The Resolution Professional (RP) in charge of Byju’s continuing bankruptcy procedures has arranged insolvency meetings, which have been temporarily put on hold by the Supreme Court of India. This is a noteworthy event. This ruling, rendered on September 26, 2024, has paved the way for a legal battle between the US-based Glas Trust and Byju’s, the giant of the Indian edtech industry. The Supreme Court’s ultimate decision in this matter is still pending, and the possible results could have a significant effect on Byju’s future, its financial stability, and the edtech sector as a whole.
Credits: Times of India
Let’s break down the key issues and explore the potential impact of this decision.
Byju’s Financial Troubles Come to Light
Although Byju’s financial difficulties have long been known, recent information has brought the gravity of the problem to light. Shyam Divan, who was defending the creditors during the Supreme Court hearing, brought out the significant loss that Byju’s parent firm, Think & Learn Pvt Ltd, had as of March 2022—that is, ₹8,104.68 crore. This number drew criticism, particularly considering that the business has not submitted the required financial transparency documentation in accordance with legal obligations.
In September 2024, Byju’s auditor also resigned, raising more doubts about the company’s financial stability. The idea that things might not be as they seem behind the scenes has only grown stronger due to the company’s lack of oversight and financial transparency.
Legal Framework Under Scrutiny: Insolvency or Settlement?
One of the critical issues the Supreme Court is grappling with is whether a settlement can be reached outside of the standard procedures laid out in India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Regulation 30A of the IBC allows for settlement discussions, but the Court raised concerns over how much flexibility is available for such negotiations.
The Solicitor General, representing Byju’s creditors, presented conditions for a potential settlement, stressing that any payments to creditors must not involve Byju’s own assets. This demand highlights the delicate nature of the negotiations, as creditors are keen to ensure that their interests are protected without draining Byju’s remaining resources.
Credits: The Tribune
Byju’s legal team, on the other hand, argued that the company has been excluded from key decisions in the insolvency process despite owning 99.18% of the business. They requested a pause on the insolvency proceedings, citing irregularities in how the process has been handled. With the Supreme Court halting the meetings led by the RP, Byju’s has secured a crucial pause in the ongoing battle.
Glas Trust vs. Byju’s: A Contentious Relationship
At the heart of the legal tussle is the strained relationship between Byju’s and Glas Trust, a US-based lender. Glas Trust has taken issue with a ₹158 crore payment made between Byju’s and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), claiming the funds were “tainted” and should have been allocated to repaying creditors.
Further complicating matters, Glas Trust has been removed from Byju’s Committee of Creditors (CoC) by the RP, Pankaj Srivastava, after determining that it no longer met the threshold of representing at least 51% of Byju’s creditors. This exclusion has led to an appeal by Glas Trust, arguing that its removal from the decision-making body was unjust.
Potential Outcomes: What’s Next for Byju’s?
The Supreme Court’s decision to pause the insolvency proceedings presents a mixed bag for Byju’s. On one hand, the halt buys the company some much-needed time to regroup and reassess its options. Byju’s has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the way the insolvency process has been handled, particularly its exclusion from critical decisions. The company may use this pause to negotiate a more favorable outcome or settlement.
On the other hand, the creditors are unlikely to back down. The substantial financial losses and allegations of a lack of transparency will keep Byju’s under pressure. Glas Trust, in particular, has shown a strong willingness to challenge the decisions made by the RP, and its appeal against its exclusion from the CoC could lead to further complications.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Byju’s
Byju’s insolvency case is shaping up to be a pivotal moment not only for the company but for India’s corporate landscape. With its financial stability hanging in the balance and its legal standing under scrutiny, the company faces a make-or-break moment. The Supreme Court’s temporary halt on the insolvency meetings provides a brief reprieve, but the road to resolution remains long and uncertain. All eyes are on the next steps in this high-stakes legal battle.
