Companies act 2013
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Anonymous
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03 January 2014
I NEED COMPANIES ACT 2013 IN FULL TEXT. PLEASE HELP.
03 January 2014
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
(NO. 18 OF 2013)
[29th August, 2013.]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to companies.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) This Act may be called the Companies Act, 2013.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) This section shall come into force at once and the remaining provisions of this Act
shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this
Short title,
extent,
commencement
and
application.
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Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(Legislative Department)
————
New Delhi, the 30th August, 2013/Bhadrapada 8, 1935 (Saka).
The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the
29th August, 2013, and is hereby published for general information:—
2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Act and any reference in any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed
as a reference to the coming into force of that provision.
(4) The provisions of this Act shall apply to—
(a) companies incorporated under this Act or under any previous company law;
(b) insurance companies, except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent
with the provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938 or the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority Act, 1999;
(c) banking companies, except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent
with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
(d) companies engaged in the generation or supply of electricity, except in so far
as the said provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003;
(e) any other company governed by any special Act for the time being in force,
except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of such
special Act; and
(f) such body corporate, incorporated by any Act for the time being in force, as
the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf, subject to such
exceptions, modifications or adaptation, as may be specified in the notification.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(1) “abridged prospectus” means a memorandum containing such salient features
of a prospectus as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making
regulations in this behalf;
(2) “accounting standards” means the standards of accounting or any addendum
thereto for companies or class of companies referred to in section 133;
(3) “alter” or “alteration” includes the making of additions, omissions and
substitutions;
(4) “Appellate Tribunal” means the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
constituted under section 410;
(5) “articles” means the articles of association of a company as originally framed
or as altered from time to time or applied in pursuance of any previous company law or
of this Act;
(6) “associate company”, in relation to another company, means a company in
which that other company has a significant influence, but which is not a subsidiary
company of the company having such influence and includes a joint venture company.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, “significant influence” means
control of at least twenty per cent. of total share capital, or of business decisions
under an agreement;
(7) “auditing standards” means the standards of auditing or any addendum
thereto for companies or class of companies referred to in sub-section (10) of section 143;
(8) “authorised capital” or “nominal capital” means such capital as is authorised
by the memorandum of a company to be the maximum amount of share capital of the
company;
(9) “banking company” means a banking company as defined in clause (c) of
section 5 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
41 of 1999.
10 of 1949.
36 of 2003.
Definitions.
4 of 1938.
10 of 1949.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 3
(10) “Board of Directors” or “Board”, in relation to a company, means the
collective body of the directors of the company;
(11) “body corporate” or “corporation” includes a company incorporated outside
India, but does not include—
(i) a co-operative society registered under any law relating to co-operative
societies; and
(ii) any other body corporate (not being a company as defined in this Act),
which the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf;
(12) “book and paper” and “book or paper” include books of account, deeds,
vouchers, writings, documents, minutes and registers maintained on paper or in
electronic form;
(13) “books of account” includes records maintained in respect of—
(i) all sums of money received and expended by a company and matters in
relation to which the receipts and expenditure take place;
(ii) all sales and purchases of goods and services by the company;
(iii) the assets and liabilities of the company; and
(iv) the items of cost as may be prescribed under section 148 in the case of
a company which belongs to any class of companies specified under that section;
(14) “branch office”, in relation to a company, means any establishment described
as such by the company;
(15) “called-up capital” means such part of the capital, which has been called for
payment;
(16) “charge” means an interest or lien created on the property or assets of a
company or any of its undertakings or both as security and includes a mortgage;
(17) “chartered accountant” means a chartered accountant as defined in
clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 who
holds a valid certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(18) “Chief Executive Officer” means an officer of a company, who has been
designated as such by it;
(19) “Chief Financial Officer” means a person appointed as the Chief Financial
Officer of a company;
(20) “company” means a company incorporated under this Act or under any
previous company law;
(21) “company limited by guarantee” means a company having the liability of its
members limited by the memorandum to such amount as the members may respectively
undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound
up;
(22) “company limited by shares” means a company having the liability of its
members limited by the memorandum to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares
respectively held by them;
(23) “Company Liquidator”, in so far as it relates to the winding up of a company,
means a person appointed by—
(a) the Tribunal in case of winding up by the Tribunal; or
(b) the company or creditors in case of voluntary winding up,
as a Company Liquidator from a panel of professionals maintained by the Central
Government under sub-section (2) of section 275;
38 of 1949.
4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(24) “company secretary” or “secretary” means a company secretary as defined
in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 who
is appointed by a company to perform the functions of a company secretary under this
Act;
(25) “company secretary in practice” means a company secretary who is deemed
to be in practice under sub-section (2) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries
Act, 1980;
(26) “contributory” means a person liable to contribute towards the assets of
the company in the event of its being wound up.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, it is hereby clarified that a
person holding fully paid-up shares in a company shall be considered as a contributory
but shall have no liabilities of a contributory under the Act whilst retaining rights of
such a contributory;
(27) “control” shall include the right to appoint majority of the directors or to
control the management or policy decisions exercisable by a person or persons acting
individually or in concert, directly or indirectly, including by virtue of their shareholding
or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in any
other manner;
(28) “cost accountant” means a cost accountant as defined in clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 2 of the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959;
(29) “court” means—
(i) the High Court having jurisdiction in relation to the place at which the
registered office of the company concerned is situate, except to the extent to
which jurisdiction has been conferred on any district court or district courts
subordinate to that High Court under sub-clause (ii);
(ii) the district court, in cases where the Central Government has, by
notification, empowered any district court to exercise all or any of the
jurisdictions conferred upon the High Court, within the scope of its jurisdiction
in respect of a company whose registered office is situate in the district;
(iii) the Court of Session having jurisdiction to try any offence under this
Act or under any previous company law;
(iv) the Special Court established under section 435;
(v) any Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class
having jurisdiction to try any offence under this Act or under any previous
company law;
(30) “debenture” includes debenture stock, bonds or any other instrument of a
company evidencing a debt, whether constituting a charge on the assets of the company
or not;
(31) “deposit” includes any receipt of money by way of deposit or loan or in any
other form by a company, but does not include such categories of amount as may be
prescribed in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India;
(32) “depository” means a depository as defined in clause (e) of sub-section (1)
of section 2 of the Depositories Act, 1996;
(33) “derivative” means the derivative as defined in clause (ac) of section 2 of
the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(34) “director” means a director appointed to the Board of a company;
56 of 1980.
23 of 1959.
22 of 1996.
56 of 1980.
42 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 5
(35) “dividend” includes any interim dividend;
(36) “document” includes summons, notice, requisition, order, declaration, form
and register, whether issued, sent or kept in pursuance of this Act or under any other
law for the time being in force or otherwise, maintained on paper or in electronic form;
(37) “employees’ stock option” means the option given to the directors, officers
or employees of a company or of its holding company or subsidiary company or
companies, if any, which gives such directors, officers or employees, the benefit or
right to purchase, or to subscribe for, the shares of the company at a future date at a
pre-determined price;
(38) “expert” includes an engineer, a valuer, a chartered accountant, a company
secretary, a cost accountant and any other person who has the power or authority to
issue a certificate in pursuance of any law for the time being in force;
(39) “financial institution” includes a scheduled bank, and any other financial
institution defined or notified under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;
(40) “financial statement” in relation to a company, includes—
(i) a balance sheet as at the end of the financial year;
(ii) a profit and loss account, or in the case of a company carrying on any
activity not for profit, an income and expenditure account for the financial year;
(iii) cash flow statement for the financial year;
(iv) a statement of changes in equity, if applicable; and
(v) any explanatory note annexed to, or forming part of, any document
referred to in sub-clause (i) to sub-clause (iv):
Provided that the financial statement, with respect to One Person Company,
small company and dormant company, may not include the cash flow statement;
(41) “financial year”, in relation to any company or body corporate, means the
period ending on the 31st day of March every year, and where it has been incorporated
on or after the 1st day of January of a year, the period ending on the 31st day of March
of the following year, in respect whereof financial statement of the company or body
corporate is made up:
Provided that on an application made by a company or body corporate, which is
a holding company or a subsidiary of a company incorporated outside India and is
required to follow a different financial year for consolidation of its accounts outside
India, the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied, allow any period as its financial year, whether
or not that period is a year:
Provided further that a company or body corporate, existing on the
commencement of this Act, shall, within a period of two years from such commencement,
align its financial year as per the provisions of this clause;
(42) “foreign company” means any company or body corporate incorporated
outside India which—
(a) has a place of business in India whether by itself or through an agent,
physically or through electronic mode; and
(b) conducts any business activity in India in any other manner.
2 of 1934.
6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(43) “free reserves” means such reserves which, as per the latest audited balance
sheet of a company, are available for distribution as dividend:
Provided that—
(i) any amount representing unrealised gains, notional gains or revaluation
of assets, whether shown as a reserve or otherwise, or
(ii) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised
in equity, including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value,
shall not be treated as free reserves;
(44) “Global Depository Receipt” means any instrument in the form of a
depository receipt, by whatever name called, created by a foreign depository outside
India and authorised by a company making an issue of such depository receipts;
(45) “Government company” means any company in which not less than fiftyone
per cent. of the paid-up share capital is held by the Central Government, or by any
State Government or Governments, or partly by the Central Government and partly by
one or more State Governments, and includes a company which is a subsidiary company
of such a Government company;
(46) “holding company”, in relation to one or more other companies, means a
company of which such companies are subsidiary companies;
(47) “independent director” means an independent director referred to in
sub-section (5) of section 149;
(48) “Indian Depository Receipt” means any instrument in the form of a
depository receipt created by a domestic depository in India and authorised by a
company incorporated outside India making an issue of such depository receipts;
(49) “interested director” means a director who is in any way, whether by himself
or through any of his relatives or firm, body corporate or other association of individuals
in which he or any of his relatives is a partner, director or a member, interested in a
contract or arrangement, or proposed contract or arrangement, entered into or to be
entered into by or on behalf of a company;
(50) “issued capital” means such capital as the company issues from time to time
for subscription;
(51) “key managerial personnel”, in relation to a company, means—
(i) the Chief Executive Officer or the managing director or the manager;
(ii) the company secretary;
(iii) the whole-time director;
(iv) the Chief Financial Officer; and
(v) such other officer as may be prescribed;
(52) “listed company” means a company which has any of its securities listed on
any recognised stock exchange;
(53) “manager” means an individual who, subject to the superintendence, control
and direction of the Board of Directors, has the management of the whole, or
substantially the whole, of the affairs of a company, and includes a director or any
other person occupying the position of a manager, by whatever name called, whether
under a contract of service or not;
(54) “managing director” means a director who, by virtue of the articles of a
company or an agreement with the company or a resolution passed in its general
meeting, or by its Board of Directors, is entrusted with substantial powers of
management of the affairs of the company and includes a director occupying the
position of managing director, by whatever name called.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 7
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the power to do administrative
acts of a routine nature when so authorised by the Board such as the power to affix the
common seal of the company to any document or to draw and endorse any cheque on
the account of the company in any bank or to draw and endorse any negotiable
instrument or to sign any certificate of share or to direct registration of transfer of any
share, shall not be deemed to be included within the substantial powers of management;
(55) “member”, in relation to a company, means—
(i) the subscriber to the memorandum of the company who shall be deemed
to have agreed to become member of the company, and on its registration, shall
be entered as member in its register of members;
(ii) every other person who agrees in writing to become a member of the
company and whose name is entered in the register of members of the company;
(iii) every person holding shares of the company and whose name is
entered as a beneficial owner in the records of a depository;
(56) “memorandum” means the memorandum of association of a company as
originally framed or as altered from time to time in pursuance of any previous company
law or of this Act;
(57) “net worth” means the aggregate value of the paid-up share capital and all
reserves created out of the profits and securities premium account, after deducting the
aggregate value of the accumulated losses, deferred expenditure and miscellaneous
expenditure not written off, as per the audited balance sheet, but does not include
reserves created out of revaluation of assets, write-back of depreciation and
amalgamation;
(58) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the
expression “notify” shall be construed accordingly;
(59) “officer” includes any director, manager or key managerial personnel or any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Board of Directors or
any one or more of the directors is or are accustomed to act;
(60) “officer who is in default”, for the purpose of any provision in this Act
which enacts that an officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to any
penalty or punishment by way of imprisonment, fine or otherwise, means any of the
following officers of a company, namely:—
(i) whole-time director;
(ii) key managerial personnel;
(iii) where there is no key managerial personnel, such director or directors
as specified by the Board in this behalf and who has or have given his or their
consent in writing to the Board to such specification, or all the directors, if no
director is so specified;
(iv) any person who, under the immediate authority of the Board or any
key managerial personnel, is charged with any responsibility including
maintenance, filing or distribution of accounts or records, authorises, actively
participates in, knowingly permits, or knowingly fails to take active steps to
prevent, any default;
8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(v) any person in accordance with whose advice, directions or instructions
the Board of Directors of the company is accustomed to act, other than a person
who gives advice to the Board in a professional capacity;
(vi) every director, in respect of a contravention of any of the provisions
of this Act, who is aware of such contravention by virtue of the receipt by him of
any proceedings of the Board or participation in such proceedings without
objecting to the same, or where such contravention had taken place with his
consent or connivance;
(vii) in respect of the issue or transfer of any shares of a company, the
share transfer agents, registrars and merchant bankers to the issue or transfer;
(61) “Official Liquidator” means an Official Liquidator appointed under
sub-section (1) of section 359;
(62) “One Person Company” means a company which has only one person as a
member;
(63) "ordinary or special resolution" means an ordinary resolution, or as the
case may be, special resolution referred to in section 114;
(64) “paid-up share capital” or “share capital paid-up” means such aggregate
amount of money credited as paid-up as is equivalent to the amount received as paidup
in respect of shares issued and also includes any amount credited as paid-up in
respect of shares of the company, but does not include any other amount received in
respect of such shares, by whatever name called;
(65) “postal ballot” means voting by post or through any electronic mode;
(66) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(67) “previous company law” means any of the laws specified below:—
(i) Acts relating to companies in force before the Indian Companies
Act, 1866;
(ii) the Indian Companies Act, 1866;
(iii) the Indian Companies Act, 1882;
(iv) the Indian Companies Act, 1913;
(v) the Registration of Transferred Companies Ordinance, 1942;
(vi) the Companies Act, 1956; and
(vii) any law corresponding to any of the aforesaid Acts or the Ordinances
and in force—
(A) in the merged territories or in a Part B State (other than the State
of Jammu and Kashmir), or any part thereof, before the extension thereto
of the Indian Companies Act, 1913; or
10 of 1866.
10 of 1866.
6 of 1882.
7 of 1913.
Ord. 54 of
1942.
1 of 1956.
7 of 1913.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 9
(B) in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, or any part thereof, before
the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act,
1956, in so far as banking, insurance and financial corporations are
concerned, and before the commencement of the Central Laws (Extension
to Jammu and Kashmir) Act, 1968, in so far as other corporations are
concerned;
(viii) the Portuguese Commercial Code, in so far as it relates to sociedades
anonimas; and
(ix) the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act, 1961;
(68) “private company” means a company having a minimum paid-up share
capital of one lakh rupees or such higher paid-up share capital as may be prescribed,
and which by its articles,—
(i) restricts the right to transfer its shares;
(ii) except in case of One Person Company, limits the number of its
members to two hundred:
Provided that where two or more persons hold one or more shares in a
company jointly, they shall, for the purposes of this clause, be treated as a single
member:
Provided further that—
(A) persons who are in the employment of the company; and
(B) persons who, having been formerly in the employment of the company,
were members of the company while in that employment and have continued to
be members after the employment ceased,
shall not be included in the number of members; and
(iii) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any securities of
the company;
(69) “promoter” means a person—
(a) who has been named as such in a prospectus or is identified by the
company in the annual return referred to in section 92; or
(b) who has control over the affairs of the company, directly or indirectly
whether as a shareholder, director or otherwise; or
(c) in accordance with whose advice, directions or instructions the
Board of Directors of the company is accustomed to act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clause (c) shall apply to a person who is acting
merely in a professional capacity;
(70) “prospectus” means any document described or issued as a prospectus
and includes a red herring prospectus referred to in section 32 or shelf prospectus
referred to in section 31 or any notice, circular, advertisement or other document
inviting offers from the public for the subscription or purchase of any securities of a
body corporate;
62 of 1956.
25 of 1968.
Sikkim Act 8
of 1961.
10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(71) “public company” means a company which—
(a) is not a private company;
(b) has a minimum paid-up share capital of five lakh rupees or such higher
paid-up capital, as may be prescribed:
Provided that a company which is a subsidiary of a company, not being a private
company, shall be deemed to be public company for the purposes of this Act even
where such subsidiary company continues to be a private company in its articles ;
(72) “public financial institution” means—
(i) the Life Insurance Corporation of India, established under section 3 of
the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956;
(ii) the Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited, referred to
in clause (vi) of sub-section (1) of section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 so
repealed under section 465 of this Act;
(iii) specified company referred to in the Unit Trust of India (Transfer of
Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2002;
(iv) institutions notified by the Central Government under sub-section (2)
of section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 so repealed under section 465 of this
Act;
(v) such other institution as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with the Reserve Bank of India:
Provided that no institution shall be so notified unless—
(A) it has been established or constituted by or under any Central or
State Act; or
(B) not less than fifty-one per cent. of the paid-up share capital is
held or controlled by the Central Government or by any State Government
or Governments or partly by the Central Government and partly by one or
more State Governments;
(73) “recognised stock exchange” means a recognised stock exchange as defined
in clause (f) of section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(74) “register of companies” means the register of companies maintained by the
Registrar on paper or in any electronic mode under this Act;
(75) “Registrar” means a Registrar, an Additional Registrar, a Joint Registrar, a
Deputy Registrar or an Assistant Registrar, having the duty of registering companies
and discharging various functions under this Act;
(76) “related party”, with reference to a company, means—
(i) a director or his relative;
31 of 1956.
58 of 2002.
42 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 11
(ii) a key managerial personnel or his relative;
(iii) a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a partner;
(iv) a private company in which a director or manager is a member or
director;
(v) a public company in which a director or manager is a director or holds
along with his relatives, more than two per cent. of its paid-up share capital;
(vi) any body corporate whose Board of Directors, managing director or
manager is accustomed to act in accordance with the advice, directions or
instructions of a director or manager;
(vii) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a director or
manager is accustomed to act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall apply to the advice,
directions or instructions given in a professional capacity;
(viii) any company which is—
(A) a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of such company; or
(B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary;
(ix) such other person as may be prescribed;
(77) ‘‘relative’’, with reference to any person, means any one who is related to
another, if—
(i) they are members of a Hindu Undivided Family;
(ii) they are husband and wife; or
(iii) one person is related to the other in such manner as may be prescribed;
(78) “remuneration” means any money or its equivalent given or passed to any
person for services rendered by him and includes perquisites as defined under the
Income-tax Act, 1961;
(79) “Schedule” means a Schedule annexed to this Act;
(80) “scheduled bank” means the scheduled bank as defined in clause (e) of
section 2 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;
(81) “securities” means the securities as defined in clause (h) of section 2 of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(82) “Securities and Exchange Board” means the Securities and Exchange Board
of India established under section 3 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act,
1992;
(83) “Serious Fraud Investigation Office” means the office referred to in section 211;
(84) “share” means a share in the share capital of a company and includes stock;
43 of 1961.
2 of 1934.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(85) ‘‘small company’’ means a company, other than a public company,—
(i) paid-up share capital of which does not exceed fifty lakh rupees or such
higher amount as may be prescribed which shall not be more than five crore
rupees; or
(ii) turnover of which as per its last profit and loss account does not
exceed two crore rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall
not be more than twenty crore rupees:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to—
(A) a holding company or a subsidiary company;
(B) a company registered under section 8; or
(C) a company or body corporate governed by any special Act;
(86) “subscribed capital” means such part of the capital which is for the time
being subscribed by the members of a company;
(87) “subsidiary company” or “subsidiary”, in relation to any other company
(that is to say the holding company), means a company in which the holding company—
(i) controls the composition of the Board of Directors; or
(ii) exercises or controls more than one-half of the total share capital
either at its own or together with one or more of its subsidiary companies:
Provided that such class or classes of holding companies as may be prescribed
shall not have layers of subsidiaries beyond such numbers as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause,—
(a) a company shall be deemed to be a subsidiary company of the holding
company even if the control referred to in sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (ii) is of
another subsidiary company of the holding company;
(b) the composition of a company’s Board of Directors shall be deemed to
be controlled by another company if that other company by exercise of some
power exercisable by it at its discretion can appoint or remove all or a majority of
the directors;
(c) the expression “company” includes any body corporate;
(d) “layer” in relation to a holding company means its subsidiary or
subsidiaries;
(88) “sweat equity shares” means such equity shares as are issued by a company
to its directors or employees at a discount or for consideration, other than cash, for
providing their know-how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual property
rights or value additions, by whatever name called;
(89) “total voting power”, in relation to any matter, means the total number of
votes which may be cast in regard to that matter on a poll at a meeting of a company
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 13
if all the members thereof or their proxies having a right to vote on that matter are
present at the meeting and cast their votes;
(90) “Tribunal” means the National Company Law Tribunal constituted under
section 408;
(91) “turnover” means the aggregate value of the realisation of amount made
from the sale, supply or distribution of goods or on account of services rendered, or
both, by the company during a financial year;
(92) “unlimited company” means a company not having any limit on the liability
of its members;
(93) “voting right” means the right of a member of a company to vote in any
meeting of the company or by means of postal ballot;
(94) “whole-time director” includes a director in the whole-time employment of
the company;
(95) words and expressions used and not defined in this Act but defined in the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 or the Securities and Exchange Board of
India Act, 1992 or the Depositories Act, 1996 shall have the meanings respectively
assigned to them in those Acts.
CHAPTER II
INCORPORATION OF COMPANY AND MATTERS INCIDENTAL THERETO
3. (1) A company may be formed for any lawful purpose by—
(a) seven or more persons, where the company to be formed is to be a public
company;
(b) two or more persons, where the company to be formed is to be a private
company; or
(c) one person, where the company to be formed is to be One Person Company
that is to say, a private company,
by subscribing their names or his name to a memorandum and complying with the requirements
of this Act in respect of registration:
Provided that the memorandum of One Person Company shall indicate the name of the
other person, with his prior written consent in the prescribed form, who shall, in the event of
the subscriber’s death or his incapacity to contract become the member of the company and
the written consent of such person shall also be filed with the Registrar at the time of
incorporation of the One Person Company along with its memorandum and articles:
Provided further that such other person may withdraw his consent in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided also that the member of One Person Company may at any time change the
name of such other person by giving notice in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided also that it shall be the duty of the member of One Person Company to
intimate the company the change, if any, in the name of the other person nominated by him
by indicating in the memorandum or otherwise within such time and in such manner as may
be prescribed, and the company shall intimate the Registrar any such change within such
time and in such manner as may be prescribed:
Formation of
company.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
22 of 1996.
14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided also that any such change in the name of the person shall not be deemed to
be an alteration of the memorandum.
(2) A company formed under sub-section (1) may be either—
(a) a company limited by shares; or
(b) a company limited by guarantee; or
(c) an unlimited company.
4. (1) The memorandum of a company shall state—
(a) the name of the company with the last word “Limited” in the case of a public
limited company, or the last words “Private Limited” in the case of a private limited
company:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to a company registered under
section 8;
(b) the State in which the registered office of the company is to be situated;
(c) the objects for which the company is proposed to be incorporated and any
matter considered necessary in furtherance thereof;
(d) the liability of members of the company, whether limited or unlimited, and
also state,—
(i) in the case of a company limited by shares, that liability of its members
is limited to the amount unpaid, if any, on the shares held by them; and
(ii) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, the amount up to which
each member undertakes to contribute—
(A) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound-up
while he is a member or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for
payment of the debts and liabilities of the company or of such debts and
liabilities as may have been contracted before he ceases to be a member,
as the case may be; and
(B) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding-up and for
adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves;
(e) in the case of a company having a share capital,—
(i) the amount of share capital with which the company is to be registered
and the division thereof into shares of a fixed amount and the number of shares
which the subscribers to the memorandum agree to subscribe which shall not be
less than one share; and
(ii) the number of shares each subscriber to the memorandum intends to
take, indicated opposite his name;
(f) in the case of One Person Company, the name of the person who, in the event
of death of the subscriber, shall become the member of the company.
(2) The name stated in the memorandum shall not—
(a) be identical with or resemble too nearly to the name of an existing company
registered under this Act or any previous company law; or
(b) be such that its use by the company—
(i) will constitute an offence under any law for the time being in force; or
(ii) is undesirable in the opinion of the Central Government.
Memorandum.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 15
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (2), a company shall not be
registered with a name which contains—
(a) any word or expression which is likely to give the impression that the company
is in any way connected with, or having the patronage of, the Central Government, any
State Government, or any local authority, corporation or body constituted by the Central
Government or any State Government under any law for the time being in force; or
(b) such word or expression, as may be prescribed,
unless the previous approval of the Central Government has been obtained for the use of
any such word or expression.
(4) A person may make an application, in such form and manner and accompanied by
such fee, as may be prescribed, to the Registrar for the reservation of a name set out in the
application as—
(a) the name of the proposed company; or
(b) the name to which the company proposes to change its name.
(5) (i) Upon receipt of an application under sub-section (4), the Registrar may, on the
basis of information and documents furnished along with the application, reserve the name
for a period of sixty days from the date of the application.
(ii) Where after reservation of name under clause (i), it is found that name was applied
by furnishing wrong or incorrect information, then,—
(a) if the company has not been incorporated, the reserved name shall be cancelled
and the person making application under sub-section (4) shall be liable to a penalty
which may extend to one lakh rupees;
(b) if the company has been incorporated, the Registrar may, after giving the
company an opportunity of being heard—
(i) either direct the company to change its name within a period of three
months, after passing an ordinary resolution;
(ii) take action for striking off the name of the company from the register of
companies; or
(iii) make a petition for winding up of the company.
(6) The memorandum of a company shall be in respective forms specified in Tables A,
B, C, D and E in Schedule I as may be applicable to such company.
(7) Any provision in the memorandum or articles, in the case of a company limited by
guarantee and not having a share capital, purporting to give any person a right to participate
in the divisible profits of the company otherwise than as a member, shall be void.
5. (1) The articles of a company shall contain the regulations for management of the
company.
(2) The articles shall also contain such matters, as may be prescribed:
Provided that nothing prescribed in this sub-section shall be deemed to prevent a
company from including such additional matters in its articles as may be considered necessary
for its management.
(3) The articles may contain provisions for entrenchment to the effect that specified
provisions of the articles may be altered only if conditions or procedures as that are more
restrictive than those applicable in the case of a special resolution, are met or complied with.
(4) The provisions for entrenchment referred to in sub-section (3) shall only be made
either on formation of a company, or by an amendment in the articles agreed to by all the
members of the company in the case of a private company and by a special resolution in the
case of a public company.
(5) Where the articles contain provisions for entrenchment, whether made on formation
or by amendment, the company shall give notice to the Registrar of such provisions in such
form and manner as may be prescribed.
(6) The articles of a company shall be in respective forms specified in Tables, F, G, H, I
and J in Schedule I as may be applicable to such company.
Articles.
16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) A company may adopt all or any of the regulations contained in the model articles
applicable to such company.
(8) In case of any company, which is registered after the commencement of this Act, in
so far as the registered articles of such company do not exclude or modify the regulations
contained in the model articles applicable to such company, those regulations shall, so far as
applicable, be the regulations of that company in the same manner and to the extent as if they
were contained in the duly registered articles of the company.
(9) Nothing in this section shall apply to the articles of a company registered under
any previous company law unless amended under this Act.
6. Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act—
(a) the provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in the memorandum or articles of a company, or in any agreement
executed by it, or in any resolution passed by the company in general meeting or by its
Board of Directors, whether the same be registered, executed or passed, as the case
may be, before or after the commencement of this Act; and
(b) any provision contained in the memorandum, articles, agreement or resolution
shall, to the extent to which it is repugnant to the provisions of this Act, become or be
void, as the case may be.
7. (1) There shall be filed with the Registrar within whose jurisdiction the registered
office of a company is proposed to be situated, the following documents and information for
registration, namely:—
(a) the memorandum and articles of the company duly signed by all the
subscribers to the memorandum in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) a declaration in the prescribed form by an advocate, a chartered accountant,
cost accountant or company secretary in practice, who is engaged in the formation of
the company, and by a person named in the articles as a director, manager or secretary
of the company, that all the requirements of this Act and the rules made thereunder in
respect of registration and matters precedent or incidental thereto have been complied
with;
(c) an affidavit from each of the subscribers to the memorandum and from persons
named as the first directors, if any, in the articles that he is not convicted of any offence
in connection with the promotion, formation or management of any company, or that
he has not been found guilty of any fraud or misfeasance or of any breach of duty to
any company under this Act or any previous company law during the preceding five
years and that all the documents filed with the Registrar for registration of the company
contain information that is correct and complete and true to the best of his knowledge
and belief;
(d) the address for correspondence till its registered office is established;
(e) the particulars of name, including surname or family name, residential address,
nationality and such other particulars of every subscriber to the memorandum along
with proof of identity, as may be prescribed, and in the case of a subscriber being a
body corporate, such particulars as may be prescribed;
(f) the particulars of the persons mentioned in the articles as the first directors of
the company, their names, including surnames or family names, the Director
Identification Number, residential address, nationality and such other particulars
including proof of identity as may be prescribed; and
(g) the particulars of the interests of the persons mentioned in the articles as the
first directors of the company in other firms or bodies corporate along with their
consent to act as directors of the company in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
Act to override
memorandum,
articles,
etc.
Incorporation
of company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 17
(2) The Registrar on the basis of documents and information filed under
sub-section (1) shall register all the documents and information referred to in that subsection
in the register and issue a certificate of incorporation in the prescribed form to the
effect that the proposed company is incorporated under this Act.
(3) On and from the date mentioned in the certificate of incorporation issued under
sub-section (2), the Registrar shall allot to the company a corporate identity number, which
shall be a distinct identity for the company and which shall also be included in the certificate.
(4) The company shall maintain and preserve at its registered office copies of all
documents and information as originally filed under sub-section (1) till its dissolution under
this Act.
(5) If any person furnishes any false or incorrect particulars of any information or
suppresses any material information, of which he is aware in any of the documents filed with
the Registrar in relation to the registration of a company, he shall be liable for action under
section 447.
(6) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (5) where, at any time after the
incorporation of a company, it is proved that the company has been got incorporated by
furnishing any false or incorrect information or representation or by suppressing any material
fact or information in any of the documents or declaration filed or made for incorporating
such company, or by any fraudulent action, the promoters, the persons named as the first
directors of the company and the persons making declaration under clause (b) of subsection
(1) shall each be liable for action under section 447.
(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (6), where a company has been
got incorporated by furnishing any false or incorrect information or representation or by
suppressing any material fact or information in any of the documents or declaration filed or
made for incorporating such company or by any fraudulent action, the Tribunal may, on an
application made to it, on being satisfied that the situation so warrants,—
(a) pass such orders, as it may think fit, for regulation of the management of the
company including changes, if any, in its memorandum and articles, in public interest
or in the interest of the company and its members and creditors; or
(b) direct that liability of the members shall be unlimited; or
(c) direct removal of the name of the company from the register of companies; or
(d) pass an order for the winding up of the company; or
(e) pass such other orders as it may deem fit:
Provided that before making any order under this sub-section,—
(i) the company shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in
the matter; and
(ii) the Tribunal shall take into consideration the transactions entered into
by the company, including the obligations, if any, contracted or payment of any
liability.
8. (1) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Central Government that a person or
an association of persons proposed to be registered under this Act as a limited company—
(a) has in its objects the promotion of commerce, art, science, sports, education,
research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of environment or any such other
object;
(b) intends to apply its profits, if any, or other income in promoting its objects;
and
(c) intends to prohibit the payment of any dividend to its members,
Formation of
companies
with charitable
objects,
etc.
18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
the Central Government may, by licence issued in such manner as may be prescribed, and on
such conditions as it deems fit, allow that person or association of persons to be registered
as a limited company under this section without the addition to its name of the word “Limited”,
or as the case may be, the words “Private Limited” , and thereupon the Registrar shall, on
application, in the prescribed form, register such person or association of persons as a
company under this section.
(2) The company registered under this section shall enjoy all the privileges and be
subject to all the obligations of limited companies.
(3) A firm may be a member of the company registered under this section.
(4) (i) A company registered under this section shall not alter the provisions of its
memorandum or articles except with the previous approval of the Central Government.
(ii) A company registered under this section may convert itself into company of any
other kind only after complying with such conditions as may be prescribed.
(5) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Central Government that a limited
company registered under this Act or under any previous company law has been formed
with any of the objects specified in clause (a) of sub-section (1) and with the restrictions and
prohibitions as mentioned respectively in clauses (b) and (c) of that sub-section, it may, by
licence, allow the company to be registered under this section subject to such conditions as
the Central Government deems fit and to change its name by omitting the word “Limited”, or
as the case may be, the words “Private Limited” from its name and thereupon the Registrar
shall, on application, in the prescribed form, register such company under this section and all
the provisions of this section shall apply to that company.
(6) The Central Government may, by order, revoke the licence granted to a company
registered under this section if the company contravenes any of the requirements of this
section or any of the conditions subject to which a licence is issued or the affairs of the
company are conducted fraudulently or in a manner violative of the objects of the company
or prejudicial to public interest, and without prejudice to any other action against the company
under this Act, direct the company to convert its status and change its name to add the word
“Limited” or the words “Private Limited”, as the case may be, to its name and thereupon the
Registrar shall, without prejudice to any action that may be taken under sub-section (7), on
application, in the prescribed form, register the company accordingly:
Provided that no such order shall be made unless the company is given a reasonable
opportunity of being heard:
Provided further that a copy of every such order shall be given to the Registrar.
(7) Where a licence is revoked under sub-section (6), the Central Government may, by
order, if it is satisfied that it is essential in the public interest, direct that the company be
wound up under this Act or amalgamated with another company registered under this section:
Provided that no such order shall be made unless the company is given a reasonable
opportunity of being heard.
(8) Where a licence is revoked under sub-section (6) and where the Central Government
is satisfied that it is essential in the public interest that the company registered under this
section should be amalgamated with another company registered under this section and
having similar objects, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act,
the Central Government may, by order, provide for such amalgamation to form a single
company with such constitution, properties, powers, rights, interest, authorities and privileges
and with such liabilities, duties and obligations as may be specified in the order.
(9) If on the winding up or dissolution of a company registered under this section,
there remains, after the satisfaction of its debts and liabilities, any asset, they may be transferred
to another company registered under this section and having similar objects, subject to such
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 19
conditions as the Tribunal may impose, or may be sold and proceeds thereof credited to the
Rehabilitation and Insolvency Fund formed under section 269.
(10) A company registered under this section shall amalgamate only with another
company registered under this section and having similar objects.
(11) If a company makes any default in complying with any of the requirements laid
down in this section, the company shall, without prejudice to any other action under the
provisions of this section, be punishable with fine which shall not be less than ten lakh
rupees but which may extend to one crore rupees and the directors and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees
but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees, or with both:
Provided that when it is proved that the affairs of the company were conducted
fraudulently, every officer in default shall be liable for action under section 447.
9. From the date of incorporation mentioned in the certificate of incorporation, such
subscribers to the memorandum and all other persons, as may, from time to time, become
members of the company, shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the
memorandum, capable of exercising all the functions of an incorporated company under this
Act and having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and
dispose of property, both movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, to contract and
to sue and be sued, by the said name.
10. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the memorandum and articles shall, when
registered, bind the company and the members thereof to the same extent as if they respectively
had been signed by the company and by each member, and contained covenants on its and
his part to observe all the provisions of the memorandum and of the articles.
(2) All monies payable by any member to the company under the memorandum or
articles shall be a debt due from him to the company.
11. (1) A company having a share capital shall not commence any business or exercise
any borrowing powers unless—
(a) a declaration is filed by a director in such form and verified in such manner as
may be prescribed, with the Registrar that every subscriber to the memorandum has
paid the value of the shares agreed to be taken by him and the paid-up share capital of
the company is not less than five lakh rupees in case of a public company and not less
than one lakh rupees in case of a private company on the date of making of this
declaration; and
(b) the company has filed with the Registrar a verification of its registered office
as provided in sub-section (2) of section 12.
(2) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the
company shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to five thousand rupees and every
officer who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees for every day during which the default continues.
(3) Where no declaration has been filed with the Registrar under clause (a) of subsection
(1) within a period of one hundred and eighty days of the date of incorporation of the
company and the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe that the company is not carrying
on any business or operations, he may, without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section
(2), initiate action for the removal of the name of the company from the register of companies
under Chapter XVIII.
Effect of
registration.
Effect of
memorandum
and articles.
Commencement
of
business, etc.
20 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
12. (1) A company shall, on and from the fifteenth day of its incorporation and at all
times thereafter, have a registered office capable of receiving and acknowledging all
communications and notices as may be addressed to it.
(2) The company shall furnish to the Registrar verification of its registered office
within a period of thirty days of its incorporation in such manner as may be prescribed.
(3) Every company shall—
(a) paint or affix its name, and the address of its registered office, and keep the
same painted or affixed, on the outside of every office or place in which its business is
carried on, in a conspicuous position, in legible letters, and if the characters employed
therefor are not those of the language or of one of the languages in general use in that
locality, also in the characters of that language or of one of those languages;
(b) have its name engraved in legible characters on its seal;
(c) get its name, address of its registered office and the Corporate Identity
Number along with telephone number, fax number, if any, e-mail and website addresses,
if any, printed in all its business letters, billheads, letter papers and in all its notices and
other official publications; and
(d) have its name printed on hundies, promissory notes, bills of exchange and
such other documents as may be prescribed:
Provided that where a company has changed its name or names during the last two
years, it shall paint or affix or print, as the case may be, along with its name, the former name
or names so changed during the last two years as required under clauses (a) and (c):
Provided further that the words ‘‘One Person Company’’ shall be mentioned in brackets
below the name of such company, wherever its name is printed, affixed or engraved.
(4) Notice of every change of the situation of the registered office, verified in the
manner prescribed, after the date of incorporation of the company, shall be given to the
Registrar within fifteen days of the change, who shall record the same.
(5) Except on the authority of a special resolution passed by a company, the registered
office of the company shall not be changed,—
(a) in the case of an existing company, outside the local limits of any city, town
or village where such office is situated at the commencement of this Act or where it
may be situated later by virtue of a special resolution passed by the company; and
(b) in the case of any other company, outside the local limits of any city, town or
village where such office is first situated or where it may be situated later by virtue of
a special resolution passed by the company:
Provided that no company shall change the place of its registered office from the
jurisdiction of one Registrar to the jurisdiction of another Registrar within the same State
unless such change is confirmed by the Regional Director on an application made in this
behalf by the company in the prescribed manner.
(6) The confirmation referred to in sub-section (5) shall be communicated within a
period of thirty days from the date of receipt of application by the Regional Director to the
company and the company shall file the confirmation with the Registrar within a period of
sixty days of the date of confirmation who shall register the same and certify the registration
within a period of thirty days from the date of filing of such confirmation.
(7) The certificate referred to in sub-section (6) shall be conclusive evidence that all
the requirements of this Act with respect to change of registered office in pursuance of subsection
(5) have been complied with and the change shall take effect from the date of the
certificate.
Registered
office of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 21
(8) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the
company and every officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of one thousand
rupees for every day during which the default continues but not exceeding one lakh rupees.
13. (1) Save as provided in section 61, a company may, by a special resolution and
after complying with the procedure specified in this section, alter the provisions of its
memorandum.
(2) Any change in the name of a company shall be subject to the provisions of subsections
(2) and (3) of section 4 and shall not have effect except with the approval of the
Central Government in writing:
Provided that no such approval shall be necessary where the only change in the name
of the company is the deletion therefrom, or addition thereto, of the word “Private”, consequent
on the conversion of any one class of companies to another class in accordance with the
provisions of this Act.
(3) When any change in the name of a company is made under sub-section (2), the
Registrar shall enter the new name in the register of companies in place of the old name and
issue a fresh certificate of incorporation with the new name and the change in the name shall
be complete and effective only on the issue of such a certificate.
(4) The alteration of the memorandum relating to the place of the registered office from
one State to another shall not have any effect unless it is approved by the Central Government
on an application in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(5) The Central Government shall dispose of the application under sub-section (4)
within a period of sixty days and before passing its order may satisfy itself that the alteration
has the consent of the creditors, debenture-holders and other persons concerned with the
company or that the sufficient provision has been made by the company either for the due
discharge of all its debts and obligations or that adequate security has been provided for
such discharge.
(6) Save as provided in section 64, a company shall, in relation to any alteration of its
memorandum, file with the Registrar—
(a) the special resolution passed by the company under sub-section (1);
(b) the approval of the Central Government under sub-section (2), if the alteration
involves any change in the name of the company.
(7) Where an alteration of the memorandum results in the transfer of the registered
office of a company from one State to another, a certified copy of the order of the Central
Government approving the alteration shall be filed by the company with the Registrar of each
of the States within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed, who shall register
the same, and the Registrar of the State where the registered office is being shifted to, shall
issue a fresh certificate of incorporation indicating the alteration.
(8) A company, which has raised money from public through prospectus and still has
any unutilised amount out of the money so raised, shall not change its objects for which it
raised the money through prospectus unless a special resolution is passed by the company
and—
(i) the details, as may be prescribed, in respect of such resolution shall also be
published in the newspapers (one in English and one in vernacular language) which is
in circulation at the place where the registered office of the company is situated and
shall also be placed on the website of the company, if any, indicating therein the
justification for such change;
(ii) the dissenting shareholders shall be given an opportunity to exit by the
promoters and shareholders having control in accordance with regulations to be
specified by the Securities and Exchange Board.
Alteration of
memorandum.
22 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(9) The Registrar shall register any alteration of the memorandum with respect to the
objects of the company and certify the registration within a period of thirty days from the
date of filing of the special resolution in accordance with clause (a) of sub-section (6) of this
section.
(10) No alteration made under this section shall have any effect until it has been
registered in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(11) Any alteration of the memorandum, in the case of a company limited by guarantee
and not having a share capital, purporting to give any person a right to participate in the
divisible profits of the company otherwise than as a member, shall be void.
14. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the conditions contained in its
memorandum, if any, a company may, by a special resolution, alter its articles including
alterations having the effect of conversion of—
(a) a private company into a public company; or
(b) a public company into a private company:
Provided that where a company being a private company alters its articles in such a
manner that they no longer include the restrictions and limitations which are required to be
included in the articles of a private company under this Act, the company shall, as from the
date of such alteration, cease to be a private company:
Provided further that any alteration having the effect of conversion of a public company
into a private company shall not take effect except with the approval of the Tribunal which
shall make such order as it may deem fit.
(2) Every alteration of the articles under this section and a copy of the order of the
Tribunal approving the alteration as per sub-section (1) shall be filed with the Registrar,
together with a printed copy of the altered articles, within a period of fifteen days in such
manner as may be prescribed, who shall register the same.
(3) Any alteration of the articles registered under sub-section (2) shall, subject to the
provisions of this Act, be valid as if it were originally in the articles.
15. (1) Every alteration made in the memorandum or articles of a company shall be
noted in every copy of the memorandum or articles, as the case may be.
(2) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of
sub-section (1), the company and every officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty
of one thousand rupees for every copy of the memorandum or articles issued without such
alteration.
16. (1) If, through inadvertence or otherwise, a company on its first registration or on
its registration by a new name, is registered by a name which,—
(a) in the opinion of the Central Government, is identical with or too nearly
resembles the name by which a company in existence had been previously registered,
whether under this Act or any previous company law, it may direct the company to
change its name and the company shall change its name or new name, as the case may
be, within a period of three months from the issue of such direction, after adopting an
ordinary resolution for the purpose;
(b) on an application by a registered proprietor of a trade mark that the name is
identical with or too nearly resembles to a registered trade mark of such proprietor
under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, made to the Central Government within three years
of incorporation or registration or change of name of the company, whether under this
Alteration of
articles.
Alteration of
memorandum
or articles to
be noted in
every copy.
Rectification
of name of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 23
Act or any previous company law, in the opinion of the Central Government, is identical
with or too nearly resembles to an existing trade mark, it may direct the company to
change its name and the company shall change its name or new name, as the case may
be, within a period of six months from the issue of such direction, after adopting an
ordinary resolution for the purpose.
(2) Where a company changes its name or obtains a new name under sub-section (1),
it shall within a period of fifteen days from the date of such change, give notice of the change
to the Registrar along with the order of the Central Government, who shall carry out necessary
changes in the certificate of incorporation and the memorandum.
(3) If a company makes default in complying with any direction given under
sub-section (1), the company shall be punishable with fine of one thousand rupees for every
day during which the default continues and every officer who is in default shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees.
17. (1) A company shall, on being so requested by a member, send to him within seven
days of the request and subject to the payment of such fees as may be prescribed, a copy of
each of the following documents, namely:—
(a) the memorandum;
(b) the articles; and
(c) every agreement and every resolution referred to in sub-section (1) of section
117, if and in so far as they have not been embodied in the memorandum or articles.
(2) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section,
the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable for each
default, to a penalty of one thousand rupees for each day during which such default
continues or one lakh rupees, whichever is less.
18. (1) A company of any class registered under this Act may convert itself as a
company of other class under this Act by alteration of memorandum and articles of the
company in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Where the conversion is required to be done under this section, the Registrar shall
on an application made by the company, after satisfying himself that the provisions of this
Chapter applicable for registration of companies have been complied with, close the former
registration of the company and after registering the documents referred to in sub-section
(1), issue a certificate of incorporation in the same manner as its first registration.
(3) The registration of a company under this section shall not affect any debts, liabilities,
obligations or contracts incurred or entered into, by or on behalf of the company before
conversion and such debts, liabilities, obligations and contracts may be enforced in the
manner as if such registration had not been done.
19. (1) No company shall, either by itself or through its nominees, hold any shares in
its holding company and no holding company shall allot or transfer its shares to any of its
subsidiary companies and any such allotment or transfer of shares of a company to its
subsidiary company shall be void:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a case—
(a) where the subsidiary company holds such shares as the legal representative
of a deceased member of the holding company; or
Copies of
memorandum,
articles,
etc., to be
given to
members.
Conversion
of companies
already
registered.
Subsidiary
company not
to hold shares
in its holding
company.
24 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) where the subsidiary company holds such shares as a trustee; or
(c) where the subsidiary company is a shareholder even before it became a
subsidiary company of the holding company:
Provided further that the subsidiary company referred to in the preceding proviso
shall have a right to vote at a meeting of the holding company only in respect of the shares
held by it as a legal representative or as a trustee, as referred to in clause (a) or clause (b) of
the said proviso.
(2) The reference in this section to the shares of a holding company which is a company
limited by guarantee or an unlimited company, not having a share capital, shall be construed
as a reference to the interest of its members, whatever be the form of interest.
20. (1) A document may be served on a company or an officer thereof by sending it to
the company or the officer at the registered office of the company by registered post or by
speed post or by courier service or by leaving it at its registered office or by means of such
electronic or other mode as may be prescribed:
Provided that where securities are held with a depository, the records of the beneficial
ownership may be served by such depository on the company by means of electronic or
other mode.
(2) Save as provided in this Act or the rules made thereunder for filing of documents
with the Registrar in electronic mode, a document may be served on Registrar or any
member by sending it to him by post or by registered post or by speed post or by
courier or by delivering at his office or address, or by such electronic or other mode as
may be prescribed:
Provided that a member may request for delivery of any document through a particular
mode, for which he shall pay such fees as may be determined by the company in its annual
general meeting.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the term ‘‘courier’’ means a person or
agency which delivers the document and provides proof of its delivery.
21. Save as otherwise provided in this Act,—
(a) a document or proceeding requiring authentication by a company; or
(b) contracts made by or on behalf of a company,
may be signed by any key managerial personnel or an officer of the company duly authorised
by the Board in this behalf.
22. (1) A bill of exchange, hundi or promissory note shall be deemed to have been
made, accepted, drawn or endorsed on behalf of a company if made, accepted, drawn, or
endorsed in the name of, or on behalf of or on account of, the company by any person acting
under its authority, express or implied.
(2) A company may, by writing under its common seal, authorise any person, either
generally or in respect of any specified matters, as its attorney to execute other deeds on its
behalf in any place either in or outside India.
(3) A deed signed by such an attorney on behalf of the company and under his seal
shall bind the company and have the effect as if it were made under its common seal.
Service of
documents.
Authentication
of
documents,
proceedings
and contracts.
Execution of
bills of
exchange, etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 25
CHAPTER III
PROSPECTUS AND ALLOTMENT OF SECURITIES
PART I.—Public offer
23. (1) A public company may issue securities—
(a) to public through prospectus (herein referred to as "public offer") by
complying with the provisions of this Part; or
(b) through private placement by complying with the provisions of Part II of this
Chapter; or
(c) through a rights issue or a bonus issue in accordance with the provisions of
this Act and in case of a listed company or a company which intends to get its
securities listed also with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992 and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(2) A private company may issue securities—
(a) by way of rights issue or bonus issue in accordance with the provisions of
this Act; or
(b) through private placement by complying with the provisions of Part II of this Chapter.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, "public offer" includes initial public
offer or further public offer of securities to the public by a company, or an offer for sale of
securities to the public by an existing shareholder, through issue of a prospectus.
24. (1) The provisions contained in this Chapter, Chapter IV and in section 127 shall,—
(a) in so far as they relate to —
(i) issue and transfer of securities; and
(ii) non-payment of dividend,
by listed companies or those companies which intend to get their securities listed on
any recognised stock exchange in India, except as provided under this Act, be administered
by the Securities and Exchange Board by making regulations in this behalf;
(b) in any other case, be administered by the Central Government.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that all powers relating
to all other matters relating to prospectus, return of allotment, redemption of preference
shares and any other matter specifically provided in this Act, shall be exercised by the
Central Government, the Tribunal or the Registrar, as the case may be.
(2) The Securities and Exchange Board shall, in respect of matters specified in subsection
(1) and the matters delegated to it under proviso to sub-section (1) of section 458,
exercise the powers conferred upon it under sub-sections (1), (2A), (3) and (4) of section 11,
sections 11A, 11B and 11D of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
25. (1) Where a company allots or agrees to allot any securities of the company with
a view to all or any of those securities being offered for sale to the public, any document by
which the offer for sale to the public is made shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a
prospectus issued by the company; and all enactments and rules of law as to the contents of
prospectus and as to liability in respect of mis-statements, in and omissions from, prospectus,
or otherwise relating to prospectus, shall apply with the modifications specified in subsections
(3) and (4) and shall have effect accordingly, as if the securities had been offered
to the public for subscription and as if persons accepting the offer in respect of any securities
were subscribers for those securities, but without prejudice to the liability, if any, of the
persons by whom the offer is made in respect of mis-statements contained in the document
or otherwise in respect thereof.
Document
containing
offer of
securities for
sale to be
deemed
prospectus.
Public offer
and private
placement.
Power of
Securities and
Exchange
Board to
regulate issue
and transfer
of securities,
etc.
15 of 1992.
15 of 1992.
26 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) For the purposes of this Act, it shall, unless the contrary is proved, be evidence
that an allotment of, or an agreement to allot, securities was made with a view to the securities
being offered for sale to the public if it is shown—
(a) that an offer of the securities or of any of them for sale to the public was made
within six months after the allotment or agreement to allot; or
(b) that at the date when the offer was made, the whole consideration to be
received by the company in respect of the securities had not been received by it.
(3) Section 26 as applied by this section shall have effect as if —
(i) it required a prospectus to state in addition to the matters required by that
section to be stated in a prospectus—
(a) the net amount of the consideration received or to be received by the
company in respect of the securities to which the offer relates; and
(b) the time and place at which the contract where under the said securities
have been or are to be allotted may be inspected;
(ii) the persons making the offer were persons named in a prospectus as directors
of a company.
(4) Where a person making an offer to which this section relates is a company or a firm,
it shall be sufficient if the document referred to in sub-section (1) is signed on behalf of the
company or firm by two directors of the company or by not less than one-half of the partners
in the firm, as the case may be.
26. (1) Every prospectus issued by or on behalf of a public company either with
reference to its formation or subsequently, or by or on behalf of any person who is or has
been engaged or interested in the formation of a public company, shall be dated and signed
and shall—
(a) state the following information, namely:—
(i) names and addresses of the registered office of the company, company
secretary, Chief Financial Officer, auditors, legal advisers, bankers, trustees, if
any, underwriters and such other persons as may be prescribed;
(ii) dates of the opening and closing of the issue, and declaration about
the issue of allotment letters and refunds within the prescribed time;
(iii) a statement by the Board of Directors about the separate bank account
where all monies received out of the issue are to be transferred and disclosure of
details of all monies including utilised and unutilised monies out of the previous
issue in the prescribed manner;
(iv) details about underwriting of the issue;
Matters to be
stated in
prospectus.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 27
(v) consent of the directors, auditors, bankers to the issue, expert’s opinion,
if any, and of such other persons, as may be prescribed;
(vi) the authority for the issue and the details of the resolution passed
therefor;
(vii) procedure and time schedule for allotment and issue of securities;
(viii) capital structure of the company in the prescribed manner;
(ix) main objects of public offer, terms of the present issue and such other
particulars as may be prescribed;
(x) main objects and present business of the company and its location,
schedule of implementation of the project;
(xi) particulars relating to—
(A) management perception of risk factors specific to the project;
(B) gestation period of the project;
(C) extent of progress made in the project;
(D) deadlines for completion of the project; and
(E) any litigation or legal action pending or taken by a Government
Department or a statutory body during the last five years immediately
preceding the year of the issue of prospectus against the promoter of the
company;
(xii) minimum subscription, amount payable by way of premium, issue of
shares otherwise than on cash;
(xiii) details of directors including their appointments and remuneration,
and such particulars of the nature and extent of their interests in the company as
may be prescribed; and
(xiv) disclosures in such manner as may be prescribed about sources of
promoter’s contribution;
(b) set out the following reports for the purposes of the financial information,
namely:—
(i) reports by the auditors of the company with respect to its profits and
losses and assets and liabilities and such other matters as may be prescribed;
(ii) reports relating to profits and losses for each of the five financial years
immediately preceding the financial year of the issue of prospectus including
such reports of its subsidiaries and in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that in case of a company with respect to which a period of five
years has not elapsed from the date of incorporation, the prospectus shall set
out in such manner as may be prescribed, the reports relating to profits and
losses for each of the financial years immediately preceding the financial year of
the issue of prospectus including such reports of its subsidiaries;
28 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) reports made in the prescribed manner by the auditors upon the
profits and losses of the business of the company for each of the five financial
years immediately preceding issue and assets and liabilities of its business on
the last date to which the accounts of the business were made up, being a date
not more than one hundred and eighty days before the issue of the prospectus:
Provided that in case of a company with respect to which a period of five
years has not elapsed from the date of incorporation, the prospectus shall set
out in the prescribed manner, the reports made by the auditors upon the profits
and losses of the business of the company for all financial years from the date of
its incorporation, and assets and liabilities of its business on the last date before
the issue of prospectus; and
(iv) reports about the business or transaction to which the proceeds of the
securities are to be applied directly or indirectly;
(c) make a declaration about the compliance of the provisions of this Act and a
statement to the effect that nothing in the prospectus is contrary to the provisions of
this Act, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and the Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992 and the rules and regulations made thereunder; and
(d) state such other matters and set out such other reports, as may be prescribed.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply—
(a) to the issue to existing members or debenture-holders of a company, of
a prospectus or form of application relating to shares in or debentures of the
company, whether an applicant has a right to renounce the shares or not under
sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62 in favour of any
other person; or
(b) to the issue of a prospectus or form of application relating to shares or
debentures which are, or are to be, in all respects uniform with shares or debentures
previously issued and for the time being dealt in or quoted on a recognised
stock exchange.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2), the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to a
prospectus or a form of application, whether issued on or with reference to the formation of
a company or subsequently.
Explanation.—The date indicated in the prospectus shall be deemed to be the date of
its publication.
(4) No prospectus shall be issued by or on behalf of a company or in relation to an
intended company unless on or before the date of its publication, there has been delivered to
the Registrar for registration, a copy thereof signed by every person who is named therein as
a director or proposed director of the company or by his duly authorised attorney.
(5) A prospectus issued under sub-section (1) shall not include a statement purporting
to be made by an expert unless the expert is a person who is not, and has not been, engaged
or interested in the formation or promotion or management, of the company and has given
his written consent to the issue of the prospectus and has not withdrawn such consent
before the delivery of a copy of the prospectus to the Registrar for registration and a statement
to that effect shall be included in the prospectus.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 29
(6) Every prospectus issued under sub-section (1) shall, on the face of it,—
(a) state that a copy has been delivered for registration to the Registrar as
required under sub-section (4); and
(b) specify any documents required by this section to be attached to the copy so
delivered or refer to statements included in the prospectus which specify these
documents.
(7) The Registrar shall not register a prospectus unless the requirements of this section
with respect to its registration are complied with and the prospectus is accompanied by the
consent in writing of all the persons named in the prospectus.
(8) No prospectus shall be valid if it is issued more than ninety days after the date on
which a copy thereof is delivered to the Registrar under sub-section (4).
(9) If a prospectus is issued in contravention of the provisions of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but
which may extend to three lakh rupees and every person who is knowingly a party to the
issue of such prospectus shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to three years or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to three lakh rupees, or with both.
27. (1) A company shall not, at any time, vary the terms of a contract referred to in the
prospectus or objects for which the prospectus was issued, except subject to the approval
of, or except subject to an authority given by the company in general meeting by way of
special resolution:
Provided that the details, as may be prescribed, of the notice in respect of such
resolution to shareholders, shall also be published in the newspapers (one in English and
one in vernacular language) in the city where the registered office of the company is situated
indicating clearly the justification for such variation:
Provided further that such company shall not use any amount raised by it through
prospectus for buying, trading or otherwise dealing in equity shares of any other listed company.
(2) The dissenting shareholders being those shareholders who have not agreed to the
proposal to vary the terms of contracts or objects referred to in the prospectus, shall be
given an exit offer by promoters or controlling shareholders at such exit price, and in such
manner and conditions as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making
regulations in this behalf.
28. (1) Where certain members of a company propose, in consultation with the Board
of Directors to offer, in accordance with the provisions of any law for the time being in force,
whole or part of their holding of shares to the public, they may do so in accordance with such
procedure as may be prescribed.
(2) Any document by which the offer of sale to the public is made shall, for all purposes,
be deemed to be a prospectus issued by the company and all laws and rules made thereunder
as to the contents of the prospectus and as to liability in respect of mis-statements in and
omission from prospectus or otherwise relating to prospectus shall apply as if this is a
prospectus issued by the company.
Variation in
terms of
contract or
objects in
prospectus.
Offer of sale
of shares by
certain
members of
company.
30 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The members, whether individuals or bodies corporate or both, whose shares are
proposed to be offered to the public, shall collectively authorise the company, whose shares
are offered for sale to the public, to take all actions in respect of offer of sale for and on their
behalf and they shall reimburse the company all expenses incurred by it on
this matter.
29. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this Act,—
(a) every company making public offer; and
(b) such other class or classes of public companies as may be prescribed,
shall issue the securities only in dematerialised form by complying with the provisions of the
Depositories Act, 1996 and the regulations made thereunder.
(2) Any company, other than a company mentioned in sub-section (1), may convert its
securities into dematerialised form or issue its securities in physical form in accordance with
the provisions of this Act or in dematerialised form in accordance with the provisions of the
Depositories Act, 1996 and the regulations made thereunder.
30. Where an advertisement of any prospectus of a company is published in any
manner, it shall be necessary to specify therein the contents of its memorandum as regards
the objects, the liability of members and the amount of share capital of the company, and the
names of the signatories to the memorandum and the number of shares subscribed for by
them, and its capital structure.
31. (1) Any class or classes of companies, as the Securities and Exchange Board may
provide by regulations in this behalf, may file a shelf prospectus with the Registrar at the
stage of the first offer of securities included therein which shall indicate a period not exceeding
one year as the period of validity of such prospectus which shall commence from the date of
opening of the first offer of securities under that prospectus, and in respect of a second or
subsequent offer of such securities issued during the period of validity of that prospectus,
no further prospectus is required.
(2) A company filing a shelf prospectus shall be required to file an information
memorandum containing all material facts relating to new charges created, changes in the
financial position of the company as have occurred between the first offer of securities or the
previous offer of securities and the succeeding offer of securities and such other changes as
may be prescribed, with the Registrar within the prescribed time, prior to the issue of a
second or subsequent offer of securities under the shelf prospectus:
Provided that where a company or any other person has received applications for the
allotment of securities along with advance payments of subscription before the making of
any such change, the company or other person shall intimate the changes to such applicants
and if they express a desire to withdraw their application, the company or other person shall
refund all the monies received as subscription within fifteen days thereof.
(3) Where an information memorandum is filed, every time an offer of securities is made
under sub-section (2), such memorandum together with the shelf prospectus shall be deemed
to be a prospectus.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression "shelf prospectus"
means a prospectus in respect of which the securities or class of securities included therein
are issued for subscription in one or more issues over a certain period without the issue of a
further prospectus.
32. (1) A company proposing to make an offer of securities may issue a red herring
prospectus prior to the issue of a prospectus.
(2) A company proposing to issue a red herring prospectus under sub-section (1) shall
file it with the Registrar at least three days prior to the opening of the subscription list and the
offer.
Red herring
prospectus.
Public offer of
securities to be
in
dematerialised
form.
Advertisement
of
prospectus.
Shelf
prospectus.
22 of 1996.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 31
(3) A red herring prospectus shall carry the same obligations as are applicable to a
prospectus and any variation between the red herring prospectus and a prospectus shall be
highlighted as variations in the prospectus.
(4) Upon the closing of the offer of securities under this section, the prospectus
stating therein the total capital raised, whether by way of debt or share capital, and the
closing price of the securities and any other details as are not included in the red herring
prospectus shall be filed with the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression "red herring
prospectus" means a prospectus which does not include complete particulars of the quantum
or price of the securities included therein.
33. (1) No form of application for the purchase of any of the securities of a company
shall be issued unless such form is accompanied by an abridged prospectus:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply if it is shown that the form of
application was issued—
(a) in connection with a bona fide invitation to a person to enter into an
underwriting agreement with respect to such securities; or
(b) in relation to securities which were not offered to the public.
(2) A copy of the prospectus shall, on a request being made by any person before the
closing of the subscription list and the offer, be furnished to him.
(3) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section, it
shall be liable to a penalty of fifty thousand rupees for each default.
34. Where a prospectus, issued, circulated or distributed under this Chapter, includes
any statement which is untrue or misleading in form or context in which it is included or
where any inclusion or omission of any matter is likely to mislead, every person who authorises
the issue of such prospectus shall be liable under section 447:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to a person if he proves that such
statement or omission was immaterial or that he had reasonable grounds to believe, and did
up to the time of issue of the prospectus believe, that the statement was true or the inclusion
or omission was necessary.
35. (1) Where a person has subscribed for securities of a company acting on any
statement included, or the inclusion or omission of any matter, in the prospectus which is
misleading and has sustained any loss or damage as a consequence thereof, the company
and every person who—
(a) is a director of the company at the time of the issue of the prospectus;
(b) has authorised himself to be named and is named in the prospectus as a
director of the company, or has agreed to become such director, either immediately or
after an interval of time;
(c) is a promoter of the company;
(d) has authorised the issue of the prospectus; and
(e) is an expert referred to in sub-section (5) of section 26,
shall, without prejudice to any punishment to which any person may be liable under section
36, be liable to pay compensation to every person who has sustained such loss or damage.
(2) No person shall be liable under sub-section (1), if he proves—
(a) that, having consented to become a director of the company, he withdrew his
consent before the issue of the prospectus, and that it was issued without his authority
or consent; or
Issue of
application
forms for
securities.
Criminal
liability for
misstatements
in
prospectus.
Civil liability
for misstatements
in
prospectus.
32 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) that the prospectus was issued without his knowledge or consent, and that
on becoming aware of its issue, he forthwith gave a reasonable public notice that it
was issued without his knowledge or consent.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, where it is proved that a
prospectus has been issued with intent to defraud the applicants for the securities of a
company or any other person or for any fraudulent purpose, every person referred to in subsection
(1) shall be personally responsible, without any limitation of liability, for all or any of
the losses or damages that may have been incurred by any person who subscribed to the
securities on the basis of such prospectus.
36. Any person who, either knowingly or recklessly makes any statement, promise or
forecast which is false, deceptive or misleading, or deliberately conceals any material facts,
to induce another person to enter into, or to offer to enter into,—
(a) any agreement for, or with a view to, acquiring, disposing of, subscribing for,
or underwriting securities; or
(b) any agreement, the purpose or the pretended purpose of which is to secure
a profit to any of the parties from the yield of securities or by reference to fluctuations
in the value of securities; or
(c) any agreement for, or with a view to obtaining credit facilities from any bank
or financial institution,
shall be liable for action under section 447.
37. A suit may be filed or any other action may be taken under section 34 or section 35
or section 36 by any person, group of persons or any association of persons affected by any
misleading statement or the inclusion or omission of any matter in the prospectus.
38. (1) Any person who—
(a) makes or abets making of an application in a fictitious name to a company for
acquiring, or subscribing for, its securities; or
(b) makes or abets making of multiple applications to a company in different
names or in different combinations of his name or surname for acquiring or subscribing
for its securities; or
(c) otherwise induces directly or indirectly a company to allot, or register any
transfer of, securities to him, or to any other person in a fictitious name,
shall be liable for action under section 447.
(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall be prominently reproduced in every
prospectus issued by a company and in every form of application for securities.
(3) Where a person has been convicted under this section, the Court may also order
disgorgement of gain, if any, made by, and seizure and disposal of the securities in possession
of, such person.
(4) The amount received through disgorgement or disposal of securities under subsection
(3) shall be credited to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.
39. (1) No allotment of any securities of a company offered to the public for subscription
shall be made unless the amount stated in the prospectus as the minimum amount has been
subscribed and the sums payable on application for the amount so stated have been paid to
and received by the company by cheque or other instrument.
(2) The amount payable on application on every security shall not be less than
five per cent. of the nominal amount of the security or such other percentage or amount, as
may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making regulations in this behalf.
Punishment
for
fraudulently
inducing
persons to
invest money.
Action by
affected
persons.
Punishment
for personation
for
acquisition,
etc., of
securities.
Allotment of
securities by
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 33
(3) If the stated minimum amount has not been subscribed and the sum payable on
application is not received within a period of thirty days from the date of issue of the
prospectus, or such other period as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board,
the amount received under sub-section (1) shall be returned within such time and manner as
may be prescribed.
(4) Whenever a company having a share capital makes any allotment of securities, it
shall file with the Registrar a return of allotment in such manner as may be prescribed.
(5) In case of any default under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4), the company and
its officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty, for each default, of one thousand
rupees for each day during which such default continues or one lakh rupees, whichever is less.
40. (1) Every company making public offer shall, before making such offer, make an
application to one or more recognised stock exchange or exchanges and obtain permission
for the securities to be dealt with in such stock exchange or exchanges.
(2) Where a prospectus states that an application under sub-section (1) has been
made, such prospectus shall also state the name or names of the stock exchange in which the
securities shall be dealt with.
(3) All monies received on application from the public for subscription to the securities
shall be kept in a separate bank account in a scheduled bank and shall not be utilised for any
purpose other than—
(a) for adjustment against allotment of securities where the securities have been
permitted to be dealt with in the stock exchange or stock exchanges specified in the
prospectus; or
(b) for the repayment of monies within the time specified by the Securities and
Exchange Board, received from applicants in pursuance of the prospectus, where the
company is for any other reason unable to allot securities.
(4) Any condition purporting to require or bind any applicant for securities to waive
compliance with any of the requirements of this section shall be void.
(5) If a default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
shall be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may
extend to fifty lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees, or
with both.
(6) A company may pay commission to any person in connection with the subscription
to its securities subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.
41. A company may, after passing a special resolution in its general meeting, issue
depository receipts in any foreign country in such manner, and subject to such conditions,
as may be prescribed.
Global
depository
receipt.
Securities to
be dealt with
in stock
exchanges.
34 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
PART II.—Private placement
42. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 26, a company may, subject to
the provisions of this section, make private placement through issue of a private placement
offer letter.
(2) Subject to sub-section (1), the offer of securities or invitation to subscribe securities,
shall be made to such number of persons not exceeding fifty or such higher number as may
be prescribed, [excluding qualified institutional buyers and employees of the company being
offered securities under a scheme of employees stock option as per provisions of clause (b)
of sub-section (1) of section 62], in a financial year and on such conditions (including the
form and manner of private placement) as may be prescribed.
Explanation I.—If a company, listed or unlisted, makes an offer to allot or invites
subscription, or allots, or enters into an agreement to allot, securities to more than the
prescribed number of persons, whether the payment for the securities has been received or
not or whether the company intends to list its securities or not on any recognised stock
exchange in or outside India, the same shall be deemed to be an offer to the public and shall
accordingly be governed by the provisions of Part I of this Chapter.
Explanation II.— For the purposes of this section, the expression—
(i) "qualified institutional buyer’’ means the qualified institutional buyer as defined
in the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirments) Regulations, 2009 as amended from time to time.
(ii) "private placement" means any offer of securities or invitation to subscribe
securities to a select group of persons by a company (other than by way of public
offer) through issue of a private placement offer letter and which satisfies the conditions
specified in this section.
(3) No fresh offer or invitation under this section shall be made unless the allotments
with respect to any offer or invitation made earlier have been completed or that offer or
invitation has been withdrawn or abandoned by the company.
(4) Any offer or invitation not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be
treated as a public offer and all provisions of this Act, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation)
Act, 1956 and the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 shall be required to be
complied with.
(5) All monies payable towards subscription of securities under this section shall be
paid through cheque or demand draft or other banking channels but not by cash.
(6) A company making an offer or invitation under this section shall allot its securities
within sixty days from the date of receipt of the application money for such securities and if
the company is not able to allot the securities within that period, it shall repay the application
money to the subscribers within fifteen days from the date of completion of sixty days and if
the company fails to repay the application money within the aforesaid period, it shall be liable
to repay that money with interest at the rate of twelve per cent. per annum from the expiry of the
sixtieth day:
Provided that monies received on application under this section shall be kept in a
separate bank account in a scheduled bank and shall not be utilised for any purpose other
than—
(a) for adjustment against allotment of securities; or
(b) for the repayment of monies where the company is unable to allot securities.
(7) All offers covered under this section shall be made only to such persons whose
names are recorded by the company prior to the invitation to subscribe, and that such
persons shall receive the offer by name, and that a complete record of such offers shall be
kept by the company in such manner as may be prescribed and complete information about
such offer shall be filed with the Registrar within a period of thirty days of circulation of
relevant private placement offer letter.
15 of 1992.
Offer or
invitation for
subscription
of securities
on private
placement.
42 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 35
(8) No company offering securities under this section shall release any public
advertisements or utilise any media, marketing or distribution channels or agents to inform
the public at large about such an offer.
(9) Whenever a company makes any allotment of securities under this section, it shall
file with the Registrar a return of allotment in such manner as may be prescribed, including
the complete list of all security-holders, with their full names, addresses, number of securities
allotted and such other relevant information as may be prescribed.
(10) If a company makes an offer or accepts monies in contravention of this section,
the company, its promoters and directors shall be liable for a penalty which may extend to the
amount involved in the offer or invitation or two crore rupees, whichever is higher, and the
company shall also refund all monies to subscribers within a period of thirty days of the
order imposing the penalty.
CHAPTER IV
SHARE CAPITAL AND DEBENTURES
43. The share capital of a company limited by shares shall be of two kinds, namely:—
(a) equity share capital—
(i) with voting rights; or
(ii) with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise in accordance
with such rules as may be prescribed; and
(b) preference share capital:
Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall affect the rights of the preference
shareholders who are entitled to participate in the proceeds of winding up before the
commencement of this Act.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) ‘‘equity share capital’’, with reference to any company limited by shares,
means all share capital which is not preference share capital;
(ii) ‘‘preference share capital’’, with reference to any company limited by shares,
means that part of the issued share capital of the company which carries or would carry
a preferential right with respect to—
(a) payment of dividend, either as a fixed amount or an amount calculated
at a fixed rate, which may either be free of or subject to income-tax; and
(b) repayment, in the case of a winding up or repayment of capital, of the
amount of the share capital paid-up or deemed to have been paid-up, whether or
not, there is a preferential right to the payment of any fixed premium or premium
on any fixed scale, specified in the memorandum or articles of the company;
(iii) capital shall be deemed to be preference capital, notwithstanding that it is
entitled to either or both of the following rights, namely:—
(a) that in respect of dividends, in addition to the preferential rights to the
amounts specified in sub-clause (a) of clause (ii), it has a right to participate,
whether fully or to a limited extent, with capital not entitled to the preferential
right aforesaid;
(b) that in respect of capital, in addition to the preferential right to the
repayment, on a winding up, of the amounts specified in sub-clause (b) of clause
( ii), it has a right to participate, whether fully or to a limited extent, with capital
not entitled to that preferential right in any surplus which may remain after the
entire capital has been repaid.
Kinds of
share capital.
36 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
44. The shares or debentures or other interest of any member in a company shall be
movable property transferable in the manner provided by the articles of the company.
45. Every share in a company having a share capital shall be distinguished by its
distinctive number:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to a share held by a person whose
name is entered as holder of beneficial interest in such share in the records of a depository.
46. (1) A certificate, issued under the common seal of the company, specifying the
shares held by any person, shall be prima facie evidence of the title of the person to such
shares.
(2) A duplicate certificate of shares may be issued, if such certificate —
(a) is proved to have been lost or destroyed; or
(b) has been defaced, mutilated or torn and is surrendered to the company.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the articles of a company, the manner of
issue of a certificate of shares or the duplicate thereof, the form of such certificate, the
particulars to be entered in the register of members and other matters shall be such as may be
prescribed.
(4) Where a share is held in depository form, the record of the depository is the prima
facie evidence of the interest of the beneficial owner.
(5) If a company with intent to defraud issues a duplicate certificate of shares, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five times the face
value of the shares involved in the issue of the duplicate certificate but which may
extend to ten times the face value of such shares or rupees ten crores whichever is
higher and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable for action under
section 447.
47. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 43 and sub-section (2) of section 50,—
(a) every member of a company limited by shares and holding equity share
capital therein, shall have a right to vote on every resolution placed before the company;
and
(b) his voting right on a poll shall be in proportion to his share in the paid-up
equity share capital of the company.
(2) Every member of a company limited by shares and holding any preference
share capital therein shall, in respect of such capital, have a right to vote only on
resolutions placed before the company which directly affect the rights attached to his
preference shares and, any resolution for the winding up of the company or for the
repayment or reduction of its equity or preference share capital and his voting right on
a poll shall be in proportion to his share in the paid-up preference share capital of the
company:
Provided that the proportion of the voting rights of equity shareholders to the
voting rights of the preference shareholders shall be in the same proportion as the
paid-up capital in respect of the equity shares bears to the paid-up capital in respect of
the preference shares:
Provided further that where the dividend in respect of a class of preference shares has
not been paid for a period of two years or more, such class of preference shareholders shall
have a right to vote on all the resolutions placed before the company.
Nature of
shares or
debentures.
Numbering of
shares.
Certificate of
shares.
Voting rights.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 37
48. (1) Where a share capital of the company is divided into different classes of
shares, the rights attached to the shares of any class may be varied with the consent in
writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or by
means of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued
shares of that class,—
(a) if provision with respect to such variation is contained in the memorandum or
articles of the company; or
(b) in the absence of any such provision in the memorandum or articles, if such
variation is not prohibited by the terms of issue of the shares of that class:
Provided that if variation by one class of shareholders affects the rights of any other
class of shareholders, the consent of three-fourths of such other class of shareholders shall
also be obtained and the provisions of this section shall apply to such variation.
(2) Where the holders of not less than ten per cent. of the issued shares of a class did
not consent to such variation or vote in favour of the special resolution for the variation,
they may apply to the Tribunal to have the variation cancelled, and where any such application
is made, the variation shall not have effect unless and until it is confirmed by the Tribunal:
Provided that an application under this section shall be made within twenty-one days
after the date on which the consent was given or the resolution was passed, as the case may
be, and may be made on behalf of the shareholders entitled to make the application by such
one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose.
(3) The decision of the Tribunal on any application under sub-section (2) shall be
binding on the shareholders.
(4) The company shall, within thirty days of the date of the order of the Tribunal, file a
copy thereof with the Registrar.
(5) Where any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or
with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees, or with both.
49. Where any calls for further share capital are made on the shares of a class, such
calls shall be made on a uniform basis on all shares falling under that class.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, shares of the same nominal value
on which different amounts have been paid-up shall not be deemed to fall under the same class.
50. (1) A company may, if so authorised by its articles, accept from any member, the
whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on any shares held by him, even if no part of
that amount has been called up.
(2) A member of the company limited by shares shall not be entitled to any voting
rights in respect of the amount paid by him under sub-section (1) until that amount has been
called up.
51. A company may, if so authorised by its articles, pay dividends in proportion to the
amount paid-up on each share.
52. (1) Where a company issues shares at a premium, whether for cash or otherwise, a
sum equal to the aggregate amount of the premium received on those shares shall be
transferred to a “securities premium account” and the provisions of this Act relating to
reduction of share capital of a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if
the securities premium account were the paid-up share capital of the company.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the securities premium
account may be applied by the company—
(a) towards the issue of unissued shares of the company to the members of the
company as fully paid bonus shares;
Variation of
shareholders’
rights.
Calls on
shares of
same class to
be made on
uniform basis.
Company to
accept unpaid
share capital,
although not
called up.
Payment of
dividend in
proportion to
amount paidup.
Application
of premiums
received on
issue of
shares.
38 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) in writing off the preliminary expenses of the company;
(c) in writing off the expenses of, or the commission paid or discount allowed on,
any issue of shares or debentures of the company;
(d) in providing for the premium payable on the redemption of any redeemable
preference shares or of any debentures of the company; or
(e) for the purchase of its own shares or other securities under section 68.
(3) The securities premium account may, notwithstanding anything contained in
sub-sections (1) and (2), be applied by such class of companies, as may be prescribed and
whose financial statement comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class
of companies under section 133,—
(a) in paying up unissued equity shares of the company to be issued to members
of the company as fully paid bonus shares; or
(b) in writing off the expenses of or the commission paid or discount allowed on
any issue of equity shares of the company; or
(c) for the purchase of its own shares or other securities under section 68.
53. (1) Except as provided in section 54, a company shall not issue shares at a discount.
(2) Any share issued by a company at a discounted price shall be void.
(3) Where a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to five lakh rupees and every officer who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
54. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 53, a company may issue sweat
equity shares of a class of shares already issued, if the following conditions are fulfilled,
namely:—
(a) the issue is authorised by a special resolution passed by the company;
(b) the resolution specifies the number of shares, the current market price,
consideration, if any, and the class or classes of directors or employees to whom such
equity shares are to be issued;
(c) not less than one year has, at the date of such issue, elapsed since the date
on which the company had commenced business; and
(d) where the equity shares of the company are listed on a recognised stock
exchange, the sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with the regulations made
by the Securities and Exchange Board in this behalf and if they are not so listed, the
sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) The rights, limitations, restrictions and provisions as are for the time being applicable
to equity shares shall be applicable to the sweat equity shares issued under this section and
the holders of such shares shall rank pari passu with other equity shareholders.
55. (1) No company limited by shares shall, after the commencement of this Act, issue
any preference shares which are irredeemable.
(2) A company limited by shares may, if so authorised by its articles, issue preference
shares which are liable to be redeemed within a period not exceeding twenty years from the
date of their issue subject to such conditions as may be prescribed:
Issue of sweat
equity shares.
Prohibition
on issue of
shares at
discount.
Issue and
redemption
of preference
shares.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 39
Provided that a company may issue preference shares for a period exceeding twenty
years for infrastructure projects, subject to the redemption of such percentage of shares as
may be prescribed on an annual basis at the option of such preferential shareholders:
Provided further that—
(a) no such shares shall be redeemed except out of the profits of the company
which would otherwise be available for dividend or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue
of shares made for the purposes of such redemption;
(b) no such shares shall be redeemed unless they are fully paid;
(c) where such shares are proposed to be redeemed out of the profits of the
company, there shall, out of such profits, be transferred, a sum equal to the nominal
amount of the shares to be redeemed, to a reserve, to be called the Capital Redemption
Reserve Account, and the provisions of this Act relating to reduction of share capital
of a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if the Capital Redemption
Reserve Account were paid-up share capital of the company; and
(d) (i) in case of such class of companies, as may be prescribed and whose
financial statement comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class of
companies under section 133, the premium, if any, payable on redemption shall be
provided for out of the profits of the company, before the shares are redeemed:
Provided also that premium, if any, payable on redemption of any preference
shares issued on or before the commencement of this Act by any such company shall
be provided for out of the profits of the company or out of the company’s securities
premium account, before such shares are redeemed.
(ii) in a case not falling under sub-clause (i) above, the premium, if any, payable
on redemption shall be provided for out of the profits of the company or out of the
company’s securities premium account, before such shares are redeemed.
(3) Where a company is not in a position to redeem any preference shares or to pay
dividend, if any, on such shares in accordance with the terms of issue (such shares hereinafter
referred to as unredeemed preference shares), it may, with the consent of the holders of
three-fourths in value of such preference shares and with the approval of the Tribunal on a
petition made by it in this behalf, issue further redeemable preference shares equal to the
amount due, including the dividend thereon, in respect of the unredeemed preference shares,
and on the issue of such further redeemable preference shares, the unredeemed preference
shares shall be deemed to have been redeemed:
Provided that the Tribunal shall, while giving approval under this sub-section, order
the redemption forthwith of preference shares held by such persons who have not consented
to the issue of further redeemable preference shares.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the issue of further
redeemable preference shares or the redemption of preference shares under this section shall
not be deemed to be an increase or, as the case may be, a reduction, in the share capital of the
company.
(4) The capital redemption reserve account may, notwithstanding anything in this
section, be applied by the company, in paying up unissued shares of the company to be
issued to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-section (2), the term ‘‘infrastructure projects’’
means the infrastructure projects specified in Schedule VI.
56. (1) A company shall not register a transfer of securities of the company, or the
interest of a member in the company in the case of a company having no share capital, other
than the transfer between persons both of whose names are entered as holders of beneficial
interest in the records of a depository, unless a proper instrument of transfer, in such form as
Transfer and
transmission
of securities.
40 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Punishment
for personation
of
shareholder.
may be prescribed, duly stamped, dated and executed by or on behalf of the transferor and
the transferee and specifying the name, address and occupation, if any, of the transferee has
been delivered to the company by the transferor or the transferee within a period of sixty
days from the date of execution, along with the certificate relating to the securities, or if no
such certificate is in existence, along with the letter of allotment of securities:
Provided that where the instrument of transfer has been lost or the instrument of
transfer has not been delivered within the prescribed period, the company may register the
transfer on such terms as to indemnity as the Board may think fit.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall prejudice the power of the company to register, on
receipt of an intimation of transmission of any right to securities by operation of law from any
person to whom such right has been transmitted.
(3) Where an application is made by the transferor alone and relates to partly paid
shares, the transfer shall not be registered, unless the company gives the notice of the
application, in such manner as may be prescribed, to the transferee and the transferee gives
no objection to the transfer within two weeks from the receipt of notice.
(4) Every company shall, unless prohibited by any provision of law or any order of
Court, Tribunal or other authority, deliver the certificates of all securities allotted, transferred
or transmitted—
(a) within a period of two months from the date of incorporation, in the case of
subscribers to the memorandum;
(b) within a period of two months from the date of allotment, in the case of any
allotment of any of its shares;
(c) within a period of one month from the date of receipt by the company of the
instrument of transfer under sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, of the intimation of
transmission under sub-section (2), in the case of a transfer or transmission of securities;
(d) within a period of six months from the date of allotment in the case of any
allotment of debenture:
Provided that where the securities are dealt with in a depository, the company shall
intimate the details of allotment of securities to depository immediately on allotment of such
securities.
(5) The transfer of any security or other interest of a deceased person in a company
made by his legal representative shall, even if the legal representative is not a holder
thereof, be valid as if he had been the holder at the time of the execution of the instrument
of transfer.
(6) Where any default is made in complying with the provisions of sub-sections (1) to
(5), the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(7) Without prejudice to any liability under the Depositories Act, 1996, where any
depository or depository participant, with an intention to defraud a person, has transferred
shares, it shall be liable under section 447.
57. If any person deceitfully personates as an owner of any security or interest in a
company, or of any share warrant or coupon issued in pursuance of this Act, and thereby
obtains or attempts to obtain any such security or interest or any such share warrant or
coupon, or receives or attempts to receive any money due to any such owner, he shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may
extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 41
58. (1) If a private company limited by shares refuses, whether in pursuance of any
power of the company under its articles or otherwise, to register the transfer of, or the
transmission by operation of law of the right to, any securities or interest of a member in the
company, it shall within a period of thirty days from the date on which the instrument of
transfer, or the intimation of such transmission, as the case may be, was delivered to the
company, send notice of the refusal to the transferor and the transferee or to the person
giving intimation of such transmission, as the case may be, giving reasons for such refusal.
(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), the securities or other interest of any member
in a public company shall be freely transferable:
Provided that any contract or arrangement between two or more persons in respect of
transfer of securities shall be enforceable as a contract.
(3) The transferee may appeal to the Tribunal against the refusal within a period of
thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice or in case no notice has been sent by the
company, within a period of sixty days from the date on which the instrument of transfer or
the intimation of transmission, as the case may be, was delivered to the company.
(4) If a public company without sufficient cause refuses to register the transfer of
securities within a period of thirty days from the date on which the instrument of transfer or
the intimation of transmission, as the case may be, is delivered to the company, the transferee
may, within a period of sixty days of such refusal or where no intimation has been received
from the company, within ninety days of the delivery of the instrument of transfer or
intimation of transmission, appeal to the Tribunal.
(5) The Tribunal, while dealing with an appeal made under sub-section (3) or subsection
(4), may, after hearing the parties, either dismiss the appeal, or by order—
(a) direct that the transfer or transmission shall be registered by the company and
the company shall comply with such order within a period of ten days of the receipt of
the order; or
(b) direct rectification of the register and also direct the company to pay damages,
if any, sustained by any party aggrieved.
(6) If a person contravenes the order of the Tribunal under this section, he shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may
extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
59. (1) If the name of any person is, without sufficient cause, entered in the register of
members of a company, or after having been entered in the register, is, without sufficient
cause, omitted therefrom, or if a default is made, or unnecessary delay takes place in entering
in the register, the fact of any person having become or ceased to be a member, the person
aggrieved, or any member of the company, or the company may appeal in such form as may
be prescribed, to the Tribunal, or to a competent court outside India, specified by the Central
Government by notification, in respect of foreign members or debenture holders residing
outside India, for rectification of the register.
(2) The Tribunal may, after hearing the parties to the appeal under sub-section (1) by
order, either dismiss the appeal or direct that the transfer or transmission shall be registered
by the company within a period of ten days of the receipt of the order or direct rectification
of the records of the depository or the register and in the latter case, direct the company to
pay damages, if any, sustained by the party aggrieved.
(3) The provisions of this section shall not restrict the right of a holder of securities,
to transfer such securities and any person acquiring such securities shall be entitled to
voting rights unless the voting rights have been suspended by an order of the Tribunal.
(4) Where the transfer of securities is in contravention of any of the provisions of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992 or this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the Tribunal may, on an
application made by the depository, company, depository participant, the holder of the
securities or the Securities and Exchange Board, direct any company or a depository to set
right the contravention and rectify its register or records concerned.
Refusal of
registration
and appeal
against
refusal.
Rectification
of register of
members.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
42 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) If any default is made in complying with the order of the Tribunal under this
section, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
60. (1) Where any notice, advertisement or other official publication, or any business
letter, billhead or letter paper of a company contains a statement of the amount of the
authorised capital of the company, such notice, advertisement or other official publication,
or such letter, billhead or letter paper shall also contain a statement, in an equally prominent
position and in equally conspicuous characters, of the amount of the capital which has been
subscribed and the amount paid-up.
(2) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of sub-section (1), the
company shall be liable to pay a penalty of ten thousand rupees and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be liable to pay a penalty of five thousand rupees, for each
default.
61. (1) A limited company having a share capital may, if so authorised by its articles,
alter its memorandum in its general meeting to—
(a) increase its authorised share capital by such amount as it thinks expedient;
(b) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger
amount than its existing shares:
Provided that no consolidation and division which results in changes in the
voting percentage of shareholders shall take effect unless it is approved by the Tribunal
on an application made in the prescribed manner;
(c) convert all or any of its fully paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert that
stock into fully paid-up shares of any denomination;
(d) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than is
fixed by the memorandum, so, however, that in the sub-division the proportion between
the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the
same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived;
(e) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in that
behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the
amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.
(2) The cancellation of shares under sub-section (1) shall not be deemed to be a
reduction of share capital.
62. (1) Where at any time, a company having a share capital proposes to increase its
subscribed capital by the issue of further shares, such shares shall be offered—
(a) to persons who, at the date of the offer, are holders of equity shares of the
company in proportion, as nearly as circumstances admit, to the paid-up share capital
on those shares by sending a letter of offer subject to the following conditions,
namely:—
(i) the offer shall be made by notice specifying the number of shares
offered and limiting a time not being less than fifteen days and not exceeding
thirty days from the date of the offer within which the offer, if not accepted, shall
be deemed to have been declined;
(ii) unless the articles of the company otherwise provide, the offer aforesaid
shall be deemed to include a right exercisable by the person concerned to
renounce the shares offered to him or any of them in favour of any other person;
and the notice referred to in clause (i) shall contain a statement of this right;
Publication of
authorised,
subscribed and
paid-up
capital.
Power of
limited
company to
alter its share
capital.
Further issue
of share
capital.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 43
(iii) after the expiry of the time specified in the notice aforesaid, or on
receipt of earlier intimation from the person to whom such notice is given that he
declines to accept the shares offered, the Board of Directors may dispose of
them in such manner which is not dis-advantageous to the shareholders and the
company;
(b) to employees under a scheme of employees’ stock option, subject to special
resolution passed by company and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed;
or
(c) to any persons, if it is authorised by a special resolution, whether or not
those persons include the persons referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), either for cash
or for a consideration other than cash, if the price of such shares is determined by the
valuation report of a registered valuer subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.
(2) The notice referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be
despatched through registered post or speed post or through electronic mode to all the
existing shareholders at least three days before the opening of the issue.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to the increase of the subscribed capital of a
company caused by the exercise of an option as a term attached to the debentures issued or
loan raised by the company to convert such debentures or loans into shares in the company:
Provided that the terms of issue of such debentures or loan containing such an option
have been approved before the issue of such debentures or the raising of loan by a special
resolution passed by the company in general meeting.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), where any debentures
have been issued, or loan has been obtained from any Government by a company, and if that
Government considers it necessary in the public interest so to do, it may, by order, direct that
such debentures or loans or any part thereof shall be converted into shares in the company
on such terms and conditions as appear to the Government to be reasonable in the
circumstances of the case even if terms of the issue of such debentures or the raising of such
loans do not include a term for providing for an option for such conversion:
Provided that where the terms and conditions of such conversion are not acceptable
to the company, it may, within sixty days from the date of communication of such order,
appeal to the Tribunal which shall after hearing the company and the Government pass such
order as it deems fit.
(5) In determining the terms and conditions of conversion under sub-section (4), the
Government shall have due regard to the financial position of the company, the terms of
issue of debentures or loans, as the case may be, the rate of interest payable on such
debentures or loans and such other matters as it may consider necessary.
(6) Where the Government has, by an order made under sub-section (4), directed that
any debenture or loan or any part thereof shall be converted into shares in a company and
where no appeal has been preferred to the Tribunal under sub-section (4) or where such
appeal has been dismissed, the memorandum of such company shall, where such order has
the effect of increasing the authorised share capital of the company, stand altered and the
authorised share capital of such company shall stand increased by an amount equal to the
amount of the value of shares which such debentures or loans or part thereof has been
converted into.
63. (1) A company may issue fully paid-up bonus shares to its members, in any manner
whatsoever, out of—
(i) its free reserves;
(ii) the securities premium account; or
Issue of bonus
shares.
44 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) the capital redemption reserve account:
Provided that no issue of bonus shares shall be made by capitalising reserves created
by the revaluation of assets.
(2) No company shall capitalise its profits or reserves for the purpose of issuing fully
paid-up bonus shares under sub-section (1), unless—
(a) it is authorised by its articles;
(b) it has, on the recommendation of the Board, been authorised in the general
meeting of the company;
(c) it has not defaulted in payment of interest or principal in respect of fixed
deposits or debt securities issued by it;
(d) it has not defaulted in respect of the payment of statutory dues of the
employees, such as, contribution to provident fund, gratuity and bonus;
(e) the partly paid-up shares, if any outstanding on the date of allotment, are
made fully paid-up;
(f) it complies with such conditions as may be prescribed.
(3) The bonus shares shall not be issued in lieu of dividend.
64. (1) Where—
(a) a company alters its share capital in any manner specified in sub-section (1)
of section 61;
(b) an order made by the Government under sub-section (4) read with
sub-section (6) of section 62 has the effect of increasing authorised capital of a
company; or
(c) a company redeems any redeemable preference shares,
the company shall file a notice in the prescribed form with the Registrar within a period of
thirty days of such alteration or increase or redemption, as the case may be, along with an
altered memorandum.
(2) If a company and any officer of the company who is in default contravenes the
provisions of sub-section (1), it or he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees for each day during which such default continues, or five lakh rupees,
whichever is less.
65. An unlimited company having a share capital may, by a resolution for registration
as a limited company under this Act, do either or both of the following things, namely—
(a) increase the nominal amount of its share capital by increasing the nominal
amount of each of its shares, subject to the condition that no part of the increased
capital shall be capable of being called up except in the event and for the purposes of
the company being wound up;
(b) provide that a specified portion of its uncalled share capital shall not be
capable of being called up except in the event and for the purposes of the company
being wound up.
Notice to be
given to
Registrar for
alteration of
share capital.
Unlimited
company to
provide for
reserve share
capital on
conversion
into limited
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 45
66. (1) Subject to confirmation by the Tribunal on an application by the company, a
company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, by a
special resolution, reduce the share capital in any manner and in particular, may—
(a) extinguish or reduce the liability on any of its shares in respect of the share
capital not paid-up; or
(b) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability on any of its
shares,—
(i) cancel any paid-up share capital which is lost or is unrepresented by
available assets; or
(ii) pay off any paid-up share capital which is in excess of the wants of the
company,
alter its memorandum by reducing the amount of its share capital and of its shares
accordingly:
Provided that no such reduction shall be made if the company is in arrears in the
repayment of any deposits accepted by it, either before or after the commencement of this
Act, or the interest payable thereon.
(2) The Tribunal shall give notice of every application made to it under sub-section
(1) to the Central Government, Registrar and to the Securities and Exchange Board, in the
case of listed companies, and the creditors of the company and shall take into consideration
the representations, if any, made to it by that Government, Registrar, the Securities and
Exchange Board and the creditors within a period of three months from the date of receipt
of the notice:
Provided that where no representation has been received from the Central Government,
Registrar, the Securities and Exchange Board or the creditors within the said period, it shall
be presumed that they have no objection to the reduction.
(3) The Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the debt or claim of every creditor of the
company has been discharged or determined or has been secured or his consent is obtained,
make an order confirming the reduction of share capital on such terms and conditions as it
deems fit:
Provided that no application for reduction of share capital shall be sanctioned by the
Tribunal unless the accounting treatment, proposed by the company for such reduction is in
conformity with the accounting standards specified in section 133 or any other provision of
this Act and a certificate to that effect by the company’s auditor has been filed with the
Tribunal.
(4) The order of confirmation of the reduction of share capital by the Tribunal under
sub-section (3) shall be published by the company in such manner as the Tribunal may
direct.
(5) The company shall deliver a certified copy of the order of the Tribunal under subsection
(3) and of a minute approved by the Tribunal showing—
(a) the amount of share capital;
(b) the number of shares into which it is to be divided;
(c) the amount of each share; and
Reduction of
share capital.
46 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) the amount, if any, at the date of registration deemed to be paid-up on each
share,
to the Registrar within thirty days of the receipt of the copy of the order, who shall register
the same and issue a certificate to that effect.
(6) Nothing in this section shall apply to buy-back of its own securities by a company
under section 68.
(7) A member of the company, past or present, shall not be liable to any call or
contribution in respect of any share held by him exceeding the amount of difference, if any,
between the amount paid on the share, or reduced amount, if any, which is to be deemed to
have been paid thereon, as the case may be, and the amount of the share as fixed by the order
of reduction.
(8) Where the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction of share capital
under this section is, by reason of his ignorance of the proceedings for reduction or of their
nature and effect with respect to his debt or claim, not entered on the list of creditors, and
after such reduction, the company is unable, within the meaning of sub-section (2) of section
271, to pay the amount of his debt or claim,—
(a) every person, who was a member of the company on the date of the registration
of the order for reduction by the Registrar, shall be liable to contribute to the payment
of that debt or claim, an amount not exceeding the amount which he would have been
liable to contribute if the company had commenced winding up on the day immediately
before the said date; and
(b) if the company is wound up, the Tribunal may, on the application of any such
creditor and proof of his ignorance as aforesaid, if it thinks fit, settle a list of persons so
liable to contribute, and make and enforce calls and orders on the contributories
settled on the list, as if they were ordinary contributories in a winding up.
(9) Nothing in sub-section (8) shall affect the rights of the contributories among
themselves.
(10) If any officer of the company—
(a) knowingly conceals the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction;
(b) knowingly misrepresents the nature or amount of the debt or claim of any
creditor; or
(c) abets or is privy to any such concealment or misrepresentation as aforesaid,
he shall be liable under section 447.
(11) If a company fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (4), it shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees.
67. (1) No company limited by shares or by guarantee and having a share capital shall
have power to buy its own shares unless the consequent reduction of share capital is
effected under the provisions of this Act.
(2) No public company shall give, whether directly or indirectly and whether by means
of a loan, guarantee, the provision of security or otherwise, any financial assistance for the
purpose of, or in connection with, a purchase or subscription made or to be made, by any
person of or for any shares in the company or in its holding company.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall apply to—
(a) the lending of money by a banking company in the ordinary course of its
business;
Restrictions
on purchase
by company
or giving of
loans by it for
purchase of
its shares.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 47
(b) the provision by a company of money in accordance with any scheme
approved by company through special resolution and in accordance with such
requirements as may be prescribed, for the purchase of, or subscription for, fully paidup
shares in the company or its holding company, if the purchase of, or the subscription
for, the shares held by trustees for the benefit of the employees or such shares held by
the employee of the company;
(c) the giving of loans by a company to persons in the employment of the
company other than its directors or key managerial personnel, for an amount not
exceeding their salary or wages for a period of six months with a view to enabling them
to purchase or subscribe for fully paid-up shares in the company or its holding company
to be held by them by way of beneficial ownership:
Provided that disclosures in respect of voting rights not exercised directly by the
employees in respect of shares to which the scheme relates shall be made in the Board's
report in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4) Nothing in this section shall affect the right of a company to redeem any preference
shares issued by it under this Act or under any previous company law.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, it shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees.
68. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, but subject to the provisions
of sub-section (2), a company may purchase its own shares or other specified securities
(hereinafter referred to as buy-back) out of—
(a) its free reserves;
(b) the securities premium account; or
(c) the proceeds of the issue of any shares or other specified securities:
Provided that no buy-back of any kind of shares or other specified securities shall be
made out of the proceeds of an earlier issue of the same kind of shares or same kind of other
specified securities.
(2) No company shall purchase its own shares or other specified securities under
sub-section (1), unless—
(a) the buy-back is authorised by its articles;
(b) a special resolution has been passed at a general meeting of the company
authorising the buy-back:
Provided that nothing contained in this clause shall apply to a case where—
(i) the buy-back is, ten per cent. or less of the total paid-up equity capital and
free reserves of the company; and
(ii) such buy-back has been authorised by the Board by means of a resolution
passed at its meeting;
(c) the buy-back is twenty-five per cent. or less of the aggregate of paid-up
capital and free reserves of the company:
Provided that in respect of the buy-back of equity shares in any financial year, the
reference to twenty-five per cent. in this clause shall be construed with respect to its total
paid-up equity capital in that financial year;
Power of
company to
purchase its
own
securities.
48 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) the ratio of the aggregate of secured and unsecured debts owed by the
company after buy-back is not more than twice the paid-up capital and its free reserves:
Provided that the Central Government may, by order, notify a higher ratio of the
debt to capital and free reserves for a class or classes of companies;
(e) all the shares or other specified securities for buy-back are fully paid-up;
(f) the buy-back of the shares or other specified securities listed on any recognised
stock exchange is in accordance with the regulations made by the Securities and
Exchange Board in this behalf; and
(g) the buy-back in respect of shares or other specified securities other than
those specified in clause (f) is in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed:
Provided that no offer of buy-back under this sub-section shall be made within a
period of one year reckoned from the date of the closure of the preceding offer of buy-back,
if any.
(3) The notice of the meeting at which the special resolution is proposed to be passed
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) shall be accompanied by an explanatory statement stating—
(a) a full and complete disclosure of all material facts;
(b) the necessity for the buy-back;
(c) the class of shares or securities intended to be purchased under the buy-back;
(d) the amount to be invested under the buy-back; and
(e) the time-limit for completion of buy-back.
(4) Every buy-back shall be completed within a period of one year from the date of
passing of the special resolution, or as the case may be, the resolution passed by the Board
under clause (b) of sub-section (2).
(5) The buy-back under sub-section (1) may be—
(a) from the existing shareholders or security holders on a proportionate basis;
(b) from the open market;
(c) by purchasing the securities issued to employees of the company pursuant
to a scheme of stock option or sweat equity.
(6) Where a company proposes to buy-back its own shares or other specified securities
under this section in pursuance of a special resolution under clause (b) of sub-section (2) or a
resolution under item (ii) of the proviso thereto, it shall, before making such buy-back, file with
the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board, a declaration of solvency signed by at
least two directors of the company, one of whom shall be the managing director, if any, in such
form as may be prescribed and verified by an affidavit to the effect that the Board of Directors
of the company has made a full inquiry into the affairs of the company as a result of which they
have formed an opinion that it is capable of meeting its liabilities and will not be rendered
insolvent within a period of one year from the date of declaration adopted by the Board:
Provided that no declaration of solvency shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Board by a company whose shares are not listed on any recognised stock exchange.
(7) Where a company buys back its own shares or other specified securities, it shall
extinguish and physically destroy the shares or securities so bought back within seven days
of the last date of completion of buy-back.
(8) Where a company completes a buy-back of its shares or other specified securities
under this section, it shall not make a further issue of the same kind of shares or other
securities including allotment of new shares under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62
or other specified securities within a period of six months except by way of a bonus issue or
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 49
in the discharge of subsisting obligations such as conversion of warrants, stock option
schemes, sweat equity or conversion of preference shares or debentures into equity shares.
(9) Where a company buys back its shares or other specified securities under this
section, it shall maintain a register of the shares or securities so bought, the consideration
paid for the shares or securities bought back, the date of cancellation of shares or securities,
the date of extinguishing and physically destroying the shares or securities and such other
particulars as may be prescribed.
(10) A company shall, after the completion of the buy-back under this section, file with
the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board a return containing such particulars
relating to the buy-back within thirty days of such completion, as may be prescribed:
Provided that no return shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Board by a
company whose shares are not listed on any recognised stock exchange.
(11) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section
or any regulation made by the Securities and Exchange Board, for the purposes of clause (f)
of sub-section (2), the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than
one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three
lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation I.—For the purposes of this section and section 70, “specified securities”
includes employees’ stock option or other securities as may be notified by the Central
Government from time to time.
Explanation II.—For the purposes of this section, “free reserves” includes securities
premium account.
69. (1) Where a company purchases its own shares out of free reserves or securities
premium account, a sum equal to the nominal value of the shares so purchased shall be
transferred to the capital redemption reserve account and details of such transfer shall be
disclosed in the balance sheet.
(2) The capital redemption reserve account may be applied by the company, in paying
up unissued shares of the company to be issued to members of the company as fully paid
bonus shares.
70. (1) No company shall directly or indirectly purchase its own shares or other specified
securities—
(a) through any subsidiary company including its own subsidiary companies;
(b) through any investment company or group of investment companies; or
(c) if a default, is made by the company, in the repayment of deposits accepted
either before or after the commencement of this Act, interest payment thereon,
redemption of debentures or preference shares or payment of dividend to any
shareholder, or repayment of any term loan or interest payable thereon to any financial
institution or banking company:
Provided that the buy-back is not prohibited, if the default is remedied and a
period of three years has lapsed after such default ceased to subsist.
(2) No company shall, directly or indirectly, purchase its own shares or other specified
securities in case such company has not complied with the provisions of sections 92, 123,
127 and section 129.
Transfer of
certain sums
to capital
redemption
reserve
account.
Prohibition
for buy-back
in certain
circumstances.
50 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
71. (1) A company may issue debentures with an option to convert such debentures
into shares, either wholly or partly at the time of redemption:
Provided that the issue of debentures with an option to convert such debentures into
shares, wholly or partly, shall be approved by a special resolution passed at a general
meeting.
(2) No company shall issue any debentures carrying any voting rights.
(3) Secured debentures may be issued by a company subject to such terms and
conditions as may be prescribed.
(4) Where debentures are issued by a company under this section, the company shall
create a debenture redemption reserve account out of the profits of the company available
for payment of dividend and the amount credited to such account shall not be utilised by the
company except for the redemption of debentures.
(5) No company shall issue a prospectus or make an offer or invitation to the public or
to its members exceeding five hundred for the subscription of its debentures, unless the
company has, before such issue or offer, appointed one or more debenture trustees and the
conditions governing the appointment of such trustees shall be such as may be prescribed.
(6) A debenture trustee shall take steps to protect the interests of the debentureholders
and redress their grievances in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(7) Any provision contained in a trust deed for securing the issue of debentures, or in
any contract with the debenture-holders secured by a trust deed, shall be void in so far as it
would have the effect of exempting a trustee thereof from, or indemnifying him against, any
liability for breach of trust, where he fails to show the degree of care and due diligence
required of him as a trustee, having regard to the provisions of the trust deed conferring on
him any power, authority or discretion:
Provided that the liability of the debenture trustee shall be subject to such exemptions
as may be agreed upon by a majority of debenture-holders holding not less than threefourths
in value of the total debentures at a meeting held for the purpose.
(8) A company shall pay interest and redeem the debentures in accordance with the
terms and conditions of their issue.
(9) Where at any time the debenture trustee comes to a conclusion that the assets of
the company are insufficient or are likely to become insufficient to discharge the principal
amount as and when it becomes due, the debenture trustee may file a petition before the
Tribunal and the Tribunal may, after hearing the company and any other person interested in
the matter, by order, impose such restrictions on the incurring of any further liabilities by the
company as the Tribunal may consider necessary in the interests of the debenture-holders.
(10) Where a company fails to redeem the debentures on the date of their maturity or
fails to pay interest on the debentures when it is due, the Tribunal may, on the application of
any or all of the debenture-holders, or debenture trustee and, after hearing the parties
concerned, direct, by order, the company to redeem the debentures forthwith on payment of
principal and interest due thereon.
(11) If any default is made in complying with the order of the Tribunal under this
section, every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than two lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(12) A contract with the company to take up and pay for any debentures of the
company may be enforced by a decree for specific performance.
(13) The Central Government may prescribe the procedure, for securing the issue of
debentures, the form of debenture trust deed, the procedure for the debenture-holders to
inspect the trust deed and to obtain copies thereof, quantum of debenture redemption
reserve required to be created and such other matters.
Debentures.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 51
72. (1) Every holder of securities of a company may, at any time, nominate, in
the prescribed manner, any person to whom his securities shall vest in the event of his
death.
(2) Where the securities of a company are held by more than one person jointly, the
joint holders may together nominate, in the prescribed manner, any person to whom all the
rights in the securities shall vest in the event of death of all the joint holders.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or
in any disposition, whether testamentary or otherwise, in respect of the securities of a
company, where a nomination made in the prescribed manner purports to confer on any
person the right to vest the securities of the company, the nominee shall, on the death of the
holder of securities or, as the case may be, on the death of the joint holders, become entitled
to all the rights in the securities, of the holder or, as the case may be, of all the joint holders,
in relation to such securities, to the exclusion of all other persons, unless the nomination is
varied or cancelled in the prescribed manner.
(4) Where the nominee is a minor, it shall be lawful for the holder of the securities,
making the nomination to appoint, in the prescribed manner, any person to become entitled
to the securities of the company, in the event of the death of the nominee during his
minority.
CHAPTER V
ACCEPTANCE OF DEPOSITS BY COMPANIES
73. (1) On and after the commencement of this Act, no company shall invite, accept or
renew deposits under this Act from the public except in a manner provided under this
Chapter:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a banking company and nonbanking
financial company as defined in the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and to such
other company as the Central Government may, after consultation with the Reserve Bank of
India, specify in this behalf.
(2) A company may, subject to the passing of a resolution in general meeting and
subject to such rules as may be prescribed in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India,
accept deposits from its members on such terms and conditions, including the provision of
security, if any, or for the repayment of such deposits with interest, as may be agreed upon
between the company and its members, subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions,
namely:—
(a) issuance of a circular to its members including therein a statement showing
the financial position of the company, the credit rating obtained, the total number of
depositors and the amount due towards deposits in respect of any previous deposits
accepted by the company and such other particulars in such form and in such manner
as may be prescribed;
(b) filing a copy of the circular along with such statement with the Registrar
within thirty days before the date of issue of the circular;
(c) depositing such sum which shall not be less than fifteen per cent. of the
amount of its deposits maturing during a financial year and the financial year next
following, and kept in a scheduled bank in a separate bank account to be called as
deposit repayment reserve account;
(d) providing such deposit insurance in such manner and to such extent as may
be prescribed;
(e) certifying that the company has not committed any default in the repayment
of deposits accepted either before or after the commencement of this Act or payment
of interest on such deposits; and
Power to
nominate.
Prohibition
on acceptance
of
deposits from
public.
2 of 1934.
52 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(f) providing security, if any for the due repayment of the amount of deposit or
the interest thereon including the creation of such charge on the property or assets of
the company:
Provided that in case where a company does not secure the deposits or secures
such deposits partially, then, the deposits shall be termed as ‘‘unsecured deposits’’
and shall be so quoted in every circular, form, advertisement or in any document
related to invitation or acceptance of deposits.
(3) Every deposit accepted by a company under sub-section (2) shall be repaid with interest
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement referred to in that sub-section.
(4) Where a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest thereon
under sub-section (3), the depositor concerned may apply to the Tribunal for an order
directing the company to pay the sum due or for any loss or damage incurred by him as a
result of such non-payment and for such other orders as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(5) The deposit repayment reserve account referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (2)
shall not be used by the company for any purpose other than repayment of deposits.
74. (1) Where in respect of any deposit accepted by a company before the
commencement of this Act, the amount of such deposit or part thereof or any interest due
thereon remains unpaid on such commencement or becomes due at any time thereafter, the
company shall—
(a) file, within a period of three months from such commencement or from the
date on which such payments, are due, with the Registrar a statement of all the deposits
accepted by the company and sums remaining unpaid on such amount with the interest
payable thereon along with the arrangements made for such repayment, notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or under the terms and
conditions subject to which the deposit was accepted or any scheme framed under
any law; and
(b) repay within one year from such commencement or from the date on which
such payments are due, whichever is earlier.
(2) The Tribunal may on an application made by the company, after considering the
financial condition of the company, the amount of deposit or part thereof and the interest
payable thereon and such other matters, allow further time as considered reasonable to the
company to repay the deposit.
(3) If a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest thereon within
the time specified in sub-section (1) or such further time as may be allowed by the Tribunal
under sub-section (2), the company shall, in addition to the payment of the amount of
deposit or part thereof and the interest due, be punishable with fine which shall not be less
than one crore rupees but which may extend to ten crore rupees and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to seven
years or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five lakh rupees but which may extend
to two crore rupees, or with both.
75. (1) Where a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest
thereon referred to in section 74 within the time specified in sub-section (1) of that section
or such further time as may be allowed by the Tribunal under sub-section (2) of that section,
and it is proved that the deposits had been accepted with intent to defraud the depositors or
for any fraudulent purpose, every officer of the company who was responsible for the
acceptance of such deposit shall, without prejudice to the provisions contained in subsection
(3) of that section and liability under section 447, be personally responsible, without
any limitation of liability, for all or any of the losses or damages that may have been incurred
by the depositors.
(2) Any suit, proceedings or other action may be taken by any person, group of
persons or any association of persons who had incurred any loss as a result of the failure of
the company to repay the deposits or part thereof or any interest thereon.
Repayment of
deposits, etc.,
accepted
before
commencement
of this
Act.
Damages for
fraud.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 53
76. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 73, a public company, having
such net worth or turnover as may be prescribed, may accept deposits from persons other
than its members subject to compliance with the requirements provided in sub-section (2) of
section 73 and subject to such rules as the Central Government may, in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, prescribe:
Provided that such a company shall be required to obtain the rating (including its
networth, liquidity and ability to pay its deposits on due date) from a recognised credit rating
agency for informing the public the rating given to the company at the time of invitation of
deposits from the public which ensures adequate safety and the rating shall be obtained for
every year during the tenure of deposits:
Provided further that every company accepting secured deposits from the public shall
within thirty days of such acceptance, create a charge on its assets of an amount not less
than the amount of deposits accepted in favour of the deposit holders in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) The provisions of this Chapter shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the acceptance of
deposits from public under this section.
CHAPTER VI
REGISTRATION OF CHARGES
77. (1) It shall be the duty of every company creating a charge within or outside India,
on its property or assets or any of its undertakings, whether tangible or otherwise, and
situated in or outside India, to register the particulars of the charge signed by the company
and the charge-holder together with the instruments, if any, creating such charge in such
form, on payment of such fees and in such manner as may be prescribed, with the Registrar
within thirty days of its creation:
Provided that the Registrar may, on an application by the company, allow such
registration to be made within a period of three hundred days of such creation on payment of
such additional fees as may be prescribed:
Provided further that if registration is not made within a period of three hundred days
of such creation, the company shall seek extension of time in accordance with section 87:
Provided also that any subsequent registration of a charge shall not prejudice any
right acquired in respect of any property before the charge is actually registered.
(2) Where a charge is registered with the Registrar under sub-section (1), he shall issue
a certificate of registration of such charge in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed
to the company and, as the case may be, to the person in whose favour the charge is created.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no
charge created by a company shall be taken into account by the liquidator or any other
creditor unless it is duly registered under sub-section (1) and a certificate of registration of
such charge is given by the Registrar under sub-section (2).
(4) Nothing in sub-section (3) shall prejudice any contract or obligation for the repayment
of the money secured by a charge.
78. Where a company fails to register the charge within the period specified in section
77, without prejudice to its liability in respect of any offence under this Chapter, the person
in whose favour the charge is created may apply to the Registrar for registration of the
charge along with the instrument created for the charge, within such time and in such form
and manner as may be prescribed and the Registrar may, on such application, within a period
of fourteen days after giving notice to the company, unless the company itself registers the
charge or shows sufficient cause why such charge should not be registered, allow such
registration on payment of such fees, as may be prescribed:
Provided that where registration is effected on application of the person in whose
favour the charge is created, that person shall be entitled to recover from the company the
Acceptance
of deposits
from public
by certain
companies.
Duty to
register
charges, etc.
Application
for registration
of
charge.
54 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
amount of any fees or additional fees paid by him to the Registrar for the purpose of registration
of charge.
79. The provisions of section 77 relating to registration of charges shall, so far as may
be, apply to—
(a) a company acquiring any property subject to a charge within the meaning of
that section; or
(b) any modification in the terms or conditions or the extent or operation of any
charge registered under that section.
80. Where any charge on any property or assets of a company or any of its
undertakings is registered under section 77, any person acquiring such property, assets,
undertakings or part thereof or any share or interest therein shall be deemed to have notice
of the charge from the date of such registration.
81. (1) The Registrar shall, in respect of every company, keep a register containing
particulars of the charges registered under this Chapter in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed.
(2) A register kept in pursuance of this section shall be open to inspection by any
person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed for each inspection.
82. (1) A company shall give intimation to the Registrar in the prescribed form, of the
payment or satisfaction in full of any charge registered under this Chapter within a period of
thirty days from the date of such payment or satisfaction and the provisions of sub-section
(1) of section 77 shall, as far as may be, apply to an intimation given under this section.
(2) The Registrar shall, on receipt of intimation under sub-section (1), cause a notice to
be sent to the holder of the charge calling upon him to show cause within such time not
exceeding fourteen days, as may be specified in such notice, as to why payment or satisfaction
in full should not be recorded as intimated to the Registrar, and if no cause is shown, by such
holder of the charge, the Registrar shall order that a memorandum of satisfaction shall be
entered in the register of charges kept by him under section 81 and shall inform the company
that he has done so:
Provided that the notice referred to in this sub-section shall not be required to be sent,
in case the intimation to the Registrar in this regard is in the specified form and signed by the
holder of charge.
(3) If any cause is shown, the Registrar shall record a note to that effect in the register
of charges and shall inform the company.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the powers of the Registrar to
make an entry in the register of charges under section 83 or otherwise than on receipt of an
intimation from the company.
83. (1) The Registrar may, on evidence being given to his satisfaction with respect to
any registered charge,—
(a) that the debt for which the charge was given has been paid or satisfied in
whole or in part; or
(b) that part of the property or undertaking charged has been released from the
charge or has ceased to form part of the company’s property or undertaking,
enter in the register of charges a memorandum of satisfaction in whole or in part, or of the fact
that part of the property or undertaking has been released from the charge or has ceased to
form part of the company’s property or undertaking, as the case may be, notwithstanding the
fact that no intimation has been received by him from the company.
(2) The Registrar shall inform the affected parties within thirty days of making the
entry in the register of charges kept under sub-section (1) of section 81.
Section 77 to
apply in
certain
matters.
Date of
notice of
charge.
Register of
charges to be
kept by
Registrar.
Company to
report
satisfaction of
charge.
Power of
Registrar to
make entries
of satisfaction
and release in
absence of
intimation
from
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 55
84. (1) If any person obtains an order for the appointment of a receiver of, or of a
person to manage, the property, subject to a charge, of a company or if any person appoints
such receiver or person under any power contained in any instrument, he shall, within a
period of thirty days from the date of the passing of the order or of the making of the
appointment, give notice of such appointment to the company and the Registrar along with
a copy of the order or instrument and the Registrar shall, on payment of the prescribed fees,
register particulars of the receiver, person or instrument in the register of charges.
(2) Any person appointed under sub-section (1) shall, on ceasing to hold such
appointment, give to the company and the Registrar a notice to that effect and the Registrar
shall register such notice.
85. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office a register of charges in such
form and in such manner as may be prescribed, which shall include therein all charges and
floating charges affecting any property or assets of the company or any of its undertakings,
indicating in each case such particulars as may be prescribed:
Provided that a copy of the instrument creating the charge shall also be kept at the
registered office of the company along with the register of charges.
(2) The register of charges and instrument of charges, kept under sub-section (1) shall
be open for inspection during business hours—
(a) by any member or creditor without any payment of fees; or
(b) by any other person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may, by its articles, impose.
86. If any company contravenes any provision of this Chapter, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
ten lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
87. (1) The Central Government on being satisfied that—
(i) (a) the omission to file with the Registrar the particulars of any charge created
by a company or any charge subject to which any property has been acquired by a
company or any modification of such charge; or
(b) the omission to register any charge within the time required under this
Chapter or the omission to give intimation to the Registrar of the payment or the
satisfaction of a charge, within the time required under this Chapter; or
(c) the omission or mis-statement of any particular with respect to any such
charge or modification or with respect to any memorandum of satisfaction or other
entry made in pursuance of section 82 or section 83,
was accidental or due to inadvertence or some other sufficient cause or it is not of a
nature to prejudice the position of creditors or shareholders of the company; or
(ii) on any other grounds, it is just and equitable to grant relief,
it may on the application of the company or any person interested and on such terms and
conditions as it may seem to the Central Government just and expedient, direct that the time
Intimation of
appointment
of receiver or
manager.
Company’s
register of
charges.
Punishment
for contravention.
Rectification
by Central
Government
in register of
charges.
56 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
for the filing of the particulars or for the registration of the charge or for the giving of
intimation of payment or satisfaction shall be extended or, as the case may require, that the
omission or mis-statement shall be rectified.
(2) Where the Central Government extends the time for the registration of a charge, the
order shall not prejudice any rights acquired in respect of the property concerned before the
charge is actually registered.
CHAPTER VII
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
88. (1) Every company shall keep and maintain the following registers in such form
and in such manner as may be prescribed, namely:—
(a) register of members indicating separately for each class of equity and
preference shares held by each member residing in or outside India;
(b) register of debenture-holders; and
(c) register of any other security holders.
(2) Every register maintained under sub-section (1) shall include an index of the names
included therein.
(3) The register and index of beneficial owners maintained by a depository under
section 11 of the Depositories Act, 1996, shall be deemed to be the corresponding register
and index for the purposes of this Act.
(4) A company may, if so authorised by its articles, keep in any country outside India,
in such manner as may be prescribed, a part of the register referred to in sub-section (1),
called “foreign register” containing the names and particulars of the members, debentureholders,
other security holders or beneficial owners residing outside India.
(5) If a company does not maintain a register of members or debenture-holders or other
security holders or fails to maintain them in accordance with the provisions of sub-section
(1) or sub-section (2), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to three lakh rupees and where the failure is a continuing one, with a further fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees for every day, after the first during which the failure
continues.
89. (1) Where the name of a person is entered in the register of members of a company
as the holder of shares in that company but who does not hold the beneficial interest in such
shares, such person shall make a declaration within such time and in such form as may be
prescribed to the company specifying the name and other particulars of the person who
holds the beneficial interest in such shares.
(2) Every person who holds or acquires a beneficial interest in share of a company
shall make a declaration to the company specifying the nature of his interest, particulars of
the person in whose name the shares stand registered in the books of the company and such
other particulars as may be prescribed.
(3) Where any change occurs in the beneficial interest in such shares, the person
referred to in sub-section (1) and the beneficial owner specified in
sub-section (2) shall, within a period of thirty days from the date of such change, make a
declaration to the company in such form and containing such particulars as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may make rules to provide for the manner of holding and
disclosing beneficial interest and beneficial ownership under this section.
Register of
members, etc.
Declaration in
respect of
beneficial
interest in
any share.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 57
(5) If any person fails, to make a declaration as required under sub-section (1) or
sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), without any reasonable cause, he shall be punishable
with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where the failure is a continuing
one, with a further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the failure continues.
(6) Where any declaration under this section is made to a company, the company shall
make a note of such declaration in the register concerned and shall file, within thirty days
from the date of receipt of declaration by it, a return in the prescribed form with the Registrar
in respect of such declaration with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed, within
the time specified under section 403.
(7) If a company, required to file a return under sub-section (6), fails to do so before the
expiry of the time specified under the first proviso to sub-section (1) of section 403, the
company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine
which shall not be less than five hundred rupees but which may extend to one thousand
rupees and where the failure is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to
one thousand rupees for every day after the first during which the failure continues.
(8) No right in relation to any share in respect of which a declaration is required to be
made under this section but not made by the beneficial owner, shall be enforceable by him or
by any person claiming through him.
(9) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the obligation of a company to
pay dividend to its members under this Act and the said obligation shall, on such payment,
stand discharged.
90. Where it appears to the Central Government that there are reasons so to do, it
may appoint one or more competent persons to investigate and report as to beneficial
ownership with regard to any share or class of shares and the provisions of section 216 shall,
as far as may be, apply to such investigation as if it were an investigation ordered under that
section.
91. (1) A company may close the register of members or the register of debentureholders
or the register of other security holders for any period or periods not exceeding in the
aggregate forty-five days in each year, but not exceeding thirty days at any one time, subject
to giving of previous notice of at least seven days or such lesser period as may be specified
by Securities and Exchange Board for listed companies or the companies which intend to get
their securities listed, in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) If the register of members or of debenture-holders or of other security holders is
closed without giving the notice as provided in sub-section (1), or after giving shorter notice
than that so provided, or for a continuous or an aggregate period in excess of the limits
specified in that sub-section, the company and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees for every day subject to a maximum
of one lakh rupees during which the register is kept closed.
92. (1) Every company shall prepare a return (hereinafter referred to as the annual
return) in the prescribed form containing the particulars as they stood on the close of the
financial year regarding—
(a) its registered office, principal business activities, particulars of its holding,
subsidiary and associate companies;
(b) its shares, debentures and other securities and shareholding pattern;
(c) its indebtedness;
(d) its members and debenture-holders along with changes therein since the
close of the previous financial year;
Investigation
of beneficial
ownership of
shares in
certain cases.
Power to
close register
of members
or debentureholders
or
other
security
holders.
Annual
return.
58 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) its promoters, directors, key managerial personnel along with changes therein
since the close of the previous financial year;
(f) meetings of members or a class thereof, Board and its various committees
along with attendance details;
(g) remuneration of directors and key managerial personnel;
(h) penalty or punishment imposed on the company, its directors or officers and
details of compounding of offences and appeals made against such penalty or
punishment;
(i) matters relating to certification of compliances, disclosures as may be
prescribed;
(j) details, as may be prescribed, in respect of shares held by or on behalf of the
Foreign Institutional Investors indicating their names, addresses, countries of
incorporation, registration and percentage of shareholding held by them; and
(k) such other matters as may be prescribed,
and signed by a director and the company secretary, or where there is no company secretary,
by a company secretary in practice:
Provided that in relation to One Person Company and small company, the annual
return shall be signed by the company secretary, or where there is no company secretary, by
the director of the company.
(2) The annual return, filed by a listed company or, by a company having such paid-up
capital and turnover as may be prescribed, shall be certified by a company secretary in
practice in the prescribed form, stating that the annual return discloses the facts correctly
and adequately and that the company has complied with all the provisions of this Act.
(3) An extract of the annual return in such form as may be prescribed shall form part of
the Board’s report.
(4) Every company shall file with the Registrar a copy of the annual return, within sixty
days from the date on which the annual general meeting is held or where no annual general
meeting is held in any year within sixty days from the date on which the annual general
meeting should have been held together with the statement specifying the reasons for not
holding the annual general meeting, with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed,
within the time as specified, under section 403.
(5) If a company fails to file its annual return under sub-section (4), before the expiry of
the period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakhs rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(6) If a company secretary in practice certifies the annual return otherwise than in
conformity with the requirements of this section or the rules made thereunder, he shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
93. Every listed company shall file a return in the prescribed form with the Registrar
with respect to change in the number of shares held by promoters and top ten shareholders
of such company, within fifteen days of such change.
Return to be
filed with
Registrar in
case promoters’
stake
changes.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 59
94. (1) The registers required to be kept and maintained by a company under section
88 and copies of the annual return filed under section 92 shall be kept at the registered office
of the company:
Provided that such registers or copies of return may also be kept at any other place in
India in which more than one-tenth of the total number of members entered in the register of
members reside, if approved by a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the
company and the Registrar has been given a copy of the proposed special resolution in
advance:
Provided further that the period for which the registers, returns and records are required
to be kept shall be such as may be prescribed.
(2) The registers and their indices, except when they are closed under the provisions
of this Act, and the copies of all the returns shall be open for inspection by any member,
debenture-holder, other security holder or beneficial owner, during business hours without
payment of any fees and by any other person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(3) Any such member, debenture-holder, other security holder or beneficial owner or
any other person may—
(a) take extracts from any register, or index or return without payment of any fee; or
(b) require a copy of any such register or entries therein or return on payment of
such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) If any inspection or the making of any extract or copy required under this section is
refused, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable, for
each such default, to a penalty of one thousand rupees for every day subject to a maximum
of one lakh rupees during which the refusal or default continues.
