RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS CONTEMPT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 92 OF 2008

Citation: [2021] 1 S.C.R. 389; 2021 INSC 25

Court: Supreme Court of India

Bench: A.M. KHANWILKAR , BHUSHAN RAMKRISHNA GAVAI

Judgment date: 2021-01-19

Case summary

2021 INSC 25. Supreme Court of India judgment dated 2021-01-19. RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS CONTEMPT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 92 OF 2008. Read the...

Judgment text

[2021] 1 S. C. R. 389 389 RAMA NARANG A v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 92 of 2008 B In Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 148 of 2003 In Civil Appeal No. 366 of 1998 C JANUARY 19, 2021 [A. M. KHANWILKAR AND B. R. GAVAI, JJ. ] Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: s.

2(b) – Contempt proceedings – Scope of – Violation of Consent Order – Petitioner and his sons (respondents) were the only Directors of a company – Dispute D between petitioner and respondent-sons – Purported settlement of the dispute in terms of Consent Order recorded in orders dated 12th December 2001 and 8th January 2002, of the Supreme Court – Petitioner-father filed contempt petition alleging that respondent-sons had violated the terms of the Consent Order – By judgment th E dated 15 March, 2007, Supreme Court held respondents guilty of contempt – Respondents filed Company Petition before the Company Law Board (CLB), whereupon CLB passed interim order dated 10th April 2008 – Petitioner filed instant contempt petition alleging that the order of CLB was violative of the order of Supreme Court dated 15th March 2007 – Whether invoking the jurisdiction of CLB and F entertaining of said proceedings by CLB amounted to contempt – Held: A person does not commit contempt of court if during pendency of certain proceedings, he takes recourse to other judicial proceedings open to him, even though the latter proceedings puts the other party at a loss – On facts, respondents thought it prudent G to approach CLB by invoking its powers u/ss.

397, 398 and 403 of the Companies Act – Respondents took recourse to legal remedy available to them under the statutory provisions in compelling circumstances to safeguard the interest of the Company and its stakeholders – Petitioner failed to make out a case of wilful, deliberate and intentional disobedience of any of the directions H 389 390 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A given by Court or acting in breach of undertaking given to Court – Contempt Petition accordingly dismissed – Companies Act, 1956 – ss. 397, 398 and 403.

Contempt of Court: Contempt proceedings – Nature and scope of – Held: The contempt proceedings are quasi-criminal in nature B and the standard of proof required is in the same manner as in the other criminal cases – The alleged contemnor is entitled to protection of all safeguards/rights which are provided in the criminal jurisprudence, including the benefit of doubt –Punishment under the law of contempt is called for when the lapse is deliberate and in disregard of one’s duty and in defiance of authority.

C Contempt of Court: Contempt proceedings – Difference from execution proceedings – Held: Contempt proceeding is not like an execution proceeding under the Code of Civil Procedure – Before punishing the contemnor for non-compliance of decision of the Court, the Court must not only be satisfied about the disobedience D of any judgment, decree, direction, writ or other process but should also be satisfied that such disobedience was wilful and intentional – The civil court however, while executing a decree against the judgment-debtor is not concerned and bothered as to whether the disobedience to any judgment or decree was wilful and once the decree had been passed, it is the duty of the court to execute the E decree, whatever may be the consequences thereof – Code of Civil Procedure – Execution.

Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction of the Court to pass interim orders pending decision on question of its’ jurisdiction – Held: Even if objection is raised to the jurisdiction of a forum, it has jurisdiction F to pass interim orders till it finally decides the issue of jurisdiction and such orders are binding on the parties till the issue of jurisdiction is decided – If the Court holds that it has no jurisdiction, it is open to it to modify the orders – However, while in force, the interim orders passed by such Court have to be obeyed and their G violation can be punished even after the question of jurisdiction is decided against the plaintiff, provided violation is committed before the decision of the Court on the question of jurisdiction – Judgment /Order – Interim Order. H RAMA NARANG v.

RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 391 Civil Contempt: Wilful disobedience or wilful breach – Court A has to record a finding that such a disobedience was wilful & intentional – There must be a clear cut case of obstruction of justice by a party intentionally – Where the court is satisfied that such disobedience is the result of some compelling circumstances, under which it is not possible for the contemnor to comply with the same, B the Court may not punish the alleged contemnor. Dismissing the contempt petitions, the Court HELD:1. For bringing an action under the ambit of civil contempt, there has to be a wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful C breach of an undertaking given to the court. [Para 48][422-G; 423-A] 2.

1 Such action of a person which he takes in pursuance of his right to take legal action in a court of law, will not amount to interfering with the course of justice, even though that may D require some action on the part of the other party in connection with his own judicial proceedings. The principle is, that a party is free to take action to enforce his legal right. A person does not commit contempt of court if during the pendency of certain proceedings, he takes recourse to other judicial proceedings open E to him, even though the latter proceedings put the other party at a loss. [Para 68][432-D-F] 2. 2 In the instant case, the respondents had legitimately approached the Company Law Board (CLB) invoking its jurisdiction under Sections 397, 398 and 403 of the Companies Act. The CLB had also passed interim orders in exercise of its F powers under Section 403 of the Companies Act. Merely taking recourse to the statutory remedy available to the respondents would not amount to contempt.

It appears, that after the order was passed by this Court holding the respondents guilty and thereafter finding, that the present petitioner is not co-operating G with the respondents in running the affairs of the Company, but on the contrary making every attempt to stall the functioning of the Company; the respondents thought it prudent to approach the CLB by invoking its powers under Sections 397, 398 and 403 of the Companies Act. The respondents had to take recourse to that remedy in compelling circumstances to safeguard the H 392 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A interest of the Company and its stakeholders. [Paras 66, 71][431- F-G; 433-D-F] 3. The contempt proceeding is not like an execution proceeding under the Code of Civil Procedure.

Though the parties in whose favour, an order has been passed, is entitled to the benefits of such order, but the Court while considering the issue B as to whether the alleged contemnor should be punished for not having complied with and carried out the directions of the Court, has to take into consideration all facts and circumstances of a particular case. That is why the framers of the Act while defining civil contempt, have said that it must be wilful disobedience of C any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of the Court. Before punishing the contemnor for non-compliance of the decision of the Court, the Court must not only be satisfied about the disobedience of any judgment, decree, direction, writ or other process but should also be satisfied that such disobedience was wilful and intentional.

Though, the civil court D while executing a decree against the judgment-debtor is not concerned and bothered as to whether the disobedience to any judgment or decree was wilful and once the decree had been passed, it was the duty of the court to execute the decree, whatever may be the consequences thereof. In a contempt E proceeding before a contemnor is held guilty and punished, the Court has to record a finding, that such disobedience was wilful and intentional. If from the circumstances of a particular case, though the Court is satisfied that there has been a disobedience but such disobedience is the result of some compelling circumstances, under which it is not possible for the contemnor F to comply with the same, the Court may not punish the alleged contemnor. [Para 73][435-D-H] 4. The contempt proceedings are quasi-criminal in nature and the standard of proof required is in the same manner as in the other criminal cases.

The alleged contemnor is entitled to G the protection of all safeguards/rights which are provided in the criminal jurisprudence, including the benefit of doubt. There must be a clear-cut case of obstruction of administration of justice by a party intentionally, to bring the matter within the ambit of the said provision. Punishment under the law of contempt is called for when the lapse is deliberate and in disregard of one’s duty H and in defiance of authority. [Para 75][437-C-E] RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 393 5. 1 In the instant case, the petitioner has failed to make A out a case of wilful, deliberate and intentional disobedience of any of the directions given by this Court or acting in breach of an undertaking given to this Court. On the contrary, the respondents had taken recourse to the legal remedy available to them under the statutory provisions. [Para 76][437-C-G] B 5.

2 Where an objection is taken to the jurisdiction to entertain a suit and to pass any interim orders therein, the Court should decide the question of jurisdiction in the first instance. However, that does not mean that pending the decision on the question of jurisdiction, the Court has no jurisdiction to pass interim orders as may be called for in the facts and circumstances C of the case. A mere objection to jurisdiction does not instantly disable the court from passing any interim orders. It can yet pass appropriate orders. Though, the question of jurisdiction should be decided at the earliest possible time, the interim orders so passed are orders within jurisdiction, when passed and effective D till the court decides that it has no jurisdiction, to entertain the suit. Those interim orders would undoubtedly come to an end with the decision that the Court had no jurisdiction. If the Court holds that it has no jurisdiction, it is open to it to modify the orders.

