified institutional buyers by formulating schemes. Funds so raised are required to be maintained in, separate and distinct accounts scheme-wise,. The scheme invites subscription to security receipts proposed to be issued by such a company.

21.22 SECURITISATION

1. Securitisation means acquisition of financial asset by the securitisation or reconstruction company

from the originator. Such an acquisition may be by raising of funds by such a securitisation or reconstruction company from the qualified institutional buyers by issue of security receipts representing undivided interest in the financial assets or otherwise.

2. The concept and modality of securitisation defined here is new for the Indian laws as well as for the markets. This is a process where non-liquidated financial assets are converted into marketable securities, i.e., security receipts that can be sold to the investors. It is also a process of converting

the receivables and other assets into securities, i.e., security receipts that can be placed in the market for trading. In Indian laws, there is no provision for transfer of claims that are secured by

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any security. Now SARFAESI Act has made the loans secured by mortgage or other charges transferable.

On acquisition of a financial asset, the securitisation or reconstruction company becomes the owner of the financial asset and steps into the shoes of the lender bank or financial institution. This acquisition can also be said to be, as a sale of asset without recourse to the bank or financial institution. RBI is the regulatory authority for all securitisation or reconstruction companies.

3. As per present guidelines of 29 March, 2004, the minimum capital requirement for the securitisation or reconstruction company is Rs. 2.00 crore at the time of registration and these companies are required to maintain capital adequacy of fifteen per cent of total asset acquired or Rs. 100 crore whichever is less.

21.23 SECURITISATION COMPANY

It is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 for the purpose of securitisation. The securitisation company also needs a registration from the RBI as per the SARFAESI Act. The securitisation

company can set up separate trusts scheme wise and act as trustee for such schemes, as provided in the Securitisation Companies and Reconstruction Companies (Reserve Bank) Guidelines and Directions, 2003. The investors in the securitisation company are the beneficiaries of such trusts.

21.24 SECURITY AGREEMENT

Security agreement means an agreement, instrument or any other document or arrangement under which security interest is created in favour of the secured creditor. This includes creation of mortgage by deposit of title deeds with the secured creditors.

21.25 SECURED ASSET

Secured asset means the property on which a security interest is created. The powers given by SARFAESI Act for the enforcement of securities are against the secured assets only. If the borrower has any property over which no security interest is created, such a property is outside the purview of enforcement powers under the SARFAESI Act.

21.26 SECURED CREDITOR

Any bank or financial institution or any consortium or group of banks or financial institutions in whose favour the security interest is created by the borrower for due repayment is called a secured creditor. It includes debenture trustee appointed by any bank or financial institution or securitisation company or reconstruction company. It also includes, any other trustee holding securities on behalf of a bank or financial institution.

21.27 SECURED DEBT

Secured debt means a debt which is secured by any security interest.

21.28 SECURITY INTEREST

1. Any right, title and interest of any kind whatsoever upon the property created in favour of any secured creditor is called as security interest. It includes any mortgage charge, hypothecation, assignment other than those specified in Section 31 of the SARFAESI Act.

2. Whenever any lender takes any security from the borrower, the lender pets i

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The type of interest depends on the nature of charge created over the security. Until now, such interest of the lender in the security was not defined in any law. SARFAESI Act has, for the first time defined this. Now, any type of charge or any type of security has come under one wide

scoped definition, called the security interest.

21.29 SECURITY RECEIPT

1. A receipt or another security issued by a securitisation company or reconstruction company to any

qualified institutional buyer pursuant to a scheme evidencing the purchase or acquisition by the holder thereof of an undivided right, title or interest in the financial asset involved in securitisation is called the security receipt.

2. The security receipt evidences the purchaser's undivided right, title and interest in the security. These receipts are transferable in the market. By this Act, a new type of transaction in the financial market has been created for transfer of the security interest.

21.30 SPONSOR

Sponsor is an entity holding not less than ten per cent of the paid-up equity capital of securitisation or

reconstruction company.

21.31 KEYWORDS

Appellate Tribunal; Asset Reconstruction; Central Registry; Debt Recovery Tribunal; Non-performing Asset; Notification; Obligor; Originator; Qualified Institutional Borrower; Reconstruction Company; Securitisation; Securitisation Company; Security Agreement; Secured Asset; Security Interest; Security

Receipt; Sponsor.


1. The SARFAESI Act is applicable for pledged securities also. (True or False)

2. For the enforcement of a mortgage security, court intervention is required even for actions under the SARFAESI Act. (True or False)

3. Banks and financial institutions can issue notice for enforcement over security under SARFAESI Act only if these securities are not _________ creditor and only when the account is classified

as __________ .

4. If the borrower does not pay within _____ ' days after notice by the secured creditor the

creditor can _________ . of the security.

5. After receipt of notice from the secured creditor for repayment of dues by the borrower, the borrower is legally prevented from transferring his property in any way. (True or False)

6. On request of the secured creditor the District Magistrate or the Chief Judicial Magistrate can

take possession of the security for handing over it to the creditor. (True or False)

7. When the management of the company is taken over by the secured creditor, the directors of such company are entitled to compensation for loss of office. (True or False)

In this unit we have studied various definitions given in the SARFAESI Act, 2002. Some definitions are creating new notions. Definitions for asset reconstruction, borrower, default, financial assistance, hypothecation, property, securitisation, security interest and security receipt are some of the important definitions to clear the concepts of the Act.

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1. False; 2. False; 3. in possession, NPA; 4. Sixty, take possession; 5. True; 6. True; 7. False.


1. When any bank or financial institution obtains a charge against property, with which authority

will the transaction have to be registered under the SARFAESI Act, 2002?

(a) With the Central Registry.

(b) With the ROC.

(c) With the Registrar of Assurances within whose jurisdiction the property lies.

(d) With the Reserve Bank of India.

2. When can the provisions of SARFAESI Act, 2002 be invoked for proceeding against the charged

property?

(a) When the bank feels that it is necessary for the recovery at any time.

(b) When the RBI directs to do so.

(c) When there is default in repayment by the borrower.

(d) When there is default in repayment and the bank declares the account as NPA.

3. Whether existing or future receivables are property?

(a) Yes.

(b) No.

(c) Yes, but if and when charged to the lender.

(d) No, if hypothecated to the lender.

4. From the following which function is of a securitisation company?

(a) Acquisition of loan transaction from the lender.

(b) Help the lender in recovery by sale of charged property.

(c) Take legal steps against the defaulter borrower on behalf of the lender.

(d) Acquisition of financial asset from the originator.

Ans. 1. (a); 2. (d); 3. (a); 4. (d)

REGULATION OF SECURITISATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS OF BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

STRUCTURE

22.0 Objectives

22.1 Introduction

22.2 Registration of Securitisation Company or Reconstruction Company

22.3 Cancellation of Certificate of Registration

22.4 Acquisition of Rights or Interest in Financial Assets

22.5 Notices to Obligor and Discharge of Obligation of Such Obligor

22.6 Issue of Security Receipts and Raising of Funds by Securitisation Company or Reconstruction Company

22.7 Exemption from Registration of Security Receipt

22.8 Measures of Assets Reconstruction

22.9 Other Functions of Securitisation Company or Reconstruction Company

22.10 Resolution of Dispute

22.11 Power of Reserve Bank to Determine Policy and Issue Directions

22.12 Let Us Sum Up

22.13 Keywords




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22.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the regulatory framework, in which the securitisation and

reconstruction companies are required to work, how they have to raise the funds, acquisition of assets

and other such functional modalities.

22.1 INTRODUCTION

The SARFAESI Act has streamlined the functions of the securitisation and reconstruction companies

for dealing with financial assets of banks and financial institutions. For this purpose, procedures as

well and regulatory control measures were required. In this unit we will consider these aspects.

22.2 REGISTRATION OFSECURITISATION COMPANY

OR RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY

1. The securitisation or reconstruction company can commence or carry business, only after complying

the following two conditions:

(i) It obtains certification of registration from the Reserve Bank of India by applying in prescribed

format; and (ii) It has the owned funds at the time of registration not less than Rs. 2

crore or such other

amount not exceeding fifteen per cent of the total financial assets acquired or to be acquired

as the RBI may specify.

2. As per the SARFAESI Act the securitisation of an asset or reconstruction of an asset, are treated as

similar activities and the provisions relating to the registration of these companies are same. Such

registered companies can raise money for their acquisition activities by issue of security receipts

for formulating schemes. This Act has provided the legal framework for this activity.

3. Depending on the nature of security asset the Reserve Bank of India has the powers to specify

different amounts of owned funds for different class or classes of securitisation companies or

reconstruction companies. The Reserve Bank of India may impose such other conditions as it

deems fit on the company.

4. If any securitisation or reconstruction company wants to make any substantial change in its

management or a change in the registered address or change in the name, then that needs prior

approval of the Reserve Bank of India.

5. The scheme of the Act and the guidelines published by the Reserve Bank of India under the Act,

gives a business pattern of the securitisation or reconstruction company as under.

(i) The company can formulate separate schemes for the acquisition of a financial asset.

(ii) Create separate trusts for each scheme and maintain separate and distinct records and

accounts in respect of each scheme and issue security receipts to the investors, (iii) The

securitisation company or reconstruction company can act as trustees for such trusts

and manage the assets held in trust.

(iv) As the assets acquired in trust are scheme-wise, the risk of non-realisation of assets will be

impacting the investors who are the beneficiaries under the trust. As such there should not

be loss to the company. These companies do the activity in such a way that they make

arrangements for realisation of money from the asset acquired. They do not invest their

own funds in the acquisition of asset but utilise the money invested on risk assessment and

act on careful considerations for asset acquisition decision. The risk factors are required to

be assessed, anticipated and also disclosed to the investors.

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22.3 CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION

1. The registration granted to the securitisation or the reconstruction company by the Reserve Bank

of India is cancellable on following grounds:

(i) The company ceases to carry on the business of securitisation or asset reconstruction, or

(ii) The company ceases to receive or hold any investment from a qualified institutional buyer, or (iii) The company fails to comply with any of the conditions subject to which the

certificate of registration was granted, or

(iv) The company fails to,

(a) comply with any of the directions issued by the Reserve Bank, or

(b) maintain accounts in accordance with the requirements of any law or any direction or order issued by the Reserve Bank of India, or

(c) submit or offer for inspection its books of accounts or other relevant documents when so demanded by the Reserve Bank of India, or

(d) obtain prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India for change in management or

change in registered office or change of name.

2. The Act has provided that the cancellation of registration may be of two categories. In the first category the cancellation of registration is without giving any opportunity to the company if the company does any of the following:

(i) Ceases to carry on the business of securitisation or reconstruction, or (ii) Ceases to carry or hold any investment from a qualified institutional buyer, or (iii) Fails to comply with RBI directions, or (iv) Fails to maintain accounts in accordance with directions issued by RBI, or

(v) Fails to give accounts and documents to RBI for inspection.

The second category of cancellation is done with an opportunity to comply with the defaults other than the above. However, even in this second category, the RBI has powers and discretion, to deny opportunity, if the RBI feels that a delay in the cancellation of registration shall be prejudicial to the public interest or the interests of the investors of the company. It is required that the order is with reasons recording the reasons as to why the company has been denied the opportunity.

3. The securitisation or reconstruction company whose registration is cancelled can prefer an appeal within thirty days from the date of communication of order, to the Central Government. The company is required to be given a hearing before rejecting the appeal.

4. Even if the application for registration is rejected or the already existing registration is cancelled, the company shall be deemed as registered, until the company pays the dues of the investors along with interest within the period as the RBI may specify.

22.4 ACQUISITION OF RIGHTS OF INTEREST IN FINANCIAL ASSETS

1. The securitisation company or the reconstruction company can acquire the financial asset of any bank or financial institution by any of the following ways:

(i) By issuing a debenture or bond or any other security in the nature of debenture for the

agreed consideration and agreed terms and conditions between the bank/financial institution and the securitisation company/reconstruction company as the case may be,

(ii) By entering into an agreement with such bank or financial institution for the transfer of financial asset to such company on terms and conditions as may be agreed between them.

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2. The securitisation or the reconstruction company can acquire financial assets without execution of any deed of assignment or transfer in its favour by the concerned bank or the financial institution. Assignment is complete on the acquiring company issuing a debenture or bond and incorporating

therein the terms and conditions of acquisition. There is no need for execution of any other document. The document to be executed requires payment of stamp duty as per the Indian Stamp Act, which is an Act of the Union of India. The said document is not required to be stamped as per the State Stamp Duty laws.

3. As stated earlier, the securitisation transaction involves two stages. The first is acquisition of financial assets and undivided interest therein. The second is issue of security receipts in favour of

the investors for the purpose of raising money from investors. 4. If the bank or financial institution is a 'lender' in relation to any financial asset acquired by the

securitisation or a reconstruction company, then such a company is deemed as lender in context with the acquired property. Therefore, all the rights of such bank or financial institution in the security vest in the company which acquired the assets.

5. The statutory provisions say that acquiring company shall be vested with all the rights of such

bank or financial institution. The provisions have excluded the liabilities. Thus, if there is any liability or commitment to be discharged from the side of bank or financial institution, it will not pass on to the securitisation or reconstruction company. Even if there is any commitment to lend further to the borrower, such commitment will not pass on to the asset acquiring company. On this issue, the Reserve Bank of India in the guidance note for securitisation companies and reconstruction companies has provided recommendatory guidance as under:

(i) Acquisition of funded assets, should not include takeover of outstanding commitments, if any, of any bank or financial institution to lend further, (ii) Terms of acquisition of the

security interest in non-fund-based transactions should provide

for the relative commitments to continue with bank or financial institute until demand for further funding arises.

6. In relation to the financial asset all contracts, deeds, bonds, agreements, power of attorney, grants

of legal representations, permissions, approvals, consents or no objections under any law or otherwise to which the bank or financial institution is a party or which are in favour of the bank or financial institution are fully enforceable upon in place of bank or financial institution by and in favour of securitisation company or reconstruction company.

7. If at the time of acquisition of an asset by the securitisation company or reconstruction company, any suit, appeal or other proceeding of whatever nature related to the asset is pending by or against

the bank or financial institution it does not get discontinued or abated or get in any way prejudicially affected because of the acquisition of asset. In such an event the suit, appeal or other proceeding can be continued, prosecuted and enforced by or against the securitisation or reconstruction company, as the case may be. If a securitisation company or reconstruction company acquires the assets of more than one bank or financial institution, where cases before different Debt Recovery Tribunals are pending, the securitisation company or reconstruction company can file an application

to any of the Appellate Tribunal under which, such DRT come for transfer of all applications to anyone of the DRT as the Appellate Tribunal may decide.

8. Following documents are involved in a securitisation transaction.

(i) Offer document: The Reserve Bank of India in its guidelines of 2003 has mentioned details about the form of offer and details to be incorporated therein. By and large the full details and particulars about the financial asset, loan details of bank, trustees' details, etc., are included. Some quarterly details are also required to be disclosed. These include details

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about profit-loss, prepayments, expenses, defaults, collection, etc., and also any other material thing affecting the securitisation arrangement.

(ii) Debenture: A debenture, for the payment of consideration, is to be paid to the bank or the

financial institution for the acquisition of financial asset from it. As per the extant guidelines from RBI, the rate of interest offered in the debenture cannot be less than one and half per cent above the Bank Rate as on the date of issue of the debentures and the period of redemption of debenture cannot exceed six years.

(iii) An agreement: It is with the originator to continue to service the assets of the securitisation. (iv) Security receipt: It is in favour of the investors.

22.5 NOTICES TO OBLIGOR AND DISCHARGE OF

OBLIGATION OF SUCH OBLIGOR

1. When the bank or financial institution decides, that the financial asset be now acquired by the securitisation or reconstruction company, a notice may be given about such an acquisition to the obligor, i.e., borrower or any other person liable to repay to the bank or financial institution. Giving

of such notice is optional and not compulsory under the Act. In case, the obligor is a company and creation of charge has been registered, then also the giving of notice to the respective registrar is optional. Thus, there is no need of modification of charge with the Registrar of Companies. However, if the bank or financial institution decides to give notice to the obligor, then notice to the ROC is required to be given when the obligor is a company.

2. If notice of acquisition as said above is given to the obligor, it is necessary that the obligor should

make payments to the concerned securitisation or reconstruction company. Such payments amount to a valid discharge of liability of the obligor making the payment.

If notice of acquisition, as said above is not given, the money or property received by the bank or financial institution from the obligor shall be held by such bank or financial institution in trust and shall be handed over to the concerned securitisation company or reconstruction company.

22.6 ISSUE OF SECURITY RECEIPTS AND RAISING OF FUNDS BY

SECURITISATION OR RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY

1. The securitisation or reconstruction company raises funds for acquisition of an asset by issue of security receipts. Only the qualified institutional buyers can buy these security receipts. The security receipts are not issued to the public. The investment and financial market in this field is very complex and much risk assessment is required to be done by the investor. The individual investor

does not possess such expertise. Therefore, the Act has debarred individuals from making an investment in securitisation or reconstruction company.

2. When the securitisation or reconstruction company decides to raise funds from qualified institutional investors following conditions apply:

(i) For each financial asset acquired or to be acquired there should be a separate scheme. (ii) Scheme-wise and asset-wise separate distinct accounts should be maintained.

(iii) Realisation of the asset is held and applied towards redemption, i.e., repayment of investments as assured while issuing the security receipt.

(iv) In case there is no realisation and repayment as said above, the qualified institutional buyers, holding not less than seventy-five per cent of the total value of the security receipts issued are entitled to call a meeting of all qualified institutional buyers making investments in that scheme and the resolutions passed in such a meeting are binding on the concerned

securitisation or reconstruction company.

(v) When the qualified institutional investors call the meeting, as said above, to decide the further course of action due to non-realisation of the asset, they have to follow the same procedure, as nearly as possible as is followed at meetings of the board of directors of the

securitisation company or reconstruction company, as the case may be. (vi) The funds raised or assets acquired out of the raised funds by the securitisation or

reconstruction company shall be held by such company in trust for the investors.

3. When separate schemes are made and funds are raised by the securitisation or reconstruction company, the provisions of SARFAESI Act do not directly provide for setting up of trusts for each scheme. However, in totality the legal effect is that there are resultant trusts in respect of each

scheme. The investors in such schemes become the beneficiaries under the trust and the company framing the scheme is the trustee, managing the trust. The Reserve Bank of India guidelines for securitisation also provide for such an arrangement. Due to such trust arrangement the money held by the company are held in trust and do not form the assets of the company. Due to this, in the eventuality of liquidation of such a company the money does not pass on to liquidator and the beneficiaries get the money on priority and distinctly.

22.7 EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION OF SECURITY RECEIPT

1. When the securitisation company or reconstruction company issues security receipts the holder of the security receipts is entitled to an undivided interest in the financial assets. In such an event the security receipt does not require registration that is otherwise compulsory under the Registration

Act, 1908. 2. However registration of the security receipt is required in following cases or eventualities,

(i) There is a transfer of the security receipt. (ii) If the security receipt is creating, declaring, assigning, limiting or extinguishing any right,

title or interest to or in an immoveable property.

22.8 MEASURES OF ASSET RECONSTRUCTION

1. Asset reconstruction means the acquisition of any right or interest of any bank of financial institution in any financial asset for the purpose of realisation. Powers to take various measures for asset

reconstruction are given without prejudice to the provisions contained in any other law. Thus, the powers given under the SARFAESI Act are subject to the provisions of all the other existing laws.

2. The measures for asset reconstruction are as under :

(i) To change or takeover of the management of the business of the borrower for proper management of business of the borrower.

Until now, the recovery actions against the defaulting borrowers were taken as a last stage and as a last resort when the unit is closed and has incurred losses. Such legal actions at the last stage when unit is unable to function do not give desired recovery. With these new provisions under SARFAESI Act, a borrowal unit that has been classified as NPA as per the applicable norms of ninety days default, but is still functioning, can be treated differently by banks and financial institutions. If the cause of default in such a unit is any mismanagement

or lack of expertise on the part of the existing management, the securitisation company or reconstruction company has the powers to takeover the management or change the management. This power can be exercised even when there is no default. On realisation of the secured debt in full the management of the business can be restored back to the borrower. When the lender lends money against a security asset and creates charge over the assets, the ownership of the asset still remains with the borrower who has

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created the charge. The lender has charge and the only objective is to have a secured

lending and getting repayment by realising the asset, (ii) To sell or lease

of a part or whole of the business of the borrower, (iii) Rescheduling of payment of debts payable by the borrower. (iv) Enforcement of security interest in accordance with the provisions of the SARFAESI Act. (v) Settlement of dues payable by the borrower, (vi) Taking possession of secured asset in accordance with the provisions of the SARFAESI

Act.

3. In respect of these powers for asset securitisation, the following important operative points need to be kept in mind.

(i) The power is not linked with any default by the borrower. Even without there being any

default these powers can be exercised, (ii) The exercise of powers is subject to existing laws. (iii) There is no provision for having an overriding effect on the loan agreements between the

bank/financial institution and the borrower. (iv) There is no civil appeal provided for against any action under this section. (v) The SARFAESI Act is silent about the grounds or reasons based on which the action of

acquisition can be taken. Therefore, loan agreements between the bank/financial institution and the borrower are required to be taken into account as provisions of this section do not have an overriding effect on existing contracts and laws.

(vi) The Act does not provide giving notice to the borrower before initiating any action under this section. However, considering a Supreme Court ruling in the Swadeshi Cotton Mills vs Union of India AIR 1981 SC 818, a hearing at pre-decisional stage must be given before

resorting to any action. The said ruling is under a different law but on similar powers of taking over of the undertaking by the Central Government. The same principle laid down in the said case, will apply to these actions. Therefore, before taking action, notice to the borrower will be required to be given.

(vii) The provisions contained in the SARFAESI Act for taking forcible possession of the assets

are applicable to the secured assets only and not to other assets.

(viii) Since the actions can be taken in accordance with the loan agreements, it is necessary that defaults as contemplated in such agreements have occurred.

(ix) If the contractual power arising out of the loan agreements to takeover or change the management or to sale or to lease the business of the borrower becomes exercisable, the same must be exercised under the provisions of the SARFAESI Act.

(x) There are cases that the controlling shares of the promoter directors are pledged with the

bank/financial institution with power to transfer and sale of such shares in case of default. In such cases, the power to change or takeover the management or sale of business of the borrower can be done by sale of such shares in accordance with the powers derived under loan agreements and the provisions of the Indian Contract Act. Provisions of SARFAESI Act will not apply to such cases because pledge and enforcement of pledge are kept outside the purview of SARFAESI Act. For such transfer and sale of shares, compliance of SEBI

regulations regarding the takeover code and other applicable laws and regulations will have to be done.

(xi) The acquisition powers under the SARFAESI Act are exercisable subject to guidelines framed by Reserve Bank of India. This provision is incorporated in the Act itself.

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22.9 OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE SECURITISATION COMPANY

OR RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY

1. Any securitisation company or reconstruction company registered under the SARFAESI Act may,

(i) Act as an agent for any bank or financial institution for the purpose of recovering their dues from the borrower on payment of fees or charges as may be mutually agreed upon between them.

(ii) Act as a manager for the secured assets, of which the possession is taken by any bank or financial institution for such bank or financial institution on fees as may be mutually agreed

upon between the parties. However, if acting such as manager gives rise to any pecuniary liability on the securitisation or reconstruction company, then no such acting as manager can be done.

(iii) Act as receiver if appointed by any Court or Tribunal.

2. The securitisation company or reconstruction company can act as stated above without the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India. For any other acts as well as business other than securitisation

or asset reconstruction prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India is required.

For the purposes of above said provisions the 'securitisation company' or 'reconstruction company' does not include its subsidiary.

22.10 RESOLUTION OF DISPUTE

1. Any dispute between the bank or financial institution and the securitisation or reconstruction company as well as with or by qualified institutional buyer relating to securitisation or reconstruction or non-payment of any amount due or interest, is required to be settled by conciliation or arbitration as provided in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The dispute may be amongst any of the three parties stated above. The Act provides that settlement of dispute through arbitration and

conciliation shall be as if the concerned parties have consented in writing for such a settlement and the provisions of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 shall apply.

2. Here it should be noted that only the said three parties are mentioned in the provision made in the Act. Obligor or borrower is not mentioned. Therefore, the provisions of mandatory arbitration and conciliation are not applicable to the dispute by or against the borrower.

22.11 POWER OF RESERVE BANK TO DETERMINE POLICY

AND ISSUE DIRECTIONS

1. If the Reserve Bank of India is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, it may determine the policy and give directions,

(i) In the public interest, or

(ii) To regulate financial system of the country to its advantage, or (iii) To prevent the affairs of any securitisation company or reconstruction company from

being conducted in a manner prejudicial to the interest of such securitisation company or reconstruction company.

2. The Reserve Bank of India directions are given to or policies are framed, in respect of the

securitisation company or reconstruction company in matters related to,

(i) Income recognition, (ii) Accounting standards, (iii) Making provisions for bad and doubtful debts,

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(iv) Capital adequacy based on risk weights for the assets,

(v) Deployment of funds by the said companies.

Whenever, the Reserve Bank of India decides the policy, and issues directions, the securitisation company or the reconstruction company is bound to follow the same as it has a statutory effect.

3. In addition to the above stated powers vested with the RBI for making policy or giving directions generally, the RBI has the powers to make policy or issue directions to any particular securitisation

or reconstruction company or a class of such companies or all such companies. In such cases, in addition to the aspects given above, on which the policy can be framed or directions can be issued, the RBI may do so on the following aspects also:

(i) The type of financial asset of a bank or financial institution which can be acquired and procedure for such an acquisition of such assets and valuation thereof.

(ii) The aggregate value of financial asset which may be acquired by any securitisation company or reconstruction company.

4. Some important points from the guidelines issued until October 2004 by the RBI are as under:

(i) On the acquisition of a financial asset that has been classified by the bank or financial

institution as a non-performing asset, the securitisation company or the reconstruction

company has to formulate a plan for realisation of such an asset within twelve months. During such a planning period, the asset can be classified as a Standard Asset, (ii)

Definition of a non-performing asset, has been linked to an overdue period, which is now

ninety days, (iii) Any entity not registered with the Reserve Bank of India under the SARFAESI Act, may

conduct the business of securitisation or asset reconstruction outside the purview of

SARFAESI Act. (i v) The securitisation company or reconstruction company can undertake activities and functions

as given in the SARFAESI Act and no other business. (v) A securitisation company or reconstruction company cannot raise money by way of deposits, (vi) At the time of enforcing securities as per provisions of the SARFAESI Act, the securitisation

company or reconstruction company may itself acquire secured assets for use or resale if such resale is through a public auction, (vii) When the asset is acquired for

reconstruction there is a limit of five years for such

reconstruction, (viii) The securitisation company or reconstruction company is permitted to set up trusts that

can issue security receipts. Trusteeship of such trusts vests in the concerned securitisation

or reconstruction company, (ix) While issuing security receipts, detailed disclosures are required to be made by the concerned

securitisation or reconstruction company, (x) The balance sheet of the asset acquiring company should disclose names and addresses of

the banks/financial institutions from whom the assets are acquired with values thereof, industry-wise and sponsor-wise dispersion of assets and related party disclosures, (xi)

Maintaining of the capital adequacy of fifteen per cent of total assets acquired or the capital of Rs. 100 crore, whichever is less.

5. The RBI has powers to call for statements and information at any time from the securitisation or reconstruction company, relating to the business and affairs of these companies as the RBI may consider necessary.

L.R.A.D-16

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22.12 LET US SUM UP

In this unit, we have seen about the functional part of the securitisation and reconstruction company. It includes the registration of these companies, their functional freedom and the RBI restrictions thereon. There are some stipulations for capital requirements and for raising the same. The existing companies require registration. There are various conditions based on which the registration is considered by the RBI. We have seen when registration of the company can be cancelled and reasons thereof. How financial assets are acquired is important and it involves detailed procedure. The effect of contracts,

deeds, suits by or against involving the security asset is also seen. There are specific documents involved and the procedure for securitisation transaction. The acquisition of asset involves the proper notice and procedure. There are conditions for raising funds from the qualified institutional investors. Issuance of security receipts and conditions/exemptions for the same is also seen. The asset reconstruction company can take various measures for realisation from the asset. The Act provides for dispute settlement between the securitisation/reconstruction company and the investor by arbitration.

RBI has powers to issue various guidelines under the Act.

22.13 KEYWORDS

Securitisation Company and Reconstruction Company; Experienced Professional Directors; Nominees of Sponsor Restrictions; No Conviction; No Controlling Interest; Prudential Norms; Notice of Acquisition; Contents and Procedure; Funds from Institutional Investors; Scheme-wise Trust; Security

Receipt; Arbitration.


1. A securitisation or reconstruction company needs registration from the RBI for commencement of business. (True or False)

2. Right of acquisition of a financial asset by the securitisation or reconstruction company is subject to the prior agreements or contracts about the asset. (True or False)

3. Acquisition of a financial asset by the securitisation company or reconstruction company is with the liability also over such an asset. (True or False)

4. Which are the four documents involved in the securitisation transaction? 5. For each asset acquired or to be acquired, by the securitisation company or the reconstruction

company there should be _________ scheme. 6. When the securitisation company or reconstruction company issues security receipts, the holder

thereof, is entitled to a _________ in the financial asset. 7. The security receipt issued by the securitisation or reconstruction company requires registration.

(True or False) 8. Any direction issued by the RBI under the SARFAESI Act has __________ effect and is

_________ on the parties concerned.


1. True; 2. False; 3. False; 4. offer document, debenture, agreement and security receipt; 5. separate; 6. undivided interest; 7. False; 8. statutory, binding.


1. After application of the SARFAESI Act what have the existing companies to do about registration with RBI?

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(a) They are automatically deemed to be registered.

(b) They are required to stop functioning. (c) Existing companies do not require registration (d) They have to get registered within six months from the commencement of the Act.

2. Which, from amongst the following, is a reason for the cancellation of registration of the securitisation company and reconstruction company without giving a hearing opportunity?

(a) The company does not keep accounts as per the RBI norms. (b) The company ceases to carry on the business of securitisation or reconstruction. (c) The company fails to hold investment from the qualified investor. (d) The company does not fulfil any of the conditions imposed at the time of registration.

Ans. 1. (d); 2. (b).

UNIT

23

ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST

STRUCTURE

23.0 Objectives

23.1 Introduction

23.2 Enforcement of Security Interest

23.3 Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or District Magistrate's Assistance for Taking Possession

of Secured Asset

23.4 Manner and Effect of Take Over of Management

23.5 No Compensation to Directors for Loss of Office

23.6 Right to Prefer Application to DRT

23.7 Appeals to Appellate Authority

23.8 Right of Borrower for Compensation and Costs

23.9 Let Us Sum Up

23.10 Keywords




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23.0 OBJECTIVES

We know that when immoveable property is obtained as security by way of mortgage for its sale and

realisation of money, Court intervention is required. Similarly, in the case of moveable property also, except for the pledged security, Court intervention is required for sale of property and realisation of money. Now with the provision of this Act, there are changes in the procedures for sale of securities. The creditor can also take the help of the District Magistrate or the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. We

will see all these provisions in this unit.

23.1 INTRODUCTION

With introduction of NPA norms and its higher levels on one side and delay in realisation of money by sale of properties through Court intervention on the other side, giving powers to the lender to enforce

security was essential, by the introduction of new suitable enactment.

The SARFAESI Act empowers banks and financial institutions to enforce securities in the event of default by the borrower without the intervention of either, the Civil Court or the Debt Recovery Tribunal. The powers so given by this Act, have an overriding effect on other laws in this respect. The powers are also over and above other remedies available for recovery, by filling appropriate proceeding either in a Civil Court or Debt Recovery Tribunal. The secured creditor has been given the option to decide

which course of action should be adopted in respect of defaulted loans.

From the angle of banks and financial institutions this unit is very important. In this unit, see about the powers to enforce the securities obtained, while lending money and realise money therefrom. These powers can be exercised by the creditor, i.e. lender without intervention of the Court.

23.2 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST

1. Under the SARFAESI Act a secured creditor can enforce the security interest created in his favour without the intervention of the Court or Tribunal. This power given to the secured creditor, has an overriding effect over the provisions related to mortgage in the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, as in that Act Court intervention is required.

2. Section 13(2) of the SARFAESI Act speaks about the notice to be given by the secured creditors to

the borrower, who has defaulted in making the repayment and whose account is classified as NPA. The precondition to get the right to serve this notice is that the notice should be given asking the borrower to discharge in full his liabilities to the secured creditors within the sixty days from the date of notice. Failing to do so by the borrower, the secured creditor gets further rights as detailed in the Act, that we will see later herein below.

3. The notice referred to above, should give the details of the amount payable by the borrower and the secured asset intended to be enforced by the secured creditor in the event of non-payment of secured debt by the borrower.

Though the Act contemplates giving of only two particulars, viz., details of amount payable and details of securities, in the notice said above, it is more proper to give the details of defaults, overdue period and the date from which the account is classified as NPA, facility-wise securities

provided for the loans and particulars of security documents executed.by the borrower. The Act or the rules made there under, have not prescribed any format of notice to be given. However, this notice is a statutory notice having consequence, that the borrower is prohibited from transferring the property mentioned in the notice in any way. Any contravention of these legal consequences, if made, by the borrower is punishable under the SARFAESI Act. So it is advisable that the notice mentions about the legal consequences and the penal provisions.

233

4. The Act does not Contemplate a reply from the borrower to the notice. But the borrower may reply or make representation to the notice, so received by him. The Supreme Court in Mardia Chemicals Ltd. case, has laid down certain guidelines about what the bank or the financial institution should do when the borrower submits any reply or representation to the said notice. These guidelines broadly are as under:

(i) The secured creditor must apply his mind to the objection raised by the borrower in reply or representation to the notice served on him by the secured creditor.

(ii) An internal mechanism must be particularly evolved to consider the reply of the borrower. (iii) There may be some meaningful consideration in the objection raised by the borrower and

the rejection of the points raised by the borrower should not be ritually followed by execution

of drastic action under the Act. (iv) The reasons for overriding the objections of the borrower must be communicated to him

by the secured creditor. (v) While directing that the reasons for the rejection must be conveyed to the borrower, the Supreme

Court has clarified that the communication to the borrower giving the reasons for not accepting the objections of the borrower does not give an occasion to resort to any proceedings, such as

a stay application, injunction, any other type of suit to restrain the creditor's actions.

After this ruling, there has been an amendment to the Act. Now, Section 13(3A) says that if the borrower on receipt of the notice under Section 13(2) from the secured creditor makes any representation or raises any objection, the secured creditor has to consider the representation or the objection and, if it is not tenable or acceptable it has to be communicated within one week to the borrower. The borrower has to be communicated the reasons for non-acceptance of the

representation or the objections. However, such communication or reasons mentioned therein by the secured creditor or the likely action as contemplated does not confer any right upon the borrower to prefer an appeal to the DRT or to any Civil Court.

5. If the borrower does not pay in full as per the notice such non-payment by the borrower gives the secured creditor right to take recourse to one or more of the following measures to recover his secured debt:

(i) Take possession of the secured assets of the borrower including the right to transfer by way of lease, assignment or sale for the realisation of money from the secured asset. This right can be exercised only when a substantial part of the business of the borrower is held as security for the debt.

(ii) Takeover the management of the secured asset of the borrower including the right to transfer

by way of lease, assignment or sale and realise the secured asset. (iii) Appoint any person as manager to manage the security assets the possession of which has

been taken over by the secured creditor. (iv) Require at any time, by giving a notice in writing, any person who has acquired the secured

asset from the borrower and from whom any money is due or may become due to the borrower, to pay to the secured creditor. Such demands from the other person will be to the

extent of secured debt. If such other person pays any amount to the secured creditor the person so paying gets a valid discharge as if he has made payment to the borrower.

6. Any transfer of secured asset effected by the secured creditor as provided under this Act, shall vest in the transferee all rights in, or in relation to, the secured asset as if the transfer has been made by the owner of such a secured asset.

7. When sale of the secured asset is made the appropriation of sale proceeds realised are required to be made in the following order:

234

(i) Firstly, towards costs, charges and expenses incidental towards preservation and protection of securities, insurance premiums, etc., that are recoverable from the borrower.

(ii) Secondly, towards the due of the secured creditors. (iii) Thirdly, if there is any surplus it will be paid to the person entitled thereto, in accordance

with the right and interests.

The above stated order of payment thus gives the right of secured creditors to realise their securities

in preference to all other creditors and even the other preferential payments like the dues payable to the Government labour, etc.

8. If the borrower pays the entire dues, costs charges and expenses incurred by the creditor at any time before the date fixed for sale or transfer, the secured creditor shall not sell or transfer the secured asset and no further steps shall be taken for sale or transfer. In cases of joint finance or consortium finance by two or more secured creditors no secured creditor can take any action of

taking possession of secured asset, unless exercise of such right is agreed upon by the secured creditors representing not less than three-fourths in value of the outstanding dues on the record date. The 'outstanding amount' shall include principal, interest and any other dues payable by the borrower to the secured creditors in respect of secured asset as per the books of account of the secured creditors. The 'record date' means the date agreed upon by the secured creditors representing not less than three-fourths in value, of the amount outstanding on such date. Any decision taken by

such creditors is then binding on all other remaining creditors.

9. In case the borrower is a company under winding up process, the dues payable to the workmen have pari passu charge with the secured creditors as provided in Sections 529 and 529A of the Companies Act. This is the exception for the priorities the secured creditor otherwise gets when he initiates recovery actions under the SARFAESI Act. The dues of the workmen are required to be

deposited from the realised amount with the liquidator. In case the dues are not ascertained or ascertainable at such a time, then the liquidator has to give an estimated amount to be deposited. The liabilities of the secured creditor to payout of the realised amount from the secured asset is not finished due to the payment of the estimated amount but the balance amount on finalisation is required to be paid.

If after the sale of the secured asset the entire dues of the secured creditors are not recovered and

still there is due balance then the secured creditor can file an application before DRT or a civil suit in a competent Civil Court. Depending on the amount to be recovered the pecuniary jurisdiction will be decided.

10. Apart from the security assets, many times the secured creditor may be holding security by way of pledge of any moveable or guarantee of any person for the due repayment of the loan amount. In

such cases, secured creditors are entitled to sell the pledged goods or proceed against the guarantor to recover the defaulted loan without initiating any actions against the security asset. Thus, the right against security under the SARFAESI Act and the one against the pledged security and proceeding against guarantor are kept separate and distinct.

11. The SARFAESI Act has given different rights to the secured creditor. The rights of a secured creditor under the Act may be exercised by one or more of its officers authorised in this behalf in

such manner as may be prescribed. As the powers of enforcing securities need to be exercised prudently, fairly, and with due care and caution the Rules framed under the SARFAESI Act provide that the authorised officer should be of the level equivalent to a Chief Manager of a public sector bank or equivalent or any other authorised person exercising powers of superintendence, direction

,s and control of the business or affairs of the creditors, as the case may be.

235

12. When the borrower receives the notice from the creditor under Section 13(2), the borrower shall

not transfer by way of sale, lease or otherwise, other than in the ordinary course of business, any

of his secured assets referred to in the notice without prior written consent of the secured creditor.

Non-compliance with this provision attracts penal provisions under the SARFAESI Act that provide

for punishment of imprisonment of one year or fine or both.

13. The provision of Section 13 at different sub-sections gives power to the secured creditor for

taking the security into possession and then sell the same. This entire process involves several

factors of fairness and technicalities. Therefore, the Rules framed under the SARFAESI Act, have

laid down certain procedural aspects in this connection. Some broad procedures and precautions

as per the Rules are as under:

(i) Inventory of the property taken into possession be made and the property must be entrusted

to any person authorised or appointed by the secured creditor, (ii) The secured creditor

shall take care of the property under his possession as an owner of

ordinary prudence, preserve and protect the secured assets and insure the same if necessary

until they are sold, (iii) If the property is subject to speedy or natural decay or the expense

of keeping such property

in custody is likely to exceed its value, then the authorised officer can sell it at once, (iv)

For taking of possession and then sale of immoveable property, the secured creditor is

required to serve a possession notice as nearly as possible as given in Appendix IV to the

Rules on the borrower and by affixing the possession notice on the outer door or at a

conspicuous place at the property, (v) The authorised officer is required to obtain a

valuation of the immoveable property before

sale, fix the reserve price after consulting the secured creditor and sell it by methods permitted

under Rule 8. (vi) The authorised officer is required to publish the possession notice in two

leading newspapers,

one of which should be in the local vernacular language, (vii) Thirty days before sale of

the immoveable property, the borrower should be given a notice

about the sale. If the sale is by public auction or by inviting tenders from the public, notice

is required to be published in two leading newspapers, one of which should be in the local

vernacular language, detailing the terms of sale, (viii) If the price for the secured asset is

coming to less than the reserve price, the authorised

officer can sell the asset at a lower price with the consent of the borrower and secured

creditor, (ix) When the offer of sale of property is accepted by the purchaser and the

secured creditor

accepting the offer confirms the sale, the purchaser has to deposit twenty-five per cent of

the offer price, (x) In case of immoveable property, the purchaser has to deposit the

amount required to clear

the encumbrance. The authorised officer then has to pay and remove the encumbrance

after giving notice to the concerned parties.

14. The authorised officer is authorised to issue the sale certificate. Such a certificate is conveyance of

immoveable property and requires stamping, as may be required under the relevant State laws.

23.3 CHIEF METROPOLITAN MAGISTRATE OR DISTRICT MAGISTRATE'S

ASSISTANCE FOR TAKING POSSESSION OF SECURED ASSET

1. When the secured creditor is required to take possession or control of the secured asset or when

the secured asset is required to be sold or transferred under the provisions of the SARFAESI Act,

236

the secured creditor can take the help of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or the District Magistrate.

For seeking such help the secured creditor has to make a request in writing to the said authority within whose jurisdiction the secured asset or documents related to it are situated.

2. On such request being made the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or the District Magistrate, as the

case may be, shall take possession of the security asset and documents relating thereto.

For compliance of the provisions of the Act as stated above, the Metropolitan Magistrate or the District Magistrate may take or cause to be taken such steps and use or cause to be used such

force as may be in his opinion necessary. Any act of the Metropolitan Magistrate or the District Magistrate for and while taking possession of the security shall not be called in question in any Court or before any authority.

A very important aspect of these provisions is that the powers of taking possession, or causing the same, are given to the judicial authority, who will take the possession and hand it over to the

secured creditor.

23.4 MANNER AND EFFECT OF TAKE OVER OF MANAGEMENT

1. When the secured creditor takes over the management of business of a borrower, he may publish a notice in a newspaper published in the English language and in a newspaper published in an Indian

language in circulation in the place where the principal office of the borrower is situated, for appointment of:

(i) If the borrower is a company as defined in the Companies Act, 1956, to be the directors of such company, or (ii) In any other case, to be the administrator of the

business of borrower.

2. On publication of such a notice, the directors of the company, in case the borrower is a company

and in other cases, the person holding any office having power of superintendence, direction and control of the business of the borrower immediately before the publication of the notice, shall be deemed to have vacated their offices. As an effect of this, any management contract between the borrower and any directors or manager thereof shall be deemed to be terminated.

3. On publication of the above said notice and then after the appointments of directors or the

administrators as stated above, all the property and effects of the business of borrower are deemed to be in the custody of the directors or the administrators so appointed, as the case may be. All the directors or the administrators are empowered to take such steps as may be necessary to take into their custody or under their control all the property, effect and actionable claims to which the borrower is entitled. Thereafter, the directors or the administrators are alone entitled to exercise all the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the business of the borrower. Such powers

are derived as if from the memorandum or articles of association of the company or from any other source whatsoever.

4. Where the management of the business of a borrower which is a company as defined in the Companies Act, 1956, is taken ever by the secured creditor, then, notwithstanding anything contained in the Companies Act, 1956 or the memorandum or in the articles of association following effects apply:

(i) The shareholders of the company can lawfully appoint any person to be a director of the

company, (ii) No resolution passed by the shareholders of the company shall be given effect to, unless

approved by the secured creditor, (iii) No proceeding for the winding up of such company or for the appointment of a receiver for

the company shall lie in any Court, except with the consent of the secured creditor.

237

5. Where the management of the business of a borrower has been taken over by 'the secured creditor', on realisation of the debt in full the secured creditor shall restore the management of the business of the borrower to him.

23.5 NO COMPENSATION TO DIRECTORS FOR LOSS OF OFFICE

No managing director or director or any person in charge of management of the business of the

borrower shall be entitled to any compensation for the loss of office or for premature termination of

any contract of management, entered into by him with the borrower. This provision has an overriding effect over any other laws or contract.

However, if any director or any other person controlling the management has to recover any amount

from borrower, it can be recovered.

23.6 RIGHT TO PREFER APPLICATION TO DRT

1. Any person, including the borrower, aggrieved by any of the measures taken by the secured

creditor or his authorised officer for taking possession of the security may make an application along with the prescribed fees, to the Debts Recovery Tribunal having jurisdiction within forty- five days from the date on which such measures are taken. There can be different prescribed fees for the borrower's application and the application from other than the borrower. The right to file an application is provided not only to the borrower but also to any person aggrieved by the action

taken by the secured creditor. 2. The Debts Recovery Tribunal has to dispose of the application, in accordance with the provisions

of the recovery of debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 and the Rules made thereunder. The application has to be disposed as early as possible, but within sixty days. If for any reason it is not possible to so dispose the application, the Tribunal has to record the reasons for delay, but such delay should not be beyond four months from the date of filing of the application.

If any such application is not disposed within four months, the aggrieved party can prefer an application to the Appellate Tribunal for seeking directions for the early disposal of the application.

23.7 APPEAL TO APPELLATE AUTHORITY

Any person aggrieved by any order made by the debts recovery tribunal can prefer an appeal along with the prescribed fees to the Appellate Tribunal within thirty days from the date of receipt of the order of debts recovery tribunal. There can be different fees prescribed for the borrower's appeal and an appeal

by anyone other than the borrower. The amendments to the Act made in November 2004 have now stipulated that no appeal can lie unless the borrower deposits fifty per cent of the debt claimed by the secured creditor. The tribunal has powers for reasons to be recorded, to reduce this amount to twenty-five per cent of the claim amount.

23.8 RIGHT OF THE BORROWER FOR COMPENSATION AND COSTS

1. If the debt recovery tribunal or the appellate tribunal, as the case may be

(i) holds that the possession of secured asset by the secured creditor is not in accordance with

the provisions of the Acts or Rules framed thereunder and (ii) directs the secured creditor

to return the secured asset to the borrower, then such borrower shall be entitled to payment of such compensation and costs as may be determined by the

tribunal or the appellate tribunal.

238

2. No pecuniary limit is fixed by the Act for the appellate jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of the DRT is Rs. 10 lakh and above under the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act,

1993. However, the SARFAESI Act does not provide any pecuniary limit. Therefore, appeal before the DRT against the actions initiated by the secured creditors in cases even below Rs. 10 lakh would lie.

23.9 LET US SUM UP

In this chapter, we have seen the details about enforcement of securities by banks and financial institutions and the procedural requirements thereof. We have discussed how, on default being committed by the borrower, the creditor can enforce the securities as per provisions of the Act. For this no Court intervention is required as earlier. The service of notice calling for payment and on failing to pay, the creditor can invoke the provisions for the take over of the asset/management. After the notice, transfer

by the borrower is prohibited. The reply to the notice needs consideration on lines with Supreme Court directions as in Mardia case. Creditor can also call for payment due to the borrower from a third party. For the remaining dues after sale of assets, the remedy at Civil Court or DRT are open as per jurisdiction. For initiating various actions under the Act there is need of an authorised person. While taking possession of the asset, various precautions are required to be taken. For talcing possession, help of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate or District Magistrate can be taken. In such an event the possession is taken

by such authorities and handed over to the creditor. Against the possession notice, appeal can be made but on payment of the amount as prescribed. If possession is wrongfully taken, the creditor has to pay compensation to the borrower. For appeal to the tribunal fifty per cent of the debt amount is required to be deposited.

23.10 KEYWORDS

Enforcement of Security; Notice for Default; Contents; Take Over Management; Payment in Hands of Third Party; Consortium/Joint Finance; Payment of Labour; Pari Passu; Independent Remedy.

by any securitisation company or reconstruction

company of any right or interest of the creditor in any

2. SARFAESI Act is applicable to the Regional Rural Banks. (True/False)

3. Mortgage or asset backed debt instruments can be issued by the securitisation company or reconstruction company to the general public. (True/False)

4. A guarantor to the loan is within the meaning of the word borrower under SARFAESI Act. (True/False)

5. SARFAESI Act is applicable only when there is security. (True/False) 6. Has SARFAESI Act defined hypothecation and whether the Act is applicable to hypothecation

security? (True/False)


1. acquisition, financial assistance; 2. False; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. True


1. On giving of a default notice by the creditor, the borrower gives a reply to it. What should the

creditor do?


1. Asset reconstruction means _____

239

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(a) Ignore the notice as the law does not provide for any reply option to the bank.

(b) Wait until the borrower initiates any legal action based on his reply.

(c) Give due consideration to the reply as per the guidelines issued in the Mardia Chemical case

by the Supreme Court and reply to it.

(d) Take the matter before DRT for resolving issues raised in the reply.

2. On sale of the security asset, the sale proceeds are appropriated firstly.

(a) Towards the satisfaction of dues of secured creditor.

(b) Towards the payment of dues of labour.

(c) Towards payment of cost, charges and expenses for the preservation and protection of

securities, insurance premiums, etc.

(d) Towards payment of legal costs incurred by the creditor for taking possession and for

effecting sale.

Ans. 1. (c); 2. (c).

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CENTRAL REGISTRY

STRUCTURE

24.0 Objectives

24.1 Introduction

24.2 Central Registry

24.3 Central Registrar

24.4 Register of Securitisation, Reconstruction and Security Interest Transactions

24.5 Filing of Transactions of Securitisation, Reconstruction and Creation of Security Interest

24.6 Modification of Security Interest Registered

24.7 Satisfaction of Security Interest

24.8 Right to Inspect Particulars of Securitisation, Reconstruction of Security Interest

Transactions

24.9 Let Us Sum Up

24.10 Keyword




242

24.0 OBJECTIVES

The SARFAESI Act has brought in a new concept of security and the enforcement of security. For a proper noting and registering of the charges created in favour of the secured creditors against the properties that would eventually be enforced, the charges created need to be noted with authority. It is like the charges noted with the Registrar of Companies in case of charges created against the property of the Company. This unit deals with the central registry created under the SARFAESI Act.

24.1 INTRODUCTION

The creation of a security interest in property has gained importance and significance with the provisions of the SARFAESI Act. It has given various powers to the creditor. The securitisation and reconstruction companies will be carrying on transactions of a different nature in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Therefore, both of these need an authentic registration. In this unit, we will see about the central registry with whom the transactions above and the creation of charges over security will be required to be registered. In this unit, we will see the provisions about the same.

24.2 CENTRAL REGISTRY

1. The Central Government is authorised to set up or cause to be set up a 'Central Registry' by issue of notification from such date as may be specified in the notification for the purpose of registration of following transactions:

(i) Securitisation and reconstruction of financial assets (ii) Creation of security interest under the SARFAESI Act.

Maintaining the records of the 'Registry' on computers is permissible under the Act. The Government can also establish branch offices at other places. The Government has the authority to decide the territorial jurisdiction of these offices for the purpose of registration.

