LDF Draft Agreement-As approved by Cabinet on 25-04-07.
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
INFOPARKS KERALA
TELECOM INVESTMENT FZ-LLC
SMART CITY (KOCHI) INFRASTRUCTURE PRIVATE LIMITED
APRIL 00, 2007
FRAME WORK AGREEMENT
This Framework Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement")
executed at Kochi on this the [insert] day of March, 2007 by and amongst:
The Governor of Kerala, (hereinafter referred to as the "GoK", which
expression shall unless repugnant to the meaning or context thereof, be deemed
to mean and include its successors and nominess) acting through its Chief
Secretary, Government of Kerala Mrs. Lizzie Jacob by virtue of [insert] of THE
FIRST PART;
AND
Infoparks Kerala, a society registered under The Travancore-Cochin Literary,
Scientific and Charitable Societies (Registration) Act, 1955, with the objective of
establishing information technology parks in Kerala (hereinafter referred to as the
"Society", which expression shall unless repugnant to the meaning or context
thereof, be deemed to mean and include its successors and assignees) and
acting through Mr. Radhakrishnan Nair, Chief Executive Officer, consequent to
full authority vested in him by its governing body for the purpose, of THE
SECOND PART;
AND
TECOM INVESTMENT FZ-LLC, a corporate entity constituted under Laws No_
of the Emirates of Dubai with register bearing number five one zero zero zero
(51000_ hereinafter referred to as "TECOM", (AS AUTHORIZED BY Dubai
Tecchnology & Media Free Zone Authority, a corporate entity constituted under
Law No 1 of 2000 of the Emirates of Dubai as amended by its Law No 9 of 2003)
which expression shall unless it is repugnant to the meaning or context thereof,
be deemed to mean and include its successors and permitted assignees, acting
through its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdullalif Al Mulla of THE THIRD PART;
AND
Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure Private Limited, a company registered under
the provisions of COSA (as defined hereinafter) with its registered office at
Kusumagiri, Kakkanad P.O., Ernakulam District Kerala State-682 030.
(hereinafter referred to as "SPV", which expression shall unless it is repugnant
to the meaning or the context thereof, be deemed to mean and include its
successors and assignees) acting through its Director Mr. Deepak Padmanabhan
by virtue of its board resolution [insert] dated [insert] of THE FOURTH PART;
Each of the GoK, Society, TECOM, and the SPV are hereinafter referred to
individually as a "Party" and collectively as "Parties" as the context requires.
WHEREAS:
1. The Gok had incorporated a society by the name and style of
"Infoparks Kerala" which has established an information technology
park in Kochi under the name and style of "Infopark";
2. The GoK is now keen to establish knowledge based information
technology ("IT") township in Ernakulam District in order to promote
employment and economic development of Kerala;
3. The TECOM is engaged in and has substantial experience in
developing business, industrial and IT parks and also administering
and operating the said parks;
4. The GoK and TECOM held negotiations to set up an information
technology based township (defined hereinafter as "Smart City") in
Ernakulam District, Kerala, under the name and style of "Smart City";
5. TECOM and its Permitted Affiliate have established Smart City
(Kochi) Infrastructure Private Limited, for the purpose of setting up,
owning and operating Smart City and in which GoK will join as a
shareholder;
6. The Parties have entered into this Agreement to set out the entire
framework of the terms of collaboration between themselves, and
their respective rights, obligations and covenants.
NOW THEREFORE IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PREMISES AND THE
MUTUAL COVENANTS MADE AND CONTAINED HEREIN, IT IS AGREED BY
AND AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AS FOLLOWS:
ARTICLE 1:
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following words or terms, when
capitalized shall have the meanings assigned herein below. When not
capitalized, the terms shall be attributed their ordinary meaning. Words or
terms not defined but capitalized shall have the same meaning as defined
in the Act or COSA.
"Act" shall mean the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, including the
rules which may be framed there under and as may be amended from
time to time.
"Agreement" shall mean this framework agreement including the
annexures attached hereto.
"Articles" shall mean the articles of association of SPV as may be
amended from time to time.
"Board" shall mean the Board of Approval constituted under section 8 (1)
of the Act.
"Board of Directors" or "BoD" shall mean the Board of Directors of SPV
constituted in accordance with the provisions of COSA and this
Agreement.
"Chairman" shall mean the individual nominated by GoK to be the
Chairman of the Board of Directors.
"Closing Date" shall mean the date following the Developer Status
Attainment Date on which all of the following events have occurred:
(a) Completion of Minimum Infrastructure;
(b) Receipt of the SEZ Notification in favour of SPV;
(c) Receipt of statutory approvals for construction;
(d) Execution of the Lease Deed;
(e) Completion of the acquisition and transfer of the Land in favour of
SPV;
(f) Transfer of 16% share in SPV in favour of GoK.
"Connectable" in relation to parcels of land shall mean such parcels of
land which are either contiguous or separated only by the width of a water
body or of a public road, where an appropriate link to connect the same
can be created and for which permission of GoK, if required, will be
granted.
"Continuing Promise" shall mean the steps and actions for which the
involvement and the co-operation of GoK is necessary subsequent to the
Closing Date as more specifically listed in Article 8.2 herein.
"COSA" shall mean the Companies Act, 1956, including the rules and
directions framed there under and as amended from time to time.
"Definitive Documents" shall mean the Lease for the lease of the Land
to SPV whereby the Land shall be granted on lease to SPV in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement.
"Development Plan" shall mean the development plan of Smart City with
the Intermediate milestones to be developed by SPV/TECOM and its
clients covering the Land, more particularly describing the base plan builtup
area for IT/ITES Space, commercial space, residential space and
other spaces, as approved by the parties hereto and annexed to this as
Annexure "B" and subject to modification by mutual agreement of the
parties hereto involving an investment of approximately Rupees
Seventeen Hundred Crores (Rs.17,000,000,000). The base plan as
shown in Annexure "B" may change to an aggressive plan with 40%
higher built-up area than the base plan.
