FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 2024
The Directors present the Annual Report with the Audited Financial Statements of your
Company for the year ended 31st March, 2024. FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Financial Results ofthe Companyfortheyearended 31st March 2024aresummarized below:
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Revenuefrom Operations |
28,899 |
30,569 |
Other Income |
28,796 |
5,35,179 |
Total Revenue |
57,695 |
5,65,748 |
Profit/(Loss) before Finance Costs, Depreciation and Exceptional Items and Taxation |
(3,63,666) |
2,33,946 |
Less: Finance Costs |
30,255 |
1,01,829 |
Less: Depreciation and Amortization Expenses |
28 |
106 |
Profit/(Loss) before Exceptional Items and Tax |
(3,93,949) |
1,32,011 |
Less: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
Profit/(Loss) before tax |
(3,93,949) |
1,32,011 |
Tax Expenses |
|
|
Current Tax |
- |
(11,026) |
Deferred Tax |
1,10,285 |
(28,150) |
Profit/(Loss) for the year |
(5,04,234) |
1,71,187 |
OPERATIONS
During the year under review, the total revenue earned by the Company was much lower at
Rs. 5.77 crores as against 56.57 crores earned in the previous year due to decrease in
other income. While the finance costs during the year much lower to Rs. 3.02 crores as
against Rs. 10.18 crores incurred in the previous year which is mainly due to reduction of
interest on Debt Securities to Nil as against 9.78 crores incurred in previous year. In
view ofthe above, the net loss of your Company during the year at Rs. 50.42 crores against
profit of Rs. 17.11 crores in the previous year.
SHARECAPITAL
The Authorised Share Capital of your Company as on March 31,2024, stood at Rs.
25,00,00,000 divided into 2,37,50,000 Equity Shares of Face Value Rs.10/- each and
1,25,000 Preference Shares of Rs. 100/- each. The Issued, Subscribed and the Paid-Up
Equity Share Capital of the Companystood at Rs. 10,95,63,600divided into 1,09,56,360
EquityShares ofFace Value Rs.10/- each.There has been nochangein theShare Capital ofthe
Company during the period under review.
DIVIDEND
On account of the accumulated loss, your Directors regret their inability to recommend
any dividend for the year under review. RESERVES
The Board has not transferred any amount to the General Reserve for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 due to losses incurred.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
In termsoftheSecurities and Exchange Board ofIndia (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015,aManagement Discussion and Analysis Report is attached as Annexurelandforms
part ofthis Report.
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARY, JOINT VENTURE OR ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
During the year under review, the Company does not have any Subsidiaries. However, the
Company had two associate companies and one joint venture company as follows:-
i) Majerhat Estates & Developers Limited - Associate Company
ii) Williamson Financial Services Limited - Associate Company
iii) D1 Williamson Magor Bio Fuel Limited-JointVentureCompany
D1 WILLIAMSON MAGOR BIO FUEL LIMITED
The operation of D1 Williamson Magor Bio Fuel Limited (D1WML) being un-economical,
D1WML has suspended all its projects in view of which the Companyhas made provision in its
Accountagainst its entire investment in D1WML.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDITORS' REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
As required under Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company, its two Associate Companies and one Joint Venture Company as
mentioned above prepared in accordance with the applicable Accounting Standards issued by
the InstituteofChartered Accountants of India and theAuditors' Reporton theConsolidated
Financial Statementsareappended in theAnnual Report.
A statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the
Company's aforesaid two Associate Companies and one Joint Venture Company pursuant to the
first proviso to sub-section (3) of Section 129 of the Companies Act, 2013 prepared in
Form AOC-1 is attached to the financial statements ofthe Companyfor your information.
DEPOSIT
The Company neither invited nor accepted any deposit from the public during the
financial year 2023-24. No amount on account of principal or intereston depositfrom public
wasoutstanding ason thedate ofthe balance sheet.
DEBENTURE AND DEBENTURE TRUSTEES
The Company had allotted 1000 Secured, Redeemable, Non - Convertible Debentures of Rs.
