media release (22-126MR)

Former Victorian catering company director charged with breaching directors’ duties

Published

Pardeep Kumar Sehgal of Craigieburn, Victoria has been charged with two counts of breaching his directors’ duties, following an ASIC investigation.

Mr Sehgal was the sole director of Sehgal Catering Services ACN 168 007 743 (in Liquidation). 

ASIC alleges that in April 2018, Mr Sehgal caused two payments for invoices owed to Sehgal Catering totalling $55,099.33 to be diverted to his partner and Shorya Pty Ltd (ACN 621 531 600). At the time, Mr Sehgal was the sole director of Shorya.

ASIC further alleges that Mr Sehgal dishonestly used his position as a director with the intention of directly or indirectly gaining an advantage for himself or someone else.

On 20 April 2018, Sehgal Catering went into liquidation with debts of $276,752 owing to creditors including $259,828.02 owing to the Australian Taxation Office.

Following charges being served on Mr Sehgal, he repaid $55,099.33 to Sehgal Catering.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

The matter was listed for mention at the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 3 May 2022 and was administratively adjourned to 5 July 2022.

Background

Paul Burness of Worrells was appointed liquidator of the Company on 20 April 2018. ASIC commenced its investigation after receiving a liquidators report from Mr Burness.

It is alleged that Mr Sehgal contravened s184(2) of the Corporations Act. At the time of the alleged offending, s184(2) had a maximum penalty of 2000 penalty units or imprisonment for five years, or both.

Editor's note 1:

On 5 July 2022, the matter was adjourned to 2 August 2022 for further mention.

Editor's note 2:

The matter was adjourned to 6 September 2022 for further mention.

Editor's note 3:

On 6 September 2022, the matter was adjourned to 4 October 2022 for mention.

Editor's note 4:

On 4 October 2022, the matter was adjourned to 8 November 2022 for mention.

Editor's note 5:

On 8 November 2022, the matter was adjourned to 2 May 2023 for contest mention hearing.

Editor's note 6:

On 2 May 2023, the matter was adjourned to 18 May 2023 for a contest mention.

Media enquiries: Contact ASIC Media Unit