"Developer Status Attainment Date" shall mean the date on which SPV
receives the letter of approval from the Central Government granting to it
the developer status under the provisions of section 3 (10) of the Act.
"Development Commissioner" shall have the meaning assigned to it
under Section 2 (h) of the Act.
"Directotr/(s)" shall mean such individuals who are members of the
Board of Directors of SPV from time to time.
"Disputes" shall have the meaning referred to in Article 12.2 herein.
"Execution Date" shall mean the date of execution of this Agreement.
"Events of Force Majeure" shall mean any circumstance or event
beyond the control of a Party.
"Future Land" shall mean the contiguous land connectable with the Land
admeasuring a total of one hundred and sixty seven (167) acres in the
district of Ernakulam comprised in survey numbers as per Annexure
"A/2" of Kakkanad Village, Ernakulam District more particularly
earmarked in yellow on the map of the site contained in Annexure "A/1"
attached to and forming a part of this Agreement, with the survey
numbers marked therein presently being acquired under the provisions of
the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
"Infrastructure" shall mean the adequate facilities required at Site for the
occupants of Smart City as may be agreed to from time to time by GoK
and SPV hereto and including but not restricted to the following:
(a) Access roads to Smart City;
(b) Adequate power supply to the Site from a minimum of two sources, to
the substation(s) to be established by the SPV;
(c) Adequate water supply to the periphery of Smart City;
(d) Sewerage and drainage connections as and when available to Smart
City; and
(e) Availability of police station, fire station, etc., within a reasonable
distance from Smart City.
"IT" shall mean information technology;
"Land" shall mean the connectable land admeasuring a total of two
hundred and forty six (246) acres including:
(a) Connectable land admeasuring a total of one hundred (100) acres in
Puthencruz Village, District of Ernakulam comprised in survey
numbers as per Annexure "A/2" more particularly earmarked in red
on the map of the site contained in Annexure "A/1" attached to and
forming a part of this Agreement with survey numbers marked herein.
(b) Connectable land admeasuring a total of one hundred and thirty six
(136) acres in the district of Ernakulam comprised in survey numbers
as per Annexure "A/2" of Kakkanad Village, Ernakulam District more
particularly earmed in blue on the map of the site contained in
Annexure "A/1" attached to and forming a part of this Agreement,
with the survey numbers marked therein presently being acquired
under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and;
(c) Connectable land admeasuring a total of ten (10) acres in the district
of Ernakulam comprised in survey numbers as per Annexure "A/2" of
Kakkanad Village, Ernakulam District more particularly earmarked in
pink on the map of the site contained in Annexure "A/1" attached to
and forming a part of this Agreement, with the survey numbers
marked therein.
"Law" or "Laws" includes all applicable statutes, enactments, Acts of
legislature or parliament, ordinances, rules, bye-laws, regulations,
notifications, guidelines, policies, directions, directives and orders of any
Government, statutory authority, tribunal, board, court or recognized stock
exchange in India.
"Lease Deed" shall have the meaning referred to in Article 5.1 herein.
"Memorandum" shall mean the memorandum of association of SPV as
may be amended from time to time.
"Minimum Infrastructure" shall mean that part of the Infrastructure
which is necessary for the commencement of development of Smart City,
which will mean the following:
(a) Presently available road access through PWD road with access from
both sides for construction traffic on a 24 hours 7 days basis.
(b) 10 MW power from the existing sub-station of Kinfra Export Promotion
Industrial Park.
(c) 1 MLD water supply from Kinfra Export Promotion Industrial Park.
"Permitted Affiliate/(s)" In relation to TECOM shall mean duly registered
body corporates which are wholly owned by TECOM and shall continue to
be so until the obligations assumed by TECOM/Permitted Affiliates in
terms of this Agreement are fully complied with and in relation to GoK
shall mean duly registered body corporates which are owned by GoK and
shall continue to be so.
"Project" means the construction and development of the infrastructure,
buildings and structures on the site, as envisaged in the Development
Plan.
"Project Commencement Date" shall mean the date falling seven (7)
days following the Closing Date.
"SEZ Notification" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Clause 4.3(d)
of this Agreement.
"Site" means the Connectable land comprising the land on which Smart
City is to be developed.
"Smart City" shall mean the Project to be developed on the Site as
knowledge based IT township and as envisaged in this Agreement.
"Special Economic Zone" or "SEZ/(s)" shall mean the special
economic zone status accorded to Smart City by notification under the
proviso to sub-section (4) of section 3 and sub-section (1) of section 4 of
the Act.
"Strategic Partner" shall mean any person who is recommended by
TECOM, and approved by GoK who may purchase upto 40% of the paidup
equity shares of SPV held by TECOM directly or through its Permitted
Affiliates. Such approval by GoK is necessary only prior to TECOM
complying with the target described in Article 9.4 or 10 years from Closing
Date, which ever is earlier, but not after.
"Transfer Date" shall mean date on which Land is leased to SPV and if
transfer is in two installments, it shall mean the date of transfer of second
installment of Land.
"Unit/(s)" shall have the meaning assigned to it under Section 2 (zc) of
the Act.
1.2 INTERPREATION
In this Agreement, (unless repugnant or contrary to the context hereof):
(a) Reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural and vice
versa, and reference to any gender includes a reference to all other
genders.
(b) Reference to any person includes any legal or natural person,
partnership, firm, trust, company, government or local authority,
department or other body (whether corporate or unincorporated).
(c) Reference to an individual shall include his legal representative,
successor, legal heir, executor and administrator.