10,00,000/- each at par on 4th October 2018 to thefollowing:
a) 5 Secured, Redeemable, Freely Transferable, Non - Convertible Debentures with a face
value of Rs. 10,00,000/- each on a private placement basis to IL&FS Financial Services
Limited and;
b) 995 Secured, Redeemable, Freely Transferable, Non - Convertible Debentures with a
face value of Rs. 10,00,000/- each on a private placement basis to IL&FS
Infrastructure Debt Fund.
The Companyhad appointed a debenturetrusteefortheaforesaid transaction.Thedetail
ofdebenturetrustee is given below:
Vistra ITCL (India) Limited
The IL&FS Financial Centre, Plot C-22/G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East)
Mumbai - 400051.Tel:022-26593535.
ONE-TIME SETTLEMENT WITH ANY BANKOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
During the year under review, the following one-time settlement was entered with Bank
or Financial Institution:
The Company and IL&FS Infrastructure Debt Fund ("IDF"), IL&FS
Infra Asset Management Limited and others have entered into a settlement agreement dated
5th May, 2023 to amicablysettlethe disputes inter-alia relating to default in
paymentobligations of995 Secured, Redeemable, Non-convertible Debentures (NCDs) of Face
Value of Rs 10,00,000/- each.
TheCompanyand Aditya Birla Finance Limited (ABFL) and others haveentered into
Terms ofSettlementand Consent Term dated 7th June, 2023 to amicably settle the disputes
with ABFL in the matter inter-alia relating to Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares
(CCPS) of McNally Bharat Engineering Company Limited (MBECL) of Rs. 70 Crores subscribed
by ABFL with "Put Option" obligations on the Company.
The Company and Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited ("KMBL") have entered into
a settlement agreement dated 26th December, 2023 to amicablysettlethedisputes inter-alia
relating to default in paymentobligationsoftheoutstandingdues in regard to the put-option
agreement dated 12th April, 2018 executed between the Company and KMBL.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE DATE OF
THIS REPORT
Thereare no material changesorcommitments that haveoccurred between the end
ofthefinancial yearand thedate ofthis Report.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has in place a satisfactory internal control system to ensure proper
recording of financial and operational information and to exercise proper and timely
compliance of all regulatory and statutory compliances as applicable to the Company.
The Internal Audit of the various operations ofthe Company is periodically conducted by
an outside agency which submits its report to the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company. The Audit Committee takes the same into consideration for the
purpose of evaluation of Internal Financial Controls in the Company.
The Company has in place a process to inform the Board about the risk assessment and
minimization procedures. It has an appropriate Risk Management system in place for
identification and assessment of risks, measures to mitigate them, and mechanisms for
their proper and timelymonitoring and reporting. Presently, Regulation 21 oftheSEBI
LODRwith respect to RiskManagementCommittee is not applicable to your Company. Committee
of the Board of Directors of the Company monitors and reviews the risks associated with
the Company's business operations and manages them effectively in accordance with the risk
management system of the Company. However, the Board has constituted Risk Management
Committee for monitoring and reviewing of the risk assessment, mitigation and risk
management plan from time to time. As on 31st March, 2024, the Committee comprises of Mr.
Debasish Lahiri, Mr. Lakshman Singh and Mr. Chandan Mitra. Mr. Debasish Lahiri is the
Chairman ofthe Committee.
The Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient
conduct of its business, including adherence to the Company's policies, safeguarding of
its assets, prevention and detection of fraud and errors, accuracy and completeness of the
accounting records, and timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to requirement under section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, with respect
to Directors' Responsibility Statement, it is hereby confirmed that:
i) in the preparationof the annual accounts,the applicable
accountingstandardshadbeenfollowedalongwithproperexplanation relating to material
departures, Ifany;
ii) the Directors had 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 andlossofthe company for that period;
iii) the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the
assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv) the Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
v) the Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively;
vi) the Directors had devised a proper system to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
BOARD MEETINGS
During the year ended 31st March, 2024, Six Board Meetings were held as follows, the
details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report:
2nd May, 2023,29th May, 2023,11th August 2023,9th November 2023,26th December, 2023 and
7th February 2024.