(5) The Central Government may also, by order, direct an immediate inspection of the
document, or direct that the extract required shall forthwith be allowed to be taken by the
person requiring it.
95. The registers, their indices and copies of annual returns maintained under sections
88 and 94 shall be prima facie evidence of any matter directed or authorised to be inserted
therein by or under this Act.
96. (1) Every company other than a One Person Company shall in each year hold in
addition to any other meetings, a general meeting as its annual general meeting and shall
specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it, and not more than fifteen months shall
elapse between the date of one annual general meeting of a company and that of the next:
Provided that in case of the first annual general meeting, it shall be held within a period
of nine months from the date of closing of the first financial year of the company and in any
other case, within a period of six months, from the date of closing of the financial year:
Provided further that if a company holds its first annual general meeting as aforesaid,
it shall not be necessary for the company to hold any annual general meeting in the year of
its incorporation:
Provided also that the Registrar may, for any special reason, extend the time within
which any annual general meeting, other than the first annual general meeting, shall be held,
by a period not exceeding three months.
(2) Every annual general meeting shall be called during business hours, that is, between
9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day that is not a National Holiday and shall be held either at the
registered office of the company or at some other place within the city, town or village in
which the registered office of the company is situate:
Registers,
etc., to be
evidence.
Annual
general
meeting.
Place of
keeping and
inspection of
registers,
returns, etc.
60 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that the Central Government may exempt any company from the provisions
of this sub-section subject to such conditions as it may impose.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “National Holiday” means and
includes a day declared as National Holiday by the Central Government.
97. (1) If any default is made in holding the annual general meeting of a company under
section 96, the Tribunal may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the articles
of the company, on the application of any member of the company, call, or direct the calling
of, an annual general meeting of the company and give such ancillary or consequential
directions as the Tribunal thinks expedient:
Provided that such directions may include a direction that one member of the company
present in person or by proxy shall be deemed to constitute a meeting.
(2) A general meeting held in pursuance of sub-section (1) shall, subject to any
directions of the Tribunal, be deemed to be an annual general meeting of the company under
this Act.
98. (1) If for any reason it is impracticable to call a meeting of a company, other than an
annual general meeting, in any manner in which meetings of the company may be called, or
to hold or conduct the meeting of the company in the manner prescribed by this Act or the
articles of the company, the Tribunal may, either suo motu or on the application of any
director or member of the company who would be entitled to vote at the meeting,—
(a) order a meeting of the company to be called, held and conducted in such
manner as the Tribunal thinks fit; and
(b) give such ancillary or consequential directions as the Tribunal thinks
expedient, including directions modifying or supplementing in relation to the calling,
holding and conducting of the meeting, the operation of the provisions of this Act or
articles of the company:
Provided that such directions may include a direction that one member of the company
present in person or by proxy shall be deemed to constitute a meeting.
(2) Any meeting called, held and conducted in accordance with any order made under
sub-section (1) shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a meeting of the company duly called,
held and conducted.
99. If any default is made in holding a meeting of the company in accordance with
section 96 or section 97 or section 98 or in complying with any directions of the Tribunal, the
company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the case of a continuing default, with a further
fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such default
continues.
100. (1) The Board may, whenever it deems fit, call an extraordinary general meeting of
the company.
(2) The Board shall, at the requisition made by,—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, such number of members
who hold, on the date of the receipt of the requisition, not less than one-tenth of such
of the paid-up share capital of the company as on that date carries the right of voting;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, such number of members
who have, on the date of receipt of the requisition, not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power of all the members having on the said date a right to vote,
call an extraordinary general meeting of the company within the period specified in subsection
(4).
Power of
Tribunal to
call annual
general
meeting.
Power of
Tribunal to
call meetings
of members,
etc.
Punishment
for default in
complying
with provisions
of
sections 96
to 98.
Calling of
extraordinary
general
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 61
(3) The requisition made under sub-section (2) shall set out the matters for the
consideration of which the meeting is to be called and shall be signed by the requisitionists
and sent to the registered office of the company.
(4) If the Board does not, within twenty-one days from the date of receipt of a valid
requisition in regard to any matter, proceed to call a meeting for the consideration of that
matter on a day not later than forty-five days from the date of receipt of such requisition, the
meeting may be called and held by the requisitonists themselves within a period of three
months from the date of the requisition.
(5) A meeting under sub-section (4) by the requisitionists shall be called and held in
the same manner in which the meeting is called and held by the Board.
(6) Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists in calling a meeting under
sub-section (4) shall be reimbursed to the requisitionists by the company and the sums so
paid shall be deducted from any fee or other remuneration under section 197 payable to such
of the directors who were in default in calling the meeting.
101. (1) A general meeting of a company may be called by giving not less than clear
twenty-one days’ notice either in writing or through electronic mode in such manner as may
be prescribed:
Provided that a general meeting may be called after giving a shorter notice if consent
is given in writing or by electronic mode by not less than ninety-five per cent. of the members
entitled to vote at such meeting.
(2) Every notice of a meeting shall specify the place, date, day and the hour of the
meeting and shall contain a statement of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
(3) The notice of every meeting of the company shall be given to—
(a) every member of the company, legal representative of any deceased member
or the assignee of an insolvent member;
(b) the auditor or auditors of the company; and
(c) every director of the company.
(4) Any accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt of such notice by, any
member or other person who is entitled to such notice for any meeting shall not invalidate the
proceedings of the meeting.
102. (1) A statement setting out the following material facts concerning each item of
special business to be transacted at a general meeting, shall be annexed to the notice calling
such meeting, namely:—
(a) the nature of concern or interest, financial or otherwise, if any, in respect of
each items of—
(i) every director and the manager, if any;
(ii) every other key managerial personnel; and
(iii) relatives of the persons mentioned in sub-clauses (i) and (ii);
(b) any other information and facts that may enable members to understand the
meaning, scope and implications of the items of business and to take decision thereon.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1),—
(a) in the case of an annual general meeting, all business to be transacted thereat
shall be deemed special, other than—
(i) the consideration of financial statements and the reports of the Board
of Directors and auditors;
(ii) the declaration of any dividend;
(iii) the appointment of directors in place of those retiring;
(iv) the appointment of, and the fixing of the remuneration of, the auditors;
and
Notice of
meeting.
Statement to
be annexed to
notice.
62 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) in the case of any other meeting, all business shall be deemed to be special:
Provided that where any item of special business to be transacted at a meeting of the
company relates to or affects any other company, the extent of shareholding interest in that
other company of every promoter, director, manager, if any, and of every other key managerial
personnel of the first mentioned company shall, if the extent of such shareholding is not less
than two per cent. of the paid-up share capital of that company, also be set out in the statement.
(3) Where any item of business refers to any document, which is to be considered at
the meeting, the time and place where such document can be inspected shall be specified in
the statement under sub-section (1).
(4) Where as a result of the non-disclosure or insufficient disclosure in any statement
referred to in sub-section (1), being made by a promoter, director, manager, if any, or other key
managerial personnel, any benefit which accrues to such promoter, director, manager or
other key managerial personnel or their relatives, either directly or indirectly, the promoter,
director, manager or other key managerial personnel, as the case may be, shall hold such
benefit in trust for the company, and shall, without prejudice to any other action being taken
against him under this Act or under any other law for the time being in force, be liable to
compensate the company to the extent of the benefit received by him.
(5) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, every
promoter, director, manager or other key managerial personnel who is in default shall be
punishable with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or five times the amount of
benefit accruing to the promoter, director, manager or other key managerial personnel or any
of his relatives, whichever is more.
103. (1) Unless the articles of the company provide for a larger number,—
(a) in case of a public company,—
(i) five members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of meeting is not more than one thousand;
(ii) fifteen members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of meeting is more than one thousand but up to five thousand;
(iii) thirty members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of the meeting exceeds five thousand;
(b) in the case of a private company, two members personally present, shall be
the quorum for a meeting of the company.
(2) If the quorum is not present within half-an-hour from the time appointed for holding
a meeting of the company—
(a) the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the
same time and place, or to such other date and such other time and place as the Board
may determine; or
(b) the meeting, if called by requisitionists under section 100, shall stand cancelled:
Provided that in case of an adjourned meeting or of a change of day, time or place of
meeting under clause (a), the company shall give not less than three days notice to the
members either individually or by publishing an advertisement in the newspapers (one in
English and one in vernacular language) which is in circulation at the place where the
registered office of the company is situated.
(3) If at the adjourned meeting also, a quorum is not present within half-an-hour from
the time appointed for holding meeting, the members present shall be the quorum.
104. (1) Unless the articles of the company otherwise provide, the members personally
present at the meeting shall elect one of themselves to be the Chairman thereof on a show of hands.
(2) If a poll is demanded on the election of the Chairman, it shall be taken forthwith in
accordance with the provisions of this Act and the Chairman elected on a show of hands
under sub-section (1) shall continue to be the Chairman of the meeting until some other
person is elected as Chairman as a result of the poll, and such other person shall be the
Chairman for the rest of the meeting.
Quorum for
meetings.
Chairman of
meetings.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 63
105. (1) Any member of a company entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the
company shall be entitled to appoint another person as a proxy to attend and vote at the
meeting on his behalf:
Provided that a proxy shall not have the right to speak at such meeting and shall not be
entitled to vote except on a poll:
Provided further that, unless the articles of a company otherwise provide, this subsection
shall not apply in the case of a company not having a share capital:
Provided also that the Central Government may prescribe a class or classes of companies
whose members shall not be entitled to appoint another person as a proxy:
Provided also that a person appointed as proxy shall act on behalf of such member or
number of members not exceeding fifty and such number of shares as may be prescribed.
(2) In every notice calling a meeting of a company which has a share capital, or the
articles of which provide for voting by proxy at the meeting, there shall appear with reasonable
prominence a statement that a member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint a
proxy, or, where that is allowed, one or more proxies, to attend and vote instead of himself,
and that a proxy need not be a member.
(3) If default is made in complying with sub-section (2), every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
(4) Any provision contained in the articles of a company which specifies or requires a
longer period than forty-eight hours before a meeting of the company, for depositing with
the company or any other person any instrument appointing a proxy or any other document
necessary to show the validity or otherwise relating to the appointment of a proxy in order
that the appointment may be effective at such meeting, shall have effect as if a period of
forty-eight hours had been specified in or required by such provision for such deposit.
(5) If for the purpose of any meeting of a company, invitations to appoint as proxy a
person or one of a number of persons specified in the invitations are issued at the company’s
expense to any member entitled to have a notice of the meeting sent to him and to vote
thereat by proxy, every officer of the company who knowingly issues the invitations as
aforesaid or wilfully authorises or permits their issue shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to one lakh rupees:
Provided that an officer shall not be punishable under this sub-section by reason only
of the issue to a member at his request in writing of a form of appointment naming the proxy,
or of a list of persons willing to act as proxies, if the form or list is available on request in
writing to every member entitled to vote at the meeting by proxy.
(6) The instrument appointing a proxy shall—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be signed by the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the
appointer is a body corporate, be under its seal or be signed by an officer or an
attorney duly authorised by it.
(7) An instrument appointing a proxy, if in the form as may be prescribed, shall not be
questioned on the ground that it fails to comply with any special requirements specified for
such instrument by the articles of a company.
(8) Every member entitled to vote at a meeting of the company, or on any resolution to
be moved thereat, shall be entitled during the period beginning twenty-four hours before the
time fixed for the commencement of the meeting and ending with the conclusion of the
meeting, to inspect the proxies lodged, at any time during the business hours of the company,
provided not less than three days’ notice in writing of the intention so to inspect is given to
the company.
Proxies.
64 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
106. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the articles of a company
may provide that no member shall exercise any voting right in respect of any shares registered
in his name on which any calls or other sums presently payable by him have not been paid,
or in regard to which the company has exercised any right of lien.
(2) A company shall not, except on the grounds specified in sub-section (1), prohibit
any member from exercising his voting right on any other ground.
(3) On a poll taken at a meeting of a company, a member entitled to more than one vote,
or his proxy, where allowed, or other person entitled to vote for him, as the case may be, need
not, if he votes, use all his votes or cast in the same way all the votes he uses.
107. (1) At any general meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall,
unless a poll is demanded under section 109 or the voting is carried out electronically, be
decided on a show of hands.
(2) A declaration by the Chairman of the meeting of the passing of a resolution or
otherwise by show of hands under sub-section (1) and an entry to that effect in the books
containing the minutes of the meeting of the company shall be conclusive evidence of the
fact of passing of such resolution or otherwise.
108. The Central Government may prescribe the class or classes of companies and
manner in which a member may exercise his right to vote by the electronic means.
109. (1) Before or on the declaration of the result of the voting on any resolution on
show of hands, a poll may be ordered to be taken by the Chairman of the meeting on his own
motion, and shall be ordered to be taken by him on a demand made in that behalf,—
(a) in the case a company having a share capital, by the members present in
person or by proxy, where allowed, and having not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power or holding shares on which an aggregate sum of not less than five lakh
rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed has been paid-up; and
(b) in the case of any other company, by any member or members present in
person or by proxy, where allowed, and having not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power.
(2) The demand for a poll may be withdrawn at any time by the persons who made the
demand.
(3) A poll demanded for adjournment of the meeting or appointment of Chairman of the
meeting shall be taken forthwith.
(4) A poll demanded on any question other than adjournment of the meeting or
appointment of Chairman shall be taken at such time, not being later than forty-eight hours
from the time when the demand was made, as the Chairman of the meeting may direct.
(5) Where a poll is to be taken, the Chairman of the meeting shall appoint such number
of persons, as he deems necessary, to scrutinise the poll process and votes given on the poll
and to report thereon to him in the manner as may be prescribed.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Chairman of the meeting shall have
power to regulate the manner in which the poll shall be taken.
(7) The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the decision of the meeting on the
resolution on which the poll was taken.
110. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a company—
(a) shall, in respect of such items of business as the Central Government may, by
notification, declare to be transacted only by means of postal ballot; and
Restriction on
voting rights.
Voting by
show of hands.
Voting
through
electronic
means.
Demand for
poll.
Postal ballot.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 65
(b) may, in respect of any item of business, other than ordinary business and any
business in respect of which directors or auditors have a right to be heard at any
meeting, transact by means of postal ballot,
in such manner as may be prescribed, instead of transacting such business at a general
meeting.
(2) If a resolution is assented to by the requisite majority of the shareholders by means
of postal ballot, it shall be deemed to have been duly passed at a general meeting convened
in that behalf.
111. (1) A company shall, on requisition in writing of such number of members, as
required in section 100,—
(a) give notice to members of any resolution which may properly be moved and
is intended to be moved at a meeting; and
(b) circulate to members any statement with respect to the matters referred to in
proposed resolution or business to be dealt with at that meeting.
(2) A company shall not be bound under this section to give notice of any resolution
or to circulate any statement unless—
(a) a copy of the requisition signed by the requisitionists (or two or more copies
which, between them, contain the signatures of all the requisitionists) is deposited at
the registered office of the company,—
(i) in the case of a requisition requiring notice of a resolution, not less than
six weeks before the meeting;
(ii) in the case of any other requisition, not less than two weeks before the
meeting; and
(b) there is deposited or tendered with the requisition, a sum reasonably sufficient
to meet the company’s expenses in giving effect thereto:
Provided that if, after a copy of a requisition requiring notice of a resolution has been
deposited at the registered office of the company, an annual general meeting is called on a
date within six weeks after the copy has been deposited, the copy, although not deposited
within the time required by this sub-section, shall be deemed to have been properly deposited
for the purposes thereof.
(3) The company shall not be bound to circulate any statement as required by clause
(b) of sub-section (1), if on the application either of the company or of any other person who
claims to be aggrieved, the Central Government, by order, declares that the rights conferred
by this section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter.
(4) An order made under sub-section (3) may also direct that the cost incurred by the
company by virtue of this section shall be paid to the company by the requisitionists,
notwithstanding that they are not parties to the application.
(5) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five
thousand rupees.
112. (1) The President of India or the Governor of a State, if he is a member of a
company, may appoint such person as he thinks fit to act as his representative at any
meeting of the company or at any meeting of any class of members of the company.
(2) A person appointed to act under sub-section (1) shall, for the purposes of this Act,
be deemed to be a member of such a company and shall be entitled to exercise the same rights
and powers, including the right to vote by proxy and postal ballot, as the President or, as the
case may be, the Governor could exercise as a member of the company.
Circulation of
members’
resolution.
Representation
of
President and
Governors in
meetings.
66 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
113. (1) A body corporate, whether a company within the meaning of this Act or not,
may, —
(a) if it is a member of a company within the meaning of this Act, by resolution of
its Board of Directors or other governing body, authorise such person as it thinks fit to
act as its representative at any meeting of the company, or at any meeting of any class
of members of the company;
(b) if it is a creditor, including a holder of debentures, of a company within the
meaning of this Act, by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorise
such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of any creditors of
the company held in pursuance of this Act or of any rules made thereunder, or in pursuance
of the provisions contained in any debenture or trust deed, as the case may be.
(2) A person authorised by resolution under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to exercise
the same rights and powers, including the right to vote by proxy and by postal ballot, on
behalf of the body corporate which he represents as that body could exercise if it were an
individual member, creditor or holder of debentures of the company.
114. (1) A resolution shall be an ordinary resolution if the notice required under this
Act has been duly given and it is required to be passed by the votes cast, whether on a show
of hands, or electronically or on a poll, as the case may be, in favour of the resolution,
including the casting vote, if any, of the Chairman, by members who, being entitled so to do,
vote in person, or where proxies are allowed, by proxy or by postal ballot, exceed the votes,
if any, cast against the resolution by members, so entitled and voting.
(2) A resolution shall be a special resolution when—
(a) the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly
specified in the notice calling the general meeting or other intimation given to the
members of the resolution;
(b) the notice required under this Act has been duly given; and
(c) the votes cast in favour of the resolution, whether on a show of hands, or
electronically or on a poll, as the case may be, by members who, being entitled so to do,
vote in person or by proxy or by postal ballot, are required to be not less than three
times the number of the votes, if any, cast against the resolution by members so
entitled and voting.
115. Where, by any provision contained in this Act or in the articles of a company,
special notice is required of any resolution, notice of the intention to move such resolution
shall be given to the company by such number of members holding not less than one per
cent. of total voting power or holding shares on which such aggregate sum not exceeding
five lakh rupees, as may be prescribed, has been paid-up and the company shall give its
members notice of the resolution in such manner as may be prescribed.
116. Where a resolution is passed at an adjourned meeting of—
(a) a company; or
(b) the holders of any class of shares in a company; or
(c) the Board of Directors of a company,
the resolution shall, for all purposes, be treated as having been passed on the date on which
it was in fact passed, and shall not be deemed to have been passed on any earlier date.
117. (1) A copy of every resolution or any agreement, in respect of matters specified in
sub-section (3) together with the explanatory statement under section 102, if any, annexed to
the notice calling the meeting in which the resolution is proposed, shall be filed with the
Registrar within thirty days of the passing or making thereof in such manner and with such
fees as may be prescribed within the time specified under section 403:
Provided that the copy of every resolution which has the effect of altering the articles
and the copy of every agreement referred to in sub-section (3) shall be embodied in or
Representation
of
corporations
at meeting of
companies and
of creditors.
Ordinary and
special
resolutions.
Resolutions
requiring
special notice.
Resolutions
passed at
adjourned
meeting.
Resolutions
and agreements
to be
filed.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 67
annexed to every copy of the articles issued after passing of the resolution or making of the
agreement.
(2) If a company fails to file the resolution or the agreement under
sub-section (1) before the expiry of the period specified under section 403 with additional
fee, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees
but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default, including liquidator of the company, if any, shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees.
(3) The provisions of this section shall apply to—
(a) special resolutions;
(b) resolutions which have been agreed to by all the members of a company, but
which, if not so agreed to, would not have been effective for their purpose unless they
had been passed as special resolutions;
(c) any resolution of the Board of Directors of a company or agreement executed
by a company, relating to the appointment, re-appointment or renewal of the
appointment, or variation of the terms of appointment, of a managing director;
(d) resolutions or agreements which have been agreed to by any class of members
but which, if not so agreed to, would not have been effective for their purpose unless
they had been passed by a specified majority or otherwise in some particular manner;
and all resolutions or agreements which effectively bind such class of members though
not agreed to by all those members;
(e) resolutions passed by a company according consent to the exercise by its
Board of Directors of any of the powers under clause (a) and clause (c) of sub-section
(1) of section 180;
(f) resolutions requiring a company to be wound up voluntarily passed in
pursuance of section 304;
(g) resolutions passed in pursuance of sub-section (3) of section 179; and
(h) any other resolution or agreement as may be prescribed and placed in the
public domain.
118. (1) Every company shall cause minutes of the proceedings of every general
meeting of any class of shareholders or creditors, and every resolution passed by postal
ballot and every meeting of its Board of Directors or of every committee of the Board, to be
prepared and signed in such manner as may be prescribed and kept within thirty days of the
conclusion of every such meeting concerned, or passing of resolution by postal ballot in
books kept for that purpose with their pages consecutively numbered.
(2) The minutes of each meeting shall contain a fair and correct summary of the
proceedings thereat.
(3) All appointments made at any of the meetings aforesaid shall be included in the
minutes of the meeting.
(4) In the case of a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee of the Board, the
minutes shall also contain—
(a) the names of the directors present at the meeting; and
(b) in the case of each resolution passed at the meeting, the names of the directors,
if any, dissenting from, or not concurring with the resolution.
(5) There shall not be included in the minutes, any matter which, in the opinion of the
Chairman of the meeting,—
(a) is or could reasonably be regarded as defamatory of any person; or
(b) is irrelevant or immaterial to the proceedings; or
(c) is detrimental to the interests of the company.
(6) The Chairman shall exercise absolute discretion in regard to the inclusion or noninclusion
of any matter in the minutes on the grounds specified in sub-section (5).
Minutes of
proceedings
of general
meeting,
meeting of
Board of
Directors and
other meeting
and resolutions
passed
by postal
ballot.
68 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) The minutes kept in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be evidence
of the proceedings recorded therein.
(8) Where the minutes have been kept in accordance with sub-section (1) then, until
the contrary is proved, the meeting shall be deemed to have been duly called and held, and
all proceedings thereat to have duly taken place, and the resolutions passed by postal ballot
to have been duly passed and in particular, all appointments of directors, key managerial
personnel, auditors or company secretary in practice, shall be deemed to be valid.
(9) No document purporting to be a report of the proceedings of any general meeting
of a company shall be circulated or advertised at the expense of the company, unless it
includes the matters required by this section to be contained in the minutes of the proceedings
of such meeting.
(10) Every company shall observe secretarial standards with respect to general and
Board meetings specified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India constituted
under section 3 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, and approved as such by the Central
Government.
(11) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section in respect
of any meeting, the company shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand
rupees.
(12) If a person is found guilty of tampering with the minutes of the proceedings of
meeting, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
and with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees.
119. (1) The books containing the minutes of the proceedings of any general meeting
of a company or of a resolution passed by postal ballot, shall—
(a) be kept at the registered office of the company; and
(b) be open, during business hours, to the inspection by any member without
charge, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may, by its articles or
in general meeting, impose, so, however, that not less than two hours in each business
day are allowed for inspection.
(2) Any member shall be entitled to be furnished, within seven working days after he
has made a request in that behalf to the company, and on payment of such fees as may be
prescribed, with a copy of any minutes referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) If any inspection under sub-section (1) is refused, or if any copy required under
sub-section (2) is not furnished within the time specified therein, the company shall be liable
to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees for each such refusal or default, as
the case may be.
(4) In the case of any such refusal or default, the Tribunal may, without prejudice to any
action being taken under sub-section (3), by order, direct an immediate inspection of the
minute-books or direct that the copy required shall forthwith be sent to the person requiring it.
120. Without prejudice to any other provisions of this Act, any document, record,
register, minutes, etc.,—
(a) required to be kept by a company; or
(b) allowed to be inspected or copies to be given to any person by a company
under this Act, may be kept or inspected or copies given, as the case may be, in
electronic form in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
121. (1) Every listed public company shall prepare in the prescribed manner a report on
each annual general meeting including the confirmation to the effect that the meeting was
convened, held and conducted as per the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.
Inspection of
minute-books
of general
meeting.
56 of 1980.
Maintenance
and inspection
of
documents in
electronic
form.
Report on
annual
general
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 69
(2) The company shall file with the Registrar a copy of the report referred to in subsection
(1) within thirty days of the conclusion of the annual general meeting with such fees
as may be prescribed, or with such additional fees as may be prescribed, within the time as
specified, under section 403.
(3) If the company fails to file the report under sub-section (2) before the expiry of the
period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees
and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
122. (1) The provisions of section 98 and sections 100 to 111 (both inclusive) shall not
apply to a One Person Company.
(2) The ordinary businesses as mentioned under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of
section 102 which a company, other than a One Person Company, is required to transact at its
annual general meeting, shall be transacted, in case of One Person Company, as provided in
sub-section (3).
(3) For the purposes of section 114, any business which is required to be transacted at
an annual general meeting or other general meeting of a company by means of an ordinary or
special resolution, it shall be sufficient if, in case of One Person Company, the resolution is
communicated by the member to the company and entered in the minutes-book required to
be maintained under section 118 and signed and dated by the member and such date shall be
deemed to be the date of the meeting for all the purposes under this Act.
(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, where there is only one director on the
Board of Director of a One Person Company, any business which is required to be transacted
at the meeting of the Board of Directors of a company, it shall be sufficient if, in case of such
One Person Company, the resolution by such director is entered in the minutes-book required
to be maintained under section 118 and signed and dated by such director and such date
shall be deemed to be the date of the meeting of the Board of Directors for all the purposes
under this Act.
CHAPTER VIII
DECLARATION AND PAYMENT OF DIVIDEND
123. (1) No dividend shall be declared or paid by a company for any financial year
except—
(a) out of the profits of the company for that year arrived at after providing for
depreciation in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2), or out of the profits
of the company for any previous financial year or years arrived at after providing for
depreciation in accordance with the provisions of that sub-section and remaining
undistributed, or out of both; or
(b) out of money provided by the Central Government or a State Government for
the payment of dividend by the company in pursuance of a guarantee given by that
Government:
Provided that a company may, before the declaration of any dividend in any financial
year, transfer such percentage of its profits for that financial year as it may consider appropriate
to the reserves of the company:
Provided further that where, owing to inadequacy or absence of profits in any financial
year, any company proposes to declare dividend out of the accumulated profits earned by it in
previous years and transferred by the company to the reserves, such declaration of dividend
shall not be made except in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed in this behalf:
Provided also that no dividend shall be declared or paid by a company from its reserves
other than free reserves.
Applicability
of this
Chapter to
One Person
Company.
Declaration
of dividend.
70 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) For the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1), depreciation shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of Schedule II.
(3) The Board of Directors of a company may declare interim dividend during any
financial year out of the surplus in the profit and loss account and out of profits of the
financial year in which such interim dividend is sought to be declared:
Provided that in case the company has incurred loss during the current financial year
up to the end of the quarter immediately preceding the date of declaration of interim dividend,
such interim dividend shall not be declared at a rate higher than the average dividends
declared by the company during the immediately preceding three financial years.
(4) The amount of the dividend, including interim dividend, shall be deposited in a
scheduled bank in a separate account within five days from the date of declaration of such
dividend.
(5) No dividend shall be paid by a company in respect of any share therein except to
the registered shareholder of such share or to his order or to his banker and shall not be
payable except in cash:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to prohibit the capitalisation
of profits or reserves of a company for the purpose of issuing fully paid-up bonus shares or
paying up any amount for the time being unpaid on any shares held by the members of the
company:
Provided further that any dividend payable in cash may be paid by cheque or warrant
or in any electronic mode to the shareholder entitled to the payment of the dividend.
(6) A company which fails to comply with the provisions of sections 73 and 74 shall
not, so long as such failure continues, declare any dividend on its equity shares.
124. (1) Where a dividend has been declared by a company but has not been paid or
claimed within thirty days from the date of the declaration to any shareholder entitled to the
payment of the dividend, the company shall, within seven days from the date of expiry of the
said period of thirty days, transfer the total amount of dividend which remains unpaid or
unclaimed to a special account to be opened by the company in that behalf in any scheduled
bank to be called the Unpaid Dividend Account.
(2) The company shall, within a period of ninety days of making any transfer of an
amount under sub-section (1) to the Unpaid Dividend Account, prepare a statement containing
the names, their last known addresses and the unpaid dividend to be paid to each person and
place it on the website of the company, if any, and also on any other website approved by the
Central Government for this purpose, in such form, manner and other particulars as may be
prescribed.
(3) If any default is made in transferring the total amount referred to in sub-section (1)
or any part thereof to the Unpaid Dividend Account of the company, it shall pay, from the
date of such default, interest on so much of the amount as has not been transferred to the
said account, at the rate of twelve per cent. per annum and the interest accruing on such
amount shall enure to the benefit of the members of the company in proportion to the amount
remaining unpaid to them.
(4) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money transferred under sub-section (1)
to the Unpaid Dividend Account of the company may apply to the company for payment of
the money claimed.
(5) Any money transferred to the Unpaid Dividend Account of a company in pursuance
of this section which remains unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date
of such transfer shall be transferred by the company along with interest accrued, if any,
thereon to the Fund established under sub-section (1) of section 125 and the company shall
send a statement in the prescribed form of the details of such transfer to the authority which
administers the said Fund and that authority shall issue a receipt to the company as evidence
of such transfer.
(6) All shares in respect of which unpaid or unclaimed dividend has been transferred
under sub-section (5) shall also be transferred by the company in the name of Investor
Education and Protection Fund along with a statement containing such details as may be
prescribed:
Unpaid
Dividend
Account.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 71
Provided that any claimant of shares transferred above shall be entitled to claim the
transfer of shares from Investor Education and Protection Fund in accordance with such
procedure and on submission of such documents as may be prescribed.
(7) If a company fails to comply with any of the requirements of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but
which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
125. (1) The Central Government shall establish a Fund to be called the Investor
Education and Protection Fund (herein referred to as the Fund).
(2) There shall be credited to the Fund—
(a) the amount given by the Central Government by way of grants after due
appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf for being utilised for the purposes
of the Fund;
(b) donations given to the Fund by the Central Government, State Governments,
companies or any other institution for the purposes of the Fund;
(c) the amount in the Unpaid Dividend Account of companies transferred to the
Fund under sub-section (5) of section 124;
(d) the amount in the general revenue account of the Central Government which
had been transferred to that account under sub-section (5) of section 205A of the
Companies Act, 1956, as it stood immediately before the commencement of the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 1999, and remaining unpaid or unclaimed on the
commencement of this Act;
(e) the amount lying in the Investor Education and Protection Fund under section
205C of the Companies Act, 1956;
(f) the interest or other income received out of investments made from the Fund;
(g) the amount received under sub-section (4) of section 38;
(h) the application money received by companies for allotment of any securities
and due for refund;
(i) matured deposits with companies other than banking companies;
(j) matured debentures with companies;
(k) interest accrued on the amounts referred to in clauses (h) to (j);
(l) sale proceeds of fractional shares arising out of issuance of bonus shares,
merger and amalgamation for seven or more years;
(m) redemption amount of preference shares remaining unpaid or unclaimed for
seven or more years; and
(n) such other amount as may be prescribed:
Provided that no such amount referred to in clauses (h) to (j) shall form part of the Fund
unless such amount has remained unclaimed and unpaid for a period of seven years from the
date it became due for payment.
(3) The Fund shall be utilised for—
(a) the refund in respect of unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, matured
debentures, the application money due for refund and interest thereon;
(b) promotion of investors’ education, awareness and protection;
(c) distribution of any disgorged amount among eligible and identifiable applicants
for shares or debentures, shareholders, debenture-holders or depositors who have
suffered losses due to wrong actions by any person, in accordance with the orders
made by the Court which had ordered disgorgement;
Investor
Education and
Protection
Fund.
1 of 1956.
21 of 1999.
1 of 1956.
72 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) reimbursement of legal expenses incurred in pursuing class action suits
under sections 37 and 245 by members, debenture-holders or depositors as may be
sanctioned by the Tribunal; and
(e) any other purpose incidental thereto,
in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed:
Provided that the person whose amounts referred to in clauses (a) to (d) of sub-section (2)
of section 205C transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund, after the expiry of the
period of seven years as per provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, shall be entitled to get refund
out of the Fund in respect of such claims in accordance with rules made under this section.
Explanation.—The disgorged amount refers to the amount received through
disgorgement or disposal of securities.
(4) Any person claiming to be entitled to the amount referred in sub-section (2) may
apply to the authority constituted under sub-section (5) for the payment of the money
claimed.
(5) The Central Government shall constitute, by notification, an authority for
administration of the Fund consisting of a chairperson and such other members, not exceeding
seven and a chief executive officer, as the Central Government may appoint.
(6) The manner of administration of the Fund, appointment of chairperson, members
and chief executive officer, holding of meetings of the authority shall be in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed.
(7) The Central Government may provide to the authority such offices, officers,
employees and other resources in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(8) The authority shall administer the Fund and maintain separate accounts and other
relevant records in relation to the Fund in such form as may be prescribed after consultation
with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(9) It shall be competent for the authority constituted under sub-section (5) to spend
money out of the Fund for carrying out the objects specified in sub-section (3).
(10) The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him and such audited accounts
together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually by the authority to the
Central Government.
(11) The authority shall prepare in such form and at such time for each financial year as
may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account of its activities during the financial
year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government and the Central Government shall
cause the annual report and the audit report given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India to be laid before each House of Parliament.
126. Where any instrument of transfer of shares has been delivered to any company
for registration and the transfer of such shares has not been registered by the company, it
shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act,—
(a) transfer the dividend in relation to such shares to the Unpaid Dividend
Account referred to in section 124 unless the company is authorised by the registered
holder of such shares in writing to pay such dividend to the transferee specified in
such instrument of transfer; and
(b) keep in abeyance in relation to such shares, any offer of rights shares under
clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62 and any issue of fully paid-up bonus shares
in pursuance of first proviso to sub-section (5) of section 123.
Right to
dividend,
rights shares
and bonus
shares to be
held in
abeyance
pending
registration of
transfer of
shares.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 73
127. Where a dividend has been declared by a company but has not been paid or the
warrant in respect thereof has not been posted within thirty days from the date of declaration
to any shareholder entitled to the payment of the dividend, every director of the company
shall, if he is knowingly a party to the default, be punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to two years and with fine which shall not be less than one thousand rupees for every
day during which such default continues and the company shall be liable to pay simple
interest at the rate of eighteen per cent. per annum during the period for which such default
continues:
Provided that no offence under this section shall be deemed to have been
committed:—
(a) where the dividend could not be paid by reason of the operation of any law;
(b) where a shareholder has given directions to the company regarding the
payment of the dividend and those directions cannot be complied with and the same
has been communicated to him;
(c) where there is a dispute regarding the right to receive the dividend;
(d) where the dividend has been lawfully adjusted by the company against any
sum due to it from the shareholder; or
(e) where, for any other reason, the failure to pay the dividend or to post the
warrant within the period under this section was not due to any default on the part of
the company.
CHAPTER IX
ACCOUNTS OF COMPANIES
128. (1) Every company shall prepare and keep at its registered office books of
account and other relevant books and papers and financial statement for every financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company, including that of its
branch office or offices, if any, and explain the transactions effected both at the registered
office and its branches and such books shall be kept on accrual basis and according to the
double entry system of accounting:
Provided that all or any of the books of account aforesaid and other relevant papers
may be kept at such other place in India as the Board of Directors may decide and where such
a decision is taken, the company shall, within seven days thereof, file with the Registrar a
notice in writing giving the full address of that other place:
Provided further that the company may keep such books of account or other relevant
papers in electronic mode in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) Where a company has a branch office in India or outside India, it shall be deemed
to have complied with the provisions of sub-section (1), if proper books of account relating
to the transactions effected at the branch office are kept at that office and proper summarised
returns periodically are sent by the branch office to the company at its registered office or the
other place referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) The books of account and other books and papers maintained by the company
within India shall be open for inspection at the registered office of the company or at such
other place in India by any director during business hours, and in the case of financial
information, if any, maintained outside the country, copies of such financial information shall
be maintained and produced for inspection by any director subject to such conditions as
may be prescribed:
Provided that the inspection in respect of any subsidiary of the company shall be done
only by the person authorised in this behalf by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
(4) Where an inspection is made under sub-section (3), the officers and other employees
of the company shall give to the person making such inspection all assistance in connection
with the inspection which the company may reasonably be expected to give.
Punishment
for failure to
distribute
dividends.
Books of
account, etc.,
to be kept by
company.
74 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) The books of account of every company relating to a period of not less than eight
financial years immediately preceding a financial year, or where the company had been in
existence for a period less than eight years, in respect of all the preceding years together with
the vouchers relevant to any entry in such books of account shall be kept in good order:
Provided that where an investigation has been ordered in respect of the company
under Chapter XIV, the Central Government may direct that the books of account may be kept
for such longer period as it may deem fit.
(6) If the managing director, the whole-time director in charge of finance, the Chief
Financial Officer or any other person of a company charged by the Board with the duty of
complying with the provisions of this section, contravenes such provisions, such managing
director, whole-time director in charge of finance, Chief Financial officer or such other person
of the company shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees or with both.
129. (1) The financial statements shall give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the company or companies, comply with the accounting standards notified under section
133 and shall be in the form or forms as may be provided for different class or classes of
companies in Schedule III:
Provided that the items contained in such financial statements shall be in accordance
with the accounting standards:
Provided further that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any insurance
or banking company or any company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity, or to
any other class of company for which a form of financial statement has been specified in or
under the Act governing such class of company:
Provided also that the financial statements shall not be treated as not disclosing a true
and fair view of the state of affairs of the company, merely by reason of the fact that they do
not disclose—-
(a) in the case of an insurance company, any matters which are not required to be
disclosed by the Insurance Act, 1938, or the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority Act, 1999;
(b) in the case of a banking company, any matters which are not required to be
disclosed by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
(c) in the case of a company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity,
any matters which are not required to be disclosed by the Electricity Act, 2003;
(d) in the case of a company governed by any other law for the time being in
force, any matters which are not required to be disclosed by that law.
(2) At every annual general meeting of a company, the Board of Directors of the
company shall lay before such meeting financial statements for the financial year.
(3) Where a company has one or more subsidiaries, it shall, in addition to financial
statements provided under sub-section (2), prepare a consolidated financial statement of the
company and of all the subsidiaries in the same form and manner as that of its own which
shall also be laid before the annual general meeting of the company along with the laying of
its financial statement under sub-section (2):
Provided that the company shall also attach along with its financial statement, a separate
statement containing the salient features of the financial statement of its subsidiary or
subsidiaries in such form as may be prescribed:
Provided further that the Central Government may provide for the consolidation of
accounts of companies in such manner as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the word “subsidiary” shall include
associate company and joint venture.
Financial
statement.
4 of 1938.
41 of 1999.
10 of 1949.
36 of 2003.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 75
(4) The provisions of this Act applicable to the preparation, adoption and audit of the
financial statements of a holding company shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the consolidated
financial statements referred to in sub-section (3).
(5) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), where the financial statements of a company
do not comply with the accounting standards referred to in sub-section (1), the company
shall disclose in its financial statements, the deviation from the accounting standards, the
reasons for such deviation and the financial effects, if any, arising out of such deviation.
(6) The Central Government may, on its own or on an application by a class or classes of
companies, by notification, exempt any class or classes of companies from complying with any
of the requirements of this section or the rules made thereunder, if it is considered necessary to
grant such exemption in the public interest and any such exemption may be granted either
unconditionally or subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification.
(7) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the managing director, the
whole-time director in charge of finance, the Chief Financial Officer or any other person charged
by the Board with the duty of complying with the requirements of this section and in the
absence of any of the officers mentioned above, all the directors shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than
fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, except where the context otherwise
requires, any reference to the financial statement shall include any notes annexed to or
forming part of such financial statement, giving information required to be given and allowed
to be given in the form of such notes under this Act.
130. (1) A company shall not re-open its books of account and not recast its financial
statements, unless an application in this regard is made by the Central Government, the
Income-tax authorities, the Securities and Exchange Board, any other statutory regulatory
body or authority or any person concerned and an order is made by a court of competent
jurisdiction or the Tribunal to the effect that—
(i) the relevant earlier accounts were prepared in a fraudulent manner; or
(ii) the affairs of the company were mismanaged during the relevant period,
casting a doubt on the reliability of financial statements:
Provided that the court or the Tribunal, as the case may be, shall give notice to
the Central Government, the Income-tax authorities, the Securities and Exchange Board
or any other statutory regulatory body or authority concerned and shall take into
consideration the representations, if any, made by that Government or the authorities,
Securities and Exchange Board or the body or authority concerned before passing any
order under this section.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act the accounts so revised
or re-cast under sub-section (1) shall be final.
131. (1) If it appears to the directors of a company that—
(a) the financial statement of the company; or
(b) the report of the Board,
do not comply with the provisions of section 129 or section 134 they may prepare revised
financial statement or a revised report in respect of any of the three preceding financial years
after obtaining approval of the Tribunal on an application made by the company in such form
and manner as may be prescribed and a copy of the order passed by the Tribunal shall be
filed with the Registrar:
Provided that the Tribunal shall give notice to the Central Government and the Incometax
authorities and shall take into consideration the representations, if any, made by that
Government or the authorities before passing any order under this section:
Provided further that such revised financial statement or report shall not be prepared
or filed more than once in a financial year:
Provided also that the detailed reasons for revision of such financial statement or
report shall also be disclosed in the Board's report in the relevant financial year in which
such revision is being made.
Re-opening
of accounts
on court’s or
Tribunal’s
orders.
Voluntary
revision of
financial
statements or
Board’s report.
76 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Where copies of the previous financial statement or report have been sent out to
members or delivered to the Registrar or laid before the company in general meeting, the
revisions must be confined to—
(a) the correction in respect of which the previous financial statement or report
do not comply with the provisions of section 129 or section 134; and
(b) the making of any necessary consequential alternation.
(3) The Central Government may make rules as to the application of the provisions of
this Act in relation to revised financial statement or a revised director's report and such rules
may, in particular—
(a) make different provisions according to which the previous financial
statement or report are replaced or are supplemented by a document indicating the
corrections to be made;
(b) make provisions with respect to the functions of the company's auditor in
relation to the revised financial statement or report;
(c) require the directors to take such steps as may be prescribed.
132. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, constitute a National Financial
Reporting Authority to provide for matters relating to accounting and auditing standards
under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the National Financial Reporting Authority shall—
(a) make recommendations to the Central Government on the formulation and
laying down of accounting and auditing policies and standards for adoption by
companies or class of companies or their auditors, as the case may be;
(b) monitor and enforce the compliance with accounting standards and auditing
standards in such manner as may be prescribed;
(c) oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring
compliance with such standards, and suggest measures required for improvement in
quality of service and such other related matters as may be prescribed; and
(d) perform such other functions relating to clauses (a), (b) and (c) as may be
prescribed.
(3) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall consist of a chairperson, who
shall be a person of eminence and having expertise in accountancy, auditing, finance or law
to be appointed by the Central Government and such other members not exceeding fifteen
consisting of part-time and full-time members as may be prescribed:
Provided that the terms and conditions and the manner of appointment of the
chairperson and members shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided further that the chairperson and members shall make a declaration to the
Central Government in the prescribed form regarding no conflict of interest or lack of
independence in respect of his or their appointment:
Provided also that the chairperson and members, who are in full-time employment with
National Financial Reporting Authority shall not be associated with any audit firm (including
related consultancy firms) during the course of their appointment and two years after ceasing
to hold such appointment.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the National Financial Reporting Authority shall—
(a) have the power to investigate, either suo motu or on a reference made to it by
the Central Government, for such class of bodies corporate or persons, in such manner
as may be prescribed into the matters of professional or other misconduct committed
by any member or firm of chartered accountants, registered under the Chartered
Accountants Act, 1949:
Provided that no other institute or body shall initiate or continue any proceedings
in such matters of misconduct where the National Financial Reporting Authority has
initiated an investigation under this section;
38 of 1949.
Constitution
of
National
Financial
Reporting
Authority.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 77
(b) have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(i) discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and at such time as may be specified by the National Financial
Reporting Authority;
(ii) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining
them on oath;
(iii) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of any person
referred to in clause (b) at any place;
(iv) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses or documents;
(c) where professional or other misconduct is proved, have the power to make
order for—
(A) imposing penalty of—
(I) not less than one lakh rupees, but which may extend to five times
of the fees received, in case of individuals; and
(II) not less than ten lakh rupees, but which may extend to ten times
of the fees received, in case of firms;
(B) debarring the member or the firm from engaging himself or itself from
practice as member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India referred to
in clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act,
1949 for a minimum period of six months or for such higher period not exceeding
ten years as may be decided by the National Financial Reporting Authority.
Explanation.—For the purposes of his sub-section, the expression "professional or
other misconduct" shall have the same meaning assigned to it under section 22 of the
Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.
(5) Any person aggrieved by any order of the National Financial Reporting Authority
issued under clause (c) of sub-section (4), may prefer an appeal before the Appellate Authority
constituted under sub-section (6) in such manner as may be prescribed.
(6) The Central Government may, by notification, constitute, with effect from such date
as may be specified therein, an Appellate Authority consisting of a chairperson and not more
then two other members, to be appointed by the Central Government, for hearing appeals
arising out of the orders of the National Financial Reporting Authority.
(7) The qualifications for appointment of the chairperson and members of the Appellate
Authority, the manner of selection, the terms and conditions of their service and the
requirement of the supporting staff and procedure (including places of hearing the appeals,
form and manner in which the appeals shall be filed) to be followed by the Appellate Authority
shall be such as may be prescribed.
(8) The fee for filing the appeal shall be such as may be prescribed.
(9) The officer authorised by the Appellate Authority shall prepare in such form and at
such time as may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account of its activities and
forward a copy thereof to the Central Government and the Central Government shall cause
the annual report to be laid before each House of Parliament.
(10) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall meet at such times and places
and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its
meetings in such manner as may be prescribed.
(11) The Central Government may appoint a secretary and such other employees as it
may consider necessary for the efficient performance of functions by the National Financial
Reporting Authority under this Act and the terms and conditions of service of the secretary
and employees shall be such as may be prescribed.
(12) The head office of the National Financial Reporting Authority shall be at New Delhi
and the National Financial Reporting Authority may, meet at such other places in India as it deems
fit.
5 of 1908.
38 of 1949.
38 of 1949.
78 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(13) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall cause to be maintained such
books of account and other books in relation to its accounts in such form and in such manner
as the Central Government may, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India prescribe.
(14) The accounts of the National Financial Reporting Authority shall be audited by
the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him
and such accounts as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India together with
the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central Government by the
National Financial Reporting Authority.
(15) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall prepare in such form and at
such time for each financial year as may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account
of its activities during the financial year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government
and the Central Government shall cause the annual report and the audit report given by the
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India to be laid before each House of Parliament.
133. The Central Government may prescribe the standards of accounting or any
addendum thereto, as recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India,
constituted under section 3 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, in consultation with
and after examination of the recommendations made by the National Financial Reporting
Authority.
134. (1) The financial statement, including consolidated financial statement, if any,
shall be approved by the Board of Directors before they are signed on behalf of the Board at
least by the chairperson of the company where he is authorised by the Board or by two
directors out of which one shall be managing director and the Chief Executive Officer, if he is
a director in the company, the Chief Financial Officer and the company secretary of the
company, wherever they are appointed, or in the case of a One Person Company, only by one
director, for submission to the auditor for his report thereon.
(2) The auditors’ report shall be attached to every financial statement.
(3) There shall be attached to statements laid before a company in general meeting, a
report by its Board of Directors, which shall include—
(a) the extract of the annual return as provided under sub-section (3) of section 92;
(b) number of meetings of the Board;
(c) Directors’ Responsibility Statement;
(d) a statement on declaration given by independent directors under sub-section
(6) of section 149;
(e) in case of a company covered under sub-section (1) of section 178, company’s
policy on directors’ appointment and remuneration including criteria for determining
qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a director and other matters
provided under sub-section (3) of section 178;
(f) explanations or comments by the Board on every qualification, reservation or
adverse remark or disclaimer made—
(i) by the auditor in his report; and
(ii) by the company secretary in practice in his secretarial audit report;
(g) particulars of loans, guarantees or investments under section 186;
(h) particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in
sub-section (1) of section 188 in the prescribed form;
(i) the state of the company’s affairs;
(j) the amounts, if any, which it proposes to carry to any reserves;
(k) the amount, if any, which it recommends should be paid by way of dividend;
(l) material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of
the company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the company
to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report;
(m) the conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange
earnings and outgo, in such manner as may be prescribed;
Financial
statement,
Board’s
report, etc.
38 of 1949.
Central
Government
to prescribe
accounting
standards.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 79
(n) a statement indicating development and implementation of a risk management
policy for the company including identification therein of elements of risk, if any,
which in the opinion of the Board may threaten the existence of the company;
(o) the details about the policy developed and implemented by the company on
corporate social responsibility initiatives taken during the year;
(p) in case of a listed company and every other public company having such
paid-up share capital as may be prescribed, a statement indicating the manner in which
formal annual evaluation has been made by the Board of its own performance and that
of its committees and individual directors;
(q) such other matters as may be prescribed.
(4) The report of the Board of Directors to be attached to the financial statement under
this section shall, in case of a One Person Company, mean a report containing explanations
or comments by the Board on every qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer
made by the auditor in his report.
(5) The Directors’ Responsibility Statement referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (3) shall
state that—
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards
had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
(b) the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the
financial year and of the profit and loss of the company for that period;
(c) the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for
safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
(d) the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis; and
(e) the directors, in the case of a listed company, had laid down internal financial
controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are
adequate and were operating effectively.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the term “internal financial
controls” means the policies and procedures adopted by the company for ensuring
the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to company’s
policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and
errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely
preparation of reliable financial information;
(f) the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
(6) The Board’s report and any annexures thereto under sub-section (3) shall be
signed by its chairperson of the company if he is authorised by the Board and where he is not
so authorised, shall be signed by at least two directors, one of whom shall be a managing
director, or by the director where there is one director.
(7) A signed copy of every financial statement, including consolidated financial
statement, if any, shall be issued, circulated or published along with a copy each of—
(a) any notes annexed to or forming part of such financial statement;
(b) the auditor’s report; and
(c) the Board’s report referred to in sub-section (3).
(8) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
80 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
135. (1) Every company having net worth of rupees five hundred crore or more, or
turnover of rupees one thousand crore or more or a net profit of rupees five crore or more
during any financial year shall constitute a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the
Board consisting of three or more directors, out of which at least one director shall be an
independent director.
(2) The Board's report under sub-section (3) of section 134 shall disclose the
composition of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.
(3) The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee shall,—
(a) formulate and recommend to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy which shall indicate the activities to be undertaken by the company as
specified in Schedule VII;
(b) recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities referred
to in clause (a); and
(c) monitor the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of the company from time
to time.
(4) The Board of every company referred to in sub-section (1) shall,—
(a) after taking into account the recommendations made by the Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee, approve the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy for the
company and disclose contents of such Policy in its report and also place it on the
company's website, if any, in such manner as may be prescribed; and
(b) ensure that the activities as are included in Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy of the company are undertaken by the company.
(5) The Board of every company referred to in sub-section (1), shall ensure that the
company spends, in every financial year, at least two per cent. of the average net profits of
the company made during the three immediately preceding financial years, in pursuance of
its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy:
Provided that the company shall give preference to the local area and areas around it
where it operates, for spending the amount earmarked for Corporate Social Responsibility
activities:
Provided further that if the company fails to spend such amount, the Board shall, in its
report made under clause (o) of sub-section (3) of section 134, specify the reasons for not
spending the amount.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section “average net profit” shall be calculated
in accordance with the provisions of section 198.
136. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 101, a copy of the financial
statements, including consolidated financial statements, if any, auditor’s report and every
other document required by law to be annexed or attached to the financial statements,
which are to be laid before a company in its general meeting, shall be sent to every member
of the company, to every trustee for the debenture-holder of any debentures issued by the
company, and to all persons other than such member or trustee, being the person so
entitled, not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting:
Provided that in the case of a listed company, the provisions of this sub-section shall
be deemed to be complied with, if the copies of the documents are made available for inspection
at its registered office during working hours for a period of twenty-one days before the date
of the meeting and a statement containing the salient features of such documents in the
prescribed form or copies of the documents, as the company may deem fit, is sent to every
member of the company and to every trustee for the holders of any debentures issued by the
company not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting unless the shareholders
ask for full financial statements:
Provided further that the Central Government may prescribe the manner of circulation of
financial statements of companies having such net worth and turnover as may be prescribed:
Right of
member to
copies of
audited
financial
statement.
Corporate
Social
Responsibility.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 81
Provided also that a listed company shall also place its financial statements including
consolidated financial statements, if any, and all other documents required to be attached
thereto, on its website, which is maintained by or on behalf of the company:
Provided also that every company having a subsidiary or subsidiaries shall,—
(a) place separate audited accounts in respect of each of its subsidiary on its
website, if any;
(b) provide a copy of separate audited financial statements in respect of each of
its subsidiary, to any shareholder of the company who asks for it.
(2) A company shall allow every member or trustee of the holder of any debentures
issued by the company to inspect the documents stated under sub-section (1) at its registered
office during business hours.
(3) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees.
137. (1) A copy of the financial statements, including consolidated financial statement, if
any, along with all the documents which are required to be or attached to such financial
statements under this Act, duly adopted at the annual general meeting of the company, shall be
filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the date of annual general meeting in such
manner, with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed within the time specified under
section 403:
Provided that where the financial statements under sub-section (1) are not adopted at
annual general meeting or adjourned annual general meeting, such unadopted financial
statements along with the required documents under sub-section (1) shall be filed with the
Registrar within thirty days of the date of annual general meeting and the Registrar shall take
them in his records as provisional till the financial statements are filed with him after their
adoption in the adjourned annual general meeting for that purpose:
Provided further that financial statements adopted in the adjourned annual general
meeting shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the date of such adjourned
annual general meeting with such fees or such additional fees as may be prescribed within
the time specified under section 403:
Provided also that a One Person Company shall file a copy of the financial statements duly
adopted by its member, along with all the documents which are required to be attached to such
financial statements, within one hundred eighty days from the closure of the financial year:
Provided also that a company shall, along with its financial statements to be filed with
the Registrar, attach the accounts of its subsidiary or subsidiaries which have been
incorporated outside India and which have not established their place of business in India.
(2) Where the annual general meeting of a company for any year has not been held, the
financial statements along with the documents required to be attached under sub-section
(1), duly signed along with the statement of facts and reasons for not holding the annual
general meeting shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the last date before
which the annual general meeting should have been held and in such manner, with such fees
or additional fees as may be prescribed within the time specified, under section 403.
(3) If a company fails to file the copy of the financial statements under sub-section (1)
or sub-section (2), as the case may be, before the expiry of the period specified in section 403,
the company shall be punishable with fine of one thousand rupees for every day during
which the failure continues but which shall not be more than ten lakh rupees, and the
managing director and the Chief Financial Officer of the company, if any, and, in the absence
of the managing director and the Chief Financial Officer, any other director who is charged by
the Board with the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this section, and, in the
absence of any such director, all the directors of the company, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
138. (1) Such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed shall be required to
appoint an internal auditor, who shall either be a chartered accountant or a cost accountant,
or such other professional as may be decided by the Board to conduct internal audit of the
functions and activities of the company.
Copy of
financial
statement to
be filed with
Registrar.
Internal audit.
82 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The Central Government may, by rules, prescribe the manner and the intervals in
which the internal audit shall be conducted and reported to the Board.
CHAPTER X
AUDIT AND AUDITORS
139. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, every company shall, at the first
annual general meeting, appoint an individual or a firm as an auditor who shall hold office
from the conclusion of that meeting till the conclusion of its sixth annual general meeting and
thereafter till the conclusion of every sixth meeting and the manner and procedure of selection
of auditors by the members of the company at such meeting shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that the company shall place the matter relating to such appointment for
ratification by members at every annual general meeting:
Provided further that before such appointment is made, the written consent of the
auditor to such appointment, and a certificate from him or it that the appointment, if made,
shall be in accordance with the conditions as may be prescribed, shall be obtained from the
auditor:
Provided also that the certificate shall also indicate whether the auditor satisfies the
criteria provided in section 141:
Provided also that the company shall inform the auditor concerned of his or its
appointment, and also file a notice of such appointment with the Registrar within fifteen days
of the meeting in which the auditor is appointed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, “appointment” includes reappointment.
(2) No listed company or a company belonging to such class or classes of companies
as may be prescribed, shall appoint or re-appoint—
(a) an individual as auditor for more than one term of five consecutive years;
and
(b) an audit firm as auditor for more than two terms of five consecutive years:
Provided that—
(i) an individual auditor who has completed his term under clause (a) shall
not be eligible for re-appointment as auditor in the same company for five years
from the completion of his term;
(ii) an audit firm which has completed its term under clause (b), shall not
be eligible for re-appointment as auditor in the same company for five years from
the completion of such term:
Provided further that as on the date of appointment no audit firm having a common
partner or partners to the other audit firm, whose tenure has expired in a company immediately
preceding the financial year, shall be appointed as auditor of the same company for a period
of five years:
Provided also that every company, existing on or before the commencement of this Act
which is required to comply with provisions of this sub-section, shall comply with the
requirements of this sub-section within three years from the date of commencement of this Act:
Provided also that, nothing contained in this sub-section shall prejudice the right of
the company to remove an auditor or the right of the auditor to resign from such office of the
company.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, members of a company may resolve to
provide that—
(a) in the audit firm appointed by it, the auditing partner and his team shall be
rotated at such intervals as may be resolved by members; or
(b) the audit shall be conducted by more than one auditor.
(4) The Central Government may, by rules, prescribe the manner in which the companies
shall rotate their auditors in pursuance of sub-section (2).
Appointment
of auditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 83
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, the word “firm” shall include a limited
liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in the case of a Government
company or any other company owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Central
Government, or by any State Government or Governments, or partly by the Central Government
and partly by one or more State Governments, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
shall, in respect of a financial year, appoint an auditor duly qualified to be appointed as an
auditor of companies under this Act, within a period of one hundred and eighty days from
the commencement of the financial year, who shall hold office till the conclusion of the
annual general meeting.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the first auditor of a
company, other than a Government company, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
within thirty days from the date of registration of the company and in the case of failure of the
Board to appoint such auditor, it shall inform the members of the company, who shall within
ninety days at an extraordinary general meeting appoint such auditor and such auditor shall
hold office till the conclusion of the first annual general meeting.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (5), in the
case of a Government company or any other company owned or controlled, directly or
indirectly, by the Central Government, or by any State Government, or Governments, or
partly by the Central Government and partly by one or more State Governments, the first
auditor shall be appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India within sixty days
from the date of registration of the company and in case the Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India does not appoint such auditor within the said period, the Board of Directors of the
company shall appoint such auditor within the next thirty days; and in the case of failure of
the Board to appoint such auditor within the next thirty days, it shall inform the members of
the company who shall appoint such auditor within the sixty days at an extraordinary general
meeting, who shall hold office till the conclusion of the first annual general meeting.
(8) Any casual vacancy in the office of an auditor shall—
(i) in the case of a company other than a company whose accounts are subject to
audit by an auditor appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be filled
by the Board of Directors within thirty days, but if such casual vacancy is as a result of
the resignation of an auditor, such appointment shall also be approved by the company
at a general meeting convened within three months of the recommendation of the Board
and he shall hold the office till the conclusion of the next annual general meeting;
(ii) in the case of a company whose accounts are subject to audit by an auditor
appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be filled by the Comptroller
and Auditor-General of India within thirty days:
Provided that in case the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India does not fill
the vacancy within the said period, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy within
next thirty days.
(9) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1) and the rules made thereunder, a
retiring auditor may be re-appointed at an annual general meeting, if—
(a) he is not disqualified for re-appointment;
(b) he has not given the company a notice in writing of his unwillingness to be
re-appointed; and
(c) a special resolution has not been passed at that meeting appointing some
other auditor or providing expressly that he shall not be re-appointed.
(10) Where at any annual general meeting, no auditor is appointed or re-appointed, the
existing auditor shall continue to be the auditor of the company.
(11) Where a company is required to constitute an Audit Committee under section 177,
all appointments, including the filling of a casual vacancy of an auditor under this section
shall be made after taking into account the recommendations of such committee.
140. (1) The auditor appointed under section 139 may be removed from his office
before the expiry of his term only by a special resolution of the company, after obtaining the
previous approval of the Central Government in that behalf in the prescribed manner:
Provided that before taking any action under this sub-section, the auditor concerned
shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
Removal,
resignation of
auditor and
giving of
special
notice.
6 of 2009.
84 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The auditor who has resigned from the company shall file within a period of thirty
days from the date of resignation, a statement in the prescribed form with the company and
the Registrar, and in case of companies referred to in sub-section (5) of section 139,
the auditor shall also file such statement with the Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India, indicating the reasons and other facts as may be relevant with regard to his
resignation.
(3) If the auditor does not comply with sub-section (2), he or it shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(4) (i) Special notice shall be required for a resolution at an annual general meeting
appointing as auditor a person other than a retiring auditor, or providing expressly that a
retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed, except where the retiring auditor has completed a
consecutive tenure of five years or, as the case may be, ten years, as provided under
sub-section (2) of section 139.
(ii) On receipt of notice of such a resolution, the company shall forthwith send a copy
thereof to the retiring auditor.
(iii) Where notice is given of such a resolution and the retiring auditor makes with
respect thereto representation in writing to the company (not exceeding a reasonable length)
and requests its notification to members of the company, the company shall, unless the
representation is received by it too late for it to do so,—
(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the
fact of the representation having been made; and
(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom
notice of the meeting is sent, whether before or after the receipt of the representation
by the company,
and if a copy of the representation is not sent as aforesaid because it was received too late
or because of the company’s default, the auditor may (without prejudice to his right to be
heard orally) require that the representation shall be read out at the meeting:
Provided that if a copy of representation is not sent as aforesaid, a copy thereof shall
be filed with the Registrar:
Provided further that if the Tribunal is satisfied on an application either of the company
or of any other aggrieved person that the rights conferred by this sub-section are being
abused by the auditor, then, the copy of the representation may not be sent and the
representation need not be read out at the meeting.
(5) Without prejudice to any action under the provisions of this Act or any other law
for the time being in force, the Tribunal either suo motu or on an application made to it by the
Central Government or by any person concerned, if it is satisfied that the auditor of a
company has, whether directly or indirectly, acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or
colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its directors or officers, it may, by
order, direct the company to change its auditors:
Provided that if the application is made by the Central Government and the Tribunal is
satisfied that any change of the auditor is required, it shall within fifteen days of receipt of
such application, make an order that he shall not function as an auditor and the Central
Government may appoint another auditor in his place:
Provided further that an auditor, whether individual or firm, against whom final order
has been passed by the Tribunal under this section shall not be eligible to be appointed as
an auditor of any company for a period of five years from the date of passing of the order and
the auditor shall also be liable for action under section 447.
Explanation I.—It is hereby clarified that the case of a firm, the liability shall be of the
firm and that of every partner or partners who acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or
colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its director or officers.
Explanation II.—For the purposes of this Chapter the word “auditor” includes a firm
of auditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 85
141. (1) A person shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor of a company only if
he is a chartered accountant:
Provided that a firm whereof majority of partners practising in India are qualified for
appointment as aforesaid may be appointed by its firm name to be auditor of a company.
(2) Where a firm including a limited liability partnership is appointed as an auditor of a
company, only the partners who are chartered accountants shall be authorised to act and
sign on behalf of the firm.
(3) The following persons shall not be eligible for appointment as an auditor of a
company, namely:—
(a) a body corporate other than a limited liability partnership registered under
the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008;
(b) an officer or employee of the company;
(c) a person who is a partner, or who is in the employment, of an officer or
employee of the company;
(d) a person who, or his relative or partner—
(i) is holding any security of or interest in the company or its subsidiary, or
of its holding or associate company or a subsidiary of such holding company:
Provided that the relative may hold security or interest in the company of
face value not exceeding one thousand rupees or such sum as may be prescribed;
(ii) is indebted to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate
company or a subsidiary of such holding company, in excess of such amount as
may be prescribed; or
(iii) has given a guarantee or provided any security in connection with the
indebtedness of any third person to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding
or associate company or a subsidiary of such holding company, for such amount
as may be prescribed;
(e) a person or a firm who, whether directly or indirectly, has business relationship
with the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or subsidiary
of such holding company or associate company of such nature as may be prescribed;
(f) a person whose relative is a director or is in the employment of the company
as a director or key managerial personnel;
(g) a person who is in full time employment elsewhere or a person or a partner of
a firm holding appointment as its auditor, if such persons or partner is at the date of
such appointment or reappointment holding appointment as auditor of more than
twenty companies;
(h) a person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving fraud
and a period of ten years has not elapsed from the date of such conviction;
(i) any person whose subsidiary or associate company or any other form of
entity, is engaged as on the date of appointment in consulting and specialised services
as provided in section 144.
(4) Where a person appointed as an auditor of a company incurs any of the
disqualifications mentioned in sub-section (3) after his appointment, he shall vacate his
office as such auditor and such vacation shall be deemed to be a casual vacancy in the office
of the auditor.
142. (1) The remuneration of the auditor of a company shall be fixed in its general
meeting or in such manner as may be determined therein:
Provided that the Board may fix remuneration of the first auditor appointed by it.
(2) The remuneration under sub-section (1) shall, in addition to the fee payable to an
auditor, include the expenses, if any, incurred by the auditor in connection with the audit of
the company and any facility extended to him but does not include any remuneration paid to
him for any other service rendered by him at the request of the company.
Remuneration
of auditors.
Eligibility,
qualifications
and disqualifications
of
auditors.
6 of 2009.
86 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
143. (1) Every auditor of a company shall have a right of access at all times to the
books of account and vouchers of the company, whether kept at the registered office of the
company or at any other place and shall be entitled to require from the officers of the
company such information and explanation as he may consider necessary for the performance
of his duties as auditor and amongst other matters inquire into the following matters, namely:—
(a) whether loans and advances made by the company on the basis of security
have been properly secured and whether the terms on which they have been made are
prejudicial to the interests of the company or its members;
(b) whether transactions of the company which are represented merely by book
entries are prejudicial to the interests of the company;
(c) where the company not being an investment company or a banking company,
whether so much of the assets of the company as consist of shares, debentures and
other securities have been sold at a price less than that at which they were purchased
by the company;
(d) whether loans and advances made by the company have been shown as
deposits;
(e) whether personal expenses have been charged to revenue account;
(f) where it is stated in the books and documents of the company that any shares
have been allotted for cash, whether cash has actually been received in respect of
such allotment, and if no cash has actually been so received, whether the position as
stated in the account books and the balance sheet is correct, regular and not misleading:
Provided that the auditor of a company which is a holding company shall also have
the right of access to the records of all its subsidiaries in so far as it relates to the consolidation
of its financial statements with that of its subsidiaries.
(2) The auditor shall make a report to the members of the company on the accounts
examined by him and on every financial statements which are required by or under this Act
to be laid before the company in general meeting and the report shall after taking into
account the provisions of this Act, the accounting and auditing standards and matters
which are required to be included in the audit report under the provisions of this Act or any
rules made thereunder or under any order made under sub-section (11) and to the best of his
information and knowledge, the said accounts, financial statements give a true and fair view
of the state of the company’s affairs as at the end of its financial year and profit or loss and
cash flow for the year and such other matters as may be prescribed.
(3) The auditor’s report shall also state—
(a) whether he has sought and obtained all the information and explanations
which to the best of his knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of his
audit and if not, the details thereof and the effect of such information on the financial
statements;
(b) whether, in his opinion, proper books of account as required by law have
been kept by the company so far as appears from his examination of those books and
proper returns adequate for the purposes of his audit have been received from branches
not visited by him;
(c) whether the report on the accounts of any branch office of the company
audited under sub-section (8) by a person other than the company’s auditor has been
sent to him under the proviso to that sub-section and the manner in which he has dealt
with it in preparing his report;
(d) whether the company’s balance sheet and profit and loss account dealt with
in the report are in agreement with the books of account and returns;
(e) whether, in his opinion, the financial statements comply with the accounting
standards;
(f) the observations or comments of the auditors on financial transactions or
matters which have any adverse effect on the functioning of the company;
(g) whether any director is disqualified from being appointed as a director under
sub-section (2) of section 164;
(h) any qualification, reservation or adverse remark relating to the maintenance
of accounts and other matters connected therewith;
Powers and
duties of
auditors and
auditing
standards.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 87
(i) whether the company has adequate internal financial controls system in
place and the operating effectiveness of such controls;
(j) such other matters as may be prescribed.
(4) Where any of the matters required to be included in the audit report under this
section is answered in the negative or with a qualification, the report shall state the reasons
therefor.
(5) In the case of a Government company, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
shall appoint the auditor under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 139 and direct
such auditor the manner in which the accounts of the Government company are required to
be audited and thereupon the auditor so appointed shall submit a copy of the audit report to
the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India which, among other things, include the
directions, if any, issued by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, the action taken
thereon and its impact on the accounts and financial statement of the company.
(6) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India shall within sixty days from the date
of receipt of the audit report under sub-section (5) have a right to,—
(a) conduct a supplementary audit of the financial statement of the company by
such person or persons as he may authorise in this behalf; and for the purposes of
such audit, require information or additional information to be furnished to any person
or persons, so authorised, on such matters, by such person or persons, and in such
form, as the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India may direct; and
(b) comment upon or supplement such audit report:
Provided that any comments given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India upon, or supplement to, the audit report shall be sent by the company to every
person entitled to copies of audited financial statements under sub section (1) of
section 136 and also be placed before the annual general meeting of the company at
the same time and in the same manner as the audit report.
(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Chapter, the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India may, in case of any company covered under sub-section (5) or sub-section
(7) of section 139, if he considers necessary, by an order, cause test audit to be conducted of
the accounts of such company and the provisions of section 19A of the Comptroller and
Auditor-General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, shall apply to the
report of such test audit.
(8) Where a company has a branch office, the accounts of that office shall be audited
either by the auditor appointed for the company (herein referred to as the company’s auditor)
under this Act or by any other person qualified for appointment as an auditor of the company
under this Act and appointed as such under section 139, or where the branch office is
situated in a country outside India, the accounts of the branch office shall be audited either
by the company’s auditor or by an accountant or by any other person duly qualified to act as
an auditor of the accounts of the branch office in accordance with the laws of that country
and the duties and powers of the company’s auditor with reference to the audit of the branch
and the branch auditor, if any, shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that the branch auditor shall prepare a report on the accounts of the branch
examined by him and send it to the auditor of the company who shall deal with it in his report
in such manner as he considers necessary.
(9) Every auditor shall comply with the auditing standards.
(10) The Central Government may prescribe the standards of auditing or any addendum
thereto, as recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, constituted
under section 3 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, in consultation with and after
examination of the recommendations made by the National Financial Reporting Authority:
Provided that until any auditing standards are notified, any standard or standards of
auditing specified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India shall be deemed to be
the auditing standards.
38 of 1949.
56 of 1971.
88 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(11) The Central Government may, in consultation with the National Financial Reporting
Authority, by general or special order, direct, in respect of such class or description of
companies, as may be specified in the order, that the auditor’s report shall also include a
statement on such matters as may be specified therein.
(12) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, if an auditor of a company, in
the course of the performance of his duties as auditor, has reason to believe that an offence
involving fraud is being or has been committed against the company by officers or employees
of the company, he shall immediately report the matter to the Central Government within such
time and in such manner as may be prescribed.
(13) No duty to which an auditor of a company may be subject to shall be regarded as
having been contravened by reason of his reporting the matter referred to in sub-section (12)
if it is done in good faith.
(14) The provisions of this section shall mutatis mutandis apply to—
(a) the cost accountant in practice conducting cost audit under section 148; or
(b) the company secretary in practice conducting secretarial audit under
section 204.
(15) If any auditor, cost accountant or company secretary in practice do not comply
with the provisions of sub-section (12), he shall be punishable with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees.
144. An auditor appointed under this Act shall provide to the company only such
other services as are approved by the Board of Directors or the audit committee, as the case
may be, but which shall not include any of the following services (whether such services are
rendered directly or indirectly to the company or its holding company or subsidiary company,
namely:—
(a) accounting and book keeping services;
(b) internal audit;
(c) design and implementation of any financial information system;
(d) actuarial services;
(e) investment advisory services;
(f) investment banking services;
(g) rendering of outsourced financial services;
(h) management services; and
(i) any other kind of services as may be prescribed:
Provided that an auditor or audit firm who or which has been performing any non-audit
services on or before the commencement of this Act shall comply with the provisions of this
section before the closure of the first financial year after the date of such commencement.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the term “directly or indirectly”
shall include rendering of services by the auditor,—
(i) in case of auditor being an individual, either himself or through his relative or
any other person connected or associated with such individual or through any other
entity, whatsoever, in which such individual has significant influence or control, or
whose name or trade mark or brand is used by such individual;
(ii) in case of auditor being a firm, either itself or through any of its partners or
through its parent, subsidiary or associate entity or through any other entity,
whatsoever, in which the firm or any partner of the firm has significant influence or
control, or whose name or trade mark or brand is used by the firm or any of its partners.
145. The person appointed as an auditor of the company shall sign the auditor’s report
or sign or certify any other document of the company in accordance with the provisions of
sub-section (2) of section 141, and the qualifications, observations or comments on financial
transactions or matters, which have any adverse effect on the functioning of the company
mentioned in the auditor’s report shall be read before the company in general meeting and
shall be open to inspection by any member of the company.
Auditor not
to render
certain
services.
Auditor to
sign audit
reports, etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 89
146. All notices of, and other communications relating to, any general meeting shall be
forwarded to the auditor of the company, and the auditor shall, unless otherwise exempted
by the company, attend either by himself or through his authorised representative, who shall
also be qualified to be an auditor, any general meeting and shall have right to be heard at
such meeting on any part of the business which concerns him as the auditor.
147. (1) If any of the provisions of sections 139 to 146 (both inclusive) is contravened,
the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or
with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
(2) If an auditor of a company contravenes any of the provisions of section 139,
section 143, section 144 or section 145, the auditor shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees:
Provided that if an auditor has contravened such provisions knowingly or wilfully
with the intention to deceive the company or its shareholders or creditors or tax authorities,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees.
(3) Where an auditor has been convicted under sub-section (2), he shall be liable to—
(i) refund the remuneration received by him to the company; and
(ii) pay for damages to the company, statutory bodies or authorities or to any
other persons for loss arising out of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars
made in his audit report.
(4) The Central Government shall, by notification, specify any statutory body or
authority or an officer for ensuring prompt payment of damages to the company or the
persons under clause (ii) of sub-section (3) and such body, authority or officer shall after
payment of damages to such company or persons file a report with the Central Government
in respect of making such damages in such manner as may be specified in the said notification.
(5) Where, in case of audit of a company being conducted by an audit firm, it is proved
that the partner or partners of the audit firm has or have acted in a fraudulent manner or
abetted or colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to or by, the company or its directors or
officers, the liability, whether civil or criminal as provided in this Act or in any other law for
the time being in force, for such act shall be of the partner or partners concerned of the audit
firm and of the firm jointly and severally.
148. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the Central Government
may, by order, in respect of such class of companies engaged in the production of such
goods or providing such services as may be prescribed, direct that particulars relating to the
utilisation of material or labour or to other items of cost as may be prescribed shall also be
included in the books of account kept by that class of companies:
Provided that the Central Government shall, before issuing such order in respect of
any class of companies regulated under a special Act, consult the regulatory body constituted
or established under such special Act.
(2) If the Central Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to do so, it may, by
order, direct that the audit of cost records of class of companies, which are covered under
sub-section (1) and which have a net worth of such amount as may be prescribed or a
turnover of such amount as may be prescribed, shall be conducted in the manner specified
in the order.
(3) The audit under sub-section (2) shall be conducted by a Cost Accountant in
practice who shall be appointed by the Board on such remuneration as may be determined by
the members in such manner as may be prescribed:
Auditors to
attend general
meeting.
Central
Government
to specify
audit of items
of cost in
respect of
certain
companies.
Punishment
for contravention.
90 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that no person appointed under section 139 as an auditor of the company
shall be appointed for conducting the audit of cost records:
Provided further that the auditor conducting the cost audit shall comply with the cost
auditing standards.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “cost auditing
standards” mean such standards as are issued by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants
of India, constituted under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959, with the approval of
the Central Government.
(4) An audit conducted under this section shall be in addition to the audit conducted
under section 143.
(5) The qualifications, disqualifications, rights, duties and obligations applicable to
auditors under this Chapter shall, so far as may be applicable, apply to a cost auditor appointed
under this section and it shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities
to the cost auditor appointed under this section for auditing the cost records of the company:
Provided that the report on the audit of cost records shall be submitted by the cost
accountant in practice to the Board of Directors of the company.
(6) A company shall within thirty days from the date of receipt of a copy of the cost
audit report prepared in pursuance of a direction under sub-section (2) furnish the Central
Government with such report along with full information and explanation on every reservation
or qualification contained therein.
(7) If, after considering the cost audit report referred to under this section and the
information and explanation furnished by the company under sub-section (6), the Central
Government is of the opinion that any further information or explanation is necessary, it may
call for such further information and explanation and the company shall furnish the same
within such time as may be specified by that Government.
(8) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section,—
(a) the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable in the manner as provided in sub-section (1) of section 147;
(b) the cost auditor of the company who is in default shall be punishable in the
manner as provided in sub-sections (2) to (4) of section 147.
CHAPTER XI
APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS OF DIRECTORS
149. (1) Every company shall have a Board of Directors consisting of individuals as
directors and shall have—
(a) a minimum number of three directors in the case of a public company, two
directors in the case of a private company, and one director in the case of a One Person
Company; and
(b) a maximum of fifteen directors:
Provided that a company may appoint more than fifteen directors after passing a
special resolution:
Provided further that such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed, shall
have at least one woman director.
(2) Every company existing on or before the date of commencement of this Act shall
within one year from such commencement comply with the requirements of the provisions of
sub-section (1).
(3) Every company shall have at least one director who has stayed in India for a total
period of not less than one hundred and eighty-two days in the previous calendar year.
(4) Every listed public company shall have at least one-third of the total number of
directors as independent directors and the Central Government may prescribe the minimum
number of independent directors in case of any class or classes of public companies.
Company to
have Board of
Directors.
23 of 1959.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 91
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, any fraction contained in such
one-third number shall be rounded off as one.
(5) Every company existing on or before the date of commencement of this Act shall,
within one year from such commencement or from the date of notification of the rules in
this regard as may be applicable, comply with the requirements of the provisions of
sub-section (4).
(6) An independent director in relation to a company, means a director other than a
managing director or a whole-time director or a nominee director,—
(a) who, in the opinion of the Board, is a person of integrity and possesses
relevant expertise and experience;
(b) (i) who is or was not a promoter of the company or its holding, subsidiary or
associate company;
(ii) who is not related to promoters or directors in the company, its holding,
subsidiary or associate company;
(c) who has or had no pecuniary relationship with the company, its holding,
subsidiary or associate company, or their promoters, or directors, during the two
immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year;
(d) none of whose relatives has or had pecuniary relationship or transaction
with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company, or their promoters, or
directors, amounting to two per cent. or more of its gross turnover or total income or
fifty lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed, whichever is lower,
during the two immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial
year;
(e) who, neither himself nor any of his relatives—
(i) holds or has held the position of a key managerial personnel or is or
has been employee of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate
company in any of the three financial years immediately preceding the financial
year in which he is proposed to be appointed;
(ii) is or has been an employee or proprietor or a partner, in any of the
three financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which he is
proposed to be appointed, of—
(A) a firm of auditors or company secretaries in practice or cost auditors
of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate company; or
(B) any legal or a consulting firm that has or had any transaction
with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company amounting
to ten per cent. or more of the gross turnover of such firm;
(iii) holds together with his relatives two per cent. or more of the total
voting power of the company; or
(iv) is a Chief Executive or director, by whatever name called, of any nonprofit
organisation that receives twenty-five per cent. or more of its receipts from
the company, any of its promoters, directors or its holding, subsidiary or associate
company or that holds two per cent. or more of the total voting power of the
company; or
(f) who possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed.
(7) Every independent director shall at the first meeting of the Board in which he
participates as a director and thereafter at the first meeting of the Board in every financial
year or whenever there is any change in the circumstances which may affect his status as an
independent director, give a declaration that he meets the criteria of independence as provided
in sub-section (6).
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “nominee director” means a director
nominated by any financial institution in pursuance of the provisions of any law for the time
being in force, or of any agreement, or appointed by any Government, or any other person to
represent its interests.
92 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(8) The company and independent directors shall abide by the provisions specified in
Schedule IV.
(9) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, but subject
to the provisions of sections 197 and 198, an independent director shall not be entitled to any
stock option and may receive remuneration by way of fee provided under sub-section (5) of
section 197, reimbursement of expenses for participation in the Board and other meetings
and profit related commission as may be approved by the members.
(10) Subject to the provisions of section 152, an independent director shall hold office
for a term up to five consecutive years on the Board of a company, but shall be eligible for reappointment
on passing of a special resolution by the company and disclosure of such
appointment in the Board's report.
(11) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (10), no independent director
shall hold office for more than two consecutive terms, but such independent director shall be
eligible for appointment after the expiration of three years of ceasing to become an independent
director:
Provided that an independent director shall not, during the said period of three years, be
appointed in or be associated with the company in any other capacity, either directly or indirectly.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-sections (10) and (11), any tenure of an
independent director on the date of commencement of this Act shall not be counted as a term
under those sub-sections.
(12) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—
(i) an independent director;
(ii) a non-executive director not being promoter or key managerial personnel,
shall be held liable, only in respect of such acts of omission or commission by a company
which had occurred with his knowledge, attributable through Board processes, and with his
consent or connivance or where he had not acted diligently.
(13) The provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7) of section 152 in respect of retirement
of directors by rotation shall not be applicable to appointment of independent directors.
150. (1) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (5) of section 149, an
independent director may be selected from a data bank containing names, addresses and
qualifications of persons who are eligible and willing to act as independent directors,
maintained by any body, institute or association, as may by notified by the Central
Government, having expertise in creation and maintenance of such data bank and put on
their website for the use by the company making the appointment of such directors:
Provided that responsibility of exercising due diligence before selecting a person from
the data bank referred to above, as an independent director shall lie with the company
making such appointment.
(2) The appointment of independent director shall be approved by the company in
general meeting as provided in sub-section (2) of section 152 and the explanatory statement
annexed to the notice of the general meeting called to consider the said appointment shall
indicate the justification for choosing the appointee for appointment as independent director.
(3) The data bank referred to in sub-section (1), shall create and maintain data of
persons willing to act as independent director in accordance with such rules as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may prescribe the manner and procedure of selection
of independent directors who fulfil the qualifications and requirements specified under
section 149.
151. A listed company may have one director elected by such small shareholders in
such manner and with such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section “small shareholders” means a
shareholder holding shares of nominal value of not more than twenty thousand rupees or
such other sum as may be prescribed.
Manner of
selection of
independent
directors and
maintenance
of databank
of independent
directors.
Appointment
of director
elected by
small
shareholders.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 93
Appointment
of directors.
152. (1) Where no provision is made in the articles of a company for the appointment
of the first director, the subscribers to the memorandum who are individuals shall be deemed
to be the first directors of the company until the directors are duly appointed and in case of
a One Person Company an individual being member shall be deemed to be its first director
until the director or directors are duly appointed by the member in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, every director shall be appointed
by the company in general meeting.
(3) No person shall be appointed as a director of a company unless he has been
allotted the Director Identification Number under section 154.
(4) Every person proposed to be appointed as a director by the company in general
meeting or otherwise, shall furnish his Director Identification Number and a declaration that
he is not disqualified to become a director under this Act.
(5) A person appointed as a director shall not act as a director unless he gives his
consent to hold the office as director and such consent has been filed with the Registrar
within thirty days of his appointment in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that in the case of appointment of an independent director in the general
meeting, an explanatory statement for such appointment, annexed to the notice for the
general meeting, shall include a statement that in the opinion of the Board, he fulfils the
conditions specified in this Act for such an appointment.
(6) (a) Unless the articles provide for the retirement of all directors at every annual
general meeting, not less than two-thirds of the total number of directors of a public company
shall—
(i) be persons whose period of office is liable to determination by retirement of
directors by rotation; and
(ii) save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, be appointed by the
company in general meeting.
(b) The remaining directors in the case of any such company shall, in default of, and
subject to any regulations in the articles of the company, also be appointed by the company
in general meeting.
(c) At the first annual general meeting of a public company held next after the date of
the general meeting at which the first directors are appointed in accordance with clauses (a)
and (b) and at every subsequent annual general meeting, one-third of such of the directors
for the time being as are liable to retire by rotation, or if their number is neither three nor a
multiple of three, then, the number nearest to one-third, shall retire from office.
(d) The directors to retire by rotation at every annual general meeting shall be those
who have been longest in office since their last appointment, but as between persons who
became directors on the same day, those who are to retire shall, in default of and subject to
any agreement among themselves, be determined by lot.
94 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Application
for allotment
of Director
Identification
Number.
Allotment of
Director
Identification
Number.
Prohibition to
obtain more
than one
Director
Identification
Number.
Director to
intimate
Director
Identification
Number.
Company to
inform
Director
Identification
Number to
Registrar.
(e) At the annual general meeting at which a director retires as aforesaid, the company
may fill up the vacancy by appointing the retiring director or some other person thereto.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “total number of directors” shall
not include independent directors, whether appointed under this Act or any other law for the
time being in force, on the Board of a company.
(7) (a) If the vacancy of the retiring director is not so filled-up and the meeting has not
expressly resolved not to fill the vacancy, the meeting shall stand adjourned till the same day
in the next week, at the same time and place, or if that day is a national holiday, till the next
succeeding day which is not a holiday, at the same time and place.
(b) If at the adjourned meeting also, the vacancy of the retiring director is not filled up
and that meeting also has not expressly resolved not to fill the vacancy, the retiring director
shall be deemed to have been re-appointed at the adjourned meeting, unless—
(i) at that meeting or at the previous meeting a resolution for the re-appointment
of such director has been put to the meeting and lost;
(ii) the retiring director has, by a notice in writing addressed to the company or
its Board of directors, expressed his unwillingness to be so re-appointed;
(iii) he is not qualified or is disqualified for appointment;
(iv) a resolution, whether special or ordinary, is required for his appointment or
re-appointment by virtue of any provisions of this Act; or
(v) section 162 is applicable to the case.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section and section 160, the expression “retiring
director” means a director retiring by rotation.
153. Every individual intending to be appointed as director of a company shall make
an application for allotment of Director Identification Number to the Central Government in
such form and manner and along with such fees as may be prescribed.
154. The Central Government shall, within one month from the receipt of the application
under section 153, allot a Director Identification Number to an applicant in such manner as
may be prescribed.
155. No individual, who has already been allotted a Director Identification Number
under section 154, shall apply for, obtain or possess another Director Identification Number.
156. Every existing director shall, within one month of the receipt of Director
Identification Number from the Central Government, intimate his Director Identification Number
to the company or all companies wherein he is a director.
157. (1) Every company shall, within fifteen days of the receipt of intimation under
section 156, furnish the Director Identification Number of all its directors to the Registrar or
any other officer or authority as may be specified by the Central Government with such fees
as may be prescribed or with such additional fees as may be prescribed within the time
specified under section 403 and every such intimation shall be furnished in such form and
manner as may be prescribed.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 95
Right of
persons other
than retiring
directors to
stand for
directorship.
Appointment
of additional
director,
alternate
director and
nominee
director.
(2) If a company fails to furnish Director Identification Number under sub-section (1),
before the expiry of the period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company
shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but
which may extend to one lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to one lakh rupees.
158. Every person or company, while furnishing any return, information or particulars
as are required to be furnished under this Act, shall mention the Director Identification
Number in such return, information or particulars in case such return, information or particulars
relate to the director or contain any reference of any director.
159. If any individual or director of a company, contravenes any of the provisions of
section 152, section 155 and section 156, such individual or director of the company shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which
may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where the contravention is a continuing one, with
a further fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for every day after the first during
which the contravention continues.
160. (1) A person who is not a retiring director in terms of section 152 shall, subject to
the provisions of this Act, be eligible for appointment to the office of a director at any general
meeting, if he, or some member intending to propose him as a director, has, not less than
fourteen days before the meeting, left at the registered office of the company, a notice in
writing under his hand signifying his candidature as a director or, as the case may be, the
intention of such member to propose him as a candidate for that office, along with the
deposit of one lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall be
refunded to such person or, as the case may be, to the member, if the person proposed gets
elected as a director or gets more than twenty-five per cent. of total valid votes cast either on
show of hands or on poll on such resolution.
(2) The company shall inform its members of the candidature of a person for the office
of director under sub-section (1) in such manner as may be prescribed.
161. (1) The articles of a company may confer on its Board of Directors the power to
appoint any person, other than a person who fails to get appointed as a director in a general
meeting, as an additional director at any time who shall hold office up to the date of the next
annual general meeting or the last date on which the annual general meeting should have
been held, whichever is earlier.
(2) The Board of Directors of a company may, if so authorised by its articles or by a
resolution passed by the company in general meeting, appoint a person, not being a person
holding any alternate directorship for any other director in the company, to act as an alternate
director for a director during his absence for a period of not less than three months from
India:
Provided that no person shall be appointed as an alternate director for an independent
director unless he is qualified to be appointed as an independent director under the provisions
of this Act:
Provided further that an alternate director shall not hold office for a period longer than
that permissible to the director in whose place he has been appointed and shall vacate the
office if and when the director in whose place he has been appointed returns to India:
Obligation to
indicate
Director
Identification
Number.
Punishment
for
contravention.
96 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Option to
adopt
principle of
proportional
representation
for
appointment
of directors.
Disqualifications
for
appointment
of director.
Provided also that if the term of office of the original director is determined before he so
returns to India, any provision for the automatic re-appointment of retiring directors in
default of another appointment shall apply to the original, and not to the alternate director.
(3) Subject to the articles of a company, the Board may appoint any person as a
director nominated by any institution in pursuance of the provisions of any law for the time
being in force or of any agreement or by the Central Government or the State Government by
virtue of its shareholding in a Government company.
(4) In the case of a public company, if the office of any director appointed by the
company in general meeting is vacated before his term of office expires in the normal course,
the resulting casual vacancy may, in default of and subject to any regulations in the articles
of the company, be filled by the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board:
Provided that any person so appointed shall hold office only up to the date up to
which the director in whose place he is appointed would have held office if it had not been
vacated.
162. (1) At a general meeting of a company, a motion for the appointment of two or
more persons as directors of the company by a single resolution shall not be moved unless
a proposal to move such a motion has first been agreed to at the meeting without any vote
being cast against it.
(2) A resolution moved in contravention of sub-section (1) shall be void, whether or
not any objection was taken when it was moved.
(3) A motion for approving a person for appointment, or for nominating a person for
appointment as a director, shall be treated as a motion for his appointment.
163. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the articles of a company may
provide for the appointment of not less than two-thirds of the total number of the directors
of a company in accordance with the principle of proportional representation, whether by the
single transferable vote or by a system of cumulative voting or otherwise and such
appointments may be made once in every three years and casual vacancies of such directors
shall be filled as provided in sub-section (4) of section 161.
164. (1) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as a director of a company, if —
(a) he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
(b) he is an undischarged insolvent;
(c) he has applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent and his application is pending;
(d) he has been convicted by a court of any offence, whether involving moral
turpitude or otherwise, and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less
than six months and a period of five years has not elapsed from the date of expiry of the
sentence:
Provided that if a person has been convicted of any offence and sentenced in
respect thereof to imprisonment for a period of seven years or more, he shall not be
eligible to be appointed as a director in any company;
Appointment
of directors
to be voted
individually.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 97
Number of
directorships.
(e) an order disqualifying him for appointment as a director has been passed by
a court or Tribunal and the order is in force;
(f) he has not paid any calls in respect of any shares of the company held by him,
whether alone or jointly with others, and six months have elapsed from the last day
fixed for the payment of the call;
(g) he has been convicted of the offence dealing with related party transactions
under section 188 at any time during the last preceding five years; or
(h) he has not complied with sub-section (3) of section 152.
(2) No person who is or has been a director of a company which—
(a) has not filed financial statements or annual returns for any continuous period
of three financial years; or
(b) has failed to repay the deposits accepted by it or pay interest thereon or to
redeem any debentures on the due date or pay interest due thereon or pay any dividend
declared and such failure to pay or redeem continues for one year or more,
shall be eligible to be re-appointed as a director of that company or appointed in other
company for a period of five years from the date on which the said company fails to do so.
(3) A private company may by its articles provide for any disqualifications for
appointment as a director in addition to those specified in sub-sections (1) and (2):
Provided that the disqualifications referred to in clauses (d), (e) and (g) of sub-section
(1) shall not take effect—
(i) for thirty days from the date of conviction or order of disqualification;
(ii) where an appeal or petition is preferred within thirty days as aforesaid against
the conviction resulting in sentence or order, until expiry of seven days from the date
on which such appeal or petition is disposed off; or
(iii) where any further appeal or petition is preferred against order or sentence
within seven days, until such further appeal or petition is disposed off.
165. (1) No person, after the commencement of this Act, shall hold office as a director,
including any alternate directorship, in more than twenty companies at the same time:
Provided that the maximum number of public companies in which a person can be
appointed as a director shall not exceed ten.
Explanation.— For reckoning the limit of public companies in which a person can be
appointed as director, directorship in private companies that are either holding or subsidiary
company of a public company shall be included.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the members of a company may, by
special resolution, specify any lesser number of companies in which a director of the
company may act as directors.
98 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) Any person holding office as director in companies more than the limits as specified
in sub-section (1), immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, within a period of
one year from such commencement,—
(a) choose not more than the specified limit of those companies, as companies in
which he wishes to continue to hold the office of director;
(b) resign his office as director in the other remaining companies; and
(c) intimate the choice made by him under clause (a), to each of the companies in
which he was holding the office of director before such commencement and to the
Registrar having jurisdiction in respect of each such company.
(4) Any resignation made in pursuance of clause (b) of sub-section (3) shall become
effective immediately on the despatch thereof to the company concerned.
(5) No such person shall act as director in more than the specified number of
companies,—
(a) after despatching the resignation of his office as director or non-executive
director thereof, in pursuance of clause (b) of sub-section (3); or
(b) after the expiry of one year from the commencement of this Act,
whichever is earlier.
(6) If a person accepts an appointment as a director in contravention of
sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five thousand
rupees but which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the contravention continues.
166. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a director of a company shall act in
accordance with the articles of the company.
(2) A director of a company shall act in good faith in order to promote the objects of the
company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in the best interests of the company,
its employees, the shareholders, the community and for the protection of environment.
(3) A director of a company shall exercise his duties with due and reasonable care, skill
and diligence and shall exercise independent judgment.
(4) A director of a company shall not involve in a situation in which he may have a
direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interest of the
company.
(5) A director of a company shall not achieve or attempt to achieve any undue gain or
advantage either to himself or to his relatives, partners, or associates and if such director is
found guilty of making any undue gain, he shall be liable to pay an amount equal to that gain
to the company.
(6) A director of a company shall not assign his office and any assignment so made
shall be void.
(7) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of this section such
director shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
Duties of
directors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 99
167. (1) The office of a director shall become vacant in case—
(a) he incurs any of the disqualifications specified in section 164;
(b) he absents himself from all the meetings of the Board of Directors held
during a period of twelve months with or without seeking leave of absence of the
Board;
(c) he acts in contravention of the provisions of section 184 relating to entering
into contracts or arrangements in which he is directly or indirectly interested;
(d) he fails to disclose his interest in any contract or arrangement in which he is
directly or indirectly interested, in contravention of the provisions of section 184;
(e) he becomes disqualified by an order of a court or the Tribunal;
(f) he is convicted by a court of any offence, whether involving moral turpitude
or otherwise and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less than six
months:
Provided that the office shall be vacated by the director even if he has filed an
appeal against the order of such court;
(g) he is removed in pursuance of the provisions of this Act;
(h) he, having been appointed a director by virtue of his holding any office or
other employment in the holding, subsidiary or associate company, ceases to hold
such office or other employment in that company.
(2) If a person, functions as a director even when he knows that the office of director
held by him has become vacant on account of any of the disqualifications specified in subsection
(1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five
lakh rupees, or with both.
(3) Where all the directors of a company vacate their offices under any of the
disqualifications specified in sub-section (1), the promoter or, in his absence, the Central
Government shall appoint the required number of directors who shall hold office till the
directors are appointed by the company in the general meeting.
(4) A private company may, by its articles, provide any other ground for the vacation
of the office of a director in addition to those specified in sub-section (1).
168. (1) A director may resign from his office by giving a notice in writing to the
company and the Board shall on receipt of such notice take note of the same and the
company shall intimate the Registrar in such manner, within such time and in such form as
may be prescribed and shall also place the fact of such resignation in the report of directors
laid in the immediately following general meeting by the company:
Vacation of
office of
director.
Resignation
of
director.
100 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that a director shall also forward a copy of his resignation along with
detailed reasons for the resignation to the Registrar within thirty days of resignation in such
manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The resignation of a director shall take effect from the date on which the notice is
received by the company or the date, if any, specified by the director in the notice, whichever
is later:
Provided that the director who has resigned shall be liable even after his resignation
for the offences which occurred during his tenure.
(3) Where all the directors of a company resign from their offices, or vacate their
offices under section 167, the promoter or, in his absence, the Central Government shall
appoint the required number of directors who shall hold office till the directors are appointed
by the company in general meeting.
169. (1) A company may, by ordinary resolution, remove a director, not being a director
appointed by the Tribunal under section 242, before the expiry of the period of his office after
giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply where the company
has availed itself of the option given to it under section 163 to appoint not less than twothirds
of the total number of directors according to the principle of proportional
representation.
(2) A special notice shall be required of any resolution, to remove a director under this
section, or to appoint somebody in place of a director so removed, at the meeting at which he
is removed.
(3) On receipt of notice of a resolution to remove a director under this section, the
company shall forthwith send a copy thereof to the director concerned, and the director,
whether or not he is a member of the company, shall be entitled to be heard on the resolution
at the meeting.
(4) Where notice has been given of a resolution to remove a director under this section
and the director concerned makes with respect thereto representation in writing to the
company and requests its notification to members of the company, the company shall, if the
time permits it to do so,—
(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the
fact of the representation having been made; and
(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom
notice of the meeting is sent (whether before or after receipt of the representation by
the company),
and if a copy of the representation is not sent as aforesaid due to insufficient time or for the
company’s default, the director may without prejudice to his right to be heard orally require
that the representation shall be read out at the meeting:
Removal of
directors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 101
Provided that copy of the representation need not be sent out and the representation
need not be read out at the meeting if, on the application either of the company or of any
other person who claims to be aggrieved, the Tribunal is satisfied that the rights conferred
by this sub-section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter; and
the Tribunal may order the company’s costs on the application to be paid in whole or in part
by the director notwithstanding that he is not a party to it.
(5) A vacancy created by the removal of a director under this section may, if he had
been appointed by the company in general meeting or by the Board, be filled by the
appointment of another director in his place at the meeting at which he is removed, provided
special notice of the intended appointment has been given under sub-section (2).
(6) A director so appointed shall hold office till the date up to which his predecessor
would have held office if he had not been removed.
(7) If the vacancy is not filled under sub-section (5), it may be filled as a casual
vacancy in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided that the director who was removed from office shall not be re-appointed as a
director by the Board of Directors.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be taken—
(a) as depriving a person removed under this section of any compensation or
damages payable to him in respect of the termination of his appointment as director as
per the terms of contract or terms of his appointment as director, or of any other
appointment terminating with that as director; or
(b) as derogating from any power to remove a director under other provisions of
this Act.
170. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office a register containing such
particulars of its directors and key managerial personnel as may be prescribed, which shall
include the details of securities held by each of them in the company or its holding, subsidiary,
subsidiary of company’s holding company or associate companies.
(2) A return containing such particulars and documents as may be prescribed, of the
directors and the key managerial personnel shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days
from the appointment of every director and key managerial personnel, as the case may be,
and within thirty days of any change taking place.
171. (1) The register kept under sub-section (1) of section 170,—
(a) shall be open for inspection during business hours and the members shall
have a right to take extracts therefrom and copies thereof, on a request by the members,
be provided to them free of cost within thirty days; and
(b) shall also be kept open for inspection at every annual general meeting of the
company and shall be made accessible to any person attending the meeting.
Register of
directors and
key
managerial
personnel and
their
shareholding.
Members’
right
to inspect.
102 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) If any inspection as provided in clause (a) of sub-section (1) is refused, or if any
copy required under that clause is not sent within thirty days from the date of receipt of such
request, the Registrar shall on an application made to him order immediate inspection and
supply of copies required thereunder.
172. If a company contravenes any of the provisions of this Chapter and for which no
specific punishment is provided therein, the company and every officer of the company who
is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees
but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
CHAPTER XII
MEETINGS OF BOARD AND ITS POWERS
173. (1) Every company shall hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors within
thirty days of the date of its incorporation and thereafter hold a minimum number of four
meetings of its Board of Directors every year in such a manner that not more than one
hundred and twenty days shall intervene between two consecutive meetings of the Board:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, direct that the provisions
of this sub-section shall not apply in relation to any class or description of companies or
shall apply subject to such exceptions, modifications or conditions as may be specified in
the notification.
(2) The participation of directors in a meeting of the Board may be either in person or
through video conferencing or other audio visual means, as may be prescribed, which are
capable of recording and recognising the participation of the directors and of recording and
storing the proceedings of such meetings along with date and time:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, specify such matters which
shall not be dealt with in a meeting through video conferencing or other audio visual means.
(3) A meeting of the Board shall be called by giving not less than seven days’ notice in
writing to every director at his address registered with the company and such notice shall be
sent by hand delivery or by post or by electronic means:
Provided that a meeting of the Board may be called at shorter notice to transact urgent
business subject to the condition that at least one independent director, if any, shall be
present at the meeting:
Provided further that in case of absence of independent directors from such a meeting
of the Board, decisions taken at such a meeting shall be circulated to all the directors and
shall be final only on ratification thereof by at least one independent director, if any.
(4) Every officer of the company whose duty is to give notice under this section and
who fails to do so shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees.
(5) A One Person Company, small company and dormant company shall be deemed to
have complied with the provisions of this section if at least one meeting of the Board of
Directors has been conducted in each half of a calendar year and the gap between the two
meetings is not less than ninety days:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section and in section 174 shall apply to
One Person Company in which there is only one director on its Board of Directors.
Punishment.
Meetings of
Board.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 103
174. (1) The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors of a company shall be onethird
of its total strength or two directors, whichever is higher, and the participation of the
directors by video conferencing or by other audio visual means shall also be counted for the
purposes of quorum under this sub-section.
(2) The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company and for no other purpose.
(3) Where at any time the number of interested directors exceeds or is equal to twothirds
of the total strength of the Board of Directors, the number of directors who are not
interested directors and present at the meeting, being not less than two, shall be the quorum
during such time.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “interested director” means a
director within the meaning of sub-section (2) of section 184.
(4) Where a meeting of the Board could not be held for want of quorum, then, unless
the articles of the company otherwise provide, the meeting shall automatically stand adjourned
to the same day at the same time and place in the next week or if that day is a national holiday,
till the next succeeding day, which is not a national holiday, at the same time and place.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) any fraction of a number shall be rounded off as one;
(ii) “total strength” shall not include directors whose places are vacant.
175. (1) No resolution shall be deemed to have been duly passed by the Board or by
a committee thereof by circulation, unless the resolution has been circulated in draft, together
with the necessary papers, if any, to all the directors, or members of the committee, as the
case may be, at their addresses registered with the company in India by hand delivery or by
post or by courier, or through such electronic means as may be prescribed and has been
approved by a majority of the directors or members, who are entitled to vote on the resolution:
Provided that, where not less than one-third of the total number of directors of the
company for the time being require that any resolution under circulation must be decided at
a meeting, the chairperson shall put the resolution to be decided at a meeting of the Board.
(2) A resolution under sub-section (1) shall be noted at a subsequent meeting of the
Board or the committee thereof, as the case may be, and made part of the minutes of such
meeting.
176. No act done by a person as a director shall be deemed to be invalid,
notwithstanding that it was subsequently noticed that his appointment was invalid by
reason of any defect or disqualification or had terminated by virtue of any provision contained
in this Act or in the articles of the company:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to give validity to any act done
by the director after his appointment has been noticed by the company to be invalid or to
have terminated.
Passing of
resolution by
circulation.
Defects in
appointment
of directors
not to
invalidate
actions taken.
Quorum for
meetings of
Board.
104 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
177. (1) The Board of Directors of every listed company and such other class or
classes of companies, as may be prescribed, shall constitute an Audit Committee.
(2) The Audit Committee shall consist of a minimum of three directors with independent
directors forming a majority:
Provided that majority of members of Audit Committee including its Chairperson shall
be persons with ability to read and understand, the financial statement.
(3) Every Audit Committee of a company existing immediately before the commencement
of this Act shall, within one year of such commencement, be reconstituted in accordance
with sub-section (2).
(4) Every Audit Committee shall act in accordance with the terms of reference specified
in writing by the Board which shall, inter alia, include,—
(i) the recommendation for appointment, remuneration and terms of appointment
of auditors of the company;
(ii) review and monitor the auditor’s independence and performance, and
effectiveness of audit process;
(iii) examination of the financial statement and the auditors’ report thereon;
(iv) approval or any subsequent modification of transactions of the company
with related parties;
(v) scrutiny of inter-corporate loans and investments;
(vi) valuation of undertakings or assets of the company, wherever it is necessary;
(vii) evaluation of internal financial controls and risk management systems;
(viii) monitoring the end use of funds raised through public offers and related
matters.
(5) The Audit Committee may call for the comments of the auditors about internal
control systems, the scope of audit, including the observations of the auditors and review of
financial statement before their submission to the Board and may also discuss any related
issues with the internal and statutory auditors and the management of the company.
(6) The Audit Committee shall have authority to investigate into any matter in relation
to the items specified in sub-section (4) or referred to it by the Board and for this purpose
shall have power to obtain professional advice from external sources and have full access to
information contained in the records of the company.
(7) The auditors of a company and the key managerial personnel shall have a right to
be heard in the meetings of the Audit Committee when it considers the auditor’s report but
shall not have the right to vote.
(8) The Board’s report under sub-section (3) of section 134 shall disclose the
composition of an Audit Committee and where the Board had not accepted any
recommendation of the Audit Committee, the same shall be disclosed in such report along
with the reasons therefor.
Audit
Committee.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 105
(9) Every listed company or such class or classes of companies, as may be prescribed,
shall establish a vigil mechanism for directors and employees to report genuine concerns in
such manner as may be prescribed.
(10) The vigil mechanism under sub-section (9) shall provide for adequate safeguards
against victimisation of persons who use such mechanism and make provision for direct
access to the chairperson of the Audit Committee in appropriate or exceptional cases:
Provided that the details of establishment of such mechanism shall be disclosed by the
company on its website, if any, and in the Board’s report.
178. (1) The Board of Directors of every listed company and such other class or
classes of companies, as may be prescribed shall constitute the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee consisting of three or more non-executive directors out of which not less than
one-half shall be independent directors:
Provided that the chairperson of the company (whether executive or non-executive)
may be appointed as a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee but shall not
chair such Committee.
(2) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall identify persons who are
qualified to become directors and who may be appointed in senior management in accordance
with the criteria laid down, recommend to the Board their appointment and removal and shall
carry out evaluation of every director’s performance.
(3) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall formulate the criteria for
determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a director and recommend
to the Board a policy, relating to the remuneration for the directors, key managerial personnel
and other employees.
(4) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall, while formulating the policy
under sub-section (3) ensure that—
(a) the level and composition of remuneration is reasonable and sufficient to
attract, retain and motivate directors of the quality required to run the company
successfully;
(b) relationship of remuneration to performance is clear and meets appropriate
performance benchmarks; and
(c) remuneration to directors, key managerial personnel and senior management
involves a balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and long-term
performance objectives appropriate to the working of the company and its goals:
Provided that such policy shall be disclosed in the Board's report.
(5) The Board of Directors of a company which consists of more than one thousand
shareholders, debenture-holders, deposit-holders and any other security holders at any
time during a financial year shall constitute a Stakeholders Relationship Committee consisting
of a chairperson who shall be a non-executive director and such other members as may be
decided by the Board.
(6) The Stakeholders Relationship Committee shall consider and resolve the grievances
of security holders of the company.
(7) The chairperson of each of the committees constituted under this section or, in his
absence, any other member of the committee authorised by him in this behalf shall attend the
general meetings of the company.
Nomination
and
Remuneration
Committee
and
Stakeholders
Relationship
Committee.
106 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(8) In case of any contravention of the provisions of section 177 and this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees,
or with both:
Provided that non-consideration of resolution of any grievance by the Stakeholders
Relationship Committee in good faith shall not constitute a contravention of this section.
Explanation.—The expression ‘‘senior management’’ means personnel of the company
who are members of its core management team excluding Board of Directors comprising all
members of management one level below the executive directors, including the functional heads.
179. (1) The Board of Directors of a company shall be entitled to exercise all such
powers, and to do all such acts and things, as the company is authorised to exercise and do:
Provided that in exercising such power or doing such act or thing, the Board shall be
subject to the provisions contained in that behalf in this Act, or in the memorandum or
articles, or in any regulations not inconsistent therewith and duly made thereunder, including
regulations made by the company in general meeting:
Provided further that the Board shall not exercise any power or do any act or thing
which is directed or required, whether under this Act or by the memorandum or articles of the
company or otherwise, to be exercised or done by the company in general meeting.
(2) No regulation made by the company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior
act of the Board which would have been valid if that regulation had not been made.
(3) The Board of Directors of a company shall exercise the following powers on behalf
of the company by means of resolutions passed at meetings of the Board, namely:—
(a) to make calls on shareholders in respect of money unpaid on their shares;
(b) to authorise buy-back of securities under section 68;
(c) to issue securities, including debentures, whether in or outside India;
(d) to borrow monies;
(e) to invest the funds of the company;
(f) to grant loans or give guarantee or provide security in respect of loans;
(g) to approve financial statement and the Board’s report;
(h) to diversify the business of the company;
(i) to approve amalgamation, merger or reconstruction;
(j) to take over a company or acquire a controlling or substantial stake in another
company;
(k) any other matter which may be prescribed:
Provided that the Board may, by a resolution passed at a meeting, delegate to any
committee of directors, the managing director, the manager or any other principal officer of
the company or in the case of a branch office of the company, the principal officer of the
branch office, the powers specified in clauses (d) to (f) on such conditions as it may specify:
Powers of
Board.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 107
Provided further that the acceptance by a banking company in the ordinary course of
its business of deposits of money from the public repayable on demand or otherwise and
withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, or the placing of monies on deposit by a
banking company with another banking company on such conditions as the Board may
prescribe, shall not be deemed to be a borrowing of monies or, as the case may be, a making
of loans by a banking company within the meaning of this section.
Explanation I.—Nothing in clause (d) shall apply to borrowings by a banking company
from other banking companies or from the Reserve Bank of India, the State Bank of India or
any other banks established by or under any Act.
Explanation II.—In respect of dealings between a company and its bankers, the exercise
by the company of the power specified in clause (d) shall mean the arrangement made by the
company with its bankers for the borrowing of money by way of overdraft or cash credit or
otherwise and not the actual day-to-day operation on overdraft, cash credit or other accounts
by means of which the arrangement so made is actually availed of.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the right of the company in general
meeting to impose restrictions and conditions on the exercise by the Board of any of the
powers specified in this section.
180. (1) The Board of Directors of a company shall exercise the following powers only
with the consent of the company by a special resolution, namely:—
(a) to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the whole or substantially the whole of
the undertaking of the company or where the company owns more than one undertaking,
of the whole or substantially the whole of any of such undertakings.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause,—
(i) “undertaking” shall mean an undertaking in which the investment of
the company exceeds twenty per cent. of its net worth as per the audited balance
sheet of the preceding financial year or an undertaking which generates twenty
per cent. of the total income of the company during the previous financial year;
(ii) the expression “substantially the whole of the undertaking” in any
financial year shall mean twenty per cent. or more of the value of the undertaking
as per the audited balance sheet of the preceding financial year;
(b) to invest otherwise in trust securities the amount of compensation received
by it as a result of any merger or amalgamation;
(c) to borrow money, where the money to be borrowed, together with the money
already borrowed by the company will exceed aggregate of its paid-up share capital
and free reserves, apart from temporary loans obtained from the company’s bankers in
the ordinary course of business:
Provided that the acceptance by a banking company, in the ordinary course of
its business, of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise,
and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be a
borrowing of monies by the banking company within the meaning of this clause.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the expression “temporary loans”
means loans repayable on demand or within six months from the date of the loan such
as short-term, cash credit arrangements, the discounting of bills and the issue of other
short-term loans of a seasonal character, but does not include loans raised for the
purpose of financial expenditure of a capital nature;
Restrictions
on powers of
Board.
108 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) to remit, or give time for the repayment of, any debt due from a director.
(2) Every special resolution passed by the company in general meeting in relation to
the exercise of the powers referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall specify the total
amount up to which monies may be borrowed by the Board of Directors.
(3) Nothing contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall affect—
(a) the title of a buyer or other person who buys or takes on lease any property,
investment or undertaking as is referred to in that clause, in good faith; or
(b) the sale or lease of any property of the company where the ordinary business
of the company consists of, or comprises, such selling or leasing.
(4) Any special resolution passed by the company consenting to the transaction as is
referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) may stipulate such conditions as may be specified
in such resolution, including conditions regarding the use, disposal or investment of the sale
proceeds which may result from the transactions:
Provided that this sub-section shall not be deemed to authorise the company to effect
any reduction in its capital except in accordance with the provisions contained in this Act.
(5) No debt incurred by the company in excess of the limit imposed by clause (c) of
sub-section (1) shall be valid or effectual, unless the lender proves that he advanced the loan
in good faith and without knowledge that the limit imposed by that clause had been exceeded.
181. The Board of Directors of a company may contribute to bona fide charitable and
other funds:
Provided that prior permission of the company in general meeting shall be required for
such contribution in case any amount the aggregate of which, in any financial year, exceed
five per cent. of its average net profits for the three immediately preceding financial years.
182. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, a
company, other than a Government company and a company which has been in existence for
less than three financial years, may contribute any amount directly or indirectly to any
political party:
Provided that the amount referred to in sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, the
aggregate of the amount which may be so contributed by the company in any financial year
shall not exceed seven and a half per cent. of its average net profits during the three immediately
preceding financial years:
Provided further that no such contribution shall be made by a company unless a
resolution authorising the making of such contribution is passed at a meeting of the Board of
Directors and such resolution shall, subject to the other provisions of this section, be
deemed to be justification in law for the making and the acceptance of the contribution
authorised by it.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1),—
(a) a donation or subscription or payment caused to be given by a company on
its behalf or on its account to a person who, to its knowledge, is carrying on any
activity which, at the time at which such donation or subscription or payment was
given or made, can reasonably be regarded as likely to affect public support for a
Company to
contribute to
bona fide and
charitable
funds, etc.
Prohibitions
and
restrictions
regarding
political
contributions.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 109
political party shall also be deemed to be contribution of the amount of such donation,
subscription or payment to such person for a political purpose;
(b) the amount of expenditure incurred, directly or indirectly, by a company on
an advertisement in any publication, being a publication in the nature of a souvenir,
brochure, tract, pamphlet or the like, shall also be deemed,—
(i) where such publication is by or on behalf of a political party, to be a
contribution of such amount to such political party, and
(ii) where such publication is not by or on behalf of, but for the advantage
of a political party, to be a contribution for a political purpose.
(3) Every company shall disclose in its profit and loss account any amount or amounts
contributed by it to any political party during the financial year to which that account relates,
giving particulars of the total amount contributed and the name of the party to which such
amount has been contributed.
(4) If a company makes any contribution in contravention of the provisions of this
section, the company shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five times the
amount so contributed and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend
to five times the amount so contributed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “political party” means a political
party registered under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
183. (1) The Board of Directors of any company or any person or authority exercising
the powers of the Board of Directors of a company, or of the company in general meeting,
may, notwithstanding anything contained in sections 180, 181 and section 182 or any other
provision of this Act or in the memorandum, articles or any other instrument relating to the
company, contribute such amount as it thinks fit to the National Defence Fund or any other
Fund approved by the Central Government for the purpose of national defence.
(2) Every company shall disclose in its profits and loss account the total amount or
amounts contributed by it to the Fund referred to in sub-section (1) during the financial year
to which the amount relates.
184. (1) Every director shall at the first meeting of the Board in which he participates as
a director and thereafter at the first meeting of the Board in every financial year or whenever
there is any change in the disclosures already made, then at the first Board meeting held after
such change, disclose his concern or interest in any company or companies or bodies
corporate, firms, or other association of individuals which shall include the shareholding, in
such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) Every director of a company who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly,
concerned or interested in a contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement
entered into or to be entered into—
(a) with a body corporate in which such director or such director in association
with any other director, holds more than two per cent. shareholding of that body
corporate, or is a promoter, manager, Chief Executive Officer of that body corporate; or
Power of
Board and
other persons
to make
contributions
to national
defence fund,
etc.
43 of 1951.
Disclosure of
interest by
director.
110 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) with a firm or other entity in which, such director is a partner, owner or
member, as the case may be,
shall disclose the nature of his concern or interest at the meeting of the Board in which the
contract or arrangement is discussed and shall not participate in such meeting:
Provided that where any director who is not so concerned or interested at the time of
entering into such contract or arrangement, he shall, if he becomes concerned or interested
after the contract or arrangement is entered into, disclose his concern or interest forthwith
when he becomes concerned or interested or at the first meeting of the Board held after he
becomes so concerned or interested.
(3) A contract or arrangement entered into by the company without disclosure under
sub-section (2) or with participation by a director who is concerned or interested in any way,
directly or indirectly, in the contract or arrangement, shall be voidable at the option of the
company.
(4) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or subsection
(2), such director shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to one year or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
(5) Nothing in this section—
(a) shall be taken to prejudice the operation of any rule of law restricting a
director of a company from having any concern or interest in any contract or arrangement
with the company;
(b) shall apply to any contract or arrangement entered into or to be entered into
between two companies where any of the directors of the one company or two or more
of them together holds or hold not more than two per cent. of the paid-up share capital
in the other company.
185. (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, no company shall, directly or indirectly,
advance any loan, including any loan represented by a book debt, to any of its directors or
to any other person in whom the director is interested or give any guarantee or provide any
security in connection with any loan taken by him or such other person:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to—
(a) the giving of any loan to a managing or whole-time director—
(i) as a part of the conditions of service extended by the company to all its
employees; or
(ii) pursuant to any scheme approved by the members by a special
resolution; or
(b) a company which in the ordinary course of its business provides loans or
gives guarantees or securities for the due repayment of any loan and in respect of such
Loan to
directors,
etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 111
loans an interest is charged at a rate not less than the bank rate declared by the
Reserve Bank of India.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression “to any other
person in whom director is interested” means—
(a) any director of the lending company, or of a company which is its
holding company or any partner or relative of any such director;
(b) any firm in which any such director or relative is a partner;
(c) any private company of which any such director is a director or member;
(d) any body corporate at a general meeting of which not less than twentyfive
per cent. of the total voting power may be exercised or controlled by any
such director, or by two or more such directors, together; or
(e) any body corporate, the Board of directors, managing director or
manager, whereof is accustomed to act in accordance with the directions or
instructions of the Board, or of any director or directors, of the lending company.
(2) If any loan is advanced or a guarantee or security is given or provided in
contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), the company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees, and the director or the other person to whom any loan is advanced or guarantee or
security is given or provided in connection with any loan taken by him or the other person,
shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which
shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees, or
with both.
186. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act, a company shall
unless otherwise prescribed, make investment through not more than two layers of investment
companies:
Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not affect,—
(i) a company from acquiring any other company incorporated in a country
outside India if such other company has investment subsidiaries beyond two layers
as per the laws of such country;
(ii) a subsidiary company from having any investment subsidiary for the purposes
of meeting the requirements under any law or under any rule or regulation framed
under any law for the time being in force.
(2) No company shall directly or indirectly —
(a) give any loan to any person or other body corporate;
(b) give any guarantee or provide security in connection with a loan to any other
body corporate or person; and
Loan and
investment by
company.
112 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) acquire by way of subscription, purchase or otherwise, the securities of any
other body corporate,
exceeding sixty per cent. of its paid-up share capital, free reserves and securities premium
account or one hundred per cent. of its free reserves and securities premium account, whichever
is more.
(3) Where the giving of any loan or guarantee or providing any security or the
acquisition under sub-section (2) exceeds the limits specified in that sub-section, prior
approval by means of a special resolution passed at a general meeting shall be necessary.
(4) The company shall disclose to the members in the financial statement the full
particulars of the loans given, investment made or guarantee given or security provided and
the purpose for which the loan or guarantee or security is proposed to be utilised by the
recipient of the loan or guarantee or security.
(5) No investment shall be made or loan or guarantee or security given by the company
unless the resolution sanctioning it is passed at a meeting of the Board with the consent of
all the directors present at the meeting and the prior approval of the public financial institution
concerned where any term loan is subsisting, is obtained:
Provided that prior approval of a public financial institution shall not be required
where the aggregate of the loans and investments so far made, the amount for which guarantee
or security so far provided to or in all other bodies corporate, along with the investments,
loans, guarantee or security proposed to be made or given does not exceed the limit as
specified in sub-section (2), and there is no default in repayment of loan instalments or
payment of interest thereon as per the terms and conditions of such loan to the public
financial institution.
(6) No company, which is registered under section 12 of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992 and covered under such class or classes of companies as may be
prescribed, shall take inter-corporate loan or deposits exceeding the prescribed limit and
such company shall furnish in its financial statement the details of the loan or deposits.
(7) No loan shall be given under this section at a rate of interest lower than the
prevailing yield of one year, three year, five year or ten year Government Security closest to
the tenor of the loan.
(8) No company which is in default in the repayment of any deposits accepted before
or after the commencement of this Act or in payment of interest thereon, shall give any loan
or give any guarantee or provide any security or make an acquisition till such default is
subsisting.
(9) Every company giving loan or giving a guarantee or providing security or making
an acquisition under this section shall keep a register which shall contain such particulars
and shall be maintained in such manner as may be prescribed.
(10) The register referred to in sub-section (9) shall be kept at the registered office of
the company and —
(a) shall be open to inspection at such office; and
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 113
(b) extracts may be taken therefrom by any member, and copies thereof may
be furnished to any member of the company on payment of such fees as may be
prescribed.
(11) Nothing contained in this section, except sub-section (1), shall apply—
(a) to a loan made, guarantee given or security provided by a banking company
or an insurance company or a housing finance company in the ordinary course of its
business or a company engaged in the business of financing of companies or of
providing infrastructural facilities;
(b) to any acquisition—
(i) made by a non-banking financial company registered under
Chapter IIIB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and whose principal business
is acquisition of securities:
Provided that exemption to non-banking financial company shall be in
respect of its investment and lending activities;
(ii) made by a company whose principal business is the acquisition of
securities;
(iii) of shares allotted in pursuance of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of
section 62.
(12) The Central Government may make rules for the purposes of this section.
(13) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years and with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “investment company” means a company whose principal
business is the acquisition of shares, debentures or other securities;
(b) the expression “infrastructure facilities” means the facilities specified in
Schedule VI.
187. (1) All investments made or held by a company in any property, security or other
asset shall be made and held by it in its own name:
Provided that the company may hold any shares in its subsidiary company in the
name of any nominee or nominees of the company, if it is necessary to do so, to ensure
that the number of members of the subsidiary company is not reduced below the statutory
limit.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent a company—
(a) from depositing with a bank, being the bankers of the company, any shares or
securities for the collection of any dividend or interest payable thereon; or
Investments
of company
to be held in
its own name.
2 of 1934.
114 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) from depositing with, or transferring to, or holding in the name of, the State
Bank of India or a scheduled bank, being the bankers of the company, shares or
securities, in order to facilitate the transfer thereof:
Provided that if within a period of six months from the date on which the shares
or securities are transferred by the company to, or are first held by the company in the
name of, the State Bank of India or a scheduled bank as aforesaid, no transfer of such
shares or securities takes place, the company shall, as soon as practicable after the
expiry of that period, have the shares or securities re-transferred to it from the State
Bank of India or the scheduled bank or, as the case may be, again hold the shares or
securities in its own name; or
(c) from depositing with, or transferring to, any person any shares or securities,
by way of security for the repayment of any loan advanced to the company or the
performance of any obligation undertaken by it;
(d) from holding investments in the name of a depository when such investments
are in the form of securities held by the company as a beneficial owner.
(3) Where in pursuance of clause (d) of sub-section (2), any shares or securities in
which investments have been made by a company are not held by it in its own name, the
company shall maintain a register which shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed
and such register shall be open to inspection by any member or debenture-holder of the
company without any charge during business hours subject to such reasonable restrictions
as the company may by its articles or in general meeting impose.
(4) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine
which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
188. (1) Except with the consent of the Board of Directors given by a resolution at a
meeting of the Board and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, no company shall
enter into any contract or arrangement with a related party with respect to—
(a) sale, purchase or supply of any goods or materials;
(b) selling or otherwise disposing of, or buying, property of any kind;
(c) leasing of property of any kind;
(d) availing or rendering of any services;
(e) appointment of any agent for purchase or sale of goods, materials, services
or property;
(f) such related party's appointment to any office or place of profit in the company,
its subsidiary company or associate company; and
Related party
transactions.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 115
(g) underwriting the subscription of any securities or derivatives thereof, of the
company:
Provided that no contract or arrangement, in the case of a company having a paid-up
share capital of not less than such amount, or transactions not exceeding such sums, as may
be prescribed, shall be entered into except with the prior approval of the company by a
special resolution:
Provided further that no member of the company shall vote on such special resolution,
to approve any contract or arrangement which may be entered into by the company, if such
member is a related party:
Provided also that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any transactions entered
into by the company in its ordinary course of business other than transactions which are not
on an arm’s length basis.
Explanation.— In this sub-section,—
(a) the expression “office or place of profit” means any office or place—
(i) where such office or place is held by a director, if the director holding it
receives from the company anything by way of remuneration over and above
the remuneration to which he is entitled as director, by way of salary, fee,
commission, perquisites, any rent-free accommodation, or otherwise;
(ii) where such office or place is held by an individual other than a director
or by any firm, private company or other body corporate, if the individual, firm,
private company or body corporate holding it receives from the company anything
by way of remuneration, salary, fee, commission, perquisites, any rent-free
accommodation, or otherwise;
(b) the expression “arm’s length transaction” means a transaction between two
related parties that is conducted as if they were unrelated, so that there is no conflict
of interest.
(2) Every contract or arrangement entered into under sub-section (1) shall be referred
to in the Board’s report to the shareholders along with the justification for entering into such
contract or arrangement.
(3) Where any contract or arrangement is entered into by a director or any other
employee, without obtaining the consent of the Board or approval by a special resolution in
the general meeting under sub-section (1) and if it is not ratified by the Board or, as the case
may be, by the shareholders at a meeting within three months from the date on which such
contract or arrangement was entered into, such contract or arrangement shall be voidable at
the option of the Board and if the contract or arrangement is with a related party to any
director, or is authorised by any other director, the directors concerned shall indemnify the
company against any loss incurred by it.