(d) Reference to statutory provisions shall be construed as meaning and
including references also to any amendment or re-enactment
(whether before or after the date of this Agreement) for the time being
in force and to all statutory instruments or orders made pursuant to
statutory provisions.
(e) Reference to any article, clause or annexure shall be deemed to be a
reference to an article, clause or annexure of or to this Agreement.
(f) Reference to days shall mean business days and shall not include
days which are either national holidays or bank holidays in the State
of Kerala.
1.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among
the Parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof
and shall supersede and replace any other agreement or understanding,
whether oral or in writing with respect to the subject matter hereof,
including without restriction the memorandum of understanding dated
September 9, 2005 between the GoK and TECOM.
1.4 COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in the English
language, in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed
an original, but all of which will constitute one and the same instrument.
1.5 HEADINGS
The section, article and clause headings contained in this Agreement are
for the convenience of the Parties and shall not affect the meaning or
interpretation of any of the terms of this Agreement.
1.6 TIME FRAMES
All time periods specified in this Agreement may be extended or
otherwise amended with the mutual consent of the relevant parties to this
Agreement, but only if communicated in writing.
ARTICLE 2:
OVERVIEW OF THE AGREEMENT
2.1 Smart City shall be owned, developed and operated by SPV, subject to
the provisions of this Agreement.
2.2 The Chief Minister of the State of Kerala shall be the chief patron of
Smart City. It is expected that this will promote Smart City and attract
investments by entrepreneurs in smart City.
2.3 The Parties to this Agreement shall act in utmost good faith with a view to
ensuring the success of Smart City through the economic development
and greater good of the State of Kerala. To ensure this objective, the
Parties shall work together and give due importance to each other's
views.
2.4 The Parties shall do all things necessary and take all steps diligently to
discharge their respective responsibilities and do all other acts and things
necessary for the speedy implementation of the Project and the
commissioning of Smart City in a timely manner.
2.5 On SPV complying with the statutory requirements and GoK acquiring
16% share in SPV, GoK shall take all necessary steps, to make
recommendations to the Government of India in the manner prescribed
by that Government from time to time to assist SPV to receive the
necessary approvals and notifications under the Act for establishing
SEZ/(s).
2.6 Within ten (10) days of the Developer Status Attainment Date or within 60
days of the Execution Date which ever is later, the Land will be
transferred to SPV in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 herein
below at a one time lease premium of Rupees One Hundred and four
Crores (Rs.104,00,00,000), which consideration shall be the full and final
amount payable for the Land irrespective of the compensation which may
ultimately become payable by GoK for the acquisition of such Land. The
consideration for the Land shall be payable by SPV to GoK at the time
when the leasehold title and interests in the Land are transferred to and
acquired by and in favour of SPV. GoK shall have an option to transfer
Land in two installments and SPV shall pay proportionate consideration at
the time of each transfer provided that the land transferred in each
installment is contiguous and land transferred in the second installment is
connectable to the land transferred in the first installment and the period
between two installments shall not exceed six (6) months. It is further
agreed by and between the Parties that in the event that the Land
measures more than the proposed area of two hundred and forty six
(246) acres, the consideration payable under this Clause of this
Agreement shall be proportionately increased in relation to the
proportionate increase in the area.'
2.7 Within fifteen (15) days from the Execution Date, GoK shall commence
the process of developing the Minimum Infrastructure in consultation with
SPV.
2.8 GoK warrants that the Land shall be connectable with a minimum
connecting corridor of width not less than what is required for a four lane
road, if required.
2.9 If TECOM/SPV takes a stand before the concerned Sub-Registrar that
any document executed in the course of implementation of this
Agreement is exempt from the provisions of the applicable Stamp Act and
the Sub-Registrar does not agree with the same, the time provided for
registering the document shall stand extended by the time taken for the
disposal of any application filed in this behalf before the Collector.
However, after executing and registering the document in accordance
with the decision of the Collector, if TECOM/SPV is still aggrieved by the
same, the payment of the stamp duty may be under protest and without
prejudice to its rights to claim refund of the same in further proceedings.
2.10 SPV shall be responsible for the development and construction of the
project from the Project Commencement Date.
ARTICLE 3:
PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO SPV
3.1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3.1.1 The Board of Directors shall at any time comprise of a maximum of ten
(10) Directors unless otherwise provided in its Articles.
3.1.2 GoK shall be entitled to nominate two Directors on the BoD. TECOM and
its Permitted Affiliate may, at their discretion nominate the remaining
Directors on the BoD up to the maximum number provided as per Clause
3.1.1 above. As soon as GoK share becomes 26% of the share capital of
SPV, GoK shall nominate three Directors to the BoD.
3.1.3 The Directors shall hold office until death, resignation or removal in
accordance with Clause 3.1.5 herein below.
3.1.4 The Chairman shall be nominated by GoK. The Chairman shall not
however have any casting vote. Each Director, including the Chairman
shall be entitled to one vote in favour or against a particular resolution put
up before the BoD for its consideration. In the absence of the Chairman,
BoD members present may elect one among them as the Chairman of a
meeting.
3.1.5 The shareholder who nominated any individual as a Director shall also
have the right to remove him at any time without prior notice to the other
shareholder and nominate another individual as Director in substitution of
the one removed.
3.1.6 The Memorandum and Articles shall be amended to be in conformity with
the provisions of this Agreement.
3.2 MANAGEMENT OF SPV
3.2.1 Subject to the provisions of COSA, SPV shall be managed by the BoD
However, the Directors shall
(a) Appointment either a managing director and/or a chief executive
officer with such powers, authority and remuneration as it deems fit in
accordance with the provisions of COSA; and
(b) Form amongst themselves such committees as may be necessary
from time to time for the effective management of SPV, inclyuding the
"Infrastructure Advisory Committee" and the "Administration
Committee" provided however that the committees shall be
constituted in such a manner that each such committee shall have
one Director who has been nominated by GoK.