However, while in force, the interim orders passed by such Court have to be obeyed and their violation can be punished E even after the question of jurisdiction is decided against the plaintiff, provided violation is committed before the decision of the Court on the question of jurisdiction. [Paras 76-79][438-G- H; 439-A-C] 6. In the facts and circumstances of the case, the CLB F considered it appropriate, that till the petition is disposed of, as an interim measure, in the interest of the Company as well as more than 3000 employees/workers, there should be a mechanism by which day to day operations are carried out without any hitch. The said order has not been challenged by the petitioner before any forum. Any order passed by the CLB was appellable before G the higher forums. The petitioner has not challenged the said order.

Having not challenged the same, it is not open for the petitioner to argue, that since the petitioner has taken objection as to maintainability of the proceedings before CLB, the said orders are without jurisdiction and the initiation of the proceedings H 394 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A and the orders passed thereon, would amount to respondent’s committing contempt of this Court. Even if the objection is raised to the jurisdiction of a forum, it has jurisdiction to pass interim orders till it finally decides the issue of jurisdiction and such orders are binding on the parties till the issue of jurisdiction is decided. However, it should not be construed, that the proceedings under B the CLB were maintainable in law. Since the proceedings are pending final adjudication, the parties would be at liberty to raise all issues available to them including the issue of jurisdiction.

Also, this is not a case wherein directions as sought, should be issued under Article 142 of the Constitution. On Insolvency and C Bankruptcy Code 2016, coming in force, the proceedings which are pending before the CLB, now stand transferred to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). It would be appropriate for the parties to invoke the jurisdiction of NCLT for seeking such orders as deemed fit in the facts and circumstances in accordance with law. [Paras 81, 84][440-D-H; 441-C, F-H] D Pratap Singh and Another v. Gurbaksh Singh [1962] SCR 2 Suppl. 838; Mehar Rusi Dalal (Mrs. ) v. T. K. Banerjee and Others (2004) 5 SCC 119; Niaz Mohammad and Others v. State of Haryana and Others (1994) 6 SCC 332 : [1994] 3 Suppl. SCR 720 ; Kanwar E Singh Saini v. High Court of Delhi (2012) 4 SCC 307 : [2011] 15 SCR 972; Debabrata Bandopadbyay and Others v. State of West Bengal and Another AIR 1969 SC 189 : [1969] SCR 304 and Tayabbhai M. Bagasarwalla and Another v. Hind Rubber Industries (P) Ltd.

And Others (1997) 3 SCC 443 : [1997] 2 F SCR 152– relied on. Hrishikesh Sanyal v. A. P. Bagchi ILR 1940 All 710 and Radhey Lal v. Niranjan Nath AIR 1941 All 95 – held approved. Rama Narang v. Ramesh Narang and Another (2006) G 11 SCC 114 : [2006] 3 SCR 1068; Rama Narang (V) v. Ramesh Narang and Another (2009) 16 SCC 126 : [2007] 3 SCR 1099; Vijay Laxmi and Others v. Prabhu Devi and Others (2017) 11 SCC 169; State Bank of India v. Ajit Jain and Others (1995) 1 Suppl. SCC 683; Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra (The Alleged Contemnor) H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 395 (1995) 2 SCC 584 : [1995] 2 SCR 638; Sangramsinh A P. Gaekwad and Others v. Shantadevi P. Gaekwad (Dead) Through LRs and Others (2005) 11 SCC 314 : [2005] 1 SCR 624; and Kale and Others v. Deputy Director of Consolidation and Others (1976) 3 SCC 119 : [1976] 3 SCR 202 – referred to.

B Case Law Reference [2006] 3 SCR 1068 referred to Para 8 [2007] 3 SCR 1099 referred to Para 11 [1997] 2 SCR 152 relied on Para 39 (2017) 11 SCC 169 referred to Para 40 C (1995) 1 Suppl. SCC 683 referred to Para 40 [1995] 2 SCR 638 referred to Para 43 [2005] 1 SCR 624 referred to Para 44 [1976] 3 SCR 202 referred to Para 44 [1962] 2 SCR Suppl. 838 relied on Para 68 D (2004) 5 SCC 119 relied on Para 70 [1994] 3 Suppl. SCR 720 relied on Para 73 [2011] 15 SCR 972 relied on Para 74 [1969] SCR 304 relied on Para 75 INHERENT JURISDICTION : Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 92 E of 2008 in Contempt Petition (Civil) No. 148 of 2003 in Civil Appeal No. 366 of 1998. Jayant K. Sud, ASG, Mukul Rohatgi, Jaideep Gupta, Kapil Sibal, Akhil Sibal, Ms. V. Mohana, Sr. Advs, Abhinav Mukerji, Ms. Bihu Sharma, Ms. Pratishtha Vija, Bhargava V. Desai, Ms. Aditi Diwan, S. Uday Kumar Sagar, Ms. Bina Madhavan, Salim Inamdar, Ms. Sweena Nair, M/S. F Lawyer S Knit & Co, D. L. Chidananda, Ms.

Menakshi Grover, Arvind Kumar Sharma, Ms. Sheena Taqui, Kshitij Vaibhav, Mrs. Bina Gupta, Ms. Suwarna Dubey, Advs. for the appearing parties. The Judgment of the Court was delivered by B. R. GAVAI, J. G 1. The present contempt petition arises out of an unfortunate family dispute between a father on one hand and his two sons from his first wife on the other hand. This family dispute has given rise to number of proceedings, some of which have even reached up to this Court. H 396 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A 2. Factual matrix necessary for the adjudication of the present case is thus:- The petitioner in the contempt petition Rama Narang was married to Smt. Motia. The respondent Nos. 1 and 2 i. e. Ramesh Narang and Rajesh Narang so also Rakesh Narang are sons of the petitioner and B Smt. Motia. The petitioner and Smt. Motia divorced in 1963. The petitioner thereafter married Smt. Mona. Out of the said wedlock, two sons Rohit and Rahul as well as a daughter Ramona were born.

3. In a previous round of litigation between these parties, the respondent No. 1- Ramesh Narang had approached this Court by filing a C Contempt Petition (C) Nos. 265-67 of 1999 in Contempt Petition (C) No. 209 of 1998 in Civil Appeal Nos. 366 of 1998, 603 of 1998 and 605 of 1998. The present petitioner Rama Narang was respondent No. 1 in the said proceedings. This Court passed the following order in the said proceedings on 2nd November 2001:- “In Conmt. Pet. (C) Nos. 265-267/1999 in Conmt. Pet. (C) D No. 209/1998 in Civil Appeal No. 366/1998, 603/1998 & 605/ 1998. After hearing Mr. Kapil Sibal, learned senior counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, learned senior counsel for the alleged contemnor, at length, we are satisfied E that the contemnor has flouted the order of this Court dated 4th May, 1999 by not transferring 50% of the share (and contending that he could make out the 50% share only by calculating the shares of NIHPL held by M/s. Fashion Wears Private Ltd.

, which have been forbidden by the order dated F 22. 01. 1998). We call upon the contemnor to show cause regarding the punishment to be imposed on him for which he shall be present in this Court on 29th November, 2001. I. A. No. 6 in C. P. (C) No. 209/1998 in C. A. No. 366/1998. Dismissed as withdrawn. G List all matters on 29th November, 2001. ” 4. It appears, that subsequently the matter was settled between the parties and the parties had placed on record the Minutes of the Consent Order. It will be apposite to reproduce the entire order passed th by this Court on 12 December 2001:- H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 397 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] “The following cases are pending between the parties who A are parties in the present proceedings before us one way or the other. We are told that all the parties have settled their disputes in respect of all the litigations specified below. 1. O. S. No. 3535 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. B 2. O. S. No.