(4) Without prejudice to anything contained in sub-section (3), it shall be open to the
company to proceed against a director or any other employee who had entered into such
contract or arrangement in contravention of the provisions of this section for recovery of
any loss sustained by it as a result of such contract or arrangement.
(5) Any director or any other employee of a company, who had entered into or authorised
the contract or arrangement in violation of the provisions of this section shall,—
(i) in case of listed company, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both; and
116 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) in case of any other company, be punishable with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
189. (1) Every company shall keep one or more registers giving separately the particulars
of all contracts or arrangements to which sub-section (2) of section 184 or section 188
applies, in such manner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed and after
entering the particulars, such register or registers shall be placed before the next meeting of
the Board and signed by all the directors present at the meeting.
(2) Every director or key managerial personnel shall, within a period of thirty days of
his appointment, or relinquishment of his office, as the case may be, disclose to the company
the particulars specified in sub-section (1) of section 184 relating to his concern or interest in
the other associations which are required to be included in the register under that
sub-section or such other information relating to himself as may be prescribed.
(3) The register referred to in sub-section (1) shall be kept at the registered office of the
company and it shall be open for inspection at such office during business hours and
extracts may be taken therefrom, and copies thereof as may be required by any member of the
company shall be furnished by the company to such extent, in such manner, and on payment
of such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) The register to be kept under this section shall also be produced at the commencement
of every annual general meeting of the company and shall remain open and accessible during
the continuance of the meeting to any person having the right to attend the meeting.
(5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any contract or arrangement—
(a) for the sale, purchase or supply of any goods, materials or services if the
value of such goods and materials or the cost of such services does not exceed five
lakh rupees in the aggregate in any year; or
(b) by a banking company for the collection of bills in the ordinary course of its
business.
(6) Every director who fails to comply with the provisions of this section and the rules
made thereunder shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees.
190. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office,—
(a) where a contract of service with a managing or whole-time director is in
writing, a copy of the contract; or
(b) where such a contract is not in writing, a written memorandum setting out its
terms.
(2) The copies of the contract or the memorandum kept under sub-section (1) shall be
open to inspection by any member of the company without payment of fee.
(3) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of sub-section (1) or
sub-section (2), the company shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand
rupees for each default.
Contract of
employment
with managing
or whole-time
directors.
Register of
contracts or
arrangements
in which
directors are
interested.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 117
(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a private company.
191. (1) No director of a company shall, in connection with—
(a) the transfer of the whole or any part of any undertaking or property of the
company; or
(b) the transfer to any person of all or any of the shares in a company being a
transfer resulting from—
(i) an offer made to the general body of shareholders;
(ii) an offer made by or on behalf of some other body corporate with a view
to a company becoming a subsidiary company of such body corporate or a
subsidiary company of its holding company;
(iii) an offer made by or on behalf of an individual with a view to his
obtaining the right to exercise, or control the exercise of, not less than one-third
of the total voting power at any general meeting of the company; or
(iv) any other offer which is conditional on acceptance to a given extent,
receive any payment by way of compensation for loss of office or as consideration
for retirement from office, or in connection with such loss or retirement from
such company or from the transferee of such undertaking or property, or from
the transferees of shares or from any other person, not being such company,
unless particulars as may be prescribed with respect to the payment proposed to
be made by such transferee or person, including the amount thereof, have been
disclosed to the members of the company and the proposal has been approved
by the company in general meeting.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall affect any payment made by a company to a
managing director or whole-time director or manager of the company by way of compensation
for loss of office or as consideration for retirement from office or in connection with such loss
or retirement subject to limits or priorities, as may be prescribed.
(3) If the payment under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) is not approved for want of
quorum either in a meeting or an adjourned meeting, the proposal shall not be deemed to
have been approved.
(4) Where a director of a company receives payment of any amount in contravention
of sub-section (1) or the proposed payment is made before it is approved in the meeting, the
amount so received by the director shall be deemed to have been received by him in trust for
the company.
(5) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of this section, such
director shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the operation of any law requiring
disclosure to be made with respect to any payment received under this section or such other
like payments made to a director.
Payment to
director for
loss of office,
etc., in
connection
with transfer
of
undertaking,
property or
shares.
118 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
192. (1) No company shall enter into an arrangement by which—
(a) a director of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate company or
a person connected with him acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other
than cash, from the company; or
(b) the company acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other than
cash, from such director or person so connected,
unless prior approval for such arrangement is accorded by a resolution of the company in
general meeting and if the director or connected person is a director of its holding company,
approval under this sub-section shall also be required to be obtained by passing a resolution
in general meeting of the holding company.
(2) The notice for approval of the resolution by the company or holding company in
general meeting under sub-section (1) shall include the particulars of the arrangement along
with the value of the assets involved in such arrangement duly calculated by a registered
valuer.
(3) Any arrangement entered into by a company or its holding company in contravention
of the provisions of this section shall be voidable at the instance of the company unless—
(a) the restitution of any money or other consideration which is the subjectmatter
of the arrangement is no longer possible and the company has been indemnified
by any other person for any loss or damage caused to it; or
(b) any rights are acquired bona fide for value and without notice of the
contravention of the provisions of this section by any other person.
193. (1) Where One Person Company limited by shares or by guarantee enters into a
contract with the sole member of the company who is also the director of the company, the
company shall, unless the contract is in writing, ensure that the terms of the contract or offer
are contained in a memorandum or are recorded in the minutes of the first meeting of the
Board of Directors of the company held next after entering into contract:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to contracts entered into by the
company in the ordinary course of its business.
(2) The company shall inform the Registrar about every contract entered into by the
company and recorded in the minutes of the meeting of its Board of Directors under
sub-section (1) within a period of fifteen days of the date of approval by the Board of
Directors.
194. (1) No director of a company or any of its key managerial personnel shall buy in
the company, or in its holding, subsidiary or associate company—
(a) a right to call for delivery or a right to make delivery at a specified price and
within a specified time, of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified amount
of relevant debentures; or
(b) a right, as he may elect, to call for delivery or to make delivery at a specified
price and within a specified time, of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified
amount of relevant debentures.
(2) If a director or any key managerial personnel of the company contravenes the
provisions of sub-section (1), such director or key managerial personnel shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
Restriction on
non-cash
transactions
involving
directors.
Contract by
One Person
Company.
Prohibition
on
forward
dealings in
securities of
company by
director or
key
managerial
personnel.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 119
(3) Where a director or other key managerial personnel acquires any securities in
contravention of sub-section (1), he shall, subject to the provisions contained in
sub-section (2), be liable to surrender the same to the company and the company shall
not register the securities so acquired in his name in the register, and if they are in
dematerialised form, it shall inform the depository not to record such acquisition and
such securities, in both the cases, shall continue to remain in the names of the transferors.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, ‘‘relevant shares’’ and ‘‘relevant
debentures’’ mean shares and debentures of the company in which the concerned person is
a whole-time director or other key managerial personnel or shares and debentures of its
holding and subsidiary companies.
195. (1) No person including any director or key managerial personnel of a company
shall enter into insider trading:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any communication
required in the ordinary course of business or profession or employment or under any law.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) “insider trading” means—
(i) an act of subscribing, buying, selling, dealing or agreeing to subscribe,
buy, sell or deal in any securities by any director or key managerial personnel
or any other officer of a company either as principal or agent if such director or
key managerial personnel or any other officer of the company is reasonably
expected to have access to any non-public price sensitive information in respect
of securities of company; or
(ii) an act of counselling about procuring or communicating directly or
indirectly any non-public price-sensitive information to any person;
(b) “price-sensitive information” means any information which relates, directly
or indirectly, to a company and which if published is likely to materially affect the price
of securities of the company.
(2) If any person contravenes the provisions of this section, he shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which shall not be
less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or three times
the amount of profits made out of insider trading, whichever is higher, or with both.
CHAPTER XIII
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
196. (1) No company shall appoint or employ at the same time a managing director and
a manager.
(2) No company shall appoint or re-appoint any person as its managing director,
whole-time director or manager for a term exceeding five years at a time:
Provided that no re-appointment shall be made earlier than one year before the expiry
of his term.
(3) No company shall appoint or continue the employment of any person as managing
director, whole-time director or manager who —
(a) is below the age of twenty-one years or has attained the age of seventy
years:
Provided that appointment of a person who has attained the age of seventy
years may be made by passing a special resolution in which case the explanatory
statement annexed to the notice for such motion shall indicate the justification for
appointing such person;
Prohibition
on
insider
trading
of securities.
Appointment
of managing
director,
whole-time
director or
manager.
120 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) is an undischarged insolvent or has at any time been adjudged as an insolvent;
(c) has at any time suspended payment to his creditors or makes, or has at any
time made, a composition with them; or
(d) has at any time been convicted by a court of an offence and sentenced for a
period of more than six months.
(4) Subject to the provisions of section 197 and Schedule V, a managing director,
whole-time director or manager shall be appointed and the terms and conditions of such
appointment and remuneration payable be approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting
which shall be subject to approval by a resolution at the next general meeting of the company
and by the Central Government in case such appointment is at variance to the conditions
specified in that Schedule:
Provided that a notice convening Board or general meeting for considering such
appointment shall include the terms and conditions of such appointment, remuneration
payable and such other matters including interest, of a director or directors in such
appointments, if any:
Provided further that a return in the prescribed form shall be filed within sixty days of
such appointment with the Registrar.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, where an appointment of a managing director,
whole-time director or manager is not approved by the company at a general meeting, any act
done by him before such approval shall not be deemed to be invalid.
197. (1) The total managerial remuneration payable by a public company, to its directors,
including managing director and whole-time director, and its manager in respect of any
financial year shall not exceed eleven per cent. of the net profits of that company for that
financial year computed in the manner laid down in section 198 except that the remuneration
of the directors shall not be deducted from the gross profits:
Provided that the company in general meeting may, with the approval of the Central
Government, authorise the payment of remuneration exceeding eleven per cent. of the net
profits of the company, subject to the provisions of Schedule V:
Provided further that, except with the approval of the company in general meeting,—
(i) the remuneration payable to any one managing director; or whole-time director
or manager shall not exceed five per cent. of the net profits of the company and if there
is more than one such director remuneration shall not exceed ten per cent. of the net
profits to all such directors and manager taken together;
(ii) the remuneration payable to directors who are neither managing directors
nor whole-time directors shall not exceed,—
(A) one per cent. of the net profits of the company, if there is a managing
or whole-time director or manager;
(B) three per cent. of the net profits in any other case.
(2) The percentages aforesaid shall be exclusive of any fees payable to directors under
sub-section (5).
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), but subject to
the provisions of Schedule V, if, in any financial year, a company has no profits or its profits
are inadequate, the company shall not pay to its directors, including any managing or wholetime
director or manager, by way of remuneration any sum exclusive of any fees payable to
directors under sub-section (5) hereunder except in accordance with the provisions of
Schedule V and if it is not able to comply with such provisions, with the previous approval
of the Central Government.
Overall
maximum
managerial
remuneration
and managerial
remuneration
in case of
absence or
inadequacy of
profits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 121
(4) The remuneration payable to the directors of a company, including any managing
or whole-time director or manager, shall be determined, in accordance with and subject to the
provisions of this section, either by the articles of the company, or by a resolution or, if the
articles so require, by a special resolution, passed by the company in general meeting and
the remuneration payable to a director determined aforesaid shall be inclusive of the
remuneration payable to him for the services rendered by him in any other capacity:
Provided that any remuneration for services rendered by any such director in other
capacity shall not be so included if—
(a) the services rendered are of a professional nature; and
(b) in the opinion of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, if the company
is covered under sub-section (1) of section 178, or the Board of Directors in other
cases, the director possesses the requisite qualification for the practice of the profession.
(5) A director may receive remuneration by way of fee for attending meetings of the
Board or Committee thereof or for any other purpose whatsoever as may be decided by the
Board:
Provided that the amount of such fees shall not exceed the amount as may be prescribed:
Provided further that different fees for different classes of companies and fees in
respect of independent director may be such as may be prescribed.
(6) A director or manager may be paid remuneration either by way of a monthly payment
or at a specified percentage of the net profits of the company or partly by one way and partly
by the other.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act but subject
to the provisions of this section, an independent director shall not be entitled to any stock
option and may receive remuneration by way of fees provided under sub-section (5),
reimbursement of expenses for participation in the Board and other meetings and profit
related commission as may be approved by the members.
(8) The net profits for the purposes of this section shall be computed in the manner
referred to in section 198.
(9) If any director draws or receives, directly or indirectly, by way of remuneration any
such sums in excess of the limit prescribed by this section or without the prior sanction of the
Central Government, where it is required, he shall refund such sums to the company and until
such sum is refunded, hold it in trust for the company.
(10) The company shall not waive the recovery of any sum refundable to it under
sub-section (9) unless permitted by the Central Government.
(11) In cases where Schedule V is applicable on grounds of no profits or inadequate
profits, any provision relating to the remuneration of any director which purports to increase
or has the effect of increasing the amount thereof, whether the provision be contained in the
company’s memorandum or articles, or in an agreement entered into by it, or in any resolution
passed by the company in general meeting or its Board, shall not have any effect unless such
increase is in accordance with the conditions specified in that Schedule and if such conditions
are not being complied, the approval of the Central Government had been obtained.
(12) Every listed company shall disclose in the Board’s report, the ratio of the
remuneration of each director to the median employee’s remuneration and such other details
as may be prescribed.
(13) Where any insurance is taken by a company on behalf of its managing director,
whole-time director, manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Company
Secretary for indemnifying any of them against any liability in respect of any negligence,
default, misfeasance, breach of duty or breach of trust for which they may be guilty in
5
122 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
relation to the company, the premium paid on such insurance shall not be treated as part of
the remuneration payable to any such personnel:
Provided that if such person is proved to be guilty, the premium paid on such insurance
shall be treated as part of the remuneration.
(14) Subject to the provisions of this section, any director who is in receipt of any
commission from the company and who is a managing or whole-time director of the company
shall not be disqualified from receiving any remuneration or commission from any holding
company or subsidiary company of such company subject to its disclosure by the company
in the Board’s report.
(15) If any person contravenes the provisions of this section, he shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh
rupees.
198. (1) In computing the net profits of a company in any financial year for the
purpose of section 197,—
(a) credit shall be given for the sums specified in sub-section (2), and credit
shall not be given for those specified in sub-section (3); and
(b) the sums specified in sub-section (4) shall be deducted, and those specified
in sub-section (5) shall not be deducted.
(2) In making the computation aforesaid, credit shall be given for the bounties and
subsidies received from any Government, or any public authority constituted or authorised
in this behalf, by any Government, unless and except in so far as the Central Government
otherwise directs.
(3) In making the computation aforesaid, credit shall not be given for the following
sums, namely:—
(a) profits, by way of premium on shares or debentures of the company, which
are issued or sold by the company;
(b) profits on sales by the company of forfeited shares;
(c) profits of a capital nature including profits from the sale of the undertaking
or any of the undertakings of the company or of any part thereof;
(d) profits from the sale of any immovable property or fixed assets of a capital
nature comprised in the undertaking or any of the undertakings of the company,
unless the business of the company consists, whether wholly or partly, of buying and
selling any such property or assets:
Provided that where the amount for which any fixed asset is sold exceeds the
written-down value thereof, credit shall be given for so much of the excess as is not
higher than the difference between the original cost of that fixed asset and its writtendown
value;
(e) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised in
equity reserves including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value.
Calculation of
profits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 123
(4) In making the computation aforesaid, the following sums shall be deducted, namely:—
(a) all the usual working charges;
(b) directors’ remuneration;
(c) bonus or commission paid or payable to any member of the company’s staff,
or to any engineer, technician or person employed or engaged by the company, whether
on a whole-time or on a part-time basis;
(d) any tax notified by the Central Government as being in the nature of a tax on
excess or abnormal profits;
(e) any tax on business profits imposed for special reasons or in special
circumstances and notified by the Central Government in this behalf;
(f) interest on debentures issued by the company;
(g) interest on mortgages executed by the company and on loans and advances
secured by a charge on its fixed or floating assets;
(h) interest on unsecured loans and advances;
(i) expenses on repairs, whether to immovable or to movable property, provided
the repairs are not of a capital nature;
(j) outgoings inclusive of contributions made under section 181;
(k) depreciation to the extent specified in section 123;
(l) the excess of expenditure over income, which had arisen in computing the
net profits in accordance with this section in any year which begins at or after the
commencement of this Act, in so far as such excess has not been deducted in any
subsequent year preceding the year in respect of which the net profits have to be
ascertained;
(m) any compensation or damages to be paid in virtue of any legal liability
including a liability arising from a breach of contract;
(n) any sum paid by way of insurance against the risk of meeting any liability
such as is referred to in clause (m);
(o) debts considered bad and written off or adjusted during the year of account.
(5) In making the computation aforesaid, the following sums shall not be deducted,
namely:—
(a) income-tax and super-tax payable by the company under the Income-tax
Act, 1961, or any other tax on the income of the company not falling under clauses (d)
and (e) of sub-section (4);
(b) any compensation, damages or payments made voluntarily, that is to say,
otherwise than in virtue of a liability such as is referred to in clause (m) of sub-section (4);
(c) loss of a capital nature including loss on sale of the undertaking or any of the
undertakings of the company or of any part thereof not including any excess of the
written-down value of any asset which is sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed
over its sale proceeds or its scrap value;
(d) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised in
equity reserves including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value.
43 of 1961.
124 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
199. Without prejudice to any liability incurred under the provisions of this Act or any
other law for the time being in force, where a company is required to re-state its financial
statements due to fraud or non-compliance with any requirement under this Act and the rules
made thereunder, the company shall recover from any past or present managing director or
whole-time director or manager or Chief Executive Officer (by whatever name called) who,
during the period for which the financial statements are required to be re-stated, received the
remuneration (including stock option) in excess of what would have been payable to him as
per restatement of financial statements.
200. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the Central Government or
a company may, while according its approval under section 196, to any appointment or to
any remuneration under section 197 in respect of cases where the company has inadequate
or no profits, fix the remuneration within the limits specified in this Act, at such amount or
percentage of profits of the company, as it may deem fit and while fixing the remuneration, the
Central Government or the company shall have regard to—
(a) the financial position of the company;
(b) the remuneration or commission drawn by the individual concerned in
any other capacity;
(c) the remuneration or commission drawn by him from any other company;
(d) professional qualifications and experience of the individual concerned;
(e) such other matters as may be prescribed.
201. (1) Every application made to the Central Government under this Chapter shall be
in such form as may be prescribed.
(2) (a) Before any application is made by a company to the Central Government
under any of the sections aforesaid, there shall be issued by or on behalf of the company
a general notice to the members thereof, indicating the nature of the application proposed
to be made.
(b) Such notice shall be published at least once in a newspaper in the principal language
of the district in which the registered office of the company is situate and circulating in that
district, and at least once in English in an English newspaper circulating in that district.
(c) The copies of the notices, together with a certificate by the company as to the due
publication thereof, shall be attached to the application.
202. (1) A company may make payment to a managing or whole-time director or manager,
but not to any other director, by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration
for retirement from office or in connection with such loss or retirement.
(2) No payment shall be made under sub-section (1) in the following cases, namely:—
(a) where the director resigns from his office as a result of the reconstruction of
the company, or of its amalgamation with any other body corporate or bodies corporate,
Recovery of
remuneration
in certain
cases.
Central
Government
or company
to fix limit
with regard to
remuneration.
Forms of, and
procedure in
relation to,
certain
applications.
Compensation
for loss of
office of
managing or
whole-time
director or
manager.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 125
and is appointed as the managing or whole-time director, manager or other officer of
the reconstructed company or of the body corporate resulting from the amalgamation;
(b) where the director resigns from his office otherwise than on the reconstruction
of the company or its amalgamation as aforesaid;
(c) where the office of the director is vacated under sub-section (1) of section 167;
(d) where the company is being wound up, whether by an order of the Tribunal
or voluntarily, provided the winding up was due to the negligence or default of the
director;
(e) where the director has been guilty of fraud or breach of trust in relation to, or
of gross negligence in or gross mismanagement of, the conduct of the affairs of the
company or any subsidiary company or holding company thereof; and
(f) where the director has instigated, or has taken part directly or indirectly in
bringing about, the termination of his office.
(3) Any payment made to a managing or whole-time director or manager in pursuance
of sub-section (1) shall not exceed the remuneration which he would have earned if he had
been in office for the remainder of his term or for three years, whichever is shorter, calculated
on the basis of the average remuneration actually earned by him during a period of three
years immediately preceding the date on which he ceased to hold office, or where he held the
office for a lesser period than three years, during such period:
Provided that no such payment shall be made to the director in the event of the
commencement of the winding up of the company, whether before or at any time within
twelve months after, the date on which he ceased to hold office, if the assets of the company
on the winding up, after deducting the expenses thereof, are not sufficient to repay to the
shareholders the share capital, including the premiums, if any, contributed by them.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the payment to a managing or
whole-time director, or manager, of any remuneration for services rendered by him to the
company in any other capacity.
203. (1) Every company belonging to such class or classes of companies as may be
prescribed shall have the following whole-time key managerial personnel,—
(i) managing director, or Chief Executive Officer or manager and in their absence,
a whole-time director;
(ii) company secretary; and
(iii) Chief Financial Officer :
Provided that an individual shall not be appointed or reappointed as the chairperson
of the company, in pursuance of the articles of the company, as well as the managing director
or Chief Executive Officer of the company at the same time after the date of commencement
of this Act unless,—
(a) the articles of such a company provide otherwise; or
(b) the company does not carry multiple businesses:
Provided further that nothing contained in the first proviso shall apply to such class of
companies engaged in multiple businesses and which has appointed one or more Chief
Executive Officers for each such business as may be notified by the Central Government.
(2) Every whole-time key managerial personnel of a company shall be appointed by
means of a resolution of the Board containing the terms and conditions of the appointment
including the remuneration.
Appointment
of key
managerial
personnel.
126 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) A whole-time key managerial personnel shall not hold office in more than one
company except in its subsidiary company at the same time:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall disentitle a key
managerial personnel from being a director of any company with the permission of the
Board:
Provided further that whole-time key managerial personnel holding office in more than
one company at the same time on the date of commencement of this Act, shall, within a period
of six months from such commencement, choose one company, in which he wishes to
continue to hold the office of key managerial personnel:
Provided also that a company may appoint or employ a person as its managing director,
if he is the managing director or manager of one, and of not more than one, other company
and such appointment or employment is made or approved by a resolution passed at a
meeting of the Board with the consent of all the directors present at the meeting and of which
meeting, and of the resolution to be moved thereat, specific notice has been given to all the
directors then in India.
(4) If the office of any whole-time key managerial personnel is vacated, the resulting
vacancy shall be filled-up by the Board at a meeting of the Board within a period of six
months from the date of such vacancy.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees and every director and key managerial personnel of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where
the contravention is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees for every day after the first during which the contravention continues.
204. (1) Every listed company and a company belonging to other class of companies
as may be prescribed shall annex with its Board’s report made in terms of sub-section (3) of
section 134, a secretarial audit report, given by a company secretary in practice, in such form
as may be prescribed.
(2) It shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities to the
company secretary in practice, for auditing the secretarial and related records of the
company.
(3) The Board of Directors, in their report made in terms of sub-section (3) of
section 134, shall explain in full any qualification or observation or other remarks made by
the company secretary in practice in his report under sub-section (1).
(4) If a company or any officer of the company or the company secretary in practice,
contravenes the provisions of this section, the company, every officer of the comapny or the
company secretary in practice, who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which shall not
be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
205. (1) The functions of the company secretary shall include,—
(a) to report to the Board about compliance with the provisions of this Act, the
rules made thereunder and other laws applicable to the company;
(b) to ensure that the company complies with the applicable secretarial standards;
(c) to discharge such other duties as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the expression “secretarial standards”
means secretarial standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India constituted
under section 3 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 and approved by the Central
Government.
(2) The provisions contained in section 204 and section 205 shall not affect the duties
and functions of the Board of Directors, chairperson of the company, managing director or
whole-time director under this Act, or any other law for the time being in force.
Secretarial
audit for
bigger
companies.
Functions of
company
secretary.
56 of 1980.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 127
CHAPTER XIV
INSPECTION, INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION
206. (1) Where on a scrutiny of any document filed by a company or on any information
received by him, the Registrar is of the opinion that any further information or explanation or
any further documents relating to the company is necessary, he may by a written notice
require the company—
(a) to furnish in writing such information or explanation; or
(b) to produce such documents,
within such reasonable time, as may be specified in the notice.
(2) On the receipt of a notice under sub-section (1), it shall be the duty of the company
and of its officers concerned to furnish such information or explanation to the best of their
knowledge and power and to produce the documents to the Registrar within the time specified
or extended by the Registrar:
Provided that where such information or explanation relates to any past period, the
officers who had been in the employment of the company for such period, if so called upon
by the Registrar through a notice served on them in writing, shall also furnish such information
or explanation to the best of their knowledge.
(3) If no information or explanation is furnished to the Registrar within the time
specified under sub-section (1) or if the Registrar on an examination of the documents
furnished is of the opinion that the information or explanation furnished is inadequate
or if the Registrar is satisfied on a scrutiny of the documents furnished that an
unsatisfactory state of affairs exists in the company and does not disclose a full and fair
statement of the information required, he may, by another written notice, call on the
company to produce for his inspection such further books of account, books, papers
and explanations as he may require at such place and at such time as he may specify in
the notice:
Provided that before any notice is served under this sub-section, the Registrar shall
record his reasons in writing for issuing such notice.
(4) If the Registrar is satisfied on the basis of information available with or furnished to
him or on a representation made to him by any person that the business of a company is
being carried on for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose or not in compliance with the provisions
of this Act or if the grievances of investors are not being addressed, the Registrar may, after
informing the company of the allegations made against it by a written order, call on the
company to furnish in writing any information or explanation on matters specified in the
order within such time as he may specify therein and carry out such inquiry as he deems fit
after providing the company a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided that the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so
warrant, direct the Registrar or an inspector appointed by it for the purpose to carry out the
inquiry under this sub-section:
Provided further that where business of a company has been or is being carried on for
a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
(5) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, the Central
Government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, direct inspection of
books and papers of a company by an inspector appointed by it for the purpose.
(6) The Central Government may, having regard to the circumstances by general or
special order, authorise any statutory authority to carry out the inspection of books of
account of a company or class of companies.
Power to call
for
information,
inspect books
and conduct
inquiries.
128 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) If a company fails to furnish any information or explanation or produce any document
required under this section, the company and every officer of the company, who is in default
shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the case of a
continuing failure, with an additional fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for every
day after the first during which the failure continues.
207. (1) Where a Registrar or inspector calls for the books of account and other books
and papers under section 206, it shall be the duty of every director, officer or other employee
of the company to produce all such documents to the Registrar or inspector and furnish him
with such statements, information or explanations in such form as the Registrar or inspector
may require and shall render all assistance to the Registrar or inspector in connection with
such inspection.
(2) The Registrar or inspector, making an inspection or inquiry under section 206 may,
during the course of such inspection or inquiry, as the case may be,—
(a) make or cause to be made copies of books of account and other books and
papers; or
(b) place or cause to be placed any marks of identification in such books in token
of the inspection having been made.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in
any contract to the contrary, the Registrar or inspector making an inspection or inquiry shall
have all the powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while
trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and time as may be specified by such Registrar or inspector making the
inspection or inquiry;
(b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them
on oath; and
(c) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of the company at
any place.
(4) (i) If any director or officer of the company disobeys the direction issued by the
Registrar or the inspector under this section, the director or the officer shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than
twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(ii) If a director or an officer of the company has been convicted of an offence under
this section, the director or the officer shall, on and from the date on which he is so convicted,
be deemed to have vacated his office as such and on such vacation of office, shall be
disqualified from holding an office in any company.
208. The Registrar or inspector shall, after the inspection of the books of account or an
inquiry under section 206 and other books and papers of the company under section 207,
submit a report in writing to the Central Government along with such documents, if any, and
such report may, if necessary, include a recommendation that further investigation into the
affairs of the company is necessary giving his reasons in support.
209. (1) Where, upon information in his possession or otherwise, the Registrar or
inspector has reasonable ground to believe that the books and papers of a company, or
relating to the key managerial personnel or any director or auditor or company secretary in
practice if the company has not appointed a company secretary, are likely to be destroyed,
mutilated, altered, falsified or secreted, he may, after obtaining an order from the
Special Court for the seizure of such books and papers,—
(a) enter, with such assistance as may be required, and search, the place or
places where such books or papers are kept; and
Conduct of
inspection and
inquiry.
5 of 1908.
Report on
inspection
made.
Search and
seizure.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 129
(b) seize such books and papers as he considers necessary after allowing the
company to take copies of, or extracts from, such books or papers at its cost.
(2) The Registrar or inspector shall return the books and papers seized under subsection
(1), as soon as may be, and in any case not later than one hundred and eightieth day
after such seizure, to the company from whose custody or power such books or papers were
seized:
Provided that the books and papers may be called for by the Registrar or inspector for a
further period of one hundred and eighty days by an order in writing if they are needed again:
Provided further that the Registrar or inspector may, before returning such books
and papers as aforesaid, take copies of, or extracts from them or place identification marks
on them or any part thereof or deal with the same in such other manner as he considers
necessary.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 relating to searches
or seizures shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to every search and seizure made under this
section.
210. (1) Where the Central Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to
investigate into the affairs of a company,—
(a) on the receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208;
(b) on intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that the affairs of
the company ought to be investigated; or
(c) in public interest,
it may order an investigation into the affairs of the company.
(2) Where an order is passed by a court or the Tribunal in any proceedings before it
that the affairs of a company ought to be investigated, the Central Government shall order an
investigation into the affairs of that company.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the Central Government may appoint one or more
persons as inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the company and to report thereon in
such manner as the Central Government may direct.
211. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish an office to be called
the Serious Fraud Investigation Office to investigate frauds relating to a company:
Provided that until the Serious Fraud Investigation Office is established under subsection
(1), the Serious Fraud Investigation Office set-up by the Central Government in terms
of the Government of India Resolution No. 45011/16/2003-Adm-I, dated the 2nd July, 2003 shall
be deemed to be the Serious Fraud Investigation Office for the purpose of this section.
(2) The Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be headed by a Director and consist
of such number of experts from the following fields to be appointed by the Central Government
from amongst persons of ability, integrity and experience in,—
(i) banking;
(ii) corporate affairs;
(iii) taxation;
(iv) forensic audit;
(v) capital market;
(vi) information technology;
(vii) law; or
(viii) such other fields as may be prescribed.
(3) The Central Government shall, by notification, appoint a Director in the Serious
Fraud Investigation Office, who shall be an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to
the Government of India having knowledge and experience in dealing with matters relating to
corporate affairs.
Investigation
into affairs of
company.
2 of 1974.
Establishment
of
Serious Fraud
Investigation
Office.
130 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) The Central Government may appoint such experts and other officers and employees
in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office as it considers necessary for the efficient discharge
of its functions under this Act.
(5) The terms and conditions of service of Director, experts, and other officers and
employees of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be such as may be prescribed.
212. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 210, where the Central
Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to investigate into the affairs of a company
by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office—
(a) on receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208;
(b) on intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that its affairs are
required to be investigated;
(c) in the public interest; or
(d) on request from any Department of the Central Government or a State
Government,
the Central Government may, by order, assign the investigation into the affairs of the said
company to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and its Director, may designate such
number of inspectors, as he may consider necessary for the purpose of such investigation.
(2) Where any case has been assigned by the Central Government to the Serious
Fraud Investigation Office for investigation under this Act, no other investigating agency of
Central Government or any State Government shall proceed with investigation in such case
in respect of any offence under this Act and in case any such investigation has already been
initiated, it shall not be proceeded further with and the concerned agency shall transfer the
relevant documents and records in respect of such offences under this Act to Serious Fraud
Investigation Office.
(3) Where the investigation into the affairs of a company has been assigned by the
Central Government to Serious Fraud Investigation Office, it shall conduct the investigation
in the manner and follow the procedure provided in this Chapter; and submit its report to the
Central Government within such period as may be specified in the order.
(4) The Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall cause the affairs of the
company to be investigated by an Investigating Officer who shall have the power of the
inspector under section 217.
(5) The company and its officers and employees, who are or have been in employment
of the company shall be responsible to provide all information, explanation, documents and
assistance to the Investigating Officer as he may require for conduct of the investigation.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
offences covered under sub-sections (5) and (6) of section 7, section 34, section 36, subsection
(1) of section 38, sub-section (5) of section 46, sub-section (7) of section 56, subsection
(10) of section 66, sub-section (5) of section 140, sub-section (4) of section 206,
section 213, section 229, sub-section (1) of section 251, sub-section (3) of section 339 and
section 448 which attract the punishment for fraud provided in section 447 of this Act shall
be cognizable and no person accused of any offence under those sections shall be released
on bail or on his own bond unless—
(i) the Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity to oppose the application
for such release; and
(ii) where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the court is satisfied
that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offence
and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail:
Investigation
into affairs of
Company by
Serious Fraud
Investigation
Office.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 131
Provided that a person, who, is under the age of sixteen years or is a woman or is sick
or infirm, may be released on bail, if the Special Court so directs:
Provided further that the Special Court shall not take cognizance of any offence referred
to this sub-section except upon a complaint in writing made by—
(i) the Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office; or
(ii) any officer of the Central Government authorised, by a general or special
order in writing in this behalf by that Government.
(7) The limitation on granting of bail specified in sub-section (6) is in addition to the
limitations under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or any other law for the time being in
force on granting of bail.
(8) If the Director, Additional Director or Assistant Director of Serious Fraud
Investigation Office authorised in this behalf by the Central Government by general or
special order, has on the basis of material in his possession reason to believe (the reason for
such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person has been guilty of any offence punishable
under sections referred to in sub-section (6), he may arrest such person and shall, as soon as
may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.
(9) The Director, Additional Director or Assistant Director of Serious Fraud Investigation
Office shall, immediately after arrest of such person under sub-section (8), forward a copy of
the order, along with the material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the
Serious Fraud Investigation Office in a sealed envelope, in such manner as may be prescribed
and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall keep such order and material for such period
as may be prescribed.
(10) Every person arrested under sub-section (8) shall within twenty-four hours, be
taken to a Judical Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having
jurisdiction:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the
journey from the place of arrest to the Magistrate's court.
(11) The Central Government if so directs, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall
submit an interim report to the Central Government.
(12) On completion of the investigation, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall
submit the investigation report to the Central Government.
(13) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force, a copy of the investigation report may be obtained by any person concerned
by making an application in this regard to the court.
(14) On receipt of the investigation report, the Central Government may, after examination
of the report (and after taking such legal advice, as it may think fit), direct the Serious Fraud
Investigation Office to initiate prosecution against the company and its officers or employees,
who are or have been in employment of the company or any other person directly or indirectly
connected with the affairs of the company.
(15) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force, the investigation report filed with the Special Court for framing of charges
shall be deemed to be a report filed by a police officer under section 173 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973.
(16) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any investigation or other action
taken or initiated by Serious Fraud Investigation Office under the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956 shall continue to be proceeded with under that Act as if this Act had not been
passed.
2 of 1974.
1 of 1956.
2 of 1974.
132 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(17) (a) In case Serious Fraud Investigation Office has been investigating any offence
under this Act, any other investigating agency, State Government, police authority, income-tax
authorities having any information or documents in respect of such offence shall provide all
such information or documents available with it to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office;
(b) The Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall share any information or documents
available with it, with any investigating agency, State Government, police authority or incometax
authorities, which may be relevant or useful for such investigating agency, State
Government, police authority or income-tax authorities in respect of any offence or matter
being investigated or examined by it under any other law.
213. The Tribunal may,—
(a) on an application made by—
(i) not less than one hundred members or members holding not less than
one-tenth of the total voting power, in the case of a company having a share
capital; or
(ii) not less than one-fifth of the persons on the company’s register of
members, in the case of a company having no share capital,
and supported by such evidence as may be necessary for the purpose of showing that the
applicants have good reasons for seeking an order for conducting an investigation into the
affairs of the company; or
(b) on an application made to it by any other person or otherwise, if it is satisfied
that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(i) the business of the company is being conducted with intent to defraud
its creditors, members or any other person or otherwise for a fraudulent or
unlawful purpose, or in a manner oppressive to any of its members or that the
company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose;
(ii) persons concerned in the formation of the company or the management
of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or
other misconduct towards the company or towards any of its members; or
(iii) the members of the company have not been given all the information
with respect to its affairs which they might reasonably expect, including
information relating to the calculation of the commission payable to a managing
or other director, or the manager, of the company,
order, after giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned, that the
affairs of the company ought to be investigated by an inspector or inspectors appointed by
the Central Government and where such an order is passed, the Central Government shall
appoint one or more competent persons as inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the
company in respect of such matters and to report thereupon to it in such manner as the
Central Government may direct:
Provided that if after investigation it is proved that—
(i) the business of the company is being conducted with intent to defraud its
creditors, members or any other persons or otherwise for a fraudulent or unlawful
purpose, or that the company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose; or
(ii) any person concerned in the formation of the company or the management of
its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud,
then, every officer of the company who is in default and the person or persons concerned in
the formation of the company or the management of its affairs shall be punishable for fraud
in the manner as provided in section 447.
Investigation
into
company’s
affairs in
other cases.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 133
214. Where an investigation is ordered by the Central Government in pursuance of
clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 210, or in pursuance of an order made by the Tribunal
under section 213, the Central Government may before appointing an inspector under subsection
(3) of section 210 or clause (b) of section 213, require the applicant to give such
security not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees as may be prescribed, as it may think fit,
for payment of the costs and expenses of the investigation and such security shall be
refunded to the applicant if the investigation results in prosecution.
215. No firm, body corporate or other association shall be appointed as an inspector.
216. (1) Where it appears to the Central Government that there is a reason so to do, it
may appoint one or more inspectors to investigate and report on matters relating to the
company, and its membership for the purpose of determining the true persons—
(a) who are or have been financially interested in the success or failure, whether
real or apparent, of the company; or
(b) who are or have been able to control or to materially influence the policy of
the company.
(2) Without prejudice to its powers under sub-section (1), the Central Government
shall appoint one or more inspectors under that sub-section, if the Tribunal, in the course of
any proceeding before it, directs by an order that the affairs of the company ought to be
investigated as regards the membership of the company and other matters relating to the
company, for the purposes specified in sub-section (1).
(3) While appointing an inspector under sub-section (1), the Central Government may
define the scope of the investigation, whether as respects the matters or the period to which
it is to extend or otherwise, and in particular, may limit the investigation to matters connected
with particular shares or debentures.
(4) Subject to the terms of appointment of an inspector, his powers shall extend to the
investigation of any circumstances suggesting the existence of any arrangement or
understanding which, though not legally binding, is or was observed or is likely to be
observed in practice and which is relevant for the purposes of his investigation.
217. (1) It shall be the duty of all officers and other employees and agents including
the former officers, employees and agents of a company which is under investigation in
accordance with the provisions contained in this Chapter, and where the affairs of any other
body corporate or a person are investigated under section 219, of all officers and other
employees and agents including former officers, employees and agents of such body corporate
or a person—
(a) to preserve and to produce to an inspector or any person authorised by him
in this behalf all books and papers of, or relating to, the company or, as the case may
be, relating to the other body corporate or the person, which are in their custody or
power; and
(b) otherwise to give to the inspector all assistance in connection with the
investigation which they are reasonably able to give.
(2) The inspector may require any body corporate, other than a body corporate referred
to in sub-section (1), to furnish such information to, or produce such books and papers
before him or any person authorised by him in this behalf as he may consider necessary, if
the furnishing of such information or the production of such books and papers is relevant or
necessary for the purposes of his investigation.
(3) The inspector shall not keep in his custody any books and papers produced under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) for more than one hundred and eighty days and return the
Security for
payment of
costs and
expenses of
investigation.
Firm, body
corporate or
association
not to be
appointed as
inspector.
Investigation
of ownership
of company.
Procedure,
powers, etc.,
of inspectors.
134 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
same to the company, body corporate, firm or individual by whom or on whose behalf the
books and papers were produced:
Provided that the books and papers may be called for by the inspector if they are needed
again for a further period of one hundred and eighty days by an order in writing.
(4) An inspector may examine on oath—
(a) any of the persons referred to in sub-section (1); and
(b) with the prior approval of the Central Government, any other person,
in relation to the affairs of the company, or other body corporate or person, as the case may
be, and for that purpose may require any of those persons to appear before him personally:
Provided that in case of an investigation under section 212, the prior approval of
Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be sufficient under clause (b).
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or
in any contract to the contrary, the inspector, being an officer of the Central Government,
making an investigation under this Chapter shall have all the powers as are vested in a civil
court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit in respect of the following
matters, namely:—
(a) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and time as may be specified by such person;
(b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on
oath; and
(c) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of the company at
any place.
(6) (i) If any director or officer of the company disobeys the direction issued by the
Registrar or the inspector under this section, the director or the officer shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than
twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(ii) If a director or an officer of the company has been convicted of an offence under
this section, the director or the officer shall, on and from the date on which he is so convicted,
be deemed to have vacated his office as such and on such vacation of office, shall be
disqualified from holding an office in any company.
(7) The notes of any examination under sub-section (4) shall be taken down in writing
and shall be read over to, or by, and signed by, the person examined, and may thereafter be
used in evidence against him.
(8) If any person fails without reasonable cause or refuses—
(a) to produce to an inspector or any person authorised by him in this behalf any
book or paper which is his duty under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) to produce;
(b) to furnish any information which is his duty under sub-section (2) to furnish;
(c) to appear before the inspector personally when required to do so under subsection
(4) or to answer any question which is put to him by the inspector in pursuance
of that sub-section; or
(d) to sign the notes of any examination referred to in sub-section (7),
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with
fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one
lakh rupees, and also with a further fine which may extend to two thousand rupees for every
day after the first during which the failure or refusal continues.
5 of 1908.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 135
(9) The officers of the Central Government, State Government, police or statutory authority
shall provide assistance to the inspector for the purpose of inspection, inquiry or investigation,
which the inspector may, with the prior approval of the Central Government, require.
(10) The Central Government may enter into an agreement with the Government of a
foreign State for reciprocal arrangements to assist in any inspection, inquiry or investigation
under this Act or under the corresponding law in force in that State and may, by notification,
render the application of this Chapter in relation to a foreign State with which reciprocal
arrangements have been made subject to such modifications, exceptions, conditions and
qualifications as may be deemed expedient for implementing the agreement with that State.
(11) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 if, in the course of an investigation into the affairs of the company, an
application is made to the competent court in India by the inspector stating that evidence is,
or may be, available in a country or place outside India, such court may issue a letter of
request to a court or an authority in such country or place, competent to deal with such
request, to examine orally, or otherwise, any person, supposed to be acquainted with the
facts and circumstances of the case, to record his statement made in the course of such
examination and also to require such person or any other person to produce any document
or thing, which may be in his possession pertaining to the case, and to forward all the
evidence so taken or collected or the authenticated copies thereof or the things so collected
to the court in India which had issued such letter of request:
Provided that the letter of request shall be transmitted in such manner as the Central
Government may specify in this behalf:
Provided further that every statement recorded or document or thing received under
this sub-section shall be deemed to be the evidence collected during the course of
investigation.
(12) Upon receipt of a letter of request from a court or an authority in a country or place
outside India, competent to issue such letter in that country or place for the examination of
any person or production of any document or thing in relation to affairs of a company under
investigation in that country or place, the Central Government may, if it thinks fit, forward
such letter of request to the court concerned, which shall thereupon summon the person
before it and record his statement or cause any document or thing to be produced, or send
the letter to any inspector for investigation, who shall thereupon investigate into the affairs
of company in the same manner as the affairs of a company are investigated under this Act
and the inspector shall submit the report to such court within thirty days or such extended
time as the court may allow for further action:
Provided that the evidence taken or collected under this sub-section or authenticated
copies thereof or the things so collected shall be forwarded by the court, to the Central
Government for transmission, in such manner as the Central Government may deem fit, to the
court or the authority in country or place outside India which had issued the letter of request.
218. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in
force, if—
(a) during the course of any investigation of the affairs and other matters of or
relating to a company, other body corporate or person under section 210, section 212,
section 213 or section 219 or of the membership and other matters of or relating to a
company, or the ownership of shares in or debentures of a company or body corporate,
or the affairs and other matters of or relating to a company, other body corporate or
person, under section 216; or
(b) during the pendency of any proceeding against any person concerned in the
conduct and management of the affairs of a company under Chapter XVI,
Protection of
employees
during
investigation.
2 of 1974.
136 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
such company, other body corporate or person proposes—
(i) to discharge or suspend any employee; or
(ii) to punish him, whether by dismissal, removal, reduction in rank or otherwise;
or
(iii) to change the terms of employment to his disadvantage,
the company, other body corporate or person, as the case may be, shall obtain approval of
the Tribunal of the action proposed against the employee and if the Tribunal has any objection
to the action proposed, it shall send by post notice thereof in writing to the company, other
body corporate or person concerned.
(2) If the company, other body corporate or person concerned does not receive within
thirty days of making of application under sub-section (1), the approval of the Tribunal, then
and only then, the company, other body corporate or person concerned may proceed to take
against the employee, the action proposed.
(3) If the company, other body corporate or person concerned is dissatisfied with the
objection raised by the Tribunal, it may, within a period of thirty days of the receipt of the
notice of the objection, prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal in such manner and on
payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) The decision of the Appellate Tribunal on such appeal shall be final and binding on
the Tribunal and on the company, other body corporate or person concerned.
(5) For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions of this section
shall have effect without prejudice to the provisions of any other law for the time being in
force.
219. If an inspector appointed under section 210 or section 212 or section 213 to
investigate into the affairs of a company considers it necessary for the purposes of the
investigation, to investigate also the affairs of—
(a) any other body corporate which is, or has at any relevant time been the
company’s subsidiary company or holding company, or a subsidiary company of its
holding company;
(b) any other body corporate which is, or has at any relevant time been managed
by any person as managing director or as manager, who is, or was, at the relevant time,
the managing director or the manager of the company;
(c) any other body corporate whose Board of Directors comprises nominees of
the company or is accustomed to act in accordance with the directions or instructions
of the company or any of its directors; or
(d) any person who is or has at any relevant time been the company’s managing
director or manager or employee,
he shall, subject to the prior approval of the Central Government, investigate into and report
on the affairs of the other body corporate or of the managing director or manager, in so far as
he considers that the results of his investigation are relevant to the investigation of the
affairs of the company for which he is appointed.
220. (1) Where in the course of an investigation under this Chapter, the inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe that the books and papers of, or relating to, any company or
other body corporate or managing director or manager of such company are likely to be
destroyed, mutilated, altered, falsified or secreted, the inspector may—
(a) enter, with such assistance as may be required, the place or places where
such books and papers are kept in such manner as may be required; and
Power of
inspector to
conduct
investigation
into affairs of
related
companies,
etc.
Seizure of
documents by
inspector.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 137
(b) seize books and papers as he considers necessary after allowing the company
to take copies of, or extracts from, such books and papers at its cost for the purposes
of his investigation.
(2) The inspector shall keep in his custody the books and papers seized under this
section for such a period not later than the conclusion of the investigation as he considers
necessary and thereafter shall return the same to the company or the other body corporate,
or, as the case may be, to the managing director or the manager or any other person from
whose custody or power they were seized:
Provided that the inspector may, before returning such books and papers as aforesaid,
take copies of, or extracts from them or place identification marks on them or any part thereof
or deal with the same in such manner as he considers necessary.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, relating to searches or
seizures shall apply mutatis mutandis to every search or seizure made under this section.
221. (1) Where it appears to the Tribunal, on a reference made to it by the Central
Government or in connection with any inquiry or investigation into the affairs of a company
under this Chapter or on any complaint made by such number of members as specified under
sub-section (1) of section 244 or a creditor having one lakh amount outstanding against the
company or any other person having a reasonable ground to believe that the removal,
transfer or disposal of funds, assets, properties of the company is likely to take place in a
manner that is prejudicial to the interests of the company or its shareholders or creditors or
in public interest, it may by order direct that such transfer, removal or disposal shall not take
place during such period not exceeding three years as may be specified in the order or may
take place subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(2) In case of any removal, transfer or disposal of funds, assets, or properties of the
company in contravention of the order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1), the company
shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may
extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
222. (1) Where it appears to the Tribunal, in connection with any investigation under
section 216 or on a complaint made by any person in this behalf, that there is good reason to
find out the relevant facts about any securities issued or to be issued by a company and the
Tribunal is of the opinion that such facts cannot be found out unless certain restrictions, as
it may deem fit, are imposed, the Tribunal may, by order, direct that the securities shall be
subject to such restrictions as it may deem fit for such period not exceeding three years as
may be specified in the order.
(2) Where securities in any company are issued or transferred or acted upon in
contravention of an order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1), the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be
less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
223. (1) An inspector appointed under this Chapter may, and if so directed by the
Central Government shall, submit interim reports to that Government, and on the conclusion
of the investigation, shall submit a final report to the Central Government.
(2) Every report made under sub-section (1) shall be in writing or printed as the Central
Government may direct.
Imposition of
restrictions
upon
securities.
Inspector’s
report.
2 of 1974.
Freezing of
assets of
company on
inquiry and
investigation.
138 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) A copy of the report made under sub-section (1) may be obtained by making an
application in this regard to the Central Government.
(4) The report of any inspector appointed under this Chapter shall be authenticated
either—
(a) by the seal of the company whose affairs have been investigated; or
(b) by a certificate of a public officer having the custody of the report, as provided
under section 76 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872,
and such report shall be admissible in any legal proceeding as evidence in relation to any
matter contained in the report.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to the report referred to in section 212.
224. (1) If, from an inspector’s report, made under section 223, it appears to the Central
Government that any person has, in relation to the company or in relation to any other body
corporate or other person whose affairs have been investigated under this Chapter been
guilty of any offence for which he is criminally liable, the Central Government may prosecute
such person for the offence and it shall be the duty of all officers and other employees of the
company or body corporate to give the Central Government the necessary assistance in
connection with the prosecution.
(2) If any company or other body corporate is liable to be wound up under this Act and
it appears to the Central Government from any such report made under section 223 that it is
expedient so to do by reason of any such circumstances as are referred to in section 213, the
Central Government may, unless the company or body corporate is already being wound up
by the Tribunal, cause to be presented to the Tribunal by any person authorised by the
Central Government in this behalf—
(a) a petition for the winding up of the company or body corporate on the
ground that it is just and equitable that it should be wound up;
(b) an application under section 241; or
(c) both.
(3) If from any such report as aforesaid, it appears to the Central Government that
proceedings ought, in the public interest, to be brought by the company or any body
corporate whose affairs have been investigated under this Chapter—
(a) for the recovery of damages in respect of any fraud, misfeasance or other
misconduct in connection with the promotion or formation, or the management of the
affairs, of such company or body corporate; or
(b) for the recovery of any property of such company or body corporate which
has been misapplied or wrongfully retained,
the Central Government may itself bring proceedings for winding up in the name of such
company or body corporate.
(4) The Central Government, shall be indemnified by such company or body corporate
against any costs or expenses incurred by it in, or in connection with, any proceedings
brought by virtue of sub-section (3).
(5) Where the report made by an inspector states that fraud has taken place in a company
and due to such fraud any director, key managerial personnel, other officer of the company or
any other person or entity, has taken undue advantage or benefit, whether in the form of any
asset, property or cash or in any other manner, the Central Government may file an application
before the Tribunal for appropriate orders with regard to disgorgement of such asset, property,
or cash, as the case may be, and also for holding such director, key managerial personnel,
officer or other person liable personally without any limitation of liability.
Actions to be
taken in
pursuance of
inspector’s
report.
1 of 1872.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 139
225. (1) The expenses of, and incidental to, an investigation by an inspector appointed
by the Central Government under this Chapter other than expenses of inspection under
section 214 shall be defrayed in the first instance by the Central Government, but shall be
reimbursed by the following persons to the extent mentioned below, namely:—
(a) any person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted, or who is ordered
to pay damages or restore any property in proceedings brought, under section 224, to
the extent that he may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay the said expenses as
may be specified by the court convicting such person, or ordering him to pay such
damages or restore such property, as the case may be;
(b) any company or body corporate in whose name proceedings are brought as
aforesaid, to the extent of the amount or value of any sums or property recovered by it
as a result of such proceedings;
(c) unless, as a result of the investigation, a prosecution is instituted under
section 224,—
(i) any company, body corporate, managing director or manager dealt with
by the report of the inspector; and
(ii) the applicants for the investigation, where the inspector was appointed
under section 213,
to such extent as the Central Government may direct.
(2) Any amount for which a company or body corporate is liable under clause (b) of
sub-section (1) shall be a first charge on the sums or property mentioned in that clause.
226. An investigation under this Chapter may be initiated notwithstanding, and no
such investigation shall be stopped or suspended by reason only of, the fact that—
(a) an application has been made under section 241;
(b) the company has passed a special resolution for voluntary winding up;
or
(c) any other proceeding for the winding up of the company is pending before
the Tribunal:
Provided that where a winding up order is passed by the Tribunal in a proceeding
referred to in clause (c), the inspector shall inform the Tribunal about the pendency of the
investigation proceedings before him and the Tribunal shall pass such order as it may deem
fit:
Provided further that nothing in the winding up order shall absolve any director or
other employee of the company from participating in the proceedings before the inspector or
any liability as a result of the finding by the inspector.
227. Nothing in this Chapter shall require the disclosure to the Tribunal or to the
Central Government or to the Registrar or to an inspector appointed by the Central
Government—
(a) by a legal adviser, of any privileged communication made to him in that
capacity, except as respects the name and address of his client; or
(b) by the bankers of any company, body corporate, or other person, of any
information as to the affairs of any of their customers, other than such company, body
corporate, or person.
Expenses of
investigation.
Voluntary
winding up of
company,
etc., not to
stop
investigation
proceedings.
Legal advisers
and bankers
not to
disclose
certain
information.
140 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
228. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply mutatis mutandis to inspection, inquiry
or investigation in relation to foreign companies.
229. Where a person who is required to provide an explanation or make a statement
during the course of inspection, inquiry or investigation, or an officer or other employee of
a company or other body corporate which is also under investigation,—
(a) destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or conceals or tampers or unauthorisedly
removes, or is a party to the destruction, mutilation or falsification or concealment or
tampering or unauthorised removal of, documents relating to the property, assets or
affairs of the company or the body corporate;
(b) makes, or is a party to the making of, a false entry in any document concerning
the company or body corporate; or
(c) provides an explanation which is false or which he knows to be false,
he shall be punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
CHAPTER XV
COMPROMISES, ARRANGEMENTS AND AMALGAMATIONS
230. (1) Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed—
(a) between a company and its creditors or any class of them; or
(b) between a company and its members or any class of them,
the Tribunal may, on the application of the company or of any creditor or member of the
company, or in the case of a company which is being wound up, of the liquidator, order a
meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or of the members or class of members, as the
case may be, to be called, held and conducted in such manner as the Tribunal directs.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, arrangement includes a
reorganisation of the company’s share capital by the consolidation of shares of different
classes or by the division of shares into shares of different classes, or by both of those
methods.
(2) The company or any other person, by whom an application is made under subsection
(1), shall disclose to the Tribunal by affidavit—
(a) all material facts relating to the company, such as the latest financial position
of the company, the latest auditor’s report on the accounts of the company and the
pendency of any investigation or proceedings against the company;
(b) reduction of share capital of the company, if any, included in the compromise
or arrangement;
(c) any scheme of corporate debt restructuring consented to by not less than
seventy-five per cent. of the secured creditors in value, including—
(i) a creditor’s responsibility statement in the prescribed form;
(ii) safeguards for the protection of other secured and unsecured creditors;
(iii) report by the auditor that the fund requirements of the company after
the corporate debt restructuring as approved shall conform to the liquidity test
based upon the estimates provided to them by the Board;
(iv) where the company proposes to adopt the corporate debt restructuring
guidelines specified by the Reserve Bank of India, a statement to that effect; and
Investigation,
etc., of
foreign
companies.
Penalty for
furnishing
false
statement,
mutilation,
destruction of
documents.
Power to
compromise
or make
arrangements
with creditors
and members.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 141
(v) a valuation report in respect of the shares and the property and all assets,
tangible and intangible, movable and immovable, of the company by a registered
valuer.
(3) Where a meeting is proposed to be called in pursuance of an order of the Tribunal
under sub-section (1), a notice of such meeting shall be sent to all the creditors or class of
creditors and to all the members or class of members and the debenture-holders of the
company, individually at the address registered with the company which shall be
accompanied by a statement disclosing the details of the compromise or arrangement, a
copy of the valuation report, if any, and explaining their effect on creditors, key managerial
personnel, promoters and non-promoter members, and the debenture-holders and the
effect of the compromise or arrangement on any material interests of the directors of the
company or the debenture trustees, and such other matters as may be prescribed:
Provided that such notice and other documents shall also be placed on the website of the
company, if any, and in case of a listed company, these documents shall be sent to the Securities
and Exchange Board and stock exchange where the securities of the companies are listed, for
placing on their website and shall also be published in newspapers in such manner as may be
prescribed:
Provided further that where the notice for the meeting is also issued by way of an
advertisement, it shall indicate the time within which copies of the compromise or arrangement
shall be made available to the concerned persons free of charge from the registered office of the
company.
(4) A notice under sub-section (3) shall provide that the persons to whom the notice is sent
may vote in the meeting either themselves or through proxies or by postal ballot to the adoption
of the compromise or arrangement within one month from the date of receipt of such notice:
Provided that any objection to the compromise or arrangement shall be made only by
persons holding not less than ten per cent. of the shareholding or having outstanding debt
amounting to not less than five per cent. of the total outstanding debt as per the latest audited
financial statement.
(5) A notice under sub-section (3) along with all the documents in such form as may be
prescribed shall also be sent to the Central Government, the income-tax authorities, the Reserve
Bank of India, the Securities and Exchange Board, the Registrar, the respective stock exchanges,
the Official Liquidator, the Competition Commission of India established under sub-section (1) of
section 7 of the Competition Act, 2002, if necessary, and such other sectoral regulators or authorities
which are likely to be affected by the compromise or arrangement and shall require that
representations, if any, to be made by them shall be made within a period of thirty days from the
date of receipt of such notice, failing which, it shall be presumed that they have no representations
to make on the proposals.
(6) Where, at a meeting held in pursuance of sub-section (1), majority of persons representing
three-fourths in value of the creditors, or class of creditors or members or class of members, as the
case may be, voting in person or by proxy or by postal ballot, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and if such compromise or arrangement is sanctioned by the Tribunal by an order,
the same shall be binding on the company, all the creditors, or class of creditors or members or
class of members, as the case may be, or, in case of a company being wound up, on the liquidator
and the contributories of the company.
(7) An order made by the Tribunal under sub-section (6) shall provide for all or any of the
following matters, namely:—
(a) where the compromise or arrangement provides for conversion of
preference shares into equity shares, such preference shareholders shall be given
an option to either obtain arrears of dividend in cash or accept equity shares
equal to the value of the dividend payable;
12 of 2003.
35
142 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) the protection of any class of creditors;
(c) if the compromise or arrangement results in the variation of the shareholders’
rights, it shall be given effect to under the provisions of section 48;
(d) if the compromise or arrangement is agreed to by the creditors under
sub-section (6), any proceedings pending before the Board for Industrial and Financial
Reconstruction established under section 4 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special
Provisions) Act, 1985 shall abate;
(e) such other matters including exit offer to dissenting shareholders, if any, as
are in the opinion of the Tribunal necessary to effectively implement the terms of the
compromise or arrangement:
Provided that no compromise or arrangement shall be sanctioned by the Tribunal
unless a certificate by the company's auditor has been filed with the Tribunal to the effect
that the accounting treatment, if any, proposed in the scheme of compromise or arrangement
is in conformity with the accounting standards prescribed under section 133.
(8) The order of the Tribunal shall be filed with the Registrar by the company within
a period of thirty days of the receipt of the order.
(9) The Tribunal may dispense with calling of a meeting of creditor or class of
creditors where such creditors or class of creditors, having at least ninety per cent. value,
agree and confirm, by way of affidavit, to the scheme of compromise or arrangement.
(10) No compromise or arrangement in respect of any buy-back of securities under
this section shall be sanctioned by the Tribunal unless such buy-back is in accordance
with the provisions of section 68.
(11) Any compromise or arrangement may include takeover offer made in such manner
as may be prescribed:
Provided that in case of listed companies, takeover offer shall be as per the regulations
framed by the Securities and Exchange Board.
(12) An aggrieved party may make an application to the Tribunal in the event of any
grievances with respect to the takeover offer of companies other than listed companies in
such manner as may be prescribed and the Tribunal may, on application, pass such order
as it may deem fit.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions
of section 66 shall not apply to the reduction of share capital effected in pursuance of the
order of the Tribunal under this section.
231. (1) Where the Tribunal makes an order under section 230 sanctioning a
compromise or an arrangement in respect of a company, it—
(a) shall have power to supervise the implementation of the compromise or
arrangement; and
(b) may, at the time of making such order or at any time thereafter, give such
directions in regard to any matter or make such modifications in the compromise or
arrangement as it may consider necessary for the proper implementation of the
compromise or arrangement.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied that the compromise or arrangement sanctioned under
section 230 cannot be implemented satisfactorily with or without modifications, and the
company is unable to pay its debts as per the scheme, it may make an order for winding up
the company and such an order shall be deemed to be an order made under section 273.
1 of 1986.
Power of
Tribunal to
enforce
compromise
or
arrangement.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 143
(3) The provisions of this section shall, so far as may be, also apply to a company in
respect of which an order has been made before the commencement of this Act sanctioning
a compromise or an arrangement.
232. (1) Where an application is made to the Tribunal under section 230 for the
sanctioning of a compromise or an arrangement proposed between a company and any
such persons as are mentioned in that section, and it is shown to the Tribunal—
(a) that the compromise or arrangement has been proposed for the purposes
of, or in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of the company or
companies involving merger or the amalgamation of any two or more companies; and
(b) that under the scheme, the whole or any part of the undertaking, property
or liabilities of any company (hereinafter referred to as the transferor company) is
required to be transferred to another company (hereinafter referred to as the transferee
company), or is proposed to be divided among and transferred to two or more
companies,
the Tribunal may on such application, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors
or the members or class of members, as the case may be, to be called, held and conducted
in such manner as the Tribunal may direct and the provisions of sub-sections (3) to (6) of
section 230 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
(2) Where an order has been made by the Tribunal under sub-section (1), merging
companies or the companies in respect of which a division is proposed, shall also be
required to circulate the following for the meeting so ordered by the Tribunal, namely:—
(a) the draft of the proposed terms of the scheme drawn up and adopted by the
directors of the merging company;
(b) confirmation that a copy of the draft scheme has been filed with the Registrar;
(c) a report adopted by the directors of the merging companies explaining
effect of compromise on each class of shareholders, key managerial personnel,
promotors and non-promoter shareholders laying out in particular the share exchange
ratio, specifying any special valuation difficulties;
(d) the report of the expert with regard to valuation, if any;
(e) a supplementary accounting statement if the last annual accounts of any of
the merging company relate to a financial year ending more than six months before
the first meeting of the company summoned for the purposes of approving the
scheme.
(3) The Tribunal, after satisfying itself that the procedure specified in sub-sections
(1) and (2) has been complied with, may, by order, sanction the compromise or arrangement
or by a subsequent order, make provision for the following matters, namely:—
(a) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the
undertaking, property or liabilities of the transferor company from a date to be
determined by the parties unless the Tribunal, for reasons to be recorded by it in
writing, decides otherwise;
(b) the allotment or appropriation by the transferee company of any shares,
debentures, policies or other like instruments in the company which, under the
compromise or arrangement, are to be allotted or appropriated by that company to or
for any person:
Provided that a transferee company shall not, as a result of the compromise or
arrangement, hold any shares in its own name or in the name of any trust whether on
Merger and
amalgamation
of companies.
144 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
its behalf or on behalf of any of its subsidiary or associate companies and any such
shares shall be cancelled or extinguished;
(c) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal
proceedings pending by or against any transferor company on the date of transfer;
(d) dissolution, without winding-up, of any transferor company;
(e) the provision to be made for any persons who, within such time and in such
manner as the Tribunal directs, dissent from the compromise or arrangement;
(f) where share capital is held by any non-resident shareholder under the
foreign direct investment norms or guidelines specified by the Central Government
or in accordance with any law for the time being in force, the allotment of shares of
the transferee company to such shareholder shall be in the manner specified in the
order;
(g) the transfer of the employees of the transferor company to the transferee
company;
(h) where the transferor company is a listed company and the transferee
company is an unlisted company,—
(A) the transferee company shall remain an unlisted company until it
becomes a listed company;
(B) if shareholders of the transferor company decide to opt out of the
transferee company, provision shall be made for payment of the value of shares
held by them and other benefits in accordance with a pre-determined price
formula or after a valuation is made, and the arrangements under this provision
may be made by the Tribunal:
Provided that the amount of payment or valuation under this clause for any
share shall not be less than what has been specified by the Securities and Exchange
Board under any regulations framed by it;
(i) where the transferor company is dissolved, the fee, if any, paid by the
transferor company on its authorised capital shall be set-off against any fees payable
by the transferee company on its authorised capital subsequent to the amalgamation;
and
(j) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are deemed
necessary to secure that the merger or amalgamation is fully and effectively carried
out:
Provided that no compromise or arrangement shall be sanctioned by the
Tribunal unless a certificate by the company’s auditor has been filed with the Tribunal
to the effect that the accounting treatment, if any, proposed in the scheme of
compromise or arrangement is in conformity with the accounting standards prescribed
under section 133.
(4) Where an order under this section provides for the transfer of any property or
liabilities, then, by virtue of the order, that property shall be transferred to the transferee
company and the liabilities shall be transferred to and become the liabilities of the transferee
company and any property may, if the order so directs, be freed from any charge which
shall by virtue of the compromise or arrangement, cease to have effect.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 145
(5) Every company in relation to which the order is made shall cause a certified copy
of the order to be filed with the Registrar for registration within thirty days of the receipt of
certified copy of the order.
(6) The scheme under this section shall clearly indicate an appointed date from
which it shall be effective and the scheme shall be deemed to be effective from such date
and not at a date subsequent to the appointed date.
(7) Every company in relation to which the order is made shall, until the completion
of the scheme, file a statement in such form and within such time as may be prescribed with
the Registrar every year duly certified by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant or a
company secretary in practice indicating whether the scheme is being complied with in
accordance with the orders of the Tribunal or not.
(8) If a transferor company or a transferee company contravenes the provisions of
this section, the transferor company or the transferee company, as the case may be, shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of such transferor or transferee company who
is in default, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
three lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) in a scheme involving a merger, where under the scheme the undertaking,
property and liabilities of one or more companies, including the company in respect
of which the compromise or arrangement is proposed, are to be transferred to another
existing company, it is a merger by absorption, or where the undertaking, property
and liabilities of two or more companies, including the company in respect of which
the compromise or arrangement is proposed, are to be transferred to a new company,
whether or not a public company, it is a merger by formation of a new company;
(ii) references to merging companies are in relation to a merger by absorption,
to the transferor and transferee companies, and, in relation to a merger by formation
of a new company, to the transferor companies;
(iii) a scheme involves a division, where under the scheme the undertaking,
property and liabilities of the company in respect of which the compromise or
arrangement is proposed are to be divided among and transferred to two or more
companies each of which is either an existing company or a new company; and
(iv) property includes assets, rights and interests of every description and
liabilities include debts and obligations of every description.
233. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 230 and section 232, a scheme of
merger or amalgamation may be entered into between two or more small companies or
between a holding company and its wholly-owned subsidiary company or such other
class or classes of companies as may be prescribed, subject to the following, namely:—
(a) a notice of the proposed scheme inviting objections or suggestions, if any,
from the Registrar and Official Liquidators where registered office of the respective
companies are situated or persons affected by the scheme within thirty days is
issued by the transferor company or companies and the transferee company;
(b) the objections and suggestions received are considered by the companies
in their respective general meetings and the scheme is approved by the respective
members or class of members at a general meeting holding at least ninety per cent. of
the total number of shares;
Merger or
amalgamation
of certain
companies.
146 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) each of the companies involved in the merger files a declaration of solvency,
in the prescribed form, with the Registrar of the place where the registered office of
the company is situated; and
(d) the scheme is approved by majority representing nine-tenths in value of
the creditors or class of creditors of respective companies indicated in a meeting
convened by the company by giving a notice of twenty-one days along with the
scheme to its creditors for the purpose or otherwise approved in writing.
(2) The transferee company shall file a copy of the scheme so approved in the
manner as may be prescribed, with the Central Government, Registrar and the Official
Liquidator where the registered office of the company is situated.
(3) On the receipt of the scheme, if the Registrar or the Official Liquidator has no
objections or suggestions to the scheme, the Central Government shall register the same
and issue a confirmation thereof to the companies.
(4) If the Registrar or Official Liquidator has any objections or suggestions, he may
communicate the same in writing to the Central Government within a period of thirty days:
Provided that if no such communication is made, it shall be presumed that he has no
objection to the scheme.
(5) If the Central Government after receiving the objections or suggestions or for
any reason is of the opinion that such a scheme is not in public interest or in the interest
of the creditors, it may file an application before the Tribunal within a period of sixty days
of the receipt of the scheme under sub-section (2) stating its objections and requesting
that the Tribunal may consider the scheme under section 232.
(6) On receipt of an application from the Central Government or from any person, if
the Tribunal, for reasons to be recorded in writing, is of the opinion that the scheme should
be considered as per the procedure laid down in section 232, the Tribunal may direct
accordingly or it may confirm the scheme by passing such order as it deems fit:
Provided that if the Central Government does not have any objection to the scheme
or it does not file any application under this section before the Tribunal, it shall be deemed
that it has no objection to the scheme.
(7) A copy of the order under sub-section (6) confirming the scheme shall be
communicated to the Registrar having jurisdiction over the transferee company and the
persons concerned and the Registrar shall register the scheme and issue a confirmation
thereof to the companies and such confirmation shall be communicated to the Registrars
where transferor company or companies were situated.
(8) The registration of the scheme under sub-section (3) or sub-section (7) shall be
deemed to have the effect of dissolution of the transferor company without process of
winding-up.
(9) The registration of the scheme shall have the following effects, namely:—
(a) transfer of property or liabilities of the transferor company to the transferee
company so that the property becomes the property of the transferee company and
the liabilities become the liabilities of the transferee company;
(b) the charges, if any, on the property of the transferor company shall be
applicable and enforceable as if the charges were on the property of the transferee
company;
(c) legal proceedings by or against the transferor company pending before any
court of law shall be continued by or against the transferee company; and
(d) where the scheme provides for purchase of shares held by the dissenting
shareholders or settlement of debt due to dissenting creditors, such amount, to the
extent it is unpaid, shall become the liability of the transferee company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 147
(10) A transferee company shall not on merger or amalgamation, hold any shares in
its own name or in the name of any trust either on its behalf or on behalf of any of its
subsidiary or associate company and all such shares shall be cancelled or extinguished on
the merger or amalgamation.
(11) The transferee company shall file an application with the Registrar along with
the scheme registered, indicating the revised authorised capital and pay the prescribed
fees due on revised capital:
Provided that the fee, if any, paid by the transferor company on its authorised capital
prior to its merger or amalgamation with the transferee company shall be set-off against the
fees payable by the transferee company on its authorised capital enhanced by the merger
or amalgamation.
(12) The provisions of this section shall mutatis mutandis apply to a company or
companies specified in sub-section (1) in respect of a scheme of compromise or arrangement
referred to in section 230 or division or transfer of a company referred to clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 232.
(13) The Central Government may provide for the merger or amalgamation of
companies in such manner as may be prescribed.
(14) A company covered under this section may use the provisions of section 232 for
the approval of any scheme for merger or amalgamation.
234. (1) The provisions of this Chapter unless otherwise provided under any other
law for the time being in force, shall apply mutatis mutandis to schemes of mergers and
amalgamations between companies registered under this Act and companies incorporated
in the jurisdictions of such countries as may be notified from time to time by the Central
Government:
Provided that the Central Government may make rules, in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, in connection with mergers and amalgamations provided under this
section.
(2) Subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, a foreign
company, may with the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India, merge into a company
registered under this Act or vice versa and the terms and conditions of the scheme of
merger may provide, among other things, for the payment of consideration to the
shareholders of the merging company in cash, or in Depository Receipts, or partly in cash
and partly in Depository Receipts, as the case may be, as per the scheme to be drawn up
for the purpose.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-section (2), the expression “foreign
company” means any company or body corporate incorporated outside India whether
having a place of business in India or not.
235. (1) Where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of
shares in a company (the transferor company) to another company (the transferee company)
has, within four months after making of an offer in that behalf by the transferee company,
been approved by the holders of not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares whose
transfer is involved, other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a
nominee of the transferee company or its subsidiary companies, the transferee company
may, at any time within two months after the expiry of the said four months, give notice in
the prescribed manner to any dissenting shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares.
(2) Where a notice under sub-section (1) is given, the transferee company shall,
unless on an application made by the dissenting shareholder to the Tribunal, within one
month from the date on which the notice was given and the Tribunal thinks fit to order
Merger or
amalgamation
of company
with foreign
company.
Power to
acquire shares
of
shareholders
dissenting
from scheme
or contract
approved by
majority.
148 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
otherwise, be entitled to and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which, under
the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to
the transferee company.
(3) Where a notice has been given by the transferee company under sub-section (1)
and the Tribunal has not, on an application made by the dissenting shareholder, made an
order to the contrary, the transferee company shall, on the expiry of one month from the
date on which the notice has been given, or, if an application to the Tribunal by the
dissenting shareholder is then pending, after that application has been disposed of, send
a copy of the notice to the transferor company together with an instrument of transfer, to
be executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferor
company and on its own behalf by the transferee company, and pay or transfer to the
transferor company the amount or other consideration representing the price payable by
the transferee company for the shares which, by virtue of this section, that company is
entitled to acquire, and the transferor company shall—
(a) thereupon register the transferee company as the holder of those shares;
and
(b) within one month of the date of such registration, inform the dissenting
shareholders of the fact of such registration and of the receipt of the amount or other
consideration representing the price payable to them by the transferee company.
(4) Any sum received by the transferor company under this section shall be paid into
a separate bank account, and any such sum and any other consideration so received shall
be held by that company in trust for the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of
which the said sum or other consideration were respectively received and shall be disbursed
to the entitled shareholders within sixty days.
(5) In relation to an offer made by a transferee company to shareholders of a transferor
company before the commencement of this Act, this section shall have effect with the
following modifications, namely:—
(a) in sub-section (1), for the words “the shares whose transfer is involved
other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a nominee of, the
transferee company or its subsidiaries,”, the words “the shares affected” shall be
substituted; and
(b) in sub-section (3), the words “together with an instrument of transfer, to be
executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferee
company and on its own behalf by the transferor company” shall be omitted.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “dissenting shareholder” includes
a shareholder who has not assented to the scheme or contract and any shareholder who
has failed or refused to transfer his shares to the transferee company in accordance with
the scheme or contract.
236. (1) In the event of an acquirer, or a person acting in concert with such acquirer,
becoming registered holder of ninety per cent. or more of the issued equity share capital of
a company, or in the event of any person or group of persons becoming ninety per cent.
majority or holding ninety per cent. of the issued equity share capital of a company, by
virtue of an amalgamation, share exchange, conversion of securities or for any other
reason, such acquirer, person or group of persons, as the case may be, shall notify the
company of their intention to buy the remaining equity shares.
(2) The acquirer, person or group of persons under sub-section (1) shall offer to the
minority shareholders of the company for buying the equity shares held by such
Purchase of
minority
shareholding.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 149
shareholders at a price determined on the basis of valuation by a registered valuer in
accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the minority
shareholders of the company may offer to the majority shareholders to purchase the
minority equity shareholding of the company at the price determined in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed under sub-section (2).
(4) The majority shareholders shall deposit an amount equal to the value of shares to
be acquired by them under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), as the case may be, in a
separate bank account to be operated by the transferor company for at least one year for
payment to the minority shareholders and such amount shall be disbursed to the entitled
shareholders within sixty days:
Provided that such disbursement shall continue to be made to the entitled shareholders
for a period of one year, who for any reason had not been made disbursement
within the said period of sixty days or if the disbursement have been made within the
aforesaid period of sixty days, fail to receive or claim payment arising out of such
disbursement.
(5) In the event of a purchase under this section, the transferor company shall
act as a transfer agent for receiving and paying the price to the minority shareholders
and for taking delivery of the shares and delivering such shares to the majority, as the case
may be.
(6) In the absence of a physical delivery of shares by the shareholders within the
time specified by the company, the share certificates shall be deemed to be cancelled, and
the transferor company shall be authorised to issue shares in lieu of the cancelled shares
and complete the transfer in accordance with law and make payment of the price out of
deposit made under sub-section (4) by the majority in advance to the minority by despatch
of such payment.
(7) In the event of a majority shareholder or shareholders requiring a full purchase
and making payment of price by deposit with the company for any shareholder or
shareholders who have died or ceased to exist, or whose heirs, successors, administrators
or assignees have not been brought on record by transmission, the right of such
shareholders to make an offer for sale of minority equity shareholding shall continue and
be available for a period of three years from the date of majority acquisition or majority
shareholding.
(8) Where the shares of minority shareholders have been acquired in pursuance of
this section and as on or prior to the date of transfer following such acquisition, the
shareholders holding seventy-five per cent. or more minority equity shareholding negotiate
or reach an understanding on a higher price for any transfer, proposed or agreed upon, of
the shares held by them without disclosing the fact or likelihood of transfer taking place on
the basis of such negotiation, understanding or agreement, the majority shareholders
shall share the additional compensation so received by them with such minority
shareholders on a pro rata basis.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expressions “acquirer” and
“person acting in concert” shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in
clause (b) and clause (e) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.
150 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(9) When a shareholder or the majority equity shareholder fails to acquire full
purchase of the shares of the minority equity shareholders, then, the provisions of this
section shall continue to apply to the residual minority equity shareholders, even though,—
(a) the shares of the company of the residual minority equity shareholder had
been delisted; and
(b) the period of one year or the period specified in the regulations made by the
Securities and Exchange Board under the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992, had elapsed.
237. (1) Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is essential in the public
interest that two or more companies should amalgamate, the Central Government may, by
order notified in the Official Gazette, provide for the amalgamation of those companies into
a single company with such constitution, with such property, powers, rights, interests,
authorities and privileges, and with such liabilities, duties and obligations, as may be
specified in the order.
(2) The order under sub-section (1) may also provide for the continuation by or
against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or against any
transferor company and such consequential, incidental and supplemental provisions as
may, in the opinion of the Central Government, be necessary to give effect to the
amalgamation.
(3) Every member or creditor, including a debenture holder, of each of the transferor
companies before the amalgamation shall have, as nearly as may be, the same interest in or
rights against the transferee company as he had in the company of which he was originally
a member or creditor, and in case the interest or rights of such member or creditor in or
against the transferee company are less than his interest in or rights against the original
company, he shall be entitled to compensation to that extent, which shall be assessed by
such authority as may be prescribed and every such assessment shall be published in the
Official Gazette, and the compensation so assessed shall be paid to the member or creditor
concerned by the transferee company.
(4) Any person aggrieved by any assessment of compensation made by the prescribed
authority under sub-section (3) may, within a period of thirty days from the date of
publication of such assessment in the Official Gazette, prefer an appeal to the Tribunal and
thereupon the assessment of the compensation shall be made by the Tribunal.
(5) No order shall be made under this section unless—
(a) a copy of the proposed order has been sent in draft to each of the companies
concerned;
(b) the time for preferring an appeal under sub-section (4) has expired, or
where any such appeal has been preferred, the appeal has been finally disposed off;
and
(c) the Central Government has considered, and made such modifications, if
any, in the draft order as it may deem fit in the light of suggestions and objections
which may be received by it from any such company within such period as the
Central Government may fix in that behalf, not being less than two months from the
date on which the copy aforesaid is received by that company, or from any class of
shareholders therein, or from any creditors or any class of creditors thereof.
(6) The copies of every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after
it has been made, be laid before each House of Parliament.
Power of
Central
Government
to provide
for
amalgamation
of companies
in public
interest.
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 151
238. (1) In relation to every offer of a scheme or contract involving the transfer of
shares or any class of shares in the transferor company to the transferee company under
section 235,—
(a) every circular containing such offer and recommendation to the members
of the transferor company by its directors to accept such offer shall be accompanied
by such information and in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) every such offer shall contain a statement by or on behalf of the transferee
company, disclosing the steps it has taken to ensure that necessary cash will be
available; and
(c) every such circular shall be presented to the Registrar for registration and
no such circular shall be issued until it is so registered:
Provided that the Registrar may refuse, for reasons to be recorded in writing, to
register any such circular which does not contain the information required to be given
under clause (a) or which sets out such information in a manner likely to give a false
impression, and communicate such refusal to the parties within thirty days of the application.
(2) An appeal shall lie to the Tribunal against an order of the Registrar refusing to
register any circular under sub-section (1).
(3) The director who issues a circular which has not been presented for registration
and registered under clause (c) of sub-section (1), shall be punishable with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh
rupees.
239. The books and papers of a company which has been amalgamated with, or
whose shares have been acquired by, another company under this Chapter shall not be
disposed of without the prior permission of the Central Government and before granting
such permission, that Government may appoint a person to examine the books and papers
or any of them for the purpose of ascertaining whether they contain any evidence of the
commission of an offence in connection with the promotion or formation, or the management
of the affairs, of the transferor company or its amalgamation or the acquisition of its
shares.
240. Notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time being in force, the
liability in respect of offences committed under this Act by the officers in default, of the
transferor company prior to its merger, amalgamation or acquisition shall continue after
such merger, amalgamation or acquisition.
CHAPTER XVI
PREVENTION OF OPPRESSION AND MISMANAGEMENT
241. (1) Any member of a company who complains that—
(a) the affairs of the company have been or are being conducted in a manner
prejudicial to public interest or in a manner prejudicial or oppressive to him or any
other member or members or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company;
or
(b) the material change, not being a change brought about by, or in the interests
of, any creditors, including debenture holders or any class of shareholders of the
company, has taken place in the management or control of the company, whether by
an alteration in the Board of Directors, or manager, or in the ownership of the
company’s shares, or if it has no share capital, in its membership, or in any other
manner whatsoever, and that by reason of such change, it is likely that the affairs of
Liability of
officers in
respect of
offences
committed
prior to
merger,
amalgamation,
etc.
Application
to Tribunal
for relief in
cases of
oppression,
etc.
Registration
of offer of
schemes
involving
transfer of
shares.
Preservation
of books and
papers of
amalgamated
companies.
152 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
the company will be conducted in a manner prejudicial to its interests or its members
or any class of members,
may apply to the Tribunal, provided such member has a right to apply under section 244,
for an order under this Chapter.
(2) The Central Government, if it is of the opinion that the affairs of the company are
being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest, it may itself apply to the Tribunal
for an order under this Chapter.
242. (1) If, on any application made under section 241, the Tribunal is of the opinion—
(a) that the company’s affairs have been or are being conducted in a manner
prejudicial or oppressive to any member or members or prejudicial to public interest
or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company; and
(b) that to wind up the company would unfairly prejudice such member or
members, but that otherwise the facts would justify the making of a winding-up
order on the ground that it was just and equitable that the company should be
wound up,
the Tribunal may, with a view to bringing to an end the matters complained of, make such
order as it thinks fit.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers under sub-section (1), an order
under that sub-section may provide for—
(a) the regulation of conduct of affairs of the company in future;
(b) the purchase of shares or interests of any members of the company by
other members thereof or by the company;
(c) in the case of a purchase of its shares by the company as aforesaid, the
consequent reduction of its share capital;
(d) restrictions on the transfer or allotment of the shares of the company;
(e) the termination, setting aside or modification, of any agreement, howsoever
arrived at, between the company and the managing director, any other director or
manager, upon such terms and conditions as may, in the opinion of the Tribunal, be
just and equitable in the circumstances of the case;
(f) the termination, setting aside or modification of any agreement between the
company and any person other than those referred to in clause (e):
Provided that no such agreement shall be terminated, set aside or modified
except after due notice and after obtaining the consent of the party concerned;
(g) the setting aside of any transfer, delivery of goods, payment, execution or
other act relating to property made or done by or against the company within three
months before the date of the application under this section, which would, if made or
done by or against an individual, be deemed in his insolvency to be a fraudulent
preference;
(h) removal of the managing director, manager or any of the directors of the
company;
(i) recovery of undue gains made by any managing director, manager or director
during the period of his appointment as such and the manner of utilisation of the
recovery including transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund or repayment
to identifiable victims;
Powers of
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 153
(j) the manner in which the managing director or manager of the company may
be appointed subsequent to an order removing the existing managing director or
manager of the company made under clause (h);
(k) appointment of such number of persons as directors, who may be required
by the Tribunal to report to the Tribunal on such matters as the Tribunal may direct;
(l) imposition of costs as may be deemed fit by the Tribunal;
(m) any other matter for which, in the opinion of the Tribunal, it is just and
equitable that provision should be made.
(3) A certified copy of the order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1) shall be filed by
the company with the Registrar within thirty days of the order of the Tribunal.
(4) The Tribunal may, on the application of any party to the proceeding, make any
interim order which it thinks fit for regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs upon
such terms and conditions as appear to it to be just and equitable.
(5) Where an order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1) makes any alteration in the
memorandum or articles of a company, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this
Act, the company shall not have power, except to the extent, if any, permitted in the order,
to make, without the leave of the Tribunal, any alteration whatsoever which is inconsistent
with the order, either in the memorandum or in the articles.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the alterations made by the order
in the memorandum or articles of a company shall, in all respects, have the same effect as
if they had been duly made by the company in accordance with the provisions of this
Act and the said provisions shall apply accordingly to the memorandum or articles so
altered.
(7) A certified copy of every order altering, or giving leave to alter, a company’s
memorandum or articles, shall within thirty days after the making thereof, be filed by the
company with the Registrar who shall register the same.
(8) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (5), the company shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
243. (1) Where an order made under section 242 terminates, sets aside or modifies an
agreement such as is referred to in sub-section (2) of that section,—
(a) such order shall not give rise to any claims whatever against the company
by any person for damages or for compensation for loss of office or in any other
respect either in pursuance of the agreement or otherwise;
(b) no managing director or other director or manager whose agreement is so
terminated or set aside shall, for a period of five years from the date of the order
terminating or setting aside the agreement, without the leave of the Tribunal, be
appointed, or act, as the managing director or other director or manager of the
company:
Provided that the Tribunal shall not grant leave under this clause unless notice of
the intention to apply for leave has been served on the Central Government and that
Government has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
Consequence
of termination
or
modification
of certain
agreements.
154 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Any person who knowingly acts as a managing director or other director or
manager of a company in contravention of clause (b) of sub-section (1), and every other
director of the company who is knowingly a party to such contravention, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend
to five lakh rupees, or with both.
244. (1) The following members of a company shall have the right to apply under
section 241, namely:—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, not less than one hundred
members of the company or not less than one-tenth of the total number of its
members, whichever is less, or any member or members holding not less than onetenth
of the issued share capital of the company, subject to the condition that the
applicant or applicants has or have paid all calls and other sums due on his or their
shares;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, not less than one-fifth
of the total number of its members:
Provided that the Tribunal may, on an application made to it in this behalf, waive all
or any of the requirements specified in clause (a) or clause (b) so as to enable the members
to apply under section 241.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, where any share or shares are
held by two or more persons jointly, they shall be counted only as one member.
(2) Where any members of a company are entitled to make an application under subsection
(1), any one or more of them having obtained the consent in writing of the rest,
may make the application on behalf and for the benefit of all of them.
245. (1) Such number of member or members, depositor or depositors or any class
of them, as the case may be, as are indicated in sub-section (2) may, if they are of the
opinion that the management or conduct of the affairs of the company are being conducted
in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company or its members or depositors, file an
application before the Tribunal on behalf of the members or depositors for seeking all or
any of the following orders, namely:—
(a) to restrain the company from committing an act which is ultra vires the
articles or memorandum of the company;
(b) to restrain the company from committing breach of any provision of the
company’s memorandum or articles;
(c) to declare a resolution altering the memorandum or articles of the company
as void if the resolution was passed by suppression of material facts or obtained
by mis-statement to the members or depositors;
(d) to restrain the company and its directors from acting on such resolution;
(e) to restrain the company from doing an act which is contrary to the provisions
of this Act or any other law for the time being in force;
(f) to restrain the company from taking action contrary to any resolution passed
by the members;
Right to
apply under
section 241.
Class action.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 155
(g) to claim damages or compensation or demand any other suitable action from
or against—
(i) the company or its directors for any fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful act
or omission or conduct or any likely act or omission or conduct on its or their part;
(ii) the auditor including audit firm of the company for any improper or
misleading statement of particulars made in his audit report or for any
fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful act or conduct; or
(iii) any expert or advisor or consultant or any other person for any incorrect
or misleading statement made to the company or for any fraudulent, unlawful or
wrongful act or conduct or any likely act or conduct on his part;
(h) to seek any other remedy as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(2) Where the members or depositors seek any damages or compensation or demand
any other suitable action from or against an audit firm, the liability shall be of the firm as well
as of each partner who was involved in making any improper or misleading statement of
particulars in the audit report or who acted in a fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful manner.
(3) (i) The requisite number of members provided in sub-section (1) shall be as under:—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, not less than one hundred
members of the company or not less than such percentage of the total number of its
members as may be prescribed, whichever is less, or any member or members holding
not less than such percentage of the issued share capital of the company as may be
prescribed, subject to the condition that the applicant or applicants has or have paid
all calls and other sums due on his or their shares;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, not less than one-fifth of
the total number of its members.
(ii) The requisite number of depositors provided in sub-section (1) shall not be less
than one hundred depositors or not less than such percentage of the total number of
depositors as may be prescribed, whichever is less, or any depositor or depositors to whom
the company owes such percentage of total deposits of the company as may be prescribed.
(4) In considering an application under sub-section (1), the Tribunal shall take into
account, in particular—
(a) whether the member or depositor is acting in good faith in making the
application for seeking an order;
(b) any evidence before it as to the involvement of any person other than directors
or officers of the company on any of the matters provided in clauses (a) to (f) of subsection
(1);
(c) whether the cause of action is one which the member or depositor could
pursue in his own right rather than through an order under this section;
(d) any evidence before it as to the views of the members or depositors of the
company who have no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the matter being proceeded
under this section;
(e) where the cause of action is an act or omission that is yet to occur, whether
the act or omission could be, and in the circumstances would be likely to be—
(i) authorised by the company before it occurs; or
(ii) ratified by the company after it occurs;
(f) where the cause of action is an act or omission that has already occurred,
whether the act or omission could be, and in the circumstances would be likely to be,
ratified by the company.
(5) If an application filed under sub-section (1) is admitted, then the Tribunal shall
have regard to the following, namely:—
(a) public notice shall be served on admission of the application to all the members
or depositors of the class in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) all similar applications prevalent in any jurisdiction should be consolidated
into a single application and the class members or depositors should be allowed to
choose the lead applicant and in the event the members or depositors of the class are
unable to come to a consensus, the Tribunal shall have the power to appoint a lead
applicant, who shall be in charge of the proceedings from the applicant’s side;
156 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) two class action applications for the same cause of action shall not be allowed;
(d) the cost or expenses connected with the application for class action shall be
defrayed by the company or any other person responsible for any oppressive act.
(6) Any order passed by the Tribunal shall be binding on the company and all its
members, depositors and auditor including audit firm or expert or consultant or advisor or
any other person associated with the company.
(7) Any company which fails to comply with an order passed by the Tribunal under
this section shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but
which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and
with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to
one lakh rupees.
(8) Where any application filed before the Tribunal is found to be frivolous or vexatious,
it shall, for reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application and make an order that the
applicant shall pay to the opposite party such cost, not exceeding one lakh rupees, as may be
specified in the order.
(9) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to a banking company.
(10) Subject to the compliance of this section, an application may be filed or any other
action may be taken under this section by any person, group of persons or any association
of persons representing the persons affected by any act or omission, specified in
sub-section (1).
246. The provisions of sections 337 to 341 (both inclusive) shall apply mutatis mutandis,
in relation to an application made to the Tribunal under section 241 or section 245.
CHAPTER XVII
REGISTERED VALUERS
247. (1) Where a valuation is required to be made in respect of any property, stocks,
shares, debentures, securities or goodwill or any other assets (herein referred to as the
assets) or net worth of a company or its liabilities under the provision of this Act, it shall be
valued by a person having such qualifications and experience and registered as a valuer in
such manner, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and appointed by the audit
committee or in its absence by the Board of Directors of that company.
(2) The valuer appointed under sub-section (1) shall,—
(a) make an impartial, true and fair valuation of any assets which may be required
to be valued;
(b) exercise due diligence while performing the functions as valuer;
(c) make the valuation in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed; and
(d) not undertake valuation of any assets in which he has a direct or indirect
interest or becomes so interested at any time during or after the valuation of assets.
(3) If a valuer contravenes the provisions of this section or the rules made thereunder,
the valuer shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees:
Provided that if the valuer has contravened such provisions with the intention to
defraud the company or its members, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(4) Where a valuer has been convicted under sub-section (3), he shall be liable to—
(i) refund the remuneration received by him to the company; and
(ii) pay for damages to the company or to any other person for loss arising out
of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars made in his report.
Application
of certain
provisions to
proceedings
under section
241 or section
245.
Valuation by
registered
valuers.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 157
CHAPTER XVIII
REMOVAL OF NAMES OF COMPANIES FROM THE REGISTER OF COMPANIES
248. (1) Where the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe that—
(a) a company has failed to commence its business within one year of its
incorporation;
(b) the subscribers to the memorandum have not paid the subscription which
they had undertaken to pay within a period of one hundred and eighty days from the
date of incorporation of a company and a declaration under sub-section (1) of section 11
to this effect has not been filed within one hundred and eighty days of its incorporation;
or
(c) a company is not carrying on any business or operation for a period of two
immediately preceding financial years and has not made any application within such
period for obtaining the status of a dormant company under section 455,
he shall send a notice to the company and all the directors of the company, of his intention
to remove the name of the company from the register of companies and requesting them to
send their representations along with copies of the relevant documents, if any, within a
period of thirty days from the date of the notice.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), a company may, after
extinguishing all its liabilities, by a special resolution or consent of seventy-five per cent.
members in terms of paid-up share capital, file an application in the prescribed manner to the
Registrar for removing the name of the company from the register of companies on all or any
of the grounds specified in sub-section (1) and the Registrar shall, on receipt of such
application, cause a public notice to be issued in the prescribed manner:
Provided that in the case of a company regulated under a special Act, approval of the
regulatory body constituted or established under that Act shall also be obtained and enclosed
with the application.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall apply to a company registered under section 8.
(4) A notice issued under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be published in the
prescribed manner and also in the Official Gazette for the information of the general public.
(5) At the expiry of the time mentioned in the notice, the Registrar may, unless cause to
the contrary is shown by the company, strike off its name from the register of companies, and
shall publish notice thereof in the Official Gazette, and on the publication in the Official
Gazette of this notice, the company shall stand dissolved.
(6) The Registrar, before passing an order under sub-section (5), shall satisfy himself
that sufficient provision has been made for the realisation of all amount due to the company
and for the payment or discharge of its liabilities and obligations by the company within a
reasonable time and, if necessary, obtain necessary undertakings from the managing director,
director or other persons in charge of the management of the company:
Provided that notwithstanding the undertakings referred to in this sub-section, the
assets of the company shall be made available for the payment or discharge of all its liabilities
and obligations even after the date of the order removing the name of the company from the
register of companies.
(7) The liability, if any, of every director, manager or other officer who was exercising
any power of management, and of every member of the company dissolved under
sub-section (5), shall continue and may be enforced as if the company had not been dissolved.
(8) Nothing in this section shall affect the power of the Tribunal to wind up a company
the name of which has been struck off from the register of companies.
249. (1) An application under sub-section (2) of section 248 on behalf of a company
shall not be made if, at any time in the previous three months, the company—
(a) has changed its name or shifted its registered office from one State to another;
Restrictions
on making
application
under section
248 in certain
situations.
Power of
Registrar to
remove name
of company
from register
of companies.
158 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) has made a disposal for value of property or rights held by it, immediately
before cesser of trade or otherwise carrying on of business, for the purpose of disposal
for gain in the normal course of trading or otherwise carrying on of business;
(c) has engaged in any other activity except the one which is necessary or expedient
for the purpose of making an application under that section, or deciding whether to do so
or concluding the affairs of the company, or complying with any statutory requirement;
(d) has made an application to the Tribunal for the sanctioning of a compromise
or arrangement and the matter has not been finally concluded; or
(e) is being wound up under Chapter XX, whether voluntarily or by the Tribunal.
(2) If a company files an application under sub-section (2) of section 248 in violation of
sub-section (1), it shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(3) An application filed under sub-section (2) of section 248 shall be withdrawn by the
company or rejected by the Registrar as soon as conditions under sub-section (1) are brought
to his notice.
250. Where a company stands dissolved under section 248, it shall on and from the
date mentioned in the notice under sub-section (5) of that section cease to operate as a
company and the Certificate of Incorporation issued to it shall be deemed to have been
cancelled from such date except for the purpose of realising the amount due to the company
and for the payment or discharge of the liabilities or obligations of the company.
251. (1) Where it is found that an application by a company under sub-section (2) of
section 248 has been made with the object of evading the liabilities of the company or with
the intention to deceive the creditors or to defraud any other persons, the persons in charge
of the management of the company shall, notwithstanding that the company has been
notified as dissolved—
(a) be jointly and severally liable to any person or persons who had incurred
loss or damage as a result of the company being notified as dissolved; and
(b) be punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the Registrar may
also recommend prosecution of the persons responsible for the filing of an application under
sub-section (2) of section 248.
252. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Registrar, notifying a company as
dissolved under section 248, may file an appeal to the Tribunal within a period of three years
from the date of the order of the Registrar and if the Tribunal is of the opinion that the
removal of the name of the company from the register of companies is not justified in view of
the absence of any of the grounds on which the order was passed by the Registrar, it may
order restoration of the name of the company in the register of companies:
Provided that before passing any order under this section, the Tribunal shall give a
reasonable opportunity of making representations and of being heard to the Registrar, the
company and all the persons concerned :
Provided further that if the Registrar is satisfied, that the name of the company has
been struck off from the register of companies either inadvertently or on the basis of incorrect
information furnished by the company or its directors, which requires restoration in the
register of companies, he may within a period of three years from the date of passing of the
order dissolving the company under section 248, file an application before the Tribunal
seeking restoration of name of such company.
(2) A copy of the order passed by the Tribunal shall be filed by the company with the
Registrar within thirty days from the date of the order and on receipt of the order, the
Registrar shall cause the name of the company to be restored in the register of companies
and shall issue a fresh certificate of incorporation.
(3) If a company, or any member or creditor or workman thereof feels aggrieved by the
company having its name struck off from the register of companies, the Tribunal on an
application made by the company, member, creditor or workman before the expiry of twenty
years from the publication in the Official Gazette of the notice under sub-section (5) of
section 248 may, if satisfied that the company was, at the time of its name being struck off,
carrying on business or in operation or otherwise it is just that the name of the company be
restored to the register of companies, order the name of the company to be restored to the
register of companies, and the Tribunal may, by the order, give such other directions and
make such provisions as deemed just for placing the company and all other persons in the
same position as nearly as may be as if the name of the company had not been struck off from
the register of companies.
Effect of
company
notified as
dissolved.
Fraudulent
application
for removal
of name.
Appeal to
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 159
CHAPTER XIX
REVIVAL AND REHABILITATION OF SICK COMPANIES
253. (1) Where on a demand by the secured creditors of a company representing fifty
per cent. or more of its outstanding amount of debt, the company has failed to pay the debt
within a period of thirty days of the service of the notice of demand or to secure or compound
it to the reasonable satisfaction of the creditors, any secured creditor may file an application
to the Tribunal in the prescribed manner along with the relevant evidence for such default,
non-repayment or failure to offer security or compound it, for a determination that the company
be declared as a sick company.
(2) The applicant under sub-section (1) may, along with an application under that subsection
or at any stage of the proceedings thereafter, make an application for the stay of any
proceeding for the winding up of the company or for execution, distress or the like against
any property and assets of the company or for the appointment of a receiver in respect
thereof and that no suit for the recovery of any money or for the enforcement of any security
against the company shall lie or be proceeded with.
(3) The Tribunal may pass an order in respect of an application under sub-section (2)
which shall be operative for a period of one hundred and twenty days.
(4) The company referred to in sub-section (1) may also file an application to the
Tribunal on one or more of the grounds specified in sub-sections (1) and (2) above.
(5) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4), the Central
Government or the Reserve Bank of India or a State Government or a public financial
institution or a State level institution or a scheduled bank may, if it has sufficient reasons to
believe that any company has become, for the purposes of this Act, a sick company, make a
reference in respect of such company to the Tribunal for determination of the measures
which may be adopted with respect to such company:
Provided that a reference shall not be made under this sub-section in respect of any
company by—
(a) the Government of any State unless all or any of the undertakings belonging
to such company are situated in such State;
(b) a public financial institution or a State level institution or a scheduled bank
unless it has, by reason of any financial assistance or obligation rendered by it, or
undertaken by it, with respect to such company, an interest in such company.
(6) Where an application under sub-section (1) or sub-section (4) has been filed,—
(a) the company shall not dispose of or otherwise enter into any obligation with
regard to, its properties or assets except as required in the normal course of business;
(b) the Board of Directors shall not take any steps likely to prejudice the interests
of the creditors.
(7) The Tribunal shall, within a period of sixty days of the receipt of an application under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (4), determine whether the company is a sick company or not:
Provided that no such determination shall be made in respect of an application under
sub-section (1) unless the company has been given notice of the application and a reasonable
opportunity to reply to the notice within thirty days of the receipt thereof.
(8) If the Tribunal is satisfied that a company has become a sick company, the Tribunal
shall, after considering all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case, decide, as soon
as may be, by an order in writing, whether it is practicable for the company to make the
repayment of its debts referred to in sub-section (1) within a reasonable time.
(9) If the Tribunal deems fit under sub-section (8) that it is practicable for a sick
company to pay its debts referred to in that sub-section within a reasonable time, the Tribunal
Determination
of sickness.
160 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
shall, by order in writing and subject to such restrictions or conditions as may be specified
in the order, give such time to the company as it may deem fit to make repayment of the debt.
254. (1) On the determination of a company as a sick company by the Tribunal under
section 253, any secured creditor of that company or the company may make an application
to the Tribunal for the determination of the measures that may be adopted with respect to the
revival and rehabilitation of such company:
Provided that in case any reference had been made before the Tribunal and a scheme
for revival and rehabilitation submitted, such reference shall abate if the secured creditors
representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial assistance
disbursed to the borrower have taken measures to recover their secured debt under
sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002:
Provided further that no reference shall be made under this section if the secured
creditors representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial
assistance disbursed to the borrower have taken measures to recover their secured debt
under sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002:
Provided also that where the financial assets of the sick company had been acquired
by any securitisation company or reconstruction company under sub-section (1) of section
5 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest Act, 2002, no such application shall be made without the consent of securitisation
company or reconstruction company which has acquired such assets.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by—
(a) audited financial statements of the company relating to the immediately
preceding financial year;
(b) such particulars and documents, duly authenticated in such manner, along
with such fees as may be prescribed; and
(c) a draft scheme of revival and rehabilitation of the company in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided that where the sick company has no draft scheme of revival and rehabilitation
to offer, it shall file a declaration to that effect along with the application.
(3) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made to the Tribunal within a period
of sixty days from the date of determination of the company as a sick company by the
Tribunal under section 253.
255. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Limitation Act, 1963 or in any other
law for the time being in force, in computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or
application in the name and on behalf of a company for which an application has been made
to the Tribunal under sub-section (1) of section 253, for a determination to be declared as a
sick company or at any stage thereafter, the period during which the stay order as provided
under sub-section (3) of section 253, was applicable shall be excluded.
256. (1) On the receipt of an application under section 254, the Tribunal shall, not later
than seven days from such receipt,—
(a) fix a date for hearing not later than ninety days from date of its receipt;
(b) appoint an interim administrator to convene a meeting of creditors of the
company in accordance with the provisions of section 257 to be held not later than
forty-five days from receipt of the order of the Tribunal appointing him to consider
whether on the basis of the particulars and documents furnished with the application
made under section 254, the draft scheme, if any, filed along with such application or
otherwise and any other material available, it is possible to revive and rehabilitate the
Application
for revival
and
rehabilitation.
36 of 1963.
54 of 2002.
54 of 2002.
54 of 2002.
Exclusion of
certain time
in computing
period of
limitation.
Appointment
of interim
administrator.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 161
sick company and such other matters, which the interim administrator may consider
necessary for the purpose and to submit his report to the Tribunal within sixty days
from the date of the order:
Provided that where no draft scheme is filed by the company and a declaration
has been made to that effect by the Board of Directors, the Tribunal may direct the
interim administrator to take over the management of the company; and
(c) issue such other directions to the interim administrator as the Tribunal may
consider necessary to protect and preserve the assets of the sick company and for its
proper management.
(2) Where an interim administrator has been directed to take over the management of
the company, the directors and the management of the company shall extend all possible
assistance and cooperation to the interim administrator to manage the affairs of the company.
257. (1) The interim administrator shall appoint a committee of creditors with such
number of members as he may determine, but not exceeding seven, and as far as possible a
representative each of every class of creditors should be represented in that committee.
(2) The holding of the meeting of the committee of creditors and the procedure to be
followed at such meetings, including the appointment of its chairperson, shall be decided by
the interim administrator.
(3) The interim administrator may direct any promoter, director or any key managerial
personnel to attend any meeting of the committee of creditors and to furnish such information
as may be considered necessary by the interim administrator.
258. On the date of hearing fixed by the Tribunal and on consideration of the report of
the interim administrator filed under sub-section (1) of section 256, if the Tribunal is satisfied
that the creditors representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against the
sick company present and voting have resolved that—
(a) it is not possible to revive and rehabilitate such company, the Tribunal shall
record such opinion and order that the proceedings for the winding up of the company
be initiated; or
(b) by adopting certain measures the sick company may be revived and
rehabilitated, the Tribunal shall appoint a company administrator for the company and
cause such administrator to prepare a scheme of revival and rehabilitation of the sick
company:
Provided that the Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, appoint an interim administrator as the
company administrator.
259. (1) The interim administrator or the company administrator, as the case may be,
shall be appointed by the Tribunal from a databank maintained by the Central Government or
any institute or agency authorised by the Central Government in a manner as may be
prescribed consisting of the names of company secretaries, chartered accountants, cost
accountants and such other professionals as may, by notification, be specified by the Central
Government.
(2) The terms and conditions of the appointment of interim and company administrators
shall be such as may be ordered by the Tribunal.
(3) The Tribunal may direct the company administrator to take over the assets or
management of the company and for the purpose of assisting him in the management of the
company, the company administrator may, with the approval of the Tribunal, engage the
services of suitable expert or experts.
Committee of
creditors.
Order of
Tribunal.
Appointment
of
administrator.
162 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
260. (1) The company administrator shall perform such functions as the Tribunal may
direct.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the company administrator
may cause to be prepared with respect to the company—
(a) a complete inventory of—
(i) all assets and liabilities of whatever nature;
(ii) all books of account, registers, maps, plans, records, documents of
title and all other documents of whatever nature;
(b) a list of shareholders and a list of creditors showing separately in the list of
creditors, the secured creditors and unsecured creditors;
(c) a valuation report in respect of the shares and assets in order to arrive at the
reserve price for the sale of any industrial undertaking of the company or for the
fixation of the lease rent or share exchange ratio;
(d) an estimate of the reserve price, lease rent or share exchange ratio;
(e) proforma accounts of the company, where no up-to-date audited accounts
are available; and
(f) a list of workmen of the company and their dues referred to in sub-section (3)
of section 325.
261. (1) The company administrator shall prepare or cause to be prepared a scheme of
revival and rehabilitation of the sick company after considering the draft scheme filed along
with the application under section 254.
(2) A scheme prepared in relation to any sick company under sub-section (1) may
provide for any one or more of the following measures, namely:—
(a) the financial reconstruction of the sick company;
(b) the proper management of the sick company by any change in, or by taking
over, the management of such company;
(c) the amalgamation of—
(i) the sick company with any other company; or
(ii) any other company with the sick company;
(d) takeover of the sick company by a solvent company;
(e) the sale or lease of a part or whole of any asset or business of the sick
company;
(f) the rationalisation of managerial personnel, supervisory staff and workmen in
accordance with law;
(g) such other preventive, ameliorative and remedial measures as may be
appropriate;
(h) repayment or rescheduling or restructuring of the debts or obligations of the
sick company to any of its creditors or class of creditors;
(i) such incidental, consequential or supplemental measures as may be necessary
or expedient in connection with or for the purposes of the measures specified in
clauses (a) to (h).
262. (1) The scheme prepared by the company administrator under section 261 shall
be placed before the creditors of the sick company in a meeting convened for their approval
by the company administrator within the period of sixty days from his appointment, which
may be extended by the Tribunal up to a period not exceeding one hundred twenty days.
Powers and
duties of
company
administrator.
Scheme of
revival and
rehabilitation.
Sanction of
scheme.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 163
(2) The company administrator shall convene separate meetings of secured and
unsecured creditors of the sick company and if the scheme is approved by the unsecured
creditors representing one-fourth in value of the amount owed by the company to such
creditors and the secured creditors, representing three-fourths in value of the amount
outstanding against financial assistance disbursed by such creditors to the sick company,
the company administrator shall submit the scheme before the Tribunal for sanctioning the
scheme:
Provided that where the scheme relates to amalgamation of the sick company with any
other company, such scheme shall, in addition to the approval of the creditors of the sick
company under this sub-section, be laid before the general meeting of both the companies
for approval by their respective shareholders and no such scheme shall be proceeded with
unless it has been approved, with or without modification, by a special resolution passed by
the shareholders of that company.
(3) (i) The scheme prepared by the company administrator shall be examined by the
Tribunal and a copy of the scheme with modification, if any, made by the Tribunal shall be
sent, in draft, to the sick company and the company administrator and in the case of
amalgamation, also to any other company concerned, and the Tribunal may publish or cause
to be published the draft scheme in brief in such daily newspapers as the Tribunal may
consider necessary, for suggestions and objections, if any, within such period as the Tribunal
may specify.
(ii) The complete draft scheme shall be kept at the place where registered office of the
company is situated or at such places as mentioned in the advertisement.
(iii) The Tribunal may make such modifications, if any, in the draft scheme as it may
consider necessary in the light of the suggestions and objections received from the sick
company and the company administrator and also from the transferee company and any
other company concerned in the amalgamation and from any shareholder or any creditors or
employees of such companies.
(4) On the receipt of the scheme under sub-section (3), the Tribunal shall within sixty
days therefrom, after satisfying that the scheme had been validly approved in accordance
with this section, pass an order sanctioning such scheme.
(5) Where a sanctioned scheme provides for the transfer of any property or liability of
the sick company to any other company or person or where such scheme provides for the
transfer of any property or liability of any other company or person in favour of the sick
company, then, by virtue of, and to the extent provided in, the scheme, on and from the date
of coming into operation of the sanctioned scheme or any provision thereof, the property
shall be transferred to, and vest in, and the liability shall become the liability of, such other
company or person or, as the case may be, the sick company.
(6) The Tribunal may review any sanctioned scheme and make such modifications, as
it may deem fit, or may by order in writing direct company administrator, to prepare a fresh
scheme providing for such measures as the company administrator may consider necessary.
(7) The sanction accorded by the Tribunal under sub-section (4) shall be conclusive
evidence that all the requirements of the scheme relating to the reconstruction or amalgamation
or any other measure specified therein have been complied with and a copy of the sanctioned
scheme certified in writing by an officer of the Tribunal to be a true copy thereof shall in all
legal proceedings be admitted as evidence.
(8) A copy of the sanctioned scheme referred to in sub-section (4) shall be filed with
the Registrar by the sick company within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt of a
copy thereof.
263. On and from the date of the coming into operation of the sanctioned scheme or
any provision thereof, the scheme or such provision shall be binding on the sick company
Scheme to be
binding.
164 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
and the transferee company or, as the case may be, the other company and also on the
employees, shareholders, creditors and guarantors of the said companies.
264. (1) The Tribunal shall, for the purpose of effective implementation of the scheme,
have power to enforce, modify or terminate any contract or agreement or any obligation
pursuant to such agreement or contract entered into by the company with any other person.
(2) The Tribunal may, if it deems necessary or expedient so to do, by order in writing,
authorise the company administrator appointed under section 259 to implement a sanctioned
scheme till its successful implementation on such terms and conditions as may be specified
in the order and may for that purpose require him to file periodic reports on the implementation
of the sanctioned scheme.
(3) Where the whole or substantial assets of the undertaking of the sick company are
sold under a sanctioned scheme, the sale proceeds shall be applied towards implementation
of the scheme in such manner as the Tribunal may direct:
Provided that debtors and creditors shall have the power to scrutinise and make an
appeal for review of the value before final order of fixing value.
(4) Where it is difficult to implement the scheme for any reason or the scheme fails due
to non-implementation of obligations under the scheme by the parties concerned, the company
administrator authorised to implement the scheme and where there is no such administrator,
the company, the secured creditors, or the transferee company in a case of amalgamation,
may make an application before the Tribunal for modification of the scheme or to declare the
scheme as failed and that the company may be wound up.
(5) The Tribunal shall, within thirty days of presentation of an application under
sub-section (4), pass an order for modification of the scheme or, as the case may be, declaring
the scheme as failed and pass an order for the winding up of the company if three-fourths in
value of the secured creditors consent to the modification of the scheme or winding up of the
company.
(6) Where an application under sub-section (4) has been made before the Tribunal and
such application is pending before it, such application shall abate, if the secured creditors
representing not less than three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial
assistance disbursed to the sick company have taken any measures to recover their secured
debt under sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.
265. (1) If the scheme is not approved by the creditors in the manner specified in
sub-section (2) of section 262, the company administrator shall submit a report to the Tribunal
within fifteen days and the Tribunal shall order for the winding up of the sick company.
(2) On the passing of an order under sub-section (1), the Tribunal shall conduct the
proceedings for winding up of the sick company in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter XX.
266. (1) If, in the course of the scrutiny or implementation of any scheme or proposal
including the draft scheme or proposal, it appears to the Tribunal that any person who has
taken part in the promotion, formation or management of the sick company or its undertaking,
including any director, manager, officer or employee of the sick company who are or have
been in employment of such company,—
(a) has misapplied or retained, or become liable or accountable for, any money or
property of the sick company; or
(b) has been guilty of any misfeasance, malfeasance, non-feasance or breach of
trust in relation to the sick company,
it may, by order, direct him to repay or restore the money or property, with or without interest,
as it thinks just, or to contribute such sum to the assets of the sick company or the other
person, entitled thereto by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer,
Implementation
of scheme.
Winding up of
company on
report of
company
administrator.
Power of
Tribunal to
assess
damages
against
delinquent
directors, etc.
54 of 2002.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 165
misfeasance, malfeasance, non-feasance or breach of trust as the Tribunal thinks just and
proper:
Provided that such direction by the Tribunal shall be without prejudice to any other
legal action that may be taken against the person including any punishment for fraud in the
manner as provided in section 447.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied on the basis of the information and evidence in its possession
with respect to any person who is or was a director or an officer or other employee of the sick
company, that such person by himself or along with others had diverted the funds or other
property of such company for any purpose other than the purposes of the company or had
managed the affairs of the company in a manner highly detrimental to the interests of the
company, the Tribunal shall, by order, direct the public financial institutions, scheduled banks
and State level institutions not to provide, for a maximum period of ten years from the date of
the order, any financial assistance to such person or any firm of which such person is a partner
or any company or other body corporate of which such person is a director, by whatever name
called, or to disqualify the said director, promoter, manager from being appointed as a director
in any company registered under this Act for a maximum period of six years.
(3) No order shall be made by the Tribunal under this section against any person
unless such person has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
267. Whoever violates the provisions of this Chapter or any scheme, or any order, of
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal or makes a false statement or gives false evidence
before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal or attempts to tamper with the records of
reference or appeal filed under this Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to seven years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
268. No appeal shall lie in any court or other authority and no civil court shall have any
jurisdiction in respect of any matter in respect of which the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
is empowered by or under this Chapter and no injunction shall be granted by any court or
other authority in respect of any action taken or proposed to be taken in pursuance of any
power conferred by or under this Chapter.
269. (1) There shall be formed a Fund to be called the Rehabilitation and Insolvency
Fund for the purposes of rehabilitation, revival and liquidation of the sick companies.
(2) There shall be credited to the Fund—
(a) the grants made by the Central Government for the purposes of the Fund;
(b) the amount deposited by the companies as contribution to the Fund;
(c) the amount given to the Fund from any other source; and
(d) the income from investment of the amount in the Fund.
(3) A company which has contributed any amount to the Fund shall, in the event of
proceedings initiated in respect of such company under this Chapter or Chapter XX, may
make an application to the Tribunal for withdrawal of funds not exceeding the amount
contributed by it, for making payments to workmen, protecting the assets of the company or
meeting the incidental costs during proceedings.
(4) The Fund shall be managed by an administrator to be appointed by the Central
Government in such manner as may be prescribed.
CHAPTER XX
WINDING UP
270. (1) The winding up of a company may be either—
(a) by the Tribunal; or
(b) voluntary.
Punishment
for certain
offences.
Bar of
jurisdiction.
Rehabilitation
and
Insolvency
Fund.
Modes of
winding up.
166 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, the provisions of this Act
with respect to winding up shall apply to the winding up of a company in any of the modes
specified under sub-section (1).
PART I.—Winding up by the Tribunal
271. (1) A company may, on a petition under section 272, be wound up by the Tribunal,—
(a) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(b) if the company has, by special resolution, resolved that the company be
wound up by the Tribunal;
(c) if the company has acted against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity
of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order,
decency or morality;
(d) if the Tribunal has ordered the winding up of the company under
Chapter XIX;
(e) if on an application made by the Registrar or any other person authorised
by the Central Government by notification under this Act, the Tribunal is of the
opinion that the affairs of the company have been conducted in a fraudulent manner
or the company was formed for fraudulent and unlawful purpose or the persons
concerned in the formation or management of its affairs have been guilty of fraud,
misfeasance or misconduct in connection therewith and that it is proper that the
company be wound up;
(f) if the company has made a default in filing with the Registrar its financial
statements or annual returns for immediately preceding five consecutive financial
years; or
(g) if the Tribunal is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up.
(2) A company shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts,—
(a) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the company is indebted
for an amount exceeding one lakh rupees then due, has served on the company, by
causing it to be delivered at its registered office, by registered post or otherwise, a
demand requiring the company to pay the amount so due and the company has failed
to pay the sum within twenty-one days after the receipt of such demand or to provide
adequate security or re-structure or compound the debt to the reasonable satisfaction
of the creditor;
(b) if any execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any court or
tribunal in favour of a creditor of the company is returned unsatisfied in whole or in
part; or
(c) if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the company is unable to
pay its debts, and, in determining whether a company is unable to pay its debts, the
Tribunal shall take into account the contingent and prospective liabilities of the
company.
272. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a petition to the Tribunal for the
winding up of a company shall be presented by—
(a) the company;
(b) any creditor or creditors, including any contingent or prospective creditor or
creditors;
(c) any contributory or contributories;
Circumstances
in which
company
may be wound
up by
Tribunal.
Petition for
winding up.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 167
(d) all or any of the persons specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) together;
(e) the Registrar;
(f) any person authorised by the Central Government in that behalf; or
(g) in a case falling under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 271, by the
Central Government or a State Government.
(2) A secured creditor, the holder of any debentures, whether or not any trustee or
trustees have been appointed in respect of such and other like debentures, and the trustee
for the holders of debentures shall be deemed to be creditors within the meaning of clause (b)
of sub-section (1).
(3) A contributory shall be entitled to present a petition for the winding up of a company,
notwithstanding that he may be the holder of fully paid-up shares, or that the company may
have no assets at all or may have no surplus assets left for distribution among the shareholders
after the satisfaction of its liabilities, and shares in respect of which he is a contributory or
some of them were either originally allotted to him or have been held by him, and registered
in his name, for at least six months during the eighteen months immediately before the
commencement of the winding up or have devolved on him through the death of a former
holder.
(4) The Registrar shall be entitled to present a petition for winding up under subsection
(1) on any of the grounds specified in sub-section (1) of section 271, except on the
grounds specified in clause (b), clause (d) or clause (g) of that sub-section:
Provided that the Registrar shall not present a petition on the ground that the company
is unable to pay its debts unless it appears to him either from the financial condition of the
company as disclosed in its balance sheet or from the report of an inspector appointed under
section 210 that the company is unable to pay its debts:
Provided further that the Registrar shall obtain the previous sanction of the Central
Government to the presentation of a petition:
Provided also that the Central Government shall not accord its sanction unless the
company has been given a reasonable opportunity of making representations.
(5) A petition presented by the company for winding up before the Tribunal shall be
admitted only if accompanied by a statement of affairs in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed.
(6) Before a petition for winding up of a company presented by a contingent or
prospective creditor is admitted, the leave of the Tribunal shall be obtained for the admission
of the petition and such leave shall not be granted, unless in the opinion of the Tribunal there
is a prima facie case for the winding up of the company and until such security for costs has
been given as the Tribunal thinks reasonable.
(7) A copy of the petition made under this section shall also be filed with the Registrar
and the Registrar shall, without prejudice to any other provisions, submit his views to the
Tribunal within sixty days of receipt of such petition.
273. (1) The Tribunal may, on receipt of a petition for winding up under section 272
pass any of the following orders, namely:—
(a) dismiss it, with or without costs;
(b) make any interim order as it thinks fit;
(c) appoint a provisional liquidator of the company till the making of a winding
up order;
(d) make an order for the winding up of the company with or without costs; or
(e) any other order as it thinks fit:
Powers of
Tribunal.
168 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that an order under this sub-section shall be made within ninety days from
the date of presentation of the petition:
Provided further that before appointing a provisional liquidator under clause (c), the
Tribunal shall give notice to the company and afford a reasonable opportunity to it to make
its representations, if any, unless for special reasons to be recorded in writing, the Tribunal
thinks fit to dispense with such notice:
Provided also that the Tribunal shall not refuse to make a winding up order on the
ground only that the assets of the company have been mortgaged for an amount equal to or
in excess of those assets, or that the company has no assets.
(2) Where a petition is presented on the ground that it is just and equitable that the
company should be wound up, the Tribunal may refuse to make an order of winding up, if it
is of the opinion that some other remedy is available to the petitioners and that they are
acting unreasonably in seeking to have the company wound up instead of pursuing the
other remedy.
274. (1) Where a petition for winding up is filed before the Tribunal by any person
other than the company, the Tribunal shall, if satisfied that a prima facie case for winding up
of the company is made out, by an order direct the company to file its objections along with
a statement of its affairs within thirty days of the order in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided that the Tribunal may allow a further period of thirty days in a situation of
contingency or special circumstances:
Provided further that the Tribunal may direct the petitioner to deposit such security for
costs as it may consider reasonable as a precondition to issue directions to the company.
(2) A company, which fails to file the statement of affairs as referred to in
sub-section (1), shall forfeit the right to oppose the petition and such directors and officers
of the company as found responsible for such non-compliance, shall be liable for punishment
under sub-section (4).
(3) The directors and other officers of the company, in respect of which an order for
winding up is passed by the Tribunal under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 273,
shall, within a period of thirty days of such order, submit, at the cost of the company, the
books of account of the company completed and audited up to the date of the order, to such
liquidator and in the manner specified by the Tribunal.
(4) If any director or officer of the company contravenes the provisions of this section,
the director or the officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(5) The complaint may be filed in this behalf before the Special Court by Registrar,
provisional liquidator, Company Liquidator or any person authorised by the Tribunal.
275. (1) For the purposes of winding up of a company by the Tribunal, the Tribunal at
the time of the passing of the order of winding up, shall appoint an Official Liquidator or a
liquidator from the panel maintained under sub-section (2) as the Company Liquidator.
(2) The provisional liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case may be, shall be
appointed from a panel maintained by the Central Government consisting of the names of
chartered accountants, advocates, company secretaries, cost accountants or firms or bodies
corporate having such chartered accountants, advocates, company secretaries, cost
accountants and such other professionals as may be notified by the Central Government or
from a firm or a body corporate of persons having a combination of such professionals as
may be prescribed and having at least ten years’ experience in company matters.
(3) Where a provisional liquidator is appointed by the Tribunal, the Tribunal may limit
and restrict his powers by the order appointing him or it or by a subsequent order, but
otherwise he shall have the same powers as a liquidator.
(4) The Central Government may remove the name of any person or firm or body
Directions for
filing
statement of
affairs.
Company
Liquidators
and their
appointments.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 169
corporate from the panel maintained under sub-section (2) on the grounds of misconduct,
fraud, misfeasance, breach of duties or professional incompetence:
Provided that the Central Government before removing him or it from the panel shall
give him or it a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(5) The terms and conditions of appointment of a provisional liquidator or Company
Liquidator and the fee payable to him or it shall be specified by the Tribunal on the basis of
task required to be performed, experience, qualification of such liquidator and size of the
company.
(6) On appointment as provisional liquidator or Company Liquidator, as the case may
be, such liquidator shall file a declaration within seven days from the date of appointment in
the prescribed form disclosing conflict of interest or lack of independence in respect of his
appointment, if any, with the Tribunal and such obligation shall continue throughout the
term of his appointment.
(7) While passing a winding up order, the Tribunal may appoint a provisional liquidator,
if any, appointed under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 273, as the Company Liquidator
for the conduct of the proceedings for the winding up of the company.
276. (1) The Tribunal may, on a reasonable cause being shown and for reasons to be
recorded in writing, remove the provisional liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case
may be, as liquidator of the company on any of the following grounds, namely:—
(a) misconduct;
(b) fraud or misfeasance;
(c) professional incompetence or failure to exercise due care and diligence in
performance of the powers and functions;
(d) inability to act as provisional liquidator or as the case may be, Company
Liquidator;
(e) conflict of interest or lack of independence during the term of his appointment
that would justify removal.
(2) In the event of death, resignation or removal of the provisional liquidator or as the
case may be, Company Liquidator, the Tribunal may transfer the work assigned to him or it
to another Company Liquidator for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(3) Where the Tribunal is of the opinion that any liquidator is responsible for causing
any loss or damage to the company due to fraud or misfeasance or failure to exercise due care
and diligence in the performance of his or its powers and functions, the Tribunal may recover
or cause to be recovered such loss or damage from the liquidator and pass such other orders
as it may think fit.
(4) The Tribunal shall, before passing any order under this section, provide a reasonable
opportunity of being heard to the provisional liquidator or, as the case may be, Company
Liquidator.
277. (1) Where the Tribunal makes an order for appointment of provisional liquidator
or for the winding up of a company, it shall, within a period not exceeding seven days from
the date of passing of the order, cause intimation thereof to be sent to the Company Liquidator
or provisional liquidator, as the case may be, and the Registrar.
(2) On receipt of the copy of order of appointment of provisional liquidator or winding
up order, the Registrar shall make an endorsement to that effect in his records relating to the
company and notify in the Official Gazette that such an order has been made and in the case
of a listed company, the Registrar shall intimate about such appointment or order, as the case
may be, to the stock exchange or exchanges where the securities of the company are listed.
(3) The winding up order shall be deemed to be a notice of discharge to the officers,
employees and workmen of the company, except when the business of the company is
continued.
Intimation to
Company
Liquidator,
provisional
liquidator and
Registrar.
Removal and
replacement
of liquidator.
