IB Code Amended to Streamline Process with Time Lines

·         New Definitions Introduced

o    “Registered valuer” and “service provider” added.

o    Clarification that security interest must arise from an agreement (not merely by law).

o    Definitions added for avoidance transactions and fraudulent/wrongful trading.

·         Clarity on Insolvency Initiation

o    If multiple insolvency applications are filed, the first filing date will be treated as the initiation date.

o    Record of default from an information utility is sufficient proof for default.

·         Time-bound Decision Making

o    Adjudicating Authority must:

§  Admit/reject applications within 14 days (Sections 7, 9, 10).

§  Record reasons if delays occur.

·         Withdrawal of Insolvency Applications (Section 12A)

o    Allowed only:

§  After CoC approval (90% voting share).

§  Before invitation of resolution plans.

o    Decision must be made within 30 days.

·         Expanded Role of Committee of Creditors (CoC)

o    CoC will now also supervise liquidation process.

o    Can attend meetings during liquidation (non-voting members may be specified).

·         Strengthening Resolution Process

o    Resolution plans must:

§  Ensure fair payment to dissenting financial creditors.

§  Include implementation & supervision mechanisms.

o    CoC must record reasons for approving plans.

·         Protection of Approved Resolution Plans

o    Licenses, permits, and approvals cannot be terminated after plan approval if conditions are met.

o    Past claims against the corporate debtor are extinguished post approval.

·         Avoidance Transactions

o    Proceedings related to fraudulent or avoidance transactions:

§  Will continue independently of CIRP/liquidation.

·         New Provision for Guarantor Assets (Section 28A)

o    Assets of guarantors can be transferred during resolution with CoC approval.

o    Sale proceeds adjusted against guarantor’s debt.

·         Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) Changes

o    Appointment streamlined:

§  Financial creditor’s proposed IRP accepted if no disciplinary issues.

§  For Section 10 cases, Board recommends IRP.

·         Improved Accountability & Assistance

o    Broader category of persons (not just personnel) must assist IRP/liquidator.

o    IRP empowered to verify and value claims.

·         Liquidation Process Reforms

o    CoC may restore CIRP instead of liquidation (one-time, max 120 days).

o    Liquidation orders must be passed within 30 days.

o    Introduction of moratorium during liquidation in certain cases.

·         Flexibility in Resolution Plan Approval

o    Two-stage approval allowed:

§  First for implementation, later for distribution (within 30 days).

·         Strengthened Legal Clarity

o    Clear rules on:

§  Treatment of joint liabilities.

§  Rights of guarantors.

§  Continuation of proceedings post-resolution.

 

[ABS News Service/07.04.2026]

The Following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 6th April, 2026 and is hereby published for general information:—

THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2026

[No. 6 of 2026 dated 6 April, 2026]

An Act further to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.