Dear Members,
It is our immense pleasure to present the 39th Annual Report
along with the audited financial statements of your Company for the financial year ended
March 31, 2023. The consolidated performance of the Company and its subsidiaries has been
referred to wherever required.
1. Financial Performance
The financial performance of the Company for the financial year
2022-23, on a standalone and consolidated basis, is summarised below:
(Amount in Rupees million)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
March 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2022 |
March 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2022 |
TOTAL INCOME |
98,597.50 |
75,445.60 |
98,418.89 |
75,717.15 |
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses |
74,057.59 |
57,943.65 |
73,537.91 |
57,671.36 |
Cost of inventory consumed |
902.92 |
608.92 |
924.55 |
1,008.30 |
Employee Benefit Expenses |
8,438.71 |
7,087.49 |
8,800.07 |
7,349.93 |
Selling Expenses |
2,278.11 |
1,220.49 |
2,279.84 |
1,219.46 |
Other Expenses |
13,251.53 |
7,982.82 |
13,252.79 |
7961.51 |
Earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortization |
(331.36) |
602.23 |
(376.27) |
506.59 |
Depreciation and amortisation expense |
(10,193.64) |
(12,897.32) |
(10,227.41) |
(12,933.36) |
Finance Income |
551.36 |
640.81 |
551.81 |
588.27 |
Finance Cost |
(5,056.51) |
(4,825.79) |
(5,077.60) |
(4,829.61) |
Profit/ (Loss) before
taxation and extraordinary items |
(15,030.15) |
(16,480.07) |
(15,129.47) |
(16,668.11) |
Tax Expenses |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Exceptional items |
- |
(774.58) |
- |
(774.58) |
Profit/ (Loss) after taxation |
(15,030.15) |
(17,254.65) |
(15,129.47) |
(17,442.69) |
Profit/ (Loss) brought Forward |
(48,902.29) |
(31,724.67) |
(49,420.55) |
(32,051.82) |
Depreciation expense adjusted against
reserves |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Profit/ (Loss) for the year |
(15,030.15) |
(17,254.65) |
(15,129.47) |
(17,442.69) |
Other comprehensive income |
(1.10) |
35.63 |
(0.48) |
32.56 |
Transferred from general reserve |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Other |
25,599.01 |
41.40 |
25.61 |
41.40 |
Amount transferred to other equity |
(38,334.53) |
(48,902.29) |
(64,524.89) |
(49,420.55) |
Notes: The above figures are extracted from the audited standalone and
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The amount shown in bracket () in the
above table are negative in value.
The standalone and consolidated financial statements of the Company for
the financial year ended March 31, 2023, have been prepared in accordance with the Indian
Accounting Standards as notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and as amended from
time to time. On a standalone basis, the Company achieved total income of Rs.98,597.50
million during the current financial year as against Rs.75,445.60 million in the previous
financial year and reported standalone loss of Rs.15,030.15 million during the current
financial year as against loss of Rs.17,254.65 million in the previous financial year.
2. State of Affairs and Material Development
(i) The Company is engaged in business of schedule airline services and
has completed its eighteenth years of operation on May 23, 2023 making flying more
affordable for the common man and connecting the unconnected parts of the country. The
Company reported highest load factor of 88% for domestic scheduled flights with an
increase in load factor by 7.24% compared to last year. The Company also operated 1,568
charter flights carrying over 2,48,568 passengers. (ii)
Saleofcargobusinessundertaking:Intermsofearlier special resolution(s) passed by the
members, the Company, on March 31, 2023, inter-alia, entered into a Business
Transfer Agreement with its subsidiary company namely SpiceXpress and Logistics Private
Limited ("SpiceXpress") for transfer of its cargo business undertaking as
a going concern, on slump sale basis. Accordingly, SpiceXpress is now carrying cargo
business effective April 1, 2023.
The transfer of cargo business undertaking to SpiceXpress will provide
greater and differentiated focus to cargo and logistics business and will allow the
possibility of raising capital for the business to accelerate its growth. The transfer,
with separate and enhanced management focus, will provide greater opportunity and
flexibility in pursuing long-term growth plans and strategies. It will also assist the
management in evaluating the business performance as an independent entity while
leveraging and unlocking significant value for the Company and its shareholders.