170 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) Within three weeks from the date of passing of winding up order, the Company
Liquidator shall make an application to the Tribunal for constitution of a winding up committee
to assist and monitor the progress of liquidation proceedings by the Company Liquidator in
carrying out the function as provided in sub-section (5) and such winding up committee
shall comprise of the following persons, namely:—
(i) Official Liquidator attached to the Tribunal;
(ii) nominee of secured creditors; and
(iii) a professional nominated by the Tribunal.
(5) The Company Liquidator shall be the convener of the meetings of the winding up
committee which shall assist and monitor the liquidation proceedings in following areas of
liquidation functions, namely:—
(i) taking over assets;
(ii) examination of the statement of affairs;
(iii) recovery of property, cash or any other assets of the company including
benefits derived therefrom;
(iv) review of audit reports and accounts of the company;
(v) sale of assets;
(vi) finalisation of list of creditors and contributories;
(vii) compromise, abandonment and settlement of claims;
(viii) payment of dividends, if any; and
(ix) any other function, as the Tribunal may direct from time to time.
(6) The Company Liquidator shall place before the Tribunal a report along with minutes
of the meetings of the committee on monthly basis duly signed by the members present in
the meeting for consideration till the final report for dissolution of the company is submitted
before the Tribunal.
(7) The Company Liquidator shall prepare the draft final report for consideration and
approval of the winding up committee.
(8) The final report so approved by the winding up committee shall be submitted by
the Company Liquidator before the Tribunal for passing of a dissolution order in respect of
the company.
278. The order for the winding up of a company shall operate in favour of all the
creditors and all contributories of the company as if it had been made out on the joint petition
of creditors and contributories.
279. (1) When a winding up order has been passed or a provisional liquidator has
been appointed, no suit or other legal proceeding shall be commenced, or if pending at the
date of the winding up order, shall be proceeded with, by or against the company, except with
the leave of the Tribunal and subject to such terms as the Tribunal may impose:
Provided that any application to the Tribunal seeking leave under this section shall be
disposed of by the Tribunal within sixty days.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to any proceeding pending in appeal before
the Supreme Court or a High Court.
Effect of
winding up
order.
Stay of suits,
etc., on
winding up
order.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 171
280. The Tribunal shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force, have jurisdiction to entertain, or dispose of,—
(a) any suit or proceeding by or against the company;
(b) any claim made by or against the company, including claims by or against
any of its branches in India;
(c) any application made under section 233;
(d) any scheme submitted under section 262;
(e) any question of priorities or any other question whatsoever, whether of law
or facts, including those relating to assets, business, actions, rights, entitlements,
privileges, benefits, duties, responsibilities, obligations or in any matter arising out of,
or in relation to winding up of the company,
whether such suit or proceeding has been instituted, or is instituted, or such claim or question
has arisen or arises or such application has been made or is made or such scheme has been
submitted, or is submitted, before or after the order for the winding up of the company is made.
281. (1) Where the Tribunal has made a winding up order or appointed a Company
Liquidator, such liquidator shall, within sixty days from the order, submit to the Tribunal, a
report containing the following particulars, namely:—
(a) the nature and details of the assets of the company including their location
and value, stating separately the cash balance in hand and in the bank, if any, and the
negotiable securities, if any, held by the company:
Provided that the valuation of the assets shall be obtained from registered valuers
for this purpose;
(b) amount of capital issued, subscribed and paid-up;
(c) the existing and contingent liabilities of the company including names,
addresses and occupations of its creditors, stating separately the amount of secured
and unsecured debts, and in the case of secured debts, particulars of the securities
given, whether by the company or an officer thereof, their value and the dates on
which they were given;
(d) the debts due to the company and the names, addresses and occupations of
the persons from whom they are due and the amount likely to be realised on account
thereof;
(e) guarantees, if any, extended by the company;
(f) list of contributories and dues, if any, payable by them and details of any
unpaid call;
(g) details of trade marks and intellectual properties, if any, owned by the
company;
(h) details of subsisting contracts, joint ventures and collaborations, if any;
(i) details of holding and subsidiary companies, if any;
(j) details of legal cases filed by or against the company; and
(k) any other information which the Tribunal may direct or the Company
Liquidator may consider necessary to include.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall include in his report the manner in which the company
was promoted or formed and whether in his opinion any fraud has been committed by any
person in its promotion or formation or by any officer of the company in relation to the
company since the formation thereof and any other matters which, in his opinion, it is
desirable to bring to the notice of the Tribunal.
Jurisdiction
of Tribunal.
Submission of
report by
Company
Liquidator.
172 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The Company Liquidator shall also make a report on the viability of the business of
the company or the steps which, in his opinion, are necessary for maximising the value of the
assets of the company.
(4) The Company Liquidator may also, if he thinks fit, make any further report or
reports.
(5) Any person describing himself in writing to be a creditor or a contributory of the
company shall be entitled by himself or by his agent at all reasonable times to inspect the
report submitted in accordance with this section and take copies thereof or extracts therefrom
on payment of the prescribed fees.
282. (1) The Tribunal shall, on consideration of the report of the Company Liquidator,
fix a time limit within which the entire proceedings shall be completed and the company be
dissolved:
Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is of the opinion, at any stage of the proceedings,
or on examination of the reports submitted to it by the Company Liquidator and after hearing
the Company Liquidator, creditors or contributories or any other interested person,
that it will not be advantageous or economical to continue the proceedings, revise the time
limit within which the entire proceedings shall be completed and the company
be dissolved.
(2) The Tribunal may, on examination of the reports submitted to it by the Company
Liquidator and after hearing the Company Liquidator, creditors or contributories or any other
interested person, order sale of the company as a going concern or its assets or
part thereof:
Provided that the Tribunal may, where it considers fit, appoint a sale committee
comprising such creditors, promoters and officers of the company as the Tribunal may
decide to assist the Company Liquidator in sale under this sub-section.
(3) Where a report is received from the Company Liquidator or the Central Government
or any person that a fraud has been committed in respect of the company, the Tribunal shall,
without prejudice to the process of winding up, order for investigation under section 210,
and on consideration of the report of such investigation it may pass order and give directions
under sections 339 to 342 or direct the Company Liquidator to file a criminal complaint
against persons who were involved in the commission of fraud.
(4) The Tribunal may order for taking such steps and measures, as may be necessary,
to protect, preserve or enhance the value of the assets of the company.
(5) The Tribunal may pass such other order or give such other directions as it considers
fit.
283. (1) Where a winding up order has been made or where a provisional liquidator has
been appointed, the Company Liquidator or the provisional liquidator, as the case may be,
shall, on the order of the Tribunal, forthwith take into his or its custody or control all the
property, effects and actionable claims to which the company is or appears to be entitled to
and take such steps and measures, as may be necessary, to protect and preserve the properties
of the company.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), all the property and effects
of the company shall be deemed to be in the custody of the Tribunal from the date of the
order for the winding up of the company.
(3) On an application by the Company Liquidator or otherwise, the Tribunal may, at
any time after the making of a winding up order, require any contributory for the time being
on the list of contributories, and any trustee, receiver, banker, agent, officer or other employee
of the company, to pay, deliver, surrender or transfer forthwith, or within such time as the
Directions of
Tribunal on
report of
Company
Liquidator.
Custody of
company's
properties.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 173
Tribunal directs, to the Company Liquidator, any money, property or books and papers in his
custody or under his control to which the company is or appears to be entitled.
284. (1) The promoters, directors, officers and employees, who are or have been in
employment of the company or acting or associated with the company shall extend full
cooperation to the Company Liquidator in discharge of his functions and duties.
(2) Where any person, without reasonable cause, fails to discharge his obligations
under sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six
months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.
285. (1) As soon as may be after the passing of a winding up order by the Tribunal, the
Tribunal shall settle a list of contributories, cause rectification of register of members in all
cases where rectification is required in pursuance of this Act and shall cause the assets of
the company to be applied for the discharge of its liability:
Provided that where it appears to the Tribunal that it would not be necessary to make
calls on or adjust the rights of contributories, the Tribunal may dispense with the settlement
of a list of contributories.
(2) In settling the list of contributories, the Tribunal shall distinguish between those
who are contributories in their own right and those who are contributories as being
representatives of, or liable for the debts of, others.
(3) While settling the list of contributories, the Tribunal shall include every person,
who is or has been a member, who shall be liable to contribute to the assets of the company
an amount sufficient for payment of the debts and liabilities and the costs, charges and
expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) a person who has been a member shall not be liable to contribute if he has
ceased to be a member for the preceding one year or more before the commencement of
the winding up;
(b) a person who has been a member shall not be liable to contribute in respect
of any debt or liability of the company contracted after he ceased to be a member;
(c) no person who has been a member shall be liable to contribute unless it
appears to the Tribunal that the present members are unable to satisfy the contributions
required to be made by them in pursuance of this Act;
(d) in the case of a company limited by shares, no contribution shall be required
from any person, who is or has been a member exceeding the amount, if any, unpaid on
the shares in respect of which he is liable as such member;
(e) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution shall be
required from any person, who is or has been a member exceeding the amount undertaken
to be contributed by him to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound
up but if the company has a share capital, such member shall be liable to contribute to
the extent of any sum unpaid on any shares held by him as if the company were a
company limited by shares.
286. In the case of a limited company, any person who is or has been a director or
manager, whose liability is unlimited under the provisions of this Act, shall, in addition to his
liability, if any, to contribute as an ordinary member, be liable to make a further contribution
as if he were at the commencement of winding up, a member of an unlimited company:
Provided that —
(a) a person who has been a director or manager shall not be liable to make such
further contribution, if he has ceased to hold office for a year or upwards before the
commencement of the winding up;
Obligations
of directors
and
managers.
Promoters,
directors,
etc., to
cooperate
with
Company
Liquidator.
Settlement of
list of
contributories
and
application of
assets.
174 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) a person who has been a director or manager shall not be liable to make such
further contribution in respect of any debt or liability of the company contracted after
he ceased to hold office;
(c) subject to the articles of the company, a director or manager shall not be liable
to make such further contribution unless the Tribunal deems it necessary to require
the contribution in order to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and the
costs, charges and expenses of the winding up.
287. (1) The Tribunal may, while passing an order of winding up of a company, direct
that there shall be, an advisory committee to advise the Company Liquidator and to report to
the Tribunal on such matters as the Tribunal may direct.
(2) The advisory committee appointed by the Tribunal shall consist of not more than
twelve members, being creditors and contributories of the company or such other persons in
such proportion as the Tribunal may, keeping in view the circumstances of the company
under liquidation, direct.
(3) The Company Liquidator shall convene a meeting of creditors and contributories,
as ascertained from the books and documents, of the company within thirty days from the
date of order of winding up for enabling the Tribunal to determine the persons who may be
members of the advisory committee.
(4) The advisory committee shall have the right to inspect the books of account and
other documents, assets and properties of the company under liquidation at a reasonable
time.
(5) The provisions relating to the convening of the meetings, the procedure to be
followed thereat and other matters relating to conduct of business by the advisory committee
shall be such as may be prescribed.
(6) The meeting of advisory committee shall be chaired by the Company Liquidator.
288. (1) The Company Liquidator shall make periodical reports to the Tribunal and in
any case make a report at the end of each quarter with respect to the progress of the winding
up of the company in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The Tribunal may, on an application by the Company Liquidator, review the orders
made by it and make such modifications as it thinks fit.
289. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after making a winding up order, on an application
of promoter, shareholders or creditors or any other interested person, if satisfied, make an
order that it is just and fair that an opportunity to revive and rehabilitate the company be
provided staying the proceedings for such time but not exceeding one hundred and eighty
days and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit:
Provided that an order under this sub-section shall be made by the Tribunal only when
the application is accompanied with a scheme for rehabilitation.
(2) The Tribunal may, while passing the order under sub-section (1), require the applicant
to furnish such security as to costs as it considers fit.
(3) Where an order under sub-section (1) is passed by the Tribunal, the provisions of
Chapter XIX shall be followed in respect of the consideration and sanction of the scheme of
revival of the company.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Tribunal may at any
time after making a winding up order, on an application of the Company Liquidator, make
an order staying the winding up proceedings or any part thereof, for such time and on such
terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
(5) The Tribunal may, before making an order, under this section, require the Company
Liquidator to furnish to it a report with respect to any facts or matters which are in his opinion
relevant to the application.
Submission of
periodical
reports to
Tribunal.
Power of
Tribunal on
application
for stay of
winding up.
Advisory
committee.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 175
(6) A copy of every order made under this section shall forthwith be forwarded by the
Company Liquidator to the Registrar who shall make an endorsement of the order in his
books and records relating to the company.
290. (1) Subject to directions by the Tribunal, if any, in this regard, the Company
Liquidator, in a winding up of a company by the Tribunal, shall have the power—
(a) to carry on the business of the company so far as may be necessary for the
beneficial winding up of the company;
(b) to do all acts and to execute, in the name and on behalf of the company, all
deeds, receipts and other documents, and for that purpose, to use, when necessary,
the company’s seal;
(c) to sell the immovable and movable property and actionable claims of the
company by public auction or private contract, with power to transfer such property to
any person or body corporate, or to sell the same in parcels;
(d) to sell the whole of the undertaking of the company as a going concern;
(e) to raise any money required on the security of the assets of the company;
(f) to institute or defend any suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding, civil or
criminal, in the name and on behalf of the company;
(g) to invite and settle claim of creditors, employees or any other claimant and
distribute sale proceeds in accordance with priorities established under this Act;
(h) to inspect the records and returns of the company on the files of the Registrar
or any other authority;
(i) to prove rank and claim in the insolvency of any contributory for any
balance against his estate, and to receive dividends in the insolvency, in respect of
that balance, as a separate debt due from the insolvent, and rateably with the other
separate creditors;
(j) to draw, accept, make and endorse any negotiable instruments including
cheque, bill of exchange, hundi or promissory note in the name and on behalf of the
company, with the same effect with respect to the liability of the company as if such
instruments had been drawn, accepted, made or endorsed by or on behalf of the
company in the course of its business;
(k) to take out, in his official name, letters of administration to any deceased
contributory, and to do in his official name any other act necessary for obtaining
payment of any money due from a contributory or his estate which cannot be
conveniently done in the name of the company, and in all such cases, the money due
shall, for the purpose of enabling the Company Liquidator to take out the letters of
administration or recover the money, be deemed to be due to the Company Liquidator
himself;
(l) to obtain any professional assistance from any person or appoint any
professional, in discharge of his duties, obligations and responsibilities and for
protection of the assets of the company, appoint an agent to do any business which
the Company Liquidator is unable to do himself;
(m) to take all such actions, steps, or to sign, execute and verify any paper,
deed, document, application, petition, affidavit, bond or instrument as may be
necessary,—
(i) for winding up of the company;
(ii) for distribution of assets;
Powers and
duties of
Company
Liquidator.
176 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) in discharge of his duties and obligations and functions as Company
Liquidator; and
(n) to apply to the Tribunal for such orders or directions as may be necessary for
the winding up of the company.
(2) The exercise of powers by the Company Liquidator under sub-section (1) shall be
subject to the overall control of the Tribunal.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the Company Liquidator shall
perform such other duties as the Tribunal may specify in this behalf.
291. (1) The Company Liquidator may, with the sanction of the Tribunal, appoint one
or more chartered accountants or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal
practitioners or such other professionals on such terms and conditions, as may be necessary,
to assist him in the performance of his duties and functions under this Act.
(2) Any person appointed under this section shall disclose forthwith to the Tribunal in
the prescribed form any conflict of interest or lack of independence in respect of his
appointment.
292. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Company Liquidator shall, in the
administration of the assets of the company and the distribution thereof among its creditors,
have regard to any directions which may be given by the resolution of the creditors or
contributories at any general meeting or by the advisory committee.
(2) Any directions given by the creditors or contributories at any general meeting
shall, in case of conflict, be deemed to override any directions given by the advisory
committee.
(3) The Company Liquidator—
(a) may summon meetings of the creditors or contributories, whenever he thinks
fit, for the purpose of ascertaining their wishes; and
(b) shall summon such meetings at such times, as the creditors or contributories,
as the case may be, may, by resolution, direct, or whenever requested in writing to do
so by not less than one-tenth in value of the creditors or contributories, as the case
may be.
(4) Any person aggrieved by any act or decision of the Company Liquidator may apply
to the Tribunal, and the Tribunal may confirm, reverse or modify the act or decision complained
of and make such further order as it thinks just and proper in the circumstances.
293. (1) The Company Liquidator shall keep proper books in such manner, as may be
prescribed, in which he shall cause entries or minutes to be made of proceedings at meetings
and of such other matters as may be prescribed.
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, subject to the control of the Tribunal, inspect
any such books, personally or through his agent.
294. (1) The Company Liquidator shall maintain proper and regular books of account
including accounts of receipts and payments made by him in such form and manner as may
be prescribed.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall, at such times as may be prescribed but not less than
twice in each year during his tenure of office, present to the Tribunal an account of the
receipts and payments as such liquidator in the prescribed form in duplicate, which shall be
verified by a declaration in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3) The Tribunal shall cause the accounts to be audited in such manner as it thinks fit,
and for the purpose of the audit, the Company Liquidator shall furnish to the Tribunal with
such vouchers and information as the Tribunal may require, and the Tribunal may, at any
Exercise and
control of
Company
Liquidator's
powers.
Books to be
kept by
Company
Liquidator.
Audit of
Company
Liquidator's
accounts.
Provision for
professional
assistance to
Company
Liquidator.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 177
time, require the production of, and inspect, any books of account kept by the Company
Liquidator.
(4) When the accounts of the company have been audited, one copy thereof shall be
filed by the Company Liquidator with the Tribunal, and the other copy shall be delivered to
the Registrar which shall be open to inspection by any creditor, contributory or person
interested.
(5) Where an account referred to in sub-section (4) relates to a Government company,
the Company Liquidator shall forward a copy thereof—
(a) to the Central Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(b) to any State Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(c) to the Central Government and any State Government, if both the Governments
are members of the Government company.
(6) The Company Liquidator shall cause the accounts when audited, or a summary
thereof, to be printed, and shall send a printed copy of the accounts or summary thereof by
post to every creditor and every contributory:
Provided that the Tribunal may dispense with the compliance of the provisions of this
sub-section in any case it deems fit.
295. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after passing of a winding up order, pass an
order requiring any contributory for the time being on the list of contributories to pay, in the
manner directed by the order, any money due to the company, from him or from the estate of
the person whom he represents, exclusive of any money payable by him or the estate by
virtue of any call in pursuance of this Act.
(2) The Tribunal, in making an order, under sub-section (1), may,—
(a) in the case of an unlimited company, allow to the contributory, by way of setoff,
any money due to him or to the estate which he represents, from the company, on
any independent dealing or contract with the company, but not any money due to him
as a member of the company in respect of any dividend or profit; and
(b) in the case of a limited company, allow to any director or manager whose
liability is unlimited, or to his estate, such set-off.
(3) In the case of any company, whether limited or unlimited, when all the creditors
have been paid in full, any money due on any account whatever to a contributory from the
company may be allowed to him by way of set-off against any subsequent call.
296. The Tribunal may, at any time after the passing of a winding up order, and either
before or after it has ascertained the sufficiency of the assets of the company,—
(a) make calls on all or any of the contributories for the time being on the list of
the contributories, to the extent of their liability, for payment of any money which the
Tribunal considers necessary to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and
the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of
the contributories among themselves; and
(b) make an order for payment of any calls so made.
297. The Tribunal shall adjust the rights of the contributories among themselves and
distribute any surplus among the persons entitled thereto.
298. The Tribunal may, in the event of the assets of a company being insufficient to
satisfy its liabilities, make an order for the payment out of the assets, of the costs, charges
Payment of
debts by
contributory
and extent of
set-off.
Adjustment
of rights of
contributories.
Power of
Tribunal to
make calls.
Power to
order costs.
178 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
and expenses incurred in the winding up, in such order of priority inter se as the Tribunal
thinks just and proper.
299. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after the appointment of a provisional liquidator
or the passing of a winding up order, summon before it any officer of the company or person
known or suspected to have in his possession any property or books or papers, of the
company, or known or suspected to be indebted to the company, or any person whom the
Tribunal thinks to be capable of giving information concerning the promotion, formation,
trade, dealings, property, books or papers, or affairs of the company.
(2) The Tribunal may examine any officer or person so summoned on oath concerning
the matters aforesaid, either by word of mouth or on written interrogatories or on affidavit
and may, in the first case, reduce his answers to writing and require him to sign them.
(3) The Tribunal may require any officer or person so summoned to produce any
books and papers relating to the company in his custody or power, but, where he claims any
lien on books or papers produced by him, the production shall be without prejudice to such
lien, and the Tribunal shall have power to determine all questions relating to that lien.
(4) The Tribunal may direct the liquidator to file before it a report in respect of debt or
property of the company in possession of other persons.
(5) If the Tribunal finds that—
(a) a person is indebted to the company, the Tribunal may order him to pay to the
provisional liquidator or, as the case may be, the liquidator at such time and in such
manner as the Tribunal may consider just, the amount in which he is indebted, or any
part thereof, either in full discharge of the whole amount or not, as the Tribunal thinks
fit, with or without costs of the examination;
(b) a person is in possession of any property belonging to the company, the
Tribunal may order him to deliver to the provisional liquidator or, as the case may be,
the liquidator, that property or any part thereof, at such time, in such manner and on
such terms as the Tribunal may consider just.
(6) If any officer or person so summoned fails to appear before the Tribunal at the time
appointed without a reasonable cause, the Tribunal may impose an appropriate cost.
(7) Every order made under sub-section (5) shall be executed in the same manner as
decrees for the payment of money or for the delivery of property under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908.
(8) Any person making any payment or delivery in pursuance of an order made under
sub-section (5) shall by such payment or delivery be, unless otherwise directed by such
order, discharged from all liability whatsoever in respect of such debt or property.
300. (1) Where an order has been made for the winding up of a company by the
Tribunal, and the Company Liquidator has made a report to the Tribunal under this Act,
stating that in his opinion a fraud has been committed by any person in the promotion,
formation, business or conduct of affairs of the company since its formation, the Tribunal
may, after considering the report, direct that such person or officer shall attend before the
Tribunal on a day appointed by it for that purpose, and be examined as to the promotion or
formation or the conduct of the business of the company or as to his conduct and dealings
as an officer thereof.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall take part in the examination, and for that purpose he
or it may, if specially authorised by the Tribunal in that behalf, employ such legal assistance
as may be sanctioned by the Tribunal.
(3) The person shall be examined on oath and shall answer all such questions as the
Tribunal may put, or allow to be put, to him.
Power to
order
examination
of promoters,
directors, etc.
5 of 1908.
Power to
summon
persons
suspected of
having
property of
company,
etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 179
(4) A person ordered to be examined under this section—
(a) shall, before his examination, be furnished at his own cost with a copy of the
report of the Company Liquidator; and
(b) may at his own cost employ chartered accountants or company secretaries or
cost accountants or legal practitioners entitled to appear before the Tribunal under
section 432, who shall be at liberty to put to him such questions as the Tribunal may
consider just for the purpose of enabling him to explain or qualify any answers given
by him.
(5) If any such person applies to the Tribunal to be exculpated from any charges made
or suggested against him, it shall be the duty of the Company Liquidator to appear on the
hearing of such application and call the attention of the Tribunal to any matters which appear
to the Company Liquidator to be relevant.
(6) If the Tribunal, after considering any evidence given or hearing witnesses called by
the Company Liquidator, allows the application made under sub-section (5), the Tribunal
may order payment to the applicant of such costs as it may think fit.
(7) Notes of the examination shall be taken down in writing, and shall be read over to
or by, and signed by, the person examined, a copy be supplied to him and may thereafter be
used in evidence against him, and shall be open to inspection by any creditor or contributory
at all reasonable times.
(8) The Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, adjourn the examination from time to time.
(9) An examination under this section may, if the Tribunal so directs, be held before
any person or authority authorised by the Tribunal.
(10) The powers of the Tribunal under this section as to the conduct of the examination,
but not as to costs, may be exercised by the person or authority before whom the examination
is held in pursuance of sub-section (9).
301. At any time either before or after passing a winding up order, if the Tribunal is
satisfied that a contributory or a person having property, accounts or papers of the company
in his possession is about to leave India or otherwise to abscond, or is about to remove or
conceal any of his property, for the purpose of evading payment of calls or of avoiding
examination respecting the affairs of the company, the Tribunal may cause—
(a) the contributory to be detained until such time as the Tribunal may order; and
(b) his books and papers and movable property to be seized and safely kept until such
time as the Tribunal may order.
302. (1) When the affairs of a company have been completely wound up, the Company
Liquidator shall make an application to the Tribunal for dissolution of such company.
(2) The Tribunal shall on an application filed by the Company Liquidator under
sub-section (1) or when the Tribunal is of the opinion that it is just and reasonable in the
circumstances of the case that an order for the dissolution of the company should be made,
make an order that the company be dissolved from the date of the order, and the company
shall be dissolved accordingly.
(3) A copy of the order shall, within thirty days from the date thereof, be forwarded by
the Company Liquidator to the Registrar who shall record in the register relating to the
company a minute of the dissolution of the company.
(4) If the Company Liquidator makes a default in forwarding a copy of the order within
the period specified in sub-section (3), the Company Liquidator shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which the default continues.
Arrest of
person trying
to leave India
or abscond.
Dissolution of
company by
Tribunal.
180 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
303. Nothing in this Chapter shall affect the operation or enforcement of any order
made by any Court in any proceedings for the winding up of a company immediately before
the commencement of this Act and an appeal against such order shall be filed before such
authority competent to hear such appeals before such commencement.
PART II.—Voluntary winding up
304. A company may be wound up voluntarily,—
(a) if the company in general meeting passes a resolution requiring the company
to be wound up voluntarily as a result of the expiry of the period for its duration, if any,
fixed by its articles or on the occurrence of any event in respect of which the articles
provide that the company should be dissolved; or
(b) if the company passes a special resolution that the company be wound up
voluntarily.
305. (1) Where it is proposed to wind up a company voluntarily, its director or directors,
or in case the company has more than two directors, the majority of its directors, shall, at a
meeting of the Board, make a declaration verified by an affidavit to the effect that they have
made a full inquiry into the affairs of the company and they have formed an opinion that the
company has no debt or whether it will be able to pay its debts in full from the proceeds of
assets sold in voluntary winding up.
(2) A declaration made under sub-section (1) shall have no effect for the purposes of
this Act, unless—
(a) it is made within five weeks immediately preceding the date of the passing of
the resolution for winding up the company and it is delivered to the Registrar for
registration before that date;
(b) it contains a declaration that the company is not being wound up to defraud
any person or persons;
(c) it is accompanied by a copy of the report of the auditors of the company
prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Act, on the profit and loss account
of the company for the period commencing from the date up to which the last such
account was prepared and ending with the latest practicable date immediately before
the making of the declaration and the balance sheet of the company made out as on
that date which would also contain a statement of the assets and liabilities of the
company on that date; and
(d) where there are any assets of the company, it is accompanied by a report of
the valuation of the assets of the company prepared by a registered valuer.
(3) Where the company is wound up in pursuance of a resolution passed within a
period of five weeks after the making of the declaration, but its debts are not paid or provided
for in full, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown, that the director or directors did
not have reasonable grounds for his or their opinion under sub-section (1).
(4) Any director of a company making a declaration under this section without having
reasonable grounds for the opinion that the company will be able to pay its debts in full from
the proceeds of assets sold in voluntary winding up shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to five years or with
fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
306. (1) The company shall along with the calling of meeting of the company at which
the resolution for the voluntary winding up is to be proposed, cause a meeting of its creditors
either on the same day or on the next day and shall cause a notice of such meeting to be sent
Declaration
of solvency in
case of
proposal to
wind up
voluntarily.
Meeting of
creditors.
Appeals from
orders made
before
commencement
of Act.
Circumstances
in which
company may
be wound up
voluntarily.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 181
by registered post to the creditors with the notice of the meeting of the company under
section 304.
(2) The Board of Directors of the company shall—
(a) cause to be presented a full statement of the position of the affairs of the
company together with a list of creditors of the company, if any, copy of declaration
under section 305 and the estimated amount of the claims before such meeting; and
(b) appoint one of the directors to preside at the meeting.
(3) Where two-thirds in value of creditors of the company are of the opinion that—
(a) it is in the interest of all parties that the company be wound up voluntarily,
the company shall be wound up voluntarily; or
(b) the company may not be able to pay for its debts in full from the proceeds of
assets sold in voluntary winding up and pass a resolution that it shall be in the interest
of all parties if the company is wound up by the Tribunal in accordance with the
provisions of Part I of this Chapter, the company shall within fourteen days thereafter
file an application before the Tribunal.
(4) The notice of any resolution passed at a meeting of creditors in pursuance of this
section shall be given by the company to the Registrar within ten days of the passing
thereof.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to two lakh rupees and the director of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be
less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees, or with both.
307. (1) Where a company has passed a resolution for voluntary winding up and a
resolution under sub-section (3) of section 306 is passed, it shall within fourteen days of the
passing of the resolution give notice of the resolution by advertisement in the Official
Gazette and also in a newspaper which is in circulation in the district where the registered
office or the principal office of the company is situate.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such default continues.
308. A voluntary winding up shall be deemed to commence on the date of passing of
the resolution for voluntary winding up under section 304.
309. In the case of a voluntary winding up, the company shall from the commencement
of the winding up cease to carry on its business except as far as required for the beneficial
winding up of its business:
Provided that the corporate state and corporate powers of the company shall continue
until it is dissolved.
310. (1) The company in its general meeting, where a resolution of voluntary winding
up is passed, shall appoint a Company Liquidator from the panel prepared by the Central
Government for the purpose of winding up its affairs and distributing the assets of the
company and recommend the fee to be paid to the Company Liquidator.
(2) Where the creditors have passed a resolution for winding up the company under
sub-section (3) of section 306, the appointment of the Company Liquidator under this section
shall be effective only after it is approved by the majority of creditors in value of the company:
Provided that where such creditors do not approve the appointment of such Company
Liquidator, creditors shall appoint another Company Liquidator.
Publication
of resolution
to wind up
voluntarily.
Commencement
of voluntary
winding up.
Appointment
of Company
Liquidator.
Effect of
voluntary
winding up.
182 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The creditors while approving the appointment of Company Liquidator appointed
by the company or appointing the Company Liquidator of their own choice, as the case may
be, pass suitable resolution with regard to the fee of the Company Liquidator.
(4) On appointment as Company Liquidator, such liquidator shall file a declaration in
the prescribed form within seven days of the date of appointment disclosing conflict of
interest or lack of independence in respect of his appointment, if any, with the company and
the creditors and such obligation shall continue throughout the term of his or its appointment.
311. (1) A Company Liquidator appointed under section 310 may be removed by the
company where his appointment has been made by the company and, by the creditors,
where the appointment is approved or made by such creditors.
(2) Where a Company Liquidator is sought to be removed under this section, he shall
be given a notice in writing stating the grounds of removal from his office by the company or
the creditors, as the case may be.
(3) Where three-fourth members of the company or three-fourth of creditors in value,
as the case may be, after consideration of the reply, if any, filed by the Company Liquidator,
in their meeting decide to remove the Company Liquidator, he shall vacate his office.
(4) If a vacancy occurs by death, resignation, removal or otherwise in the office of any
Company Liquidator appointed under section 310, the company or the creditors, as the case
may be, fill the vacancy in the manner specified in that section.
312. (1) The company shall give notice to the Registrar of the appointment of a
Company Liquidator along with the name and particulars of the Company Liquidator, of
every vacancy occurring in the office of Company Liquidator, and of the name of the Company
Liquidator appointed to fill every such vacancy within ten days of such appointment or the
occurrence of such vacancy.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to five hundred rupees for every day during which such default continues.
313. On the appointment of a Company Liquidator, all the powers of the Board of
Directors and of the managing or whole-time directors and manager, if any, shall cease,
except for the purpose of giving notice of such appointment of the Company Liquidator to
the Registrar.
314. (1) The Company Liquidator shall perform such functions and discharge such
duties as may be determined from time to time by the company or the creditors, as the case
may be.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall settle the list of contributories, which shall be
prima facie evidence of the liability of the persons named therein to be contributories.
(3) The Company Liquidator shall call general meetings of the company for the purpose
of obtaining the sanction of the company by ordinary or special resolution, as the case may
require, or for any other purpose he may consider necessary.
(4) The Company Liquidator shall maintain regular and proper books of account in
such form and in such manner as may be prescribed and the members and creditors and any
officer authorised by the Central Government may inspect such books of account.
(5) The Company Liquidator shall prepare quarterly statement of accounts in such
form and manner as may be prescribed and file such statement of accounts duly audited
within thirty days from the close of each quarter with the Registrar, failing which the Company
Liquidator shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every
day during which the failure continues.
Power to
remove and
fill vacancy
of Company
Liquidator.
Notice of
appointment
of Company
Liquidator to
be given to
Registrar.
Cesser of
Board's
powers on
appointment
of Company
Liquidator.
Powers and
duties of
Company
Liquidator in
voluntary
winding up.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 183
(6) The Company Liquidator shall pay the debts of the company and shall adjust the
rights of the contributories among themselves.
(7) The Company Liquidator shall observe due care and diligence in the discharge of
his duties.
(8) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of this section except
sub-section (5) he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
315. Where there are no creditors of a company, such company in its general meeting
and, where a meeting of creditors is held under section 306, such creditors, as the case may
be, may appoint such committees as considered appropriate to supervise the voluntary
liquidation and assist the Company Liquidator in discharging his or its functions.
316. (1) The Company Liquidator shall report quarterly on the progress of winding up
of the company in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed to the members and
creditors and shall also call a meeting of the members and the creditors as and when necessary
but at least one meeting each of creditors and members in every quarter and apprise them of
the progress of the winding up of the company in such form and in such manner as may be
prescribed.
(2) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (1), he
shall be punishable, in respect of each such failure, with fine which may extend to ten lakh
rupees.
317. (1) Where the Company Liquidator is of the opinion that a fraud has been committed
by any person in respect of the company, he shall immediately make a report to the Tribunal
and the Tribunal shall, without prejudice to the process of winding up, order for investigation
under section 210 and on consideration of the report of such investigation, the Tribunal may
pass such order and give such directions under this Chapter as it may consider necessary
including the direction that such person shall attend before the Tribunal on a day appointed
by it for that purpose and be examined as to the promotion or formation or the conduct of the
business of the company or as to his conduct and dealings as officer thereof or otherwise.
(2) The provisions of section 300 shall mutatis mutandis apply in relation to any
examination directed under sub-section (1).
318. (1) As soon as the affairs of a company are fully wound up, the Company
Liquidator shall prepare a report of the winding up showing that the property and assets of
the company have been disposed of and its debt fully discharged or discharged to the
satisfaction of the creditors and thereafter call a general meeting of the company for the
purpose of laying the final winding up accounts before it and giving any explanation therefor.
(2) The meeting referred to in sub-section (1) shall be called by the Company Liquidator
in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3) If the majority of the members of the company after considering the report of the
Company Liquidator are satisfied that the company shall be wound up, they may pass a
resolution for its dissolution.
(4) Within two weeks after the meeting, the Company Liquidator shall—
(a) send to the Registrar—
(i) a copy of the final winding up accounts of the company and shall make
a return in respect of each meeting and of the date thereof; and
(ii) copies of the resolutions passed in the meetings; and
(b) file an application along with his report under sub-section (1) in such manner
as may be prescribed along with the books and papers of the company relating to the
winding up, before the Tribunal for passing an order of dissolution of the company.
Appointment
of
committees.
Company
Liquidator to
submit report
on progress
of winding
up.
Report of
Company
Liquidator to
Tribunal for
examination
of persons.
Final meeting
and
dissolution of
company.
184 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) If the Tribunal is satisfied, after considering the report of the Company
Liquidator that the process of winding up has been just and fair, the Tribunal shall pass an
order dissolving the company within sixty days of the receipt of the application under
sub-section (4).
(6) The Company Liquidator shall file a copy of the order under sub-section (5) with
the Registrar within thirty days.
(7) The Registrar, on receiving the copy of the order passed by the Tribunal under subsection
(5), shall forthwith publish a notice in the Official Gazette that the company is
dissolved.
(8) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of this section, he
shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
319. (1) Where a company (the transferor company) is proposed to be, or is in the
course of being, wound up voluntarily and the whole or any part of its business or property
is proposed to be transferred or sold to another company (the transferee company), the
Company Liquidator of the transferor company may, with the sanction of a special resolution
of the company conferring on him either a general authority or an authority in respect of any
particular arrangement,—
(a) receive, by way of compensation wholly or in part for the transfer or sale of
shares, policies, or other like interest in the transferee company, for distribution among
the members of the transferor company; or
(b) enter into any other arrangement whereby the members of the transferor
company may, in lieu of receiving cash, shares, policies or other like interest or in
addition thereto, participate in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the
transferee company:
Provided that no such arrangement shall be entered into without the consent of the
secured creditors.
(2) Any transfer, sale or other arrangement in pursuance of this section shall be binding
on the members of the transferor company.
(3) Any member of the transferor company who did not vote in favour of the special
resolution and expresses his dissent therefrom in writing addressed to the Company Liquidator,
and left at the registered office of the company within seven days after the passing of the
resolution, may require the liquidator either—
(a) to abstain from carrying the resolution into effect; or
(b) to purchase his interest at a price to be determined by agreement or the
registered valuer.
(4) If the Company Liquidator elects to purchase the member’s interest, the purchase
money, raised by him in such manner as may be determined by a special resolution, shall be
paid before the company is dissolved.
320. Subject to the provisions of this Act as to overriding preferential payments under
section 326, the assets of a company shall, on its winding up, be applied in satisfaction of its
liabilities pari passu and, subject to such application, shall, unless the articles otherwise
provide, be distributed among the members according to their rights and interests in the
company.
321. (1) Any arrangement other than the arrangement referred to in section 319 entered
into between the company which is about to be, or is in the course of being wound up and its
creditors shall be binding on the company and on the creditors if it is sanctioned by a special
resolution of the company and acceded to by the creditors who hold three-fourths in value
of the total amount due to all the creditors of the company.
Power of
Company
Liquidator to
accept shares,
etc., as
consideration
for sale of
property of
company.
Distribution
of property
of company.
Arrangement
when binding
on company
and creditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 185
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, within three weeks from the completion of the
arrangement, apply to the Tribunal and the Tribunal may thereupon amend, vary, confirm or
set aside the arrangement.
322. (1) The Company Liquidator or any contributory or creditor may apply to the
Tribunal—
(a) to determine any question arising in the course of the winding up of a
company; or
(b) to exercise as respects the enforcing of calls, the staying of proceedings or
any other matter, all or any of the powers which the Tribunal might exercise if the
company were being wound up by the Tribunal.
(2) The Company Liquidator or any creditor or contributory may apply to the Tribunal
for an order setting aside any attachment, distress or execution put into force against the
estate or effects of the company after the commencement of the winding up.
(3) The Tribunal, if satisfied on an application under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
that the determination of the question or the required exercise of power or the order applied
for will be just and fair, may allow the application on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit
or may make such other order on the application as it thinks fit.
(4) A copy of an order staying the proceedings in the winding up, made under this
section, shall forthwith be forwarded by the company, or otherwise as may be prescribed, to
the Registrar, who shall make a minute of the order in his books relating to the company.
323. All costs, charges and expenses properly incurred in the winding up, including
the fee of the Company Liquidator, shall, subject to the rights of secured creditors, if any, be
payable out of the assets of the company in priority to all other claims.
PART III.—Provisions applicable to every mode of winding up
324. In every winding up (subject, in the case of insolvent companies, to the application
in accordance with the provisions of this Act or of the law of insolvency), all debts payable
on a contingency, and all claims against the company, present or future, certain or contingent,
ascertained or sounding only in damages, shall be admissible to proof against the company,
a just estimate being made, so far as possible, of the value of such debts or claims as may be
subject to any contingency, or may sound only in damages, or for some other reason may not
bear a certain value.
325. (1) In the winding up of an insolvent company, the same rules shall prevail and be
observed with regard to—
(a) debts provable;
(b) the valuation of annuities and future and contingent liabilities; and
(c) the respective rights of secured and unsecured creditors,
as are in force for the time being under the law of insolvency with respect to the estates of
persons adjudged insolvent:
Provided that the security of every secured creditor shall be deemed to be subject to a
pari passu charge in favour of the workmen to the extent of the workmen’s portion therein,
and, where a secured creditor, instead of relinquishing his security and proving his debts,
opts to realise his security,—
(i) the liquidator shall be entitled to represent the workmen and enforce such
charge;
(ii) any amount realised by the liquidator by way of enforcement of such charge
shall be applied rateably for the discharge of workmen’s dues; and
(iii) so much of the debts due to such secured creditor as could not be realised
by him or the amount of the workmen’s portion in his security, whichever is less, shall
rank pari passu with the workmen’s dues for the purposes of section 326.
Power to
apply to
Tribunal to
have
questions
determined,
etc.
Costs of
voluntary
winding up.
Debts of all
descriptions to
be admitted
to proof.
Application
of insolvency
rules in
winding up of
insolvent
companies.
186 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) All persons under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to prove and receive dividends
out of the assets of the company under winding up, and make such claims against the
company as they respectively are entitled to make by virtue of this section:
Provided that if a secured creditor, instead of relinquishing his security and proving
his debts, proceeds to realise his security, he shall be liable to pay his portion of the expenses
incurred by the liquidator, including a provisional liquidator, if any, for the preservation of
the security before its realisation by the secured creditor.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the portion of expenses incurred
by the liquidator for the preservation of a security which the secured creditor shall be liable
to pay shall be the whole of the expenses less an amount which bears to such expenses the
same proportion as the workmen’s portion in relation to the security bears to the value of the
security.
(3) For the purposes of this section, section 326 and section 327,—
(a) “workmen’’, in relation to a company, means the employees of the company,
being workmen within the meaning of clause (s) of section 2 of the Industrial Disputes
Act, 1947;
(b) “workmen’s dues’’, in relation to a company, means the aggregate of the
following sums due from the company to its workmen, namely:—
(i) all wages or salary including wages payable for time or piece work and
salary earned wholly or in part by way of commission of any workman in respect
of services rendered to the company and any compensation payable to any
workman under any of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947;
(ii) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any workman
or, in the case of his death, to any other person in his right on the termination of
his employment before or by the effect of the winding up order or resolution;
(iii) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely for the
purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation with another company or unless
the company has, at the commencement of the winding up, under such a contract
with insurers as is mentioned in section 14 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act,
1923, rights capable of being transferred to and vested in the workmen, all amount
due in respect of any compensation or liability for compensation under the said
Act in respect of the death or disablement of any workman of the company;
(iv) all sums due to any workman from the provident fund, the pension
fund, the gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the workmen,
maintained by the company;
(c) “workmen’s portion’’, in relation to the security of any secured creditor of a
company, means the amount which bears to the value of the security the same proportion
as the amount of the workmen’s dues bears to the aggregate of the amount of workmen’s
dues and the amount of the debts due to the secured creditors.
Illustration
The value of the security of a secured creditor of a company is Rs. 1,00,000. The total
amount of the workmen’s dues is Rs. 1,00,000. The amount of the debts due from the company
to its secured creditors is Rs. 3,00,000. The aggregate of the amount of workmen’s dues and
the amount of debts due to secured creditors is Rs. 4,00,000. The workmen’s portion of the
security is, therefore, one-fourth of the value of the security, that is Rs. 25,000.
326. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time
being in force, in the winding up of a company,—
(a) workmen’s dues; and
(b) debts due to secured creditors to the extent such debts rank under clause
(iii) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 325 pari passu with such dues,
shall be paid in priority to all other debts:
Overriding
preferential
payments.
14 of 1947.
14 of 1947.
8 of 1923.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 187
Provided that in case of the winding up of a company, the sums towards wages or
salary referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 325, which are
payable for a period of two years preceding the winding up order or such other period as
may be prescribed, shall be paid in priority to all other debts (including debts due to secured
creditors), within a period of thirty days of sale of assets and shall be subject to such charge
over the security of secured creditors as may be prescribed.
(2) The debts payable under the proviso to sub-section (1) shall be paid in full before
any payment is made to secured creditors and thereafter debts payable under that
sub-section shall be paid in full, unless the assets are insufficient to meet them, in which case
they shall abate in equal proportions.
327. (1) In a winding up, subject to the provisions of section 326, there shall be paid in
priority to all other debts,—
(a) all revenues, taxes, cesses and rates due from the company to the Central
Government or a State Government or to a local authority at the relevant date, and having
become due and payable within the twelve months immediately before that date;
(b) all wages or salary including wages payable for time or piece work and salary
earned wholly or in part by way of commission of any employee in respect of services
rendered to the company and due for a period not exceeding four months within the
twelve months immediately before the relevant date, subject to the condition that the
amount payable under this clause to any workman shall not exceed such amount as
may be notified;
(c) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any employee, or in
the case of his death, to any other person claiming under him, on the termination of his
employment before, or by the winding up order, or, as the case may be, the dissolution
of the company;
(d) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely for the purposes
of reconstruction or amalgamation with another company, all amount due in respect of
contributions payable during the period of twelve months immediately before the
relevant date by the company as the employer of persons under the Employees’ State
Insurance Act, 1948 or any other law for the time being in force;
(e) unless the company has, at the commencement of winding up, under such a
contract with any insurer as is mentioned in section 14 of the Workmen’s Compensation
Act, 1923, rights capable of being transferred to and vested in the workmen, all amount
due in respect of any compensation or liability for compensation under the said Act in
respect of the death or disablement of any employee of the company:
Provided that where any compensation under the said Act is a weekly payment,
the amount payable under this clause shall be taken to be the amount of the lump sum
for which such weekly payment could, if redeemable, be redeemed, if the employer has
made an application under that Act;
(f) all sums due to any employee from the provident fund, the pension fund, the
gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the employees, maintained by the
company; and
(g) the expenses of any investigation held in pursuance of sections 213 and 216,
in so far as they are payable by the company.
(2) Where any payment has been made to any employee of a company on account of
wages or salary or accrued holiday remuneration, himself or, in the case of his death, to any
other person claiming through him, out of money advanced by some person for that purpose,
the person by whom the money was advanced shall, in a winding up, have a right of priority
in respect of the money so advanced and paid-up to the amount by which the sum in respect
of which the employee or other person in his right would have been entitled to priority in the
winding up has been reduced by reason of the payment having been made.
Preferential
payments.
34 of 1948.
8 of 1923.
188 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The debts enumerated in this section shall—
(a) rank equally among themselves and be paid in full, unless the assets are
insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions; and
(b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment to general creditors
are insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims of holders of debentures
under any floating charge created by the company, and be paid accordingly out of any
property comprised in or subject to that charge.
(4) Subject to the retention of such sums as may be necessary for the costs and
expenses of the winding up, the debts under this section shall be discharged forthwith so far
as the assets are sufficient to meet them, and in the case of the debts to which priority is
given under clause (d) of sub-section (1), formal proof thereof shall not be required except in
so far as may be otherwise prescribed.
(5) In the event of a landlord or other person distraining or having distrained on any
goods or effects of the company within three months immediately before the date of a
winding up order, the debts to which priority is given under this section shall be a first charge
on the goods or effects so distrained on or the proceeds of the sale thereof:
Provided that, in respect of any money paid under any such charge, the landlord or
other person shall have the same rights of priority as the person to whom the payment is made.
(6) Any remuneration in respect of a period of holiday or of absence from work on
medical grounds through sickness or other good cause shall be deemed to be wages in
respect of services rendered to the company during that period.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “accrued holiday remuneration” includes, in relation to any
person, all sums which, by virtue either of his contract of employment or of any
enactment including any order made or direction given thereunder, are payable on
account of the remuneration which would, in the ordinary course, have become payable
to him in respect of a period of holiday, had his employment with the company continued
until he became entitled to be allowed the holiday;
(b) the expression “employee” does not include a workman; and
(c) the expression “relevant date” means—
(i) in the case of a company being wound up by the Tribunal, the date of
appointment or first appointment of a provisional liquidator, or if no such
appointment was made, the date of the winding up order, unless, in either case,
the company had commenced to be wound up voluntarily before that date; and
(ii) in any other case, the date of the passing of the resolution for the
voluntary winding up of the company.
328. (1) Where a company has given preference to a person who is one of the creditors
of the company or a surety or guarantor for any of the debts or other liabilities of the
company, and the company does anything or suffers anything done which has the effect of
putting that person into a position which, in the event of the company going into liquidation,
will be better than the position he would have been in if that thing had not been done prior
to six months of making winding up application, the Tribunal, if satisfied that, such transaction
is a fraudulent preference may order as it may think fit for restoring the position to what it
would have been if the company had not given that preference.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied that there is a preference transfer of property, movable or
immovable, or any delivery of goods, payment, execution made, taken or done by or against
a company within six months before making winding up application, the Tribunal may order
as it may think fit and may declare such transaction invalid and restore the position.
329. Any transfer of property, movable or immovable, or any delivery of goods, made
by a company, not being a transfer or delivery made in the ordinary course of its business or
in favour of a purchaser or encumbrance in good faith and for valuable consideration, if made
within a period of one year before the presentation of a petition for winding up by the
Fraudulent
preference.
Transfers not
in good faith
to be void.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 189
Tribunal or the passing of a resolution for voluntary winding up of the company, shall be
void against the Company Liquidator.
330. Any transfer or assignment by a company of all its properties or assets to trustees
for the benefit of all its creditors shall be void.
331. (1) Where a company is being wound up and anything made, taken or done after
the commencement of this Act is invalid under section 328 as a fraudulent preference of a
person interested in property mortgaged or charged to secure the company’s debt, then,
without prejudice to any rights or liabilities arising, apart from this provision, the person
preferred shall be subject to the same liabilities, and shall have the same rights, as if he had
undertaken to be personally liable as a surety for the debt, to the extent of the mortgage or
charge on the property or the value of his interest, whichever is less.
(2) The value of the interest of the person preferred under sub-section (1) shall be
determined as at the date of the transaction constituting the fraudulent preference, as if the
interest were free of all encumbrances other than those to which the mortgage or charge for
the debt of the company was then subject.
(3) On an application made to the Tribunal with respect to any payment on the ground
that the payment was a fraudulent preference of a surety or guarantor, the Tribunal shall
have jurisdiction to determine any questions with respect to the payment arising between
the person to whom the payment was made and the surety or guarantor and to grant relief in
respect thereof, notwithstanding that it is not necessary so to do for the purposes of the
winding up, and for that purpose, may give leave to bring in the surety or guarantor as a third
party as in the case of a suit for the recovery of the sum paid.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to
transactions other than payment of money.
332. Where a company is being wound up, a floating charge on the undertaking or
property of the company created within the twelve months immediately preceding the
commencement of the winding up, shall, unless it is proved that the company immediately
after the creation of the charge was solvent, be invalid, except for the amount of any cash
paid to the company at the time of, or subsequent to the creation of, and in consideration for,
the charge, together with interest on that amount at the rate of five per cent. per annum or
such other rate as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.
333. (1) Where any part of the property of a company which is being wound up
consists of—
(a) land of any tenure, burdened with onerous covenants;
(b) shares or stocks in companies;
(c) any other property which is not saleable or is not readily saleable by reason
of the possessor thereof being bound either to the performance of any onerous act or
to the payment of any sum of money; or
(d) unprofitable contracts,
the Company Liquidator may, notwithstanding that he has endeavoured to sell or has taken
possession of the property or exercised any act of ownership in relation thereto or done
anything in pursuance of the contract, with the leave of the Tribunal and subject to the
provisions of this section, by writing signed by him, at any time within twelve months after
the commencement of the winding up or such extended period as may be allowed by the
Tribunal, disclaim the property:
Provided that where the Company Liquidator had not become aware of the existence of
any such property within one month from the commencement of the winding up, the power
Certain
transfers to
be void.
Effect of
floating
charge.
Disclaimer of
onerous
property.
Liabilities
and rights of
certain
persons
fraudulently
preferred.
190 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
of disclaiming the property may be exercised at any time within twelve months after he has
become aware thereof or such extended period as may be allowed by the Tribunal.
(2) The disclaimer shall operate to determine, as from the date of disclaimer, the rights,
interest and liabilities of the company in or in respect of the property disclaimed, but shall
not, except so far as is necessary for the purpose of releasing the company and the property
of the company from liability, affect the rights, interest or liabilities of any other person.
(3) The Tribunal, before or on granting leave to disclaim, may require such notices to
be given to persons interested, and impose such terms as a condition of granting leave, and
make such other order in the matter as the Tribunal considers just and proper.
(4) The Company Liquidator shall not be entitled to disclaim any property in any case
where an application in writing has been made to him by any person interested in the
property requiring him to decide whether he will or will not disclaim and the Company
Liquidator has not, within a period of twenty-eight days after the receipt of the application or
such extended period as may be allowed by the Tribunal, give notice to the applicant that he
intends to apply to the Tribunal for leave to disclaim, and in case the property is under a
contract, if the Company Liquidator after such an application as aforesaid does not within
the said period or extended period disclaim the contract, he shall be deemed to have adopted it.
(5) The Tribunal may, on the application of any person who is, as against the Company
Liquidator, entitled to the benefit or subject to the burden of a contract made with the
company, make an order rescinding the contract on such terms as to payment by or to either
party of damages for the non-performance of the contract, or otherwise as the Tribunal
considers just and proper, and any damages payable under the order to any such person may
be proved by him as a debt in the winding up.
(6) The Tribunal may, on an application by any person who either claims any interest
in any disclaimed property or is under any liability not discharged under this Act in respect
of any disclaimed property, and after hearing any such persons as it thinks fit, make an order
for the vesting of the property in, or the delivery of the property to, any person entitled
thereto or to whom it may seem just that the property should be delivered by way of
compensation for such liability as aforesaid, or a trustee for him, and on such terms as the
Tribunal considers just and proper, and on any such vesting order being made, the property
comprised therein shall vest accordingly in the person named therein in that behalf without
any conveyance or assignment for the purpose:
Provided that where the property disclaimed is of a leasehold nature, the Tribunal shall
not make a vesting order in favour of any person claiming under the company, whether as
under-lessee or as mortgagee or holder of a charge by way of demise, except upon the terms
of making that person—
(a) subject to the same liabilities and obligations as those to which the company
was subject under the lease in respect of the property at the commencement of the
winding up; or
(b) if the Tribunal thinks fit, subject only to the same liabilities and obligations as
if the lease had been assigned to that person at that date,
and in either event as if the lease had comprised only the property comprised in the vesting
order, and any mortgagee or under-lessee declining to accept a vesting order upon such
terms shall be excluded from all interest in, and security upon the property, and, if there is no
person claiming under the company who is willing to accept an order upon such terms, the
Tribunal shall have power to vest the estate and interest of the company in the property in
any person liable, either personally or in a representative character, and either alone or jointly
with the company, to perform the covenants of the lessee in the lease, free and discharged
from all estates, encumbrances and interests created therein by the company.
(7) Any person affected by the operation of a disclaimer under this section shall be
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 191
deemed to be a creditor of the company to the amount of the compensation or damages
payable in respect of such effect, and may accordingly prove the amount as a debt in the
winding up.
334. (1) In the case of a voluntary winding up, any transfer of shares in the company,
not being a transfer made to or with the sanction of the Company Liquidator, and any
alteration in the status of the members of the company, made after the commencement of the
winding up, shall be void.
(2) In the case of a winding up by the Tribunal, any disposition of the property,
including actionable claims, of the company, and any transfer of shares in the company or
alteration in the status of its members, made after the commencement of the winding up,
shall, unless the Tribunal otherwise orders, be void.
335. (1) Where any company is being wound up by the Tribunal,—
(a) any attachment, distress or execution put in force, without leave of the
Tribunal against the estate or effects of the company, after the commencement of the
winding up; or
(b) any sale held, without leave of the Tribunal of any of the properties or effects
of the company, after such commencement,
shall be void.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any proceedings for the recovery of any tax
or impost or any dues payable to the Government.
336. (1) If any person, who is or has been an officer of a company which, at the time of
the commission of the alleged offence, is being wound up, whether by the Tribunal or
voluntarily, or which is subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or which
subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up,—
(a) does not, to the best of his knowledge and belief, fully and truly disclose to
the Company Liquidator all the property, movable and immovable, of the company, and
how and to whom and for what consideration and when the company disposed of any
part thereof, except such part as has been disposed of in the ordinary course of the
business of the company;
(b) does not deliver up to the Company Liquidator, or as he directs, all such part
of the movable and immovable property of the company as is in his custody or under
his control and which he is required by law to deliver up;
(c) does not deliver up to the Company Liquidator, or as he directs, all such
books and papers of the company as are in his custody or under his control and which
he is required by law to deliver up;
(d) within the twelve months immediately before the commencement of the
winding up or at any time thereafter,—
(i) conceals any part of the property of the company to the value of one
thousand rupees or more, or conceals any debt due to or from the company;
(ii) fraudulently removes any part of the property of the company to the
value of one thousand rupees or more;
(iii) conceals, destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or is privy to the concealment,
destruction, mutilation or falsification of, any book or paper affecting or relating
to, the property or affairs of the company;
(iv) makes, or is privy to the making of, any false entry in any book or
paper affecting or relating to, the property or affairs of the company;
Transfers,
etc., after
commencement
of winding up
to be void.
Certain
attachments,
executions,
etc., in
winding up by
Tribunal to be
void.
Offences by
officers of
companies in
liquidation.
192 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(v) fraudulently parts with, alters or makes any omission in, or is privy to
the fraudulent parting with, altering or making of any omission in, any book or
paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company;
(vi) by any false representation or other fraud, obtains on credit, for or on
behalf of the company, any property which the company does not subsequently
pay for;
(vii) under the false pretence that the company is carrying on its business,
obtains on credit, for or on behalf of the company, any property which the
company does not subsequently pay for; or
(viii) pawns, pledges or disposes of any property of the company which
has been obtained on credit and has not been paid for, unless such pawning,
pledging or disposing of the property is in the ordinary course of business of
the company;
(e) makes any material omission in any statement relating to the affairs of the
company;
(f) knowing or believing that a false debt has been proved by any person under
the winding up, fails for a period of one month to inform the Company Liquidator
thereof;
(g) after the commencement of the winding up, prevents the production of any
book or paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company;
(h) after the commencement of the winding up or at any meeting of the creditors
of the company within the twelve months next before the commencement of the winding
up, attempts to account for any part of the property of the company by fictitious
losses or expenses; or
(i) is guilty of any false representation or fraud for the purpose of obtaining the
consent of the creditors of the company or any of them, to an agreement with reference
to the affairs of the company or to the winding up,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years
but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
but which may extend to three lakh rupees:
Provided that it shall be a good defence if the accused proves that he had no intent to
defraud or to conceal the true state of affairs of the company or to defeat the law.
(2) Where any person pawns, pledges or disposes of any property in circumstances
which amount to an offence under sub-clause (viii) of clause (d) of sub-section (1), every
person who takes in pawn or pledge or otherwise receives the property, knowing it to be
pawned, pledged, or disposed of in such circumstances as aforesaid, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend
to five years and with fine which shall not be less than three lakh rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression “officer” includes any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the company
have been accustomed to act.
337. If any person, being at the time of the commission of the alleged offence an officer
of a company which is subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or which
subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up,—
(a) has, by false pretences or by means of any other fraud, induced any person
to give credit to the company;
(b) with intent to defraud creditors of the company or any other person, has
Penalty for
frauds by
officers.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 193
made or caused to be made any gift or transfer of, or charge on, or has caused or
connived at the levying of any execution against, the property of the company; or
(c) with intent to defraud creditors of the company, has concealed or removed
any part of the property of the company since the date of any unsatisfied judgment or
order for payment of money obtained against the company or within two months
before that date,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but
which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
but which may extend to three lakh rupees.
338. (1) Where a company is being wound up, if it is shown that proper books of
account were not kept by the company throughout the period of two years immediately
preceding the commencement of the winding up, or the period between the incorporation of
the company and the commencement of the winding up, whichever is shorter, every officer of
the company who is in default shall, unless he shows that he acted honestly and that in the
circumstances in which the business of the company was carried on, the default was excusable,
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which
may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to three lakh rupees.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), it shall be deemed that proper books of
account have not been kept in the case of any company,—
(a) if such books of account as are necessary to exhibit and explain the
transactions and financial position of the business of the company, including books
containing entries made from day-to-day in sufficient detail of all cash received and all
cash paid, have not been kept; and
(b) where the business of the company has involved dealings in goods,
statements of the annual stock takings and, except in the case of goods sold by way of
ordinary retail trade, of all goods sold and purchased, showing the goods and the
buyers and the sellers thereof in sufficient detail to enable those goods and those
buyers and sellers to be identified, have not been kept.
339. (1) If in the course of the winding up of a company, it appears that any business
of the company has been carried on with intent to defraud creditors of the company or any
other persons or for any fraudulent purpose, the Tribunal, on the application of the Official
Liquidator, or the Company Liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may,
if it thinks it proper so to do, declare that any person, who is or has been a director, manager,
or officer of the company or any persons who were knowingly parties to the carrying on of
the business in the manner aforesaid shall be personally responsible, without any limitation
of liability, for all or any of the debts or other liabilities of the company as the Tribunal may
direct:
Provided that on the hearing of an application under this sub-section, the Official
Liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case may be, may himself give evidence or call
witnesses.
(2) Where the Tribunal makes any such declaration, it may give such further directions
as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to that declaration and, in particular,—
(a) make provision for making the liability of any such person under the declaration
a charge on any debt or obligation due from the company to him, or on any mortgage
or charge or any interest in any mortgage or charge on any assets of the company held
by or vested in him, or any person on his behalf, or any person claiming as assignee
from or through the person liable or any person acting on his behalf;
(b) make such further order as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing
any charge imposed under this sub-section.
Liability
where proper
accounts not
kept.
Liability for
fraudulent
conduct of
business.
194 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) Where any business of a company is carried on with such intent or for such
purpose as is mentioned in sub-section (1), every person who was knowingly a party to the
carrying on of the business in the manner aforesaid, shall be liable for action under
section 447.
(4) This section shall apply, notwithstanding that the person concerned may be
punishable under any other law for the time being in force in respect of the matters on the
ground of which the declaration is to be made.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “assignee” includes any person to whom or in whose favour,
by the directions of the person liable, the debt, obligation, mortgage or charge was
created, issued or transferred or the interest was created, but does not include an
assignee for valuable consideration, not including consideration by way of marriage,
given in good faith and without notice of any of the matters on the ground of which the
declaration is made;
(b) the expression “officer” includes any person in accordance with whose
directions or instructions the directors of the company have been accustomed
to act.
340. (1) If in the course of winding up of a company, it appears that any person who
has taken part in the promotion or formation of the company, or any person, who is or has
been a director, manager, Company Liquidator or officer of the company—
(a) has misapplied, or retained, or become liable or accountable for, any money
or property of the company; or
(b) has been guilty of any misfeasance or breach of trust in relation to the
company,
the Tribunal may, on the application of the Official Liquidator, or the Company Liquidator, or
of any creditor or contributory, made within the period specified in that behalf in sub-section
(2), inquire into the conduct of the person, director, manager, Company Liquidator or officer
aforesaid, and order him to repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof
respectively, with interest at such rate as the Tribunal considers just and proper, or to
contribute such sum to the assets of the company by way of compensation in respect of the
misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust, as the Tribunal considers just and
proper.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made within five years from the date
of the winding up order, or of the first appointment of the Company Liquidator in the winding
up, or of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust, as the case may be,
whichever is longer.
(3) This section shall apply, notwithstanding that the matter is one for which the
person concerned may be criminally liable.
341. Where a declaration under section 339 or an order under section 340 is made in
respect of a firm or body corporate, the Tribunal shall also have power to make a declaration
under section 339, or pass an order under section 340, as the case may be, in respect of any
person who was at the relevant time a partner in that firm or a director of that body corporate.
342. (1) If it appears to the Tribunal in the course of a winding up by the Tribunal, that
any person, who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty of
any offence in relation to the company, the Tribunal may, either on the application of any
person interested in the winding up or suo motu, direct the liquidator to prosecute the
offender or to refer the matter to the Registrar.
Power of
Tribunal to
assess
damages
against
delinquent
directors, etc.
Liability
under sections
339 and 340
to extend to
partners or
directors in
firms or
companies.
Prosecution
of delinquent
officers and
members of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 195
(2) If it appears to the Company Liquidator in the course of a voluntary winding up that
any person,who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty of
any offence in relation to the company under this Act, he shall forthwith report the matter to
the Registrar and shall furnish to him such information and give to him such access to and
facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any books and papers, being information or
books and papers in the possession or under the control of the Company Liquidator and
relating to the matter in question, as the Registrar may require.
(3) Where any report is made under sub-section (2) to the Registrar,—
(a) if he thinks fit, he may apply to the Central Government for an order to make
further inquiry into the affairs of the company by any person designated by him and
for conferring on such person all the powers of investigation as are provided under
this Act;
(b) if he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be
instituted, he shall report the matter to the Central Government, and that Government
may, after taking such legal advice as it thinks fit, direct the Registrar to institute
prosecution:
Provided that no report shall be made by the Registrar under this clause without first
giving the accused person a reasonable opportunity of making a statement in writing to the
Registrar and of being heard thereon.
(4) If it appears to the Tribunal in the course of a voluntary winding up that any
person, who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty as
aforesaid, and that no report with respect to the matter has been made by the Company
Liquidator to the Registrar under sub-section (2), the Tribunal may, on the application of any
person interested in the winding up or suo motu, direct the Company Liquidator to make
such a report, and on a report being made, the provisions of this section shall have effect as
though the report had been made in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (2).
(5) When any prosecution is instituted under this section, it shall be the duty of the
liquidator and of every person, who is or has been an officer and agent of the company to
give all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he is reasonably able to give.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “agent”, in relation
to a company, shall include any banker or legal adviser of the company and any person
employed by the company as auditor.
(6) If a person fails or neglects to give assistance required by sub-section (5), he shall
be liable to pay fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees.
343. (1) The Company Liquidator may—
(a) with the sanction of the Tribunal, when the company is being wound up by
the Tribunal; and
(b) with the sanction of a special resolution of the company and prior approval
of the Tribunal, in the case of a voluntary winding up,—
(i) pay any class of creditors in full;
(ii) make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or persons claiming
to be creditors, or having or alleging themselves to have any claim, present or
future, certain or contingent, against the company, or whereby the company
may be rendered liable; or
(iii) compromise any call or liability to call, debt, and liability capable of
resulting in a debt, and any claim, present or future, certain or contingent,
ascertained or sounding only in damages, subsisting or alleged to subsist
between the company and a contributory or alleged contributory or other debtor
Company
Liquidator to
exercise
certain
powers
subject to
sanction.
196 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
or person apprehending liability to the company, and all questions in any way
relating to or affecting the assets or liabilities or the winding up of the company,
on such terms as may be agreed, and take any security for the discharge of any
such call, debt, liability or claim, and give a complete discharge in respect thereof.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in the case of a winding up
by the Tribunal, the Central Government may make rules to provide that the Company
Liquidator may, under such circumstances, if any, and subject to such conditions, restrictions
and limitations, if any, as may be prescribed, exercise any of the powers referred to in subclause
(ii) or sub-clause (iii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) without the sanction of the
Tribunal.
(3) Any creditor or contributory may apply in the manner prescribed to the Tribunal
with respect to any exercise or proposed exercise of powers by the Company Liquidator
under this section, and the Tribunal shall after giving a reasonable opportunity to such
applicant and the Company Liquidator, pass such orders as it may think fit.
344. (1) Where a company is being wound up, whether by the Tribunal or voluntarily,
every invoice, order for goods or business letter issued by or on behalf of the company or a
Company Liquidator of the company, or a receiver or manager of the property of the company,
being a document on or in which the name of the company appears, shall contain a statement
that the company is being wound up.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company, and
every officer of the company, the Company Liquidator and any receiver or manager, who
wilfully authorises or permits the non-compliance, shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees.
345. Where a company is being wound up, all books and papers of the company and
of the Company Liquidator shall, as between the contributories of the company, be prima
facie evidence of the truth of all matters purporting to be recorded therein.
346. (1) At any time after the making of an order for the winding up of a company by
the Tribunal, any creditor or contributory of the company may inspect the books and papers
of the company only in accordance with, and subject to such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall exclude or restrict any rights conferred
by any law for the time being in force—
(a) on the Central Government or a State Government;
(b) on any authority or officer thereof; or
(c) on any person acting under the authority of any such Government or of any
such authority or officer.
347. (1) When the affairs of a company have been completely wound up and it is about
to be dissolved, its books and papers and those of the Company Liquidator may be disposed
of as follows:—
(a) in the case of winding up by the Tribunal, in such manner as the Tribunal
directs; and
(b) in the case of voluntary winding up, in such manner as the company by
special resolution with the prior approval of the creditors direct.
(2) After the expiry of five years from the dissolution of the company, no responsibility
shall devolve on the company, the Company Liquidator, or any person to whom the custody
of the books and papers has been entrusted, by reason of any book or paper not being
forthcoming to any person claiming to be interested therein.
(3) The Central Government may, by rules,—
(a) prevent for such period as it thinks proper the destruction of the books and
Statement
that company
is in
liquidation.
Books and
papers of
company to
be evidence.
Inspection of
books and
papers by
creditors and
contributories.
Disposal of
books and
papers of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 197
papers of a company which has been wound up and of its Company Liquidator;
and
(b) enable any creditor or contributory of the company to make representations
to the Central Government in respect of the matters specified in clause (a) and to
appeal to the Tribunal from any order which may be made by the Central Government
in the matter.
(4) If any person acts in contravention of any rule framed or an order made under
sub-section (3), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.
348. (1) If the winding up of a company is not concluded within one year after its
commencement, the Company Liquidator shall, unless he is exempted from so doing either
wholly or in part by the Central Government, within two months of the expiry of such year
and thereafter until the winding up is concluded, at intervals of not more than one year or at
such shorter intervals, if any, as may be prescribed, file a statement in such form containing
such particulars as may be prescribed, duly audited, by a person qualified to act as auditor of
the company, with respect to the proceedings in, and position of, the liquidation,—
(a) in the case of a winding up by the Tribunal, with the Tribunal; and
(b) in the case of a voluntary winding up, with the Registrar:
Provided that no such audit as is referred to in this sub-section shall be necessary
where the provisions of section 294 apply.
(2) When the statement is filed with the Tribunal under clause (a) of sub-section (1), a
copy shall simultaneously be filed with the Registrar and shall be kept by him along with the
other records of the company.
(3) Where a statement referred to in sub-section (1) relates to a Government company
in liquidation, the Company Liquidator shall forward a copy thereof—
(a) to the Central Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company;
(b) to any State Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(c) to the Central Government and any State Government, if both the Governments
are members of the Government company.
(4) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory of the company
shall be entitled, by himself or by his agent, at all reasonable times, on payment of the
prescribed fee, to inspect the statement referred to in sub-section (1), and to receive a copy
thereof or an extract therefrom.
(5) Any person fraudulently stating himself to be a creditor or contributory under subsection
(4) shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence under section 182 of the Indian Penal
Code, and shall, on the application of the Company Liquidator, be punishable accordingly.
(6) If a Company Liquidator contravenes the provisions of this section, the Company
Liquidator shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every
day during which the failure continues.
(7) If a Company Liquidator makes wilful default in causing the statement referred to in
sub-section (1) audited by a person who is not qualified to act as an auditor of the company,
the Company Liquidator shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to six months or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
Information
as to pending
liquidations.
45 of 1860.
198 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
349. Every Official Liquidator shall, in such manner and at such times as may be
prescribed, pay the monies received by him as Official Liquidator of any company, into the
public account of India in the Reserve Bank of India.
350. (1) Every Company Liquidator of a company shall, in such manner and at such
times as may be prescribed, deposit the monies received by him in his capacity as such in a
scheduled bank to the credit of a special bank account opened by him in that behalf:
Provided that if the Tribunal considers that it is advantageous for the creditors or
contributories or the company, it may permit the account to be opened in such other bank
specified by it.
(2) If any Company Liquidator at any time retains for more than ten days a sum
exceeding five thousand rupees or such other amount as the Tribunal may, on the application
of the Company Liquidator, authorise him to retain, then, unless he explains the retention to
the satisfaction of the Tribunal, he shall—
(a) pay interest on the amount so retained in excess, at the rate of twelve per
cent. per annum and also pay such penalty as may be determined by the Tribunal;
(b) be liable to pay any expenses occasioned by reason of his default; and
(c) also be liable to have all or such part of his remuneration, as the Tribunal may
consider just and proper, disallowed, or may also be removed from his office.
351. Neither the Official Liquidator nor the Company Liquidator of a company shall
deposit any monies received by him in his capacity as such into any private banking account.
352. (1) Where any company is being wound up and the liquidator has in his hands or
under his control any money representing—
(a) dividends payable to any creditor but which had remained unpaid for six
months after the date on which they were declared; or
(b) assets refundable to any contributory which have remained undistributed
for six months after the date on which they become refundable,
the liquidator shall forthwith deposit the said money into a separate special account to be
known as the Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account maintained
in a scheduled bank.
(2) The liquidator shall, on the dissolution of the company, pay into the Company
Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account any money representing unpaid
dividends or undistributed assets in his hands at the date of dissolution.
(3) The liquidator shall, when making any payment referred to in sub-sections (1) and
(2), furnish to the Registrar, a statement in the prescribed form, setting forth, in respect of all
sums included in such payment, the nature of the sums, the names and last known addresses
of the persons entitled to participate therein, the amount to which each is entitled and the
nature of his claim thereto, and such other particulars as may be prescribed.
(4) The liquidator shall be entitled to a receipt from the scheduled bank for any money
paid to it under sub-sections (1) and (2), and such receipt shall be an effectual discharge of
the Company Liquidator in respect thereof.
(5) Where a company is being wound up voluntarily, the Company Liquidator shall,
when filing a statement in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 348, indicate the sum of
Official
Liquidator to
make
payments
into public
account of
India.
Company
Liquidator to
deposit
monies into
scheduled
bank.
Liquidator not
to deposit
monies into
private
banking
account.
Company
Liquidation
Dividend and
Undistributed
Assets
Account.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 199
money which is payable under sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section during the six months
preceding the date on which the said statement is prepared, and shall, within fourteen days
of the date of filing the said statement, pay that sum into the Company Liquidation Dividend
and Undistributed Assets Account.
(6) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money paid into the Company Liquidation
Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account, whether paid in pursuance of this section or
under the provisions of any previous company law may apply to the Registrar for payment
thereof, and the Registrar, if satisfied that the person claiming is entitled, may make the
payment to that person of the sum due:
Provided that the Registrar shall settle the claim of such person within a period of sixty
days from the date of receipt of such claim, failing which the Registrar shall make a report to
the Regional Director giving reasons of such failure.
(7) Any money paid into the Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets
Account in pursuance of this section, which remains unclaimed thereafter for a period of
fifteen years, shall be transferred to the general revenue account of the Central Government,
but a claim to any money so transferred may be preferred under sub-section (6) and shall be
dealt with as if such transfer had not been made and the order, if any, for payment on the claim
will be treated as an order for refund of revenue.
(8) Any liquidator retaining any money which should have been paid by him into the
Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account under this section shall—
(a) pay interest on the amount so retained at the rate of twelve per cent. per
annum and also pay such penalty as may be determined by the Registrar:
Provided that the Central Government may in any proper case remit either in part
or in whole the amount of interest which the liquidator is required to pay under this
clause;
(b) be liable to pay any expenses occasioned by reason of his default; and
(c) where the winding up is by the Tribunal, also be liable to have all or such part
of his remuneration, as the Tribunal may consider just and proper, to be disallowed,
and to be removed from his office by the Tribunal.
353. (1) If any Company Liquidator who has made any default in filing, delivering or
making any return, account or other document, or in giving any notice which he is by law
required to file, deliver, make or give, fails to make good the default within fourteen days after
the service on him of a notice requiring him to do so, the Tribunal may, on an application
made to it by any contributory or creditor of the company or by the Registrar, make an order
directing the Company Liquidator to make good the default within such time as may be
specified in the order.
(2) Any order under sub-section (1) may provide that all costs of, and incidental to, the
application shall be borne by the Company Liquidator.
(3) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of any enactment imposing
penalties on a Company Liquidator in respect of any such default as aforesaid.
354. (1) In all matters relating to the winding up of a company, the Tribunal may—
(a) have regard to the wishes of creditors or contributories of the company, as
proved to it by any sufficient evidence;
(b) if it thinks fit for the purpose of ascertaining those wishes, direct meetings of
the creditors or contributories to be called, held and conducted in such manner as the
Tribunal may direct; and
(c) appoint a person to act as chairman of any such meeting and to report the
result thereof to the Tribunal.
Liquidator to
make returns,
etc.
Meetings to
ascertain
wishes of
creditors or
contributories.
200 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) While ascertaining the wishes of creditors under sub-section (1), regard shall be
had to the value of each debt of the creditor.
(3) While ascertaining the wishes of contributories under sub-section (1), regard shall
be had to the number of votes which may be cast by each contributory.
355. (1) Any affidavit required to be sworn under the provisions, or for the purposes,
of this Chapter may be sworn—
(a) in India before any court, tribunal, judge or person lawfully authorised to
take and receive affidavits; and
(b) in any other country before any court, judge or person lawfully authorised to
take and receive affidavits in that country or before an Indian diplomatic or consular
officer.
(2) All tribunals, judges, Justices, commissioners and persons acting judicially in India
shall take judicial notice of the seal, stamp or signature, as the case may be, of any such
court, tribunal, judge, person, diplomatic or consular officer, attached, appended or subscribed
to any such affidavit or to any other document to be used for the purposes of this Chapter.
356. (1) Where a company has been dissolved, whether in pursuance of this Chapter
or of section 232 or otherwise, the Tribunal may at any time within two years of the date of the
dissolution, on application by the Company Liquidator of the company or by any other
person who appears to the Tribunal to be interested, make an order, upon such terms as the
Tribunal thinks fit, declaring the dissolution to be void, and thereupon such proceedings
may be taken as if the company had not been dissolved.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Company Liquidator or the person on whose application
the order was made, within thirty days after the making of the order or such further time as the
Tribunal may allow, to file a certified copy of the order with the Registrar who shall register
the same, and if the Company Liquidator or the person fails so to do, the Company Liquidator
or the person shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees for
every day during which the default continues.
357. (1) Where, before the presentation of a petition for the winding up of a company
by the Tribunal, a resolution has been passed by the company for voluntary winding up, the
winding up of the company shall be deemed to have commenced at the time of the passing of
the resolution, and unless the Tribunal, on proof of fraud or mistake, thinks fit to direct
otherwise, all proceedings taken in the voluntary winding up shall be deemed to have been
validly taken.
(2) In any other case, the winding up of a company by the Tribunal shall be deemed to
commence at the time of the presentation of the petition for the winding up.
358. Notwithstanding anything in the Limitation Act, 1963, or in any other law for the
time being in force, in computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or application in
the name and on behalf of a company which is being wound up by the Tribunal, the period from
the date of commencement of the winding up of the company to a period of one year immediately
following the date of the winding up order shall be excluded.
PART IV.—Official Liquidators
359. (1) For the purposes of this Act, so far as it relates to the winding up of companies
by the Tribunal, the Central Government may appoint as many Official Liquidators, Joint,
Deputy or Assistant Official Liquidators as it may consider necessary to discharge the
functions of the Official Liquidator.
(2) The liquidators appointed under sub-section (1) shall be whole-time officers of the
Central Government.
(3) The salary and other allowances of the Official Liquidator, Joint Official Liquidator,
Court,
tribunal or
person, etc.,
before whom
affidavit may
be sworn.
Powers of
Tribunal to
declare
dissolution of
company
void.
Commencement
of winding up
by Tribunal.
Exclusion of
certain time in
computing
period of
limitation.
Appointment
of Official
Liquidator.
36 of 1963.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 201
Deputy Official Liquidator and Assistant Official Liquidator shall be paid by the Central
Government.
360. (1) The Official Liquidator shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as
the Central Government may prescribe.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Official Liquidator
may—
(a) exercise all or any of the powers as may be exercised by a Company Liquidator
under the provisions of this Act; and
(b) conduct inquiries or investigations, if directed by the Tribunal or the Central
Government, in respect of matters arising out of winding up proceedings.
361. (1) Where the company to be wound up under this Chapter, —
(i) has assets of book value not exceeding one crore rupees; and
(ii) belongs to such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed,
the Central Government may order it to be wound up by summary procedure provided under
this Part.
(2) Where an order under sub-section (1) is made, the Central Government shall appoint
the Official Liquidator as the liquidator of the company.
(3) The Official Liquidator shall forthwith take into his custody or control all assets,
effects and actionable claims to which the company is or appears to be entitled.
(4) The Official Liquidator shall, within thirty days of his appointment, submit a report
to the Central Government in such manner and form, as may be prescribed, including a report
whether in his opinion, any fraud has been committed in promotion, formation or management
of the affairs of the company or not.
(5) On receipt of the report under sub-section (4), if the Central Government is satisfied
that any fraud has been committed by the promoters, directors or any other officer of the
company, it may direct further investigation into the affairs of the company and that a report
shall be submitted within such time as may be specified.
(6) After considering the investigation report under sub-section (5), the Central
Government may order that winding up may be proceeded under Part I of this Chapter or
under the provision of this Part.
362. (1) The Official Liquidator shall expeditiously dispose of all the assets whether
movable or immovable within sixty days of his appointment.
(2) The Official Liquidator shall serve a notice within thirty days of his appointment
calling upon the debtors of the company or the contributories, as the case may be, to deposit
within thirty days with him the amount payable to the company.
(3) Where any debtor does not deposit the amount under sub-section (2), the Central
Government may, on an application made to it by the Official Liquidator, pass such orders as
it thinks fit.
(4) The amount recovered under this section by the Official Liquidator shall be deposited
in accordance with the provisions of section 349.
363. (1) The Official Liquidator within thirty days of his appointment shall call upon
the creditors of the company to prove their claims in such manner as may be prescribed,
within thirty days of the receipt of such call.
(2) The Official Liquidator shall prepare a list of claims of creditors in such manner as
may be prescribed and each creditor shall be communicated of the claims accepted or rejected
along with reasons to be recorded in writing.
364. (1) Any creditor aggrieved by the decision of the Official Liquidator under section
363 may file an appeal before the Central Government within thirty days of such decision.
(2) The Central Government may after calling the report from the Official Liquidator
either dismiss the appeal or modify the decision of the Official Liquidator.
Powers and
functions of
Official
Liquidator.
Summary
procedure for
liquidation.
Sale of assets
and recovery
of debts due
to company.
Settlement of
claims of
creditors by
Official
Liquidator.
Appeal by
creditor.
202 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The Official Liquidator shall make payment to the creditors whose claims have been
accepted.
(4) The Central Government may, at any stage during settlement of claims, if considers
necessary, refer the matter to the Tribunal for necessary orders.
365. (1) The Official Liquidator shall, if he is satisfied that the company is finally
wound up, submit a final report to—
(i) the Central Government, in case no reference was made to the Tribunal under
sub-section (4) of section 364; and
(ii) in any other case, the Central Government and the Tribunal.
(2) The Central Government, or as the case may be, the Tribunal on receipt of such
report shall order that the company be dissolved.
(3) Where an order is made under sub-section (2), the Registrar shall strike off the
name of the company from the register of companies and publish a notification to this effect.
CHAPTER XXI
PART I.— Companies Authorised to Register under this Act
366. (1) For the purposes of this Part, the word “company” includes any partnership
firm, limited liability partnership, cooperative society, society or any other business entity
formed under any other law for the time being in force which applies for registration under
this Part.
(2) With the exceptions and subject to the provisions contained in this section, any
company formed, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, in pursuance of any
Act of Parliament other than this Act or of any other law for the time being in force or being
otherwise duly constituted according to law, and consisting of seven or more members, may
at any time register under this Act as an unlimited company, or as a company limited by
shares, or as a company limited by guarantee, in such manner as may be prescribed and the
registration shall not be invalid by reason only that it has taken place with a view to the
company’s being wound up:
Provided that—
(i) a company registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1882 or under the
Indian Companies Act, 1913 or the Companies Act, 1956, shall not register in pursuance
of this section;
(ii) a company having the liability of its members limited by any Act of Parliament
other than this Act or by any other law for the time being in force, shall not register in
pursuance of this section as an unlimited company or as a company limited by
guarantee;
(iii) a company shall be registered in pursuance of this section as a company
limited by shares only if it has a permanent paid-up or nominal share capital of fixed
amount divided into shares, also of fixed amount, or held and transferable as stock, or
divided and held partly in the one way and partly in the other, and formed on the
principle of having for its members the holders of those shares or that stock, and no
other persons;
(iv) a company shall not register in pursuance of this section without the assent
of a majority of such of its members as are present in person, or where proxies are
allowed, by proxy, at a general meeting summoned for the purpose;
(v) where a company not having the liability of its members limited by any Act of
Parliament or any other law for the time being in force is about to register as a limited
company, the majority required to assent as aforesaid shall consist of not less than
three-fourths of the members present in person, or where proxies are allowed, by proxy,
at the meeting;
Order of
dissolution of
company.
Companies
capable of
being
registered.
6 of 1882.
1 of 1956.
7 of 1913.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 203
(vi) where a company is about to register as a company limited by guarantee, the
assent to its being so registered shall be accompanied by a resolution declaring that each
member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of its being
wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for
payment of the debts and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may
have been contracted before he ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and
expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding a specified amount.
(3) In computing any majority required for the purposes of sub-section (1), when a poll
is demanded, regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled
according to the regulations of the company.
367. On compliance with the requirements of this Chapter with respect to registration,
and on payment of such fees, if any, as are payable under section 403, the Registrar shall
certify under his hand that the company applying for registration is incorporated as a company
under this Act, and in the case of a limited company that it is limited and thereupon the
company shall be so incorporated.
368. All property, movable and immovable (including actionable claims), belonging to
or vested in a company at the date of its registration in pursuance of this Part, shall, on such
registration, pass to and vest in the company as incorporated under this Act for all the estate
and interest of the company therein.
369. The registration of a company in pursuance of this Part shall not affect its rights
or liabilities in respect of any debt or obligation incurred, or any contract entered into, by, to,
with, or on behalf of, the company before registration.
370. All suits and other legal proceedings taken by or against the company, or any
public officer or member thereof, which are pending at the time of the registration of a
company in pursuance of this Part, may be continued in the same manner as if the registration
had not taken place:
Provided that execution shall not issue against the property or persons of any individual
member of the company on any decree or order obtained in any such suit or proceeding; but,
in the event of the property of the company being insufficient to satisfy the decree or order,
an order may be obtained for winding up the company.
371. (1) When a company is registered in pursuance of this Part, sub-sections (2) to
(7) shall apply.
(2) All provisions contained in any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time being
in force, or other instrument constituting or regulating the company, including, in the case of
a company registered as a company limited by guarantee, the resolution declaring the amount
of the guarantee, shall be deemed to be conditions and regulations of the company, in the
same manner and with the same incidents as if so much thereof as would, if the company had
been formed under this Act, have been required to be inserted in the memorandum, were
contained in a registered memorandum, and the residue thereof were contained in registered
articles.
(3) All the provisions of this Act shall apply to the company and the members,
contributories and creditors thereof, in the same manner in all respects as if it had been
formed under this Act, subject as follows:—
(a) Table F in Schedule I shall not apply unless and except in so far as it is
adopted by special resolution;
(b) the provisions of this Act relating to the numbering of shares shall not apply
to any company whose shares are not numbered;
Certificate of
registration of
existing
companies.
Vesting of
property on
registration.
Saving of
existing
liabilities.
Continuation
of pending
legal
proceedings.
Effect of
registration
under this
Part.
204 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) in the event of the company being wound up, every person shall be a contributory,
in respect of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before registration, who is
liable to pay or contribute to the payment of any debt or liability of the company contracted
before registration, or to pay or contribute to the payment of any sum for the adjustment of
the rights of the members among themselves in respect of any such debt or liability, or to
pay or contribute to the payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up the
company, so far as relates to such debts or liabilities as aforesaid;
(d) in the event of the company being wound up, every contributory shall be
liable to contribute to the assets of the company, in the course of the winding up, all
sums due from him in respect of any such liability as aforesaid; and in the event of the
death or insolvency of any contributory, the provisions of this Act with respect to the
legal representatives of deceased contributories, or with respect to the assignees of
insolvent contributories, as the case may be, shall apply.
(4) The provisions of this Act with respect to—
(a) the registration of an unlimited company as a limited company;
(b) the powers of an unlimited company on registration as a limited company, to
increase the nominal amount of its share capital and to provide that a portion of its
share capital shall not be capable of being called-up except in the event of winding up;
(c) the power of a limited company to determine that a portion of its share capital
shall not be capable of being called-up except in the event of winding up,
shall apply, notwithstanding anything in any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time
being in force, or other instrument constituting or regulating the company.
(5) Nothing in this section shall authorise the company to alter any such provisions
contained in any instrument constituting or regulating the company as would, if the company
had originally been formed under this Act, have been required to be contained in the
memorandum and are not authorised to be altered by this Act.
(6) None of the provisions of this Act (apart from those of section 242) shall derogate
from any power of altering its constitution or regulations which may be vested in the company,
by virtue of any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time being in force, or other
instrument constituting or regulating the company.
(7) In this section, the expression “instrument” includes deed of settlement, deed of
partnership, or limited liability partnership.
372. The provisions of this Act with respect to staying and restraining suits and other
legal proceedings against a company at any time after the presentation of a petition for
winding up and before the making of a winding up order, shall, in the case of a company
registered in pursuance of this Part, where the application to stay or restrain is by a creditor,
extend to suits and other legal proceedings against any contributory of the company.
373. Where an order has been made for winding up, or a provisional liquidator has
been appointed for, a company registered in pursuance of this Part, no suit or other legal
proceeding shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company or any contributory
of the company in respect of any debt of the company, except by leave of the Tribunal and
except on such terms as the Tribunal may impose.
374. Every company which is seeking registration under this Part shall,—
(a) ensure that secured creditors of the company, prior to its registration under
this Part, have either consented to or have given their no objection to company's
registration under this Part;
(b) publish in a newspaper, advertisement one in English and one in vernacular
language in such form as may be prescribed giving notice about registration under this
Part, seeking objections and address them suitably;
Power of
Court to stay
or restrain
proceedings.
Suits stayed
on winding up
order.
Obligations
of companies
registering
under this
Part.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 205
(c) file an affidavit, duly notarised, from all the members or partners to provide
that in the event of registration under this Part, necessary documents or papers shall
be submitted to the registering or other authority with which the company was earlier
registered, for its dissolution as partnership firm, limited liability partnership, cooperative
society, society or any other business entity, as the case may be.
(d) comply with such other conditions as may be prescribed.
PART II.—Winding up of unregistered companies
375. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, any unregistered company may be
wound up under this Act, in such manner as may be prescribed, and all the provisions of this
Act, with respect to winding up shall apply to an unregistered company, with the exceptions
and additions mentioned in sub-sections (2) to (4).
(2) No unregistered company shall be wound up under this Act voluntarily.
(3) An unregistered company may be wound up under the following circumstances,
namely:—
(a) if the company is dissolved, or has ceased to carry on business, or is carrying
on business only for the purpose of winding up its affairs;
(b) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(c) if the Tribunal is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up.
(4) An unregistered company shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be
unable to pay its debts—
(a) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the company is indebted in
a sum exceeding one lakh rupees then due, has served on the company, by leaving at
its principal place of business, or by delivering to the secretary, or some director,
manager or principal officer of the company, or by otherwise serving in such manner as
the Tribunal may approve or direct, a demand under his hand requiring the company to
pay the sum so due, and the company has, for three weeks after the service of the
demand, neglected to pay the sum or to secure or compound for it to the satisfaction
of the creditor;
(b) if any suit or other legal proceeding has been instituted against any member for
any debt or demand due, or claimed to be due, from the company, or from him in his
character as a member, and notice in writing of the institution of the suit or other legal
proceeding having been served on the company by leaving the same at its principal
place of business or by delivering it to the secretary, or some director, manager or
principal officer of the company or by otherwise serving the same in such manner as the
Tribunal may approve or direct, the company has not, within ten days after service of the
notice,—
(i) paid, secured or compounded for the debt or demand;
(ii) procured the suit or other legal proceeding to be stayed; or
(iii) indemnified the defendant to his satisfaction against the suit or other
legal proceeding, and against all costs, damages and expenses to be incurred by
him by reason of the same;
Winding up
of
unregistered
companies.
206 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any Court or
Tribunal in favour of a creditor against the company, or any member thereof as such, or
any person authorised to be sued as nominal defendant on behalf of the company, is
returned unsatisfied in whole or in part;
(d) if it is otherwise proved to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the company
is unable to pay its debts.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Part, the expression "unregistered company"—
(a) shall not include—
(i) a railway company incorporated under any Act of Parliament or other
Indian law or any Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom;
(ii) a company registered under this Act; or
(iii) a company registered under any previous companies law and not
being a company the registered office whereof was in Burma, Aden, Pakistan
immediately before the separation of that country from India; and
(b) save as aforesaid, shall include any partnership firm, limited liability partnership
or society or co-operative society, association or company consisting of more than
seven members at the time when the petition for winding up the partnership firm, limited
liability partnership or society or co-operative society, association or company, as the
case may be, is presented before the Tribunal.
376. Where a body corporate incorporated outside India which has been carrying on
business in India, ceases to carry on business in India, it may be wound up as an unregistered
company under this Part, notwithstanding that the body corporate has been dissolved or
otherwise ceased to exist as such under or by virtue of the laws of the country under which
it was incorporated.
377. (1) The provisions of this Part, with respect to unregistered companies shall be in
addition to and not in derogation of, any provisions hereinbefore in this Act contained with
respect to the winding up of companies by the Tribunal.
(2) The Tribunal or Official Liquidator may exercise any powers or do any act in the
case of unregistered companies which might be exercised or done by the Tribunal or Official
Liquidator in winding up of companies formed and registered under this Act:
Provided that an unregistered company shall not, except in the event of its being wound
up, be deemed to be a company under this Act, and then only to the extent provided by this Part.
378. Nothing in this Part, shall affect the operation of any enactment which provides
for any partnership firm, limited liability partnership or society or co-operative society,
association or company being wound up, or being wound up as a company or as an
unregistered company, under the Companies Act, 1956, or any Act repealed by that Act:
Provided that references in any such enactment to any provision contained in the
Companies Act, 1956 or in any Act repealed by that Act shall be read as references to the
corresponding provision, if any, contained in this Act.
CHAPTER XXII
COMPANIES INCORPORATED OUTSIDE INDIA
379. Where not less than fifty per cent. of the paid-up share capital, whether equity or
preference or partly equity and partly preference, of a foreign company is held by one or
more citizens of India or by one or more companies or bodies corporate incorporated in India,
or by one or more citizens of India and one or more companies or bodies corporate incorporated
in India, whether singly or in the aggregate, such company shall comply with the provisions
of this Chapter and such other provisions of this Act as may be prescribed with regard to the
business carried on by it in India as if it were a company incorporated in India.
Power to
wind up
foreign
companies,
although
dissolved.
Provisions of
Chapter
cumulative.
Saving and
construction
of enactments
conferring
power to wind
up partnership
firm,
association or
company, etc.,
in certain
cases.
Application
of Act to
foreign
companies.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 207
380. (1) Every foreign company shall, within thirty days of the establishment of its
place of business in India, deliver to the Registrar for registration—
(a) a certified copy of the charter, statutes or memorandum and articles, of the
company or other instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company
and, if the instrument is not in the English language, a certified translation thereof in
the English language;
(b) the full address of the registered or principal office of the company;
(c) a list of the directors and secretary of the company containing such particulars
as may be prescribed;
(d) the name and address or the names and addresses of one or more persons
resident in India authorised to accept on behalf of the company service of process and
any notices or other documents required to be served on the company;
(e) the full address of the office of the company in India which is deemed to be its
principal place of business in India;
(f) particulars of opening and closing of a place of business in India on earlier
occasion or occasions;
(g) declaration that none of the directors of the company or the authorised
representative in India has ever been convicted or debarred from formation of companies
and management in India or abroad; and
(h) any other information as may be prescribed.
(2) Every foreign company existing at the commencement of this Act shall, if it has not
delivered to the Registrar before such commencement, the documents and particulars specified
in sub-section (1) of section 592 of the Companies Act, 1956, continue to be subject to the
obligation to deliver those documents and particulars in accordance with that Act.
(3) Where any alteration is made or occurs in the documents delivered to the Registrar
under this section, the foreign company shall, within thirty days of such alteration, deliver to
the Registrar for registration, a return containing the particulars of the alteration in the
prescribed form.
381. (1) Every foreign company shall, in every calendar year,—
(a) make out a balance sheet and profit and loss account in such form, containing
such particulars and including or having annexed or attached thereto such documents
as may be prescribed; and
(b) deliver a copy of those documents to the Registrar:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, direct that, in the case of
any foreign company or class of foreign companies, the requirements of clause (a) shall not
apply, or shall apply subject to such exceptions and modifications as may be specified in that
notification.
(2) If any such document as is mentioned in sub-section (1) is not in the English
language, there shall be annexed to it a certified translation thereof in the English language.
(3) Every foreign company shall send to the Registrar along with the documents
required to be delivered to him under sub-section (1), a copy of a list in the prescribed form
of all places of business established by the company in India as at the date with reference to
which the balance sheet referred to in sub-section (1) is made out.
382. Every foreign company shall—
(a) conspicuously exhibit on the outside of every office or place where it carries on
business in India, the name of the company and the country in which it is incorporated,
in letters easily legible in English characters, and also in the characters of the language or
one of the languages in general use in the locality in which the office or place is situate;
Accounts of
foreign
company.
Display of
name, etc., of
foreign
company.
Documents,
etc., to be
delivered to
Registrar by
foreign
companies.
1 of 1956.
208 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) cause the name of the company and of the country in which the company is
incorporated, to be stated in legible English characters in all business letters, billheads
and letter paper, and in all notices, and other official publications of the company;
and
(c) if the liability of the members of the company is limited, cause notice of that
fact—
(i) to be stated in every such prospectus issued and in all business letters,
bill-heads, letter paper, notices, advertisements and other official publications of
the company, in legible English characters; and
(ii) to be conspicuously exhibited on the outside of every office or place
where it carries on business in India, in legible English characters and also in
legible characters of the language or one of the languages in general use in the
locality in which the office or place is situate.
383. Any process, notice, or other document required to be served on a foreign company
shall be deemed to be sufficiently served, if addressed to any person whose name and
address have been delivered to the Registrar under section 380 and left at, or sent by post to,
the address which has been so delivered to the Registrar or by electronic mode.
384. (1) The provisions of section 71 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a foreign company.
(2) The provisions of section 92 shall, subject to such exceptions, modifications and
adaptations as may be made therein by rules made under this Act, apply to a foreign company
as they apply to a company incorporated in India.
(3) The provisions of section 128 shall apply to a foreign company to the extent of
requiring it to keep at its principal place of business in India, the books of account referred to
in that section, with respect to monies received and spent, sales and purchases made, and
assets and liabilities, in the course of or in relation to its business in India.
(4) The provisions of Chapter VI shall apply mutatis mutandis to charges on properties
which are created or acquired by any foreign company.
(5) The provisions of Chapter XIV shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Indian business
of a foreign company as they apply to a company incorporated in India.
385. There shall be paid to the Registrar for registering any document required by the
provisions of this Chapter to be registered by him, such fee, as may be prescribed.
386. For the purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Chapter,—
(a) the expression “certified” means certified in the prescribed manner to be a
true copy or a correct translation;
(b) the expression “director”, in relation to a foreign company, includes any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Board of Directors of
the company is accustomed to act; and
(c) the expression “place of business” includes a share transfer or registration
office.
387. (1) No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering
to subscribe for securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
whether the company has or has not established, or when formed will or will not establish, a
place of business in India, unless the prospectus is dated and signed, and—
(a) contains particulars with respect to the following matters, namely:—
(i) the instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company;
Service on
foreign
company.
Debentures,
annual return,
registration of
charges,
books of
account and
their
inspection.
Fee for
registration of
documents.
Interpretation.
Dating of
prospectus
and
particulars to
be contained
therein.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 209
(ii) the enactments or provisions by or under which the incorporation of
the company was effected;
(iii) address in India where the said instrument, enactments or provisions,
or copies thereof, and if the same are not in the English language, a certified
translation thereof in the English language can be inspected;
(iv) the date on which and the country in which the company would be or
was incorporated; and
(v) whether the company has established a place of business in India and,
if so, the address of its principal office in India; and
(b) states the matters specified under section 26:
Provided that sub-clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of clause (a) of this sub-section shall not
apply in the case of a prospectus issued more than two years after the date at which the
company is entitled to commence business.
(2) Any condition requiring or binding an applicant for securities to waive compliance
with any requirement imposed by virtue of sub-section (1), or purporting to impute him with
notice of any contract, documents or matter not specifically referred to in the prospectus,
shall be void.
(3) No person shall issue to any person in India a form of application for securities of
such a company or intended company as is mentioned in sub-section (1), unless the form is
issued with a prospectus which complies with the provisions of this Chapter and such issue
does not contravene the provisions of section 388:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply if it is shown that the form of application
was issued in connection with a bona fide invitation to a person to enter into an underwriting
agreement with respect to securities.
(4) This section —
(a) shall not apply to the issue to existing members or debenture holders of a
company of a prospectus or form of application relating to securities of the company,
whether an applicant for securities will or will not have the right to renounce in favour
of other persons; and
(b) except in so far as it requires a prospectus to be dated, to the issue of a
prospectus relating to securities which are or are to be in all respects uniform with
securities previously issued and for the time being dealt in or quoted on a recognised
stock exchange,
but, subject as aforesaid, this section shall apply to a prospectus or form of application
whether issued on or with reference to the formation of a company or subsequently.
(5) Nothing in this section shall limit or diminish any liability which any person may
incur under any law for the time being in force in India or under this Act apart from this
section.
388. (1) No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering
for subscription in securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
Provisions as
to expert’s
consent and
allotment.
210 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
whether the company has or has not been established, or when formed will or will not
establish, a place of business in India,—
(a) if, where the prospectus includes a statement purporting to be made by an
expert, he has not given, or has before delivery of the prospectus for registration
withdrawn, his written consent to the issue of the prospectus with the statement
included in the form and context in which it is included, or there does not appear in the
prospectus a statement that he has given and has not withdrawn his consent as
aforesaid; or
(b) if the prospectus does not have the effect, where an application is made in
pursuance thereof, of rendering all persons concerned bound by all the provisions of
sections 33 and 40, so far as applicable.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a statement shall be deemed to be included in a
prospectus, if it is contained in any report or memorandum appearing on the face thereof or
by reference incorporated therein or issued therewith.
389. No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering for
subscription in securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
whether the company has or has not established, or when formed will or will not establish, a
place of business in India, unless before the issue, circulation or distribution of the prospectus
in India, a copy thereof certified by the chairperson of the company and two other directors of
the company as having been approved by resolution of the managing body has been delivered
for registration to the Registrar and the prospectus states on the face of it that a copy has
been so delivered, and there is endorsed on or attached to the copy, any consent to the issue
of the prospectus required by section 388 and such documents as may be prescribed.
390. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Central Government may make rules applicable for—
(a) the offer of Indian Depository Receipts;
(b) the requirement of disclosures in prospectus or letter of offer issued in
connection with Indian Depository Receipts;
(c) the manner in which the Indian Depository Receipts shall be dealt with in a
depository mode and by custodian and underwriters; and
(d) the manner of sale, transfer or transmission of Indian Depository Receipts,
by a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India, whether the company has or
has not established, or will or will not establish, any place of business in India.
391. (1) The provisions of sections 34 to 36 (both inclusive) shall apply to—
(i) the issue of a prospectus by a company incorporated outside India under
section 389 as they apply to prospectus issued by an Indian company;
(ii) the issue of Indian Depository Receipts by a foreign company.
(2) The provisions of Chapter XX shall apply mutatis mutandis for closure of the
place of business of a foreign company in India as if it were a company incorporated in
India.
392. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 391, if a foreign company
contravenes the provisions of this Chapter, the foreign company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees
and in the case of a continuing offence, with an additional fine which may extend to fifty
Registration
of prospectus.
Offer of
Indian
Depository
Receipts.
Application
of sections 34
to 36 and
Chapter XX.
Punishment
for
contravention.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 211
thousand rupees for every day after the first during which the contravention continues and
every officer of the foreign company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less than twentyfive
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
393. Any failure by a company to comply with the provisions of this Chapter shall not
affect the validity of any contract, dealing or transaction entered into by the company or its
liability to be sued in respect thereof, but the company shall not be entitled to bring any suit,
claim any set-off, make any counter-claim or institute any legal proceeding in respect of any
such contract, dealing or transaction, until the company has complied with the provisions of
this Act applicable to it.
CHAPTER XXIII
GOVERNMENT COMPANIES
394. (1) Where the Central Government is a member of a Government company, the
Central Government shall cause an annual report on the working and affairs of that company
to be—
(a) prepared within three months of its annual general meeting before which the
comments given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and the audit report
is placed under the proviso to sub-section (6) of section 143; and
(b) as soon as may be after such preparation, laid before both Houses of Parliament
together with a copy of the audit report and comments upon or supplement to the audit
report, made by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(2) Where in addition to the Central Government, any State Government is also a
member of a Government company, that State Government shall cause a copy of the annual
report prepared under sub-section (1) to be laid before the House or both Houses of the
State Legislature together with a copy of the audit report and the comments upon or
supplement to the audit report referred to in sub-section (1).
395. (1) Where the Central Government is not a member of a Government company,
every State Government which is a member of that company, or where only one State
Government is a member of the company, that State Government shall cause an annual report
on the working and affairs of the company to be—
(a) prepared within the time specified in sub-section (1) of section 394; and
(b) as soon as may be after such preparation, laid before the House or both
Houses of the State Legislature together with a copy of the audit report and comments
upon or supplement to the audit report referred to in sub-section (1) of that section.
(2) The provisions of this section and section 394 shall, so far as may be, apply to a
Government company in liquidation as they apply to any other Government company.
CHAPTER XXIV
REGISTRATION OFFICES AND FEES
396. (1) For the purposes of exercising such powers and discharging such functions
as are conferred on the Central Government by or under this Act or under the rules made
thereunder and for the purposes of registration of companies under this Act, the Central
Government shall, by notification, establish such number of offices at such places as it
thinks fit, specifying their jurisdiction.
Company's
failure to
comply with
provisions of
this Chapter
not to affect
validity of
contracts,
etc.
Annual
reports on
Government
companies.
Annual
reports where
one or more
State
Governments
are members
of
companies.
Registration
offices.
212 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The Central Government may appoint such Registrars, Additional, Joint, Deputy
and Assistant Registrars as it considers necessary for the registration of companies and
discharge of various functions under this Act, and the powers and duties that may be
exercisable by such officers shall be such as may be prescribed.
(3) The terms and conditions of service, including the salaries payable to persons
appointed under sub-section (2), shall be such as may be prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may direct a seal or seals to be prepared for the
authentication of documents required for, or connected with, the registration of companies.
397. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
any document reproducing or derived from returns and documents filed by a company with
the Registrar on paper or in electronic form or stored on any electronic data storage device or
computer readable media by the Registrar, and authenticated by the Registrar or any other
officer empowered by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed, shall be
deemed to be a document for the purposes of this Act and the rules made thereunder and
shall be admissible in any proceedings thereunder without further proof or production of the
original as evidence of any contents of the original or of any fact stated therein of which
direct evidence is admissible.
398. (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, and without
prejudice to the provisions contained in section 6 of the Information Technology Act, 2000,
the Central Government may make rules so as to require from such date as may be prescribed
in the rules that—
(a) such applications, balance sheet, prospectus, return, declaration,
memorandum, articles, particulars of charges, or any other particulars or document as
may be required to be filed or delivered under this Act or the rules made thereunder, shall
be filed in the electronic form and authenticated in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) such document, notice, any communication or intimation, as may be required
to be served or delivered under this Act, in the electronic form and authenticated in
such manner as may be prescribed;
(c) such applications, balance sheet, prospectus, return, register, memorandum,
articles, particulars of charges, or any other particulars or document and return filed
under this Act or rules made thereunder shall be maintained by the Registrar in the
electronic form and registered or authenticated, as the case may be, in such manner as
may be prescribed;
(d) such inspection of the memorandum, articles, register, index, balance sheet,
return or any other particulars or document maintained in the electronic form, as is
otherwise available for inspection under this Act or the rules made thereunder, may be
made by any person through the electronic form in such manner as may be prescribed;
(e) such fees, charges or other sums payable under this Act or the rules made
thereunder shall be paid through the electronic form and in such manner as may be
prescribed; and
(f) the Registrar shall register change of registered office, alteration of
memorandum or articles, prospectus, issue certificate of incorporation, register such
document, issue such certificate, record the notice, receive such communication as
may be required to be registered or issued or recorded or received, as the case may be,
under this Act or the rules made thereunder or perform duties or discharge functions or
exercise powers under this Act or the rules made thereunder or do any act which is by
this Act directed to be performed or discharged or exercised or done by the Registrar
in the electronic form in such manner as may be prescribed.
Admissibility
of certain
documents as
evidence.
Provisions
relating to
filing of
applications,
documents,
inspection,
etc., in
electronic
form.
21 of 2000.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 213
Explanation.— For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that the rules made
under this section shall not relate to imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties or
demand or payment of fees or contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or punishment
therefor.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification, frame a scheme to carry out the
provisions of sub-section (1) through the electronic form.
399. (1) Save as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Act, any person may—
(a) inspect by electronic means any documents kept by the Registrar in
accordance with the rules made, being documents filed or registered by him in pursuance
of this Act, or making a record of any fact required or authorised to be recorded or
registered in pursuance of this Act, on payment for each inspection of such fees as
may be prescribed;
(b) require a certificate of the incorporation of any company, or a copy or extract
of any other document or any part of any other document to be certified by the
Registrar, on payment in advance of such fees as may be prescribed:
Provided that the rights conferred by this sub-section shall be exercisable—
(i) in relation to documents delivered to the Registrar with a prospectus in
pursuance of section 26, only during the fourteen days beginning with the date of
publication of the prospectus; and at other times, only with the permission of the
Central Government; and
(ii) in relation to documents so delivered in pursuance of clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 388, only during the fourteen days beginning with the date of the
prospectus; and at other times, only with the permission of the Central Government.
(2) No process for compelling the production of any document kept by the Registrar
shall issue from any court or the Tribunal except with the leave of that court or the Tribunal
and any such process, if issued, shall bear thereon a statement that it is issued with the leave
of the court or the Tribunal.
(3) A copy of, or extract from, any document kept and registered at any of the offices
for the registration of companies under this Act, certified to be a true copy by the Registrar
(whose official position it shall not be necessary to prove), shall, in all legal proceedings, be
admissible in evidence as of equal validity with the original document.
400. The Central Government may also provide in the rules made under section 398
and section 399 that the electronic form for the purposes specified in these sections shall be
exclusive, or in the alternative or in addition to the physical form, therefor.
401. The Central Government may provide such value added services through the
electronic form and levy such fee thereon as may be prescribed.
402. All the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 relating to the electronic
records, including the manner and format in which the electronic records shall be filed, in so
Inspection,
production
and evidence
of documents
kept by
Registrar.
Electronic
form to be
exclusive,
alternative or
in addition to
physical form.
Provision of
value added
services
through
electronic
form.
Application of
provisions of
Information
Technology
Act, 2000.
21 of 2000.
214 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
far as they are not inconsistent with this Act, shall apply in relation to the records in electronic
form specified under section 398.
403. (1) Any document, required to be submitted, filed, registered or recorded, or any
fact or information required or authorised to be registered under this Act, shall be submitted,
filed, registered or recorded within the time specified in the relevant provision on payment of
such fee as may be prescribed:
Provided that any document, fact or information may be submitted, filed, registered or
recorded, after the time specified in relevant provision for such submission, filing, registering
or recording, within a period of two hundred and seventy days from the date by which it
should have been submitted, filed, registered or recorded, as the case may be, on payment of
such additional fee as may be prescribed:
Provided further that any such document, fact or information may, without prejudice to
any other legal action or liability under the Act, be also submitted, filed, registered or recorded,
after the first time specified in first proviso on payment of fee and additional fee specified
under this section.
(2) Where a company fails or commits any default to submit, file, register or record any
document, fact or information under sub-section (1) before the expiry of the period specified
in the first proviso to that sub-section with additional fee, the company and the officers of
the company who are in default, shall, without prejudice to the liability for payment of fee and
additional fee, be liable for the penalty or punishment provided under this Act for such
failure or default.
404. All fees, charges and other sums received by any Registrar, Additional, Joint,
Deputy or Assistant Registrar or any other officer of the Central Government in pursuance of
any provision of this Act shall be paid into the public account of India in the Reserve Bank
of India.
CHAPTER XXV
COMPANIES TO FURNISH INFORMATION OR STATISTICS
405. (1) The Central Government may, by order, require companies generally, or any
class of companies, or any company, to furnish such information or statistics with regard to
their or its constitution or working, and within such time, as may be specified in the order.
(2) Every order under sub-section (1) shall be published in the Official Gazette and may
be addressed to companies generally or to any class of companies, in such manner, as the
Central Government may think fit and the date of such publication shall be deemed to be the
date on which requirement for information or statistics is made on such companies or class
of companies, as the case may be.
(3) For the purpose of satisfying itself that any information or statistics furnished by
a company or companies in pursuance of any order under sub-section (1) is correct and
complete, the Central Government may by order require such company or companies to
produce such records or documents in its possession or allow inspection thereof by such
officer or furnish such further information as that Government may consider necessary.
(4) If any company fails to comply with an order made under sub-section (1) or subsection
(3), or knowingly furnishes any information or statistics which is incorrect or
incomplete in any material respect, the company shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company who is in default,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine
which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
(5) Where a foreign company carries on business in India, all references to a company
in this section shall be deemed to include references to the foreign company in relation, and
only in relation, to such business.
Fee for filing,
etc.
Fees, etc., to
be credited
into public
account.
Power of
Central
Government
to direct
companies to
furnish
information
or statistics.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 215
CHAPTER XXVI
NIDHIS
406. (1) In this section, “Nidhi” means a company which has been incorporated as a
Nidhi with the object of cultivating the habit of thrift and savings amongst its members,
receiving deposits from, and lending to, its members only, for their mutual benefit, and which
complies with such rules as are prescribed by the Central Government for regulation of such
class of companies.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided, the Central Government may, by notification,
direct that any of the provisions of this Act shall not apply, or shall apply with such exceptions,
modifications and adaptations as may be specified in that notification, to any Nidhi or
Nidhis of any class or description as may be specified in that notification.
(3) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (2), shall be
laid in draft before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty
days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if,
before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses
agree in making any modification in the notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as
the case may be, shall be issued only in such modified form as may be agreed upon by both
the Houses.
CHAPTER XXVII
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL AND APPELLATE TRIBUNAL
407. In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal;
(b) “Judicial Member” means a member of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
appointed as such and includes the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be;
(c) “Member” means a member, whether Judicial or Technical of the Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal and includes the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be;
(d) “President” means the President of the Tribunal;
(e) “Technical Member” means a member of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
appointed as such.
408. The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute, with effect from such
date as may be specified therein, a Tribunal to be known as the National Company Law
Tribunal consisting of a President and such number of Judicial and Technical members, as
the Central Government may deem necessary, to be appointed by it by notification, to exercise
and discharge such powers and functions as are, or may be, conferred on it by or under this
Act or any other law for the time being in force.
409. (1) The President shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court for
five years.
(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judicial Member unless he—
(a) is, or has been, a judge of a High Court; or
(b) is, or has been, a District Judge for at least five years; or
(c) has, for at least ten years been an advocate of a court.
Explanation.—For the purposes of clause (c), in computing the period during
which a person has been an advocate of a court, there shall be included any period
during which the person has held judicial office or the office of a member of a tribunal
or any post, under the Union or a State, requiring special knowledge of law after he
become an advocate.
(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Technical Member unless he—
(a) has, for at least fifteen years been a member of the Indian Corporate Law
Service or Indian Legal Service out of which at least three years shall be in the pay
Power to
modify Act in
its
application to
Nidhis.
Definitions.
Constitution
of National
Company
Law Tribunal.
Qualification
of President
and Members
of Tribunal.
216 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
scale of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent or above in that
service; or
(b) is, or has been, in practice as a chartered accountant for at least fifteen years;
or
(c) is, or has been, in practice as a cost accountant for at least fifteen years; or
(d) is, or has been, in practice as a company secretary for at least fifteen years; or
(e) is a person of proven ability, integrity and standing having special knowledge
and experience, of not less than fifteen years, in law, industrial finance, industrial
management or administration, industrial reconstruction, investment, accountancy,
labour matters, or such other disciplines related to management, conduct of affairs,
revival, rehabilitation and winding up of companies; or
(f) is, or has been, for at least five years, a presiding officer of a Labour Court,
Tribunal or National Tribunal constituted under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
410. The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute, with effect from such
date as may be specified therein, an Appellate Tribunal to be known as the National Company
Law Appellate Tribunal consisting of a chairperson and such number of Judicial and Technical
Members, not exceeding eleven, as the Central Government may deem fit, to be appointed by
it by notification, for hearing appeals against the orders of the Tribunal.
411. (1) The chairperson shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme
Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court.
(2) A Judicial Member shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court or
is a Judicial Member of the Tribunal for five years.
(3) A Technical Member shall be a person of proven ability, integrity and standing
having special knowledge and experience, of not less than twenty-five years, in law, industrial
finance, industrial management or administration, industrial reconstruction, investment,
accountancy, labour matters, or such other disciplines related to management, conduct of
affairs, revival, rehabilitation and winding up of companies.
412. (1) The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial Members of
the Appellate Tribunal, shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
(2) The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal
shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of—
(a) Chief Justice of India or his nominee—Chairperson;
(b) a senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of High Court—
Member;
(c) Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—Member;
(d) Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice—Member; and
(e) Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance—
Member.
(3) The Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs shall be the Convener of the Selection
Committee.
(4) The Selection Committee shall determine its procedure for recommending persons
under sub-section (2).
(5) No appointment of the Members of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be
invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or any defect in the constitution of the Selection
Committee.
413. (1) The President and every other Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as
such for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, but shall be
eligible for re-appointment for another term of five years.
14 of 1947.
Constitution
of Appellate
Tribunal.
Selection of
Members of
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Term of office
of President,
chairperson
and other
Members.
Qualifications
of chairperson
and
Members of
Appellate
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 217
(2) A Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as such until he attains,—
(a) in the case of the President, the age of sixty-seven years;
(b) in the case of any other Member, the age of sixty-five years:
Provided that a person who has not completed fifty years of age shall not be eligible
for appointment as Member:
Provided further that the Member may retain his lien with his parent cadre or Ministry
or Department, as the case may be, while holding office as such for a period not exceeding
one year.
(3) The chairperson or a Member of the Appellate Tribunal shall hold office as such for
a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, but shall be eligible for
re-appointment for anonther term of five years.
(4) A Member of the Appellate Tribunal shall hold office as such until he attains,—
(a) in the case of the Chairperson, the age of seventy years;
(b) in the case of any other Member, the age of sixty-seven years:
Provided that a person who has not completed fifty years of age shall not be eligible
for appointment as Member:
Provided further that the Member may retain his lien with his parent cadre or Ministry
or Department, as the case may be, while holding office as such for a period not exceeding
one year.
414. The salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the Members
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of
service of the Members shall be varied to their disadvantage after their appointment.
415. (1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President or
the Chairperson by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the senior-most Member
shall act as the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be, until the date on which a
new President or Chairperson appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill
such vacancy enters upon his office.
(2) When the President or the Chairperson is unable to discharge his functions owing
to absence, illness or any other cause, the senior-most Member shall discharge the functions
of the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be, until the date on which the President
or the Chairperson resumes his duties.
416. The President, the Chairperson or any Member may, by notice in writing under
his hand addressed to the Central Government, resign from his office:
Provided that the President, the Chairperson, or the Member shall continue to hold
office until the expiry of three months from the date of receipt of such notice by the Central
Government or until a person duly appointed as his successor enters upon his office or until
the expiry of his term of office, whichever is earliest.
417. (1) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Chief Justice of
India, remove from office the President, Chairperson or any Member, who—
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central
Government, involves moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as such President, the
Chairperson, or Member; or
(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially
his functions as such President, the Chairperson or Member; or
Salary,
allowances
and other
terms and
conditions of
service of
Members.
Acting
President and
Chairperson
of Tribunal or
Appellate
Tribunal.
Resignation
of Members.
Removal of
Members.
218 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial
to the public interest:
Provided that the President, the Chairperson or the Member shall not be removed on
any of the grounds specified in clauses (b) to (e) without giving him a reasonable opportunity
of being heard.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the President, the Chairperson
or the Member shall not be removed from his office except by an order made by the Central
Government on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after an inquiry made by a
Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice of India on a reference made to
him by the Central Government in which such President, the Chairperson or Member had
been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being
heard.
(3) The Central Government may, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of India,
suspend from office, the President, the Chairperson or Member in respect of whom reference
has been made to the Judge of the Supreme Court under sub-section (2) until the Central
Government has passed orders on receipt of the report of the Judge of the Supreme Court on
such reference.
(4) The Central Government shall, after consultation with the Supreme Court, make
rules to regulate the procedure for the inquiry on the ground of proved misbehaviour or
incapacity referred to in sub-section (2).
418. (1) The Central Government shall, in consultation with the Tribunal and the
Appellate Tribunal, provide the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be,
with such officers and other employees as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers
and discharge of the functions of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal.
(2) The officers and other employees of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall
discharge their functions under the general superintendence and control of the President, or
as the case may be, the Chairperson, or any other Member to whom powers for exercising
such superintendence and control are delegated by him.
(3) The salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of the officers
and other employees of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be such as may be
prescribed.
419. (1) There shall be constituted such number of Benches of the Tribunal, as may, by
notification, be specified by the Central Government.
(2) The Principal Bench of the Tribunal shall be at New Delhi which shall be presided
over by the President of the Tribunal.
(3) The powers of the Tribunal shall be exercisable by Benches consisting of two
Members out of whom one shall be a Judicial Member and the other shall be a Technical
Member:
Provided that it shall be competent for the Members of the Tribunal authorised in this
behalf to function as a Bench consisting of a single Judicial Member and exercise the powers
of the Tribunal in respect of such class of cases or such matters pertaining to such class of
cases, as the President may, by general or special order, specify:
Provided further that if at any stage of the hearing of any such case or matter, it
appears to the Member that the case or matter is of such a nature that it ought to be heard by
a Bench consisting of two Members, the case or matter may be transferred by the President,
or, as the case may be, referred to him for transfer, to such Bench as the President may deem
fit.
Staff of
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Benches of
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 219
(4) The President shall, for the disposal of any case relating to rehabilitation,
restructuring, reviving or winding up, of companies, constitute one or more Special Benches
consisting of three or more Members, majority necessarily being of Judicial Members.
(5) If the Members of a Bench differ in opinion on any point or points, it shall be
decided according to the majority, if there is a majority, but if the Members are equally
divided, they shall state the point or points on which they differ, and the case shall be
referred by the President for hearing on such point or points by one or more of the other
Members of the Tribunal and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion
of the majority of Members who have heard the case, including those who first heard it.
420. (1) The Tribunal may, after giving the parties to any proceeding before it, a
reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit.
(2) The Tribunal may, at any time within two years from the date of the order, with a
view to rectifying any mistake apparent from the record, amend any order passed by it, and
shall make such amendment, if the mistake is brought to its notice by the parties:
Provided that no such amendment shall be made in respect of any order against which
an appeal has been preferred under this Act.
(3) The Tribunal shall send a copy of every order passed under this section to all the
parties concerned.
421. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Tribunal may prefer an appeal to the
Appellate Tribunal.
(2) No appeal shall lie to the Appellate Tribunal from an order made by the Tribunal
with the consent of parties.
(3) Every appeal under sub-section (1) shall be filed within a period of forty-five
days from the date on which a copy of the order of the Tribunal is made available to the
person aggrieved and shall be in such form, and accompanied by such fees, as may be
prescribed:
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the
said period of forty-five days from the date aforesaid, but within a further period not exceeding
forty-five days, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from
filing the appeal within that period.
(4) On the receipt of an appeal under sub-section (1), the Appellate Tribunal shall,
after giving the parties to the appeal a reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such
orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed
against.
(5) The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the Tribunal
and the parties to appeal.
422. (1) Every application or petition presented before the Tribunal and every appeal
filed before the Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with and disposed of by it as expeditiously
as possible and every endeavour shall be made by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as
the case may be, for the disposal of such application or petition or appeal within three
months from the date of its presentation before the Tribunal or the filing of the appeal before
the Appellate Tribunal.
(2) Where any application or petition or appeal is not disposed of within the period
specified in sub-section (1), the Tribunal or, as the case may be, the Appellate Tribunal, shall
record the reasons for not disposing of the application or petition or the appeal, as the case
may be, within the period so specified; and the President or the Chairperson, as the case may
be, may, after taking into account the reasons so recorded, extend the period referred to in
sub-section (1) by such period not exceeding ninety days as he may consider necessary.
423. Any person aggrieved by any order of the Appellate Tribunal may file an appeal
to the Supreme Court within sixty days from the date of receipt of the order of the Appellate
Tribunal to him on any question of law arising out of such order:
Orders of
Tribunal.
Appeal from
orders of
Tribunal.
Expeditious
disposal by
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Appeal to
Supreme
Court.
220 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that the Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented
by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a
further period not exceeding sixty days.
424. (1) The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall not, while disposing of any
proceeding before it or, as the case may be, an appeal before it, be bound by the procedure
laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of
natural justice, and, subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules made
thereunder, the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have power to regulate their own
procedure.
(2) The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging
their functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code
of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him
on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act,
1872, requisitioning any public record or document or a copy of such record or document
from any office;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(f) dismissing a representation for default or deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any representation for default or any
order passed by it ex parte; and
(h) any other matter which may be prescribed.
(3) Any order made by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal may be enforced by that
Tribunal in the same manner as if it were a decree made by a court in a suit pending therein,
and it shall be lawful for the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal to send for execution of its
orders to the court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,—
(a) in the case of an order against a company, the registered office of the company
is situate; or
(b) in the case of an order against any other person, the person concerned
voluntarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain.
(4) All proceedings before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to
be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228, and for the purposes of
section 196 of the Indian Penal Code, and the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be
deemed to be civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973.
425. The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have the same jurisdiction, powers
and authority in respect of contempt of themselves as the High Court has and may exercise,
for this purpose, the powers under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971,
which shall have the effect subject to modifications that—
(a) the reference therein to a High Court shall be construed as including a
reference to the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal; and
(b) the reference to Advocate-General in section 15 of the said Act shall be
construed as a reference to such Law Officers as the Central Government may, specify
in this behalf.
Procedure
before
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
5 of 1908.
5 of 1908.
1 of 1872.
Power to
punish for
contempt.
45 of 1860.
2 of 1974.
70 of 1971.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 221
426. The Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal may, by general or special order, direct,
subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, any of its officers or
employees or any other person authorised by it to inquire into any matter connected with
any proceeding or, as the case may be, appeal before it and to report to it in such manner as
may be specified in the order.
427. The President, Members, officers and other employees of the Tribunal and the
Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees of the Appellate Tribunal shall be
deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
428. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Tribunal, the
President, Member, officer or other employee, or against the Appellate Tribunal, the
Chairperson, Member, officer or other employees thereof or liquidator or any other person
authorised by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal for the discharge of any function under
this Act in respect of any loss or damage caused or likely to be caused by any act which is in
good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act.
429. (1) The Tribunal may, in any proceeding relating to a sick company or winding up
of any other company, in order to take into custody or under its control all property, books of
account or other documents, request, in writing, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief
Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector within whose jurisdiction any such property,
books of account or other documents of such sick or other company, are situate or found, to
take possession thereof, and the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or
the District Collector, as the case may be, shall, on such request being made to him,—
(a) take possession of such property, books of account or other documents; and
(b) cause the same to be entrusted to the Tribunal or other person authorised
by it.