SEPARATE MEETING OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
During theyear,aseparate meeting ofthe Independent Directors was held on 29th March
2024in terms ofrequirements ofSchedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013, without the
attendance of non-independent directors and members of management. The evaluation process
prescribed in paragraph VII ofSchedule IVto theAct was carried outatthesaid Meeting.
REPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In terms of requirements of Regulation 34(3) of the Listing Regulations, a Report on
Corporate Governance and the Auditors' Certificate regarding Compliance to Corporate
Governance requirement are attached as Annexure II and Annexure III
respectively and form part of this Report.
BOARD EVALUATION
Pursuantto provision oftheAct and the Listing Regulation and based on Policydevised by
the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC),theformal evaluation ofthe
performanceofthe Independent Directors, Non - Independent Directors,Chairperson and the
Board of Directors as a whole and all Board Committees was carried out by the Board at its
meeting held on 27th May 2024 for the financial year ended31st March, 2024 in accordance
with the relevant provisions ofSection 134 ofthe Act read with the Rule related thereto
and Section 178 of the Act and Schedule IV to the Act and also in accordance with the
guidance note issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India ('SEBI') vide its
circular No. SEBI/H0/CFD/CIR/P/2017/004 dated 5th January, 2017 and the same was found to
be satisfactory.
The Board performance was evaluated based on inputs received from all Directors after
considering criteria such as Board Composition and structure, effectiveness of Board and
information provided to the Board etc.
The performanceofthe committees wasevaluated by the Board ofthe Directors based on
inputs receivedfrom all thecommittee members after considering criteria such as
composition and structure ofcommittees, effectiveness ofcommittee meetings etc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors ofthe Company comprised of6Directors as on31st March 2024 ofwhom
twoare Independent Directors including two Woman Directors.
During the year under review, Mrs Rekha Mukherjee (DIN: 09663627), Non-Executive
Director resigned from the Board w.e.f. 4th April, 2023. Mrs Sadhana Mukherjee (DIN:
09762378), Non-Executive Independent Director resigned from the Board w.e.f. 11th April,
2023.
Further, Mrs Madhumita Singh Bhasin (DIN: 10078878) was appointed as Non-Executive
Director w.e.f. 25th April, 2023 and resigned from the Board w.e.f. 20th October, 2023.
Mr. Neville Allen Betreen (DIN: 09774939) was appointed as Non-Executive Independent
Director w.e.f. 15th May, 2023 and resigned from the Board w.e.f. 1st November, 2023. Mrs
Ishita Ray (DIN: 10342735) was appointed as Non-Executive Director w.e.f. 18th October,
2023 and resigned from the Board w.e.f. 4th April, 2024. Mr. Bharat Bhatt (DIN: 10330991)
was appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director w.e.f. 18th October, 2023 and resigned
from the Board w.e.f. 5th April, 2024.
After the closure of the financial year Mr. Sukesh Dolui (DIN: 10511602) was appointed
as Non-Executive Director w.e.f. 3rd April, 2024 and Mr Tabrez Ahmed (DIN: 10570558) was
appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director w.e.f. 3rd April, 2024. The approval of
the shareholders towards such appointments were obtained by way of postal ballot - notices
dated 29th May 2023,9th November, 2023 and 27th May, 2024.
In accordance with provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company read with
Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act'), Mr. Sukesh Dolui (DIN: 10511602) will
retire by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offers
himself for re-appointment.
A certificate of Non-Disqualification of Directors furnished by M/s. Vidhya Baid &
Co., Company Secretaries as required under Regulation 34(3) read with ScheduleVPara C
sub-clause 10(i) ofSEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is Annexed as AnnexurelV.
All the Independent Directors have confirmed and declared that they are not
disqualified to act as an Independent Director in terms of Section 149 of the Companies
Act, 2013 and the Board is also of the opinion that all of them fulfill all the conditions
specified in the Act making them eligible to continue to act as Independent Directors
ofthe Company.