3578 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. 3. O. S. No. 1105 of 1998 before the Bombay High Court. C 4. O. S. No. 3469 of 1996 before the Bombay High Court. 5. O. S. No. 1792 of 1998 before the Bombay High Court. 6. O. S. No. 320 of 1991 before the Bombay High Court. D 7. Company Petition No. 28 of 1992 Before the Principal Bench, Company Law Board, New Delhi. 8. Arbitration Suit No. 5110 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. E Today they filed a document styled it as “MINUTES OF CONSENT ORDER” signed by all the parties. Learned counsel appearing on both sides submitted that all the parties have signed this document. Today except Mona Narang and Ramona Narang (two ladies), all the rest of the parties are F present before us when these proceedings are dictated. As for Mona Narang and Ramona Narang learned counsel submitted that Mona Narang had affixed the signatures and the power of attorney holder of Ramona Narang has signed the above document in his presence. This is recorded.

G Both sides agreed that all the suits can be disposed of in terms of the settlement evidenced by “MINUTES OF CONSENT ORDER” produced before us. For disposal of those cases and/or for passing decrees in them we have to pronounce the final formal order in terms of the settlement now produced before us. H 398 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A We, therefore, withdraw all the aforesaid suits to this Court under Article 139-A of the Constitution of India. Prothonotory and Senior Master of the Bombay High Court are directed to transmit the records in the above mentioned suits by special messenger to this court so as to reach the B Registry here within ten days from today. The Bench Officer of the Principal Bench of the Company Law Board, New Delhi is directed to forward the records relating to Company Petition No. 28 of 1992 to the Registry of this Court so as to reach the Registry within ten days from today.

C All the parties have undertaken before us that they will implement the terms of the “MINUTES OF CONSENT ORDER” on or before 1. 1. 2002 and that no further time will be sought for in the matter. Clause (f) of the compromise relates to the operation of the bank accounts. That clause will come into force from today D onwards. All the afore-mentioned suits and the company petition will be posted for final formal orders on 8. 1. 2002 at 10. 30 a. m. along with these contempt proceedings. ” E 5. The matter came up again before this Court on 8th January 2002. This Court passed the order thus:-th “Pursuant to the order dated 12 December, 2001 the following suits and company petition have been transmitted to this court and they are on the file of this court now and F registered as Transferred Cases Nos. 1 to 8 of 2002: 1. O. S. No. 3535 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. 2. O. S. No. 3578 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. G 3. O. S. No. 1105 of 1998 before the Bombay High Court. 4. O.

S. No. 3469 of 1996 before the Bombay High Court. H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 399 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] 5. O. S. No. 1792 of 1998 before the Bombay High A Court. 6. O. S. No. 320 of 1991 before the Bombay High Court. 7. Company Petition No. 28 of 1992 Before the Principal Bench, Company Law Board, New Delhi. B 8. Arbitration Suit No. 5110 of 1994 before the Bombay High Court. All the above are now being disposed of in terms of the Minutes of Consent Order incorporated in the proceedings passed by us on 12. 12. 2001. C The decree will be drawn up in terms of the Minutes of the Consent Order. In regard to the property (64, Sunder Nagar, New Delhi) which is the subject matter for O. S. No. 3578/1994 of the High Court of Bombay Rama Narang, who is present in court, gives an D undertaking that the same would be transferred with clear and marketable title to Rajesh Narang or his nominee on or before 31. 03. 2002. This undertaking is recorded.

In the light of the above developments we deem it necessary to drop the steps against Rama Narang for contempt pursuant E to the order of this court dated 2. 11. 2001. We order so. Similarly all other contempt petitions are dropped and IAs and Transferred Cases are disposed of. ” It will also be relevant to refer to the Minutes of the Consent F Order, which is a family settlement between all the members of the family including the parties herein:- “1. Ramesh’s Suit No. 3535 of 1994 [for specific performance of family settlement] both pending in the Bombay High Court to be decreed and implemented forthwith. G 2. Ramesh’s Suit No. 1105 of 1998 [Fashion Wears] opening in the Bombay High Court to be decreed and implemented forthwith; 19184 shared held by FWPL in NIHL are validly transferred to Ramesh on 27th June 1992 and Ramesh having already transferred 5194 (12%) shares in the joint names of H 400 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R.

st A Rama and Ramesh on 21 May 1990 directed by order of this th Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 4 May 1999. It is clarified and agreed that the transfer of 142 additional shares by th Ramesh on 24 May 1999 to the joint names of Rama and Ramesh is void and the said 142 shares stand restored to the name of Ramesh. The purported transfer of shares by Rama B th th on 14 May 1999 in compliance with order dated 4 May 1999 is void. It is further clarified that the transfer by Rama th of 3998 shares to Ramesh pursuant to order dated 4 May 1999 is void and the said 3998 shares stand restored to the joint names of Mohini, Rama and Mona. It is also clarified C that Ramesh, Rajesh and Rakesh shall have no objection to the transfer of 403 shares held by FWPL in NIHL to Rama. 3.

The following directions issued by this Hon’ble Supreme Court in the above matter are re-affirmed and agreed to by the parties as follows:- D th (a) With effect from 4 May, 1999 Rama, Ramesh and Rajesh are the only Directors of NIHL (and its subsidiaries). Any increase in the Board of Directors shall be with the mutual consent of Rama and Ramesh/Rajesh. E (b) None of the Directors (Rama, Ramesh and Rajesh) can be removed from directorship. (c) Rama and Ramesh shall continue to be in joint management and control of NIHL and Rajesh shall continue to be the Permanent Whole Time Director F thereof in charge of day to day operations/ management. (d) No decision shall be adopted concerning or affecting the said Company (and its subsidiaries) without the consent of Rama and Ramesh (or Rajesh) G in writing.

It is further clarified and agreed that save and except as provided herein no prevailing decisions including appointment of Directors/Executives or any other persons shall continue unless Rama and Ramesh (or Rajesh) consent to the same in writing. H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 401 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] (e) All the collections coming in cash shall continue to A be remitted in the bank accounts of the Company and all transactions will only be made in the form of cheques and/or as may hereafter be agreed to between Rama and Ramesh (or Rajesh). (f) All bank accounts of the Company shall continue to B be operated jointly by any two out of the three Directors namely Rama, Ramesh and Rajesh and/or as may hereafter be agreed to between Rama and Ramesh (or Rajesh). If the amount of any transaction exceeds Rs. 10 (ten) lacs the same shall be C undertaken through a cheque signed jointly by Rama and Ramesh/Rajesh.

(g) All statutory record of the Company [and its subsidiaries] including minutes of Directors Meetings and/or Shareholders Meetings shall be valid only if D signed jointly by Rama and Ramesh or Rajesh. (h). The remuneration and perquisites to which Rama, Ramesh and Rajesh shall be entitled as Directors with effect from 4th May 1999 shall be the maximum permissible under the provisions of the Companies E Act, 1956 and which shall be divided/allocated between them in equal shares as provided and/or as may hereafter be agreed to between Rama and Ramesh [or Rajesh]. ” 4. Rahul’s Suit No. 3469 of 1996 and Rama’s Suit No. 1792 of 1998 both pending in the Bombay High Court to be F withdrawn. 5. Ramesh’s Company Petition No. 28 of 1992 pending before the Company Law Board, New Delhi to be withdrawn. 6. Rakesh’s Suit No. 320 of 1991 [who is part of the Rama G Group] to be compromised and implemented as follows: “a. Rama shall transfer 5410 shares in NIHL to the sole name of Rakesh. b.

Rama Group agree and undertake to restore to Rakesh his residential accommodation on the third floor of the H 402 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A bungalow at 40, Pali Hill, Bandra, Bombay and consent to carry out all additions and alterations required by him therein. ” In consideration of the above Rakesh hereby agrees and undertakes to ratify and confirm and implement the family settlement B and do all the acts, deeds and things required in that purpose including; “a. Transfer 1000 equity shares held by Rakesh in Narang Overseas Private Limited to Rajesh. b. Confirm his retirement as partner in the firm of United C Corporation and withdraw his claims referred to arbitration in Arbitration Suit No. 5110 of 1994. c. Consent to the transfer of entire undertaking of Bull Worker Private Limited from FWPL to the Manu Group. d. Consent to hive off land at Marol, Sahar, Bombay owned D by NIHL admeasuring about 45105. 70 square meters to the Manu Group. e.

