The IL&FS Scandal of 2018 – Unveiling Corporate Governance Failures and Financial Mismanagement

Book Title: Case Chronicles

Editors:  Prof. Dr. Shraddha S. Bhandwalkar, Dr. Deepali S. Ubale and Dr. Shubhada A. Athavale

ISBN:  978-81-980078-8-9

Chapter: 7

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/cc7/274

Authors: Ms. Mayuree D. Tawade and Dr. Dnyanesh P. Bandgar

Abstract

The IL&FS scandal of 2018 exposed significant corporate governance failures and financial mismanagement within one of India’s leading infrastructure financing companies. This case study delves into the underlying causes of the crisis, examining how inadequate oversight, weak internal controls, and reckless financial practices led to the company’s collapse. The board of directors and senior management’s failure to enforce accountability and transparency created a breeding ground for fraudulent activities, severely impacting investors, creditors, and employees. Additionally, the case highlights the broader repercussions on India’s financial and infrastructure sectors, prompting regulatory bodies to reassess governance norms and implement stringent reforms. By analysing the IL&FS debacle, this study underscores the critical importance of robust corporate governance frameworks in safeguarding organizational integrity and protecting stakeholder interests. The lessons drawn from this crisis serve as a cautionary tale for companies operating in complex financial environments.

Keywords: Corporate Governance, Management, Scam, Regulatory Bodies, Consequences, Organizational Integrity, Protecting Stakeholder Interests

References

  1. Chidambaram, P. (2019). The IL&FS crisis: A case study on corporate governance failure. Indian Journal of Corporate Governance, 12(2), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.1177/0974686220919476
  2. Gupta, R., & Singh, A. (2019). The downfall of IL&FS: An analysis of the financial mismanagement and its impact. Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, 27(3), 288-305. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRC-02-2019-0010
  3. Kiran, R., & Sharma, A. (2020). Corporate governance and its failures: Lessons from the IL&FS crisis. Journal of Business Ethics, 163(4), 773-786. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04344-8
  4. Mishra, S., & Puri, M. (2019). The IL&FS debacle: A study of governance and regulatory failures. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 27(6), 729-742. https://doi.org/10.1111/corg.12365
  5. Prasad, K. (2019). Regulatory responses to the IL&FS crisis: An evaluation. Economic & Political Weekly, 54(50), 56-64. https://www.epw.in/journal/2019/50/special-articles/regulatory-responses-ilfs-crisis.html
  6. Rajan, R. G., & Gupta, A. (2020). Financial mismanagement and its consequences: A case study of IL&FS. Asian Economic Policy Review, 15(1), 45-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/aepr.12234
  7. Sharma, S. (2020). Corporate governance and financial stability: Insights from the IL&FS crisis. Journal of Corporate Finance, 63, 101-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2020.101630
  8. Srivastava, S. (2019). Impact of the IL&FS scandal on the Indian financial sector. Financial Review, 54(2), 237-252. https://doi.org/10.1111/fire.12195
  9. Verma, A., & Bhattacharya, S. (2019). Lessons from the IL&FS fiasco: Improving corporate governance in India. Indian Journal of Finance and Accounting, 10(1), 24-35. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJFA.2019.097345
  10. Sinha, A. (2020). Corporate Governance and Financial Mismanagement: A Case Study of IL&FS. Sage Publications.
  11. Bhattacharya, A., & Ghosh, S. (2019). Corporate Scandals and Governance Failures: Lessons from IL&FS. Routledge.
  12. Maji, S., & Roy, R. (2019). “Understanding the IL&FS Crisis: Financial Mismanagement and Governance Failures.” Journal of Corporate Finance, 58, 278-296. Doi: 10.1016/j.jcorpfina.2019.04.007
  13. Sharma, R., & Kumar, P. (2020). “Corporate Governance and the IL&FS Crisis: A Study of Governance Failures and Financial Irregularities.” International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 15(2), 109-124. doi:10.1504/IJBGE.2020.107345
  14. Gupta, S. (2018, October 1). “The IL&FS Crisis: What Went Wrong?” https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/the-ilfs-crisis-what-went-wrong/articleshow/66043128.cms
  15. Jain, A. (2018, November 12). “IL&FS Debacle: The Impact on Indian Financial Sector.” Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/ilfs-debacle-the-impact-on-indian-financial-sector-118111200445_1.html
  16. Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. (2019). Report on the Financial Irregularities at IL&FS. https://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/Report_ILFS_2019.pdf
  17. Reserve Bank of India. (2018). Report on Financial Sector Stability: The IL&FS Case. https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=45030
  18. Agarwal, R., & Verma, S. (2019). “The IL&FS Crisis: An Analytical Study of Corporate Governance Failures.” Working Paper Series, https://www.iima.ac.in/~workpap/wp2019-01.pdf
  19. Sharma, N. (2021). “Corporate Governance Failures: A Detailed Case Study of IL&FS.” Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance. https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2021/03/10/corporate-governance-failures-a-detailed-case-study-of-ilfs/