The Board of Directors further confirms that the Independent Directors also meet the
criteria of expertise, experience, integrity and proficiency in terms of Rule 8 ofthe
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014(as amended).
All the Directors and the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as mentioned
hereunder have confirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct as applicable to them and
there are no other employees in the senior category.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Pursuantto Section 203 ofthe Companies Act, 2013,following arethe keymanagerial
personnel ofthe Company:
1. Mr Sudipta Chakraborty appointed as Manager and Chieffinancial Officer of the
Company w.e.f. 29 May 2023.
2. MrSk Javed Akhtar, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Company.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with all applicable mandatory Secretarial Standards issued by
the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Ason31 March 2024,the Board had threecommittees namelyAuditCommittee, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee and the Stakeholders Relationship Committee. All the Committees
consist of optimum number of independent directors.
During theyear there was no instances where the Board of Directors ofthe Company had
not accepted any recommendation ofthe Committees.
A detailed note on the Composition ofthe Committees is provided in the Corporate
Governance Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
As on 31 March 2024, the Audit Committee ofthe Board of Directors ofthe Company
consisted of Mr. Bharat Bhatt and Ms. Lyla Cherian, Non - Executive Independent Directors
and Mr. Chandan Mitra, Non - Executive Non - Independent Director. Mr. Bharat Bhatt is the
Chairperson ofthe Committee.
All Members ofthe Committee possess strong knowledge of accounting and financial
management. The Company Secretary is the Secretary to the Committee. The Internal Auditor
reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The significant audit observations and
corrective actions as may be required and taken by the managementare presented to theAudit
Committee. During theyearended 31st March, 2024 there were no instance where the Board of
Directors of the Company had not accepted the recommendations of the Audit Committee.
VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has in place a vigil mechanism/whistle blower policy the details of which
are available on the Company's website www.wmtea.com.The Company has also provided
direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee on reporting issues concerning the
interests ofthe employees and the Company.
COMPANY'S POLICY ON DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION INCLUDING CRITERIA FOR
DETERMINING QUALIFICATIONS, POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES, INDEPENDENCE OF A DIRECTOR AND OTHER
MATTERS
The particulars required to befurnished in this regard aregiven in the terms
ofreferenceofthe Nomination and Remuneration Committee as specified under Section 178(3)
of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations as mentioned in
the attached Report on Corporate Governance and also in the Remuneration Policy of the
Company attached as Annexure V to this Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
The particulars of loans, guarantees or investments under Section 186 of the Companies
Act, 2013are disclosed inthe notes to thefinancial statementsfortheyearended 31st March,
2024.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS MADE WITH RELATED PARTIES
There were no material significant transaction with the related party made by the
Company during the year 2023-24.
Since all Related Party Transactions entered into byyourCompanywerein the
ordinarycourseof business and also on an arm's length basis, therefore, details required
to be provided in the prescribed Form AOC -2are not applicable to your Company.
The Company has formulated a Related Party Transaction Policy and the same is disclosed
on the website of the Company and can be accessed at www.wmtea.com.
STATUTORYAUDITORS
M/s V. Singhi & Associates, Chartered Accountants, the Statutory Auditors of the
Company have been appointed at the Seventy First Annual General Meeting of the Company
held on 20th September, 2022 to hold office till the conclusion of the Seventy Sixth
Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in the year 2027.