Consent to hive off ownership and possession of the property at 64, Sunder Nagar, New Delhi to Rajesh. ” E 7. All the above is to be performed by the Rama Group before 01. 01. 2002. 8. Matter to be listed before this Hon’ble Court on 08. 01. 2002. ” 6. Perusal of the family settlement would reveal, that insofar as F Narang International Hotel Limited (hereinafter referred to as ‘NIHL’) and its subsidiaries are concerned, Rama Narang, Ramesh Narang and Rajesh Narang were to be the only Directors. Any decision by the Board of Directors was to be taken only by the mutual consent of Rama Narang on one hand and Ramesh and Rajesh, on the other hand. The settlement G also provided, that none of the Directors i. e. Rama Narang, Ramesh Narang and Rajesh Narang could be removed from the Directorship.

Rama Narang and Ramesh Narang were continued to be in joint management and control of NIHL and Rajesh Narang was continued to be whole time Director In-Charge of day-to-day operations and management of NIHL. It also provided, that no decision shall be taken H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 403 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] concerning the said NIHL and its subsidiaries, without the consent of A Rama Narang on one hand and Ramesh/Rajesh on the other hand. It is further provided, that all bank accounts of the Company have to be operated jointly by any two of the three Directors as agreed between Rama Narang and Ramesh/Rajesh. It further provided, that if amount of any transaction was exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs, then the same could be B undertaken only through a cheque singed jointly by Rama Narang on one hand and Ramesh or Rajesh on the other hand. 7.

It appears, that though the matter was settled between the parties in terms of Minutes of Consent Order as recorded in the orders th th dated 12 December 2001 and 8 January 2002, passed by this Court, C there was no quietus to the dispute between the parties. Rama Narang alleging, that Ramesh and Rajesh had violated the terms of the Consent Order stipulated in Clause 3 (c), (d), (e) and (f) of the Minutes of the Consent Order, filed a contempt petition being Contempt Petition(C) No. 148 of 2003 in Contempt Petition (C) Nos. 265-67 of 1999 in Contempt Petition (C) No. 209 of 1998 in CA No. 366 of 1998. It was D the case of the petitioner Rama Narang, that the violations of the Consent Order by Ramesh and Rajesh amounted to clear disobedience of the th th orders dated 12 December 2001 and 8 January 2002 and thus punishable under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. This Court had initiated contempt proceedings against the respondents vide order dated th E 15 September 2003.

This Court had also requested Justice V. A. Mohta, retired Chief Justice of Orissa High Court to act as a Mediator for settlement of disputes between the parties. However, despite serious efforts made by the Learned Mediator, the settlement could not be arrived at. F 8. A preliminary objection was taken regarding the maintainability of the abovesaid contempt petition. According to the respondents Ramesh and Rajesh, in the absence of any undertaking given to the Court, this Court could not exercise its jurisdiction on mere violation of the terms of the Consent Order. The respondents had contended, that the order dated th th 12 December 2001, had merged in the order dated 8 January 2002 G and that they had implemented the said order. A three-Judge Bench of 1 this Court in Rama Narang v. Ramesh Narang and Another rejected these objections raised by the respondents with regard to maintainability 1 (2006) 11 SCC 114 H 404 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A of the contempt petition.

It will be relevant to refer to the following observations of this Court:- “33. In the present case, the consent terms arrived at between the parties were incorporated in the orders passed by the Court on 12-12-2001 [Ramesh Narang (1) v. Rama Narang, B (2009) 16 SCC 631] and 8-1-2002 [Ramesh Narang (2) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC 600] . The decree as drawn up shows that order dated 8-1-2002 [Ramesh Narang (2) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC 600] was to be ‘punctually observed and carried into execution by all concerned’. A violation of the terms of the consent order would amount to a C violation of the Court’s orders dated 12-12-2001 [Ramesh Narang (1) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC 631] and 8-1- 2002 [Ramesh Narang (2) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC 600] and, therefore, be punishable under the first limb of Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The question D whether the respondents should not be held guilty of contempt because of any earlier confusion in the law reflected in Babu Ram Gupta case [(1980) 3 SCC 47 : 1980 SCC (Cri) 527] is a question which must be left for decision while disposing of the contempt petition on merits. It may be argued as an extenuating or mitigating factor once the respondents are held E guilty of contempt. The submission does not pertain to the maintainability of the petition for contempt. The preliminary objection raised by the respondents regarding the non-maintainability of the petition for contempt is, for the reasons stated, dismissed. ” F 9. After the preliminary objections raised by the respondents were rejected, the aforesaid contempt petition was heard by this Court on merits. The main allegations against the respondents with regard to violation of Clause 3 (c), are thus:- (a) that the high value contracts were executed by issuing G multiple cheques under the value of Rs.

10 lakhs, though, the contract amount was much more. It was done so as to overcome the requirement, that for a transaction worth more than rupees ten lakhs, the cheques had to bear joint signatures of Rama Narang on one hand and Ramesh or Rajesh on the other hand; H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 405 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] (b) the vital information with regard to management of the A Company was withheld and as such the Company was managed to the complete exclusion of Rama; (c) settlement with trade union was unilaterally undertaken by the respondents and the petitioner was only asked to sign the enhanced salary cheques, which the petitioner refused B as he was not consulted; and (d) it was also alleged, that the respondents had taken unilateral decisions with regard to appointment and promotion of senior executives and as such, had acted in clear violation of Clause 3 (d). C 10. The respondents had filed response to the said contempt petition.

It was contended on behalf of the respondents, that the petitioner was deriving undue advantage from the alleged technical breach of the consent terms; which too was based on interpretation of the consent terms contrary to the mutual understanding of the parties. It was D submitted, that the petitioner was attempting to stall the functioning of the company by trying to use the veto power. It was submitted, that it was never the intention of the parties, that the petitioner should enjoy the veto power over the company transactions having value of more than Rs. 10 lakhs and create a deadlock. E 11. However, the Court did not find favour with the submissions made by the respondents and while rejecting the respondent’s contention, th this Court in its judgment and order dated 15 March 2007 reported as 2 Rama Narang (V) v. Ramesh Narang and Another , observed thus:- “32.

The object of entering into consent terms and jointly F filing the undertaking was to run the family business harmoniously with the active participation of all as a family business but the respondents had taken absolute control of the Company NIHL to the total exclusion of the petitioner. All the management decisions and other decisions affecting the Company were taken by the respondent Rajesh Narang, the G whole-time Director under the guise of the day-to-day operation/management in clear violation of Clause 3(c) of the consent terms which clearly states that Rama Narang and Ramesh Narang shall continue to be in joint management and 2 (2009) 16 SCC 126 H 406 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A control. The parties gave undertaking to the Court regarding the consent terms. 33. The respondents have erroneously submitted that joint management and control of the Company means giving veto power to the petitioner.

According to the terms of undertaking B the petitioner and the respondents were under an obligation to run the Company harmoniously with the active participation of all as a family business but unfortunately the respondents have taken absolute control to the total exclusion of the petitioner. This is contrary to the terms of the undertaking given to this Court. ” C 12. This Court while convicting the present respondents under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act observed thus:- “52. We have carefully perused the undertaking given by the parties to the Court and orders of this Court dated 12-12- 2001 [Ramesh Narang (1) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC D 631] and 8-1-2002 [Ramesh Narang (2) v. Rama Narang, (2009) 16 SCC 600] based on the undertaking of the parties given to this Court and other relevant facts and circumstances.

According to our considered view the respondents are clearly guilty of committing contempt of court by deliberate and wilful E disobedience of the undertaking given by them to this Court. In this view of the matter, in order to maintain sanctity of the orders of this Court, the respondents must receive appropriate punishment for deliberately flouting the orders of this Court. 53. Consequently, we convict the respondents under Section 2(b) of F the Contempt of Courts Act and sentence them to a simple imprisonment for a period of two months. We further impose a fine of Rs 2000 to be deposited by each of them within one week failing which they shall further undergo imprisonment for one month. ” 13. It will also be relevant to refer to para (54) of the said judgment 3 th G and order passed by this Court in Rama Narang (V) (supra) dated 15 March 2007:- “54.

We are also not oblivious of the fact that immediately sending the respondents to jail would create total chaos in the Company 3 (2009) 16 SCC 126 H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 407 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] which would also vitally affect the interests of large number A of people including the employees of the Company. Therefore, while keeping in view the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, the sentence of imprisonment imposed on the respondents is kept in abeyance. We further direct the parties to meticulously comply with the undertakings given by them B to this Court. In case similar violation of the undertakings given to this Court is brought to the notice of the Court, in that event, the respondents shall be sent to jail forthwith to serve out the sentence imposed in this case. ” 14.

