{"id":10430,"date":"2025-10-19T06:48:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T06:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=10430"},"modified":"2025-10-31T08:41:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:41:19","slug":"bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridging Borders: India and the UNCITRAL Model Law"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"introduction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The rise of globalization has changed the environment in which businesses function. No longer is a business just confined to one country \u2014 a conglomerate can be headquartered in one country, have subsidiary companies in other countries, have creditors dispersed throughout the world, and have assets that are located in more than one jurisdiction! This interconnected way of doing business has led to expansion; however, it also creates significant challenges when a business is experiencing financial difficulties.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Example_of_Cross-Border_Insolvency\" >Example of Cross-Border Insolvency<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#The_Current_Indian_Framework\" >The Current Indian Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Jet_Airways_Case_A_Wake-Up_Call\" >Jet Airways Case: A Wake-Up Call<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#UNCITRAL_Model_Law_Features_and_Framework\" >UNCITRAL Model Law: Features and Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Access_%E2%80%93_Granting_Foreign_Representatives_Access\" >Access \u2013 Granting Foreign Representatives Access<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Example\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Real_Case_Illustration_Jet_Airways_2019\" >Real Case Illustration: Jet Airways (2019)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Recognition_%E2%80%93_Identifying_Main_vs_Non-Main_Proceedings\" >Recognition \u2013 Identifying Main vs Non-Main Proceedings<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Example-2\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Global_Example_Lehman_Brothers_2008\" >Global Example: Lehman Brothers (2008)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Relief_%E2%80%93_Protecting_Assets_and_Creditors\" >Relief \u2013 Protecting Assets and Creditors<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Meaning\" >Meaning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Example-3\" >Example<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Real_Case_Reference_Re_HIH_Casualty_and_General_Insurance_Ltd_UK_2008\" >Real Case Reference: Re HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd. (UK, 2008)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Cooperation_and_Coordination_%E2%80%93_Courts_Working_Together\" >Cooperation and Coordination \u2013 Courts Working Together<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Example_Jet_Airways_India%E2%80%93Netherlands\" >Example: Jet Airways (India\u2013Netherlands)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Global_Example_Nortel_Networks_2013\" >Global Example: Nortel Networks (2013)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Rationale_for_UNCITRAL_Model_Law_for_India\" >Rationale for UNCITRAL Model Law for India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Increase_Investor_Confidence\" >Increase Investor Confidence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Expedite_Asset_Recovery\" >Expedite Asset Recovery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Avoid_Parallel_Proceedings\" >Avoid Parallel Proceedings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Align_with_Global_Standards\" >Align with Global Standards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Challenges_in_Adoption\" >Challenges in Adoption<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Public_Policy_Issues\" >Public Policy Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Sovereignty_Issues\" >Sovereignty Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Priority_Hierarchy_Issues\" >Priority Hierarchy Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Judicial_Capacity_Training\" >Judicial Capacity &amp; Training<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Comparative_Snapshot\" >Comparative Snapshot<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Way_Forward\" >Way Forward<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/bridging-borders-india-and-the-uncitral-model-law\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"example-of-cross-border-insolvency\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_of_Cross-Border_Insolvency\"><\/span>Example of Cross-Border Insolvency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We should picture a multinational in trouble \u2014 for example, a manufacturing company located in India operating a manufacturing facility and a bank account in Singapore with creditors located in the USA and Europe. If it is insolvent, a court in Singapore might start an insolvency process; meanwhile, a court in another country might also initiate a similar insolvency proceeding.<\/p>\n<p><b>This chaotic situation may be exacerbated by conflicting outcomes: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Creditors in various countries may start fighting to be paid first.<\/li>\n<li>Assets in various jurisdictions might be sold quickly, often at prices much lower than fair value.<\/li>\n<li>Parties may end up litigating in multiparty disputes across several countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Recognizing that this was a global problem, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) responded by providing the world with the <strong>Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency<\/strong> in 1997. Since then, over 50 jurisdictions, including the USA, UK, and Singapore, have enacted legislation based on the Model Law to assist with harmonization of cross-border insolvency processes.<\/p>\n<p>In India, however, a robust yet still evolving domestic insolvency regime exists under the <strong>Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)<\/strong>, enacted in 2016. While this regime provides many newly-created insolvency concepts and processes that facilitate dealing with domestic insolvency, it does not provide for a cross-border insolvency regime. This gap has been felt acutely in high-profile cases like <em>Jet Airways<\/em>, where courts had to devise ad-hoc solutions to coordinate with foreign proceedings.