Criticism regarding delays should not be ignored: NCLT Chief

New Delhi: National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) new chief Anupinder Singh Grewal believes criticism regarding delays in adjudication of cases should not be ignored as the insolvency framework envisages time-bound resolution of cases.

“Criticism came particularly regarding delays in adjudication under a framework which envisages time bound resolution. Such criticism should not be ignored… every criticism gives an institution an opportunity to introspect, improve and evolve,” said the NCLT chief at a gathering of the NCLT and NCLAT Bar Association in New Delhi on Monday. The function was organized to mark the 10 year anniversary of the setting up of the NCLT and NCLAT which were established in June 2016.

The Supreme Court had on April 29 taken suo moto cognizance of delays in approving resolution plans for companies undergoing insolvency proceedings terming the situation at various benches of the national company law tribunal as "grim and dismal". The court noted a report of the registrar of the tribunal's principal bench stating that 383 applications for approval of resolution plans are pending. Delays range from 48 days to 738 days, and in some cases extend upto four years.


Grewal, a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, cautioned that adjudication cannot become a “purely mechanical exercise”.

“Principles of natural justice, procedural fairness and the rights of parties to be heard are foundational to our constitutional framework,” he said.

“No one faces the burden of delays more than members of tribunals themselves. Delays affect businesses, stakeholders and economic value. We will continue to address these concerns,” he said.

The centre notified the appointment of Grewal on 29 April as president of NCLT for a five year term. Grewal has completed his Bachelor of Arts (History) and Master of Arts (History) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He completed his L.L.B from University of Delhi.