It could thus be seen, that though this Court held the respondents C guilty of contempt, taking into consideration the fact that immediately sending the respondents to jail would create total chaos in the Company and it would also vitally affect the interest of large number of people including the employees of the Company, the sentence of imprisonment imposed on the respondents was kept in abeyance. This Court further directed the parties to meticulously comply with the undertaking given D by them to the Court. It was further observed by the Court, that in case, similar violations of the undertaking given to this Court, was brought to the notice of this Court, the respondents shall be sent to jail forthwith to serve out the sentence imposed in the said case. 15. It appears, that the dispute between the parties not only E continued but got aggravated.

Contending that on account of non-cooperation by Rama, the functioning of the Company had come to a standstill, Ramesh filed Company Petition No. 47 of 2008 before the Company Law Board, New Delhi (hereinafter referred to as ‘CLB’). It was contended in the said company petition, that due to non-cooperation F by Rama in signing cheques, the employees could not be paid their salaries from November 2007 onwards. It was also contended, that bills for payment to supplier could also not be paid, due to which, the entire functioning of the various units of the Company had been seriously th affected. On 14 March 2008, the CLB directed the board meeting of th NIHL to be held on 24 March 2008 at 11. 00 AM in the registered G office of the Company. Each of the three Directors were also directed to circulate a list of items, that they desired to discuss in the meeting, to th the Directors by 18 March 2008. The CLB also appointed Shri C. R.

Das, Former Member of CLB as Observer, to observe the proceedings of the said meeting. In the said proceedings, Ramesh also filed CA No. 194 H 408 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. th A of 2008 on 20 March 2008, pointing out therein, that due to non-payment of salaries/wages for the months of December 2007 and January 2008, about two hundred workers at Delhi Flight Catering Unit of the Company had stopped the work and started protest and agitation. th 16. When the matter was listed before CLB on 7 April 2008, the B CLB found, that though the Board met on two consecutive dates totally for fifteen hours, not a single decision had been taken, in view of each one holding of his own views/opinion. From the Report of the Observer, the CLB found, that all the three Directors had adopted a rigid stand resulting in complete deadlock. The CLB found, that in the proceedings under Section 397/398 of the Companies Act, 1956, it was the interest of C the Company, which was paramount.

The CLB noticed, that due to differences among the Directors, many operational issues like payment of salaries/wages, payment to supplier etc. were pending, leading to agitation by employees and irregularities in supply. The CLB found it appropriate, that till the petition was disposed of, as an interim measure, D in the interests of the Company and more than 3000 employees/workers, there should be a mechanism by which the day-to-day operations of the Company were carried on without any hitch. The CLB thus passed the th following order on 10 April 2008:- “8. Accordingly, as I indicated during the hearing, I appoint Shri Justice Arvind V. Savant, Former Chief Justice of Kerala E High Court, who has given his consent, as the Facilitator (Mobile No. …….. ).

As the Facilitator, he would try to bring about a consensus among the directors on matters which are urgent and essential to ensure that the business of the Company is carried on smoothly and in case a consensus is not possible, F taking into consideration the views of the three Directors, he will take a final decision which will be binding on the Directors and the Company. I make it abundantly clear that his role will be limited only to operational matters, like, issues relating to workers/employees of all categories, issues relating to suppliers/supply contracts, urgent repairs to equipments G etc. These are only illustrative. It will be within his competence to decide considering the spirit of this order that the business of the company should be carried on smoothly till the petition is disposed of, which are urgent/essential operational issues. ” H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 409 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] th 17.

Alleging, that the order passed by CLB dated 10 April 2008, A th was violative of the order of this Court dated 15 March 2007 and nothing but an attempt to legalize their conduct of contempt, the petitioner approached this Court by the present contempt petition. th 18. It appears, from the Record of Proceedings, that on 15 December 2008, this Court had heard the counsel for the parties and B reserved the order. The contempt petition was listed before this Court th on 10 February 2009 and on the said date, this Court passed the following order:- “We have perused the order dated 27. 01. 2009. th C On 15 December, 2008, this Court heard learned counsel for the parties at length and reserved the order. Before this Court could pronounce the order, IA No. 1 of 2008 was filed by respondent No. 1 in which a prayer was made to th recall the order dated 15 December, 2008. In the said IA D what has been incorporated in para No.

2 is reproduced hereunder: “Instructions had duly been taken that the Hon’ble Court be requested to kindly hear the Contempt Petition on merits. On 15. 12. 2008, Mr. Nariman, learned Senior Counsel, who E has been appearing in the matter could not be present for personal reasons. In order not to inconvenience the other side and this Hon’ble Court, another learned Senior Counsel had been briefed to argue the case. On that day, your Lordships were pleased to observe that in case Mr. Nariman was available on another day, your Lordships might consider F adjourning the matter for a day or two and the availability of Mr. Nariman was sought. However, regrettably, on an erroneous impression, a statement was made without consulting Mr. Nariman that he would not be available till January, 2009. ” G In the interest of justice, we deem it appropriate to recall the th order dated 15 December, 2008. We order accordingly. th List this matter on Friday, the 20 February, 2009 before another Bench.

” H 410 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. th A 19. The matter thereafter came up before this Court on 9 April th 2009. Perusal of the order dated 9 April 2009, would reveal, that this Court, on a query found, that for the last one decade, the Company has not filed its returns under the Income Tax Act. It also found, that the Books of Accounts had not been prepared and/or audited. It was also found, that the requisite financial statements had not been filed before B the Registrar of Companies. The Court noticed, that none of the authorities had taken any action under the Companies Act or under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Court therefore, called for the status of the matter pending before the Income Tax Authorities. The Court, in order to protect the interest of the Revenue as well as the workmen, as the first step, directed C M/s K. P. M. G. Chartered Accountants to prepare financial accounts after verifying the Books.

The Court directed both the parties to sign the accounts, without prejudice to their rights and contentions. The Chartered Accountant was also directed to consult both the sides. The matter was th directed to be kept on 13 July 2009. th D 20. On 13 July 2009, again this Court passed a detailed order. The perusal thereof shows, that the Court directed the Registrar of Companies and Chief Commissioner of Income Tax to be impleaded in the proceedings. The Court also observed, that it would also like to know from the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, as to what action has been taken against the Company with regard to dues under the Income E Tax Act. The Court also wanted to know as to why assessment has not been done for all the years, particularly, when the Return/Accounts have not been filed by the Company. The matter was directed to be listed by st st this Court thereafter on 21 July 2009.

On 21 July 2009, the Court considered the Status Report submitted before it, by the Chief F Commissioner of Income Tax. Apology was tendered to the Court by the Registrar of Companies for not taking action under the Companies Act. The Court recorded, that both these officers have assured to take action in accordance with law. The Court also noticed, that apart from non-compliance of the statutory provisions, the Books of Accounts had not been audited by the Auditors of Company. The Court therefore, in G order to set the house in order and particularly, keeping in mind the interest of 3000 workmen as well as exchequer, while invoking powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, appointed an independent Director, who was to look into the financial management of the Company and submit his report to this Court from time to time, on the state of the Company’s Accounts and due compliance of the statutory provisions of H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 411 [B. R. GAVAI, J.

] the Companies Act and Income Tax Act. He was also requested to A suggest steps for good corporate governance, including financial management in future. The Court therefore, requested Shri Homi Ranina, a Tax Expert to accept the assignment and submit the Status Report to this Court, so that appropriate directions could be issued. From the perusal of the order, it appears, that this Court was more concerned with putting B the house in order before taking the contempt petition for hearing. st 21. This Court, however, clarified in its order dated 21 July 2009, that the same will not come in the way of functioning of Shri Arvind Savant, Former Chief Justice of Kerala High Court as Facilitator appointed by the CLB. C 22. The contempt petition thereafter came up before this Court th on 29 July 2009.

By an order passed on the said date, this Court requested Shri Ranina to take charge as independent Director and further clarified that the same would be confinedonly in the context of compliance of the provisions of the Companies Act as well as the Income Tax Act. D By the said order, this Court directed M/s BSR & Company, Chartered Accountants to prepare and audit the accounts of the Company and observed, that its function will not overlap with the functioning of the Facilitator, who was free to proceed in accordance with law. The Court further found, that the regular meetings in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act have not been held and therefore, charted out the E functions to be undertaken by Shri Ranina who was appointed as an st independent Director vide order dated 21 July 2009.