3.2.2 All decisions of the BoD shall be taken by formal resolutions passed at
meetings of the BoD by a simple majority of Directors present and voting
in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 3.2.4.
3.2.3 The BoD shall meet at least once in every three (3) months.
3.2.4 The quorum for a properly constituted meeting of the BoD shall be five (5)
Directors present and voting, of which at least three (3) shall be nominees
of TECOM and at least one shall be a nominee of GoK. In the event of a
quorum not present for a meeting within half an hour from the time
appointed for the meeting, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same
time and place on the following day and if at such adjourned meeting a
quorum is not present within half an hour from the time appointed for the
meeting, any three (3) Directors shall constitute a quorum. Provided
however that at any meeting at which the requisite quorum is present, any
other Director may participate by conference call or video conference to
the extent it is permissible under COSA. Notwithstanding anything
contained in this Article 3.2, the BoD may pass circular resolutions as per
the relevant provisions of COSA.
3.3 SHAREHOLDING
3.3.1 The initial authorized share capital of SPV shall be Rupees Six Hundred
and Eighty Crores (Rs.680,00,00,000) and the initial paid-up share capital
of SPV shall be Rupees One Hundred and Twenty Crores
(Rs.120,00,00,000) comprised of ordinary equity shares of the nominal
value of Rupees Ten (Rs.10) each. The shares shall be subscribed to by
the Parties in the following ratio:
(a) GoK: 16% to be subscribed out of the transfer consideration of the
Land.
(b) TECOM through its Permitted Affiliate : 84%
3.2.2 Nothing contained in this Agreement of the Articles shall prevent the
Parties from transferring after an initial lock-in period of Five (5) years or
after the fulfillment of the target in respect of clause 9.4, whichever is
later, the whole or part of its shareholding at any time subject to the
provisions of Article 3.3.6 herein below or otherwise to any other party at
such value as they may deem fit. In such an event GoK, if TECOM is
transferor, and TECOM, if GoK is the transferor, shall be entitled to the
right of first refusal at the offered price and then the sale to the third party
shall not be at a price less than the offered price.
3.3.3 The BoD will make capital calls for funding the cost of the Project as may
be necessary from time to time. The Parties hereby agree that the
shareholders of SPV, namely GoK or its Permitted Affiliates and TECOM
or its Permitted Affiliates shall contribute equity capital in response to
such capital calls, in a manner such that their percentage shareholding
inter se mentioned in Clause 3.3.1 above is maintained. GoK through its
Permitted Affiliates and TECOM through its Permitted Affiliate shall be
required to subscribe to or contribute the necessary funds as may be
necessary pursuant to this Clause 3.3.3 within one hundred twenty (120)
days of such calls being made.
3.3.4 Notwithstanding anything contained in clause 3.3.2 above, in the event
that any Party is unable to contribute the funds necessary to subscribe to
the equity shares pursuant to Clause 3.3.3, ("Defaulting Party"), the
Shareholding of the Defaulting Party shall stand diluted beyond the
percentagers referred to in clause 3.3.1 above. Further, the share that
were offered to the Defaulting Party may be offered to a third party
investor at the same value at which they were offered to the Defaulting
Party.
3.3.5 The Parties hereto agree that SPV shall neither issue nor allot nor agree
to allot any shares to any third party in any manner save as provided in
this Article 3. TECOM agrees that GoK shall have the option to call on
TECOM and its Permitted Affiliates for the transfer of additional 10% of
the paid-up share capital in the SPV ("Call Shares") within a period of
five years to facilitate GoK to acquire 26% of the total paid up share
capital. The price at which such Call Shares shall be transferred from
TECOM and/or its Permitted Affiliates to the GoK shall be as determined
by an independent valuer appointed on mutual consent.
3.3.6 Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereto
agree that TECOM or its Permitted Affiliate shall be entitled to sell 40% of
its shareds in the SPV to a Strategic Partner/(s). Prior to TECOM
complying with the target described in clause 9.4 or 10 years from the
Closing Date, whichever is earlier, but not after. It is further agreed
between the Parties that the transfer of shares in SPV in accordance with
this clause 3.3.6 has to be approved by GoK, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld and in the event of GoK not responding within 30
(thirty) days from the date of application of TECOM or its Permitted
Affiliate or SPV, as the case may be, the request will be deemed to have
been approved by GoK.
3.4 DEBT FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT
It is hereby agreed between the Parties that SPV can raise the cost for
funding the Project in the form of debt on such terms as may be approved
by the BoD. TECOM shall assist SPV in arranging such funding on the
best commercial terms as reasonably possible.
ARTICLE 4:
SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE NOTIFICATION
4.1 SPV had submitted an application for the attainment of Developer status
under the provisions of the Act to the Government of India for the project
and has obtained an in-principle approval bearing number F.2/74/2006-
EPZ dated May 16, 2006. GoK undertakes to make best efforts to ensure
the attainment of the final approval under the provisions of the Act to set
up the Project as an SEZ.
4.2 In the event that SPV is required to apply for a fresh approval under the
Act for the attainemtn of Developer status, SPV shall finalize the
proposal/(s) for the setting up of the SEZ/(s) and forward the same to
GoK within 10(ten)s days from the date of such intimation from the
Government of India for preferring a fresh application. The GoK shall in
compliance with clause 2.5, forward the proposal/(s) to the Government
of India, Ministry of Commerce along with their recommendations. The
GoK hereby agrees to fulfill its commitments as per the policy/rules
framed by the Government of India from time to time.
