TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026
AURORASPACE
JUL 21 • LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
economy policyJuly 21, 2026
AP
By Aaryan Pathak
Founder & Lead Analyst

NCLAT Dismisses Appeal Regarding Priority Payment of Gratuity Dues

Key Takeaways - The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed an appeal regarding priority payment of gratuity dues, upholding an earl

NCLAT Dismisses Appeal Regarding Priority Payment of Gratuity Dues
AI Generated Image

Key Takeaways

  • The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed an appeal regarding priority payment of gratuity dues, upholding an earlier order from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
  • The appellate tribunal found the appeal misconceived and dismissed it, emphasizing that gratuity is a terminal benefit, not an insolvency resolution process cost.
  • The ruling has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process.

The NCLAT has dismissed an appeal regarding the priority payment of gratuity dues, upholding an earlier order from the NCLT. This ruling has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process.

NCLAT Upholds NCLT Order

Key HighlightsDetails
NCLAT dismissed appealThe appellate tribunal found the appeal misconceived and dismissed it.
Gratuity not an insolvency costThe NCLAT emphasized that gratuity is a terminal benefit, not an insolvency resolution process cost.
Resolution plan to settle duesThe NCLAT ruled that such dues must instead be settled as per the company's approved resolution plan.
Significant for insolvency resolutionThis ruling has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process.

The NCLAT's decision has far-reaching implications for companies undergoing insolvency resolution. The ruling clarifies that gratuity dues are not a priority cost in the insolvency resolution process, but rather a terminal benefit that must be settled as per the company's approved resolution plan.

Why it Happened

The NCLAT's decision was a result of the appellate tribunal's careful consideration of the facts and the law. The NCLAT found that the appeal was misconceived and that the earlier NCLT order was correct in its assessment of the gratuity dues.

  • The NCLAT emphasized that gratuity is a terminal benefit, not an insolvency resolution process cost.
  • The appellate tribunal found that the resolution professional had partially admitted the claim, later revising the gratuity component to Rs 52.82 lakh.
  • The NCLAT's ruling has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process.
  • The decision also highlights the importance of carefully considering the facts and the law in insolvency resolution cases.

Deal Structure

Key HighlightsDetails
Subir Mukherje's claimSubir Mukherje, who had served Duncans Industries for over 25 years, claimed over Rs 83.58 lakh in dues.
Resolution professional's revisionThe resolution professional had partially admitted the claim, later revising the gratuity component to Rs 52.82 lakh.

The NCLAT's decision has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process. The ruling clarifies that gratuity dues are not a priority cost in the insolvency resolution process, but rather a terminal benefit that must be settled as per the company's approved resolution plan.

Broader Market Impact

  • The NCLAT's decision has significant implications for companies undergoing insolvency resolution.
  • The ruling clarifies that gratuity dues are not a priority cost in the insolvency resolution process, but rather a terminal benefit that must be settled as per the company's approved resolution plan.
  • The decision also highlights the importance of carefully considering the facts and the law in insolvency resolution cases.

Outlook

The NCLAT's decision has significant implications for the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, particularly in relation to Section 53 and the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process. The ruling clarifies that gratuity dues are not a priority cost in the insolvency resolution process, but rather a terminal benefit that must be settled as per the company's approved resolution plan. This decision is likely to have a significant impact on companies undergoing insolvency resolution and highlights the importance of carefully considering the facts and the law in such cases.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Duncans Industries' insolvency resolution process?

The current status of Duncans Industries' insolvency resolution process is not explicitly stated in the NCLAT's decision. However, the decision suggests that the company's approved resolution plan will be used to settle the gratuity dues.