STATUTORY AUDIT REPORT
In the Auditors Report dated 27th May, 2024, the Auditors have given Qualified Opinion
in relation to the Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the
Financial Year ended 31 March 2024. The basis for qualified opinion and Board's response
in relation to the said opinion are as under:-
SI. No. Audit-Qualification |
Management's Response |
(a) Non-recognition of Interest Expense |
The Company is under reframing process and is in constant dialogue with the lenders
with regard to restructuring. |
The Auditor drawn attention to Note 47 of the Standalone Financial Statement relating
to non-recognition of interest expense on secured borrowings from financial institutions
and unsecured inter-corporate borrowings. As the matter is under dispute / negotiation,
the Company has neither recognized nor ascertained any finance cost on such secured
borrowings for the period given hereunder |
|
|
As the matter is under dispute, the Board of Directors has decided not to recognize
interest expense on its borrowings for the current period in the Audited Financial Results
as the same is unascertainable at present. |
SI. Name of the Secured Lender No. |
Period for which interest has not been provided for |
1 InCred Financial Services Limited (formerly KKR India Financial Services Private
Limited) |
From August, 2019 upto March, 2024 |
2 HDFCBankLimited |
From April, 2021 upto March, 2024 |
Further, interest expense on inter-corporate borrowings amounting to Rs. 4,24,354
thousand for Inter-corporate borrowings for the year ended 31st March, 2024 has not been
recognised by the Company. As a result, finance cost and liability on account of interest
to that extent are understated and Total Comprehensive Income is overstated. |
|
This constitutes a departure from the requirements of Indian Accounting Standard 109
"Financial Instruments". |
|
(b) Default in repayment of principal and interest |
The company and IL&FS Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) and IL&FS Infra Asset
Management Limited have entered into a settlement agreement dated 05th May, 2023 for
settlement of Debt. Part of the Settlement process has already been executed. Once the
execution is fully completed the effect can be ascertained. |
The Auditor drawn attention to Note 48 of the Standalone Financial Statement with
respect to default in repayment of Principal and Interest on Non-Convertible Debentures
issued to IL&FS Financial Services Limited and subsequent settlement agreed upon. In
earlier years, Security provided by the Company by way of mortgage/pledge of certain
properties with the Debenture Trustee against issue of above debentures have been invoked
by the Debenture Trustee from time to time. |
|
The Management has ascertained and decided to adjust disposal proceeds and payment
made as per the settlement agreement from the outstanding value of debentures and
estimated interest as per the repayment schedule. We are unable to ascertain the effect of
the same as of now. |
|
(c) Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets |
The Company is taking all measure to recuperate by interalia, recovering its loans and
Interest from its borrower and achieve to the extent possible the reversal of the NPA and
entering into One Time Settlements (OTS) with its lenders and generally improving its
business conditions etc. |
The Auditor drawn attention to Note 31 of the Standalone Financial Statements where
the Management has considered recognition of deferred tax assets amounting to Rs. 9,01,327
thousand as at 31st March, 2024 assuming virtual certainty supported by convincing
evidence that sufficient future taxable income would be available against which such
assets can be realised. |
|
Considering the management's assessment of going concern assumption in the Standalone
Financial Statements, the condition of reasonable certainty for recognizing the deferred
tax assets as per Ind AS 12 "Income Taxes" has not been met. Consequently,
deferred tax assets are overstated and total comprehensive profit for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 is overstated to that extent. |
Once the business revives, the company would be having sufficient profits against
which it would be able to utilize the deferred tax assets. |
(d) Balances of receivables, unsecured and secured loan creditors and their balance
confirmations. |
The Company is in disagreement with regard to Interest charged and is in conversation
for waiver / reduction of interest. Hence, it is not quantifiable at this point of time.
Once it is finalized the balance confirmations can be provided. |
The Auditor drawn attention to Note 33 to the Standalone Financial Statements with
respect to certain balances, relating to trade and other receivables and liabilities
including those payable to loan creditors lacking reconciliation and confirmation.