(2) For the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of sub-section (1), the
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector may take or
cause to be taken such steps and use or cause to be used such force as may, in his opinion,
be necessary.
(3) No act of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or the
District Collector done in pursuance of this section shall be called in question in any court or
before any authority on any ground whatsoever.
430. No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect
of any matter which the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal is empowered to determine by or
under this Act or any other law for the time being in force and no injunction shall be granted
by any court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of
any power conferred by or under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, by the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal.
431. No act or proceeding of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be questioned
or shall be invalid merely on the ground of the existence of any vacancy or defect in the
constitution of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
432. A party to any proceeding or appeal before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be, may either appear in person or authorise one or more chartered accountants
or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any other person to
present his case before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
Delegation of
powers.
President,
Members,
officers, etc.,
to be public
servants.
Protection of
action taken
in good faith.
Power to seek
assistance of
Chief
Metropolitan
Magistrate,
etc.
Civil court
not to have
jurisdiction.
Vacancy in
Tribunal or
Appellate
Tribunal not
to invalidate
acts or
proceedings.
Right to legal
representation.
45 of 1860.
222 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
433. The provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 shall, as far as may be, apply to
proceedings or appeals before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may
be.
434. (1) On such date as may be notified by the Central Government in this
behalf,—
(a) all matters, proceedings or cases pending before the Board of Company
Law Administration (herein in this section referred to as the Company Law Board)
constituted under sub-section (1) of section 10E of the Companies Act, 1956,
immediately before such date shall stand transferred to the Tribunal and the
Tribunal shall dispose of such matters, proceedings or cases in accordance with
the provisions of this Act;
(b) any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Company Law
Board made before such date may file an appeal to the High Court within sixty
days from the date of communication of the decision or order of the Company Law
Board to him on any question of law arising out of such order:
Provided that the High Court may if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented
by sufficient cause from filing an appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within
a further period not exceeding sixty days;
(c) all proceedings under the Companies Act, 1956, including proceedings
relating to arbitration, compromise, arrangements and reconstruction and winding
up of companies, pending immediately before such date before any District Court
or High Court, shall stand transferred to the Tribunal and the Tribunal may proceed
to deal with such proceedings from the stage before their transfer.
(d) any appeal preferred to the Appellate Authority for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction or any reference made or inquiry pending to or before
the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction or any proceeding of
whatever nature pending before the Appellate Authority for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction or the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 immediately
before the commencement of this Act shall stand abated:
Provided that a company in respect of which such appeal or reference or
inquiry stands abated under this clause may make a reference to the Tribunal
under this Act within one hundred and eighty days from the commencement of
this Act in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided further that no fees shall be payable for making such reference
under this Act by a company whose appeal or reference or inquiry stands abated
under this clause.
(2) The Central Government may make rules consistent with the provisions
of this Act to ensure timely transfer of all matters, proceedings or cases pending
before the Company Law Board or the courts, to the Tribunal under this section.
CHAPTER XXVIII
SPECIAL COURTS
435. (1) The Central Government may, for the purpose of providing speedy trial of
offences under this Act, by notification, establish or designate as many Special Courts
as may be necessary.
(2) A Special Court shall consist of a single judge who shall be appointed by the
Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court within
whose jurisdiction the judge to be appointed is working.
Limitation.
Transfer of
certain
pending
proceedings.
36 of 1963.
1 of 1956.
Establishment
of Special
Courts.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1986.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 223
(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a judge of a Special Court unless
he is, immediately before such appointment, holding office of a Sessions Judge or an Additional
Sessions Judge.
436. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,—
(a) all offences under this Act shall be triable only by the Special Court established
for the area in which the registered office of the company in relation to which the
offence is committed or where there are more Special Courts than one for such area, by
such one of them as may be specified in this behalf by the High Court concerned;
(b) where a person accused of, or suspected of the commission of, an offence
under this Act is forwarded to a Magistrate under sub-section (2) or sub-section (2A)
of section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, such Magistrate may authorise
the detention of such person in such custody as he thinks fit for a period not exceeding
fifteen days in the whole where such Magistrate is a Judicial Magistrate and seven
days in the whole where such Magistrate is an Executive Magistrate:
Provided that where such Magistrate considers that the detention of such person
upon or before the expiry of the period of detention is unnecessary, he shall order such
person to be forwarded to the Special Court having jurisdiction;
(c) the Special Court may exercise, in relation to the person forwarded to it under
clause (b), the same power which a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try a case may
exercise under section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 in relation to an
accused person who has been forwarded to him under that section; and
(d) a Special Court may, upon perusal of the police report of the facts constituting
an offence under this Act or upon a complaint in that behalf, take cognizance of that
offence without the accused being committed to it for trial.
(2) When trying an offence under this Act, a Special Court may also try an offence
other than an offence under this Act with which the accused may, under the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 be charged at the same trial.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Special Court may, if it thinks fit, try in a summary way any offence under this Act which is
punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years:
Provided that in the case of any conviction in a summary trial, no sentence of
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year shall be passed:
Provided further that when at the commencement of, or in the course of, a summary
trial, it appears to the Special Court that the nature of the case is such that the sentence of
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year may have to be passed or that it is, for any other
reason, undesirable to try the case summarily, the Special Court shall, after hearing the
parties, record an order to that effect and thereafter recall any witnesses who may have been
examined and proceed to hear or rehear the case in accordance with the procedure for the
regular trial.
437. The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, all the powers conferred
by Chapters XXIX and XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a High Court, as if a
Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of
Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court.
438. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 shall apply to the proceedings before a Special Court and for the purposes
of the said provisions, the Special Court shall be deemed to be a Court of Session and the
person conducting a prosecution before a Special Court shall be deemed to be a Public
Prosecutor.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974. Offences
triable by
Special
Courts.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
Appeal and
revision.
Application
of Code to
proceedings
before
Special Court.
224 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
439. (1) Notwithstanding anything in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, every
offence under this Act except the offences referred to in sub-section (6) of section 212 shall
be deemed to be non-cognizable within the meaning of the said Code.
(2) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act which is alleged to
have been committed by any company or any officer thereof, except on the complaint in
writing of the Registrar, a shareholder of the company, or of a person authorised by the
Central Government in that behalf:
Provided that the court may take cognizance of offences relating to issue and transfer
of securities and non-payment of dividend, on a complaint in writing, by a person authorised
by the Securities and Exchange Board of India:
Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a prosecution by a
company of any of its officers.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
where the complainant under sub-section (2) is the Registrar or a person authorised by the
Central Government, the presence of such officer before the Court trying the offences shall
not be necessary unless the court requires his personal attendance at the trial.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (2) shall not apply to any action taken by the
liquidator of a company in respect of any offence alleged to have been committed in respect
of any of the matters in Chapter XX or in any other provision of this Act relating to winding
up of companies.
Explanation.—The liquidator of a company shall not be deemed to be an officer of the
company within the meaning of sub-section (2).
440. Any offence committed under this Act, which is triable by a Special Court shall,
until a Special Court is established, be tried by a Court of Session exercising jurisdiction over
the area, notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall affect the powers of the High
Court under section 407 of the Code to transfer any case or class of cases taken cognizance
by a Court of Session under this section.
441. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
any offence punishable under this Act (whether committed by a company or any officer
thereof) with fine only, may, either before or after the institution of any prosecution, be
compounded by—
(a) the Tribunal; or
(b) where the maximum amount of fine which may be imposed for such offence
does not exceed five lakh rupees, by the Regional Director or any officer authorised by
the Central Government,
on payment or credit, by the company or, as the case may be, the officer, to the Central
Government of such sum as that Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised
by the Central Government, as the case may be, may specify:
Provided that the sum so specified shall not, in any case, exceed the maximum amount
of the fine which may be imposed for the offence so compounded:
Provided further that in specifying the sum required to be paid or credited for the
compounding of an offence under this sub-section, the sum, if any, paid by way of additional
fee under sub-section (2) of section 403 shall be taken into account:
Provided also that any offence covered under this sub-section by any company or its
officer shall not be compounded if the investigation against such company has been initiated
or is pending under this Act.
2 of 1974.
Offences to
be noncognizable.
2 of 1974.
Transitional
provisions.
Compounding
of certain
offences.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 225
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to an offence committed by a company or its
officer within a period of three years from the date on which a similar offence committed by
it or him was compounded under this section.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) any second or subsequent offence committed after the expiry of a period of
three years from the date on which the offence was previously compounded, shall be
deemed to be a first offence;
(b) “Regional Director” means a person appointed by the Central Government as
a Regional Director for the purposes of this Act.
(3) (a) Every application for the compounding of an offence shall be made to the
Registrar who shall forward the same, together with his comments thereon, to the Tribunal or
the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central Government, as the case may
be.
(b) Where any offence is compounded under this section, whether before or after the
institution of any prosecution, an intimation thereof shall be given by the company to the
Registrar within seven days from the date on which the offence is so compounded.
(c) Where any offence is compounded before the institution of any prosecution, no
prosecution shall be instituted in relation to such offence, either by the Registrar or by any
shareholder of the company or by any person authorised by the Central Government against
the offender in relation to whom the offence is so compounded.
(d) Where the compounding of any offence is made after the institution of any
prosecution, such compounding shall be brought by the Registrar in writing, to the notice of
the court in which the prosecution is pending and on such notice of the compounding of the
offence being given, the company or its officer in relation to whom the offence is so
compounded shall be discharged.
(4) The Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central
Government, as the case may be, while dealing with a proposal for the compounding of an
offence for a default in compliance with any provision of this Act which requires a company
or its officer to file or register with, or deliver or send to, the Registrar any return, account or
other document, may direct, by an order, if it or he thinks fit to do so, any officer or other
employee of the company to file or register with, or on payment of the fee, and the additional
fee, required to be paid under section 403, such return, account or other document within
such time as may be specified in the order.
(5) Any officer or other employee of the company who fails to comply with any order
made by the Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central
Government under sub-section (4) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to six months, or with fine not exceeding one lakh rupees, or with both.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,—
(a) any offence which is punishable under this Act, with imprisonment or fine, or
with imprisonment or fine or with both, shall be compoundable with the permission of
the Special Court, in accordance with the procedure laid down in that Act for
compounding of offences;
(b) any offence which is punishable under this Act with imprisonment only or
with imprisonment and also with fine shall not be compoundable.
(7) No offence specified in this section shall be compounded except under and in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
2 of 1974.
226 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
442. (1) The Central Government shall maintain a panel of experts to be called as the
Mediation and Conciliation Panel consisting of such number of experts having such
qualifications as may be prescribed for mediation between the parties during the pendency
of any proceedings before the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
under this Act.
(2) Any of the parties to the proceedings may, at any time during the proceedings
before the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, apply to the Central
Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, in such form along
with such fees as may be prescribed, for referring the matter pertaining to such proceedings
to the Mediation and Conciliation Panel and the Central Government or Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, shall appoint one or more experts from the panel
referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) The Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal before which any
proceeding is pending may, suo motu, refer any matter pertaining to such proceeding to such
number of experts from the Mediation and Conciliation Panel as the Central Government or
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, deems fit.
(4) The fee and other terms and conditions of experts of the Mediation and Conciliation
Panel shall be such as may be prescribed.
(5) The Mediation and Conciliation Panel shall follow such procedure as may be
prescribed and dispose of the matter referred to it within a period of three months from the
date of such reference and forward its recommendations to the Central Government or the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
(6) Any party aggreived by the recommendation of the Mediation and Conciliation
Panel may file objections to the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be.
443. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Central Government may appoint generally, or for any case, or in any case, or for any specified
class of cases in any local area, one or more persons, as company prosecutors for the
conduct of prosecutions arising out of this Act and the persons so appointed as company
prosecutors shall have all the powers and privileges conferred by the Code on Public
Prosecutors appointed under section 24 of the Code.
444. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Central Government may, in any case arising under this Act, direct any company prosecutor
or authorise any other person either by name or by virtue of his office, to present an appeal
from an order of acquittal passed by any court, other than a High Court, and an appeal
presented by such prosecutor or other person shall be deemed to have been validly presented
to the appellate court.
445. The provisions of section 250 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall apply
mutatis mutandis to compensation for accusation without reasonable cause before the
Special Court or the Court of Session.
446. The court imposing any fine under this Act may direct that the whole or any part
thereof shall be applied in or towards payment of the costs of the proceedings, or in or towards
the payment of a reward to the person on whose information the proceedings were instituted.
CHAPTER XXIX
MISCELLANEOUS
447. Without prejudice to any liability including repayment of any debt under this Act
or any other law for the time being in force, any person who is found to be guilty of fraud,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but
which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than the
amount involved in the fraud, but which may extend to three times the amount involved in
the fraud:
Mediation and
Conciliation
Panel.
Power of
Central
Government
to appoint
company
prosecutors.
Appeal
against
acquittal.
Compensation
for accusation
without
reasonable
cause.
Application
of fines.
Punishment
for fraud.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 227
Provided that where the fraud in question involves public interest, the term of
imprisonment shall not be less than three years.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section—
(i) “fraud” in relation to affairs of a company or any body corporate, includes
any act, omission, concealment of any fact or abuse of position committed by any
person or any other person with the connivance in any manner, with intent to deceive,
to gain undue advantage from, or to injure the interests of, the company or its
shareholders or its creditors or any other person, whether or not there is any wrongful
gain or wrongful loss;
(ii) “wrongful gain” means the gain by unlawful means of property to which the
person gaining is not legally entitled;
(iii) “wrongful loss” means the loss by unlawful means of property to which the
person losing is legally entitled.
448. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, if in any return, report, certificate, financial
statement, prospectus, statement or other document required by, or for, the purposes of any
of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, any person makes a statement,—
(a) which is false in any material particulars, knowing it to be false; or
(b) which omits any material fact, knowing it to be material,
he shall be liable under section 447.
449. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, if any person intentionally gives false
evidence—
(a) upon any examination on oath or solemn affirmation, authorised under this
Act; or
(b) in any affidavit, deposition or solemn affirmation, in or about the winding up
of any company under this Act, or otherwise in or about any matter arising under this
Act,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years
but which may extend to seven years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
450. If a company or any officer of a company or any other person contravenes any of
the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, or any condition, limitation or
restriction subject to which any approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition,
direction or exemption in relation to any matter has been accorded, given or granted, and for
which no penalty or punishment is provided elsewhere in this Act, the company and every
officer of the company who is in default or such other person shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to ten thousand rupees, and where the contravention is continuing one,
with a further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the contravention continues.
451. If a company or an officer of a company commits an offence punishable either
with fine or with imprisonment and where the same offence is committed for the second or
subsequent occasions within a period of three years, then, that company and every officer
thereof who is in default shall be punishable with twice the amount of fine for such offence
in addition to any imprisonment provided for that offence.
452. (1) If any officer or employee of a company—
(a) wrongfully obtains possession of any property, including cash of the
company; or
(b) having any such property including cash in his possession, wrongfully
withholds it or knowingly applies it for the purposes other than those expressed or
directed in the articles and authorised by this Act,
Punishment
for false
evidence.
Punishment
for false
statement.
Punishment
where no
specific
penalty or
punishment is
provided.
Punishment
for wrongful
withholding
of property.
Punishment
in case of
repeated
default.
228 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
he shall, on the complaint of the company or of any member or creditor or contributory
thereof, be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
(2) The Court trying an offence under sub-section (1) may also order such officer or
employee to deliver up or refund, within a time to be fixed by it, any such property or cash
wrongfully obtained or wrongfully withheld or knowingly misapplied, the benefits that have
been derived from such property or cash or in default, to undergo imprisonment for a term
which may extend to two years.
453. If any person or persons trade or carry on business under any name or title, of
which the word “Limited” or the words “Private Limited” or any contraction or imitation
thereof is or are the last word or words, that person or each of those persons shall, unless
duly incorporated with limited liability, or unless duly incorporated as a private company
with limited liability, as the case may be, punishable with fine which shall not be less than five
hundred rupees but may extend to two thousand rupees for every day for which that name or
title has been used.
454. (1) The Central Government may, by an order published in the Official Gazette,
appoint as many officers of the Central Government, not below the rank of Registrar, as
adjudicating officers for adjudging penalty under the provisions of this Act in the manner as
may be prescribed.
(2) The Central Government shall while appointing adjudicating officers, specify their
jurisdiction in the order under sub-section (1).
(3) The adjudicating officer may, by an order impose the penalty on the company and
the officer who is in default stating any non-compliance or default under the relevant provision
of the Act.
(4) The adjudicating officer shall, before imposing any penalty, give a reasonable
opportunity of being heard to such company and the officer who is in default.
(5) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the adjudicating officer under
sub-section (3) may prefer an appeal to the Regional Director having jurisdiction in the
matter.
(6) Every appeal under sub-section (5) shall be filed within sixty days from the date on
which the copy of the order made by the adjudicating officer is received by the aggrieved
person and shall be in such form, manner and be accompanied by such fees as may be
prescribed.
(7) The Regional Director may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of
being heard, pass such order as he thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order
appealed against.
(8) (i) Where company does not pay the penalty imposed by the adjudicating officer or
the Regional Director within a period of ninety days from the date of the receipt of the copy
of the order, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twentyfive
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(ii) Where an officer of a company who is in default does not pay the penalty within a
period of ninety days from the date of the receipt of the copy of the order, such officer shall
be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not
be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with
both.
455. (1) Where a company is formed and registered under this Act for a future project
or to hold an asset or intellectual property and has no significant accounting transaction,
such a company or an inactive company may make an application to the Registrar in such
manner as may be prescribed for obtaining the status of a dormant company.
Punishment
for improper
use of
“Limited” or
“Private
Limited”.
Adjudication
of penalties.
Dormant
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 229
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) “inactive company” means a company which has not been carrying on any
business or operation, or has not made any significant accounting transaction during
the last two financial years, or has not filed financial statements and annual returns
during the last two financial years;
(ii) “significant accounting transaction” means any transaction other than—
(a) payment of fees by a company to the Registrar;
(b) payments made by it to fulfil the requirements of this Act or any other law;
(c) allotment of shares to fulfil the requirements of this Act; and
(d) payments for maintenance of its office and records.
(2) The Registrar on consideration of the application shall allow the status of a dormant
company to the applicant and issue a certificate in such form as may be prescribed to that
effect.
(3) The Registrar shall maintain a register of dormant companies in such form as may
be prescribed.
(4) In case of a company which has not filed financial statements or annual returns for
two financial years consecutively, the Registrar shall issue a notice to that company and
enter the name of such company in the register maintained for dormant companies.
(5) A dormant company shall have such minimum number of directors, file such
documents and pay such annual fee as may be prescribed to the Registrar to retain its
dormant status in the register and may become an active company on an application made in
this behalf accompanied by such documents and fee as may be prescribed.
(6) The Registrar shall strike off the name of a dormant company from the register of
dormant companies, which has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.
456. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government or
any officer of the Government or any other person in respect of anything which is in good
faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any rules or orders made
thereunder, or in respect of the publication by or under the authority of the Government or
such officer, of any report, paper or proceedings.
457. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Registrar, any officer of the Government or any other person shall not be compelled to
disclose to any court, Tribunal or other authority, the source from where he got any information
which—
(a) has led the Central Government to order an investigation under section 210;
or
(b) is or has been material or relevant in connection with such investigation.
458. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, and subject to such conditions,
limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein, delegate any of its powers or functions
under this Act other than the power to make rules to such authority or officer as may be
specified in the notification:
Provided that the powers to enforce the provisions contained in section 194 and
section 195 relating to forward dealing and insider trading shall be delegated to Securities
and Exchange Board for listed companies or the companies which intend to get their securities
listed and in such case, any officer authorised by the Securities and Exchange Board shall
have the power to file a complaint in the court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) A copy of every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall, as soon as may be
after it is issued, be laid before each House of Parliament.
Protection of
action taken
in good faith.
Nondisclosure
of
information
in certain
cases.
Delegation by
Central
Governemnt
of its powers
and
functions.
230 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
459. (1) Where the Central Government or the Tribunal is required or authorised by
any provision of this Act—
(a) to accord approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or recognition to, or in
relation to, any matter; or
(b) to give any direction in relation to any matter; or
(c) to grant any exemption in relation to any matter,
then, the Central Government or the Tribunal may in the absence of anything to the contrary
contained in that provision or any other provision of this Act, accord, give or grant such
approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption, subject to
such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may think fit to impose and may, in the case
of a contravention of any such condition, limitation or restriction, rescind or withdraw such
approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, every application which may be, or is
required to be, made to the Central Government or the Tribunal under any provision of this
Act—
(a) in respect of any approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or recognition to
be accorded by that Government or the Tribunal to, or in relation to, any matter; or
(b) in respect of any direction or exemption to be given or granted by that
Government or the Tribunal in relation to any matter; or
(c) in respect of any other matter,
shall be accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed:
Provided that different fees may be prescribed for applications in respect of different
matters or in case of applications by different classes of companies.
460. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—
(a) where any application required to be made to the Central Government under
any provision of this Act in respect of any matter is not made within the time specified
therein, that Government may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the
delay; and
(b) where any document required to be filed with the Registrar under any provision
of this Act is not filed within the time specified therein, the Central Government may,
for reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the delay.
461. The Central Government shall cause a general annual report on the working and
administration of this Act to be prepared and laid before each House of Parliament within one
year of the close of the year to which the report relates.
462. (1) The Central Government may in the public interest, by notification direct that
any of the provisions of this Act,—
(a) shall not apply to such class or classes of companies; or
(b) shall apply to the class or classes of companies with such exceptions,
modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the notification.
(2) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (1), shall be
laid in draft before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty
days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if,
before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses
agree in making any modification in the notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as
the case may be, shall be issued only in such modified form as may be agreed upon by both
the Houses.
Condonation
of delay in
certain cases.
Annual
report by
Central
Government.
Power to
exempt class
or classes of
companies
from
provisions of
this Act.
Powers of
Central
Government
or Tribunal
to accord
approval,
etc., subject
to conditions
and to
prescribe fees
on
applications.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 231
463. (1) If in any proceeding for negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust against an officer of a company, it appears to the court hearing the case that
he is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all
the circumstances of the case, including those connected with his appointment, he ought
fairly to be excused, the court may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from his liability on
such term, as it may think fit:
Provided that in a criminal proceeding under this sub-section, the court shall have no
power to grant relief from any civil liability which may attach to an officer in respect of such
negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or breach of trust.
(2) Where any such officer has reason to apprehend that any proceeding will or might
be brought against him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust, he may apply to the High Court for relief and the High Court on such
application shall have the same power to relieve him as it would have had if it had been a
court before which a proceedings against that officer for negligence, default, breach of duty,
misfeasance or breach of trust had been brought under sub-section (1).
(3) No court shall grant any relief to any officer under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
unless it has, by notice served in the manner specified by it, required the Registrar and such other
person, if any, as it thinks necessary, to show cause why such relief should not be granted.
464. (1) No association or partnership consisting of more than such number of persons
as may be prescribed shall be formed for the purpose of carrying on any business that has for
its object the acquisition of gain by the association or partnership or by the individual
members thereof, unless it is registered as a company under this Act or is formed under any
other law for the time being in force:
Provided that the number of persons which may be prescribed under this sub-section
shall not exceed one hundred.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to—
(a) a Hindu undivided family carrying on any business; or
(b) an association or partnership, if it is formed by professionals who are governed
by special Acts.
(3) Every member of an association or partnership carrying on business in contravention
of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and
shall also be personally liable for all liabilities incurred in such business.
465. (1) The Companies Act, 1956 and the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act,
1961 (hereafter in this section referred to as the repealed enactments) shall stand repealed:
Provided that the provisions of Part IX A of the Companies Act, 1956 shall be applicable
mutatis mutandis to a Producer Company in a manner as if the Companies Act, 1956 has not
been repealed until a special Act is enacted for Producer Companies:
Provided further that until a date is notified by the Central Government under subsection
(1) of Section 434 for transfer of all matters, proceedings or cases to the Tribunal, the
provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 in regard to the jurisdiction, powers, authority and
functions of the Board of Company Law Administration and court shall continue to apply as
if the Companies Act, 1956 has not been repealed:
Provided also that provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 referred in the notification
issued under section 67 of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 shall, until the relevant
notification under such section applying relevant corresponding provisions of this Act to
limited liability partnerships is issued, continue to apply as if the Companies Act, 1956 has
not been repealed.
Power of
court to grant
relief in
certain cases.
Prohibition
of association
or
partnership
of persons
exceeding
certain
number.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
6 of 2009.
Sikkim Act
8 of 1961.
Repeal of
certain
enactments
and savings.
232 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal under sub-section (1) of the repealed enactments,—
(a) anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken,
including any rule, notification, inspection, order or notice made or issued or any
appointment or declaration made or any operation undertaken or any direction given
or any proceeding taken or any penalty, punishment, forfeiture or fine imposed under
the repealed enactments shall, insofar as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act, be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of
this Act;
(b) subject to the provisions of clause (a), any order, rule, notification, regulation,
appointment, conveyance, mortgage, deed, document or agreement made, fee directed,
resolution passed, direction given, proceeding taken, instrument executed or issued,
or thing done under or in pursuance of any repealed enactment shall, if in force at the
commencement of this Act, continue to be in force, and shall have effect as if made,
directed, passed, given, taken, executed, issued or done under or in pursuance of this
Act;
(c) any principle or rule of law, or established jurisdiction, form or course of
pleading, practice or procedure or existing usage, custom, privilege, restriction or
exemption shall not be affected, notwithstanding that the same respectively may have
been in any manner affirmed or recognised or derived by, in, or from, the repealed
enactments;
(d) any person appointed to any office under or by virtue of any repealed
enactment shall be deemed to have been appointed to that office under or by virtue of
this Act;
(e) any jurisdiction, custom, liability, right, title, privilege, restriction, exemption,
usage, practice, procedure or other matter or thing not in existence or in force shall not
be revised or restored;
(f) the offices existing on the commencement of this Act for the registration of
companies shall continue as if they have been established under the provisions of this
Act;
(g) the incorporation of companies registered under the repealed enactments
shall continue to be valid and the provisions of this Act shall apply to such companies
as if they were registered under this Act;
(h) all registers and all funds constituted and established under the repealed
enactments shall be deemed to be registers and funds constituted or established
under the corresponding provisions of this Act;
(i) any prosecution instituted under the repealed enactments and pending
immediately before the commencement of this Act before any Court shall, subject to
the provisions of this Act, continue to be heard and disposed of by the said Court;
(j) any inspection, investigation or inquiry ordered to be done under the
Companies Act, 1956 shall continue to be proceeded with as if such inspection,
investigation or inquiry has been ordered under the corresponding provisions of this
Act; and
(k) any matter filed with the Registrar, Regional Director or the Central
Government under the Companies Act, 1956 before the commencement of this Act and
not fully addressed at that time shall be concluded by the Registrar, Regional Director
or the Central Government, as the case may be, in terms of that Act, despite its repeal.
(3) The mention of particular matters in sub-section (2) shall not be held to prejudice
the general application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 with regard to the effect
of repeal of the repealed enactments as if the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act, 1961
were also a Central Act.
1 of 1956.
10 of 1897.
Sikkim Act 8
of 1961.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 233
466. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 465, the Board of Company
Law Administration constituted under the Companies Act, 1956 (hereafter in this section
referred to as the Company Law Board) shall stand dissolved on the constitution of the
Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided that until the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal is constituted, the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman and Members of the Company Law Board immediately before the constitution
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal, who fulfil the qualifications and requirements
provided under this Act regarding appointment as President or Chairperson or Member of
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, shall function as President, Chairperson or Member
of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided further that every officer or other employee, who had been appointed on
deputation basis to the Company Law Board, shall, on such dissolution,—
(i) become officer or employee of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, if he
fulfils the qualifications and requirements under this Act; and
(ii) stand reverted to his parent cadre, Ministry or Department, in any other case:
Provided also that every officer and the other employee of the Company Law Board,
employed on regular basis by that Board, shall become, on and from such dissolution the
officer and other employee, respectively, of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal with the
same rights and privileges as to pension, gratuity and other like benefits as would have been
admissible to him if he had continued to serve that Board and shall continue to do so unless
and until his employment in the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal is duly terminated or until
his remuneration, terms and conditions of employment are duly altered by the Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be:
Provided also that notwithstanding anything contained in the Industrial Disputes Act,
1947 or in any other law for the time being in force, any officer or other employee who
becomes an officer or other employee of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal under the
preceding proviso shall not be entitled to any compensation under this Act or under any
other law for the time being in force and no such claim shall be entertained by any court,
tribunal or other authority:
Provided also that where the Company Law Board has etablished a provident fund,
superannuation fund, welfare fund or other fund for the benefit of the officers and other
employees employed in that Board, the monies relatable to the officers and other employees
who have become officers or employees of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall, out
of the monies standing to the credit of such provident fund, superannuation fund, welfare
fund or other fund, stand transferred to, and vest in, the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be, and such monies which stand so transferred shall be dealt with by the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The persons holding the offices of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members, and
officers and other employees of the Company Law Board immediately before the constitution
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal who are not covered under proviso to sub-section
(1) shall vacate their respective offices on such constitution and no such Chairman, Vice-
Chairman and Members and officers or other employees shall be entitled to claim any
compensation for the premature termination of the term of his office or of any contract of
service, if any.
467. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Central Government may, by
notification, alter any of the regulations, rules, Tables, forms and other provisions contained
in any of the Schedules to this Act.
14 of 1947.
Power of
Central
Government
to amend
Schedules.
Dissolution
of Company
Law Board
and
consequential
provisions.
1 of 1956.
234 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Any alteration notified under sub-section (1) shall have effect as if enacted in this
Act and shall come into force on the date of the notification, unless the notification otherwise
directs:
Provided that no such alteration in Table F of Schedule I shall apply to any company
registered before the date of such alteration.
(3) Every alteration made by the Central Government under sub-section (1) shall be
laid as soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session
for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more
successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the
session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification
in the alteration, or both Houses agree that the alteration should not be made, the alteration
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be;
so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of anything previously done in pursuance of that alteration.
468. (1) The Central Government shall, make rules consistent with the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 providing for all matters relating to the winding up of companies, which by
this Act, are to be prescribed, and may make rules providing for all such matters, as may be
prescribed.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(i) as to the mode of proceedings to be held for winding up of a company by the
Tribunal;
(ii) for the voluntary winding up of companies, whether by members or by
creditors;
(iii) for the holding of meetings of creditors and members in connection with
proceedings under section 230;
(iv) for giving effect to the provisions of this Act as to the reduction of the
capital;
(v) generally for all applications to be made to the Tribunal under the provisions
of this Act;
(vi) the holding and conducting of meetings to ascertain the wishes of creditors
and contributories;
(vii) the settling of lists of contributories and the rectifying of the register of
members where required, and collecting and applying the assets;
(viii) the payment, delivery, conveyance, surrender or transfer of money, property,
books or papers to the liquidator;
(ix) the making of calls; and
(x) the fixing of a time within which debts and claims shall be proved.
(3) All rules made by the Supreme Court on the matters referred to in this section as it
stood immediately before the commencement of this Act and in force at such commencement,
shall continue to be in force, till such time the rules are made by the Central Government and
any reference to the High Court in relation to winding up of a company in such rules shall be
construed as a reference to the Tribunal.
469. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the
provisions of this Act.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the Central
Government may make rules for all or any of the matters which by this Act are required to be,
or may be, prescribed or in respect of which provision is to be or may be made by rules.
Powers of
Central
Government
to make rules
relating to
winding up.
5 of 1908.
Power of
Central
Government
to make
rules.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 235
(3) Any rule made under sub-section (1) may provide that a contravention thereof
shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees and where the
contravention is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to five hundred
rupees for every day after the first during which such contravention continues.
(4) Every rule made under this section and every regulation made by Securities and
Exchange Board under this Act, shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each
House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of
the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both
Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or both Houses agree that
the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect
only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously
done under that rule or regulation.
470. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central
Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for
removing the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of five years from
the date of commencement of section 1 of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid
before each House of Parliament.
Power to
remove
difficulties.
236 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE I
(See sections 4 and 5)
TABLE -A
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited / Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of...................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited and this liability is limited to the amount
unpaid, if any, on the shares held by them.
5th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each.
6th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association, and we
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
Names, addresses, No. of shares taken Signature of Signature, names,
descriptions and by each subscriber subscriber addresses, descriptions
occupations of and occupations of
subscribers witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
Total shares taken:
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 237
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th Shri/Smt.................., son/daughter of ......................., resident of............ aged............ years
shall be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of
one person company)
Dated........................................ the day of ..........................
TABLE -B
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY
GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited/Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited.
5th Every member of the company undertakes to contribute:
(i) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a
member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts
and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may have been
contracted before he ceases to be a member; and
(ii) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding up (and for the adjustment of the
rights of the contributories among themselves),
such amount as may be required, not exceeding..................................rupees.
6th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association.
Names, addresses, descriptions Signature of Signature, names, addresses,
and occupations of subscriber descriptions and occupations
subscribers of witnesses
A.B. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
238 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association (Applicable in case of one person
company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th Shri/Smt............., son/daugther of .................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated............................ the day of ..............................
TABLE -C
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY
GUARANTEE AND HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited/Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited.
5th Every member of the company undertakes to contribute:
(i) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a
member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts
and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may have been
contracted before he ceases to be a member; and
(ii) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding up (and for the adjustment of the
rights of the contributories among themselves),
such amount as may be required, not exceeding..................................rupees.
6th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each
7th We, the several persons, whose names, addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association and we
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 239
Names, addresses, No. of shares taken Signature of Signature, names,
descriptions and by each subscriber subscriber addresses, descriptions
occupations of and occupations of
subscribers witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
9th Shri/Smt.............., son/daughter of .................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated............................ the day of...........................
TABLE -D
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY
AND NOT HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Company’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is unlimited.
5th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association.
240 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Names, addresses, descriptions Signature of subscriber Signature, names, addresses,
and occupations of descriptions and occupations
subscribers of witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
6th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association (Applicable in case of one person
company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of description and occupation
subscriber of witness
A.B. .......Merchant Signed before me:
Signature.....................
7th Shri/Smt.........., son/daughter of ....................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated...................... the day of....................
TABLE -E
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY
AND HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Company’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of...................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is unlimited.
5th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each.
6th We, the several persons, whose names, and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association and we
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 241
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
Names, addresses, No. of shares Signature of Signature, names, addresses,
descriptions and taken by each subscriber descriptions and
occupations of subscriber occupations of witnesses
subscribers
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of description and occupation
subscriber of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature.....................
8th Shri/Smt..........., son/daughter of ...................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated.............................. the day of .............................
TABLE -F
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
Interpretation
I. (1) In these regulations—
(a) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2013,
(b) “the seal” means the common seal of the company.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in these
regulations shall bear the same meaning as in the Act or any statutory modification thereof
in force at the date at which these regulations become binding on the company.
Share capital and variation of rights
II. 1. Subject to the provisions of the Act and these Articles, the shares in the capital of
the company shall be under the control of the Directors who may issue, allot or otherwise
dispose of the same or any of them to such persons, in such proportion and on such terms
and conditions and either at a premium or at par and at such time as they may from time to
time think fit.
242 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
2. (i) Every person whose name is entered as a member in the register of members shall
be entitled to receive within two months after incorporation, in case of subscribers to the
memorandum or after allotment or within one month after the application for the registration
of transfer or transmission or within such other period as the conditions of issue shall be
provided,—
(a) one certificate for all his shares without payment of any charges; or
(b) several certificates, each for one or more of his shares, upon payment of
twenty rupees for each certificate after the first.
(ii) Every certificate shall be under the seal and shall specify the shares to which it
relates and the amount paid-up thereon.
(iii) In respect of any share or shares held jointly by several persons, the company
shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate, and delivery of a certificate for a share
to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such holders.
3. (i) If any share certificate be worn out, defaced, mutilated or torn or if there be no
further space on the back for endorsement of transfer, then upon production and surrender
thereof to the company, a new certificate may be issued in lieu thereof, and if any certificate
is lost or destroyed then upon proof thereof to the satisfaction of the company and on
execution of such indemnity as the company deem adequate, a new certificate in lieu thereof
shall be given. Every certificate under this Article shall be issued on payment of
twenty rupees for each certificate.
(ii) The provisions of Articles (2) and (3) shall mutatis mutandis apply to debentures
of the company.
4. Except as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the company as holding
any share upon any trust, and the company shall not be bound by, or be compelled in any
way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or
partial interest in any share, or any interest in any fractional part of a share, or (except only as
by these regulations or by law otherwise provided) any other rights in respect of any share
except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.
5. (i) The company may exercise the powers of paying commissions conferred by
sub-section (6) of section 40, provided that the rate per cent. or the amount of the commission
paid or agreed to be paid shall be disclosed in the manner required by that section and rules
made thereunder.
(ii) The rate or amount of the commission shall not exceed the rate or amount prescribed
in rules made under sub-section (6) of section 40.
(iii) The commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or the allotment of fully
or partly paid shares or partly in the one way and partly in the other.
6. (i) If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights
attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that
class) may, subject to the provisions of section 48, and whether or not the company is being
wound up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the issued
shares of that class, or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting
of the holders of the shares of that class.
(ii) To every such separate meeting, the provisions of these regulations relating to
general meetings shall mutatis mutandis apply, but so that the necessary quorum shall be at
least two persons holding at least one-third of the issued shares of the class in question.
7. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with
preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue
of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares
ranking pari passu therewith.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 243
8. Subject to the provisions of section 55, any preference shares may, with the sanction
of an ordinary resolution, be issued on the terms that they are to be redeemed on such terms
and in such manner as the company before the issue of the shares may, by special resolution,
determine.
Lien
9. (i) The company shall have a first and paramount lien—
(a) on every share (not being a fully paid share), for all monies (whether presently
payable or not) called, or payable at a fixed time, in respect of that share; and
(b) on all shares (not being fully paid shares) standing registered in the name of
a single person, for all monies presently payable by him or his estate to the company:
Provided that the Board of directors may at any time declare any share to be
wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this clause.
(ii) The company’s lien, if any, on a share shall extend to all dividends payable and
bonuses declared from time to time in respect of such shares.
10. The company may sell, in such manner as the Board thinks fit, any shares on which
the company has a lien:
Provided that no sale shall be made—
(a) unless a sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable; or
(b) until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing stating and
demanding payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is
presently payable, has been given to the registered holder for the time being of the
share or the person entitled thereto by reason of his death or insolvency.
11. (i) To give effect to any such sale, the Board may authorise some person to transfer
the shares sold to the purchaser thereof.
(ii) The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the shares comprised in any such
transfer.
(iii) The purchaser shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money,
nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings
in reference to the sale.
12. (i) The proceeds of the sale shall be received by the company and applied in
payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable.
(ii) The residue, if any, shall, subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as
existed upon the shares before the sale, be paid to the person entitled to the shares at the
date of the sale.
Calls on shares
13. (i) The Board may, from time to time, make calls upon the members in respect of any
monies unpaid on their shares (whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by
way of premium) and not by the conditions of allotment thereof made payable at fixed times:
Provided that no call shall exceed one-fourth of the nominal value of the share or be
payable at less than one month from the date fixed for the payment of the last preceding call.
(ii) Each member shall, subject to receiving at least fourteen days’ notice specifying
the time or times and place of payment, pay to the company, at the time or times and place so
specified, the amount called on his shares.
(iii) A call may be revoked or postponed at the discretion of the Board.
244 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
14. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the
Board authorising the call was passed and may be required to be paid by instalments.
15. The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in
respect thereof.
16. (i) If a sum called in respect of a share is not paid before or on the day appointed for
payment thereof, the person from whom the sum is due shall pay interest thereon from the
day appointed for payment thereof to the time of actual payment at ten per cent. per annum
or at such lower rate, if any, as the Board may determine.
(ii) The Board shall be at liberty to waive payment of any such interest wholly or in
part.
17. (i) Any sum which by the terms of issue of a share becomes payable on allotment
or at any fixed date, whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of
premium, shall, for the purposes of these regulations, be deemed to be a call duly made and
payable on the date on which by the terms of issue such sum becomes payable.
(ii) In case of non-payment of such sum, all the relevant provisions of these regulations
as to payment of interest and expenses, forfeiture or otherwise shall apply as if such sum had
become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.
18. The Board—
(a) may, if it thinks fit, receive from any member willing to advance the same, all
or any part of the monies uncalled and unpaid upon any shares held by him; and
(b) upon all or any of the monies so advanced, may (until the same would, but for
such advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate not exceeding,
unless the company in general meeting shall otherwise direct, twelve per cent.
per annum, as may be agreed upon between the Board and the member paying the sum
in advance.
Transfer of shares
19. (i) The instrument of transfer of any share in the company shall be executed by or
on behalf of both the transferor and transferee.
(ii) The transferor shall be deemed to remain a holder of the share until the name of the
transferee is entered in the register of members in respect thereof.
20. The Board may, subject to the right of appeal conferred by section 58 decline to
register—
(a) the transfer of a share, not being a fully paid share, to a person of whom they
do not approve; or
(b) any transfer of shares on which the company has a lien.
21. The Board may decline to recognise any instrument of transfer unless—
(a) the instrument of transfer is in the form as prescribed in rules made under
sub-section (1) of section 56;
(b) the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the certificate of the shares to
which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show
the right of the transferor to make the transfer; and
(c) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares.
22. On giving not less than seven days’ previous notice in accordance with section 91
and rules made thereunder, the registration of transfers may be suspended at such times and
for such periods as the Board may from time to time determine:
Provided that such registration shall not be suspended for more than thirty days at
any one time or for more than forty-five days in the aggregate in any year.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 245
Transmission of shares
23. (i) On the death of a member, the survivor or survivors where the member was a
joint holder, and his nominee or nominees or legal representatives where he was a sole
holder, shall be the only persons recognised by the company as having any title to his
interest in the shares.
(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any
liability in respect of any share which had been jointly held by him with other persons.
24. (i) Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or
insolvency of a member may, upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time
properly be required by the Board and subject as hereinafter provided, elect, either—
(a) to be registered himself as holder of the share; or
(b) to make such transfer of the share as the deceased or insolvent member could
have made.
(ii) The Board shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration
as it would have had, if the deceased or insolvent member had transferred the share before
his death or insolvency.
25. (i) If the person so becoming entitled shall elect to be registered as holder of the
share himself, he shall deliver or send to the company a notice in writing signed by him
stating that he so elects.
(ii) If the person aforesaid shall elect to transfer the share, he shall testify his election
by executing a transfer of the share.
(iii) All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these regulations relating to the
right to transfer and the registration of transfers of shares shall be applicable to any such
notice or transfer as aforesaid as if the death or insolvency of the member had not occurred
and the notice or transfer were a transfer signed by that member.
26. A person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or insolvency of the
holder shall be entitled to the same dividends and other advantages to which he would be
entitled if he were the registered holder of the share, except that he shall not, before being
registered as a member in respect of the share, be entitled in respect of it to exercise any right
conferred by membership in relation to meetings of the company:
Provided that the Board may, at any time, give notice requiring any such person to
elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share, and if the notice is not complied
with within ninety days, the Board may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends, bonuses
or other monies payable in respect of the share, until the requirements of the notice have
been complied with.
27. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) on the death of the sole member, the person nominated by such member shall
be the person recognised by the company as having title to all the shares of the
member;
(ii) the nominee on becoming entitled to such shares in case of the member’s
death shall be informed of such event by the Board of the company;
(iii) such nominee shall be entitled to the same dividends and other rights and
liabilities to which such sole member of the company was entitled or liable;
(iv) on becoming member, such nominee shall nominate any other person with
the prior written consent of such person who, shall in the event of the death of the
member, become the member of the company.
246 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Forfeiture of shares
28. If a member fails to pay any call, or instalment of a call, on the day appointed for
payment thereof, the Board may, at any time thereafter during such time as any part of the call
or instalment remains unpaid, serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call
or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued.
29. The notice aforesaid shall—
(a) name a further day (not being earlier than the expiry of fourteen days from
the date of service of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice
is to be made; and
(b) state that, in the event of non-payment on or before the day so named, the
shares in respect of which the call was made shall be liable to be forfeited.
30. If the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any
share in respect of which the notice has been given may, at any time thereafter, before the
payment required by the notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Board to
that effect.
31. (i) A forfeited share may be sold or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in
such manner as the Board thinks fit.
(ii) At any time before a sale or disposal as aforesaid, the Board may cancel the
forfeiture on such terms as it thinks fit.
32. (i) A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a member in
respect of the forfeited shares, but shall, notwithstanding the forfeiture, remain liable to pay
to the company all monies which, at the date of forfeiture, were presently payable by him to
the company in respect of the shares.
(ii) The liability of such person shall cease if and when the company shall have
received payment in full of all such monies in respect of the shares.
33. (i) A duly verified declaration in writing that the declarant is a director, the manager
or the secretary, of the company, and that a share in the company has been duly forfeited on
a date stated in the declaration, shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as
against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share;
(ii) The company may receive the consideration, if any, given for the share on any sale
or disposal thereof and may execute a transfer of the share in favour of the person to whom
the share is sold or disposed of;
(iii) The transferee shall thereupon be registered as the holder of the share; and
(iv) The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money,
if any, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the
proceedings in reference to the forfeiture, sale or disposal of the share.
34. The provisions of these regulations as to forfeiture shall apply in the case of nonpayment
of any sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, becomes payable at a fixed time,
whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium, as if the same
had been payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.
Alteration of capital
35. The company may, from time to time, by ordinary resolution increase the share
capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amount, as may be specified in the
resolution.
36. Subject to the provisions of section 61, the company may, by ordinary resolution,—
(a) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger
amount than its existing shares;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 247
(b) convert all or any of its fully paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert that
stock into fully paid-up shares of any denomination;
(c) sub-divide its existing shares or any of them into shares of smaller amount
than is fixed by the memorandum;
(d) cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have
not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person.
37. Where shares are converted into stock,—
(a) the holders of stock may transfer the same or any part thereof in the same
manner as, and subject to the same regulations under which, the shares from which the
stock arose might before the conversion have been transferred, or as near thereto as
circumstances admit:
Provided that the Board may, from time to time, fix the minimum amount of stock
transferable, so, however, that such minimum shall not exceed the nominal amount of
the shares from which the stock arose.
(b) the holders of stock shall, according to the amount of stock held by them,
have the same rights, privileges and advantages as regards dividends, voting at
meetings of the company, and other matters, as if they held the shares from which the
stock arose; but no such privilege or advantage (except participation in the dividends
and profits of the company and in the assets on winding up) shall be conferred by an
amount of stock which would not, if existing in shares, have conferred that privilege or
advantage.
(c) such of the regulations of the company as are applicable to paid-up shares
shall apply to stock and the words “share” and “shareholder” in those regulations
shall include “stock” and “stock-holder” respectively.
38. The company may, by special resolution, reduce in any manner and with, and
subject to, any incident authorised and consent required by law,—
(a) its share capital;
(b) any capital redemption reserve account; or
(c) any share premium account.
Capitalisation of profits
39. (i) The company in general meeting may, upon the recommendation of the Board,
resolve—
(a) that it is desirable to capitalise any part of the amount for the time being
standing to the credit of any of the company’s reserve accounts, or to the credit of the
profit and loss account, or otherwise available for distribution; and
(b) that such sum be accordingly set free for distribution in the manner specified
in clause (ii) amongst the members who would have been entitled thereto, if distributed
by way of dividend and in the same proportions.
(ii) The sum aforesaid shall not be paid in cash but shall be applied, subject to the
provision contained in clause (iii), either in or towards—
(A) paying up any amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares held by such
members respectively;
(B) paying up in full, unissued shares of the company to be allotted and
distributed, credited as fully paid-up, to and amongst such members in the proportions
aforesaid;
248 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(C) partly in the way specified in sub-clause (A) and partly in that specified in
sub-clause (B);
(D) A securities premium account and a capital redemption reserve account
may, for the purposes of this regulation, be applied in the paying up of unissued
shares to be issued to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares;
(E) The Board shall give effect to the resolution passed by the company in
pursuance of this regulation.
40. (i) Whenever such a resolution as aforesaid shall have been passed, the Board shall—
(a) make all appropriations and applications of the undivided profits resolved to
be capitalised thereby, and all allotments and issues of fully paid shares if any; and
(b) generally do all acts and things required to give effect thereto.
(ii) The Board shall have power—
(a) to make such provisions, by the issue of fractional certificates or by payment
in cash or otherwise as it thinks fit, for the case of shares becoming distributable in
fractions; and
(b) to authorise any person to enter, on behalf of all the members entitled thereto,
into an agreement with the company providing for the allotment to them respectively,
credited as fully paid-up, of any further shares to which they may be entitled upon
such capitalisation, or as the case may require, for the payment by the company on
their behalf, by the application thereto of their respective proportions of profits resolved
to be capitalised, of the amount or any part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their
existing shares;
(iii) Any agreement made under such authority shall be effective and binding on such
members.
Buy-back of shares
41. Notwithstanding anything contained in these articles but subject to the provisions
of sections 68 to 70 and any other applicable provision of the Act or any other law for the time
being in force, the company may purchase its own shares or other specified securities.
General meetings
42. All general meetings other than annual general meeting shall be called extraordinary
general meeting.
43. (i) The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, call an extraordinary general meeting.
(ii) If at any time directors capable of acting who are sufficient in number to form a
quorum are not within India, any director or any two members of the company may call an
extraordinary general meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which
such a meeting may be called by the Board.
Proceedings at general meetings
44. (i) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
(ii) Save as otherwise provided herein, the quorum for the general meetings shall be as
provided in section 103.
45. The chairperson, if any, of the Board shall preside as Chairperson at every general
meeting of the company.
46. If there is no such Chairperson, or if he is not present within fifteen minutes after
the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairperson of the
meeting, the directors present shall elect one of their members to be Chairperson of the
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 249
47. If at any meeting no director is willing to act as Chairperson or if no director is
present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present shall choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
48. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) the resolution required to be passed at the general meetings of the company
shall be deemed to have been passed if the resolution is agreed upon by the sole
member and communicated to the company and entered in the minutes book maintained
under section 118;
(ii) such minutes book shall be signed and dated by the member;
(iii) the resolution shall become effective from the date of signing such minutes
by the sole member.
Adjournment of meeting
49. (i) The Chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is
present, and shall, if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and
from place to place.
(ii) No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business
left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(iii) When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.
(iv) Save as aforesaid, and as provided in section 103 of the Act, it shall not be
necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an
adjourned meeting.
Voting rights
50. Subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any class or
classes of shares,—
(a) on a show of hands, every member present in person shall have one vote;
and
(b) on a poll, the voting rights of members shall be in proportion to his share in
the paid-up equity share capital of the company.
51. A member may exercise his vote at a meeting by electronic means in accordance
with section 108 and shall vote only once.
52. (i) In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in
person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders.
(ii) For this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names
stand in the register of members.
53. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any
court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his
committee or other legal guardian, and any such committee or guardian may, on a poll, vote
by proxy.
54. Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be
proceeded with, pending the taking of the poll.
55. No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other
sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the company have been paid.
56. (i) No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered, and every
vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all purposes.
250 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairperson of the
meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
Proxy
57. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power-of-attorney or other authority,
if any, under which it is signed or a notarised copy of that power or authority, shall be
deposited at the registered office of the company not less than 48 hours before the time for
holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument
proposes to vote, or, in the case of a poll, not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for
the taking of the poll; and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.
58. An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in the form as prescribed in the rules
made under section 105.
59. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid,
notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or the revocation of the
proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the shares in
respect of which the proxy is given:
Provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer
shall have been received by the company at its office before the commencement of the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
Board of Directors
60. The number of the directors and the names of the first directors shall be determined
in writing by the subscribers of the memorandum or a majority of them.
61. (i) The remuneration of the directors shall, in so far as it consists of a monthly
payment, be deemed to accrue from day-to-day.
(ii) In addition to the remuneration payable to them in pursuance of the Act, the
directors may be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them—
(a) in attending and returning from meetings of the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof or general meetings of the company; or
(b) in connection with the business of the company.
62. The Board may pay all expenses incurred in getting up and registering the company.
63. The company may exercise the powers conferred on it by section 88 with regard to
the keeping of a foreign register; and the Board may (subject to the provisions of that
section) make and vary such regulations as it may thinks fit respecting the keeping of any
such register.
64. All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, hundis, bills of exchange and other negotiable
instruments, and all receipts for monies paid to the company, shall be signed, drawn, accepted,
endorsed, or otherwise executed, as the case may be, by such person and in such manner as
the Board shall from time to time by resolution determine.
65. Every director present at any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof shall
sign his name in a book to be kept for that purpose.
66. (i) Subject to the provisions of section 149, the Board shall have power at any time,
and from time to time, to appoint a person as an additional director, provided the number of
the directors and additional directors together shall not at any time exceed the maximum
strength fixed for the Board by the articles.
(ii) Such person shall hold office only up to the date of the next annual general meeting
of the company but shall be eligible for appointment by the company as a director at that
meeting subject to the provisions of the Act.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 251
Proceedings of the Board
67. (i) The Board of Directors may meet for the conduct of business, adjourn and
otherwise regulate its meetings, as it thinks fit.
(ii) A director may, and the manager or secretary on the requisition of a director shall,
at any time, summon a meeting of the Board.
68. (i) Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, questions arising at any
meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(ii) In case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Board, if any, shall have a
second or casting vote.
69. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company, but for no other purpose.
70. (i) The Board may elect a Chairperson of its meetings and determine the period for
which he is to hold office.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors
present may choose one of their number to be Chairperson of the meeting.
71. (i) The Board may, subject to the provisions of the Act, delegate any of its powers
to committees consisting of such member or members of its body as it thinks fit.
(ii) Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated, conform
to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Board.
72. (i) A committee may elect a Chairperson of its meetings.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
73. (i) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks fit.
(ii) Questions arising at any meeting of a committee shall be determined by a majority
of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall
have a second or casting vote.
74. All acts done in any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof or by any
person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it may be afterwards discovered that
there was some defect in the appointment of any one or more of such directors or of any
person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if
every such director or such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a
director.
75. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, a resolution in writing, signed by
all the members of the Board or of a committee thereof, for the time being entitled to receive
notice of a meeting of the Board or committee, shall be valid and effective as if it had been
passed at a meeting of the Board or committee, duly convened and held.
76. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) where the company is having only one director, all the businesses to be
transacted at the meeting of the Board shall be entered into minutes book maintained
under section 118;
252 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) such minutes book shall be signed and dated by the director;
(iii) the resolution shall become effective from the date of signing such minutes
by the director.
Chief Executive Officer, Manager, Company Secretary or Chief Financial Officer
77. Subject to the provisions of the Act,—
(i) A chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief financial officer
may be appointed by the Board for such term, at such remuneration and upon such
conditions as it may thinks fit; and any chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer so appointed may be removed by means of a
resolution of the Board;
(ii) A director may be appointed as chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer.
78. A provision of the Act or these regulations requiring or authorising a thing to be
done by or to a director and chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both
as director and as, or in place of, chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer.
The Seal
79. (i) The Board shall provide for the safe custody of the seal.
(ii) The seal of the company shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the
authority of a resolution of the Board or of a committee of the Board authorised by it in that
behalf, and except in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or such other
person as the Board may appoint for the purpose; and those two directors and the secretary
or other person aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the seal of the company is so
affixed in their presence.
Dividends and Reserve
80. The company in general meeting may declare dividends, but no dividend shall
exceed the amount recommended by the Board.
81. Subject to the provisions of section 123, the Board may from time to time pay to the
members such interim dividends as appear to it to be justified by the profits of the company.
82. (i) The Board may, before recommending any dividend, set aside out of the profits
of the company such sums as it thinks fit as a reserve or reserves which shall, at the
discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose to which the profits of the company
may be properly applied, including provision for meeting contingencies or for equalising
dividends; and pending such application, may, at the like discretion, either be employed in
the business of the company or be invested in such investments (other than shares of the
company) as the Board may, from time to time, thinks fit.
(ii) The Board may also carry forward any profits which it may consider necessary not
to divide, without setting them aside as a reserve.
83. (i) Subject to the rights of persons, if any, entitled to shares with special rights as
to dividends, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid or
credited as paid on the shares in respect whereof the dividend is paid, but if and so long as
nothing is paid upon any of the shares in the company, dividends may be declared and paid
according to the amounts of the shares.
(ii) No amount paid or credited as paid on a share in advance of calls shall be treated
for the purposes of this regulation as paid on the share.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 253
(iii) All dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid
or credited as paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of
which the dividend is paid; but if any share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for
dividend as from a particular date such share shall rank for dividend accordingly.
84. The Board may deduct from any dividend payable to any member all sums of
money, if any, presently payable by him to the company on account of calls or otherwise in
relation to the shares of the company.
85. (i) Any dividend, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of shares may
be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the registered address of the
holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of that one of the joint holders
who is first named on the register of members, or to such person and to such address as the
holder or joint holders may in writing direct.
(ii) Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to
whom it is sent.
86. Any one of two or more joint holders of a share may give effective receipts for any
dividends, bonuses or other monies payable in respect of such share.
87. Notice of any dividend that may have been declared shall be given to the persons
entitled to share therein in the manner mentioned in the Act.
88. No dividend shall bear interest against the company.
Accounts
89. (i) The Board shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at
what times and places and under what conditions or regulations, the accounts and books of
the company, or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of members not being directors.
(ii) No member (not being a director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or
book or document of the company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or
by the company in general meeting.
Winding up
90. Subject to the provisions of Chapter XX of the Act and rules made thereunder—
(i) If the company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a
special resolution of the company and any other sanction required by the Act, divide
amongst the members, in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the
company, whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not.
(ii) For the purpose aforesaid, the liquidator may set such value as he deems fair
upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division
shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members.
(iii) The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such
assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the contributories if he considers
necessary, but so that no member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other
securities whereon there is any liability.
Indemnity
91. Every officer of the company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the company
against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal,
in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in which relief is
granted to him by the court or the Tribunal.
Note: The Articles shall be signed by each subscriber of the memorandum of association
who shall add his address, description and occupation, if any, in the presence of at
least one witness who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his address,
254 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
description and occupation, if any, and such signatures shall be in form specified
below:
Names, addresses, descriptions Witnesses (along with names, addresses,
and occupations of subscribers descriptions and occupations)
A.B. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
C.D. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
E.F. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
G.H. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
I.J. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
K.L. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
M.N. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
Dated the……..day of ………20……
Place: ................................
TABLE – G
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND
HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, register an increase of members.
2. All the articles of Table F in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
TABLE - H
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT
HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
Interpretation
I. (1) In these regulations—
(a) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2013;
(b) “the seal” means the common seal of the company.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in these
regulations shall have the same meaning as in the Act or any statutory modification thereof
in force at the date at which these regulations become binding on the company.
Members
II. 1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, whenever the company or the
business of the company requires it, register an increase of members.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 255
2. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the Board shall
admit to membership shall be members of the company.
General meetings
3. All general meetings other than annual general meeting shall be called extraordinary
general meeting.
4. (i) The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, call an extraordinary general meeting.
(ii) If at any time directors capable of acting who are sufficient in number to form a
quorum are not within India, any director or any two members of the company may call an
extraordinary general meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which
such a meeting may be called by the Board.
Proceedings at general meetings
5. (i) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
(ii) Save as otherwise provided herein, the quorum for the general meetings shall be as
provided in section 103.
6. The Chairperson, if any, of the Board shall preside as Chairperson at every general
meeting of the company.
7. If there is no such Chairperson, or if he is not present within fifteen minutes after the
time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as Chairperson of the meeting,
the directors present shall elect one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
8. If at any meeting no director is willing to act as Chairperson or if no director is
present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present shall choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
Adjournment of meeting
9. (i) The Chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is
present, and shall, if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and
from place to place.
(ii) No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business
left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(iii) When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.
(iv) Save as aforesaid, and as provided in section 103 of the Act, it shall not be
necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an
adjourned meeting.
Voting rights
10. Every member shall have one vote.
11. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any
Court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his
committee or other legal guardian, and any such committee or guardian may, on a poll, vote
by proxy.
12. No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all sums presently
payable by him to the company have been paid.
13. (i) No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered, and every
vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all purposes.
256 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairperson of the
meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
14. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid,
notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or the revocation of the
proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the shares in
respect of which the proxy is given:
Provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer
shall have been received by the company at its office before the commencement of the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
15. A member may exercise his vote at a meeting by electronic means in accordance
with section 108 and shall vote only once.
16. Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be
proceeded with, pending the taking of the poll.
Board of Directors
17. The number of the directors and the names of the first directors shall be determined
in writing by the subscribers of the memorandum or a majority of them.
18. (i) The remuneration of the directors shall, in so far as it consists of a monthly
payment, be deemed to accrue from day-to-day.
(ii) In addition to the remuneration payable to them in pursuance of the Act, the
directors may be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them—
(a) in attending and returning from meetings of the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof or general meetings of the company; or
(b) in connection with the business of the company.
Proceedings of the Board
19. (i) The Board of Directors may meet for the conduct of business, adjourn and
otherwise regulate its meetings, as it thinks fit.
(ii) A director may, and the manager or secretary on the requisition of a director shall,
at any time, summon a meeting of the Board.
20. (i) Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, questions arising at any
meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(ii) In case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Board, if any, shall have a
second or casting vote.
21. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company, but for no other purpose.
22. (i) The Board may elect a Chairperson of its meetings and determine the period for
which he is to hold office.
(ii) If no such chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not present
within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors present
may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
23. (i) The Board may, subject to the provisions of the Act, delegate any of its powers
to committees consisting of such member or members of its body as it thinks fit.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 257
(ii) Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated,
conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Board.
24. (i) A committee may elect a Chairperson of its meetings.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
25. (i) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper.
(ii) Questions arising at any meeting of a committee shall be determined by a majority
of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall
have a second or casting vote.
26. All acts done by any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof or by any
person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it may be afterwards discovered that
there was some defect in the appointment of any one or more of such directors or of any
person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if
every such director or such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a director.
27. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, a resolution in writing, signed
by all the members of the Board or of a committee thereof, for the time being entitled to
receive notice of a meeting of the Board or committee, shall be as valid and effective as if it
had been passed at a meeting of the Board or committee, duly convened and held.
Chief Executive Officer, Manager, Company Secretary or
Chief Financial Officer
28. Subject to the provisions of the Act,—
(i) A chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief financial
officer may be appointed by the Board for such term, at such remuneration and upon
such conditions as it thinks fit; and any chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer so appointed may be removed by means of a
resolution of the Board.
(ii) A director may be appointed as chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer.
29. A provision of the Act or these regulations requiring or authorising a thing to be
done by or to a director and chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting
both as director and as, or in place of, chief executive officer, manager, company secretary
or chief financial officer.
The Seal
30. (i) The Board shall provide for the safe custody of the seal.
(ii) The seal of the company shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the
authority of a resolution of the Board or of a committee of the Board authorised by it in
that behalf, and except in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or
such other person as the Board may appoint for the purpose; and those two directors and
the secretary or other person aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the seal of the
company is so affixed in their presence.
Note: The Articles shall be signed by each subscriber of the memorandum of association
who shall add his address, description and occupation, if any, in the presence of at
least one witness who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his address,
258 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
description and occupation, if any, and such signatures shall be in form specified
below:
Names, addresses, descriptions Witnesses (along with names, addresses,
and occupations of subscribers descriptions and occupations)
A.B. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
C.D. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
E.F. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
G.H. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
I.J. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
K.L. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
M.N. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
Dated the……..day of ………20……
Place: ................................
TABLE – I
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY AND
HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, register an increase of members.
2. All the articles of Table F in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
TABLE - J
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY AND
NOT HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, whenever the company or the
business of the company requires it, register an increase of members.
2. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the Board shall
admit to membership shall be members of the company.
3. All the articles of Table H in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 259
SCHEDULE II
(See section 123)
USEFUL LIVES TO COMPUTE DEPRECIATION
PART ‘A’
1. Depreciation is the systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of an asset over
its useful life. The depreciable amount of an asset is the cost of an asset or other amount
substituted for cost, less its residual value. The useful life of an asset is the period over
which an asset is expected to be available for use by an entity, or the number of production
or similar units expected to be obtained from the asset by the entity.
2. For the purpose of this Schedule, the term depreciation includes amortisation.
3. Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of paragraph 1,—
(i) In case of such class of companies, as may be prescribed and whose financial
statements comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class of
companies under section 133 the useful life of an asset shall not normally be different
from the useful life and the residual value shall not be different from that as indicated
in Part C, provided that if such a company uses a useful life or residual value which is
different from the useful life or residual value indicated therein, it shall disclose the
justification for the same.
(ii) In respect of other companies the useful life of an asset shall not be longer
than the useful life and the residual value shall not be higher than that prescribed in
Part C.
(iii) For intangible assets, the provisions of the Accounting Standards mentioned
under sub-para (i) or (ii), as applicable, shall apply.
PART ‘B’
4. The useful life or residual value of any specific asset, as notified for accounting
purposes by a Regulatory Authority constituted under an Act of Parliament or by the Central
Government shall be applied in calculating the depreciation to be provided for such asset
irrespective of the requirements of this Schedule.
PART ‘C’
5. Subject to Parts A and B above, the following are the useful lives of various tangible
assets:
Nature of assets Useful Life
I. Buildings [NESD]
(a) Buildings (other than factory buildings) RCC Frame Structure 60 Years
(b) Buildings (other than factory buildings) other than RCC Frame Structure 30 Years
(c) Factory buildings -do-
(d) Fences, wells, tube wells 5 Years
(e) Others (including temporary structure, etc.) 3 Years
II. Bridges, culverts, bunders, etc. [NESD] 30 Years
III. Roads [NESD]
(a) Carpeted roads
(i) Carpeted Roads-RCC 10 Years
(ii) Carpeted Roads-other than RCC 5 Years
260 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) Non-carpeted roads 3 Years
IV. Plant and Machinery
(i) General rate applicable to plant and machinery not covered under
special plant and machinery
(a) Plant and Machinery other than continuous process plant not
covered under specific industries 15 Years
(b) continuous process plant for which no special rate has been
prescribed under (ii) below [NESD] 8 Years
(ii) Special Plant and Machinery
(a) Plant and Machinery related to production and exhibition of
Motion Picture Films
1. Cinematograph films—Machinery used in the production and
exhibition of cinematograph films, recording and reproducing
equipments, developing machines, printing machines, editing
machines, synchronizers and studio lights except bulbs 13 Years
2. Projecting equipment for exhibition of films -do-
(b) Plant and Machinery used in glass manufacturing
1. Plant and Machinery except direct fire glass melting furnaces —
Recuperative and regenerative glass melting furnaces 13 Years
2. Plant and Machinery except direct fire glass melting furnaces —
Moulds [NESD] 8 Years
3. Float Glass Melting Furnaces [NESD] 10 Years
(c) Plant and Machinery used in mines and quarries—Portable
underground machinery and earth moving machinery used in
open cast mining [NESD] 8 Years
(d) Plant and Machinery used in Telecommunications [NESD]
1. Towers 18 Years
2. Telecom transceivers, switching centres, transmission and
other network equipment 13 Years
3. Telecom—Ducts, Cables and optical fibre 18 Years
4. Satellites -do-
(e) Plant and Machinery used in exploration, production and
refining oil and gas [NESD]
1. Refineries 25 Years
2. Oil and gas assets (including wells), processing plant and facilities -do-
3. Petrochemical Plant -do-
4. Storage tanks and related equipment -do-
5. Pipelines 30 Years
6. Drilling Rig -do-
7. Field operations (above ground) Portable boilers, drilling tools,
well-head tanks, etc. 8 Years
8. Loggers -doSEC.
1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 261
(f ) Plant and Machinery used in generation, transmission and distribution
of power [NESD]
1. Thermal/ Gas/ Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant 40 Years
2. Hydro Power Generation Plant -do-
3. Nuclear Power Generation Plant -do-
4. Transmission lines, cables and other network assets -do-
5. Wind Power Generation Plant 22 Years
6. Electric Distribution Plant 35 Years
7. Gas Storage and Distribution Plant 30 Years
8. Water Distribution Plant including pipelines -do-
(g) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of steel
1. Sinter Plant 20 Years
2. Blast Furnace -do-
3. Coke ovens -do-
4. Rolling mill in steel plant -do-
5. Basic oxygen Furnace Converter 25 Years
(h) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of non-ferrous metals
1. Metal pot line [NESD] 40 Years
2. Bauxite crushing and grinding section [NESD] -do-
3. Digester Section [NESD] -do-
4. Turbine [NESD] -do-
5. Equipments for Calcination [NESD] -do-
6. Copper Smelter [NESD] -do-
7. Roll Grinder 40 Years
8. Soaking Pit 30 Years
9. Annealing Furnace -do-
10. Rolling Mills -do-
11. Equipments for Scalping, Slitting , etc. [NESD] -do-
12. Surface Miner, Ripper Dozer, etc., used in mines 25 Years
13. Copper refining plant [NESD] -do-
(i) Plant and Machinery used in medical and surgical operations [NESD]
1. Electrical Machinery, X-ray and electrotherapeutic apparatus and
accessories thereto, medical, diagnostic equipments, namely,
Cat-scan, Ultrasound Machines, ECG Monitors, etc. 13 Years
2. Other Equipments. 15 Years
(j) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of pharmaceuticals and
chemicals [NESD]
1. Reactors 20 Years
2. Distillation Columns -do-
3. Drying equipments/Centrifuges and Decanters -do-
4. Vessel/storage tanks -do262
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(k) Plant and Machinery used in civil construction
1. Concreting, Crushing, Piling Equipments and Road Making Equipments 12 Years
2. Heavy Lift Equipments—
Cranes with capacity of more than 100 tons 20 Years
Cranes with capacity of less than 100 tons 15 Years
3. Transmission line, Tunneling Equipments [NESD] 10 Years
4. Earth-moving equipments 9 Years
5. Others including Material Handling /Pipeline/Welding
Equipments [NESD] 12 Years
(l) Plant and Machinery used in salt works [NESD] 15 Years
V. Furniture and fittings [NESD]
(i) General furniture and fittings 10 Years
(ii) Furniture and fittings used in hotels, restaurants and boarding houses,
schools, colleges and other educational institutions, libraries; welfare
centres; meeting halls, cinema houses; theatres and circuses; and
furniture and fittings let out on hire for use on the occasion of marriages
and similar functions. 8 Years
VI. Motor Vehicles [NESD]
1. Motor cycles, scooters and other mopeds 10 Years
2. Motor buses, motor lorries, motor cars and motor taxies used in
a business of running them on hire 6 Years
3. Motor buses, motor lorries and motor cars other than those used
in a business of running them on hire 8 Years
4. Motor tractors, harvesting combines and heavy vehicles -do-
5. Electrically operated vehicles including battery powered or fuel
cell powered vehicles 8 Years
VII. Ships [NESD]
1. Ocean-going ships
(i) Bulk Carriers and liner vessels 25 Years
(ii) Crude tankers, product carriers and easy chemical carriers with or
without conventional tank coatings. 20 Years
(iii) Chemicals and Acid Carriers:
(a) With Stainless steel tanks 25 Years
(b) With other tanks 20 Years
(iv) Liquified gas carriers 30 Years
(v) Conventional large passenger vessels which are used for cruise
purpose also -do-
(vi) Coastal service ships of all categories -do-
(vii) Offshore supply and support vessels 20 Years
(viii) Catamarans and other high speed passenger for ships or boats -doSEC.
1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 263
(ix) Drill ships 25 Years
(x) Hovercrafts 15 Years
(xi) Fishing vessels with wooden hull 10 Years
(xii) Dredgers, tugs, barges, survey launches and other similar ships
used mainly for dredging purposes 14 Years
2. Vessels ordinarily operating on inland waters—
(i) Speed boats 13 Years
(ii) Other vessels 28 Years
VIII. Aircrafts or Helicopters [NESD] 20 Years
IX. Railways sidings, locomotives, rolling stocks, tramways and
railways used by concerns, excluding railway concerns [NESD] 15 Years
X. Ropeway structures [NESD] 15 Years
XI. Office equipment [NESD] 5 Years
XII. Computers and data processing units [NESD]
(i) Servers and networks 6 Years
(ii) End user devices, such as, desktops, laptops, etc. 3 Years
XIII. Laboratory equipment [NESD]
(i) General laboratory equipment 10 Years
(ii) Laboratory equipments used in educational institutions 5 Years
XIV. Electrical Installations and Equipment [NESD] 10 years
XV. Hydraulic works, pipelines and sluices [NESD] 15 Years
Notes.—
1. "Factory buildings" does not include offices, godowns, staff quarters.
2. Where, during any financial year, any addition has been made to any asset, or
where any asset has been sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed, the depreciation on
such assets shall be calculated on a pro rata basis from the date of such addition or, as the
case may be, up to the date on which such asset has been sold, discarded, demolished or
destroyed.
3. The following information shall also be disclosed in the accounts, namely:—
(i) depreciation methods used; and
(ii) the useful lives of the assets for computing depreciation, if they are different
from the life specified in the Schedule.
4. Useful life specified in Part C of the Schedule is for whole of the asset. Where cost
of a part of the asset is significant to total cost of the asset and useful life of that part is
different from the useful life of the remaining asset, useful life of that significant part shall be
determined separately.
5. Depreciable amount is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less
its residual value. Ordinarily, the residual value of an asset is often insignificant but it should
generally be not more than 5% of the original cost of the asset.
264 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
6. The useful lives of assets working on shift basis have been specified in the Schedule
based on their single shift working. Except for assets in respect of which no extra shift
depreciation is permitted (indicated by NESD in Part C above), if an asset is used for any time
during the year for double shift, the depreciation will increase by 50% for that period and in
case of the triple shift the depreciation shall be calculated on the basis of 100% for that
period.
7. From the date this Schedule comes into effect, the carrying amount of the asset as
on that date—
(a) shall be depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset as per this
Schedule;
(b) after retaining the residual value, shall be recognised in the opening balance
of retained earnings where the remaining useful life of an asset is nil.
8. ‘‘Continuous process plant’’ means a plant which is required and designed to operate
for twenty-four hours a day.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 265
SCHEDULE III
(See section 129)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF BALANCE SHEET AND
STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS OF A COMPANY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Where compliance with the requirements of the Act including Accounting Standards
as applicable to the companies require any change in treatment or disclosure including
addition, amendment, substitution or deletion in the head or sub-head or any changes,
inter se, in the financial statements or statements forming part thereof, the same shall be
made and the requirements of this Schedule shall stand modified accordingly.
2. The disclosure requirements specified in this Schedule are in addition to and not in
substitution of the disclosure requirements specified in the Accounting Standards prescribed
under the Companies Act, 2013. Additional disclosures specified in the Accounting Standards
shall be made in the notes to accounts or by way of additional statement unless required to
be disclosed on the face of the Financial Statements. Similarly, all other disclosures as
required by the Companies Act shall be made in the notes to accounts in addition to the
requirements set out in this Schedule.
3. (i) Notes to accounts shall contain information in addition to that presented in the
Financial Statements and shall provide where required (a) narrative descriptions or
disaggregations of items recognised in those statements; and (b) information about items
that do not qualify for recognition in those statements.
(ii) Each item on the face of the Balance Sheet and Statement of Profit and Loss shall
be cross-referenced to any related information in the notes to accounts. In preparing the
Financial Statements including the notes to accounts, a balance shall be maintained between
providing excessive detail that may not assist users of financial statements and not providing
important information as a result of too much aggregation.
4. (i) Depending upon the turnover of the company, the figures appearing in the
Financial Statements may be rounded off as given below:—
Turnover Rounding off
(a) less than one hundred crore rupees To the nearest hundreds, thousands, lakhs
or millions, or decimals thereof.
(b) one hundred crore rupees or more To the nearest lakhs, millions or crores, or
decimals thereof.
(ii) Once a unit of measurement is used, it shall be used uniformly in the Financial
Statements.
5. Except in the case of the first Financial Statements laid before the Company (after its
incorporation) the corresponding amounts (comparatives) for the immediately preceding
reporting period for all items shown in the Financial Statements including notes shall also be
given.
6. For the purpose of this Schedule, the terms used herein shall be as per the applicable
Accounting Standards.
266 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Note:—This part of Schedule sets out the minimum requirements for disclosure on the face
of the Balance Sheet, and the Statement of Profit and Loss (hereinafter referred to as
“Financial Statements” for the purpose of this Schedule) and Notes. Line items,
sub-line items and sub-totals shall be presented as an addition or substitution on
the face of the Financial Statements when such presentation is relevant to an
understanding of the company’s financial position or performance or to cater to
industry/sector-specific disclosure requirements or when required for compliance
with the amendments to the Companies Act or under the Accounting Standards.
PART I — BALANCE SHEET
Name of the Company…………………….
Balance Sheet as at ………………………
(Rupees in…………)
Particulars Note Figures as at the Figures as at the
No. end of current end of the previous
reporting period reporting period
1 2 3 4
I. EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
(1) Shareholders’ funds
(a) Share capital
(b) Reserves and surplus
(c) Money received against share
warrants
(2) Share application money pending
allotment
(3) Non-current liabilities
(a) Long-term borrowings
(b) Deferred tax liabilities (Net)
(c) Other Long term liabilities
(d) Long-term provisions
(4) Current liabilities
(a) Short-term borrowings
(b) Trade payables
(c) Other current liabilities
(d) Short-term provisions
TOTAL
II. ASSETS
Non-current assets
(1) (a) Fixed assets
(i) Tangible assets
(ii) Intangible assets
(iii) Capital work-in-progress
(iv) Intangible assets under development
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 267
(b) Non-current investments
(c) Deferred tax assets (net)
(d) Long-term loans and advances
(e) Other non-current assets
(2) Current assets
(a) Current investments
(b) Inventories
(c) Trade receivables
(d) Cash and cash equivalents
(e) Short-term loans and advances
(f) Other current assets
TOTAL
See accompanying notes to the Financial Statements.
Notes
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF BALANCE SHEET
1. An asset shall be classified as current when it satisfies any of the following criteria:—
(a) it is expected to be realised in, or is intended for sale or consumption in, the
company’s normal operating cycle;
(b) it is held primarily for the purpose of being traded;
(c) it is expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting date; or
(d) it is cash or cash equivalent unless it is restricted from being exchanged or
used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
All other assets shall be classified as non-current.
2. An operating cycle is the time between the acquisition of assets for processing and
their realisation in cash or cash equivalents. Where the normal operating cycle cannot be
identified, it is assumed to have a duration of twelve months.
3. A liability shall be classified as current when it satisfies any of the following criteria:—
(a) it is expected to be settled in the company’s normal operating cycle;
(b) it is held primarily for the purpose of being traded;
(c) it is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting date; or
(d) the company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the
liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Terms of a liability that
could, at the option of the counterparty, result in its settlement by the issue of equity
instruments do not affect its classification.
All other liabilities shall be classified as non-current.
4. A receivable shall be classified as a “trade receivable” if it is in respect of the amount
due on account of goods sold or services rendered in the normal course of business.
5. A payable shall be classified as a “trade payable” if it is in respect of the amount due
on account of goods purchased or services received in the normal course of business.
6. A company shall disclose the following in the notes to accounts.
1 2 3 4
268 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
A. Share Capital
For each class of share capital (different classes of preference shares to be
treated separately):
(a) the number and amount of shares authorised;
(b) the number of shares issued, subscribed and fully paid, and subscribed
but not fully paid;
(c) par value per share;
(d) a reconciliation of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning
and at the end of the reporting period;
(e) the rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of shares
including restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of
capital;
(f) shares in respect of each class in the company held by its holding
company or its ultimate holding company including shares held by or by
subsidiaries or associates of the holding company or the ultimate holding
company in aggregate;
(g) shares in the company held by each shareholder holding more than
5 per cent. shares specifying the number of shares held;
(h) shares reserved for issue under options and contracts/commitments
for the sale of shares/disinvestment, including the terms and amounts;
(i) for the period of five years immediately preceding the date as at which
the Balance Sheet is prepared:
(A) Aggregate number and class of shares allotted as fully paid-up
pursuant to contract(s) without payment being received in cash.
(B) Aggregate number and class of shares allotted as fully paid-up
by way of bonus shares.
(C) Aggregate number and class of shares bought back.
(j) terms of any securities convertible into equity/preference shares issued
along with the earliest date of conversion in descending order starting from the
farthest such date;
(k) calls unpaid (showing aggregate value of calls unpaid by directors and
officers);
(l) forfeited shares (amount originally paid-up).
B. Reserves and Surplus
(i) Reserves and Surplus shall be classified as:
(a) Capital Reserves;
(b) Capital Redemption Reserve;
(c) Securities Premium Reserve;
(d) Debenture Redemption Reserve;
(e) Revaluation Reserve;
(f) Share Options Outstanding Account;
(g) Other Reserves–(specify the nature and purpose of each reserve and
the amount in respect thereof);
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 269
(h) Surplus i.e., balance in Statement of Profit and Loss disclosing
allocations and appropriations such as dividend, bonus shares and transfer to/
from reserves, etc.;
(Additions and deductions since last balance sheet to be shown under
each of the specified heads);
(ii) A reserve specifically represented by earmarked investments shall be termed
as a “fund”.
(iii) Debit balance of statement of profit and loss shall be shown as a negative
figure under the head “Surplus”. Similarly, the balance of “Reserves and Surplus”,
after adjusting negative balance of surplus, if any, shall be shown under the head
“Reserves and Surplus” even if the resulting figure is in the negative.
C. Long-Term Borrowings
(i) Long-term borrowings shall be classified as:
(a) Bonds/debentures;
(b) Term loans:
(A) from banks.
(B) from other parties.
(c) Deferred payment liabilities;
(d) Deposits;
(e) Loans and advances from related parties;
(f) Long term maturities of finance lease obligations;
(g) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) Borrowings shall further be sub-classified as secured and unsecured. Nature
of security shall be specified separately in each case.
(iii) Where loans have been guaranteed by directors or others, the aggregate
amount of such loans under each head shall be disclosed.
(iv) Bonds/debentures (along with the rate of interest and particulars of
redemption or conversion, as the case may be) shall be stated in descending order of
maturity or conversion, starting from farthest redemption or conversion date, as the
case may be. Where bonds/debentures are redeemable by instalments, the date of
maturity for this purpose must be reckoned as the date on which the first instalment
becomes due.
(v) Particulars of any redeemed bonds/debentures which the company has power
to reissue shall be disclosed.
(vi) Terms of repayment of term loans and other loans shall be stated.
(vii) Period and amount of continuing default as on the balance sheet date in
repayment of loans and interest, shall be specified separately in each case.
D. Other Long-term Liabilities
Other Long-term Liabilities shall be classified as:
(a) Trade payables;
(b) Others.
E. Long-term provisions
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Provision for employee benefits;
270 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) Others (specify nature).
F. Short-term borrowings
(i) Short-term borrowings shall be classified as:
(a) Loans repayable on demand;
(A) from banks.
(B) from other parties.
(b) Loans and advances from related parties;
(c) Deposits;
(d) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) Borrowings shall further be sub-classified as secured and unsecured. Nature
of security shall be specified separately in each case.
(iii) Where loans have been guaranteed by directors or others, the aggregate
amount of such loans under each head shall be disclosed.
(iv) Period and amount of default as on the balance sheet date in repayment of
loans and interest, shall be specified separately in each case.
G. Other current liabilities
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Current maturities of long-term debt;
(b) Current maturities of finance lease obligations;
(c) Interest accrued but not due on borrowings;
(d) Interest accrued and due on borrowings;
(e) Income received in advance;
(f) Unpaid dividends;
(g) Application money received for allotment of securities and due for
refund and interest accrued thereon. Share application money includes advances
towards allotment of share capital. The terms and conditions including the number
of shares proposed to be issued, the amount of premium, if any, and the period
before which shares shall be allotted shall be disclosed. It shall also be disclosed
whether the company has sufficient authorised capital to cover the share capital
amount resulting from allotment of shares out of such share application money.
Further, the period for which the share application money has been pending
beyond the period for allotment as mentioned in the document inviting application
for shares along with the reason for such share application money being pending
shall be disclosed. Share application money not exceeding the issued capital
and to the extent not refundable shall be shown under the head Equity and share
application money to the extent refundable, i.e., the amount in excess of
subscription or in case the requirements of minimum subscription are not met,
shall be separately shown under “Óther current liabilities”;
(h) Unpaid matured deposits and interest accrued thereon;
(i) Unpaid matured debentures and interest accrued thereon;
(j) Other payables (specify nature).
H. Short-term provisions
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Provision for employee benefits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 271
(b) Others (specify nature).
I. Tangible assets
(i) Classification shall be given as:
(a) Land;
(b) Buildings;
(c) Plant and Equipment;
(d) Furniture and Fixtures;
(e) Vehicles;
(f) Office equipment;
(g) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Assets under lease shall be separately specified under each class of asset.
(iii) A reconciliation of the gross and net carrying amounts of each class of
assets at the beginning and end of the reporting period showing additions, disposals,
acquisitions through business combinations and other adjustments and the related
depreciation and impairment losses/reversals shall be disclosed separately.
(iv) Where sums have been written-off on a reduction of capital or revaluation of
assets or where sums have been added on revaluation of assets, every balance sheet
subsequent to date of such write-off, or addition shall show the reduced or increased
figures as applicable and shall by way of a note also show the amount of the reduction
or increase as applicable together with the date thereof for the first five years subsequent
to the date of such reduction or increase.
J. Intangible assets
(i) Classification shall be given as:
(a) Goodwill;
(b) Brands /trademarks;
(c) Computer software;
(d) Mastheads and publishing titles;
(e) Mining rights;
(f) Copyrights, and patents and other intellectual property rights, services
and operating rights;
(g) Recipes, formulae, models, designs and prototypes;
(h) Licences and franchise;
(i) Others (specify nature).
(ii) A reconciliation of the gross and net carrying amounts of each class of
assets at the beginning and end of the reporting period showing additions, disposals,
acquisitions through business combinations and other adjustments and the related
amortization and impairment losses/reversals shall be disclosed separately.
(iii) Where sums have been written-off on a reduction of capital or revaluation
of assets or where sums have been added on revaluation of assets, every balance
sheet subsequent to date of such write-off, or addition shall show the reduced or
increased figures as applicable and shall by way of a note also show the amount of the
reduction or increase as applicable together with the date thereof for the first five years
subsequent to the date of such reduction or increase.
272 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
K. Non-current investments
(i) Non-current investments shall be classified as trade investments and other
investments and further classified as:
(a) Investment property;
(b) Investments in Equity Instruments;
(c) Investments in preference shares;
(d) Investments in Government or trust securities;
(e) Investments in debentures or bonds;
(f) Investments in Mutual Funds;
(g) Investments in partnership firms;
(h) Other non-current investments (specify nature).
Under each classification, details shall be given of names of the bodies corporate
indicating separately whether such bodies are (i) subsidiaries, (ii) associates,
(iii) joint ventures, or (iv) controlled special purpose entities in whom investments
have been made and the nature and extent of the investment so made in each such
body corporate (showing separately investments which are partly-paid). In regard to
investments in the capital of partnership firms, the names of the firms (with the names
of all their partners, total capital and the shares of each partner) shall be given.
(ii) Investments carried at other than at cost should be separately stated specifying
the basis for valuation thereof;
(iii) The following shall also be disclosed:
(a) Aggregate amount of quoted investments and market value thereof;
(b) Aggregate amount of unquoted investments;
(c) Aggregate provision for diminution in value of investments.
L. Long-term loans and advances
(i) Long-term loans and advances shall be classified as:
(a) Capital Advances;
(b) Security Deposits;
(c) Loans and advances to related parties (giving details thereof);
(d) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) The above shall also be separately sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful loans and advances shall be disclosed
under the relevant heads separately.
(iv) Loans and advances due by directors or other officers of the company or
any of them either severally or jointly with any other persons or amounts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a
member should be separately stated.
M. Other non-current assets
Other non-current assets shall be classified as:
(i) Long-term Trade Receivables (including trade receivables on deferred
credit terms);
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 273
(ii) Others (specify nature);
(iii) Long term Trade Receivables, shall be sub-classified as:
(A) (a) Secured, considered good;
(B) Unsecured, considered good;
(C) Doubtful.
(b) Allowance for bad and doubtful debts shall be disclosed under
the relevant heads separately.
(c) Debts due by directors or other officers of the company or any of
them either severally or jointly with any other person or debts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a
director or a member should be separately stated.
N. Current Investments
(i) Current investments shall be classified as:
(a) Investments in Equity Instruments;
(b) Investment in Preference Shares;
(c) Investments in Government or trust securities;
(d) Investments in debentures or bonds;
(e) Investments in Mutual Funds;
(f) Investments in partnership firms;
(g) Other investments (specify nature).
Under each classification, details shall be given of names of the bodies corporate
[indicating separately whether such bodies are: (i) subsidiaries, (ii) associates,
(iii) joint ventures, or (iv) controlled special purpose entities] in whom investments
have been made and the nature and extent of the investment so made in each such
body corporate (showing separately investments which are partly paid). In regard to
investments in the capital of partnership firms, the names of the firms (with the names
of all their partners, total capital and the shares of each partner) shall be given.
(ii) The following shall also be disclosed:
(a) The basis of valuation of individual investments;
(b) Aggregate amount of quoted investments and market value thereof;
(c) Aggregate amount of unquoted investments;
(d) Aggregate provision made for diminution in value of investments.
O. Inventories
(i) Inventories shall be classified as:
(a) Raw materials;
(b) Work-in-progress;
(c) Finished goods;
(d) Stock-in-trade (in respect of goods acquired for trading);
(e) Stores and spares;
(f) Loose tools;
274 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(g) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Goods-in-transit shall be disclosed under the relevant sub-head of inventories.
(iii) Mode of valuation shall be stated.
P. Trade Receivables
(i) Aggregate amount of Trade Receivables outstanding for a period exceeding
six months from the date they are due for payment should be separately stated.
(ii) Trade receivables shall be sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful debts shall be disclosed under the relevant
heads separately.
(iv) Debts due by directors or other officers of the company or any of them
either severally or jointly with any other person or debts due by firms or private
companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a member
should be separately stated.
Q. Cash and cash equivalents
(i) Cash and cash equivalents shall be classified as:
(a) Balances with banks;
(b) Cheques, drafts on hand;
(c) Cash on hand;
(d) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Earmarked balances with banks (for example, for unpaid dividend) shall be
separately stated.
(iii) Balances with banks to the extent held as margin money or security against
the borrowings, guarantees, other commitments shall be disclosed separately.
(iv) Repatriation restrictions, if any, in respect of cash and bank balances shall
be separately stated.
(v) Bank deposits with more than twelve months maturity shall be disclosed
separately.
R. Short-term loans and advances
(i) Short-term loans and advances shall be classified as:
(a) Loans and advances to related parties (giving details thereof);
(b) Others (specify nature).
(ii) The above shall also be sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful loans and advances shall be disclosed
under the relevant heads separately.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 275
(iv) Loans and advances due by directors or other officers of the company or
any of them either severally or jointly with any other person or amounts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a
member shall be separately stated.
S. Other current assets (specify nature)
This is an all-inclusive heading, which incorporates current assets that do not fit
into any other asset categories.
T. Contingent liabilities and commitments (to the extent not provided for)
(i) Contingent liabilities shall be classified as:
(a) Claims against the company not acknowledged as debt;
(b) Guarantees;
(c) Other money for which the company is contingently liable.
(ii) Commitments shall be classified as:
(a) Estimated amount of contracts remaining to be executed on capital
account and not provided for;
(b) Uncalled liability on shares and other investments partly paid;
(c) Other commitments (specify nature).
U. The amount of dividends proposed to be distributed to equity and preference
shareholders for the period and the related amount per share shall be disclosed
separately. Arrears of fixed cumulative dividends on preference shares shall also be
disclosed separately.
V. Where in respect of an issue of securities made for a specific purpose, the
whole or part of the amount has not been used for the specific purpose at the balance
sheet date, there shall be indicated by way of note how such unutilised amounts have
been used or invested.
W. If, in the opinion of the Board, any of the assets other than fixed assets and
non-current investments do not have a value on realisation in the ordinary course of
business at least equal to the amount at which they are stated, the fact that the Board
is of that opinion, shall be stated.
PART II – STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS
Name of the Company…………………….
Profit and loss statement for the year ended ………………………
(Rupees in…………)
Particulars Note Figures as at the Figures as at
No. end of current the end of
reporting period the previous
reporting
period
1 2 3 4
I. Revenue from operations xxx xxx
II. Other income xxx xxx
III. Total Revenue (I + II) xxx xxx
276 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
IV. Expenses:
Cost of materials consumed
Purchases of Stock-in-Trade
Changes in inventories of
finished goods xxx xxx
work-in-progress and xxx xxx
Stock-in-Trade xxx xxx
Employee benefits expense xxx xxx
Finance costs
Depreciation and amortisation
expense
Other expenses
Total expenses xxx xxx
V. Profit before exceptional and xxx xxx
extraordinary items and tax
(III - IV)
VI. Exceptional items xxx xxx
VII. Profit before extraordinary items xxx xxx
and tax (V - VI)
VIII. Extraordinary items xxx xxx
IX. Profit before tax (VII- VIII) xxx xxx
X. Tax expense:
(1) Current tax xxx xxx
(2) Deferred tax xxx xxx
XI. Profit (Loss) for the period from xxx xxx
continuing operations (VII-VIII)
XII. Profit/(loss) from discontinuing xxx xxx
operations
XIII. Tax expense of discontinuing xxx xxx
operations
XIV. Profit/(loss) from Discontinuing xxx xxx
operations (after tax) (XII-XIII)
XV. Profit (Loss) for the period (XI + XIV) xxx xxx
XVI. Earnings per equity share:
(1) Basic xxx xxx
(2) Diluted xxx xxx
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
1 2 3 4
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 277
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF STATEMENT OF
PROFIT AND LOSS
1. The provisions of this Part shall apply to the income and expenditure account
referred to in sub-clause (ii) of clause (40) of section 2 in like manner as they apply to a
statement of profit and loss.
2. (A) In respect of a company other than a finance company revenue from operations
shall disclose separately in the notes revenue from—
(a) Sale of products;
(b) Sale of services;
(c) Other operating revenues;
Less:
(d) Excise duty.
(B) In respect of a finance company, revenue from operations shall include revenue
from—
(a) Interest; and
(b) Other financial services.
Revenue under each of the above heads shall be disclosed separately by way of notes
to accounts to the extent applicable.
3. Finance Costs
Finance costs shall be classified as:
(a) Interest expense;
(b) Other borrowing costs;
(c) Applicable net gain/loss on foreign currency transactions and translation.
4. Other income
Other income shall be classified as:
(a) Interest Income (in case of a company other than a finance company);
(b) Dividend Income;
(c) Net gain/loss on sale of investments;
(d) Other non-operating income (net of expenses directly attributable
to such income).
5. Additional Information
A Company shall disclose by way of notes additional information regarding aggregate
expenditure and income on the following items:—
(i) (a) Employee Benefits Expense [showing separately (i) salaries and wages,
(ii) contribution to provident and other funds, (iii) expense on Employee Stock Option
Scheme (ESOP) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), (iv) staff welfare expenses].
(b) Depreciation and amortisation expense;
(c) Any item of income or expenditure which exceeds one per cent. of the revenue
from operations or Rs.1,00,000, whichever is higher;
(d) Interest Income;
278 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) Interest expense;
(f) Dividend income;
(g) Net gain/loss on sale of investments;
(h) Adjustments to the carrying amount of investments;
(i) Net gain or loss on foreign currency transaction and translation (other than
considered as finance cost);
(j) Payments to the auditor as (a) auditor; (b) for taxation matters; (c) for company
law matters; (d) for management services; (e) for other services; and (f) for
reimbursement of expenses;
(k) In case of Companies covered under section 135, amount of expenditure
incurred on corporate social responsibility activities;
(l) Details of items of exceptional and extraordinary nature;
(m) Prior period items;
(ii) (a) In the case of manufacturing companies,—
(1) Raw materials under broad heads.
(2) goods purchased under broad heads.
(b) In the case of trading companies, purchases in respect of goods traded in by
the company under broad heads.
(c) In the case of companies rendering or supplying services, gross income
derived from services rendered or supplied under broad heads.
(d) In the case of a company, which falls under more than one of the categories
mentioned in (a), (b) and (c) above, it shall be sufficient compliance with the requirements
herein if purchases, sales and consumption of raw material and the gross income from
services rendered is shown under broad heads.
(e) In the case of other companies, gross income derived under broad heads.
(iii) In the case of all concerns having works in progress, works-in-progress
under broad heads.
(iv) (a) The aggregate, if material, of any amounts set aside or proposed to be set
aside, to reserve, but not including provisions made to meet any specific liability,
contingency or commitment known to exist at the date as to which the balance sheet is
made up.
(b) The aggregate, if material, of any amounts withdrawn from such reserves.
(v) (a) The aggregate, if material, of the amounts set aside to provisions made for
meeting specific liabilities, contingencies or commitments.
(b) The aggregate, if material, of the amounts withdrawn from such provisions,
as no longer required.
(vi) Expenditure incurred on each of the following items, separately for each
item:—
(a) Consumption of stores and spare parts;
(b) Power and fuel;
(c) Rent;
(d) Repairs to buildings;
(e) Repairs to machinery;
(f) Insurance;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 279
(g) Rates and taxes, excluding, taxes on income;
(h) Miscellaneous expenses,
(vii) (a) Dividends from subsidiary companies.
(b) Provisions for losses of subsidiary companies.
(viii) The profit and loss account shall also contain by way of a note the following
information, namely:—
(a) Value of imports calculated on C.I.F basis by the company during the
financial year in respect of—
I. Raw materials;
II. Components and spare parts;
III. Capital goods;
(b) Expenditure in foreign currency during the financial year on account of
royalty, know-how, professional and consultation fees, interest, and other matters;
(c) Total value if all imported raw materials, spare parts and components
consumed during the financial year and the total value of all indigenous raw
materials, spare parts and components similarly consumed and the percentage
of each to the total consumption;
(d) The amount remitted during the year in foreign currencies on account
of dividends with a specific mention of the total number of non-resident
shareholders, the total number of shares held by them on which the dividends
were due and the year to which the dividends related;
(e) Earnings in foreign exchange classified under the following heads,
namely:—
I. Export of goods calculated on F.O.B. basis;
II. Royalty, know-how, professional and consultation fees;
III. Interest and dividend;
IV. Other income, indicating the nature thereof.
Note:— Broad heads shall be decided taking into account the concept of materiality and
presentation of true and fair view of financial statements.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Where a company is required to prepare Consolidated Financial Statements, i.e.,
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of profit and loss, the company shall
mutatis mutandis follow the requirements of this Schedule as applicable to a company in the
preparation of balance sheet and statement of profit and loss. In addition, the consolidated
financial statements shall disclose the information as per the requirements specified in the
applicable Accounting Standards including the following:
(i) Profit or loss attributable to “minority interest” and to owners of the parent in
the statement of profit and loss shall be presented as allocation for the period.
(ii) “Minority interests” in the balance sheet within equity shall be presented
separately from the equity of the owners of the parent.
280 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
2. In Consolidated Financial Statements, the following shall be disclosed by way of
additional information:
Name of the Net Assets, i.e., total Share in profit
entity in the assets minus total liabilities or loss
As % of Amount As % of Amount
consolidated consolidated
net assets profit or loss
1 2 3 4 5
Parent
Subsidiaries
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Minority
Interests in
all subsidiaries
Associates
(Investment
as per the equity
method)
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Joint Ventures
(as per proportionate
consolidation/
investment
as per the
equity method)
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 281
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
TOTAL
3. All subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (whether Indian or foreign) will be
covered under consolidated financial statements.
4. An entity shall disclose the list of subsidiaries or associates or joint ventures which
have not been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements along with the reasons
of not consolidating.
1 2 3 4 5
282 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE IV
[See section 149(8)]
CODE FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Code is a guide to professional conduct for independent directors. Adherence to
these standards by independent directors and fulfilment of their responsibilities in a
professional and faithful manner will promote confidence of the investment community,
particularly minority shareholders, regulators and companies in the institution of independent
directors.
I. Guidelines of professional conduct:
An independent director shall:
(1) uphold ethical standards of integrity and probity;
(2) act objectively and constructively while exercising his duties;
(3) exercise his responsibilities in a bona fide manner in the interest of the company;
(4) devote sufficient time and attention to his professional obligations for informed
and balanced decision making;
(5) not allow any extraneous considerations that will vitiate his exercise of objective
independent judgment in the paramount interest of the company as a whole,
while concurring in or dissenting from the collective judgment of the Board in its
decision making;
(6) not abuse his position to the detriment of the company or its shareholders or for
the purpose of gaining direct or indirect personal advantage or advantage for
any associated person;
(7) refrain from any action that would lead to loss of his independence;
(8) where circumstances arise which make an independent director lose his
independence, the independent director must immediately inform the Board
accordingly;
(9) assist the company in implementing the best corporate governance practices.
II. Role and functions:
The independent directors shall:
(1) help in bringing an independent judgment to bear on the Board’s deliberations
especially on issues of strategy, performance, risk management, resources, key
appointments and standards of conduct;
(2) bring an objective view in the evaluation of the performance of board and
management;
(3) scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives
and monitor the reporting of performance;
(4) satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial
controls and the systems of risk management are robust and defensible;
(5) safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, particularly the minority shareholders;
(6) balance the conflicting interest of the stakeholders;
(7) determine appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors, key
managerial personnel and senior management and have a prime role in appointing
and where necessary recommend removal of executive directors, key managerial
personnel and senior management;
(8) moderate and arbitrate in the interest of the company as a whole, in situations of
conflict between management and shareholder’s interest.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 283
III. Duties :
The independent directors shall—
(1) undertake appropriate induction and regularly update and refresh their skills,
knowledge and familiarity with the company;
(2) seek appropriate clarification or amplification of information and, where necessary,
take and follow appropriate professional advice and opinion of outside experts
at the expense of the company;
(3) strive to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Board committees
of which he is a member;
(4) participate constructively and actively in the committees of the Board in which
they are chairpersons or members;
(5) strive to attend the general meetings of the company;
(6) where they have concerns about the running of the company or a proposed
action, ensure that these are addressed by the Board and, to the extent that they
are not resolved, insist that their concerns are recorded in the minutes of the
Board meeting;
(7) keep themselves well informed about the company and the external environment
in which it operates;
(8) not to unfairly obstruct the functioning of an otherwise proper Board or
committee of the Board;
(9) pay sufficient attention and ensure that adequate deliberations are held before
approving related party transactions and assure themselves that the same are in
the interest of the company;
(10) ascertain and ensure that the company has an adequate and functional vigil
mechanism and to ensure that the interests of a person who uses such mechanism
are not prejudicially affected on account of such use;
(11) report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation
of the company’s code of conduct or ethics policy;
(12) acting within his authority, assist in protecting the legitimate interests of the
company, shareholders and its employees;
(13) not disclose confidential information, including commercial secrets, technologies,
advertising and sales promotion plans, unpublished price sensitive information,
unless such disclosure is expressly approved by the Board or required by law.
IV. Manner of appointment:
(1) Appointment process of independent dir ectors shall be independent of the
company management; while selecting independent directors the Board shall ensure
that there is appropriate balance of skills, experience and knowledge in the Board
so as to enable the Board to discharge its functions and duties effectively.
(2) The appointment of independent director(s) of the company shall be approved
at the meeting of the shareholders.
(3) The explanatory statement attached to the notice of the meeting for approving
the appointment of independent director shall include a statement that in the
opinion of the Board, the independent director proposed to be appointed fulfils
the conditions specified in the Act and the rules made thereunder and that the
proposed director is independent of the management.
284 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) The appointment of independent directors shall be formalised through a letter of
appointment, which shall set out :
(a) the term of appointment;
(b) the expectation of the Board from the appointed director; the Board-level
committee(s) in which the director is expected to serve and its tasks;
(c) the fiduciary duties that come with such an appointment along with
accompanying liabilities;
(d) provision for Directors and Officers (D and O) insurance, if any;
(e) the Code of Business Ethics that the company expects its directors and
employees to follow;
(f) the list of actions that a director should not do while functioning as such in
the company; and
(g) the remuneration, mentioning periodic fees, reimbursement of expenses for
participation in the Boards and other meetings and profit related commission,
if any.
(5) The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors shall be
open for inspection at the registered office of the company by any member
during normal business hours.
(6) The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors shall also be
posted on the company’s website.
V. Re-appointment:
The re-appointment of independent director shall be on the basis of report of
performance evaluation.
VI. Resignation or removal:
(1) The resignation or removal of an independent director shall be in the same
manner as is provided in sections 168 and 169 of the Act.
(2) An independent director who resigns or is removed from the Board of the
company shall be replaced by a new independent director within a period of not
more than one hundred and eighty days from the date of such resignation or
removal, as the case may be.
(3) Where the company fulfils the requirement of independent directors in its Board
even without filling the vacancy created by such resignation or removal, as the
case may be, the requirement of replacement by a new independent director shall
not apply.
VII. Separate meetings:
(1) The independent directors of the company shall hold at least one meeting in a
year, without the attendance of non-independent directors and members of
management;
(2) All the independent directors of the company shall strive to be present at such
meeting;
(3) The meeting shall:
(a) review the performance of non-independent directors and the Board as a
whole;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 285
(b) review the performance of the Chairperson of the company, taking into account
the views of executive directors and non-executive directors;
(c) assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the
company management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to
effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
VIII. Evaluation mechanism:
(1) The performance evaluation of independent directors shall be done by the entire
Board of Directors, excluding the director being evaluated.
(2) On the basis of the report of performance evaluation, it shall be determined
whether to extend or continue the term of appointment of the independent director.
286 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE V
(See sections 196 and 197)
PART I
CONDITIONS TO BE FULFILLED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A MANAGING OR
WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR OR A MANAGER WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
APPOINTMENTS
No person shall be eligible for appointment as a managing or whole-time director or a
manager (hereinafter referred to as managerial person) of a company unless he satisfies the
following conditions, namely:—
(a) he had not been sentenced to imprisonment for any period, or to a fine
exceeding one thousand rupees, for the conviction of an offence under any of the
following Acts, namely:—
(i) the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (2 of 1899);
(ii) the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944);
(iii) the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 (65 of 1951);
(iv) the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (37 of 1954);
(v) the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955);
(vi) the Companies Act, 2013;
(vii) the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (42 of 1956);
(viii) the Wealth-tax Act, 1957 (27 of 1957);
(ix) the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961);
(x) the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962);
(xi) the Competition Act, 2002 (12 of 2003);
(xii) the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999);
(xiii) the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (1 of 1986);
(xiv) the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992);
(xv) the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1922 (22 of 1922);
(xvi) the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003);
(b) he had not been detained for any period under the Conservation of Foreign
Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (52 of 1974):
Provided that where the Central Government has given its approval to the appointment
of a person convicted or detained under sub-paragraph (a) or sub-paragraph (b), as the case
may be, no further approval of the Central Government shall be necessary for the subsequent
appointment of that person if he had not been so convicted or detained subsequent to such
approval.
(c) he has completed the age of twenty-one years and has not attained the age
of seventy years:
Provided that where he has attained the age of seventy years; and where his
appointment is approved by a special resolution passed by the company in general meeting,
no further approval of the Central Government shall be necessary for such appointment;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 287
(d) where he is a managerial person in more than one company, he draws remuneration
from one or more companies subject to the ceiling provided in section V of Part II;
(e) he is resident of India.
Explanation I.—For the purpose of this Schedule, resident in India includes a person
who has been staying in India for a continuous period of not less than twelve months
immediately preceding the date of his appointment as a managerial person and who has come
to stay in India,—
(i) for taking up employment in India; or
(ii) for carrying on a business or vacation in India.
Explanation II.—This condition shall not apply to the companies in Special Economic
Zones as notified by Department of Commerce from time to time:
Provided that a person, being a non-resident in India shall enter India only after
obtaining a proper Employment Visa from the concerned Indian mission abroad. For this
purpose, such person shall be required to furnish, along with the visa application form,
profile of the company, the principal employer and terms and conditions of such person’s
appointment.
PART II
REMUNERATION
Section I.— Remuneration payable by companies having profits:
Subject to the provisions of section 197, a company having profits in a financial year
may pay remuneration to a managerial person or persons not exceeding the limits specified in
such section.
Section II.— Remuneration payable by companies having no profit or inadequate profit
without Central Government approval:
Where in any financial year during the currency of tenure of a managerial person, a
company has no profits or its profits are inadequate, it may, without Central Government
approval, pay remuneration to the managerial person not exceeding the higher of the limits
under (A) and (B) given below:—
(A):
(1) (2)
Where the effective capital is Limit of yearly remuneration
payable shall not exceed (Rupees)
(i) Negative or less than 5 crores 30 lakhs
(ii) 5 crores and above but less than 42 lakhs
100 crores
(iii) 100 crores and above but less than 60 lakhs
250 crores
(iv) 250 crores and above 60 lakhs plus 0.01% of the effective
capital in excess of Rs. 250 crores:
Provided that the above limits shall be doubled if the resolution passed by the
shareholders is a special resolution.
Explanation.—It is hereby clarified that for a period less than one year, the limits shall
be pro-rated.
(B) In the case of a managerial person who was not a security holder holding securities
of the company of nominal value of rupees five lakh or more or an employee or a director of
the company or not related to any director or promoter at any time during the two years prior
to his appointment as a managerial person, — 2.5% of the current relevant profit:
288 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that if the resolution passed by the shareholders is a special resolution, this
limit shall be doubled:
Provided further that the limits specified under this section shall apply, if—
(i) payment of remuneration is approved by a resolution passed by the Board and, in
the case of a company covered under sub-section (1) of section 178 also by the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee;
(ii) the company has not made any default in repayment of any of its debts (including
public deposits) or debentures or interest payable thereon for a continuous period
of thirty days in the preceding financial year before the date of appointment of such
managerial person;
(iii) a special resolution has been passed at the general meeting of the company for
payment of remuneration for a period not exceeding three years;
(iv) a statement along with a notice calling the general meeting referred to in clause (iii)
is given to the shareholders containing the following information, namely:—
I. General Information:
(1) Nature of industry
(2) Date or expected date of commencement of commercial production
(3) In case of new companies, expected date of commencement of activities as
per project approved by financial institutions appearing in the prospectus
(4) Financial performance based on given indicators
(5) Foreign investments or collaborations, if any.
II. Information about the appointee:
(1) Background details
(2) Past remuneration
(3) Recognition or awards
(4) Job profile and his suitability
(5) Remuneration proposed
(6) Comparative remuneration profile with respect to industry, size of the
company, profile of the position and person (in case of expatriates the
relevant details would be with respect to the country of his origin)
(7) Pecuniary relationship directly or indirectly with the company, or
relationship with the managerial personnel, if any.
III. Other information:
(1) Reasons of loss or inadequate profits
(2) Steps taken or proposed to be taken for improvement
(3) Expected increase in productivity and profits in measurable terms.
IV. Disclosures:
The following disclosures shall be mentioned in the Board of Director’s report
under the heading “Corporate Governance”, if any, attached to the financial
statement:—
(i) all elements of remuneration package such as salary, benefits, bonuses,
stock options, pension, etc., of all the directors;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 289
(ii) details of fixed component and performance linked incentives along with
the performance criteria;
(iii) service contracts, notice period, severance fees;
(iv) stock option details, if any, and whether the same has been issued at a
discount as well as the period over which accrued and over which
exercisable.
Section III.— Remuneration payable by companies having no profit or inadequate profit
without Central Government approval in certain special circumstances:
In the following circumstances a company may, without the Central Government
approval, pay remuneration to a managerial person in excess of the amounts provided in
Section II above:—
(a) where the remuneration in excess of the limits specified in Section I or II is paid by
any other company and that other company is either a foreign company or has got
the approval of its shareholders in general meeting to make such payment, and
treats this amount as managerial remuneration for the purpose of section 197 and
the total managerial remuneration payable by such other company to its managerial
persons including such amount or amounts is within permissible limits under
section 197.
(b) where the company—
(i) is a newly incorporated company, for a period of seven years from the date of
its incorporation, or
(ii) is a sick company, for whom a scheme of revival or rehabilitation has been
ordered by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction or National
Company Law Tribunal, for a period of five years from the date of sanction of
scheme of revival,
it may pay remuneration up to two times the amount permissible under Section II.
(c) where remuneration of a managerial person exceeds the limits in Section II but the
remuneration has been fixed by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
or the National Company Law Tribunal:
Provided that the limits under this Section shall be applicable subject to meeting all the
conditions specified under Section II and the following additional conditions:—
(i) except as provided in para (a) of this Section, the managerial person is not
receiving remuneration from any other company;
(ii) the auditor or Company Secretary of the company or where the company has
not appointed a Secretary, a Secretary in whole-time practice, certifies that all
secured creditors and term lenders have stated in writing that they have no
objection for the appointment of the managerial person as well as the quantum
of remuneration and such certificate is filed along with the return as prescribed
under sub-section (4) of section 196.
(iii) the auditor or Company Secretary or where the company has not appointed a
secretary, a secretary in whole-time practice certifies that there is no default on
payments to any creditors, and all dues to deposit holders are being settled on
time.
(d) a company in a Special Economic Zone as notified by Department of Commerce
from time to time which has not raised any money by public issue of shares or
debentures in India, and has not made any default in India in repayment of any of its
debts (including public deposits) or debentures or interest payable thereon for a
continuous period of thirty days in any financial year, may pay remuneration up to
Rs. 2,40,00,000 per annum.
290 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Section IV.— Perquisites not included in managerial remuneration:
1. A managerial person shall be eligible for the following perquisites which shall not be
included in the computation of the ceiling on remuneration specified in Section II and
Section III:—
(a) contribution to provident fund, superannuation fund or annuity fund to the extent
these either singly or put together are not taxable under the Income-tax Act, 1961
(43 of 1961);
(b) gratuity payable at a rate not exceeding half a month’s salary for each completed
year of service; and
(c) encashment of leave at the end of the tenure.
2. In addition to the perquisites specified in paragraph 1 of this section, an expatriate
managerial person (including a non-resident Indian) shall be eligible to the following
perquisites which shall not be included in the computation of the ceiling on remuneration
specified in Section II or Section III—
(a) Children’s education allowance: In case of children studying in or outside India,
an allowance limited to a maximum of Rs. 12,000 per month per child or actual
expenses incurred, whichever is less. Such allowance is admissible up to a maximum
of two children.
(b) Holiday passage for children studying outside India or family staying abroad:
Return holiday passage once in a year by economy class or once in two years by
first class to children and to the members of the family from the place of their study
or stay abroad to India if they are not residing in India, with the managerial person.
(c) Leave travel concession: Return passage for self and family in accordance with the
rules specified by the company where it is proposed that the leave be spent in home
country instead of anywhere in India.
Explanation I.— For the purposes of Section II of this Part, “effective capital” means
the aggregate of the paid-up share capital (excluding share application money or advances
against shares); amount, if any, for the time being standing to the credit of share premium
account; reserves and surplus (excluding revaluation reserve); long-term loans and deposits
repayable after one year (excluding working capital loans, over drafts, interest due on loans
unless funded, bank guarantee, etc., and other short-term arrangements) as reduced by the
aggregate of any investments (except in case of investment by an investment company
whose principal business is acquisition of shares, stock, debentures or other securities),
accumulated losses and preliminary expenses not written off.
Explanation II.— (a) Where the appointment of the managerial person is made in the
year in which company has been incorporated, the effective capital shall be calculated as on
the date of such appointment;
(b) In any other case the effective capital shall be calculated as on the last date of the
financial year preceding the financial year in which the appointment of the managerial person
is made.
Explanation III.— For the purposes of this Schedule, ‘‘family’’ means the spouse,
dependent children and dependent parents of the managerial person.
Explanation IV.— The Nomination and Remuneration Committee while approving the
remuneration under Section II or Section III, shall—
(a) take into account, financial position of the company, trend in the industry,
appointee’s qualification, experience, past performance, past remuneration, etc.;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 291
(b) be in a position to bring about objectivity in determining the remuneration
package while striking a balance between the interest of the company and the
shareholders.
Explanation V.— For the purposes of this Schedule, “negative effective capital” means
the effective capital which is calculated in accordance with the provisions contained in
Explanation I of this Part is less than zero.
Explanation VI.— For the purposes of this Schedule:—
(A) “current relevant profit” means the profit as calculated under section 198 but
without deducting the excess of expenditure over income referred to in sub-section 4
(l) thereof in respect of those years during which the managerial person was not an
employee, director or shareholder of the company or its holding or subsidiary
companies.
(B) “Remuneration” means remuneration as defined in clause (78) of section 2
and includes reimbursement of any direct taxes to the managerial person.
Section V. —Remuneration payable to a managerial person in two companies:
Subject to the provisions of sections I to IV, a managerial person shall draw remuneration
from one or both companies, provided that the total remuneration drawn from the companies
does not exceed the higher maximum limit admissible from any one of the companies of which
he is a managerial person.
PART III
Provisions applicable to Parts I and II of this Schedule
1. The appointment and remuneration referred to in Part I and Part II of this Schedule
shall be subject to approval by a resolution of the shareholders in general meeting.
2. The auditor or the Secretary of the company or where the company is not required to
appointed a Secretary, a Secretary in whole-time practice shall certify that the requirement of
this Schedule have been complied with and such certificate shall be incorporated in the
return filed with the Registrar under sub-section (4) of section 196.
PART IV
The Central Government may, by notification, exempt any class or classes of companies
from any of the requirements contained in this Schedule.
292 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE VI
(See sections 55 and 186)
The term “infrastructural projects” or “infrastructural facilities” includes the
following projects or activities:—
(1) Transportation (including inter modal transportation), includes the
following:—
(a) roads, national highways, state highways, major district roads, other
district roads and village roads, including toll roads, bridges, highways, road
transport providers and other road-related services;
(b) rail system, rail transport providers, metro rail roads and other railway
related services;
(c) ports (including minor ports and harbours), inland waterways, coastal
shipping including shipping lines and other port related services;
(d) aviation, including airports, heliports, airlines and other airport related
services;
(e) logistics services.
(2) Agriculture, including the following, namely:—
(a) infrastructure related to storage facilities;
(b) construction relating to projects involving agro-processing and supply of
inputs to agriculture;
(c) construction for preservation and storage of processed agro-products,
perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables and flowers including testing facilities for
quality.
(3) Water management, including the following, namely:—
(a) water supply or distribution;
(b) irrigation;
(c) water treatment.
(4) Telecommunication, including the following, namely:—
(a) basic or cellular, including radio paging;
(b) domestic satellite service (i.e., satellite owned and operated by an Indian
company for providing telecommunication service);
(c) network of trunking, broadband network and internet services.
(5) Industrial, commercial and social development and maintenance, including the
following, namely:—
(a) real estate development, including an industrial park or special economic
zone;
(b) tourism, including hotels, convention centres and entertainment centres;
(c) public markets and buildings, trade fair, convention, exhibition, cultural
centres, sports and recreation infrastructure, public gardens and parks;
(d) construction of educational institutions and hospitals;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 293
(e) other urban development, including solid waste management systems,
sanitation and sewerage systems.
(6) Power, including the following:—
(a) generation of power through thermal, hydro, nuclear, fossil fuel, wind and
other renewable sources;
(b) transmission, distribution or trading of power by laying a network of new
transmission or distribution lines.
(7) Petroleum and natural gas, including the following:—
(a) exploration and production;
(b) import terminals;
(c) liquefaction and re-gasification;
(d) storage terminals;
(e) transmission networks and distribution networks including city gas
infrastructure.
(8) Housing, including the following:—
(a) urban and rural housing including public / mass housing, slum rehabilitation,
etc;
(b) other allied activities such as drainage, lighting, laying of roads, sanitation
and facilities.
(9) Other miscellaneous facilities/services, including the following:—
(a) mining and related activities;
(b) technology related infrastructure;
(c) manufacturing of components and materials or any other utilities or facilities
required by the infrastructure sector like energy saving devices and metering devices;
(d) environment related infrastructure;
(e) disaster management services;
(f) preservation of monuments and icons;
(g) emergency services (including medical, police, fire and rescue).
(10) such other facility service as may be prescribed.
SCHEDULE VII
(See sections 135)
Activities which may be included by companies in their Corporate Social
Responsibility Policies
Activities relating to:—
(i) eradicating extreme hunger and poverty;
(ii) promotion of education;
(iii) promoting gender equality and empowering women;
(iv) reducing child mortlity and improving maternal health;
(v) combating human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency
syndrome, malaria and other diseases;
(vi) ensuring environmental sustainability;
(vii) employment enhancing vocational skills;
(viii) social business projects;
(ix) contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or any other
fund set up by the Central Government or the State Governments for
socio-economic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled
Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women; and
(x) such other matters as may be prescribed.
————
P.K. MALHOTRA,
Secretary to the Govt. of India.
PRINTED BY DIRECTORATE OF PRINTING AT GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS, MINTO ROAD,
NEW DELHI AND PUBLISHED BY THE CONTROLLER OF PUBLICATIONS, DELHI, 2013.
GMGIPMRND—2434GI(S3)—30-08-2013.
294 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— SEC. 1]
(NO. 18 OF 2013)
[29th August, 2013.]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to companies.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1. (1) This Act may be called the Companies Act, 2013.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) This section shall come into force at once and the remaining provisions of this Act
shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this
Short title,
extent,
commencement
and
application.
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No. 27] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013/BHADRAPADA 8, 1935 (SAKA)
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Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(Legislative Department)
————
New Delhi, the 30th August, 2013/Bhadrapada 8, 1935 (Saka).
The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the
29th August, 2013, and is hereby published for general information:—
2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Act and any reference in any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed
as a reference to the coming into force of that provision.
(4) The provisions of this Act shall apply to—
(a) companies incorporated under this Act or under any previous company law;
(b) insurance companies, except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent
with the provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938 or the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority Act, 1999;
(c) banking companies, except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent
with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
(d) companies engaged in the generation or supply of electricity, except in so far
as the said provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003;
(e) any other company governed by any special Act for the time being in force,
except in so far as the said provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of such
special Act; and
(f) such body corporate, incorporated by any Act for the time being in force, as
the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf, subject to such
exceptions, modifications or adaptation, as may be specified in the notification.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(1) “abridged prospectus” means a memorandum containing such salient features
of a prospectus as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making
regulations in this behalf;
(2) “accounting standards” means the standards of accounting or any addendum
thereto for companies or class of companies referred to in section 133;
(3) “alter” or “alteration” includes the making of additions, omissions and
substitutions;
(4) “Appellate Tribunal” means the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
constituted under section 410;
(5) “articles” means the articles of association of a company as originally framed
or as altered from time to time or applied in pursuance of any previous company law or
of this Act;
(6) “associate company”, in relation to another company, means a company in
which that other company has a significant influence, but which is not a subsidiary
company of the company having such influence and includes a joint venture company.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, “significant influence” means
control of at least twenty per cent. of total share capital, or of business decisions
under an agreement;
(7) “auditing standards” means the standards of auditing or any addendum
thereto for companies or class of companies referred to in sub-section (10) of section 143;
(8) “authorised capital” or “nominal capital” means such capital as is authorised
by the memorandum of a company to be the maximum amount of share capital of the
company;
(9) “banking company” means a banking company as defined in clause (c) of
section 5 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
41 of 1999.
10 of 1949.
36 of 2003.
Definitions.
4 of 1938.
10 of 1949.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 3
(10) “Board of Directors” or “Board”, in relation to a company, means the
collective body of the directors of the company;
(11) “body corporate” or “corporation” includes a company incorporated outside
India, but does not include—
(i) a co-operative society registered under any law relating to co-operative
societies; and
(ii) any other body corporate (not being a company as defined in this Act),
which the Central Government may, by notification, specify in this behalf;
(12) “book and paper” and “book or paper” include books of account, deeds,
vouchers, writings, documents, minutes and registers maintained on paper or in
electronic form;
(13) “books of account” includes records maintained in respect of—
(i) all sums of money received and expended by a company and matters in
relation to which the receipts and expenditure take place;
(ii) all sales and purchases of goods and services by the company;
(iii) the assets and liabilities of the company; and
(iv) the items of cost as may be prescribed under section 148 in the case of
a company which belongs to any class of companies specified under that section;
(14) “branch office”, in relation to a company, means any establishment described
as such by the company;
(15) “called-up capital” means such part of the capital, which has been called for
payment;
(16) “charge” means an interest or lien created on the property or assets of a
company or any of its undertakings or both as security and includes a mortgage;
(17) “chartered accountant” means a chartered accountant as defined in
clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 who
holds a valid certificate of practice under sub-section (1) of section 6 of that Act;
(18) “Chief Executive Officer” means an officer of a company, who has been
designated as such by it;
(19) “Chief Financial Officer” means a person appointed as the Chief Financial
Officer of a company;
(20) “company” means a company incorporated under this Act or under any
previous company law;
(21) “company limited by guarantee” means a company having the liability of its
members limited by the memorandum to such amount as the members may respectively
undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound
up;
(22) “company limited by shares” means a company having the liability of its
members limited by the memorandum to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares
respectively held by them;
(23) “Company Liquidator”, in so far as it relates to the winding up of a company,
means a person appointed by—
(a) the Tribunal in case of winding up by the Tribunal; or
(b) the company or creditors in case of voluntary winding up,
as a Company Liquidator from a panel of professionals maintained by the Central
Government under sub-section (2) of section 275;
38 of 1949.
4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(24) “company secretary” or “secretary” means a company secretary as defined
in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 who
is appointed by a company to perform the functions of a company secretary under this
Act;
(25) “company secretary in practice” means a company secretary who is deemed
to be in practice under sub-section (2) of section 2 of the Company Secretaries
Act, 1980;
(26) “contributory” means a person liable to contribute towards the assets of
the company in the event of its being wound up.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, it is hereby clarified that a
person holding fully paid-up shares in a company shall be considered as a contributory
but shall have no liabilities of a contributory under the Act whilst retaining rights of
such a contributory;
(27) “control” shall include the right to appoint majority of the directors or to
control the management or policy decisions exercisable by a person or persons acting
individually or in concert, directly or indirectly, including by virtue of their shareholding
or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in any
other manner;
(28) “cost accountant” means a cost accountant as defined in clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 2 of the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959;
(29) “court” means—
(i) the High Court having jurisdiction in relation to the place at which the
registered office of the company concerned is situate, except to the extent to
which jurisdiction has been conferred on any district court or district courts
subordinate to that High Court under sub-clause (ii);
(ii) the district court, in cases where the Central Government has, by
notification, empowered any district court to exercise all or any of the
jurisdictions conferred upon the High Court, within the scope of its jurisdiction
in respect of a company whose registered office is situate in the district;
(iii) the Court of Session having jurisdiction to try any offence under this
Act or under any previous company law;
(iv) the Special Court established under section 435;
(v) any Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class
having jurisdiction to try any offence under this Act or under any previous
company law;
(30) “debenture” includes debenture stock, bonds or any other instrument of a
company evidencing a debt, whether constituting a charge on the assets of the company
or not;
(31) “deposit” includes any receipt of money by way of deposit or loan or in any
other form by a company, but does not include such categories of amount as may be
prescribed in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India;
(32) “depository” means a depository as defined in clause (e) of sub-section (1)
of section 2 of the Depositories Act, 1996;
(33) “derivative” means the derivative as defined in clause (ac) of section 2 of
the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(34) “director” means a director appointed to the Board of a company;
56 of 1980.
23 of 1959.
22 of 1996.
56 of 1980.