4.3 While it is the responsibility of SPV to obtain the necessary approvals,
orders and notifications in this behalf, GoK will render all assistance to
SPV and make best efforts to enable SPV in obtaining such approvals,
orders and notifications and in particular the following:
(a) The approval to the proposal under section 3 (7) of the Act, by the
Board;
(b) Following the receipt of the said approval of the Board, that the Board
communicates it to the Central Government in accordance with the
provisions of section 3 (9) of the Act;
(c) Following the communication of the approval of the Board, the Central
Government issues to SPV a letter of approval in accordance with the
provisions of section 3 (10) of the Act; and
(d) The Central Government notifies the Site and Smart City as a Special
Economic Zone in accordance with the provisions of section 4 (1) of
the Act (the "SEZ Notification").
ARTICLE 5:
LAND
5.1 Subject to Article 2.9, within ten (10) days of the Developer Status
Attainment Date or within sixty (60) days of the Execution Date, which
ever is later, the GoK, either themselves or through any other person so
appointed by GoK in this regard, shall lease the Land to SPV through the
execution and registration of a lease deed ("Lease Deed") for a term of
ninety-nine (99) years for the purpose of developing the same under the
Development Plan.
5.2 The lease of the Land shall be upon the payment of a one (1) time lease
premium and for a term of ninety nine (99) years and the Lease Deed
shall inter alia provide for the following terms:
(a) The lease of the Land shall be upon the payment of a one (1) time
lease premium mentioned in clause 2.6 and for Future Land it shall be
at acquisition price and on terms and conditions prescribed by GoK.
(b) The rent for the lease land shall be Rupee One (Re 1) per acre per
annum, payable annually in advance;
(c) SPV shall not require any permission or other approval from GoK for
the purpose of mortgaging its lease hold rights in respect of the Land
as security or for creating any lien or charge on the leasehold rights of
the Land; and
(d) SPV shall not require any permission or approval from GoK for subleasing
the Land and/or the building constructed thereon (whole or
any part thereof) to any third party for the purpose of development in
accordance with the Development Plan and for carrying on business
operations within the Land.
5.3 The Land shall be used for the purpose of the development of Smart City
and SPV shall be free to build and construct structures on such Land for
the purpose of development of Smart City provided the same is in
accordance with the Development Plan.
5.4 12% of the Land shall be converted into freehold after creation of
minimum space in accordance with the Development Plan and after GoK
share reaches 26% of SPV. Minimum space to be created in Land as per
Development Plan is 8.8 million sq.ft. built up space of which 6.2 million
sq.ft shall be dedicated for IT/ITES/ allied services.
5.5 SPV and any of the IT companies operating from smart City shall be
entitled to any privileges, subsidies or concessions as may be applicable
or are extended to such companies under the IT policy of the Government
from time to time.
ARTICLE 6:
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
6.1 GoK shall commence work on the Minimum Infrastructure within fifteen
(15) days of the Execution Date and shall complete the Minimum
Infrastructure as soon as possible thereafter.
6.2 On completion of the Minimum Infrastructure GoK shall continue the
development of the Infrastructure commensurate with the requirement of
the Development Plan in such a manner that the required amont of
electrical power and water are made available at the periphery of Smart
City when the facilities built by SPV are ready to draw on the said utilities.
GoK shall also complete acquisition of the land for the new four (4)-lane
road connecting to the airport-seaport road and complete the road
construction.
6.3 It is hereby agreed between the Parties that the entire Infrastructure
which is to be developed within the area notified as the SES/(s) by the
Central Government, shall be the specific responsibility of SPV. It shall
not be the responsibility of GoK to develop any Infrastructure within Smart
City.
6.4 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6.1, any delays in completion of
the Minimum Infrastructure to the satisfaction of the BoD may be
condoned if in the opinion of BoD the delay was caused due to certain
unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances and was not attributable to
failure on the part of GoK to take necessary steps. Subject to what is
stated earlier failure of GoK to achieve the completion of the Minimum
Infrastructure within a maximum of six (6) months from the Execution
Date shall constitute a GoK Closing Default and TECOM and its
Permitted Affiliate shall be entitled to remedies as per the provisions of
Article 7.1 herein below.
6.5 Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 6.1 to 6.3 hereinabove, the
GoK shall also:
(a) Assist SPV in completion of the fencing of the Site;
(b) Assist in obtaining a permanent source of water supply including but
not limited to the right to extract ground water from the Site. In the
event that ground water or water supplied by GoK is insufficient for
the SEZ, GoK will grant permission or cause the relevant department
of GoK to grantl permission for laying pipes across roads, rivers or
panchayat/public land for the purposes of obtaining water connectivity
for the project;
(c) Ensure in obtaining relevant approvals and permissions necessary for
the construction of linkages between different parcels of land to make
them interlinked;
(d) Assist in obtaining relevant permission to construct and operate a
power generation system;
(e) Assist in obtaining fast-track approval for all licenses, permits and
registrations as may be necessary to establish the requisite hospitality
facilities of international standards within smart City as per the
Development Plan;
(f) GoK will ensure supply of adequate power to Smart City without
disruption.
(g) Extend support for any representation by SPV to the Kerala State
Electricity Regulatory Commission for the rationalization of the power
tariff applicable to all Units within the precincts of Smart City without
incurring any financial liability on the part of the GoK;
(h) Assist and facilitate regular bus services and metro services from
Cochin and surrounding areas to smart City; and
(i) Construct, develop and maintain adequate link roads to the airportseaport
road as per national highway standards.
ARTICLE 7:
DEFAULT
7.1 DEFAULTS OF GoK
7.1.1 Subject to any Event of Force Majeure, it is agreed and understood that
the following defaults on the part of GoK, which would prevent the
occurrence of the Closing Date ("GoK Closing Default"), are serious
defaults which would inherently jeopardize the Project and prevent the
development of Smart City:
(a) Failure to fulfill its commitments specified in Article 4 of this
Agreement; or
(b) Failure to complete the Minimum Infrastructure within Six (6) months
of the Execution Date;
(c) Failure to assist and co-operate in matters crucial to the
implementation of Smart City as mentioned in Clause 8.1 of this
Agreement.