(iii) Dispute with erstwhile promoters: The Company had, in earlier
financial years, received amounts aggregating to Rs.5,790.9 million from its erstwhile
promoters as advance money towards proposed allotment of certain securities (189,091,378
share warrants and 3,750,000 non-convertible cumulative redeemable preference shares,
issuable based on approvals to be obtained), to be adjusted at the time those securities
were to be issued. Pursuant to the legal proceedings in this regard before the
Hon'ble High Court of Delhi (the "Court") between the erstwhile
promoters, the present promoter and the Company, the Company was required to secure an
amount of Rs.3,290.89 million through a bank guarantee in favour of the Registrar General
of the Court ("Registrar") and to deposit the balance amount of Rs.2,500
million with the Registrar. The Company has complied with these requirements in September
2017.
The parties to the aforementioned litigation concurrently initiated
arbitration proceedings before a three-member arbitral tribunal (the "Tribunal"),
which pronounced its award on July 20, 2018 (the "Award"). In terms of
the Award, the Company was required to (a) refund an amount of approximately Rs.3,082.19
million to the counterparty, (b) explore the possibility of allotting non-convertible
cumulative redeemable preference shares in respect of approximately Rs.2,708.70 million,
failing which, refund such amount to the counterparty, and (c) pay interest calculated to
be Rs.924.66 million (being interest on the amount stated under (a) above, in terms of the
Award). The amounts referred to under (a) and (b) above, aggregating Rs.5,790.89 million,
continue to be carried as current liabilities without prejudice to the rights of the
Company under law. Further, the Company was entitled to receive from the counterparty,
under the said Award, an amount of Rs.290.00 million as counter-claim. Consequent to the
Award, and without prejudice to the rights and remedies it may have in the matter, the
Company accounted for Rs.634.66 million as an exceptional item (net) during the year ended
March 31, 2019, being the net effect of amount referred to under (c) and counter-claim
receivable of Rs.290.00 million, above. The Company, its present promoter and the
counterparties had challenged before the Court various aspects of the Award, including the
above-mentioned interest obligations and rights ("Section 34 Petitions").
The Court vide its judgements dated July 31, 2023 has dismissed Section 34 Petitions filed
by the Company, its present promoter and the counterparties and thereafter the Company
preferred an appeal before the division bench of the Court under Section 37 of the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 which is pending adjudication. In the execution
petitions filed by the counterparties ("Execution Petitions"), the Court
vide its order dated April 2, 2019 released Rs.2,500 million, out of the amount deposited
by the Company, to the counterparty, subject to certain conditions as enumerated by the
Court in its order. Further, pursuant to an order of the Court dated September 20, 2019,
the Company has remitted an additional Rs.582.19 million out of the guarantee placed with
the Court, to the counterparty, in October 2019. All such payments made have been included
under other non-current assets. The Court vide its order dated September 2, 2020 in the
said matter, directed the Company to deposit an amount of Rs.2,429.37 million of interest
component under the Award (including the amount of Rs.924.66 million provided for as
indicated earlier, without prejudice to the rights of the Company under law). The Company
preferred a Special Leave Petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India ("Supreme
Court") against the aforesaid Order and the Supreme Court pursuant to its order
dated February 13, 2023 has modified the said order dated September 2, 2020 passed by the
Court and directed to release the bank guarantee placed with the Court (aggregating to
Rs.2,707.81 million) to the counterparty towards quantum of principal sum due under the
Award and pay an amount of Rs.750.00 million to the counterparty within period of three
months towards liability on account of interest. The said amount of bank guarantee has
been released to the counterparties during the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and
accordingly entire principal of Rs. 5,790.9 million has been paid. However, the Company
was unable to pay Rs. 750.00 million to the counterparty within the prescribed timeline
and filed an application with Supreme Court for extension of time which was dismissed.
Thereafter, the Company has further paid Rs.1,000.00 million to the counterparties, in
terms of the Court order dated August 24, 2023 in the Execution Petitions, to show its
bona fide without prejudice to its rights in the pending litigation. (iv) Preferential
issue: The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on December 12, 2023,
has approved the issue of up to 31,83,00,000 (Thirty One Crore Eighty Three Lakh only)
equity shares of the face value of Rs.10 (Rupees Ten) each and up to 13,00,00,000
(Thirteen Crore only) warrants, having option to apply for and be allotted equivalent
number of equity shares of the face value of Rs.10 (Rupees Ten) each , on a preferential
basis, subject to approval of members. The aggregate issue size for equity shares and
warrants, having option to apply for and be allotted equivalent number of equity shares is
Rs.22,41,50,00,000 (Rupees Twenty Two Hundred Forty One Crore Fifty Lakh only). This fund
raise will strengthen financial position of the Company.