42 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 5
(35) “dividend” includes any interim dividend;
(36) “document” includes summons, notice, requisition, order, declaration, form
and register, whether issued, sent or kept in pursuance of this Act or under any other
law for the time being in force or otherwise, maintained on paper or in electronic form;
(37) “employees’ stock option” means the option given to the directors, officers
or employees of a company or of its holding company or subsidiary company or
companies, if any, which gives such directors, officers or employees, the benefit or
right to purchase, or to subscribe for, the shares of the company at a future date at a
pre-determined price;
(38) “expert” includes an engineer, a valuer, a chartered accountant, a company
secretary, a cost accountant and any other person who has the power or authority to
issue a certificate in pursuance of any law for the time being in force;
(39) “financial institution” includes a scheduled bank, and any other financial
institution defined or notified under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;
(40) “financial statement” in relation to a company, includes—
(i) a balance sheet as at the end of the financial year;
(ii) a profit and loss account, or in the case of a company carrying on any
activity not for profit, an income and expenditure account for the financial year;
(iii) cash flow statement for the financial year;
(iv) a statement of changes in equity, if applicable; and
(v) any explanatory note annexed to, or forming part of, any document
referred to in sub-clause (i) to sub-clause (iv):
Provided that the financial statement, with respect to One Person Company,
small company and dormant company, may not include the cash flow statement;
(41) “financial year”, in relation to any company or body corporate, means the
period ending on the 31st day of March every year, and where it has been incorporated
on or after the 1st day of January of a year, the period ending on the 31st day of March
of the following year, in respect whereof financial statement of the company or body
corporate is made up:
Provided that on an application made by a company or body corporate, which is
a holding company or a subsidiary of a company incorporated outside India and is
required to follow a different financial year for consolidation of its accounts outside
India, the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied, allow any period as its financial year, whether
or not that period is a year:
Provided further that a company or body corporate, existing on the
commencement of this Act, shall, within a period of two years from such commencement,
align its financial year as per the provisions of this clause;
(42) “foreign company” means any company or body corporate incorporated
outside India which—
(a) has a place of business in India whether by itself or through an agent,
physically or through electronic mode; and
(b) conducts any business activity in India in any other manner.
2 of 1934.
6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(43) “free reserves” means such reserves which, as per the latest audited balance
sheet of a company, are available for distribution as dividend:
Provided that—
(i) any amount representing unrealised gains, notional gains or revaluation
of assets, whether shown as a reserve or otherwise, or
(ii) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised
in equity, including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value,
shall not be treated as free reserves;
(44) “Global Depository Receipt” means any instrument in the form of a
depository receipt, by whatever name called, created by a foreign depository outside
India and authorised by a company making an issue of such depository receipts;
(45) “Government company” means any company in which not less than fiftyone
per cent. of the paid-up share capital is held by the Central Government, or by any
State Government or Governments, or partly by the Central Government and partly by
one or more State Governments, and includes a company which is a subsidiary company
of such a Government company;
(46) “holding company”, in relation to one or more other companies, means a
company of which such companies are subsidiary companies;
(47) “independent director” means an independent director referred to in
sub-section (5) of section 149;
(48) “Indian Depository Receipt” means any instrument in the form of a
depository receipt created by a domestic depository in India and authorised by a
company incorporated outside India making an issue of such depository receipts;
(49) “interested director” means a director who is in any way, whether by himself
or through any of his relatives or firm, body corporate or other association of individuals
in which he or any of his relatives is a partner, director or a member, interested in a
contract or arrangement, or proposed contract or arrangement, entered into or to be
entered into by or on behalf of a company;
(50) “issued capital” means such capital as the company issues from time to time
for subscription;
(51) “key managerial personnel”, in relation to a company, means—
(i) the Chief Executive Officer or the managing director or the manager;
(ii) the company secretary;
(iii) the whole-time director;
(iv) the Chief Financial Officer; and
(v) such other officer as may be prescribed;
(52) “listed company” means a company which has any of its securities listed on
any recognised stock exchange;
(53) “manager” means an individual who, subject to the superintendence, control
and direction of the Board of Directors, has the management of the whole, or
substantially the whole, of the affairs of a company, and includes a director or any
other person occupying the position of a manager, by whatever name called, whether
under a contract of service or not;
(54) “managing director” means a director who, by virtue of the articles of a
company or an agreement with the company or a resolution passed in its general
meeting, or by its Board of Directors, is entrusted with substantial powers of
management of the affairs of the company and includes a director occupying the
position of managing director, by whatever name called.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 7
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the power to do administrative
acts of a routine nature when so authorised by the Board such as the power to affix the
common seal of the company to any document or to draw and endorse any cheque on
the account of the company in any bank or to draw and endorse any negotiable
instrument or to sign any certificate of share or to direct registration of transfer of any
share, shall not be deemed to be included within the substantial powers of management;
(55) “member”, in relation to a company, means—
(i) the subscriber to the memorandum of the company who shall be deemed
to have agreed to become member of the company, and on its registration, shall
be entered as member in its register of members;
(ii) every other person who agrees in writing to become a member of the
company and whose name is entered in the register of members of the company;
(iii) every person holding shares of the company and whose name is
entered as a beneficial owner in the records of a depository;
(56) “memorandum” means the memorandum of association of a company as
originally framed or as altered from time to time in pursuance of any previous company
law or of this Act;
(57) “net worth” means the aggregate value of the paid-up share capital and all
reserves created out of the profits and securities premium account, after deducting the
aggregate value of the accumulated losses, deferred expenditure and miscellaneous
expenditure not written off, as per the audited balance sheet, but does not include
reserves created out of revaluation of assets, write-back of depreciation and
amalgamation;
(58) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the
expression “notify” shall be construed accordingly;
(59) “officer” includes any director, manager or key managerial personnel or any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Board of Directors or
any one or more of the directors is or are accustomed to act;
(60) “officer who is in default”, for the purpose of any provision in this Act
which enacts that an officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to any
penalty or punishment by way of imprisonment, fine or otherwise, means any of the
following officers of a company, namely:—
(i) whole-time director;
(ii) key managerial personnel;
(iii) where there is no key managerial personnel, such director or directors
as specified by the Board in this behalf and who has or have given his or their
consent in writing to the Board to such specification, or all the directors, if no
director is so specified;
(iv) any person who, under the immediate authority of the Board or any
key managerial personnel, is charged with any responsibility including
maintenance, filing or distribution of accounts or records, authorises, actively
participates in, knowingly permits, or knowingly fails to take active steps to
prevent, any default;
8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(v) any person in accordance with whose advice, directions or instructions
the Board of Directors of the company is accustomed to act, other than a person
who gives advice to the Board in a professional capacity;
(vi) every director, in respect of a contravention of any of the provisions
of this Act, who is aware of such contravention by virtue of the receipt by him of
any proceedings of the Board or participation in such proceedings without
objecting to the same, or where such contravention had taken place with his
consent or connivance;
(vii) in respect of the issue or transfer of any shares of a company, the
share transfer agents, registrars and merchant bankers to the issue or transfer;
(61) “Official Liquidator” means an Official Liquidator appointed under
sub-section (1) of section 359;
(62) “One Person Company” means a company which has only one person as a
member;
(63) "ordinary or special resolution" means an ordinary resolution, or as the
case may be, special resolution referred to in section 114;
(64) “paid-up share capital” or “share capital paid-up” means such aggregate
amount of money credited as paid-up as is equivalent to the amount received as paidup
in respect of shares issued and also includes any amount credited as paid-up in
respect of shares of the company, but does not include any other amount received in
respect of such shares, by whatever name called;
(65) “postal ballot” means voting by post or through any electronic mode;
(66) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(67) “previous company law” means any of the laws specified below:—
(i) Acts relating to companies in force before the Indian Companies
Act, 1866;
(ii) the Indian Companies Act, 1866;
(iii) the Indian Companies Act, 1882;
(iv) the Indian Companies Act, 1913;
(v) the Registration of Transferred Companies Ordinance, 1942;
(vi) the Companies Act, 1956; and
(vii) any law corresponding to any of the aforesaid Acts or the Ordinances
and in force—
(A) in the merged territories or in a Part B State (other than the State
of Jammu and Kashmir), or any part thereof, before the extension thereto
of the Indian Companies Act, 1913; or
10 of 1866.
10 of 1866.
6 of 1882.
7 of 1913.
Ord. 54 of
1942.
1 of 1956.
7 of 1913.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 9
(B) in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, or any part thereof, before
the commencement of the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act,
1956, in so far as banking, insurance and financial corporations are
concerned, and before the commencement of the Central Laws (Extension
to Jammu and Kashmir) Act, 1968, in so far as other corporations are
concerned;
(viii) the Portuguese Commercial Code, in so far as it relates to sociedades
anonimas; and
(ix) the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act, 1961;
(68) “private company” means a company having a minimum paid-up share
capital of one lakh rupees or such higher paid-up share capital as may be prescribed,
and which by its articles,—
(i) restricts the right to transfer its shares;
(ii) except in case of One Person Company, limits the number of its
members to two hundred:
Provided that where two or more persons hold one or more shares in a
company jointly, they shall, for the purposes of this clause, be treated as a single
member:
Provided further that—
(A) persons who are in the employment of the company; and
(B) persons who, having been formerly in the employment of the company,
were members of the company while in that employment and have continued to
be members after the employment ceased,
shall not be included in the number of members; and
(iii) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any securities of
the company;
(69) “promoter” means a person—
(a) who has been named as such in a prospectus or is identified by the
company in the annual return referred to in section 92; or
(b) who has control over the affairs of the company, directly or indirectly
whether as a shareholder, director or otherwise; or
(c) in accordance with whose advice, directions or instructions the
Board of Directors of the company is accustomed to act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clause (c) shall apply to a person who is acting
merely in a professional capacity;
(70) “prospectus” means any document described or issued as a prospectus
and includes a red herring prospectus referred to in section 32 or shelf prospectus
referred to in section 31 or any notice, circular, advertisement or other document
inviting offers from the public for the subscription or purchase of any securities of a
body corporate;
62 of 1956.
25 of 1968.
Sikkim Act 8
of 1961.
10 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(71) “public company” means a company which—
(a) is not a private company;
(b) has a minimum paid-up share capital of five lakh rupees or such higher
paid-up capital, as may be prescribed:
Provided that a company which is a subsidiary of a company, not being a private
company, shall be deemed to be public company for the purposes of this Act even
where such subsidiary company continues to be a private company in its articles ;
(72) “public financial institution” means—
(i) the Life Insurance Corporation of India, established under section 3 of
the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956;
(ii) the Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited, referred to
in clause (vi) of sub-section (1) of section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 so
repealed under section 465 of this Act;
(iii) specified company referred to in the Unit Trust of India (Transfer of
Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2002;
(iv) institutions notified by the Central Government under sub-section (2)
of section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 so repealed under section 465 of this
Act;
(v) such other institution as may be notified by the Central Government in
consultation with the Reserve Bank of India:
Provided that no institution shall be so notified unless—
(A) it has been established or constituted by or under any Central or
State Act; or
(B) not less than fifty-one per cent. of the paid-up share capital is
held or controlled by the Central Government or by any State Government
or Governments or partly by the Central Government and partly by one or
more State Governments;
(73) “recognised stock exchange” means a recognised stock exchange as defined
in clause (f) of section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(74) “register of companies” means the register of companies maintained by the
Registrar on paper or in any electronic mode under this Act;
(75) “Registrar” means a Registrar, an Additional Registrar, a Joint Registrar, a
Deputy Registrar or an Assistant Registrar, having the duty of registering companies
and discharging various functions under this Act;
(76) “related party”, with reference to a company, means—
(i) a director or his relative;
31 of 1956.
58 of 2002.
42 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 11
(ii) a key managerial personnel or his relative;
(iii) a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a partner;
(iv) a private company in which a director or manager is a member or
director;
(v) a public company in which a director or manager is a director or holds
along with his relatives, more than two per cent. of its paid-up share capital;
(vi) any body corporate whose Board of Directors, managing director or
manager is accustomed to act in accordance with the advice, directions or
instructions of a director or manager;
(vii) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a director or
manager is accustomed to act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall apply to the advice,
directions or instructions given in a professional capacity;
(viii) any company which is—
(A) a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of such company; or
(B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary;
(ix) such other person as may be prescribed;
(77) ‘‘relative’’, with reference to any person, means any one who is related to
another, if—
(i) they are members of a Hindu Undivided Family;
(ii) they are husband and wife; or
(iii) one person is related to the other in such manner as may be prescribed;
(78) “remuneration” means any money or its equivalent given or passed to any
person for services rendered by him and includes perquisites as defined under the
Income-tax Act, 1961;
(79) “Schedule” means a Schedule annexed to this Act;
(80) “scheduled bank” means the scheduled bank as defined in clause (e) of
section 2 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934;
(81) “securities” means the securities as defined in clause (h) of section 2 of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956;
(82) “Securities and Exchange Board” means the Securities and Exchange Board
of India established under section 3 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act,
1992;
(83) “Serious Fraud Investigation Office” means the office referred to in section 211;
(84) “share” means a share in the share capital of a company and includes stock;
43 of 1961.
2 of 1934.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(85) ‘‘small company’’ means a company, other than a public company,—
(i) paid-up share capital of which does not exceed fifty lakh rupees or such
higher amount as may be prescribed which shall not be more than five crore
rupees; or
(ii) turnover of which as per its last profit and loss account does not
exceed two crore rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall
not be more than twenty crore rupees:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to—
(A) a holding company or a subsidiary company;
(B) a company registered under section 8; or
(C) a company or body corporate governed by any special Act;
(86) “subscribed capital” means such part of the capital which is for the time
being subscribed by the members of a company;
(87) “subsidiary company” or “subsidiary”, in relation to any other company
(that is to say the holding company), means a company in which the holding company—
(i) controls the composition of the Board of Directors; or
(ii) exercises or controls more than one-half of the total share capital
either at its own or together with one or more of its subsidiary companies:
Provided that such class or classes of holding companies as may be prescribed
shall not have layers of subsidiaries beyond such numbers as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause,—
(a) a company shall be deemed to be a subsidiary company of the holding
company even if the control referred to in sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (ii) is of
another subsidiary company of the holding company;
(b) the composition of a company’s Board of Directors shall be deemed to
be controlled by another company if that other company by exercise of some
power exercisable by it at its discretion can appoint or remove all or a majority of
the directors;
(c) the expression “company” includes any body corporate;
(d) “layer” in relation to a holding company means its subsidiary or
subsidiaries;
(88) “sweat equity shares” means such equity shares as are issued by a company
to its directors or employees at a discount or for consideration, other than cash, for
providing their know-how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual property
rights or value additions, by whatever name called;
(89) “total voting power”, in relation to any matter, means the total number of
votes which may be cast in regard to that matter on a poll at a meeting of a company
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 13
if all the members thereof or their proxies having a right to vote on that matter are
present at the meeting and cast their votes;
(90) “Tribunal” means the National Company Law Tribunal constituted under
section 408;
(91) “turnover” means the aggregate value of the realisation of amount made
from the sale, supply or distribution of goods or on account of services rendered, or
both, by the company during a financial year;
(92) “unlimited company” means a company not having any limit on the liability
of its members;
(93) “voting right” means the right of a member of a company to vote in any
meeting of the company or by means of postal ballot;
(94) “whole-time director” includes a director in the whole-time employment of
the company;
(95) words and expressions used and not defined in this Act but defined in the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 or the Securities and Exchange Board of
India Act, 1992 or the Depositories Act, 1996 shall have the meanings respectively
assigned to them in those Acts.
CHAPTER II
INCORPORATION OF COMPANY AND MATTERS INCIDENTAL THERETO
3. (1) A company may be formed for any lawful purpose by—
(a) seven or more persons, where the company to be formed is to be a public
company;
(b) two or more persons, where the company to be formed is to be a private
company; or
(c) one person, where the company to be formed is to be One Person Company
that is to say, a private company,
by subscribing their names or his name to a memorandum and complying with the requirements
of this Act in respect of registration:
Provided that the memorandum of One Person Company shall indicate the name of the
other person, with his prior written consent in the prescribed form, who shall, in the event of
the subscriber’s death or his incapacity to contract become the member of the company and
the written consent of such person shall also be filed with the Registrar at the time of
incorporation of the One Person Company along with its memorandum and articles:
Provided further that such other person may withdraw his consent in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided also that the member of One Person Company may at any time change the
name of such other person by giving notice in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided also that it shall be the duty of the member of One Person Company to
intimate the company the change, if any, in the name of the other person nominated by him
by indicating in the memorandum or otherwise within such time and in such manner as may
be prescribed, and the company shall intimate the Registrar any such change within such
time and in such manner as may be prescribed:
Formation of
company.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
22 of 1996.
14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided also that any such change in the name of the person shall not be deemed to
be an alteration of the memorandum.
(2) A company formed under sub-section (1) may be either—
(a) a company limited by shares; or
(b) a company limited by guarantee; or
(c) an unlimited company.
4. (1) The memorandum of a company shall state—
(a) the name of the company with the last word “Limited” in the case of a public
limited company, or the last words “Private Limited” in the case of a private limited
company:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to a company registered under
section 8;
(b) the State in which the registered office of the company is to be situated;
(c) the objects for which the company is proposed to be incorporated and any
matter considered necessary in furtherance thereof;
(d) the liability of members of the company, whether limited or unlimited, and
also state,—
(i) in the case of a company limited by shares, that liability of its members
is limited to the amount unpaid, if any, on the shares held by them; and
(ii) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, the amount up to which
each member undertakes to contribute—
(A) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound-up
while he is a member or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for
payment of the debts and liabilities of the company or of such debts and
liabilities as may have been contracted before he ceases to be a member,
as the case may be; and
(B) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding-up and for
adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves;
(e) in the case of a company having a share capital,—
(i) the amount of share capital with which the company is to be registered
and the division thereof into shares of a fixed amount and the number of shares
which the subscribers to the memorandum agree to subscribe which shall not be
less than one share; and
(ii) the number of shares each subscriber to the memorandum intends to
take, indicated opposite his name;
(f) in the case of One Person Company, the name of the person who, in the event
of death of the subscriber, shall become the member of the company.
(2) The name stated in the memorandum shall not—
(a) be identical with or resemble too nearly to the name of an existing company
registered under this Act or any previous company law; or
(b) be such that its use by the company—
(i) will constitute an offence under any law for the time being in force; or
(ii) is undesirable in the opinion of the Central Government.
Memorandum.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 15
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (2), a company shall not be
registered with a name which contains—
(a) any word or expression which is likely to give the impression that the company
is in any way connected with, or having the patronage of, the Central Government, any
State Government, or any local authority, corporation or body constituted by the Central
Government or any State Government under any law for the time being in force; or
(b) such word or expression, as may be prescribed,
unless the previous approval of the Central Government has been obtained for the use of
any such word or expression.
(4) A person may make an application, in such form and manner and accompanied by
such fee, as may be prescribed, to the Registrar for the reservation of a name set out in the
application as—
(a) the name of the proposed company; or
(b) the name to which the company proposes to change its name.
(5) (i) Upon receipt of an application under sub-section (4), the Registrar may, on the
basis of information and documents furnished along with the application, reserve the name
for a period of sixty days from the date of the application.
(ii) Where after reservation of name under clause (i), it is found that name was applied
by furnishing wrong or incorrect information, then,—
(a) if the company has not been incorporated, the reserved name shall be cancelled
and the person making application under sub-section (4) shall be liable to a penalty
which may extend to one lakh rupees;
(b) if the company has been incorporated, the Registrar may, after giving the
company an opportunity of being heard—
(i) either direct the company to change its name within a period of three
months, after passing an ordinary resolution;
(ii) take action for striking off the name of the company from the register of
companies; or
(iii) make a petition for winding up of the company.
(6) The memorandum of a company shall be in respective forms specified in Tables A,
B, C, D and E in Schedule I as may be applicable to such company.
(7) Any provision in the memorandum or articles, in the case of a company limited by
guarantee and not having a share capital, purporting to give any person a right to participate
in the divisible profits of the company otherwise than as a member, shall be void.
5. (1) The articles of a company shall contain the regulations for management of the
company.
(2) The articles shall also contain such matters, as may be prescribed:
Provided that nothing prescribed in this sub-section shall be deemed to prevent a
company from including such additional matters in its articles as may be considered necessary
for its management.
(3) The articles may contain provisions for entrenchment to the effect that specified
provisions of the articles may be altered only if conditions or procedures as that are more
restrictive than those applicable in the case of a special resolution, are met or complied with.
(4) The provisions for entrenchment referred to in sub-section (3) shall only be made
either on formation of a company, or by an amendment in the articles agreed to by all the
members of the company in the case of a private company and by a special resolution in the
case of a public company.
(5) Where the articles contain provisions for entrenchment, whether made on formation
or by amendment, the company shall give notice to the Registrar of such provisions in such
form and manner as may be prescribed.
(6) The articles of a company shall be in respective forms specified in Tables, F, G, H, I
and J in Schedule I as may be applicable to such company.
Articles.
16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) A company may adopt all or any of the regulations contained in the model articles
applicable to such company.
(8) In case of any company, which is registered after the commencement of this Act, in
so far as the registered articles of such company do not exclude or modify the regulations
contained in the model articles applicable to such company, those regulations shall, so far as
applicable, be the regulations of that company in the same manner and to the extent as if they
were contained in the duly registered articles of the company.
(9) Nothing in this section shall apply to the articles of a company registered under
any previous company law unless amended under this Act.
6. Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act—
(a) the provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in the memorandum or articles of a company, or in any agreement
executed by it, or in any resolution passed by the company in general meeting or by its
Board of Directors, whether the same be registered, executed or passed, as the case
may be, before or after the commencement of this Act; and
(b) any provision contained in the memorandum, articles, agreement or resolution
shall, to the extent to which it is repugnant to the provisions of this Act, become or be
void, as the case may be.
7. (1) There shall be filed with the Registrar within whose jurisdiction the registered
office of a company is proposed to be situated, the following documents and information for
registration, namely:—
(a) the memorandum and articles of the company duly signed by all the
subscribers to the memorandum in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) a declaration in the prescribed form by an advocate, a chartered accountant,
cost accountant or company secretary in practice, who is engaged in the formation of
the company, and by a person named in the articles as a director, manager or secretary
of the company, that all the requirements of this Act and the rules made thereunder in
respect of registration and matters precedent or incidental thereto have been complied
with;
(c) an affidavit from each of the subscribers to the memorandum and from persons
named as the first directors, if any, in the articles that he is not convicted of any offence
in connection with the promotion, formation or management of any company, or that
he has not been found guilty of any fraud or misfeasance or of any breach of duty to
any company under this Act or any previous company law during the preceding five
years and that all the documents filed with the Registrar for registration of the company
contain information that is correct and complete and true to the best of his knowledge
and belief;
(d) the address for correspondence till its registered office is established;
(e) the particulars of name, including surname or family name, residential address,
nationality and such other particulars of every subscriber to the memorandum along
with proof of identity, as may be prescribed, and in the case of a subscriber being a
body corporate, such particulars as may be prescribed;
(f) the particulars of the persons mentioned in the articles as the first directors of
the company, their names, including surnames or family names, the Director
Identification Number, residential address, nationality and such other particulars
including proof of identity as may be prescribed; and
(g) the particulars of the interests of the persons mentioned in the articles as the
first directors of the company in other firms or bodies corporate along with their
consent to act as directors of the company in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
Act to override
memorandum,
articles,
etc.
Incorporation
of company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 17
(2) The Registrar on the basis of documents and information filed under
sub-section (1) shall register all the documents and information referred to in that subsection
in the register and issue a certificate of incorporation in the prescribed form to the
effect that the proposed company is incorporated under this Act.
(3) On and from the date mentioned in the certificate of incorporation issued under
sub-section (2), the Registrar shall allot to the company a corporate identity number, which
shall be a distinct identity for the company and which shall also be included in the certificate.
(4) The company shall maintain and preserve at its registered office copies of all
documents and information as originally filed under sub-section (1) till its dissolution under
this Act.
(5) If any person furnishes any false or incorrect particulars of any information or
suppresses any material information, of which he is aware in any of the documents filed with
the Registrar in relation to the registration of a company, he shall be liable for action under
section 447.
(6) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (5) where, at any time after the
incorporation of a company, it is proved that the company has been got incorporated by
furnishing any false or incorrect information or representation or by suppressing any material
fact or information in any of the documents or declaration filed or made for incorporating
such company, or by any fraudulent action, the promoters, the persons named as the first
directors of the company and the persons making declaration under clause (b) of subsection
(1) shall each be liable for action under section 447.
(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (6), where a company has been
got incorporated by furnishing any false or incorrect information or representation or by
suppressing any material fact or information in any of the documents or declaration filed or
made for incorporating such company or by any fraudulent action, the Tribunal may, on an
application made to it, on being satisfied that the situation so warrants,—
(a) pass such orders, as it may think fit, for regulation of the management of the
company including changes, if any, in its memorandum and articles, in public interest
or in the interest of the company and its members and creditors; or
(b) direct that liability of the members shall be unlimited; or
(c) direct removal of the name of the company from the register of companies; or
(d) pass an order for the winding up of the company; or
(e) pass such other orders as it may deem fit:
Provided that before making any order under this sub-section,—
(i) the company shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in
the matter; and
(ii) the Tribunal shall take into consideration the transactions entered into
by the company, including the obligations, if any, contracted or payment of any
liability.
8. (1) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Central Government that a person or
an association of persons proposed to be registered under this Act as a limited company—
(a) has in its objects the promotion of commerce, art, science, sports, education,
research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of environment or any such other
object;
(b) intends to apply its profits, if any, or other income in promoting its objects;
and
(c) intends to prohibit the payment of any dividend to its members,
Formation of
companies
with charitable
objects,
etc.
18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
the Central Government may, by licence issued in such manner as may be prescribed, and on
such conditions as it deems fit, allow that person or association of persons to be registered
as a limited company under this section without the addition to its name of the word “Limited”,
or as the case may be, the words “Private Limited” , and thereupon the Registrar shall, on
application, in the prescribed form, register such person or association of persons as a
company under this section.
(2) The company registered under this section shall enjoy all the privileges and be
subject to all the obligations of limited companies.
(3) A firm may be a member of the company registered under this section.
(4) (i) A company registered under this section shall not alter the provisions of its
memorandum or articles except with the previous approval of the Central Government.
(ii) A company registered under this section may convert itself into company of any
other kind only after complying with such conditions as may be prescribed.
(5) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Central Government that a limited
company registered under this Act or under any previous company law has been formed
with any of the objects specified in clause (a) of sub-section (1) and with the restrictions and
prohibitions as mentioned respectively in clauses (b) and (c) of that sub-section, it may, by
licence, allow the company to be registered under this section subject to such conditions as
the Central Government deems fit and to change its name by omitting the word “Limited”, or
as the case may be, the words “Private Limited” from its name and thereupon the Registrar
shall, on application, in the prescribed form, register such company under this section and all
the provisions of this section shall apply to that company.
(6) The Central Government may, by order, revoke the licence granted to a company
registered under this section if the company contravenes any of the requirements of this
section or any of the conditions subject to which a licence is issued or the affairs of the
company are conducted fraudulently or in a manner violative of the objects of the company
or prejudicial to public interest, and without prejudice to any other action against the company
under this Act, direct the company to convert its status and change its name to add the word
“Limited” or the words “Private Limited”, as the case may be, to its name and thereupon the
Registrar shall, without prejudice to any action that may be taken under sub-section (7), on
application, in the prescribed form, register the company accordingly:
Provided that no such order shall be made unless the company is given a reasonable
opportunity of being heard:
Provided further that a copy of every such order shall be given to the Registrar.
(7) Where a licence is revoked under sub-section (6), the Central Government may, by
order, if it is satisfied that it is essential in the public interest, direct that the company be
wound up under this Act or amalgamated with another company registered under this section:
Provided that no such order shall be made unless the company is given a reasonable
opportunity of being heard.
(8) Where a licence is revoked under sub-section (6) and where the Central Government
is satisfied that it is essential in the public interest that the company registered under this
section should be amalgamated with another company registered under this section and
having similar objects, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act,
the Central Government may, by order, provide for such amalgamation to form a single
company with such constitution, properties, powers, rights, interest, authorities and privileges
and with such liabilities, duties and obligations as may be specified in the order.
(9) If on the winding up or dissolution of a company registered under this section,
there remains, after the satisfaction of its debts and liabilities, any asset, they may be transferred
to another company registered under this section and having similar objects, subject to such
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 19
conditions as the Tribunal may impose, or may be sold and proceeds thereof credited to the
Rehabilitation and Insolvency Fund formed under section 269.
(10) A company registered under this section shall amalgamate only with another
company registered under this section and having similar objects.
(11) If a company makes any default in complying with any of the requirements laid
down in this section, the company shall, without prejudice to any other action under the
provisions of this section, be punishable with fine which shall not be less than ten lakh
rupees but which may extend to one crore rupees and the directors and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees
but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees, or with both:
Provided that when it is proved that the affairs of the company were conducted
fraudulently, every officer in default shall be liable for action under section 447.
9. From the date of incorporation mentioned in the certificate of incorporation, such
subscribers to the memorandum and all other persons, as may, from time to time, become
members of the company, shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the
memorandum, capable of exercising all the functions of an incorporated company under this
Act and having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold and
dispose of property, both movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, to contract and
to sue and be sued, by the said name.
10. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the memorandum and articles shall, when
registered, bind the company and the members thereof to the same extent as if they respectively
had been signed by the company and by each member, and contained covenants on its and
his part to observe all the provisions of the memorandum and of the articles.
(2) All monies payable by any member to the company under the memorandum or
articles shall be a debt due from him to the company.
11. (1) A company having a share capital shall not commence any business or exercise
any borrowing powers unless—
(a) a declaration is filed by a director in such form and verified in such manner as
may be prescribed, with the Registrar that every subscriber to the memorandum has
paid the value of the shares agreed to be taken by him and the paid-up share capital of
the company is not less than five lakh rupees in case of a public company and not less
than one lakh rupees in case of a private company on the date of making of this
declaration; and
(b) the company has filed with the Registrar a verification of its registered office
as provided in sub-section (2) of section 12.
(2) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the
company shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to five thousand rupees and every
officer who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees for every day during which the default continues.
(3) Where no declaration has been filed with the Registrar under clause (a) of subsection
(1) within a period of one hundred and eighty days of the date of incorporation of the
company and the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe that the company is not carrying
on any business or operations, he may, without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section
(2), initiate action for the removal of the name of the company from the register of companies
under Chapter XVIII.
Effect of
registration.
Effect of
memorandum
and articles.
Commencement
of
business, etc.
20 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
12. (1) A company shall, on and from the fifteenth day of its incorporation and at all
times thereafter, have a registered office capable of receiving and acknowledging all
communications and notices as may be addressed to it.
(2) The company shall furnish to the Registrar verification of its registered office
within a period of thirty days of its incorporation in such manner as may be prescribed.
(3) Every company shall—
(a) paint or affix its name, and the address of its registered office, and keep the
same painted or affixed, on the outside of every office or place in which its business is
carried on, in a conspicuous position, in legible letters, and if the characters employed
therefor are not those of the language or of one of the languages in general use in that
locality, also in the characters of that language or of one of those languages;
(b) have its name engraved in legible characters on its seal;
(c) get its name, address of its registered office and the Corporate Identity
Number along with telephone number, fax number, if any, e-mail and website addresses,
if any, printed in all its business letters, billheads, letter papers and in all its notices and
other official publications; and
(d) have its name printed on hundies, promissory notes, bills of exchange and
such other documents as may be prescribed:
Provided that where a company has changed its name or names during the last two
years, it shall paint or affix or print, as the case may be, along with its name, the former name
or names so changed during the last two years as required under clauses (a) and (c):
Provided further that the words ‘‘One Person Company’’ shall be mentioned in brackets
below the name of such company, wherever its name is printed, affixed or engraved.
(4) Notice of every change of the situation of the registered office, verified in the
manner prescribed, after the date of incorporation of the company, shall be given to the
Registrar within fifteen days of the change, who shall record the same.
(5) Except on the authority of a special resolution passed by a company, the registered
office of the company shall not be changed,—
(a) in the case of an existing company, outside the local limits of any city, town
or village where such office is situated at the commencement of this Act or where it
may be situated later by virtue of a special resolution passed by the company; and
(b) in the case of any other company, outside the local limits of any city, town or
village where such office is first situated or where it may be situated later by virtue of
a special resolution passed by the company:
Provided that no company shall change the place of its registered office from the
jurisdiction of one Registrar to the jurisdiction of another Registrar within the same State
unless such change is confirmed by the Regional Director on an application made in this
behalf by the company in the prescribed manner.
(6) The confirmation referred to in sub-section (5) shall be communicated within a
period of thirty days from the date of receipt of application by the Regional Director to the
company and the company shall file the confirmation with the Registrar within a period of
sixty days of the date of confirmation who shall register the same and certify the registration
within a period of thirty days from the date of filing of such confirmation.
(7) The certificate referred to in sub-section (6) shall be conclusive evidence that all
the requirements of this Act with respect to change of registered office in pursuance of subsection
(5) have been complied with and the change shall take effect from the date of the
certificate.
Registered
office of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 21
(8) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the
company and every officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of one thousand
rupees for every day during which the default continues but not exceeding one lakh rupees.
13. (1) Save as provided in section 61, a company may, by a special resolution and
after complying with the procedure specified in this section, alter the provisions of its
memorandum.
(2) Any change in the name of a company shall be subject to the provisions of subsections
(2) and (3) of section 4 and shall not have effect except with the approval of the
Central Government in writing:
Provided that no such approval shall be necessary where the only change in the name
of the company is the deletion therefrom, or addition thereto, of the word “Private”, consequent
on the conversion of any one class of companies to another class in accordance with the
provisions of this Act.
(3) When any change in the name of a company is made under sub-section (2), the
Registrar shall enter the new name in the register of companies in place of the old name and
issue a fresh certificate of incorporation with the new name and the change in the name shall
be complete and effective only on the issue of such a certificate.
(4) The alteration of the memorandum relating to the place of the registered office from
one State to another shall not have any effect unless it is approved by the Central Government
on an application in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(5) The Central Government shall dispose of the application under sub-section (4)
within a period of sixty days and before passing its order may satisfy itself that the alteration
has the consent of the creditors, debenture-holders and other persons concerned with the
company or that the sufficient provision has been made by the company either for the due
discharge of all its debts and obligations or that adequate security has been provided for
such discharge.
(6) Save as provided in section 64, a company shall, in relation to any alteration of its
memorandum, file with the Registrar—
(a) the special resolution passed by the company under sub-section (1);
(b) the approval of the Central Government under sub-section (2), if the alteration
involves any change in the name of the company.
(7) Where an alteration of the memorandum results in the transfer of the registered
office of a company from one State to another, a certified copy of the order of the Central
Government approving the alteration shall be filed by the company with the Registrar of each
of the States within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed, who shall register
the same, and the Registrar of the State where the registered office is being shifted to, shall
issue a fresh certificate of incorporation indicating the alteration.
(8) A company, which has raised money from public through prospectus and still has
any unutilised amount out of the money so raised, shall not change its objects for which it
raised the money through prospectus unless a special resolution is passed by the company
and—
(i) the details, as may be prescribed, in respect of such resolution shall also be
published in the newspapers (one in English and one in vernacular language) which is
in circulation at the place where the registered office of the company is situated and
shall also be placed on the website of the company, if any, indicating therein the
justification for such change;
(ii) the dissenting shareholders shall be given an opportunity to exit by the
promoters and shareholders having control in accordance with regulations to be
specified by the Securities and Exchange Board.
Alteration of
memorandum.
22 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(9) The Registrar shall register any alteration of the memorandum with respect to the
objects of the company and certify the registration within a period of thirty days from the
date of filing of the special resolution in accordance with clause (a) of sub-section (6) of this
section.
(10) No alteration made under this section shall have any effect until it has been
registered in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(11) Any alteration of the memorandum, in the case of a company limited by guarantee
and not having a share capital, purporting to give any person a right to participate in the
divisible profits of the company otherwise than as a member, shall be void.
14. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the conditions contained in its
memorandum, if any, a company may, by a special resolution, alter its articles including
alterations having the effect of conversion of—
(a) a private company into a public company; or
(b) a public company into a private company:
Provided that where a company being a private company alters its articles in such a
manner that they no longer include the restrictions and limitations which are required to be
included in the articles of a private company under this Act, the company shall, as from the
date of such alteration, cease to be a private company:
Provided further that any alteration having the effect of conversion of a public company
into a private company shall not take effect except with the approval of the Tribunal which
shall make such order as it may deem fit.
(2) Every alteration of the articles under this section and a copy of the order of the
Tribunal approving the alteration as per sub-section (1) shall be filed with the Registrar,
together with a printed copy of the altered articles, within a period of fifteen days in such
manner as may be prescribed, who shall register the same.
(3) Any alteration of the articles registered under sub-section (2) shall, subject to the
provisions of this Act, be valid as if it were originally in the articles.
15. (1) Every alteration made in the memorandum or articles of a company shall be
noted in every copy of the memorandum or articles, as the case may be.
(2) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of
sub-section (1), the company and every officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty
of one thousand rupees for every copy of the memorandum or articles issued without such
alteration.
16. (1) If, through inadvertence or otherwise, a company on its first registration or on
its registration by a new name, is registered by a name which,—
(a) in the opinion of the Central Government, is identical with or too nearly
resembles the name by which a company in existence had been previously registered,
whether under this Act or any previous company law, it may direct the company to
change its name and the company shall change its name or new name, as the case may
be, within a period of three months from the issue of such direction, after adopting an
ordinary resolution for the purpose;
(b) on an application by a registered proprietor of a trade mark that the name is
identical with or too nearly resembles to a registered trade mark of such proprietor
under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, made to the Central Government within three years
of incorporation or registration or change of name of the company, whether under this
Alteration of
articles.
Alteration of
memorandum
or articles to
be noted in
every copy.
Rectification
of name of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 23
Act or any previous company law, in the opinion of the Central Government, is identical
with or too nearly resembles to an existing trade mark, it may direct the company to
change its name and the company shall change its name or new name, as the case may
be, within a period of six months from the issue of such direction, after adopting an
ordinary resolution for the purpose.
(2) Where a company changes its name or obtains a new name under sub-section (1),
it shall within a period of fifteen days from the date of such change, give notice of the change
to the Registrar along with the order of the Central Government, who shall carry out necessary
changes in the certificate of incorporation and the memorandum.
(3) If a company makes default in complying with any direction given under
sub-section (1), the company shall be punishable with fine of one thousand rupees for every
day during which the default continues and every officer who is in default shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees.
17. (1) A company shall, on being so requested by a member, send to him within seven
days of the request and subject to the payment of such fees as may be prescribed, a copy of
each of the following documents, namely:—
(a) the memorandum;
(b) the articles; and
(c) every agreement and every resolution referred to in sub-section (1) of section
117, if and in so far as they have not been embodied in the memorandum or articles.
(2) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section,
the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable for each
default, to a penalty of one thousand rupees for each day during which such default
continues or one lakh rupees, whichever is less.
18. (1) A company of any class registered under this Act may convert itself as a
company of other class under this Act by alteration of memorandum and articles of the
company in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) Where the conversion is required to be done under this section, the Registrar shall
on an application made by the company, after satisfying himself that the provisions of this
Chapter applicable for registration of companies have been complied with, close the former
registration of the company and after registering the documents referred to in sub-section
(1), issue a certificate of incorporation in the same manner as its first registration.
(3) The registration of a company under this section shall not affect any debts, liabilities,
obligations or contracts incurred or entered into, by or on behalf of the company before
conversion and such debts, liabilities, obligations and contracts may be enforced in the
manner as if such registration had not been done.
19. (1) No company shall, either by itself or through its nominees, hold any shares in
its holding company and no holding company shall allot or transfer its shares to any of its
subsidiary companies and any such allotment or transfer of shares of a company to its
subsidiary company shall be void:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a case—
(a) where the subsidiary company holds such shares as the legal representative
of a deceased member of the holding company; or
Copies of
memorandum,
articles,
etc., to be
given to
members.
Conversion
of companies
already
registered.
Subsidiary
company not
to hold shares
in its holding
company.
24 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) where the subsidiary company holds such shares as a trustee; or
(c) where the subsidiary company is a shareholder even before it became a
subsidiary company of the holding company:
Provided further that the subsidiary company referred to in the preceding proviso
shall have a right to vote at a meeting of the holding company only in respect of the shares
held by it as a legal representative or as a trustee, as referred to in clause (a) or clause (b) of
the said proviso.
(2) The reference in this section to the shares of a holding company which is a company
limited by guarantee or an unlimited company, not having a share capital, shall be construed
as a reference to the interest of its members, whatever be the form of interest.
20. (1) A document may be served on a company or an officer thereof by sending it to
the company or the officer at the registered office of the company by registered post or by
speed post or by courier service or by leaving it at its registered office or by means of such
electronic or other mode as may be prescribed:
Provided that where securities are held with a depository, the records of the beneficial
ownership may be served by such depository on the company by means of electronic or
other mode.
(2) Save as provided in this Act or the rules made thereunder for filing of documents
with the Registrar in electronic mode, a document may be served on Registrar or any
member by sending it to him by post or by registered post or by speed post or by
courier or by delivering at his office or address, or by such electronic or other mode as
may be prescribed:
Provided that a member may request for delivery of any document through a particular
mode, for which he shall pay such fees as may be determined by the company in its annual
general meeting.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the term ‘‘courier’’ means a person or
agency which delivers the document and provides proof of its delivery.
21. Save as otherwise provided in this Act,—
(a) a document or proceeding requiring authentication by a company; or
(b) contracts made by or on behalf of a company,
may be signed by any key managerial personnel or an officer of the company duly authorised
by the Board in this behalf.
22. (1) A bill of exchange, hundi or promissory note shall be deemed to have been
made, accepted, drawn or endorsed on behalf of a company if made, accepted, drawn, or
endorsed in the name of, or on behalf of or on account of, the company by any person acting
under its authority, express or implied.
(2) A company may, by writing under its common seal, authorise any person, either
generally or in respect of any specified matters, as its attorney to execute other deeds on its
behalf in any place either in or outside India.
(3) A deed signed by such an attorney on behalf of the company and under his seal
shall bind the company and have the effect as if it were made under its common seal.
Service of
documents.
Authentication
of
documents,
proceedings
and contracts.
Execution of
bills of
exchange, etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 25
CHAPTER III
PROSPECTUS AND ALLOTMENT OF SECURITIES
PART I.—Public offer
23. (1) A public company may issue securities—
(a) to public through prospectus (herein referred to as "public offer") by
complying with the provisions of this Part; or
(b) through private placement by complying with the provisions of Part II of this
Chapter; or
(c) through a rights issue or a bonus issue in accordance with the provisions of
this Act and in case of a listed company or a company which intends to get its
securities listed also with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992 and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(2) A private company may issue securities—
(a) by way of rights issue or bonus issue in accordance with the provisions of
this Act; or
(b) through private placement by complying with the provisions of Part II of this Chapter.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, "public offer" includes initial public
offer or further public offer of securities to the public by a company, or an offer for sale of
securities to the public by an existing shareholder, through issue of a prospectus.
24. (1) The provisions contained in this Chapter, Chapter IV and in section 127 shall,—
(a) in so far as they relate to —
(i) issue and transfer of securities; and
(ii) non-payment of dividend,
by listed companies or those companies which intend to get their securities listed on
any recognised stock exchange in India, except as provided under this Act, be administered
by the Securities and Exchange Board by making regulations in this behalf;
(b) in any other case, be administered by the Central Government.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that all powers relating
to all other matters relating to prospectus, return of allotment, redemption of preference
shares and any other matter specifically provided in this Act, shall be exercised by the
Central Government, the Tribunal or the Registrar, as the case may be.
(2) The Securities and Exchange Board shall, in respect of matters specified in subsection
(1) and the matters delegated to it under proviso to sub-section (1) of section 458,
exercise the powers conferred upon it under sub-sections (1), (2A), (3) and (4) of section 11,
sections 11A, 11B and 11D of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
25. (1) Where a company allots or agrees to allot any securities of the company with
a view to all or any of those securities being offered for sale to the public, any document by
which the offer for sale to the public is made shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a
prospectus issued by the company; and all enactments and rules of law as to the contents of
prospectus and as to liability in respect of mis-statements, in and omissions from, prospectus,
or otherwise relating to prospectus, shall apply with the modifications specified in subsections
(3) and (4) and shall have effect accordingly, as if the securities had been offered
to the public for subscription and as if persons accepting the offer in respect of any securities
were subscribers for those securities, but without prejudice to the liability, if any, of the
persons by whom the offer is made in respect of mis-statements contained in the document
or otherwise in respect thereof.
Document
containing
offer of
securities for
sale to be
deemed
prospectus.
Public offer
and private
placement.
Power of
Securities and
Exchange
Board to
regulate issue
and transfer
of securities,
etc.
15 of 1992.
15 of 1992.
26 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) For the purposes of this Act, it shall, unless the contrary is proved, be evidence
that an allotment of, or an agreement to allot, securities was made with a view to the securities
being offered for sale to the public if it is shown—
(a) that an offer of the securities or of any of them for sale to the public was made
within six months after the allotment or agreement to allot; or
(b) that at the date when the offer was made, the whole consideration to be
received by the company in respect of the securities had not been received by it.
(3) Section 26 as applied by this section shall have effect as if —
(i) it required a prospectus to state in addition to the matters required by that
section to be stated in a prospectus—
(a) the net amount of the consideration received or to be received by the
company in respect of the securities to which the offer relates; and
(b) the time and place at which the contract where under the said securities
have been or are to be allotted may be inspected;
(ii) the persons making the offer were persons named in a prospectus as directors
of a company.
(4) Where a person making an offer to which this section relates is a company or a firm,
it shall be sufficient if the document referred to in sub-section (1) is signed on behalf of the
company or firm by two directors of the company or by not less than one-half of the partners
in the firm, as the case may be.
26. (1) Every prospectus issued by or on behalf of a public company either with
reference to its formation or subsequently, or by or on behalf of any person who is or has
been engaged or interested in the formation of a public company, shall be dated and signed
and shall—
(a) state the following information, namely:—
(i) names and addresses of the registered office of the company, company
secretary, Chief Financial Officer, auditors, legal advisers, bankers, trustees, if
any, underwriters and such other persons as may be prescribed;
(ii) dates of the opening and closing of the issue, and declaration about
the issue of allotment letters and refunds within the prescribed time;
(iii) a statement by the Board of Directors about the separate bank account
where all monies received out of the issue are to be transferred and disclosure of
details of all monies including utilised and unutilised monies out of the previous
issue in the prescribed manner;
(iv) details about underwriting of the issue;
Matters to be
stated in
prospectus.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 27
(v) consent of the directors, auditors, bankers to the issue, expert’s opinion,
if any, and of such other persons, as may be prescribed;
(vi) the authority for the issue and the details of the resolution passed
therefor;
(vii) procedure and time schedule for allotment and issue of securities;
(viii) capital structure of the company in the prescribed manner;
(ix) main objects of public offer, terms of the present issue and such other
particulars as may be prescribed;
(x) main objects and present business of the company and its location,
schedule of implementation of the project;
(xi) particulars relating to—
(A) management perception of risk factors specific to the project;
(B) gestation period of the project;
(C) extent of progress made in the project;
(D) deadlines for completion of the project; and
(E) any litigation or legal action pending or taken by a Government
Department or a statutory body during the last five years immediately
preceding the year of the issue of prospectus against the promoter of the
company;
(xii) minimum subscription, amount payable by way of premium, issue of
shares otherwise than on cash;
(xiii) details of directors including their appointments and remuneration,
and such particulars of the nature and extent of their interests in the company as
may be prescribed; and
(xiv) disclosures in such manner as may be prescribed about sources of
promoter’s contribution;
(b) set out the following reports for the purposes of the financial information,
namely:—
(i) reports by the auditors of the company with respect to its profits and
losses and assets and liabilities and such other matters as may be prescribed;
(ii) reports relating to profits and losses for each of the five financial years
immediately preceding the financial year of the issue of prospectus including
such reports of its subsidiaries and in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that in case of a company with respect to which a period of five
years has not elapsed from the date of incorporation, the prospectus shall set
out in such manner as may be prescribed, the reports relating to profits and
losses for each of the financial years immediately preceding the financial year of
the issue of prospectus including such reports of its subsidiaries;
28 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) reports made in the prescribed manner by the auditors upon the
profits and losses of the business of the company for each of the five financial
years immediately preceding issue and assets and liabilities of its business on
the last date to which the accounts of the business were made up, being a date
not more than one hundred and eighty days before the issue of the prospectus:
Provided that in case of a company with respect to which a period of five
years has not elapsed from the date of incorporation, the prospectus shall set
out in the prescribed manner, the reports made by the auditors upon the profits
and losses of the business of the company for all financial years from the date of
its incorporation, and assets and liabilities of its business on the last date before
the issue of prospectus; and
(iv) reports about the business or transaction to which the proceeds of the
securities are to be applied directly or indirectly;
(c) make a declaration about the compliance of the provisions of this Act and a
statement to the effect that nothing in the prospectus is contrary to the provisions of
this Act, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and the Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992 and the rules and regulations made thereunder; and
(d) state such other matters and set out such other reports, as may be prescribed.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply—
(a) to the issue to existing members or debenture-holders of a company, of
a prospectus or form of application relating to shares in or debentures of the
company, whether an applicant has a right to renounce the shares or not under
sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62 in favour of any
other person; or
(b) to the issue of a prospectus or form of application relating to shares or
debentures which are, or are to be, in all respects uniform with shares or debentures
previously issued and for the time being dealt in or quoted on a recognised
stock exchange.
(3) Subject to sub-section (2), the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to a
prospectus or a form of application, whether issued on or with reference to the formation of
a company or subsequently.
Explanation.—The date indicated in the prospectus shall be deemed to be the date of
its publication.
(4) No prospectus shall be issued by or on behalf of a company or in relation to an
intended company unless on or before the date of its publication, there has been delivered to
the Registrar for registration, a copy thereof signed by every person who is named therein as
a director or proposed director of the company or by his duly authorised attorney.
(5) A prospectus issued under sub-section (1) shall not include a statement purporting
to be made by an expert unless the expert is a person who is not, and has not been, engaged
or interested in the formation or promotion or management, of the company and has given
his written consent to the issue of the prospectus and has not withdrawn such consent
before the delivery of a copy of the prospectus to the Registrar for registration and a statement
to that effect shall be included in the prospectus.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 29
(6) Every prospectus issued under sub-section (1) shall, on the face of it,—
(a) state that a copy has been delivered for registration to the Registrar as
required under sub-section (4); and
(b) specify any documents required by this section to be attached to the copy so
delivered or refer to statements included in the prospectus which specify these
documents.
(7) The Registrar shall not register a prospectus unless the requirements of this section
with respect to its registration are complied with and the prospectus is accompanied by the
consent in writing of all the persons named in the prospectus.
(8) No prospectus shall be valid if it is issued more than ninety days after the date on
which a copy thereof is delivered to the Registrar under sub-section (4).
(9) If a prospectus is issued in contravention of the provisions of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but
which may extend to three lakh rupees and every person who is knowingly a party to the
issue of such prospectus shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to three years or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to three lakh rupees, or with both.
27. (1) A company shall not, at any time, vary the terms of a contract referred to in the
prospectus or objects for which the prospectus was issued, except subject to the approval
of, or except subject to an authority given by the company in general meeting by way of
special resolution:
Provided that the details, as may be prescribed, of the notice in respect of such
resolution to shareholders, shall also be published in the newspapers (one in English and
one in vernacular language) in the city where the registered office of the company is situated
indicating clearly the justification for such variation:
Provided further that such company shall not use any amount raised by it through
prospectus for buying, trading or otherwise dealing in equity shares of any other listed company.
(2) The dissenting shareholders being those shareholders who have not agreed to the
proposal to vary the terms of contracts or objects referred to in the prospectus, shall be
given an exit offer by promoters or controlling shareholders at such exit price, and in such
manner and conditions as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making
regulations in this behalf.
28. (1) Where certain members of a company propose, in consultation with the Board
of Directors to offer, in accordance with the provisions of any law for the time being in force,
whole or part of their holding of shares to the public, they may do so in accordance with such
procedure as may be prescribed.
(2) Any document by which the offer of sale to the public is made shall, for all purposes,
be deemed to be a prospectus issued by the company and all laws and rules made thereunder
as to the contents of the prospectus and as to liability in respect of mis-statements in and
omission from prospectus or otherwise relating to prospectus shall apply as if this is a
prospectus issued by the company.
Variation in
terms of
contract or
objects in
prospectus.
Offer of sale
of shares by
certain
members of
company.
30 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The members, whether individuals or bodies corporate or both, whose shares are
proposed to be offered to the public, shall collectively authorise the company, whose shares
are offered for sale to the public, to take all actions in respect of offer of sale for and on their
behalf and they shall reimburse the company all expenses incurred by it on
this matter.
29. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this Act,—
(a) every company making public offer; and
(b) such other class or classes of public companies as may be prescribed,
shall issue the securities only in dematerialised form by complying with the provisions of the
Depositories Act, 1996 and the regulations made thereunder.
(2) Any company, other than a company mentioned in sub-section (1), may convert its
securities into dematerialised form or issue its securities in physical form in accordance with
the provisions of this Act or in dematerialised form in accordance with the provisions of the
Depositories Act, 1996 and the regulations made thereunder.
30. Where an advertisement of any prospectus of a company is published in any
manner, it shall be necessary to specify therein the contents of its memorandum as regards
the objects, the liability of members and the amount of share capital of the company, and the
names of the signatories to the memorandum and the number of shares subscribed for by
them, and its capital structure.
31. (1) Any class or classes of companies, as the Securities and Exchange Board may
provide by regulations in this behalf, may file a shelf prospectus with the Registrar at the
stage of the first offer of securities included therein which shall indicate a period not exceeding
one year as the period of validity of such prospectus which shall commence from the date of
opening of the first offer of securities under that prospectus, and in respect of a second or
subsequent offer of such securities issued during the period of validity of that prospectus,
no further prospectus is required.
(2) A company filing a shelf prospectus shall be required to file an information
memorandum containing all material facts relating to new charges created, changes in the
financial position of the company as have occurred between the first offer of securities or the
previous offer of securities and the succeeding offer of securities and such other changes as
may be prescribed, with the Registrar within the prescribed time, prior to the issue of a
second or subsequent offer of securities under the shelf prospectus:
Provided that where a company or any other person has received applications for the
allotment of securities along with advance payments of subscription before the making of
any such change, the company or other person shall intimate the changes to such applicants
and if they express a desire to withdraw their application, the company or other person shall
refund all the monies received as subscription within fifteen days thereof.
(3) Where an information memorandum is filed, every time an offer of securities is made
under sub-section (2), such memorandum together with the shelf prospectus shall be deemed
to be a prospectus.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression "shelf prospectus"
means a prospectus in respect of which the securities or class of securities included therein
are issued for subscription in one or more issues over a certain period without the issue of a
further prospectus.
32. (1) A company proposing to make an offer of securities may issue a red herring
prospectus prior to the issue of a prospectus.
(2) A company proposing to issue a red herring prospectus under sub-section (1) shall
file it with the Registrar at least three days prior to the opening of the subscription list and the
offer.
Red herring
prospectus.
Public offer of
securities to be
in
dematerialised
form.
Advertisement
of
prospectus.
Shelf
prospectus.
22 of 1996.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 31
(3) A red herring prospectus shall carry the same obligations as are applicable to a
prospectus and any variation between the red herring prospectus and a prospectus shall be
highlighted as variations in the prospectus.
(4) Upon the closing of the offer of securities under this section, the prospectus
stating therein the total capital raised, whether by way of debt or share capital, and the
closing price of the securities and any other details as are not included in the red herring
prospectus shall be filed with the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression "red herring
prospectus" means a prospectus which does not include complete particulars of the quantum
or price of the securities included therein.
33. (1) No form of application for the purchase of any of the securities of a company
shall be issued unless such form is accompanied by an abridged prospectus:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply if it is shown that the form of
application was issued—
(a) in connection with a bona fide invitation to a person to enter into an
underwriting agreement with respect to such securities; or
(b) in relation to securities which were not offered to the public.
(2) A copy of the prospectus shall, on a request being made by any person before the
closing of the subscription list and the offer, be furnished to him.
(3) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section, it
shall be liable to a penalty of fifty thousand rupees for each default.
34. Where a prospectus, issued, circulated or distributed under this Chapter, includes
any statement which is untrue or misleading in form or context in which it is included or
where any inclusion or omission of any matter is likely to mislead, every person who authorises
the issue of such prospectus shall be liable under section 447:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to a person if he proves that such
statement or omission was immaterial or that he had reasonable grounds to believe, and did
up to the time of issue of the prospectus believe, that the statement was true or the inclusion
or omission was necessary.
35. (1) Where a person has subscribed for securities of a company acting on any
statement included, or the inclusion or omission of any matter, in the prospectus which is
misleading and has sustained any loss or damage as a consequence thereof, the company
and every person who—
(a) is a director of the company at the time of the issue of the prospectus;
(b) has authorised himself to be named and is named in the prospectus as a
director of the company, or has agreed to become such director, either immediately or
after an interval of time;
(c) is a promoter of the company;
(d) has authorised the issue of the prospectus; and
(e) is an expert referred to in sub-section (5) of section 26,
shall, without prejudice to any punishment to which any person may be liable under section
36, be liable to pay compensation to every person who has sustained such loss or damage.
(2) No person shall be liable under sub-section (1), if he proves—
(a) that, having consented to become a director of the company, he withdrew his
consent before the issue of the prospectus, and that it was issued without his authority
or consent; or
Issue of
application
forms for
securities.
Criminal
liability for
misstatements
in
prospectus.
Civil liability
for misstatements
in
prospectus.
32 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) that the prospectus was issued without his knowledge or consent, and that
on becoming aware of its issue, he forthwith gave a reasonable public notice that it
was issued without his knowledge or consent.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, where it is proved that a
prospectus has been issued with intent to defraud the applicants for the securities of a
company or any other person or for any fraudulent purpose, every person referred to in subsection
(1) shall be personally responsible, without any limitation of liability, for all or any of
the losses or damages that may have been incurred by any person who subscribed to the
securities on the basis of such prospectus.
36. Any person who, either knowingly or recklessly makes any statement, promise or
forecast which is false, deceptive or misleading, or deliberately conceals any material facts,
to induce another person to enter into, or to offer to enter into,—
(a) any agreement for, or with a view to, acquiring, disposing of, subscribing for,
or underwriting securities; or
(b) any agreement, the purpose or the pretended purpose of which is to secure
a profit to any of the parties from the yield of securities or by reference to fluctuations
in the value of securities; or
(c) any agreement for, or with a view to obtaining credit facilities from any bank
or financial institution,
shall be liable for action under section 447.
37. A suit may be filed or any other action may be taken under section 34 or section 35
or section 36 by any person, group of persons or any association of persons affected by any
misleading statement or the inclusion or omission of any matter in the prospectus.
38. (1) Any person who—
(a) makes or abets making of an application in a fictitious name to a company for
acquiring, or subscribing for, its securities; or
(b) makes or abets making of multiple applications to a company in different
names or in different combinations of his name or surname for acquiring or subscribing
for its securities; or
(c) otherwise induces directly or indirectly a company to allot, or register any
transfer of, securities to him, or to any other person in a fictitious name,
shall be liable for action under section 447.
(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall be prominently reproduced in every
prospectus issued by a company and in every form of application for securities.
(3) Where a person has been convicted under this section, the Court may also order
disgorgement of gain, if any, made by, and seizure and disposal of the securities in possession
of, such person.
(4) The amount received through disgorgement or disposal of securities under subsection
(3) shall be credited to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.
39. (1) No allotment of any securities of a company offered to the public for subscription
shall be made unless the amount stated in the prospectus as the minimum amount has been
subscribed and the sums payable on application for the amount so stated have been paid to
and received by the company by cheque or other instrument.
(2) The amount payable on application on every security shall not be less than
five per cent. of the nominal amount of the security or such other percentage or amount, as
may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board by making regulations in this behalf.
Punishment
for
fraudulently
inducing
persons to
invest money.
Action by
affected
persons.
Punishment
for personation
for
acquisition,
etc., of
securities.
Allotment of
securities by
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 33
(3) If the stated minimum amount has not been subscribed and the sum payable on
application is not received within a period of thirty days from the date of issue of the
prospectus, or such other period as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board,
the amount received under sub-section (1) shall be returned within such time and manner as
may be prescribed.
(4) Whenever a company having a share capital makes any allotment of securities, it
shall file with the Registrar a return of allotment in such manner as may be prescribed.
(5) In case of any default under sub-section (3) or sub-section (4), the company and
its officer who is in default shall be liable to a penalty, for each default, of one thousand
rupees for each day during which such default continues or one lakh rupees, whichever is less.
40. (1) Every company making public offer shall, before making such offer, make an
application to one or more recognised stock exchange or exchanges and obtain permission
for the securities to be dealt with in such stock exchange or exchanges.
(2) Where a prospectus states that an application under sub-section (1) has been
made, such prospectus shall also state the name or names of the stock exchange in which the
securities shall be dealt with.
(3) All monies received on application from the public for subscription to the securities
shall be kept in a separate bank account in a scheduled bank and shall not be utilised for any
purpose other than—
(a) for adjustment against allotment of securities where the securities have been
permitted to be dealt with in the stock exchange or stock exchanges specified in the
prospectus; or
(b) for the repayment of monies within the time specified by the Securities and
Exchange Board, received from applicants in pursuance of the prospectus, where the
company is for any other reason unable to allot securities.
(4) Any condition purporting to require or bind any applicant for securities to waive
compliance with any of the requirements of this section shall be void.
(5) If a default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
shall be punishable with a fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may
extend to fifty lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees, or
with both.
(6) A company may pay commission to any person in connection with the subscription
to its securities subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.
41. A company may, after passing a special resolution in its general meeting, issue
depository receipts in any foreign country in such manner, and subject to such conditions,
as may be prescribed.
Global
depository
receipt.
Securities to
be dealt with
in stock
exchanges.
34 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
PART II.—Private placement
42. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 26, a company may, subject to
the provisions of this section, make private placement through issue of a private placement
offer letter.
(2) Subject to sub-section (1), the offer of securities or invitation to subscribe securities,
shall be made to such number of persons not exceeding fifty or such higher number as may
be prescribed, [excluding qualified institutional buyers and employees of the company being
offered securities under a scheme of employees stock option as per provisions of clause (b)
of sub-section (1) of section 62], in a financial year and on such conditions (including the
form and manner of private placement) as may be prescribed.
Explanation I.—If a company, listed or unlisted, makes an offer to allot or invites
subscription, or allots, or enters into an agreement to allot, securities to more than the
prescribed number of persons, whether the payment for the securities has been received or
not or whether the company intends to list its securities or not on any recognised stock
exchange in or outside India, the same shall be deemed to be an offer to the public and shall
accordingly be governed by the provisions of Part I of this Chapter.
Explanation II.— For the purposes of this section, the expression—
(i) "qualified institutional buyer’’ means the qualified institutional buyer as defined
in the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirments) Regulations, 2009 as amended from time to time.
(ii) "private placement" means any offer of securities or invitation to subscribe
securities to a select group of persons by a company (other than by way of public
offer) through issue of a private placement offer letter and which satisfies the conditions
specified in this section.
(3) No fresh offer or invitation under this section shall be made unless the allotments
with respect to any offer or invitation made earlier have been completed or that offer or
invitation has been withdrawn or abandoned by the company.
(4) Any offer or invitation not in compliance with the provisions of this section shall be
treated as a public offer and all provisions of this Act, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation)
Act, 1956 and the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 shall be required to be
complied with.
(5) All monies payable towards subscription of securities under this section shall be
paid through cheque or demand draft or other banking channels but not by cash.
(6) A company making an offer or invitation under this section shall allot its securities
within sixty days from the date of receipt of the application money for such securities and if
the company is not able to allot the securities within that period, it shall repay the application
money to the subscribers within fifteen days from the date of completion of sixty days and if
the company fails to repay the application money within the aforesaid period, it shall be liable
to repay that money with interest at the rate of twelve per cent. per annum from the expiry of the
sixtieth day:
Provided that monies received on application under this section shall be kept in a
separate bank account in a scheduled bank and shall not be utilised for any purpose other
than—
(a) for adjustment against allotment of securities; or
(b) for the repayment of monies where the company is unable to allot securities.
(7) All offers covered under this section shall be made only to such persons whose
names are recorded by the company prior to the invitation to subscribe, and that such
persons shall receive the offer by name, and that a complete record of such offers shall be
kept by the company in such manner as may be prescribed and complete information about
such offer shall be filed with the Registrar within a period of thirty days of circulation of
relevant private placement offer letter.
15 of 1992.
Offer or
invitation for
subscription
of securities
on private
placement.
42 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 35
(8) No company offering securities under this section shall release any public
advertisements or utilise any media, marketing or distribution channels or agents to inform
the public at large about such an offer.
(9) Whenever a company makes any allotment of securities under this section, it shall
file with the Registrar a return of allotment in such manner as may be prescribed, including
the complete list of all security-holders, with their full names, addresses, number of securities
allotted and such other relevant information as may be prescribed.
(10) If a company makes an offer or accepts monies in contravention of this section,
the company, its promoters and directors shall be liable for a penalty which may extend to the
amount involved in the offer or invitation or two crore rupees, whichever is higher, and the
company shall also refund all monies to subscribers within a period of thirty days of the
order imposing the penalty.
CHAPTER IV
SHARE CAPITAL AND DEBENTURES
43. The share capital of a company limited by shares shall be of two kinds, namely:—
(a) equity share capital—
(i) with voting rights; or
(ii) with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise in accordance
with such rules as may be prescribed; and
(b) preference share capital:
Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall affect the rights of the preference
shareholders who are entitled to participate in the proceeds of winding up before the
commencement of this Act.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) ‘‘equity share capital’’, with reference to any company limited by shares,
means all share capital which is not preference share capital;
(ii) ‘‘preference share capital’’, with reference to any company limited by shares,
means that part of the issued share capital of the company which carries or would carry
a preferential right with respect to—
(a) payment of dividend, either as a fixed amount or an amount calculated
at a fixed rate, which may either be free of or subject to income-tax; and
(b) repayment, in the case of a winding up or repayment of capital, of the
amount of the share capital paid-up or deemed to have been paid-up, whether or
not, there is a preferential right to the payment of any fixed premium or premium
on any fixed scale, specified in the memorandum or articles of the company;
(iii) capital shall be deemed to be preference capital, notwithstanding that it is
entitled to either or both of the following rights, namely:—
(a) that in respect of dividends, in addition to the preferential rights to the
amounts specified in sub-clause (a) of clause (ii), it has a right to participate,
whether fully or to a limited extent, with capital not entitled to the preferential
right aforesaid;
(b) that in respect of capital, in addition to the preferential right to the
repayment, on a winding up, of the amounts specified in sub-clause (b) of clause
( ii), it has a right to participate, whether fully or to a limited extent, with capital
not entitled to that preferential right in any surplus which may remain after the
entire capital has been repaid.
Kinds of
share capital.
36 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
44. The shares or debentures or other interest of any member in a company shall be
movable property transferable in the manner provided by the articles of the company.
45. Every share in a company having a share capital shall be distinguished by its
distinctive number:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to a share held by a person whose
name is entered as holder of beneficial interest in such share in the records of a depository.
46. (1) A certificate, issued under the common seal of the company, specifying the
shares held by any person, shall be prima facie evidence of the title of the person to such
shares.
(2) A duplicate certificate of shares may be issued, if such certificate —
(a) is proved to have been lost or destroyed; or
(b) has been defaced, mutilated or torn and is surrendered to the company.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the articles of a company, the manner of
issue of a certificate of shares or the duplicate thereof, the form of such certificate, the
particulars to be entered in the register of members and other matters shall be such as may be
prescribed.
(4) Where a share is held in depository form, the record of the depository is the prima
facie evidence of the interest of the beneficial owner.
(5) If a company with intent to defraud issues a duplicate certificate of shares, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five times the face
value of the shares involved in the issue of the duplicate certificate but which may
extend to ten times the face value of such shares or rupees ten crores whichever is
higher and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable for action under
section 447.
47. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 43 and sub-section (2) of section 50,—
(a) every member of a company limited by shares and holding equity share
capital therein, shall have a right to vote on every resolution placed before the company;
and
(b) his voting right on a poll shall be in proportion to his share in the paid-up
equity share capital of the company.
(2) Every member of a company limited by shares and holding any preference
share capital therein shall, in respect of such capital, have a right to vote only on
resolutions placed before the company which directly affect the rights attached to his
preference shares and, any resolution for the winding up of the company or for the
repayment or reduction of its equity or preference share capital and his voting right on
a poll shall be in proportion to his share in the paid-up preference share capital of the
company:
Provided that the proportion of the voting rights of equity shareholders to the
voting rights of the preference shareholders shall be in the same proportion as the
paid-up capital in respect of the equity shares bears to the paid-up capital in respect of
the preference shares:
Provided further that where the dividend in respect of a class of preference shares has
not been paid for a period of two years or more, such class of preference shareholders shall
have a right to vote on all the resolutions placed before the company.
Nature of
shares or
debentures.
Numbering of
shares.
Certificate of
shares.
Voting rights.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 37
48. (1) Where a share capital of the company is divided into different classes of
shares, the rights attached to the shares of any class may be varied with the consent in
writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class or by
means of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued
shares of that class,—
(a) if provision with respect to such variation is contained in the memorandum or
articles of the company; or
(b) in the absence of any such provision in the memorandum or articles, if such
variation is not prohibited by the terms of issue of the shares of that class:
Provided that if variation by one class of shareholders affects the rights of any other
class of shareholders, the consent of three-fourths of such other class of shareholders shall
also be obtained and the provisions of this section shall apply to such variation.
(2) Where the holders of not less than ten per cent. of the issued shares of a class did
not consent to such variation or vote in favour of the special resolution for the variation,
they may apply to the Tribunal to have the variation cancelled, and where any such application
is made, the variation shall not have effect unless and until it is confirmed by the Tribunal:
Provided that an application under this section shall be made within twenty-one days
after the date on which the consent was given or the resolution was passed, as the case may
be, and may be made on behalf of the shareholders entitled to make the application by such
one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose.
(3) The decision of the Tribunal on any application under sub-section (2) shall be
binding on the shareholders.
(4) The company shall, within thirty days of the date of the order of the Tribunal, file a
copy thereof with the Registrar.
(5) Where any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or
with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees, or with both.
49. Where any calls for further share capital are made on the shares of a class, such
calls shall be made on a uniform basis on all shares falling under that class.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, shares of the same nominal value
on which different amounts have been paid-up shall not be deemed to fall under the same class.
50. (1) A company may, if so authorised by its articles, accept from any member, the
whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on any shares held by him, even if no part of
that amount has been called up.
(2) A member of the company limited by shares shall not be entitled to any voting
rights in respect of the amount paid by him under sub-section (1) until that amount has been
called up.
51. A company may, if so authorised by its articles, pay dividends in proportion to the
amount paid-up on each share.
52. (1) Where a company issues shares at a premium, whether for cash or otherwise, a
sum equal to the aggregate amount of the premium received on those shares shall be
transferred to a “securities premium account” and the provisions of this Act relating to
reduction of share capital of a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if
the securities premium account were the paid-up share capital of the company.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the securities premium
account may be applied by the company—
(a) towards the issue of unissued shares of the company to the members of the
company as fully paid bonus shares;
Variation of
shareholders’
rights.
Calls on
shares of
same class to
be made on
uniform basis.
Company to
accept unpaid
share capital,
although not
called up.
Payment of
dividend in
proportion to
amount paidup.
Application
of premiums
received on
issue of
shares.
38 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) in writing off the preliminary expenses of the company;
(c) in writing off the expenses of, or the commission paid or discount allowed on,
any issue of shares or debentures of the company;
(d) in providing for the premium payable on the redemption of any redeemable
preference shares or of any debentures of the company; or
(e) for the purchase of its own shares or other securities under section 68.
(3) The securities premium account may, notwithstanding anything contained in
sub-sections (1) and (2), be applied by such class of companies, as may be prescribed and
whose financial statement comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class
of companies under section 133,—
(a) in paying up unissued equity shares of the company to be issued to members
of the company as fully paid bonus shares; or
(b) in writing off the expenses of or the commission paid or discount allowed on
any issue of equity shares of the company; or
(c) for the purchase of its own shares or other securities under section 68.
53. (1) Except as provided in section 54, a company shall not issue shares at a discount.
(2) Any share issued by a company at a discounted price shall be void.
(3) Where a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to five lakh rupees and every officer who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
54. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 53, a company may issue sweat
equity shares of a class of shares already issued, if the following conditions are fulfilled,
namely:—
(a) the issue is authorised by a special resolution passed by the company;
(b) the resolution specifies the number of shares, the current market price,
consideration, if any, and the class or classes of directors or employees to whom such
equity shares are to be issued;
(c) not less than one year has, at the date of such issue, elapsed since the date
on which the company had commenced business; and
(d) where the equity shares of the company are listed on a recognised stock
exchange, the sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with the regulations made
by the Securities and Exchange Board in this behalf and if they are not so listed, the
sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) The rights, limitations, restrictions and provisions as are for the time being applicable
to equity shares shall be applicable to the sweat equity shares issued under this section and
the holders of such shares shall rank pari passu with other equity shareholders.
55. (1) No company limited by shares shall, after the commencement of this Act, issue
any preference shares which are irredeemable.
(2) A company limited by shares may, if so authorised by its articles, issue preference
shares which are liable to be redeemed within a period not exceeding twenty years from the
date of their issue subject to such conditions as may be prescribed:
Issue of sweat
equity shares.
Prohibition
on issue of
shares at
discount.
Issue and
redemption
of preference
shares.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 39
Provided that a company may issue preference shares for a period exceeding twenty
years for infrastructure projects, subject to the redemption of such percentage of shares as
may be prescribed on an annual basis at the option of such preferential shareholders:
Provided further that—
(a) no such shares shall be redeemed except out of the profits of the company
which would otherwise be available for dividend or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue
of shares made for the purposes of such redemption;
(b) no such shares shall be redeemed unless they are fully paid;
(c) where such shares are proposed to be redeemed out of the profits of the
company, there shall, out of such profits, be transferred, a sum equal to the nominal
amount of the shares to be redeemed, to a reserve, to be called the Capital Redemption
Reserve Account, and the provisions of this Act relating to reduction of share capital
of a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if the Capital Redemption
Reserve Account were paid-up share capital of the company; and
(d) (i) in case of such class of companies, as may be prescribed and whose
financial statement comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class of
companies under section 133, the premium, if any, payable on redemption shall be
provided for out of the profits of the company, before the shares are redeemed:
Provided also that premium, if any, payable on redemption of any preference
shares issued on or before the commencement of this Act by any such company shall
be provided for out of the profits of the company or out of the company’s securities
premium account, before such shares are redeemed.
(ii) in a case not falling under sub-clause (i) above, the premium, if any, payable
on redemption shall be provided for out of the profits of the company or out of the
company’s securities premium account, before such shares are redeemed.
(3) Where a company is not in a position to redeem any preference shares or to pay
dividend, if any, on such shares in accordance with the terms of issue (such shares hereinafter
referred to as unredeemed preference shares), it may, with the consent of the holders of
three-fourths in value of such preference shares and with the approval of the Tribunal on a
petition made by it in this behalf, issue further redeemable preference shares equal to the
amount due, including the dividend thereon, in respect of the unredeemed preference shares,
and on the issue of such further redeemable preference shares, the unredeemed preference
shares shall be deemed to have been redeemed:
Provided that the Tribunal shall, while giving approval under this sub-section, order
the redemption forthwith of preference shares held by such persons who have not consented
to the issue of further redeemable preference shares.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the issue of further
redeemable preference shares or the redemption of preference shares under this section shall
not be deemed to be an increase or, as the case may be, a reduction, in the share capital of the
company.
(4) The capital redemption reserve account may, notwithstanding anything in this
section, be applied by the company, in paying up unissued shares of the company to be
issued to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-section (2), the term ‘‘infrastructure projects’’
means the infrastructure projects specified in Schedule VI.
56. (1) A company shall not register a transfer of securities of the company, or the
interest of a member in the company in the case of a company having no share capital, other
than the transfer between persons both of whose names are entered as holders of beneficial
interest in the records of a depository, unless a proper instrument of transfer, in such form as
Transfer and
transmission
of securities.
40 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Punishment
for personation
of
shareholder.
may be prescribed, duly stamped, dated and executed by or on behalf of the transferor and
the transferee and specifying the name, address and occupation, if any, of the transferee has
been delivered to the company by the transferor or the transferee within a period of sixty
days from the date of execution, along with the certificate relating to the securities, or if no
such certificate is in existence, along with the letter of allotment of securities:
Provided that where the instrument of transfer has been lost or the instrument of
transfer has not been delivered within the prescribed period, the company may register the
transfer on such terms as to indemnity as the Board may think fit.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall prejudice the power of the company to register, on
receipt of an intimation of transmission of any right to securities by operation of law from any
person to whom such right has been transmitted.
(3) Where an application is made by the transferor alone and relates to partly paid
shares, the transfer shall not be registered, unless the company gives the notice of the
application, in such manner as may be prescribed, to the transferee and the transferee gives
no objection to the transfer within two weeks from the receipt of notice.
(4) Every company shall, unless prohibited by any provision of law or any order of
Court, Tribunal or other authority, deliver the certificates of all securities allotted, transferred
or transmitted—
(a) within a period of two months from the date of incorporation, in the case of
subscribers to the memorandum;
(b) within a period of two months from the date of allotment, in the case of any
allotment of any of its shares;
(c) within a period of one month from the date of receipt by the company of the
instrument of transfer under sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, of the intimation of
transmission under sub-section (2), in the case of a transfer or transmission of securities;
(d) within a period of six months from the date of allotment in the case of any
allotment of debenture:
Provided that where the securities are dealt with in a depository, the company shall
intimate the details of allotment of securities to depository immediately on allotment of such
securities.
(5) The transfer of any security or other interest of a deceased person in a company
made by his legal representative shall, even if the legal representative is not a holder
thereof, be valid as if he had been the holder at the time of the execution of the instrument
of transfer.
(6) Where any default is made in complying with the provisions of sub-sections (1) to
(5), the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(7) Without prejudice to any liability under the Depositories Act, 1996, where any
depository or depository participant, with an intention to defraud a person, has transferred
shares, it shall be liable under section 447.
57. If any person deceitfully personates as an owner of any security or interest in a
company, or of any share warrant or coupon issued in pursuance of this Act, and thereby
obtains or attempts to obtain any such security or interest or any such share warrant or
coupon, or receives or attempts to receive any money due to any such owner, he shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may
extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 41
58. (1) If a private company limited by shares refuses, whether in pursuance of any
power of the company under its articles or otherwise, to register the transfer of, or the
transmission by operation of law of the right to, any securities or interest of a member in the
company, it shall within a period of thirty days from the date on which the instrument of
transfer, or the intimation of such transmission, as the case may be, was delivered to the
company, send notice of the refusal to the transferor and the transferee or to the person
giving intimation of such transmission, as the case may be, giving reasons for such refusal.
(2) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), the securities or other interest of any member
in a public company shall be freely transferable:
Provided that any contract or arrangement between two or more persons in respect of
transfer of securities shall be enforceable as a contract.
(3) The transferee may appeal to the Tribunal against the refusal within a period of
thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice or in case no notice has been sent by the
company, within a period of sixty days from the date on which the instrument of transfer or
the intimation of transmission, as the case may be, was delivered to the company.
(4) If a public company without sufficient cause refuses to register the transfer of
securities within a period of thirty days from the date on which the instrument of transfer or
the intimation of transmission, as the case may be, is delivered to the company, the transferee
may, within a period of sixty days of such refusal or where no intimation has been received
from the company, within ninety days of the delivery of the instrument of transfer or
intimation of transmission, appeal to the Tribunal.
(5) The Tribunal, while dealing with an appeal made under sub-section (3) or subsection
(4), may, after hearing the parties, either dismiss the appeal, or by order—
(a) direct that the transfer or transmission shall be registered by the company and
the company shall comply with such order within a period of ten days of the receipt of
the order; or
(b) direct rectification of the register and also direct the company to pay damages,
if any, sustained by any party aggrieved.
(6) If a person contravenes the order of the Tribunal under this section, he shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may
extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
59. (1) If the name of any person is, without sufficient cause, entered in the register of
members of a company, or after having been entered in the register, is, without sufficient
cause, omitted therefrom, or if a default is made, or unnecessary delay takes place in entering
in the register, the fact of any person having become or ceased to be a member, the person
aggrieved, or any member of the company, or the company may appeal in such form as may
be prescribed, to the Tribunal, or to a competent court outside India, specified by the Central
Government by notification, in respect of foreign members or debenture holders residing
outside India, for rectification of the register.
(2) The Tribunal may, after hearing the parties to the appeal under sub-section (1) by
order, either dismiss the appeal or direct that the transfer or transmission shall be registered
by the company within a period of ten days of the receipt of the order or direct rectification
of the records of the depository or the register and in the latter case, direct the company to
pay damages, if any, sustained by the party aggrieved.
(3) The provisions of this section shall not restrict the right of a holder of securities,
to transfer such securities and any person acquiring such securities shall be entitled to
voting rights unless the voting rights have been suspended by an order of the Tribunal.
(4) Where the transfer of securities is in contravention of any of the provisions of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992 or this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the Tribunal may, on an
application made by the depository, company, depository participant, the holder of the
securities or the Securities and Exchange Board, direct any company or a depository to set
right the contravention and rectify its register or records concerned.
Refusal of
registration
and appeal
against
refusal.
Rectification
of register of
members.
42 of 1956.
15 of 1992.
42 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) If any default is made in complying with the order of the Tribunal under this
section, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
60. (1) Where any notice, advertisement or other official publication, or any business
letter, billhead or letter paper of a company contains a statement of the amount of the
authorised capital of the company, such notice, advertisement or other official publication,
or such letter, billhead or letter paper shall also contain a statement, in an equally prominent
position and in equally conspicuous characters, of the amount of the capital which has been
subscribed and the amount paid-up.
(2) If any default is made in complying with the requirements of sub-section (1), the
company shall be liable to pay a penalty of ten thousand rupees and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be liable to pay a penalty of five thousand rupees, for each
default.
61. (1) A limited company having a share capital may, if so authorised by its articles,
alter its memorandum in its general meeting to—
(a) increase its authorised share capital by such amount as it thinks expedient;
(b) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger
amount than its existing shares:
Provided that no consolidation and division which results in changes in the
voting percentage of shareholders shall take effect unless it is approved by the Tribunal
on an application made in the prescribed manner;
(c) convert all or any of its fully paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert that
stock into fully paid-up shares of any denomination;
(d) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than is
fixed by the memorandum, so, however, that in the sub-division the proportion between
the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the
same as it was in the case of the share from which the reduced share is derived;
(e) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in that
behalf, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the
amount of its share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.
(2) The cancellation of shares under sub-section (1) shall not be deemed to be a
reduction of share capital.
62. (1) Where at any time, a company having a share capital proposes to increase its
subscribed capital by the issue of further shares, such shares shall be offered—
(a) to persons who, at the date of the offer, are holders of equity shares of the
company in proportion, as nearly as circumstances admit, to the paid-up share capital
on those shares by sending a letter of offer subject to the following conditions,
namely:—
(i) the offer shall be made by notice specifying the number of shares
offered and limiting a time not being less than fifteen days and not exceeding
thirty days from the date of the offer within which the offer, if not accepted, shall
be deemed to have been declined;
(ii) unless the articles of the company otherwise provide, the offer aforesaid
shall be deemed to include a right exercisable by the person concerned to
renounce the shares offered to him or any of them in favour of any other person;
and the notice referred to in clause (i) shall contain a statement of this right;
Publication of
authorised,
subscribed and
paid-up
capital.
Power of
limited
company to
alter its share
capital.
Further issue
of share
capital.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 43
(iii) after the expiry of the time specified in the notice aforesaid, or on
receipt of earlier intimation from the person to whom such notice is given that he
declines to accept the shares offered, the Board of Directors may dispose of
them in such manner which is not dis-advantageous to the shareholders and the
company;
(b) to employees under a scheme of employees’ stock option, subject to special
resolution passed by company and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed;
or
(c) to any persons, if it is authorised by a special resolution, whether or not
those persons include the persons referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), either for cash
or for a consideration other than cash, if the price of such shares is determined by the
valuation report of a registered valuer subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.
(2) The notice referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall be
despatched through registered post or speed post or through electronic mode to all the
existing shareholders at least three days before the opening of the issue.
(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to the increase of the subscribed capital of a
company caused by the exercise of an option as a term attached to the debentures issued or
loan raised by the company to convert such debentures or loans into shares in the company:
Provided that the terms of issue of such debentures or loan containing such an option
have been approved before the issue of such debentures or the raising of loan by a special
resolution passed by the company in general meeting.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), where any debentures
have been issued, or loan has been obtained from any Government by a company, and if that
Government considers it necessary in the public interest so to do, it may, by order, direct that
such debentures or loans or any part thereof shall be converted into shares in the company
on such terms and conditions as appear to the Government to be reasonable in the
circumstances of the case even if terms of the issue of such debentures or the raising of such
loans do not include a term for providing for an option for such conversion:
Provided that where the terms and conditions of such conversion are not acceptable
to the company, it may, within sixty days from the date of communication of such order,
appeal to the Tribunal which shall after hearing the company and the Government pass such
order as it deems fit.
(5) In determining the terms and conditions of conversion under sub-section (4), the
Government shall have due regard to the financial position of the company, the terms of
issue of debentures or loans, as the case may be, the rate of interest payable on such
debentures or loans and such other matters as it may consider necessary.
(6) Where the Government has, by an order made under sub-section (4), directed that
any debenture or loan or any part thereof shall be converted into shares in a company and
where no appeal has been preferred to the Tribunal under sub-section (4) or where such
appeal has been dismissed, the memorandum of such company shall, where such order has
the effect of increasing the authorised share capital of the company, stand altered and the
authorised share capital of such company shall stand increased by an amount equal to the
amount of the value of shares which such debentures or loans or part thereof has been
converted into.
63. (1) A company may issue fully paid-up bonus shares to its members, in any manner
whatsoever, out of—
(i) its free reserves;
(ii) the securities premium account; or
Issue of bonus
shares.
44 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) the capital redemption reserve account:
Provided that no issue of bonus shares shall be made by capitalising reserves created
by the revaluation of assets.
(2) No company shall capitalise its profits or reserves for the purpose of issuing fully
paid-up bonus shares under sub-section (1), unless—
(a) it is authorised by its articles;
(b) it has, on the recommendation of the Board, been authorised in the general
meeting of the company;
(c) it has not defaulted in payment of interest or principal in respect of fixed
deposits or debt securities issued by it;
(d) it has not defaulted in respect of the payment of statutory dues of the
employees, such as, contribution to provident fund, gratuity and bonus;
(e) the partly paid-up shares, if any outstanding on the date of allotment, are
made fully paid-up;
(f) it complies with such conditions as may be prescribed.
(3) The bonus shares shall not be issued in lieu of dividend.
64. (1) Where—
(a) a company alters its share capital in any manner specified in sub-section (1)
of section 61;
(b) an order made by the Government under sub-section (4) read with
sub-section (6) of section 62 has the effect of increasing authorised capital of a
company; or
(c) a company redeems any redeemable preference shares,
the company shall file a notice in the prescribed form with the Registrar within a period of
thirty days of such alteration or increase or redemption, as the case may be, along with an
altered memorandum.
(2) If a company and any officer of the company who is in default contravenes the
provisions of sub-section (1), it or he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one
thousand rupees for each day during which such default continues, or five lakh rupees,
whichever is less.
65. An unlimited company having a share capital may, by a resolution for registration
as a limited company under this Act, do either or both of the following things, namely—
(a) increase the nominal amount of its share capital by increasing the nominal
amount of each of its shares, subject to the condition that no part of the increased
capital shall be capable of being called up except in the event and for the purposes of
the company being wound up;
(b) provide that a specified portion of its uncalled share capital shall not be
capable of being called up except in the event and for the purposes of the company
being wound up.
Notice to be
given to
Registrar for
alteration of
share capital.
Unlimited
company to
provide for
reserve share
capital on
conversion
into limited
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 45
66. (1) Subject to confirmation by the Tribunal on an application by the company, a
company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital may, by a
special resolution, reduce the share capital in any manner and in particular, may—
(a) extinguish or reduce the liability on any of its shares in respect of the share
capital not paid-up; or
(b) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability on any of its
shares,—
(i) cancel any paid-up share capital which is lost or is unrepresented by
available assets; or
(ii) pay off any paid-up share capital which is in excess of the wants of the
company,
alter its memorandum by reducing the amount of its share capital and of its shares
accordingly:
Provided that no such reduction shall be made if the company is in arrears in the
repayment of any deposits accepted by it, either before or after the commencement of this
Act, or the interest payable thereon.
(2) The Tribunal shall give notice of every application made to it under sub-section
(1) to the Central Government, Registrar and to the Securities and Exchange Board, in the
case of listed companies, and the creditors of the company and shall take into consideration
the representations, if any, made to it by that Government, Registrar, the Securities and
Exchange Board and the creditors within a period of three months from the date of receipt
of the notice:
Provided that where no representation has been received from the Central Government,
Registrar, the Securities and Exchange Board or the creditors within the said period, it shall
be presumed that they have no objection to the reduction.
(3) The Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the debt or claim of every creditor of the
company has been discharged or determined or has been secured or his consent is obtained,
make an order confirming the reduction of share capital on such terms and conditions as it
deems fit:
Provided that no application for reduction of share capital shall be sanctioned by the
Tribunal unless the accounting treatment, proposed by the company for such reduction is in
conformity with the accounting standards specified in section 133 or any other provision of
this Act and a certificate to that effect by the company’s auditor has been filed with the
Tribunal.
(4) The order of confirmation of the reduction of share capital by the Tribunal under
sub-section (3) shall be published by the company in such manner as the Tribunal may
direct.
(5) The company shall deliver a certified copy of the order of the Tribunal under subsection
(3) and of a minute approved by the Tribunal showing—
(a) the amount of share capital;
(b) the number of shares into which it is to be divided;
(c) the amount of each share; and
Reduction of
share capital.
46 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) the amount, if any, at the date of registration deemed to be paid-up on each
share,
to the Registrar within thirty days of the receipt of the copy of the order, who shall register
the same and issue a certificate to that effect.
(6) Nothing in this section shall apply to buy-back of its own securities by a company
under section 68.
(7) A member of the company, past or present, shall not be liable to any call or
contribution in respect of any share held by him exceeding the amount of difference, if any,
between the amount paid on the share, or reduced amount, if any, which is to be deemed to
have been paid thereon, as the case may be, and the amount of the share as fixed by the order
of reduction.
(8) Where the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction of share capital
under this section is, by reason of his ignorance of the proceedings for reduction or of their
nature and effect with respect to his debt or claim, not entered on the list of creditors, and
after such reduction, the company is unable, within the meaning of sub-section (2) of section
271, to pay the amount of his debt or claim,—
(a) every person, who was a member of the company on the date of the registration
of the order for reduction by the Registrar, shall be liable to contribute to the payment
of that debt or claim, an amount not exceeding the amount which he would have been
liable to contribute if the company had commenced winding up on the day immediately
before the said date; and
(b) if the company is wound up, the Tribunal may, on the application of any such
creditor and proof of his ignorance as aforesaid, if it thinks fit, settle a list of persons so
liable to contribute, and make and enforce calls and orders on the contributories
settled on the list, as if they were ordinary contributories in a winding up.
(9) Nothing in sub-section (8) shall affect the rights of the contributories among
themselves.
(10) If any officer of the company—
(a) knowingly conceals the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction;
(b) knowingly misrepresents the nature or amount of the debt or claim of any
creditor; or
(c) abets or is privy to any such concealment or misrepresentation as aforesaid,
he shall be liable under section 447.
(11) If a company fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (4), it shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees.
67. (1) No company limited by shares or by guarantee and having a share capital shall
have power to buy its own shares unless the consequent reduction of share capital is
effected under the provisions of this Act.
(2) No public company shall give, whether directly or indirectly and whether by means
of a loan, guarantee, the provision of security or otherwise, any financial assistance for the
purpose of, or in connection with, a purchase or subscription made or to be made, by any
person of or for any shares in the company or in its holding company.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall apply to—
(a) the lending of money by a banking company in the ordinary course of its
business;
Restrictions
on purchase
by company
or giving of
loans by it for
purchase of
its shares.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 47
(b) the provision by a company of money in accordance with any scheme
approved by company through special resolution and in accordance with such
requirements as may be prescribed, for the purchase of, or subscription for, fully paidup
shares in the company or its holding company, if the purchase of, or the subscription
for, the shares held by trustees for the benefit of the employees or such shares held by
the employee of the company;
(c) the giving of loans by a company to persons in the employment of the
company other than its directors or key managerial personnel, for an amount not
exceeding their salary or wages for a period of six months with a view to enabling them
to purchase or subscribe for fully paid-up shares in the company or its holding company
to be held by them by way of beneficial ownership:
Provided that disclosures in respect of voting rights not exercised directly by the
employees in respect of shares to which the scheme relates shall be made in the Board's
report in such manner as may be prescribed.
(4) Nothing in this section shall affect the right of a company to redeem any preference
shares issued by it under this Act or under any previous company law.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, it shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees.
68. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, but subject to the provisions
of sub-section (2), a company may purchase its own shares or other specified securities
(hereinafter referred to as buy-back) out of—
(a) its free reserves;
(b) the securities premium account; or
(c) the proceeds of the issue of any shares or other specified securities:
Provided that no buy-back of any kind of shares or other specified securities shall be
made out of the proceeds of an earlier issue of the same kind of shares or same kind of other
specified securities.
(2) No company shall purchase its own shares or other specified securities under
sub-section (1), unless—
(a) the buy-back is authorised by its articles;
(b) a special resolution has been passed at a general meeting of the company
authorising the buy-back:
Provided that nothing contained in this clause shall apply to a case where—
(i) the buy-back is, ten per cent. or less of the total paid-up equity capital and
free reserves of the company; and
(ii) such buy-back has been authorised by the Board by means of a resolution
passed at its meeting;
(c) the buy-back is twenty-five per cent. or less of the aggregate of paid-up
capital and free reserves of the company:
Provided that in respect of the buy-back of equity shares in any financial year, the
reference to twenty-five per cent. in this clause shall be construed with respect to its total
paid-up equity capital in that financial year;
Power of
company to
purchase its
own
securities.
48 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) the ratio of the aggregate of secured and unsecured debts owed by the
company after buy-back is not more than twice the paid-up capital and its free reserves:
Provided that the Central Government may, by order, notify a higher ratio of the
debt to capital and free reserves for a class or classes of companies;
(e) all the shares or other specified securities for buy-back are fully paid-up;
(f) the buy-back of the shares or other specified securities listed on any recognised
stock exchange is in accordance with the regulations made by the Securities and
Exchange Board in this behalf; and
(g) the buy-back in respect of shares or other specified securities other than
those specified in clause (f) is in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed:
Provided that no offer of buy-back under this sub-section shall be made within a
period of one year reckoned from the date of the closure of the preceding offer of buy-back,
if any.
(3) The notice of the meeting at which the special resolution is proposed to be passed
under clause (b) of sub-section (2) shall be accompanied by an explanatory statement stating—
(a) a full and complete disclosure of all material facts;
(b) the necessity for the buy-back;
(c) the class of shares or securities intended to be purchased under the buy-back;
(d) the amount to be invested under the buy-back; and
(e) the time-limit for completion of buy-back.
(4) Every buy-back shall be completed within a period of one year from the date of
passing of the special resolution, or as the case may be, the resolution passed by the Board
under clause (b) of sub-section (2).
(5) The buy-back under sub-section (1) may be—
(a) from the existing shareholders or security holders on a proportionate basis;
(b) from the open market;
(c) by purchasing the securities issued to employees of the company pursuant
to a scheme of stock option or sweat equity.
(6) Where a company proposes to buy-back its own shares or other specified securities
under this section in pursuance of a special resolution under clause (b) of sub-section (2) or a
resolution under item (ii) of the proviso thereto, it shall, before making such buy-back, file with
the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board, a declaration of solvency signed by at
least two directors of the company, one of whom shall be the managing director, if any, in such
form as may be prescribed and verified by an affidavit to the effect that the Board of Directors
of the company has made a full inquiry into the affairs of the company as a result of which they
have formed an opinion that it is capable of meeting its liabilities and will not be rendered
insolvent within a period of one year from the date of declaration adopted by the Board:
Provided that no declaration of solvency shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Board by a company whose shares are not listed on any recognised stock exchange.
(7) Where a company buys back its own shares or other specified securities, it shall
extinguish and physically destroy the shares or securities so bought back within seven days
of the last date of completion of buy-back.
(8) Where a company completes a buy-back of its shares or other specified securities
under this section, it shall not make a further issue of the same kind of shares or other
securities including allotment of new shares under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62
or other specified securities within a period of six months except by way of a bonus issue or
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 49
in the discharge of subsisting obligations such as conversion of warrants, stock option
schemes, sweat equity or conversion of preference shares or debentures into equity shares.
(9) Where a company buys back its shares or other specified securities under this
section, it shall maintain a register of the shares or securities so bought, the consideration
paid for the shares or securities bought back, the date of cancellation of shares or securities,
the date of extinguishing and physically destroying the shares or securities and such other
particulars as may be prescribed.
(10) A company shall, after the completion of the buy-back under this section, file with
the Registrar and the Securities and Exchange Board a return containing such particulars
relating to the buy-back within thirty days of such completion, as may be prescribed:
Provided that no return shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Board by a
company whose shares are not listed on any recognised stock exchange.
(11) If a company makes any default in complying with the provisions of this section
or any regulation made by the Securities and Exchange Board, for the purposes of clause (f)
of sub-section (2), the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than
one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three
years or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three
lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation I.—For the purposes of this section and section 70, “specified securities”
includes employees’ stock option or other securities as may be notified by the Central
Government from time to time.
Explanation II.—For the purposes of this section, “free reserves” includes securities
premium account.
69. (1) Where a company purchases its own shares out of free reserves or securities
premium account, a sum equal to the nominal value of the shares so purchased shall be
transferred to the capital redemption reserve account and details of such transfer shall be
disclosed in the balance sheet.
(2) The capital redemption reserve account may be applied by the company, in paying
up unissued shares of the company to be issued to members of the company as fully paid
bonus shares.
70. (1) No company shall directly or indirectly purchase its own shares or other specified
securities—
(a) through any subsidiary company including its own subsidiary companies;
(b) through any investment company or group of investment companies; or
(c) if a default, is made by the company, in the repayment of deposits accepted
either before or after the commencement of this Act, interest payment thereon,
redemption of debentures or preference shares or payment of dividend to any
shareholder, or repayment of any term loan or interest payable thereon to any financial
institution or banking company:
Provided that the buy-back is not prohibited, if the default is remedied and a
period of three years has lapsed after such default ceased to subsist.
(2) No company shall, directly or indirectly, purchase its own shares or other specified
securities in case such company has not complied with the provisions of sections 92, 123,
127 and section 129.
Transfer of
certain sums
to capital
redemption
reserve
account.
Prohibition
for buy-back
in certain
circumstances.
50 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
71. (1) A company may issue debentures with an option to convert such debentures
into shares, either wholly or partly at the time of redemption:
Provided that the issue of debentures with an option to convert such debentures into
shares, wholly or partly, shall be approved by a special resolution passed at a general
meeting.
(2) No company shall issue any debentures carrying any voting rights.
(3) Secured debentures may be issued by a company subject to such terms and
conditions as may be prescribed.
(4) Where debentures are issued by a company under this section, the company shall
create a debenture redemption reserve account out of the profits of the company available
for payment of dividend and the amount credited to such account shall not be utilised by the
company except for the redemption of debentures.
(5) No company shall issue a prospectus or make an offer or invitation to the public or
to its members exceeding five hundred for the subscription of its debentures, unless the
company has, before such issue or offer, appointed one or more debenture trustees and the
conditions governing the appointment of such trustees shall be such as may be prescribed.
(6) A debenture trustee shall take steps to protect the interests of the debentureholders
and redress their grievances in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(7) Any provision contained in a trust deed for securing the issue of debentures, or in
any contract with the debenture-holders secured by a trust deed, shall be void in so far as it
would have the effect of exempting a trustee thereof from, or indemnifying him against, any
liability for breach of trust, where he fails to show the degree of care and due diligence
required of him as a trustee, having regard to the provisions of the trust deed conferring on
him any power, authority or discretion:
Provided that the liability of the debenture trustee shall be subject to such exemptions
as may be agreed upon by a majority of debenture-holders holding not less than threefourths
in value of the total debentures at a meeting held for the purpose.
(8) A company shall pay interest and redeem the debentures in accordance with the
terms and conditions of their issue.
(9) Where at any time the debenture trustee comes to a conclusion that the assets of
the company are insufficient or are likely to become insufficient to discharge the principal
amount as and when it becomes due, the debenture trustee may file a petition before the
Tribunal and the Tribunal may, after hearing the company and any other person interested in
the matter, by order, impose such restrictions on the incurring of any further liabilities by the
company as the Tribunal may consider necessary in the interests of the debenture-holders.
(10) Where a company fails to redeem the debentures on the date of their maturity or
fails to pay interest on the debentures when it is due, the Tribunal may, on the application of
any or all of the debenture-holders, or debenture trustee and, after hearing the parties
concerned, direct, by order, the company to redeem the debentures forthwith on payment of
principal and interest due thereon.
(11) If any default is made in complying with the order of the Tribunal under this
section, every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than two lakh
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(12) A contract with the company to take up and pay for any debentures of the
company may be enforced by a decree for specific performance.
(13) The Central Government may prescribe the procedure, for securing the issue of
debentures, the form of debenture trust deed, the procedure for the debenture-holders to
inspect the trust deed and to obtain copies thereof, quantum of debenture redemption
reserve required to be created and such other matters.
Debentures.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 51
72. (1) Every holder of securities of a company may, at any time, nominate, in
the prescribed manner, any person to whom his securities shall vest in the event of his
death.
(2) Where the securities of a company are held by more than one person jointly, the
joint holders may together nominate, in the prescribed manner, any person to whom all the
rights in the securities shall vest in the event of death of all the joint holders.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or
in any disposition, whether testamentary or otherwise, in respect of the securities of a
company, where a nomination made in the prescribed manner purports to confer on any
person the right to vest the securities of the company, the nominee shall, on the death of the
holder of securities or, as the case may be, on the death of the joint holders, become entitled
to all the rights in the securities, of the holder or, as the case may be, of all the joint holders,
in relation to such securities, to the exclusion of all other persons, unless the nomination is
varied or cancelled in the prescribed manner.
(4) Where the nominee is a minor, it shall be lawful for the holder of the securities,
making the nomination to appoint, in the prescribed manner, any person to become entitled
to the securities of the company, in the event of the death of the nominee during his
minority.
CHAPTER V
ACCEPTANCE OF DEPOSITS BY COMPANIES
73. (1) On and after the commencement of this Act, no company shall invite, accept or
renew deposits under this Act from the public except in a manner provided under this
Chapter:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a banking company and nonbanking
financial company as defined in the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and to such
other company as the Central Government may, after consultation with the Reserve Bank of
India, specify in this behalf.
(2) A company may, subject to the passing of a resolution in general meeting and
subject to such rules as may be prescribed in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India,
accept deposits from its members on such terms and conditions, including the provision of
security, if any, or for the repayment of such deposits with interest, as may be agreed upon
between the company and its members, subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions,
namely:—
(a) issuance of a circular to its members including therein a statement showing
the financial position of the company, the credit rating obtained, the total number of
depositors and the amount due towards deposits in respect of any previous deposits
accepted by the company and such other particulars in such form and in such manner
as may be prescribed;
(b) filing a copy of the circular along with such statement with the Registrar
within thirty days before the date of issue of the circular;
(c) depositing such sum which shall not be less than fifteen per cent. of the
amount of its deposits maturing during a financial year and the financial year next
following, and kept in a scheduled bank in a separate bank account to be called as
deposit repayment reserve account;
(d) providing such deposit insurance in such manner and to such extent as may
be prescribed;
(e) certifying that the company has not committed any default in the repayment
of deposits accepted either before or after the commencement of this Act or payment
of interest on such deposits; and
Power to
nominate.
Prohibition
on acceptance
of
deposits from
public.
2 of 1934.
52 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(f) providing security, if any for the due repayment of the amount of deposit or
the interest thereon including the creation of such charge on the property or assets of
the company:
Provided that in case where a company does not secure the deposits or secures
such deposits partially, then, the deposits shall be termed as ‘‘unsecured deposits’’
and shall be so quoted in every circular, form, advertisement or in any document
related to invitation or acceptance of deposits.
(3) Every deposit accepted by a company under sub-section (2) shall be repaid with interest
in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement referred to in that sub-section.
(4) Where a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest thereon
under sub-section (3), the depositor concerned may apply to the Tribunal for an order
directing the company to pay the sum due or for any loss or damage incurred by him as a
result of such non-payment and for such other orders as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(5) The deposit repayment reserve account referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (2)
shall not be used by the company for any purpose other than repayment of deposits.
74. (1) Where in respect of any deposit accepted by a company before the
commencement of this Act, the amount of such deposit or part thereof or any interest due
thereon remains unpaid on such commencement or becomes due at any time thereafter, the
company shall—
(a) file, within a period of three months from such commencement or from the
date on which such payments, are due, with the Registrar a statement of all the deposits
accepted by the company and sums remaining unpaid on such amount with the interest
payable thereon along with the arrangements made for such repayment, notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or under the terms and
conditions subject to which the deposit was accepted or any scheme framed under
any law; and
(b) repay within one year from such commencement or from the date on which
such payments are due, whichever is earlier.
(2) The Tribunal may on an application made by the company, after considering the
financial condition of the company, the amount of deposit or part thereof and the interest
payable thereon and such other matters, allow further time as considered reasonable to the
company to repay the deposit.
(3) If a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest thereon within
the time specified in sub-section (1) or such further time as may be allowed by the Tribunal
under sub-section (2), the company shall, in addition to the payment of the amount of
deposit or part thereof and the interest due, be punishable with fine which shall not be less
than one crore rupees but which may extend to ten crore rupees and every officer of the
company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to seven
years or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five lakh rupees but which may extend
to two crore rupees, or with both.
75. (1) Where a company fails to repay the deposit or part thereof or any interest
thereon referred to in section 74 within the time specified in sub-section (1) of that section
or such further time as may be allowed by the Tribunal under sub-section (2) of that section,
and it is proved that the deposits had been accepted with intent to defraud the depositors or
for any fraudulent purpose, every officer of the company who was responsible for the
acceptance of such deposit shall, without prejudice to the provisions contained in subsection
(3) of that section and liability under section 447, be personally responsible, without
any limitation of liability, for all or any of the losses or damages that may have been incurred
by the depositors.
(2) Any suit, proceedings or other action may be taken by any person, group of
persons or any association of persons who had incurred any loss as a result of the failure of
the company to repay the deposits or part thereof or any interest thereon.
Repayment of
deposits, etc.,
accepted
before
commencement
of this
Act.
Damages for
fraud.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 53
76. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 73, a public company, having
such net worth or turnover as may be prescribed, may accept deposits from persons other
than its members subject to compliance with the requirements provided in sub-section (2) of
section 73 and subject to such rules as the Central Government may, in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, prescribe:
Provided that such a company shall be required to obtain the rating (including its
networth, liquidity and ability to pay its deposits on due date) from a recognised credit rating
agency for informing the public the rating given to the company at the time of invitation of
deposits from the public which ensures adequate safety and the rating shall be obtained for
every year during the tenure of deposits:
Provided further that every company accepting secured deposits from the public shall
within thirty days of such acceptance, create a charge on its assets of an amount not less
than the amount of deposits accepted in favour of the deposit holders in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) The provisions of this Chapter shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the acceptance of
deposits from public under this section.
CHAPTER VI
REGISTRATION OF CHARGES
77. (1) It shall be the duty of every company creating a charge within or outside India,
on its property or assets or any of its undertakings, whether tangible or otherwise, and
situated in or outside India, to register the particulars of the charge signed by the company
and the charge-holder together with the instruments, if any, creating such charge in such
form, on payment of such fees and in such manner as may be prescribed, with the Registrar
within thirty days of its creation:
Provided that the Registrar may, on an application by the company, allow such
registration to be made within a period of three hundred days of such creation on payment of
such additional fees as may be prescribed:
Provided further that if registration is not made within a period of three hundred days
of such creation, the company shall seek extension of time in accordance with section 87:
Provided also that any subsequent registration of a charge shall not prejudice any
right acquired in respect of any property before the charge is actually registered.
(2) Where a charge is registered with the Registrar under sub-section (1), he shall issue
a certificate of registration of such charge in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed
to the company and, as the case may be, to the person in whose favour the charge is created.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no
charge created by a company shall be taken into account by the liquidator or any other
creditor unless it is duly registered under sub-section (1) and a certificate of registration of
such charge is given by the Registrar under sub-section (2).
(4) Nothing in sub-section (3) shall prejudice any contract or obligation for the repayment
of the money secured by a charge.
78. Where a company fails to register the charge within the period specified in section
77, without prejudice to its liability in respect of any offence under this Chapter, the person
in whose favour the charge is created may apply to the Registrar for registration of the
charge along with the instrument created for the charge, within such time and in such form
and manner as may be prescribed and the Registrar may, on such application, within a period
of fourteen days after giving notice to the company, unless the company itself registers the
charge or shows sufficient cause why such charge should not be registered, allow such
registration on payment of such fees, as may be prescribed:
Provided that where registration is effected on application of the person in whose
favour the charge is created, that person shall be entitled to recover from the company the
Acceptance
of deposits
from public
by certain
companies.
Duty to
register
charges, etc.
Application
for registration
of
charge.
54 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
amount of any fees or additional fees paid by him to the Registrar for the purpose of registration
of charge.
79. The provisions of section 77 relating to registration of charges shall, so far as may
be, apply to—
(a) a company acquiring any property subject to a charge within the meaning of
that section; or
(b) any modification in the terms or conditions or the extent or operation of any
charge registered under that section.
80. Where any charge on any property or assets of a company or any of its
undertakings is registered under section 77, any person acquiring such property, assets,
undertakings or part thereof or any share or interest therein shall be deemed to have notice
of the charge from the date of such registration.
81. (1) The Registrar shall, in respect of every company, keep a register containing
particulars of the charges registered under this Chapter in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed.
(2) A register kept in pursuance of this section shall be open to inspection by any
person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed for each inspection.
82. (1) A company shall give intimation to the Registrar in the prescribed form, of the
payment or satisfaction in full of any charge registered under this Chapter within a period of
thirty days from the date of such payment or satisfaction and the provisions of sub-section
(1) of section 77 shall, as far as may be, apply to an intimation given under this section.
(2) The Registrar shall, on receipt of intimation under sub-section (1), cause a notice to
be sent to the holder of the charge calling upon him to show cause within such time not
exceeding fourteen days, as may be specified in such notice, as to why payment or satisfaction
in full should not be recorded as intimated to the Registrar, and if no cause is shown, by such
holder of the charge, the Registrar shall order that a memorandum of satisfaction shall be
entered in the register of charges kept by him under section 81 and shall inform the company
that he has done so:
Provided that the notice referred to in this sub-section shall not be required to be sent,
in case the intimation to the Registrar in this regard is in the specified form and signed by the
holder of charge.
(3) If any cause is shown, the Registrar shall record a note to that effect in the register
of charges and shall inform the company.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the powers of the Registrar to
make an entry in the register of charges under section 83 or otherwise than on receipt of an
intimation from the company.
83. (1) The Registrar may, on evidence being given to his satisfaction with respect to
any registered charge,—
(a) that the debt for which the charge was given has been paid or satisfied in
whole or in part; or
(b) that part of the property or undertaking charged has been released from the
charge or has ceased to form part of the company’s property or undertaking,
enter in the register of charges a memorandum of satisfaction in whole or in part, or of the fact
that part of the property or undertaking has been released from the charge or has ceased to
form part of the company’s property or undertaking, as the case may be, notwithstanding the
fact that no intimation has been received by him from the company.
(2) The Registrar shall inform the affected parties within thirty days of making the
entry in the register of charges kept under sub-section (1) of section 81.
Section 77 to
apply in
certain
matters.
Date of
notice of
charge.
Register of
charges to be
kept by
Registrar.
Company to
report
satisfaction of
charge.
Power of
Registrar to
make entries
of satisfaction
and release in
absence of
intimation
from
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 55
84. (1) If any person obtains an order for the appointment of a receiver of, or of a
person to manage, the property, subject to a charge, of a company or if any person appoints
such receiver or person under any power contained in any instrument, he shall, within a
period of thirty days from the date of the passing of the order or of the making of the
appointment, give notice of such appointment to the company and the Registrar along with
a copy of the order or instrument and the Registrar shall, on payment of the prescribed fees,
register particulars of the receiver, person or instrument in the register of charges.
(2) Any person appointed under sub-section (1) shall, on ceasing to hold such
appointment, give to the company and the Registrar a notice to that effect and the Registrar
shall register such notice.
85. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office a register of charges in such
form and in such manner as may be prescribed, which shall include therein all charges and
floating charges affecting any property or assets of the company or any of its undertakings,
indicating in each case such particulars as may be prescribed:
Provided that a copy of the instrument creating the charge shall also be kept at the
registered office of the company along with the register of charges.
(2) The register of charges and instrument of charges, kept under sub-section (1) shall
be open for inspection during business hours—
(a) by any member or creditor without any payment of fees; or
(b) by any other person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may, by its articles, impose.
86. If any company contravenes any provision of this Chapter, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
ten lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
87. (1) The Central Government on being satisfied that—
(i) (a) the omission to file with the Registrar the particulars of any charge created
by a company or any charge subject to which any property has been acquired by a
company or any modification of such charge; or
(b) the omission to register any charge within the time required under this
Chapter or the omission to give intimation to the Registrar of the payment or the
satisfaction of a charge, within the time required under this Chapter; or
(c) the omission or mis-statement of any particular with respect to any such
charge or modification or with respect to any memorandum of satisfaction or other
entry made in pursuance of section 82 or section 83,
was accidental or due to inadvertence or some other sufficient cause or it is not of a
nature to prejudice the position of creditors or shareholders of the company; or
(ii) on any other grounds, it is just and equitable to grant relief,
it may on the application of the company or any person interested and on such terms and
conditions as it may seem to the Central Government just and expedient, direct that the time
Intimation of
appointment
of receiver or
manager.
Company’s
register of
charges.
Punishment
for contravention.
Rectification
by Central
Government
in register of
charges.
56 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
for the filing of the particulars or for the registration of the charge or for the giving of
intimation of payment or satisfaction shall be extended or, as the case may require, that the
omission or mis-statement shall be rectified.
(2) Where the Central Government extends the time for the registration of a charge, the
order shall not prejudice any rights acquired in respect of the property concerned before the
charge is actually registered.
CHAPTER VII
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
88. (1) Every company shall keep and maintain the following registers in such form
and in such manner as may be prescribed, namely:—
(a) register of members indicating separately for each class of equity and
preference shares held by each member residing in or outside India;
(b) register of debenture-holders; and
(c) register of any other security holders.
(2) Every register maintained under sub-section (1) shall include an index of the names
included therein.
(3) The register and index of beneficial owners maintained by a depository under
section 11 of the Depositories Act, 1996, shall be deemed to be the corresponding register
and index for the purposes of this Act.
(4) A company may, if so authorised by its articles, keep in any country outside India,
in such manner as may be prescribed, a part of the register referred to in sub-section (1),
called “foreign register” containing the names and particulars of the members, debentureholders,
other security holders or beneficial owners residing outside India.
(5) If a company does not maintain a register of members or debenture-holders or other
security holders or fails to maintain them in accordance with the provisions of sub-section
(1) or sub-section (2), the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to three lakh rupees and where the failure is a continuing one, with a further fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees for every day, after the first during which the failure
continues.
89. (1) Where the name of a person is entered in the register of members of a company
as the holder of shares in that company but who does not hold the beneficial interest in such
shares, such person shall make a declaration within such time and in such form as may be
prescribed to the company specifying the name and other particulars of the person who
holds the beneficial interest in such shares.
(2) Every person who holds or acquires a beneficial interest in share of a company
shall make a declaration to the company specifying the nature of his interest, particulars of
the person in whose name the shares stand registered in the books of the company and such
other particulars as may be prescribed.
(3) Where any change occurs in the beneficial interest in such shares, the person
referred to in sub-section (1) and the beneficial owner specified in
sub-section (2) shall, within a period of thirty days from the date of such change, make a
declaration to the company in such form and containing such particulars as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may make rules to provide for the manner of holding and
disclosing beneficial interest and beneficial ownership under this section.
Register of
members, etc.
Declaration in
respect of
beneficial
interest in
any share.
22 of 1996.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 57
(5) If any person fails, to make a declaration as required under sub-section (1) or
sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), without any reasonable cause, he shall be punishable
with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where the failure is a continuing
one, with a further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the failure continues.
(6) Where any declaration under this section is made to a company, the company shall
make a note of such declaration in the register concerned and shall file, within thirty days
from the date of receipt of declaration by it, a return in the prescribed form with the Registrar
in respect of such declaration with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed, within
the time specified under section 403.
(7) If a company, required to file a return under sub-section (6), fails to do so before the
expiry of the time specified under the first proviso to sub-section (1) of section 403, the
company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine
which shall not be less than five hundred rupees but which may extend to one thousand
rupees and where the failure is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to
one thousand rupees for every day after the first during which the failure continues.
(8) No right in relation to any share in respect of which a declaration is required to be
made under this section but not made by the beneficial owner, shall be enforceable by him or
by any person claiming through him.
(9) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prejudice the obligation of a company to
pay dividend to its members under this Act and the said obligation shall, on such payment,
stand discharged.
90. Where it appears to the Central Government that there are reasons so to do, it
may appoint one or more competent persons to investigate and report as to beneficial
ownership with regard to any share or class of shares and the provisions of section 216 shall,
as far as may be, apply to such investigation as if it were an investigation ordered under that
section.
91. (1) A company may close the register of members or the register of debentureholders
or the register of other security holders for any period or periods not exceeding in the
aggregate forty-five days in each year, but not exceeding thirty days at any one time, subject
to giving of previous notice of at least seven days or such lesser period as may be specified
by Securities and Exchange Board for listed companies or the companies which intend to get
their securities listed, in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) If the register of members or of debenture-holders or of other security holders is
closed without giving the notice as provided in sub-section (1), or after giving shorter notice
than that so provided, or for a continuous or an aggregate period in excess of the limits
specified in that sub-section, the company and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees for every day subject to a maximum
of one lakh rupees during which the register is kept closed.
92. (1) Every company shall prepare a return (hereinafter referred to as the annual
return) in the prescribed form containing the particulars as they stood on the close of the
financial year regarding—
(a) its registered office, principal business activities, particulars of its holding,
subsidiary and associate companies;
(b) its shares, debentures and other securities and shareholding pattern;
(c) its indebtedness;
(d) its members and debenture-holders along with changes therein since the
close of the previous financial year;
Investigation
of beneficial
ownership of
shares in
certain cases.
Power to
close register
of members
or debentureholders
or
other
security
holders.
Annual
return.
58 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) its promoters, directors, key managerial personnel along with changes therein
since the close of the previous financial year;
(f) meetings of members or a class thereof, Board and its various committees
along with attendance details;
(g) remuneration of directors and key managerial personnel;
(h) penalty or punishment imposed on the company, its directors or officers and
details of compounding of offences and appeals made against such penalty or
punishment;
(i) matters relating to certification of compliances, disclosures as may be
prescribed;
(j) details, as may be prescribed, in respect of shares held by or on behalf of the
Foreign Institutional Investors indicating their names, addresses, countries of
incorporation, registration and percentage of shareholding held by them; and
(k) such other matters as may be prescribed,
and signed by a director and the company secretary, or where there is no company secretary,
by a company secretary in practice:
Provided that in relation to One Person Company and small company, the annual
return shall be signed by the company secretary, or where there is no company secretary, by
the director of the company.
(2) The annual return, filed by a listed company or, by a company having such paid-up
capital and turnover as may be prescribed, shall be certified by a company secretary in
practice in the prescribed form, stating that the annual return discloses the facts correctly
and adequately and that the company has complied with all the provisions of this Act.
(3) An extract of the annual return in such form as may be prescribed shall form part of
the Board’s report.
(4) Every company shall file with the Registrar a copy of the annual return, within sixty
days from the date on which the annual general meeting is held or where no annual general
meeting is held in any year within sixty days from the date on which the annual general
meeting should have been held together with the statement specifying the reasons for not
holding the annual general meeting, with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed,
within the time as specified, under section 403.
(5) If a company fails to file its annual return under sub-section (4), before the expiry of
the period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakhs rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(6) If a company secretary in practice certifies the annual return otherwise than in
conformity with the requirements of this section or the rules made thereunder, he shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
93. Every listed company shall file a return in the prescribed form with the Registrar
with respect to change in the number of shares held by promoters and top ten shareholders
of such company, within fifteen days of such change.
Return to be
filed with
Registrar in
case promoters’
stake
changes.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 59
94. (1) The registers required to be kept and maintained by a company under section
88 and copies of the annual return filed under section 92 shall be kept at the registered office
of the company:
Provided that such registers or copies of return may also be kept at any other place in
India in which more than one-tenth of the total number of members entered in the register of
members reside, if approved by a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the
company and the Registrar has been given a copy of the proposed special resolution in
advance:
Provided further that the period for which the registers, returns and records are required
to be kept shall be such as may be prescribed.
(2) The registers and their indices, except when they are closed under the provisions
of this Act, and the copies of all the returns shall be open for inspection by any member,
debenture-holder, other security holder or beneficial owner, during business hours without
payment of any fees and by any other person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(3) Any such member, debenture-holder, other security holder or beneficial owner or
any other person may—
(a) take extracts from any register, or index or return without payment of any fee; or
(b) require a copy of any such register or entries therein or return on payment of
such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) If any inspection or the making of any extract or copy required under this section is
refused, the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable, for
each such default, to a penalty of one thousand rupees for every day subject to a maximum
of one lakh rupees during which the refusal or default continues.
(5) The Central Government may also, by order, direct an immediate inspection of the
document, or direct that the extract required shall forthwith be allowed to be taken by the
person requiring it.
95. The registers, their indices and copies of annual returns maintained under sections
88 and 94 shall be prima facie evidence of any matter directed or authorised to be inserted
therein by or under this Act.
96. (1) Every company other than a One Person Company shall in each year hold in
addition to any other meetings, a general meeting as its annual general meeting and shall
specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it, and not more than fifteen months shall
elapse between the date of one annual general meeting of a company and that of the next:
Provided that in case of the first annual general meeting, it shall be held within a period
of nine months from the date of closing of the first financial year of the company and in any
other case, within a period of six months, from the date of closing of the financial year:
Provided further that if a company holds its first annual general meeting as aforesaid,
it shall not be necessary for the company to hold any annual general meeting in the year of
its incorporation:
Provided also that the Registrar may, for any special reason, extend the time within
which any annual general meeting, other than the first annual general meeting, shall be held,
by a period not exceeding three months.
(2) Every annual general meeting shall be called during business hours, that is, between
9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day that is not a National Holiday and shall be held either at the
registered office of the company or at some other place within the city, town or village in
which the registered office of the company is situate:
Registers,
etc., to be
evidence.
Annual
general
meeting.
Place of
keeping and
inspection of
registers,
returns, etc.
60 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that the Central Government may exempt any company from the provisions
of this sub-section subject to such conditions as it may impose.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “National Holiday” means and
includes a day declared as National Holiday by the Central Government.
97. (1) If any default is made in holding the annual general meeting of a company under
section 96, the Tribunal may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the articles
of the company, on the application of any member of the company, call, or direct the calling
of, an annual general meeting of the company and give such ancillary or consequential
directions as the Tribunal thinks expedient:
Provided that such directions may include a direction that one member of the company
present in person or by proxy shall be deemed to constitute a meeting.
(2) A general meeting held in pursuance of sub-section (1) shall, subject to any
directions of the Tribunal, be deemed to be an annual general meeting of the company under
this Act.
98. (1) If for any reason it is impracticable to call a meeting of a company, other than an
annual general meeting, in any manner in which meetings of the company may be called, or
to hold or conduct the meeting of the company in the manner prescribed by this Act or the
articles of the company, the Tribunal may, either suo motu or on the application of any
director or member of the company who would be entitled to vote at the meeting,—
(a) order a meeting of the company to be called, held and conducted in such
manner as the Tribunal thinks fit; and
(b) give such ancillary or consequential directions as the Tribunal thinks
expedient, including directions modifying or supplementing in relation to the calling,
holding and conducting of the meeting, the operation of the provisions of this Act or
articles of the company:
Provided that such directions may include a direction that one member of the company
present in person or by proxy shall be deemed to constitute a meeting.
(2) Any meeting called, held and conducted in accordance with any order made under
sub-section (1) shall, for all purposes, be deemed to be a meeting of the company duly called,
held and conducted.
99. If any default is made in holding a meeting of the company in accordance with
section 96 or section 97 or section 98 or in complying with any directions of the Tribunal, the
company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the case of a continuing default, with a further
fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such default
continues.
100. (1) The Board may, whenever it deems fit, call an extraordinary general meeting of
the company.
(2) The Board shall, at the requisition made by,—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, such number of members
who hold, on the date of the receipt of the requisition, not less than one-tenth of such
of the paid-up share capital of the company as on that date carries the right of voting;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, such number of members
who have, on the date of receipt of the requisition, not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power of all the members having on the said date a right to vote,
call an extraordinary general meeting of the company within the period specified in subsection
(4).
Power of
Tribunal to
call annual
general
meeting.
Power of
Tribunal to
call meetings
of members,
etc.
Punishment
for default in
complying
with provisions
of
sections 96
to 98.
Calling of
extraordinary
general
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 61
(3) The requisition made under sub-section (2) shall set out the matters for the
consideration of which the meeting is to be called and shall be signed by the requisitionists
and sent to the registered office of the company.
(4) If the Board does not, within twenty-one days from the date of receipt of a valid
requisition in regard to any matter, proceed to call a meeting for the consideration of that
matter on a day not later than forty-five days from the date of receipt of such requisition, the
meeting may be called and held by the requisitonists themselves within a period of three
months from the date of the requisition.
(5) A meeting under sub-section (4) by the requisitionists shall be called and held in
the same manner in which the meeting is called and held by the Board.
(6) Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitionists in calling a meeting under
sub-section (4) shall be reimbursed to the requisitionists by the company and the sums so
paid shall be deducted from any fee or other remuneration under section 197 payable to such
of the directors who were in default in calling the meeting.
101. (1) A general meeting of a company may be called by giving not less than clear
twenty-one days’ notice either in writing or through electronic mode in such manner as may
be prescribed:
Provided that a general meeting may be called after giving a shorter notice if consent
is given in writing or by electronic mode by not less than ninety-five per cent. of the members
entitled to vote at such meeting.
(2) Every notice of a meeting shall specify the place, date, day and the hour of the
meeting and shall contain a statement of the business to be transacted at such meeting.
(3) The notice of every meeting of the company shall be given to—
(a) every member of the company, legal representative of any deceased member
or the assignee of an insolvent member;
(b) the auditor or auditors of the company; and
(c) every director of the company.
(4) Any accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt of such notice by, any
member or other person who is entitled to such notice for any meeting shall not invalidate the
proceedings of the meeting.
102. (1) A statement setting out the following material facts concerning each item of
special business to be transacted at a general meeting, shall be annexed to the notice calling
such meeting, namely:—
(a) the nature of concern or interest, financial or otherwise, if any, in respect of
each items of—
(i) every director and the manager, if any;
(ii) every other key managerial personnel; and
(iii) relatives of the persons mentioned in sub-clauses (i) and (ii);
(b) any other information and facts that may enable members to understand the
meaning, scope and implications of the items of business and to take decision thereon.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1),—
(a) in the case of an annual general meeting, all business to be transacted thereat
shall be deemed special, other than—
(i) the consideration of financial statements and the reports of the Board
of Directors and auditors;
(ii) the declaration of any dividend;
(iii) the appointment of directors in place of those retiring;
(iv) the appointment of, and the fixing of the remuneration of, the auditors;
and
Notice of
meeting.
