Invoking Insolvency Proceedings Cannot stay execution of Penalty Orders for Consumer Protection Law Violations – The Apex Court Upheld the NCDRC’s Authority to Enforce Consumer Rights

(a) Interim Moratorium Under Section 96 of IBC Applies Only to Proceedings Relating to Debt – Penalties Imposed for Statutory Violations Are Excluded (b) Enforcement of Consumer Protection Orders Serves a Public Policy Function and Cannot Be Stayed by Invoking Insolvency Provisions (c) Distinction Between Civil and Regulatory Penalties Emphasized – Statutory Obligations Arising From Consumer Protection Laws Remain Enforceable Despite Ongoing Insolvency Proceedings (Paras: 27, 28, 35, 36, 39, 40)

Appeal Dismissed – Supreme Court Affirmed That Regulatory Penalties for Non-Compliance With Consumer Forum Orders Are Not Covered Under Interim Moratorium of Section 96 IBC – NCDRC’s Order Upheld

Acts and Sections Discussed:

1. Constitution of India (COI) – Article 136 – Special Leave to Appeal

2. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) – Section 95 – Application for Initiation of Insolvency Resolution Process – Section 96 – Interim Moratorium – Section 7 – Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process

3. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (CP Act) – Section 27 – Enforcement of Orders of Consumer Forum – Imposition of Penalties

4. Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (NI Act) – Section 138 – Dishonour of Cheques – Quasi-Criminal Proceedings

Subjects:

Execution Proceedings – Regulatory Penalties – Consumer Rights – Interim Moratorium – Personal Guarantor – Insolvency Proceedings – Public Policy – Non-Compliance – Statutory Liabilities – Civil and Criminal Distinction

Nature of the Litigation:

Civil Appeal Filed Against the Final Judgment and Order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)

Relief Sought:

Appellant Sought Stay on Execution Proceedings Arising from Penalty Orders Passed by NCDRC Due to Pending Insolvency Proceedings Under Section 95 of the IBC

Reason for Filing the Case:

Appellant Contended That Interim Moratorium Under Section 96 of IBC Bars Execution of Penalty Orders Passed by Consumer Forums

Prior Decisions:

NCDRC Rejected the Stay Application on 07.02.2024, Holding That Penalty Orders Do Not Fall Within the Scope of Interim Moratorium Under the IBC

Issues:

Whether Execution of Penalty Orders Passed by NCDRC Can Be Stayed Under the Interim Moratorium Provisions of Section 96 of IBC

Submissions/Arguments:

(a) Appellant Argued That All Proceedings Relating to Debt Should Be Stayed Under Section 96 of IBC (b) Respondents Asserted That Penalties Under Section 27 of the CP Act Are Punitive and Regulatory, Distinct from Debt Recovery Proceedings