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"current-indian-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Current_Indian_Framework\"><\/span>The Current Indian Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The IBC includes two sections \u2014 <strong>Sections 234 and 235<\/strong> \u2014 that relate specifically to cross-border insolvency; however, they are virtually unusable:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Section<\/th>\n<th>Provision<\/th>\n<th>Purpose \/ Limitation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Section 234<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Permits India to establish bilateral arrangements with other countries to cooperate with each other in case of an insolvency.<\/td>\n<td>Requires bilateral treaties \u2014 slow and rarely executed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Section 235<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Authorizes the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to send a letter of request to a foreign court asking for assistance in the shipment of assets located outside of India.<\/td>\n<td>Dependent entirely on the foreign court\u2019s discretion \u2014 uncertain and inefficient.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Issue:<\/strong> This is a slow, uncertain process that is solely contingent upon the foreign court exercising its discretion to assist. In short, India\u2019s current legal framework for cross-border insolvency is not cohesive or practically useful.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jet-airways-case\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jet_Airways_Case_A_Wake-Up_Call\"><\/span>Jet Airways Case: A Wake-Up Call<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The limitations of the Indian insolvency framework were exemplified in <em>Jet Airways (India) Ltd. v. State Bank of India &amp; Anr. (2019)<\/em>. Jet Airways, at one point India\u2019s largest privately-owned airline, had insolvency proceedings commenced against it in India while at the same time a Dutch court commenced bankruptcy proceedings for its assets in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n<p>The two concurrent court proceedings raised a constitutional dilemma:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Which court\u2019s order should be relied upon?<\/li>\n<li>How can two jurisdictions coordinate without a formal legal framework?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Appellate Tribunal permitted, for the first time, a \u201ccross-border protocol\u201d whereby the Dutch administrator and the resolution professional in India could coordinate recovery efforts. While this was a positive step, it was <strong>ad-hoc<\/strong> and <strong>case-specific<\/strong> \u2014 not a systemic or legislative solution.<\/p>\n<p>This case highlighted the <strong>urgent need<\/strong> for a formal, predictable legal framework to handle such cross-border conflicts effectively.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"uncitral-model-law\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UNCITRAL_Model_Law_Features_and_Framework\"><\/span>UNCITRAL Model Law: Features and Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>UNCITRAL Model Laws on Cross-Border Insolvency (1997)<\/strong> are a set of non-binding norms that offer a model for adoption into various domestic systems. The appeal of the Model Laws lies in their flexibility and global acceptance \u2014 nations such as the <strong>USA, UK, Singapore,<\/strong> and <strong>South Korea<\/strong> have adopted them.<\/p>\n<p>The Model Laws are designed to promote <strong>consistency<\/strong> and <strong>efficiency<\/strong> through four main pillars:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access \u2013 Granting Foreign Representatives Access<\/li>\n<li>Recognition \u2013 Identifying Main vs Non-Main Proceedings<\/li>\n<li>Relief \u2013 Protecting Assets and Creditors<\/li>\n<li>Cooperation and Coordination \u2013 Courts Working Together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"access-granting-foreign-representatives-access\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Access_%E2%80%93_Granting_Foreign_Representatives_Access\"><\/span>Access \u2013 Granting Foreign Representatives Access<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This pillar defines the role of foreign insolvency representatives \u2014 such as administrators, liquidators, or resolution professionals appointed in another jurisdiction \u2014 and allows them <strong>direct access<\/strong> to local courts. Without this access, representatives would have to wait for a government-to-government or bilateral treaty process, delaying recovery and increasing costs.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"example-access\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A company based in Singapore has assets located in India. Under this pillar, the Singaporean liquidator can directly approach the <strong>NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal)<\/strong> in India to recover assets, without waiting for a government-level agreement.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"real-case-illustration-jet-airways\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real_Case_Illustration_Jet_Airways_2019\"><\/span>Real Case Illustration: Jet Airways (2019)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Dutch administrator in the <strong>Jet Airways case<\/strong> could not directly approach the Indian court and had to rely on informal cooperation instead of formal agreements, delaying the process. This case highlights the value of the Model Law \u2014 enabling direct, efficient participation by foreign administrators without waiting for governmental mediation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"recognition-main-non-main\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognition_%E2%80%93_Identifying_Main_vs_Non-Main_Proceedings\"><\/span>Recognition \u2013 Identifying Main vs Non-Main Proceedings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Local courts can recognize foreign insolvency proceedings as either:<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Type of Proceeding<\/th>\n<th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Main Proceeding<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Occurs in the country where the company has its <strong>Centre of Main Interests (COMI)<\/strong> \u2014 usually the registered or head office.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Non-Main Proceeding<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Takes place in a location where the company has <strong>significant operations<\/strong> but not its COMI.