(v) Qualified Institutions Placement: The Company has passed an
enabling resolution to raise funds for an amount not exceeding Rs.25.00 billion by way of
qualified institutions placement. The detailed terms and conditions for the offer
(including number of equity shares to be issued, identification of investors, price,
quantum and timing of the issue) of fund raising through qualified institution placement
will be determined by the Board in consultation with the lead managers, advisors,
placement agents and such other agency or agencies as may be required to be consulted by
the Company, considering the prevailing market conditions and in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the law and other relevant factors.
(vi) During the financial year 2022-23, there was no change in the
nature of Company's business. (vii) There have been no material changes and
commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the
financial year and date of this report. There has been no change in the nature of business
of the Company.
3. Board of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
(i) As on March 31, 2023, the Board comprised five meambers with an
Executive Chairman & Managing Director, besides three Independent Directors and one
Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, of which one is a women director. During the
financial year 2022-23, the composition of the Board was not as per the requirement of
Regulation 17(1) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 as the Company has not been able to appoint one independent woman
director and the total number of directors are less than six. The Company is looking for a
suitable candidature for woman independent director and after finalisation of such
candidature, the Company will file necessary application for security clearance of such
candidature as mandated by Civil Aviation Requirements of Ministry of Civil Aviation,
Government of India. (ii) The Board of Directors in its meeting held on February 24, 2023
on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has approved the
re-appointment of Mr. Ajay Singh (DIN: 01360684) as Managing Director of the Company for a
period of three (3) years with effect from May 21, 2023 which was subsequently approved by
the members through postal ballot on August 31, 2023.
(iii) Mr. Ajay Aggarwal (DIN: 00001122) was appointed as an Independent
Director of the Company for a period of five years effective from February 11, 2019, and
he holds office as an Independent Director of the Company upto February 10, 2024. The
Board of Directors of the Company in its meeting held on December 4, 2023 on the
recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and after taking into
consideration the performance evaluation, background, experience and contribution made by
Mr. Aggarwal during his tenure as an Independent Director of the Company, decided to
re-appoint Mr. Aggarwal as an Independent Director of the Company, for a second term of
five consecutive years, effective from February 11, 2024 to February 10, 2029, subject to
requisite approval of members. (iv) Mr. Manoj Kumar (DIN: 00072634) was appointed as an
Independent Director of the Company for a period of five years effective from May 28,
2019, and he holds office as an Independent Director of the Company upto May 27, 2024. The
Board of Directors of the Company in its meeting held on December 4, 2023 on the
recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and after taking into
consideration the performance evaluation, background, experience and contribution made by
Mr. Kumar during his tenure as an Independent Director of the Company, decided to
re-appoint Mr. Kumar as an Independent Director of the Company, for a second term of five
consecutive years, effective from May 28, 2024 to May 27, 2029, subject to requisite
approval of members.
(v) Mr. Ashish Kumar was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the
Company with effect from September 9, 2022 consequent upon resignation of Mr. Sanjeev
Taneja from the post of Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective August 31, 2022.
(vi) The remuneration paid to the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior
Management is in accordance with the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company
formulated in accordance with Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 of
the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015.
4. Disclosure on Company's Policy on Directors'
Appointment and Remuneration
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company was adopted by
the Board based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The
Policy sets out criteria to pay equitable remuneration to the Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and other employees of the Company and to harmonise the aspirations of human
resources with the goals of the Company. The Nomination and Remuneration Policy is
available on the website of the Company at www.spicejet.com under the
Investors' section.
While formulating the Policy, the Board has ensured that the level and
composition of remuneration is reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and motivate
directors of the quality required to run the Company successfully, relationship of
remuneration to performance is clear and meets appropriate performance benchmarks, and the
remuneration of the directors, key managerial personnel and senior management involves a
balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and long-term performance
objectives appropriate to the working of the company and its goals.
The Policy assist the Company to fulfill its responsibility towards
attracting, retaining and motivating the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, senior
management personnel and other employees through competitive and reasonable remuneration
in line with the corporate and individual performance.