Adjustments/impact in this respect are currently not ascertainable and as such cannot be
commented upon by us. |
|
(e) Material Uncertainty related to Going Concern |
The company is taking all measures to recover its loans from its Borrowers and
entering into One Time Settlement (OTS) with its lenders. The company has already entered
into settlement with IL& FS. Under such circumstances the company is assured to
improve its working and therefore the Going Concern status ofthe company is not believed
to be compromised at this point oftime. |
The Auditor drawn attention to Note 46 ofthe Standalone Financial Statements with
respect to material uncertainty related to Going Concern.The Company has defaulted in
repayment of borrowings to its financial institutional lenders and others. In view of the
Management, the Company will be able to improve its net working capital position to
discharge its current and non-current financial obligations. However, in view of the
uncertainties involved, these events and conditions indicate a material uncertainty which
may cast a significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue asagoing concern. |
|
Accordingly, the use of going concern assumption of accounting in preparation of this
Statement is not adequately and appropriately supported as per the requirements of Indian
Accounting Standard 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements". |
|
SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
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 has
appointed Messrs. MKB & Associates, Company Secretaries to conduct the Secretarial
Audit of the Companyfortheyearended31st March 2024.TheSecretarial Auditors' Report is
attached to this Reportas AnnexureVI and forms part of the Directors' Report.
There are certain qualifications or reservations or adverse remarks made by the
Secretarial Auditors in their Report and the response of the Company to the same is as
under:-
i. Mr. Lakshman Singh, Mr. Chandan Mitra, Mr. Debasish Lahiri and Ms. Lyla Cherian, the
directors of the Company have been disqualified to become directors under Section 164(2)
of the Companies Act, 2013 with effect from 30th September, 2022.
We would like to state that Company had failed to redeem its Non-convertible Debentures
(NCDs) on due date being 30th September, 2021 and the period of one year expired on 30th
September, 2022. Accordingly, Mr. Lakshman Singh, Mr. Chandan Mitra, Mr. Debashish Lahiri
and Ms. Lyla Cherian,thedirectors ofthe Companyhave been disqualified to becomedirectors
underSection 164(2)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013. However, during the financial year a
settlement agreement dated 5th May, 2023 was entered between the Companyand IL&FS
Infrastructure Debt Fund, IL&FS Infra Asset Management Limited and others.
ii. the Company has conducted Non-Banking Financial Activities without a valid
Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India as per the RBI Act, 1934.
We would like to state that the Company received the Notice No. KOL. DOS. RSG. NO.
S949/03.03.008/2002-23 dated July 04, 2022 from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for
surrender of original certificate of Registration pursuant to an order dated June 29,2022
passed by RBI for cancellation of certificate of Registration No. N.05.05534 dated March
31, 2003 issued to the Company for NonBanking Financial CompanyunderSection 45-IA(6) ofthe
Reserve BankofIndia Act, 1934. In this regard thecompanyfiled an appeal before the
Appellate Authority for NBFC, Ministry of Finance against the said order which was
rejected vide order dated May 04,2023.
The Company has filed writ petition dated January 04, 2024 in the Hon'ble High Court of
Calcutta against the rejection order of appellateauthority.
FRAUD REPORTING BY AUDITORS
During the year under review, no instances of fraud has been reported to the Audit
Committee under Section 143(12) ofthe Companies Act, 2013 against the Company by its
officers or employees, the details of which would need to be mentioned in the Board's
Report neither by the Statutory Auditors nor the Secretarial Auditors.
ANNUAL SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE REPORT
The Company has undertaken an Audit of all the applicable compliances as per the SEBI
Regulations and Circulars/Guidelines issued thereunder.
The Annual Secretarial Compliance Report issued by a Practising Company Secretary (PCS)
has been submitted to the Stock Exchanges within the stipulated time pursuantto regulation
24AofSEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 the
Annual Return as on March 31,2024 is available on the Company's website on
Form_MGT_7_2023-24.pdf (www.wmtea.com)
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In terms of Section 135(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, certain class of companies are
required to spend at least 2% of Average Net Profits made during the three immediately
preceding financial years, in pursuance of its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy.
Your Company had a net loss of Rs. 50.42 Crores during the financial year ended 31st
March, 2024 and there was no Average Net Profit during the above period computed in terms
of Section 198 ofthe Act, and hence the Company was not required to make expenditure in
CSR Activities. A report on CSR activities voluntarily undertaken by the Company during
the year is attached as Annexure VII.