7.1.2 GoK acknowledges that the acquisition of the Land is critical to the
ultimate success of the Project and Smart City. Subject to Events of
Force Majeure, failure of GoK to complete the process of acquisition and
transfer of the Land to SPV in accordance with the provisions of Article
10.1 (iv) herein below ("GoK Land Default") within the period specified
therein would jeopardize the project and prevent the development of
Smart City.
7.1.3 In the event of any of GoK Closing Default, or GoK Land Default, TECOM
(and/or its Permitted Affiliates) shall at its/their option have recourse to
any one or more of the following remedies:
(a) To abandon the Project and the development of Smart City in which
case GoK shall acquire the entire shareholding of TECOM and its
Permitted Affiliate in the SPV at a consideration which is the same
amount as any sums paid to GoK in cash by SPV till the date of such
acquisition; and/or
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in Clause 3.3.2 hereinabove, to
buy out the entire shareholding of GoK at a price to be determined by
an independent valuer, in which event GoK shall agree not to claim
any right, title or lien over the assets of SPV. SPV may thereafter
carry on such business as may be permissible under the policy and
procedures of the Government of India.; and/or
(c) Recovery of all investments made, costs and expenses incurred from
GoK as certified by an independent firm of chartered accountants
jointly appointed by the Parties.
7.1.4 In the event of any GoK Closing Default or GoK Land Default, in addition
to the remedies specified in Article 7.1.3 hereinabove, GoK accepts that
SPV shall not be able to create the requisite space as mentioned in
Article 9.4 herein below and shall therefore not be subject to any penal
consequences for any shortfall.
7.2 DEFAULTS OF TECOM
7.2.1 Subject to any event of Force Majeure, in the event TECOM/SPV/their
clients fails to construct built up space as per Annexure B, GoK shall
issue notice within three months thereafter to SPV and TECOM in this
behalf and if the default continues for a minimum period of six months
from date of notice, GoK shall be entitled to take over the entire shares
held in the SPV by TECOM and its Permitted Affiliate at a price to be
determined by an independent valuer.
7.2.2 Subject to any event of Force Majeure, in the event TECOM (and, or its
Affiliates) /SPV and its clients fails to create either 90000 jobs or 8.8
million sq.ft. built up IT/ITES/Commercial space within 10 years from the
Closing Date, GoK shall issue notice to SPV and TECOM in this behalf
and if the default continues for a minimum period of 6 months from the
date of notice, GoK shall at its option have recourse to any one or more of
the following remedies:
(a) to abandon the Project and the development of Smart City and
terminate the lease in which case the TECOM shall acquire the entire
shareholding of GoK in the SPV at a consideration as fixed by an
independent valuer; and, or
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in Clause 3.3.2 hereinabove, to
buy out the entire shareholding of the TECOM at a price to be
determined by an independent valuer taking the value of Land as
zero, in which event the TECOM shall agree not to claim any rights,
title or liens over the assets of the SPV. The SPV may thereafter
carry on such business as may be permissible under the policy and
procedures of the Government of India.; and, or
(c) To recover all investments made, costs and expenses incurred from
TECOM as certified by an independent firm of chartered accountants
jointly appointed by the Parties.
ARTICLE 8:
RESPONSIBILITIES AND COVENANTS OF GOK
8.1 GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT AND CO-OPERATION NECESSARY
8.1.1 This Agreement constitutes the intent of GoK for the purpose and for all
purposes of the development, operating and maintenance of Smart City.
In the event that any statute or regulation requires the specific approval or
sanction of GoK for the purpose of development of Smart City the
application made by SPV in this behalf shall be dealt with expeditiously by
GoK.
8.1.2 The GoK warrants that Land will be used for the purpose of setting up
knowledge based IT Township as envisaged by Smart City and will satisfy
the purpose for which the Land was acquired.
8.1.3 If on the presentation of the proposal by GoK the Central Government
specifies any conditions as to the Land whether pertaining to the area or
otherwise, then GoK and SPV shall discuss the matter in good faith and
GoK shall take all steps necessary to co-operate and enable the
fulfillment of such conditions.
8.1.4 GoK shall issue all notifications and pass such orders or make such rules
or regulations as may be necessary to ensure that Smart City shall be the
recommending agency for release of all subsidies, and, or incentives to
which the Units established by the entrepreneurs within Smart City are
otherwise eligible or may be eligible from time to time.
8.1.5 Subject to provisions of Law, if any, GoK shall allow Smart City to widen
water bodies passing through the land for landscaping.
8.1.6 GoK recognizes the critical importance of the aspects set out in Article
8.1.1 to 8.1.5 hereinabove to the commencement of the implementation
of Smart City.
8.2 CONTINUING PROMISE
8.2.1 GoK shall use its best effort to liaise with the Board on all matters in
relation to Smart City from time to time concerning the Central
Government, the Board or the Development Commissioner or other
officers as may be appointed by the Central Government under section
11(1) of the Act or the Approval Committee constituted by the Central
Government under section 13(1) of the Act, or any other authority, office,
or regulatory body which may be formed or constituted for the regulation
or governance of SEZ's in India.
8.2.2 If required GoK shall use its best efforts to see that all notifications, or
such other requirements as may be prescribed under the relevant
provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 be issued/complied with as the
case may be, to enable SPV to claim the tax holiday and other benefits
applicable to IT parks, infrastructure facilities and/or, SEZ's, as may be
provided from time to time to be availed of to the fullest possible extent.
8.2.3 GoK shall endeavor to put in place a statutory mechanism under the
Kerala Industrial Single Window Clearance Boards and Industrial
Township Area Development Act, 1999 or such other statute as may be
applicable so that all clearances under the Building Rules required to be
obtained by SPV or the entrepreneurs investing in one or more Units in
Smart City can be obtained as applicable to an "industrial area" for the
purposes of statutory clearances and for the operation and administration
of Smart City.