2. There are some other Acts which require registration of certain things and charges. These Acts are:

(i) Registration Act, 1908 (ii) Companies Act, 1956

(iii) Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (iv) Patents Act, 1970

(v) Designs Act, 2000 (vi) Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

The registration contemplated before the central registry is in addition to the respective registrations contemplated under the above stated six Acts or any other Act. Thus, the registration under SARFAESI Act is not in substitution of the other registrations required under different laws. This is obvious because the purpose and effect and consequence of registration are different under different respective Acts. The registration under different laws will have priority of charge depending on the provisions of respective registration laws.

24.3 CENTRAL REGISTRAR

The Central Government has to appoint by notification a person as central registrar for the purpose of registration contemplated under the Act. The Central Government is also empowered to appoint such other officers with such designations as it thinks fit for the purpose of discharging various duties for registrations under the Act.

24.4 REGISTER OF SECURITISATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND SECURITY INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

A record shall be maintained at the central registrar at the head office of the central registrar in which transactions relating to

243

(i) Securitisation of financial assets,

(ii) Reconstruction of financial assets,

(iii) Creation of security interests shall be maintained.

The record of central registrar can be kept fully or partly on computer, floppies, diskettes, or any

other electronic form. Any entry made with the central registrar shall be a reference to any such

transaction. The central registrar shall have the control and management of the central register.

24.5 FILING OF TRANSACTIONS OF SECURITISATIQN,

RECONSTRUCTION AND CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

Under the SARFAESI Act, now filing of details of transactions of securitisation, reconstruction and the

creation of security interest is required to be filed with the central registrar. The period of filing such

details in proper form as may be prescribed, is thirty days after the date of transaction or the creation

of security. The central registrar has to prescribe fees for such filing. The particulars are required to be

filed as stated above by the securitisation company or the reconstruction company or the secured

creditor, as the case may be. The delay in filing the said particulars can be condoned by the central

registrar for a period of next thirty days after the first thirty days prescribed, on payment of fees not

more than ten times of the prescribed fees.

24.6 MODIFICATION OF SECURITY INTEREST REGISTERED

Whenever any security interest is registered with the central registrar is modified, the modification is

required to be filed before central registrar. It is the duty of the securitisation or the reconstruction

company or the secured creditor to file the modification. For filing the modification same provisions as

are made for registration of charge apply. This means, modification will have to be filed within thirty

days in the prescribed forms with prescribed fees. Delay condonation will be for a period of next thirty

days on payment of fees not more than ten times of the prescribed fees.

24.7 SATISFACTION OF SECURITY INTEREST

1. The security interest registered with the central registrar is required to be satisfied on the payment

of full amount by the borrower. The duty to report satisfaction is on the securitisation or

reconstruction company or the secured creditor, as the case may be. The reporting is required to

be done within thirty days of payment in full or satisfaction of the charge.

2. On receipt of the satisfaction of the charge the central registrar is required to cause a notice to be issued

to the securitisation or reconstruction company or the secured creditor, calling upon to show cause

within a time not exceeding fourteen days as to why the payment or satisfaction should not be recorded

as intimated. If no cause is shown then the central registrar has to order that a memorandum of

satisfaction shall be entered in the central register. If any cause is shown the central registrar shall record

a note to that effect in the central register and shall inform to the borrower about it.

24.8 RIGHT TO INSPECT PARTICULARS OF SECURITISATION,

RECONSTRUCTION OF SECURITY INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

The particulars of securitisation or reconstruction or security interest entered in the central register are

open for inspection by any person during office hours on payment of fees as may be prescribed. Same

is applicable if the data is kept in the electronic form at the office of the central registrar.

L.K.A.B-17

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24.9 LET US SUM UP

Central Government has to set up or cause to set up central registry for registration of securitisation

and reconstruction transaction and creation of security interest. Registration under other applicable laws will continue. All transactions and creation of security interest needs to be noted. Modification and satisfaction also needs noting in prescribed form with payment of fees.

24.10 KEYWORD

Central Registry.


1. After coming into operation, the provisions relating to central registry the banks and financial institutes will have to register all security interests created in the asset. (True/False)

2. The period stipulated in the Act for filing details of security interest is __________ days. 3. Duty to report satisfaction of charge to the central registrar is on creditor or on the borrower?


1. True; 2. 30; 3. Creditor.


1. Besides the SARFAESI Act, some other laws require some registration of charge created in the property. Is such double registration avoidable?

(a) Yes, the creditor can choose under which law he needs registration. (b) No, registration under the SARFAESI Act as well as any other applicable law will have to be

made as the SARFAESI Act is not substitution of any other law.

(c) Yes, if one charge noting is by a registered document. (d) No, as the Civil Courts and DRT still have jurisdiction against the properties both registrations

are required.

Ans. 1. (b)

tion

ible

and

OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

rial

the

)be

STRUCTURE

25.0 Objectives

25.1 Introduction

25.2 Penalties

25.3 Penalties for Non-compliance of Directions of Reserve Bank of India

25.4 Offences

25.5 Cognisance of Offences

25.6 Let Us Sum Up

25.7 Keyword




ons

246

25.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to know the penal provision of the Act. For effective implementation of the law and as a deterrent step to prevent improper actions by parties concerned penal provisions are kept in laws.

25.1 INTRODUCTION

The Act has given many statutory obligations. If anything said in the law is not acted upon or is not followed there is a breach of the legal provisions. So there are penalties provided in the Act. In this chapter, we will see about the offences and penalties. It also gives details about which Court should be dealt with for imposition of penalty for breach of provisions of the Act.

25.2 PENALTIES

Section 23 of the Act provides for filing of the particulars of charge created. Section 24 has provides for modification of the charge filed and the Section 25 has provides that the satisfaction of the charge has to be intimated to the central registrar. If the securitisation or reconstruction company or the secured creditor fails to perform any of the duties as stated above, the company and the officers concerned for the default, as per provisions of this section, are punishable with a fine that may extend to five thousand rupees for each day during which the default continues.

25.3 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF

DIRECTIONS OF RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

Under the Section 12 of the SARFAESI Act, the Reserve Bank of India is statutorily empowered to issue directions to the securitisation or reconstruction company. If any such company fails to comply with any of the directions issued by the Reserve Bank of India, then such company is punishable with a fine not exceeding Rs. 5 lakh for the default. In case of further continuation of the offence, an additional fine up to Rs. 10,000 per day of the default can be imposed.

25.4 OFFENCES

If any person:

1. contravenes, or

2. attempts to contravene, or

3. abets the contravention of the provisions of the SARFAESI Act or rules made thereunder, he shall

be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to one year or with a fine or both.

The Act has made various provisions where duties are cast on the borrower, the secured creditor, the securitisation and the reconstruction company. Any contravention of these provisions is punishable as stated above under the provisions of this section.

25.5 COGNISANCE OF OFFENCES

Section 30 provides that cognisance of the offence under the SARFAESI Act shall be taken by the Metropolitan Magistrate or the Judicial Magistrate of First Class only. No Court below rank than this can take cognisance of such offences.

25.6 LET US SUM UP

If the charges created, modified and satisfied are not intimated to the central registrar it is an offence.

The securitisation company or the reconstruction company is required to perform various duties under

the Act. Breach thereof is also an offence. The punishments are up to Rs. 5,000 for each day of default. Breach of RBI directives is also punishable by a fine up to Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 10,000 for continuation per day. Any general infringement of provisions of SARFAESI Act is punishable with imprisonment for one year or fine or both.

25.7 KEYWORDS

Offences for Breach.


1. Is there any punishment provided in the Act for not following RBI directions? (Yes/No)

2. Can the Honorary Magistrate take cognisance of offence under the SARFAESI Act?


1. Yes; 2. No


1. Whether breach of RBI directives is punishable offence and to what extent?

(a) Yes, a fine up to Rs. 5 lakh and for continuation of offence a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 per

day. (b) Yes, by cancellation of licences of the company. (c) No, these are the administrative directions. (d) No, the Act has not provided for any punishment in specific.

Ans. 1. (a)

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

STRUCTURE

26.0 Objective

26.1 Introduction

26.2 Non-Applicability of the Provisions of the SARFAESI Act in Certain Cases

26.3 Protection of Action Taken in Good Faith

26.4 Offences by Companies

26.5 Civil Court not to have Jurisdiction

26.6 Overriding Effect on Other Laws

26.7 Limitation

26.8 Power of the Central Government to Make Rules

26.9 Certain Provisions of the Act to Apply after Central Registry is Set Up or Cause

to be Set Up

26.10 Amendments to Certain Other Enactments

26.11 Let Us Sum Up




250

26.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the exceptions of securities to which this Act is not applicable. At the same time, the person or the organisation utilising the provisions and powers given under this Act should know about the legal protections the Act has given when it is implemented properly and in good faith. At the same time, if any of the provisions are not followed, then it has penal provisions also.

26.1 INTRODUCTION

In this unit, we will see some miscellaneous provisions about implementation of the Act. Section 31 gives some exclusions of securities to which the Act is not applicable. For creditor it is important to note these exclusions. The Act has given many strict powers to take possession of security, change of management, etc. These require some hard steps to be taken. So the person exercising the rights under the Act needs a legal protection. Section 32 gives such protection for action taken in good faith under the Act. Similarly, to curb the tendency of the borrowers to go to Civil Court or any other authority and bring injunctions, stay, orders for status quo, etc., the Act has barred the jurisdiction of Civil Court as well as other authorities for the matters covered by this Act. The unit also deals with offences, limitation period for actions, overriding effect on other laws, Central Government powers to make rules and some such provisions for effective implementation of the Act.

26.2 NON-APPLICABILITY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE SARFAESI ACT IN CERTAIN CASES

The object of the SARFAESI Act is to give powers to the banks and financial institutions to enforce the securities given to the loans and advances by the borrowers without the intervention of the Court. It should be noted that the securities not in possession of the bank or financial institution are only covered by this Act. The securities in possession of the secured creditors are not covered by this Act and provisions of the Act are not applicable to them.

Therefore, the Section 31 gives the exclusions for securities that can be taken possession of and to some other specific securities to which the Act is not applicable. These exclusions, to which the provisions of the Act are not applicable, are

(i) A lien, on any goods, money or security given by or under the Indian Contract Act, 1872 or the

Sale of Goods Act, 1930 or any other law for the time being in force. (ii) A pledge of movable, within the meaning of Section 172 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. (iii) Creation of security interest in any vessel as defined within the meaning of Section 3(55) of the

Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. (iv) Creation of security in any aircraft as defined in Section 2 of Aircraft Act 1934. (v) Any conditional sale, hire-purchase or lease or any other contract in which no security interest

has been created. (vi) Any rights of unpaid seller under Section 47 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. (vii) Any properties not liable for attachment or sale under the first proviso to Section 60(1) of the

Civil Procedure Code, 1908. (viii) Any security interest for securing repayment of any financial asset not exceeding one lakh rupees, (ix) Any security interest created in agricultural land, (x) Any case, in which the amount due is less than twenty per cent of the principal amount and

interest thereunder.

26.3 PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH

The secured creditors and their officers are protected for actions taken in good faith by the provisions made in the Act. For initiating actions under the Act no suit, prosecution or any other legal proceeding

251

can be taken against the secured creditor or his officers. This protection is given so that actions contemplated and authorised under SARFAESI Act, can be taken without fear of counteraction from

the borrower or any other person having interest in the property.

26.4 OFFENCES BY COMPANIES

1. If a company and its officers commit any offence under the provisions of the SARFAESI Act the

same is punishable. There are provisions in the Act that cast some statutory obligations. If these statutory obligations are not observed then there is contravention of the Act which amounts to offence. If any offence is committed under the provisions of this Act by a company, such company, as well as any person who is in charge of the business of the company, are deemed to be guilty of the offence and they are liable to be prosecuted and punished. It is permissible for a person acting for the company to prove that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had

exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. In such cases and on proving his stand the person concerned shall not be punishable. If such offence is committed with the consent or connivance of any director or officer of the company, such director or officer shall be deemed to be guilty for the offences along with the company.

2. The penal provisions are applicable to all categories of borrowers such as individuals, partnership firms, companies incorporated under the Companies Act or any other association of individuals.

The Act has clarified, that company includes a partnership firm or other association of individuals and the expression director includes a partner of a firm.

26.5 CIVIL COURT NOT TO HAVE JURISDICTION

1. The SARFAESI Act has conferred jurisdiction on many matters to the debts recovery tribunal

or the appellate tribunal. Therefore, for any such matters where empowerment and jurisdiction is to the debts recovery tribunal or the appellate tribunal, no Civil Court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceedings. Similarly, any Court or authority cannot grant injunction in such matters and actions taken, or to be taken, under this Act as well as under Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993. Due to such provisions the implementation of the Act becomes effective.

26.6 OVERRIDING EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS

The provision of this Act has overriding effect on any other laws if the provisions in the other law are inconsistence with this Act. If for any particular point, the provisions of this Act and in some other Act are inconsistent with each other, a question will come as to which provisions are to be followed, when

both such Acts are applicable to that particular point. The Act, therefore, provides that the provisions of the SARFAESI Act will have overriding effect on the other Act. Mainly, such inconsistencies are in the Transfer of Property Act and the Registration Act. The provisions the SARFAESI Act will apply, overriding the provisions in those Acts.

26.7 LIMITATION

The actions that secured creditor can take against the security under the SARFAESI Act are required to be taken within the limitation as per Section 36 of the Limitation Act. That means, the action has to

be taken within three years from the date on which the cause of action arose.

Due to the provisions of this section, all secured creditors are required to take measures such as taking possession of the securities, provided their claim is within the period of limitation. It will be necessary

252

for the banks and financial institutions to comply with the limitation aspect. If after sale of securities the claim is not fully satisfied and still there are any dues to be recovered from the borrower, the creditor is required to file civil suit before the Civil Court or a claim before the debt recovery tribunal within the limitation period. Therefore, the secured creditor will have to make an assessment, before taking possession of the security, whether it would be possible to sell the security and make an eventual

claim for shortfall within the limitation period.

26.8 POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE RULES

1. For carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Central Government can frame rules and notify

them in the Official Gazette. The Act also allows the Government to notify the rules in the Electronic Gazette as defined in the Information Technology Act, 2000, i.e. on the website of the Government.

2. Whenever the Government makes a rule under the Act, the rule is so required to be kept before each House of Parliament, while in session for a total period of thirty days. Both the Houses should agree to the rules as framed and they can make modifications therein or decide not to make the

rules. The rule gets the validity in the manner as decided by both the Houses. If already made rules are modified or cancelled, then any act done under the then existing rule does not get vitiated or modified in any way.

26.9 CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ACT TO APPLY AFTER

CENTRAL REGISTRY IS SET UP OR CAUSE TO BE SET UP

The provisions contained in sub-Sections (2) to (4) of Sections 20 and 21 to 27 that provide for registration of the security interest created, satisfaction of charge, etc., are applicable only after the central registry is set up or caused to be set up by the Central Government.

26.10 AMENDMENTS TO CERTAIN OTHER ENACTMENTS

For effective purpose of this Act, it has amended some related provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and The Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985.

The amendments are as under:

1. Section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 is amended for the purpose of declaring any securitisation company or reconstruction company registered with the Reserve Bank of India as a Public Financial Institution within the meaning of Section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956.

2. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 is amended at Clause (h) of Section (2 )for

including security receipt as defined in Clause (zg) of Section 2 of the SARFAESI Act. 3. Amendment to The Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 is made to provide

that

(i) no reference to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) shall lie, where financial assets are acquired by any securitisation company or reconstruction company under

sub-Section 5 of the SARFAESI Act, and

(ii) for the purpose of providing that a reference pending before BIFR shall abate if the secured creditors, representing not less than three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding, take any measures to recover their secured debt under sub-Section (4) of Section 13 of SARFAESI Act.

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26.11 LET US SUM UP

The Act is applicable to securities not in possession of the creditors. We have seen a list of securities to

which the Act is not applicable. Contravention of the provisions of the Act is punishable. Act has dealt with the situations for offences committed by individuals, partnerships and a company. By debarring Civil Court or any other authority for jurisdiction for giving injunction, etc., the implementation of the Act is made effective by removing legal hindrance, which otherwise the borrower can bring. We have also seen how and when the Act has an overriding effect. The Act has provided that the provisions of

the Limitation Act are applicable for the actions under this Act also. The Central Government has powers to make rules for procedural implementation of the Act. The central registry is not yet formed and the provisions relating to the registrations required under Sections 21 to 27 are not yet made applicable. The chapter also has dealt with the powers of the Central Government to remove difficulties that may arise while giving effect to the provisions of the Act and about the amendments made in the other Acts by this Act.


1. For challenging an action initiated by secured creditor against the defaulting borrower under the SARFAESI Act, the borrower can go to the Civil Court for an injunction. (True/False)

2. Can the bank take action under SARFAESI Act against a deposit under lien with it? (Yes/No) 3. Are hire-purchase and lease contracts covered under SARFAESI Act? (Yes/No) 4. After the bank's notice a defaulting borrower has paid within sixty days a substantial amount and

the present dues are Rs. fifteen lakh which is fifteen per cent of the claimed amount. Can bank proceed to take possession of the security? (Yes/No)

5. If on some point the provisions of the Transfer of Property Act and the SARFAESI Act are

different, which Act will prevail? 6. Can a bank proceed to take possession of the security after four years of cause of action?

(Yes/No)


1. False; 2. No; 3. No; 4. No; 5. SARFAESI Act; 6. No


1. Provisions of the SARFAESI Act are applicable to which of the following?

(a) Pledged goods. (b) Only mortgaged properties. (c) Securities that are not otherwise charged to the creditors. (d) Securities charged to creditors and not in possession of the creditor.

2. When the rules, framed by the Central Government, under the Act get validity?

(a) After the appellate tribunal of DRT approves them. (b) On Supreme Court approving the same. (c) Immediately on framing of the rules by the Government and notifying the same. (d) When both the Houses of Parliament approve the Rule so framed.

Ans. 1. (d); 2. (d)

THE BANKING OMBUDSMAN SCHEME, 2006: PURPOSE, EXTENT, DEFINITIONS, ESTABLISHMENT AND POWERS

STRUCTURE

27.0 Objective

27.1 Introduction

27.2 Object of Scheme and Extent

27.3 Definitions

27.4 Appointment and tenure

27.5 Territorial Jurisdiction and Location of Office

27.6 Secretariat

27.7 General Powers of Banking Ombudsman

27.8 LetUsSumUp

27.9 Keywords




256

27.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the purpose of introduction of the scheme, viz., 'The Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006, various words and the terms used in the scheme and how the appointment of banking ombudsman is done, its establishment and powers.

27.1 INTRODUCTION

In this unit, we will see the definitions of the words used in the scheme. The definitions are important, as they have an assigned meaning in the scheme and these words are used in the scheme in the context of definitions. If the definitions are well mastered, it is easy to understand the scheme. We will also see the provisions relating to establishment of office of banking ombudsman. The RBI decides his appointment and other terms of office, his secretariat, his powers, etc. The RBI also decides the territorial jurisdiction of the banking ombudsman. The scheme has come in force with effect from 1 January 2006.

27.2 OBJECT OF SCHEME AND EXTENT

1. The scheme was introduced with the following objectives:

(i) To resolve complaints relating to banking services and to facilitate the satisfaction or settlement of such complaints, (ii) Resolve disputes between a bank and its constituents as well as

amongst banks, through the

process of conciliation, meditation and arbitration.

2. The scheme extends to the whole of India. It is applicable to the banks in India. The Reserve Bank has the authority to suspend the operation of the scheme fully or partly for such period as may be specified in the order. Such suspension, may be general or in relation to any specified bank. The period of suspension can be extended if deemed fit by the Reserve Bank.

27.3 DEFINITIONS

1. 'Award' means an award passed by the banking ombudsman in accordance with this scheme. 2. 'Appellate Authority' means the Deputy Governor in charge of the department of the RBI

implementing the scheme. 3. 'Authorised Representative' means a person duly appointed and authorised by a complainant to

act on his behalf and represent him before a banking ombudsman, for consideration of his complaint.

4. 'Banking Ombudsman' means any person appointed under Clause No. 4 of the scheme. 5. 'Bank' means,

• a banking company, • and includes a corresponding new bank, • a Regional Rural Bank, • State Bank of India and its Subsidiary banks as defined in Part I of the Banking Regulation Act,

1949, • and also includes a scheduled primary co-operative bank and included in the second Schedule

to the RBI Act, 1934 having a place of business in India.

6. 'Complaint' means a representation in writing or through ELECTRONIC MEANS containing a

grievance, alleging deficiency in banking service. 7. 'Settlement' means an agreement reached by the parties either by conciliation or mediation under

the Scheme.

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27.4 APPOINTMENT AND TENURE

The Reserve Bank may appoint one or more of its officers in the rank of Chief General Manager or General Manager to be known as the banking ombudsmen to carry out the functions entrusted to them by or under the scheme. This appointment may be made for a period not exceeding three years at a time.

27.5 TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AND LOCATION OF OFFICE

1. The Reserve Bank shall specify the territorial limits to which the authority of each of the banking ombudsman shall extend.

2. The office of the banking ombudsman will be located at such places as may be specified by the Reserve Bank.

3. The banking ombudsman may hold sittings at such places within his area of jurisdiction as may be considered necessary and proper by him, in respect of a complaint or reference before him.

27.6 SECRETARIAT

(i) The Reserve Bank shall depute such number of its officers and other staff to the office of the banking ombudsman as considered necessary to function as the secretariat of the banking ombudsman.

(ii) The cost of the secretariat will be borne by the Reserve Bank.

27.7 GENERAL POWERS OF BANKING OMBUDSMAN

The banking ombudsman shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) to receive complaints relating to banking services (b) to consider such complaints relating to the deficiencies in the banking and other services and

facilitate their satisfaction or settlement by agreement through conciliation and mediation between the bank and the aggrieved parties or by passing an award in accordance with the scheme.

27.8 LET US SUM UP

The object of the scheme makes clear the purpose behind introduction of the scheme. We have seen

the definitions of different words used in the scheme. The definition of words have importance as they are used in a particular context in the scheme. We have seen the provisions about appointment and tenure of banking ombudsman. The RBI is the authority for appointment and deciding terms of appointment, etc. RBI also decides the territorial jurisdiction of the banking ombudsman. We have seen about his powers and duties and how he has to deal with the complaint.

27.9 KEYWORDS

Conciliation; Meditation.


1. Disputes amongst two banks can be taken up before the banking ombudsman. (True/False) 2. Co-operative banks are not covered by the banking ombudsman scheme. (True/False) 3. Banking ombudsman is appointed by a committee of Supreme Court Judges. (True/False) 4. It is not within the powers of banking ombudsman to deal with the complaint unless both parties

agree for his intervention. (True/False)

258


1. True; 2. False; 3. False; 4. False


1. What is the object of introducing the banking ombudsman scheme, 2006?

(a) For effective monitoring of the NPA accounts in the banks. (b) It is the RBI agency to regulate the disputes amongst the banks.

(c) To enable resolution of complaints relating to banking services. (d) For executing the orders passed by the DRT.

2. Complaints relating to non-acceptance of small denomination notes by a bank, can be made to a banking ombudsman: (a) Such small denomination notes and coins to be deposited with the Reserve Bank.

(b) They may be deposited with a bank having a currency chest facility. (c) Banking ombudsman can deal with the complaints under the scheme. (d) The complainant can seek no remedy at all through banking ombudsman, but has to approach

the consumer disputes redressal machinery.

3. Complaints can be made against promises made by sales agents but not fulfilled by the bank represented by them under the banking ombudsman Scheme 2006?

(a) No complaint is admissible as he is not the employee of the bank. (b) The sales agent has no authority to make any promise and hence the bank is not bound to

fulfil them. (c) The banking ombudsman can entertain the complaint under the scheme. (d) Agency functions are outside the purview of the banking ombudsman scheme.

Ans. 1. (c); 2. (c); 3. (c)

PROCEDURE FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCE

STRUCTURE

28.0 Objective

28.1 Introduction

28.2 Grounds of Complaint

28.3 Procedure of Filing Complaint

28.4 Power to Call for Information

28.5 Settlement of Complaint by Agreement

28.6 Award by the Banking Ombudsman

28.7 Rejection of the Complaint

28.8 Proceeding Before the Review Authority

28.9 Banks to Display Salient Features of the Scheme for Common Knowledge of Public

28.10 Let Us Sum Up

28.11 Keywords




260

28.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the procedure adopted by the banking ombudsman for

dealing with the grievance of the complainant. A banker must know, on what issues and matters

complaint can be filed.

28.1 INTRODUCTION

From procedural point of filing a complaint and the manner of dealing with it, this unit is very important. The aspects on which a complaint can be filed are exhaustive and cover all of the services the bank offers to its customers. The grounds include some matters related to loans and advances also. Though there cannot be a complaint for not sanctioning a loan, it can be for non-observance of RBI directives, delay in decision, interest rate directives and non-acceptance of a loan application. In a broader sense, the aspects also cover what the customers expect from the bank about its declared

services. For effectively dealing with the complaint the banking ombudsman has powers to call for information from the parties concerned. The complaint needs to be in writing and supported by documents and declarations as given in the scheme. The limitation period for filing a complaint is one year.

28.2 GROUNDS OF COMPLAINT

A complaint on any of the following grounds alleging deficiency in banking service may be filed

with the banking ombudsman having jurisdiction:

(i) non-payment/inordinate delay in the payment or collection of cheques, drafts, bills, etc;

(ii) non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of small denomination notes or coins tendered

for any purpose, and for creating a charge of commission in respect thereof; (iii) non-payment or delay in payment of inward remittances; (iv) failure to issue or delay in issue of drafts, pay orders or bankers cheques; (v) failure to honour a guarantee or letter of credit commitments; (vi) failure to provide or delay in providing a banking facility (other than loans and advances)

promised in writing by a bank or its direct selling agents; (vii) delays, non-credit of proceeds to parties accounts, non-payment of deposit or non-observance of the Reserve Bank directives, if any, applicable to rate of interest on deposits in any savings, current and other account maintained with a bank; (viii) delay in receipt of export proceeds, handling of export bills, collection of bills etc., for

exporters provided that the said complaints pertain to the bank's operations in India; (ix)

complaints form non-resident Indians having accounts in India in relation to their remittances

from abroad, deposits and other bank related matters; (x) refusal to open deposit accounts without any valid reason for refusal; (xi) levying of charges without adequate prior notice to the customer; (xii) non-adherence by the bank or its subsidiaries to the instructions of Reserve Bank on ATM/

Debit card operations or credit card operations;

(xiii) non-disbursement or delay in disbursement of pension (to the extent the grievance can be attributed to the action on the part of the bank concerned, but not with regard to its employees); (xiv) refusal to accept or delay in accepting payment towards taxes, as required by Reserve

Bank/Government; (xv) refusal to issue or delay in issuing, or failure to service or delay in servicing or redemption

of Government securities; (xvi) forced closure of deposit accounts without due notice or without sufficient reason;

261

(xvii) refusal to close or delay in closing the accounts; (xviii) non-adherence to the fair practices code as adopted by the bank;

(xix) any other matter relating to the violation of the directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India in relation to banking services.

2. Complaints concerning loans and advances may also be filed, only in so far as they relate to the following:

(i) non-observance of Reserve Bank of India directives on interest rates.

(ii) delays in sanction, disbursement or non-observance of prescribed time schedule for disposal

of loan applications.

(iii) non-acceptance of application for loans without furnishing valid reasons to the applicant, (iv) non-observance of any other directions or instructions of the Reserve Bank of India, as may be specified by it from time to time.

3. The banking ombudsman may also deal with such other matter as may be specified by the Reserve Bank of India from time to time in this behalf.

28.3 PROCEDURE FOR FILING COMPLAINT

1. Any person who has a grievance against a bank relating to the banking services for reasons as detailed above, may himself or through his authorised representative other than an advocate make a complaint to the banking ombudsman within whose jurisdiction the branch or office of the bank complained against is located. Complaints arising out of the operation of credit cards shall be filed before the banking ombudsman within whose jurisdiction the billing address of the complainant is

located.

2. The complaint shall be in writing, duly signed by the complainant or his authorised representative. The complaint shall be in a form specified in Annexure - A of the scheme and shall state clearly following particulars:

(i) The name and address of the complainant

(ii) The name and address of the branch or office of the bank against which the complaint is

made

(iii) The facts giving rise to the complaint (iv) The nature and extent of the loss caused to the complainant (v) The relief sought from the banking ombudsman

3. No complaint to the banking ombudsman shall lie unless

(a) the complainant had before making a complaint to the banking ombudsman made a written representation to the bank and either the bank had rejected the complaint or the complainant had not received any reply within a period of one month after the bank concerned received his representation or the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given to him by the bank;

(b) the complaint is made not later than one year after the cause of action has arisen as per Clause (a) above;

(c) the complaint is not in respect of the same subject matter which was settled through the office of the banking ombudsman in any previous proceedings;

(d) the complaint does not pertain to the same subject matter, for which any proceedings before any court, tribunal or arbitrator or any other forum is pending or a decree or award

or a final order has already been passed by any such competent court, tribunal, arbitrator or forum;

(e) the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious in nature;

262

(f) It is made before the expiry of the period of limitation prescribed under the Indian Limitation Act 1963 for such claims.

28.4 POWER TO CALL FOR INFORMATION

1. The banking ombudsman may require the bank named in the complaint or any other related bank to provide any information or furnish certified copies of any document relating to the subject matter of the complaint that is or is alleged to be in the possession of such bank. In the event of the failure of a bank to comply the requisition without any sufficient cause, the banking ombudsman may draw the inference that the information, if provided or copies if furnished, would be unfavourable

to such bank. 2. The banking ombudsman shall not disclose any information or document to any person except

with the consent of the person furnishing such information or document. However, the banking ombudsman may disclose information or document furnished by a party in complaint to the opposite side of the complaint, to the extent considered by him to be reasonably required to comply with the principles of natural justice and fair play in the proceedings.

28.5 SETTLEMENT OF COMPLAINT BY AGREEMENT

1. The banking ombudsman has to serve a notice of the receipt of complaint along with a copy of the

complaint to the branch or office of the bank named in the complaint. He has to attempt for a settlement of the complaint by an agreement between the complainant and the bank through conciliation or mediation.

2. For the purpose of promoting a settlement of the complaint, the banking ombudsman may follow such procedures as he may consider appropriate and he shall not be bound by any legal rule of

evidence. 3. The proceedings before the banking ombudsman shall be summary in nature.

28.6 AWARD BY THE BANKING OMBUDSMAN

1. If a complaint is not settled by agreement within a period of one month from the date of receipt of the complaint or such further period as the banking ombudsman may consider necessary, he may pass an award after affording the parties a reasonable opportunity to present their case. He shall be guided by the evidence placed before him by the parties, the principles of banking law and practice, directions, instructions and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India from time to time and such other factors which in his opinion are necessary in the interest of justice.

2. The award passed under the sub-clause above shall state the direction(s), if any, to the bank for specific performance of its obligations in addition to the amount to be paid by the bank to the complainant by way of compensation for the loss suffered by him and may contain any direction to the bank.

The banking ombudsman shall not give any direction(s) in the award under sub-clause above regarding payment of compensation in excess of that which is necessary to cover the loss, suffered by the complainant, as a direct consequence of the commission or omission of the bank, or for an amount exceeding Rs. 10 lakh whichever is lower.

3. In case of complaints relating to credit card operations, the banking ombudsman shall take into account the loss of complainant's time, expenses incurred by the complainant, financial loss,

harassment and mental anguish suffered by the complainant, while determining the amount of compensation. ;

263

4. A copy of the award shall be sent to the complainant and the bank named in the complaint. An

award shall not be binding on a bank against which it is passed unless the complainant furnishes to it within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of copy of the award, a letter of acceptance of the award in full and final settlement of his claim in the matter. If the complainant does not accept the award passed by the banking ombudsman and fails to furnish his letter of acceptance within such time, without making any request for extension of time to comply with such requirements, the award shall lapse and be of no effect.

5. The bank shall within one month from the date of receipt by it, of the acceptance in writing of the award by the complainant comply with the award and intimate the compliance to the banking ombudsman.

28.7 REJECTION OF THE COMPLAINT

1. The banking ombudsman may reject the complaint at any stage if it appears to him that the complaint made is:

(i) frivolous, vexatious, mala-fide; or (ii) without any sufficient cause; or

(iii) that it is not pursued by the complainant with reasonable diligence; or ! (iv) prima facie, there is no loss or damage or inconvenience caused to the complainant; or (v) beyond the pecuniary jurisdiction of the banking ombudsman under the scheme

2. The banking ombudsman may reject a complaint at any stage, if after consideration of the complaint and evidence produced before him the banking ombudsman is of the opinion that the complicated nature of the complaint requires consideration of elaborate documentary and oral evidence and the proceedings before the banking ombudsman are not appropriate for adjudication of such a complaint. The decision of the banking ombudsman in this regard shall be final and binding on the complainant of the bank.

28.8 PROCEEDING BEFORE THE APPELLATE AUTHORITY

1. Any person aggrieved by the award has the right to prefer an appeal against the award before the appellate authority within forty-five days form the date of receipt of the award. The appellate authority is empowered to allow a further period not exceeding thirty days on his being satisfied

that the appellant had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal in time. In case the appeal is by the bank, the filing of appeal should have been with the previous sanction of the Chairman or in his absence the Managing Director or Executive Director or the Chief Executive Officer or any other officer of equal rank.

2. The appellate authority after giving the parties a reasonable opportunity of being heard, may pass the following orders:

(a) dismiss the appeal; or (b) allow the appeal and set aside the award; or

(c) remand the matter to the banking ombudsman for fresh disposal in accordance with such directions as the appellate authority may consider necessary or proper; or

(d) modify the award and pass such directions as may be necessary to give effect to the award so modified; or

(e) pass any other order as it may deem fit.

The order of the appellate authority has also the same effect as that of the award of the banking

ombudsman.

264

28.9 BANKS TO DISPLAY SALIENT FEATURES OF

THE SCHEME FOR COMMON KNOWLEDGE OF THE PUBLIC

1. The banks covered by the scheme shall ensure that the purpose of the scheme and the name and address of the banking ombudsman to whom the complaints are to be made by the aggrieved party

are displayed in all the branch/office premises. 2. The banks covered by the scheme are required to ensure that a copy of the scheme is made

available with the designated officer of the bank for perusal in the office premises of the bank. There should be a notice displayed at each office of the bank about the availability of the copy of the scheme with such a designated officer.

The banks covered by the scheme are required to appoint nodal officers at their Regional/Zonal

offices and inform the respective office of the banking ombudsman. The nodal officer appointed shall be responsible for representing the bank and furnishing information to the banking ombudsman in respect of complaints filed against the bank.

28.10 LET US SUM UP

We saw the grounds on which a complaint can be filed. It touches all aspects of banking services. It

relates to some issues about loans and advances also. The procedural part of filing and dealing with the complaint is material and needs to be well noted. We have seen how the information required by the banking ombudsman can be called and how he deals with the complaint. How an award is passed. For awareness of the public, a notice about the scheme is required to be displayed at each office along with copy of the scheme.

28.11 KEYWORDS

Banking Ombudsman.


1. Bank can refuse acceptance of small denomination notes from the customer and therefore, on

this ground there cannot be a complaint to banking ombudsman. (True/False) 2. On valid grounds bank can refuse the opening of a new account, but on this ground, complaint

before the banking ombudsman is maintainable. (True/False)

3. Can a prospective borrower go before the banking ombudsman for non-sanction of his loan by the bank? (Yes/No)

4. Banking ombudsman has powers to call for any information and certified copies from bank when he is dealing with the complaint.

5. For settling the complaint the banking ombudsman is bound by legal rules of evidence. (True/False)

6. What is the maximum amount the banking ombudsman can award as compensation? (No limit / 10 lakh)

7. Limitation period for filing of the review application against the award given by the banking ombudsman is _________ days. (60/45 days)


1. False; 2. False; 3. No; 4. Yes; 5. False; 6. Rs 10 lakh; 7.45

265

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1. Can a customer from whose account someone fraudulently has withdrawn money make a complaint

before the banking ombudsman?

(a) No, as the offence committed, is of criminal nature, FIR with police has to be filed.

(b) Yes, but if the police authorities who have received the FIR permit filing of the complaint

with ombudsman.

(c) Yes, as this aspect comes under the powers of the banking ombudsman.

(d) No, as the loss caused to the customer is of a civil nature for recovery, civil suit is required

to be filed.

2. Reserve Bank and the Central Government may forward a complaint to the banking ombudsman?

(a) The right to complaint is given to the complainant only.

(b) Neither the Reserve Bank nor the Central Government has the right to refer the matter to the

banking ombudsman under the scheme.

(c) Reserve Bank and the Central Government are empowered to send the complaint received

by them to the banking ombudsman.

(d) Only an individual's complaint can be sent by the Reserve Bank and the Central Government.

3. Can the complaint be filed through an advocate as the authorised representative of the complainant?

(a) Advocates are not allowed to act as authorised representatives of the complainants under

the scheme.

(b) Advocates can file the complaint, provided he has been given the vakalatnama by the party.

(c) Advocates can appear for the parties as they can present the case well before the banking

ombudsman.

(d) Advocates are allowed to appear only if the party does not stay within the jurisdiction of the

banking ombudsman.

Ans: 1. (c); 2. (c) and 3. (a).

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UNIT

29

RECOVERY OF DEBTS DUE TO BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1993 (DRT ACT) PRELIMINARY

STRUCTURE

29.0 Objective

29.1 Introduction

29.2 Constitutional Validity of the Act

29.3 Preamble, Extent, Commencement, Application and Definitions

29.4 Let Us Sum Up

29.5 Keywords




268

29.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the purpose of this specific legislation viz., Recovery of

Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (DRT Act 1993). This is an Act enacted to

cope up with the much felt requirement of time. The Act is quite procedural in nature.

29.1 INTRODUCTION

Recovery of the dues from the borrowers through courts was a major cause of concern for the banks and financial institutions due to huge back log of pending cases with various courts. Even in recovery of decreed debts, considerable difficulties were faced by them prior to the passing of this Act in 1993

it was observed and felt that the existing laws are not adequate to solve the issues faced by the banks and financial institutions, and huge assets were blocked as unproductive assets. Besides, in this process of recovery considerable manpower of the banks and financial institutions gets involved wasting their productivity. Because of delays involved in finalising of cases the industrial assets were getting damaged and deteriorating in value in 1991, the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (DRT Act, as commonly known or called) was passed and it came into operation from 24 June

1993. This Act constituted the special, 'Debt Recovery Tribunals' for speedy recovery.

In this unit, we will see how the Act received legal challenges and subsequent declaration of the Act as constitutionally valid by the Supreme Court. We will also see the definitions of different words used in the Act.

29.2 CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY OF THE ACT

The constitutional validity of the Act was challenged by the Delhi High Court Bar Association before the Delhi High Court. The Delhi High Court decided the law to be unconstitutional, void and hit by Article 14 of the Constitution. The High Court held that the Civil Courts who are directly under control and superintendence of the High Court have been deprived of their jurisdiction and, therefore, it is against

the theme of the Constitution and independence of the judiciary.

However, on appeal in Union of India vs Delhi High Court Bar Association (2002)4 SCC 274, the Supreme Court decided in favour of the constitutional validity of the DRT Act. The Supreme Court observed that the Parliament alone can enact law in regard to banking business which includes recovery of bank's dues and for that purpose setting up adjudicatory body like the Banking Tribunal is valid.

A question of applicability was referred to the Supreme Court regarding the applicability of this Act to

co-operative banks. However, it was decided that DRT mechanism is not applicable to dues of Co-operative banks since the recovery mechanism in those banks is separate and if working satisfactorily.

29.3 PREAMBLE, EXTENT, COMMENCEMENT, APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS

1. The preamble to the DRT Act describes the Act as, 'An Act to provide the establishment of tribunals for expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.'

2. The Act is applicable to the whole of India except the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The Act is made

applicable from 24 June 1993, through the DRTs were established progressively across the country.

The Act is applicable for the debt due to any bank or financial institution or a consortium of them,

when the debt is above Rupees ten lakh. The Central Government may, by notification make the Act applicable to such other amount of debt not less than rupees one lakh. At present there is no notification from the Government about any other amount of debt less than Rupees ten lakh. Therefore, the jurisdiction of the DRT Act is to the debt above Rupees ten lakh.

269

3. Some important definitions as per this Act are as under:

(i) 'Appellate Tribunal'It is a body established for the purpose of preferring an appeal against the order passed by the tribunal. It is established under the sub-Section (1) of Section 8 of the

Act. (ii) 'Application' means an application made to a tribunal for recovery of the debt, under section

19. (iii) 'Appointed day' in relation to a tribunal or an appellate tribunal, means the date on which such

tribunal is established. (iv) 'Bank' means, a banking company, a corresponding new bank, i.e., bank commonly known

as Nationalised Bank established with the Act that Nationalised them, State Bank of India and its subsidiary bank or a Regional Rural Bank.

(v) 'Chairperson' means a chairperson of an appellate tribunal appointed under Section 9. (vi) The important definition is about the 'debt'. As the purpose of the Act is to have faster recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions, it is important to define the debt to decide the jurisdiction of the tribunal under DRT Act As per the definition given at Section 2(g) the expression

'debt' shall cover following categories of debts of the banks and financial institutions: (i) any liability inclusive of interest, whether secured, (ii) any liability inclusive of interest, whether insecured, or (iii) any liability payable under a decree or order of any Civil Court or any arbitration award

or otherwise, or (iv) any liability payable under a mortgage and subsisting on and legally recoverable on the

date of application.

What constitutes debt has been interpreted by different courts in many cases. In G.V. Films vs UTI [2000] 100 Compo Cases 257 (Mad) (HC), it was held that payment made by the bank by mistake is a debt. In the State Bank of India vs S.S. Engineering Corporation [1998] 1 BC 702 (Mad), it was held, that money overdrawn from a bank account without any overdraft facility is a debt recoverable under the DRT Act.

The Supreme Court in United Bank of India vs DRT [1999] 4 SCC 69, held that if the bank had alleged in the suit that the amounts were due to it from respondents as the liability of the respondents had arisen during the course of their business activity and the same was still subsisting, it is sufficient to bring such amount within the scope of definition of debt under the DRT Act and is recoverable under that Act. However, if an employee commits fraud and misappropriation of money, the amount recoverable

from him is not a debt within the meaning of DRT Act, Bank of India vs Vijay Ramniklal AIR 1997 Guj. 75.

(vii) 'Financial institution' means a public financial institution within the meaning of Section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 and securitisation and reconstruction company and such other institutions as the Central Government may, by notification, specify, (viii) 'Presiding Officer'

means the presiding officer of the Debts Recovery Tribunal appointed

under sub-Section (1) of Section 4.

(ix) 'Recovery Officer' means a recovery officer appointed by the Central Government for each tribunal under the sub-Section (1) of Section 7. These officers are appointed under the Act for implementing the recovery orders passed by the Tribunal.

29.4 LET US SUM UP

There was need to have an effective law for recovery. Prior to this Act, the recovery laws were found inadequate. Huge assets of the banks' were involved in recovery because of huge pendency with

270

various courts. Introduction of the NPA norms aggravated the problems. This affected the financial sector. The Act was introduced in 1993. Initially, Delhi High Court decided the Act as constitutionally invalid. Supreme Court then decided the Act as valid. Applicability to co-operative banks was decided

only recently by Supreme Court. Preamble to Act states that Act is for expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts. The Act is applicable from 24 June 1993 and is applicable to debts above Rs 10 lakh. In this chapter we have seen the definition of words which are very important and used in the context of this Act.

29.5 KEYWORDS

Unproductive Assets; DRT Act; Presiding Officer; Recovery Officer.


1. DRT Act is applicable only if the debt recoverable is above Rs. __

_.(Rs. 151akh/Rs. 10 lakh)

2. The debt recoverable through DRT may be secured or insecured. (True/False) 3. Overdrawn amount in an account is not a debt recoverable under DRT Act. (True/False) 4. If a Civil Court has passed a decree it has to be executed through that court only and cannot come

to recovery tribunal. (True/False)


1. Rs. 10 lakh; 2. True; 3. False; 4. False.


1. A bank has allowed a current A/c holder an ad hoc overdraft of Rs. 15 lakh. The amount is due.

Whether this is recoverable under provisions of DRT Act?

(a) No, as it is not a regular loan. (b) No, as only secured loans can be recovered under the DRT Act. (c) Yes, as it is a legally recoverable amount by the bank. (d) Yes, but if the tribunal grants special permission to lodge the case.

Ans. 1. (c)

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ESTABLISHMENT OF TRIBUNAL AND APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

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STRUCTURE

30.0 Objective

30.1 Introduction

30.2 Establishment of Tribunal

30.3 Composition of Tribunal

30.4 Qualification for Appointment as Presiding Officer and Term of Office

30.5 Staff of Tribunal

30.6 Establishment and Composition of Appellate Tribunal

30.7 Qualification for Appointment as Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal and Term of Office

30.8 Filling up of Vacancies at Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal

30.9 Finality of Orders Constituting Tribunal or an Appellate Tribunal

30.10 Let Us Sum Up

30.11 Keywords




272

30.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand about the appointment of the tribunals, appellate tribunals and their powers.

30.1 INTRODUCTION

For implementation of the Act, establishment of the authorities and conferring on them required powers is essential. Their jurisdiction is also to be decided. All these powers are with the Central Government. Appellate authorities are also required to be set up. All the authorities need the appropriate staff. In this unit we will see about all these establishment aspects.

30.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRIBUNAL

The Central Government is empowered to establish one or more tribunal to be known as debt recovery tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on such tribunal by or under this Act. The section also empowers the Central Government to decide and specify the areas within which the tribunal may exercise jurisdiction for entertaining and deciding the applications filed before it. When the Government exercises these powers and takes such decisions they are notified in the Official

Gazette of the Government.

30.3 COMPOSITION OF TRIBUNAL

The tribunal is made up of only one person called presiding officer and the appointment is done by the

Central Government by issuing a notification.

The Central Government by notification has the powers to authorise the presiding officer of one

tribunal to discharge also the functions of the presiding officer of another tribunal.

30.4 QUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS

PRESIDING OFFICER AND TERM OF OFFICE

1. A person is qualified for appointment as presiding officer of a tribunal if he is, or has been, or is qualified to be appointed as a District Judge.

2. The presiding officer of a tribunal holds office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier.

30.5 STAFF OF TRIBUNAL

The Central Government shall provide the tribunal with one or more recovery officer and such other officers and employees as the Government may think fit. The staff so appointed shall work under the general superintendence of the presiding officer.

30.6 ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION OF APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

1. The Central Government is empowered to establish one or more appellate tribunals, to be known as

debt recovery appellate tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on such tribunal by or under this Act. The Central Government is also empowered to decide and specify the areas within which the tribunal may exercise jurisdiction for entertaining and deciding the applications filed before it. The person occupying the office of the appellate tribunal is called as

the chairperson, appointed by the Central Government.

273

2.

For administrative convenience, the Central Government has the powers to authorise the chairperson of one appellate tribunal to discharge also the functions of the chairperson of another appellate tribunal. As said earlier the Government decisions are required to be notified in the Official Gazette. Appellate tribunal consists of only one person called as Chairperson and the appointment shall be done by the Central Government.

30.7 QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRPERSON OF

THE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL AND TERM OF OFFICE

1. A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the chairperson of an appellate tribunal unless he

(i) is, or has been, or is qualified to be a Judge of a High Court;

(ii) has been a member of the Indian legal service and has held a post in grade I of that service

for at least three years; or (iii) has held office as the presiding officer of a

tribunal for at least three years.

2. The chairperson of an appellate tribunal shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on

which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.

30.8 FILLING UP OF VACANCIES AT TRIBUNAL AND APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

If there occurs any vacancy at tribunal or appellate tribunal, that is not of a temporary nature, the Central Government may fill up such vacancy in accordance with the provisions of the Act. When such appointments are made the proceedings going on and continued before the earlier presiding officer of

the tribunal and chairperson of the appellate tribunal continue further from the stage where they were.

30.9 FINALITY OF ORDERS CONSTITUTING TRIBUNAL

OR AN APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

No order of the Central Government appointing any person as the presiding officer of the tribunal or the chairperson of the appellate tribunal shall be called in question in any manner. Similarly, no act or proceeding before the tribunal or the appellate tribunal can be questioned in any manner on the ground, merely of any defect in the constitution of a tribunal or the appellate tribunal.

Presiding officer or chairperson can by a three months written notices, resign his office. They cannot be removed, unless by an order of the Central Government on ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after inquiry.

30.10 LET US SUM UP

Debt recovery tribunals were established by the Central Government. The Government also decides their jurisdiction. The Tribunal consists one member called as presiding officer appointed by the Central Government. Eligibility for appointment as presiding officer is a minimum of a district Judge. The term

is five years or sixty-two years. One or more recovery officers are provided to the tribunal by the Central Government. For filing an appeal the Central Government appoints the appellate recovery tribunal and a person heading it is called chairperson. Qualification of chairperson must be a minimum High Court Judge or presiding officer of tribunal for minimum three years. The appointment is for five years or age of sixty-five years. The unit also includes the provisions about filling up of vacancies. The presiding officer and the chairperson can resign from the office. The authorities cannot be removed

from the office unless proven misbehaviour or incapacity after enquiry.

274

30.11 KEYWORDS

Jurisdiction of Tribunal; Appellate Tribunal; Chairperson.


1. Debt recovery tribunals are established by _______

2. Debt recovery tribunals consist benches of three persons. (True/False)

3. Jurisdiction of appellate tribunal is with the respective High Courts. (True/False)


1. Central Government; 2. False; 3. False.


1. Can the order of Central Government in the appointment of the presiding officer of the tribunal be challenged in any Court?

(a) Yes, before the appellate tribunal. (b) No.

(c) No, unless the High Court permits for it. (d) Yes, under Constitution Article 226 before the High Court.

Ans. 1. (b)

UNIT

31

JURISDICTION, POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF TRIBUNALS

STRUCTURE

31.0 Objective

31.1 Introduction

31.2 Jurisdiction, Powers and Authority of Tribunals

31.3 Bar of Jurisdiction of Civil Courts

31.4 Let Us Sum Up

31.5 Keywords


L.R.A.B-19

276

31.0 OBJECTIVE I --------------------------- --------------------------- i

The objective of this unit is to know the jurisdiction, powers and authority of the Tribunal and Appellate

Tribunal.

31.1 INTRODUCTION

In any Act the jurisdiction, powers and authority of the judicial authorities is well defined. In this unit,

we will see these points related to Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal. Very important provision is that for the matters where DRT has jurisdiction the Civil Courts are debarred from entertaining any case.

31.2 JURISDICTION, POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF TRIBUNALS

1. Whenever the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal is established from its appointed day, i.e., date

from which they function is declared in the notification, they exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority to entertain and decide applications or appeals, as the case may be, from the banks and financial institutions for and about recovery of debts due to them.

As already seen to have jurisdiction of Tribunal the claim for recovery of the debt must be above Rupees ten lakh, including principal and interest.

In Bank of India vs Harshadrai Odhavji Mody [2002] 40 SCL 20, Bombay High Court has held that

an application for execution of the decree of foreign court can be entertained by the Debt Recovery Tribunal.

2. Chairperson of Appellate Tribunal is given general power of superintendence and control over the Tribunals under his jurisdiction. The chairperson can transfer any application from any Presiding Officer within his jurisdiction to any other Presiding Officer within his jurisdiction, on receiving

application for transfer of case or even on his own motion. However before such transfer, he has to give notice to the parties and hear them. He also has power of appraising work of presiding officers, under his control.