The directions in nutshell are thus:- (i) Shri Ranina will convene an informal meeting of all the concerned parties including M/s BSR & Company and at F the said meeting, Shri Ranina was to act only as an advisor and not as an independent Director of the Company; (ii) After going through the relevant papers, Shri Ranina was to convene one more meeting in which he was to suggest mode of his induction into the Company as an independent G Director. It was further clarified that, Shri Ranina was not to be subjected to prosecution which the Court had directed st in its earlier order dated 21 July 2009 with regard to the action to be taken by the Registrar of Companies against the Directors for violation of the provisions of Companies Act; H 412 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A (iii) The BSR & Company was to update and audit the Accounts of the Company.

If the BSR & Company found any impediment, they were to report to Shri Ranina, who in turn, was to try to resolve the problem himself in the first instance and if not, to submit a report to this Court; B (iv) The BSR & Company would also submit the reports on the status of the accounts from time to time to Shri Ranina. In case, Shri Ranina found any impediment or difficulty in carrying out the orders passed by the Court, he would submit Status Report to this Court through Shri Parag Tripathi. th C 23. The matter thereafter came up before this Court on 14 December 2009. This Court noted, that the Accounts of the Company st stood duly audited upto 31 March 2006, whereas accounts of the st subsidiary Companies stood audited upto 31 March 2009. The Court further noted, that as on that date, there was no compliance of the provisions of Section 212 of the Companies Act. The Court extended D st the time for filing of accounts before Registrar of Companies upto 31 January 2010.

The Court therefore directed, that the proceedings shall remain pending till further orders. 24. By the same order, the Court appointed Shri Habib Rehman, Expert in Hotel Management, to advise Shri Ranina from time to time. It E further directed, that in the event of any dispute between the Directors, the decision taken by Shri H. P. Ranina in consultation with Shri Habib Rehman, shall be final and binding on Board of Directors. The matter th was thereafter listed before this Court on 16 April 2010. In the said th order, the Court noted, that pursuant to its order dated 8 February 2010, th the Registrar of Companies had submitted a report on 26 March 2010. F It was found, that the Register of Directors maintained by the Company was not in conformity with the Court orders/Resolutions, passed by the Board or Company during the period right from 1990. The court therefore authorised Shri H. P.

Ranina to update the said Register of Directors and bring it in conformity with the Court Orders and Resolutions passed by G the Board. The said order was passed by the Court without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties appearing before the Court. 25. Thereafter, the matter came up for hearing before the Court rd on 3 May 2010. By order on said date, the Court appointed Shri Syed Habibur Rehman as an independent Director to manage the affairs of H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 413 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] the Hotel and the flight kitchens on day-to-day basis. M/s J. G. Verma & A Co. was directed to be appointed as Tax Auditors of the Company in place of M/s BSR & Company. It was clarified that Shri Habibur Rehman was appointed as an independent Director and shall not be prosecuted for any violation of the statutory provision. Thereafter, the matter was th listed before this Court on 6 August 2010.

By order on said date, the B Court noticed the earlier proceedings and observed, that although number of steps were taken; even as on that day, the signing of the Accounts remained pending because of the family disputes between the father and the sons. The Court noticed, that at the end of the day, the position remained that some of the provisions of the Companies Act were not complied with and the Accounts remained unsigned. The Court therefore C th directed the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, 37 Court, Mumbai, to expedite the hearing and finally dispose of the cases pending before him. The Court by the said order dispensed with the services of Shri H. P. Ranina and Shri Syed Habibur Rehman. 26. In the parallel proceedings before the CLB, Rama Narang D had filed Company Application No. 57 of 2011 in Company Petition No. 47 of 2008, praying for the discharge of the Facilitator Retired Justice Arvind V.

Savant, on the ground of collusion with the petitioner and the respondent before the CLB. The Court found no substance in the allegation made by Shri Rama Narang and therefore, dismissed the said E CA by imposing exemplary cost of Rs. 1,00,000/. It will be relevant to refer to paragraph (7) of the order dated 22nd February 2011, as under:- “7. I therefore dismiss CA 57/2011 while awarding an exemplary cost of Rs. one lakh against R-2. The cost so awarded shall be deposited by R-2 in the High Court Legal F Aid Committee, New Delhi within a week from today. The Facilitator shall now proceed to fix a date for holding meeting of the Board of Directors for ensuring statutory compliances and also for acting in furtherance of directions contained in the Order dated 10. 04. 2008,12. 10. 2010 and 22. 11. 2010 and send a status report as directed by me in the Order dated G 6. 1. 2011. ” 27. It further appears from the record, that Rajesh-respondent No.

2 herein, who was a whole-time Director, filed Company Application No. 223 of 2011 before the CLB in pending Company Petition No. 47 of 2008. It was contended on behalf of the applicant in the application, that H 414 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A due to non-cooperative attitude of the respondent i. e. the petitioner herein, the entire functioning of the Company had come to a standstill. It was further averred, that Rama was making every attempt to put hindrance in the day to day functioning of the company. As such certain necessary directions were sought in the interest of the Company so also its workers.

th On 28 April 2011, the CLB after considering the rival contentions, passed B the following order:- “On an overall consideration of the factual scenario while rejecting the objection raised by learned senior counsel for R-2 as to the locus of the applicant and considering the complete, repeated, persistent and deliberate non-cooperation C by R-2 in the smooth functioning of R-1 company and also to regulate the conduct of the company’s affairs I deem it fit to grant the relief as prayed for in CA No. 223/2011 and order that pending the hearing and final disposal of C. P. No. 47/08 and in addition to the directions already made in C. P. No. 47/ D 08, in the event of dispute/ disagreement inter se between the Directors in the Board Meeting on any items on the agenda, a decision shall be taken by the Facilitator which shall be final and binding on the Board of Directors and the company.

With the paramount object of smooth running of R-1 the Facilitator is further empowered to sign cheques/minutes and E statutory records in case of disagreement between or refusal by any of the Directors or inability of the Board to take a decision. Before signing any cheque/ minutes/statutory records the Facilitator shall record reasons for not agreeing with the dissenting Director/s or agreeing with the assenting Director/ F s. ” 28. It appears from the record, that in the emergent situation i. e. not making payment of electricity bills and the resultant possibility of electricity supply of the Hotel being disconnected, Company Application No. 610 of 2011 was mentioned before the CLB. It was brought to the notice of the CLB, that the Facilitator was not able to function and operate G th smoothly and therefore, vide order dated 29 November 2011, the CLB, as a temporary measure, appointed Shri H. S.

Acharya as a Special Officer-cum-Advisor, in addition to the Facilitator already appointed. The CLB further directed, that since the present Facilitator has stayed th his hands from exercising additional powers given vide order dated 28 H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 415 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] April 2011, the said powers could be exercised by Shri Acharya until A further orders. th 29. Thereafter, by an order dated 30 April 2015, the CLB passed the following order:- “16. Therefore, for the reasons stated above, I hereby appoint B Mr. H. P. Ranina as Facilitator cum Advisor by removing Mr. H. S. Acharya as Administrator cum Advisor. Mr. Ranina has to act as Facilitator cum Advisor with the powers that were conferred upon on Mr. Acharya by CLB when he was made as Facilitator cum Advisor. It is made clear that Mr. Ranina will not go beyond the powers conferred upon when Mr. C Acharya was appointed by CLB through orders dated 29. 11.

2011, R1 Company shall not close down flight catering units without prior permission from Company Law Board. ” It could thus be seen, that by the said order, CLB appointed Shri H. P. Ranina as Facilitator-cum-Advisor in place of Shri H. S. Acharya D with all the powers that Shri Acharya had as a Facilitator-cum-Advisor. 30. It appears from the record of this Court, that the contempt petition was listed before various Benches of this Court on various dates. th On 15 March 2016, this court found, that the business of the Company had come to a standstill and therefore, it was of the tentative view, that E it was a fit case where the Company may be wound up. The Department of Corporate Affairs therefore was directed to make an enquiry/ investigation into the affairs of the Company and submit its report to the th Court within a period of four weeks.

