Pooja Bahry: A pioneering woman in India’s insolvency sector

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), New Delhi, recently approved the Rs 41.26-crore resolution plan submitted by The Statesman Limited for the debt-ridden United News of India, or UNI.

Pooja Bahry, the resolution professional, ensured the resolution process does not drag on for years, and managed to take it to its successful closure within a period of two years. Bahry, is one of the over 450 qualified female insolvency professionals. She is affiliated with the Insolvency Professional Agency of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.

An alumna and Gold Medalist of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, Bahry was among the pioneering women in India’s insolvency sector, being the third woman to qualify as an Insolvency Professional. She brings over 23 years of specialized experience in Stressed Asset Management, Non-Performing Assets (NPA) resolution, and corporate restructuring.

Prior to her IBBI registration, she consulted for 44 banks and financial institutions, focusing on Stressed Assets Management.

Since the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016, Ms. Bahry has adeptly handled 16 cases under the IBC framework. Notably, during the challenging COVID-19 period, she secured approval for four Resolution Plans. One of her significant achievements includes the successful revival of United News of India, the country’s second-largest news agency.

Bahry’s integrity, diligence, and adherence to high ethical standards are well-recognized in the banking and financial sectors. She possesses extensive knowledge of laws related to NPA resolution, insolvency, and liquidation, and has demonstrated proficiency in managing ongoing business operations, asset sales, and auctions.

Beyond her professional practice, Bahry contributes to the academic and professional community as a faculty member for IBBI, various Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPAs), government bodies, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), taxation authorities, and law universities. Her lectures and sessions on the IBC and Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) have enriched the understanding of these subjects among professionals and students alike. Her involvement in landmark jurisprudence under the IBC underscores her deep comprehension of insolvency law.

Bahry is registered with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) as a Certified Independent Director, further showcasing her commitment to corporate governance and excellence.

Also See: How women insolvency professionals have fared in IBC: An analysis in numbers