31.3 BAR OF JURISDICTION OF CIVIL COURTS

1. From the date of establishing the Tribunal, i.e., the appointed day, no court or other authority shall have any jurisdiction, powers or authority to deal within any way in recovery cases above Rupees ten lakh. Thus the Civil Courts or any other authority will loose and will not have the jurisdiction for cases where due amount recoverable is above Rupees ten lakh by banks and financial institutions. However, this is not applicable to High Courts and Supreme Courts exercising jurisdiction under

Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution. 2. The relevant date of bar of jurisdiction by the court or other authority is not the date when this Act

came into application. The date is since when the Tribunal is established having jurisdiction in that particular area. In Bhanu Construction Company Ltd. vs Andhra Bank [2002] 37 SCL 769, a question came whether the order passed by a Civil Court after coming into force of the DRT Act but before establishing the Tribunal is valid on jurisdiction point or not. The Supreme Court held

that order passed by the Civil Court prior to establishment of a Tribunal but after commencement of DRT Act was well within the jurisdiction of the Civil Court.

31.4 LET US SUM UP

The Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal function from the appointed day, which is declared in notification. Their powers, duties and jurisdiction is well declared and defined. High Courts and Supreme Courts,

however, have jurisdiction under Constitution Articles 226 and 227.

277

31.5 KEYWORDS

Tribunal; Appointed Day; Jurisdiction; Powers; Authority; High Court; Spreme Court; Jurisdiction.


1. A decree passed by the foreign court can be executed by the Tribunal. (True or False)

2. For reasons the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal can transfer any case from one Tribunal to

other Tribunal within his jurisdiction. (True or False) 3. For the matters for which the Tribunals are empowered the Civil Courts have no jurisdiction.

(True or False)

PROCEDURE OF TRIBUNALS

STRUCTURE

32.0 Objective

32.1 Introduction

32.2 Application to the Tribunal

32.3 Appeal to the Appellate Tribunal

32.4 Deposit of Amount of Debt Due, for Filing Appeal

32.5 Procedure and Powers of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal

32.6 Limitation

32.7 Let Us Sum Up

32.8 Keywords




280

32.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to know the procedure followed at the Tribunals for dealing with the cases

before them.

32.1 INTRODUCTION

Filing of the application before DRT and its dealing with application involves procedural aspects. The

procedure has various stages and requirements that need to be followed very strictly. This unit gives

such procedure.

32.2 APPLICATION TO THE TRIBUNAL

1. The purpose for filing application is for recovery of the debt due to them. The procedure has to be followed properly and the interim relief and remedies are required to be properly prayed for.

2. When a bank or a financial institution has to recover any debt from any person/entity, it may make an application to the Tribunal [Section 19(1)] within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,

(i) the defendant at the time of making application for loan reside or carry on business or

personally works for gain; or (ii) any of the defendant, where there are more than one defendant, reside at the time of making

application for loan or carry on business or personally works for gain; or (iii) the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises.

3. Where a bank or a financial institution has filed application under Section 19(1) before the Tribunal for recovery of its debt and if from the same person another bank or financial institution has also

to recover any debt, then such later bank or financial institution may join the applicant bank or financial institution in already filed application at any stage of the proceedings before the final order is passed [Section 19(2)] by making an application.

4. Every application to be filed before the Tribunal under Section 19(1) or 19(2) shall be in such form and accompanied by such documents or other evidence and by such fee as may be prescribed. However, when the Civil Suit already filed is transferred to the Tribunal as provided in Section 31

(1) of the DRT Act no fees is required to be paid. This is because the plaintiff had already paid court- fees while filing the civil suit and the transfer of cases is due to statutory changes [Section 19(3)].

5. On receipt of application under sub-Section (1) or (2) the Tribunal has to issue summons to the defendant requiring him to show cause within thirty days of the service of summons as to why the relief prayed for should not be granted [Section 19(4)].

6. The defendant has to present a written statement on or before the first hearing or within such time

as the Tribunal may permit [Section 19(5)]. 7. If the defendant claims any amount from the applicant and to have a set off against the applicant's

demand with ascertained sum of money legally recoverable by him from such applicant, the defendant on the first date should make such claim in the written statement. If the claim is not made on the first hearing at the time of filing of written statement then it can be made only if permitted by the Tribunal [Section 19(6)].

8. When the written statement contains claim and set-off the written statement has the same effect as a plaint in a cross-suit so as to enable the Tribunal to pass a final order in respect of both the original claim and on set off [Section 19(7)].

9. A defendant in his application, in addition to his right of pleading a set off under sub-Section (6) may set up a counter claim against the claim of the applicant. Such counter-claim can be for any

right 6r claim in respect of cause of action accruing to the defendant against applicant. But such

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10. A counter-claim filed under sub-Section (8) has the same effect as a complaint in a cross-suit so as to enable the tribunal to pass a final order in respect of both the original claim and on counter-claim [Section 19(9)].

11. The applicant is at liberty to file a written statement to the counter-claim of the defendant within such period as may be fixed by the tribunal [Section 19(10)].

12. If the applicant wants to contend that the counter-claim made by the defendant ought not to be disposed as a counter-claim but be disposed in an independent action, he should make application to that effect before the tribunal before the issues are settled. The tribunal on hearing such application, may pass such order as it deems fit [Section 19(11)].

13. The tribunal may pass an interim order against the defendant to debar him from transferring, alienating or otherwise dealing with or disposing of any property or assets belonging to him without

the permission of the tribunal. Such an order may be by way of injunction or stay or attachment [Section 19(12)].

14. If at any stage of the proceeding the tribunal is satisfied by the affidavit or otherwise that the defendant, with intent to obstruct or delay or frustrate the execution of any order, for the recovery of debt that may be passed against him [Section 19(13A and 8)],

(i) is about to dispose of the whole or any part of his property, or

(ii) is about to remove the whole or any part of the property from the local limits of the

jurisdiction of the tribunal, or (iii) is likely to cause any damage or mischief to the property or affect its value by misuse or

creating third party interest the tribunal may direct the defendant to furnish security of the value of the property or to place said property at the disposal of tribunal or value of the same, sufficient to satisfy the debt or to appear before the tribunal and show cause why he

should not furnish security.

If the defendant fails to show cause why he should not furnish security or fails to furnish security required, the tribunal may pass order for attachment of the whole or part of the property offered as security to the applicant or other property owned by the defendant, sufficient for recovery of debt.

15. When the applicant wants that the properties of the defendant should be attached, he is required to specify the property required to be attached and the estimated value thereof [Section 19(14)J.

16. The tribunal can pass a conditional attachment order, of whole or part of the property as the case may be and as required [Section 19(15)].

17. Sub-Section (13) has contemplated that the attachment order can be passed on satisfying the tribunal on the points mentioned in that sub-Section by affidavit or otherwise. If any attachment order is passed without complying the requirements of sub-Section (13), then such order is void [Section 19(16)].

18. The tribunal has power to pass interim orders, attachment orders, etc., under sub-Sections (12), (13) and (18). If there is any breach of the orders so passed by the tribunal, the tribunal may order that the properties of the person guilty of the breach of the order be attached and the person be detained in civil prison for a term not exceeding three months [Section 19(17)].

19. If the tribunal finds it just and convenient, it may by order [Section 19(18)]

(i) appoint a receiver of any property, whether before or after grant of certificate for recovery

of debt; (ii) remove any person from the custody or possession of the property; (iii) give possession, custody or management of the property to the receiver;

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(iv) confer powers to the receiver in respect of the property given in his possession for bringing suits or defend it, file applications, collection of rents and profits, preservation, realisation, management, protection, execution of documents, etc., and as the tribunal may deem fit;

(v) appoint a commissioner for preparation of an inventory of the properties of the defendant or for sale thereof.

20. If the recovery certificate is granted against a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956, the tribunal may order that the sale proceeds of such company be distributed among its secured creditors as provided in Section 529A of the Companies Act, 1956 and surplus, if any, be paid to the company [Section 19(19)].

21. The tribunal may, on giving opportunity to both the sides of being heard, pass interim or final order for payment of amount including interest thereon [Section 19(20)].

22. The tribunal is required to send a copy of every order passed by it to the applicant and the defendant [Section 19(21)].

23. The presiding officer of the tribunal has to issue a certificate under his signature to the recovery officer for recovery of the amount of debt specified in the certificate [Section 19(22)].

24. When the property of the defendant against whom the certificate of recovery is issued is situated in the local limits of jurisdiction of more than one tribunal, the tribunal issuing the recovery certificate will send copies of the recovery certificate to such other tribunal in whose jurisdiction the property is situated. If the tribunal which receives such certificate finds that it has no jurisdiction to comply with the certificate of recovery, it shall be returned back to the tribunal who has issued the same [Section 19(23)].

25. The sub-Section provides that the application received by the tribunal for recovery of debt shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible and it should be attempted that the application is disposed of finally within 180 days from date of receipt of application [Section 19(24)].

26. The tribunal may make such orders and give such directions as may be necessary or expedient to give effect to its orders as well as to prevent abuse of its process or to secure the ends of justice [Section 19(25)].

In S. Ravindran vs DRT [1999] 95 Compo Cas. 825, the Karnataka High Court has held that the purpose of the Act is to ensure expeditious disposal of application, long and liberal adjournments should not be granted.

27. The DRT (Procedure) Rules at Rule 12(6) provide that DRT can order that any fact may be proved by affidavit and once affidavit is submitted tribunal will allow cross-examination of the witness only, if in the opinion of the tribunal it is necessary to do so. In the event of witness not appearing then the affidavit shall not be taken as evidence. Even prior to this rule coming into operation, due to amendment in the case of Union of India vs Delhi High Court Bar Association AIR 2002SC 1479, the Supreme Court has held, that if evidence is taken by way of an affidavit, it is not mandatory for the tribunal to require production of witness for cross-examination. The Supreme Court also observed that when the Supreme Court and High Courts decide the matters on the basis of documents and affidavits, there is no reason why the Tribunal should not decide likewise.

In Keshrimal Jivji Shah and another vs Bank of Maharashtra [2004 (2) D.R.T.C. 682] the Bombay High Court has held that if any transfer of property is made in violation of the injunction order issued by the Court of Law it is no transfer at all as it confers no right, title or interest in transferee and the transfer is void.

32.3 APPEAL TO THE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

1. Any person aggrieved by the order passed by the Tribunal or deemed to have been passed by the

Tribunal under DRT Act, may prefer an appeal to an Appellate Tribunal having jurisdiction in the

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matter. However, if the order was made by the Tribunal with the consent of the parties no appeal shall lie.

2. The appeal is required to be filed within forty-five days from the date on which copy of the order is received. At the time of filing the appeal as per Section 21 of the DRT Act, 50% of the amount (Max.) shown as due in the order passed by the Tribunal is required to be deposited by the appellant. The appeal is required to be in the form prescribed and along with the prescribed fees. The appeal filed after forty-five days may be entertained by the Appellate Tribunal if it is satisfied about the cause for not filing the appeal in time.

3. On receipt of the appeal the Appellate Tribunal after giving hearing to both the parties pass such orders as it thinks fit either confirming or modifying or setting aside the order passed by the Tribunal. Every order made by the Appellate Tribunal is sent to the parties to the appeal and to the Tribunal concerned.

4. The appeal filed before the Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible and it should be attempted that the appeal is disposed of finally within six months from date of receipt of appeal.

In Anamika vs DRT [2001] 104 Compo Cas. 273 (Kar) (HC) (DB) it was held that when once the case is transferred from the Civil Court to the Tribunal appeal shall lie with the Appellate Tribunal only and the contention of the party that he still continues to be governed by Civil Procedure Code and can file appeal accordingly is not tenable.

5. There is no provision in the Act for further appeal against the order passed by the Appellate Tribunal. However writ jurisdiction of High Court under Article 226 and supervisory jurisdiction of High Court as well as Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court are not barred.

32.4 DEPOSIT OF AMOUNT OF DEBT DUE FOR FILING APPEAL

1. When the defendant against whom the Debt Recovery Tribunal has passed recovery order wants to prefer appeal to the Appellate Tribunal, he is required to deposit 75 per cent of the amount determined by the Tribunal. Without such payment no appeal can be filed. However, the Tribunal has right to reduce or waive such payment for the reasons to be recorded in writing.

2. As the purpose of the Act is to have a fast track remedy for recovery of loans given by banks and financial institutions, the condition of deposit of 50% of the amount found due by the Tribunal is in accordance with the purpose of the Act. Otherwise the remedy of the appeal will be routinely used by the borrowers to delay the recovery procedure and actual recovery.

32.5 PROCEDURE AND POWERS OF THE TRIBUNAL

AND THE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

1. The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal are not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Civil Procedure Code, 1908. It further provides that they shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and subject to the provisions of this Act and Rules there under, shall have powers to regulate their own procedure.

2. The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal are for the purpose of discharging their functions under the Act, have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit. Such powers are in respect of summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath, requiring the discovery and production of documents, receiving evidence of affidavits, issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents, reviewing its decisions, dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex-parte, setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it ex-parte any other matter which may be prescribed.

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3. The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal are deemed to be a Civil Court for all purposes of Section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Any proceeding before Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal is deemed to be a judicial proceeding.

32.6 LIMITATION

For application to be filed before the Tribunal the Limitation Act, 1963 apply. This means that the application must be filed by the bank or the financial institution within three years from cause of action.

32.7 LET US SUM UP

Bank has to file application for recovery of loan taking into consideration jurisdiction and cause of action. Other bank or financial institution can join the application. Application has to be with fees, documents and evidence. For transfer from Civil Court to Tribunal no fresh fee is required as transfer is due to effect of law. The section has given elaborate provisions for summons and hearing. Tribunal can pass interim orders to prevent defendant from transferring his property. The section also gives the procedure for issuing recovery certificate. There are provisions for appeal to Appellate Tribunal. However for preferring appeal 50% of the amount determined by the Tribunal is required to be deposited. The Limitation Act applies for the DRT cases which means bank has to file the recovery application within three of the cause of the action.

32.8 KEYWORDS

Application for Recovery; Cause of Action; set off Claim at First Date; Counter-claim; Interim Order; Injunction; Attachment of Property; Receiver; Recovery Certificate.


1. DRT jurisdiction for a bank is where the head office of the bank is located. (True/False) 2. If a bank has filed recovery application, other bank can join the application if the defendants are

same. (True/False) 3. When a case get transferred from Civil Court to tribunal fresh court fee is required to be paid.

(True/False) 4. A counterclaim field before DRT has the same effect as a __________ . 5. Since DRT is not a Civil Court it cannot pass interim orders such as attachment, injunction,

receiver, etc. (True/False) 6. A person who has to file appeal before the Appellate Tribunal has to pay __________ .


1. False; 2. True; 3. False; 4. plaint in cross-suit; 5. False; 6. 75 per cent of the debt ordered by the Tribunal.


1. While filing appeal before the appellate tribunal if any amount is required to be deposited?

(a) No, amount is required to be deposited until the appellate tribunal decides. (b) Yes, Court-fee on the appeal amount is required to be paid. (c) Yes, 75 per cent of the amount determined by the tribunal is required to be deposited at the

timing of filing of the appeal. (d) Yes, after admission of the appeal 75 per cent of the amount determined by the tribunal is

required to be deposited.

Ans. 1. (c)

1

RECOVERY OF DEBTS DETERMINED BY TRIBUNAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

33.0 Objective

33.1 Introduction

33.2 Modes of Recovery of Debts

33.3 Validity of Recovery Certificate and Amendment Thereof

33.4 Stay and Amendment for Recovery Proceeding and Certificate

33.5 Other Modes of Recovery

33.6 Application of Certain Provisions of the Income Tax Act

33.7 Appeal Against the Order of Recovery Officer

33.8 Transfer of Pending Cases

33.9 Power of Tribunal to Issue Certificate of Recovery in Case of Decree or Order

33.10 Chairperson, Presiding Officer and Staff of Appellate Tribunal and Tribunal Public Servants

33.11 Protection of Action Taken in Good Faith

33.12 Overriding Effect of the Act

33.13 Doctrine of Election

33.14 Powers to Make Rule

33.15 Let Us Sum Up

33.16 Keywords




m

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33.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the recovery procedure through the recovery officers appointed

under the Act.

33.1 INTRODUCTION

The tribunal issues Recovery Certificate to the applicant. There are recovery officers appointed under

the Act and attached to the tribunal. They are given adequate powers to recover the amount awarded. These provisions and procedures are required otherwise the award will as mere paper award. This chapter gives provisions and procedure for recovery. There are provisions for transfer of cases from Civil Court to Tribunal established under DRT Act, powers of Tribunal to issue recovery certificate where decree is already passed by a Civil Court and other miscellaneous powers of Tribunal for implementation of the Act. A legal protection is given to the authorities for immunity of any action done

in good faith.

33.2 MODES OF RECOVERY OF DEBTS

1. On receipt of the copy of the recovery certificate issued under Section 19(22), the Recovery Officer has to proceed to recover the amount specified in the certificate by one or more of the

following modes:

(i) attachment and sale of movable and immovable property of the defendants; (ii) arrest of the defendant and his detention in prison; (iii) appointment of a receiver for the management of the movable and immovable properties of the defendant.

2. The Recovery Officer can sell any of the property owned by the defendant. The provision for

arrest of the defendant though appears in the Act, its use will have to be made keeping in view the Supreme Court decision in case of George Verghese vs Bank of Cochin AIR 1980 SC 470. In this case the Court has observed that putting a person in prison for his poverty and consequential inability to pay the contractual liability is too much violative of Article 21 of the Constitution, unless there is minimal fair proof of the wilful failure to pay in spite of his sufficient means.

33.3 VALIDITY OF RECOVERY CERTIFICATE AND AMENDMENT THEREOF

1. The defendant is debarred from raising any dispute before the Recovery Officer about the correctness of the amount specified in the recovery certificate issued by the Tribunal. The Recovery Officer also cannot entertain any objection raised by the defendant on any other ground against the certificate.

2. The Presiding Officer of the Tribunal who had issued the recovery certificate is authorised to withdraw the certificate or correct any clerical or arithmetical mistake in the certificate.

3. One of the Rules framed under the Act (5A) says that when any party wants to have a review of the order passed by the Tribunal or the recoyery certificate issued by the Tribunal on the ground that error is apparent on the face of the record, he can make application for review within sixty days of passing the order or issuing the certificate. Such application needs to be supported by affidavit

verifying the contents. It is also required that the opposite party is given notice and hearing before the application is granted.

33.4 STAY AND AMENDMENT FOR RECOVERY

PROCEEDING AND CERTIFICATE

1. Even though a certificate has been issued to the recovery officer, the Presiding Officer may grant

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time for the payment of the amount. If such time is granted, the recovery officer has to stay the proceedings until expiry of the time granted.

2. If after recovery certificate is issued there is any payment by the defendant or any time is granted for payment, the Presiding Officer has to keep the recovery officer informed.

3. If the order passed by the Presiding Officer of the Tribunal is modified in appeal by the Appellate

Tribunal and the amount of recovery certificate is changed, the Presiding Officer who has issued the recovery certificate, has to amend or withdraw the recovery certificate accordingly.

33.5 OTHER MODES OF RECOVERY

1. In addition to the modes of recovery given at Section 25, Section 28 of this Act has given additional modes that can be adopted by the Recovery Officer. These powers are similar to the powers given

to the Tax Recovery Officer under Section 226 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These powers are also similar to passing of garnishee orders in respect of debt, share and other property not in possession of the judgement debtor under Order XXI, Rules 46 and 46A to 461 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

2. If any amount is due from any person to the defendant the Recovery Officer may ask such person by giving a notice in writing to pay the amount to the Recovery Officer and not to the defendant.

It is then obligatory on that person to pay the amount to the Recovery Officer. However for this provision the exemption of the amount from attachment as provided is Section 60 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 applies.

3. When such notice is issued to a bank, post office, financial institution or as insurer, it shall not be necessary to produce any passbook, deposit receipt, policy or any other document for any purpose like entry or endorsement, etc., before making the payment. Even if there is any practice, rule or

requirement that before payment any of the said document is required the provisions of this Act have overriding effect on it.

4. When the notice said above is issued in relation to any property, any claim made against that property subsequent to the notice is void.

5. These provisions also apply to any person who is holding any money for or on account of the defendant. In cases if there is joint-holding, then the equal shares of the joint-holders are presumed

unless contrary is proved. A copy of notice will be sent to the defendant, as also to all joint holders. 6. If any person receiving the notice from the Recovery Officer is not liable to pay to or is not holding

anything for or on behalf of the defendant then he has to object the notice stating such statement on oath. However, if it is found that the statement is false then the person is personally liable to the Recovery Officer to the extent of amount payable or held by him or the liability of the defendant, whichever is less. If any court holds money belonging to the defendant, Recovery Officer may

apply to the court for payment to him the money to discharge the amount of debt due. 7. When the person pays to the Recovery Officer in accordance with the notice served on him by the

Recovery Officer, he shall be given receipt for payment. The person is then not liable and is discharged from liability to the defendant to the extent of amount paid to the Recovery Officer.

8. If the person after receipt of the notice fails to pay to the Recovery Officer, he is deemed to be defendant in default in respect to the amount mentioned in the notice.

9. The Recovery Officer has powers to order at any stage of the execution of the recovery certificate to require any person against whom the recovery certificate issued, to declare on affidavit the particulars of his assets. If the defendant is a company such order will be issued to its any of the officer to so declare the assets of the company.

10. The Recovery Officer has also powers to sale the movable property by distraint and recover the amount in the same manner as laid down in I the Third Schedule to the Income Tax Act, 1961.

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33.6 APPLICATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX ACT

1. Provisions of Section 29 of this Act, are linked to certain sections of the Income Tax Act, 1961. For its effective purpose and to avoid its repetition in this Act, it is stated that these provisions will apply as if provided in this Act and Rules framed there under. This also makes it possible that any amendment made in the Income Tax Act to those provisions will automatically become applicable for this Act without there being requirement to amend this Act.

The section says that the provisions of the Second Schedule and Third Schedule to the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the Income Tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rule, 1962, as in force from time to time shall, as far as possible, apply with necessary modifications as if those provisions and rules refer to debt due under this Act.

Due to this provision the debt due from the defendant to the bank or financial institution is treated

on par with Income Tax arrears and can be recovered like the arrears under the income tax.

33.7 APPEAL AGAINST THE ORDER OF RECOVERY OFFICER

The Recovery Officer is given powers under Sections 25 and 28 to recover the amount mentioned in

the recovery certificate. As per Section 26, the defendant cannot question or dispute before the Recovery Officer about the correctness of the amount mentioned in the recovery certificate. When the Recovery Officer attaches and sells the property it is possible that the third party having any interest in such property may get affected. Therefore, Section 30 provides that any person aggrieved by the order of Recovery Officer may appeal within thirty days to the Tribunal. The period of thirty days is to be counted from the receipt of the copy of the order by such person. On receipt of the appeal, the

Tribunal has to hear the appellant and make enquiries as it deems fit. Thereafter the order of the Recovery Officer may be either confirmed or modified or set aside.

In R. Advaiah vs Union of India [2000] 102 Compo Cas. (AP) (HC) it was held that since there is remedy of appeal available by way of Section 30 of the Act, no writ can be entertained against the order of the Recovery Officer.

33.8 TRANSFER OF PENDING CASES

1. As the Act is specific one for recovery of dues of banks and financial institutions, it was necessary that the recovery cases to which DRT Act applies should be brought under one forum. Therefore all the suits or other proceedings pending before the Civil Court, where the Tribunal has jurisdiction

since establishment of the Tribunal, stand transferred to the Tribunal. Since the establishment of the Tribunal no Civil Court has the jurisdiction on the matters where Tribunal is conferred with the jurisdiction. Such cases stand transferred to the Tribunal from the Civil Court. The Tribunal on receipt of the record has to deal with the suit or proceeding as if it is an application filed under Section 19 of the Act. The Tribunal may deal with it from the stage where it had reached in Civil Court. No de-novo, i.e new from the start, proceedings start after the transfer of case from Civil

Court to the Tribunal. The section has used the word suits and proceeding that get transferred from Civil Court to DRT. Proceeding will include execution petitions and they also get transferred to DRT.

2. In Punjab National Bank vs Chajju Ram [2000] 102 Compo Cas. 41, the Supreme Court has held that execution is a proceeding before the Civil Court and hence on coming into operation of the

DRT Act, the execution will stand transferred to the DRT.

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33.9 POWER OF TRIBUNAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE OF

RECOVERY IN CASE OF DECREE OR ORDER

1. If there is a decree or order passed by any court before coming into operation the DRT Act and the

decree or order is not yet executed, the decree-holder may apply to the Tribunal for issue of recovery certificate. There is fresh hearing or trial, etc., in such cases and the tribunal has to directly issue the recovery certificate based on the decree of the Civil Court.

33.10 CHAIRPERSON, PRESIDING OFFICER AND STAFF OF

APPELLATE TRIBUNAL AND TRIBUNAL PUBLIC SERVANTS

The Chairperson of an Appellate Tribunal, the Presiding Officer of a tribunal, the Recovery Officer and other officers of the Appellate Tribunal and Tribunal are deemed public servants within the meaning of Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.

33.11 PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH

When anything is done in good faith under this Act or is intended to be so done, no suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie against the Central Government, the Chairperson, Presiding Officer or the Recovery Officer. This protection is given so that the authorities can function without fear as well as hindrances that the borrower otherwise can put while the authorities discharge their duties.

33.12 OVERRIDING EFFECT OF THE ACT

The provisions of this Act have overriding effect when there is inconsistency with any other law or in any instrument by virtue of any other law for the time being in force.

In Allahabad Bank vs Canara Bank AIR 2000 SC 1535, it is held that this Act is a special Act for

recovery of debt due to banks and financial institutions. It has overriding effect over the provisions of Companies Act, 1956 and, therefore, leave of the company court is not necessary even if the company is under winding up proceedings.

In Viral Filaments vs Industrial Bank 33 SCL 132, the Bombay High Court has held that a petition for winding up a company against which recovery proceedings are pending in the Debt Recovery Tribunal

is admissible, since jurisdiction to wind up a company is wholly not available in the DRT Act.

Allahabad Bank vs Canra Bank 2000 AIR sew 1347

In this case one of the issues before the court was whether permission of Company Court is required for filing case before the Debt Recovery Tribunal when winding up proceedings are pending before the

Company Court. The Honourable Supreme Court after examining the Company Law and Recovery of Debts Due to banks and financial Institutions Act (DRT Act) held that:

(A) Adjudication under DRT Act is exclusive and jurisdiction of Civil Court and Company Court is ousted.

(B) DRT proceedings cannot be stayed by Company Court nor proceedings can be transferred to Company Court.

(C) DRT Act overrides the Companies Act. (D) In respect of moneys realised under DRT Act out of the assets not charged, distribution between

Bank/FIs and other creditors, when no winding up order passed against the company, the priorities have to be decided subject to principles underlying Section 73 of CPC and principles of natural justice, ( Section 73 of CPC mentions about ratable distribution of sale proceeds of execution among decree holders).

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(E) Moneys realised under DRT Act, distribution between bank and other secured creditors, when winding up proceedings pending in company court, priority of secured creditors is subject to

provisions of 529A of Companies Act (the said section mentions about priority of secured creditors and workman over other dues and distribution inter se between secured creditors and workmen should be pari-pasu).

(F) DRT is a special law; it overrides Companies Act. Leave of Company or Court u/s 446 is neither necessary nor the recovery application needs to be transferred to the Company Court.

33.13 DOCTRINE OF ELECTION

By amending Act 30 of 2004, on 11-11-2004, the following provisos were inserted in section 19(1) of

the DRT Act, 1993.

'Provided that the bank or financial institution may, with the permission of the Debts Recovery Tribunal, on an application made by it, withdraw the application, whether made before or after the Enforcement of Security interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Act, 2004 for the purpose of taking action under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security

Interest Act, 2002, if no such action had been taken earlier under that Act;

'Provided further that any application made under the first proviso for seeking permission from the Debt Recovery Tribunal to withdraw the application made under sub-Section (1) shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and disposed of within thirty days from the date of such application;

'Provided also that in case the Debts Recovery Tribunal refuses to grant permission for withdrawal of

the application filed under this sub-Section, it shall pass such orders after recording the reasons thereof

The question whether withdrawal of the Original Application in terms of the first proviso to the Section 19(1) of the DRT Act, 1993 is condition precedent to taking recourse to the SARFAESI Act, 2002 was

decided by the Supreme Court in M/s Transcore vs Union of India and Another (decided on 29-2-2006). The Supreme Court observed that there are three elements of election, namely, existence of two or more remedies; inconsistencies between such remedies and a choice of one of them. If anyone of the three elements is not there, the doctrine will not apply. There is no repugnancy nor inconsistency between the two remedies and therefore, the doctrine of election does not apply. The SARFAESI Act is enacted to enforce the interest in the financial assets which belongs to the bank/FI by virtue of the

contract between the parties or by operation of common law principles or by law. Essentially the Act deals with the right of the secured creditor. DRT is tribunal, a creature of the statue. It has no inherent power which exists in the civil courts. The object behind introducing the first proviso and the third proviso to Section 19(1) of the DRT Act is to align the provisions of the DRT Act, the SARFAESI Act and Order XXIII of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Order XXIII CPC is an exception to the common law principle of non-suit; hence the proviso to Section 19 (1) became a necessity. Withdrawal

of the Original Application before the DRT under the DRT Act is not a pre-condition for taking recourse to the SARFAESI Act. It is for banks/Fls to exercise its discretion as to cases in which it may apply for leave and in cases where they may not apply for leave to withdraw. First proviso to Section 19(1) is an enabling provision.

In view of the above judgement of the supreme court, the controversy as to whether simultaneous actions under the DRT Act and SARFAESI Act will lie, has been set at rest.

33.14 POWERS TO MAKE RULE

The Central Government has the power to frame rules under the Act to carry out the provisions of the Act. These rules are required to be notified and placed before both the Houses of Parliament. The Parliament may accept the rules or may modify the same.

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33.15 LET US SUM UP

On receiving recovery certificate the recovery officer has to proceed for the recovery by attachment and sale of movable and immovable property of defendant, arrest and detention in prison of defendant and appointment of receiver. Defendant is debarred from disputing the correctness of the amount given in recovery certificate. The presiding officer can correct the clerical or arithmetical errors. The section has given wide enabling provisions to call money from third party in whose hands defendants money

are lying. When amount of defendant is in the hands of third party and recovery officer issues notice calling money the third party failing to pay is deemed as defendant. Orders of recovery officer applicable within thirty days to the Tribunal. If there is already a decree passed by the Civil Court, the DRT can issue recovery certificate thereon. The chairperson, presiding officer and staff of both Tribunals are deemed public servants. They are also protected from any action for their acts done in good faith. The act has overriding effect when there is inconsistency with any other law.

33.16 KEYWORDS

Recovery Officer; Deemed Defendant; Recovery as Income Tax Dues as per Provisions of Income Tax Act.


1. Recovery Officers appointed under DRT Act can attach and sell movable as well as immovable

property of the person against whom order is passed even if the property is not charged to the creditor. (True/False)

2. The defendant can raise a plea before the Recovery Officer about correctness of the amount ordered to be paid. (True/False)

3. If the recovery certificate has clerical or arithmetical mistake __________ can correct the same. 4. For recovery the Recovery Officer can adopt the same methods as adopted for recovery of

income tax under the Income Tax Act. (True/False) 5. Recovery Officer can ask the defendant to furnish by affidavit particulars of his asset.

(True/False)


1. True; 2. False; 3. Presiding Officer of the Tribunal; 4. True; 5. True.


1. A company is under winding up process. Whether High Court permission is required to a bank to

proceed against it before DRT?

(a)No, as the DRT Act being a special Law having overriding effect over other laws. (b)Yes, as Companies Act specially provides to that effect. t (c)Depends on the stage of winding up process. (d) No permission but concurrence of High Court required.

2. Doctrine of election will come into play

(a) when there exixts two or more remedies; (b) when there are inconsistencies between the remedies; (c) when there is choice available to the party to opt for on e of them; (d) when all the aforesaid elements are to be present in a case.

Ans: 1. (a); 2. (d).

\ L.R.A.U-20


STRUCTURE

34.0 Objective

34.1 Introduction

34.2 Applicability and Definitions

34.3 Conditions in the Printout

34.4 Mode of Proof of Certain Entries in Bankers' Books

34.5 Case in which Officer of Bank not Compellable to Produce Books

34.6 Inspection of Books by Order of Court or Judge

34.7 Costs of Application

34.8 Let Us Sum Up

34.9 Keywords




(I:: 294

II!

34.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the special provisions made for giving evidentiary value to the extracts of the books of bankers while producing any evidence in the courts for proving or establishing anything the original evidence is relied upon.

34.1 INTRODUCTION

Banks keep their accounting and its details in various ledgers, registers, etc. When any claim of the bank is required to be established or proved in the Courts of Law or any other such forums, these books are required to be produced in original. It is difficult to do so. Therefore, its extracts and

statement of accounts are produced. To facilitate the production of such evidence in easy way and to have evidentiary value to the extracts and copies, 'The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891 was enacted to amend the Law of Evidence with respect to bankers' books.

34.2 APPLICABILITY AND DEFINITIONS

1. The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

2. 'Company' means a company as defined in Section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 and includes a foreign company within the meaning of that Act. The Companies Act, 1956 gives elaborately the requirements for getting the company registered. It has several prerequisites.

3. 'Corporation' means any body corporate established by any law and includes the Reserve Bank of India, the State Bank of India and any subsidiary bank of the State Bank of India.

4. 'Bank' and 'banker' means

(i) any company or corporation carrying on business of banking. (ii) any partnership or individual to whose books, provisions of this Act are made applicable. (iii) any post office saving bank or money order office.

5. 'Bankers' books' include ledgers, day books, cash books, account books and all other records used in the ordinary business of a bank. These records may be kept in written form or stored in a

micro-film, magnetic tape or any other form of mechanical or electronic data retrieval mechanism. Such record can be either on site or at any off site location and includes a back-up or disaster recovery site.

6. 'Legal proceeding' means

(i) any proceeding or inquiry in which evidence is or may be given;

(ii) an arbitration; and

(iii) any investigation or inquiry under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or under any other law for the time being in force for the collection of evidence, conducted by a police officer or any other person authorised for the purpose by the magistrate or by any law. Such other

person to be authorised should not be a magistrate.

This definition of the word legal proceeding is very wide and covers different types of inquiries, proceedings and investigations.

7. 'Court' means the person or persons before whom a legal proceeding is held or taken. 8. 'Judge' means a judge of a High Court.

9. 'Trial' means any hearing before the Court at which evidence is taken.

For this definition also, if the earlier definitions of legal proceeding and Court are considered together, the scope of word 'trial' is much wider.

10. 'Certified copy' means when the books of a bank;

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(i) if maintained in the written form, a copy of any entry in such books together with a certificate written at the foot of such copy mentioning that (a) it is a true copy of such entry (b) that such entry is contained in one of the ordinary books of the bank (c) that such entry was made in the ordinary course of business

(d) that such book is still in the custody of the bank (e) and if the copy was obtained by a mechanical or other process that in itself ensures

the accuracy of the copy, a further certificate to that effect. If after taking out the copy from the books of the bank, the original books are destroyed in usual course of the bank's business a further certificate to that effect of having destroyed the book is necessary.

Each certificate mentioned above shall bear date and should be signed by the principal accountant or manager of the bank with his name and official title, (ii) if maintained in the electronic form

(a) consists of printouts of data stored in a floppy, disc, tape or any other electromagnetic data storage device, or

(b) a copy of such printout; and it should contain the certificate having all the applicable contents detailed above at sub-Para (i).

(iii) if maintained mechanical form

(a) a printout of any entry in the books of a bank stored in a microfilm, magnetic tape, or (b) any other form of mechanical or electronic data retrieval mechanism obtained by a

mechanical or other process, and it should contain the certificate having all the applicable

contents detailed above in sub-Para (i).

34.3 CONDITIONS IN THE PRINTOUT

1. When the books of the bank are not written in the handwritten and copies are taken by way of

printout the copy must accompany following:

(i) a certificate by the principal accountant or the manager to the effect that it is a printout of such entry or a copy of such printout; and (ii) a certificate by a person in charge of

computer system containing a brief description of the

computer system and the particulars thereof, (a) the safeguards adopted by the system to ensure that data is entered or any other

operation performed is only by authorised person; (b) the safeguards adopted to prevent and detect unauthorised change of data; (c) the safeguards available to retrieve data that is lost due to systemic failure or any other

reasons; (d) the manner in which the data is transferred from the system to removable media like

floppies, discs, tapes or other electromagnetic data storage devices;

(e) the mode of verification in order to ensure that data has been accurately transferred to such removable media;

(f) the mode of identification of such data storage device; (g) the arrangement for the storage and custody of such storage devices; (h) the safeguards to prevent and detect any tampering with the system; and

(i) any other factor which will vouch for the integrity and accuracy of the system.

2. In addition to the above, a further certificate required is from the person in charge of the computer system to the effect that to the best of his knowledge and belief, such computer system is operated

296

properly at the material time, he was provided with all the relevant data and the printout in question represents correctly and is appropriately derived from the relevant data.

34.4 MODE OF PROOF OF CERTAIN ENTRIES IN BANKERS' BOOKS

A certified copy of any entry in a bankers' book shall in all legal proceedings be received as prima facie evidence of the existence of such entry. Further it shall be admissible as evidence of all the matters, transactions and accounts therein recorded in every case as the original entry itself.

In Chandrahdar Goswami vs Gauhati Bank Ltd. AIR 1967 SC 1058, the Supreme Court has held that to make a person liable mere entries in books of account are not sufficient even though the books of account are kept in regular course of business. There has to be further evidence to prove payment of the money by the bank which appear in the books of account to make the person liable, except where the person accepts the correctness of the books of account.

34.5 CASE IN WHICH OFFICER OF BANK NOT COMPELLABLE TO PRODUCE BOOKS

In any proceeding where the bank is not a party, no officer of a bank shall be compellable to produce any bankers' book contents of which can be proved under this Act by production of certified copies. Similarly no officer of the bank shall be called as witness to prove the matters, transactions and accounts recorded in the certified copies. However, the Court may order otherwise for special cause.

34.6 INSPECTION OF BOOKS BY ORDER OF COURT OR JUDGE

1. On application by any party to the legal proceeding, the Court or a Judge may order that,

(i) such party be at liberty to inspect and take copies of any entries in a banker's book for any of the purposes of the proceeding; or

(ii) the bank to prepare and produce, within time specified in the order, certified copies of all such entries, accompanied by a further certificate that no other entries are to be found in the books of the bank relevant to the matters in issue in such proceeding. This further certificate also should be dated and signed as required for certified copy stated above.

2. An order that bank officer should either produce the books of account or appear as witness can be made by the Court or Judge with or without summoning the bank. The order so passed shall be served on the bank at least three clear working days before the same is to be obeyed. The bank may at any time before the time limited for compliance of any such order either offer to produce their books at the trial or give notice of their intention to show cause against the order. If the bank chooses to give show cause against the order then the order passed by the Court or Judge cannot be enforced without further order.

34.7 COSTS OF APPLICATION

1. The costs of any application to the court

(i) under or for the purpose of this Act; and

(ii) the costs of anything done or to be done under an order of the court for the purpose of this Act, shall be in the discretion of the court. The court may further order such costs or part thereof to be paid by the bank to the party, if they have been incurred in consequence of any fault or improper delay on the part of the bank.

2. Any order made under this section for payment of cost to or by a bank may be enforced as if the bank were a party to the proceeding.

297

3. Any order passed under this section awarding costs may on application to any Court of Civil Judicature be executed by such court as if the order is a decree for money passed by itself. However, the court who passed the order can also have the powers to enforce of its own orders with respect to the payment of costs.

34.8 LET US SUM UP

The definition clause gives the meaning of different words in the context of the Act. The certified copy

needs a certificate giving some declarations. When the books of bank are taken in printout form they need a further certificate as detailed in the Section. When data is stored in computer form a certificate from person in charge of the computer system is required. Certified copy is a prima facie evidence and admissible in evidence as if original is produced. On production of certified copy no further evidence is

required. In any proceeding where bank is not a party and certified copies are produced bank's officer cannot be called as witness as copy is admissible evidence. Court can order inspection of books of accounts. The orders for inspection of books must give three clear days for the bank to arrange for inspection. Court has discretion to award costs for any application under the Act.

34.9 KEYWORDS

Certified Copy.


1. If the books of the bank are maintained in the electronic form, does all the provisions of this Act

are applicable to it. (Yes/No) 2. Does this Act apply to any investigation or inquiry under the Criminal Procedure Code? (Yes/No) 3. A certified copy of any entry in a bankers' Book is received in legal proceeding as __________

evidence for existence of such entry. 4. Unless the Court otherwise directs, bank officer cannot be compelled to produce __________ to

prove any banker's book's contents when copy is produced.


1. Yes; 2. Yes; 3. prima facie; 4. original books.


1. In a civil suit, to which bank is not a party, one of the parties has produced certified copy of books of account. One party to the suit wants to call bank officer as witness to prove the contents of copy. Can it be done?

(a) Yes, as it is the right of the party to get it reaffirmed in evidence. (b) No, as the certified copy is a prima facie evidence that is admissible in evidence. (c) No, unless the bank volunteers to do so. (d) Yes, but if Court allows the application to call the witness.

Ans. 1. (b) No

THE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES ACT, 1987: LOK ADALATS

STRUCTURE

35.0 Objective

35.1 Introduction

35.2 Organisation of Lok Adalats

35.3 Jurisdiction of Lok Adalats

35.4 Cognisance of Cases by Lok Adalats

35.5 Disposal of Cases by Lok Adalats

35.6 Nature of Award of the Lok Adalats

35.7 Let Us Sum Up



300

35.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to familiarise the readers with the system of Lok Adalats organised under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 for compromise or settlement of disputes between parties.

35.1 INTRODUCTION

The functioning of Lok Adalats, their jurisdiction, the manner in which Lok Adalats take cognisance of

cases, the types of disposal of the cases or matters referred to the Lok Adalats and the nature of award that may be passed by the Lok Adalats are discussed in this unit.

35.2 ORGANISATION OF LOK ADALATS

Lok Adalat are organised by the State Authority, District Authority or the Supreme Court Legal Services

Committee or High Court Legal Services Committee or Taluk Legal Services Committee at such intervals and places for exercising jurisdiction and for such areas as it thinks fit.

35.3 JURISDICTION OF LOK ADALATS

A Lok Adalats shall have jurisdiction to determine and arrive at a compromise or settlement between the

parties to a dispute. The dispute should be either a pending case before any court for which the Lok Adalat is organised or a matter which is falling within the jurisdiction but not pending in any court. The offences, which are compoundable under any law cannot be brought within the purview of the Lok Adalats. The monetary ceiling of amounts regarding which civil disputes can be settled under this mechanism is presently Rs 20 lakh.

35.4 COGNISANCE OF CASES BY LOK ADALATS

Lok Adalats shall deal with the following types of cases or matters, viz.,

(a) the disputes the parties agree to refer;

(b) the disputes where one of the parties makes an application to the court to refer to Lok Adalat and the court is satisfied that there are chances of settlement. In this case the court shall give an opportunity to the other party before deciding the case to be referred to the Lok Adalat;

(c) the dispute which, in the opinion of the Court, it is appropriate to be taken cognisance by the Lok Adalat.

(d) Where in respect of a potential dispute, the authority or committee organising Lok Adalat on

receipt of an application from anyone of the parties is of the opinion that the matter needs to be determined by the Lok Adalat, may refer such matter to the Lok Adalat for determination.

35.5 DISPOSAL OF CASES BY LOK ADALATS

The Lok Adalats shall arrive at a compromise or settlement between the parties. They shall act with

utmost expedition to arrive at a compromise or settlement between the parties and shall be guided by the principles of justice, equity, fair play and other legal principles. Where no compromise or settlement could be arrived at between the parties, the records of the case shall be returned to the court from which the reference was received. The court shall proceed with the matter from the stage it had reached before making a reference to the Lok Adalat. In respect of disputes which were not before the

court, in the absence of compromise or settlement between the parties to seek remedy in a court.

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35.6 NATURE OF AWARD

The award of Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court or an order of any other court. In case of compromise or settlement arrived at by a Lok Adalat the court fee paid in the case shall be refunded in the manner provided under the Court fees Act, 1870. Every award shall be binding on all the parties to the dispute. No appeal shall lie to any court against the award.

35.7 LET US SUM UP

Lok Adalats are organised under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

They are intended to bring about a compromise or settlement in respect of any dispute or potential dispute. Lok Adalats derive jurisdiction by consent of parties or on an application made to the court by one of the parties to the dispute or the court is satisfied that the dispute between the parties could be settled by Lok Adalat. In respect of a potential dispute, any party may request the Authority or Committee

organising Lok Adalat to refer the dispute for determination. Lok Adalats shall be guided by the principles of justice, equity, fair play and other legal principles. In case of settlement, the Award shall be binding on the parties to the dispute. No appeal shall lie in any court against the Award. If no settlement, the case shall be remitted back to the court which referred the matter to the Lok Adalat. In case of potential court case, the Lok Adalat shall advise the parties to seek remedy in court.


1. Lok Adalats are organised under the Lok Adalats Act. (True/False)

2. Lok Adalats are organised to settle only the existing disputes between the parties. (True/False) 3. If one party intends to refer the dispute to Lok Adalat, the consent of the other is not required.

(True/False) 4. Lok Adalats shall strive at arriving a compromise or settlement between the parties. (True/False)

5. There shall be no appeal against the award of the Lok Adalat. (True/False)


1. False; 2. False; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True.

UNIT

36

THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986: PREAMBLE, EXTENT AND DEFINITIONS

STRUCTURE

36.0 Objective

36.1 Introduction

36.2 Purpose of the Act, Preamble and Extent

36.3 Definitions

36.4 Act not Overriding on any Other Law

36.5 Let Us Sum Up

36.6 Keywords




304

36.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to get the knowledge of the purpose of this special enactment, viz., The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and the particular word defined for appropriate use therein.

36.1 INTRODUCTION

To protect the interests of the consumers, 'The Consumer Protection Act was enacted.' The word

consumer and services has been defined in the Act very elaborately. In this unit, we will see the purpose of enacting the Act and various definitions of words used in the context of this Act.

36.2 PURPOSE OF THE ACT, PREAMBLE AND EXTENT

1. The Act was enacted with the objective, 'for better protection of the interests of consumers". Different authorities were established for the settlement of consumers' disputes. The Act is social

welfare benefit oriented legislation for the consumer providing self-contained quasi-judicial machinery to provide speedy and simple redressal to consumer disputes. The said quasi-judicial machinery is established at the district, state and central levels. They observe the principles of natural justice and are empowered to give relief of specific nature and, if required, award compensation to the consumers. The Act also provides penalties for non-compliance of the orders given by these authorities.

2. In the preamble, it is made clear about the purpose of the Act. It says that the Act is for,

(i) better protection of the interests of the consumers and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes.

3. The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

4. The Act applies to all goods and services, excluding goods for resale or for commercial purpose and services rendered free of charge and under a contract for personal service.

36.3 DEFINITIONS

1. 'Appropriate laboratory' means a laboratory or organisation recognised by the Central Government

or by the state government, or any such laboratory or organisation established by or under any law for carrying out analysis or test of any goods with a view to determining whether such goods

suffer from any defect.

2. 'Branch office' means any establishment described as a branch by the party or any establishment carrying on either the same or substantially the same activity as that carried on by the head office of the establishment.

3. 'Complainant' means

(i) a consumer, or

(ii) any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or under any law for the time being in force, or

(iii) the Central Government or a state government, who or which makes the complaint, or (iv) one or more consumers, where there are numerous consumers having the same interest,

and (v) in case of death of a consumer, his legal heirs or

representative.

4. 'Complaint' means any allegation in writing made by a complainant with a view to obtaining any relief provided by or under this Act that,

305

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ds

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(i) an unfair trade practice or a restrictive trade practice has been adopted by any trader or

service provider;

(ii) the goods brought by him or agreed to be brought by him suffer from one or more defects;

(hi) the services hired or availed of or agreed to be hired or availed of by him suffer from

deficiency in any respect;

(iv) a trader or the service provider has charged for the goods or for the services mentioned in

the complaint, at a price in excess of the price

(a) fixed by or under any law, or

(b) displayed on the goods or any package containing such goods, or

(c) displayed on the pricelist exhibited by him by or under any law, or

(d) agreed between the parties.

(v) the goods which will be hazardous to life and safety when used, are being offered for sale

to the public

(a) in contravention of any standard relating to safety of such goods as required to be

complied with, by or under any law,

(b) if the trader could have known with due diligence that the goods so offered are unsafe

to the public,

(vi) the services which are hazardous or likely to be hazardous to life and safety of the public

when used, are being offered by the service provider which such person could have known

with due diligence to be injurious to life and safety.

5. 'Consumer' means any person who

A. (i) buys any goods for a consideration which has been paid or promised to be paid or partly

paid and partly promised, or (ii) under any system of deferred payment, and (iii)

includes any user of such goods other than who buys the goods in the manner as said

above, or (iv) buys the goods under any system of deferred payment when such use is

made with the

approval of such person,

However, the definition does not include a person who obtains such goods for re-sale or for

any commercial purpose.

B. (i) hires or avails of any services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly

paid and partly promised, or (ii) under any system of deferred payment, and (iii) includes

any beneficiary of such services other than who hires or avails of the services in

the manner as said above, or (iv) avails the services under any system of deferred payment

when such services are availed of

with the approval of such person.

However, the definition does not include a person who avails of such services for any commercial

purpose.

The word 'commercial purpose' herein above does not include use by a person of goods bought

and used by him and services availed by him exclusively for the purpose of earning his livelihood,

by means of self-employment.

The definition of consumer is thus very elaborate and inclusive of many aspects.

6. 'Consumer dispute' means a dispute where the person against whom complaint has been made,

denies or disputes the allegations contained in the complaint.

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7. 'Defect' means any fault, imperfection, shortcoming in the quality, quantity, potency, purity or standard which is required to be maintained by or under any law or under any contract, express or implied or as is claimed by the trader in any manner whatsoever in relation to any goods.

8. 'Deficiency' means any fault, imperfection, shortcoming or inadequacy in the quality, nature and manner of performance which is required to be maintained by any law or has been undertaken to

be performed by a person in pursuance of a contract or otherwise in relation to any service. In Jagannath Meher vs Branch Manager, State Bank of India (1993) II CPJ 146, it was held that where a loan was sanctioned by the bank but the complaint that the loan was inadequate to start the industry is not tenable. It was held that the Consumer Forum cannot override the decision taken by the bank as that was a power of discretion of the bank and there was no reason that the bank acted otherwise than in good faith.

9. 'District Forum' means a Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum established under Clause (a) of Section 9 under this Act.

10. 'Goods' means goods as defined in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. The said Act has stated that goods means every kind of moveable property other than actionable claims and money. However, it does not include stocks and shares, growing crops, grass and things attached to or forming part of the land which are agreed to be served before sale or under contract of sale.

11. 'Manufacturer' means a person who

(i) makes or manufactures any goods or parts thereof; or (ii) does not make or manufacture any goods but assembles parts thereof made or manufactured

by others; or (iii) puts or causes to be put his own marks on any goods made or manufactured by any other

manufacturers.

12. 'National Commission' means the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission established under Clause (c) of Section 9.

