NCLT Admits BluSmart Mobility Tech to Insolvency for ₹5.8 Crore Default on Google Maps Service Payments [Read Order]

The Ahmedabad Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitted a Section 9 petition filed by Lepton Software Export and Research Private Limited and initiated the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Blu-Smart Mobility Tech Private Limited after finding that the default in payment of operational dues was clearly established and above the threshold under Section 4 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Lepton Software, the operational creditor, had provided Google Maps Platform services to Blu-Smart Mobility Tech under agreements valid until 30 September 2024. The company continued to use the services even after expiry without renewal, leading to an outstanding amount of Rs. 5.84 crore. Despite repeated reminders and a demand notice issued on 3 May 2025, the dues remained unpaid, prompting the present petition.

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Blu-Smart Mobility Tech argued that the contract had expired, rendering post-September 2024 invoices invalid, and that only Rs. 30.34 lakh was payable, below the threshold for initiating insolvency proceedings. It also claimed that the petition was filed with a recovery motive rather than for genuine insolvency resolution.

The Bench comprising Shammi Khan (Judicial Member) and Sanjeev Sharma (Technical Member) observed that the services provided clearly fell within the definition of “operational debt” under Section 5(21) of the Code.

It further observed that continued use of services after contract expiry created an implied obligation to pay. The tribunal explained that the email evidence showed the corporate debtor had acknowledged its liability and that the dispute about the agreement’s expiry was raised only after the statutory notice, and thus was not a pre-existing dispute.

Based on these findings, the tribunal admitted the petition and ordered the initiation of CIRP against Blu-Smart Mobility Tech Private Limited. A moratorium was declared under Section 14, and Mr. Pawan Kumar Goyal was appointed as the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP).

The operational creditor was directed to deposit Rs. 5,00,000 towards initial CIRP expenses, and the Registry was instructed to communicate the order to the Registrar of Companies and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India for compliance.

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