5. Board Evaluation
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee conducted the Board
evaluation for the year. The evaluation of all the directors, committees, chairman of the
Board, and the Board as a whole was conducted based on the criteria and framework adopted
by the Board. Further, details on the same are given in the Corporate Governance Report
which forms part of this report.
6. Declaration by Independent Directors
The independent directors on the Board of the Company have submitted a
declaration to the Board under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, that they meet
the criteria of independence as laid down in Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013
read with the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
All independent directors of the Company have afirmed compliance with
the Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Company's Code of Conduct for
Board Members and Senior Management.
All the Independent Directors of the Company have complied with the
requirement of inclusion of their names in the data bank of Independent Directors
maintained by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and they meet the requirements of
proficiency self-assessment test. In the opinion of Board of Directors of the Company,
independent directors on the Board of Company hold highest standards of integrity and are
highly qualified, recognized and respected individuals in their respective fields. The
Company has an optimum mix of expertise (including financial expertise), leadership and
professionalism.
7. Share Capital
During the financial year 2022-23, the paid-up share capital of the
Company has increased from Rs.6,017.97 million to Rs.6,018.46 million pursuant to
allotment of 49,050 equity shares of Rs.10 each under SpiceJet Employee Stock Option
Scheme - 2017.
There is no change in authorised share capital of the Company during
the financial year 2022-23.
8. Dividend
The Board of Directors have not recommended any dividend for the
financial year 2022-23. In terms of Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015, the Company has adopted the Dividend
Distribution Policy of the Company which is available on the website of the Company at
www.spicejet.com under the Investors' section.
9. Transfer to Reserves
The Company has made no transfers to reserves during the financial year
2022-23.
10. Public Deposits
The Company has not accepted any fixed deposits, including from the
public, and, as such, no amount of principal or interest was outstanding as of the Balance
Sheet date. Accordingly, no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of details
relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies
(Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
11. Annual Return
In accordance with the Companies Act, 2013, the annual returns of the
Company in the prescribed format are available on the website of the Company at
www.spicejet. com under the Investors' section. Annual return of the Company
for the financial year 2022-23, as required under Section 92 (3) of the Companies Act,
2013, shall also be placed on website of the Company.
12. Number of Meetings of the Board
During the financial year 2022-23, three (3) board meetings were held,
the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report that forms part of this
report. The Company was unable to hold minimum number of meetings of the Board due to a
ransomware attack in May 2022 which affected IT system(s) of the Company and resulted in
delay in completion of audit process and conducting the meeting of the Board within the
prescribed timeline.
13. Directors' Responsibility Statement
In terms of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, in relation to
the audited financial statements of the Company for year ended March 31, 2023, the
Directors of the Company state that: (i) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the
applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating
to material departures, if any; (ii) the Directors have selected such accounting policies
and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the
end of the financial year and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period; (iii)
the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for
safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other
irregularities; (iv) the Directors have prepared the Annual Accounts of the Company on a
going concern' basis; (v) the Directors have laid down internal financial
controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are
adequate and were operating effectively; and (vi) the Directors have devised proper
systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such
systems were adequate and operating effectively.
14. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments under Section 186
of the Companies Act, 2013
The Company has not granted any loan, given guarantee or security or
made investment under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 during the
financial year under review except (i) loans to its subsidiary companies as stated below
(ii) investment in subsidiary companies as stated in Annexure A to this report and
(iii) investment of Rs.0.25 million in class B-shares of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand
Limited to become member airline for availing advantageous rate on air navigation charges
in Thailand. Details of loan given to subsidiaries as on March 31, 2023 is as below:
S. No. |
Name of the Company |
(Amount in Rs.
million) |
1. |
SpiceJet Merchandise Private Limited |
106.78 |
2. |
SpiceJet Technic Private Limited |
10.28 |
3. |
Canvin Real Estate Private Limited |
238.90 |
4. |
SpiceXpress and Logistics
Private Limited |
1.00 |
5. |
Spice Ground Handling Services
Private Limited |
0.20 |
6. |
Spice Club Private Limited |
0.20 |
7. |
SpiceJet Interactive Private Limited |
0.20 |
15. Particulars of Contracts or Arrangement made with Related Parties
All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the
Audit Committee and are in accordance with the policy on materiality of related party
transactions and also on dealing with related party transactions formulated by the Board
of Directors of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015. The said policy
is also available on the website of the Company at www.spicejet.com under the
Investors' section.
