The Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench), in Company Application No. 48/2024, addressed the appointment of a Peon (MTS) in liquidation proceedings under Rules 308 and 309 of the Companies (Court) Rules, 1959. The Court examined whether such appointments align with the specific mandates of the Rules, emphasizing the need for transparency, liquidation-specific necessity, and adherence to financial constraints. It reiterated that such appointments are for fixed tenures and cannot claim parity with regular government employees.

1. Context of the Application

The Official Liquidator sought the Court's approval to appoint Mr. Jitendra Mangre (MTS) during the liquidation of M/s. Mahadeo Land Developers Pvt. Ltd., effective from 08.11.2024, with remuneration from the Common Pool Fund. (Para 1)

2. Legal Basis: Rules 308 and 309 of the Companies (Court) Rules, 1959

These rules govern the employment of additional staff, emphasizing liquidation-specific necessity and proportional expense allocation across liquidations. (Paras 2-3)

3. Historical Appointments

Historical orders, including the 1974 and 2018 precedents, allowed specific company-paid staff, but their scope was questioned regarding non-liquidation-specific appointments and financial resource usage. (Paras 4-9)

4. Supreme Court Guidance

The Supreme Court's landmark judgment in Official Liquidator v. Dayanand & Ors. (2008) emphasized:

• Staff must be appointed strictly for liquidation needs.
• Payments should be drawn from liquidation-specific funds, not pooled resources.
• Temporary staff cannot claim regularization or benefits on par with government employees. (Paras 12-14)

5. Judicial Observations on Mismanagement

The Court noted irregularities in justifying the necessity of appointments and the use of funds. It highlighted that previous applications lacked clarity about liquidation-specific requirements. (Paras 15-17)

6. Adjudication and Directions

The application for Mr. Mangre's reappointment was denied, with observations on:

• Lack of liquidation-specific justification.
• Misuse of common funds.
  The Court extended Mangre's tenure temporarily until 20.12.2024, pending a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. (Paras 18-24)

Acts and Sections Discussed:

• Rules 308 and 309, Companies (Court) Rules, 1959
  • Rule 308: Employment of additional staff for liquidation.
  • Rule 309: Expense apportionment for staff across liquidations.
• Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India
  • Addressing equality in employment and non-discrimination.

Ratio Decidendi:

Appointments under Rules 308 and 309 must adhere to the liquidation-specific need for staff. The payment for such appointments must derive from liquidation-specific funds, ensuring compliance with statutory mandates. Appointments under this provision are inherently temporary and cannot invoke rights akin to regular government employees.

Subjects:

Employment regulations in liquidation proceedings under Company Law.

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