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 id=\"example-recognition\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-2\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Suppose a company is based in the UK (COMI) but operates factories in India and Germany:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UK proceeding \u2192 <strong>Main Proceeding<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Indian proceeding \u2192 <strong>Non-Main Proceeding<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>German proceeding \u2192 <strong>Non-Main Proceeding<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This classification helps prevent jurisdictional conflicts and clarifies which court has primary control.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"global-example-lehman\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Example_Lehman_Brothers_2008\"><\/span>Global Example: Lehman Brothers (2008)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When Lehman Brothers collapsed, the US proceeding was recognized as the <strong>Main Proceeding<\/strong>. This allowed other countries\u2019 courts to coordinate and avoid conflicting orders, ensuring smoother international resolution.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"relief-protecting-assets-creditors\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relief_%E2%80%93_Protecting_Assets_and_Creditors\"><\/span>Relief \u2013 Protecting Assets and Creditors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"meaning-relief\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meaning\"><\/span>Meaning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Once a foreign proceeding is accepted, local courts can grant relief to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Impose an <strong>automatic stay<\/strong> on creditor actions to prevent a \u201crace to grab assets.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Declare a <strong>moratorium<\/strong> on lawsuits or enforcement actions.<\/li>\n<li>Protect assets from being sold below market value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Without such relief, assets could quickly lose value due to aggressive creditor actions that undermine equitable recovery.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"example-relief\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example-3\"><\/span>Example<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If a company becomes insolvent in Singapore, creditors in India may rush to seize assets there. Under the Model Law, Indian courts can freeze these actions temporarily to ensure orderly resolution.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"real-case-reference-hih\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real_Case_Reference_Re_HIH_Casualty_and_General_Insurance_Ltd_UK_2008\"><\/span>Real Case Reference: Re HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd. (UK, 2008)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In this case, relief orders facilitated <strong>cross-border cooperation<\/strong> and equitable value distribution between UK and Australian creditors.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"cooperation-coordination\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooperation_and_Coordination_%E2%80%93_Courts_Working_Together\"><\/span>Cooperation and Coordination \u2013 Courts Working Together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Model Law encourages <strong>direct communication and cooperation<\/strong> between:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Courts in different jurisdictions<\/li>\n<li>Resolution practitioners and insolvency professionals across borders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cooperation can include sharing information, coordinating timetables, or even establishing <strong>joint cross-border protocols<\/strong>. Without this cooperation, courts risk issuing conflicting orders or duplicating efforts, causing confusion and resource wastage.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"example-jet-airways-cooperation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_Jet_Airways_India%E2%80%93Netherlands\"><\/span>Example: Jet Airways (India\u2013Netherlands)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Indian and Dutch courts informally cooperated to manage Jet Airways\u2019 insolvency proceedings. With the Model Law, this cooperation could have been formalized and more predictable, ensuring faster resolution.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"global-example-nortel\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Example_Nortel_Networks_2013\"><\/span>Global Example: Nortel Networks (2013)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Nortel Networks case<\/strong> between the USA and Canada demonstrated international cooperation in insolvency. Courts in both countries held joint hearings via video conference, allowing judges to make real-time coordinated decisions \u2014 a model example of this pillar\u2019s success.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"rationale-for-uncitral-model-law-for-india\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rationale_for_UNCITRAL_Model_Law_for_India\"><\/span>Rationale for UNCITRAL Model Law for India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many practical advantages result from adopting the Model Law:<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"increase-investor-confidence\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increase_Investor_Confidence\"><\/span>Increase Investor Confidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Foreign investors and creditors continue to be hesitant to lend or invest in businesses in India because of uncertainty with cross-border issues in insolvency. A clearer, more predictable, internationally accepted framework will create confidence and make India a competitive market for capital from around the world.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"expedite-asset-recovery\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expedite_Asset_Recovery\"><\/span>Expedite Asset Recovery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Asset recovery from foreign debtors is currently slow and uncertain. The Model Law will provide greater clarity to Indian insolvency professionals on how to trace and recover out-of-country assets \u2014 and the reverse is true as well.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"avoid-parallel-proceedings\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid_Parallel_Proceedings\"><\/span>Avoid Parallel Proceedings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Without coordination, two different courts may each issue judgments that are in conflict with one another. For example, one court may order liquidation while another may approve a restructuring arrangement. The Model Law would introduce a recognition mechanism to resolve such outcomes and limit litigation.