13. 'Notification' means a notification published in Official Gazette by the State or Central Government. 14. 'Person' includes

(i) a firm whether registered or not;

(ii) a Hindu undivided family; (iii) a co-operative society; (iv) every other association of persons whether registered under the Societies Registration Act,

1860 or not.

15. 'Prescribed' means prescribed by the State or Central Government, as the case may be, under this

Act. 16. 'Regulation' means the regulations made by the National Commission under this Act. 17. 'Restrictive trade practice' means

(i) a trade practice which tends to bring about manipulation of price, or (ii) its conditions of delivery, or

(iii) to affect flow of supplies in the market relating to goods or services in such a manner to impose on the consumers unjustified costs or restrictions and include,

(a) delay beyond the period agreed to by a trader on supply of such goods or in providing the services which has led or is likely to lead to rise in the price, and

(b) any trade practice which requires a consumer to buy, hire or avail of any goods or

services as condition precedent to buying, hiring or availing of other goods or services.

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18. 'Service' means

(i) service of any description which is made available to potential users and includes, but not limited to, the provision of facilities in connection with banking, financing, insurance, transport, processing, supply of electrical or any other energy, boarding or lodging or both, housing construction, entertainment, amusement or the surveying of news or other information. However, this does not include the rendering of any service free of charge or

under a contract of personal service.

The definition gives elaborately what amounts service from various sectors and lines. It has specifically included the services rendered by the bank.

19. 'Spurious goods and services' means such goods and services which are claimed to be genuine but they are actually not so.

20. 'State Commission' means a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission established in a state

under Clause (b) of Section 9 of the Act. 21. 'Trader' in relation to any goods means a person who sells or distributes any goods for sale and

includes the manufacturer thereof, and where such goods are sold or distributed in package form, includes the packer thereof.

22. 'Unfair trade practice' means a trade practice which, for the purpose of promoting the sale, use or supply of any goods or for the provision of any service, adopts any unfair method or unfair or

deceptive practice. Such unfair practices include:

A. the practice of making any statement orally or in writing or visible representation which

(i) falsely represents that the goods are of a particular standard, quality, quantity, grade, composition, style or model;

(ii) falsely represents that the services are of a particular standard, quality or grade; (iii)

falsely represents any rebuilt, second-hand, renovated, reconditioned or old goods as new

goods; (iv) represents that the goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance,

characteristic, accessories, uses or benefits which such goods or services do not have; (v) represents that the seller or the supplier has a sponsorship or approval or affiliation which

such seller or supplier does not have; (vi) makes a false or misleading representation

concerning the need for or the usefulness of any goods or services; (vii) gives to the public any warranty or guarantee of the

performance, efficacy, or length of life of a product or of any goods that is not based on an adequate or proper test thereof;

(viii) makes to the public a representation in a form that purports to be, (a) a warranty or guarantee of a product or of any goods or services; or

(b) a promise to replace, maintain or repair an article or any part thereof or to repeat or continue a service until it has achieved a specified result, if such purported warranty or guarantee or promise is materially misleading or if there is no reasonable prospect that such warranty, guarantee or promise will be carried out;

(ix) materially misleads the public concerning the price at which a product like products of goods or services, have been or are, ordinarily sold or provided and for this purpose, a

representation as to price shall be deemed to refer to the price at which the product, goods or services are sold or provided;

(x) gives false or misleading facts disparaging the goods, services or trade off another person.

For the purpose of Clause (1) above, a statement that is:

(i) expressed on an article offered or displayed for sale or on it wrapper or container; or

308

(ii) expressed on anything attached to, inserted in or accompanying as an article offered or displayed for sale or on anything on which the article is mounted for display or sale; or

(iii) contained in or on anything that is sold, sent, delivered, transmitted or in any other manner

made available to the public, is deemed to be a statement made to the public by the person who has caused the statement to be so expressed, made or contained.

B. Permits the publication of any advertisement for sale of goods or supply of service in the newspaper or otherwise at a bargain price that are in fact not at bargain price. Bargain price means a price stated to be a bargain price by reference to an ordinary price or a price at which the product is ordinarily sold or otherwise.

C. Permits

(i) offering of gifts, prizes or other items with the intention of not providing them as offered or creating impression that something is being given or offered free of charge when

actually it is not so; (ii) the conduct of any contest, lottery, game of chance or skill for the purpose of promoting

the sale, use or supply of any product or business interest.

D. Withholding of any participants of any scheme offering gifts, prizes or other items free of

charge and informing the final results on the closure of the scheme.

E. Permits the sale or supply of goods intended to be used by consumers knowing or having reason to believe that the goods do not comply with the standards prescribed by competent authority relating to performance, composition, contents, design, construction, finishing or packaging as are necessary to prevent or reduce the risk of injury to the person using the

goods.

F. Permits the hoarding or destruction of goods, or refuses to sell the goods or to make them available for sale or to provide any service if such hoarding or destruction or refusal tends to raise the cost of goods or services.

G. Manufacture of spurious goods or offering such goods for sale or adopting deceptive practices

in the provision of services.

The definition of 'unfair trade practice' is very exhaustive. Due to different unfair practices adopted in sale of goods or offering services the definition is required to be done all inclusive and covering various possibilities that amount unfair practice. The fundamental concept underlying the word

'fair' is that the transaction has nothing underhand in it, is honest, just, equitable and upright and that the other party to the contract has not taken any undue advantage. If the transaction lacks any of the contents out of this, it can be termed as 'unfair'.

36.4 ACT NOT OVERRIDING ON ANY OTHER LAW

The provisions of this Act are in addition to other applicable laws and not overriding on any other law, i.e. the provisions of this Act do not supercede any specific provision in other Act. The Act provides

additional means of obtaining remedy by a consumer but if the remedy prayed is barred under any other Act, then the Forums constituted under this Act cannot grant such remedy.

36.5 LET US SUM UP

The Act has been enacted for the settlement of consumer disputes. The Act is social welfare benefit

oriented legislation. It is for speedy disposal of the redressal of consumer disputes. Deciding the consumer types and protections required the Act was made for better protection of the interests of the

309

consumers establishing the consumer councils and authorities. The provisions of the Act are not overriding on any other law.

36.6 KEYWORDS

Quasi-judicial Authorities; Appropriate Laboratory; District Forum; State Commission; National Commission; Restrictive Trade Practice.


1. Consumer Protection Act is enacted to protect the manufacturing conditions of the Industries. (True/False)

2. The agencies appointed under Consumer Protection Act are quasi-judicial in nature. (True/False) 3. Can a voluntary consumer association file a complaint on behalf of consumer? (Yes/No) 4. A consumer has purchased goods for resale. Can he file complaint? (Yes/No)


1. False; 2. True; 3. Yes; 4. No.


1. 'N. has purchased a draft from a bank favouring 'B'. The draft is lost in transit and for duplicate draft in lieu of first bank need some formalities to be completed by 'N'. Can 'B' file a consumer

case against the formalities as it is delaying payment to him. (a) No, as he is not consumer of the bank and is not taking any service from the bank. (b) No, as he has not paid the demand draft commission. (c) Yes, as because of bank, his payment is getting delayed. (d) Yes, his money is lying in the bank, he is deemed as account holder of the bank.

Ans. 1. (a)

UNIT

37

CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCILS

STRUCTURE

37.0 Objective

37.1 Introduction

37.2 Central Consumer Protection Council

37.3 Procedure for Meeting of the Central Council

37.4 Objects of the Councils

37.5 State Consumer Protection Council

37.6 District Consumer Protection Council

37.7 Let Us Sum Up




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37.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the appointment and functions of the consumer councils

appointed. They have to discharge the functions and use their power keeping in mind the purpose of the enactment to protect the rights of the consumers.

37.1 INTRODUCTION

To promote and protect the right of the consumer councils are established. Their scope is not regarding

directly dealing with the consumer complaints at initial or appellate scope but to promote and protect the rights of consumer. The function is more of promoting the rights and spreading awareness by education. The highest council is the Central Council who has the jurisdiction for the entire country. Then below it is the State Council for each state. Below that is the District Council for each district. This unit gives the provisions for establishment of these councils, their objects and procedure for their meetings.

37.2 CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL

The Central Government has established a council known as the Central Consumer Protection Council, called as Central Council.

The Central Council shall consist of the following:

(i) The Minister-in-Charge of the Consumer Affairs in the Central Government, who shall be the

Chairman of the Council, and (ii) Such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be

prescribed.

37.3 PROCEDURE FOR MEETING OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL

The Central Council shall meet as and when necessary but at least once in a year. For transacting the

business of the meeting the procedure shall be as may be prescribed.

37.4 OBJECTS OF THE COUNCILS

The objects of the Council shall be to promote and protect the rights of the consumers such as

(i) the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life

and property; (ii) the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods

or services so as to protect the consumer against" unfair trade practices; (iii) the right to be assured wherever possible for access to a variety of goods and services at competitive

price; (iv) the right to be heard and to be assured that consumers' interests will receive due consideration at

appropriate forums; (v) the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous

exploitation of consumers; and (vi) the right to consumer education.

37.5 STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL

The State Government shall establish Consumer Protection Councillor the State Council by issuing a notification. The State Council shall consist of following members:

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(i) the Minister-in-Charge of the Consumer Affairs in the State Government who shall be the Chairman

of the Council, (ii) such number of official and non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed

by the State Government, (iii) such number of other official and non-official members not exceeding ten, as may be nominated

by the Central Government.

The State Council shall meet as and when necessary. There has to be at least two meeting every year. For transacting the business of the meeting the procedure shall be as may be prescribed by the State Government.

37.6 DISTRICT CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL

1. For every district the State Government establishes the District Consumer Protection Council called as District Council.

The District Council shall consist of following members:

(i) the Collector of the district who shall be the Chairman of the Council, (ii) such number of other official and non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed by the

State Government.

2. The District Council shall meet as and when necessary. There has to be at least two meeting every year. For transacting the business of the meeting the procedure shall be as may be prescribed by the State Government.

37.7 LET US SUM UP

Central Government has to establish Central Council and notify the same. It consists Minister-in-Charge of the Consumer Affairs in the Central Government and such other persons as the government may prescribe. In similar way State Government has to establish State Council and District Council. Compositions of State Council and District Council are different and as laid down in the section.


1. Central Consumer Protection Council is the apex council having all India jurisdiction. (True/

False) 2. Minister-in-Charge of consumer affairs in the Central Government is the Chairman of Central

Consumer Protection Council. (True/False) 3. State Consumer Protection Council is appointed by Central Government. (True/False) 4. State Consumer Protection Council has to meet at least __________ in a year.

37.9 ANSWERS TO "CHECK YOUR PROGRESS'

1. True; 2. True; 3. False; 4. Twice.


1. Who is the Chairman of the Central Consumer Protection Council?

(a) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (b) Judge of the Supreme Court appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (c) Minister-in-Charge of Law and Judiciary in the Central Government. (d) Minister-in-Charge of Consumer Affairs in the Central Government.

Ans. 1. (d)

CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL AGENCIES

STRUCTURE

38.0 Objective

38.1 Introduction

38.2 Establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies

38.3 Composition of District Forum

38.4 Jurisdiction of District Forum

38.5 Form of Complaint

38.6 Procedure on Admission of Complaint

38.7 Finding of the District Forum

38.8 Appeal

38.9 Composition of the State Commission

38.10 Jurisdiction and Procedure of State Commission

38.11 Transfer of Cases

38.12 Appeals

38.13 Composition of the National Commission

38.14 Jurisdiction and Powers of National Commission

38.15 TVansfer of Cases

38.16 Finality of Order if no Appeal is Preferred

38.17 Limitation Period

38.18 Enforcement of Orders

38.19 Dismissal of Frivolous or Vexatious Complaints

38.20 Penalties and Protections

38.21 Service of Notice

38.22 Let Us Sum Up




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38.0 OBJECTIVE

In this unit we are looking at different agencies that function for redressal of the complaints of the consumers. The purpose of the Act itself is the protection of the consumer interest. Therefore the functions of these agencies have much significance.

38.1 INTRODUCTION

For resolving and dealing with the consumer complaints different fora are established at district level, state level and national level. These forums have different laid down composition. They have to work and deal with the complaints in the prescribed manner. Their jurisdiction and powers are decided. All these aspects are laid down in the Act in detail giving full procedural particulars. In this unit, we will see these issues. They are on various aspects and with minute details.

38.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL AGENCIES

1. For the purposes of this Act, there shall be following agencies established by the state government

or the Central Government, as the case may be.

(i) District Forum established by the state government at each district. The government may

establish more than one District Council for any district, (ii) State

Commission established by the state government for the state, (iii) National Commission established by the Central Government.

38.3 COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT FORUM

1. Each District Forum shall consist of following:

A. A person who shall be or has been qualified to be a District Judge, who shall be the President of the District Forum.

B. Two other members, one of whom shall be a woman having qualifications as under: (i) be not less than thirty-five years of age, (ii) possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university, (iii) be person of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge and experience

of at least ten years in dealing with problems relating to economics, law, commerce, accountancy, industry, public affairs or administration.

2. Every appointment as member of the District Forum has to be made by the state government on

the recommendations of the selection committee consisting of the following:

(i) the President of the State Commission, who shall be the Chairman of Selection Committee, (ii) Secretary, Law Department of the state, who shall be the member of Selection Committee,

(iii) Secretary-in-Charge of the department dealing with Consumer Affairs in the state, who shall be the member of Selection Committee.

If for any reason the President of the State Commission is absent or otherwise, the state government may refer the matter to the Chief Justice of the High Court for nominating a sitting Judge of that High Court to act as Chairman.

3. Every member of the District Forum shall hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of sixty-five years, which ever is earlier. If the member fulfils the qualifications of appointment, he may be reappointed on expiry of initial term of five years. A member may resign from his office in writing under his hand addressed to the state government.

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4. The salary or honorarium and other allowance payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of the member, of the District Forum shall be such as may be prescribed by the state government.

38.4 JURISDICTION OF DISTRICT FORUM

1. Subject to the other provisions of the Act, the District Forum has jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services and the compensation, if any, claimed does not exceed Rs. 20 lakh.

2. A complaint has to be instituted in a District Forum within the local limits of whose jurisdiction

(i) the opposite party actually and voluntarily resides or carries on business or has a branch

office or personally works for gain, or (ii) the cause of action, wholly or in part arises.

Anyone of opposite parties reside provided District Forum gives permission or party not residing acquiesce in such institution.

38.5 FORM OF COMPLAINT

1. A person aggrieved by any service or whereas consumer his interests are not observed or followed,

he can file a complaint. The details about filing such complaint for which the complaint can be filed are as under:

1. A complaint in relation to,

(i) any goods sold or delivered; or (ii) agreed to be sold or delivered; or (iii) any service provided; or (iv) any service agreed to be provided may be filed with the District Forum by,

(a) the consumer to whom any goods sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or

any service 'provided or any service agreed to be provided; (b) any recognised consumer association whether the consumer to whom any goods sold

or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or any service provided or any service agreed to be provided is a member of such association or not;

(c) one or more of the consumers where there are numerous consumers having same interest, with the permission of the District Forum, on behalf of or for the benefit of all

consumers so interested; or (d) the Central Government or the state government, as the case may be, either in its

individual capacity or as representative of interests of the consumers in general.

2. The recognised consumer association said above means any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or any other law.

3. The complaint should be accompanied with the prescribed fee. 4. The District Foram has to ordinarily decide within twenty-one days from the date of receipt of the

complaint about its admissibility. The complaint cannot be rejected without hearing the complainant.

5. Once the complaint is admitted by the District Foram it cannot be transferred to any other Court or Tribunal or any authority set up under any law.

38.6 PROCEDURE ON ADMISSION OF COMPLAINT

1. If the complaint admitted by the District Foram relates to any goods, the said Foram shall

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(i) Refer a copy of complaint within twenty-one days from the date of admission to the opposite party to give his version of the case. The opposite party is required to give his version within thirty days or extended period of not more than fifteen days.

(ii) If the opposite party denies or disputes the allegation contained in the complaint or fails to submit any of his version, then the consumer dispute is dealt with further as provided herein.

(iii) Where the complaint alleges a defect in the goods that cannot be determined without proper

analysis or test of the goods, the District Forum shall obtain a sample of the goods from the complainant and refer the sample in sealed condition to the appropriate laboratory for analysis or test. The report of the laboratory is required to be received within forty-five days or extended period, if and as, allowed by the District Forum. The sample to be sent to the laboratory has to be sealed and authenticated by the District Forum as prescribed.

(iv) Before the sample of the goods is sent to the laboratory for analysis or test the complainant

is required to deposit the fees as may be specified for payment to the laboratory for analysis or test.

(v) On receipt of the report from the laboratory about the analysis or test of the goods, copy of the laboratory report along with such remarks as the District Forum may feel appropriate are required to be sent to the opposite party.

(vi) If any of the party to the complaint dispute in any way the report received from the laboratory

about the analysis or test of the goods such party has to submit in writing his objections about the report.

(vii) The District Forum after giving reasonable opportunity to both the parties to the complaint for giving their say on the report and the objections has to make appropriate orders thereon.

2. If the complaint relates to services or about the goods for which procedure given above cannot be followed, the District Forum shall refer a copy of the complaint to the opposite party to give his

version of the case. The opposite party is required to give his version within thirty days or extended period of not more than 15 days.

If the opposite party denies or disputes the allegation contained in the complaint or fails to submit any of his version, then the consumer dispute is settled:

(a) on the basis of evidence brought to its notice by the complainant and the opposite party; or

(b) ex parte on the basis of the evidence brought to its notice by the complainant where the opposite party has not appeared.

(c) If the complainant fails to appear on the date of hearing the District Forum may either dismiss the complaint for default or decide it on merits.

3. No proceedings stated above can be called in question in any Court on the ground that the principles of natural justice have not been complied with.

4. Every complaint has to be heard as expeditiously as possible and there has to be attempt that the complaint is decided within three months from the date of receipt of notice by the opposite party. If the goods under reference to the complaint are required to be analysed or tested then the complaint

should be decided within five months. Unless sufficient cause is shown for adjournment and noted in writing, adjournment is ordinarily not granted in proceedings under this Act. The District Forum has to impose cost for the adjournment on the party concerned. If the time limits prescribed above for disposal of any dispute is not observed and the dispute is decided beyond the stipulated time then the District Forum has to mention the reasons for delay while disposing the case.

5. If the District Forum feels appropriate, it can pass suitable necessary interim orders during tendency

of any proceedings. 6. For the purposes of this section, the District Forum shall have the same powers as are vested in a

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7.

Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a civil suit in respect of the following matters:

(i) the summoning and enforcing attendance of any defendant or witness and examining the

witness on oath;

(ii) the discovery and production of any document or other material object producible as evidence; (iii) the reception of evidence on affidavits; (iv) the requisitioning of the report of the analysis or test concerned from the appropriate laboratory

or from any other relevant source; (v) issuing of any commission for the examination of any witness; and (vi)

any other matter that may be prescribed.

Every proceeding before the District Forum shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of Sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code and the District Forum shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purposes of 195 and chapter 26 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

38.7 FINDING OF THE DISTRICT FORUM

1. If after the proceedings under Section 113 are conducted and, the District Forum is satisfied that,

(i) the goods complained against suffer from any of the defects specified in the complaint, or (ii) any of the allegations made in the complaint about the service are proved;

it shall issue an order to the opposite party directing him to do one or more of the following things to:

1. remove the defect pointed out by the laboratory from the goods in question;

2. replace the goods with new goods of similar description which shall be free from any defect; 3. return to the complainant the price or the charges paid by the complainant, as the case may

be; 4. pay such amount as may be awarded by it as compensation to the consumer for any loss or

injury suffered by the consumer due to the negligence of the opposite party and if deemed fit

grant punitive damages; 5. remove defects in goods or deficiencies in the services in question; 6. discontinue the unfair trade practice or restrictive trade practice or not to repeat them; 7. refraining from offering hazardous goods for sale; 8. withdraw hazardous goods from being offered for sale; 9. cease manufacturing hazardous goods and to desist from offering services that are hazardous

in nature;

10. pay such sum, which shall not be less than 5 per cent of the value of such goods sold or

services provided as may be determined if loss or injury has been suffered by a large number of consumers who are not identifiable conveniently and pay to such consumer and utilise such sum so obtained as may be prescribed;

11. issue corrective advertisement to neutralise the effect of misleading advertisement at the cost of the opposite party responsible for issuing such misleading advertisement;

12. provide for adequate costs to the parties.

2. Every proceeding as said above has to be conducted by the President of the District Forum and at least one member of the Forum.

3. Every order made under this section has to be signed by the President and the member or members who conducted the proceedings. If the President and one member conduct the proceeding and they differ on any point, the point of difference has to be referred to the other member for hearing on such point and thereafter the opinion of majority shall be the order of the District Forum.

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4. The procedure relating to the conduct of the meetings of the District Forum, its sittings and other

matters shall be as may be prescribed by the state government.

In Narsuns Battery Manufacturing Company vs General Manager, Andhra Bank 1992 CPC 707

(NC), the National Commission has passed an order that bank asking from a small-scale industry main as well as collateral security four times the values of loan was within the bank's power of advancing money and asking for adequate security. The contention of the applicant-borrower that excessive security was asked and asking collateral security from a small-scale industry was against the guidelines of the IBA was not accepted by the National Commission.

38.8 APPEAL

Any person aggrieved by the order passed by the District Forum may prefer as appeal to the State Commission within a period of thirty days from the date of order, in the form and manner as may be prescribed. The State Commission has the powers to condone delay in preferring an appeal on getting satisfied about the cause of delay. If the order of the District Forum involves payment of any amount

by the person preferring the appeal, the appeal cannot be filed without payment of 50 per cent or the amount ordered to be paid or Rs. 25,000, whichever is less.

38.9 COMPOSITION OF THE STATE COMMISSION

1. Each State Commission shall consist of following:

A. A person who is or has been Judge of a High Court, who shall be its President. His appointment

has to be made only after consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

B. Not less than two other members and not more than such number of members as may be prescribed, one of whom shall be a woman having qualifications as under,

(i) be not less than thirty-five years of age; (ii) possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university; and

(iii) be person of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge and experience


However, not more than 50 per cent of the members shall be from amongst persons having a judicial background, i.e. minimum ten years knowledge and experience as presiding officer of District Court, Tribunal or equivalent level.

2. Every appointment as member of the State Commission has to be made by the state government on

the recommendations of the Selection Committee consisting of the following:

(i) the President of the State Commission, who shall be the Chairman of Selection Committee, (ii) Secretary, Law Department of the state, who shall be the member of Selection Committee, (iii) Secretary-in-Charge of the department dealing with Consumer Affairs in the state, who shall be the member of Selection Committee.

If for any reason the President of the State Commission is absent or otherwise, the state government may refer the matter to the Chief Justice of the High Court for nominating a sitting Judge of that High Court to act as Chairman.

3. The jurisdiction, powers and authority of the State Commission may be exercised by Benches thereof.

If the Members of the Bench differ on any point, the point has to be decided by majority. If there

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is equality in differing members, then the point of difference has to be referred to the President. The President may hear the point of difference himself or refer it to some other member for hearing. The point of difference has to be then decided by majority of the members who heard the case initially and after reference of difference.

4. Every member of the State Commission shall hold office for a term of five years or up to the age

of sixty-seven years, which ever is earlier. But he will be eligible for appointment for another term of five years or up to the age of 67 years whichever is earlier. A member may resign from his office under his hand addressed to the state government.

38.10 JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE OF STATE COMMISSION

1. Subject to the other provision of the Act the State Commission has jurisdiction

(a) to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services and compensation, if any, claimed exceeds Rs. 20 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 1 crore and appeals against the orders of any District Forum within the state, and

(b) to call for the records and pass appropriate orders in any consumer dispute that is pending before or has been decided by any District Forum within the state where the State Commission is of the opinion that the District Forum has acted without jurisdiction or with material irregularity.

2. A complaint has to be instituted in a State Commission within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,

(i) the opposite party actually and voluntarily resides or carries on business or has a branch office or personally works for gain, at the time of the institution of the complaint, or

(ii) when one of opposite parties, do not reside or carry business then either with permission of State Commission or acquiescence of such party,

(iii) the cause of action, wholly or in part arises.

3. For disposal of disputes by the State Commission same procedure, with necessary modifications,

is applicable as given at Sections 12, 13 and 14 for District Forum.

38.11 TRANSFER OF CASES

On the application of a complainant or on its own motion the State Commission may transfer any

proceeding at any stage from one District Forum to another District Forum if in the interest of justice

it so requires.

38.12 APPEALS

1. Any person aggrieved by the order passed by the State Commission may prefer as appeal to the

National Commission within a period of thirty days from the date of order, in the form and manner as may be prescribed. The National Commission has the powers to condone delay in preferring an appeal on getting satisfied about the cause of delay. If the order of the State Commission involves payment of any amount by the person preferring the appeal, the appeal cannot be filed without payment of 50 per cent or the amount ordered to be paid or Rs. thirty-five thousand, whichever is

less. 2. An appeal filed before the State Commission or the National Commission has to be heard as

expeditiously as possible. There has to be an attempt to dispose appeal finally within a period of ninety days of its admission.

Ordinarily no adjournment is granted. However the State Commission or the National Commission

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may grant adjournment on sufficient cause shown by the party seeking adjournment and the

reasons are recorded.

The State Commission or the National Commission can make orders for the imposition of costs

occasioned by the adjournment.

If any appeal is disposed by the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, beyond the specified period of ninety days the Commission has to give the reasons for delay while

passing final order disposing the appeal.

3. Any person aggrieved by an order made by the National Commission in exercise of powers under Section 21 of the Act may prefer an appeal against such order to the Supreme Court within a period of thirty days from the date of such order.

The Supreme Court may entertain an appeal after expiry of the specified period of thirty days on

getting satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing the appeal in time. If the order

against which appeal is to be preferred involves payment of any amount by the person preferring

the appeal, the appeal cannot be filed without payment of 50 per cent of the amount ordered to

be paid or Rs. 50 thousand, whichever is less.

38.13 COMPOSITION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION

1. Each National Commission shall consist of following:

A. A person who is or has been Judge of the Supreme Court, who shall be its President. His appointment has to be made by the Central Government only after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

B. Not less than four other members and not more than such number of members as may be prescribed, one of whom shall be a woman having qualifications as under,

(i) be not less than thirty-five years of age.

(ii) possess a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. (iii) be person of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge and experience


However, not more than 50 per cent of the members shall be from amongst persons having a judicial background. For this section the expression judicial background means knowledge and

experience for at least ten years as a presiding officer at the district level Court or any tribunal at equivalent level.

2. Every appointment as member of the National Commission has to be made by the Central Government on the recommendations of the Selection Committee consisting of the following:

(i) a person who is a Judge of the Supreme Court, to be nominated by the Chief Justice of

India, who shall be the Chairman of Selection Committee, (ii) Secretary, in the Department of Legal Affairs in the Government of India, who shall be the

member of Selection Committee, (iii) Secretary of the Department dealing with Consumer Affairs in the Government of India,

who shall be the member of Selection Committee.

3. The jurisdiction, powers and authority of the National Commission may be exercised by Benches

thereof. If the President and one member conduct the proceeding and they differ on any point, the point of difference has to be referred to the other member for hearing on such point and thereafter the opinion of majority may be exercised by Benches thereof. A Bench may be constituted by the President with one or more members, as the President may deem fit.

4.

5.

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If the Members of the Bench differ on any point, the point has to be decided by majority. If there is equality in differing members, then the point of difference has to be referred to the President. The President may hear the point of difference himself or refer it to some other member for

hearing. The point of difference has to be then decided by majority of the members who heard the case initially and after reference of difference.

Every member of the National Commission shall hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of seventy years, which ever is earlier. Member will be eligible for reappointment for another term of 5 years or up to age of 70 years. A member may resign from his office under his hand

addressed to the Central Government. The salary or honorarium and other allowance payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of the member of the National Commission shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

38.14 JURISDICTION AND POWERS OF NATIONAL COMMISSION

1. Subject to the other provision of the Act the National Commission has jurisdiction,

(a) to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services and compensation, if any, claimed exceeds Rs. 1 crore and appeals against the orders of any State Commission, and

(b) to call for the records and pass appropriate orders in any consumer dispute that is pending before or has been decided by any State Commission where the National Commission is of

the opinion that the State Commission has acted without jurisdiction or with material irregularity.

2. For disposal of disputes by the National Commission same procedure, with necessary modifications,

is applicable as given at Sections 12, 13 and 14 for District Forum.

The National Commission has also powers to review any order made by it when there is error

apparent on the face of record.

3. If the National Commission passes any ex parte order against the opposite party or the complainant,

the aggrieved party may apply to the Commission to set aside the ex parte order in the interest of

justice.

38.15 TRANSFER OF CASES

In the interest of justice the National Commission may transfer, on the application of the complainant or on its own motion, any proceeding at any stage from one District Forum of one state to a District Forum of another state and from one State Commission to another State Commission.

38.16 FINALITY OF ORDER IF NO APPEAL IS PREFERRED

Every order of a District Forum, State Commission or of the National Commission is final if no appeal

is preferred against such order under the provisions of the Act.

38.17 LIMITATION PERIOD

For filing any complaint before a District Forum, State Commission or the National Commission the limitation period is two years from the date of cause of action.

The District Forum, State Commission or National Commission may entertain a complaint after the

specified period of two years if sufficient cause is shown for the delay and the Forum or Commission,

as the case may be, records the reasons for condoning the delay.

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38.18 ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS

1. If any interim order passed under this Act by the District Forum, State Commission or National

Commission, as the case may be, is not complied with the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission may order that the property of the person who is not complying the order be attached.

2. If within three months of attachment of the property as stated above, the person does not comply with the order, the attached property is sold. From the sale proceedings of the property the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be, may order payment of

compensation to the complainant. The balance amount, if any, out of sale proceeds after payment of compensation is paid to the party entitled thereto.

3. Where any amount is due from any person under an order made by the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be, the person entitled to the amount has to make an application to the respective authority that has passed the order. On the application such authority has to issue a certificate for the said amount to the Collector of the district. The

Collector has to then proceed to recover the amount mentioned in the certificate as arrears of land revenue.

38.19 DISMISSAL OF FRIVOLOUS OR VEXATIOUS COMPLAINTS

If the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be, finds that the complaint instituted before it is frivolous or vexatious, it shall dismiss the complaint after recording in

writing the reasons. The order shall also be for the cost, not exceeding Rs. ten thousand, that the complainant should pay to the opposite party.

38.20 PENALTIES AND PROTECTIONS

1. Where a trader or a person against whom a complaint is made or the complainant fails or omits to

comply with any order made by the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as

the case may be, such trader or person or complainant shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than one month but which may extend to three years, or with fine of minimum Rs. 2,000 that may extend to Rs. ten thousand or with both.

2. For the trial of offences under this Act the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be, is deemed as and is conferred with powers of the First Class Judicial Magistrate.

3. All offences under this Act are tried summarily by the District Forum, State Commission or National

Commission, as the case may be. 4. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings lie against the members of the District Forum,

State Commission or National Commission or any officer or person acting under the direction of the District Forum, State Commission or National Commission for execution of any order made by it. Similarly no action can lie for anything done in good faith or intended to be done in good faith by such member, officer or person under this Act or rules made there under.

38.21 SERVICE OF NOTICE

1. The service of notice may be made by delivering a copy thereof by registered post acknowledgement due addressed to the party against whom complaint is filed or to the complainant. It can also be sent by speed post or through the courier service approved by the District Forum, State or National Commission, as the case may be, or by fax.

2. The District Forum, State Commission or National Commission, as the case may be shall declare that the notice had been duly served to the addressee in following circumstances:

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3.

(i) when an acknowledgement or any other receipt purported to be signed by the addressee is

received; or (ii) the communication sent in any manner as stated above is received back

with the remarks

made by postal employee or the authorised person of the courier agency that the addressee

has refused to accept the delivery; or (iii) the addressee has refused to take delivery of the notice sent by any other means, and (iv) in case the notice was properly addressed, prepaid and duly sent by registered post

acknowledgement due the declaration of service of notice can be made within thirty days

from the date of posting of the notice even if the acknowledgement receipt has not been

received back or lost or not found.

All notices required to be served on the opposite party are deemed to be sufficiently served if addressed to the place where business or profession is carried by him.

38.22 LET US SUM UP

For dealing with complaints by consumer there are District Forum, State and National Commission.

First two are established by the state government, National Commission established by Central Government. Jurisdiction respectively the district, the state and the entire country. District forum has powers to deal with cases up to Rs. 20 lakh. Complaints have to be in prescribed manner. Complaint should be made with full details, evidence and prescribed fee. Supporting affidavit is required. Admissibility of complaint needs to be decided within twenty-one days. The District Forum after conducting the

case if finds that complaint is true, can award compensation, replacement of goods etc. Against the order of District Forum appeal within 30 days to State Commission. If order involves payment to other party then at the time of appeal 50 per cent amount is required to be deposited. National Commission has powers to make regulations not inconsistent with Act and Rules.


1. To appoint a person as President of District Forum, he must be qualified to be a District Judge.

(True/False) 2. Appointment of District Forum is made by the High Court. (True/False) 3. Can few consumers file a representative complaint on behalf of general consumers at large? 4. As the agencies appointed for under the Act are quasi-judicial, they do not have powers of Civil

Court while conducting the case. (True/False)


1. True; 2. False; 3. Yes, but with permission of District Forum; 4. False.


1. District Forum has passed order to pay compensation. How recovery of the ordered amount is

made?

(a) By filing execution in Civil Court. (b) By filing execution before District Forum. (c) By filing Civil Suit. (d) By referring the order to collector for making recovery as if it is land revenue recovery.

Ans. 1. (d)


STRUCTURE

39.0 Objective

39.1 Introduction

39.2 Definition

39.3 Limitation and its Computation

39.4 Acts Giving Rise to Fresh Period of Limitation

39.5 Certain Important Provisions in Schedule to the Limitation Act

39.6 Let Us Sum Up



m

328

39.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to familiarise the aspects relating to the Limitation Act, 1963 in so far as

they are relevant to the banks and financial institutions.

39.1 INTRODUCTION

The Limitation Act, 1963 has significant application to the banks and financial institutions. These entities provide financial assistance to borrowers and in default by the borrowers; they are required to take appropriate action for the recovery of the money lent. The Recovery of Debts due to Banks and financial institutions Act, 1993 and the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 specifically state that actions under those Acts are permissible

only if the claim is within the period of limitation. The Limitation Act, 1963 is an Act to consolidate and amend the law for the limitation of suits and other proceedings.

39.2 DEFINITION

Period of limitation is always in relation to a document which entitles the beneficiary to take action in a court of law. Period of limitation means the period of limitation prescribed for any suit, appeal or application by the Schedule, andprescribedperiod means the period of limitation computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Suit does not include an appeal or an application.

39.3 LIMITATION AND ITS COMPUTATION

It is absolutely necessary that every suit or application or appeal shall have to be made within the period of limitation. Section 3 of the Limitation Act declares that every suit instituted, appeal preferred, and application made after the prescribed period shall be dismissed although limitation has not been set up

as a defence. A suit is instituted when the plaint is presented to the proper officer in the court. In the case of set off or counterclaim, they shall be treated as a separate suit and shall be deemed to have been instituted:

(a) in the case of a set off, on the same date as the suit in which the set off is pleaded;

(b) in the case of a counterclaim, on the date on which the counter-claim is made in court.

Computation of the period of limitation

(a) When the period of limitation expires on a day when the court is closed, the suit, appeal or application may be instituted, preferred or made on the day when the court reopens.

(b) Any appeal or any application other than execution petitions may be admitted after the prescribed period, if the appellant or applicant makes out sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal or application within the period of limitation.

(c) In computing the period of limitation, the day from which such period is to be reckoned, shall be excluded. The computation of the period of limitation for filing appeal shall exclude the day on which the judgment complained was pronounced and the time taken for obtaining a copy of the

decree, sentence or order appealed. Time required for obtaining a copy of the order or award shall be excluded while computing the time limit for filing revision or review application or an application to set aside the award.

(d) For an application for execution of decree, the period during which the institution or execution has been stayed by injunction or order, the day on which the order was issued or made and the day on which it was withdrawn shall be excluded.

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(e) For filing any suit of which notice has to be given, or for which the previous consent or sanction of the Government or any other authority is required, in accordance with the requirements of any law for the time being in force, the period of such notice, or the time required for obtaining such consent or sanction shall be excluded.

(f) In computing the period of limitation for any suit, the time during which the defendant has been

absent from India and from the territories outside India under the administration of the Central Government shall be excluded.

39.4 ACTS GIVING RISE TO FRESH PERIOD OF LIMITATION

There are two instances which will give rise to fresh period of limitation. In these cases the period of

limitation will be computed as if the starting point is the happening of the instances.

1. Where before the expiration of the prescribed period for a suit or application in respect of any

property or right, an acknowledgement of liability in respect of such property or right has been made in writing signed by the party against whom such property or right is claimed, or by any person through whom he derives his title or liability, a fresh period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the acknowledgement was so signed.

2. Where payment on account of a debt or of interest on a legacy is made before expiration of the

prescribed period by the person liable to pay the debt or legacy or by his agent duly authorised in this behalf, a fresh period of limitation shall be computed from the time when the payment was made. In this case 'debt' does not include money payable under a decree or order of a court.

39.5 CERTAIN IMPORTANT PROVISIONS IN SCHEDULE TO THE LIMITATION ACT

Some of the important aspects that are required to be noted for filing suits of different types are given

below:

Description of Suits Period of Limitation Time from which Period begins to Run

For money payable for money lent Three years When the loan is made

For money lent under an agreement

that it shall be payable on demand Three years When loan is made

On a bill of exchange payable at sight, or

after sight, but not at a fixed time

Three years When the bill is presented

On a bill of exchange or promissory

note payable at a fixed time after sight or

after demand

Three years When the fixed time expires

On a promissory note or bond

payable by instalments Three years The expiration of the first term of payment

as to the part then payable; and for the other

parts, the expiration of the respective terms of

payment

For arrears of rent Three years When the arrears become due.

For specific per formance of a

contract

Twelve years The date fixed for the performance, or if no

such date is fixed, when the plaintiff has

noticed that performance is refused

330

To enforce payment of money

secured by a mortgage or otherwise

charged upon immovable property

Thirty years When the money sued for becomes due

By a mortgagee (a)

for foreclosure Twelve years When the money secured by the mortgage

become due

(b) for possession of immovable

property

Thirty years When the mortgagee become entitled to

possession

Any suit (except a suit before the

Supreme Court in the exercise of its

original jurisdiction) by or on behalf of

the Central Government or any State

Government, including the

Government of the State of Jammu

and Kashmir

Three years When the period of limitation would begin to

run under this Act against a like suit by a

private person

Any suit for which no period of

limitation is provided elsewhere in

this Schedule

Thirty years When the right to sue accrues

39.6 LET US SUM UP

The Law of Limitation plays an important role in filing a suit, appeal or application in court. The suit, appeal or application instituted, preferred or made after the prescribed period shall be dismissed although limitation has not been set up as a defence. The Act provides exclusion of certain period while computing the period of limitation. Acknowledgement in writing and payment on account of a debt give rise to a fresh period of limitation from the time when the acknowledgement was signed or the payment made, as the case may be Schedule to the Act provides the limitation period and the time from which it is to be computed.


1. In the Limitation Act, the definition of 'suit' does not include appeal or application. (True/False)

2. The defendant is required to set up the plea of limitation if he has to succeed in a suit instituted beyond the period of limitation. (True/False)

3. A suit is said to be instituted when the plaint is presented before the proper officer. (True/False) 4. Acknowledgement in writing gives rise to fresh period of limitation. (True/False) 5. Part payment of a debt within the period of limitation entails the plaintiff to compute fresh period

of limitation from the date of payment. (True/False)

6. Limitation for a mortgage suit is three years from the date when the mortgage money becomes due. (True/False)

7. A suit on demand promissory note can be filed within three years from the date on which the demand was made. (True/False)


1. True; 2. False; 3. True; 4. True; 5. True; 6. False; 7. False

TAX LAWS

STRUCTURE

40.0 Objective

40.1 Introduction

40.2 Income Tax

40.3 Fringe Benefit Tax

40.4 Banking Cash Transaction Tax

40.5 Service Tax

40.6 Let Us Sum Up



40.9 Multiple Choice Questions

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40.0 OBJECTIVE

This unit is intended to provide an outline on the basic aspects of the laws relating to Income tax, fringe

benefit tax, banking cash transaction tax and service tax limiting the discussions on the applicability of

the above tax laws to banks and financial institutions.

40.1 INTRODUCTION

The banks and financial institutions are required to implement the provisions of the tax laws by deducting taxes at source, crediting the tax deducted at source to the income tax authorities and also have regard

to the provisions relating to Banking Cash Transaction Tax, Service Tax, etc., in their day to day operations.

40.2 INCOME TAX

The law relating to taxation of income is governed by Income Tax Act 1961.

This Act envisages taxation of income of an assessee on the basis of his

(a) Residence; (b) Place of source of income.

Meaning of Income

The definition of 'income' is inclusive and not exhaustive in nature. Thus no precise definition as to what constitutes income.

Assessee and Assessment year

The income accruing, or arising, to a person (called 'Assessee') is taxed on the basis of 'Assessment Year'. The term Assessment Year represents the period of 12 months beginning from 1st April every year. The income arising in the 'previous year' is taxed in the assessment year. Previous year is the financial year immediately preceding the assessment year of an assessee.

Residential status

The residential status of an assessee is determined on the basis of the number of days an assessee was present in India during the previous year. In the case of corporates, it is determined on the basis of location of control and management of the company and also the place of registration. When a company is an Indian company, that is a company registered under Companies Act of India or a body corporate

set up by statute or a company whose control and management of a company is based in India, such a company is treated as resident in India.

There is also a third category called resident but not ordinarily resident which is relevant only for assessees who are individuals and Hindu undivided families.

The income declared by the resident assessee from anywhere in the world is taxable under Income Tax Act in India. As against this in the case of non-resident and persons who are not ordinarily resident in India, any income derived abroad is not taxable and only income accruing or arising in India is liable to tax in India. Heads of income

Under IT Act - Other applications are:

(a) Quoting PAN for opening a/c, purchase of DD, Term Deposit above Rs. 20,000.

(b) Declaration in Form 60 and 61.

(c) Repayment of T. Deposit above Rs. 20,000 by pay-order (d) Reporting high value transactions - above Rs. 1 lakh

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Income Tax Act, 1961 envisages taxation of income under following heads:

1. Salaries 2. Income from house property

3. Profits and gains from business or profession 4. Capital gains 5. Income from other sources

Computation of income

Computation of Taxable income involves the following steps. Income arising under various heads to

income is computed separately as per the relevant sections covering such incomes. After having computed the income under each head separately, the 'gross total income' representing the sum of above amounts computed under such heads is arrived at. Chapter VIA of the Income Tax Act provides for various deductions allowable from the gross total income. The taxable income of the assessee is arrived at after deducting such amounts covered under Chapter VIA of the Income Tax Act.

Income exempt from tax

Certain categories of income are exempt from tax and such income is not taken into account in the computation of income. They are excluded from the computation at the beginning.

Assessment Proceedings

Every person whose total income in a previous year exceeds the maximum amount which is not liable to tax is required to file his return by the due date prescribed in section 139. A company or partnership firm has to file its return of income.

A corporate assessee is required to file its return of income in the prescribed Form No 1. Corporate

assesses are required to file the return of income in computer media (e-filing). The due date for filing of this return is presently October 31 of the Assessment year.

A return of income can be revised to correct any mistake in computation of income in the original return by filing another return within one year from the end of the assessment year or before completion of assessment whichever is earlier. A return declaring loss should be filed before the due date and any delay in filing of such return declaring loss will result in denial of the benefit of carry forward of such

loss and set off in future years.

The returns filed by an assessee is assessed by an officer duly designated for this purpose (Assessing Officer - AO). The assessment could be in the nature of summary assessment where the return of income is accepted u/s 143(1) by AO without any further enquiry. The AO may also scrutinise the return furnished by the issuing a notice u/s 143 (2) of the Act and complete the assessment under Section 143(3) which is commonly called as 'Scrutiny Assessment'.

The AO determines the total income and issues an assessment order along with the notice of demand. The demand if any, raised after scrutiny assessment is payable within 30 days of the service of the assessment order and the demand notice on the assessee.

When a person fails to file his return of income as prescribed in the Act, the AO can issue a notice under section 142 calling him to file a return and proceed to assess the income. AO can also reopen and

reassess the income under prescribed circumstances.

Payment of Taxes

Advance tax is payable as per the provisions of section 210 of the Income Tax Act. Advance tax arises

from the concept of 'pay as you earn'. In the case of corporate assessees, advance tax is payable in

four instalments as given below:

(a) By June 15-15 per cent

(b) By September 15-30 per cent

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(c) By December 15-60 per cent

(d) By March 15-100 per cent of the advance tax payable.

The advance tax which is paid by an assessee on the basis of estimation of income may at times fall short of the tax payable as per the return of income. Such a shortfall if any shall be paid by way of 'self-assessment tax' under Section 140A of the Income Tax Act.

Deduction/collection of tax source

Members of Co-operative bank are exempted from TDS. Apart from advance taxes and self-assessment,

income tax is also payable through other modes, viz.. Deduction of Tax at Source (TDS) and Collection

of Tax at Source (TCS).

The provisions relating to TDS are important in the normal day-to-day business activities of a bank and

are relevant when payments of specific nature are made. The following payments generally occur during the course of business activities of a bank and are covered under TDS under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

(i) Salaries - Section 192

(ii) Interest on securities - Section 193

(iii) Payment of interest, other than interest of securities - Section 194A (iv)

Payment to contractors or sub-contractors - 194C (v) Payment of brokerage and commission - Section 194H (vi) Payment by way of rent - Section 1941 (vii) Payment of professional and technical fees - Section 194J (viii) Payment to non-resident - Section 195

The compliance with regard to provisions of the Act relating to TDS requires special attention as it

casts an onerous responsibility on the person paying such amounts.

Firstly, the person deducting tax at source is required to obtain Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) by filing an application in Form 49B. Tax shall be deducted at source as per the rates given in the Finance Act of the respective years. The tax deducted at source is required be deposited in the Government account, generally within one week from the end of the month in which tax is deducted at source. It

should be noted that whenever the amount payable by way of interest, professional fees, rent, etc., are credited into the account of payee in the books of the payer without actually making payment to the person concerned, it is deemed to be a payment and there is an obligation to deduct tax at source.

Frequently payments are requirement to be made to non-residents. It should be noted that the relevant section 195 covers payment interest and any other sum not being salaries. The rate of deduction of tax

on payments made to non-residents under Section 195 is also given in the Finance Act of the relevant year. The Government of India enters into agreements for avoidance of double taxation of income both on the basis of residence and source with other countries. The rate given in the Double Taxation Avoidable Agreement (DTAA) with the respective country where the recipient is resident will have to be taken into account. The rates applicable as per the DTAA will have to be applied for the purposes of TDS, when it is lower than the rates given in the Finance Act. '

A person deducting tax at source is required to file quarterly return of TDS in prescribed form for salaries, other than salaries and payments to non-residents. These returns are also required to be filed in computer media.

It should be noted that as per the provision of Section 40(a) of the Act, any failure to deduct tax at source or payment of TDS into Government account, results in disallowance of the relevant expenditure in computation of income of the bank, e.g. a payment of Rs. 1 lakh is to be made by a bank to a contractor on which tax has not been deducted at source, then entire amount of Rs. 1 lakh will be

335

added back and treated as income of the bank in the computation of income and the bank will be liable to pay tax on the same. Besides, improper or non-compliance with regard to TDS also attracts levy of interest, penalty and prosecution.

Non-compliance with provisions relating to TDS attracts

1. Levy of interest @ 12 per cent p.a. on the amount on tax payable at source from the date on which it is deductible until the date of payment.

2. Recovery of tax deductible at source from the person responsible for deduction.

3. Non-payment of tax deducted at source into Government a/c attracts prosecution proceedings under Section 276B of the Income Tax Act.

4. Any failure to file returns/statements in this regard attracts penalty @ of Rs. 100 per day for the period of default.

40.3 FRINGE BENEFIT TAX

Fringe Benefit Tax [FBT] was introduced by Finance Act 2005 and is applicable for the previous year beginning 1.4.2005 (i.e. For AY 2006-2007 onwards).

FBT intends to tax fringe benefits, which are provided or deemed to have been provided, by an employer to its employee during the previous year. It is in the nature of a presumptive tax levied on an employer in respect of various expenses incurred by the employer on behalf of its employee.

FBT is payable at the rates applicable to the assessee on the 'Value' of such fringe benefit, this tax

is payable by an employer in addition to the income tax. The definition of the term fringe benefit is contained in Section 115(w)(b) of the Income Tax Act. There are two parts in the definition. First part defines three categories of benefit, which are specifically taken to mean 'Fringe Benefit'. The second part treats certain benefits or expenditure incurred by the employer as 'Deemed Fringe Benefit'.

The value 'Deemed Fringe Benefit' as defined in Section 115(w)(b) is to be calculated at the rates

specified on the total expenditure incurred. In other words, only part of the expenditure and not the entire amount expended is taken into account as 'value of fringe benefit' for the purpose of payment of FBT.

The Act also envisages payment of FBT in advance on the basis of expenses incurred at the end of every quarter. FBT by way of advance tax is payable on or before 15th day of the month following

each quarter. However, for the quarter ending 31st March of the financial year, it shall be paid before 15th March of the same financial year.

Return of FBT is also required to be filed before due date for filing of return under the Income Tax Act. In practice, presently there is no separate return but it is made as a separate section of the Income tax return.

40.4 BANKING CASH TRANSACTION TAX

Banking Cash Transaction Tax [BCTT] was introduced with effect from 01/06/2005 to cover certain

specific transactions involving withdrawal of cash from accounts maintained by branches of the scheduled banks. This tax is payable @ 0.1 per cent of the value of every taxable banking transaction.

'Taxable Banking Transaction' is defined in Clause 8 of Section of 94 of the Finance Act 2005 to mean,

(a) A transaction, being withdrawal of cash (by whatever mode) on any single day from an account (other than a saving bank account) maintained with any scheduled bank, exceeding:

336

(i) Fifty thousand rupees, in cash such withdrawal is from the account maintained by any

individual or Hindu undivided family (ii) One lakh rupees, in case such withdrawal is from the account maintained by a person other

than any individual or Hindu undivided family or (b) A transaction, being receipt of cash from any scheduled bank on any single day on encashment of

one or more term deposits, whether on maturity or otherwise, from that bank, exceeding-(i) Fifty thousand rupees, in case such term deposit or deposits are in the name of any individual

or Hindu undivided family; (ii) One lakh rupees, in case such term deposit or deposits are by any person other than an

individual or Hindu undivided family.

The tax collected by way of BCTT is payable to the credit of Central Government by 15th day of the month immediately following the month in which such tax is collected. A branch of the bank is required to maintain a statement prepared in Form No.l, A monthly statement in Form No. 2 is also to be filed by the following month. A return in Form No. 3 is to be filed in computer media by 31 st July in respect of the year ending 31st March.

Any default in payment of BCTT attracts interest @ 1 per cent for every month or part thereof for the period of delay. The relevant legislation also contains the procedure for assessment, rectification, appeals and levy of penalty for non-compliance with aforesaid law relating to BCTT.