The Company in terms of Regulation 23 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015 regularly submits disclosures of related
party transactions on a consolidated basis, in the format specified to the stock exchange.
The disclosure of related party transactions as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in Form
AOC-2 is attached as Annexure B and forms an integral part of this report.
16. Subsidiaries
As on March 31, 2023, following are the subsidiaries of the Company:
s.No. |
Name |
Business Activity |
1. |
SpiceJet
Merchandise Private Limited |
Business of consumer merchandise and goods
through various channels |
2. |
SpiceJet Technic Private Limited |
Engineering related service including but not
limited to maintenance, repair and overhaul services of aircraft and its parts |
3. |
Canvin Real Estate Private Limited |
Real estate business |
4. |
SpiceJet Interactive Private Limited |
Information and communication technology |
5. |
Spice Club Private Limited |
Loyalty and rewards programme management |
6. |
Spice Shuttle Private Limited |
Charter operation by aeroplanes and/or
helicopters |
7. |
SpiceXpress and Logistics Private Limited |
Cargo transportation and logistics |
8. |
Spice Ground Handling Services Private
Limited |
Ground handling services |
9. |
SpiceTech System Private Limited |
IT Services |
During the year, the Board of Directors reviewed the affairs of the
subsidiaries. In accordance with Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company
has prepared the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which form part of this
Annual Report. Further, a statement containing the salient features of the financial
statements of the subsidiaries in the prescribed format AOC-1 is appended as Annexure
A to this report. The statement also provides details of the performance and
financial position of each of the subsidiaries.
In accordance with Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the audited
financial statements, including the consolidated financial statements and related
information of the Company and audited accounts of each of its subsidiaries, are available
on the website of the Company at www.spicejet.com under the Investors' section.
In order to ensure governance of material subsidiary companies, the Board of Directors of
the Company has adopted the policy and procedures for determining material'
subsidiary companies in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015 and the same is available on the website
of the Company at www.spicejet.com under the Investors' section.
17. Corporate Governance and Management Discussion and Analysis
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a detailed report on the Management Discussion
and Analysis and Corporate Governance Report along with Practicing Company
Secretary's Certificate regarding compliance of conditions of corporate governance
forms an integral part of this report.
18. Particulars of Employees
The Company's goal is to stay invested in employee's growth,
provide them with development opportunities, recognise their efforts and enable them to
absorb our value system. The Company focus on the workplace that promotes a transparent
and participative organisation culture.
The Company has constituted an internal committee to consider and
resolve all sexual harassment complaints reported by women and has also adopted a policy
as per the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and has complied with the provisions of said Act. All
employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy.
During the financial year 2022-23, seventeen complaints were received under the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and as
on March 31, 2023, one of the complaint was pending for its disposal. The ratio of the
remuneration of each Director to the median remuneration of the employees of the Company
and other details in terms of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule
5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014,
are forming part of this report and annexed as Annexure C. The statement containing
particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014 forms part of this report. In terms of the provisions of Section 136(1) of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made thereunder, this report is being sent to all
members of the Company excluding the said annexure. Any member interested in obtaining a
copy of the annexure may write to the Company.
19. Employees Stock Option Scheme
The members of the Company in its meeting held on November 27, 2017
authorized the Board to introduce, offer, issue and provide stock options to eligible
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under SpiceJet Employee Stock Option
Scheme - 2017'. The maximum number of shares under this scheme shall not exceed
10,000,000 equity shares. During the year under review 49,050 grant was made under this
scheme. There has been no material variation in the terms of the options granted under
this scheme and this scheme is in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits
and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 (erstwhile the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)
Regulations, 2014. The details of this scheme including terms of reference, and
requirement specified under the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity)
Regulations, 2021 is available on the website of the Company at www.spicejet. com under
the Investors' section.
20. Corporate Social Responsibility
We believe that growth and development are effective only when they
result in wider access to opportunities and benefit a broader section of society. With an
objective of socio-economic development in India, the Board has adopted a Corporate Social
Responsibility ("CSR") Policy which is available on the website of the
Company at www.spicejet.com under the Investors' section. The Company has also
constituted CSR Committee comprising of Mr. Ajay Aggarwal as Chairperson and Mr. Ajay
Singh and Mrs. Shiwani Singh as Member which inter-alia monitors the
Company's CSR Policy and recommend the amount of CSR expenditure. During the year
under review, the CSR Committee met once on February 14, 2023 with necessary quorum being
present at the meeting. As per Rule 8 of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy) Rules, 2014, annual report on CSR activities is attached as Annexure D and
forms an integral part of this Report.
21. Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption
Conservation of Energy: The management is highly sensitive of the
criticality of the conservation of energy at all operational levels particularly of
aviation turbine fuel which is leading source of energy for aviation activity. Adequate
measures are taken to reduce energy consumption whenever possible by using energy
efficient equipment and technology infusion. These measures among other includes
maintenance of engine and airframe, flight planning, training to operational staff,
regular analysis etc.
Technology absorption: The Company has used information technology
comprehensively in its operations, for more details please refer to Section 9 (Information
Technology) of Management Discussion and Analysis.
22. Statutory Auditors
The present Statutory Auditors of the Company, M/s. Walker Chandiok
& Co LLP, Chartered Accountants, (ICAI Firm Registration No.: 001076N/N500013), was
appointed by members of the Company at its 36th Annual General Meeting held on
December 24, 2020 to hold office till the conclusion of 41st Annual General Meeting of the
Company.
In accordance with Section 134(3)(f) of the Companies Act, 2013,
information and explanations to various comments made by the Statutory Auditors in their
Report to the members are mentioned in the Notes to the Accounts, which form part of the
financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023.
23. Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the
Board of Directors of the Company appointed Mr. Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Practicing Company
Secretary (ICSI Membership No.: FCS 2870) to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the
Company for financial year ended on March 31, 2023. The Report of the Secretarial Auditor
is annexed as Annexure E to this report. In accordance with Section 134(3)(f) of
the Companies Act, 2013, response (wherever necessary) to the observations in the
Secretarial Audit Report are as under: (i) Composition of Board of Directors: The airline
industry has been affected by unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and is taking longer time to
recoup. This has not only affected the Company's operations but also deteriorated its
financial positions which is creating serious apprehension in the mind of prospective
candidate for independent director. The duty and responsibilities of director prescribed
under the applicable laws vis-?-vis present financial conditions of the Company is not
encouraging prospective candidate for appointment in the Company as independent director.
Notwithstanding the above, the Company is still looking for a suitable candidature for
independent woman director and after finalisation of such candidature, the Company will
file necessary application for security clearance of such candidature as mandated by Civil
Aviation Requirements of Ministry of Civil Aviation (ii) Number of Board Meetings and
Audit Committee Meetings: During May 2022, a ransomware attack affected IT system(s) of
the Company and access to data and computer systems were blocked. This has resulted in
delay in completion of audit process and conducting the Board Meeting and Audit Committee
Meeting within the prescribed timeline. (iii) Delay in submission of financial results to
stock exchange: The delay in submission of financial results of the Company to stock
exchange for financial year ended March 31, 2022 and quarter ended June 30, 2022
The delay was due to ransomware attack on IT system of the Company.
The delay in submission of financial results of the Company to stock
exchange for quarter ended December 31, 2022 The delay was due to non-availability
of requisite quorum for the Audit Committee Meeting scheduled on February 14, 2023 (within
statutory time limit) to consider and recommend the financial results for quarter ended
December 31, 2022 to the Board for their consideration.
(iv) Structural Digital Database: The Company has procured necessary
software to maintain the prescribed database in January 2023. However, during the review
period, no UPSI entry has been maintained by the Company.
(v) Dispute with erstwhile promoter: In view of the uncertainties
involved in the matter, management believes that the manner, timing and other related
aspects of adjustment of amounts, are currently not determinable. Based on their
assessment and legal advice obtained, management is of the view that any possible
consequential effects, including penal consequences and any compounding thereof, will not
have a material impact on the financial statements.
In terms of Regulation 24A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 as amended read with SEBI Circulars bearing
nos. CIR/CFD/CMD1/27/2019 and CIR/CFD/CMD1/114/2019 dated February 8, 2019 and October 18,
2019 respectively along with Circular issued by stock exchange i.e. BSE Limited dated
March 16, 2023, the Secretarial Auditor has also issued a Secretarial Compliance Report on
May 30, 2023 for the year ended March 31, 2023.
24. Reporting of frauds by auditors
During the year under review, neither the statutory auditors nor the
secretarial auditor has reported to the Audit Committee, under Section 143(12) of the
Companies Act, 2013, any instances of fraud committed against the Company by its officers
or employees, the details of which would need to be mentioned in this report.
