The NCLT operates through multiple benches established across India to ensure accessible adjudication for companies, creditors, and stakeholders. As of 2024, there are 16 benches — one Principal Bench in New Delhi and 15 circuit/regular benches in major cities. Each bench has territorial jurisdiction over specific states and union territories, determined by the registered office of the company in question.
The Principal Bench — New Delhi
The Principal Bench, located in New Delhi, is presided over by the President of the NCLT. It exercises jurisdiction over cases arising from the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and also hears matters of national importance, transfer petitions, and applications that do not fall within the territorial jurisdiction of any other bench. The Principal Bench plays a supervisory and administrative role in the functioning of all NCLT benches.
Major Benches and Their Jurisdictions
The NCLT has established benches in cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Cuttack, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kochi, Allahabad, Amaravati, and Indore. Each bench's territorial jurisdiction is aligned with the state or states in which it is located. The Mumbai bench, for instance, covers Maharashtra, Goa, and the union territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, while the Kolkata bench serves West Bengal, Sikkim, and several north-eastern states.
How to Determine the Correct Bench
The jurisdiction of an NCLT bench is primarily determined by the location of the registered office of the company against which or by which the application is filed. For IBC matters, the application must be filed before the bench having jurisdiction where the registered office of the corporate debtor is situated. If the registered office has been shifted within two years prior to the filing, the bench corresponding to the earlier registered office address may also have jurisdiction.
Circuit Benches
In addition to permanent benches, NCLT may constitute circuit benches to hear cases in locations where there is no permanent bench but where a significant volume of cases arises. Circuit benches sit periodically and help reduce the travel burden on litigants. The establishment of circuit benches is notified by the Central Government based on the caseload and geographical requirements.
Key Points
- NCLT operates through 16 benches including the Principal Bench in New Delhi.
- Jurisdiction is determined by the registered office of the company concerned.
- The Principal Bench has supervisory and administrative authority over all benches.
- Circuit benches sit periodically in locations without a permanent bench.
- For IBC cases, file at the bench where the corporate debtor's registered office is located.