40.5 SERVICE TAX

Service Tax was introduced by Finance Act, 1994. Initially it covered just 3 services, viz., telephone, general insurance and stock broking. No Separate Act exists for Service Tax. Over the years, amendments have been made to the Finance Act and various other services were brought within the ambit of service tax. There will be no service tax if the turnover does not exceed Rs. 8 lakh. If the turnover exceeds this limit, the person providing the services covered will have to pay service tax.

Among the services covered, the service tax is leviable on banking and financial service w.e.f. 16/7/ 2001. The term banking and financial services covers various kinds of business activities of the bank. It has also been extended to lending related activities of the banks, fees, commission, etc. It is not payable on interest income of the bank. Various services like merchant banking activities, securities and foreign exchange brokerage, advisory services, safe deposit locker service, etc., are covered.

Besides the above, there are some other services on which service tax is payable, e.g. credit and debit card services, business auxiliary services, etc. In the event of an obligation arising under any category of service, the service provider will have to obtain separate registration for each such service.

The service tax registration can be obtained by filing Form ST-1 with the service tax authorities. With the introduction of centralised accounting system in various banks there is also scope to obtain centralised registration for all the branches. Centralised Registration can be obtained from the Commissioner of Service Tax at the location which the accounting activities are centralised.

Service tax is at present payable @ 12 per cent along with education cess 3 per cent thereon (total 12.36 per cent) on the fee income received. Obligation to pay service tax is on the person providing service and is payable on actual receipt of fee income. The law also provides that in the event of service tax is not collected separately by the service provider, the amount received by way of value for the service provided can be bifurcated into fee, income and service tax component by reverse arithmetical calculation. E.g. if the amount received is x, service tax can be worked out as follows:

X/112.4 multiplied by 12.4

The amount so arrived at can be paid as service tax and the balance can be reported as value for services rendered. Service tax is payable to the credit of the Government by 5th of the month following

___„_.._-__„__„__ 337

I: the month in which the income is received [except in the month of March when it is required within the same month]. The return in Form ST-3 is required to be filed half yearly on April 25 and October 25 and every year covering half period ending 31st March and 30th September respectively.

Cenvat Credit

If service tax paid is by an assessee for input services, the same can be set off to the extent of 20 per cent of the liability on output services. Such set off to the extent of 20 per cent of the service tax liability is across all input services. Rule 6[l][iii] of Cenvat credit rules, also provides for set off to the extent of 100 per cent of service tax liability in respect of service tax paid on certain specified input services. In other words, service tax paid on input service includes specific category of service, the limit of 20 per cent mentioned above can be breached and credit for the entire amount paid for input

service can be taken against the liability on output service.

Export and Import of Services

Service tax is not applicable when service are rendered outside India or exported. Conversely service tax is leviable when services are imported. The relevant rules regarding service tax chargeable in respect of imported services is contained in Import of Service Rules, 2006.

Whenever service tax is payable on import of services, the liability to pay such service tax is on the person importing such services. Such a person is required to obtain registration for each category of service imported.

Any delay in payment of service tax to Government account attracts levy of interest at a specified rate (presently 13 per cent p.a.) which is required to be paid along with the service tax. Non-compliance with the law relating to the service tax also attracts penalty equivalent to the amount of Service Tax payable.

40.6 LET US SUM UP

As a business entity, banks are required to comply with various tax laws. Income is computed under separate heads and the gross total income is calculated. Taxable Income is arrived at after deduction allowable under Chapter VIA. Fringe benefit Tax and Banking Cash Transactions tax also require independent compliances. Income Tax and Fringe Benefit Tax are payable in instalments by way of

advance tax. Tax is deductible at source at the specified rates on making certain types of payment. There are separate compliance requirement in respect of TDS.

Service Tax is payable on various services rendered by banks and which are mainly covered under 'Banking and Financial services'. However, Compliance may be required to be made through separate registration for other services. Cenvat credit is available on service tax payable on the basis of service

tax on input services.


1. Liability to pay income tax arises on account of residential status and place of the source of income. (True/False)

2. Assessment year represents the period of 12 months beginning from 1st April each year. l(True/False)

3. Previous year is the financial year immediately preceding the assessment year (True/False) 4. Income is taxed only on salaries. (True/False) 5. Income exempt from tax is to be deducted out of taxable income before computation of tax

(True/False)

338

6. Assessment is of two types (a) summary assessment and (b) scrutiny assessment (True/False) 7. Partnership firm, if it has no income, need not file a tax return. (True/False)

8. Tax assessed by AO shall be paid within _____ days. (30/45) 9. Entire advance tax is to be paid by 15th March. (True/False)

10. Tax deduction is to be made before making payment to __________ non-residents. (True/False)

11. Tax deducted at source is to be deposited within one week from the end of the month in which it is to be deducted. (True/False)

12. Person deducting tax at source is required to file a quarterly return of TDS. (True/False) 13. FBT consists of specific items and certain benefits or expenditure incurred by the employer as

deemed fringe benefit. (True/False) 14. For FBT a separate return has to be filed. (True/False)

15. Service Tax Act deals with levy of tax on services. (True/False) 16. Cenvat credit can be availed of in respect of tax paid on certain specified input services.

(True/False)

40.8 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS1

HI

1. True; 2. True; 3. True; 4. False; 5. False; 6. True; 7. False; 8. 30; 9. True; 10. True; 11. True; 12. True; 13. True; 14. False; 15. False; 16. True.

40.9 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Failure to deduct tax at source will result in

(a) disallowance of expenditure; (b) only tax with interest shall be payable (c) tax will be collected from the person receiving payment; (d) no effect on the person making payment.

2. Banking Cash Transaction Tax is payable if withdrawal by an individual exceeds

(a) Rs. 10,000; (b) Rs. 10,000 in a week; (c) Rs. 50,000 in a day; (d) Rs. 25,000 in a day.

3. Banking Cash Transaction Tax is payable to the credit of the Central Government by

(a) 15th day of the next month; (b) 7th day of the next month; (c) last day of the current month; (d) 10th day of the next month

Ans: 1. (a); 2. (c); 3. (a)

MODULE -D

COMMERCIAL LAWS WITH REFERENCE TO BANKING OPERATIONS

Unit 41. Meaning and Essentials of a Contract

Unit 42. Contracts of Indemnity

Unit 43. Contracts of Guarantee

Unit 44. Contract of Bailment

Unit 45. Contract of Pledge

Unit 46. Contract of Agency

Unit 47. Meaning and Essentials of a Contract of Sale

Unit 48. Conditions and Warranties

Unit 49. Unpaid Seller

Unit 50. Definition, Meaning and Nature of Partnership

Unit 51. Relations of Partners to One Another

Unit 52. Relations of Partners to Third Parties

Unit 53. Minor Admitted to the Benefits of Partnership

Unit 54. Dissolution of a Firm

Unit 55. Effect of Non-Registration

Unit 56. Definition and Features of a Company

Unit 57. Types of Companies

Unit 58. Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

Unit 59. Doctrines of Ultra Vires/Constructive Notice/Indoor Management

Unit 60. Membership

Unit 61. Prospectus

Unit 62. Directors

Unit 63. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

Unit 64. Transfer of Property Act, 1882

Unit 65. The Right to Information Act, 2005

Unit 66. Right to Information and Obligations of Public Authorities

Unit 67. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

Unit 68. Information Technology Act, 2000

L.R.A.B-23

UNIT

41

MEANING AND ESSENTIALS OF A CONTRACT

STRUCTURE

41.0 Objective

41.1 Introduction

41.2 Meaning of Contract

41.3 Key Components to Form a Contract

41.4 Essentials of a Valid Contract

41.5 Let Us Sum Up

41.6 Keywords



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41.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit, is to enable the candidates to have a broad understanding of the essential elements of a contract.

41.1 INTRODUCTION

The law of contract constitutes the most important branch of commercial law. It affects the entire trade, commerce and industry in the country. In India, the law relating to contracts is governed by the

Indian Contract Act, 1872. The Act is broadly divisible into two parts. Part one describes the general principles of a contract which are applicable to all types of contracts. The second part deals with special types of contracts, namely indemnities, guarantees, etc.

41.2 MEANING OF CONTRACT

Contract means an agreement enforceable by law. It has two major constituents:

1. An agreement between two persons or more.

2. The agreement must be enforceable by law (i.e. the rights and obligations arising out of it).

41.3 KEY COMPONENTS TO FORM A CONTRACT

When one person signifies to another person, his willingness to do or not to do something, with a view

to obtaining the consent of that other person, he is said to make a proposal.

When a person to whom the proposal is made, signifies his assent (consent), the proposal is said to be accepted.

A proposal becomes a promise when it is accepted. The

person making the proposal is called the 'promisor'. The

person accepting the proposal is called 'promisee'.

41.4 ESSENTIALS OF A VALID CONTRACT

Proposal and Acceptance

There must be a lawful proposal by one party and the other party must accept the proposal.

Illustration

A proposes by a letter to B to sell his car for Rs. 10,000. This is known as a proposal. A is the promisor. If B accepts the proposal then he becomes the promisee. This results into a contract.

An Agreement may be Oral or Written

While valid cnntwte ^^ w» ^J^ uiax agreements, under certain laws an agreement is required to be

in writing only and is also required to be registered and attested. If such formalities are not complied with, then the agreement cannot be enforced before a court of law. This applies for example, in the case of sale or mortgage of immoveable property, lease, etc.

Consideration

There must be a lawful consideration for both the parties to enter into an agreement. Consideration here

means 'something in return'. Hence, when both (or more) parties to an agreement give something to one another and get something in return, then the agreement becomes enforceable at law.

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The Contract Act defines consideration as under.

When, at the desire of the promisor, the promisee or any other person

• has done or abstained from doing, or

• does or abstains from doing, or

• promises to do or to abstain from doing something.

such act or abstinence or promise is called a consideration for the promise.

(abstains means refrains/avoids)

Illustration

A agrees to sell his car to B provided that B gives Rs 1 lakh to A. Here, As promise to sell the car is a

consideration for B's promise to pay the money and B's promise to pay the money is a consideration

for A's promise to sell the car. These are lawful considerations and the contract is enforceable at law.

It has always to be remembered that an agreement without consideration is void. (Void means, it is of

no legal effect and is not enforceable by law.) However, in the following cases an agreement without

consideration is valid:

• An agreement made out of natural love and affection.

• Between parties standing in near relation to each other.

• Which is in writing and registered.

Illustration

Mr A out of his natural love and affection, promises to give to his son B, a sum of Rs. 1000. A puts his

promise in writing and registers it. This is a valid contract even though there is no consideration from B.

A promise to compensate a person, who has already done something voluntarily for the promisor (or

done something voluntarily, that the promisor was legally bound to do) is enforceable at law.

Illustration

A finds B's watch and gives it to him. B promises to give A a sum of Rs. 100. This is a contract.

The agreement must be entered for lawful objects, e.g. it should not be forbidden by law or must not

be fraudulent (i.e. to commit a fraud/must not be immoral/must not be opposed to public policy, etc.).

Free Consent

Free consent of the parties to a contract is required. A consent is said to be free when the parties agree

to the same thing in the same sense.

Capacity to Contract

The parties to an agreement must be legally competent to enter into a contract. Section 11 of the

Contract Act lays down that every person is competent to enter into a contract if,

• he has attained the age of majority, and

• he is of sound mind, and

• he is not disqualified from entering into an contract by any law to which he is subject.

Minor's Contracts

An agreement made by minor is void ab initio. The principle behind this is that a minor is not supposed

to have a mature judgement and hence, he cannot decide what is good or bad for him. A minor is hence,

not liable to perform any promise made by him under any agreement.

This leading case of Mohiri Bibi vs Dharmodas Ghose (1903) 30 Cal539: 39IA 114 (PC) settled this law.

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In this case a minor borrowed a certain sum and as a security to repay it, he gave a mortgage of certain immoveable property. Later on, the minor sued for setting aside the mortgage. The mortgagee demanded the return of the money given by him to the minor. The Court held that the agreement made by the minor was void ab initio and there was no question of refunding the money.

41.5 LET US SUM UP

Contract means an agreement enforceable by law. There must be a lawful proposal by one party and the other party must accept the proposal to enter into a contract. An agreement may be oral or written. There must be a lawful consideration for both the parties to enter into an agreement. The parties to an

agreement must be legally competent to enter into a contract. An agreement made by minor is void ab initio.

41.6 KEYWORDS

Void Agreement; Enforceable by Law; Suit; Voidable Agreement; Person of Sound Mind; Ab Initio; Sue;

Sued; Registration/Registered Agreement, etc.; Damages.


1. Fill in the blanks from the alternatives provided.

(i) A _________ is free when the parties to the contract agree to the same thing in the same

sense, (consent/contract/agreement) (ii) A contract without _________ is void, (cash/consideration/indemnity/guarantee) (iii) A person who makes a proposal is known as __________ (promisor/principal debtor/surety/

guarantor) (iv) A person is said to be competent to contract if __________ (he is a major/he is of sound

mind/he is a major and of sound mind)

2. Identify whether the following statements are True or False. (i) A enters into an agreement with B to rob C and share the money. B runs away with all the

money. A can file a suit against B to recover the money. (ii) Mr. X (aged 17) can enter into an agreement with Mr. Y (aged 25) to buy a car. (iii) A

contract is concluded only when the party to whom the proposal is made, accepts the

proposal.


1. (i) consent; (ii) consideration; (iii) promisor; (iv) He is a major and of sound mind.

2. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) True.

un

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he U N I T

42

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ab STRUCTUR

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42.0 Objectives

42.1 Introduction

42.2 Rights of Indemnity Holder

42.3 Let Us Sum Up



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CONTRACTS OF INDEMNITY

ue;

3.46

42.0 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this unit is to enable the candidates to understand:

• What can be construed as a Contract of Indemnity?

• What are the rights and liabilities of the indemnity holder and the indemnifier?

42.1 INTRODUCTION

A Contract of Indemnity is a contract by which one party promises to save the other from loss likely to be caused to him. This loss can be, either by the conduct of the promisor himself or by the conduct of any other person.

42.2 RIGHTS OF INDEMNITY HOLDER

The indemnity holder (i.e. the promisee or the person who is indemnified) has the following rights

when sued (i.e. when a legal action is taken against the person who has indemnified).

The promisee is entitled to recover from the promisor, in respect of the matter to which the promise to

indemnify applies:

1. All damages which he may be compelled to pay in any suit. 2. All costs which he may be compelled to pay in any suit. 3. All sums paid in compromise, not contrary to indemnity.

Illustration

Mr A contracts with C, that B will not sue C in respect of Rs. 1,00,000, which C owes to B. If B sues C, any consequences of such a suit will be borne by A according to the contract. Is such a contract valid?

The Contract Act specifically provides that such a contract can be entered into. These are known as Contracts of indemnity. Here, A is said to indemnify C for a certain loss, which he may suffer.

All insurance contracts are examples of contracts of indemnity because all insurance contracts are contracts, which indemnify a person from certain losses, which he may suffer, e.g. under a fire insurance policy taken by a shopkeeper for his godown, the insurance company undertakes to pay a certain amount to the policy holder (i.e. the shopkeeper) in the event of fire in the godown, subject to the conditions of the policy and payment of premium by the shopkeeper (policy holder).

42.3 LET US SUM UP

A Contract of Indemnity is entered into when a party apprehends a loss in a particular contract and wants itself to be covered from the losses it may incur.


1. Fill in the blanks from the alternatives provided. (i) Insurance policies are contracts which are in the nature of _____

bailment/indemnity) (ii) There are ________ parties in a contract of indemnity. (2/3/4/5)

2. Identify whether the statement is True or False.

(i) A person who is indemnified can recover damages as well as costs for claiming the damages.


1. (i) indemnity, (ii) 2; 2. (i) True.

-. (guarantee /pledge/

CONTRACTS OF GUARANTEE

STRUCTURE

43.0 Objective

43.1 Introduction

43.2 Parties to the Contract

43.3 Basic Principles of Contract to be Complied

43.4 Consideration

43.5 The Liability of the Surety

43.6 Continuing Guarantee

43.7 Death of Surety

43.8 Variance in the Terms of a Contract

43.9 Discharge of Principal Debtor

43.10 Forbearance to Sue

43.11 Release of One Co-surety does not Discharge Other

43.12 Surety can Claim His Dues from the Principal Debtor

43.13 Security

43.14 Misrepresentation Made by the Creditor

43.15 Implied Promise by the Principal Debtor to Indemnify the Surety

43.16 Co-sureties for the Same Debt

43.17 Let Us Sum Up

43.18 Keywords-



348

43.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to impart knowledge of the basic elements of a Contract of Guarantee and

the role and obligations of the guarantor in various contracts and discharge of his obligations in various

contingencies/circumstances.

43.1 INTRODUCTION

A 'Contract of Guarantee' is a contract to perform the promise, or discharge the liability, of a third person in case of latter's default. A guarantee may be either oral or written. The question whether a particular contract is a contract of indemnity or guarantee has to be decided by examining the language

of the documents entered into between the parties and the nature of transaction.

43.2 PARTIES TO THE CONTRACT

The person who gives the guarantee is called the 'surety'.

The person in respect of whose default the guarantee is given is called the 'principal debtor'.

The person to whom the guarantee is given is called the 'creditor/beneficiary'.

Illustration

'A' wants to take a loan of Rs. 10,000 from B, but B does not know 'A' very well and fears that A

may not return the money. C is a good friend of A. C tells B that if A does not return the money to B, C will personally, pay it to B. Under this assurance by C to B, B lends the money to A. On the date on which the money was to be returned, A fails to pay back Rs. 10,000. Can B now, demand this money from C?

Yes, he can. The contract, described above is called a Contract of Guarantee. This contract involves

three persons. Under the above illustration, A is the principal debtor. B is the creditor. C is the surety. Therefore, in the above scenario, C shall pay to B Rs. 10,000.

However, it is important to note that the contract does not end here. B can, after he has paid the amount to C, claim the same amount from A. This is the unique feature of a Contract of Guarantee. There are actually two separate agreements each between two of the parties. The first is an express contract between the person standing guarantee (surety) and the person to whom the guarantee is made (creditor).

The second agreement is between the person who is being guaranteed (principal debtor) and the surety and this is an implied contract (discussed later).

43.3 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONTRACT TO BE COMPLIED

All the principles and rules, which apply to other contracts, like what can form consideration, or what

would be a valid contract, also apply to a Contract of Guarantee.

43.4 CONSIDERATION

Anything done, or any promise made, for the benefit of the principal debtor, is a sufficient consideration

to the surety for giving the guarantee. This is explained by the following illustrations:

Illustration

(a) B requests A to sell and deliver to him goods on credit. A agrees to do so, provided C will give gua-rantee the payment of the price of the goods. C promises to guarantee the payment in consideration of A's promise to deliver the goods. This is a sufficient consideration for C's promise.

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(b) A sells and delivers goods to B. C afterwards requests A to forbear to sue B for the debt for a year (i.e. not to take legal action for recovery) and promises that if he does so C will pay for them in case of default by B. A agrees to forbear as requested. This is a sufficient consideration for C's promise.

(c) A sells and delivers goods to B. C afterwards, out of nothing and without any request or promise to him by any party, agrees to pay for the goods in default of B. This is a void (invalid) contract as there is no consideration for C's promise.

43.5 THE LIABILITY OF THE SURETY

The liability of the surety is co-extensive with that of the principal debtor. This means that once, if the principal debtor is unable to pay the debt, the surety takes the place of the principal debtor. Therefore, any sum of money owed by the principal debtor becomes payable by the surety. This includes, even the interest that the principal debtor may owe to the creditor. Again, once the surety has paid the debt, he then occupies the place of the original creditor. He can then claim from the principal debtor, the entire

sum he has paid to the original creditor.

Illustration

'A' guarantees to B the payment of a bill of exchange by C, the acceptor. The bill is dishonoured by C. A is liable not only for the amount of the bill, but also for any interest and charges which may have become due on it.

43.6 CONTINUING GUARANTEE

A guarantee which extends to a series of transactions, is called, a 'continuing guarantee'. This type of guarantee is not limited to only one transaction but to many transactions.

Illustration

Mr. A contracts with Mr. B, a shopkeeper to allow Mrs. A to take whatever goods she may need from his shop, up to the amount of Rs. 20,000. Mr. A will be liable for the debts incurred by Mrs. A up to the given amount.

A continuing guarantee may at any time be revoked by the surety, as to future transactions, by notice

to the creditor.

Say Mr. A and his wife are now living separately; Mr. A may inform Mr. B that the guarantee stands revoked from that point on. Then, any debts incurred by Mrs. A after such a revocation would not be payable by Mr. A.

43.7 DEATH OF SURETY

Normally, when the surety dies, the guarantee ends from that date. However, this is not true in all cases. It depends upon the terms of the contract and the intention of the parties as regards future transactions.

Generally all guarantees obtained by banks are continuing guarantees and in the case of death of a

surety, the guarantee would stand revoked for future transactions. The is the precise reason when the information of a guarantor's death is received, banks prefer to break the running accounts of a borrower.

43.8 VARIANCE IN TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

Any variance (change/modification) made without the surety's consent, in the 'terms of contract'

II: 350

guaranteed by him, between the principal debtor and the creditor discharges the surety as to transactions

subsequent to the variance.

In a Contract of Guarantee, the surety gives his guarantee on his own terms. If the principal debtor and the creditor change the terms of the guarantee without the consent of the surety, obviously, this would not be fair to the surety. Therefore, if there is any variance in the terms of the guarantee, the surety will be discharged from liability for any future debts, incurred after any such variance.

Illustration

Let us assume that in the above example, the surety that Mr. A had given strict instructions to the shopkeeper not to allow his wife to buy any cosmetics on credit. If the shopkeeper allows Mrs. A to buy these items, the terms of the guarantee are changed and therefore, Mr. A would not be liable to pay to the shopkeeper for any future transactions from that point onwards.

43.9 DISCHARGE OF PRINCIPAL DEBTOR

The surety is discharged if the principal debtor is released by the creditor.

Illustration

A gives a guarantee to C for goods to be supplied by C to B. C supplies goods to B and afterwards B contracts with his creditors (including C) to assign/sell them certain properties of his, in consideration of all the creditors, releasing B from all their demands. Here B is now, after the settlement, not a debtor to C. A is therefore discharged from his surety-ship to C.

The consent/permission of the surety must be obtained by the creditor and the principal debtor, before

making any settlement which would affect the liability of the principal debtor and consequently, the liability of the surety. Otherwise, the surety would be discharged from his liability.

43.10 FORBEARANCE TO SUE

Further, mere forbearance on the part of the creditor to sue the principal debtor or to enforce any other

remedy against him, does not discharge the surety unless the parties had agreed for such discharge.

Illustration

B owes to C a debt guaranteed by A. The debt becomes payable. However, C does not sue B for a year after the debt has become payable. Despite this forbearance A is not discharged from his surety-ship.

43.11 RELEASE OF ONE CO-SURETY DOES NOT DISCHARGE OTHER

Where there are co-sureties, a release by the creditor of one of them does not discharge the others. Also, the surety released does not become free from his responsibility to the other sureties.

43.12 SURETY CAN CLAIM HIS DUES FROM THE PRINCIPAL DEBTOR

Once the surety makes the payment or performs the act which the principal debt6r*bM'failed to pay/

perform, the surety steps into the shoes of the creditor and he can claim his dues from the principal

debtor.

43.13 SECURITY

A surety is entitled to the benefit of every security which the creditor has against the principal debtor at the time when the contract of surety-ship is made, whether the surety knows of the existence of such

351

security or not. If the creditor loses such security, then the surety is discharged to the extent of the value of the security.

Illustration

A, as a surety for B, makes a bond to C, to secure a loan from C to B. Afterwards, C obtains from B a further security for the same debt. Subsequently, C gives up the security. A is not discharged in this case because the security was not in existence at the time when the contract of surety-ship was entered into (i.e. when the bond was made). If the security was taken simultaneously at the time of getting the surety or prior to that, then A would have been discharged from his surety-ship to the extent of the value of security.

43.14 MISREPRESENTATION MADE BY THE CREDITOR

Any guarantee obtained by means of misrepresentation made by the creditor is invalid. Any guarantee which the creditor has obtained by means of keeping silent as to the material circumstance is also invalid.

Illustration

A engages B as a clerk to collect money for him. B fails to account for some receipts and A calls upon him to furnish a security for his due accounting. C gives his guarantee for B's due accounting. A does not inform C of B's previous misconduct. B afterwards makes default. The guarantee is invalid.

43.15 IMPLIED PROMISE BY THE PRINCIPAL DEBTOR TO INDEMNIFY THE SURETY

In every Contract of Guarantee there is an implied promise by the principal debtor to indemnify the surety. The surety is entitled to recover from the principal debtor whatever sum he has rightfully paid under the guarantee (but no sums which he has paid wrongfully).

Illustration

(a) B is indebted to C and A is surety for the debt. C demands payment from A and on his refusal sues him for the amount. A defends the suit, having reasonable grounds for doing so, but he is compelled to pay the amount of debt with costs. He can recover from B the amount paid by him for costs as well as the principal debt.

(b) A guarantees to C to the extent of Rs. 20,000 as payment for rice to be supplied by C to B. C supplies to B, rice to a lesser amount than Rs. 20,000 but obtains from A, a payment of Rs. 20,000 in respect of the rice supplied. A cannot recover from B more than the price of the rice actually supplied.

43.16 CO-SURETIES FOR THE SAME DEBT

Where two or more persons are sureties for the same debt, whether with or without the knowledge of each other, the co sureties are liable to pay an equal share of the whole debt, or of that part of it which remains unpaid by the principal debtor.

Illustration

A, B and C are sureties to D for the sum of Rs. 30,000 lent to E. E makes a default in payment. All of A, B and C are liable between themselves to pay Rs. 10,000 each.

In the case of guarantees obtained by banks in our country, the creditor bank has the full liberty to choose to proceed against among the principal debtor, various sureties so long as there is legal recourse available with him to proceed against the principal debtor.

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43.17 LET US SUM UP

A Contract of Guarantee is a contract to perform the promise, or discharge the liability, of a third person in case of his default.

43.18 KEYWORDS

Discharge; Express; Implied; To Revoke; To forbear; Mere; Misrepresentation; Co-Surety;


1. Identify whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) In a Contract of Indemnity the indemnifier is primarily liable.

(ii) In a Contract of Guarantee the liability of the surety is secondary. (iii) Anything done for the benefit of the principal debtor is a sufficient consideration to the surety

for giving the guarantee, (iv) Where there are co-sureties, a release by the creditor of one of them does not discharge the

others, (v) Principal debtor need not pay the surety after the surety has paid the amount to the creditor.

2. Fill in the blanks from the available alternatives.

(i) Surety is also known as the ________ (indemnifier/bailor/guarantee or/bailee) (ii) Liability of the surety is ------------- that of the principal debtor, (co-extensive with/primary

to/secondary to) (iii) A guarantee which extends to a series of transactions is known as a _________ guarantee.

(continuing /invalid/ irrevocable/ general) (iv) Surety is ------------- if the principal debtor is released by the creditor, (discharged/liable) (v) Guarantee obtained by ________ is invalid, (misrepresentation/consent/agreement/contract)


1. (i) True; (ii) True; (iii) True; (iv) True; (v) False.

2. (i) Guarantor; (ii) Co-extensive with; (iii) Continuing; (iv) Discharged; (v) Misrepresentation.

CONTRACT OF BAILMENT

STRUCTURE

44.0 Objective

44.1 Introduction

44.2 Meaning of Bailment

44.3 Bailor Bound to Disclose to the Bailee

44.4 Bailee to Take Care of Goods

44.5 Effects of Mixing of Goods; Miscellaneous Expenses

44.6 Duties of the Bailee with Return the Goods

44.7 Bailee's Lien

44.8 Let Us Sum Up



354

44.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit, is to make the candidates aware as to when a contract of bailment arises and

what constitutes a bailment and the rights and duties of the bailor and the bailee.

44.1 INTRODUCTION

A 'bailment' is the delivery of goods by one person to another for some purpose. When the purpose is accomplished, the goods are to be returned or otherwise disposed of according to the direction of the person delivering them.

The person delivering the goods is called the 'bailor'.

The person to whom they are delivered is called the 'bailee'.

We come across the applicability of this law in case of pledge facilities granted to borrowers including pledge of jewellery articles and also when we take over the assets of a defaulting borrower in our efforts to recover the bank's dues.

44.2 MEANING OF BAILMENT

When one person delivers to another, certain goods to be used for a certain purpose, the contract is known as a contract of bailment. Here, the contract will specify the time for which the goods will remain with the person taking them. Also, the person who gives the goods can direct the other either to

return the goods after the requisite time has expired or, direct him to dispose off the goods in a particular manner.

44.3 BAILOR BOUND TO DISCLOSE TO BAILEE

The bailor is bound to disclose to the bailee faults in the goods bailed

(a) of which the bailor is aware, (b) and which materially interfere with the use of them, (c) or expose the bailee to extraordinary risk;

and if he does not make such disclosure, he is responsible for damage arising to the bailee directly from

such faults. If the goods are bailed for hire, the bailor is responsible for any damage whether he was aware of the existence of such faults in the goods bailed or not.

Illustrations

(a) A lends a horse, which he knows to be vicious, to B. He does not disclose the fact that the horse is vicious. The horse runs away. B is thrown and injured. A is responsible to B for damage sustained.

(b) A hires a carriage of B. The carriage is unsafe, though B is not aware of it and A is injured. B is responsible to A for the injury.

44.4 BAILEE TO TAKE CARE OF GOODS

In all cases of bailment, the bailee is bound to take care of the goods bailed to him as he would do for

his own goods. The bailee (in the absence of any special contract) is not responsible for the loss, destruction or deterioration of the thing bailed if he takes such care.

On the other hand, if the bailee does anything different or inconsistent with what was supposed to be done with the goods, the bailor can demand that the bailee must pay the damage suffered as a result of these acts.

355

A contract of Bailment is voidable at the option of the bailor, if the bailee does any act with regard to the goods bailed, inconsistent with the conditions of the bailment.

If the bailee makes any use of the goods bailed, which is not according to the conditions of the

bailment, he is liable to make compensation to the bailor for any damage arising to the goods from or during such use of them.

Illustrations

(a) A lends a horse to B for his own riding only. B allows C, a member of his family, to ride the horse. C rides with care but the horse accidentally falls and the horse is injured. B is liable to make compensation to A for the injury done to the horse.

(b) A hires a horse in Mumbai from B to go to Lonavla. A rides with due care but marches to Khandala instead. The horse accidentally falls and is injured. A is liable to make compensation to B for the injury to the horse.

44.5 EFFECTS OF MIXING OF GOODS AND EXPENSES

(a) If the bailee (with the consent of the bailor), mixes the goods of the bailor with his own goods, the bailor and the bailee shall have an interest, in proportion to their respective shares, in the mixture thus produced.

(b) If the bailee, without the consent of the bailor, mixes the goods of the bailor with his own goods and the goods can be separated or divided, the property in the goods remain with the parties respectively. The bailee is bound to bear the expense of separation or division, and any damage

arising from the mixture.

Illustration

A bails 100 sacks of cotton marked with a particular mark to B. B without A's consent mixes the 100

sacks with other sacks of his own bearing a different mark. A is entitled to have his 100 sacks returned and B is bound to bear all the expenses incurred in the separation of the sacks and any other incidental damage.

(c) If the bailee, without the consent of the bailor, mixes the goods of the bailor with his own goods in such a manner that it is impossible to separate the goods bailed from the other goods, and deliver them back, the bailor is entitled to be compensated by the bailee for the loss of the goods.

Illustration

A bails a bag of flour worth Rs. 100 a bag to B. B without A's consent mixes the flour with another flour worth Rs. 75 a bag. B must compensate A for the loss in value of his flour.

44.6 DUTIES OF THE BAILEE WITH REGARD TO GOODS

(a) It is the duty of the bailee to return the goods bailed as soon as the time for which they were bailed has expired or the purpose for which they were bailed has been accomplished.

(b) The bailee is responsible to the bailor for any loss, destruction or deterioration of the goods if the goods are not returned on time.

(c) In the absence of any contract to the contrary, the bailee is bound to deliver to the bailor any increase or profit which may have arisen from the goods bailed.

Illustration

A leaves a cow in the custody of B. B agrees to take care of the cow. The cow delivers a calf. B is

bound to deliver the calf as well as the cow to A.

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Rights of Bailee with Regard to Goods

(a) The bailor is responsible to the bailee for any loss which the bailee may sustain because of the reason that the bailor was not entitled to make the bailment or to receive back the goods.

(b) If the bailor has no title to the goods and the bailee, in good faith delivers them to the bailor or according the directions of the bailor, the bailee is not responsible to the owner in respect of such delivery.

(c) If the goods are to be kept or to be carried, or to have work done upon them by the bailee for the bailor, and the bailee is to receive no remuneration, the bailor shall repay to the bailee the necessary expenses incurred by him for the purpose of the bailment.

44.7 BAILEE'S LIEN

If the bailee has rendered any service involving the exercise of labour or skill in respect of the goods bailed to him, he has a right to retain such goods until he receives due remuneration for the services he has rendered.

Illustrations

(a) A delivers a rough diamond to B, a jeweller, to be cut and polished which is accordingly done. B is entitled to retain the stone till he is paid for the services he has rendered.

(b) A gives some cloth to B, a tailor, to make into a coat. B promises to deliver the coat as soon as it is finished and to give a three months credit for the price. B is not entitled to retain the coat till he is paid.

Bankers, factors (financiers who purchase receivables and also offer related services), Attorneys of a High Court and policy brokers can, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, retain any goods bailed to them as a security for a general balance of account. Others do not enjoy such right unless there is express contract to that effect.

44.8 LET US SUM UP

A bailment is the delivery of goods by one person to another for some purpose. When the purpose is accomplished, the goods are to be returned or otherwise disposed of according to the direction of the person delivering them.


1. Identify whether the following statements are True or False. (i) Bailor is a person who delivers his goods to the surety to enable him to give a guarantee, (ii) Bailee can use the goods given by the bailor, in the manner as he likes, (iii) The bailee can keep the goods bailed to him and he need not return the same to the bailor, (iv) Giving a product on rent for use to another person is a contract of bailment, (v) If ornaments kept in the safe locker of bank are stolen, in spite of due care by the bank, the

bank is liable to the depositor of ornaments. (vi) It is the obligation of the bailee to keep his goods separate from the goods of the bailor, (vii) The bailor is liable for any loss to the bailee if the goods bailed are defective and the bailor

knowingly does not disclose this fact to the bailee. (viii) If the bailee has rendered any service involving the exercise of labour or skill in respect of the

goods bailed to him, he has a right to retain such goods until he receives due remuneration for the services he has rendered.


1. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) False; (vi) True; (vii) True; (viii) True.

CONTRACT OF PLEDGE

STRUCTURE

45.0 Objective

45.1 Introduction

45.2 Nature of Pledge

45.3 Let Us Sum Up



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45.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to highlight a particular form of bailment known as pledge and the purpose

of such a contract.

45.1 INTRODUCTION

The bailment of goods as security for payment of a debt or performance of a promise is called 'pledge'.

The bailor is in this case called 'pawnor'. The bailee is called 'pawnee'.

45.2 NATURE OF PLEDGE

(a) If the pawnor makes default in payment of the debt in respect of which the goods were pledged, the pawnee may bring a suit against the pawnor and retain the goods pledged as a security (or) he may sell the goods pledged, after giving notice of the sale to the pawnor.

(b) If the proceeds of such sale are less than the amount due, in respect of the debt, the pawnor is still liable to pay the balance. If the proceeds of the sale are greater than the amount so due, the pawnee shall pay over the surplus to the pawnor.

For example, say A takes a loan of Rs. 20,000 from B. As an assurance that he will pay this money back, A keeps his car, as security, with B.

Thus, if after the fixed date, if A is unable to pay the money back to B, B can either bring a suit for

this purpose while he retains the car, or he can sell the car for the purpose of recovering his dues.

If B chooses to sell the car, the two possibilities are as follows: He may receive less than the

amount due, in which case, A will still have to pay him the balance, or he may receive more than the

amount due, in which case he must return the excess amount to A.

(c) It is important to note, that in all contracts of bailment, the bailee, while he is in possession of the goods, steps into the shoes of the owner for the purpose of legal remedy. Thus, if any person were to deprive the bailee of the goods - by way of theft, etc. - the bailee, himself, would have the right to file a suit against such other person. If, any damages are received from such a suit, it would be split between the bailor and the bailee, according to the proportion of their losses or damages.

(d) The pawnee can retain the goods pledged, not only for payment of the debt/interest on the debt but also for all necessary expenses incurred by him in preservation of the goods pledged.

The pawnee is entitled to receive from the pawnor, extraordinary expenses incurred by him for the preservation of the goods pledged.

45.3 LET US SUM UP

The bailment of goods as security for payment of a debt or performance of a promise is called pledge.


Identify whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) In a pledge, the goods are delivered to be kept as security for a debt or for performance of a promise.

(ii) The pawnee can sell the goods, if the pawnor fails to pay. (iii) The pawnee can sell the goods without giving notice to the pawnor. (iv) The pawnee can keep the goods even after the pawnor has paid the dues.


fi) True; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False.

CONTRACT OF AGENCY

STRUCTURE

46.0 Objective

46.1 Introduction

46.2 Meaning of Agency

46.3 Normal Rules of Contract

46.4 Persons to be Majors and of Sound Mind

46.5 Consideration \

46.6 Authority of an Agent

46.7 Extent of Agent's Authority

46.8 Agent's Authority in an Emergency

46.9 When Agent cannot Delegate

46.10 Right of Person as to Acts Done for Him Without His Authority - Effect of Ratification

46.11 Termination of Agency

46.12 Agent's Duty in Conducting Principal's Business

46.13 Agent's Accounts

46.14 Right of Principal when Agent Deals, on His own Account, in Business of Agency Without

Principal's Consent

46.15 When Agent's Remuneration Becomes Due

46.16 Agent not Entitled to Remuneration for Business if He is Guilty of Misconduct

46.17 Agent's Lien on Principal's Property

46.18 Agent to be Indemnified Against Consequences of Lawful Acts

46.19 Agent to be Indemnified Against Consequences of Acts Done in Good Faith

46.20 Let Us Sum Up

46.21 Keywords



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46.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand:

• The concept of entering into contracts through agents • The parties involved in such contracts

• The role, duties and liabilities of the principal and the agent

46.1 INTRODUCTION

To understand contracts of an agency, it is first necessary to understand what the terms 'agent' and

'principal' mean.

An agent, is a person employed to do any act for another person or to represent another person in

dealings with some third person.

The person for whom such act is done (or who is represented) is called the principal.

When banks collect various financial instruments for their customers, this law would come into force. The authority of the agent is restricted to what is explicitly mentioned by the principal and the agent cannot construe some additional authority.

46.2 MEANING OF AGENCY

The actual test of agency is as follows:

The person should be authorised to do an act for a person in such a manner, as to bind that person, i.e. to make him answerable for such acts done on his behalf. The agent creates contractual relations between two separate persons when he enters into a contract on behalf of one of the parties.

46.3 NORMAL RULES OF CONTRACT

The contract between the principal and his agent is a contract in itself and that is also governed by the normal rules of contract.

46.4 PERSONS TO BE MAJORS AND OF SOUND MIND

Any person who is a major according to the law of which he is subject, and who is of sound mind, may employ an agent. Any person can become an agent, if he is a major and of sound mind.

46.5 CONSIDERATION

No consideration is necessary to create an agency.

46.6 AUTHORITY OF AN AGENT

The authority of an agent may be expressed or implied. An authority is said to be expressed, when it is

given by words spoken or written. An authority is said to be implied when it is to be inferred from the circumstances of the case.

Illustration

A owns a shop in Mumbai and he lives in New Delhi and visits the shop occasionally. The shop is

managed by B and he is in the habit of ordering goods from C in the name of A for the shop and makes payments from A's funds. B has an implied authority from A to order goods from C in the name of A for the purposes of the shop.

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46.7 EXTENT OF AGENT'S AUTHORITY

An agent having an authority to do an act, has authority to do every lawful thing which is necessary; in order to do such act. An agent having an authority to carry on a business has authority to do every lawful thing necessary to conduct such business.

Illustration

A is employed by B (residing in London) to recover at Mumbai a debt due to B. A may adopt any legal process necessary for the purpose of recovering the debt and may give a valid discharge for the same.

46.8 AGENT'S AUTHORITY IN AN EMERGENCY

In an emergency, an agent has authority to do all acts to protect his principal from loss as would be

done by a person in his own case.

Illustration

A consigns goods (say eatables) to B at Mumbai with directions to send them immediately to C at

Ahmedabad. B may sell the goods at Mumbai if they will not bear the journey to Ahmedabad without getting spoiled.

46.9 WHEN AGENT CANNOT DELEGATE

An agent cannot employ another to perform acts which he has undertaken to perform personally. A

sub-agent may be employed if the custom of trade or the nature or agency so requires. A 'sub-agent' is a person employed by and acting under the control of the original agent. The agent is responsible to the principal for the acts of the sub-agent. The sub-agent is responsible for his acts to the agent, but not to the principal, except in case of fraud or wilful wrong.

46.10 RIGHT OF PERSON AS TO ACTS DONE FOR HIM WITHOUT HIS

AUTHORITY - EFFECT OF RATIFICATION

If acts are done by an agent on behalf of the principal without his knowledge or authority, the principal may elect to ratify or to disown such acts. If he ratifies them, the same effects will follow as if they had been performed with his authority. Ratification may be express or implied in the conduct of the person on whose behalf the acts are done.

Illustrations

(a) A, without authority, buys goods for B. Afterwards B sells them to C on his own account. B's conduct implies a ratification of the purchase made for him by A.

(b) A, without B's authority, lends B's money to C. Afterwards B accepts interest on the money from C. B's conduct implies a ratification of the loan.

46.11 TERMINATION OF AGENCY

An agency can be terminated by

(i) principal revoking his authority or

(ii) agent renouncing (giving up) the business of the agency; or (iii) business of the agency being completed; or (iv) either the principal or agent dying or becoming of unsound mind; or (v) the principal being adjudicated an insolvent.

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46.12 AGENT'S DUTY IN CONDUCTING PRINCIPAL'S BUSINESS

An agent is bound to conduct the business of his principal according to the directions given by the principal. In the absence of any such directions, conduct business according to the customs, which prevails in doing business of the same kind at the place where the agent conducts such business. If the agent, acts otherwise and if any loss be sustained, he has to make it good to his principal and if any profit accrues, he must account for it.

Illustrations

(a) A, an agent, engaged in carrying on for B, a business, in which, it is the custom to invest from time to time at interest the money which may be in hand, makes such an investment. A must make good to B the interest usually obtained by such investments.

(b) B, a broker in whose business it is not the custom to sell on credit sells goods of A on credit to C, whose credit at the time was very high. C, before payment, becomes insolvent. B must make

good the loss to A.

46.13 AGENT'S ACCOUNTS

An agent is bound to render proper accounts to his principal on demand.

46.14 RIGHT OF PRINCIPAL WHEN AGENT DEALS ON HIS OWN ACCOUNT

IN BUSINESS OF AGENCY WITHOUT PRINCIPAL'S CONSENT

If an agent deals on his own account in the business of the agency without the consent of the principal, the principal may repudiate the transaction, if any material fact has been dishonestly concealed from him by the agent, or the dealings of the agent have been disadvantageous to him.

Illustrations

(a) A directs B to sell A's estate. B buys the estate for himself in the name of C. A, on discovering that B has bought the estate for himself, may repudiate the sale, if he can show that B has dishonestly concealed any material fact, or that the sale has been disadvantageous to him.

(b) A directs B to sell A's estate. B, on looking over the estate before selling it, finds a mine on the estate which is unknown to A. B informs A that he wishes to buy the estate for himself but conceals the discovery of the mine. A allows B to buy, in ignorance of the existence of the mine. A, on discovering that B knew of the mine at the time he bought the estate, may either repudiate or adopt the sale at his option.

46.15 WHEN AGENT'S REMUNERATION BECOMES DUE

An agent can detain money received by him on account of goods sold, even if all the goods consigned to him for sale are not sold.

46.16 AGENT NOT ENTITLED TO REMUNERATION FOR

BUSINESS IF HE IS GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT

An agent who is guilty of misconduct is not entitled to any remuneration in respect of that part of the business which he has not conducted properly.

Illustrations

(a) A employs B to recover Rs. 1,00,000 from C, and to lay it out on good security. B recovers the Rs. 1, 00,000 and lays out Rs. 90,000 on a good security, but lays out Rs. 10,000 on security

r

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(b)

which he ought to have known to be bad, whereby A loses Rs. 2,000. B is entitled to remuneration for recovering the Rs. 1, 00,000 and for investing the Rs. 90,000. He is not entitled to any

remuneration for investing the Rs. 10,000, and he must make good the Rs. 2,000 to B. A employs B to recover Rs. 1,000 from C. Through B's misconduct the money is not recovered. B is entitled to no remuneration for his services and must make good the loss.

46.17 AGENT'S LIEN ON PRINCIPAL'S PROPERTY

In the absence of anything contrary in the contract, an agent is entitled to retain goods, papers, and other property of the principal which is received by him, until the amount due to the agent for commission, disbursements and services in respect of the same has been paid or accounted for to him.

46.18 AGENT TO BE INDEMNIFIED AGAINST

CONSEQUENCES OF LAWFUL ACTS

The principal is bound to indemnify the agent against the consequences of all lawful acts done by the

agent in exercise of the authority conferred upon him.

Illustrations

(a) B, at Singapore under instructions from A of Calcutta, contracts with C to deliver certain goods to him. A does not send the goods to B, and C sues B for breach of contract. B informs A of the suit, and A authorises him to defend the suit. B defends the suit, and is compelled to pay damages and costs, and incurs expenses. A is liable to B for such damages, costs and expenses.

(b) B, a broker at Calcutta, by the orders of A, a merchant there, contracts with C for the purchase of ten casks of oil for A. Afterwards A refuses to receive the oil, and C sues B. B informs A, who repudiates the contract altogether. B defends, but unsuccessfully, and has to pay damages and costs and incurs expenses. A is liable to B for such damages, costs and expenses.

46.19 AGENT TO BE INDEMNIFIED AGAINST CONSEQUENCES

OF ACTS DONE IN GOOD FAITH

The principal is liable to indemnify the agent against the consequences of acts done by him in good

faith, though it may cause an injury to the rights of third person.

Illustrations

(a) A, a decree-holder and entitled to execution of B's goods requires the officer of the Court to seize certain goods, representing them to be the goods of B. The officer seizes the goods, and is sued by C, the true owner of the goods. A is liable to indemnify the officer for the sum which he is compelled to pay to C, in consequence of obeying his directions.

(b) B, at the request of A, sells goods in the possession of A, but which, A had no right to dispose of.

B does not know this, and hands over the proceeds of the sale to A. Afterwards C, the true owner of the goods, sues B and recovers the value of the goods and costs. A is liable to indemnify B for what he has been compelled to pay to C, and for B's own expenses.

46.20 LET US SUM UP

Agent is a person employed to do any act for another person or to represent another person in dealing

with some other person. Unlike other contracts, no consideration is essential for a contract of agency. It is agent's duty to perform as per the principal's lawful direction and get paid for services and be indemnified against consequences.

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46.21 KEYWORDS

Adjudicated; Insolvent; To repudiate; To consign goods; Lien.


1. Fill in the blanks from the available alternatives.

(i) Agent can be appointed by _________ (express appointment/implication of law/ratification

by principal/any of the three modes) (ii) The usual form of contract of agency is by way of a _____

bond/guarantee bond) (iii) When a person by his words or conduct appoints someone as his agent it is known as agency

by ________ (estoppel/promise/conduct/action)

2. Identify whether the following statements are True or False. (i) Consideration is the most essential element in any contract of agency. (ii) A contract of agency is terminated if the agent does not wish to continue as agent any more. (iii) An agent can have a lien on the goods of the principal for the dues payable by the principal to

the agent.

(iv) Minor can be a principal or an agent, (v) The principal has to indemnify the agent for all the lawful acts done by the agent in the course

of his duties.


1. (i) Any of the three modes; (ii) Power of attorney; (iii) Estoppel.

2. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) True; (iv) False; (v) True.

_. (power of attorney/indemnity

U N I T

47

MEANING AND ESSENTIALS OF A CONTRACT OF SALE

STRUCTURE

47.0 Objective

47.1 Introduction

47.2 Meaning of Some of the Important Terms Defined Under the Sale of Goods Act

47.3 Meaning of Contract of Sale of Goods

47.4 Features of Contract of Sale of Goods

47.5 Sale and Agreement to Sell

47.6 Distinction between a Sale and an Agreement to Sell

47.7 Let Us Sum Up

47.8 Keywords



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47.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit on the Sale of Goods Act, is to provide a basic level knowledge and understanding to the candidates about the contractual rights and liabilities of the seller and the buyer in a contract for sale of goods. These rights and liabilities are in addition to the rights and liabilities of the parties to a contract as laid down in the Contract Act.

47.1 INTRODUCTION

The Contract Act covers the aspects of general principles and essentials of contracts made in the commercial world. A contract for the sale of goods is also governed by the general principles and essentials as stated in the Contract Act. However, the Sale of Goods Act is specially enacted to lay down the law relating to the sale and purchase of moveable goods in the country. The provisions of the Sale of Goods Act spell out the contractual rights and liabilities of the seller and buyer in detail.

47.2 MEANING OF SOME OF THE IMPORTANT TERMS DEFINED UNDER THE SALE OF GOODS ACT, 1930

'Goods' means every kind of moveable property (other than actionable claims and money) and includes

• stock and shares • growing crops, grass • things attached to or forming part of the land which are agreed to be severed before sale or under

the contract of sale.

'Buyer' means a person who buys or agrees to buy goods.

'Seller' means a person who sells or agrees to sell goods.

'Price' means the money consideration for a sale of goods.

'Delivery' means voluntary transfer of possession from one person to another.

'Document of title to goods' includes bill of lading, dock-warrant, warehouse-keeper's certificate, wharfingers' certificate, railway receipt, multimodal transport document, warrant or order for the delivery of goods and any other document used in the ordinary course of business as proof of the possession or control of goods authorised by endorsement or delivery to transfer or receive goods as possessor of document.

'Future goods' means goods to be manufactured or produced or acquired by the seller after making of the contract of sale.

'Specific goods' means goods identified and agreed upon at the time a contract of sale is made.

'Mercantile agent' means an agent having authority either to sell goods, or to consign goods for the purposes of sale, or to buy goods, or to raise money on the security of goods.

47.3 MEANING OF CONTRACT OF SALE OF GOODS

A contract of sale of goods is a contract under which the seller transfers or agrees to transfer the property in goods to the buyer for a price. When the property in the goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer, the contract is called a sale.

47.4 FEATURES OF CONTRACT OF SALE OF GOODS

(a) Bilateral: contract: A sale involves two persons - The buyer and the seller. (b) Money consideration: The consideration for a sale of goods must be money, called the price

payable for the transfer of goods. It cannot be a barter, where goods are exchanged for goods. (c) Moveable property: The Sale of Goods Act covers only the sale of moveable goods and not

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immoveable property like land and building. The contracts relating to transfer of immoveable property are governed by the Transfer of Property Act and not Sale of Goods Act. (d) No particular form: The Sale of Goods Act does not make it mandatory to enter into written contracts for the sale of goods. However, if any particular law provides for sale of certain types of goods to be done by a contract in writing, then that law has to be complied and the contract has to be in writing.

The contract may be oral or written or can be implied by the conduct of the parties. A contract of sale is made by an offer to buy or sell goods for a price and the acceptance of such offer.