On 19 April 2016, this Court granted further eight weeks’ time to enable the Department of Corporate Affairs to make necessary enquiry and submit a report in terms of the F th order dated 15 March 2016. This Court also observed, that it would be open to the parties to settle the matter and make a mention of the Terms th of Settlement before this Court. On 19 July 2016, this Court directed the report of the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to be made available to the counsel for both the sides. G It further observed, that if so required, on the next date, the Court will proceed to appoint an independent Board/Committee to run the affairs of the Company until appropriate solution to the present impasse between th the Directors is arrived at. On 16 August 2016, the Court directed the contempt petition to be listed for final disposal in the month of November H 416 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A 2016.

It further ordered, that without prejudice to the rights of the respective parties, the present arrangement for running the affairs of th the Company will continue until further orders. On 29 November 2016, the matter was directed to be adjourned sine die. 31. From the documents placed on record, it appears, that in the B meantime, the meeting of the Board of Directors of NIHL was held on th 30 April 2019. From the Minutes of the Meeting, it would appear, that one of the subjects that came up for discussion before the Board of Directors, was with regard to sale of the Companies’ property at 40 Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Bandra property’) so as to tide over the financial crisis. From the perusal of the C Minutes of the Meeting, it could be seen, that it is stated therein, that the Bandra property was only non-business asset of the Company.

It is further stated in the Minutes of the Meeting, that if funds were not available, it would result in closure of the Company’s Flight Catering Business, which would result in over 3000 persons losing their livelihood as well as create D serious financial and legal challenges. It was suggested in the said Meeting, that on the sale of the Bandra property, an amount of Rs. 351 crore could be received from Maverick Realty & Developers LLP. In the said Meeting, the petitioner was also asked by the respondent No. 1 as well as the Facilitator, as to whether the petitioner had any other suggestions to offer so as to tide over the financial crisis.

However, the E petitioner refused to offer any suggestion, as such under the directions of the Facilitator, the following resolutions came to be passed:- “RESOLVED THAT pursuant to applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 as amended from time to time (including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof) and any F other applicable rules, regulations, laws, circulars, the Company do sell its right, title and interest in the property/ non business asset comprising of land admeasuring 2,530 (Two Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty) square meters or thereabouts along with Bungalow situated at 40 Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai CTS No. 1345/46/47/48, to Maverick G Realty & Developers LLP for a consideration of Rs. 351,00,00,000/- (Rupees Three Hundred and Fifty One Crores Only) exclusive of stamp duty, registration charges and applicable taxes based on vacant and peaceful possession of the said property being made available to the said buyer, H RAMA NARANG v.

RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 417 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] and on such other terms and conditions as may be agreed to A between Maverick Realty & Developers LLP and Mr. Ramesh Narang, Joint Managing Director of the Company. RESOLVED FURTHER THAT Mr. Ramesh Narang, Joint Managing Director of the Company, be and is hereby authorized to execute, sign, register, modify, required definitive B agreements, documents, papers, deeds, letters, writing, forms etc. and to do all such acts, deeds, matters and things as may be required to give effect to the above Resolution. ” 32. As per the said Resolutions, the petitioner as well as the respondent No. 1 were required to vacate the said property. However, C since the petitioner along with his other family members did not vacate the premises, IA No. 87565 of 2019 came to be filed seeking directions to the petitioner along with his family members to vacate the said property. The said IA also came to be listed before various Benches of this Court.

However, the matter came to be adjourned from time to time. IA as well th D as the contempt petition was listed before us on 4 December 2020. On the said date, we informed the learned counsel for the parties, that we would hear the main contempt petition as well as the IA for directions simultaneously. Accordingly, we have heard the learned counsel for the parties on the main contempt petition as well as the IA for directions at th th length on 10 December 2020 and 11 December 2020. E 33. Shri Jaideep Gupta, the learned Senior Counsel opened the arguments on behalf of the contempt petitioner. The learned Senior Counsel submitted, that the perusal of the orders passed by this Court th th dated 12 December 2001 and 8 January 2002, would reveal, that the respondents were required to run the affairs of NIHL jointly along with F the petitioner. However, they were running the affairs of the Company totally to the exclusion of the present petitioner.

It was further submitted, 4 that this Court in the judgment reported in Rama Narang (supra) had clearly held, that the contempt petition at the behest of present petitioner against the present respondents was very much tenable. He further G submitted, that not only this, but the judgment of this Court reported in 5 Rama Narang (V) (supra) would clearly show, that this Court in unequivocal terms has held, that the present respondents had acted in breach of the undertaking given to this Court. It is submitted, that though 4 (2006) 11 SCC 114 5 (2009) 16 SCC 126 H 418 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A the respondents were required to run the affairs of NIHL jointly with the present petitioner, it was clearly found, that they had acted in breach of the orders of the Court and were running the business totally to the exclusion of the petitioner.

The learned Senior Counsel submitted, that the acts which are alleged to be contemptuous in nature, in the present proceedings, are identical with the acts which are found to be B th contemptuous in the judgment of this Court dated 15 March 2007. He submitted, that in spite of having been held guilty, similar acts have been th continued by the respondents even after 15 March 2007. He submitted, th that in view of the findings of this Court in its judgment dated 15 March 2007, for the reasons recorded therein, the present respondents are C required to be held guilty for committing contempt of this Court and be punished in accordance with law. 34. With regard to the application for directions filed by the respondent No. 1 herein, Shri Jaideep Gupta submitted, that such an application was not tenable in the contempt proceedings initiated by the D petitioner. He submitted, that as a matter of fact, the CLB has no jurisdiction to pass an order of a nature as passed by it.

It is submitted, that when there was settlement between the parties which has a seal of approval by this Court, the respondents could not have initiated the proceedings before the CLB. He submitted, that in any case, the petitioner had taken objection with regard to maintainability of the proceedings E before the CLB and the CLB, without deciding the issue regarding tenability, had passed the interim orders. It is therefore submitted, that the reliance placed by the respondents on the orders passed by CLB is of no assistance to their case. 35. Shri Kapil Sibal, the learned Senior Counsel made his F submissions in reply to the contempt petition and in support of the application for directions. He submitted, that originally Narang’s family consisted of three brothers, namely Manu, Rama and Rohit. He submitted, that the Terms of Settlement between various members of the family rd was recorded by an order passed by the Bombay High Court on 3 July 1997.

He submitted, that the proceedings arising out of the settlement G th had reached up to this Court. This Court vide order dated 4 May 1999, had called for a report from Justice Lodha, Judge of the Bombay High Court (as His Lordship then was) with regard to, Rama-petitioner herein committing contempt of Justice Dhanuka’s order. He submitted, that nd after perusal of the report, this Court vide order dated 2 November H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 419 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] 2001, held the present petitioner guilty for contempt. However, in view A of the subsequent settlement between the parties, the order holding the present petitioner guilty was recalled. 36. Shri Sibal submitted, that the family settlement between the parties is in two parts. He submitted, that the first part is with regard to various suits filed by Ramesh Narang which were withdrawn and B transferred to this Court and decreed by this Court.

He submitted, that the second part of the settlement was with regard to the management of the Company. The learned Senior Counsel submitted, that the conduct of the present petitioner was throughout of non-cooperation in the functioning of the Company. The petitioner, at every stage, was attempting C to put a hindrance so that the functioning of the Company comes to a standstill. He submitted, that after the orders were passed by this Court th th on 12 December 2001 and 8 January 2002, though the petitioner was required to co-operate, the petitioner refused to do so and in order to run the affairs of the Company, the respondents were required to do certain things in the interest of the Company.

He submitted, that had the D respondents not done what they had done, the entire business of the Company would have come to a standstill thereby, depriving the livelihood of 3000 persons and further resulting into closure of the Company, apart from incurring various financial and statutory liabilities. 37. Shri Sibal submitted, that though there was a settlement with E regard to the affairs of the Company, the affairs were required to be regulated by the statutory provisions and in spite of the settlement, statutory powers cannot be abridged. He further submitted, that every Director has a fiduciary responsibility to act for welfare of the Company. The learned Senior Counsel therefore submitted, that since the present F petitioner failed to act for welfare of the Company, the respondents had no other option but to approach the CLB, seeking certain directions for smooth functioning of the Company.