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"align-with-global-standards\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Align_with_Global_Standards\"><\/span>Align with Global Standards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As India continues to integrate with global markets, aligning its insolvency regime to international best practices will enhance India\u2019s <em>Ease of Doing Business<\/em> ranking and reputation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"challenges-in-adoption\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_in_Adoption\"><\/span>Challenges in Adoption<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the clear benefits, India will have to overcome some challenges for smooth implementation.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"public-policy-issues\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_Policy_Issues\"><\/span>Public Policy Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There may be times when foreign court orders are recognized, but this could potentially be detrimental to Indian creditors or violate another Indian law. To address this, the Model Law includes a \u201cpublic policy exception\u201d that allows courts to refuse recognition in extraordinary cases.<\/p>\n<p>For example, Section 48 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) states that foreign decrees are enforceable in India unless contrary to public policy \u2014 a principle that can be extended to cross-border insolvency.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"sovereignty-issues\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sovereignty_Issues\"><\/span>Sovereignty Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some detractors have noted that giving effect to foreign court orders may infringe upon India\u2019s judicial sovereignty. This concern can be mitigated by allowing Indian courts to retain final discretion to either accept or reject a foreign decision.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"priority-hierarchy-issues\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Priority_Hierarchy_Issues\"><\/span>Priority Hierarchy Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The priority hierarchy of the IBC is unique. For example, the Supreme Court in <em>Swiss Ribbons Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India (2019)<\/em> upheld differential treatment of operational creditors, which may conflict with foreign regimes prioritizing secured creditors. India may need to introduce specific carve-outs to maintain domestic priorities.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"judicial-capacity-training\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judicial_Capacity_Training\"><\/span>Judicial Capacity &amp; Training<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Judges of the NCLT and NCLAT have limited experience with complex cross-border matters. Specialized training and institutional strengthening will be necessary for proper implementation procedures.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"comparative-snapshot\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparative_Snapshot\"><\/span>Comparative Snapshot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Country<\/th>\n<th>Adopted UNCITRAL Model Law<\/th>\n<th>Year of Adoption<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>United States<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>2005<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>United Kingdom<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>2006<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Singapore<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>2017<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>South Korea<\/td>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>2006<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>India<\/td>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>India remains one of the few major economies yet to adopt this framework, putting it at a disadvantage in global insolvency coordination.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"way-forward\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_Forward\"><\/span>Way Forward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A controlled, measured approach will provide India a step-by-step transition:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hybrid Adoption:<\/strong> Enact the Model Law with Indian-specific protections on creditor priorities and public policy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gradual Implementation:<\/strong> Initially recognize the proceedings of reputable jurisdictions, starting with Singapore and the UK, then gradually expand globally.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capacity Building:<\/strong> Provide training for judges, insolvency practitioners, and regulators.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Legislative Action:<\/strong> The Insolvency Law Committee (2018) has recommended enactment, and it is now up to Parliament to prioritize the cross-border insolvency chapter of the IBC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>India&#8217;s insolvency framework has advanced dramatically within a short time frame, successfully resolving complex cases and restoring creditor confidence. However, as seen in the Jet Airways case, ad-hoc responses are not equivalent to a robust legal framework. The UNCITRAL Model Law offers a tested and internationally recognized foundation. If India adopts it with appropriate safeguards, it can strengthen its insolvency regime, attract foreign investment, and ensure fair and efficient cross-border dispute resolution.<\/p>\n<p>In today&#8217;s global economy, insolvencies transcend national boundaries. It is time India acknowledges this reality and advances toward becoming a trusted, world-class insolvency jurisdiction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The rise of globalization has changed the environment in which businesses function. No longer is a business just confined to one country \u2014 a conglomerate can be headquartered in one country, have subsidiary companies in other countries, have creditors dispersed throughout the world, and have assets that are located in more than one jurisdiction!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[918],"class_list":{"0":"post-10430","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-company-law","7":"tag-company-law"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10430"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10430\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}