The contract may provide for:

• Immediate delivery of the goods immediate payment of the price. • For the delivery or payment by instalments. • Postponement of delivery or payment.

47.5 SALE AND AGREEMENT TO SELL

A contract of sale may be absolute or conditional. In an absolute contract for sale of goods, there are no conditions to be fulfilled by the seller or the buyer for the sale and purchase of the goods. In a conditional sale, the parties to the contract (seller and buyer) agree that the sale of goods shall be regarded as final only on the fulfilment of certain conditions either before or after the conclusion of the contract for sale of goods.

When the transfer of the property in the goods is to take place at a future time or subject to some condition, thereafter to be fulfilled, the contract is called an agreement to sell.

An agreement to sell becomes a sale when the time elapses or the conditions are fulfilled, subject to which the property in the goods is to be transferred. Thus, when an agreement to sell provides that the property in goods (the ownership) shall pass on a certain date, then the agreement to sell becomes a sale on that date. Further, if an agreement to sell provides that the ownership in goods shall pass only on the fulfilment of such and such conditions by the seller and such and such conditions by the buyer, the agreement to sell becomes a sale, only on the fulfilment of such conditions as agreed to between the parties.

47.6 DISTINCTION BETWEEN A SALE AND AN AGREEMENT TO SELL

Table 47.1 Difference in Sale and Agreement to Sell

Sale

1. A sale is a contract in which the parties have already performed their part.

2. In a sale the ownership of goods have already passed, irrespective of whether the goods are delivered or not.

3. The risk in goods is with the buyer.

4. In a sale, if the seller does not deliver the goods, the buyer can file a suit and demand specific performance and delivery of the goods.

5. If the buyer does not pay for the goods the seller can claim file a suit and demand the price. He also has the right to stop the deliver of goods

p onnds

>: Agreement to Sell

An agreement to sell an act in which the parties are yet

to perform their mutual promises.

In an agreement to sell the ownership of goods is yet to pass from the seller to the buyer at a later date after the fulfilment of certain conditions, as agreed upon by the seller and the buyer.

The risk in goods is still with the seller and passes to the

buyer only after the agreement to sell becomes a sale.

In an agreement to sell, if the seller does not deliver the goods, the buyer can only claim damages in a suit and cannot demand the delivery as the sale is not yet concluded.

In an agreement to sell the seller may not part with the goods until he is paid the price. In case he parts with the possession, he can sue for return of goods or Davment of price.

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47.7 LET US SUM UP

A sale involves two persons, the buyer and the seller. A contract of sale of goods is a contract under

which the seller transfers the goods to the buyer for a price. When the property in the goods is transferred from the seller to the buyer, the contract is called a sale. The consideration for a sale of goods is the money payable for the transfer of goods. The Sale of Goods Act covers only the sale of moveable goods and not immoveable property.

When the transfer of the property in the goods is to take place at a future time or subject to some condition thereafter to be fulfilled, the contract is called an agreement to sell. An agreement to sell

becomes a sale when the time elapses or the conditions are fulfilled, subject to which the property in the goods is to be transferred.

47.8 KEYWORDS

Breach; Encumbrance.


1. Fill in the gaps from the available options given in the brackets.

(i) __________ means the consideration for a sale of goods. (Price/Lien Delivery/Shares)

(ii) Goods as defined under Sale of Goods Act do not include __________ . (actionable claims/ shares/stock/grass)

(iii) __________ goods are to be manufactured/produced/acquired by the seller after making of the contract of sale. (Future/Specific/Moveable/Immoveable)

(iv) __________ goods means goods identified and agreed upon at the time a contract of sale is

made. (Future/Specific/Moveable/Tmmoveable)

(v) ---------------- means voluntary transfer of possession from one person to another. (Delivery/ Lien/Indemnity/Suit) (vi) When the transfer of the property in the goods is to take place at

a future time or subject to

some conditions thereafter to be fulfilled, the contract is called __________ . (agreement to

sell/contract of sale/contract of future goods/contract of specific goods) (vii) In __________ the ownership of goods is yet to pass from the seller to the buyer, (agreement

to sell/contract of sale/contract of future goods/contract of specific goods)


(i) Shares are goods within the meaning of the Sale of Goods Act. (ii) Fixtures can be regarded as moveable goods only if they are intended to be severed and sold

separately.


1. (i) price; (ii) actionable claim; (iii) future; (iv) specific; (v) delivery; (vi) agreement to sell; (vii) agreement to sell.

2. (i) True; (ii) True.

CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES

STRUCTURE

48.0 Objective

48.1 Introduction

48.2 Meaning of Condition and Warranty

48.3 Implied Conditions and Warranties

48.4 Let Us Sum Up

48.5 Keywords



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48.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to give an understanding of the concepts of warranties and its implications.

48.1 INTRODUCTION

Every contract of sale of goods has certain stipulations, terms and conditions regarding the nature, quality, quantity of the goods, etc. There are also many obligations under the contract for sale of goods. However, the importance of every such term, stipulation and obligation is not equal.

48.2 MEANING OF CONDITION AND WARRANTY

Under the Sale of Goods Act, the stipulations in a contract of sale with reference to goods are classified based on their importance as condition or a warranty.

If the stipulation agreed to between the parties is essential to the main purpose of the contract and is of

such a nature that if the stipulation is breached (i.e. violated/not complied) then a party to the agreement would have a right to treat the contract as repudiated (cancelled) then such a stipulation is known as a condition.

On the other hand, a warranty is a stipulation collateral to the main purpose of the contract. The breach

of such a stipulation gives rise to a claim for damages only. The parties cannot reject the goods and treat the contract as repudiated.

Whether a stipulation in a contract of sale is a condition or a warranty depends on the type of contract. Even if the parties have agreed that a stipulation is a warranty, in fact, it may be a condition if it is the basis of the contract.

If a contract of sale is subject to any condition to be fulfilled by the seller and the seller does not fulfil it, the buyer, can waive the fulfilment of the condition or he can treat it as non-fulfilment of a warranty. This is left to the buyer. However, if the buyer has accepted the goods, then such a choice is not

available to the buyer and the buyer has to treat the non-fulfilment of condition by the seller as a breach of warranty only, unless there is express or implied term of contract.

48.3 IMPLIED CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES

In a contract of sale of goods conditions and warranties may be either expressed or implied. Expressed

conditions and warranties are those, which are expressly stated in the contract. Implied conditions and warranties are those, which the law implies into every contract of sale of goods. However, such implied conditions and warranties can be excluded by the parties to the contract if they agree expressly on these issues.

A. Title of the seller

There is an implied condition on the part of the seller that,

• he has a right to sell the goods (in the case of a sale), or

• he will have a right to sell the goods at the time when the ownership is to pass to the buyer (in the case of an agreement to sell).

Illustration

A buys a second-hand car from B and pays him. Police takes away the car, as it was a stolen one. A can recover the price paid, from B, as he has violated the implied condition above.

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B. Sale of goods by description

In the sale of goods by description, there is an implied condition that the goods shall correspond with the description.

Illustration

A sells certain curtains to B by describing them to be of seventeenth century. Later on B discovers, that the curtains are not of the seventeenth century. A can reject the goods and claim back the price.

C. Sale by sample

In case of a sale by sample there is an implied condition that the

(a) bulk shall correspond with the sample in quality; (b) buyer shall have an opportunity to compare the bulk with the sample; (c) goods shall be free from any defect, rendering them unmerchantable, which would not be apparent

on reasonable examination of the sample.

Illustration

A wants to buy rubber material of a certain length and width. B shows a sample to A. A approves the sample but B delivers the same material with a variation in the length of the rubber. A can reject the goods as the goods did not correspond with the sample in quality.

D. Sale is by sample as well as by description

If the sale is by sample as well as by description, the goods must correspond not only to the sample but also to the description given.

Illustration

A sells to B, 'foreign rape-seed refined oil'. He even shows a sample to B. Afterwards the oil according to the sample is delivered to B. When the oil is delivered to B, he discovers that there is some 'hemp oil' also mixed in it. B can reject the goods because he was delivered as per the sample but the sample and oil itself were not 'foreign rape-seed refined oil' as described by A.

£. Quiet possession

There is an implied warranty that the buyer shall have and enjoy quiet possession of the goods. F.

Goods are free from any charge or encumbrance

There is an implied warranty that the goods shall be free from any charge or encumbrance in favour of any third party not declared or known to the buyer before or at the time when the contract is made. This means that the buyer can assume that the goods that are being sold to him would be his absolute property and no one would claim any right over the goods in future once he pays the price and purchases then from the seller.

G Quality or fitness of goods for any particular purpose

There is no implied warranty or condition as to the quality or fitness of goods for any particular purpose except in the following case:

If the buyer discloses to the seller the purpose for which he wants the goods and he relies on the seller's skill/judgement and if the goods are in the course of the seller's business to supply then in such case, there is an implied condition that the goods shall be reasonably fit for such purpose.

Illustration

A buys a hot water bottle from B (a retail chemist). A asked B whether it would hold hot water. B says it is meant to hold hot water only. As wife is injured as the hot water bottle bursts. B was held liable for breach of implied condition as to the quality or fitness of the hot water bottle.

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• If goods are bought by description from a seller who deals in goods of that description, there is an implied condition that the goods shall be of merchantable quality. However, if the buyer has examined the goods, there is no implied condition as regards defects which can be revealed by examination.

• The usage of trade may give an implied warranty or condition as to quality or fitness of goods for any particular purpose.

It is to be noted that an express warranty or condition given by any party is always in addition to the implied warranties or conditions as explained above.

H. Caveat Emptor (Buyer beware)

Caveat means a warning, a caution. According to the doctrine of caveat emptor, the person who buys goods must keep his eyes open, his mind active and be cautious while buying the goods. In other words, the buyer must examine the goods thoroughly. Later on, if the goods do not serve his purpose or he depends upon his own judgement and he makes a bad choice, he cannot blame the seller for

selling him such goods. The Sale of Goods Act also enshrines doctrine by stating that 'There is - ( implied warranty or condition as to the quality or fitness of goods for any particular purpose' except in cases specifically explained above.

48.4 LET US SUM UP

If a stipulation agreed to between the parties is essential to the main purpose of the contract it is known as a condition. On the other hand, a warranty is a stipulation collateral to the main purpose of the contract.

48.5 KEYWORDS

Warranty: Caveat Emptor.


1. Fill in the gaps from the available options given in the brackets.

(i) If the stipulation agreed to between the parties is essential to the main purpose of the contract then such a stipulation is known as a _________ . (condition/warranty/implied condition/ guarantee)

(ii) A _________ is a stipulation, collateral to the main purpose of the contract, (condition/

warranty/implied condition/guarantee) (iii) There is an implied condition on the part of the seller that he has a right to ___________the

goods, (use/sell/retain/resell) (iv) If the sale of goods is by _________ there is an implied condition that the goods shall

correspond with the description, (description/sample/oral agreement/written contract)


(i) In every contract of sale it is implied that the seller has got the right to sell the goods, (ii) An implied warranty as to quality or fitness for particular purpose may be annexed by the usage of trade.


1. (i) condition; (ii) warranty; (iii) sell; (iv) description.


UNPAID SELLER

STRUCTURE

49.0 Objective

49.1 Introduction

49.2 Rights of an Unpaid Seller

49.3 Let Us Sum Up



374

49.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to impart knowledge on the meaning of an 'Unpaid Seller' in a contract of

sale and the rights of such a person.

49.1 INTRODUCTION

The seller of goods is deemed to be an 'unpaid seller',

(a) When the whole of the price has not been paid or tendered;

(b) When the payment for the goods is received in the form of a cheque or other negotiable instrument

and the same is dishonoured for financial or other reasons

Here, the term 'seller' includes any person who is in the position of a seller, e.g., an agent of the seller,

to whom the bill of lading has been endorsed, or a consignor or agent who has paid for goods to the

seller.

49.2 RIGHTS OF AN UNPAID SELLER

Table 49.1 Rights of Unpaid Seller Against Goods and the Buyer

^^^^^^^^Rights against the goods Rights against the buyer

^^HB personality

®* Where the property

in the goods have passed Where the property in

the goods have not

passed

Suit

for price

Suit for

damages

Repud-

iation

contract

Suit for

interest I

Lien Stoppage

in transit Resale

delivery Withholding

in transit Stoppage

Unpaid seller's rights against the goods

The following rights are available to the unpaid seller, whether the property in the goods has passed to

the buyer or not

(a) a lien on the goods for the price while he is in possession of them;

(b) in case of insolvency of the buyer, a right of stopping the goods in transit after he has parted with

the possession of them;

(c) a right of resale.

If the property in goods has not passed to the buyer, the unpaid seller also has a right of withholding

delivery of the goods.

Unpaid seller's lien

The unpaid seller of goods (who is in possession of them), is entitled to retain possession of them until

payment of the price is made in the following cases:

(a) if the goods have been sold without any stipulation as to credit;

(b) if the goods have been sold on credit, but the term of credit has expired;

(c) if the buyer becomes insolvent.

Where an unpaid seller has made part delivery of the goods, he may exercise his right of lien on the balance goods, unless he makes part delivery under circumstances to show that he would waive the

375

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le

\

_ J

¥

to

ith

ing

atil

the

the

i

right to lien on all goods. The seller may exercise the right of lien notwithstanding that he is in possession of the goods as an agent or bailee for the buyer.

Termination of lien

The unpaid seller of goods loses his lien thereon:

(a) when he delivers the goods to a carrier or other bailee for the purpose of transmission to the buyer without reserving the right of disposal of the goods;

(b) when the buyer or his agent lawfully obtains possession of the goods; (c) by waiver of lien.

However, the lien is not lost just because the seller obtains a decree for the price of the goods.

Right of stoppage in transit

When the buyer becomes insolvent, the unpaid seller who has parted with the possession of the goods has the right of stopping them in transit. He may retain them until payment of the price.

Duration of transit

Goods are deemed to be in course of transit from the time when they are delivered to a carrier or other bailee for the purpose of transmission to the buyer and the transit ends, when the buyer or his agent takes delivery of them from such carrier or other bailee.

How stoppage in transit is affected?

The unpaid seller may exercise his right of stoppage in transit either by taking actual possession of the goods, or by giving notice of his claim to the carrier or other bailee in whose possession the goods are.

Effect of sub-sale or pledge by buyer

The unpaid seller's right of lien or stoppage in transit is not affected by a further sale or by other disposition of the goods, which the buyer may have made (unless the seller has given his permission). Exception to this is when any person in good faith and for consideration takes documents of title to goods from a buyer; or transfer of goods is by way of pledge, where right of unpaid seller may get defeated.

If the goods are of a perishable nature, or if the unpaid seller, who has exercised his right of lien or stoppage in transit gives notice to the buyer of his intention to re-sell, the unpaid seller may, if the buyer does not within a reasonable time pay the price, resell the goods.

He can also recover from the original buyer, damages for any loss occasioned by his breach of contract.

The buyer is not entitled to any profit which may occur on the resale.

If the unpaid seller does not give, a prior notice of sale to the buyer, then the unpaid seller is not entitled to recover damages from the buyer. On the contrary, the buyer becomes entitled to the profit on a resale.

If the unpaid seller who has exercised his right of lien or stoppage in transit re-sells the goods, the, 'new' buyer acquires a good title to the goods as against the original buyer, even if no notice of the resale was given to the original buyer.

Unpaid seller's rights against the buyer personally

These rights arise out of breach of contract and the seller can file a suit to claim damages, claim the price of goods with interest and he can also repudiate the contract.

49.3 LET US SUM UP

An unpaid seller has the following rights:

(a) a lien on the goods for the price while he is in possession of them;

376

(b) in case of insolvency of the buyer, a right of stopping the goods in transit after he has parted with the possession of them;

(c) a right of resale; (d) right to withhold delivery of goods.


1.

2.

Fill in the gaps from the available options given in the brackets. (i) The seller of goods is deemed to be an unpaid seller when the ______

(price/interest/damages/penalty) There is no ______________ as to the quality or fitness of goods for any particular purpose. (implied condition/implied warranty/express condition/express warranty) When the ______________ is in possession of goods, a lien can be exercised, (seller/buyer/agent

of the buyer/carrier)

_________ is terminated when the buyer gets the possession of the goods. (Lien/Agreement/ (iv)

Condition/Warranty)

Identify whether the following statements are True or False. (i) When property in the goods has not passed to the buyer and the buyer becomes insolvent

before the price is paid, the seller can withhold the delivery of goods.

(ii) A seller who has accepted a negotiable security as an absolute payment is no longer an unpaid seller.

5 5

51


1. (i) price; (ii) implied condition; (iii) seller; (iv) lien.


GO

(iii)

has not been paid

UN IT

50

DEFINITION, MEANING AND NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP

1

STRUCTURE

50.0 Objective

50.1 Introduction

50.2 Meaning and Nature of Partnership

50.3 types of Partnership

50.4 Let Us Sum Up



378

50.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to give the candidates a broad view of the legal aspects involved in a partnership business and the determination of the rights and liabilities arising out of partnership business.

50.1 INTRODUCTION

The Partnership Act lays down the important provisions relating to partnership contracts. However, the general principles of the Contract Act also continue to apply to the partnership contracts. A business can be carried on by a single individual by using his own funds or by two or more persons together in which case some of them would bring in money and some of them would use their business skills. These persons agree to share the profits and losses of their venture and it amounts to a contract. The rights and liabilities arising out of such a mode of carrying on business are governed by the Partnership Act.

50.2 MEANING AND NATURE OF PARTNERSHIP

Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the profits of a business carried on by all or any of them acting for all. Persons, who have entered into partnership with one another are called individually 'partners' and collectively a 'firm' and the name under which their business is carried on is called the firm's name.

It must always be remembered that a partnership is not a separate legal entity like a company formed under the Companies Act, 1956. Let us try to understand the concept of a 'separate legal entity' little more clearly which is very important as this forms the basis for the difference between a company and a partnership.

In the case of a company formed by the members, who contribute the capital and start the business of the company, the wrongful acts of the company are not the wrongful acts of the individual members of the company. A person who is cheated by the company cannot file a case against each and every mem-ber or even a single member of the company saying that the members of the company have cheated him. A company has its own separate existence and the person who is cheated can claim damages from the funds of the company and not from the pockets of the members forming the company.

A partnership is formed by the persons who have come together to carry on a business and share profits. However, if a particular partner cheats a customer and runs away with, say Rs. 1 lakh, then the other partners have to pay for his misdeed (and in fact the customer can catch any single partner and demand him to shell out the entire funds). If the partnership firm is left with no funds, the individual partners will have to pay the funds from their own pockets.

Hence, from the above it can be seen that there is a difference between the company and the members forming the company, while the partnership is seen clearly to be a group of persons who have joined together to do business. The partnership firm and the partners are not separate from each other.

The sharing of profits or returns arising from property by persons holding a common interest in that property does not mean that the persons have formed a partnership firm to carry on such business.

If a payment to a person is dependent upon the earning of profits or varying with the profits earned by a business, or he is given a share of the profits of the business then simply this fact does not make the person receiving such payment as a partner in the business.

Example: The receipt of a payment or share in profits of the business by a servant or agent as remuneration.

Hence, to summarise the essentials of a partnership.

Partnership is the result of an agreement between the persons joining together to do some lawful business.

379

• The contract between the partners may be oral or written. • The partnership must be formed to carry on some lawful business. • The business must be carried on to earn and share the profits and returns of the business.

• There must be a mutual relation of 'agency' between the partners. This means that any partner can by his acts bind all the partners of the firm. This is the meaning of 'business carried on by all or any of them acting for all' in the definition of partnership.

Illustrations

(a) A and B buy ten boxes of mangoes agreeing to equally share the mangoes for personal consumption

and pay the purchase price thereof. This is not a partnership. However, if they further agree to sell some mangoes and share the profits from the sale, it is a partnership.

(b) A and B are joint owners of a car. It is not a partnership. However, if they decide to give it on hire and share the rentals it is a partnership between the two.

50.3 TYPES OF PARTNERSHIP

1. Partnership at will

Where no provision is made by a contract between the partners for the duration of their partnership or

for the determination (i.e. the termination or end) of the partnership - the partnership is known as 'partnership at will'. A partnership at will can be dissolved by any partner by giving notice in writing to all the other partners of his intention to dissolve the firm. The firm gets dissolved from the date mentioned in the notice as the date of dissolution and if no date is mentioned, the/firm gets dissolved from the date of the commencement of the notice.

2. Partnership for a fixed period

When two or more persons enter into a partnership agreement for a fixed period of time, it is known as a partnership for a fixed term. In such a case, when the fixed period of partnership is over, it comes to an end. However, the partners can continue to carry on the business after the fixed period. In that case, the mutual rights and duties remain absolutely unaffected and the partnership is automatically transformed into a partnership at will.

3. Particular partnership

Such partnership is entered into, for completing a particular job or assignment taken up by two or more

persons jointly and to share the profits arising there from. Hence, a person may become a partner with

another person in particular adventures or undertakings.

50.4 LET US SUM UP

Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the profits of a lawful business,

carried on by all or any of them acting for all. There is a mutual relation of 'agency' between the partners. Any partner can, by his acts, bind all the partners of the firm. This is the meaning of 'business carried on by all or any of them acting for all'. The three different types of partnership are: partnership at will, partnership for a fixed period and particular partnership.


1. Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) If one partner cheats a customer of the partnership firm then all the partners of the partnership

firm are liable to compensate the customer.

HI:

380

(ii) Registration of firms is compulsory under the Partnership Act. (iii) It is compulsory to enter into a partnership deed, (iv) The partners are

free to decide their mutual rights and liabilities. (v) A partnership deed can even provide that a particular partner would not take part in the day-to-day business decisions of the partnership firm, (vi) Consent of all the partners is necessary to change the nature of business carried on by the

firm, (vii) A partnership at will can be dissolved by notice.


1. (i) True; (ii) False; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) True; (vi) True; (vii) True.

.11:

RELATIONS OF PARTNERS TO ONE ANOTHER

STRUCTURE

51.0 Objective

51.1 Introduction

51.2 General Duties of Partners

51.3 Duty to Indemnify the Loss caused by Fraud

51.4 Determination of Rights and Duties of Partners by Contract between the Partners

51.5 The Conduct of the Business

51.6 Mutual Rights and Liabilities

51.7 The Property of the Firm

51.8 Profits Earned by Partners

51.9 Rights and Duties of Partners

51.10 Let Us Sum Up



382 I

51.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the relationship of partners amongst themselves and their

mutual rights and duties.

51.1 INTRODUCTION

Partners are bound to carry on the business of the firm to the greatest common advantage. The

partners are responsible to each other for the conduct of the business of the firm.

51.2 GENERAL DUTIES OF PARTNERS

The partners should not make secret profits. They have to be just and faithful to each other. They must

render true accounts of the business and full information of all things affecting the firm to all the partners or their legal representatives.

51.3 DUTY TO INDEMNIFY THE LOSS CAUSED BY FRAUD

Every partner is bound to indemnify the firm for any loss caused to the partnership firm by his fraud, in the conduct of the business of the firm. For example, if a partner commits a fraud upon a customer of the partnership firm for which the firm is held liable then the partnership firm, is entitled to recover from the partner the damages that the firm is required to pay. This liability of the partner cannot be waived off by the partners as it would be opposed to public policy in the sense that it would amount to exempting a person from his own frauds.

51.4 DETERMINATION OF RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTNERS BY

CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTNERS

The partners of a firm can decide their mutual rights and duties and change them from time to time with the consent of all the partners. This may be implied (i.e. understood by the dealings between them/

with outsiders) or may be expressed (i.e. specifically discussed and made clear). These should however, be not against the provisions of the Partnership Act. Such contracts (defining their rights and duties) may even provide that a partner shall not carry on any business other than that of the firm while he is a partner.

51.5 THE CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS

Subject to a contract between the partners (i.e. the agreement and understanding arrived between themselves)

(a) every partner has a right to take part in the conduct of the business; (b) every partner is bound to attend diligently to his duties in the conduct of the business; (c) any difference arising as to ordinary matters connected with the business can be decided by a

majority of the partners and every partner has a right to express his opinion before the matter is

decided. However, no change can be made in the nature of the business without the consent of all the partners.

(d) every partner has a right to have access to and to inspect and copy any of the books of the firm.

The above rights may be given to some partners only and the others may not be allowed to have a say in the day-to-day management of the business or even in critical decisions. The bifurcation of powers

can be decided by the partners themselves based on the agreement and understanding arrived between

383

themselves (except in cases where consent of all partners is required as stated above). However, if they have no specific understanding on these matters, the above applies to them.

51.6 MUTUAL RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES

Subject to a contract between the partners (i.e., the agreement and understanding arrived between

themselves),

(a) a partner is not entitled to receive remuneration for taking part in the conduct of the business; (b) the partners are entitled to share equally in the profits earned and liable to contribute equally to the

losses made by the firm; (c) where a partner is entitled to interest on the capital subscribed by him such interest is to be paid

only out of profits of the firm; (d) Interest at 6 per cent on extra amount paid by the partner; (e) the firm has to indemnify a partner in respect of payments made and liabilities incurred by him:

(i) in the ordinary and proper conduct of the business, and

(ii) in doing such act in an emergency, for the purpose of protecting the firm from loss; (f) similarly, a partner has to indemnify the firm for any loss caused to it by his wilful neglect in the

conduct of the business of the firm.

On the matters stated above, the partners are free to have an understanding other than in the manner stated above, e.g. all or some of the partners may be allowed remuneration by way of salary in addition to share profits. Further, the share in profits may not be equal and the options can decide that a

particular partner would get more share in the profits than the others. However, if they have no specific understanding on these matters, the above applies to them.

51.7 THE PROPERTY OF THE FIRM

The property of the firm includes all property/rights in property originally brought into the firm or later

on acquired (by purchase, etc.) by the firm for the purpose of business of the firm and includes also the goodwill of the business. The property acquired by the partners from the funds of the partnership business is deemed to be the property of the firm (unless, e.g. say the partners had decided to purchase a particular property from the partnership funds and give it to a partner towards his long due remuneration). The property of the firm has to be held and used by the partners exclusively for the purposes of the business. However, the partners can decide the use of the property by mutual consent.

51.8 PROFITS EARNED BY PARTNERS

If a partner derives any profit for himself from any transaction of the firm or from the use of the property/business connection of the firm/the firm name he is bound to pay it to the firm. Also, if a partner carries on any business competing with the firm he is bound to pay to the firm all profits made by him in that business. On the matters stated above, the partners are free to have an understanding other than in the manner stated above. However, if they have no specific understanding on these matters, the above applies to them.

51.9 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTNERS

(a) After a change in the partners of a firm the mutual rights and duties of the partners in the

reconstituted firm remain the same as they were immediately before the change. (b) Similarly, after the expiry of the term of the firm, if a firm constituted for a fixed term, continues

to carry on business, the mutual rights and duties of the partners remain the same as they were before the expiry.

384

(c) Mutual rights and duties remain same for additional undertaking/adventure carried out. (d) On the matters stated above, the partners are free to have an understanding other than in the

manner stated above. However, if they have no specific understanding on these matters, the above applies to them.

51.10 LET US SUM UP

Every partner is bound to indemnify the firm for any loss caused to the partnership firm by his fraud in

the conduct of the business of the firm. The partners of a firm can decide their mutual rights and duties and change them from time to time with the consent of all the partners. The property of the firm has to

be held and used by the partners exclusively for the purposes of the business. The partners can decide the use of the property by mutual consent.


1. State whether the following statements are True or False, (i) Every partner has a right to receive

remuneration, (ii) It is necessary that all the partners in the partnership firm must receive equal

share of profits in

the partnership firm, (iii) No partner is entitled to use the partnership property for his private purposes.


1. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) True.

RELATIONS OF PARTNERS TO THIRD PARTIES

STRUCTURE

52.0 Objective

52.1 Introduction

52.2 Partner is an Agent of the Firm

52.3 Implied Authority of Partner as Agent of the Firm

52.4 Extension and Restriction of Partner's Implied Authority

52.5 Partner's Authority in an Emergency

52.6 Mode of Doing Act to Bind Firm

52.7 Liability of a Partner for Acts of the Firm

52.8 Liability of the Firm for Wrongful Acts of a Partner

52.9 Liability of Firm for Misapplication by Partners

52.10 Holding Out

52.11 Rights of Transferee or a Partner's Interest

52.12 Let Us Sum Up



386

52.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the rights and liabilities of the partners with respect to

contracts entered into with third parties.

52.1 INTRODUCTION

A partner is the agent of the firm for the purpose of the business of the firm. Every partner plays a dual role in a partnership. One is the role of a principal, i.e. on his own behalf and the other the role of an agent for every other partner. It must be noted that every partner is an agent of every other partner only in the business of the firm.

52.2 PARTNER IS AN AGENT OF THE FIRM

A partner can make the firm liable by his acts, if done in the name of the firm and in the ordinary course

of business of the firm. A partner, who contracts in his own name, incurs only a personal liability and

not the collective liability of the firm.

52.3 IMPLIED AUTHORITY OF PARTNER AS AGENT OF THE FIRM

An act done by a partner to carry on the kind of business done by the firm (in the usual way) binds the

firm. This authority of a partner to bind the firm is called his 'implied authority'.

The implied authority of a partner does not empower him to

(a) submit a dispute relating to the business of the firm to arbitration (i.e. for settlement by an independent person other than the parties to the dispute);

(b) open a banking account on behalf of the firm in his own name; (c) compromise or relinquish (give up) any claim by the firm; (d) withdraw a suit or proceeding filed on behalf of the firm;

(e) admit (accept) any liability in a suit or proceeding against the firm; (f) acquire immoveable property on behalf of the firm; (g) transfer immoveable property belonging to the firm; or (h) enter into partnership on behalf of the firm.

52.4 EXTENSION AND RESTRICTION OF PARTNER'S IMPLIED AUTHORITY

The partners in a firm may by mutual agreement amongst themselves, extend or restrict the implied authority of any partner. Any act done by a partner on behalf of the firm within his implied authority binds the firm unless the person with whom he is dealing knows the restriction.

52.5 PARTNER'S AUTHORITY IN AN EMERGENCY

Whatever may be the powers given to a particular partner, in case of an emergency, a partner has

authority to do all acts to protect the firm from loss, as would be done by a person of ordinary prudence in his own case. The firm is bound by such acts.

52.6 MODE OF ACTION TO BIND FIRM

In order to bind a firm, the partner must do the activities in the name of the firm and execute the documents on behalf of the firm or in any other manner expressing or implying an intention to bind the firm. A person cannot simply sign an agreement in his own name to purchase goods for the firm and

387

say that since he is the partner in a firm XYZ it is implied that the partners are bound to pay for the goods. For example, he should sign as 'For and on behalf of XYZ'.

52.7 LIABILITY OF A PARTNER FOR ACTS OF THE FIRM

Every partner is liable jointly with all the other partners and also severally for all acts of the firm done while he is a partner. This is a core principle of partnership business.

52.8 LIABILITY OF THE FIRM FOR WRONGFUL ACTS OF A PARTNER

If a partner commits some wrongful act or omits doing of something in the ordinary course of the business of the firm with or without the authority of other partners and consequently a loss or injury is caused to any third party, the firm is liable thereof to the same extent as the partner.

52.9 LIABILITY OF FIRM FOR MISAPPLICATION BY PARTNERS

The firm is liable to make good the loss of money or property from a third party in the following cases:

If any partner had received the funds within his obvious and clear authority but had misapplied the

funds.

The firm received the funds in the course of its business and the same was misapplied by any of the

partners while it is in the custody of the firm.

52.10 HOLDING OUT

Anyone who by words spoken or written or by conduct represents himself or knowingly permits himself to be represented to be a partner in a firm is as liable as a partner in that firm to any who has on the faith of any such representation given credit to the firm whether the person representing himself or

represented to be a partner does or does not know that the representation has reached the person so giving credit.

This is known as doctrine of holding out. This means that when a person who is not at all a partner in a firm, either represents himself, or knowingly permits himself to be represented, as a partner in a firm and as a result of this, he induces others to give credit to the firm then he is known as a partner holding out. Such a stranger is liable individually and personally for the debts of the firm as if he was a partner

in the firm on the principle of holding out. However, legal heirs or estate of the deceased partner is not liable to the firm, who uses his name, after his death.

52.11 RIGHTS OF TRANSFEREE OR A PARTNER'S INTEREST

A transfer by a partner of his interest in the firm does not entitle the person to whom the interest is

transferred (transferee) to interfere in the conduct of the business but entitles the transferee only to receive the share of profits of the transferring partner and the transferee has to accept the account of profits agreed to by the partners. On dissolution of firm or cessation of the partner, the transferee is entitled to a share in assets of the firm and verification of accounts to ascertain his share.

52.12 LET US SUM UP

In order to bind a firm, the partner must do the activities under the name of the firm and execute the documents on behalf of the firm or in any other manner expressing or implying an intention to bind the firm. Every partner is liable jointly with all other partners and also severally for all acts of the firm done

while he is a partner. This is a core principle of partnership business.

L.R.A.B-26

388


1. State whether the following statements are True or False. (i) A single partner can be authorised to carry on business and sign documents on behalf of the

firm. (ii) Every partner is liable jointly with all other partners and also severally for all acts of the firm

done while he is a partner.



MINOR ADMITTED TO THE BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIP

STRUCTURE

53.0 Objective

53.1 Introduction

53.2 A Minor cannot be a Partner

53.3 Legal Position after the Minor Attains Majority

53.4 Retirement of a Partner

53.5 Insolvency of a Partner

53.6 Let Us Sum Up



390 I

53.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand whether or not a minor can be a partner in a partnership firm and what are his rights and liabilities in a firm. Further the consequences of retirement of a partner and adjudication of a partner as insolvent are also discussed.

53.1 INTRODUCTION

As mentioned in the Indian Contract Act, 1872 a minor is not competent to enter into a contract. Hence, he is not eligible to enter into a contract of partnership. A person who is a minor cannot be a partner in a firm but with the consent of all the partners, he may be admitted to the benefits of partnership. In no circumstances, the minor can be made a party to the liabilities of the firm.

53.2 A MINOR CANNOT BE A PARTNER

The minor has a right to share the property and profits of the firm as may be agreed upon by the partners and the minor can have access to the accounts of the firm.

As explained earlier, the partners of the firm are personally liable for all the liabilities of the firm. However, only the minor's share is liable for the acts of the firm but the minor is not personally liable

for the acts of the firm and the liabilities arising there from.

The minor may or may not take legal action (by filing suit) against the partners for payment of his share

of the property or profits of the firm except when severing (ending) his connection with the firm.

However, all the partners acting together or any partner who is entitled to dissolve the firm by notice to

other partners can elect (choose) in such a suit filed by the minor to dissolve the firm. Thereafter, the court proceeds with the suit as a suit for dissolution and for settling accounts between the partners. The share of the minor is then determined along with the shares of the other partners.

53.3 LEGAL POSITION AFTER THE MINOR ATTAINS MAJORITY

At any time within six months of his attaining majority, or of his obtaining knowledge that he had been admitted to the benefits of partnership (whichever date is later) the person may give public notice to the effect whether he has elected to become a partner or not. This notice determines his position as regards the firm. However, if he fails to give such notice, he shall become a partner in the firm on the expiry of the said six months.

Where such a person becomes a partner (either because he elected to do so or because he failed to take a decision and six months have elapsed since he attained majority):

(a) his rights and liabilities as a minor continue up to the date on which he becomes a partner but he also becomes personally liable to third parties for all acts of the firm done since he was admitted to the benefits of partnership, and

(b) his share in the property and profits of the firm shall be the share to which he was entitled as a minor.

If such person elects not to become a partner:

(a) his rights and liabilities shall continue to be those of a minor up to the date on which he given

public notice that he does not want to become a partner; (b) his share shall not be liable for any acts of the firm done after the date of the notice; and (c) he shall be entitled to sue the partners for his share of the property and profits.

391

53.4 RETIREMENT OF A PARTNER

A partner may retire

(a) with the consent of all other partners

(b) in accordance with an express agreement by the partners, or (c) where the partnership is at will, by giving notice in writing to all the other partners of his intention

to retire.

The retiring partners and other partners shall be liable as partners to third parties for any act done by any of them which would have been an act of the firm if done before retirement until the public notice is given of the retirement. The public notice may be given by the retiring partner or the remaining

partners of the reconstituted firm. A retiring partner is discharged of his liability to a third party for acts of the firm before his retirement if there is an agreement between the third party, the retiring partner and the remaining partners of the reconstituted firm.

A partner can also be expelled from the firm by any majority of the partners if done in exercise of good faith of powers conferred by contract between the parties. The expelled partner is in the same position as that of the retiring partner.

53.5 INSOLVENCY OF PARTNER

If partner of a firm is adjudicated as an insolvent, he ceases to be partner from the date on which the order of adjudication is made. An order of adjudication of a partner may or may not dissolve the firm.

If the firm is not dissolved pursuant to a contract upon adjudication of a partner, the estate of a partner so adjudicated is not liable for any act of the firm and firm is not liable for any act of the insolvent, done after the date on which the order of adjudication is made.

53.6 LET US SUM UP

A minor cannot be a partner but he can be admitted to the benefits of the partnership.


1. State whether the following statements are True or False, (i) A minor can be a partner in a

partnership firm, (ii) A minor can be admitted to the benefits of a partnership firm, (iii) A minor is personally liable like other partners to pay the debts of the firm, (iv) A minor who is admitted to

the benefits of a partnership firm, has a choice when he attains majority as to whether he wants to continue as a partner or not.


1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) True.

UN IT

54

DISSOLUTION OF A FIRM

STRUCTURE

54.0 Objective

54.1 Introduction

54.2 Dissolution by Agreement

54.3 Compulsory Dissolution

54.4 Dissolution on the Happening of Certain Contingencies

54.5 Dissolution by the Court

54.6 Liability for Acts of Partners Done after Dissolution

54.7 Let Us Sum Up



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54.0 OBJECTIVE

To understand as to when and how a partnership firm may be dissolved and if so, what are the rights and liabilities of partners on the dissolution of the firm.

54.1 INTRODUCTION

A partnership firm can be dissolved. This means that the partners can decide to stop carrying on the business for which it is formed and the partners can decide their share in the profits or losses as on the date of dissolution after payment of debts and liabilities. This unit discusses the various modes of

dissolution of a partnership firm.

54.2 DISSOLUTION BY AGREEMENT

A firm can be dissolved with the consent of all the partners or in accordance with a contract between the partners.

54.3 COMPULSORY DISSOLUTION

A firm is dissolved:

(a) if all the partners (except one) are adjudicated insolvent; or

(b) by the happening of any event which makes it unlawful for the business itself to be carried on or the event makes the business unlawful if it carried on in partnership.

However, if the partnership firm is carrying on more than one separate businesses, the illegality of one or more does not cause the dissolution of the firm. The firm can continue to carry on its lawful adventures and undertakings.

54.4 DISSOLUTION ON THE HAPPENING OF CERTAIN CONTINGENCIES

A firm is dissolved in the following circumstances. To avoid dissolution in these cases, the partners should expressly agree that the firm shall not be dissolved in these circumstances:

(a) if the partnership is constituted for a fixed term, then by the expiry of that term;

(b) if the partnership is constituted to carry out one or more adventures or undertaking, then by the completion thereof;

(c) by the death of a partner; and (d) by the adjudication of a partner as an insolvent.

54.5 DISSOLUTION BY THE COURT

At the suit of a partner the court may dissolve a firm on any of the following grounds:

(a) that a partner has become of unsound mind; (b) that a partner (other than the partner suing for dissolution) has become permanently incapable of

performing his duties as partner; (c) that a partner (other than the partner suing) is guilty of conduct which is likely to affect prejudicially

the carrying on of the business; (d) that a partner (other than the partner suing) wilfully or persistently commits breach of agreements

in relation to the management of the affairs of the firm or the conduct of its business or it is not reasonably practicable for the other partners to carry on the business in partnership with him

I because of his conduct with respect to the business;

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(e) that a partner (other than the partner suing) has transferred the whole of his interest in the firm to a third party;

(f) that the business of the firm cannot be carried on except at a loss; or (g) on any other ground which renders it just and equitable that the firm should be dissolved.

54.6 LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF PARTNERS DONE AFTER DISSOLUTION

Any partner of the firm must give a public notice to the effect that the firm is dissolved. This is because

even after the dissolution of a firm, the partners continue to be liable to third parties for any act done by any of them, until such public notice is given.

54.7 LET US SUM UP

A firm can be dissolved by agreement between the partners or by the court or it gets compulsorily

dissolved in certain cases.


1. State whether the following statements are True or False, (i) The partners

can mutually agree and dissolve the firm, (ii) On the death of a partner the partnership firm is compulsorily dissolved.


1. (i) True; (ii) False

EFFECT OF NON-REGISTRATION

STRUCTURE

55.0 Objective

55.1 Introduction

55.2 Registration



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55.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit, is to understand as to whether a partnership firm is required to be registered

with any governmental authorities and what are the benefits of registration and the consequences of non-registration of a partnership firm.

55.1 INTRODUCTION

A company is compulsorily required to be incorporated and registered with the Registrar of Companies

under the Companies Act, 1956. However, a partnership firm is not required to be compulsorily registered with the Registrar of Partnership Firms.

55.2 REGISTRATION

The partner's may or may not enter into a partnership deed and may decide to have an oral partnership if they have a strong understanding amongst themselves. Further, even if a partnership deed is entered into by the partners they may not opt for registration of the partnership firm. However, the Partnership

Act casts certain disabilities on a partnership firm that is not registered with the Registrar of Partnership Firms. Due to this provision which is stated in the Section 69, a majority of the partnership firms decide to register the firm to avoid future hassles and complexities on solving issues amongst the partners as well as with third parties. The provisions of the Section 69 are briefly stated hereunder:

A partner of an unregistered firm cannot enforce by way of a suit, any right available to him under the Partnership Act or a right conferred by a contract amongst the partners against the partnership firm or

any partner thereof.

Similarly an unregistered firm cannot enforce by way of a suit, any right arising by a contract against any third party.

However the enforcement of any right to sue, for matters relating to the dissolution of a firm is not affected and can be brought before the Court of Law.


1. State whether the following statement is True or False.

(i) A partner of an unregistered firm can file a suit against other partners to get his share of profits.


1. (i) False.

d >f UNIT

56

DEFINITION AND FEATURES OF A COMPANY

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STRUCTURE

56.0 Objective

56.1 Introduction

56.2 Definition of a Company

56.3 Features of a Company

56.4 Distinction between a Company and Partnership

56.5 Let Us Sum Up



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56.0 OBJECTIVE

In this unit, an attempt is made to explain the nature of a company and the fundamental legal aspects of

the form of organisation of a company as evolved by courts and as enshrined under the Companies Act, 1956.

56.1 INTRODUCTION

In today's trade world, companies are the rivers of commercial prosperity of the country. The form of

organisation of a company is relatively more advantageous than other forms of business organisations. The features of limited liability, perpetual existence and separate entity serve as advantages to set up a

company.

56.2 DEFINITION OF A COMPANY

Section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 defines a company as 'a company formed and registered under this Act, or an existing company'. An existing company means a company formed and registered under any of the former Companies Acts.

56.3 FEATURES OF A COMPANY

(a) Registration

A company has to be compulsorily registered under the Companies Act, 1956.

(b) Artificial Legal Person

A company is an artificial legal person which is created by law and can be dissolved by the law alone. It is invisible, intangible and exists only in the eyes of the law. It enjoys many rights of a natural person. A company may enter into contracts in its own name, and it can acquire and dispose property and can

be fined under the provisions of the law for violation of law. However a company is not a natural citizen like an individual and courts have held that neither the provisions of the Constitution of India nor the provisions of the Citizenship Act apply to a company. Thus, even though a company has a nationality and domicile it has no citizenship.

(c) Independent corporate personality

A partnership firm has no legal existence apart from its members. In other words, a partnership firm is nothing but the aggregate of the partners. A company on the other hand, after incorporation is in law a single person, it has a distinct legal personality. By incorporation under the Companies Act, 1956 the company is vested with a corporate personality which is independent of and different from the members

who compose it.

The decision of House of Lords in England in the case of Salomon vs A. Salomon and Company Limited (1897) AC 22 at 57: (1895-9) All ER Rep 33 is the leading case as the bedrock of the existence of a company.

Salomon, an individual was a boot and shoe manufacturer. He incorporated a company named Salomon and Company Limited and the company took over and carried on his personal business. The seven subscribers to the memorandum of association were Salomon himself, his wife, four sons and a

daughter each taking one share. The company's board of directors was composed of Salomon as the managing director and his four sons. Through this board, the personal business of Salomon was transferred to the company for 40,000 pounds. In payment thereof Salomon was allotted 20,050 shares of one pound each and debentures worth 10,000 pounds. These debentures certified that the

401

company owed Salomon 10,000 pounds and created a charge on the company's assets. One share was given to each remaining member of the family. Within a year, the company went into liquidation and the state of affairs was broadly like this - assets 6,000 pounds liabilities - Salomon's debentures at 10,000 pounds and ordinary insecured creditors at 7,000 pounds. Thus, after paying off the debenture holder

(Salomon) nothing would be left for the insecured creditors. The insecured creditors filed a case against the company and contended that though incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 the company never had an independent existence at all. It was Salomon himself trading under another name and that he cannot pay off himself first for the debentures from his own funds by creating a charge on the assets. The insecured creditors should be paid first. The House of Lords held that Salomon and the company were different and the company had a separate existence of its own.

(d) Limited liability

Limitation of liability is an advantage of incorporation of a company. Since under company law, the existence of a company is different from its own members and directors and a company leads its own

business existence and since it is itself the owner of its assets and has its own liabilities, the members of the company are not bound to contribute anything more than the nominal value of the shares held by them and their liability ends there even though there may be creditors who may be claiming crore of rupees from the company In a partnership firm, on the other hand, the liability of the partners for the debts of the firm is unlimited and the partners are required to meet all the liabilities of the partnership firm from their own pocket.

(e) Perpetual succession

An incorporated company never dies. It is a legal entity with perpetual succession. The insolvency or death of members does not affect the continued existence of the company. In spite of a total change in the members of the company, the company will remain the same entity. Members may come and

members may go but the company goes on forever.

(f) Separate property

On incorporation the company becomes the owner of its capital and assets. The company is capable of

holding property in its own name.

(g) Transfer of shares

The Companies Act, 1956 states that shares or other interest of any member in a company shall be moveable property, transferable in the manner provided by the articles of association. A shareholder

may sell his shares in the open market and get back his money without changing the capital of the company.

(h) Common Seal

As a company is an artificial legal person, it is not capable of signing documents for itself. It acts through natural persons who are the directors appointed by the shareholders of the company. However since it is a legal person it can be held responsible for only those documents that bear its signature. Hence the law provides for a common seal with the name of the company engraved on it as a substitute for its signature. Any document bearing the common seal of the company is legally binding on the company. However a common seal cannot be affixed by any director. It has to be affixed in the manner

stated in the articles of association, e.g., in the presence of two directors who shall sign on the document where the common seal is affixed in their presence.

(i) Corporate veil

Although a company is a separate legal entity distinct from shareholders in reality it is an association of

persons who are the beneficial owners of all the corporate property. Hence it may sometime become

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necessary to look at the persons who are behind the corporate veil. The corporate veil is said to be lifted or pierced when the Court ignores the separate entity of the company and directly concerns itself with the members or directors of the company. There is no specific law as to when this should be done. The Court decides this as applicable on a case to case basis.

56.4 DISTINCTION BETWEEN A COMPANY AND PARTNERSHIP

(a) Registration

Registration of a company is compulsory under the Companies Act, 1956. Registration of a partnership is not compulsory under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932.

(b) Number of members/partners

Minimum of two and maximum of fifty in case of a private company and a minimum of seven and no limit on maximum number of members in case of public company.

Minimum number of two persons is required to form a partnership. The maximum number is ten for

banking business and twenty for any other business.

(c) Legal status

A company has a legal existence separate from its own members and is viewed as a separate legal person from its members. A firm does not have, a separate legal existence different from its own partners.

(d) Ownership of property

The property of the company is owned by the company itself and not its members as the company has a separate legal existence. The property of the firm is owned by the partners themselves and not by the firm as a firm does not have a separate legal existence different from its own partners.

(e) Management

The company is managed by a board of directors elected by the shareholders. A partnership is managed

by the partners except the dormant and sleeping partners.

(f) Perpetual existence

A company has a perpetual existence.

A partnership does not have a perpetual existence.

(g) Contracts

A member of the company can contract with the company. A partner cannot contract with the partnership firm.

(h) Liability

Except in case of a company with unlimited liability, the liability of the members of the company is limited. The liability of partners in a partnership is unlimited.

(i) Transfer

A transferee of shares in a company becomes a member of the company and the consent of all members is not required to become a member. A person can become a partner in a partnership firm with the consent of all the partners.

0) Death

The death of any or all members of the company does not determine (end) the existence of the company. Death of a partner dissolves the partnership unless the partnership deed provides otherwise.

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(k) Agency

The members of a company are not the agents of each other or of the company. Every partner of a firm is an agent of the other.

56.5 LET US SUM UP

A company is an artificial legal person which is created by law and can be dissolved by law alone. It is invisible, intangible and exists only in the eyes of law. A company can enter into contracts in its own name, and it can acquire and dispose property and can be fined under the provisions of the law for a violation of the law. It is a distinct entity from the members forming it. Since a company is a distinct

legal person, it has its own signature, i.e., a common seal with the name of the company engraved in it.


1. Indicate whether the following statements are True or False, (i) Directors are the actual owners of a company.

(ii) A company has to be compulsorily registered under the Companies Act, 1956. (iii) A company cannot enter into contracts in its own name, (iv) If all the members of a company die, then the company has to be wound up (i.e., dissolved).


1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) False; (iv) False.

UNIT

57

TYPES OF COMPANIES

STRUCTURE

57.0 Objective

57.1 Introduction

57.2 Classifications of Companies on the Basis of Mode of Incorporation

57.3 Classifications of Companies on the Basis of Liability

57.4 Classifications of Companies on the Basis of Public Interest

57.5 Holding and Subsidiary Companies

57.6 Let Us Sum Up



406

57.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to enable the candidates to understand the various types of companies that

can be formed under the Companies Act, 1956 and their peculiar features.

57.1 INTRODUCTION

There are various types of companies that can be formed under the Companies Act, 1956 and they can be classified as per the mode of incorporation, on the basis of liability, on the basis of public interest, as holding and subsidiary companies, etc. This unit examines these in brief.

57.2 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPANIES

THE BASIS MODE OF INCORPORATION

1. Statutory Company 2. Registered under the Companies Act, 1956

57.2.1 Statutory Company

A statutory company is created or incorporated by a special Act passed by either the Central or the State Legislature. It enjoys powers, rights and privileges as laid down in the Act. Hence, the statutory companies are not required to have Memorandum of Association. Although each statutory company is governed by the provisions of the special Act, the Companies Act, 1956 is also applicable to them insofar as the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 are not inconsistent with the provisions of the

special Act under which the company is incorporated. Examples of statutory companies - Reserve Bank of India incorporated under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; Food Corporation of India.

57.2.2 Registered under the Companies Act, 1956

Such companies are incorporated and registered under the prevailing Companies Act, e.g. Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited is incorporated and registered under the Companies Act prevailing before the enactment of the Companies Act, 1956, i.e. the Companies Act, 1913.