25. Cost records and cost audit
Maintenance of cost records and requirement of cost audit as prescribed
under the provisions of Section 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies
(Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 are not applicable for the business activities
carried out by the Company.
26. Details of application made or any proceeding pending under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
Details of applications made or pending during financial year ended
March 31, 2023 under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 against the Company are as
follows:
S. No. |
Name of Applicant |
Amount (Rs. In millions) |
Date of filing |
Present status |
1. |
Acres Buildwell Private Limited |
_32.49 |
August 29, 2022 |
Parties settled the matter |
2. |
Willis Lease Finance Corporation |
901.83 |
February 23, 2023 |
Dismissed as withdrawn |
27. Secretarial Standards
The Company complies with all applicable mandatory secretarial
standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
28. Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
A detailed Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report in terms
of the provisions of Regulation 34 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 is attached herewith as Annexure - F to this report.
29. Details of significant and material orders passed by the regulators
or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and company's operations in
future
There are no significant material orders passed by the
Regulators/Courts which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its
future operations.
30. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
The details of Foreign Exchange earnings and outgo for the financial
year ended March 31, 2023 are set out below:
Particulars Amount (Rs. in millions)
Foreign Exchange Earnings 10,906 Foreign Exchange Outgo 24,590
31. Internal Controls and Risk Management
The Company believes that strong internal control systems that are
commensurate with the scale, scope and complexity of its operations are correlated to the
principle of governance and therefore the Company remains committed to ensuring a mature
and effective internal control environment that, inter alia, provides assurance on
orderly and efficient conduct of operations, security of assets, prevention and detection
of frauds/errors, accuracy and completeness of accounting records and Management
Information Systems, timely preparation of reliable financial information, adherence with
relevant statutes and compliance with related party transactions. The Company has aligned
its systems of internal financial control with the requirement of Companies Act, 2013.
This is intended to increase transparency and accountability in the organisation process
of designing and implementing a system of internal control. The framework requires a
company to identify and analyse risks and manage appropriate responses. The Company has
successfully laid down the framework and ensured its effectiveness. The Company also
recognises that risk is an integral part of business and is committed to managing the
risks in a proactive and efficient manner. The Company has established a framework to
actively manage all the material risks faced by the Company, in a manner consistent with
the company's strategy. This covers all business risks including strategic risk,
operational risks including fraud and cyber risks, foreign exchange risk, fuel price risk
and financial risks. The Company has laid down procedures to inform Board of Directors
about risk assessment and minimisation procedures. These procedures are periodically
reviewed to ensure that executive management is controlling risks through properly defined
framework. The system of risk assessment and follow-up procedure is in place and
considering its increased operations the Company continues to reassess its risk management
plan.
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance
systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal
Auditor, Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditor and external consultants, including
the audit of internal financial controls over financial reporting by the Statutory
Auditors and the reviews performed by management and the relevant Board Committees,
including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that the Company's
internal financial controls were adequate and effective during the year ended March 31,
2023.
The Company's risk management process is designed to identify and
mitigate risks that have the potential ability to materially impact our business
objectives. The Company adopts mitigation measures to reduce the adverse effects of risks.
The Company has a risk management policy which acts as a guiding document for the purpose
of identifying and mitigating risk. Pursuant to Section 134(3) (n) of the Companies Act,
2013 and Regulation 17(9) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015, the Company has formulated and adopted a Risk Management Policy. The
primary objectives of the policy include identification and categorisation of potential
risks, their assessment and mitigation and to monitor these risks. The Company has also
constituted a Risk Management Committee which oversee the processes of identification,
evaluation and mitigation of risks. The Committee inter alia periodically reviews
the organisational risks that are spread across operational, financial, technological and
environmental spheres and provide guidance to the management team.
32. Acknowledgement
We thank our valued customers, partners, vendors, investors and bankers
for their continued confidence and support during the year and playing a significant role
in the continued business excellence achieved by the Company. We place on record our
appreciation of the contribution made by our employees at all fronts. Our consistent
growth was made possible by their hard work, solidarity, cooperation and support.
We thank the Government of India particularly the Ministry of Civil
Aviation, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Directorate General of Civil
Aviation and other regulatory authorities for their cooperation, support and guidance.
For and on behalf of the Board
|
Sd/- |
Place : Gurugram |
Ajay Singh |
Date : December 12, 2023 |
Chairman & Managing Director |