Business Judgment Rule - Indian context

The Business Judgment Rule is a legal principle designed to protect directors from legal scrutiny regarding their decisions by creating a presumption that, when making business decisions, directors act in good faith, with adequate information, and a genuine belief that their actions are in the company's best interest. This doctrine originated in Delaware and has been adopted by many Commonwealth countries.

The rule, established in the Aronson v. Lewis case, provides directors with a benefit of the doubt unless evidence proves otherwise, particularly if a director has a personal interest in a transaction. In such cases, the director must not gain financially and must disclose all pertinent information to shareholders before making a decision.

In the Cede v. Technicolor case, the scope of the rule was expanded. The court emphasized the importance of due care and loyalty, requiring directors to exercise reasonable care and act with loyalty to the company. The rule also stipulated that a director with a vested interest in a transaction should maintain an arm's length distance. Overall, the Business Judgment Rule seeks to assure that directors act responsibly and ethically, safeguarding them from legal repercussions unless their actions demonstrate a lack of good faith or loyalty.

Legal position in India:

In the Indian context, the need for incorporating the Business Judgment Rule into the corporate legal system was underscored by the case involving Pratip Chaudhuri, the former Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI). Chaudhuri faced arrest in connection with a loan scam where he allegedly sold a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) valued at Rs 200 crores for Rs 25 crores to a related party. While the Supreme Court in India has not explicitly embraced this doctrine, certain elements of it have been integrated into the country's legal framework.

For instance, Section 463(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, allows relief from liability, wholly or partially, for individuals facing proceedings related to negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance, or breach of trust if the court determines that the person acted honestly and reasonably considering the circumstances. However, such immunity is subject to the discretion of the courts and not an absolute right or privilege under the law.

The Indian courts have implicitly acknowledged this doctrine by extending immunity to certain directors for their decisions. In the case of Miheer H Mafatlal v Mafatlal Industries, the Supreme Court held that interference by the court is unwarranted when a director's conduct is "just, fair, and reasonable, according to a reasonable business person, taking a commercial decision beneficial to the company."

Over time, the doctrine has evolved, and tribunals and courts in India now subject valuations of shares to stricter scrutiny, ensuring they are conducted for the sole benefit of the company and not unfairly favoring any class of shareholders. For instance, in Re Cadbury India Limited, the Bombay High Court emphasized the need for independent valuation, asserting that courts are not bound by the majority's opinion.

In contrast, the U.S. approach grants immunity under the Business Judgment Rule when the arm's length principle is observed in third-party transactions. The rule establishes a strong presumption in favor of board decisions, placing the burden on the challenging party to provide evidence that directors violated fiduciary duties such as good faith, loyalty, or due care. Unless such evidence is presented, the Business Judgment Rule shields directors from additional judicial scrutiny.

Conclusion

While the Business Judgment Rule can act as a deterrent to legal action, it doesn't offer absolute assurance of immunity. Hence, it is advisable for companies, directors, and officers to implement optimal strategies to reduce litigation risks. These strategies include seeking guidance from appropriate professionals, maintaining honesty and transparency in disclosures, documenting the reasoning behind decisions, and obtaining diverse opinions when needed.

Dealing with claims related to the Business Judgment Rule demands a thorough examination of a director's or officer's actions, and the outcome depends on the specific facts involved. It is recommended to engage with a knowledgeable attorney to evaluate the viability of a claim or defense.