8.2.4 GoK shall declare the Smart City within the scope and meaning of a
"public utility" under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and shall also
exempt Smart City from the provisions of the Kerala Shops and
Commercial Establishments Act, 1960.
8.2.5 GoK shall use its best efforts to obtain all other approvals or sanctions,
whether by way of letter, notification, order, direction or otherwise, as may
be necessary from time to time for the successful implementation of the
project, including but not restricted to the notification of the SEZ as an
inland container depot, land station or land customs station as relevant
under the provisions of section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962 and
environment clearances from the pollution control board.
8.2.6 GoK shall make best efforts to facilitate the establishment of international
business school within the precincts of Smart City.
8.2.7 The GoK shall makel best efforts to establish a check-in counter for air
passengers within the precincts of Smart City.
8.2.8 GoK shall upon request of BoD, make best efforts to complete acquisition
expeditiously, transfer Future Land to SPV and at acquisition price, but on
terms and conditions to be prescribed by GoK.
8.2.9 GoK shall make best efforts to establish an appropriate mechanism to
promote Smart City through its marketing plan.
8.2.10 GoK shall make best efforts as a joint venture partner in SPV not to
undertake activities that shall diminish the value of Smart City, such as
(but not restricted to) encroachments, entry to polluting industries and any
activity that will jeopardize the success of Smart City.
8.2.11 GoK recognizes the importance of the aspects set out in this Article 8.2 to
the ultimate success of Smart City.
8.2.12 Any future liability arising out of land acquisition related to the Land and
land for the link road to Airport-Seaport Road shall be borne by GoK and
GoK will reimburse all costs involved incurred by SPV and TECOM in that
regard.
ARTICLE 9:
RESPONSIBILITIES AND COVENANTS OF TECOM
9.1 It is agreed and understood that Smart City shall be developed as
knowledge based IT Township, as an SEZ/(s) and as provided in the
Development Plan.
9.2 TECOM and its Permitted Affiliate shall develop the Project in a manner
so that it enables the rapid economic development of the state of Kerala.
9.3 TECOM and its Permitted Affiliate shall ensure that it actively markets
Smart City as a destination for investment and does all things necessary
for the purpose. TECOM shall generate at least 90,000 jobs in 10 years
from Closing Date. SPV shall designate atleast 70% of built up space as
per Annexure B for IT/ITES and related facilities for such work area and
employees. Designation of built up space beyond what is visualized in
Annexure B for IT/ITES and allied services shall be as mutually agreed
within the parameters of law.
9.4 TECOM and its Permitted Affiliate will, subject to Events of Force
Majeure, commence construction of I'T/ITES building/(s) in the Site within
ninety (90) days of the Closing Date and shall complete construction by
SPV and its clients, of the IT/ITES/Commercial building/(s) as per
Development Plan.
9.5 TECOM and SPV shall participate in and support and promote any
annual IT events of Kerala Government to make Kerala into a global
IT/ITES destination.
ARTICLE 10:
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES
10.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GoK AND THE
SOCIETY
The GoK and the Society hereby represent and warrant to and agree with
TECLOM and SPV as follows and acknowledge that TECOM and SPV
are relying on the representations and warranties provided in this
Agreement in connection with the lease of Land by SPV as well as the
following:
i. GoK and Society have the full power, capacity and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement
and shall take all necessary actions (corporate, statutory or
otherwise) to transfer and register the Land in favor of SPV
and do authorize that the execution of the transfer of the
Land in favour of the SPV will result in the creation of a
lawful and valid leasehold title to such properties in favour
of SPV, free and clear of any and all liens, pledges,
encumbrances, charges, agreements, interests or claims
of any kind;
ii. GoK as well as Society has not entered into any
commercial agreement and arrangement with any other
third party regarding the land;
iii. Society does not have any mortgage, lien, charge, lease,
easement, trust, option, right to acquire or any other claim
and encumbrance over Land
iv. GoK has already taken steps to acquire the Land and shall
diligently continue the process of acquisition of the Land
until it is completed and thereafter transfer the same to
SPV within a period of one hundred and eight (180) days
from the Execution Date unless otherwise agreed by both
the parties;
v. GoK warrants that the Land is connectable.
10.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TECOM
TECOM hereby represents and warrants to and agrees with GoK and
Society as follows and acknowledge that GoK and Society are relying on
the representations and warranties provided in this Agreement in
connection with their respective undertakings and obligations under this
Agreement as well as the following:
i. TECOM has the full power, capacity and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and shall take
all the necessary actions (corporate, statutory or
otherwise) to ensure the successful implementation of
Smart City;
ii. TECOM has not entered into any agreement or
arrangement with any third party which would prevent them
from either the execution of this Agreement or the
fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 11:
INDEMNITY BY PARTIES
11.1 GoK and Society shall be jointly and severally liable to indemnify, defend
and hold TECOM harmless for damages arising directly or indirectly, from
or in connection with:
(a) any breach of any warranty of GoK and Society contained in this
Agreement; or
(b) any breach of any covenant or agreement of GoK or Society
contained in this Agreement;
11.2 TECOM and its Permitted Affiliates shall be jointly and severally liable to
indemnify, defend and hold GoK and Society harmless for damages
arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with:
(a) any breach of any warranty of TECOM contained in this Agreement;
or'
(b) any breach of any covenant or agreement of TECOM contained in this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 12:
GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION
12.1 This Agreement shall be governed, construed, interpreted and enforced in
accordance with the Laws of India.
12.2 If any question arises as to the interpretation of the provisions of this
Agreement or as to matters not provided therein, ("Disputes") the Parties
shall consult with each other at each instance and resolve such doubts in
good faith.