He submitted, that having already been found guilty for contempt by the judgment of this Court in Rama Narang (V) (supra), the respondents bona fide approached the competent statutory body to seek directions for the smooth functioning G of the Company, so as to ensure the welfare of the Company and its 3000 employees. He submitted, that the order appointing the Facilitator th not only continued from 10 April 2008, but this Court on several occasions has made it clear, that it was not interfering with the order of CLB th appointing Facilitator. On the contrary, by order dated 16 August 2016, H 420 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A this Court has clarified, that the present arrangement for running the affairs of the Company would continue until further orders without prejudice to the rights of the respective parties.

He submitted, that if the petitioner was aggrieved by the order passed by the CLB, the remedy available to him was to challenge the same before the competent authority. Having failed to avail of that opportunity, it is not open to the petitioner to B now contend that the said orders cannot be given effect to. The learned Senior Counsel submitted, that the respondents have not taken a single decision from 2008 onwards without the consent of the Facilitator. 38. Shri Sibal further submitted, that no Director of the Company has propriety rights over the property owned by the Company.

The learned C Senior Counsel further submitted, that the perusal of the Minutes of the st Meeting of the Board of Directors held on 31 December 2001, which was held in order to give effect to the Consent terms filed before this th Court and the order of this Court dated 12 December 2001, so also the explanatory statement to the notice for Extraordinary General Meeting st D convened on 1 January 2002, would clearly show, that the residential accommodation provided to Rama Narang and Ramesh Narang at Company’s Bandra property, was in their capacity as a Director of the Company. The learned Senior Counsel reiterated, that no Director can claim ownership over the Company’s property. 39.

Shri Sibal further submitted, that since after 2008, the E respondents have been acting as per the orders passed by the CLB, which were passed by a competent statutory authority in exercise of the statutory provisions, by no stretch of imagination, they could be held guilty for having committed contempt of this Court. The learned Senior Counsel submitted, that even interim orders passed by the jurisdictional F authorities are binding on the parties as long as they hold the field. The learned Senior Counsel relies on the judgment of this Court in the case of Tayabbhai M. Bagasarwalla and Another v. Hind Rubber 6 Industries (P) Ltd. And Others , in support of the said proposition. 40.

Shri Sibal submitted, that insofar as application of the G respondents is concerned, in order to save the Company from imminent danger of closure, thereby affecting the livelihood of 3000 workers and also from statutory and financial repercussions, it was necessary that this Court exercises powers under Article 142 and directs the contempt petitioner to comply with the decision of the Facilitator. He relied on the 6 (1997) 3 SCC 443 H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 421 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] judgments of this Court in Vijay Laxmi and Others v. Prabhu Devi A 7 8 and Others and State Bank of India v. Ajit Jain and Others in support of this proposition. 41. Shri Akhil Sibal, the learned Senior Counsel supplemented the arguments on behalf of the respondents in the contempt petition/applicants in the application for directions.

He submitted, that insofar as the B allegations made by the petitioner with regard to the respondents unilaterally entering into labour contracts, grant of increments to the executives, contract of purchase of equipments etc. are concerned, the respondents, in order to keep the Company running, were required to take several decisions between September 2007 and March 2008, in C accordance with the Company Manual. He submitted, that at one point of time, the labourers went on strike and the contempt petitioner was not willing to cooperate in running the affairs of the Company, as such certain emergent decisions were taken during the said period. However, all those decisions have been ratified by the Facilitator and therefore, no case is made out to hold the respondents guilty of contempt. D 42. Shri Mukul Rohatgi, the learned Senior Counsel made his submissions in rejoinder.

He submitted, that the matter pending before this Court was only a contempt petition and the IA for directions filed by the respondents was nothing but an abuse of process of law. He submitted, that there was no order passed by any competent court directing the E contempt petitioner to vacate the premises. Neither had any authority approved the Resolutions of the Board of Directors with regard to vacating the premises at Pali Hill. He submitted, that the Facilitator has not been appointed by this Court. Though, this Court had earlier appointed Shri H. P. Ranina and Shri Syed Habibur Rehman, this Court itself vide th F order dated 6 August 2010, dispensed with their services. He therefore th submitted, that after 6 August 2010, no Facilitator could have exercised the powers. He submitted, that the appointment of so-called Facilitator is not only without jurisdiction but is in breach of the orders passed by th th this Court dated 12 December 2001 and 8 January 2002.

He therefore submitted, that the application for directions needs to be dismissed G summarily. 43. Shri Rohatgi reiterated, that since the activities which were found to be contemptuous by the judgment of this Court in Rama Narang 7 (2017) 11 SCC 169 8 1995 Supp (1) SCC 683 H 422 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. 9 A (V) (supra), have been continued even after the judgment was delivered by this Court, the respondents are required to be held guilty of having committed contempt of this Court and punished in accordance with law. He relied on the judgment of this Court in Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra 10 (The Alleged Contemnor) . B 44. Shri Rohatgi further submitted, that the family settlements even in company matters are required to be dealt with differently. He relied on the judgment of this Court in the cases of Sangramsinh P. Gaekwad and Others v. Shantadevi P. Gaekwad (Dead) Through 11 LRs and Others and Kale and Others v. Deputy Director of 12 Consolidation and Others . C 45.

As indicated in the opening paragraphs itself, though initially only an interlocutory application filed by the respondent No. 1 herein for direction to the petitioner to comply with the Facilitator’s decision was listed, we intimated the parties that we would hear the contempt petition as well as the interlocutory application together. As such, we have heard D the learned Senior counsel for the parties at length on both the Contempt Petition as well as the interlocutory application (IA No. 87565 of 2019) filed by the respondent No. 1. 46. We are of the considered view, that it is appropriate to first decide the contempt petition itself, inasmuch as the outcome of the E contempt petition will have a bearing on the interlocutory application filed by the respondent No. 1. 47. It would be apposite to refer to Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 which reads thus:- “2. Definitions. - …..

F (b) “civil contempt” means wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court. ” 48. It is thus clear that for bringing an action under the ambit of G civil contempt, there has to be a wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach 9 (2009) 16 SCC 126 10 (1995) 2 SCC 584 11 (2005) 11 SCC 314 12 (1976) 3 SCC 119 H RAMA NARANG v. RAMESH NARANG AND OTHERS 423 [B. R. GAVAI, J. ] of an undertaking given to the court. No doubt, that Shri Rohatgi is justified A in relying on the judgment of this Court in the case of Rama Narang th (V) (supra) decided on 15 March 2007.

In the said judgment, this Court held, that according to the terms of undertaking, the petitioner and the respondents were under an obligation to run the company harmoniously with the active participation of all as a family business but unfortunately, B the respondents had taken over absolute control to the total exclusion of the petitioner. This Court held, that this was contrary to the terms of the undertaking given to this Court. Shri Rohatgi asserts, that the acts with regard to which the present contempt petition has been filed, are identical to the acts of the respondents, for which, they were held guilty of contempt. According to him, a fortiori, the present respondents should C also be held guilty for the acts with regard to which, the present contempt petition has been filed. 49. We will have to consider the correctness of the said submission.

For that, it will be necessary to refer to the events that have taken place subsequent to the date of the judgment of this Court in Rama Narang D 13 th (V) (supra) i. e. 15 March 2007. 50. It is the case of the respondents, that the petitioner was attempting to use the consent terms as a veto to stall the functioning of the Company. It is their case, that the petitioner was making every attempt possible to thwart the functioning of the Company. It is also the case of E the respondents, that the said acts were done with the mala fide intention. It is their case, that the son of the petitioner from his second wife namely Rohit Narang is working as the Managing Director of Sky Gourmet Catering Pvt. Ltd. , which Company is a direct competitor with the Flight Catering business of NIHL. It is their case, that since the petitioner F refused to offer any cooperation for proper functioning of the Company, the respondent No. 1 was compelled to approach the CLB by Company th Petition No.

47 of 2008. The said petition was filed on 10 March 2008. The petitioner in the said petition had averred, that after the order was th passed by this Court on 15 March 2007, all genuine efforts were made by the respondents herein, to ensure that the present petitioner should G not have any further grievance regarding exclusion from the management and control of the Company. It was averred, that however the attitude of non-cooperation and putting hindrances in the functioning of the Company by the petitioner continued even thereafter. It was averred, 13 (2009) 16 SCC 126 H 424 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 1 S. C. R. A that petitioner Rama was unreasonably withholding his consent even in routine decisions crucial to the operations of the

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