Tag: arbitration proceedings

Supreme Court Quashes FIR in Loan Case, Says Mere Default Doesn’t Make It a Crime
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Quashes FIR in Loan Case, Says Mere Default Doesn’t Make It a Crime

The Supreme Court held that a loan transaction creates a debtor-creditor relationship, and a mere breach of its terms does not automatically constitute criminal breach of trust under Section 405 IPC without evidence of dishonest intention. The Court clarified that such disputes, arising from commercial transactions, are primarily civil in nature and a preliminary inquiry is permissible before registering an FIR. Facts Of The Case: The appellant, a director of M/s Benlon India Ltd., availed three loans from the first respondent, Hero Fincorp, for purchasing machinery. While the first two loans were used for the intended purpose, a fire destroyed the plant shortly after the disbursement of the third loan. Consequently, this third loan was converted into an unsecured corporate loan. Benlon ...
Supreme Court Clarifies: Limitation Act Applies to MSMED Arbitration But Not Conciliation
Supreme Court

Supreme Court Clarifies: Limitation Act Applies to MSMED Arbitration But Not Conciliation

The Supreme Court ruled on the applicability of the Limitation Act, 1963, to conciliation and arbitration proceedings under Section 18 of the MSMED Act, 2006. It held that the Limitation Act does not apply to conciliation proceedings, allowing time-barred claims to be referred for settlement. However, the Act applies to arbitration proceedings under Section 18(3), as Section 43 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, incorporates the Limitation Act into such arbitrations. The Court emphasized that the MSMED Act’s provisions override general laws, ensuring a balanced approach to dispute resolution while protecting suppliers' rights. The disclosure of unpaid amounts in financial statements under Section 22 may extend limitation periods, subject to case-specific scrutiny. Facts Of The...