57.3 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPANIES ON THE BASIS OF LIABILITY

1. Company limited by shares

3. Company with unlimited liability

2. Company limited by guarantee

Company Limited by Shares

In such companies there is a share capital and each share has a fixed nominal value also known as the face value which the shareholder is bound to pay either at a time or in instalments. The member is not bound to pay anything more than the fixed amount on the share, whatever may be the liabilities of the Company. In other words, the liability of the members of such a company is limited to the extent of amount unpaid on the shares. It may be a private company or a public company. Such companies are the most commonly found companies.

Company Limited by Guarantee

Where the liability of the members of the company is limited by the memorandum of association to such an amount as the members undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of

the liquidation of the company, the company is known as a company limited by guarantee. In other words, in such a company each member promises to pay a fixed sum of money in case of its winding up. The amount is called the guarantee. A guarantee company may or may not have a share capital. A guarantee company must have articles of association. If such a company has a share capital then each

40/

member is required to pay the amount of the fixed share capital as in the case of a company limited by shares in addition to the guarantee. Thus the liability is restricted to the amount of the share capital plus the amount of guarantee. Such a company may also be a private company or a public company.

57.3.3 Company with Unlimited Liability

Where the liability of the members of a company is unlimited it is known as an unlimited company. Every member of such a company is liable without any limit for its debts as in the case of a partnership firm in proportion to his interest in the company. If such a company has a share capital, it may be a public company or private company. An unlimited company must have articles of association and it must state the number of members and the share capital (if any) with which it is proposed to be registered.

57.4 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPANIES ON THE BASIS OF PUBLIC INTEREST

On the basis of public interest companies can be classified as under:

1. Private company 2. Public company

3. Government company 4. Foreign company

Private Company

A private company is defined under the Section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 as a company which under its articles of association contains the following restrictions:

(a) Transfer of Shares

If a private company has a share capital it imposes restriction on the right to transfer shares in a manner which restricts the number of members to fifty.

(b) Restricts the number of members to fifty

The maximum number of members of a private company is limited to fifty excluding the members who were past employees or are the present employees of the company.

(c) Issue of Prospectus

A private company cannot issue a prospectus and cannot invite the public to subscribe for any shares or debentures of the company.

(d) Deposits

A private company prohibits any invitation or acceptance of deposits from persons other than its members, directors or their relatives.

A private company should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 1 lakh.

Public Company

A public company is one which is not a private company. In a public company the number of its members is unlimited. Any seven or more persons can form a public company. Generally the shares of a public company are listed on the stock exchange and therefore the marketability of the shares is more. A public company should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 5 lakh.

There are certain provisions under the Companies Act, 1956 which are applicable only to a public company and not to a private company and by which a private company is benefited. However, if a private company defaults in complying with the aforesaid four restrictions then it shall cease to enjoy these exemptions and all these provisions shall apply as if it is a public company.

Some of the advantages of a private company over a public company (exemptions and benefits to a private company under the Companies Act, 1956). This also forms a distinction between a private

408

(i) A private company can have only two members and two directors. A public company has to

have a minimum of seven members and three directors, (ii) A private company need not obtain

a certificate of commencement of business from the Registrar

of Companies which a public company has to obtain and it has to only get the certificate of

incorporation, (iii) A private company need not hold a statutory meeting and submit a

statutory report to the

Registrar of Companies while a public company has to do so. (iv) Certain provisions of the

Companies Act, 1956 with respect to requirements of appointment and

remuneration payable to the directors applicable to a public company are not applicable to a

private company, (v) Certain provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 with respect to general

meetings of a company

are not applicable to a private company, (vi) Restrictions on the powers of the Board of

Directors under the Section 293 of the Companies

Act, 1956 which stipulate that certain powers cannot be exercised by the Board of Directors

except without the consent of the company in a general meeting are not applicable to a private

company.

Government Company

The Companies Act, 1956 defines a government company as any company in which not less than fifty-

one per cent of the paid-up share capital is held by

• the Central Government or

• by any State Government or Governments or

• partly by the Central Government and partly by one or more of State Governments

and includes a company which is subsidiary of a government company, e.g. Bharat Heavy Electricals

Limited, Bokaro Steel Limited, etc.

Foreign Company

The Companies Act, 1956 defines a foreign company as a company which is incorporated outside India

but has a place of business in India.

57.5 HOLDING AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

A company is deemed to be a subsidiary of another if:

• That other company controls the majority composition of its board of directors with the sole object

of controlling its management.

• That other company holds the majority of its shares.

• The holding company's subsidiary has its own subsidiary; it becomes the subsidiary of the first

mentioned company (i.e. the first holding company). Thus, for example, company B is a subsidiary

of company A and company C is a subsidiary of company B then company C is a subsidiary of

company A.

57.6 LET US SUM UP

There are various types of companies that can be incorporated, e.g. statutory company, company

limited by shares, company limited by guarantee, company with unlimited liability, private company,

public company, etc. A private company enjoys certain relaxations of legal compliance under the

Companies Act, 1956 as compared to a public company.

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1. State whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) In case of a company limited by shares the creditors of the company can recover the money

from the members if the company is not making profits, (ii) A member cannot transfer shares in a public company without the consent of other members.

2. Fill in the blanks from the options given in the brackets.

(i) The minimum number of members required in a private company is ---------------- . (3/7/12/2)

(ii) The minimum number of members required in a public company is ---------------- (3/7/12/2) (iii) The maximum number of members in a private company can be ---------------- (7/12/50/2) (iv) The maximum number of members in a public company can be ----------------- . (any number/

12/50/15)

(v) A private company should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rupees ---------------- . (five

crore/five lakh/one crore/one lakh) (vi) A public company should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rupees ---------------- . (five

crore/five lakh/one crore/one lakh) (vii) In a government company the government holds at least --------------- per cent of the paid-up

capital. (12/15/50/51)


1. (i) False; (ii) False.

2. (i) 2; (ii) 7; (iii) 50; (iv) any number; (v) one lakh; (vi) five lakh; (vii) 51.

UN IT

58

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

STRUCTURE

58.0 Objective

58.1 Introduction

58.2 Memorandum of Association

58.3 Articles of Association

58.4 Distinction between the Memorandum of Association

and Articles of Association

58.5 Let Us Sum Up


58.7 Answer to 'Check Your Progress'

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58.0 OBJECTIVE

To understand the concept and importance of the constitutional documents which form the basis of

incorporation and administration of a company.

58.1 INTRODUCTION

The basic documents that are necessary to incorporate a company are the 'Memorandum of Association'

and the "Articles of Association'. The business of the company is carried on the basis of the objectives laid down in the memorandum of association while the internal management and procedures are regulated by the articles of association.

58.2 MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION

The first step in the formation of a company is the preparation of the memorandum of association. It

is a document of great significance as it embodies the fundamental rules regarding the constitution and scope of activities of a company. The purpose of memorandum of association among others is to

enable the member's creditors and those who deal with the company to know the permitted scope of its activities.

Contents of the various clauses of the memorandum of association are stated herein together with a brief of a provision pertaining to that clause.

A. Name clause

A company is a legal person and hence it must have a name to be identified. A company cannot have a name which in the opinion of Central Government is undesirable. A name is undesirable when it is identical with or too nearly resembles the name of another company.

If the company is with limited liability the last word of the name should be limited and in case of a

private company the last words should be private limited. However, the Central Government has powers to permit by licence a company not to use the words private limited or limited as the case may be, if the company is formed for promotion of arts, commerce, science, religion, charity or any other useful objective and the company intends to apply its income, if any, in promoting its objects and to prohibit the payment of any dividend to its members.

B. Registered office clause

This clause must mention the name of the state in which the registered office of the company is situated. It is to be noted that the address of the registered office is not to be mentioned. Only the name of the state is required to be mentioned. A company shall from the date on which it commences

business or within thirty days after the date of incorporation, whichever is earlier, have a registered office to which all the communications and notices may be addressed. Notice of the situation of the registered office and of every change therein is to be given within thirty days after the date of incorporation of the company or after the date of the change as the case may be to the registrar of companies who shall record the same.

C. Objectives Clause

This is a very important clause and must be drafted very carefully and it should clearly state the objectives for which the company is established (incorporated) and the nature of business it can undertake/carry on. Choice of the objectives is left with the subscribers to the memorandum of association who incorporate the company. Although the ownership of the corporate capital is vested in the company itself, in reality the capital is contributed by the shareholders. It is therefore very essential that the

objectives of the proposed company must be intimated to the shareholders so that they can decide in

I

413

which business areas they want to invest their mo.iey. A company can have any lawful objectives. This

means that a company cannot have objectives contrary to law to carry on activities prohibited under

the law.

The objectives clause, of the memorandum of association of a company are to be classified and stated

under two sub-clauses as 'main clause' and 'other objectives'.

The Main Objectives clause must contain the main objectives which are to be pursued by the company

immediately on incorporation and objectives which are incidental or ancillary to the attainment of the

main objectives of the company.

The Other Objectives clause must contain other objectives which are not included in the above clause.

D. Liability clause

If the company is to be incorporated with limited liability the liability clause must state that the liability

of the members shall be limited by the unpaid amount on shares.

E. Capital clause

In case of companies having a share capital this clause must state that the amount of share capital

which the company will be authorised to raise and the number and the value of shares into which it is

divided.

F. Association or subscription clause

The memorandum of association concludes with a declaration of the subscription that the persons who

have subscribed their signatures intend to form themselves into an association in accordance with the

Memorandum of Association.

58.3 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

Articles of Association is the second important document of a company. It consists of a set of rules/

regulations and bye laws made by the company for internal management of the company and for

carrying out the objects of the company embodied in its memorandum of association.

The Companies Act, 1956 requires that the articles of association must be filed together with the

memorandum of association by the following kind of companies:

• Unlimited company • Company limited by guarantee

• Private company limited by shares

Schedule I of the Companies Act, 1956 sets out the tables or model forms of articles of association for

different companies. Table A is applicable to public companies limited by shares. Hence a public company

limited by shares may either frame its own articles of association or adopt the regulations contained in

Table A which will then automatically apply to the extent to which it is not excluded.

The main advantage of adopting Table A lies in the fact that its provisions are legally beyond all doubt.

In the case of an unlimited company the articles of association must state the number of members with

which the company is to be registered and the amount of share capital of the company (if the company

has a share capital).

In the case of a company limited by guarantee the articles of association must state the number of

members with which the company is to be registered.

In the case of a private company the articles of association must contain the restrictive conditions

peculiar to a private company (i.e. with respect to prospectus, deposits, number of members and

transfer of shares).

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58.4 DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION AND

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The memorandum of association contains the fundamental conditions (objects) upon which the company is incorporated. The conditions are introduced for the benefit of the creditors, the shareholders, and the outside public.

The articles of association are the internal regulations of the company and they provide the manner in

which the proceedings of the company are to be carried on.

The memorandum of association is a dominant instrument as it states the purposes of the company and

the reasons for which it has come into existence.

The articles of association are always held to be subordinate to the memorandum of association because

the articles of association are merely the internal regulations of the company while the memorandum of association states the objects of the company beyond which the company cannot go.

Clauses in the memorandum of association (e.g. change of registered office in another state or the objects clause) can be altered only by a special resolution passed by the company and with the sanction of the Company Law Board.

Any terms of the articles of association can be altered by a special resolution and no approvals are

required from the Company Law Board or any other authority.

If a company commits an act in contravention of the memorandum of association (e.g. a company having objects only to manufacture biscuits starts activities of bottling of milk without proper amendments in the objects clause) then the acts done and liabilities arising there from are not binding on the company and the same cannot be ratified by the company.

If a company does something in contravention of the provisions of its articles of association, it is only

a procedural irregularity and the same can be ratified by the shareholders at a general meeting and thus rectified.

58.5 LET US SUM UP

The memorandum of association and articles of association are the basic constitutional documents of the company, which define the ambit of the operations of the company.


1. Indicate whether the following statement is True or False. (i) In case of conflict between the memorandum of association and articles of association, the

articles of association prevail.

58.7 ANSWER TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS'

1. (i) False.

UNIT

59

DOCTRINES OF ULTRA VIRES/ CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE/INDOOR MANAGEMENT

STRUCTURE

59.0 Objective

59.1 Introduction

59.2 Doctrine of Ultra Vires

59.3 Effects of Ultra Vires Transaction

59.4 Constructive Notice of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association

59.5 Effect of the Doctrine of Constructive Notice

59.6 Doctrine of Indoor Management

59.7 Let Us Sum Up


59.9 Answers to 'Check Your Progress' s

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59.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the implications of the doctrines of ultra vires/constructive notice/indoor management which govern the interpretation of the memorandum and articles of association.

59.1 INTRODUCTION

These three doctrines deal with the rights and duties of the company with respect to the members,

amongst the members, and of the company with the outsiders. We now dwell upon the doctrines in detail as under:

59.2 DOCTRINE OF ULTRA VIRES

When a company exercises its powers to promote and/or realise any of its objectives stated in the

memorandum of association, it is intra;vires (i.e. within the powers of) the company. However, any other act of the company which is outside the scope of the objects clause of the memorandum of association is known as ultra vires (i.e. beyond the powers of) the company.

The rule of law on the question of the doctrine of ultra vires has been clearly and emphatically laid down by House of Lords in Ashbury Railway Carriage and Iron Company vs Riche (1875) LR 7 HL 653, 671. The facts of the case are as under:

Ashbury Company was incorporated with the objectives to manufacture and sell railway carriages, etc., and to act as mechanical engineers and general contractors. The directors of the company had contracted with Riche to finance the construction of railway line in Belgium. Subsequently, the directors repudiated the contract on the ground that it was ultra vires to the company and Riche brought an action for damages for breach of contract.

The House of Lords held that the contract was ultra vires and therefore null and void. It was laid down that the company came into existence for the achievement of the objectives as stated in the objectives clause. These objectives affirmatively state the activities that the company can undertake/carry and its states negatively that nothing shall be done beyond the ambit of the objectives for which the company is established. The term general contractors was meant to be read as making such type of contracts generally that are connected with the business of mechanical engineers and if it is not so interpreted

then it would authorise the making of contracts of every nature and description. Hence, it was entirely beyond the powers of the company to enter into the contract.

59.3 EFFECTS OF ULTRA VIRES TRANSACTION

An ultra vires transaction is void ab initio and therefore cannot become intra vires by reason of ratification.

No company can be held liable for obligations arising out of such a contact. If lending done by the company is ultra vires then the company is entitled to recover the money from the debtors because the debtors cannot say that the company had no power to lend. If the rendering of a particular service by the company is ultra vires the company is entitled to recover the charges for such services. If the property of the company is delivered to an outsider through an ultra vires act, the company can get

back the property if such property can be traced.

Effects of Ultra Vires Acquired Property

If a company's money has been spent ultra vires in purchasing any property the company is entitled to the ownership of such a property because that asset though wrongly acquired represents the capital of the company.

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Personal Liability of Directors

If a director of a company makes an ultra vires payment he is personally liable to the company and he can be compelled to refund the money. In the case of deliberate misapplication, criminal action can also be taken for fraud.

Breach of Authority

Directors are the agents of the company. Hence, they must act within the limits of the powers of the company. If they induce (however innocently) an outsider to contract with the company in a matter in which the company does not have power to act, they will be personally liable to such an outsider for his loss provided that the outsider had no knowledge of the fact that the act was ultra vires the company.

59.4 CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE OF MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATION AND

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

What is meant by constructive notice of the memorandum of association and articles of association? The memorandum of association and articles of association of a company are registered with the registrar of companies at the time of incorporation. As the office of the registrar of companies is a public office, the memorandum of association and articles of association become public documents.

Hence, the act expressly guarantees the right of inspection of these documents to all. It is therefore the duty of every person who deals with a company to inspect its public documents, i.e. its memorandum of association and articles of association and make sure that his contract is in accordance with their provisions. However, whether a person has actually read them or not he shall be in the same position as if he had read them.

In other words, he will be presumed to have knowledge of the contents of these documents and to have understood them according to their proper meaning. This kind of presumed notice is known as constructive notice. This is known as the doctrine of constructive notice.

59.5 EFFECT OF THE DOCTRINE OF CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE

The following are the practical effects of the doctrine of constructive notice:

(a) He who deals with the company is deemed to have notice of the public documents whether he has actually seen them or not.

(b) Another effect is that a person dealing with the company is not only deemed to have notice but is also presumed to have read those documents and to have understood not only the company's powers but also of its officers.

(c) The doctrine of constructive notice is of a negative nature in the sense that it stops a person from

contending (arguing) that he had no notice of the contents of the documents.

59.6 DOCTRINE OF INDOOR MANAGEMENT

The principle of constructive notice seeks to protect the company against the outsiders whereas the

doctrine of indoor management seeks to protect outsiders against the company. The doctrine of indoor

management may be stated briefly as under:

A person who deals with the company is deemed to have read and understood the registered public documents such as the memorandum of association and articles of association, etc., to see that his contract with the company is not inconsistent with them. But he is not bound to inquire into the regularity of the company's internal functioning or the internal management of the company. Hence if

his contract is consistent with the public documents, the company is bound. He will not be affected by

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any irregularity in the internal management of the company. This is known as the doctrine of indoor management.

The doctrine of indoor management was first illustrated in the case of Royal British Bank vs Turquand

(1856) 6 E & B 327: (1843-60) All ER Rep 435. The facts of the case are as under:

The directors of a company (Royal British Bank) borrowed a sum of money from Turquand, and issued a bond to him. The articles of association of the company provided that the directors might borrow on bonds such sums as may be from time to time be expressly authorised by the resolution of the shareholders. The shareholders claimed that there had been no such resolution authorising the loan.

The company, however, was held bound by the loan because Turquand had the right to assume that the

necessary resolution must have been passed.

Exception

The doctrine of indoor management has the following exception:

Knowledge of internal irregularity

Where a person dealing with the company has actual knowledge of the internal irregularity of the company he is not entitled to claim protection of this doctrine because he could have taken measures for self-protection.

Acts outside apparent authority of an officer of company

Finally, if an officer of the company makes a contract with an outsider and if the act of the officer falls

outside the apparent authority of an officer, then the company is not bound by such a contract.

59.7 LET US SUM UP

Doctrine of ultra vires lays down that a company cannot carry on the objects not permitted by its memorandum of association. Doctrine of constructive notice states that every outsider is assumed to

have read the memorandum of association and articles of association. Doctrine of indoor management lays down that the outsiders are not required to see the compliance of internal regulations of the company.


1. State whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) Doctrine of ultra vires lays down that every outsider is assumed to have read the memorandum

of association and articles of association, (ii) Doctrine of constructive notice states that the outsiders are not required to see the compliance

of internal regulations of the company.

(iii) Doctrine of indoor management lays down that a company cannot carry on the objects not permitted by its memorandum of association.


1. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) False.

MEMBERSHIP

STRUCTURE

60.0 Objective

60.1 Introduction

60.2 Who is a Member of a Company?

60.3 Various Modes of Becoming Member of a Company

60.4 Who can be Members of a Company?

60.5 Cessation of Membership in a Company

60.6 Register of Members

60.7 Place of Keeping and Inspection of Register of Members

60.8 Rights and Duties (Liabilities) of Members of a Company

60.9 Rights of Embers

60.10 Let Us Sum Up



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60.0 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this unit, are to understand the concept of membership in a company, who can be a

member in a company and what are the rights of a member of a company.

60.1 INTRODUCTION

The words member and shareholder have been used interchangeably in the Companies Act, 1956 and generally speaking, except for a few cases they are synonymous, e.g. in the case of companies having no share capital there are members but not shareholders.

60.2 WHO IS A MEMBER OF A COMPANY?

According to the Companies Act, 1956 the term member of a company means:

• The subscribers of the memorandum of association.

• Every other person who agrees in writing to become a member of a company and whose name is entered in its register of members.

• Every person holding equity share capital of a company and whose name is entered as beneficial owner in the records of the depository shall be deemed to be a member of the concerned company.

60.3 VARIOUS MODES OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF A COMPANY

(a) By Subscribing to Memorandum of Association: The Companies Act, 1956 provides that a subscriber of the memorandum of association shall be deemed to have agreed to become a member of the company. Hence on registration of the company he shall be entered as member of the company in its register of members. It may noted that a subscriber of the memorandum of association is deemed to have agreed to become a member of the company and neither application form nor

allotment of shares is necessary. (b) Membership by Allotment of Shares: A person may become a shareholder if he agrees to take

shares in the company by allotment. What is allotment? Broadly speaking the term allotment means an appropriation by directors of shares to a particular person.

(c) Transfer of Shares: If a person buys shares of a company in the open market and then applies to the company to register him as a member he becomes a member on registration of his name.

(d) Transmission of Shares: On a death of a member, if the member has not made a nomination for the shares then the surviving joint holder (if any) or his legal representatives have the right to register themselves as members.

(e) Membership by Acquiescence: A person is deemed to become a member of a company if he allows his name to be put on the register of the members or otherwise holds himself out as a member even if there is no agreement to become a member.

(f) Joint Membership: When two or more persons hold shares in a company in their joint names, it is called a joint membership. In such a case the name of the member appearing first is considered to be the main member for the purpose of sending notices, dividend, etc. However, they all shall be treated as a single member.

60.4 WHO CAN BE MEMBERS OF A COMPANY?

(a) Any Person competent to contract: The Companies Act, 1956 has not prescribed any qualifications for acquiring membership of a company. Hence, every person who is competent to contract can become a member of a company. It therefore follows that a person who is incapable of entering into a contract cannot be a member.

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(b) Minor and persons of unsound mind: Under the Indian Contract Act, 1872 minors and persons of unsound mind are incompetent at law to contract. Hence such persons cannot become members of a company.

A minor therefore cannot apply for and be a member of a company. However, if a minor has by mistake been recorded as a member of the company, the company and the minor have a right to rescind the transaction and remove the name from the register of members. However, if a minor has been allotted shares and his name is entered into the register of members he incurs no liability during minority.

(c) Company as a member: As a company is a legal person it can become a member of another

company provided it is so authorised by its memorandum of association. A company cannot buy its own shares and become a member of itself.

(d) Partnership firm: Since a partnership firm is not a legal person it cannot buy any shares in its

own name and thus become a member of a company. The shares have to bought only in the name of the individual partners of the partnership firm even though such shares constitute a part of the assets of the partnership firm.

(e) Registered society: A society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 can hold shares in a company.

(f) Non-residents: A non-resident cannot become a member of a company without complying with

the requirements of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and the regulations made there under that inter-alia stipulate the permission of the Reserve Bank of India.

(g) Fictitious Persons: The Companies Act, 1956 provides that any person who:

(a) makes in a fictitious name an application to a company for acquiring or subscribing shares therein, or

(b) otherwise induces a company to allot, or register any transfer of shares to him or any other person in a fictitious name, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years.

60.5 CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN A COMPANY

The membership in a company ceases in case of any of the following:

1. If a member transfers his shares to another person. 2. If a member's shares are forfeited. 3. If the shares are sold pursuant to a decree of a Court. 4. If the member surrenders his shares to the company where such surrender is permitted. 5. If he rescinds the contract to take the shares, e.g. on the ground of misrepresentation in the

prospectus.

6. If a member is adjudicated insolvent (shares and other properties of an insolvent vest in the Official Receiver or Assignee).

7. On the death of a member: However, the estate of the deceased member, remains liable until the shares are registered in the name of his legal representative.

8. If redeemable preference shares are redeemed. 9. If the company is being wound up. In such a case a member remains liable as a contributor and is

also entitled to share in the surplus assets, if any.

60.6 REGISTER OF MEMBERS

The Companies Act, 1956 provides that every company shall keep a register of its members and enter

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(a) the name and address, and the occupation, if any, of each member; (b) in the case of a company having a share capital, the shares held by each member, distinguishing

each share by its number except where such shares are held with a depository and the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid on those shares;

(c) the date at which each person was entered in the register as a member; and (d) the date at which any person ceased to be a member.

A company may, after giving not less than seven days previous notice by advertisement in some newspaper circulating in the district in which the registered office of the company is situated, close the

register of members or the register of debenture holders for any period not exceeding in the aggregate forty-five days in each year, but not exceeding thirty days at any one time.

60.7 PLACE OF KEEPING AND INSPECTION OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS

The register of members is to be kept at the registered office of the company. It may be kept at any

other place within the city, town or village in which the registered office is situated, if

(i) such other place has been approved for this purpose by a special resolution passed by the

company in general meeting, and (ii) the Registrar of Companies has been given in advance a copy of the proposed special resolution.

The registers are to be open during business hours to the inspection of any member or debenture

holder without fee. Any other person has to pay a fee. Any such member, debenture holder or other person may make extracts from any register.

60.8 RIGHTS AND DUTIES (LIABILITIES) OF MEMBERS OF A COMPANY

The liability of a member of a company depends upon the nature of the company.

(a) Unlimited Liability Company: The member is liable in full for all the debts of the company contracted during the period of his membership.

(b) Company Limited by Guarantee: The member is liable to contribute a sum of money agreed and specified in the liability clause of memorandum of association in the event of being wound up.

(c) Company Limited by Shares: The member is liable to pay the full nominal value of the shares and the liability of the member ends there. However, if the member has paid only a part of the amount of the shares then his liability is limited to the unpaid amount on the shares in respect of which he is a member.

60.9 RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

(a) Statutory Rights: These are the rights conferred by the Companies Act, 1956. These rights cannot be taken away or modified by the memorandum of association or the articles of association. Some of the statutory rights available to members under the Companies Act, 1956 are as under:

1. Priority to have new shares offered, in case the company proposes to increase capital. 2. To receive notice of meetings, attend and vote at meetings. 3. Transfer shares.

4. Receive copies of annual accounts of the company.

5. To inspect the register of members, register of debenture holders and copies of annual returns. 6. To apply to the CLB to call annual general meeting if the board of directors fails to call such a

meeting. 7. To convene an extraordinary general meeting of the company. 8. Appoint the directors and auditors at the general meetings of the company.

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9. To approach the CLB to order an investigation into the affairs of the company. 10. To file a petition to the High Court to order the winding up of the company.

(b) Documentary Rights: These rights are conferred upon the members by the memorandum of association and the articles of association of the company.

(c) Proprietary Rights:

(a) To be registered as a member in the company's register of members, (subject to a valid membership obtained by transfer, allotment, etc.)

(b) No personal liability of a company's debts. (c) To receive dividends (if declared by the board of directors and approved by the members at

AGM). (d) To participate in the distribution of assets in case of liquidation of the company.

60.10 LET US SUM UP

Any person competent to contract can be a member of a company. There are various modes by which a person can acquire membership in a company.



(i) A minor can be a member of a private company but not of a public company, (ii) A member can inspect the register of members.


1. (i) False; (ii) True.

PROSPECTUS

L

STRUCTURE

61.0 Objective

61.1 Introduction

61.2 What is a Prospectus?

61.3 Compliance with Respect to Prospectus

61.4 Misstatements in a Prospectus and Remedies

61.5 Let Us Sum Up



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61.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to understand the meaning and implications of misstatements in the prospectus

and the liabilities of the company, the promoters and the directors for such misstatements.

61.1 INTRODUCTION

As explained in the previous units, a public company can raise funds for its business from the public by

issuing a document known as the prospectus. This document has to contain all the material disclosures as required under the Companies Act, 1956.

61.2 WHAT IS A PROSPECTUS?

The Companies Act, 1956 defines a prospectus as any document described or issued as a prospectus

and includes any notice, circular, advertisement or other document inviting deposits from the public or inviting offers from the public for the subscription or purchase of any shares in, or debentures of a body corporate.

Hence, put in plain words, prospectus means a document by which a company solicits funds from the public for its capital either by way of shares, debentures or deposits.

It is very clear that private companies cannot issue a prospectus to raise funds from the public. It is

prohibited under the articles of association of the company. It is necessarily the public companies who issue the prospectus.

In the following cases even though shares are offered to the public, issue of prospectus is not required:

(a) When a person is invited to enter into an underwriting agreement/arrangement to purchase/subscribe the shares.

(b) When the shares are offered only to the existing shareholders or debenture-holders of the company. (c) When the shares or debentures offered are in all respect uniform with the shares or debentures

previously issued and listed on a recognised stock exchange.

61.3 COMPLIANCE WITH RESPECT TO PROSPECTUS

(a) Time of issue of Prospectus: A prospectus can be issued only after the incorporation of the company.

(b) Contents of the Prospectus: Section 56 read with Schedule II of the Companies Act, 1956

stipulates the mandatory provisions that are to be stated in the prospectus. (c) Date of publication: Section 55 states that a prospectus must be dated and this ensures a prima

facie evidence of the date of its publication.

(d) Signature of every director on the Prospectus: A prospectus must be signed by every person mentioned therein as a director or proposed to be a director.

(d) Application form with a Prospectus: Every application form for shares must be accompanied

by a copy of the prospectus except for the application forms issued to underwriters and existing shareholders and debenture holders.

(f) Statements by expert in Prospectus: A prospectus including a statement purporting to be made by an expert cannot be issued unless he has given his written consent to the issue thereof and he has not withdrawn such consent before the delivery of a copy of the prospectus for registration to

the Registrar of Companies and a statement that he has given and has not withdrawn his consent as aforesaid appears in the prospectus. The expert must not be engaged or interested in the formation, promotion or in the management of the company.

)

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(g) Registration of the Prospectus: Before the issue of a prospectus the same must be delivered to the Registrar of Companies for registration with the documents which are stipulated under the Companies Act, 1956, e.g. the consent of the expert, copy of contracts relating to appointment

and remuneration of the managerial personnel, etc.

61.4 MISSTATEMENTS IN A PROSPECTUS AND REMEDIES

A person who has been induced to subscribe for shares or debentures on the faith of a statement in a

prospectus which is untrue has a two fold remedy:

1. Remedy against the company 2. Remedy against the promoters and experts who were responsible for (or associated with) the issue

of the prospectus. The liability can be civil or criminal.

Civil Liability

Remedies against the Company

If there are untrue statements or mis-statements or omissions in a prospectus which have induced any shareholder or debenture holder to buy shares or debentures respectively, the person has two fold remedies:

1. rescind the contract

2. claim damages from the company whether the statement is a fraudulent one or innocent one.

Remedies against the promoters and experts, who were responsible for or associated with the issue of the prospectus.

A suit for damages can be filed for misstatements in the prospectus against the promoters and experts who were responsible for or associated with the issue of the prospectus.

Criminal Liability

Section 56 requires certain matters and reports must be stated in the prospectus. Failure to do so will render the director or any other person responsible for the issue of such prospectus to be punished with fine.

Section 63 provides that if prospectus contains an untrue statement, every person who is responsible

for the untrue statement in the prospectus shall be punishable with a fine or imprisonment or with both.

61.5 LET US SUM UP

A public company raises funds from the public by issuing a prospectus. The company, the promoters and the directors of the company have certain liabilities for any wrongful statements that may be included in the prospectus on the basis of which the public invests funds into the company by way of subscribing to the shares and/or debentures of the company.


1. Indicate whether the following statement is True or False.

(i) There are no remedies available for misstatements in prospectus by directors.


1. (i) False

UNIT

62

DIRECTORS

STRUCTURE

62.0 Objective

62.1 Introduction

62.2 Minimum Number of Directors

62.3 Subscribers of Memorandum Deemed to be Directors

62.4 Appointment of Directors and Proportion of Those who are to Retire by Rotation

62.5 Ascertainment of Directors Retiring by Rotation and Filing of Vacancies

62.6 Right of Persons Other than Retiring Directors to Stand for Directorship

62.7 Maximum Number of Directors

62.8 Additional Directors

62.9 Filling of Casual Vacancies among Directors

62.10 Separate Resolutions are required to Appoint Every Director in a Meeting

62.11 Consent to the Company

62.12 Consent to Registrar of Companies

62.13 Whole-time Director

62.14 Qualification Shares

62.15 Maximum Number of Directorships

62.16 Vacation of Office by Directors

62.17 Certain Powers can be exercised Only at Meetings of the Board

62.18 Restrictions on Powers of Board

62.19 Loan to Director

62.20 Contracts in which Directors are Interested

62.21 Alternate Director

62.22 Compensation for Loss of Office

62.23 Let Us Sum Up

62.24 Keywords



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62.0 OBJECTIVE

To have an overview of the legal provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 relating to the requirement,

appointment and removal of directors in a company.

62.1 INTRODUCTION

The ownership of a company is with the shareholders who are scattered all over and due to free

transferability of shares, the shareholders keep on changing quite frequently. In such a scenario, the management of the company needs to be entrusted with a professional body, i.e., the board of directors. The ownership and management of the company is thus bifurcated. The board of directors control the day-to-day working and management of the company as well the long-term strategic planning of the company. No body corporate, association or firm can be appointed as director of a company, and only

an individual can be appointed. The important provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 pertaining to directors are discussed hereunder.

62.2 MINIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

Every public company must have at least three directors. A public company having

(a) a paid-up capital of Rs. 5 crore or more;

(b) one thousand or more small shareholders can elect a director from small shareholders. Small shareholders mean a shareholder holding shares of nominal value of Rs. twenty thousand rupees or less. A private company must have at least two directors. As per the latest directives of SEBI, all listed companies should have at least 50 per cent of their Directors as independent directors. Further the boards should follow the criteria of 'fit and proper' while appointing the Directors.

62.3 SUBSCRIBERS OF MEMORANDUM DEEMED TO BE DIRECTORS

Subscribers of the memorandum, who are individuals, are deemed to be the directors of the company,

until the directors are duly appointed in accordance with the Act.

62.4 APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS AND PROPORTION OF THOSE WHO

ARE TO RETIRE BY ROTATION

Unless the articles provide for the retirement of all directors at every annual general meeting, at least two-thirds of the total number of directors of a public company, or of a private company which is a subsidiary of a public company, have to be

(a) Persons whose period of office is liable to determination by retirement by rotation; (b) Appointment by the company in general meeting.

The remaining directors are to be appointed in the general meeting subject to the provisions of the articles of association.

62.5 ASCERTAINMENT OF DIRECTORS RETIRING BY ROTATION AND

FILLING OF VACANCIES

The directors who are to retire by rotation at every annual general meeting are those who have been longest in office since their last appointment, but as between persons who became directors on the same day, those who are to retire is to be determined by lots (unless there is an agreement between them that who would retire). The retiring director can also be reappointed.

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62.6 RIGHT OF PERSONS OTHER THAN

FOR DIRECTORSHIP

RETIRING DIRECTORS TO STAND

Any person is eligible for appointment to the office of director at any general meeting, if not less than fourteen days before the meeting he himself or some other member intends to propose that person as a director gives a signed notice in writing to the company signifying that person's candidature for the office of director along with a deposit of Rs. five hundred.

The deposit is refunded to such a person or to the member (whoever had given the notice and paid the deposit) if that person is elected as a director.

62.7 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

A company can have a maximum number of twelve directors and to increase this number, the approval of Central Government is required.

62.8 ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS

The board of directors can appoint directors by passing a resolution if such a power exists in the

articles. Such directors are known as additional directors and they hold office only up to the date of the

next annual general meeting of the company.

62.9 FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCIES AMONG DIRECTORS

In the case of a public company or a private company, which is a subsidiary of a public company, if there arises any vacancy in office of any director (other than by expiry of term of office) then subject to the articles, the board of directors can fill the vacancy at a meeting of the board. Such a director

can hold office only up to the date up to which the director in whose place he is appointed would have held office if he had continued as a director.

62.10 SEPARATE RESOLUTIONS ARE REQUIRED TO APPOINT EVERY

DIRECTOR IN A MEETING

One single resolution can appoint one director only and not two or more, e.g., to appoint as directors

A and B in the same meeting, two different resolutions are to be passed.

62.11 CONSENT TO THE COMPANY

In case of every public company and every private company which is subsidiary company of a public

company.

Every person proposed as a candidate for the office of a director must sign, and furnish to the company, his consent in writing to act as a director. This does not apply to a director retiring by rotation or otherwise or a person who has left at the office of the company a notice under Section 257 signifying his candidature for the office of a director.

62.12 CONSENT TO REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES

A person cannot act as a director unless he/she, within thirty days of his appointment, signs and files with the Registrar his consent to act as a director. This does not apply to the following directors:

(a) A director reappointed (after retirement by rotation) or (immediately on the expiry of his term of

office).

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(b) An additional or alternate director, or a person filling a casual vacancy reappointed as director, on the expiry of his term of office).

(c) A person named as a director of the company under its articles as first registered.

62.13 WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR

Every public company, or a private company which is a subsidiary of a public company, having a paid-

up share capital of Rupees five crore must have a Managing or Whole-time Director or a Manager, (under the entire Companies Act, 1956 the term manager does not mean a manager as we understand it normally like assistant manager/deputy manager/senior manager/chief manager). Manager under the

Companies Act, 1956 means a person having substantial powers of the management of the company and one who is in control of the entire affairs of the company under the supervision of the board.

62.14 QUALIFICATION SHARES

A director is required to hold certain shares as qualification shares if such requirement is there in the

articles of association of the company. This requirement is not applicable to a private company, unless it is a subsidiary of a public company.

There are certain disqualifications under which a person shall not be capable of being appointed director

of a company; e.g., he has been found to be of unsound mind by a Court or he is an undischarged insolvent or he has been convicted by a Court of any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment, he has not paid the call money on his shares.

62.15 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIRECTORSHIPS

A person cannot be a director of more than fifteen companies (excluding a private company, an unlimited

company, an association not carrying on business for profit or which prohibits the payment of a

dividend, alternate directorships).

62.16 VACATION OF OFFICE BY DIRECTORS

The office of a director becomes automatically vacant (i.e., his directorship ceases) if

(a) he fails to obtain qualification shares within six months of his becoming a director in the Company, if qualification shares were essential as per the articles of association.

(b) he is found to be of unsound mind by a Court; (c) he applies to be adjudicated an insolvent; (d) he is adjudged an insolvent;

(e) he is convicted by a Court of any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment; (f) he fails to pay any call in respect of shares; (g) he absents himself from three consecutive meetings of the board of directors, or from all meetings

of the board for a continuous period of three months, whichever is longer, without obtaining leave of absence from the board;

(h) he acts in contravention of Section 295 (loan to directors) or Section 299 (disclosures of interest

by directors); (i) he is removed by the shareholders by resolution passed in a

general meeting.

A company can remove a director even before the expiry of his period of office (not being a director

appointed by the Central Government) by passing ordinary resolution.

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62.17 CERTAIN POWERS CAN BE EXERCISED ONLY AT

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

The board of directors have the general powers to do all the acts on behalf of the company but certain powers can be exercised only at meetings of the board and not by circulating papers amongst the directors and passing the resolution by such circulation. These are some significant matters which need deliberations and discussions. These are the powers to

(a) make calls on shareholders in respect of money unpaid on their shares; (b) issue debentures; (c) borrow moneys otherwise than on debentures;

(d) invest the funds of the company; (e) make loans; and (f) authorise a particular buyback as stated in Section 77 A.

62.18 RESTRICTIONS ON POWERS OF BOARD

The board of directors of a public company, or of a private company which is a subsidiary of a public

company can exercise the following powers only after a resolution is passed to that effect by the shareholders of the company in general meeting:

(a) dispose of any undertaking of the company; (b) remit, or give time for the repayment of, any debt due by a director (except in the case of renewal

or continuance of an advance made by a banking company to its director in the ordinary course of business);

(c) invest, otherwise than in trust securities, the amount of compensation received by the company in respect of the compulsory acquisition;

(d) borrow moneys in excess of aggregate of the paid-up capital of the company and its free reserves; (e) contribute to charitable and other funds not directly relating to the business of the company or the

welfare of its employees an amount more than Rs. fifty thousand or five per cent of its average net profits during the three immediately preceding, financial years whichever is greater.

62.19 LOAN TO DIRECTOR

A public company requires the previous approval of the Central Government to give any loan to its

director (and certain other related partnership firms and private companies) or to give any guarantee or security to any person for any loan given to the director or the related parties. This is to ensure that the board of directors of a public company does not misuse the funds of the company for the benefit of its

directors.

62.20 CONTRACTS IN WHICH DIRECTORS ARE INTERESTED

Also when any company enters into contracts relating to the business of the company with the directors

(or) private companies in which the directors are members/directors (or) partnership firms in which the directors are partners, the consent of the board of directors is required by way of a resolution. If the paid-up capital of the company is Rs. one crore or more then the approval of Central Government is also required. Every director of a company who is interested in a contract to be entered into by the company has to disclose the nature of his concern or interest at a meeting of the board of directors. Interest means say for example that the company is going to purchase its raw materials from a partnership

firm in which he is a partner. Hence he becomes interested in the contract as a director of the company

434

and he can influence the price to be paid to the partnership firm. Such interested director cannot participate or vote for decision by resolution and in the discussions on such matters in which he is

interested.

62.21 ALTERNATE DIRECTOR

The board of directors can appoint an alternate director to act for a director ('the original director') during the original director's absence for a period of not less than three months from the state in which

meetings of the board are ordinarily held if the articles or a shareholders resolution have authorised the directors to make such appointments. The alternate director vacates the office when the original director returns or when the term of office of the original director expires (whichever is earlier).

62.22 COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF OFFICE

Managing or whole-time directors or directors who are managers and eligible for compensation for loss of office if they are removed from directorships except in cases like when they were guilty of fraud, etc., or the removal is consequent to some amalgamations of the company, etc. No compensation is payable on a take over of management under the Securitisation Act. Similarly there is no compensation under Section 10A of Banking Regulation Act.

For the academic interests of the students, we have summarised a case law, which highlights the

jurisdiction of a Company Law Court vis-a-vis a Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).

A. Adjudication under the DRT Act is exclusive and jurisdiction of Civil Court and Company Court is ousted.

B. DRT proceedings cannot be stayed by the Company Court nor proceedings can be transferred to

the Company Court. C. DRT Act overrides the Company act. D. In respect of money realised under DRT Act for distribution between Bank/FIs and other creditors,

when no winding up order is passed against the company, priorities to be decided subject to the principles underlying the Section 73 of CPC and principles of natural justice. (Section 73 of CPC mentions about the rateable distribution of sale proceeds of execution among the decree holders.)

E. Moneys realised under the DRT Act, distribution between bank and other secured creditors, when winding up proceedings are pending in the Company Court, priority of secured creditors is subject to provisions of the Section 529A of Companies Act (the said section mentions about the priority of secured creditors and workman over other dues and distribution inter se between secured creditors and workman should be pari passu).

F. DRT is a special law, it overrides the Company Law. Levee of Company Court under the Section

446 is not necessary nor could the suit be transferred to the Company Court under the Section 446.

62.23 LET US SUM UP

The ownership of a company is diversified from the management of the company. The ownership of a

company is with the members of the company. The management of the company is with the board of directors elected by the members of the company.

62.24 KEYWORDS >

Liquidation; Perpetual; Ultra Vires; Intra Vires; Ratification; Approval of the Underwriter; Underwriting Agreement, ____ -------- — -----------------------------

435

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(i) The maximum number of directors in a private company can be (ii) The maximum number of directors in a public company can be _

(iii) The minimum number of directors required in a public company is ______ (iv) The minimum number of directors required in a private company is _______ (v) At least _________ of the total number of directors of a public company are to be persons

whose period of office is liable to determination by retirement by rotation. (2/3/7/two-third) (vi) Every public company, or a private company which is a subsidiary of a public company,

having a paid-up share capital of Rupees _________ must have a managing or whole-time

director or a manager, (five crore/five lakh/one crore/one lakh) (vii) Additional directors are appointed by the _________ (board of directors/promoters/

underwriters/shareholders)

(viii) Alternate directors are appointed by the __________ (board of directors/promoters/ underwriters/shareholders)

(ix) Casual vacancies in the board of directors is filled in by the _________ (board of directors/ promoters/underwriters/shareholders)


1. (i) 12; (ii) 12; (iii) 3; (iv) 2; (v) two-third; (vi) five crore; (vii) board of directors; (viii) board of

directors; (ix) board of directors

_. (3/7/12/15) . (3/7/12/15)

_. (3/7/12/2) _ (3/7/12/2)

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT ACT, 1999

STRUCTURE

63.0 Objective

63.1 Introduction

63.2 Meaning of Certain Important Terms Used in FEMA

63.3 Regulation and Management of Foreign Exchange

63.4 Powers of RBI with Respect to Authorised Persons

63.5 Contravention, Penalties, Adjudication and Appeals

63.6 Directorate of Enforcement



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63.0 OBJECTIVE

This unit aims to show the broad structure of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 which is enacted to regulate foreign exchange transactions in India. By a reading of this unit, it would be clear that the FEMA does not specify the details of each and every procedure and matter concerning the regulation of foreign exchange. The RBI and the Central Government frame various rules, regulations and issue directions and orders under the FEMA for the actual implementation of the check on foreign exchange transactions.

63.1 INTRODUCTION

The main objective of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA), was to consolidate and amend the law; regulate certain payments; dealings in foreign exchange and securities; transactions, indirectly affecting foreign exchange; the import and export of currency, for the conservation of the foreign exchange resources of the country; and finally, the proper utilisation of this foreign exchange

so as to promote the economic development of the country. The FERA has since been repealed.

The object of enacting the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) is to consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.

The provisions of the FEMA extends to all over India and also applies to all branches, offices and

agencies outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India and also to any contravention committed outside India by any such person to whom this Act applies.

63.2 MEANING OF CERTAIN IMPORTANT TERMS USED IN FEMA

'Authorised person' means any bank or other person including authorised money changer or dealer,

authorised under the FEMA to deal in foreign exchange or securities.

'Capital account transaction' means a transaction by which there may be a change (either an increase

or decrease) in the assets or liabilities outside India of persons resident in India or assets or liabilities in

India of persons resident outside India.

'Current account transaction' means a transaction other than a capital account transaction. For example,

(i) payments due with respect to the foreign trade done, other business, services, and short-term

banking and credit facilities in the ordinary course of business; (ii) payments due as interest on

loans and as income from investments; (iii) remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad; and (iv) expenses in connection with foreign travel, education and medical care of parents, spouse and children.

'Currency' is defined under the FEMA not only to include all currency notes but also postal notes, postal orders, money orders, cheques, drafts, travellers' cheques, letters of credit, bills of exchange and promissory notes, credit cards or such other similar instruments as may be notified by the RBI.

'Foreign currency' is defined to mean any currency other than Indian currency.

•The term 'foreign exchange' is much wider than the term foreign currency. In addition to the foreign currency, it includes the following:

(i) amounts payable in any foreign currency;

(ii) drafts, travellers' cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange, expressed or drawn in Indian currency but payable in any foreign currency;

439

(iii) drafts, travellers cheques, letters of credit or bills of exchange drawn by banks, institutions or

persons outside India, but payable in Indian currency.

Under the FEMA 'security' is defined to include shares, stocks, bonds and debentures, Government securities, savings certificates, deposit receipts and units of any mutual fund etc. However, it does not include bills of exchange or promissory notes other than Government promissory notes or any other instruments which may be notified by the RBI.

Under the FEMA, the term 'foreign security' means any security as stated above.

Under the FEMA a 'person' is defined to include the following entities:

(i) an individual;

(ii) a Hindu Undivided Family; (iii) a company; (iv) a firm;

(v) an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or not;

(vi) every artificial juridical person; and

(vii) any agency, office or branch owned or controlled by such person.

'Person resident in India' means the following:

(i) a person residing in India for more than one hundred and eighty-two days in the preceding financial year but does not include

(A) a person who has gone out of India or who stays outside India: (a) for taking up employment outside India, or (b) for carrying on a business or vocation outside India, or (c) for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay

outside India for an uncertain period; (B) a person who has come to India or stay in India, otherwise than:

(a) for taking up employment in India, or (b) for carrying on a business or vocation in India; or (c) for any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay in

India for an uncertain period; (ii) any person or body corporate registered or incorporated in India; (iii) an office, branch or agency in India owned or controlled by a person resident outside India; (iv) an office, branch or agency outside India owned or controlled by a person resident in India.

Accordingly, a 'person resident outside India' means a person who is not resident in India as above.

'Repatriate to India' means bringing into India, foreign exchange and selling it to an authorised

person in India in exchange for rupees.

63.3 REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Any person who wants to carry out the following activities has to do so in accordance with the

provisions of the FEMA. At times if the FEMA prescribes approval of the RBI, it has to be obtained.

(a) deal/transfer any foreign exchange or foreign security to any person other than an authorised person;

(b) make any payment to any person resident outside India; (c) receive (otherwise through an authorised person) any payment on behalf of any person resident

outside India. (d) enter into any financial transaction in India in relation to a right to acquire any asset outside India

by any person.

440

A person resident in India can hold, own, transfer or invest in foreign currency, foreign security or any immoveable property situated outside India if it was acquired, held or owned by such person when he was resident outside India,

There is no bar on a person resident outside India to hold, own, transfer or invest in foreign currency,

foreign security or any immoveable property situated outside India.

Every exporter of goods and services has to furnish the necessary data by way of a declaration to the RBI. Such export proceeds cannot be held in foreign countries and has to be repatriated to India. Non-

repatriation is a violation of the provisions of the FEMA.

63.4 POWERS OF RBI WITH RESPECT TO AUTHORISED PERSONS

RBI has the following powers under FEMA:

1. To appoint authorised persons: The said authorised persons are authorised to deal in foreign exchange. The person so appointed shall work under the direction of the RBI and shall have to comply with the rules and regulations so framed or formulated by the RBI from time to time for

this purpose. 2. To inspect the authorised persons: So appointed to ensure that the said person complies with all

the rules and regulations so formulated by the RBI from time to time.

63.5 CONTRAVENTION, PENALTIES, ADJUDICATION AND APPEALS

Under the FEMA any violation of the provisions of the said Act will attract penal provisions including

the right of arrest and detention.

Like any other statutes there exists the right of appeal. The first of such appeals shall be with the special director (Appeals). Thereafter if someone is aggrieved by the said appellate order they can prefer an appeal against the order before the appellate tribunals established for this purpose. Wherein questions of law are involved and need to be interpreted, an appeal lies to the High Court. Only questions of law

are referred to the High Courts and thereafter to the Supreme Court.

Penalty can be levied up to thrice the sum involved in such contravention where such amount is quantifiable, or up to Rs. two lakh where the amount is not quantifiable, and where such contravention is a continuing one, further penalty which may extend to Rs. five thousand for every day after the first day during which the contravention continues.

63.6 DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT

The Central Government establishes a directorate of enforcement with a director and other officers, called officers of enforcement.

Power of Search, Seizure, etc.

The director of enforcement and other officers of enforcement, not below the rank of an assistant director can investigate contraventions.

The Central Government can also authorise any class of officers in the Central Government, State Government or the RBI to investigate contraventions.

Empowering Other Officers

The Central Government can (subject to conditions and limitations), authorise any customs officer/ central excise officer/any police officer/any other officer of the Central Government or a State

441

Government to exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the director of enforcement or any other officer of enforcement.


1. State whether the following statements are True or False. (i) Authorised person is an individual appointed by the RBI to deal in foreign exchange. (ii) A current account transaction alters the assets or liabilities outside India of persons resident

in India, (iii) A capital account transaction includes payments due in connection with

foreign trade in the

ordinary course of business, (iv) Foreign exchange includes traveller's cheques, (v) RBI can revoke any authorisation given to an authorised person, (vi) Civil Court has the jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter

under the FEMA.


1. (i) False; (ii) False; (iii) False; (iv) True; (v) True; (vi) False;

U N I T

64

TRANSFER OF PROPERTY ACT, 1882

STRUCTURE

64.0 Objective

64.1 Introduction

64.2 Sale of Immoveable Property

64.3 Mortgage of Immoveable Property

64.4 Types of Mortgage

64.5 Sale without Court Intervention

64.6 Enforcement of Mortgages through Court

64.7 Leases of Immoveable Property

64.8 Enforcement of Mortgages through Court

64.9 Actionable Claims



444 IKING

64.0 OBJECTIVE

We have seen that the transactions relating to moveable goods and the rights and liabilities of the parties

in a contract for the sale of moveable goods are stated in the Sale of Goods Act. Sale of Goods Act does not cover transactions of immoveable property. The objective of this unit is to learn briefly the aspects of the transactions of immoveable property as contained in the Transfer of Property Act which concerns a banker, i.e., sale, mortgage, lease and actionable claims.