Statement to
be annexed to
notice.
62 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) in the case of any other meeting, all business shall be deemed to be special:
Provided that where any item of special business to be transacted at a meeting of the
company relates to or affects any other company, the extent of shareholding interest in that
other company of every promoter, director, manager, if any, and of every other key managerial
personnel of the first mentioned company shall, if the extent of such shareholding is not less
than two per cent. of the paid-up share capital of that company, also be set out in the statement.
(3) Where any item of business refers to any document, which is to be considered at
the meeting, the time and place where such document can be inspected shall be specified in
the statement under sub-section (1).
(4) Where as a result of the non-disclosure or insufficient disclosure in any statement
referred to in sub-section (1), being made by a promoter, director, manager, if any, or other key
managerial personnel, any benefit which accrues to such promoter, director, manager or
other key managerial personnel or their relatives, either directly or indirectly, the promoter,
director, manager or other key managerial personnel, as the case may be, shall hold such
benefit in trust for the company, and shall, without prejudice to any other action being taken
against him under this Act or under any other law for the time being in force, be liable to
compensate the company to the extent of the benefit received by him.
(5) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, every
promoter, director, manager or other key managerial personnel who is in default shall be
punishable with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or five times the amount of
benefit accruing to the promoter, director, manager or other key managerial personnel or any
of his relatives, whichever is more.
103. (1) Unless the articles of the company provide for a larger number,—
(a) in case of a public company,—
(i) five members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of meeting is not more than one thousand;
(ii) fifteen members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of meeting is more than one thousand but up to five thousand;
(iii) thirty members personally present if the number of members as on the
date of the meeting exceeds five thousand;
(b) in the case of a private company, two members personally present, shall be
the quorum for a meeting of the company.
(2) If the quorum is not present within half-an-hour from the time appointed for holding
a meeting of the company—
(a) the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at the
same time and place, or to such other date and such other time and place as the Board
may determine; or
(b) the meeting, if called by requisitionists under section 100, shall stand cancelled:
Provided that in case of an adjourned meeting or of a change of day, time or place of
meeting under clause (a), the company shall give not less than three days notice to the
members either individually or by publishing an advertisement in the newspapers (one in
English and one in vernacular language) which is in circulation at the place where the
registered office of the company is situated.
(3) If at the adjourned meeting also, a quorum is not present within half-an-hour from
the time appointed for holding meeting, the members present shall be the quorum.
104. (1) Unless the articles of the company otherwise provide, the members personally
present at the meeting shall elect one of themselves to be the Chairman thereof on a show of hands.
(2) If a poll is demanded on the election of the Chairman, it shall be taken forthwith in
accordance with the provisions of this Act and the Chairman elected on a show of hands
under sub-section (1) shall continue to be the Chairman of the meeting until some other
person is elected as Chairman as a result of the poll, and such other person shall be the
Chairman for the rest of the meeting.
Quorum for
meetings.
Chairman of
meetings.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 63
105. (1) Any member of a company entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the
company shall be entitled to appoint another person as a proxy to attend and vote at the
meeting on his behalf:
Provided that a proxy shall not have the right to speak at such meeting and shall not be
entitled to vote except on a poll:
Provided further that, unless the articles of a company otherwise provide, this subsection
shall not apply in the case of a company not having a share capital:
Provided also that the Central Government may prescribe a class or classes of companies
whose members shall not be entitled to appoint another person as a proxy:
Provided also that a person appointed as proxy shall act on behalf of such member or
number of members not exceeding fifty and such number of shares as may be prescribed.
(2) In every notice calling a meeting of a company which has a share capital, or the
articles of which provide for voting by proxy at the meeting, there shall appear with reasonable
prominence a statement that a member entitled to attend and vote is entitled to appoint a
proxy, or, where that is allowed, one or more proxies, to attend and vote instead of himself,
and that a proxy need not be a member.
(3) If default is made in complying with sub-section (2), every officer of the company
who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
(4) Any provision contained in the articles of a company which specifies or requires a
longer period than forty-eight hours before a meeting of the company, for depositing with
the company or any other person any instrument appointing a proxy or any other document
necessary to show the validity or otherwise relating to the appointment of a proxy in order
that the appointment may be effective at such meeting, shall have effect as if a period of
forty-eight hours had been specified in or required by such provision for such deposit.
(5) If for the purpose of any meeting of a company, invitations to appoint as proxy a
person or one of a number of persons specified in the invitations are issued at the company’s
expense to any member entitled to have a notice of the meeting sent to him and to vote
thereat by proxy, every officer of the company who knowingly issues the invitations as
aforesaid or wilfully authorises or permits their issue shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to one lakh rupees:
Provided that an officer shall not be punishable under this sub-section by reason only
of the issue to a member at his request in writing of a form of appointment naming the proxy,
or of a list of persons willing to act as proxies, if the form or list is available on request in
writing to every member entitled to vote at the meeting by proxy.
(6) The instrument appointing a proxy shall—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) be signed by the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the
appointer is a body corporate, be under its seal or be signed by an officer or an
attorney duly authorised by it.
(7) An instrument appointing a proxy, if in the form as may be prescribed, shall not be
questioned on the ground that it fails to comply with any special requirements specified for
such instrument by the articles of a company.
(8) Every member entitled to vote at a meeting of the company, or on any resolution to
be moved thereat, shall be entitled during the period beginning twenty-four hours before the
time fixed for the commencement of the meeting and ending with the conclusion of the
meeting, to inspect the proxies lodged, at any time during the business hours of the company,
provided not less than three days’ notice in writing of the intention so to inspect is given to
the company.
Proxies.
64 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
106. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the articles of a company
may provide that no member shall exercise any voting right in respect of any shares registered
in his name on which any calls or other sums presently payable by him have not been paid,
or in regard to which the company has exercised any right of lien.
(2) A company shall not, except on the grounds specified in sub-section (1), prohibit
any member from exercising his voting right on any other ground.
(3) On a poll taken at a meeting of a company, a member entitled to more than one vote,
or his proxy, where allowed, or other person entitled to vote for him, as the case may be, need
not, if he votes, use all his votes or cast in the same way all the votes he uses.
107. (1) At any general meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall,
unless a poll is demanded under section 109 or the voting is carried out electronically, be
decided on a show of hands.
(2) A declaration by the Chairman of the meeting of the passing of a resolution or
otherwise by show of hands under sub-section (1) and an entry to that effect in the books
containing the minutes of the meeting of the company shall be conclusive evidence of the
fact of passing of such resolution or otherwise.
108. The Central Government may prescribe the class or classes of companies and
manner in which a member may exercise his right to vote by the electronic means.
109. (1) Before or on the declaration of the result of the voting on any resolution on
show of hands, a poll may be ordered to be taken by the Chairman of the meeting on his own
motion, and shall be ordered to be taken by him on a demand made in that behalf,—
(a) in the case a company having a share capital, by the members present in
person or by proxy, where allowed, and having not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power or holding shares on which an aggregate sum of not less than five lakh
rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed has been paid-up; and
(b) in the case of any other company, by any member or members present in
person or by proxy, where allowed, and having not less than one-tenth of the total
voting power.
(2) The demand for a poll may be withdrawn at any time by the persons who made the
demand.
(3) A poll demanded for adjournment of the meeting or appointment of Chairman of the
meeting shall be taken forthwith.
(4) A poll demanded on any question other than adjournment of the meeting or
appointment of Chairman shall be taken at such time, not being later than forty-eight hours
from the time when the demand was made, as the Chairman of the meeting may direct.
(5) Where a poll is to be taken, the Chairman of the meeting shall appoint such number
of persons, as he deems necessary, to scrutinise the poll process and votes given on the poll
and to report thereon to him in the manner as may be prescribed.
(6) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Chairman of the meeting shall have
power to regulate the manner in which the poll shall be taken.
(7) The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the decision of the meeting on the
resolution on which the poll was taken.
110. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, a company—
(a) shall, in respect of such items of business as the Central Government may, by
notification, declare to be transacted only by means of postal ballot; and
Restriction on
voting rights.
Voting by
show of hands.
Voting
through
electronic
means.
Demand for
poll.
Postal ballot.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 65
(b) may, in respect of any item of business, other than ordinary business and any
business in respect of which directors or auditors have a right to be heard at any
meeting, transact by means of postal ballot,
in such manner as may be prescribed, instead of transacting such business at a general
meeting.
(2) If a resolution is assented to by the requisite majority of the shareholders by means
of postal ballot, it shall be deemed to have been duly passed at a general meeting convened
in that behalf.
111. (1) A company shall, on requisition in writing of such number of members, as
required in section 100,—
(a) give notice to members of any resolution which may properly be moved and
is intended to be moved at a meeting; and
(b) circulate to members any statement with respect to the matters referred to in
proposed resolution or business to be dealt with at that meeting.
(2) A company shall not be bound under this section to give notice of any resolution
or to circulate any statement unless—
(a) a copy of the requisition signed by the requisitionists (or two or more copies
which, between them, contain the signatures of all the requisitionists) is deposited at
the registered office of the company,—
(i) in the case of a requisition requiring notice of a resolution, not less than
six weeks before the meeting;
(ii) in the case of any other requisition, not less than two weeks before the
meeting; and
(b) there is deposited or tendered with the requisition, a sum reasonably sufficient
to meet the company’s expenses in giving effect thereto:
Provided that if, after a copy of a requisition requiring notice of a resolution has been
deposited at the registered office of the company, an annual general meeting is called on a
date within six weeks after the copy has been deposited, the copy, although not deposited
within the time required by this sub-section, shall be deemed to have been properly deposited
for the purposes thereof.
(3) The company shall not be bound to circulate any statement as required by clause
(b) of sub-section (1), if on the application either of the company or of any other person who
claims to be aggrieved, the Central Government, by order, declares that the rights conferred
by this section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter.
(4) An order made under sub-section (3) may also direct that the cost incurred by the
company by virtue of this section shall be paid to the company by the requisitionists,
notwithstanding that they are not parties to the application.
(5) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
and every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five
thousand rupees.
112. (1) The President of India or the Governor of a State, if he is a member of a
company, may appoint such person as he thinks fit to act as his representative at any
meeting of the company or at any meeting of any class of members of the company.
(2) A person appointed to act under sub-section (1) shall, for the purposes of this Act,
be deemed to be a member of such a company and shall be entitled to exercise the same rights
and powers, including the right to vote by proxy and postal ballot, as the President or, as the
case may be, the Governor could exercise as a member of the company.
Circulation of
members’
resolution.
Representation
of
President and
Governors in
meetings.
66 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
113. (1) A body corporate, whether a company within the meaning of this Act or not,
may, —
(a) if it is a member of a company within the meaning of this Act, by resolution of
its Board of Directors or other governing body, authorise such person as it thinks fit to
act as its representative at any meeting of the company, or at any meeting of any class
of members of the company;
(b) if it is a creditor, including a holder of debentures, of a company within the
meaning of this Act, by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorise
such person as it thinks fit to act as its representative at any meeting of any creditors of
the company held in pursuance of this Act or of any rules made thereunder, or in pursuance
of the provisions contained in any debenture or trust deed, as the case may be.
(2) A person authorised by resolution under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to exercise
the same rights and powers, including the right to vote by proxy and by postal ballot, on
behalf of the body corporate which he represents as that body could exercise if it were an
individual member, creditor or holder of debentures of the company.
114. (1) A resolution shall be an ordinary resolution if the notice required under this
Act has been duly given and it is required to be passed by the votes cast, whether on a show
of hands, or electronically or on a poll, as the case may be, in favour of the resolution,
including the casting vote, if any, of the Chairman, by members who, being entitled so to do,
vote in person, or where proxies are allowed, by proxy or by postal ballot, exceed the votes,
if any, cast against the resolution by members, so entitled and voting.
(2) A resolution shall be a special resolution when—
(a) the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly
specified in the notice calling the general meeting or other intimation given to the
members of the resolution;
(b) the notice required under this Act has been duly given; and
(c) the votes cast in favour of the resolution, whether on a show of hands, or
electronically or on a poll, as the case may be, by members who, being entitled so to do,
vote in person or by proxy or by postal ballot, are required to be not less than three
times the number of the votes, if any, cast against the resolution by members so
entitled and voting.
115. Where, by any provision contained in this Act or in the articles of a company,
special notice is required of any resolution, notice of the intention to move such resolution
shall be given to the company by such number of members holding not less than one per
cent. of total voting power or holding shares on which such aggregate sum not exceeding
five lakh rupees, as may be prescribed, has been paid-up and the company shall give its
members notice of the resolution in such manner as may be prescribed.
116. Where a resolution is passed at an adjourned meeting of—
(a) a company; or
(b) the holders of any class of shares in a company; or
(c) the Board of Directors of a company,
the resolution shall, for all purposes, be treated as having been passed on the date on which
it was in fact passed, and shall not be deemed to have been passed on any earlier date.
117. (1) A copy of every resolution or any agreement, in respect of matters specified in
sub-section (3) together with the explanatory statement under section 102, if any, annexed to
the notice calling the meeting in which the resolution is proposed, shall be filed with the
Registrar within thirty days of the passing or making thereof in such manner and with such
fees as may be prescribed within the time specified under section 403:
Provided that the copy of every resolution which has the effect of altering the articles
and the copy of every agreement referred to in sub-section (3) shall be embodied in or
Representation
of
corporations
at meeting of
companies and
of creditors.
Ordinary and
special
resolutions.
Resolutions
requiring
special notice.
Resolutions
passed at
adjourned
meeting.
Resolutions
and agreements
to be
filed.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 67
annexed to every copy of the articles issued after passing of the resolution or making of the
agreement.
(2) If a company fails to file the resolution or the agreement under
sub-section (1) before the expiry of the period specified under section 403 with additional
fee, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees
but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default, including liquidator of the company, if any, shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees.
(3) The provisions of this section shall apply to—
(a) special resolutions;
(b) resolutions which have been agreed to by all the members of a company, but
which, if not so agreed to, would not have been effective for their purpose unless they
had been passed as special resolutions;
(c) any resolution of the Board of Directors of a company or agreement executed
by a company, relating to the appointment, re-appointment or renewal of the
appointment, or variation of the terms of appointment, of a managing director;
(d) resolutions or agreements which have been agreed to by any class of members
but which, if not so agreed to, would not have been effective for their purpose unless
they had been passed by a specified majority or otherwise in some particular manner;
and all resolutions or agreements which effectively bind such class of members though
not agreed to by all those members;
(e) resolutions passed by a company according consent to the exercise by its
Board of Directors of any of the powers under clause (a) and clause (c) of sub-section
(1) of section 180;
(f) resolutions requiring a company to be wound up voluntarily passed in
pursuance of section 304;
(g) resolutions passed in pursuance of sub-section (3) of section 179; and
(h) any other resolution or agreement as may be prescribed and placed in the
public domain.
118. (1) Every company shall cause minutes of the proceedings of every general
meeting of any class of shareholders or creditors, and every resolution passed by postal
ballot and every meeting of its Board of Directors or of every committee of the Board, to be
prepared and signed in such manner as may be prescribed and kept within thirty days of the
conclusion of every such meeting concerned, or passing of resolution by postal ballot in
books kept for that purpose with their pages consecutively numbered.
(2) The minutes of each meeting shall contain a fair and correct summary of the
proceedings thereat.
(3) All appointments made at any of the meetings aforesaid shall be included in the
minutes of the meeting.
(4) In the case of a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee of the Board, the
minutes shall also contain—
(a) the names of the directors present at the meeting; and
(b) in the case of each resolution passed at the meeting, the names of the directors,
if any, dissenting from, or not concurring with the resolution.
(5) There shall not be included in the minutes, any matter which, in the opinion of the
Chairman of the meeting,—
(a) is or could reasonably be regarded as defamatory of any person; or
(b) is irrelevant or immaterial to the proceedings; or
(c) is detrimental to the interests of the company.
(6) The Chairman shall exercise absolute discretion in regard to the inclusion or noninclusion
of any matter in the minutes on the grounds specified in sub-section (5).
Minutes of
proceedings
of general
meeting,
meeting of
Board of
Directors and
other meeting
and resolutions
passed
by postal
ballot.
68 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) The minutes kept in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be evidence
of the proceedings recorded therein.
(8) Where the minutes have been kept in accordance with sub-section (1) then, until
the contrary is proved, the meeting shall be deemed to have been duly called and held, and
all proceedings thereat to have duly taken place, and the resolutions passed by postal ballot
to have been duly passed and in particular, all appointments of directors, key managerial
personnel, auditors or company secretary in practice, shall be deemed to be valid.
(9) No document purporting to be a report of the proceedings of any general meeting
of a company shall be circulated or advertised at the expense of the company, unless it
includes the matters required by this section to be contained in the minutes of the proceedings
of such meeting.
(10) Every company shall observe secretarial standards with respect to general and
Board meetings specified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India constituted
under section 3 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, and approved as such by the Central
Government.
(11) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section in respect
of any meeting, the company shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand
rupees.
(12) If a person is found guilty of tampering with the minutes of the proceedings of
meeting, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
and with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees.
119. (1) The books containing the minutes of the proceedings of any general meeting
of a company or of a resolution passed by postal ballot, shall—
(a) be kept at the registered office of the company; and
(b) be open, during business hours, to the inspection by any member without
charge, subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company may, by its articles or
in general meeting, impose, so, however, that not less than two hours in each business
day are allowed for inspection.
(2) Any member shall be entitled to be furnished, within seven working days after he
has made a request in that behalf to the company, and on payment of such fees as may be
prescribed, with a copy of any minutes referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) If any inspection under sub-section (1) is refused, or if any copy required under
sub-section (2) is not furnished within the time specified therein, the company shall be liable
to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees for each such refusal or default, as
the case may be.
(4) In the case of any such refusal or default, the Tribunal may, without prejudice to any
action being taken under sub-section (3), by order, direct an immediate inspection of the
minute-books or direct that the copy required shall forthwith be sent to the person requiring it.
120. Without prejudice to any other provisions of this Act, any document, record,
register, minutes, etc.,—
(a) required to be kept by a company; or
(b) allowed to be inspected or copies to be given to any person by a company
under this Act, may be kept or inspected or copies given, as the case may be, in
electronic form in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
121. (1) Every listed public company shall prepare in the prescribed manner a report on
each annual general meeting including the confirmation to the effect that the meeting was
convened, held and conducted as per the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.
Inspection of
minute-books
of general
meeting.
56 of 1980.
Maintenance
and inspection
of
documents in
electronic
form.
Report on
annual
general
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 69
(2) The company shall file with the Registrar a copy of the report referred to in subsection
(1) within thirty days of the conclusion of the annual general meeting with such fees
as may be prescribed, or with such additional fees as may be prescribed, within the time as
specified, under section 403.
(3) If the company fails to file the report under sub-section (2) before the expiry of the
period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees
and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
122. (1) The provisions of section 98 and sections 100 to 111 (both inclusive) shall not
apply to a One Person Company.
(2) The ordinary businesses as mentioned under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of
section 102 which a company, other than a One Person Company, is required to transact at its
annual general meeting, shall be transacted, in case of One Person Company, as provided in
sub-section (3).
(3) For the purposes of section 114, any business which is required to be transacted at
an annual general meeting or other general meeting of a company by means of an ordinary or
special resolution, it shall be sufficient if, in case of One Person Company, the resolution is
communicated by the member to the company and entered in the minutes-book required to
be maintained under section 118 and signed and dated by the member and such date shall be
deemed to be the date of the meeting for all the purposes under this Act.
(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, where there is only one director on the
Board of Director of a One Person Company, any business which is required to be transacted
at the meeting of the Board of Directors of a company, it shall be sufficient if, in case of such
One Person Company, the resolution by such director is entered in the minutes-book required
to be maintained under section 118 and signed and dated by such director and such date
shall be deemed to be the date of the meeting of the Board of Directors for all the purposes
under this Act.
CHAPTER VIII
DECLARATION AND PAYMENT OF DIVIDEND
123. (1) No dividend shall be declared or paid by a company for any financial year
except—
(a) out of the profits of the company for that year arrived at after providing for
depreciation in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2), or out of the profits
of the company for any previous financial year or years arrived at after providing for
depreciation in accordance with the provisions of that sub-section and remaining
undistributed, or out of both; or
(b) out of money provided by the Central Government or a State Government for
the payment of dividend by the company in pursuance of a guarantee given by that
Government:
Provided that a company may, before the declaration of any dividend in any financial
year, transfer such percentage of its profits for that financial year as it may consider appropriate
to the reserves of the company:
Provided further that where, owing to inadequacy or absence of profits in any financial
year, any company proposes to declare dividend out of the accumulated profits earned by it in
previous years and transferred by the company to the reserves, such declaration of dividend
shall not be made except in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed in this behalf:
Provided also that no dividend shall be declared or paid by a company from its reserves
other than free reserves.
Applicability
of this
Chapter to
One Person
Company.
Declaration
of dividend.
70 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) For the purposes of clause (a) of sub-section (1), depreciation shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of Schedule II.
(3) The Board of Directors of a company may declare interim dividend during any
financial year out of the surplus in the profit and loss account and out of profits of the
financial year in which such interim dividend is sought to be declared:
Provided that in case the company has incurred loss during the current financial year
up to the end of the quarter immediately preceding the date of declaration of interim dividend,
such interim dividend shall not be declared at a rate higher than the average dividends
declared by the company during the immediately preceding three financial years.
(4) The amount of the dividend, including interim dividend, shall be deposited in a
scheduled bank in a separate account within five days from the date of declaration of such
dividend.
(5) No dividend shall be paid by a company in respect of any share therein except to
the registered shareholder of such share or to his order or to his banker and shall not be
payable except in cash:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to prohibit the capitalisation
of profits or reserves of a company for the purpose of issuing fully paid-up bonus shares or
paying up any amount for the time being unpaid on any shares held by the members of the
company:
Provided further that any dividend payable in cash may be paid by cheque or warrant
or in any electronic mode to the shareholder entitled to the payment of the dividend.
(6) A company which fails to comply with the provisions of sections 73 and 74 shall
not, so long as such failure continues, declare any dividend on its equity shares.
124. (1) Where a dividend has been declared by a company but has not been paid or
claimed within thirty days from the date of the declaration to any shareholder entitled to the
payment of the dividend, the company shall, within seven days from the date of expiry of the
said period of thirty days, transfer the total amount of dividend which remains unpaid or
unclaimed to a special account to be opened by the company in that behalf in any scheduled
bank to be called the Unpaid Dividend Account.
(2) The company shall, within a period of ninety days of making any transfer of an
amount under sub-section (1) to the Unpaid Dividend Account, prepare a statement containing
the names, their last known addresses and the unpaid dividend to be paid to each person and
place it on the website of the company, if any, and also on any other website approved by the
Central Government for this purpose, in such form, manner and other particulars as may be
prescribed.
(3) If any default is made in transferring the total amount referred to in sub-section (1)
or any part thereof to the Unpaid Dividend Account of the company, it shall pay, from the
date of such default, interest on so much of the amount as has not been transferred to the
said account, at the rate of twelve per cent. per annum and the interest accruing on such
amount shall enure to the benefit of the members of the company in proportion to the amount
remaining unpaid to them.
(4) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money transferred under sub-section (1)
to the Unpaid Dividend Account of the company may apply to the company for payment of
the money claimed.
(5) Any money transferred to the Unpaid Dividend Account of a company in pursuance
of this section which remains unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date
of such transfer shall be transferred by the company along with interest accrued, if any,
thereon to the Fund established under sub-section (1) of section 125 and the company shall
send a statement in the prescribed form of the details of such transfer to the authority which
administers the said Fund and that authority shall issue a receipt to the company as evidence
of such transfer.
(6) All shares in respect of which unpaid or unclaimed dividend has been transferred
under sub-section (5) shall also be transferred by the company in the name of Investor
Education and Protection Fund along with a statement containing such details as may be
prescribed:
Unpaid
Dividend
Account.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 71
Provided that any claimant of shares transferred above shall be entitled to claim the
transfer of shares from Investor Education and Protection Fund in accordance with such
procedure and on submission of such documents as may be prescribed.
(7) If a company fails to comply with any of the requirements of this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but
which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
125. (1) The Central Government shall establish a Fund to be called the Investor
Education and Protection Fund (herein referred to as the Fund).
(2) There shall be credited to the Fund—
(a) the amount given by the Central Government by way of grants after due
appropriation made by Parliament by law in this behalf for being utilised for the purposes
of the Fund;
(b) donations given to the Fund by the Central Government, State Governments,
companies or any other institution for the purposes of the Fund;
(c) the amount in the Unpaid Dividend Account of companies transferred to the
Fund under sub-section (5) of section 124;
(d) the amount in the general revenue account of the Central Government which
had been transferred to that account under sub-section (5) of section 205A of the
Companies Act, 1956, as it stood immediately before the commencement of the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 1999, and remaining unpaid or unclaimed on the
commencement of this Act;
(e) the amount lying in the Investor Education and Protection Fund under section
205C of the Companies Act, 1956;
(f) the interest or other income received out of investments made from the Fund;
(g) the amount received under sub-section (4) of section 38;
(h) the application money received by companies for allotment of any securities
and due for refund;
(i) matured deposits with companies other than banking companies;
(j) matured debentures with companies;
(k) interest accrued on the amounts referred to in clauses (h) to (j);
(l) sale proceeds of fractional shares arising out of issuance of bonus shares,
merger and amalgamation for seven or more years;
(m) redemption amount of preference shares remaining unpaid or unclaimed for
seven or more years; and
(n) such other amount as may be prescribed:
Provided that no such amount referred to in clauses (h) to (j) shall form part of the Fund
unless such amount has remained unclaimed and unpaid for a period of seven years from the
date it became due for payment.
(3) The Fund shall be utilised for—
(a) the refund in respect of unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, matured
debentures, the application money due for refund and interest thereon;
(b) promotion of investors’ education, awareness and protection;
(c) distribution of any disgorged amount among eligible and identifiable applicants
for shares or debentures, shareholders, debenture-holders or depositors who have
suffered losses due to wrong actions by any person, in accordance with the orders
made by the Court which had ordered disgorgement;
Investor
Education and
Protection
Fund.
1 of 1956.
21 of 1999.
1 of 1956.
72 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) reimbursement of legal expenses incurred in pursuing class action suits
under sections 37 and 245 by members, debenture-holders or depositors as may be
sanctioned by the Tribunal; and
(e) any other purpose incidental thereto,
in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed:
Provided that the person whose amounts referred to in clauses (a) to (d) of sub-section (2)
of section 205C transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund, after the expiry of the
period of seven years as per provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, shall be entitled to get refund
out of the Fund in respect of such claims in accordance with rules made under this section.
Explanation.—The disgorged amount refers to the amount received through
disgorgement or disposal of securities.
(4) Any person claiming to be entitled to the amount referred in sub-section (2) may
apply to the authority constituted under sub-section (5) for the payment of the money
claimed.
(5) The Central Government shall constitute, by notification, an authority for
administration of the Fund consisting of a chairperson and such other members, not exceeding
seven and a chief executive officer, as the Central Government may appoint.
(6) The manner of administration of the Fund, appointment of chairperson, members
and chief executive officer, holding of meetings of the authority shall be in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed.
(7) The Central Government may provide to the authority such offices, officers,
employees and other resources in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(8) The authority shall administer the Fund and maintain separate accounts and other
relevant records in relation to the Fund in such form as may be prescribed after consultation
with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(9) It shall be competent for the authority constituted under sub-section (5) to spend
money out of the Fund for carrying out the objects specified in sub-section (3).
(10) The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him and such audited accounts
together with the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually by the authority to the
Central Government.
(11) The authority shall prepare in such form and at such time for each financial year as
may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account of its activities during the financial
year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government and the Central Government shall
cause the annual report and the audit report given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India to be laid before each House of Parliament.
126. Where any instrument of transfer of shares has been delivered to any company
for registration and the transfer of such shares has not been registered by the company, it
shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act,—
(a) transfer the dividend in relation to such shares to the Unpaid Dividend
Account referred to in section 124 unless the company is authorised by the registered
holder of such shares in writing to pay such dividend to the transferee specified in
such instrument of transfer; and
(b) keep in abeyance in relation to such shares, any offer of rights shares under
clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 62 and any issue of fully paid-up bonus shares
in pursuance of first proviso to sub-section (5) of section 123.
Right to
dividend,
rights shares
and bonus
shares to be
held in
abeyance
pending
registration of
transfer of
shares.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 73
127. Where a dividend has been declared by a company but has not been paid or the
warrant in respect thereof has not been posted within thirty days from the date of declaration
to any shareholder entitled to the payment of the dividend, every director of the company
shall, if he is knowingly a party to the default, be punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to two years and with fine which shall not be less than one thousand rupees for every
day during which such default continues and the company shall be liable to pay simple
interest at the rate of eighteen per cent. per annum during the period for which such default
continues:
Provided that no offence under this section shall be deemed to have been
committed:—
(a) where the dividend could not be paid by reason of the operation of any law;
(b) where a shareholder has given directions to the company regarding the
payment of the dividend and those directions cannot be complied with and the same
has been communicated to him;
(c) where there is a dispute regarding the right to receive the dividend;
(d) where the dividend has been lawfully adjusted by the company against any
sum due to it from the shareholder; or
(e) where, for any other reason, the failure to pay the dividend or to post the
warrant within the period under this section was not due to any default on the part of
the company.
CHAPTER IX
ACCOUNTS OF COMPANIES
128. (1) Every company shall prepare and keep at its registered office books of
account and other relevant books and papers and financial statement for every financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company, including that of its
branch office or offices, if any, and explain the transactions effected both at the registered
office and its branches and such books shall be kept on accrual basis and according to the
double entry system of accounting:
Provided that all or any of the books of account aforesaid and other relevant papers
may be kept at such other place in India as the Board of Directors may decide and where such
a decision is taken, the company shall, within seven days thereof, file with the Registrar a
notice in writing giving the full address of that other place:
Provided further that the company may keep such books of account or other relevant
papers in electronic mode in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) Where a company has a branch office in India or outside India, it shall be deemed
to have complied with the provisions of sub-section (1), if proper books of account relating
to the transactions effected at the branch office are kept at that office and proper summarised
returns periodically are sent by the branch office to the company at its registered office or the
other place referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) The books of account and other books and papers maintained by the company
within India shall be open for inspection at the registered office of the company or at such
other place in India by any director during business hours, and in the case of financial
information, if any, maintained outside the country, copies of such financial information shall
be maintained and produced for inspection by any director subject to such conditions as
may be prescribed:
Provided that the inspection in respect of any subsidiary of the company shall be done
only by the person authorised in this behalf by a resolution of the Board of Directors.
(4) Where an inspection is made under sub-section (3), the officers and other employees
of the company shall give to the person making such inspection all assistance in connection
with the inspection which the company may reasonably be expected to give.
Punishment
for failure to
distribute
dividends.
Books of
account, etc.,
to be kept by
company.
74 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) The books of account of every company relating to a period of not less than eight
financial years immediately preceding a financial year, or where the company had been in
existence for a period less than eight years, in respect of all the preceding years together with
the vouchers relevant to any entry in such books of account shall be kept in good order:
Provided that where an investigation has been ordered in respect of the company
under Chapter XIV, the Central Government may direct that the books of account may be kept
for such longer period as it may deem fit.
(6) If the managing director, the whole-time director in charge of finance, the Chief
Financial Officer or any other person of a company charged by the Board with the duty of
complying with the provisions of this section, contravenes such provisions, such managing
director, whole-time director in charge of finance, Chief Financial officer or such other person
of the company shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees or with both.
129. (1) The financial statements shall give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the company or companies, comply with the accounting standards notified under section
133 and shall be in the form or forms as may be provided for different class or classes of
companies in Schedule III:
Provided that the items contained in such financial statements shall be in accordance
with the accounting standards:
Provided further that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any insurance
or banking company or any company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity, or to
any other class of company for which a form of financial statement has been specified in or
under the Act governing such class of company:
Provided also that the financial statements shall not be treated as not disclosing a true
and fair view of the state of affairs of the company, merely by reason of the fact that they do
not disclose—-
(a) in the case of an insurance company, any matters which are not required to be
disclosed by the Insurance Act, 1938, or the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority Act, 1999;
(b) in the case of a banking company, any matters which are not required to be
disclosed by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;
(c) in the case of a company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity,
any matters which are not required to be disclosed by the Electricity Act, 2003;
(d) in the case of a company governed by any other law for the time being in
force, any matters which are not required to be disclosed by that law.
(2) At every annual general meeting of a company, the Board of Directors of the
company shall lay before such meeting financial statements for the financial year.
(3) Where a company has one or more subsidiaries, it shall, in addition to financial
statements provided under sub-section (2), prepare a consolidated financial statement of the
company and of all the subsidiaries in the same form and manner as that of its own which
shall also be laid before the annual general meeting of the company along with the laying of
its financial statement under sub-section (2):
Provided that the company shall also attach along with its financial statement, a separate
statement containing the salient features of the financial statement of its subsidiary or
subsidiaries in such form as may be prescribed:
Provided further that the Central Government may provide for the consolidation of
accounts of companies in such manner as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the word “subsidiary” shall include
associate company and joint venture.
Financial
statement.
4 of 1938.
41 of 1999.
10 of 1949.
36 of 2003.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 75
(4) The provisions of this Act applicable to the preparation, adoption and audit of the
financial statements of a holding company shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the consolidated
financial statements referred to in sub-section (3).
(5) Without prejudice to sub-section (1), where the financial statements of a company
do not comply with the accounting standards referred to in sub-section (1), the company
shall disclose in its financial statements, the deviation from the accounting standards, the
reasons for such deviation and the financial effects, if any, arising out of such deviation.
(6) The Central Government may, on its own or on an application by a class or classes of
companies, by notification, exempt any class or classes of companies from complying with any
of the requirements of this section or the rules made thereunder, if it is considered necessary to
grant such exemption in the public interest and any such exemption may be granted either
unconditionally or subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification.
(7) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the managing director, the
whole-time director in charge of finance, the Chief Financial Officer or any other person charged
by the Board with the duty of complying with the requirements of this section and in the
absence of any of the officers mentioned above, all the directors shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than
fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, except where the context otherwise
requires, any reference to the financial statement shall include any notes annexed to or
forming part of such financial statement, giving information required to be given and allowed
to be given in the form of such notes under this Act.
130. (1) A company shall not re-open its books of account and not recast its financial
statements, unless an application in this regard is made by the Central Government, the
Income-tax authorities, the Securities and Exchange Board, any other statutory regulatory
body or authority or any person concerned and an order is made by a court of competent
jurisdiction or the Tribunal to the effect that—
(i) the relevant earlier accounts were prepared in a fraudulent manner; or
(ii) the affairs of the company were mismanaged during the relevant period,
casting a doubt on the reliability of financial statements:
Provided that the court or the Tribunal, as the case may be, shall give notice to
the Central Government, the Income-tax authorities, the Securities and Exchange Board
or any other statutory regulatory body or authority concerned and shall take into
consideration the representations, if any, made by that Government or the authorities,
Securities and Exchange Board or the body or authority concerned before passing any
order under this section.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act the accounts so revised
or re-cast under sub-section (1) shall be final.
131. (1) If it appears to the directors of a company that—
(a) the financial statement of the company; or
(b) the report of the Board,
do not comply with the provisions of section 129 or section 134 they may prepare revised
financial statement or a revised report in respect of any of the three preceding financial years
after obtaining approval of the Tribunal on an application made by the company in such form
and manner as may be prescribed and a copy of the order passed by the Tribunal shall be
filed with the Registrar:
Provided that the Tribunal shall give notice to the Central Government and the Incometax
authorities and shall take into consideration the representations, if any, made by that
Government or the authorities before passing any order under this section:
Provided further that such revised financial statement or report shall not be prepared
or filed more than once in a financial year:
Provided also that the detailed reasons for revision of such financial statement or
report shall also be disclosed in the Board's report in the relevant financial year in which
such revision is being made.
Re-opening
of accounts
on court’s or
Tribunal’s
orders.
Voluntary
revision of
financial
statements or
Board’s report.
76 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Where copies of the previous financial statement or report have been sent out to
members or delivered to the Registrar or laid before the company in general meeting, the
revisions must be confined to—
(a) the correction in respect of which the previous financial statement or report
do not comply with the provisions of section 129 or section 134; and
(b) the making of any necessary consequential alternation.
(3) The Central Government may make rules as to the application of the provisions of
this Act in relation to revised financial statement or a revised director's report and such rules
may, in particular—
(a) make different provisions according to which the previous financial
statement or report are replaced or are supplemented by a document indicating the
corrections to be made;
(b) make provisions with respect to the functions of the company's auditor in
relation to the revised financial statement or report;
(c) require the directors to take such steps as may be prescribed.
132. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, constitute a National Financial
Reporting Authority to provide for matters relating to accounting and auditing standards
under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the National Financial Reporting Authority shall—
(a) make recommendations to the Central Government on the formulation and
laying down of accounting and auditing policies and standards for adoption by
companies or class of companies or their auditors, as the case may be;
(b) monitor and enforce the compliance with accounting standards and auditing
standards in such manner as may be prescribed;
(c) oversee the quality of service of the professions associated with ensuring
compliance with such standards, and suggest measures required for improvement in
quality of service and such other related matters as may be prescribed; and
(d) perform such other functions relating to clauses (a), (b) and (c) as may be
prescribed.
(3) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall consist of a chairperson, who
shall be a person of eminence and having expertise in accountancy, auditing, finance or law
to be appointed by the Central Government and such other members not exceeding fifteen
consisting of part-time and full-time members as may be prescribed:
Provided that the terms and conditions and the manner of appointment of the
chairperson and members shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided further that the chairperson and members shall make a declaration to the
Central Government in the prescribed form regarding no conflict of interest or lack of
independence in respect of his or their appointment:
Provided also that the chairperson and members, who are in full-time employment with
National Financial Reporting Authority shall not be associated with any audit firm (including
related consultancy firms) during the course of their appointment and two years after ceasing
to hold such appointment.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the National Financial Reporting Authority shall—
(a) have the power to investigate, either suo motu or on a reference made to it by
the Central Government, for such class of bodies corporate or persons, in such manner
as may be prescribed into the matters of professional or other misconduct committed
by any member or firm of chartered accountants, registered under the Chartered
Accountants Act, 1949:
Provided that no other institute or body shall initiate or continue any proceedings
in such matters of misconduct where the National Financial Reporting Authority has
initiated an investigation under this section;
38 of 1949.
Constitution
of
National
Financial
Reporting
Authority.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 77
(b) have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(i) discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and at such time as may be specified by the National Financial
Reporting Authority;
(ii) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining
them on oath;
(iii) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of any person
referred to in clause (b) at any place;
(iv) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses or documents;
(c) where professional or other misconduct is proved, have the power to make
order for—
(A) imposing penalty of—
(I) not less than one lakh rupees, but which may extend to five times
of the fees received, in case of individuals; and
(II) not less than ten lakh rupees, but which may extend to ten times
of the fees received, in case of firms;
(B) debarring the member or the firm from engaging himself or itself from
practice as member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India referred to
in clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Chartered Accountants Act,
1949 for a minimum period of six months or for such higher period not exceeding
ten years as may be decided by the National Financial Reporting Authority.
Explanation.—For the purposes of his sub-section, the expression "professional or
other misconduct" shall have the same meaning assigned to it under section 22 of the
Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.
(5) Any person aggrieved by any order of the National Financial Reporting Authority
issued under clause (c) of sub-section (4), may prefer an appeal before the Appellate Authority
constituted under sub-section (6) in such manner as may be prescribed.
(6) The Central Government may, by notification, constitute, with effect from such date
as may be specified therein, an Appellate Authority consisting of a chairperson and not more
then two other members, to be appointed by the Central Government, for hearing appeals
arising out of the orders of the National Financial Reporting Authority.
(7) The qualifications for appointment of the chairperson and members of the Appellate
Authority, the manner of selection, the terms and conditions of their service and the
requirement of the supporting staff and procedure (including places of hearing the appeals,
form and manner in which the appeals shall be filed) to be followed by the Appellate Authority
shall be such as may be prescribed.
(8) The fee for filing the appeal shall be such as may be prescribed.
(9) The officer authorised by the Appellate Authority shall prepare in such form and at
such time as may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account of its activities and
forward a copy thereof to the Central Government and the Central Government shall cause
the annual report to be laid before each House of Parliament.
(10) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall meet at such times and places
and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its
meetings in such manner as may be prescribed.
(11) The Central Government may appoint a secretary and such other employees as it
may consider necessary for the efficient performance of functions by the National Financial
Reporting Authority under this Act and the terms and conditions of service of the secretary
and employees shall be such as may be prescribed.
(12) The head office of the National Financial Reporting Authority shall be at New Delhi
and the National Financial Reporting Authority may, meet at such other places in India as it deems
fit.
5 of 1908.
38 of 1949.
38 of 1949.
78 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(13) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall cause to be maintained such
books of account and other books in relation to its accounts in such form and in such manner
as the Central Government may, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India prescribe.
(14) The accounts of the National Financial Reporting Authority shall be audited by
the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him
and such accounts as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India together with
the audit report thereon shall be forwarded annually to the Central Government by the
National Financial Reporting Authority.
(15) The National Financial Reporting Authority shall prepare in such form and at
such time for each financial year as may be prescribed its annual report giving a full account
of its activities during the financial year and forward a copy thereof to the Central Government
and the Central Government shall cause the annual report and the audit report given by the
Comptroller and Auditor-General of India to be laid before each House of Parliament.
133. The Central Government may prescribe the standards of accounting or any
addendum thereto, as recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India,
constituted under section 3 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, in consultation with
and after examination of the recommendations made by the National Financial Reporting
Authority.
134. (1) The financial statement, including consolidated financial statement, if any,
shall be approved by the Board of Directors before they are signed on behalf of the Board at
least by the chairperson of the company where he is authorised by the Board or by two
directors out of which one shall be managing director and the Chief Executive Officer, if he is
a director in the company, the Chief Financial Officer and the company secretary of the
company, wherever they are appointed, or in the case of a One Person Company, only by one
director, for submission to the auditor for his report thereon.
(2) The auditors’ report shall be attached to every financial statement.
(3) There shall be attached to statements laid before a company in general meeting, a
report by its Board of Directors, which shall include—
(a) the extract of the annual return as provided under sub-section (3) of section 92;
(b) number of meetings of the Board;
(c) Directors’ Responsibility Statement;
(d) a statement on declaration given by independent directors under sub-section
(6) of section 149;
(e) in case of a company covered under sub-section (1) of section 178, company’s
policy on directors’ appointment and remuneration including criteria for determining
qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a director and other matters
provided under sub-section (3) of section 178;
(f) explanations or comments by the Board on every qualification, reservation or
adverse remark or disclaimer made—
(i) by the auditor in his report; and
(ii) by the company secretary in practice in his secretarial audit report;
(g) particulars of loans, guarantees or investments under section 186;
(h) particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in
sub-section (1) of section 188 in the prescribed form;
(i) the state of the company’s affairs;
(j) the amounts, if any, which it proposes to carry to any reserves;
(k) the amount, if any, which it recommends should be paid by way of dividend;
(l) material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of
the company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the company
to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report;
(m) the conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange
earnings and outgo, in such manner as may be prescribed;
Financial
statement,
Board’s
report, etc.
38 of 1949.
Central
Government
to prescribe
accounting
standards.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 79
(n) a statement indicating development and implementation of a risk management
policy for the company including identification therein of elements of risk, if any,
which in the opinion of the Board may threaten the existence of the company;
(o) the details about the policy developed and implemented by the company on
corporate social responsibility initiatives taken during the year;
(p) in case of a listed company and every other public company having such
paid-up share capital as may be prescribed, a statement indicating the manner in which
formal annual evaluation has been made by the Board of its own performance and that
of its committees and individual directors;
(q) such other matters as may be prescribed.
(4) The report of the Board of Directors to be attached to the financial statement under
this section shall, in case of a One Person Company, mean a report containing explanations
or comments by the Board on every qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer
made by the auditor in his report.
(5) The Directors’ Responsibility Statement referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (3) shall
state that—
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards
had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
(b) the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the
financial year and of the profit and loss of the company for that period;
(c) the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for
safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
(d) the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis; and
(e) the directors, in the case of a listed company, had laid down internal financial
controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are
adequate and were operating effectively.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the term “internal financial
controls” means the policies and procedures adopted by the company for ensuring
the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to company’s
policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and
errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely
preparation of reliable financial information;
(f) the directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
(6) The Board’s report and any annexures thereto under sub-section (3) shall be
signed by its chairperson of the company if he is authorised by the Board and where he is not
so authorised, shall be signed by at least two directors, one of whom shall be a managing
director, or by the director where there is one director.
(7) A signed copy of every financial statement, including consolidated financial
statement, if any, shall be issued, circulated or published along with a copy each of—
(a) any notes annexed to or forming part of such financial statement;
(b) the auditor’s report; and
(c) the Board’s report referred to in sub-section (3).
(8) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
80 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
135. (1) Every company having net worth of rupees five hundred crore or more, or
turnover of rupees one thousand crore or more or a net profit of rupees five crore or more
during any financial year shall constitute a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the
Board consisting of three or more directors, out of which at least one director shall be an
independent director.
(2) The Board's report under sub-section (3) of section 134 shall disclose the
composition of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.
(3) The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee shall,—
(a) formulate and recommend to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy which shall indicate the activities to be undertaken by the company as
specified in Schedule VII;
(b) recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities referred
to in clause (a); and
(c) monitor the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of the company from time
to time.
(4) The Board of every company referred to in sub-section (1) shall,—
(a) after taking into account the recommendations made by the Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee, approve the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy for the
company and disclose contents of such Policy in its report and also place it on the
company's website, if any, in such manner as may be prescribed; and
(b) ensure that the activities as are included in Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy of the company are undertaken by the company.
(5) The Board of every company referred to in sub-section (1), shall ensure that the
company spends, in every financial year, at least two per cent. of the average net profits of
the company made during the three immediately preceding financial years, in pursuance of
its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy:
Provided that the company shall give preference to the local area and areas around it
where it operates, for spending the amount earmarked for Corporate Social Responsibility
activities:
Provided further that if the company fails to spend such amount, the Board shall, in its
report made under clause (o) of sub-section (3) of section 134, specify the reasons for not
spending the amount.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section “average net profit” shall be calculated
in accordance with the provisions of section 198.
136. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 101, a copy of the financial
statements, including consolidated financial statements, if any, auditor’s report and every
other document required by law to be annexed or attached to the financial statements,
which are to be laid before a company in its general meeting, shall be sent to every member
of the company, to every trustee for the debenture-holder of any debentures issued by the
company, and to all persons other than such member or trustee, being the person so
entitled, not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting:
Provided that in the case of a listed company, the provisions of this sub-section shall
be deemed to be complied with, if the copies of the documents are made available for inspection
at its registered office during working hours for a period of twenty-one days before the date
of the meeting and a statement containing the salient features of such documents in the
prescribed form or copies of the documents, as the company may deem fit, is sent to every
member of the company and to every trustee for the holders of any debentures issued by the
company not less than twenty-one days before the date of the meeting unless the shareholders
ask for full financial statements:
Provided further that the Central Government may prescribe the manner of circulation of
financial statements of companies having such net worth and turnover as may be prescribed:
Right of
member to
copies of
audited
financial
statement.
Corporate
Social
Responsibility.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 81
Provided also that a listed company shall also place its financial statements including
consolidated financial statements, if any, and all other documents required to be attached
thereto, on its website, which is maintained by or on behalf of the company:
Provided also that every company having a subsidiary or subsidiaries shall,—
(a) place separate audited accounts in respect of each of its subsidiary on its
website, if any;
(b) provide a copy of separate audited financial statements in respect of each of
its subsidiary, to any shareholder of the company who asks for it.
(2) A company shall allow every member or trustee of the holder of any debentures
issued by the company to inspect the documents stated under sub-section (1) at its registered
office during business hours.
(3) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section, the company
shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company
who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand rupees.
137. (1) A copy of the financial statements, including consolidated financial statement, if
any, along with all the documents which are required to be or attached to such financial
statements under this Act, duly adopted at the annual general meeting of the company, shall be
filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the date of annual general meeting in such
manner, with such fees or additional fees as may be prescribed within the time specified under
section 403:
Provided that where the financial statements under sub-section (1) are not adopted at
annual general meeting or adjourned annual general meeting, such unadopted financial
statements along with the required documents under sub-section (1) shall be filed with the
Registrar within thirty days of the date of annual general meeting and the Registrar shall take
them in his records as provisional till the financial statements are filed with him after their
adoption in the adjourned annual general meeting for that purpose:
Provided further that financial statements adopted in the adjourned annual general
meeting shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the date of such adjourned
annual general meeting with such fees or such additional fees as may be prescribed within
the time specified under section 403:
Provided also that a One Person Company shall file a copy of the financial statements duly
adopted by its member, along with all the documents which are required to be attached to such
financial statements, within one hundred eighty days from the closure of the financial year:
Provided also that a company shall, along with its financial statements to be filed with
the Registrar, attach the accounts of its subsidiary or subsidiaries which have been
incorporated outside India and which have not established their place of business in India.
(2) Where the annual general meeting of a company for any year has not been held, the
financial statements along with the documents required to be attached under sub-section
(1), duly signed along with the statement of facts and reasons for not holding the annual
general meeting shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days of the last date before
which the annual general meeting should have been held and in such manner, with such fees
or additional fees as may be prescribed within the time specified, under section 403.
(3) If a company fails to file the copy of the financial statements under sub-section (1)
or sub-section (2), as the case may be, before the expiry of the period specified in section 403,
the company shall be punishable with fine of one thousand rupees for every day during
which the failure continues but which shall not be more than ten lakh rupees, and the
managing director and the Chief Financial Officer of the company, if any, and, in the absence
of the managing director and the Chief Financial Officer, any other director who is charged by
the Board with the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this section, and, in the
absence of any such director, all the directors of the company, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
138. (1) Such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed shall be required to
appoint an internal auditor, who shall either be a chartered accountant or a cost accountant,
or such other professional as may be decided by the Board to conduct internal audit of the
functions and activities of the company.
Copy of
financial
statement to
be filed with
Registrar.
Internal audit.
82 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The Central Government may, by rules, prescribe the manner and the intervals in
which the internal audit shall be conducted and reported to the Board.
CHAPTER X
AUDIT AND AUDITORS
139. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Chapter, every company shall, at the first
annual general meeting, appoint an individual or a firm as an auditor who shall hold office
from the conclusion of that meeting till the conclusion of its sixth annual general meeting and
thereafter till the conclusion of every sixth meeting and the manner and procedure of selection
of auditors by the members of the company at such meeting shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that the company shall place the matter relating to such appointment for
ratification by members at every annual general meeting:
Provided further that before such appointment is made, the written consent of the
auditor to such appointment, and a certificate from him or it that the appointment, if made,
shall be in accordance with the conditions as may be prescribed, shall be obtained from the
auditor:
Provided also that the certificate shall also indicate whether the auditor satisfies the
criteria provided in section 141:
Provided also that the company shall inform the auditor concerned of his or its
appointment, and also file a notice of such appointment with the Registrar within fifteen days
of the meeting in which the auditor is appointed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, “appointment” includes reappointment.
(2) No listed company or a company belonging to such class or classes of companies
as may be prescribed, shall appoint or re-appoint—
(a) an individual as auditor for more than one term of five consecutive years;
and
(b) an audit firm as auditor for more than two terms of five consecutive years:
Provided that—
(i) an individual auditor who has completed his term under clause (a) shall
not be eligible for re-appointment as auditor in the same company for five years
from the completion of his term;
(ii) an audit firm which has completed its term under clause (b), shall not
be eligible for re-appointment as auditor in the same company for five years from
the completion of such term:
Provided further that as on the date of appointment no audit firm having a common
partner or partners to the other audit firm, whose tenure has expired in a company immediately
preceding the financial year, shall be appointed as auditor of the same company for a period
of five years:
Provided also that every company, existing on or before the commencement of this Act
which is required to comply with provisions of this sub-section, shall comply with the
requirements of this sub-section within three years from the date of commencement of this Act:
Provided also that, nothing contained in this sub-section shall prejudice the right of
the company to remove an auditor or the right of the auditor to resign from such office of the
company.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, members of a company may resolve to
provide that—
(a) in the audit firm appointed by it, the auditing partner and his team shall be
rotated at such intervals as may be resolved by members; or
(b) the audit shall be conducted by more than one auditor.
(4) The Central Government may, by rules, prescribe the manner in which the companies
shall rotate their auditors in pursuance of sub-section (2).
Appointment
of auditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 83
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Chapter, the word “firm” shall include a limited
liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in the case of a Government
company or any other company owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Central
Government, or by any State Government or Governments, or partly by the Central Government
and partly by one or more State Governments, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
shall, in respect of a financial year, appoint an auditor duly qualified to be appointed as an
auditor of companies under this Act, within a period of one hundred and eighty days from
the commencement of the financial year, who shall hold office till the conclusion of the
annual general meeting.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the first auditor of a
company, other than a Government company, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
within thirty days from the date of registration of the company and in the case of failure of the
Board to appoint such auditor, it shall inform the members of the company, who shall within
ninety days at an extraordinary general meeting appoint such auditor and such auditor shall
hold office till the conclusion of the first annual general meeting.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (5), in the
case of a Government company or any other company owned or controlled, directly or
indirectly, by the Central Government, or by any State Government, or Governments, or
partly by the Central Government and partly by one or more State Governments, the first
auditor shall be appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India within sixty days
from the date of registration of the company and in case the Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India does not appoint such auditor within the said period, the Board of Directors of the
company shall appoint such auditor within the next thirty days; and in the case of failure of
the Board to appoint such auditor within the next thirty days, it shall inform the members of
the company who shall appoint such auditor within the sixty days at an extraordinary general
meeting, who shall hold office till the conclusion of the first annual general meeting.
(8) Any casual vacancy in the office of an auditor shall—
(i) in the case of a company other than a company whose accounts are subject to
audit by an auditor appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be filled
by the Board of Directors within thirty days, but if such casual vacancy is as a result of
the resignation of an auditor, such appointment shall also be approved by the company
at a general meeting convened within three months of the recommendation of the Board
and he shall hold the office till the conclusion of the next annual general meeting;
(ii) in the case of a company whose accounts are subject to audit by an auditor
appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, be filled by the Comptroller
and Auditor-General of India within thirty days:
Provided that in case the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India does not fill
the vacancy within the said period, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy within
next thirty days.
(9) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1) and the rules made thereunder, a
retiring auditor may be re-appointed at an annual general meeting, if—
(a) he is not disqualified for re-appointment;
(b) he has not given the company a notice in writing of his unwillingness to be
re-appointed; and
(c) a special resolution has not been passed at that meeting appointing some
other auditor or providing expressly that he shall not be re-appointed.
(10) Where at any annual general meeting, no auditor is appointed or re-appointed, the
existing auditor shall continue to be the auditor of the company.
(11) Where a company is required to constitute an Audit Committee under section 177,
all appointments, including the filling of a casual vacancy of an auditor under this section
shall be made after taking into account the recommendations of such committee.
140. (1) The auditor appointed under section 139 may be removed from his office
before the expiry of his term only by a special resolution of the company, after obtaining the
previous approval of the Central Government in that behalf in the prescribed manner:
Provided that before taking any action under this sub-section, the auditor concerned
shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
Removal,
resignation of
auditor and
giving of
special
notice.
6 of 2009.
84 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The auditor who has resigned from the company shall file within a period of thirty
days from the date of resignation, a statement in the prescribed form with the company and
the Registrar, and in case of companies referred to in sub-section (5) of section 139,
the auditor shall also file such statement with the Comptroller and Auditor-General
of India, indicating the reasons and other facts as may be relevant with regard to his
resignation.
(3) If the auditor does not comply with sub-section (2), he or it shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(4) (i) Special notice shall be required for a resolution at an annual general meeting
appointing as auditor a person other than a retiring auditor, or providing expressly that a
retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed, except where the retiring auditor has completed a
consecutive tenure of five years or, as the case may be, ten years, as provided under
sub-section (2) of section 139.
(ii) On receipt of notice of such a resolution, the company shall forthwith send a copy
thereof to the retiring auditor.
(iii) Where notice is given of such a resolution and the retiring auditor makes with
respect thereto representation in writing to the company (not exceeding a reasonable length)
and requests its notification to members of the company, the company shall, unless the
representation is received by it too late for it to do so,—
(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the
fact of the representation having been made; and
(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom
notice of the meeting is sent, whether before or after the receipt of the representation
by the company,
and if a copy of the representation is not sent as aforesaid because it was received too late
or because of the company’s default, the auditor may (without prejudice to his right to be
heard orally) require that the representation shall be read out at the meeting:
Provided that if a copy of representation is not sent as aforesaid, a copy thereof shall
be filed with the Registrar:
Provided further that if the Tribunal is satisfied on an application either of the company
or of any other aggrieved person that the rights conferred by this sub-section are being
abused by the auditor, then, the copy of the representation may not be sent and the
representation need not be read out at the meeting.
(5) Without prejudice to any action under the provisions of this Act or any other law
for the time being in force, the Tribunal either suo motu or on an application made to it by the
Central Government or by any person concerned, if it is satisfied that the auditor of a
company has, whether directly or indirectly, acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or
colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its directors or officers, it may, by
order, direct the company to change its auditors:
Provided that if the application is made by the Central Government and the Tribunal is
satisfied that any change of the auditor is required, it shall within fifteen days of receipt of
such application, make an order that he shall not function as an auditor and the Central
Government may appoint another auditor in his place:
Provided further that an auditor, whether individual or firm, against whom final order
has been passed by the Tribunal under this section shall not be eligible to be appointed as
an auditor of any company for a period of five years from the date of passing of the order and
the auditor shall also be liable for action under section 447.
Explanation I.—It is hereby clarified that the case of a firm, the liability shall be of the
firm and that of every partner or partners who acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or
colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its director or officers.
Explanation II.—For the purposes of this Chapter the word “auditor” includes a firm
of auditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 85
141. (1) A person shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor of a company only if
he is a chartered accountant:
Provided that a firm whereof majority of partners practising in India are qualified for
appointment as aforesaid may be appointed by its firm name to be auditor of a company.
(2) Where a firm including a limited liability partnership is appointed as an auditor of a
company, only the partners who are chartered accountants shall be authorised to act and
sign on behalf of the firm.
(3) The following persons shall not be eligible for appointment as an auditor of a
company, namely:—
(a) a body corporate other than a limited liability partnership registered under
the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008;
(b) an officer or employee of the company;
(c) a person who is a partner, or who is in the employment, of an officer or
employee of the company;
(d) a person who, or his relative or partner—
(i) is holding any security of or interest in the company or its subsidiary, or
of its holding or associate company or a subsidiary of such holding company:
Provided that the relative may hold security or interest in the company of
face value not exceeding one thousand rupees or such sum as may be prescribed;
(ii) is indebted to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate
company or a subsidiary of such holding company, in excess of such amount as
may be prescribed; or
(iii) has given a guarantee or provided any security in connection with the
indebtedness of any third person to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding
or associate company or a subsidiary of such holding company, for such amount
as may be prescribed;
(e) a person or a firm who, whether directly or indirectly, has business relationship
with the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or subsidiary
of such holding company or associate company of such nature as may be prescribed;
(f) a person whose relative is a director or is in the employment of the company
as a director or key managerial personnel;
(g) a person who is in full time employment elsewhere or a person or a partner of
a firm holding appointment as its auditor, if such persons or partner is at the date of
such appointment or reappointment holding appointment as auditor of more than
twenty companies;
(h) a person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving fraud
and a period of ten years has not elapsed from the date of such conviction;
(i) any person whose subsidiary or associate company or any other form of
entity, is engaged as on the date of appointment in consulting and specialised services
as provided in section 144.
(4) Where a person appointed as an auditor of a company incurs any of the
disqualifications mentioned in sub-section (3) after his appointment, he shall vacate his
office as such auditor and such vacation shall be deemed to be a casual vacancy in the office
of the auditor.
142. (1) The remuneration of the auditor of a company shall be fixed in its general
meeting or in such manner as may be determined therein:
Provided that the Board may fix remuneration of the first auditor appointed by it.
(2) The remuneration under sub-section (1) shall, in addition to the fee payable to an
auditor, include the expenses, if any, incurred by the auditor in connection with the audit of
the company and any facility extended to him but does not include any remuneration paid to
him for any other service rendered by him at the request of the company.
Remuneration
of auditors.
Eligibility,
qualifications
and disqualifications
of
auditors.
6 of 2009.
86 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
143. (1) Every auditor of a company shall have a right of access at all times to the
books of account and vouchers of the company, whether kept at the registered office of the
company or at any other place and shall be entitled to require from the officers of the
company such information and explanation as he may consider necessary for the performance
of his duties as auditor and amongst other matters inquire into the following matters, namely:—
(a) whether loans and advances made by the company on the basis of security
have been properly secured and whether the terms on which they have been made are
prejudicial to the interests of the company or its members;
(b) whether transactions of the company which are represented merely by book
entries are prejudicial to the interests of the company;
(c) where the company not being an investment company or a banking company,
whether so much of the assets of the company as consist of shares, debentures and
other securities have been sold at a price less than that at which they were purchased
by the company;
(d) whether loans and advances made by the company have been shown as
deposits;
(e) whether personal expenses have been charged to revenue account;
(f) where it is stated in the books and documents of the company that any shares
have been allotted for cash, whether cash has actually been received in respect of
such allotment, and if no cash has actually been so received, whether the position as
stated in the account books and the balance sheet is correct, regular and not misleading:
Provided that the auditor of a company which is a holding company shall also have
the right of access to the records of all its subsidiaries in so far as it relates to the consolidation
of its financial statements with that of its subsidiaries.
(2) The auditor shall make a report to the members of the company on the accounts
examined by him and on every financial statements which are required by or under this Act
to be laid before the company in general meeting and the report shall after taking into
account the provisions of this Act, the accounting and auditing standards and matters
which are required to be included in the audit report under the provisions of this Act or any
rules made thereunder or under any order made under sub-section (11) and to the best of his
information and knowledge, the said accounts, financial statements give a true and fair view
of the state of the company’s affairs as at the end of its financial year and profit or loss and
cash flow for the year and such other matters as may be prescribed.
(3) The auditor’s report shall also state—
(a) whether he has sought and obtained all the information and explanations
which to the best of his knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of his
audit and if not, the details thereof and the effect of such information on the financial
statements;
(b) whether, in his opinion, proper books of account as required by law have
been kept by the company so far as appears from his examination of those books and
proper returns adequate for the purposes of his audit have been received from branches
not visited by him;
(c) whether the report on the accounts of any branch office of the company
audited under sub-section (8) by a person other than the company’s auditor has been
sent to him under the proviso to that sub-section and the manner in which he has dealt
with it in preparing his report;
(d) whether the company’s balance sheet and profit and loss account dealt with
in the report are in agreement with the books of account and returns;
(e) whether, in his opinion, the financial statements comply with the accounting
standards;
(f) the observations or comments of the auditors on financial transactions or
matters which have any adverse effect on the functioning of the company;
(g) whether any director is disqualified from being appointed as a director under
sub-section (2) of section 164;
(h) any qualification, reservation or adverse remark relating to the maintenance
of accounts and other matters connected therewith;
Powers and
duties of
auditors and
auditing
standards.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 87
(i) whether the company has adequate internal financial controls system in
place and the operating effectiveness of such controls;
(j) such other matters as may be prescribed.
(4) Where any of the matters required to be included in the audit report under this
section is answered in the negative or with a qualification, the report shall state the reasons
therefor.
(5) In the case of a Government company, the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
shall appoint the auditor under sub-section (5) or sub-section (7) of section 139 and direct
such auditor the manner in which the accounts of the Government company are required to
be audited and thereupon the auditor so appointed shall submit a copy of the audit report to
the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India which, among other things, include the
directions, if any, issued by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, the action taken
thereon and its impact on the accounts and financial statement of the company.
(6) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India shall within sixty days from the date
of receipt of the audit report under sub-section (5) have a right to,—
(a) conduct a supplementary audit of the financial statement of the company by
such person or persons as he may authorise in this behalf; and for the purposes of
such audit, require information or additional information to be furnished to any person
or persons, so authorised, on such matters, by such person or persons, and in such
form, as the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India may direct; and
(b) comment upon or supplement such audit report:
Provided that any comments given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of
India upon, or supplement to, the audit report shall be sent by the company to every
person entitled to copies of audited financial statements under sub section (1) of
section 136 and also be placed before the annual general meeting of the company at
the same time and in the same manner as the audit report.
(7) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Chapter, the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India may, in case of any company covered under sub-section (5) or sub-section
(7) of section 139, if he considers necessary, by an order, cause test audit to be conducted of
the accounts of such company and the provisions of section 19A of the Comptroller and
Auditor-General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, shall apply to the
report of such test audit.
(8) Where a company has a branch office, the accounts of that office shall be audited
either by the auditor appointed for the company (herein referred to as the company’s auditor)
under this Act or by any other person qualified for appointment as an auditor of the company
under this Act and appointed as such under section 139, or where the branch office is
situated in a country outside India, the accounts of the branch office shall be audited either
by the company’s auditor or by an accountant or by any other person duly qualified to act as
an auditor of the accounts of the branch office in accordance with the laws of that country
and the duties and powers of the company’s auditor with reference to the audit of the branch
and the branch auditor, if any, shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that the branch auditor shall prepare a report on the accounts of the branch
examined by him and send it to the auditor of the company who shall deal with it in his report
in such manner as he considers necessary.
(9) Every auditor shall comply with the auditing standards.
(10) The Central Government may prescribe the standards of auditing or any addendum
thereto, as recommended by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, constituted
under section 3 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, in consultation with and after
examination of the recommendations made by the National Financial Reporting Authority:
Provided that until any auditing standards are notified, any standard or standards of
auditing specified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India shall be deemed to be
the auditing standards.
38 of 1949.
56 of 1971.
88 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(11) The Central Government may, in consultation with the National Financial Reporting
Authority, by general or special order, direct, in respect of such class or description of
companies, as may be specified in the order, that the auditor’s report shall also include a
statement on such matters as may be specified therein.
(12) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, if an auditor of a company, in
the course of the performance of his duties as auditor, has reason to believe that an offence
involving fraud is being or has been committed against the company by officers or employees
of the company, he shall immediately report the matter to the Central Government within such
time and in such manner as may be prescribed.
(13) No duty to which an auditor of a company may be subject to shall be regarded as
having been contravened by reason of his reporting the matter referred to in sub-section (12)
if it is done in good faith.
(14) The provisions of this section shall mutatis mutandis apply to—
(a) the cost accountant in practice conducting cost audit under section 148; or
(b) the company secretary in practice conducting secretarial audit under
section 204.
(15) If any auditor, cost accountant or company secretary in practice do not comply
with the provisions of sub-section (12), he shall be punishable with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees.
144. An auditor appointed under this Act shall provide to the company only such
other services as are approved by the Board of Directors or the audit committee, as the case
may be, but which shall not include any of the following services (whether such services are
rendered directly or indirectly to the company or its holding company or subsidiary company,
namely:—
(a) accounting and book keeping services;
(b) internal audit;
(c) design and implementation of any financial information system;
(d) actuarial services;
(e) investment advisory services;
(f) investment banking services;
(g) rendering of outsourced financial services;
(h) management services; and
(i) any other kind of services as may be prescribed:
Provided that an auditor or audit firm who or which has been performing any non-audit
services on or before the commencement of this Act shall comply with the provisions of this
section before the closure of the first financial year after the date of such commencement.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the term “directly or indirectly”
shall include rendering of services by the auditor,—
(i) in case of auditor being an individual, either himself or through his relative or
any other person connected or associated with such individual or through any other
entity, whatsoever, in which such individual has significant influence or control, or
whose name or trade mark or brand is used by such individual;
(ii) in case of auditor being a firm, either itself or through any of its partners or
through its parent, subsidiary or associate entity or through any other entity,
whatsoever, in which the firm or any partner of the firm has significant influence or
control, or whose name or trade mark or brand is used by the firm or any of its partners.
145. The person appointed as an auditor of the company shall sign the auditor’s report
or sign or certify any other document of the company in accordance with the provisions of
sub-section (2) of section 141, and the qualifications, observations or comments on financial
transactions or matters, which have any adverse effect on the functioning of the company
mentioned in the auditor’s report shall be read before the company in general meeting and
shall be open to inspection by any member of the company.
Auditor not
to render
certain
services.
Auditor to
sign audit
reports, etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 89
146. All notices of, and other communications relating to, any general meeting shall be
forwarded to the auditor of the company, and the auditor shall, unless otherwise exempted
by the company, attend either by himself or through his authorised representative, who shall
also be qualified to be an auditor, any general meeting and shall have right to be heard at
such meeting on any part of the business which concerns him as the auditor.
147. (1) If any of the provisions of sections 139 to 146 (both inclusive) is contravened,
the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or
with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
(2) If an auditor of a company contravenes any of the provisions of section 139,
section 143, section 144 or section 145, the auditor shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees:
Provided that if an auditor has contravened such provisions knowingly or wilfully
with the intention to deceive the company or its shareholders or creditors or tax authorities,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees.
(3) Where an auditor has been convicted under sub-section (2), he shall be liable to—
(i) refund the remuneration received by him to the company; and
(ii) pay for damages to the company, statutory bodies or authorities or to any
other persons for loss arising out of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars
made in his audit report.
(4) The Central Government shall, by notification, specify any statutory body or
authority or an officer for ensuring prompt payment of damages to the company or the
persons under clause (ii) of sub-section (3) and such body, authority or officer shall after
payment of damages to such company or persons file a report with the Central Government
in respect of making such damages in such manner as may be specified in the said notification.
(5) Where, in case of audit of a company being conducted by an audit firm, it is proved
that the partner or partners of the audit firm has or have acted in a fraudulent manner or
abetted or colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to or by, the company or its directors or
officers, the liability, whether civil or criminal as provided in this Act or in any other law for
the time being in force, for such act shall be of the partner or partners concerned of the audit
firm and of the firm jointly and severally.
148. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the Central Government
may, by order, in respect of such class of companies engaged in the production of such
goods or providing such services as may be prescribed, direct that particulars relating to the
utilisation of material or labour or to other items of cost as may be prescribed shall also be
included in the books of account kept by that class of companies:
Provided that the Central Government shall, before issuing such order in respect of
any class of companies regulated under a special Act, consult the regulatory body constituted
or established under such special Act.
(2) If the Central Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to do so, it may, by
order, direct that the audit of cost records of class of companies, which are covered under
sub-section (1) and which have a net worth of such amount as may be prescribed or a
turnover of such amount as may be prescribed, shall be conducted in the manner specified
in the order.
(3) The audit under sub-section (2) shall be conducted by a Cost Accountant in
practice who shall be appointed by the Board on such remuneration as may be determined by
the members in such manner as may be prescribed:
Auditors to
attend general
meeting.
Central
Government
to specify
audit of items
of cost in
respect of
certain
companies.
Punishment
for contravention.
90 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that no person appointed under section 139 as an auditor of the company
shall be appointed for conducting the audit of cost records:
Provided further that the auditor conducting the cost audit shall comply with the cost
auditing standards.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “cost auditing
standards” mean such standards as are issued by the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants
of India, constituted under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959, with the approval of
the Central Government.
(4) An audit conducted under this section shall be in addition to the audit conducted
under section 143.
(5) The qualifications, disqualifications, rights, duties and obligations applicable to
auditors under this Chapter shall, so far as may be applicable, apply to a cost auditor appointed
under this section and it shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities
to the cost auditor appointed under this section for auditing the cost records of the company:
Provided that the report on the audit of cost records shall be submitted by the cost
accountant in practice to the Board of Directors of the company.
(6) A company shall within thirty days from the date of receipt of a copy of the cost
audit report prepared in pursuance of a direction under sub-section (2) furnish the Central
Government with such report along with full information and explanation on every reservation
or qualification contained therein.
(7) If, after considering the cost audit report referred to under this section and the
information and explanation furnished by the company under sub-section (6), the Central
Government is of the opinion that any further information or explanation is necessary, it may
call for such further information and explanation and the company shall furnish the same
within such time as may be specified by that Government.
(8) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of this section,—
(a) the company and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable in the manner as provided in sub-section (1) of section 147;
(b) the cost auditor of the company who is in default shall be punishable in the
manner as provided in sub-sections (2) to (4) of section 147.
CHAPTER XI
APPOINTMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS OF DIRECTORS
149. (1) Every company shall have a Board of Directors consisting of individuals as
directors and shall have—
(a) a minimum number of three directors in the case of a public company, two
directors in the case of a private company, and one director in the case of a One Person
Company; and
(b) a maximum of fifteen directors:
Provided that a company may appoint more than fifteen directors after passing a
special resolution:
Provided further that such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed, shall
have at least one woman director.
(2) Every company existing on or before the date of commencement of this Act shall
within one year from such commencement comply with the requirements of the provisions of
sub-section (1).
(3) Every company shall have at least one director who has stayed in India for a total
period of not less than one hundred and eighty-two days in the previous calendar year.
(4) Every listed public company shall have at least one-third of the total number of
directors as independent directors and the Central Government may prescribe the minimum
number of independent directors in case of any class or classes of public companies.
Company to
have Board of
Directors.
23 of 1959.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 91
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, any fraction contained in such
one-third number shall be rounded off as one.
(5) Every company existing on or before the date of commencement of this Act shall,
within one year from such commencement or from the date of notification of the rules in
this regard as may be applicable, comply with the requirements of the provisions of
sub-section (4).
(6) An independent director in relation to a company, means a director other than a
managing director or a whole-time director or a nominee director,—
(a) who, in the opinion of the Board, is a person of integrity and possesses
relevant expertise and experience;
(b) (i) who is or was not a promoter of the company or its holding, subsidiary or
associate company;
(ii) who is not related to promoters or directors in the company, its holding,
subsidiary or associate company;
(c) who has or had no pecuniary relationship with the company, its holding,
subsidiary or associate company, or their promoters, or directors, during the two
immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial year;
(d) none of whose relatives has or had pecuniary relationship or transaction
with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company, or their promoters, or
directors, amounting to two per cent. or more of its gross turnover or total income or
fifty lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed, whichever is lower,
during the two immediately preceding financial years or during the current financial
year;
(e) who, neither himself nor any of his relatives—
(i) holds or has held the position of a key managerial personnel or is or
has been employee of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate
company in any of the three financial years immediately preceding the financial
year in which he is proposed to be appointed;
(ii) is or has been an employee or proprietor or a partner, in any of the
three financial years immediately preceding the financial year in which he is
proposed to be appointed, of—
(A) a firm of auditors or company secretaries in practice or cost auditors
of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate company; or
(B) any legal or a consulting firm that has or had any transaction
with the company, its holding, subsidiary or associate company amounting
to ten per cent. or more of the gross turnover of such firm;
(iii) holds together with his relatives two per cent. or more of the total
voting power of the company; or
(iv) is a Chief Executive or director, by whatever name called, of any nonprofit
organisation that receives twenty-five per cent. or more of its receipts from
the company, any of its promoters, directors or its holding, subsidiary or associate
company or that holds two per cent. or more of the total voting power of the
company; or
(f) who possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed.
(7) Every independent director shall at the first meeting of the Board in which he
participates as a director and thereafter at the first meeting of the Board in every financial
year or whenever there is any change in the circumstances which may affect his status as an
independent director, give a declaration that he meets the criteria of independence as provided
in sub-section (6).
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “nominee director” means a director
nominated by any financial institution in pursuance of the provisions of any law for the time
being in force, or of any agreement, or appointed by any Government, or any other person to
represent its interests.
92 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(8) The company and independent directors shall abide by the provisions specified in
Schedule IV.
(9) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, but subject
to the provisions of sections 197 and 198, an independent director shall not be entitled to any
stock option and may receive remuneration by way of fee provided under sub-section (5) of
section 197, reimbursement of expenses for participation in the Board and other meetings
and profit related commission as may be approved by the members.
(10) Subject to the provisions of section 152, an independent director shall hold office
for a term up to five consecutive years on the Board of a company, but shall be eligible for reappointment
on passing of a special resolution by the company and disclosure of such
appointment in the Board's report.
(11) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (10), no independent director
shall hold office for more than two consecutive terms, but such independent director shall be
eligible for appointment after the expiration of three years of ceasing to become an independent
director:
Provided that an independent director shall not, during the said period of three years, be
appointed in or be associated with the company in any other capacity, either directly or indirectly.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-sections (10) and (11), any tenure of an
independent director on the date of commencement of this Act shall not be counted as a term
under those sub-sections.
(12) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—
(i) an independent director;
(ii) a non-executive director not being promoter or key managerial personnel,
shall be held liable, only in respect of such acts of omission or commission by a company
which had occurred with his knowledge, attributable through Board processes, and with his
consent or connivance or where he had not acted diligently.
(13) The provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7) of section 152 in respect of retirement
of directors by rotation shall not be applicable to appointment of independent directors.
150. (1) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (5) of section 149, an
independent director may be selected from a data bank containing names, addresses and
qualifications of persons who are eligible and willing to act as independent directors,
maintained by any body, institute or association, as may by notified by the Central
Government, having expertise in creation and maintenance of such data bank and put on
their website for the use by the company making the appointment of such directors:
Provided that responsibility of exercising due diligence before selecting a person from
the data bank referred to above, as an independent director shall lie with the company
making such appointment.
(2) The appointment of independent director shall be approved by the company in
general meeting as provided in sub-section (2) of section 152 and the explanatory statement
annexed to the notice of the general meeting called to consider the said appointment shall
indicate the justification for choosing the appointee for appointment as independent director.
(3) The data bank referred to in sub-section (1), shall create and maintain data of
persons willing to act as independent director in accordance with such rules as may be
prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may prescribe the manner and procedure of selection
of independent directors who fulfil the qualifications and requirements specified under
section 149.
151. A listed company may have one director elected by such small shareholders in
such manner and with such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section “small shareholders” means a
shareholder holding shares of nominal value of not more than twenty thousand rupees or
such other sum as may be prescribed.
Manner of
selection of
independent
directors and
maintenance
of databank
of independent
directors.
Appointment
of director
elected by
small
shareholders.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 93
Appointment
of directors.
152. (1) Where no provision is made in the articles of a company for the appointment
of the first director, the subscribers to the memorandum who are individuals shall be deemed
to be the first directors of the company until the directors are duly appointed and in case of
a One Person Company an individual being member shall be deemed to be its first director
until the director or directors are duly appointed by the member in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, every director shall be appointed
by the company in general meeting.
(3) No person shall be appointed as a director of a company unless he has been
allotted the Director Identification Number under section 154.
(4) Every person proposed to be appointed as a director by the company in general
meeting or otherwise, shall furnish his Director Identification Number and a declaration that
he is not disqualified to become a director under this Act.
(5) A person appointed as a director shall not act as a director unless he gives his
consent to hold the office as director and such consent has been filed with the Registrar
within thirty days of his appointment in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that in the case of appointment of an independent director in the general
meeting, an explanatory statement for such appointment, annexed to the notice for the
general meeting, shall include a statement that in the opinion of the Board, he fulfils the
conditions specified in this Act for such an appointment.
(6) (a) Unless the articles provide for the retirement of all directors at every annual
general meeting, not less than two-thirds of the total number of directors of a public company
shall—
(i) be persons whose period of office is liable to determination by retirement of
directors by rotation; and
(ii) save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, be appointed by the
company in general meeting.
(b) The remaining directors in the case of any such company shall, in default of, and
subject to any regulations in the articles of the company, also be appointed by the company
in general meeting.
(c) At the first annual general meeting of a public company held next after the date of
the general meeting at which the first directors are appointed in accordance with clauses (a)
and (b) and at every subsequent annual general meeting, one-third of such of the directors
for the time being as are liable to retire by rotation, or if their number is neither three nor a
multiple of three, then, the number nearest to one-third, shall retire from office.
(d) The directors to retire by rotation at every annual general meeting shall be those
who have been longest in office since their last appointment, but as between persons who
became directors on the same day, those who are to retire shall, in default of and subject to
any agreement among themselves, be determined by lot.
94 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Application
for allotment
of Director
Identification
Number.
Allotment of
Director
Identification
Number.
Prohibition to
obtain more
than one
Director
Identification
Number.
Director to
intimate
Director
Identification
Number.
Company to
inform
Director
Identification
Number to
Registrar.
(e) At the annual general meeting at which a director retires as aforesaid, the company
may fill up the vacancy by appointing the retiring director or some other person thereto.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “total number of directors” shall
not include independent directors, whether appointed under this Act or any other law for the
time being in force, on the Board of a company.
(7) (a) If the vacancy of the retiring director is not so filled-up and the meeting has not
expressly resolved not to fill the vacancy, the meeting shall stand adjourned till the same day
in the next week, at the same time and place, or if that day is a national holiday, till the next
succeeding day which is not a holiday, at the same time and place.
(b) If at the adjourned meeting also, the vacancy of the retiring director is not filled up
and that meeting also has not expressly resolved not to fill the vacancy, the retiring director
shall be deemed to have been re-appointed at the adjourned meeting, unless—
(i) at that meeting or at the previous meeting a resolution for the re-appointment
of such director has been put to the meeting and lost;
(ii) the retiring director has, by a notice in writing addressed to the company or
its Board of directors, expressed his unwillingness to be so re-appointed;
(iii) he is not qualified or is disqualified for appointment;
(iv) a resolution, whether special or ordinary, is required for his appointment or
re-appointment by virtue of any provisions of this Act; or
(v) section 162 is applicable to the case.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section and section 160, the expression “retiring
director” means a director retiring by rotation.
153. Every individual intending to be appointed as director of a company shall make
an application for allotment of Director Identification Number to the Central Government in
such form and manner and along with such fees as may be prescribed.
154. The Central Government shall, within one month from the receipt of the application
under section 153, allot a Director Identification Number to an applicant in such manner as
may be prescribed.
155. No individual, who has already been allotted a Director Identification Number
under section 154, shall apply for, obtain or possess another Director Identification Number.
156. Every existing director shall, within one month of the receipt of Director
Identification Number from the Central Government, intimate his Director Identification Number
to the company or all companies wherein he is a director.
157. (1) Every company shall, within fifteen days of the receipt of intimation under
section 156, furnish the Director Identification Number of all its directors to the Registrar or
any other officer or authority as may be specified by the Central Government with such fees
as may be prescribed or with such additional fees as may be prescribed within the time
specified under section 403 and every such intimation shall be furnished in such form and
manner as may be prescribed.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 95
Right of
persons other
than retiring
directors to
stand for
directorship.
Appointment
of additional
director,
alternate
director and
nominee
director.
(2) If a company fails to furnish Director Identification Number under sub-section (1),
before the expiry of the period specified under section 403 with additional fee, the company
shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but
which may extend to one lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to one lakh rupees.
158. Every person or company, while furnishing any return, information or particulars
as are required to be furnished under this Act, shall mention the Director Identification
Number in such return, information or particulars in case such return, information or particulars
relate to the director or contain any reference of any director.
159. If any individual or director of a company, contravenes any of the provisions of
section 152, section 155 and section 156, such individual or director of the company shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which
may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where the contravention is a continuing one, with
a further fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for every day after the first during
which the contravention continues.
160. (1) A person who is not a retiring director in terms of section 152 shall, subject to
the provisions of this Act, be eligible for appointment to the office of a director at any general
meeting, if he, or some member intending to propose him as a director, has, not less than
fourteen days before the meeting, left at the registered office of the company, a notice in
writing under his hand signifying his candidature as a director or, as the case may be, the
intention of such member to propose him as a candidate for that office, along with the
deposit of one lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall be
refunded to such person or, as the case may be, to the member, if the person proposed gets
elected as a director or gets more than twenty-five per cent. of total valid votes cast either on
show of hands or on poll on such resolution.
(2) The company shall inform its members of the candidature of a person for the office
of director under sub-section (1) in such manner as may be prescribed.
161. (1) The articles of a company may confer on its Board of Directors the power to
appoint any person, other than a person who fails to get appointed as a director in a general
meeting, as an additional director at any time who shall hold office up to the date of the next
annual general meeting or the last date on which the annual general meeting should have
been held, whichever is earlier.
(2) The Board of Directors of a company may, if so authorised by its articles or by a
resolution passed by the company in general meeting, appoint a person, not being a person
holding any alternate directorship for any other director in the company, to act as an alternate
director for a director during his absence for a period of not less than three months from
India:
Provided that no person shall be appointed as an alternate director for an independent
director unless he is qualified to be appointed as an independent director under the provisions
of this Act:
Provided further that an alternate director shall not hold office for a period longer than
that permissible to the director in whose place he has been appointed and shall vacate the
office if and when the director in whose place he has been appointed returns to India:
Obligation to
indicate
Director
Identification
Number.
Punishment
for
contravention.
96 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Option to
adopt
principle of
proportional
representation
for
appointment
of directors.
Disqualifications
for
appointment
of director.
Provided also that if the term of office of the original director is determined before he so
returns to India, any provision for the automatic re-appointment of retiring directors in
default of another appointment shall apply to the original, and not to the alternate director.
(3) Subject to the articles of a company, the Board may appoint any person as a
director nominated by any institution in pursuance of the provisions of any law for the time
being in force or of any agreement or by the Central Government or the State Government by
virtue of its shareholding in a Government company.
(4) In the case of a public company, if the office of any director appointed by the
company in general meeting is vacated before his term of office expires in the normal course,
the resulting casual vacancy may, in default of and subject to any regulations in the articles
of the company, be filled by the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board:
Provided that any person so appointed shall hold office only up to the date up to
which the director in whose place he is appointed would have held office if it had not been
vacated.
162. (1) At a general meeting of a company, a motion for the appointment of two or
more persons as directors of the company by a single resolution shall not be moved unless
a proposal to move such a motion has first been agreed to at the meeting without any vote
being cast against it.
(2) A resolution moved in contravention of sub-section (1) shall be void, whether or
not any objection was taken when it was moved.
(3) A motion for approving a person for appointment, or for nominating a person for
appointment as a director, shall be treated as a motion for his appointment.
163. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the articles of a company may
provide for the appointment of not less than two-thirds of the total number of the directors
of a company in accordance with the principle of proportional representation, whether by the
single transferable vote or by a system of cumulative voting or otherwise and such
appointments may be made once in every three years and casual vacancies of such directors
shall be filled as provided in sub-section (4) of section 161.
164. (1) A person shall not be eligible for appointment as a director of a company, if —
(a) he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
(b) he is an undischarged insolvent;
(c) he has applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent and his application is pending;
(d) he has been convicted by a court of any offence, whether involving moral
turpitude or otherwise, and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less
than six months and a period of five years has not elapsed from the date of expiry of the
sentence:
Provided that if a person has been convicted of any offence and sentenced in
respect thereof to imprisonment for a period of seven years or more, he shall not be
eligible to be appointed as a director in any company;
Appointment
of directors
to be voted
individually.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 97
Number of
directorships.
(e) an order disqualifying him for appointment as a director has been passed by
a court or Tribunal and the order is in force;
(f) he has not paid any calls in respect of any shares of the company held by him,
whether alone or jointly with others, and six months have elapsed from the last day
fixed for the payment of the call;
(g) he has been convicted of the offence dealing with related party transactions
under section 188 at any time during the last preceding five years; or
(h) he has not complied with sub-section (3) of section 152.
(2) No person who is or has been a director of a company which—
(a) has not filed financial statements or annual returns for any continuous period
of three financial years; or
(b) has failed to repay the deposits accepted by it or pay interest thereon or to
redeem any debentures on the due date or pay interest due thereon or pay any dividend
declared and such failure to pay or redeem continues for one year or more,
shall be eligible to be re-appointed as a director of that company or appointed in other
company for a period of five years from the date on which the said company fails to do so.
(3) A private company may by its articles provide for any disqualifications for
appointment as a director in addition to those specified in sub-sections (1) and (2):
Provided that the disqualifications referred to in clauses (d), (e) and (g) of sub-section
(1) shall not take effect—
(i) for thirty days from the date of conviction or order of disqualification;
(ii) where an appeal or petition is preferred within thirty days as aforesaid against
the conviction resulting in sentence or order, until expiry of seven days from the date
on which such appeal or petition is disposed off; or
(iii) where any further appeal or petition is preferred against order or sentence
within seven days, until such further appeal or petition is disposed off.
165. (1) No person, after the commencement of this Act, shall hold office as a director,
including any alternate directorship, in more than twenty companies at the same time:
Provided that the maximum number of public companies in which a person can be
appointed as a director shall not exceed ten.
Explanation.— For reckoning the limit of public companies in which a person can be
appointed as director, directorship in private companies that are either holding or subsidiary
company of a public company shall be included.
(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the members of a company may, by
special resolution, specify any lesser number of companies in which a director of the
company may act as directors.
98 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) Any person holding office as director in companies more than the limits as specified
in sub-section (1), immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, within a period of
one year from such commencement,—
(a) choose not more than the specified limit of those companies, as companies in
which he wishes to continue to hold the office of director;
(b) resign his office as director in the other remaining companies; and
(c) intimate the choice made by him under clause (a), to each of the companies in
which he was holding the office of director before such commencement and to the
Registrar having jurisdiction in respect of each such company.
(4) Any resignation made in pursuance of clause (b) of sub-section (3) shall become
effective immediately on the despatch thereof to the company concerned.
(5) No such person shall act as director in more than the specified number of
companies,—
(a) after despatching the resignation of his office as director or non-executive
director thereof, in pursuance of clause (b) of sub-section (3); or
(b) after the expiry of one year from the commencement of this Act,
whichever is earlier.
(6) If a person accepts an appointment as a director in contravention of
sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five thousand
rupees but which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the contravention continues.
166. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a director of a company shall act in
accordance with the articles of the company.
(2) A director of a company shall act in good faith in order to promote the objects of the
company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in the best interests of the company,
its employees, the shareholders, the community and for the protection of environment.
(3) A director of a company shall exercise his duties with due and reasonable care, skill
and diligence and shall exercise independent judgment.
(4) A director of a company shall not involve in a situation in which he may have a
direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interest of the
company.
(5) A director of a company shall not achieve or attempt to achieve any undue gain or
advantage either to himself or to his relatives, partners, or associates and if such director is
found guilty of making any undue gain, he shall be liable to pay an amount equal to that gain
to the company.
(6) A director of a company shall not assign his office and any assignment so made
shall be void.
(7) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of this section such
director shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees.
Duties of
directors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 99
167. (1) The office of a director shall become vacant in case—
(a) he incurs any of the disqualifications specified in section 164;
(b) he absents himself from all the meetings of the Board of Directors held
during a period of twelve months with or without seeking leave of absence of the
Board;
(c) he acts in contravention of the provisions of section 184 relating to entering
into contracts or arrangements in which he is directly or indirectly interested;
(d) he fails to disclose his interest in any contract or arrangement in which he is
directly or indirectly interested, in contravention of the provisions of section 184;
(e) he becomes disqualified by an order of a court or the Tribunal;
(f) he is convicted by a court of any offence, whether involving moral turpitude
or otherwise and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment for not less than six
months:
Provided that the office shall be vacated by the director even if he has filed an
appeal against the order of such court;
(g) he is removed in pursuance of the provisions of this Act;
(h) he, having been appointed a director by virtue of his holding any office or
other employment in the holding, subsidiary or associate company, ceases to hold
such office or other employment in that company.
(2) If a person, functions as a director even when he knows that the office of director
held by him has become vacant on account of any of the disqualifications specified in subsection
(1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five
lakh rupees, or with both.
(3) Where all the directors of a company vacate their offices under any of the
disqualifications specified in sub-section (1), the promoter or, in his absence, the Central
Government shall appoint the required number of directors who shall hold office till the
directors are appointed by the company in the general meeting.
(4) A private company may, by its articles, provide any other ground for the vacation
of the office of a director in addition to those specified in sub-section (1).
168. (1) A director may resign from his office by giving a notice in writing to the
company and the Board shall on receipt of such notice take note of the same and the
company shall intimate the Registrar in such manner, within such time and in such form as
may be prescribed and shall also place the fact of such resignation in the report of directors
laid in the immediately following general meeting by the company:
Vacation of
office of
director.
Resignation
of
director.
100 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that a director shall also forward a copy of his resignation along with
detailed reasons for the resignation to the Registrar within thirty days of resignation in such
manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The resignation of a director shall take effect from the date on which the notice is
received by the company or the date, if any, specified by the director in the notice, whichever
is later:
Provided that the director who has resigned shall be liable even after his resignation
for the offences which occurred during his tenure.
(3) Where all the directors of a company resign from their offices, or vacate their
offices under section 167, the promoter or, in his absence, the Central Government shall
appoint the required number of directors who shall hold office till the directors are appointed
by the company in general meeting.
169. (1) A company may, by ordinary resolution, remove a director, not being a director
appointed by the Tribunal under section 242, before the expiry of the period of his office after
giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply where the company
has availed itself of the option given to it under section 163 to appoint not less than twothirds
of the total number of directors according to the principle of proportional
representation.
(2) A special notice shall be required of any resolution, to remove a director under this
section, or to appoint somebody in place of a director so removed, at the meeting at which he
is removed.
(3) On receipt of notice of a resolution to remove a director under this section, the
company shall forthwith send a copy thereof to the director concerned, and the director,
whether or not he is a member of the company, shall be entitled to be heard on the resolution
at the meeting.
(4) Where notice has been given of a resolution to remove a director under this section
and the director concerned makes with respect thereto representation in writing to the
company and requests its notification to members of the company, the company shall, if the
time permits it to do so,—
(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the
fact of the representation having been made; and
(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom
notice of the meeting is sent (whether before or after receipt of the representation by
the company),
and if a copy of the representation is not sent as aforesaid due to insufficient time or for the
company’s default, the director may without prejudice to his right to be heard orally require
that the representation shall be read out at the meeting:
Removal of
directors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 101
Provided that copy of the representation need not be sent out and the representation
need not be read out at the meeting if, on the application either of the company or of any
other person who claims to be aggrieved, the Tribunal is satisfied that the rights conferred
by this sub-section are being abused to secure needless publicity for defamatory matter; and
the Tribunal may order the company’s costs on the application to be paid in whole or in part
by the director notwithstanding that he is not a party to it.
(5) A vacancy created by the removal of a director under this section may, if he had
been appointed by the company in general meeting or by the Board, be filled by the
appointment of another director in his place at the meeting at which he is removed, provided
special notice of the intended appointment has been given under sub-section (2).
(6) A director so appointed shall hold office till the date up to which his predecessor
would have held office if he had not been removed.
(7) If the vacancy is not filled under sub-section (5), it may be filled as a casual
vacancy in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided that the director who was removed from office shall not be re-appointed as a
director by the Board of Directors.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be taken—
(a) as depriving a person removed under this section of any compensation or
damages payable to him in respect of the termination of his appointment as director as
per the terms of contract or terms of his appointment as director, or of any other
appointment terminating with that as director; or
(b) as derogating from any power to remove a director under other provisions of
this Act.
170. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office a register containing such
particulars of its directors and key managerial personnel as may be prescribed, which shall
include the details of securities held by each of them in the company or its holding, subsidiary,
subsidiary of company’s holding company or associate companies.
(2) A return containing such particulars and documents as may be prescribed, of the
directors and the key managerial personnel shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days
from the appointment of every director and key managerial personnel, as the case may be,
and within thirty days of any change taking place.
171. (1) The register kept under sub-section (1) of section 170,—
(a) shall be open for inspection during business hours and the members shall
have a right to take extracts therefrom and copies thereof, on a request by the members,
be provided to them free of cost within thirty days; and
(b) shall also be kept open for inspection at every annual general meeting of the
company and shall be made accessible to any person attending the meeting.
Register of
directors and
key
managerial
personnel and
their
shareholding.
Members’
right
to inspect.
102 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) If any inspection as provided in clause (a) of sub-section (1) is refused, or if any
copy required under that clause is not sent within thirty days from the date of receipt of such
request, the Registrar shall on an application made to him order immediate inspection and
supply of copies required thereunder.
172. If a company contravenes any of the provisions of this Chapter and for which no
specific punishment is provided therein, the company and every officer of the company who
is in default shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees
but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
CHAPTER XII
MEETINGS OF BOARD AND ITS POWERS
173. (1) Every company shall hold the first meeting of the Board of Directors within
thirty days of the date of its incorporation and thereafter hold a minimum number of four
meetings of its Board of Directors every year in such a manner that not more than one
hundred and twenty days shall intervene between two consecutive meetings of the Board:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, direct that the provisions
of this sub-section shall not apply in relation to any class or description of companies or
shall apply subject to such exceptions, modifications or conditions as may be specified in
the notification.
(2) The participation of directors in a meeting of the Board may be either in person or
through video conferencing or other audio visual means, as may be prescribed, which are
capable of recording and recognising the participation of the directors and of recording and
storing the proceedings of such meetings along with date and time:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, specify such matters which
shall not be dealt with in a meeting through video conferencing or other audio visual means.
(3) A meeting of the Board shall be called by giving not less than seven days’ notice in
writing to every director at his address registered with the company and such notice shall be
sent by hand delivery or by post or by electronic means:
Provided that a meeting of the Board may be called at shorter notice to transact urgent
business subject to the condition that at least one independent director, if any, shall be
present at the meeting:
Provided further that in case of absence of independent directors from such a meeting
of the Board, decisions taken at such a meeting shall be circulated to all the directors and
shall be final only on ratification thereof by at least one independent director, if any.
(4) Every officer of the company whose duty is to give notice under this section and
who fails to do so shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees.
(5) A One Person Company, small company and dormant company shall be deemed to
have complied with the provisions of this section if at least one meeting of the Board of
Directors has been conducted in each half of a calendar year and the gap between the two
meetings is not less than ninety days:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section and in section 174 shall apply to
One Person Company in which there is only one director on its Board of Directors.
Punishment.
Meetings of
Board.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 103
174. (1) The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors of a company shall be onethird
of its total strength or two directors, whichever is higher, and the participation of the
directors by video conferencing or by other audio visual means shall also be counted for the
purposes of quorum under this sub-section.
(2) The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company and for no other purpose.
(3) Where at any time the number of interested directors exceeds or is equal to twothirds
of the total strength of the Board of Directors, the number of directors who are not
interested directors and present at the meeting, being not less than two, shall be the quorum
during such time.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “interested director” means a
director within the meaning of sub-section (2) of section 184.
(4) Where a meeting of the Board could not be held for want of quorum, then, unless
the articles of the company otherwise provide, the meeting shall automatically stand adjourned
to the same day at the same time and place in the next week or if that day is a national holiday,
till the next succeeding day, which is not a national holiday, at the same time and place.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) any fraction of a number shall be rounded off as one;
(ii) “total strength” shall not include directors whose places are vacant.
175. (1) No resolution shall be deemed to have been duly passed by the Board or by
a committee thereof by circulation, unless the resolution has been circulated in draft, together
with the necessary papers, if any, to all the directors, or members of the committee, as the
case may be, at their addresses registered with the company in India by hand delivery or by
post or by courier, or through such electronic means as may be prescribed and has been
approved by a majority of the directors or members, who are entitled to vote on the resolution:
Provided that, where not less than one-third of the total number of directors of the
company for the time being require that any resolution under circulation must be decided at
a meeting, the chairperson shall put the resolution to be decided at a meeting of the Board.
(2) A resolution under sub-section (1) shall be noted at a subsequent meeting of the
Board or the committee thereof, as the case may be, and made part of the minutes of such
meeting.
176. No act done by a person as a director shall be deemed to be invalid,
notwithstanding that it was subsequently noticed that his appointment was invalid by
reason of any defect or disqualification or had terminated by virtue of any provision contained
in this Act or in the articles of the company:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to give validity to any act done
by the director after his appointment has been noticed by the company to be invalid or to
have terminated.
Passing of
resolution by
circulation.
Defects in
appointment
of directors
not to
invalidate
actions taken.
Quorum for
meetings of
Board.
104 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
177. (1) The Board of Directors of every listed company and such other class or
classes of companies, as may be prescribed, shall constitute an Audit Committee.
(2) The Audit Committee shall consist of a minimum of three directors with independent
directors forming a majority:
Provided that majority of members of Audit Committee including its Chairperson shall
be persons with ability to read and understand, the financial statement.
(3) Every Audit Committee of a company existing immediately before the commencement
of this Act shall, within one year of such commencement, be reconstituted in accordance
with sub-section (2).
(4) Every Audit Committee shall act in accordance with the terms of reference specified
in writing by the Board which shall, inter alia, include,—
(i) the recommendation for appointment, remuneration and terms of appointment
of auditors of the company;
(ii) review and monitor the auditor’s independence and performance, and
effectiveness of audit process;
(iii) examination of the financial statement and the auditors’ report thereon;
(iv) approval or any subsequent modification of transactions of the company
with related parties;
(v) scrutiny of inter-corporate loans and investments;
(vi) valuation of undertakings or assets of the company, wherever it is necessary;
(vii) evaluation of internal financial controls and risk management systems;
(viii) monitoring the end use of funds raised through public offers and related
matters.
(5) The Audit Committee may call for the comments of the auditors about internal
control systems, the scope of audit, including the observations of the auditors and review of
financial statement before their submission to the Board and may also discuss any related
issues with the internal and statutory auditors and the management of the company.
(6) The Audit Committee shall have authority to investigate into any matter in relation
to the items specified in sub-section (4) or referred to it by the Board and for this purpose
shall have power to obtain professional advice from external sources and have full access to
information contained in the records of the company.
(7) The auditors of a company and the key managerial personnel shall have a right to
be heard in the meetings of the Audit Committee when it considers the auditor’s report but
shall not have the right to vote.
(8) The Board’s report under sub-section (3) of section 134 shall disclose the
composition of an Audit Committee and where the Board had not accepted any
recommendation of the Audit Committee, the same shall be disclosed in such report along
with the reasons therefor.
Audit
Committee.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 105
(9) Every listed company or such class or classes of companies, as may be prescribed,
shall establish a vigil mechanism for directors and employees to report genuine concerns in
such manner as may be prescribed.
(10) The vigil mechanism under sub-section (9) shall provide for adequate safeguards
against victimisation of persons who use such mechanism and make provision for direct
access to the chairperson of the Audit Committee in appropriate or exceptional cases:
Provided that the details of establishment of such mechanism shall be disclosed by the
company on its website, if any, and in the Board’s report.
178. (1) The Board of Directors of every listed company and such other class or
classes of companies, as may be prescribed shall constitute the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee consisting of three or more non-executive directors out of which not less than
one-half shall be independent directors:
Provided that the chairperson of the company (whether executive or non-executive)
may be appointed as a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee but shall not
chair such Committee.
(2) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall identify persons who are
qualified to become directors and who may be appointed in senior management in accordance
with the criteria laid down, recommend to the Board their appointment and removal and shall
carry out evaluation of every director’s performance.
(3) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall formulate the criteria for
determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a director and recommend
to the Board a policy, relating to the remuneration for the directors, key managerial personnel
and other employees.
(4) The Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall, while formulating the policy
under sub-section (3) ensure that—
(a) the level and composition of remuneration is reasonable and sufficient to
attract, retain and motivate directors of the quality required to run the company
successfully;
(b) relationship of remuneration to performance is clear and meets appropriate
performance benchmarks; and
(c) remuneration to directors, key managerial personnel and senior management
involves a balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and long-term
performance objectives appropriate to the working of the company and its goals:
Provided that such policy shall be disclosed in the Board's report.
(5) The Board of Directors of a company which consists of more than one thousand
shareholders, debenture-holders, deposit-holders and any other security holders at any
time during a financial year shall constitute a Stakeholders Relationship Committee consisting
of a chairperson who shall be a non-executive director and such other members as may be
decided by the Board.
(6) The Stakeholders Relationship Committee shall consider and resolve the grievances
of security holders of the company.
(7) The chairperson of each of the committees constituted under this section or, in his
absence, any other member of the committee authorised by him in this behalf shall attend the
general meetings of the company.
Nomination
and
Remuneration
Committee
and
Stakeholders
Relationship
Committee.
106 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(8) In case of any contravention of the provisions of section 177 and this section, the
company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees,
or with both:
Provided that non-consideration of resolution of any grievance by the Stakeholders
Relationship Committee in good faith shall not constitute a contravention of this section.
Explanation.—The expression ‘‘senior management’’ means personnel of the company
who are members of its core management team excluding Board of Directors comprising all
members of management one level below the executive directors, including the functional heads.
179. (1) The Board of Directors of a company shall be entitled to exercise all such
powers, and to do all such acts and things, as the company is authorised to exercise and do:
Provided that in exercising such power or doing such act or thing, the Board shall be
subject to the provisions contained in that behalf in this Act, or in the memorandum or
articles, or in any regulations not inconsistent therewith and duly made thereunder, including
regulations made by the company in general meeting:
Provided further that the Board shall not exercise any power or do any act or thing
which is directed or required, whether under this Act or by the memorandum or articles of the
company or otherwise, to be exercised or done by the company in general meeting.
(2) No regulation made by the company in general meeting shall invalidate any prior
act of the Board which would have been valid if that regulation had not been made.
(3) The Board of Directors of a company shall exercise the following powers on behalf
of the company by means of resolutions passed at meetings of the Board, namely:—
(a) to make calls on shareholders in respect of money unpaid on their shares;
(b) to authorise buy-back of securities under section 68;
(c) to issue securities, including debentures, whether in or outside India;
(d) to borrow monies;
(e) to invest the funds of the company;
(f) to grant loans or give guarantee or provide security in respect of loans;
(g) to approve financial statement and the Board’s report;
(h) to diversify the business of the company;
(i) to approve amalgamation, merger or reconstruction;
(j) to take over a company or acquire a controlling or substantial stake in another
company;
(k) any other matter which may be prescribed:
Provided that the Board may, by a resolution passed at a meeting, delegate to any
committee of directors, the managing director, the manager or any other principal officer of
the company or in the case of a branch office of the company, the principal officer of the
branch office, the powers specified in clauses (d) to (f) on such conditions as it may specify:
Powers of
Board.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 107
Provided further that the acceptance by a banking company in the ordinary course of
its business of deposits of money from the public repayable on demand or otherwise and
withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, or the placing of monies on deposit by a
banking company with another banking company on such conditions as the Board may
prescribe, shall not be deemed to be a borrowing of monies or, as the case may be, a making
of loans by a banking company within the meaning of this section.
Explanation I.—Nothing in clause (d) shall apply to borrowings by a banking company
from other banking companies or from the Reserve Bank of India, the State Bank of India or
any other banks established by or under any Act.
Explanation II.—In respect of dealings between a company and its bankers, the exercise
by the company of the power specified in clause (d) shall mean the arrangement made by the
company with its bankers for the borrowing of money by way of overdraft or cash credit or
otherwise and not the actual day-to-day operation on overdraft, cash credit or other accounts
by means of which the arrangement so made is actually availed of.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the right of the company in general
meeting to impose restrictions and conditions on the exercise by the Board of any of the
powers specified in this section.
180. (1) The Board of Directors of a company shall exercise the following powers only
with the consent of the company by a special resolution, namely:—
(a) to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the whole or substantially the whole of
the undertaking of the company or where the company owns more than one undertaking,
of the whole or substantially the whole of any of such undertakings.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause,—
(i) “undertaking” shall mean an undertaking in which the investment of
the company exceeds twenty per cent. of its net worth as per the audited balance
sheet of the preceding financial year or an undertaking which generates twenty
per cent. of the total income of the company during the previous financial year;
(ii) the expression “substantially the whole of the undertaking” in any
financial year shall mean twenty per cent. or more of the value of the undertaking
as per the audited balance sheet of the preceding financial year;
(b) to invest otherwise in trust securities the amount of compensation received
by it as a result of any merger or amalgamation;
(c) to borrow money, where the money to be borrowed, together with the money
already borrowed by the company will exceed aggregate of its paid-up share capital
and free reserves, apart from temporary loans obtained from the company’s bankers in
the ordinary course of business:
Provided that the acceptance by a banking company, in the ordinary course of
its business, of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise,
and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be a
borrowing of monies by the banking company within the meaning of this clause.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause, the expression “temporary loans”
means loans repayable on demand or within six months from the date of the loan such
as short-term, cash credit arrangements, the discounting of bills and the issue of other
short-term loans of a seasonal character, but does not include loans raised for the
purpose of financial expenditure of a capital nature;
Restrictions
on powers of
Board.
108 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(d) to remit, or give time for the repayment of, any debt due from a director.
(2) Every special resolution passed by the company in general meeting in relation to
the exercise of the powers referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall specify the total
amount up to which monies may be borrowed by the Board of Directors.
(3) Nothing contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall affect—
(a) the title of a buyer or other person who buys or takes on lease any property,
investment or undertaking as is referred to in that clause, in good faith; or
(b) the sale or lease of any property of the company where the ordinary business
of the company consists of, or comprises, such selling or leasing.
(4) Any special resolution passed by the company consenting to the transaction as is
referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1) may stipulate such conditions as may be specified
in such resolution, including conditions regarding the use, disposal or investment of the sale
proceeds which may result from the transactions:
Provided that this sub-section shall not be deemed to authorise the company to effect
any reduction in its capital except in accordance with the provisions contained in this Act.
(5) No debt incurred by the company in excess of the limit imposed by clause (c) of
sub-section (1) shall be valid or effectual, unless the lender proves that he advanced the loan
in good faith and without knowledge that the limit imposed by that clause had been exceeded.
181. The Board of Directors of a company may contribute to bona fide charitable and
other funds:
Provided that prior permission of the company in general meeting shall be required for
such contribution in case any amount the aggregate of which, in any financial year, exceed
five per cent. of its average net profits for the three immediately preceding financial years.
182. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, a
company, other than a Government company and a company which has been in existence for
less than three financial years, may contribute any amount directly or indirectly to any
political party:
Provided that the amount referred to in sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, the
aggregate of the amount which may be so contributed by the company in any financial year
shall not exceed seven and a half per cent. of its average net profits during the three immediately
preceding financial years:
Provided further that no such contribution shall be made by a company unless a
resolution authorising the making of such contribution is passed at a meeting of the Board of
Directors and such resolution shall, subject to the other provisions of this section, be
deemed to be justification in law for the making and the acceptance of the contribution
authorised by it.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1),—
(a) a donation or subscription or payment caused to be given by a company on
its behalf or on its account to a person who, to its knowledge, is carrying on any
activity which, at the time at which such donation or subscription or payment was
given or made, can reasonably be regarded as likely to affect public support for a
Company to
contribute to
bona fide and
charitable
funds, etc.
Prohibitions
and
restrictions
regarding
political
contributions.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 109
political party shall also be deemed to be contribution of the amount of such donation,
subscription or payment to such person for a political purpose;
(b) the amount of expenditure incurred, directly or indirectly, by a company on
an advertisement in any publication, being a publication in the nature of a souvenir,
brochure, tract, pamphlet or the like, shall also be deemed,—
(i) where such publication is by or on behalf of a political party, to be a
contribution of such amount to such political party, and
(ii) where such publication is not by or on behalf of, but for the advantage
of a political party, to be a contribution for a political purpose.
(3) Every company shall disclose in its profit and loss account any amount or amounts
contributed by it to any political party during the financial year to which that account relates,
giving particulars of the total amount contributed and the name of the party to which such
amount has been contributed.
(4) If a company makes any contribution in contravention of the provisions of this
section, the company shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five times the
amount so contributed and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend
to five times the amount so contributed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “political party” means a political
party registered under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
183. (1) The Board of Directors of any company or any person or authority exercising
the powers of the Board of Directors of a company, or of the company in general meeting,
may, notwithstanding anything contained in sections 180, 181 and section 182 or any other
provision of this Act or in the memorandum, articles or any other instrument relating to the
company, contribute such amount as it thinks fit to the National Defence Fund or any other
Fund approved by the Central Government for the purpose of national defence.
(2) Every company shall disclose in its profits and loss account the total amount or
amounts contributed by it to the Fund referred to in sub-section (1) during the financial year
to which the amount relates.
184. (1) Every director shall at the first meeting of the Board in which he participates as
a director and thereafter at the first meeting of the Board in every financial year or whenever
there is any change in the disclosures already made, then at the first Board meeting held after
such change, disclose his concern or interest in any company or companies or bodies
corporate, firms, or other association of individuals which shall include the shareholding, in
such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) Every director of a company who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly,
concerned or interested in a contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement
entered into or to be entered into—
(a) with a body corporate in which such director or such director in association
with any other director, holds more than two per cent. shareholding of that body
corporate, or is a promoter, manager, Chief Executive Officer of that body corporate; or
Power of
Board and
other persons
to make
contributions
to national
defence fund,
etc.
43 of 1951.
Disclosure of
interest by
director.
110 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) with a firm or other entity in which, such director is a partner, owner or
member, as the case may be,
shall disclose the nature of his concern or interest at the meeting of the Board in which the
contract or arrangement is discussed and shall not participate in such meeting:
Provided that where any director who is not so concerned or interested at the time of
entering into such contract or arrangement, he shall, if he becomes concerned or interested
after the contract or arrangement is entered into, disclose his concern or interest forthwith
when he becomes concerned or interested or at the first meeting of the Board held after he
becomes so concerned or interested.
(3) A contract or arrangement entered into by the company without disclosure under
sub-section (2) or with participation by a director who is concerned or interested in any way,
directly or indirectly, in the contract or arrangement, shall be voidable at the option of the
company.
(4) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or subsection
(2), such director shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to one year or with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
(5) Nothing in this section—
(a) shall be taken to prejudice the operation of any rule of law restricting a
director of a company from having any concern or interest in any contract or arrangement
with the company;
(b) shall apply to any contract or arrangement entered into or to be entered into
between two companies where any of the directors of the one company or two or more
of them together holds or hold not more than two per cent. of the paid-up share capital
in the other company.
185. (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, no company shall, directly or indirectly,
advance any loan, including any loan represented by a book debt, to any of its directors or
to any other person in whom the director is interested or give any guarantee or provide any
security in connection with any loan taken by him or such other person:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to—
(a) the giving of any loan to a managing or whole-time director—
(i) as a part of the conditions of service extended by the company to all its
employees; or
(ii) pursuant to any scheme approved by the members by a special
resolution; or
(b) a company which in the ordinary course of its business provides loans or
gives guarantees or securities for the due repayment of any loan and in respect of such
Loan to
directors,
etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 111
loans an interest is charged at a rate not less than the bank rate declared by the
Reserve Bank of India.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression “to any other
person in whom director is interested” means—
(a) any director of the lending company, or of a company which is its
holding company or any partner or relative of any such director;
(b) any firm in which any such director or relative is a partner;
(c) any private company of which any such director is a director or member;
(d) any body corporate at a general meeting of which not less than twentyfive
per cent. of the total voting power may be exercised or controlled by any
such director, or by two or more such directors, together; or
(e) any body corporate, the Board of directors, managing director or
manager, whereof is accustomed to act in accordance with the directions or
instructions of the Board, or of any director or directors, of the lending company.
(2) If any loan is advanced or a guarantee or security is given or provided in
contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1), the company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh
rupees, and the director or the other person to whom any loan is advanced or guarantee or
security is given or provided in connection with any loan taken by him or the other person,
shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which
shall not be less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees, or
with both.
186. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act, a company shall
unless otherwise prescribed, make investment through not more than two layers of investment
companies:
Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not affect,—
(i) a company from acquiring any other company incorporated in a country
outside India if such other company has investment subsidiaries beyond two layers
as per the laws of such country;
(ii) a subsidiary company from having any investment subsidiary for the purposes
of meeting the requirements under any law or under any rule or regulation framed
under any law for the time being in force.
(2) No company shall directly or indirectly —
(a) give any loan to any person or other body corporate;
(b) give any guarantee or provide security in connection with a loan to any other
body corporate or person; and
Loan and
investment by
company.
112 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) acquire by way of subscription, purchase or otherwise, the securities of any
other body corporate,
exceeding sixty per cent. of its paid-up share capital, free reserves and securities premium
account or one hundred per cent. of its free reserves and securities premium account, whichever
is more.
(3) Where the giving of any loan or guarantee or providing any security or the
acquisition under sub-section (2) exceeds the limits specified in that sub-section, prior
approval by means of a special resolution passed at a general meeting shall be necessary.
(4) The company shall disclose to the members in the financial statement the full
particulars of the loans given, investment made or guarantee given or security provided and
the purpose for which the loan or guarantee or security is proposed to be utilised by the
recipient of the loan or guarantee or security.
(5) No investment shall be made or loan or guarantee or security given by the company
unless the resolution sanctioning it is passed at a meeting of the Board with the consent of
all the directors present at the meeting and the prior approval of the public financial institution
concerned where any term loan is subsisting, is obtained:
Provided that prior approval of a public financial institution shall not be required
where the aggregate of the loans and investments so far made, the amount for which guarantee
or security so far provided to or in all other bodies corporate, along with the investments,
loans, guarantee or security proposed to be made or given does not exceed the limit as
specified in sub-section (2), and there is no default in repayment of loan instalments or
payment of interest thereon as per the terms and conditions of such loan to the public
financial institution.
(6) No company, which is registered under section 12 of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992 and covered under such class or classes of companies as may be
prescribed, shall take inter-corporate loan or deposits exceeding the prescribed limit and
such company shall furnish in its financial statement the details of the loan or deposits.
(7) No loan shall be given under this section at a rate of interest lower than the
prevailing yield of one year, three year, five year or ten year Government Security closest to
the tenor of the loan.
(8) No company which is in default in the repayment of any deposits accepted before
or after the commencement of this Act or in payment of interest thereon, shall give any loan
or give any guarantee or provide any security or make an acquisition till such default is
subsisting.
(9) Every company giving loan or giving a guarantee or providing security or making
an acquisition under this section shall keep a register which shall contain such particulars
and shall be maintained in such manner as may be prescribed.
(10) The register referred to in sub-section (9) shall be kept at the registered office of
the company and —
(a) shall be open to inspection at such office; and
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 113
(b) extracts may be taken therefrom by any member, and copies thereof may
be furnished to any member of the company on payment of such fees as may be
prescribed.
(11) Nothing contained in this section, except sub-section (1), shall apply—
(a) to a loan made, guarantee given or security provided by a banking company
or an insurance company or a housing finance company in the ordinary course of its
business or a company engaged in the business of financing of companies or of
providing infrastructural facilities;
(b) to any acquisition—
(i) made by a non-banking financial company registered under
Chapter IIIB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and whose principal business
is acquisition of securities:
Provided that exemption to non-banking financial company shall be in
respect of its investment and lending activities;
(ii) made by a company whose principal business is the acquisition of
securities;
(iii) of shares allotted in pursuance of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of
section 62.
(12) The Central Government may make rules for the purposes of this section.
(13) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years and with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “investment company” means a company whose principal
business is the acquisition of shares, debentures or other securities;
(b) the expression “infrastructure facilities” means the facilities specified in
Schedule VI.
187. (1) All investments made or held by a company in any property, security or other
asset shall be made and held by it in its own name:
Provided that the company may hold any shares in its subsidiary company in the
name of any nominee or nominees of the company, if it is necessary to do so, to ensure
that the number of members of the subsidiary company is not reduced below the statutory
limit.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent a company—
(a) from depositing with a bank, being the bankers of the company, any shares or
securities for the collection of any dividend or interest payable thereon; or
Investments
of company
to be held in
its own name.
2 of 1934.
114 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) from depositing with, or transferring to, or holding in the name of, the State
Bank of India or a scheduled bank, being the bankers of the company, shares or
securities, in order to facilitate the transfer thereof:
Provided that if within a period of six months from the date on which the shares
or securities are transferred by the company to, or are first held by the company in the
name of, the State Bank of India or a scheduled bank as aforesaid, no transfer of such
shares or securities takes place, the company shall, as soon as practicable after the
expiry of that period, have the shares or securities re-transferred to it from the State
Bank of India or the scheduled bank or, as the case may be, again hold the shares or
securities in its own name; or
(c) from depositing with, or transferring to, any person any shares or securities,
by way of security for the repayment of any loan advanced to the company or the
performance of any obligation undertaken by it;
(d) from holding investments in the name of a depository when such investments
are in the form of securities held by the company as a beneficial owner.
(3) Where in pursuance of clause (d) of sub-section (2), any shares or securities in
which investments have been made by a company are not held by it in its own name, the
company shall maintain a register which shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed
and such register shall be open to inspection by any member or debenture-holder of the
company without any charge during business hours subject to such reasonable restrictions
as the company may by its articles or in general meeting impose.
(4) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which
may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine
which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
188. (1) Except with the consent of the Board of Directors given by a resolution at a
meeting of the Board and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, no company shall
enter into any contract or arrangement with a related party with respect to—
(a) sale, purchase or supply of any goods or materials;
(b) selling or otherwise disposing of, or buying, property of any kind;
(c) leasing of property of any kind;
(d) availing or rendering of any services;
(e) appointment of any agent for purchase or sale of goods, materials, services
or property;
(f) such related party's appointment to any office or place of profit in the company,
its subsidiary company or associate company; and
Related party
transactions.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 115
(g) underwriting the subscription of any securities or derivatives thereof, of the
company:
Provided that no contract or arrangement, in the case of a company having a paid-up
share capital of not less than such amount, or transactions not exceeding such sums, as may
be prescribed, shall be entered into except with the prior approval of the company by a
special resolution:
Provided further that no member of the company shall vote on such special resolution,
to approve any contract or arrangement which may be entered into by the company, if such
member is a related party:
Provided also that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any transactions entered
into by the company in its ordinary course of business other than transactions which are not
on an arm’s length basis.
Explanation.— In this sub-section,—
(a) the expression “office or place of profit” means any office or place—
(i) where such office or place is held by a director, if the director holding it
receives from the company anything by way of remuneration over and above
the remuneration to which he is entitled as director, by way of salary, fee,
commission, perquisites, any rent-free accommodation, or otherwise;
(ii) where such office or place is held by an individual other than a director
or by any firm, private company or other body corporate, if the individual, firm,
private company or body corporate holding it receives from the company anything
by way of remuneration, salary, fee, commission, perquisites, any rent-free
accommodation, or otherwise;
(b) the expression “arm’s length transaction” means a transaction between two
related parties that is conducted as if they were unrelated, so that there is no conflict
of interest.
(2) Every contract or arrangement entered into under sub-section (1) shall be referred
to in the Board’s report to the shareholders along with the justification for entering into such
contract or arrangement.
(3) Where any contract or arrangement is entered into by a director or any other
employee, without obtaining the consent of the Board or approval by a special resolution in
the general meeting under sub-section (1) and if it is not ratified by the Board or, as the case
may be, by the shareholders at a meeting within three months from the date on which such
contract or arrangement was entered into, such contract or arrangement shall be voidable at
the option of the Board and if the contract or arrangement is with a related party to any
director, or is authorised by any other director, the directors concerned shall indemnify the
company against any loss incurred by it.
(4) Without prejudice to anything contained in sub-section (3), it shall be open to the
company to proceed against a director or any other employee who had entered into such
contract or arrangement in contravention of the provisions of this section for recovery of
any loss sustained by it as a result of such contract or arrangement.
(5) Any director or any other employee of a company, who had entered into or authorised
the contract or arrangement in violation of the provisions of this section shall,—
(i) in case of listed company, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both; and
116 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) in case of any other company, be punishable with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
189. (1) Every company shall keep one or more registers giving separately the particulars
of all contracts or arrangements to which sub-section (2) of section 184 or section 188
applies, in such manner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed and after
entering the particulars, such register or registers shall be placed before the next meeting of
the Board and signed by all the directors present at the meeting.
(2) Every director or key managerial personnel shall, within a period of thirty days of
his appointment, or relinquishment of his office, as the case may be, disclose to the company
the particulars specified in sub-section (1) of section 184 relating to his concern or interest in
the other associations which are required to be included in the register under that
sub-section or such other information relating to himself as may be prescribed.
(3) The register referred to in sub-section (1) shall be kept at the registered office of the
company and it shall be open for inspection at such office during business hours and
extracts may be taken therefrom, and copies thereof as may be required by any member of the
company shall be furnished by the company to such extent, in such manner, and on payment
of such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) The register to be kept under this section shall also be produced at the commencement
of every annual general meeting of the company and shall remain open and accessible during
the continuance of the meeting to any person having the right to attend the meeting.
(5) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply to any contract or arrangement—
(a) for the sale, purchase or supply of any goods, materials or services if the
value of such goods and materials or the cost of such services does not exceed five
lakh rupees in the aggregate in any year; or
(b) by a banking company for the collection of bills in the ordinary course of its
business.
(6) Every director who fails to comply with the provisions of this section and the rules
made thereunder shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees.
190. (1) Every company shall keep at its registered office,—
(a) where a contract of service with a managing or whole-time director is in
writing, a copy of the contract; or
(b) where such a contract is not in writing, a written memorandum setting out its
terms.
(2) The copies of the contract or the memorandum kept under sub-section (1) shall be
open to inspection by any member of the company without payment of fee.
(3) If any default is made in complying with the provisions of sub-section (1) or
sub-section (2), the company shall be liable to a penalty of twenty-five thousand rupees and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a penalty of five thousand
rupees for each default.
Contract of
employment
with managing
or whole-time
directors.
Register of
contracts or
arrangements
in which
directors are
interested.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 117
(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a private company.
191. (1) No director of a company shall, in connection with—
(a) the transfer of the whole or any part of any undertaking or property of the
company; or
(b) the transfer to any person of all or any of the shares in a company being a
transfer resulting from—
(i) an offer made to the general body of shareholders;
(ii) an offer made by or on behalf of some other body corporate with a view
to a company becoming a subsidiary company of such body corporate or a
subsidiary company of its holding company;
(iii) an offer made by or on behalf of an individual with a view to his
obtaining the right to exercise, or control the exercise of, not less than one-third
of the total voting power at any general meeting of the company; or
(iv) any other offer which is conditional on acceptance to a given extent,
receive any payment by way of compensation for loss of office or as consideration
for retirement from office, or in connection with such loss or retirement from
such company or from the transferee of such undertaking or property, or from
the transferees of shares or from any other person, not being such company,
unless particulars as may be prescribed with respect to the payment proposed to
be made by such transferee or person, including the amount thereof, have been
disclosed to the members of the company and the proposal has been approved
by the company in general meeting.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall affect any payment made by a company to a
managing director or whole-time director or manager of the company by way of compensation
for loss of office or as consideration for retirement from office or in connection with such loss
or retirement subject to limits or priorities, as may be prescribed.
(3) If the payment under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) is not approved for want of
quorum either in a meeting or an adjourned meeting, the proposal shall not be deemed to
have been approved.
(4) Where a director of a company receives payment of any amount in contravention
of sub-section (1) or the proposed payment is made before it is approved in the meeting, the
amount so received by the director shall be deemed to have been received by him in trust for
the company.
(5) If a director of the company contravenes the provisions of this section, such
director shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be taken to prejudice the operation of any law requiring
disclosure to be made with respect to any payment received under this section or such other
like payments made to a director.
Payment to
director for
loss of office,
etc., in
connection
with transfer
of
undertaking,
property or
shares.
118 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
192. (1) No company shall enter into an arrangement by which—
(a) a director of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate company or
a person connected with him acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other
than cash, from the company; or
(b) the company acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other than
cash, from such director or person so connected,
unless prior approval for such arrangement is accorded by a resolution of the company in
general meeting and if the director or connected person is a director of its holding company,
approval under this sub-section shall also be required to be obtained by passing a resolution
in general meeting of the holding company.
(2) The notice for approval of the resolution by the company or holding company in
general meeting under sub-section (1) shall include the particulars of the arrangement along
with the value of the assets involved in such arrangement duly calculated by a registered
valuer.