12.3 If mutual resolution cannot be reached within fifteen (15) days after the
commencement of such negotiations, the Parties shall have the option to
refer the Disputes to an arbitral tribunal comprising of three (3) arbitrators.
Each Party shall have the right to appoint one (1) arbitrator and the two
(2) appointed arbitrators shall appoint the third arbitrator. For this
purpose, GoK and Society shall be treated as one (1) party and
TECOM/Permitted Affiliates and SPV shall be treated as the other party.
12.4 The arbitration proceedings shall be governed by the provisions of the
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 or any subsequent enactment and
amendment thereto. The venue for such arbitration shall be Kochi. The
arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English. any award
rendered pursuant to such arbitration shall be binding on the parties.
12.5 If, on account of reasons of force majeure the performance of the
obligations of any of the Parties is delayed for a period of up to six (6)
months, the corresponding period for the performance of the obligation
shall stand extended by a similar period. However, if the situation of such
force majeure continues beyond six (6) months, the Parties shall attempt
to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution to determine the fair manner
in which the provisions of the Agreement may be implemented.
ARTICLE 13:
CONFIDENTIALITY
13.1 The Parties to this Agreement shall ensure that all persons forming part of
or associated with each of the Parties shall observe all confidentiality
obligations contained herein or otherwise and shall also keep confidential
and secret the terms of this Agreement and any other deed or document,
including the Definitive Documents, executed by and between the Parties
including but not limited to the correspondences exchanged by and
between the Parties ("Confidential Information") unless otherwise
required to disclose the Confidential Information due to any requirement
under Law.
ARTICLE 14:
NOTICES
14.1 Any notice or other communication to be given by any Party to the other
Party under, or in connection with the matters contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by letter delivered by
hand or sent by a reputed courier or registered, Speed A/D post or
facsimile, and shall be deemed to have been received (unless the
contrary is proved), in the case of:
(j) Delivery by hand, when delivered and acknowledged;
(ii) A reputed courier or registered A/D post, on the seventh day following
the day of posting.
ARTICLE 15:
MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Waiver: No failure or delay on the part of any of the Parties to this
Agreement relating to the exercise of any right, privilege or remedy
provided under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such right,
power, privilege or remedy or as a waiver of any preceding or succeeding
breach by the other Party to this Agreement, power, privilege or remedy
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, privilege or
remedy preclude any other or further exercise of any right power,
privilege or remedy provided in this Agreement, all of which are several
and cumulative, and are not exclusive of each other, or of any other rights
or remedies otherwise available to a Party in Law or in equity.
15.2 Severability: Each of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall
be severable and the unenforceability of one shall not affect the
enforceability of any others or of the remainder of this Agreement.
15.3 No Partnership: Nothing in this Agreement or in any document referred
to in it shall constitute any of the Parties as partner of the other, nor shall
the execution and implementation of this Agreement confer on any party
any power to bind or impose any obligations on the other Party or to
pledge the credit of the other Party.
15.4 Good Faith: Each of the Parties hereto undertake with the other to act in
the utmost good faith in interpreting and implementing this Agreement
and agrees to do all things reasonably within its power which are
necessary or desirable to give effect to the spirit and intent of this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have set their hands to this
Agreement on the day and year first above written.
The Government of Kerala TECOM Investments FZ-LLC
By:……………………….. By:………………………….
Mrs. Lizzie Jacob Mr. Abdullatif Al Mulla
Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala Chief Executive Officer
Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram 695 001 TECOM Investments FZ-LLC
Date: April, 2007 Date : April, 2007
Infoparks Kerala Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure
Private Ltd., Kochi
By…………………………. By……………………………..
Mr. Radhakrishnan Nair Mr. Deepak Padmanabhan
Chief Executive Officer Director
Infoparks Kerala, Kochi Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure
Private Ltd., Kochi
Date : April, 2007 Date : April, 2007
In the presence :
1. Mr. Fareed Abdulrahman, Executive Director, TECOM International
2.
ANNEXURE - A/2 (refer Definitions Article 1.1)
Description of
the Land Survey Nos.
Approx. 136 acres
Block : 9
Village : Kakkanad
Taluk : Kanayannur
District : Ernakulam
642,643,644,645,646,647,648,649,650,651,652,653,654,
655,656,704,705,706,707,708,709,710,711,712.640,641,
665,666,686,687,689 (Total 53.838 hectares)
100 acres
Block 37
Village : Puthencruz
Taluk : Kunnathunadu
District : Ernakulam
62,63,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,101,103,104,105
106,107,108,109 (Total 40.47 hectares)
Approx : 10 acres
Block : 9
Village : Kakkanad
Taluk : Kanayannur
District : Ernakulam
570,574,575,576 (Total 4.046 hectares)
Description of Future
Land
Survey Nos.
Approx. 167 acres
Block : 36
Village : Kunnathunadu
Taluk : Kunnathunadu
District : Ernakulam
Block : 37
Village : Puthencruz
Taluk : Kunnathunadu
District : Ernakulam
365,368,369,370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377,378,379,
380,381,384 (Total 28.5338 hectares)
75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,
96,97,98,102,103,104,144,145,146 (Total 39.1437 hectares)
ANNEXURE-C
Description of
land
Survey Nos.
"Infopark Estate"
Block : 9
Village : Kakkanad
Taluk : Kanayannur
District : Ernakulam
a) Infopark Estate : 39.35
b) Area already allocated:
Wipro 25.18
Leela 5.00
L&T 7.39
TCS 15.72
IBS 4.26
Total : 57.55 acres
c) Granted Total : 96.90 acres
601,602,612,615,616,617,618,
619,620,621,622,623,624,625,
626,627,629,632,633,634,635,
636,637,669,670,671,684
(Total 39.214 hectares)
Source:oommenchandy.net