64.1 INTRODUCTION

Transfer of property means an act by which a living person conveys property, in present or in future,

to one or more other living persons, or to himself and one or more other living persons. (Living person includes a company or any such association whether incorporated or not.)

Every person competent to contract and entitled to transferable property is competent to transfer

property.

64.2 SALE OF IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY

Sale is a transfer of ownership in exchange for a price paid or promised or part-paid and part-promised. The sale of tangible immoveable property for a consideration exceeding Rs. 100/- can be made only by a registered instrument. Delivery of tangible immoveable property takes place when the seller places the buyer (or such person as directed by the buyer) in possession of the property.

64.3 MORTGAGE OF IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY

A mortgage is the transfer of an interest in specific immoveable property to secure the payment of

money given by way of loan or to secure the performance of an engagement which may give rise to a pecuniary (monetary) liability.

The transferor is called a mortgagor. The transferee is called a mortgagee. The principal money and interest secured is called the mortgage-money. The instrument (if any) by which the transfer is effected

is called a mortgage-deed.

Mortgagor can be

(i) An absolute owner of property (including ownership by purchase or by partition or inheritance

or by gift or by lease) (ii) One of two or more co-owners; (iii) KartaofHUF; (iv) Guardian of minor's property with sanction of Court under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890; (v) Executor or administrator.

Mortgage is a transfer of an interest in specific immoveable property as a security for the repayment of a monetary liability. This liability could be arising out of money already advanced or to be advanced; it could be a future debt or it could be pecuniary liability arising out of the non-performance of any engagement.

The mortgage referred in the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 is a mortgage of immoveable property and it has no application to moveable property. Security by way of moveable property is called hypothecation or pledge or pawn.

445

64.4 TYPES OF MORTGAGE

(A) Essentials of a simple mortgage:

(i) The mortgagor does not deliver possession of the mortgaged property to the mortgagee, (ii)

The mortgagor binds himself personally to pay the mortgage-money, (iii) The mortgagor agrees that in the event of his failing to pay according to his contract, the mortgagee shall have a right to get the mortgaged property sold and recover his dues.

(B) Essentials of a mortgage by conditional sale:

(i) the mortgagor apparently sells the mortgaged property to the mortgagee; (ii) the condition

of sale is that on default of payment of the mortgage-money on a certain date

the sale shall become absolute; or (iii) on such payment being made the sale shall become void, or the buyer (mortgagee) shall

transfer the property to the seller (mortgagor).

(C) Essentials of a usufructuary mortgage:

(i) The mortgagor delivers possession of the mortgaged property to the mortgagee, (ii) The mortgagor authorises the mortgagee to retain such possession until payment of the

mortgage-money. (iii) To receive the rents and profits arising from the property, (iv) Appropriate the same towards the payment of interest or mortgage-money or both.

(D) Essentials of an English mortgage:

(i) The mortgagor binds himself to repay the mortgage-money on a certain date, and transfers

the mortgaged property absolutely to the mortgagee, (ii) subject to a condition that he

will re-transfer it to the mortgagor upon payment of the

mortgage-money.

(E) Essentials of a mortgage by deposit of title deeds (Equitable Mortgage):

(i) The mortgagor delivers to a creditor or his agent documents of title to immoveable property,

(ii) With intent to create a security thereon. (iii) The delivery of documents of title is done in a town specified by the State Government, (iv) The property given as a mortgage may or may not be situated in the notified towns.

A mortgage other than a mortgage by deposit of title deeds can be effected only in terms of a mortgage deed duly signed by the mortgagor and attested by at least two witnesses.

A mortgage by deposit of title deeds does not require any writing. As such a mortgage by deposit of title deeds being an oral transaction is not affected by the law of registration. All other mortgages in writing must be registered.

In simple words, the procedure followed in banks for the creation of an equitable mortgage is as under:

(i) Title clearance certificate is to be obtained from an advocate that the property proposed to be mortgaged is free from all encumbrances and readily marketable and a search of the land records should be taken for at least thirty years prior to the date of certificate.

(ii) There shall be a deposit of the original title deeds in the notified towns personally by the true and legal owner of the immoveable property or his/its duly authorised agent.

(iii) A record of equitable mortgage popularly called as memorandum of entry is to be prepared by the concerned branch. The stamp duty is payable on the said memorandum of entry as per local laws of the state and no registration is required. It is a sort of evidence/record to file in the Court if required for the recovery of the bank dues.

446

(iv) In the case of limited companies, the company has to pass a resolution authorising the director/ officer to deposit the deeds for raising a loan and after memorandum of entry is recorded, charge is required to be filed with registrar of charges.

64.5 SALE WITHOUT COURT INTERVENTION

One of the important provision of the Transfer of Property Act, which permits the mortgagee (i.e., the lender) to sell the mortgaged property without the intervention of the Court is as explained hereunder.

Section 69 of the Transfer of Property Act is as under-

Power of sale when valid

1. A mortgagee or any person acting on his behalf has power to sell the mortgaged property or any part thereof, in default of payment of the mortgage-money, without the intervention of the Court, in the following cases namely

(a) where the mortgage is an English mortgage, and neither the mortgagor nor the mortgagee is a Hindu, Mohammedan or Buddhist or a member of any other race, sect, tribe or class from time to time specified in this behalf by the State Government, in the official gazette;

(b) where a power of sale without the intervention of the Court is expressly conferred on the mortgagee by the mortgage-deed and the mortgagee is the Government;

(c) where a power of sale without the intervention of the Court is expressly conferred on the mortgagee by the mortgage-deed and the mortgaged property or any part thereof was, on the date of the execution of the mortgage-deed, situated within the towns of Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, or in any other town or area which the State Government may, by notification in the official gazette, specify in this behalf.

2. No such power shall be exercised unless and until

(a) notice in writing requiring payment of the principal money has been served on the mortgagor, or on one of several mortgagors, and default has been made in payment of the principal money, or of part thereof, for three months after such service; or

(b) some interest under the mortgage amounting at least to Rs. five hundred is in arrear and unpaid for three months after becoming due.

3. When a sale has been made in the professed exercise of such a power, the title of the purchaser shall not be impeachable on the ground that no case had arisen to authorise the sale, or that due notice was not given, or that the power was otherwise improperly or irregularly exercised; but any person indemnified by an unauthorised or improper or irregular exercise of the power shall have his remedy in damages against the person exercising the power.

4. The money which is received by the mortgagee, arising from the sale, after discharge of prior encumbrances, if any, to which the sale is not made subject, or after payment into the Court under the Section 57 of a sum to meet any prior encumbrance, shall, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, be held by him in trust to be applied by him, first, in payment of all costs, charges and expenses properly incurred by him as incident to the sale or any attempted sale; and, secondly, in discharge of the mortgage-money and costs and other money, if any, due under the mortgage; and the residue of the money so received shall be paid to the person entitled to the mortgaged property, or authorised to give receipts for the proceeds of the sale thereof.

64.6 ENFORCEMENT OF MORTGAGES THROUGH COURT

After the enactment of the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993,

recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions in excess of Rs. ten lakh only can be commenced

447

in the Debts Recovery Tribunals. Since the banks and financial institutions advance loans/facility below Rs. ten lakh, and if they were secured by a mortgage on the borrower's immovable properties, the lender has to file a civil suit for the recovery of his dues by enforcement of the mortgage. While filing the civil suit the following aspects may have to be kept in view:-

1. The suit shall be instituted in the court of the lowest jurisdiction where it can lie. 2. The suit shall be instituted in the jurisdiction of the court where the mortgaged properties are

situated. 3. All puisne mortgagees (subsequent mortgagees) shall be impleaded as defendants. 4. If there is more than one mortgage in favour of the lender filing the suit, he shall sue on all debts

unless a leave of the court is obtained for filing separate suits. 5. If personal covenant of the mortgage is to be enforced, it must be ensured that the claim is within

limitation. 6. In Civil Courts the decree on mortgage is two fold; namely a preliminary decree and a final decree.

The preliminary decree sets out a time limit for the mortgagor to pay the decretal amount. If the mortgagor fails to pay the decretal amount by the time stipulated in the preliminary decree, the

mortgagee is entitled to make an application to the Court for passing the final decree. The execution proceedings shall be commenced only after the final decree is passed in the mortgage suit.

7. While executing the mortgage decree, the decree holder can bring the properties mortgaged to sale without first seeking an order of attachment from the Court.

64.7 LEASES OF IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY

A lease is a transfer of a right to enjoy the property for a certain time (express or implied) or in perpetuity (that is forever), in consideration of a price paid or promised or any other thing of value, to be given periodically to the transferor by the transferee. The transferor is called 'the lessor', the transferee is called the 'lessee', the price is called the premium, and the money or any other thing to be given is called the rent.

A sale is an absolute transfer of property. A lease is a partial or limited transfer of property. In a lease,

there is a transfer of the right to enjoy such property. Thus, in case of a lease, there is a separation between ownership and possession.

Duration of Certain Leases in Absence of Written Contract or Local Usage: A lease for an agricultural

or manufacturing purpose is deemed to be a lease from year to year. It can be terminated by the lessor

or lessee by giving six months notice to one another.

A lease for any other purpose is deemed to be a lease from month to month. It can be terminated by the

lessor or lessee by giving fifteen days notice to one another.

Important Case Law

Chapsibhai Dhanjibhai Danad, Appellant vs. Purushottam, Respondent AIR 1971 SC 1878

(1883): The facts of the case in brief are as under:

By a deed of Jqase, dated 5 May 1906, the predecessor-in-title of the respondent let out to the appellant's father an open portion of land measuring 26 ft x 225 ft out of a larger plot. The lease was for constructing buildings arid for a period of thirty years certain at the annual rate of Rs. 130. The lease contained, inter alia, the following: ,

'Even after the prescribed time-limit, I shall have a right to keep my structure on the leased-out land, so long as I like, and I shall be paying to you the rent every year as stated above. You will have no right to increase the rent and I shall also not pay it, myself and my heirs shall use this land in whatever manner

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448

vacate your land. In case we remove our structure before the stipulated period, we shall be liable to pay to you, the rent for all the 30 years, as agreed to above. . . . In case I were to sell away the buildings,

which I shall be constructing on the above land, to anyone else, then, the purchaser shall be bound by all the terms in this lease-deed.'

The trouble between the parties started when the respondent commenced construction on the rest of the land in a fashion so as to be in close vicinity to the western boundary of the leased land to house an industry, called Sudha Industries.

The appellant filed the suit in 1958, out of which this appeal arises, urging that the said lease was a permanent lease. The Trial Court partially decreed the appellant's suit.

The District Court dismissed the appellant's appeal and allowed the cross-objections with the result that the appellant's suit was dismissed. A second appeal filed by the appellant in the High Court was heard by a single Judge who held that the said lease was a permanent lease.

Aggrieved by the judgement and decree passed by the learned single Judge, the respondent filed a letters patent appeal wherein the principal question was canvassed whether the said lease was a permanent lease or not. The Letters Patent Bench answered the question against the appellant holding that the said lease being a lease for building purposes and transferable, was a lease for an indefinite period.

On appeal the Supreme Court held that the lease was undoubtedly for an indefinite period which only

means that it was to ensure for the lessee's lifetime. The lease in question was held to be of the former class and not inheritable and permanent.

On arriving at such a decision the Supreme Court relied on the following principles:

Whether a lease was permanent or for the lifetime only of the lessee, even where it was for building

structures and was transferable, depended upon the terms of the lease and the Court must, therefore, look at the substance of it to ascertain whether the parties intended it to be a permanent lease. The mere fact, however, that a lease provides for the interests there under to pass on to the heirs of the lessee would not always mean that it is a permanent lease. Such a provision can be made in two ways resulting in two different consequences. A lease may provide a fixed period and then include a provision

that in the event of the lessee dying before the expiry of such period, his heirs would be entitled to have the benefit of the lease for the remainder of the period. In such a case, although the lease may provide for the heirs to succeed to the interests in the leased land, it would only mean that such heirs succeed to the rights up to the expiry of the lease period. If the lease, on the other- hand, were for an indefinite period, and contains a provision for the rights there under being inheritable, then, such a lease, though ordinarily for the lifetime of the lessee, would be construed as permanent. The lease in question was

held to be of the former class and not inheritable and permanent. If any accession is made to the leased property during the continuance of a lease, such accession is deemed to be comprised in the lease. If the accession is by encroachment by the lessee, and the lessee acquires title thereto by prescription, he must surrender such accession together with the leased land to the lessor at the expiry of the term. The presumption is that the land so encroached upon is added to the tenure and forms part thereof for the benefit of the tenant so long as the lease continues and afterwards for the benefit of the landlord.

How are leases made?

A lease from year to year or for any term exceeding one year can be made only by a registered instrument. All other leases can be made either by a registered instrument or by oral agreement accompanied by delivery of possession.

The practical procedure followed for mortgage of lease hold rights is: (i) Original lease

agreement can constitute the title deeds if the lease is perpetual.

449

(ii) The Lease agreement should be duly stamped and registered.

(iii) The unexpired lease period must be sufficiently longer and must cover, the period allowed for

repayment for bank's advance.

(iv) A tripartite agreement may also be entered into between the lender bank, the lessor and the lessee

(the borrower).

(v) The lease deed must contain a clause permitting/authorising the lessee to create mortgage, or

alternatively the lessor should give a specific letter of authority-cum-no-objection authorising the

lessee to create the mortgage in favour of the lender bank and undertaking not to exercise the

right of forfeiture of the lease so long as lender bank's dues are outstanding.

64.8 ENFORCEMENT OF MORTGAGES THROUGH COURT

After the enactment of the Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993,

recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions in excess of Rs. ten lakh only can be commenced

in the Debt Recovery Tribunals. Since banks and financial institutions advance loans/facility below Rs.

ten lakh, and if they were secured by a mortgage on the borrower's immovable properties, the lender

has to fi-le a civil suit for the recovery of his dues by enforcement of the mortgage. While filing the civil

suit the following aspects may have to be kept in view:-

1. The suit shall be instituted in the court of the lowest jurisdiction where it can lie.

2. The suit shall be instituted in the jurisdiction of the court where the mortgaged properties are

situated.

3. All puisne mortgagees (subsequent mortgagees) shall be impleaded as defendants.

4. If there is more than one mortgage in favour of the lender filing the suit, he shall sue on all debts

unless leave of the court is obtained for filing separate suits.

5. If a personal covenant of the mortgagor is to be enforced, it must be ensured that the claim is

within limitation.

6. In Civil Courts the decree on mortgage is two-fold, namely a preliminary decree and a final decree.

The preliminary decree sets out a time limit for the mortgagor to pay the decretal amount. If the

mortgagor fails to pay the decretal amount by the time stipulated in the preliminary decree, the

mortgagee is entitled to make an application to the court for passing the final decree. The execution

proceedings shall be commenced only after the final decree is passed in the mortgage suit.

7. While executing the mortgage decree, the decree-holder can bring the properties mortgaged to sale

without first seeking an order of attachment from the court.

64.9 ACTIONABLE CLAIMS

'Actionable claim' means a claim to any debt (other than a debt secured by mortgage, hypothecation or

pledge).

Transfer of actionable claim

The transfer of an actionable claim whether with or without consideration, can be done only by the

execution of an instrument in writing signed by the transferrer. There is no mandatory requirement of

giving notice to the debtor before the transfer of the actionable claim. The transferee of an actionable

claim can sue the debtor in his own name without obtaining the transferrer's consent and without

making him a party to the suit.

Illustration

(i) A owes money to B. B transfers the debt to C. A is not aware of the same. B then demands the

debt from A. A pays B. The payment is valid, and C cannot sue A for the debt.

.-^"■"T.1*:-^,"*:.;-1

For the academic interests of the students, a summary of a couple of case laws are stated hereunder:

Dena Bank vs Bhikhabhai Prabhudas Parekh and Co. and others 2000 AIR (SC) 3654

This judgement is regarding issue of priority of dues of Government vis-a-vis the bank dues. The Honourable Supreme Court held that crown debts gets priority over others debts. In this case the Court has examined the various provisions of the Sales Tax Act, the Land Revenue Act and the precedents

prevailing in India as well as in England and finally come to the conclusion that the debts of the crown (Government) prevail over the others provided there are statutory provisions to that effect in the respective statutes.

Sirpur Paper Mills Ltd v/s The Collector of Central Excise. AIR 1998 SC 1489.

In this case the Honourable Supreme Court held that just because plant and machinery had to be

installed in earth for better functioning it does not automatically become immoveable property. Property liable to excise duty. In this case, the issue was whether plant and machinery installed in the earth can be treated as immoveable property whereby the tax burden (excise duty) on such plant and machinery may be avoided. The Court examined the definition of the word immoveable property in the Transfer of Property Act and the other Acts and accordingly gave such verdict.



(i) Transfer of Property Act basically contains provisions relating to transfer of moveable

property and goods, (ii) Mortgage is a transfer of an interest in specific immoveable

property to secure the payment of money given by way of loan, (iii) In a simple mortgage the mortgagor does not deliver

possession of the mortgaged property

to the mortgagee, (iv) In a mortgage by conditional sale the property is transferred the condition of sale is that on

default of payment of the mortgage-money on a certain date the sale shall become absolute.

(v) In a usufructuary mortgage the mortgagor delivers possession of the mortgaged property

to the mortgagee, (vi) In an English mortgage the property is transferred absolutely by the mortgagor to the

mortgagee with a condition for retransfer. (vii) In a mortgage by deposit of title-deeds the property given as a mortgage has to be situated

in notified towns, (viii) A lease of from year to year or for any term exceeding one year can

be made by transfer of possession, (ix) The debtor has to be given a notice of transfer of

actionable claim.


(i) A lease for agricultural or manufacturing purpose can be terminated by the lessor or lessee

by giving ________ notice to one another, (six months/15 days)

(ii) A memorandum recording mortgage by deposit of title deeds does not require __________ (registration/stamping)

(iii) The essentials of valid equitable mortgage are debt, deposit of title deeds and __________ (intention as security/intention of safe deposit) (iv) In case of accession to the mortgaged

property, where the mortgagee is in possession of the mortgaged property, the mortgagee is ________ of the accession, (entitled/not entitled)

(v) A mortgagor, while lawfully in possession of the mortgaged property, shall have _________ to make leases thereof, (power/no power)

451

3. Multiple Choice Questions. Select the alternative as applicable. (i) The power of sale without intervention of the Court is given to the mortgagee in the case of:

(a) Equitable mortgage (b) English mortgage

(c) Simple mortgage (d) Usufructuary mortgage

(ii) A lease for an agricultural or manufacturing purpose is deemed to be a lease for:

(a) year to year (b) month to month

(c) week to week (d) with infinite period


1. (i) False; (ii) True; (iii) True; (iv) True; (v) True; (vi) True; (vii) False; (viii) False; (ix) False.

2. (i) 6 months; (ii) registration; (iii) intention of security; (iv) entitled; (v) power 3. (i) English mortgage; (ii) year to year

UNIT

65

THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005

STRUCTURE

65.0 Objective

65.1 Introduction

65.2 Applicability

65.3 Definitions

65.4 Let Us Sum Up

65.5 Keywords




454

65.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to provide salient features of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Act

has application to most of the banks and financial institutions that will come under the purview of

public authority as defined in the Act.

65.1 INTRODUCTION

The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted with intent to provide for setting out the practical

regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. The Act aims at containing corruption and holding the Governments and their instrumentalities accountable to the governed by providing access to information. The Act also creates machinery for ensuring effective implementation of the Act.

65.2 APPLICABILITY

This Act extends to whole of India except the State of Jammu & Kashmir. While the provisions of the Act relating to the obligations of public authorities, designation of public information officers and assistant public information officers, constitution of Central information commission, constitution of

State information commission, non applicability of the Act to certain organisations and power to make rules came into force on 15 June 2005, the remaining provisions were made effective 120 days after the aforesaid date. They came into force on 12 October 2005. On coming into force of this Act (i.e., 12.10.2005) the Freedom of Information Act, 2002 has been repealed.

65.3 DEFINITIONS

It is relevant to understand the meaning of some of the terms defined in the Act for the proper

understanding of the Act. These are discussed below:

The term 'Appropriate Government' has to be understood in the context of the definition of public authority. It can be either the Central Government or the State Government. Central Government is the appropriate authority if the concerned public authority is established, constituted, owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by that Government or the Union Territory Administration. It is the State Government, if the concerned public authority is established, constituted,

owned, controlled or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by that Government.

'Central Information Commission' means the Central Information Commission constituted by the Central Government.

'Central Public Information Officer' means the Central Public Information Officer designated by the public authority and includes a Central Assistant Public Information Officer.

'Information' means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data

material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any law for the time being in force.

'Public authority' means any authority or body or institution of self Government established:

(a) by or under the Constitution;

(b) by any other law made by Parliament; (c) by any other law made by the State Legislature;

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455

(d) by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government and includes any (i) body owned, controlled or substantially financed; (ii) non-Government organisation substantially

financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided

by the appropriate Government. 'Right to information' has been defined in an inclusive manner. It means the right to information accessible under this Act which is held by or under the control of any public authority and includes the right to: (i) inspection of work, documents, records;

(ii) taking notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records; (iii) taking certified samples of material; (iv) obtaining information in the form of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other

electronic mode or through printouts where such information is stored in computers or in

other device.

'State Information Commission' means the State Information Commission constituted by the

State Government under this Act.

65.4 LET US SUM UP

The Right to Information Act, 2005 secures access to information under the control of public authorities

to the citizens. The Act aims at promoting transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority and containing corruption. The Act was brought in to force in stages on 15 June 2005 and 12 October 2005. The chief public information officers and Central assistant public information officers are appointed by the public authorities. The Central Government constitutes the Central Information Commission and the State Government, the State information commission.

65.5 KEYWORDS

Appropriate Governtnent; Central Information Commission; Central Public Information Officer; Central Assistant Public Information Officer; information; Right to Information; State Information Commission.


1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 was enacted to contain corruption. (True or False) 2. The Right to Information Act, 2005 came into force on October 12, 2005. (True or False) 3. The Right to Information Act, 2005 repealed the Freedom of Information Act, 2002. (True or

False) 4. The Right to Information Act, 2005 applies to all organisations. (True or False) 5. Central Public Information Officers are appointed by the Central Government. (True or False)


1. True; 2. False; 3. True; 4. False; 5. False.


1. Public authority means

(a) an authority established by the Government; (b) an authority established by law;

(c) a non Government organisation;

(d) any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted by or

under the Constitution, by any other law made by Parliament; by any other law made by State

Legislature; by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government. 2. Right to

Information means the right to

(a) inspection of work, documents and records;

(b) taking notes, extracts, or certified copies of documents or records;

(c) taking certified samples of materials;

(d) all the above and obtaining information in the form of diskettes, floppies, etc., of information

stored in a computer or in any other device.

Ans: 1. (d); 2. (d).

RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

STRUCTURE

66.0 Objective

66.1 Introduction

66.2 Obligations of Public Authorities

66.3 Procedure for Obtaining Information

66.4 Disposal of Request

66.5 Appeal

66.6 Orders in Appeal

66.7 Penalties

66.8 Let Us Sum Up



458

66.0 OBJECTIVE

This unit explains the obligations of public authorities, the procedure for obtaining information and the

information exempt from disclosure etc.

66.1 INTRODUCTION

Every public authority shall maintain all its records duly catalogued and indexed which facilitates the right to information and ensure that all records that are appropriate to be computerised are, within a reasonable time and subject to availability of resources, computerised and connected through a network all over the country on different systems so that access to such records is facilitated.

66.2 OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

PIOs (Public Information Officers) are officers designated by the public authorities in all administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens that request for information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has been sought by the PIO for the proper discharge of his or her

duties, shall render all assistance, whenever demanded.

66.3 PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION

PIO shall deal with requests from persons seeking information and where the request cannot be made in writing, to render reasonable assistance to the person to reduce the same in writing.

If the information requested for is held by or its subject matter is closely connected with the function

of another public authority, the PIO shall transfer, within five days, the request to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately.

PIO may seek the assistance of any other officer for the proper discharge of his/her duties.

PIO, on receipt of a request, shall as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within thirty days of the

receipt of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fee as may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified in 8.8 or 8.9 of the Act.

Where the information requested for concerns the life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided within forty-eight hours of the receipt of the request.

66.4 DISPOSAL OF REQUEST

(a) If the PIO fails to give a decision on the request within the period specified, he shall be deemed to have refused the request.

Where a request has been rejected, the PIO shall communicate to the requester -

(i) the reasons for such rejection, (ii) the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred, (iii) the particulars of the appellate authority.

PIO shall provide the information in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question.

If allowing partial access, the PIO shall give a notice to the applicant, informing:

(a) that only part of the record requested, after severance of the record containing information which is exempt from disclosure, is being provided;

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459

(b) the reasons for the decision, including any findings on any material question of fact, referring

to the material on which those findings were based;

(c) the name and designation of the person giving the decision;

(d) the details of the fees calculated by him or her and the amount of fee which the applicant is

required to deposit; and

(e) his or her rights with respect to review of the decision regarding non-disclosure of part of the

information, the amount of fee charged or the form of access provided.

If information sought has been supplied by a third party or is treated as confidential by that third

party, the PIO shall give a written notice to the third party within five days from the receipt of the

request and take its representation into consideration.

Third party must be given a chance to make a representation before the PIO within ten days from

the date of receipt of such notice.

(b) Payment of fees

As per the Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005, the application shall be

accompanied by a fee of rupees ten. It may be paid in cash against proper receipt or by demand

draft or a banker's cheque or by Indian Postal Order. The instrument is payable to the accounts

officer of the public authority.

(c) Disposal of the request

Where the application is received by another public authority or the information is more closely

connected with the functions of another public authority, the application shall be transferred to

that other public authority within five days from the date of the receipt of the application and

inform the applicant about the transfer.

If the application relates to the public authority receiving it, the information shall be provided as

expeditiously as possible but within thirty days.

If the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided

within forty-eight hours of the receipt of the request.

The applicant is required to pay the charges for providing the information. The rules prescribe the

charges for computing the cost. The charges are computed at the following rates:

(a) rupees two for each page in A-4 or A-3 size paper created or copied;

(b) actual charge or cost price of a copy in larger size paper;

(c) actual cost or price for samples or models; and

(d) for inspection of records, no fee for the first hour and a fee of rupees five for each fifteen

minutes or fraction thereof thereafter.

The period intervening between the dispatch of the intimation for payment of fee and actual

payment shall be excluded for reckoning the period of thirty days.

The information requested should ordinarily be provided in the form in which it is sought unless

it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to

the safety or preservation of the record in question.

If the Central Public Information officer fails to give decision on the request for information

within the period of thirty or thirty-five days, the request shall be deemed to have been refused.

(d) Third Party information

Third party means a person other thanJhe citizen making a request for information and includes

a public authority. Where a Central Public Information Officer intends to disclose any informatiorT

or record or part thereof which relates to or has been supplied by a third party and has been

460

treated as confidential by that third party, the Central Public Information Officer shall within five

days from the date of receipt of the request give a written notice to such third party that he

intends to disclose the information. The third party may make his submissions in writing or orally

within ten days from the date of receipt of such notice, which shall be taken in to account by the

Central Public Information Officer.

Except in the case of trade or commercial secrets protected by law, disclosure of third party

information may be allowed if the public interest in disclosure outweighs in importance any

possible harm or injury to the interests of such third party.

The notice given to the third party must state that the third party is entitled to prefer an appeal

against the decision to disclose the information.

(e) Rejection of the request

The request for Information may be rejected where such a request for providing access would

involve an infringement of copyright subsisting in a person other than the State.

Where a request has been rejected, the Central Public Information Officer shall communicate to

the person making the request the reasons for such rejection, the particulars of the appellate

authority and the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred.

(f) Information exempt from disclosure

The Act lists certain categories of information that is exempt from disclosure. These include:

(a) information, the disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity

of India;

(b) disclosure of information expressly forbidden by law or may constitute contempt of court;

(c) disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or of the State Legislature;

(d) information relating to commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property;

(e) information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship;

(f) information received in confidence from foreign government;

(g) information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person;

(h) information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution

of offenders;

(i) cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and

other officers.

In respect of items listed at (a), (c), and (i), the information if relating to any event which

occurred or happened twenty years before the date on which the request is made shall be provided

to the person making a request.

66.5 APPEAL

The Central Government has the powers to constitute a body known as the Central information

commission. The State Governments have the power to constitute for the State a body known as the

State Information Commission to administer the provisions of the Act where the State Government is

the appropriate authority.

The Central Information Commission (also the State Information Commission wherever it has the

jurisdiction) has been empowered to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person-

(a) who has been unable tojmbmiLarequesUaaCentral Public Information Officer; or his application

for information or appeal was refused to be received by the Central Assistant Public Information

Officer;

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(b) who has been refused access to any information requested under this Act;

(c) who has not been given a response to a request for information;

(d) who has been required to pay a fee which he considers unreasonable;

(e) who believes he has been given incomplete, misleading or false information; and

(f) in respect of any other matter under this Act.

Any person who does not receive a decision within the time specified (normally thirty days) or is

aggrieved by a decision of the Central Public Information Officer may within thirty days from the

expiry of such period or from the receipt of such decision, prefer an appeal to the officer who is senior

in rank to the Central Public Information Officer in each public authority. The appellate authority has

the power to condone the delay in filing the appeal if he is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by

sufficient reasons from filing the appeal in time.

If the appeal is against the third party information, the appeal by the concerned third party shall be made

within thirty days from the date of the order.

A second appeal will lie against the decision of the appellate authority before the Central Information

Commission (or the State Information Commission) and the same shall have to be preferred within

ninety days from the date on which the decision should have been made or was actually received.

The appeal shall be disposed of within thirty days of the receipt of the appeal or within such extended

time not exceeding a total of forty-five days from the date of filing thereof. The decision of the Central

Information Commission is binding on the parties.

66.6 ORDERS IN APPEAL

In deciding the appeal, the Central Information Commission may pass the following orders:

(a) require the public authority to take any steps necessary to secure compliance with the provisions

of this Act including -

(i) by providing access to information in a particular form; (ii)

by appointing a Central Public Information Officer; etc.;

(b) require the public authority to compensate the complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered;

(c) impose any of the penalties provided under this Act;

(d) reject the appeal.

66.7 PENALTIES

The Central Information Commission has the power to impose a penalty of two hundred and fifty

rupees for each day till the information is furnished subject to a maximum of twenty-five thousand

rupees. The Commission shall give an opportunity to the parties of being heard before imposing any

penalty. The Commission has the power to recommend taking disciplinary action against the Central

Public Information Officer under the service rules applicable to him when he is satisfied that the

Central Public Information Officer

(i) without reasonable cause persistently failed to receive an application for information; or

(ii) has not furnished the information within the time specified; or

(iii) with malafied intent denied the request for information; or

(iv) knowingly given incorrect, incomplete or misleading information; or

(v) destroyed information which was the subject of request; or

(vi) obstructed in furnishing the information.

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66.8 LET US SUM UP

The Right to Information Act, 2005 gives right to every citizen to seek information from any public

authority under the Act. He need not give reasons for requesting the information. Every public authority is required to display specified information about the organisation, its employees, etc., and continue to update the information periodically. Every public authority is required to designate one or more of its officials as Central public information officer and at branch, district levels Central assistant Public Information Officers. The central assistant public information officers are required to receive the

request for information and forward the same to the Central Public Information Officer within five days of its receipt. Fees has been prescribed both for the application and for the cost of furnishing information. Information has to be furnished within thirty days. Where the request involves disclosure of information furnished by a third party and the Central Public Information Officer intends to disclose it, he shall within five days of the receipt of the request communicate in writing to the third party of his intention to disclose. The third party has a right to make representation. The Act provides a right of

appeal to the officer senior in rank to that of the Central Public Information Officer against the non disclosure or the decision to disclose the third party information. Further appeal lies to the Central Information Commission. The appeal has to be filed within ninety days. The Act prescribes penalties for various offences under the Act.


1. Every citizen is entitled to seek information under the Right to Information Act from a public authority. (True/False)

2. Every public authority is required to display information about their organisation, employees, etc., and update them periodically. (True/False)

3. Central Government appoints Central Public Information Officer in every public authority. (True/ False)

4. A person seeking information has to disclose the reason for seeking information. (True/False)

5. Central Assistant Public Information Officer has to forward the request for information to the concerned public authority within five days of the receipt of the request if it does not relate to his organisation. (True/False)

6. The request for information has to be disposed of ordinarily within thirty days. (True/False) 7. No third party information can be sought from a public authority. (True/False) 8. If information requested is not provided it will be treated as a deemed refusal. (True/False)

9. There is no redressal if the Central Public Information Officer refuses to provide information. (True/False)

10. Central information commission can recommend taking disciplinary action against the Central Public Information Officer if the latter failed to furnish information within the specified time. (True/False).


1. True; 2. True; 3. False; 4. False; 5. True; 6. True; 7. False; 8. True; 9. False; 10. True.

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U N I T

67

THE PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACT, 2002

STRUCTURE

67.0 Objective

67.1 Introduction

67.2 Offence of Money Laundering

67.3 Punishment for Money Laundering

67.4 Obligations of Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries

67.5 Rules Framed

67.6 Records to be Maintained

67.7 Information Contained in the Records

67.8 Procedure for Maintaining Information

67.9 Procedure for Furnishing Information

67.10 Verification of Records of the Identity of Clients

67.11 Maintenance of Records of Identity of Clients

67.12 Let Us Sum Up



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67.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this unit is to familiarise the students with the requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and the rules made there under in so far as the banking transactions are concerned.

67.1 INTRODUCTION

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 was enacted to prevent money laundering and to provide for the confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money laundering. The banking machinery has been used by the persons indulging in money laundering. In order to prevent the misuse of the banking machinery, a separate Chapter, viz., Chapter IV dealing with Obligations of Banking

Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries has been included in the Act. The Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has framed the rules, viz., The Prevention of Money Laundering, Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions etc., Rules, 2004.

67.2 OFFENCE OF MONEY LAUNDERING

There is no definition of money laundering in the Act. However, the Section 3 of the Act states that

whosoever directly or indirectly attempts to indulge or knowingly assists or knowingly is a party or is

actually involved in any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime and projecting it as untainted property shall be guilty of offence of money laundering.

67.3 PUNISHMENT FOR MONEY LAUNDERING

Whosoever commits the offence of money laundering shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment

for a term which shall not be less than three years but may extend to seven years and also be liable to a fine which may extend to five lakh rupees. If the offence relates to offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 the maximum punishment could extend to imprisonment for ten years.

67.4 OBLIGATIONS OF BANKING COMPANIES,

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INTERMEDIARIES

Every banking company, financial institution and intermediary is required to

(a) maintain a record of all transactions, of the nature and value specified in the rules whether such transactions comprise of a single transaction or a series of transactions integrally connected to each other, and where such a series of transactions take place within a month;

(b) furnish information of the transactions to the director within the prescribed time; (c) verify and maintain records of the identity of all its clients.

The records shall be maintained for ten years from the date of cessation of the transactions between the clients and the banking company, financial institution or intermediary. The director appointed by the Central Government, has the right to call for the records and make such inquiry or cause an enquiry to be made. If he finds that the banking company, financial institution or intermediary has not complied with the requirements he may impose a fine on the banking company which shall not be less than ten

thousand rupees but may extend to one lakh rupees. The Act also specifically provides that the banking companies and their officers shall not be liable to any civil proceedings against them for furnishing information.

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67.5 RULES FRAMED

The Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has framed 'The Prevention of

Money Laundering Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure

and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of

Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries

Rules, 2004'.

67.6 RECORDS TO BE MAINTAINED

The Act envisages the following records shall be maintained by every banking company, financial

institution or intermediary, namely:

(A) all cash transactions of the value of more than rupees ten lakh or its equivalent in foreign currency;

(B) all series of cash transactions integrally connected to each other which have been valued below

rupees ten lakh or its equivalent in foreign currency where such series of transactions have taken

place within a month;

(C) all cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes have been used as

genuine and where any forgery of a valuable security has taken place,

(D) all suspicious transactions, whether or not made in cash and by way of:

(i) deposits and credits, withdrawals into or from any accounts in whatsoever name they are

referred to in any currency maintained by way of:

(a) cheques including third party cheques, pay orders, demand drafts, cashiers cheques or

any other instruments or payment of money including electronic receipts or credits and

electronic payments or debits; or

(b) travellers cheque; or

(c) transfer from one account within the same banking company, financial institution and

intermediary, as the case may be, including from or to Nostro and Vostro accounts; or

(d) any other mode in whatsoever name it is referred to;

(ii) credits or debits into or from any non-monetary accounts such as a demat account, security

account in any currency maintained by the banking company, financial institution and

intermediary, as the case may be; (iii) money transfer or remittances in favour of own

clients or non-clients from India or abroad

and to third party beneficiaries in India or abroad including transactions on its own account

in any currency by any of the following:

(a) payment orders, or

(b) cashier cheques; or

(c) demand drafts; or

(d) telegraphic or wire transfer or electronic remittances or transfer; or

(e) interest transfers; or

(f) automated clearing house remittances; or

(g) lock box driven transfers or remittances; or

(h) remittances for credit or loading to electronic cards; or (i) any

other mode of money transfer by whatsoever name it is called;

(iv) loans and advances including credit or loan substitutes, investments and contingent liability

by way of:

(a) subscription to debt instruments such as commercial paper, certificate of deposits

preferential shares, debentures, securitised participation, inter-bank participation or any

other investments in securities or the like whatever form and name it is referred to; or

(b) purchase and negotiation of bills, cheques and other instruments; or

466

(c.) foreign exchange contracts, currency, interest rate and commodity and any other derivative

instrument in whatsoever name it is called; or (d) letters of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees, comfort letters, solvency certificates

and any other instruments for settlement and/or credit support. (v) collection service in any currency by way of collection of bills, cheques, instruments or any

other mode of collection in whatsoever name it is referred to.

67.7 INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS

The record shall contain the following information:

(a) the nature of the transaction (b) the amount of the transaction and the currency in which it was denominated (c) the date on which the transaction was conducted; and (d) the parties to the transaction.

67.8 PROCEDURE FOR MAINTAINING INFORMATION

The information as to the transactions shall be maintained in hard and soft copies in accordance with the procedure and manner as may be specified by the RBI or SEBI.

Banking company shall have to evolve a mechanism for maintaining such information in such form and at such intervals as may be specified by the RBI or SEBI.

It is the duty of the banking company to observe the procedure and manner of maintaining the information as specified by the RBI or SEBI.

67.9 PROCEDURE FOR FURNISHING INFORMATION

The principal officer of a banking company shall furnish the information in respect of the transaction every month to the director by the seventh day of the succeeding month. If the transactions relate to

(a) forged or counterfeit currency notes or bank notes or forgery of valuable security or (b) all suspicious transactions, whether or not made in cash shall be promptly furnished in writing or by way of fax or electronic mail to the director not later than three working days from the date of occurrence of such transactions.

67.10 VERIFICATION OF RECORDS OF THE IDENTITY OF CLIENTS

The rules prescribe the type of records to be obtained or verified in respect of various types of clients. The rules mandate that every banking company shall at the time of opening an account or executing any transaction with it, verify and maintain the record of identity and current address or addresses including permanent address of the client, the nature of business of the client and his financial status. If it is not possible to verify the identity at the time of opening the account or executing the transaction, the banking company shall verify the identity of the client within a reasonable time after the account has been opened or the transaction has been executed.

The documents required to be taken for verification of the identity of clients differ from the type of client. They are listed below:

(a) Individual

One certified copy of an officially valid document containing details of his permanent address, current address including in respect of the nature of business and financial status.

(b) Company

1. Certificate of incorporation

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2. Memorandum and articles of association 3. Board resolution or the power of attorney 4. Officially valid document in respect of the person, operating the account

(c) Partnership firm

1. Registration certificate; 2. Partnership deed; 3. Officially valid document in respect of the person acting in the transaction.

(d) Trust

1. Registration certificate;

2. Trust deed; and 3. Officially valid document in respect of the person acting in the transaction.

(e) Unincorporated association

1. Resolution of the managing body 2. Power of attorney granted to the person conducting the transaction; and 3. Information as may be required by the banking company to establish the legal existence of

the association or body of individuals.

67.11 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS OF IDENTITY OF CLIENTS

The records relating to the identity of clients shall be maintained for a period often years from the date of cessation of the transactions between the client and the banking company.

67.12 LET US SUM UP

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 was enacted to prevent money laundering. The Act provides rigorous punishment for the offence of money laundering. Certain obligations have been cast on banking companies, financial institutions and intermediaries to maintain record of transactions, identity of clients, etc. A director appointed by the Central Government has the right to call for records and impose penalties if he finds that the banking company has failed to comply with the requirement of the Act. Central Government has, in consultation with the RBI, framed rules. The rules prescribe what records are to be maintained, retention of records, verification of the identity of client and furnishing information in respect of the transactions to the director, etc.


1. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 does not apply to banking transactions. (True/ False)

2. The term money laundering has been defined in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. (True/False)

3. Director under the Act is appointed by the Reserve Bank of India. (True/False) 4. Record of transactions specified under the Act is to be maintained for ten years (True/False) 5. RBI and SEBI can prescribe the nature of records to be maintained by a banking company (True/

False) 6. Documents to be verified depend upon the type of the client. (True/False) 7. Bank is not required to enquire the financial status of the client. (True/False) 8. All cash transactions of the value of more than ten lakhs or its equivalent in foreign currency are

covered by the Act (True/False)


1. False; 2. False; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. True; 7. False; 8. True.

L.R.A.B-31

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000

STRUCTURE

68.1 Introduction

68.2 Definitions

68.3 Electronic Governance

68.4 Certifying Authorities

68.5 Digital Signature Certificates

68.6 Penalties

68.7 Appeal

68.8 Investigations

68.9 Let Us Sum Up

68.10 Keywords



470

68.1 INTRODUCTION

The General Assembly of the United Nations by the resolution A/RES/51/162, dated 30 January, 1997 has adopted the Model Law on Electronic Commerce adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. The said resolution recommends inter alia that all States give favourable consideration to the said Model Law when they enact or revise their laws, in view of the need for uniformity of the law applicable to alternatives to paper-cased methods of communication and storage

of information. It is considered necessary to give effect to the said resolution and to promote efficient delivery of Government services by means of reliable electronic records.

Therefore in May 2000, both the houses of the Indian Parliament passed the Information Technology Bill. The Bill received the assent of the President in August 2000 and came to be known as the Information Technology Act, 2000. Cyber laws are contained in the IT Act, 2000.

This Act aims to provide the legal infrastructure for e-commerce in India which involves the use of alternatives to paper based methods of communication and storage of information and also to facilitate electronic filing of documents of Government agencies. Therefore the Act facilitated the amendments to Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891 and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. And the cyber laws have a major impact for e-businesses and the new economy in India. So, it is important to

understand what the various perspectives of the IT Act, 2000 are and what does it offer.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 also aims to provide the legal framework so that legal sanctity is accorded to all electronic records and other activities carried out by electronic means. The Act states that unless otherwise agreed, an acceptance of contract may be expressed by electronic means of communication and the same shall have legal validity and enforceability. Some highlights of the Act are listed below.

68.2 DEFINITIONS

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,

1. 'access' with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means gaining entry into, instructing or communicating with the logical, arithmetical, or memory function resources of a computer, computer system or computer network;

2. 'addressee' means a person who is intended by the originator to receive the electronic record but does not include any intermediary;

3. 'adjudicating officer' means an adjudicating officer appointed under sub-Section (1) of Section 46;

4. 'affixing digital signature' with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions means adoption of any methodology or procedure by a person for the purpose of authenticating an electronic record by means of digital signature;

5. 'appropriate Government' means as respects any matter, -

(i) enumerated in List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution; (ii) relating to any State law enacted under List III of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution,

the State Government and in any other case, the Central Government; 6. 'asymmetric crypto system' means a system of a secure key pair consisting of a private key for

creating a digital signature and a public key to verify the digital signature; 7. 'certifying authority' means a person who has been granted a licence to issue a Digital Signature

Certificate under Section 24; 8. 'certification practice statement' means a statement issued by a Certifying Authority to specify

the practices that the Certifying Authority employs in issuing Digital Signature Certificates;

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9. 'computer' means any electronic magnetic, optical or other high-speed data processing device or

system which performs logical, arithmetic, and memory functions by manipulations of electronic,

magnetic or optical impulses, and includes all input, output, processing, storage, computer software,

or communication facilities which are connected or related to the computer in a computer system

or computer network;

10. 'computer network' means the interconnection of one or more computers through -

(i) the use of satellite, microwave, terrestrial line or other communication media; and (ii)

terminals or a complex consisting of two or more interconnected computers whether or not the

interconnection is continuously maintained;

11. 'computer resource' means computer, computer system, computer network, data, computer

data base or software;

12. 'computer system' means a device or collection of devices, including input and output support

devices and excluding calculators which are not programmable and capable of being used in

conjunction with external files, which contain computer programmes, electronic instructions,

input data and output data, that performs logic, arithmetic, data storage and retrieval, communication

control and other functions;

13. 'controller' means the Controller of Certifying Authorities appointed under the sub-Section (1) of

Section 17;

14. 'Cyber Appellate Tribunal' means the Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal established under the

sub-Section (1) of Section 48;

15. 'data' means a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts or instructions which

are being prepared or have been prepared in a formalised manner, and is intended to be processed,

is being processed or has been, processed in a computer system or computer network, and may

be in any form (including computer printouts magnetic or optical storage media, punched cards,

punched tapes) or stored internally in the memory of the computer;

16. 'digital signature' means authentication of any electronic record by a subscriber by means of an

electronic method or procedure in accordance with the provisions of section 3;

17. 'Digital Signature Certificate' means a Digital Signature Certificate issued under the sub-Section

(4) of Section 35;

18. 'electronic form' with reference to information means any information generated, sent, received

or stored in media, magnetic, optical, computer memory, micro film, computer generated micro

fiche or similar device;

19. 'Electronic Gazette' means the Official Gazette published in the electronic form;

20. 'electronic record' means data, record or data generated, image or sound stored, received or sent

in an electronic form or micro film or computer generated micro fiche;

21. 'function', in relation to a computer, includes logic, control arithmetical process, deletion, storage

and retrieval and communication or telecommunication from or within a computer;

22. 'information' includes data, text, images, sound, voice, codes, computer programmes, software

and databases or micro film or computer generated micro fiche;

23. 'intermediary' with respect to any particular electronic message means any person who on behalf

of another person receives, stores or transmits that message or provides any service with respect

to that message;

24. 'key pair', in an asymmetric crypto system, means a private key and its mathematically related

public key, which are so related that the public key can verify a digital signature created by the

private key;

25. 'law' includes any Act of Parliament or of a State Legislature, Ordinances promulgated by the

President or a Governor, as the case may be. Regulations made by the President under the article

472

240, Bills enacted as President's Act under the sub-Clause (a) of Clause (1) of the Article 357 of the Constitution and includes rules, regulations, bye laws and orders issued or made there under;

26. 'licence' means a licence granted to a Certifying Authority under the Section 24; 27. 'originator' means a person who sends, generates, stores or transmits any electronic message or

causes any electronic message to be sent, generated, stored or transmitted to any other person

but does not include an intermediary; 28. 'prescribed' means prescribed by the rules made under this Act; 29. 'private key' means the key of a key pair used to create a digital signature; 30. 'public key' means the key of a key pair used to verify a digital signature and listed in the Digital

Signature Certificate; 31. 'secure system' means computer hardware, software, and procedure that

(a) are reasonably secure from unauthorised access and misuse; (b) provide a reasonable level of reliability and correct operation;

(c) are reasonably suited to performing the intended functions; and (d) adhere to generally accepted security procedures;

32. 'security procedure' means the security procedure prescribed under the Section 16 by the Central

Government; 33. 'subscriber' means a person in whose name the Digital Signature Certificate is issued; 34. 'verify' in relation to a digital signature, electronic record or public key, with its grammatical

variations and cognate expressions means to determine whether —

(a) the initial electronic record was affixed with the digital signature by the use of a private key corresponding to the public key of the subscriber;

(b) the initial electronic record is retained intact or has been altered since such an electronic record was so affixed with the digital signature.

68.3 ELECTRONIC GOVERNANCE

Chapter III of the Act deals with electronic governance and provides that information or any other matter shall be in writing or in the typewritten or printed form, then notwithstanding anything contained in such law, such requirement shall be deemed to have been satisfied if such information or matter is -

(a) rendered or made available in an electronic form; and (b) accessible so as to be usable for a subsequent reference. The said chapter also details recognition

of Digital signatures.

The said chapter also details the legal recognition of Digital Signatures.

68.4 CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES

Chapter IV of the said Act gives a scheme for Regulation of Certifying Authorities. The Act envisages a Controller of Certifying Authorities who shall perform the function of exercising supervision over the

activities of certifying authorities as also laying down standards and conditions governing the certifying authorities as also specifying the various forms and content of Digital Signature Certificates. The Act recognises the need for recognising foreign certifying authorities and it further details the various provisions for the issue of license to issue Digital Signature Certificates.

68.5 DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATES

Chapter VII of the Act deals with the scheme of things relating to Digital Signature Certificates. The duties of subscribers are also enshrined in the said Act.

473

68.6 PENALTIES

Chapter IX of the said Act talks about penalties and adjudication for various offences. The penalties for

damage to computers, computer system, etc., has been fixed as damages by way of compensation not

exceeding Rs. 1 crore to affected persons. The Act talks of appointment of any officers not below the

rank of a director to the Government of India or an equivalent officer who shall adjudicate whether any

person has made a contravention of any of the provisions of the Act or rules framed there under. The

said adjudicating officer has been given the powers of a Civil Court.

68.7 APPEAL

Chapter X of the Act talks about the establishment of the Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal which

shall be an appellate body where appeals against the orders passed by Adjudicating Officers will be

preferred.

68.8 INVESTIGATION

Chapter XI of the Act talks about various offences and the said offences will be investigated by the Police

Officer not below the rank of Dy. Superintendent of Police. These offences include the tampering with

computer source documents, publishing of information, which is obscene in electronic form and hacking.

The Act also provides for the constitution of the Cyber Regulation Advisory Committee which shall

advise the Government as regards any rules or for any other purpose connected with the said Act. The

said Act also proposes to amend the Indian Penal Code 1860, The Indian Evidence Act 1872, The

Bankers Book Evidence Act 1891, The Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, to make them in tune with the

provisions of the IT Act.

68.9 LET US SUM UP

This Act is very important in the electronic age, where documents are transmitted through electronic

means. Students should be aware of its relevance and provisions, when e-commerce and e-transactions

are on the rise.

68.10 KEYWORDS

Digital Signature; Asymmetric Crypto System; Computer data; Digital Signature; Information Originator;

Secure System; Electronic Commerce


1. The IT Act was introduced on account of the initiatives of ___________

(A) IT industry of India (B) Indian Parliament

(C) Reserve Bank of India (D) None of the above

68.12 ANSWER TO 'CHECK YOUR PROGRESS'

1. (D) None of the above - United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.

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