The Company however, has constituted a CSR Committee and adopted a CSR Policy which can
be accessed at www.wmtea.com. The Corporate Social ResponsibilityCommitteeofthe Board as
on 31st March, 2024consisted of3 Directors, namely, Mr. Bharat Bhattand Ms. Lyla Cherian,
Non - Executive Independent Directors and Mr. Debasish Lahiri, Non - Executive Non -
Independent Director. Mr. Bharat Bhatt is the Chairperson ofthe Committee.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The relevant particulars required to be furnished pursuant to Section 197(12) ofthe
Companies Act 2013 read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Personnel) Rules, 2014 in this regard are attached as Annexure VIII to this Report.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
A statement giving details ofconservation ofenergy,technologyabsorption and foreign
exchange earnings and outgo in terms of Rule 8(3) ofthe Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014is
attached as Annexure IX to this Report.
PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Your Company has adopted and implemented a Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider
Trading in compliance with the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
All Directors, employees and other designated persons, who could have access to
unpublished price sensitive information of the Company are governed by this code.
The trading window regarding dealing with equity shares ofthe Company is duly closed
during declaration of financial results and occurrence ofany other material event as per
the code. During the year under review there has been due compliance with the code.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR TRIBUNALS
During the year under review, there were no significant or material order passed by the
regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and the Company's
operations in future.
However, in the matter of Arbitration proceedings between Aditya Birla Finance Limited
(ABFL) vs McNally Bharat Engineering Company Limited (MBECL) and others, the Sole
Arbitrator, passed an Interim Award on 30 June 2020 upon the Company to perform its
obligations under the Put Option Agreement dated 24 March 2018. The Company had filed an
application for setting aside the award which was subsequently withdrawn as the disputes
between the parties was settled.
Further, the Hon'ble High Courtat Calcuttavidejudgmentand orderdated 26 February2021 in
I.A. G.A. 1 of2019 (T.A. No. 12 of2019/G.A. 2174 of 2019) with C.S. No. 177 of 2019 in IL
& FS Financial Services v/s Aditya Khaitan &Ors., has, inter alia, restrained the
Company from transferring, alienating or encumbering any of its assets till the disposal
ofthe suit. The commercial suit is presently pending before the Hon'ble High Court. The
Written Statement on behalf of the Company has been filed.
The Hon'ble High Court of Delhi at New Delhi vide its ex-parte, interim order in
O.M.P.(I) (COMM.) 459/2019 in KKR India Financial Services Limited & Anr. Vs.
Williamson Magor & Co. Limited & Ors., has, inter-alia, restrained the Company
from selling, transferring, alienating, disposing, assigning, dealing or encumbering or
creating third party rights on their assets. Arbitration proceedings under the aegis of
ICC has been initiated by InCred Financial Services Limited (formerly KKR India Financial
Services Limited) and the matter is currently pending.
Further, in an application under section9ofArbitration&Conciliation Act filed by
KotakMahindra Bank Ltd.,an orderofinjunction has been passed by the Hon'ble Bombay High
Court, inter alia, restraining the Company from transferring any of its immovable
properties or assets otherwise than in theordinaryand usual
courseofbusiness.Thesameorderalsodirected theCompanyto makea depositofRs 14.88 crores with
the Court. Subsequently, One Time Settlement (OTS) has been entered into between Kotak
Mahindra Bank Ltd. and the Company. Consent Terms dated 23 February 2024 was executed by
them. The Arbitral Tribunal passed the final award in terms of the said consent terms and
disposed off the Arbitration.
The Company has received the Notice No. KOL. DOS. RSG. NO. S949/03.03.008/2002-23 dated
July 04,2022 from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)forsurrenderoforiginal certificate of
Registration pursuanttoan orderdatedJune29,2022 passed by RBIforcancellation ofcertificate
of Registration No. N.05.05534 dated March 31,2003 issued to the Company for Non- Banking
Financial Company under Section 45-IA(6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. In this
regard the company filed an appeal before the Appellate Authority for NBFC, Ministry of
Finance against the said order which was rejected vide order dated May 04,2023.
The Company has filed writ petition dated January 04,2024 in the Hon'ble High Court of
Calcutta against the rejection order of appellate authority.
Members' attention is also invited to Notes on Contingent Liabilities, in the notes
forming part of the Financial Statements.
Since the Financial Year 2018-19 the Company's economic health declined due to a great
portion of its Loan Assets turning into Non Performing Assets ('NPA') as per the norms of
the RBI. Further, the Company had provided security in respect of the borrowing of some of
its Group Companies ('the Borrowers') by pledging a lot of the Company's investments in
Shares in companies ('the Shares'). As the Borrowers defaulted, the Lenders invoked the
pledge by disposing ofthe Shares at any price theyfetched.This ultimately affected the
financials ofthe Company on account of loss of revenue from those investments and cast
adverse effect on its Net Owned Fund. The fixed overhead expenses added to the
negativevalueofthe Net Owned Fund.
The Company is taking all measures to recuperate by, inter alia, recovering its loans
with interests (so long remaining unrecoverable) from its Borrowersand achieveto the
maximum extent possible (ifnotfully) the reversal ofthe NPA by meansof,striking One Time
Settlements (OTS) with its Lenders and thereby reducing the interest liability and
generally improving its business conditions, etc. Under such circumstances, the Company is
self-assured to improve its workings. In the opinion ofthe Board, the Company's going
concern status is not believed to be threatened at this stage.
STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
The Company's main business being investment in shares and securities, the Management
regularly monitors the changing market conditions and trends. There is no change in the
nature of business ofthe Company.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION
AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
In terms of requirements of Section 4 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, theCompanyhas associated itselfwith the
Internal Complaints Committeeformed by McLeod Russel India Limited, oneoftheCompanies
forming part of Williamson Magorgroup with regard to dealing with sexual harassment at
workplace.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY
The Company has a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Policy which protects
Directors and Officers ofthe Company for any breach offiduciaryduty.
GREEN INITIATIVES
As part of our green initiative, the electronic copies of this Annual Report including
the Notice ofthe 73rd AGM are sent to all members whose email addresses are registered
with the Company/Registrar/Depository Participant(s).
As per SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/P/CIR/2023/0164 dated October 06, 2023 the
requirement of sending physical copies of annual report to those shareholders who have not
registered their email addresses has been dispensed with for Listed Entities who would be
conducting their AGMs within 30th September 2024. In this respect the physical copies are
not being sent to the shareholders. The copy of the same would be available on the
website: www.wmtea.com. The initiatives were taken for asking the shareholders to register
or update theiremail addresses.
The Company is providing e-voting facility to all its Members to enable them to cast
their votes electronically on all resolutions set forth in the Notice. This is pursuant to
Section 108 ofthe Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 20 ofthe Companies (Management and
Administration) Rules, 2014.The instructionsfor e-voting are provided in the Notice.
CORPORATE INSOLVENCY RESOLUTION PROCESS INITIATED UNDER THE INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY
CODE, 2016
DMPVanijya Private Limited, Vishnu Infra complex Pvt. Limited and Vishnu Solutions Pvt.
Limited havefiled applications before National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Kolkata for
initiating Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under Insolvencyand
BankruptcyCode, 2016which are being contested bythe Company.
COST RECORDS AND COST AUDIT
Maintenance ofCost Records and requirement ofcost audit as prescribed underthe
provisions of Section 148(1) ofthe Companies Act 2013 are not applicable for the business
activities carried out by the Company.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board of Directors take this opportunity to express their grateful appreciation for
the excellent assistance and cooperation received from the banks and other authorities.
The Board of Directors also thank the employees ofthe Company for their valuable service
and support during the year. The Board of Directors also gratefully acknowledge with
thanks the cooperation and support received from the shareholders ofthe Company.
|
For and on behalf of the Board |
|
TABREZ AHMED |
|
Director |
|
DIN:10570558 |
|
SUKESH DOLUI |
Place: Kolkata |
Director |
Date : 13th August 2024 |
DIN:10511602 |