(3) Any arrangement entered into by a company or its holding company in contravention
of the provisions of this section shall be voidable at the instance of the company unless—
(a) the restitution of any money or other consideration which is the subjectmatter
of the arrangement is no longer possible and the company has been indemnified
by any other person for any loss or damage caused to it; or
(b) any rights are acquired bona fide for value and without notice of the
contravention of the provisions of this section by any other person.
193. (1) Where One Person Company limited by shares or by guarantee enters into a
contract with the sole member of the company who is also the director of the company, the
company shall, unless the contract is in writing, ensure that the terms of the contract or offer
are contained in a memorandum or are recorded in the minutes of the first meeting of the
Board of Directors of the company held next after entering into contract:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to contracts entered into by the
company in the ordinary course of its business.
(2) The company shall inform the Registrar about every contract entered into by the
company and recorded in the minutes of the meeting of its Board of Directors under
sub-section (1) within a period of fifteen days of the date of approval by the Board of
Directors.
194. (1) No director of a company or any of its key managerial personnel shall buy in
the company, or in its holding, subsidiary or associate company—
(a) a right to call for delivery or a right to make delivery at a specified price and
within a specified time, of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified amount
of relevant debentures; or
(b) a right, as he may elect, to call for delivery or to make delivery at a specified
price and within a specified time, of a specified number of relevant shares or a specified
amount of relevant debentures.
(2) If a director or any key managerial personnel of the company contravenes the
provisions of sub-section (1), such director or key managerial personnel shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
Restriction on
non-cash
transactions
involving
directors.
Contract by
One Person
Company.
Prohibition
on
forward
dealings in
securities of
company by
director or
key
managerial
personnel.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 119
(3) Where a director or other key managerial personnel acquires any securities in
contravention of sub-section (1), he shall, subject to the provisions contained in
sub-section (2), be liable to surrender the same to the company and the company shall
not register the securities so acquired in his name in the register, and if they are in
dematerialised form, it shall inform the depository not to record such acquisition and
such securities, in both the cases, shall continue to remain in the names of the transferors.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, ‘‘relevant shares’’ and ‘‘relevant
debentures’’ mean shares and debentures of the company in which the concerned person is
a whole-time director or other key managerial personnel or shares and debentures of its
holding and subsidiary companies.
195. (1) No person including any director or key managerial personnel of a company
shall enter into insider trading:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any communication
required in the ordinary course of business or profession or employment or under any law.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) “insider trading” means—
(i) an act of subscribing, buying, selling, dealing or agreeing to subscribe,
buy, sell or deal in any securities by any director or key managerial personnel
or any other officer of a company either as principal or agent if such director or
key managerial personnel or any other officer of the company is reasonably
expected to have access to any non-public price sensitive information in respect
of securities of company; or
(ii) an act of counselling about procuring or communicating directly or
indirectly any non-public price-sensitive information to any person;
(b) “price-sensitive information” means any information which relates, directly
or indirectly, to a company and which if published is likely to materially affect the price
of securities of the company.
(2) If any person contravenes the provisions of this section, he shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which shall not be
less than five lakh rupees but which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or three times
the amount of profits made out of insider trading, whichever is higher, or with both.
CHAPTER XIII
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
196. (1) No company shall appoint or employ at the same time a managing director and
a manager.
(2) No company shall appoint or re-appoint any person as its managing director,
whole-time director or manager for a term exceeding five years at a time:
Provided that no re-appointment shall be made earlier than one year before the expiry
of his term.
(3) No company shall appoint or continue the employment of any person as managing
director, whole-time director or manager who —
(a) is below the age of twenty-one years or has attained the age of seventy
years:
Provided that appointment of a person who has attained the age of seventy
years may be made by passing a special resolution in which case the explanatory
statement annexed to the notice for such motion shall indicate the justification for
appointing such person;
Prohibition
on
insider
trading
of securities.
Appointment
of managing
director,
whole-time
director or
manager.
120 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) is an undischarged insolvent or has at any time been adjudged as an insolvent;
(c) has at any time suspended payment to his creditors or makes, or has at any
time made, a composition with them; or
(d) has at any time been convicted by a court of an offence and sentenced for a
period of more than six months.
(4) Subject to the provisions of section 197 and Schedule V, a managing director,
whole-time director or manager shall be appointed and the terms and conditions of such
appointment and remuneration payable be approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting
which shall be subject to approval by a resolution at the next general meeting of the company
and by the Central Government in case such appointment is at variance to the conditions
specified in that Schedule:
Provided that a notice convening Board or general meeting for considering such
appointment shall include the terms and conditions of such appointment, remuneration
payable and such other matters including interest, of a director or directors in such
appointments, if any:
Provided further that a return in the prescribed form shall be filed within sixty days of
such appointment with the Registrar.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, where an appointment of a managing director,
whole-time director or manager is not approved by the company at a general meeting, any act
done by him before such approval shall not be deemed to be invalid.
197. (1) The total managerial remuneration payable by a public company, to its directors,
including managing director and whole-time director, and its manager in respect of any
financial year shall not exceed eleven per cent. of the net profits of that company for that
financial year computed in the manner laid down in section 198 except that the remuneration
of the directors shall not be deducted from the gross profits:
Provided that the company in general meeting may, with the approval of the Central
Government, authorise the payment of remuneration exceeding eleven per cent. of the net
profits of the company, subject to the provisions of Schedule V:
Provided further that, except with the approval of the company in general meeting,—
(i) the remuneration payable to any one managing director; or whole-time director
or manager shall not exceed five per cent. of the net profits of the company and if there
is more than one such director remuneration shall not exceed ten per cent. of the net
profits to all such directors and manager taken together;
(ii) the remuneration payable to directors who are neither managing directors
nor whole-time directors shall not exceed,—
(A) one per cent. of the net profits of the company, if there is a managing
or whole-time director or manager;
(B) three per cent. of the net profits in any other case.
(2) The percentages aforesaid shall be exclusive of any fees payable to directors under
sub-section (5).
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), but subject to
the provisions of Schedule V, if, in any financial year, a company has no profits or its profits
are inadequate, the company shall not pay to its directors, including any managing or wholetime
director or manager, by way of remuneration any sum exclusive of any fees payable to
directors under sub-section (5) hereunder except in accordance with the provisions of
Schedule V and if it is not able to comply with such provisions, with the previous approval
of the Central Government.
Overall
maximum
managerial
remuneration
and managerial
remuneration
in case of
absence or
inadequacy of
profits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 121
(4) The remuneration payable to the directors of a company, including any managing
or whole-time director or manager, shall be determined, in accordance with and subject to the
provisions of this section, either by the articles of the company, or by a resolution or, if the
articles so require, by a special resolution, passed by the company in general meeting and
the remuneration payable to a director determined aforesaid shall be inclusive of the
remuneration payable to him for the services rendered by him in any other capacity:
Provided that any remuneration for services rendered by any such director in other
capacity shall not be so included if—
(a) the services rendered are of a professional nature; and
(b) in the opinion of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, if the company
is covered under sub-section (1) of section 178, or the Board of Directors in other
cases, the director possesses the requisite qualification for the practice of the profession.
(5) A director may receive remuneration by way of fee for attending meetings of the
Board or Committee thereof or for any other purpose whatsoever as may be decided by the
Board:
Provided that the amount of such fees shall not exceed the amount as may be prescribed:
Provided further that different fees for different classes of companies and fees in
respect of independent director may be such as may be prescribed.
(6) A director or manager may be paid remuneration either by way of a monthly payment
or at a specified percentage of the net profits of the company or partly by one way and partly
by the other.
(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act but subject
to the provisions of this section, an independent director shall not be entitled to any stock
option and may receive remuneration by way of fees provided under sub-section (5),
reimbursement of expenses for participation in the Board and other meetings and profit
related commission as may be approved by the members.
(8) The net profits for the purposes of this section shall be computed in the manner
referred to in section 198.
(9) If any director draws or receives, directly or indirectly, by way of remuneration any
such sums in excess of the limit prescribed by this section or without the prior sanction of the
Central Government, where it is required, he shall refund such sums to the company and until
such sum is refunded, hold it in trust for the company.
(10) The company shall not waive the recovery of any sum refundable to it under
sub-section (9) unless permitted by the Central Government.
(11) In cases where Schedule V is applicable on grounds of no profits or inadequate
profits, any provision relating to the remuneration of any director which purports to increase
or has the effect of increasing the amount thereof, whether the provision be contained in the
company’s memorandum or articles, or in an agreement entered into by it, or in any resolution
passed by the company in general meeting or its Board, shall not have any effect unless such
increase is in accordance with the conditions specified in that Schedule and if such conditions
are not being complied, the approval of the Central Government had been obtained.
(12) Every listed company shall disclose in the Board’s report, the ratio of the
remuneration of each director to the median employee’s remuneration and such other details
as may be prescribed.
(13) Where any insurance is taken by a company on behalf of its managing director,
whole-time director, manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Company
Secretary for indemnifying any of them against any liability in respect of any negligence,
default, misfeasance, breach of duty or breach of trust for which they may be guilty in
5
122 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
relation to the company, the premium paid on such insurance shall not be treated as part of
the remuneration payable to any such personnel:
Provided that if such person is proved to be guilty, the premium paid on such insurance
shall be treated as part of the remuneration.
(14) Subject to the provisions of this section, any director who is in receipt of any
commission from the company and who is a managing or whole-time director of the company
shall not be disqualified from receiving any remuneration or commission from any holding
company or subsidiary company of such company subject to its disclosure by the company
in the Board’s report.
(15) If any person contravenes the provisions of this section, he shall be punishable
with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh
rupees.
198. (1) In computing the net profits of a company in any financial year for the
purpose of section 197,—
(a) credit shall be given for the sums specified in sub-section (2), and credit
shall not be given for those specified in sub-section (3); and
(b) the sums specified in sub-section (4) shall be deducted, and those specified
in sub-section (5) shall not be deducted.
(2) In making the computation aforesaid, credit shall be given for the bounties and
subsidies received from any Government, or any public authority constituted or authorised
in this behalf, by any Government, unless and except in so far as the Central Government
otherwise directs.
(3) In making the computation aforesaid, credit shall not be given for the following
sums, namely:—
(a) profits, by way of premium on shares or debentures of the company, which
are issued or sold by the company;
(b) profits on sales by the company of forfeited shares;
(c) profits of a capital nature including profits from the sale of the undertaking
or any of the undertakings of the company or of any part thereof;
(d) profits from the sale of any immovable property or fixed assets of a capital
nature comprised in the undertaking or any of the undertakings of the company,
unless the business of the company consists, whether wholly or partly, of buying and
selling any such property or assets:
Provided that where the amount for which any fixed asset is sold exceeds the
written-down value thereof, credit shall be given for so much of the excess as is not
higher than the difference between the original cost of that fixed asset and its writtendown
value;
(e) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised in
equity reserves including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value.
Calculation of
profits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 123
(4) In making the computation aforesaid, the following sums shall be deducted, namely:—
(a) all the usual working charges;
(b) directors’ remuneration;
(c) bonus or commission paid or payable to any member of the company’s staff,
or to any engineer, technician or person employed or engaged by the company, whether
on a whole-time or on a part-time basis;
(d) any tax notified by the Central Government as being in the nature of a tax on
excess or abnormal profits;
(e) any tax on business profits imposed for special reasons or in special
circumstances and notified by the Central Government in this behalf;
(f) interest on debentures issued by the company;
(g) interest on mortgages executed by the company and on loans and advances
secured by a charge on its fixed or floating assets;
(h) interest on unsecured loans and advances;
(i) expenses on repairs, whether to immovable or to movable property, provided
the repairs are not of a capital nature;
(j) outgoings inclusive of contributions made under section 181;
(k) depreciation to the extent specified in section 123;
(l) the excess of expenditure over income, which had arisen in computing the
net profits in accordance with this section in any year which begins at or after the
commencement of this Act, in so far as such excess has not been deducted in any
subsequent year preceding the year in respect of which the net profits have to be
ascertained;
(m) any compensation or damages to be paid in virtue of any legal liability
including a liability arising from a breach of contract;
(n) any sum paid by way of insurance against the risk of meeting any liability
such as is referred to in clause (m);
(o) debts considered bad and written off or adjusted during the year of account.
(5) In making the computation aforesaid, the following sums shall not be deducted,
namely:—
(a) income-tax and super-tax payable by the company under the Income-tax
Act, 1961, or any other tax on the income of the company not falling under clauses (d)
and (e) of sub-section (4);
(b) any compensation, damages or payments made voluntarily, that is to say,
otherwise than in virtue of a liability such as is referred to in clause (m) of sub-section (4);
(c) loss of a capital nature including loss on sale of the undertaking or any of the
undertakings of the company or of any part thereof not including any excess of the
written-down value of any asset which is sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed
over its sale proceeds or its scrap value;
(d) any change in carrying amount of an asset or of a liability recognised in
equity reserves including surplus in profit and loss account on measurement of the
asset or the liability at fair value.
43 of 1961.
124 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
199. Without prejudice to any liability incurred under the provisions of this Act or any
other law for the time being in force, where a company is required to re-state its financial
statements due to fraud or non-compliance with any requirement under this Act and the rules
made thereunder, the company shall recover from any past or present managing director or
whole-time director or manager or Chief Executive Officer (by whatever name called) who,
during the period for which the financial statements are required to be re-stated, received the
remuneration (including stock option) in excess of what would have been payable to him as
per restatement of financial statements.
200. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, the Central Government or
a company may, while according its approval under section 196, to any appointment or to
any remuneration under section 197 in respect of cases where the company has inadequate
or no profits, fix the remuneration within the limits specified in this Act, at such amount or
percentage of profits of the company, as it may deem fit and while fixing the remuneration, the
Central Government or the company shall have regard to—
(a) the financial position of the company;
(b) the remuneration or commission drawn by the individual concerned in
any other capacity;
(c) the remuneration or commission drawn by him from any other company;
(d) professional qualifications and experience of the individual concerned;
(e) such other matters as may be prescribed.
201. (1) Every application made to the Central Government under this Chapter shall be
in such form as may be prescribed.
(2) (a) Before any application is made by a company to the Central Government
under any of the sections aforesaid, there shall be issued by or on behalf of the company
a general notice to the members thereof, indicating the nature of the application proposed
to be made.
(b) Such notice shall be published at least once in a newspaper in the principal language
of the district in which the registered office of the company is situate and circulating in that
district, and at least once in English in an English newspaper circulating in that district.
(c) The copies of the notices, together with a certificate by the company as to the due
publication thereof, shall be attached to the application.
202. (1) A company may make payment to a managing or whole-time director or manager,
but not to any other director, by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration
for retirement from office or in connection with such loss or retirement.
(2) No payment shall be made under sub-section (1) in the following cases, namely:—
(a) where the director resigns from his office as a result of the reconstruction of
the company, or of its amalgamation with any other body corporate or bodies corporate,
Recovery of
remuneration
in certain
cases.
Central
Government
or company
to fix limit
with regard to
remuneration.
Forms of, and
procedure in
relation to,
certain
applications.
Compensation
for loss of
office of
managing or
whole-time
director or
manager.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 125
and is appointed as the managing or whole-time director, manager or other officer of
the reconstructed company or of the body corporate resulting from the amalgamation;
(b) where the director resigns from his office otherwise than on the reconstruction
of the company or its amalgamation as aforesaid;
(c) where the office of the director is vacated under sub-section (1) of section 167;
(d) where the company is being wound up, whether by an order of the Tribunal
or voluntarily, provided the winding up was due to the negligence or default of the
director;
(e) where the director has been guilty of fraud or breach of trust in relation to, or
of gross negligence in or gross mismanagement of, the conduct of the affairs of the
company or any subsidiary company or holding company thereof; and
(f) where the director has instigated, or has taken part directly or indirectly in
bringing about, the termination of his office.
(3) Any payment made to a managing or whole-time director or manager in pursuance
of sub-section (1) shall not exceed the remuneration which he would have earned if he had
been in office for the remainder of his term or for three years, whichever is shorter, calculated
on the basis of the average remuneration actually earned by him during a period of three
years immediately preceding the date on which he ceased to hold office, or where he held the
office for a lesser period than three years, during such period:
Provided that no such payment shall be made to the director in the event of the
commencement of the winding up of the company, whether before or at any time within
twelve months after, the date on which he ceased to hold office, if the assets of the company
on the winding up, after deducting the expenses thereof, are not sufficient to repay to the
shareholders the share capital, including the premiums, if any, contributed by them.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the payment to a managing or
whole-time director, or manager, of any remuneration for services rendered by him to the
company in any other capacity.
203. (1) Every company belonging to such class or classes of companies as may be
prescribed shall have the following whole-time key managerial personnel,—
(i) managing director, or Chief Executive Officer or manager and in their absence,
a whole-time director;
(ii) company secretary; and
(iii) Chief Financial Officer :
Provided that an individual shall not be appointed or reappointed as the chairperson
of the company, in pursuance of the articles of the company, as well as the managing director
or Chief Executive Officer of the company at the same time after the date of commencement
of this Act unless,—
(a) the articles of such a company provide otherwise; or
(b) the company does not carry multiple businesses:
Provided further that nothing contained in the first proviso shall apply to such class of
companies engaged in multiple businesses and which has appointed one or more Chief
Executive Officers for each such business as may be notified by the Central Government.
(2) Every whole-time key managerial personnel of a company shall be appointed by
means of a resolution of the Board containing the terms and conditions of the appointment
including the remuneration.
Appointment
of key
managerial
personnel.
126 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) A whole-time key managerial personnel shall not hold office in more than one
company except in its subsidiary company at the same time:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall disentitle a key
managerial personnel from being a director of any company with the permission of the
Board:
Provided further that whole-time key managerial personnel holding office in more than
one company at the same time on the date of commencement of this Act, shall, within a period
of six months from such commencement, choose one company, in which he wishes to
continue to hold the office of key managerial personnel:
Provided also that a company may appoint or employ a person as its managing director,
if he is the managing director or manager of one, and of not more than one, other company
and such appointment or employment is made or approved by a resolution passed at a
meeting of the Board with the consent of all the directors present at the meeting and of which
meeting, and of the resolution to be moved thereat, specific notice has been given to all the
directors then in India.
(4) If the office of any whole-time key managerial personnel is vacated, the resulting
vacancy shall be filled-up by the Board at a meeting of the Board within a period of six
months from the date of such vacancy.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
five lakh rupees and every director and key managerial personnel of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and where
the contravention is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to one thousand
rupees for every day after the first during which the contravention continues.
204. (1) Every listed company and a company belonging to other class of companies
as may be prescribed shall annex with its Board’s report made in terms of sub-section (3) of
section 134, a secretarial audit report, given by a company secretary in practice, in such form
as may be prescribed.
(2) It shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities to the
company secretary in practice, for auditing the secretarial and related records of the
company.
(3) The Board of Directors, in their report made in terms of sub-section (3) of
section 134, shall explain in full any qualification or observation or other remarks made by
the company secretary in practice in his report under sub-section (1).
(4) If a company or any officer of the company or the company secretary in practice,
contravenes the provisions of this section, the company, every officer of the comapny or the
company secretary in practice, who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which shall not
be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
205. (1) The functions of the company secretary shall include,—
(a) to report to the Board about compliance with the provisions of this Act, the
rules made thereunder and other laws applicable to the company;
(b) to ensure that the company complies with the applicable secretarial standards;
(c) to discharge such other duties as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the expression “secretarial standards”
means secretarial standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India constituted
under section 3 of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 and approved by the Central
Government.
(2) The provisions contained in section 204 and section 205 shall not affect the duties
and functions of the Board of Directors, chairperson of the company, managing director or
whole-time director under this Act, or any other law for the time being in force.
Secretarial
audit for
bigger
companies.
Functions of
company
secretary.
56 of 1980.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 127
CHAPTER XIV
INSPECTION, INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION
206. (1) Where on a scrutiny of any document filed by a company or on any information
received by him, the Registrar is of the opinion that any further information or explanation or
any further documents relating to the company is necessary, he may by a written notice
require the company—
(a) to furnish in writing such information or explanation; or
(b) to produce such documents,
within such reasonable time, as may be specified in the notice.
(2) On the receipt of a notice under sub-section (1), it shall be the duty of the company
and of its officers concerned to furnish such information or explanation to the best of their
knowledge and power and to produce the documents to the Registrar within the time specified
or extended by the Registrar:
Provided that where such information or explanation relates to any past period, the
officers who had been in the employment of the company for such period, if so called upon
by the Registrar through a notice served on them in writing, shall also furnish such information
or explanation to the best of their knowledge.
(3) If no information or explanation is furnished to the Registrar within the time
specified under sub-section (1) or if the Registrar on an examination of the documents
furnished is of the opinion that the information or explanation furnished is inadequate
or if the Registrar is satisfied on a scrutiny of the documents furnished that an
unsatisfactory state of affairs exists in the company and does not disclose a full and fair
statement of the information required, he may, by another written notice, call on the
company to produce for his inspection such further books of account, books, papers
and explanations as he may require at such place and at such time as he may specify in
the notice:
Provided that before any notice is served under this sub-section, the Registrar shall
record his reasons in writing for issuing such notice.
(4) If the Registrar is satisfied on the basis of information available with or furnished to
him or on a representation made to him by any person that the business of a company is
being carried on for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose or not in compliance with the provisions
of this Act or if the grievances of investors are not being addressed, the Registrar may, after
informing the company of the allegations made against it by a written order, call on the
company to furnish in writing any information or explanation on matters specified in the
order within such time as he may specify therein and carry out such inquiry as he deems fit
after providing the company a reasonable opportunity of being heard:
Provided that the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so
warrant, direct the Registrar or an inspector appointed by it for the purpose to carry out the
inquiry under this sub-section:
Provided further that where business of a company has been or is being carried on for
a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
(5) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, the Central
Government may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, direct inspection of
books and papers of a company by an inspector appointed by it for the purpose.
(6) The Central Government may, having regard to the circumstances by general or
special order, authorise any statutory authority to carry out the inspection of books of
account of a company or class of companies.
Power to call
for
information,
inspect books
and conduct
inquiries.
128 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(7) If a company fails to furnish any information or explanation or produce any document
required under this section, the company and every officer of the company, who is in default
shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in the case of a
continuing failure, with an additional fine which may extend to five hundred rupees for every
day after the first during which the failure continues.
207. (1) Where a Registrar or inspector calls for the books of account and other books
and papers under section 206, it shall be the duty of every director, officer or other employee
of the company to produce all such documents to the Registrar or inspector and furnish him
with such statements, information or explanations in such form as the Registrar or inspector
may require and shall render all assistance to the Registrar or inspector in connection with
such inspection.
(2) The Registrar or inspector, making an inspection or inquiry under section 206 may,
during the course of such inspection or inquiry, as the case may be,—
(a) make or cause to be made copies of books of account and other books and
papers; or
(b) place or cause to be placed any marks of identification in such books in token
of the inspection having been made.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or in
any contract to the contrary, the Registrar or inspector making an inspection or inquiry shall
have all the powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while
trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and time as may be specified by such Registrar or inspector making the
inspection or inquiry;
(b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them
on oath; and
(c) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of the company at
any place.
(4) (i) If any director or officer of the company disobeys the direction issued by the
Registrar or the inspector under this section, the director or the officer shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than
twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(ii) If a director or an officer of the company has been convicted of an offence under
this section, the director or the officer shall, on and from the date on which he is so convicted,
be deemed to have vacated his office as such and on such vacation of office, shall be
disqualified from holding an office in any company.
208. The Registrar or inspector shall, after the inspection of the books of account or an
inquiry under section 206 and other books and papers of the company under section 207,
submit a report in writing to the Central Government along with such documents, if any, and
such report may, if necessary, include a recommendation that further investigation into the
affairs of the company is necessary giving his reasons in support.
209. (1) Where, upon information in his possession or otherwise, the Registrar or
inspector has reasonable ground to believe that the books and papers of a company, or
relating to the key managerial personnel or any director or auditor or company secretary in
practice if the company has not appointed a company secretary, are likely to be destroyed,
mutilated, altered, falsified or secreted, he may, after obtaining an order from the
Special Court for the seizure of such books and papers,—
(a) enter, with such assistance as may be required, and search, the place or
places where such books or papers are kept; and
Conduct of
inspection and
inquiry.
5 of 1908.
Report on
inspection
made.
Search and
seizure.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 129
(b) seize such books and papers as he considers necessary after allowing the
company to take copies of, or extracts from, such books or papers at its cost.
(2) The Registrar or inspector shall return the books and papers seized under subsection
(1), as soon as may be, and in any case not later than one hundred and eightieth day
after such seizure, to the company from whose custody or power such books or papers were
seized:
Provided that the books and papers may be called for by the Registrar or inspector for a
further period of one hundred and eighty days by an order in writing if they are needed again:
Provided further that the Registrar or inspector may, before returning such books
and papers as aforesaid, take copies of, or extracts from them or place identification marks
on them or any part thereof or deal with the same in such other manner as he considers
necessary.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 relating to searches
or seizures shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to every search and seizure made under this
section.
210. (1) Where the Central Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to
investigate into the affairs of a company,—
(a) on the receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208;
(b) on intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that the affairs of
the company ought to be investigated; or
(c) in public interest,
it may order an investigation into the affairs of the company.
(2) Where an order is passed by a court or the Tribunal in any proceedings before it
that the affairs of a company ought to be investigated, the Central Government shall order an
investigation into the affairs of that company.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the Central Government may appoint one or more
persons as inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the company and to report thereon in
such manner as the Central Government may direct.
211. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish an office to be called
the Serious Fraud Investigation Office to investigate frauds relating to a company:
Provided that until the Serious Fraud Investigation Office is established under subsection
(1), the Serious Fraud Investigation Office set-up by the Central Government in terms
of the Government of India Resolution No. 45011/16/2003-Adm-I, dated the 2nd July, 2003 shall
be deemed to be the Serious Fraud Investigation Office for the purpose of this section.
(2) The Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be headed by a Director and consist
of such number of experts from the following fields to be appointed by the Central Government
from amongst persons of ability, integrity and experience in,—
(i) banking;
(ii) corporate affairs;
(iii) taxation;
(iv) forensic audit;
(v) capital market;
(vi) information technology;
(vii) law; or
(viii) such other fields as may be prescribed.
(3) The Central Government shall, by notification, appoint a Director in the Serious
Fraud Investigation Office, who shall be an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to
the Government of India having knowledge and experience in dealing with matters relating to
corporate affairs.
Investigation
into affairs of
company.
2 of 1974.
Establishment
of
Serious Fraud
Investigation
Office.
130 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) The Central Government may appoint such experts and other officers and employees
in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office as it considers necessary for the efficient discharge
of its functions under this Act.
(5) The terms and conditions of service of Director, experts, and other officers and
employees of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be such as may be prescribed.
212. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 210, where the Central
Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to investigate into the affairs of a company
by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office—
(a) on receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208;
(b) on intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that its affairs are
required to be investigated;
(c) in the public interest; or
(d) on request from any Department of the Central Government or a State
Government,
the Central Government may, by order, assign the investigation into the affairs of the said
company to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office and its Director, may designate such
number of inspectors, as he may consider necessary for the purpose of such investigation.
(2) Where any case has been assigned by the Central Government to the Serious
Fraud Investigation Office for investigation under this Act, no other investigating agency of
Central Government or any State Government shall proceed with investigation in such case
in respect of any offence under this Act and in case any such investigation has already been
initiated, it shall not be proceeded further with and the concerned agency shall transfer the
relevant documents and records in respect of such offences under this Act to Serious Fraud
Investigation Office.
(3) Where the investigation into the affairs of a company has been assigned by the
Central Government to Serious Fraud Investigation Office, it shall conduct the investigation
in the manner and follow the procedure provided in this Chapter; and submit its report to the
Central Government within such period as may be specified in the order.
(4) The Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall cause the affairs of the
company to be investigated by an Investigating Officer who shall have the power of the
inspector under section 217.
(5) The company and its officers and employees, who are or have been in employment
of the company shall be responsible to provide all information, explanation, documents and
assistance to the Investigating Officer as he may require for conduct of the investigation.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
offences covered under sub-sections (5) and (6) of section 7, section 34, section 36, subsection
(1) of section 38, sub-section (5) of section 46, sub-section (7) of section 56, subsection
(10) of section 66, sub-section (5) of section 140, sub-section (4) of section 206,
section 213, section 229, sub-section (1) of section 251, sub-section (3) of section 339 and
section 448 which attract the punishment for fraud provided in section 447 of this Act shall
be cognizable and no person accused of any offence under those sections shall be released
on bail or on his own bond unless—
(i) the Public Prosecutor has been given an opportunity to oppose the application
for such release; and
(ii) where the Public Prosecutor opposes the application, the court is satisfied
that there are reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offence
and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail:
Investigation
into affairs of
Company by
Serious Fraud
Investigation
Office.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 131
Provided that a person, who, is under the age of sixteen years or is a woman or is sick
or infirm, may be released on bail, if the Special Court so directs:
Provided further that the Special Court shall not take cognizance of any offence referred
to this sub-section except upon a complaint in writing made by—
(i) the Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office; or
(ii) any officer of the Central Government authorised, by a general or special
order in writing in this behalf by that Government.
(7) The limitation on granting of bail specified in sub-section (6) is in addition to the
limitations under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or any other law for the time being in
force on granting of bail.
(8) If the Director, Additional Director or Assistant Director of Serious Fraud
Investigation Office authorised in this behalf by the Central Government by general or
special order, has on the basis of material in his possession reason to believe (the reason for
such belief to be recorded in writing) that any person has been guilty of any offence punishable
under sections referred to in sub-section (6), he may arrest such person and shall, as soon as
may be, inform him of the grounds for such arrest.
(9) The Director, Additional Director or Assistant Director of Serious Fraud Investigation
Office shall, immediately after arrest of such person under sub-section (8), forward a copy of
the order, along with the material in his possession, referred to in that sub-section, to the
Serious Fraud Investigation Office in a sealed envelope, in such manner as may be prescribed
and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall keep such order and material for such period
as may be prescribed.
(10) Every person arrested under sub-section (8) shall within twenty-four hours, be
taken to a Judical Magistrate or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having
jurisdiction:
Provided that the period of twenty-four hours shall exclude the time necessary for the
journey from the place of arrest to the Magistrate's court.
(11) The Central Government if so directs, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall
submit an interim report to the Central Government.
(12) On completion of the investigation, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall
submit the investigation report to the Central Government.
(13) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force, a copy of the investigation report may be obtained by any person concerned
by making an application in this regard to the court.
(14) On receipt of the investigation report, the Central Government may, after examination
of the report (and after taking such legal advice, as it may think fit), direct the Serious Fraud
Investigation Office to initiate prosecution against the company and its officers or employees,
who are or have been in employment of the company or any other person directly or indirectly
connected with the affairs of the company.
(15) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any other law for the time
being in force, the investigation report filed with the Special Court for framing of charges
shall be deemed to be a report filed by a police officer under section 173 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973.
(16) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, any investigation or other action
taken or initiated by Serious Fraud Investigation Office under the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956 shall continue to be proceeded with under that Act as if this Act had not been
passed.
2 of 1974.
1 of 1956.
2 of 1974.
132 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(17) (a) In case Serious Fraud Investigation Office has been investigating any offence
under this Act, any other investigating agency, State Government, police authority, income-tax
authorities having any information or documents in respect of such offence shall provide all
such information or documents available with it to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office;
(b) The Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall share any information or documents
available with it, with any investigating agency, State Government, police authority or incometax
authorities, which may be relevant or useful for such investigating agency, State
Government, police authority or income-tax authorities in respect of any offence or matter
being investigated or examined by it under any other law.
213. The Tribunal may,—
(a) on an application made by—
(i) not less than one hundred members or members holding not less than
one-tenth of the total voting power, in the case of a company having a share
capital; or
(ii) not less than one-fifth of the persons on the company’s register of
members, in the case of a company having no share capital,
and supported by such evidence as may be necessary for the purpose of showing that the
applicants have good reasons for seeking an order for conducting an investigation into the
affairs of the company; or
(b) on an application made to it by any other person or otherwise, if it is satisfied
that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(i) the business of the company is being conducted with intent to defraud
its creditors, members or any other person or otherwise for a fraudulent or
unlawful purpose, or in a manner oppressive to any of its members or that the
company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose;
(ii) persons concerned in the formation of the company or the management
of its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or
other misconduct towards the company or towards any of its members; or
(iii) the members of the company have not been given all the information
with respect to its affairs which they might reasonably expect, including
information relating to the calculation of the commission payable to a managing
or other director, or the manager, of the company,
order, after giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned, that the
affairs of the company ought to be investigated by an inspector or inspectors appointed by
the Central Government and where such an order is passed, the Central Government shall
appoint one or more competent persons as inspectors to investigate into the affairs of the
company in respect of such matters and to report thereupon to it in such manner as the
Central Government may direct:
Provided that if after investigation it is proved that—
(i) the business of the company is being conducted with intent to defraud its
creditors, members or any other persons or otherwise for a fraudulent or unlawful
purpose, or that the company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose; or
(ii) any person concerned in the formation of the company or the management of
its affairs have in connection therewith been guilty of fraud,
then, every officer of the company who is in default and the person or persons concerned in
the formation of the company or the management of its affairs shall be punishable for fraud
in the manner as provided in section 447.
Investigation
into
company’s
affairs in
other cases.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 133
214. Where an investigation is ordered by the Central Government in pursuance of
clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 210, or in pursuance of an order made by the Tribunal
under section 213, the Central Government may before appointing an inspector under subsection
(3) of section 210 or clause (b) of section 213, require the applicant to give such
security not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees as may be prescribed, as it may think fit,
for payment of the costs and expenses of the investigation and such security shall be
refunded to the applicant if the investigation results in prosecution.
215. No firm, body corporate or other association shall be appointed as an inspector.
216. (1) Where it appears to the Central Government that there is a reason so to do, it
may appoint one or more inspectors to investigate and report on matters relating to the
company, and its membership for the purpose of determining the true persons—
(a) who are or have been financially interested in the success or failure, whether
real or apparent, of the company; or
(b) who are or have been able to control or to materially influence the policy of
the company.
(2) Without prejudice to its powers under sub-section (1), the Central Government
shall appoint one or more inspectors under that sub-section, if the Tribunal, in the course of
any proceeding before it, directs by an order that the affairs of the company ought to be
investigated as regards the membership of the company and other matters relating to the
company, for the purposes specified in sub-section (1).
(3) While appointing an inspector under sub-section (1), the Central Government may
define the scope of the investigation, whether as respects the matters or the period to which
it is to extend or otherwise, and in particular, may limit the investigation to matters connected
with particular shares or debentures.
(4) Subject to the terms of appointment of an inspector, his powers shall extend to the
investigation of any circumstances suggesting the existence of any arrangement or
understanding which, though not legally binding, is or was observed or is likely to be
observed in practice and which is relevant for the purposes of his investigation.
217. (1) It shall be the duty of all officers and other employees and agents including
the former officers, employees and agents of a company which is under investigation in
accordance with the provisions contained in this Chapter, and where the affairs of any other
body corporate or a person are investigated under section 219, of all officers and other
employees and agents including former officers, employees and agents of such body corporate
or a person—
(a) to preserve and to produce to an inspector or any person authorised by him
in this behalf all books and papers of, or relating to, the company or, as the case may
be, relating to the other body corporate or the person, which are in their custody or
power; and
(b) otherwise to give to the inspector all assistance in connection with the
investigation which they are reasonably able to give.
(2) The inspector may require any body corporate, other than a body corporate referred
to in sub-section (1), to furnish such information to, or produce such books and papers
before him or any person authorised by him in this behalf as he may consider necessary, if
the furnishing of such information or the production of such books and papers is relevant or
necessary for the purposes of his investigation.
(3) The inspector shall not keep in his custody any books and papers produced under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) for more than one hundred and eighty days and return the
Security for
payment of
costs and
expenses of
investigation.
Firm, body
corporate or
association
not to be
appointed as
inspector.
Investigation
of ownership
of company.
Procedure,
powers, etc.,
of inspectors.
134 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
same to the company, body corporate, firm or individual by whom or on whose behalf the
books and papers were produced:
Provided that the books and papers may be called for by the inspector if they are needed
again for a further period of one hundred and eighty days by an order in writing.
(4) An inspector may examine on oath—
(a) any of the persons referred to in sub-section (1); and
(b) with the prior approval of the Central Government, any other person,
in relation to the affairs of the company, or other body corporate or person, as the case may
be, and for that purpose may require any of those persons to appear before him personally:
Provided that in case of an investigation under section 212, the prior approval of
Director, Serious Fraud Investigation Office shall be sufficient under clause (b).
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or
in any contract to the contrary, the inspector, being an officer of the Central Government,
making an investigation under this Chapter shall have all the powers as are vested in a civil
court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit in respect of the following
matters, namely:—
(a) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at
such place and time as may be specified by such person;
(b) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on
oath; and
(c) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of the company at
any place.
(6) (i) If any director or officer of the company disobeys the direction issued by the
Registrar or the inspector under this section, the director or the officer shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than
twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(ii) If a director or an officer of the company has been convicted of an offence under
this section, the director or the officer shall, on and from the date on which he is so convicted,
be deemed to have vacated his office as such and on such vacation of office, shall be
disqualified from holding an office in any company.
(7) The notes of any examination under sub-section (4) shall be taken down in writing
and shall be read over to, or by, and signed by, the person examined, and may thereafter be
used in evidence against him.
(8) If any person fails without reasonable cause or refuses—
(a) to produce to an inspector or any person authorised by him in this behalf any
book or paper which is his duty under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) to produce;
(b) to furnish any information which is his duty under sub-section (2) to furnish;
(c) to appear before the inspector personally when required to do so under subsection
(4) or to answer any question which is put to him by the inspector in pursuance
of that sub-section; or
(d) to sign the notes of any examination referred to in sub-section (7),
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and with
fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one
lakh rupees, and also with a further fine which may extend to two thousand rupees for every
day after the first during which the failure or refusal continues.
5 of 1908.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 135
(9) The officers of the Central Government, State Government, police or statutory authority
shall provide assistance to the inspector for the purpose of inspection, inquiry or investigation,
which the inspector may, with the prior approval of the Central Government, require.
(10) The Central Government may enter into an agreement with the Government of a
foreign State for reciprocal arrangements to assist in any inspection, inquiry or investigation
under this Act or under the corresponding law in force in that State and may, by notification,
render the application of this Chapter in relation to a foreign State with which reciprocal
arrangements have been made subject to such modifications, exceptions, conditions and
qualifications as may be deemed expedient for implementing the agreement with that State.
(11) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 if, in the course of an investigation into the affairs of the company, an
application is made to the competent court in India by the inspector stating that evidence is,
or may be, available in a country or place outside India, such court may issue a letter of
request to a court or an authority in such country or place, competent to deal with such
request, to examine orally, or otherwise, any person, supposed to be acquainted with the
facts and circumstances of the case, to record his statement made in the course of such
examination and also to require such person or any other person to produce any document
or thing, which may be in his possession pertaining to the case, and to forward all the
evidence so taken or collected or the authenticated copies thereof or the things so collected
to the court in India which had issued such letter of request:
Provided that the letter of request shall be transmitted in such manner as the Central
Government may specify in this behalf:
Provided further that every statement recorded or document or thing received under
this sub-section shall be deemed to be the evidence collected during the course of
investigation.
(12) Upon receipt of a letter of request from a court or an authority in a country or place
outside India, competent to issue such letter in that country or place for the examination of
any person or production of any document or thing in relation to affairs of a company under
investigation in that country or place, the Central Government may, if it thinks fit, forward
such letter of request to the court concerned, which shall thereupon summon the person
before it and record his statement or cause any document or thing to be produced, or send
the letter to any inspector for investigation, who shall thereupon investigate into the affairs
of company in the same manner as the affairs of a company are investigated under this Act
and the inspector shall submit the report to such court within thirty days or such extended
time as the court may allow for further action:
Provided that the evidence taken or collected under this sub-section or authenticated
copies thereof or the things so collected shall be forwarded by the court, to the Central
Government for transmission, in such manner as the Central Government may deem fit, to the
court or the authority in country or place outside India which had issued the letter of request.
218. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in
force, if—
(a) during the course of any investigation of the affairs and other matters of or
relating to a company, other body corporate or person under section 210, section 212,
section 213 or section 219 or of the membership and other matters of or relating to a
company, or the ownership of shares in or debentures of a company or body corporate,
or the affairs and other matters of or relating to a company, other body corporate or
person, under section 216; or
(b) during the pendency of any proceeding against any person concerned in the
conduct and management of the affairs of a company under Chapter XVI,
Protection of
employees
during
investigation.
2 of 1974.
136 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
such company, other body corporate or person proposes—
(i) to discharge or suspend any employee; or
(ii) to punish him, whether by dismissal, removal, reduction in rank or otherwise;
or
(iii) to change the terms of employment to his disadvantage,
the company, other body corporate or person, as the case may be, shall obtain approval of
the Tribunal of the action proposed against the employee and if the Tribunal has any objection
to the action proposed, it shall send by post notice thereof in writing to the company, other
body corporate or person concerned.
(2) If the company, other body corporate or person concerned does not receive within
thirty days of making of application under sub-section (1), the approval of the Tribunal, then
and only then, the company, other body corporate or person concerned may proceed to take
against the employee, the action proposed.
(3) If the company, other body corporate or person concerned is dissatisfied with the
objection raised by the Tribunal, it may, within a period of thirty days of the receipt of the
notice of the objection, prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal in such manner and on
payment of such fees as may be prescribed.
(4) The decision of the Appellate Tribunal on such appeal shall be final and binding on
the Tribunal and on the company, other body corporate or person concerned.
(5) For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions of this section
shall have effect without prejudice to the provisions of any other law for the time being in
force.
219. If an inspector appointed under section 210 or section 212 or section 213 to
investigate into the affairs of a company considers it necessary for the purposes of the
investigation, to investigate also the affairs of—
(a) any other body corporate which is, or has at any relevant time been the
company’s subsidiary company or holding company, or a subsidiary company of its
holding company;
(b) any other body corporate which is, or has at any relevant time been managed
by any person as managing director or as manager, who is, or was, at the relevant time,
the managing director or the manager of the company;
(c) any other body corporate whose Board of Directors comprises nominees of
the company or is accustomed to act in accordance with the directions or instructions
of the company or any of its directors; or
(d) any person who is or has at any relevant time been the company’s managing
director or manager or employee,
he shall, subject to the prior approval of the Central Government, investigate into and report
on the affairs of the other body corporate or of the managing director or manager, in so far as
he considers that the results of his investigation are relevant to the investigation of the
affairs of the company for which he is appointed.
220. (1) Where in the course of an investigation under this Chapter, the inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe that the books and papers of, or relating to, any company or
other body corporate or managing director or manager of such company are likely to be
destroyed, mutilated, altered, falsified or secreted, the inspector may—
(a) enter, with such assistance as may be required, the place or places where
such books and papers are kept in such manner as may be required; and
Power of
inspector to
conduct
investigation
into affairs of
related
companies,
etc.
Seizure of
documents by
inspector.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 137
(b) seize books and papers as he considers necessary after allowing the company
to take copies of, or extracts from, such books and papers at its cost for the purposes
of his investigation.
(2) The inspector shall keep in his custody the books and papers seized under this
section for such a period not later than the conclusion of the investigation as he considers
necessary and thereafter shall return the same to the company or the other body corporate,
or, as the case may be, to the managing director or the manager or any other person from
whose custody or power they were seized:
Provided that the inspector may, before returning such books and papers as aforesaid,
take copies of, or extracts from them or place identification marks on them or any part thereof
or deal with the same in such manner as he considers necessary.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, relating to searches or
seizures shall apply mutatis mutandis to every search or seizure made under this section.
221. (1) Where it appears to the Tribunal, on a reference made to it by the Central
Government or in connection with any inquiry or investigation into the affairs of a company
under this Chapter or on any complaint made by such number of members as specified under
sub-section (1) of section 244 or a creditor having one lakh amount outstanding against the
company or any other person having a reasonable ground to believe that the removal,
transfer or disposal of funds, assets, properties of the company is likely to take place in a
manner that is prejudicial to the interests of the company or its shareholders or creditors or
in public interest, it may by order direct that such transfer, removal or disposal shall not take
place during such period not exceeding three years as may be specified in the order or may
take place subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(2) In case of any removal, transfer or disposal of funds, assets, or properties of the
company in contravention of the order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1), the company
shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may
extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which
shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
222. (1) Where it appears to the Tribunal, in connection with any investigation under
section 216 or on a complaint made by any person in this behalf, that there is good reason to
find out the relevant facts about any securities issued or to be issued by a company and the
Tribunal is of the opinion that such facts cannot be found out unless certain restrictions, as
it may deem fit, are imposed, the Tribunal may, by order, direct that the securities shall be
subject to such restrictions as it may deem fit for such period not exceeding three years as
may be specified in the order.
(2) Where securities in any company are issued or transferred or acted upon in
contravention of an order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1), the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be
less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with
both.
223. (1) An inspector appointed under this Chapter may, and if so directed by the
Central Government shall, submit interim reports to that Government, and on the conclusion
of the investigation, shall submit a final report to the Central Government.
(2) Every report made under sub-section (1) shall be in writing or printed as the Central
Government may direct.
Imposition of
restrictions
upon
securities.
Inspector’s
report.
2 of 1974.
Freezing of
assets of
company on
inquiry and
investigation.
138 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) A copy of the report made under sub-section (1) may be obtained by making an
application in this regard to the Central Government.
(4) The report of any inspector appointed under this Chapter shall be authenticated
either—
(a) by the seal of the company whose affairs have been investigated; or
(b) by a certificate of a public officer having the custody of the report, as provided
under section 76 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872,
and such report shall be admissible in any legal proceeding as evidence in relation to any
matter contained in the report.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to the report referred to in section 212.
224. (1) If, from an inspector’s report, made under section 223, it appears to the Central
Government that any person has, in relation to the company or in relation to any other body
corporate or other person whose affairs have been investigated under this Chapter been
guilty of any offence for which he is criminally liable, the Central Government may prosecute
such person for the offence and it shall be the duty of all officers and other employees of the
company or body corporate to give the Central Government the necessary assistance in
connection with the prosecution.
(2) If any company or other body corporate is liable to be wound up under this Act and
it appears to the Central Government from any such report made under section 223 that it is
expedient so to do by reason of any such circumstances as are referred to in section 213, the
Central Government may, unless the company or body corporate is already being wound up
by the Tribunal, cause to be presented to the Tribunal by any person authorised by the
Central Government in this behalf—
(a) a petition for the winding up of the company or body corporate on the
ground that it is just and equitable that it should be wound up;
(b) an application under section 241; or
(c) both.
(3) If from any such report as aforesaid, it appears to the Central Government that
proceedings ought, in the public interest, to be brought by the company or any body
corporate whose affairs have been investigated under this Chapter—
(a) for the recovery of damages in respect of any fraud, misfeasance or other
misconduct in connection with the promotion or formation, or the management of the
affairs, of such company or body corporate; or
(b) for the recovery of any property of such company or body corporate which
has been misapplied or wrongfully retained,
the Central Government may itself bring proceedings for winding up in the name of such
company or body corporate.
(4) The Central Government, shall be indemnified by such company or body corporate
against any costs or expenses incurred by it in, or in connection with, any proceedings
brought by virtue of sub-section (3).
(5) Where the report made by an inspector states that fraud has taken place in a company
and due to such fraud any director, key managerial personnel, other officer of the company or
any other person or entity, has taken undue advantage or benefit, whether in the form of any
asset, property or cash or in any other manner, the Central Government may file an application
before the Tribunal for appropriate orders with regard to disgorgement of such asset, property,
or cash, as the case may be, and also for holding such director, key managerial personnel,
officer or other person liable personally without any limitation of liability.
Actions to be
taken in
pursuance of
inspector’s
report.
1 of 1872.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 139
225. (1) The expenses of, and incidental to, an investigation by an inspector appointed
by the Central Government under this Chapter other than expenses of inspection under
section 214 shall be defrayed in the first instance by the Central Government, but shall be
reimbursed by the following persons to the extent mentioned below, namely:—
(a) any person who is convicted on a prosecution instituted, or who is ordered
to pay damages or restore any property in proceedings brought, under section 224, to
the extent that he may in the same proceedings be ordered to pay the said expenses as
may be specified by the court convicting such person, or ordering him to pay such
damages or restore such property, as the case may be;
(b) any company or body corporate in whose name proceedings are brought as
aforesaid, to the extent of the amount or value of any sums or property recovered by it
as a result of such proceedings;
(c) unless, as a result of the investigation, a prosecution is instituted under
section 224,—
(i) any company, body corporate, managing director or manager dealt with
by the report of the inspector; and
(ii) the applicants for the investigation, where the inspector was appointed
under section 213,
to such extent as the Central Government may direct.
(2) Any amount for which a company or body corporate is liable under clause (b) of
sub-section (1) shall be a first charge on the sums or property mentioned in that clause.
226. An investigation under this Chapter may be initiated notwithstanding, and no
such investigation shall be stopped or suspended by reason only of, the fact that—
(a) an application has been made under section 241;
(b) the company has passed a special resolution for voluntary winding up;
or
(c) any other proceeding for the winding up of the company is pending before
the Tribunal:
Provided that where a winding up order is passed by the Tribunal in a proceeding
referred to in clause (c), the inspector shall inform the Tribunal about the pendency of the
investigation proceedings before him and the Tribunal shall pass such order as it may deem
fit:
Provided further that nothing in the winding up order shall absolve any director or
other employee of the company from participating in the proceedings before the inspector or
any liability as a result of the finding by the inspector.
227. Nothing in this Chapter shall require the disclosure to the Tribunal or to the
Central Government or to the Registrar or to an inspector appointed by the Central
Government—
(a) by a legal adviser, of any privileged communication made to him in that
capacity, except as respects the name and address of his client; or
(b) by the bankers of any company, body corporate, or other person, of any
information as to the affairs of any of their customers, other than such company, body
corporate, or person.
Expenses of
investigation.
Voluntary
winding up of
company,
etc., not to
stop
investigation
proceedings.
Legal advisers
and bankers
not to
disclose
certain
information.
140 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
228. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply mutatis mutandis to inspection, inquiry
or investigation in relation to foreign companies.
229. Where a person who is required to provide an explanation or make a statement
during the course of inspection, inquiry or investigation, or an officer or other employee of
a company or other body corporate which is also under investigation,—
(a) destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or conceals or tampers or unauthorisedly
removes, or is a party to the destruction, mutilation or falsification or concealment or
tampering or unauthorised removal of, documents relating to the property, assets or
affairs of the company or the body corporate;
(b) makes, or is a party to the making of, a false entry in any document concerning
the company or body corporate; or
(c) provides an explanation which is false or which he knows to be false,
he shall be punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
CHAPTER XV
COMPROMISES, ARRANGEMENTS AND AMALGAMATIONS
230. (1) Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed—
(a) between a company and its creditors or any class of them; or
(b) between a company and its members or any class of them,
the Tribunal may, on the application of the company or of any creditor or member of the
company, or in the case of a company which is being wound up, of the liquidator, order a
meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or of the members or class of members, as the
case may be, to be called, held and conducted in such manner as the Tribunal directs.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, arrangement includes a
reorganisation of the company’s share capital by the consolidation of shares of different
classes or by the division of shares into shares of different classes, or by both of those
methods.
(2) The company or any other person, by whom an application is made under subsection
(1), shall disclose to the Tribunal by affidavit—
(a) all material facts relating to the company, such as the latest financial position
of the company, the latest auditor’s report on the accounts of the company and the
pendency of any investigation or proceedings against the company;
(b) reduction of share capital of the company, if any, included in the compromise
or arrangement;
(c) any scheme of corporate debt restructuring consented to by not less than
seventy-five per cent. of the secured creditors in value, including—
(i) a creditor’s responsibility statement in the prescribed form;
(ii) safeguards for the protection of other secured and unsecured creditors;
(iii) report by the auditor that the fund requirements of the company after
the corporate debt restructuring as approved shall conform to the liquidity test
based upon the estimates provided to them by the Board;
(iv) where the company proposes to adopt the corporate debt restructuring
guidelines specified by the Reserve Bank of India, a statement to that effect; and
Investigation,
etc., of
foreign
companies.
Penalty for
furnishing
false
statement,
mutilation,
destruction of
documents.
Power to
compromise
or make
arrangements
with creditors
and members.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 141
(v) a valuation report in respect of the shares and the property and all assets,
tangible and intangible, movable and immovable, of the company by a registered
valuer.
(3) Where a meeting is proposed to be called in pursuance of an order of the Tribunal
under sub-section (1), a notice of such meeting shall be sent to all the creditors or class of
creditors and to all the members or class of members and the debenture-holders of the
company, individually at the address registered with the company which shall be
accompanied by a statement disclosing the details of the compromise or arrangement, a
copy of the valuation report, if any, and explaining their effect on creditors, key managerial
personnel, promoters and non-promoter members, and the debenture-holders and the
effect of the compromise or arrangement on any material interests of the directors of the
company or the debenture trustees, and such other matters as may be prescribed:
Provided that such notice and other documents shall also be placed on the website of the
company, if any, and in case of a listed company, these documents shall be sent to the Securities
and Exchange Board and stock exchange where the securities of the companies are listed, for
placing on their website and shall also be published in newspapers in such manner as may be
prescribed:
Provided further that where the notice for the meeting is also issued by way of an
advertisement, it shall indicate the time within which copies of the compromise or arrangement
shall be made available to the concerned persons free of charge from the registered office of the
company.
(4) A notice under sub-section (3) shall provide that the persons to whom the notice is sent
may vote in the meeting either themselves or through proxies or by postal ballot to the adoption
of the compromise or arrangement within one month from the date of receipt of such notice:
Provided that any objection to the compromise or arrangement shall be made only by
persons holding not less than ten per cent. of the shareholding or having outstanding debt
amounting to not less than five per cent. of the total outstanding debt as per the latest audited
financial statement.
(5) A notice under sub-section (3) along with all the documents in such form as may be
prescribed shall also be sent to the Central Government, the income-tax authorities, the Reserve
Bank of India, the Securities and Exchange Board, the Registrar, the respective stock exchanges,
the Official Liquidator, the Competition Commission of India established under sub-section (1) of
section 7 of the Competition Act, 2002, if necessary, and such other sectoral regulators or authorities
which are likely to be affected by the compromise or arrangement and shall require that
representations, if any, to be made by them shall be made within a period of thirty days from the
date of receipt of such notice, failing which, it shall be presumed that they have no representations
to make on the proposals.
(6) Where, at a meeting held in pursuance of sub-section (1), majority of persons representing
three-fourths in value of the creditors, or class of creditors or members or class of members, as the
case may be, voting in person or by proxy or by postal ballot, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and if such compromise or arrangement is sanctioned by the Tribunal by an order,
the same shall be binding on the company, all the creditors, or class of creditors or members or
class of members, as the case may be, or, in case of a company being wound up, on the liquidator
and the contributories of the company.
(7) An order made by the Tribunal under sub-section (6) shall provide for all or any of the
following matters, namely:—
(a) where the compromise or arrangement provides for conversion of
preference shares into equity shares, such preference shareholders shall be given
an option to either obtain arrears of dividend in cash or accept equity shares
equal to the value of the dividend payable;
12 of 2003.
35
142 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) the protection of any class of creditors;
(c) if the compromise or arrangement results in the variation of the shareholders’
rights, it shall be given effect to under the provisions of section 48;
(d) if the compromise or arrangement is agreed to by the creditors under
sub-section (6), any proceedings pending before the Board for Industrial and Financial
Reconstruction established under section 4 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special
Provisions) Act, 1985 shall abate;
(e) such other matters including exit offer to dissenting shareholders, if any, as
are in the opinion of the Tribunal necessary to effectively implement the terms of the
compromise or arrangement:
Provided that no compromise or arrangement shall be sanctioned by the Tribunal
unless a certificate by the company's auditor has been filed with the Tribunal to the effect
that the accounting treatment, if any, proposed in the scheme of compromise or arrangement
is in conformity with the accounting standards prescribed under section 133.
(8) The order of the Tribunal shall be filed with the Registrar by the company within
a period of thirty days of the receipt of the order.
(9) The Tribunal may dispense with calling of a meeting of creditor or class of
creditors where such creditors or class of creditors, having at least ninety per cent. value,
agree and confirm, by way of affidavit, to the scheme of compromise or arrangement.
(10) No compromise or arrangement in respect of any buy-back of securities under
this section shall be sanctioned by the Tribunal unless such buy-back is in accordance
with the provisions of section 68.
(11) Any compromise or arrangement may include takeover offer made in such manner
as may be prescribed:
Provided that in case of listed companies, takeover offer shall be as per the regulations
framed by the Securities and Exchange Board.
(12) An aggrieved party may make an application to the Tribunal in the event of any
grievances with respect to the takeover offer of companies other than listed companies in
such manner as may be prescribed and the Tribunal may, on application, pass such order
as it may deem fit.
Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions
of section 66 shall not apply to the reduction of share capital effected in pursuance of the
order of the Tribunal under this section.
231. (1) Where the Tribunal makes an order under section 230 sanctioning a
compromise or an arrangement in respect of a company, it—
(a) shall have power to supervise the implementation of the compromise or
arrangement; and
(b) may, at the time of making such order or at any time thereafter, give such
directions in regard to any matter or make such modifications in the compromise or
arrangement as it may consider necessary for the proper implementation of the
compromise or arrangement.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied that the compromise or arrangement sanctioned under
section 230 cannot be implemented satisfactorily with or without modifications, and the
company is unable to pay its debts as per the scheme, it may make an order for winding up
the company and such an order shall be deemed to be an order made under section 273.
1 of 1986.
Power of
Tribunal to
enforce
compromise
or
arrangement.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 143
(3) The provisions of this section shall, so far as may be, also apply to a company in
respect of which an order has been made before the commencement of this Act sanctioning
a compromise or an arrangement.
232. (1) Where an application is made to the Tribunal under section 230 for the
sanctioning of a compromise or an arrangement proposed between a company and any
such persons as are mentioned in that section, and it is shown to the Tribunal—
(a) that the compromise or arrangement has been proposed for the purposes
of, or in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of the company or
companies involving merger or the amalgamation of any two or more companies; and
(b) that under the scheme, the whole or any part of the undertaking, property
or liabilities of any company (hereinafter referred to as the transferor company) is
required to be transferred to another company (hereinafter referred to as the transferee
company), or is proposed to be divided among and transferred to two or more
companies,
the Tribunal may on such application, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors
or the members or class of members, as the case may be, to be called, held and conducted
in such manner as the Tribunal may direct and the provisions of sub-sections (3) to (6) of
section 230 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
(2) Where an order has been made by the Tribunal under sub-section (1), merging
companies or the companies in respect of which a division is proposed, shall also be
required to circulate the following for the meeting so ordered by the Tribunal, namely:—
(a) the draft of the proposed terms of the scheme drawn up and adopted by the
directors of the merging company;
(b) confirmation that a copy of the draft scheme has been filed with the Registrar;
(c) a report adopted by the directors of the merging companies explaining
effect of compromise on each class of shareholders, key managerial personnel,
promotors and non-promoter shareholders laying out in particular the share exchange
ratio, specifying any special valuation difficulties;
(d) the report of the expert with regard to valuation, if any;
(e) a supplementary accounting statement if the last annual accounts of any of
the merging company relate to a financial year ending more than six months before
the first meeting of the company summoned for the purposes of approving the
scheme.
(3) The Tribunal, after satisfying itself that the procedure specified in sub-sections
(1) and (2) has been complied with, may, by order, sanction the compromise or arrangement
or by a subsequent order, make provision for the following matters, namely:—
(a) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the
undertaking, property or liabilities of the transferor company from a date to be
determined by the parties unless the Tribunal, for reasons to be recorded by it in
writing, decides otherwise;
(b) the allotment or appropriation by the transferee company of any shares,
debentures, policies or other like instruments in the company which, under the
compromise or arrangement, are to be allotted or appropriated by that company to or
for any person:
Provided that a transferee company shall not, as a result of the compromise or
arrangement, hold any shares in its own name or in the name of any trust whether on
Merger and
amalgamation
of companies.
144 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
its behalf or on behalf of any of its subsidiary or associate companies and any such
shares shall be cancelled or extinguished;
(c) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal
proceedings pending by or against any transferor company on the date of transfer;
(d) dissolution, without winding-up, of any transferor company;
(e) the provision to be made for any persons who, within such time and in such
manner as the Tribunal directs, dissent from the compromise or arrangement;
(f) where share capital is held by any non-resident shareholder under the
foreign direct investment norms or guidelines specified by the Central Government
or in accordance with any law for the time being in force, the allotment of shares of
the transferee company to such shareholder shall be in the manner specified in the
order;
(g) the transfer of the employees of the transferor company to the transferee
company;
(h) where the transferor company is a listed company and the transferee
company is an unlisted company,—
(A) the transferee company shall remain an unlisted company until it
becomes a listed company;
(B) if shareholders of the transferor company decide to opt out of the
transferee company, provision shall be made for payment of the value of shares
held by them and other benefits in accordance with a pre-determined price
formula or after a valuation is made, and the arrangements under this provision
may be made by the Tribunal:
Provided that the amount of payment or valuation under this clause for any
share shall not be less than what has been specified by the Securities and Exchange
Board under any regulations framed by it;
(i) where the transferor company is dissolved, the fee, if any, paid by the
transferor company on its authorised capital shall be set-off against any fees payable
by the transferee company on its authorised capital subsequent to the amalgamation;
and
(j) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are deemed
necessary to secure that the merger or amalgamation is fully and effectively carried
out:
Provided that no compromise or arrangement shall be sanctioned by the
Tribunal unless a certificate by the company’s auditor has been filed with the Tribunal
to the effect that the accounting treatment, if any, proposed in the scheme of
compromise or arrangement is in conformity with the accounting standards prescribed
under section 133.
(4) Where an order under this section provides for the transfer of any property or
liabilities, then, by virtue of the order, that property shall be transferred to the transferee
company and the liabilities shall be transferred to and become the liabilities of the transferee
company and any property may, if the order so directs, be freed from any charge which
shall by virtue of the compromise or arrangement, cease to have effect.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 145
(5) Every company in relation to which the order is made shall cause a certified copy
of the order to be filed with the Registrar for registration within thirty days of the receipt of
certified copy of the order.
(6) The scheme under this section shall clearly indicate an appointed date from
which it shall be effective and the scheme shall be deemed to be effective from such date
and not at a date subsequent to the appointed date.
(7) Every company in relation to which the order is made shall, until the completion
of the scheme, file a statement in such form and within such time as may be prescribed with
the Registrar every year duly certified by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant or a
company secretary in practice indicating whether the scheme is being complied with in
accordance with the orders of the Tribunal or not.
(8) If a transferor company or a transferee company contravenes the provisions of
this section, the transferor company or the transferee company, as the case may be, shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of such transferor or transferee company who
is in default, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one
year or with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
three lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) in a scheme involving a merger, where under the scheme the undertaking,
property and liabilities of one or more companies, including the company in respect
of which the compromise or arrangement is proposed, are to be transferred to another
existing company, it is a merger by absorption, or where the undertaking, property
and liabilities of two or more companies, including the company in respect of which
the compromise or arrangement is proposed, are to be transferred to a new company,
whether or not a public company, it is a merger by formation of a new company;
(ii) references to merging companies are in relation to a merger by absorption,
to the transferor and transferee companies, and, in relation to a merger by formation
of a new company, to the transferor companies;
(iii) a scheme involves a division, where under the scheme the undertaking,
property and liabilities of the company in respect of which the compromise or
arrangement is proposed are to be divided among and transferred to two or more
companies each of which is either an existing company or a new company; and
(iv) property includes assets, rights and interests of every description and
liabilities include debts and obligations of every description.
233. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 230 and section 232, a scheme of
merger or amalgamation may be entered into between two or more small companies or
between a holding company and its wholly-owned subsidiary company or such other
class or classes of companies as may be prescribed, subject to the following, namely:—
(a) a notice of the proposed scheme inviting objections or suggestions, if any,
from the Registrar and Official Liquidators where registered office of the respective
companies are situated or persons affected by the scheme within thirty days is
issued by the transferor company or companies and the transferee company;
(b) the objections and suggestions received are considered by the companies
in their respective general meetings and the scheme is approved by the respective
members or class of members at a general meeting holding at least ninety per cent. of
the total number of shares;
Merger or
amalgamation
of certain
companies.
146 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) each of the companies involved in the merger files a declaration of solvency,
in the prescribed form, with the Registrar of the place where the registered office of
the company is situated; and
(d) the scheme is approved by majority representing nine-tenths in value of
the creditors or class of creditors of respective companies indicated in a meeting
convened by the company by giving a notice of twenty-one days along with the
scheme to its creditors for the purpose or otherwise approved in writing.
(2) The transferee company shall file a copy of the scheme so approved in the
manner as may be prescribed, with the Central Government, Registrar and the Official
Liquidator where the registered office of the company is situated.
(3) On the receipt of the scheme, if the Registrar or the Official Liquidator has no
objections or suggestions to the scheme, the Central Government shall register the same
and issue a confirmation thereof to the companies.
(4) If the Registrar or Official Liquidator has any objections or suggestions, he may
communicate the same in writing to the Central Government within a period of thirty days:
Provided that if no such communication is made, it shall be presumed that he has no
objection to the scheme.
(5) If the Central Government after receiving the objections or suggestions or for
any reason is of the opinion that such a scheme is not in public interest or in the interest
of the creditors, it may file an application before the Tribunal within a period of sixty days
of the receipt of the scheme under sub-section (2) stating its objections and requesting
that the Tribunal may consider the scheme under section 232.
(6) On receipt of an application from the Central Government or from any person, if
the Tribunal, for reasons to be recorded in writing, is of the opinion that the scheme should
be considered as per the procedure laid down in section 232, the Tribunal may direct
accordingly or it may confirm the scheme by passing such order as it deems fit:
Provided that if the Central Government does not have any objection to the scheme
or it does not file any application under this section before the Tribunal, it shall be deemed
that it has no objection to the scheme.
(7) A copy of the order under sub-section (6) confirming the scheme shall be
communicated to the Registrar having jurisdiction over the transferee company and the
persons concerned and the Registrar shall register the scheme and issue a confirmation
thereof to the companies and such confirmation shall be communicated to the Registrars
where transferor company or companies were situated.
(8) The registration of the scheme under sub-section (3) or sub-section (7) shall be
deemed to have the effect of dissolution of the transferor company without process of
winding-up.
(9) The registration of the scheme shall have the following effects, namely:—
(a) transfer of property or liabilities of the transferor company to the transferee
company so that the property becomes the property of the transferee company and
the liabilities become the liabilities of the transferee company;
(b) the charges, if any, on the property of the transferor company shall be
applicable and enforceable as if the charges were on the property of the transferee
company;
(c) legal proceedings by or against the transferor company pending before any
court of law shall be continued by or against the transferee company; and
(d) where the scheme provides for purchase of shares held by the dissenting
shareholders or settlement of debt due to dissenting creditors, such amount, to the
extent it is unpaid, shall become the liability of the transferee company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 147
(10) A transferee company shall not on merger or amalgamation, hold any shares in
its own name or in the name of any trust either on its behalf or on behalf of any of its
subsidiary or associate company and all such shares shall be cancelled or extinguished on
the merger or amalgamation.
(11) The transferee company shall file an application with the Registrar along with
the scheme registered, indicating the revised authorised capital and pay the prescribed
fees due on revised capital:
Provided that the fee, if any, paid by the transferor company on its authorised capital
prior to its merger or amalgamation with the transferee company shall be set-off against the
fees payable by the transferee company on its authorised capital enhanced by the merger
or amalgamation.
(12) The provisions of this section shall mutatis mutandis apply to a company or
companies specified in sub-section (1) in respect of a scheme of compromise or arrangement
referred to in section 230 or division or transfer of a company referred to clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 232.
(13) The Central Government may provide for the merger or amalgamation of
companies in such manner as may be prescribed.
(14) A company covered under this section may use the provisions of section 232 for
the approval of any scheme for merger or amalgamation.
234. (1) The provisions of this Chapter unless otherwise provided under any other
law for the time being in force, shall apply mutatis mutandis to schemes of mergers and
amalgamations between companies registered under this Act and companies incorporated
in the jurisdictions of such countries as may be notified from time to time by the Central
Government:
Provided that the Central Government may make rules, in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, in connection with mergers and amalgamations provided under this
section.
(2) Subject to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, a foreign
company, may with the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India, merge into a company
registered under this Act or vice versa and the terms and conditions of the scheme of
merger may provide, among other things, for the payment of consideration to the
shareholders of the merging company in cash, or in Depository Receipts, or partly in cash
and partly in Depository Receipts, as the case may be, as per the scheme to be drawn up
for the purpose.
Explanation.—For the purposes of sub-section (2), the expression “foreign
company” means any company or body corporate incorporated outside India whether
having a place of business in India or not.
235. (1) Where a scheme or contract involving the transfer of shares or any class of
shares in a company (the transferor company) to another company (the transferee company)
has, within four months after making of an offer in that behalf by the transferee company,
been approved by the holders of not less than nine-tenths in value of the shares whose
transfer is involved, other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a
nominee of the transferee company or its subsidiary companies, the transferee company
may, at any time within two months after the expiry of the said four months, give notice in
the prescribed manner to any dissenting shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares.
(2) Where a notice under sub-section (1) is given, the transferee company shall,
unless on an application made by the dissenting shareholder to the Tribunal, within one
month from the date on which the notice was given and the Tribunal thinks fit to order
Merger or
amalgamation
of company
with foreign
company.
Power to
acquire shares
of
shareholders
dissenting
from scheme
or contract
approved by
majority.
148 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
otherwise, be entitled to and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which, under
the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to
the transferee company.
(3) Where a notice has been given by the transferee company under sub-section (1)
and the Tribunal has not, on an application made by the dissenting shareholder, made an
order to the contrary, the transferee company shall, on the expiry of one month from the
date on which the notice has been given, or, if an application to the Tribunal by the
dissenting shareholder is then pending, after that application has been disposed of, send
a copy of the notice to the transferor company together with an instrument of transfer, to
be executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferor
company and on its own behalf by the transferee company, and pay or transfer to the
transferor company the amount or other consideration representing the price payable by
the transferee company for the shares which, by virtue of this section, that company is
entitled to acquire, and the transferor company shall—
(a) thereupon register the transferee company as the holder of those shares;
and
(b) within one month of the date of such registration, inform the dissenting
shareholders of the fact of such registration and of the receipt of the amount or other
consideration representing the price payable to them by the transferee company.
(4) Any sum received by the transferor company under this section shall be paid into
a separate bank account, and any such sum and any other consideration so received shall
be held by that company in trust for the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of
which the said sum or other consideration were respectively received and shall be disbursed
to the entitled shareholders within sixty days.
(5) In relation to an offer made by a transferee company to shareholders of a transferor
company before the commencement of this Act, this section shall have effect with the
following modifications, namely:—
(a) in sub-section (1), for the words “the shares whose transfer is involved
other than shares already held at the date of the offer by, or by a nominee of, the
transferee company or its subsidiaries,”, the words “the shares affected” shall be
substituted; and
(b) in sub-section (3), the words “together with an instrument of transfer, to be
executed on behalf of the shareholder by any person appointed by the transferee
company and on its own behalf by the transferor company” shall be omitted.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “dissenting shareholder” includes
a shareholder who has not assented to the scheme or contract and any shareholder who
has failed or refused to transfer his shares to the transferee company in accordance with
the scheme or contract.
236. (1) In the event of an acquirer, or a person acting in concert with such acquirer,
becoming registered holder of ninety per cent. or more of the issued equity share capital of
a company, or in the event of any person or group of persons becoming ninety per cent.
majority or holding ninety per cent. of the issued equity share capital of a company, by
virtue of an amalgamation, share exchange, conversion of securities or for any other
reason, such acquirer, person or group of persons, as the case may be, shall notify the
company of their intention to buy the remaining equity shares.
(2) The acquirer, person or group of persons under sub-section (1) shall offer to the
minority shareholders of the company for buying the equity shares held by such
Purchase of
minority
shareholding.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 149
shareholders at a price determined on the basis of valuation by a registered valuer in
accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2), the minority
shareholders of the company may offer to the majority shareholders to purchase the
minority equity shareholding of the company at the price determined in accordance with
such rules as may be prescribed under sub-section (2).
(4) The majority shareholders shall deposit an amount equal to the value of shares to
be acquired by them under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), as the case may be, in a
separate bank account to be operated by the transferor company for at least one year for
payment to the minority shareholders and such amount shall be disbursed to the entitled
shareholders within sixty days:
Provided that such disbursement shall continue to be made to the entitled shareholders
for a period of one year, who for any reason had not been made disbursement
within the said period of sixty days or if the disbursement have been made within the
aforesaid period of sixty days, fail to receive or claim payment arising out of such
disbursement.
(5) In the event of a purchase under this section, the transferor company shall
act as a transfer agent for receiving and paying the price to the minority shareholders
and for taking delivery of the shares and delivering such shares to the majority, as the case
may be.
(6) In the absence of a physical delivery of shares by the shareholders within the
time specified by the company, the share certificates shall be deemed to be cancelled, and
the transferor company shall be authorised to issue shares in lieu of the cancelled shares
and complete the transfer in accordance with law and make payment of the price out of
deposit made under sub-section (4) by the majority in advance to the minority by despatch
of such payment.
(7) In the event of a majority shareholder or shareholders requiring a full purchase
and making payment of price by deposit with the company for any shareholder or
shareholders who have died or ceased to exist, or whose heirs, successors, administrators
or assignees have not been brought on record by transmission, the right of such
shareholders to make an offer for sale of minority equity shareholding shall continue and
be available for a period of three years from the date of majority acquisition or majority
shareholding.
(8) Where the shares of minority shareholders have been acquired in pursuance of
this section and as on or prior to the date of transfer following such acquisition, the
shareholders holding seventy-five per cent. or more minority equity shareholding negotiate
or reach an understanding on a higher price for any transfer, proposed or agreed upon, of
the shares held by them without disclosing the fact or likelihood of transfer taking place on
the basis of such negotiation, understanding or agreement, the majority shareholders
shall share the additional compensation so received by them with such minority
shareholders on a pro rata basis.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expressions “acquirer” and
“person acting in concert” shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in
clause (b) and clause (e) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997.
150 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(9) When a shareholder or the majority equity shareholder fails to acquire full
purchase of the shares of the minority equity shareholders, then, the provisions of this
section shall continue to apply to the residual minority equity shareholders, even though,—
(a) the shares of the company of the residual minority equity shareholder had
been delisted; and
(b) the period of one year or the period specified in the regulations made by the
Securities and Exchange Board under the Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992, had elapsed.
237. (1) Where the Central Government is satisfied that it is essential in the public
interest that two or more companies should amalgamate, the Central Government may, by
order notified in the Official Gazette, provide for the amalgamation of those companies into
a single company with such constitution, with such property, powers, rights, interests,
authorities and privileges, and with such liabilities, duties and obligations, as may be
specified in the order.
(2) The order under sub-section (1) may also provide for the continuation by or
against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or against any
transferor company and such consequential, incidental and supplemental provisions as
may, in the opinion of the Central Government, be necessary to give effect to the
amalgamation.
(3) Every member or creditor, including a debenture holder, of each of the transferor
companies before the amalgamation shall have, as nearly as may be, the same interest in or
rights against the transferee company as he had in the company of which he was originally
a member or creditor, and in case the interest or rights of such member or creditor in or
against the transferee company are less than his interest in or rights against the original
company, he shall be entitled to compensation to that extent, which shall be assessed by
such authority as may be prescribed and every such assessment shall be published in the
Official Gazette, and the compensation so assessed shall be paid to the member or creditor
concerned by the transferee company.
(4) Any person aggrieved by any assessment of compensation made by the prescribed
authority under sub-section (3) may, within a period of thirty days from the date of
publication of such assessment in the Official Gazette, prefer an appeal to the Tribunal and
thereupon the assessment of the compensation shall be made by the Tribunal.
(5) No order shall be made under this section unless—
(a) a copy of the proposed order has been sent in draft to each of the companies
concerned;
(b) the time for preferring an appeal under sub-section (4) has expired, or
where any such appeal has been preferred, the appeal has been finally disposed off;
and
(c) the Central Government has considered, and made such modifications, if
any, in the draft order as it may deem fit in the light of suggestions and objections
which may be received by it from any such company within such period as the
Central Government may fix in that behalf, not being less than two months from the
date on which the copy aforesaid is received by that company, or from any class of
shareholders therein, or from any creditors or any class of creditors thereof.
(6) The copies of every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after
it has been made, be laid before each House of Parliament.
Power of
Central
Government
to provide
for
amalgamation
of companies
in public
interest.
15 of 1992.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 151
238. (1) In relation to every offer of a scheme or contract involving the transfer of
shares or any class of shares in the transferor company to the transferee company under
section 235,—
(a) every circular containing such offer and recommendation to the members
of the transferor company by its directors to accept such offer shall be accompanied
by such information and in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) every such offer shall contain a statement by or on behalf of the transferee
company, disclosing the steps it has taken to ensure that necessary cash will be
available; and
(c) every such circular shall be presented to the Registrar for registration and
no such circular shall be issued until it is so registered:
Provided that the Registrar may refuse, for reasons to be recorded in writing, to
register any such circular which does not contain the information required to be given
under clause (a) or which sets out such information in a manner likely to give a false
impression, and communicate such refusal to the parties within thirty days of the application.
(2) An appeal shall lie to the Tribunal against an order of the Registrar refusing to
register any circular under sub-section (1).
(3) The director who issues a circular which has not been presented for registration
and registered under clause (c) of sub-section (1), shall be punishable with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh
rupees.
239. The books and papers of a company which has been amalgamated with, or
whose shares have been acquired by, another company under this Chapter shall not be
disposed of without the prior permission of the Central Government and before granting
such permission, that Government may appoint a person to examine the books and papers
or any of them for the purpose of ascertaining whether they contain any evidence of the
commission of an offence in connection with the promotion or formation, or the management
of the affairs, of the transferor company or its amalgamation or the acquisition of its
shares.
240. Notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time being in force, the
liability in respect of offences committed under this Act by the officers in default, of the
transferor company prior to its merger, amalgamation or acquisition shall continue after
such merger, amalgamation or acquisition.
CHAPTER XVI
PREVENTION OF OPPRESSION AND MISMANAGEMENT
241. (1) Any member of a company who complains that—
(a) the affairs of the company have been or are being conducted in a manner
prejudicial to public interest or in a manner prejudicial or oppressive to him or any
other member or members or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company;
or
(b) the material change, not being a change brought about by, or in the interests
of, any creditors, including debenture holders or any class of shareholders of the
company, has taken place in the management or control of the company, whether by
an alteration in the Board of Directors, or manager, or in the ownership of the
company’s shares, or if it has no share capital, in its membership, or in any other
manner whatsoever, and that by reason of such change, it is likely that the affairs of
Liability of
officers in
respect of
offences
committed
prior to
merger,
amalgamation,
etc.
Application
to Tribunal
for relief in
cases of
oppression,
etc.
Registration
of offer of
schemes
involving
transfer of
shares.
Preservation
of books and
papers of
amalgamated
companies.
152 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
the company will be conducted in a manner prejudicial to its interests or its members
or any class of members,
may apply to the Tribunal, provided such member has a right to apply under section 244,
for an order under this Chapter.
(2) The Central Government, if it is of the opinion that the affairs of the company are
being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest, it may itself apply to the Tribunal
for an order under this Chapter.
242. (1) If, on any application made under section 241, the Tribunal is of the opinion—
(a) that the company’s affairs have been or are being conducted in a manner
prejudicial or oppressive to any member or members or prejudicial to public interest
or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company; and
(b) that to wind up the company would unfairly prejudice such member or
members, but that otherwise the facts would justify the making of a winding-up
order on the ground that it was just and equitable that the company should be
wound up,
the Tribunal may, with a view to bringing to an end the matters complained of, make such
order as it thinks fit.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers under sub-section (1), an order
under that sub-section may provide for—
(a) the regulation of conduct of affairs of the company in future;
(b) the purchase of shares or interests of any members of the company by
other members thereof or by the company;
(c) in the case of a purchase of its shares by the company as aforesaid, the
consequent reduction of its share capital;
(d) restrictions on the transfer or allotment of the shares of the company;
(e) the termination, setting aside or modification, of any agreement, howsoever
arrived at, between the company and the managing director, any other director or
manager, upon such terms and conditions as may, in the opinion of the Tribunal, be
just and equitable in the circumstances of the case;
(f) the termination, setting aside or modification of any agreement between the
company and any person other than those referred to in clause (e):
Provided that no such agreement shall be terminated, set aside or modified
except after due notice and after obtaining the consent of the party concerned;
(g) the setting aside of any transfer, delivery of goods, payment, execution or
other act relating to property made or done by or against the company within three
months before the date of the application under this section, which would, if made or
done by or against an individual, be deemed in his insolvency to be a fraudulent
preference;
(h) removal of the managing director, manager or any of the directors of the
company;
(i) recovery of undue gains made by any managing director, manager or director
during the period of his appointment as such and the manner of utilisation of the
recovery including transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund or repayment
to identifiable victims;
Powers of
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 153
(j) the manner in which the managing director or manager of the company may
be appointed subsequent to an order removing the existing managing director or
manager of the company made under clause (h);
(k) appointment of such number of persons as directors, who may be required
by the Tribunal to report to the Tribunal on such matters as the Tribunal may direct;
(l) imposition of costs as may be deemed fit by the Tribunal;
(m) any other matter for which, in the opinion of the Tribunal, it is just and
equitable that provision should be made.
(3) A certified copy of the order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1) shall be filed by
the company with the Registrar within thirty days of the order of the Tribunal.
(4) The Tribunal may, on the application of any party to the proceeding, make any
interim order which it thinks fit for regulating the conduct of the company’s affairs upon
such terms and conditions as appear to it to be just and equitable.
(5) Where an order of the Tribunal under sub-section (1) makes any alteration in the
memorandum or articles of a company, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this
Act, the company shall not have power, except to the extent, if any, permitted in the order,
to make, without the leave of the Tribunal, any alteration whatsoever which is inconsistent
with the order, either in the memorandum or in the articles.
(6) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the alterations made by the order
in the memorandum or articles of a company shall, in all respects, have the same effect as
if they had been duly made by the company in accordance with the provisions of this
Act and the said provisions shall apply accordingly to the memorandum or articles so
altered.
(7) A certified copy of every order altering, or giving leave to alter, a company’s
memorandum or articles, shall within thirty days after the making thereof, be filed by the
company with the Registrar who shall register the same.
(8) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (5), the company shall
be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in default shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which
shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
243. (1) Where an order made under section 242 terminates, sets aside or modifies an
agreement such as is referred to in sub-section (2) of that section,—
(a) such order shall not give rise to any claims whatever against the company
by any person for damages or for compensation for loss of office or in any other
respect either in pursuance of the agreement or otherwise;
(b) no managing director or other director or manager whose agreement is so
terminated or set aside shall, for a period of five years from the date of the order
terminating or setting aside the agreement, without the leave of the Tribunal, be
appointed, or act, as the managing director or other director or manager of the
company:
Provided that the Tribunal shall not grant leave under this clause unless notice of
the intention to apply for leave has been served on the Central Government and that
Government has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.
Consequence
of termination
or
modification
of certain
agreements.
154 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Any person who knowingly acts as a managing director or other director or
manager of a company in contravention of clause (b) of sub-section (1), and every other
director of the company who is knowingly a party to such contravention, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend
to five lakh rupees, or with both.
244. (1) The following members of a company shall have the right to apply under
section 241, namely:—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, not less than one hundred
members of the company or not less than one-tenth of the total number of its
members, whichever is less, or any member or members holding not less than onetenth
of the issued share capital of the company, subject to the condition that the
applicant or applicants has or have paid all calls and other sums due on his or their
shares;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, not less than one-fifth
of the total number of its members:
Provided that the Tribunal may, on an application made to it in this behalf, waive all
or any of the requirements specified in clause (a) or clause (b) so as to enable the members
to apply under section 241.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, where any share or shares are
held by two or more persons jointly, they shall be counted only as one member.
(2) Where any members of a company are entitled to make an application under subsection
(1), any one or more of them having obtained the consent in writing of the rest,
may make the application on behalf and for the benefit of all of them.
245. (1) Such number of member or members, depositor or depositors or any class
of them, as the case may be, as are indicated in sub-section (2) may, if they are of the
opinion that the management or conduct of the affairs of the company are being conducted
in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company or its members or depositors, file an
application before the Tribunal on behalf of the members or depositors for seeking all or
any of the following orders, namely:—
(a) to restrain the company from committing an act which is ultra vires the
articles or memorandum of the company;
(b) to restrain the company from committing breach of any provision of the
company’s memorandum or articles;
(c) to declare a resolution altering the memorandum or articles of the company
as void if the resolution was passed by suppression of material facts or obtained
by mis-statement to the members or depositors;
(d) to restrain the company and its directors from acting on such resolution;
(e) to restrain the company from doing an act which is contrary to the provisions
of this Act or any other law for the time being in force;
(f) to restrain the company from taking action contrary to any resolution passed
by the members;
Right to
apply under
section 241.
Class action.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 155
(g) to claim damages or compensation or demand any other suitable action from
or against—
(i) the company or its directors for any fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful act
or omission or conduct or any likely act or omission or conduct on its or their part;
(ii) the auditor including audit firm of the company for any improper or
misleading statement of particulars made in his audit report or for any
fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful act or conduct; or
(iii) any expert or advisor or consultant or any other person for any incorrect
or misleading statement made to the company or for any fraudulent, unlawful or
wrongful act or conduct or any likely act or conduct on his part;
(h) to seek any other remedy as the Tribunal may deem fit.
(2) Where the members or depositors seek any damages or compensation or demand
any other suitable action from or against an audit firm, the liability shall be of the firm as well
as of each partner who was involved in making any improper or misleading statement of
particulars in the audit report or who acted in a fraudulent, unlawful or wrongful manner.
(3) (i) The requisite number of members provided in sub-section (1) shall be as under:—
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, not less than one hundred
members of the company or not less than such percentage of the total number of its
members as may be prescribed, whichever is less, or any member or members holding
not less than such percentage of the issued share capital of the company as may be
prescribed, subject to the condition that the applicant or applicants has or have paid
all calls and other sums due on his or their shares;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, not less than one-fifth of
the total number of its members.
(ii) The requisite number of depositors provided in sub-section (1) shall not be less
than one hundred depositors or not less than such percentage of the total number of
depositors as may be prescribed, whichever is less, or any depositor or depositors to whom
the company owes such percentage of total deposits of the company as may be prescribed.
(4) In considering an application under sub-section (1), the Tribunal shall take into
account, in particular—
(a) whether the member or depositor is acting in good faith in making the
application for seeking an order;
(b) any evidence before it as to the involvement of any person other than directors
or officers of the company on any of the matters provided in clauses (a) to (f) of subsection
(1);
(c) whether the cause of action is one which the member or depositor could
pursue in his own right rather than through an order under this section;
(d) any evidence before it as to the views of the members or depositors of the
company who have no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the matter being proceeded
under this section;
(e) where the cause of action is an act or omission that is yet to occur, whether
the act or omission could be, and in the circumstances would be likely to be—
(i) authorised by the company before it occurs; or
(ii) ratified by the company after it occurs;
(f) where the cause of action is an act or omission that has already occurred,
whether the act or omission could be, and in the circumstances would be likely to be,
ratified by the company.
(5) If an application filed under sub-section (1) is admitted, then the Tribunal shall
have regard to the following, namely:—
(a) public notice shall be served on admission of the application to all the members
or depositors of the class in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) all similar applications prevalent in any jurisdiction should be consolidated
into a single application and the class members or depositors should be allowed to
choose the lead applicant and in the event the members or depositors of the class are
unable to come to a consensus, the Tribunal shall have the power to appoint a lead
applicant, who shall be in charge of the proceedings from the applicant’s side;
156 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) two class action applications for the same cause of action shall not be allowed;
(d) the cost or expenses connected with the application for class action shall be
defrayed by the company or any other person responsible for any oppressive act.
(6) Any order passed by the Tribunal shall be binding on the company and all its
members, depositors and auditor including audit firm or expert or consultant or advisor or
any other person associated with the company.
(7) Any company which fails to comply with an order passed by the Tribunal under
this section shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than five lakh rupees but
which may extend to twenty-five lakh rupees and every officer of the company who is in
default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and
with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to
one lakh rupees.
(8) Where any application filed before the Tribunal is found to be frivolous or vexatious,
it shall, for reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application and make an order that the
applicant shall pay to the opposite party such cost, not exceeding one lakh rupees, as may be
specified in the order.
(9) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to a banking company.
(10) Subject to the compliance of this section, an application may be filed or any other
action may be taken under this section by any person, group of persons or any association
of persons representing the persons affected by any act or omission, specified in
sub-section (1).
246. The provisions of sections 337 to 341 (both inclusive) shall apply mutatis mutandis,
in relation to an application made to the Tribunal under section 241 or section 245.
CHAPTER XVII
REGISTERED VALUERS
247. (1) Where a valuation is required to be made in respect of any property, stocks,
shares, debentures, securities or goodwill or any other assets (herein referred to as the
assets) or net worth of a company or its liabilities under the provision of this Act, it shall be
valued by a person having such qualifications and experience and registered as a valuer in
such manner, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and appointed by the audit
committee or in its absence by the Board of Directors of that company.
(2) The valuer appointed under sub-section (1) shall,—
(a) make an impartial, true and fair valuation of any assets which may be required
to be valued;
(b) exercise due diligence while performing the functions as valuer;
(c) make the valuation in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed; and
(d) not undertake valuation of any assets in which he has a direct or indirect
interest or becomes so interested at any time during or after the valuation of assets.
(3) If a valuer contravenes the provisions of this section or the rules made thereunder,
the valuer shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees:
Provided that if the valuer has contravened such provisions with the intention to
defraud the company or its members, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to one year and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(4) Where a valuer has been convicted under sub-section (3), he shall be liable to—
(i) refund the remuneration received by him to the company; and
(ii) pay for damages to the company or to any other person for loss arising out
of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars made in his report.
Application
of certain
provisions to
proceedings
under section
241 or section
245.
Valuation by
registered
valuers.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 157
CHAPTER XVIII
REMOVAL OF NAMES OF COMPANIES FROM THE REGISTER OF COMPANIES
248. (1) Where the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe that—
(a) a company has failed to commence its business within one year of its
incorporation;
(b) the subscribers to the memorandum have not paid the subscription which
they had undertaken to pay within a period of one hundred and eighty days from the
date of incorporation of a company and a declaration under sub-section (1) of section 11
to this effect has not been filed within one hundred and eighty days of its incorporation;
or
(c) a company is not carrying on any business or operation for a period of two
immediately preceding financial years and has not made any application within such
period for obtaining the status of a dormant company under section 455,
he shall send a notice to the company and all the directors of the company, of his intention
to remove the name of the company from the register of companies and requesting them to
send their representations along with copies of the relevant documents, if any, within a
period of thirty days from the date of the notice.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), a company may, after
extinguishing all its liabilities, by a special resolution or consent of seventy-five per cent.
members in terms of paid-up share capital, file an application in the prescribed manner to the
Registrar for removing the name of the company from the register of companies on all or any
of the grounds specified in sub-section (1) and the Registrar shall, on receipt of such
application, cause a public notice to be issued in the prescribed manner:
Provided that in the case of a company regulated under a special Act, approval of the
regulatory body constituted or established under that Act shall also be obtained and enclosed
with the application.
(3) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall apply to a company registered under section 8.
(4) A notice issued under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be published in the
prescribed manner and also in the Official Gazette for the information of the general public.
(5) At the expiry of the time mentioned in the notice, the Registrar may, unless cause to
the contrary is shown by the company, strike off its name from the register of companies, and
shall publish notice thereof in the Official Gazette, and on the publication in the Official
Gazette of this notice, the company shall stand dissolved.
(6) The Registrar, before passing an order under sub-section (5), shall satisfy himself
that sufficient provision has been made for the realisation of all amount due to the company
and for the payment or discharge of its liabilities and obligations by the company within a
reasonable time and, if necessary, obtain necessary undertakings from the managing director,
director or other persons in charge of the management of the company:
Provided that notwithstanding the undertakings referred to in this sub-section, the
assets of the company shall be made available for the payment or discharge of all its liabilities
and obligations even after the date of the order removing the name of the company from the
register of companies.
(7) The liability, if any, of every director, manager or other officer who was exercising
any power of management, and of every member of the company dissolved under
sub-section (5), shall continue and may be enforced as if the company had not been dissolved.
(8) Nothing in this section shall affect the power of the Tribunal to wind up a company
the name of which has been struck off from the register of companies.
249. (1) An application under sub-section (2) of section 248 on behalf of a company
shall not be made if, at any time in the previous three months, the company—
(a) has changed its name or shifted its registered office from one State to another;
Restrictions
on making
application
under section
248 in certain
situations.
Power of
Registrar to
remove name
of company
from register
of companies.
158 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) has made a disposal for value of property or rights held by it, immediately
before cesser of trade or otherwise carrying on of business, for the purpose of disposal
for gain in the normal course of trading or otherwise carrying on of business;
(c) has engaged in any other activity except the one which is necessary or expedient
for the purpose of making an application under that section, or deciding whether to do so
or concluding the affairs of the company, or complying with any statutory requirement;
(d) has made an application to the Tribunal for the sanctioning of a compromise
or arrangement and the matter has not been finally concluded; or
(e) is being wound up under Chapter XX, whether voluntarily or by the Tribunal.
(2) If a company files an application under sub-section (2) of section 248 in violation of
sub-section (1), it shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
(3) An application filed under sub-section (2) of section 248 shall be withdrawn by the
company or rejected by the Registrar as soon as conditions under sub-section (1) are brought
to his notice.
250. Where a company stands dissolved under section 248, it shall on and from the
date mentioned in the notice under sub-section (5) of that section cease to operate as a
company and the Certificate of Incorporation issued to it shall be deemed to have been
cancelled from such date except for the purpose of realising the amount due to the company
and for the payment or discharge of the liabilities or obligations of the company.
251. (1) Where it is found that an application by a company under sub-section (2) of
section 248 has been made with the object of evading the liabilities of the company or with
the intention to deceive the creditors or to defraud any other persons, the persons in charge
of the management of the company shall, notwithstanding that the company has been
notified as dissolved—
(a) be jointly and severally liable to any person or persons who had incurred
loss or damage as a result of the company being notified as dissolved; and
(b) be punishable for fraud in the manner as provided in section 447.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the Registrar may
also recommend prosecution of the persons responsible for the filing of an application under
sub-section (2) of section 248.
252. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Registrar, notifying a company as
dissolved under section 248, may file an appeal to the Tribunal within a period of three years
from the date of the order of the Registrar and if the Tribunal is of the opinion that the
removal of the name of the company from the register of companies is not justified in view of
the absence of any of the grounds on which the order was passed by the Registrar, it may
order restoration of the name of the company in the register of companies:
Provided that before passing any order under this section, the Tribunal shall give a
reasonable opportunity of making representations and of being heard to the Registrar, the
company and all the persons concerned :
Provided further that if the Registrar is satisfied, that the name of the company has
been struck off from the register of companies either inadvertently or on the basis of incorrect
information furnished by the company or its directors, which requires restoration in the
register of companies, he may within a period of three years from the date of passing of the
order dissolving the company under section 248, file an application before the Tribunal
seeking restoration of name of such company.
(2) A copy of the order passed by the Tribunal shall be filed by the company with the
Registrar within thirty days from the date of the order and on receipt of the order, the
Registrar shall cause the name of the company to be restored in the register of companies
and shall issue a fresh certificate of incorporation.
(3) If a company, or any member or creditor or workman thereof feels aggrieved by the
company having its name struck off from the register of companies, the Tribunal on an
application made by the company, member, creditor or workman before the expiry of twenty
years from the publication in the Official Gazette of the notice under sub-section (5) of
section 248 may, if satisfied that the company was, at the time of its name being struck off,
carrying on business or in operation or otherwise it is just that the name of the company be
restored to the register of companies, order the name of the company to be restored to the
register of companies, and the Tribunal may, by the order, give such other directions and
make such provisions as deemed just for placing the company and all other persons in the
same position as nearly as may be as if the name of the company had not been struck off from
the register of companies.
Effect of
company
notified as
dissolved.
Fraudulent
application
for removal
of name.
Appeal to
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 159
CHAPTER XIX
REVIVAL AND REHABILITATION OF SICK COMPANIES
253. (1) Where on a demand by the secured creditors of a company representing fifty
per cent. or more of its outstanding amount of debt, the company has failed to pay the debt
within a period of thirty days of the service of the notice of demand or to secure or compound
it to the reasonable satisfaction of the creditors, any secured creditor may file an application
to the Tribunal in the prescribed manner along with the relevant evidence for such default,
non-repayment or failure to offer security or compound it, for a determination that the company
be declared as a sick company.
(2) The applicant under sub-section (1) may, along with an application under that subsection
or at any stage of the proceedings thereafter, make an application for the stay of any
proceeding for the winding up of the company or for execution, distress or the like against
any property and assets of the company or for the appointment of a receiver in respect
thereof and that no suit for the recovery of any money or for the enforcement of any security
against the company shall lie or be proceeded with.
(3) The Tribunal may pass an order in respect of an application under sub-section (2)
which shall be operative for a period of one hundred and twenty days.
(4) The company referred to in sub-section (1) may also file an application to the
Tribunal on one or more of the grounds specified in sub-sections (1) and (2) above.
(5) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-sections (1) to (4), the Central
Government or the Reserve Bank of India or a State Government or a public financial
institution or a State level institution or a scheduled bank may, if it has sufficient reasons to
believe that any company has become, for the purposes of this Act, a sick company, make a
reference in respect of such company to the Tribunal for determination of the measures
which may be adopted with respect to such company:
Provided that a reference shall not be made under this sub-section in respect of any
company by—
(a) the Government of any State unless all or any of the undertakings belonging
to such company are situated in such State;
(b) a public financial institution or a State level institution or a scheduled bank
unless it has, by reason of any financial assistance or obligation rendered by it, or
undertaken by it, with respect to such company, an interest in such company.
(6) Where an application under sub-section (1) or sub-section (4) has been filed,—
(a) the company shall not dispose of or otherwise enter into any obligation with
regard to, its properties or assets except as required in the normal course of business;
(b) the Board of Directors shall not take any steps likely to prejudice the interests
of the creditors.
(7) The Tribunal shall, within a period of sixty days of the receipt of an application under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (4), determine whether the company is a sick company or not:
Provided that no such determination shall be made in respect of an application under
sub-section (1) unless the company has been given notice of the application and a reasonable
opportunity to reply to the notice within thirty days of the receipt thereof.
(8) If the Tribunal is satisfied that a company has become a sick company, the Tribunal
shall, after considering all the relevant facts and circumstances of the case, decide, as soon
as may be, by an order in writing, whether it is practicable for the company to make the
repayment of its debts referred to in sub-section (1) within a reasonable time.
(9) If the Tribunal deems fit under sub-section (8) that it is practicable for a sick
company to pay its debts referred to in that sub-section within a reasonable time, the Tribunal
Determination
of sickness.
160 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
shall, by order in writing and subject to such restrictions or conditions as may be specified
in the order, give such time to the company as it may deem fit to make repayment of the debt.
254. (1) On the determination of a company as a sick company by the Tribunal under
section 253, any secured creditor of that company or the company may make an application
to the Tribunal for the determination of the measures that may be adopted with respect to the
revival and rehabilitation of such company:
Provided that in case any reference had been made before the Tribunal and a scheme
for revival and rehabilitation submitted, such reference shall abate if the secured creditors
representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial assistance
disbursed to the borrower have taken measures to recover their secured debt under
sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002:
Provided further that no reference shall be made under this section if the secured
creditors representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial
assistance disbursed to the borrower have taken measures to recover their secured debt
under sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002:
Provided also that where the financial assets of the sick company had been acquired
by any securitisation company or reconstruction company under sub-section (1) of section
5 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest Act, 2002, no such application shall be made without the consent of securitisation
company or reconstruction company which has acquired such assets.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by—
(a) audited financial statements of the company relating to the immediately
preceding financial year;
(b) such particulars and documents, duly authenticated in such manner, along
with such fees as may be prescribed; and
(c) a draft scheme of revival and rehabilitation of the company in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided that where the sick company has no draft scheme of revival and rehabilitation
to offer, it shall file a declaration to that effect along with the application.
(3) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made to the Tribunal within a period
of sixty days from the date of determination of the company as a sick company by the
Tribunal under section 253.
255. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Limitation Act, 1963 or in any other
law for the time being in force, in computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or
application in the name and on behalf of a company for which an application has been made
to the Tribunal under sub-section (1) of section 253, for a determination to be declared as a
sick company or at any stage thereafter, the period during which the stay order as provided
under sub-section (3) of section 253, was applicable shall be excluded.
256. (1) On the receipt of an application under section 254, the Tribunal shall, not later
than seven days from such receipt,—
(a) fix a date for hearing not later than ninety days from date of its receipt;
(b) appoint an interim administrator to convene a meeting of creditors of the
company in accordance with the provisions of section 257 to be held not later than
forty-five days from receipt of the order of the Tribunal appointing him to consider
whether on the basis of the particulars and documents furnished with the application
made under section 254, the draft scheme, if any, filed along with such application or
otherwise and any other material available, it is possible to revive and rehabilitate the
Application
for revival
and
rehabilitation.
36 of 1963.
54 of 2002.
54 of 2002.
54 of 2002.
Exclusion of
certain time
in computing
period of
limitation.
Appointment
of interim
administrator.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 161
sick company and such other matters, which the interim administrator may consider
necessary for the purpose and to submit his report to the Tribunal within sixty days
from the date of the order:
Provided that where no draft scheme is filed by the company and a declaration
has been made to that effect by the Board of Directors, the Tribunal may direct the
interim administrator to take over the management of the company; and
(c) issue such other directions to the interim administrator as the Tribunal may
consider necessary to protect and preserve the assets of the sick company and for its
proper management.
(2) Where an interim administrator has been directed to take over the management of
the company, the directors and the management of the company shall extend all possible
assistance and cooperation to the interim administrator to manage the affairs of the company.
257. (1) The interim administrator shall appoint a committee of creditors with such
number of members as he may determine, but not exceeding seven, and as far as possible a
representative each of every class of creditors should be represented in that committee.
(2) The holding of the meeting of the committee of creditors and the procedure to be
followed at such meetings, including the appointment of its chairperson, shall be decided by
the interim administrator.
(3) The interim administrator may direct any promoter, director or any key managerial
personnel to attend any meeting of the committee of creditors and to furnish such information
as may be considered necessary by the interim administrator.
258. On the date of hearing fixed by the Tribunal and on consideration of the report of
the interim administrator filed under sub-section (1) of section 256, if the Tribunal is satisfied
that the creditors representing three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against the
sick company present and voting have resolved that—
(a) it is not possible to revive and rehabilitate such company, the Tribunal shall
record such opinion and order that the proceedings for the winding up of the company
be initiated; or
(b) by adopting certain measures the sick company may be revived and
rehabilitated, the Tribunal shall appoint a company administrator for the company and
cause such administrator to prepare a scheme of revival and rehabilitation of the sick
company:
Provided that the Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, appoint an interim administrator as the
company administrator.
259. (1) The interim administrator or the company administrator, as the case may be,
shall be appointed by the Tribunal from a databank maintained by the Central Government or
any institute or agency authorised by the Central Government in a manner as may be
prescribed consisting of the names of company secretaries, chartered accountants, cost
accountants and such other professionals as may, by notification, be specified by the Central
Government.
(2) The terms and conditions of the appointment of interim and company administrators
shall be such as may be ordered by the Tribunal.
(3) The Tribunal may direct the company administrator to take over the assets or
management of the company and for the purpose of assisting him in the management of the
company, the company administrator may, with the approval of the Tribunal, engage the
services of suitable expert or experts.
Committee of
creditors.
Order of
Tribunal.
Appointment
of
administrator.
162 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
260. (1) The company administrator shall perform such functions as the Tribunal may
direct.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the company administrator
may cause to be prepared with respect to the company—
(a) a complete inventory of—
(i) all assets and liabilities of whatever nature;
(ii) all books of account, registers, maps, plans, records, documents of
title and all other documents of whatever nature;
(b) a list of shareholders and a list of creditors showing separately in the list of
creditors, the secured creditors and unsecured creditors;
(c) a valuation report in respect of the shares and assets in order to arrive at the
reserve price for the sale of any industrial undertaking of the company or for the
fixation of the lease rent or share exchange ratio;
(d) an estimate of the reserve price, lease rent or share exchange ratio;
(e) proforma accounts of the company, where no up-to-date audited accounts
are available; and
(f) a list of workmen of the company and their dues referred to in sub-section (3)
of section 325.
261. (1) The company administrator shall prepare or cause to be prepared a scheme of
revival and rehabilitation of the sick company after considering the draft scheme filed along
with the application under section 254.
(2) A scheme prepared in relation to any sick company under sub-section (1) may
provide for any one or more of the following measures, namely:—
(a) the financial reconstruction of the sick company;
(b) the proper management of the sick company by any change in, or by taking
over, the management of such company;
(c) the amalgamation of—
(i) the sick company with any other company; or
(ii) any other company with the sick company;
(d) takeover of the sick company by a solvent company;
(e) the sale or lease of a part or whole of any asset or business of the sick
company;
(f) the rationalisation of managerial personnel, supervisory staff and workmen in
accordance with law;
(g) such other preventive, ameliorative and remedial measures as may be
appropriate;
(h) repayment or rescheduling or restructuring of the debts or obligations of the
sick company to any of its creditors or class of creditors;
(i) such incidental, consequential or supplemental measures as may be necessary
or expedient in connection with or for the purposes of the measures specified in
clauses (a) to (h).
262. (1) The scheme prepared by the company administrator under section 261 shall
be placed before the creditors of the sick company in a meeting convened for their approval
by the company administrator within the period of sixty days from his appointment, which
may be extended by the Tribunal up to a period not exceeding one hundred twenty days.
Powers and
duties of
company
administrator.
Scheme of
revival and
rehabilitation.
Sanction of
scheme.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 163
(2) The company administrator shall convene separate meetings of secured and
unsecured creditors of the sick company and if the scheme is approved by the unsecured
creditors representing one-fourth in value of the amount owed by the company to such
creditors and the secured creditors, representing three-fourths in value of the amount
outstanding against financial assistance disbursed by such creditors to the sick company,
the company administrator shall submit the scheme before the Tribunal for sanctioning the
scheme:
Provided that where the scheme relates to amalgamation of the sick company with any
other company, such scheme shall, in addition to the approval of the creditors of the sick
company under this sub-section, be laid before the general meeting of both the companies
for approval by their respective shareholders and no such scheme shall be proceeded with
unless it has been approved, with or without modification, by a special resolution passed by
the shareholders of that company.
(3) (i) The scheme prepared by the company administrator shall be examined by the
Tribunal and a copy of the scheme with modification, if any, made by the Tribunal shall be
sent, in draft, to the sick company and the company administrator and in the case of
amalgamation, also to any other company concerned, and the Tribunal may publish or cause
to be published the draft scheme in brief in such daily newspapers as the Tribunal may
consider necessary, for suggestions and objections, if any, within such period as the Tribunal
may specify.
(ii) The complete draft scheme shall be kept at the place where registered office of the
company is situated or at such places as mentioned in the advertisement.
(iii) The Tribunal may make such modifications, if any, in the draft scheme as it may
consider necessary in the light of the suggestions and objections received from the sick
company and the company administrator and also from the transferee company and any
other company concerned in the amalgamation and from any shareholder or any creditors or
employees of such companies.
(4) On the receipt of the scheme under sub-section (3), the Tribunal shall within sixty
days therefrom, after satisfying that the scheme had been validly approved in accordance
with this section, pass an order sanctioning such scheme.
(5) Where a sanctioned scheme provides for the transfer of any property or liability of
the sick company to any other company or person or where such scheme provides for the
transfer of any property or liability of any other company or person in favour of the sick
company, then, by virtue of, and to the extent provided in, the scheme, on and from the date
of coming into operation of the sanctioned scheme or any provision thereof, the property
shall be transferred to, and vest in, and the liability shall become the liability of, such other
company or person or, as the case may be, the sick company.
(6) The Tribunal may review any sanctioned scheme and make such modifications, as
it may deem fit, or may by order in writing direct company administrator, to prepare a fresh
scheme providing for such measures as the company administrator may consider necessary.
(7) The sanction accorded by the Tribunal under sub-section (4) shall be conclusive
evidence that all the requirements of the scheme relating to the reconstruction or amalgamation
or any other measure specified therein have been complied with and a copy of the sanctioned
scheme certified in writing by an officer of the Tribunal to be a true copy thereof shall in all
legal proceedings be admitted as evidence.
(8) A copy of the sanctioned scheme referred to in sub-section (4) shall be filed with
the Registrar by the sick company within a period of thirty days from the date of receipt of a
copy thereof.
263. On and from the date of the coming into operation of the sanctioned scheme or
any provision thereof, the scheme or such provision shall be binding on the sick company
Scheme to be
binding.
164 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
and the transferee company or, as the case may be, the other company and also on the
employees, shareholders, creditors and guarantors of the said companies.
264. (1) The Tribunal shall, for the purpose of effective implementation of the scheme,
have power to enforce, modify or terminate any contract or agreement or any obligation
pursuant to such agreement or contract entered into by the company with any other person.
(2) The Tribunal may, if it deems necessary or expedient so to do, by order in writing,
authorise the company administrator appointed under section 259 to implement a sanctioned
scheme till its successful implementation on such terms and conditions as may be specified
in the order and may for that purpose require him to file periodic reports on the implementation
of the sanctioned scheme.
(3) Where the whole or substantial assets of the undertaking of the sick company are
sold under a sanctioned scheme, the sale proceeds shall be applied towards implementation
of the scheme in such manner as the Tribunal may direct:
Provided that debtors and creditors shall have the power to scrutinise and make an
appeal for review of the value before final order of fixing value.
(4) Where it is difficult to implement the scheme for any reason or the scheme fails due
to non-implementation of obligations under the scheme by the parties concerned, the company
administrator authorised to implement the scheme and where there is no such administrator,
the company, the secured creditors, or the transferee company in a case of amalgamation,
may make an application before the Tribunal for modification of the scheme or to declare the
scheme as failed and that the company may be wound up.
(5) The Tribunal shall, within thirty days of presentation of an application under
sub-section (4), pass an order for modification of the scheme or, as the case may be, declaring
the scheme as failed and pass an order for the winding up of the company if three-fourths in
value of the secured creditors consent to the modification of the scheme or winding up of the
company.
(6) Where an application under sub-section (4) has been made before the Tribunal and
such application is pending before it, such application shall abate, if the secured creditors
representing not less than three-fourths in value of the amount outstanding against financial
assistance disbursed to the sick company have taken any measures to recover their secured
debt under sub-section (4) of section 13 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.
265. (1) If the scheme is not approved by the creditors in the manner specified in
sub-section (2) of section 262, the company administrator shall submit a report to the Tribunal
within fifteen days and the Tribunal shall order for the winding up of the sick company.
(2) On the passing of an order under sub-section (1), the Tribunal shall conduct the
proceedings for winding up of the sick company in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter XX.
266. (1) If, in the course of the scrutiny or implementation of any scheme or proposal
including the draft scheme or proposal, it appears to the Tribunal that any person who has
taken part in the promotion, formation or management of the sick company or its undertaking,
including any director, manager, officer or employee of the sick company who are or have
been in employment of such company,—
(a) has misapplied or retained, or become liable or accountable for, any money or
property of the sick company; or
(b) has been guilty of any misfeasance, malfeasance, non-feasance or breach of
trust in relation to the sick company,
it may, by order, direct him to repay or restore the money or property, with or without interest,
as it thinks just, or to contribute such sum to the assets of the sick company or the other
person, entitled thereto by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer,
Implementation
of scheme.
Winding up of
company on
report of
company
administrator.
Power of
Tribunal to
assess
damages
against
delinquent
directors, etc.
54 of 2002.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 165
misfeasance, malfeasance, non-feasance or breach of trust as the Tribunal thinks just and
proper:
Provided that such direction by the Tribunal shall be without prejudice to any other
legal action that may be taken against the person including any punishment for fraud in the
manner as provided in section 447.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied on the basis of the information and evidence in its possession
with respect to any person who is or was a director or an officer or other employee of the sick
company, that such person by himself or along with others had diverted the funds or other
property of such company for any purpose other than the purposes of the company or had
managed the affairs of the company in a manner highly detrimental to the interests of the
company, the Tribunal shall, by order, direct the public financial institutions, scheduled banks
and State level institutions not to provide, for a maximum period of ten years from the date of
the order, any financial assistance to such person or any firm of which such person is a partner
or any company or other body corporate of which such person is a director, by whatever name
called, or to disqualify the said director, promoter, manager from being appointed as a director
in any company registered under this Act for a maximum period of six years.
(3) No order shall be made by the Tribunal under this section against any person
unless such person has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
267. Whoever violates the provisions of this Chapter or any scheme, or any order, of
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal or makes a false statement or gives false evidence
before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal or attempts to tamper with the records of
reference or appeal filed under this Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to seven years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
268. No appeal shall lie in any court or other authority and no civil court shall have any
jurisdiction in respect of any matter in respect of which the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
is empowered by or under this Chapter and no injunction shall be granted by any court or
other authority in respect of any action taken or proposed to be taken in pursuance of any
power conferred by or under this Chapter.
269. (1) There shall be formed a Fund to be called the Rehabilitation and Insolvency
Fund for the purposes of rehabilitation, revival and liquidation of the sick companies.
(2) There shall be credited to the Fund—
(a) the grants made by the Central Government for the purposes of the Fund;
(b) the amount deposited by the companies as contribution to the Fund;
(c) the amount given to the Fund from any other source; and
(d) the income from investment of the amount in the Fund.
(3) A company which has contributed any amount to the Fund shall, in the event of
proceedings initiated in respect of such company under this Chapter or Chapter XX, may
make an application to the Tribunal for withdrawal of funds not exceeding the amount
contributed by it, for making payments to workmen, protecting the assets of the company or
meeting the incidental costs during proceedings.
(4) The Fund shall be managed by an administrator to be appointed by the Central
Government in such manner as may be prescribed.
CHAPTER XX
WINDING UP
270. (1) The winding up of a company may be either—
(a) by the Tribunal; or
(b) voluntary.
Punishment
for certain
offences.
Bar of
jurisdiction.
Rehabilitation
and
Insolvency
Fund.
Modes of
winding up.
166 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, the provisions of this Act
with respect to winding up shall apply to the winding up of a company in any of the modes
specified under sub-section (1).
PART I.—Winding up by the Tribunal
271. (1) A company may, on a petition under section 272, be wound up by the Tribunal,—
(a) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(b) if the company has, by special resolution, resolved that the company be
wound up by the Tribunal;
(c) if the company has acted against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity
of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order,
decency or morality;
(d) if the Tribunal has ordered the winding up of the company under
Chapter XIX;
(e) if on an application made by the Registrar or any other person authorised
by the Central Government by notification under this Act, the Tribunal is of the
opinion that the affairs of the company have been conducted in a fraudulent manner
or the company was formed for fraudulent and unlawful purpose or the persons
concerned in the formation or management of its affairs have been guilty of fraud,
misfeasance or misconduct in connection therewith and that it is proper that the
company be wound up;
(f) if the company has made a default in filing with the Registrar its financial
statements or annual returns for immediately preceding five consecutive financial
years; or
(g) if the Tribunal is of the opinion that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up.
(2) A company shall be deemed to be unable to pay its debts,—
(a) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the company is indebted
for an amount exceeding one lakh rupees then due, has served on the company, by
causing it to be delivered at its registered office, by registered post or otherwise, a
demand requiring the company to pay the amount so due and the company has failed
to pay the sum within twenty-one days after the receipt of such demand or to provide
adequate security or re-structure or compound the debt to the reasonable satisfaction
of the creditor;
(b) if any execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any court or
tribunal in favour of a creditor of the company is returned unsatisfied in whole or in
part; or
(c) if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the company is unable to
pay its debts, and, in determining whether a company is unable to pay its debts, the
Tribunal shall take into account the contingent and prospective liabilities of the
company.
272. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a petition to the Tribunal for the
winding up of a company shall be presented by—
(a) the company;
(b) any creditor or creditors, including any contingent or prospective creditor or
creditors;
(c) any contributory or contributories;
Circumstances
in which
company
may be wound
up by
Tribunal.
Petition for
winding up.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 167
(d) all or any of the persons specified in clauses (a), (b) and (c) together;
(e) the Registrar;
(f) any person authorised by the Central Government in that behalf; or
(g) in a case falling under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 271, by the
Central Government or a State Government.
(2) A secured creditor, the holder of any debentures, whether or not any trustee or
trustees have been appointed in respect of such and other like debentures, and the trustee
for the holders of debentures shall be deemed to be creditors within the meaning of clause (b)
of sub-section (1).
(3) A contributory shall be entitled to present a petition for the winding up of a company,
notwithstanding that he may be the holder of fully paid-up shares, or that the company may
have no assets at all or may have no surplus assets left for distribution among the shareholders
after the satisfaction of its liabilities, and shares in respect of which he is a contributory or
some of them were either originally allotted to him or have been held by him, and registered
in his name, for at least six months during the eighteen months immediately before the
commencement of the winding up or have devolved on him through the death of a former
holder.
(4) The Registrar shall be entitled to present a petition for winding up under subsection
(1) on any of the grounds specified in sub-section (1) of section 271, except on the
grounds specified in clause (b), clause (d) or clause (g) of that sub-section:
Provided that the Registrar shall not present a petition on the ground that the company
is unable to pay its debts unless it appears to him either from the financial condition of the
company as disclosed in its balance sheet or from the report of an inspector appointed under
section 210 that the company is unable to pay its debts:
Provided further that the Registrar shall obtain the previous sanction of the Central
Government to the presentation of a petition:
Provided also that the Central Government shall not accord its sanction unless the
company has been given a reasonable opportunity of making representations.
(5) A petition presented by the company for winding up before the Tribunal shall be
admitted only if accompanied by a statement of affairs in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed.
(6) Before a petition for winding up of a company presented by a contingent or
prospective creditor is admitted, the leave of the Tribunal shall be obtained for the admission
of the petition and such leave shall not be granted, unless in the opinion of the Tribunal there
is a prima facie case for the winding up of the company and until such security for costs has
been given as the Tribunal thinks reasonable.
(7) A copy of the petition made under this section shall also be filed with the Registrar
and the Registrar shall, without prejudice to any other provisions, submit his views to the
Tribunal within sixty days of receipt of such petition.
273. (1) The Tribunal may, on receipt of a petition for winding up under section 272
pass any of the following orders, namely:—
(a) dismiss it, with or without costs;
(b) make any interim order as it thinks fit;
(c) appoint a provisional liquidator of the company till the making of a winding
up order;
(d) make an order for the winding up of the company with or without costs; or
(e) any other order as it thinks fit:
Powers of
Tribunal.
168 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that an order under this sub-section shall be made within ninety days from
the date of presentation of the petition:
Provided further that before appointing a provisional liquidator under clause (c), the
Tribunal shall give notice to the company and afford a reasonable opportunity to it to make
its representations, if any, unless for special reasons to be recorded in writing, the Tribunal
thinks fit to dispense with such notice:
Provided also that the Tribunal shall not refuse to make a winding up order on the
ground only that the assets of the company have been mortgaged for an amount equal to or
in excess of those assets, or that the company has no assets.
(2) Where a petition is presented on the ground that it is just and equitable that the
company should be wound up, the Tribunal may refuse to make an order of winding up, if it
is of the opinion that some other remedy is available to the petitioners and that they are
acting unreasonably in seeking to have the company wound up instead of pursuing the
other remedy.
274. (1) Where a petition for winding up is filed before the Tribunal by any person
other than the company, the Tribunal shall, if satisfied that a prima facie case for winding up
of the company is made out, by an order direct the company to file its objections along with
a statement of its affairs within thirty days of the order in such form and in such manner as
may be prescribed:
Provided that the Tribunal may allow a further period of thirty days in a situation of
contingency or special circumstances:
Provided further that the Tribunal may direct the petitioner to deposit such security for
costs as it may consider reasonable as a precondition to issue directions to the company.
(2) A company, which fails to file the statement of affairs as referred to in
sub-section (1), shall forfeit the right to oppose the petition and such directors and officers
of the company as found responsible for such non-compliance, shall be liable for punishment
under sub-section (4).
(3) The directors and other officers of the company, in respect of which an order for
winding up is passed by the Tribunal under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 273,
shall, within a period of thirty days of such order, submit, at the cost of the company, the
books of account of the company completed and audited up to the date of the order, to such
liquidator and in the manner specified by the Tribunal.
(4) If any director or officer of the company contravenes the provisions of this section,
the director or the officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less
than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
(5) The complaint may be filed in this behalf before the Special Court by Registrar,
provisional liquidator, Company Liquidator or any person authorised by the Tribunal.
275. (1) For the purposes of winding up of a company by the Tribunal, the Tribunal at
the time of the passing of the order of winding up, shall appoint an Official Liquidator or a
liquidator from the panel maintained under sub-section (2) as the Company Liquidator.
(2) The provisional liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case may be, shall be
appointed from a panel maintained by the Central Government consisting of the names of
chartered accountants, advocates, company secretaries, cost accountants or firms or bodies
corporate having such chartered accountants, advocates, company secretaries, cost
accountants and such other professionals as may be notified by the Central Government or
from a firm or a body corporate of persons having a combination of such professionals as
may be prescribed and having at least ten years’ experience in company matters.
(3) Where a provisional liquidator is appointed by the Tribunal, the Tribunal may limit
and restrict his powers by the order appointing him or it or by a subsequent order, but
otherwise he shall have the same powers as a liquidator.
(4) The Central Government may remove the name of any person or firm or body
Directions for
filing
statement of
affairs.
Company
Liquidators
and their
appointments.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 169
corporate from the panel maintained under sub-section (2) on the grounds of misconduct,
fraud, misfeasance, breach of duties or professional incompetence:
Provided that the Central Government before removing him or it from the panel shall
give him or it a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(5) The terms and conditions of appointment of a provisional liquidator or Company
Liquidator and the fee payable to him or it shall be specified by the Tribunal on the basis of
task required to be performed, experience, qualification of such liquidator and size of the
company.
(6) On appointment as provisional liquidator or Company Liquidator, as the case may
be, such liquidator shall file a declaration within seven days from the date of appointment in
the prescribed form disclosing conflict of interest or lack of independence in respect of his
appointment, if any, with the Tribunal and such obligation shall continue throughout the
term of his appointment.
(7) While passing a winding up order, the Tribunal may appoint a provisional liquidator,
if any, appointed under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 273, as the Company Liquidator
for the conduct of the proceedings for the winding up of the company.
276. (1) The Tribunal may, on a reasonable cause being shown and for reasons to be
recorded in writing, remove the provisional liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case
may be, as liquidator of the company on any of the following grounds, namely:—
(a) misconduct;
(b) fraud or misfeasance;
(c) professional incompetence or failure to exercise due care and diligence in
performance of the powers and functions;
(d) inability to act as provisional liquidator or as the case may be, Company
Liquidator;
(e) conflict of interest or lack of independence during the term of his appointment
that would justify removal.
(2) In the event of death, resignation or removal of the provisional liquidator or as the
case may be, Company Liquidator, the Tribunal may transfer the work assigned to him or it
to another Company Liquidator for reasons to be recorded in writing.
(3) Where the Tribunal is of the opinion that any liquidator is responsible for causing
any loss or damage to the company due to fraud or misfeasance or failure to exercise due care
and diligence in the performance of his or its powers and functions, the Tribunal may recover
or cause to be recovered such loss or damage from the liquidator and pass such other orders
as it may think fit.
(4) The Tribunal shall, before passing any order under this section, provide a reasonable
opportunity of being heard to the provisional liquidator or, as the case may be, Company
Liquidator.
277. (1) Where the Tribunal makes an order for appointment of provisional liquidator
or for the winding up of a company, it shall, within a period not exceeding seven days from
the date of passing of the order, cause intimation thereof to be sent to the Company Liquidator
or provisional liquidator, as the case may be, and the Registrar.
(2) On receipt of the copy of order of appointment of provisional liquidator or winding
up order, the Registrar shall make an endorsement to that effect in his records relating to the
company and notify in the Official Gazette that such an order has been made and in the case
of a listed company, the Registrar shall intimate about such appointment or order, as the case
may be, to the stock exchange or exchanges where the securities of the company are listed.
(3) The winding up order shall be deemed to be a notice of discharge to the officers,
employees and workmen of the company, except when the business of the company is
continued.
Intimation to
Company
Liquidator,
provisional
liquidator and
Registrar.
Removal and
replacement
of liquidator.
170 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) Within three weeks from the date of passing of winding up order, the Company
Liquidator shall make an application to the Tribunal for constitution of a winding up committee
to assist and monitor the progress of liquidation proceedings by the Company Liquidator in
carrying out the function as provided in sub-section (5) and such winding up committee
shall comprise of the following persons, namely:—
(i) Official Liquidator attached to the Tribunal;
(ii) nominee of secured creditors; and
(iii) a professional nominated by the Tribunal.
(5) The Company Liquidator shall be the convener of the meetings of the winding up
committee which shall assist and monitor the liquidation proceedings in following areas of
liquidation functions, namely:—
(i) taking over assets;
(ii) examination of the statement of affairs;
(iii) recovery of property, cash or any other assets of the company including
benefits derived therefrom;
(iv) review of audit reports and accounts of the company;
(v) sale of assets;
(vi) finalisation of list of creditors and contributories;
(vii) compromise, abandonment and settlement of claims;
(viii) payment of dividends, if any; and
(ix) any other function, as the Tribunal may direct from time to time.
(6) The Company Liquidator shall place before the Tribunal a report along with minutes
of the meetings of the committee on monthly basis duly signed by the members present in
the meeting for consideration till the final report for dissolution of the company is submitted
before the Tribunal.
(7) The Company Liquidator shall prepare the draft final report for consideration and
approval of the winding up committee.
(8) The final report so approved by the winding up committee shall be submitted by
the Company Liquidator before the Tribunal for passing of a dissolution order in respect of
the company.
278. The order for the winding up of a company shall operate in favour of all the
creditors and all contributories of the company as if it had been made out on the joint petition
of creditors and contributories.
279. (1) When a winding up order has been passed or a provisional liquidator has
been appointed, no suit or other legal proceeding shall be commenced, or if pending at the
date of the winding up order, shall be proceeded with, by or against the company, except with
the leave of the Tribunal and subject to such terms as the Tribunal may impose:
Provided that any application to the Tribunal seeking leave under this section shall be
disposed of by the Tribunal within sixty days.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to any proceeding pending in appeal before
the Supreme Court or a High Court.
Effect of
winding up
order.
Stay of suits,
etc., on
winding up
order.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 171
280. The Tribunal shall, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force, have jurisdiction to entertain, or dispose of,—
(a) any suit or proceeding by or against the company;
(b) any claim made by or against the company, including claims by or against
any of its branches in India;
(c) any application made under section 233;
(d) any scheme submitted under section 262;
(e) any question of priorities or any other question whatsoever, whether of law
or facts, including those relating to assets, business, actions, rights, entitlements,
privileges, benefits, duties, responsibilities, obligations or in any matter arising out of,
or in relation to winding up of the company,
whether such suit or proceeding has been instituted, or is instituted, or such claim or question
has arisen or arises or such application has been made or is made or such scheme has been
submitted, or is submitted, before or after the order for the winding up of the company is made.
281. (1) Where the Tribunal has made a winding up order or appointed a Company
Liquidator, such liquidator shall, within sixty days from the order, submit to the Tribunal, a
report containing the following particulars, namely:—
(a) the nature and details of the assets of the company including their location
and value, stating separately the cash balance in hand and in the bank, if any, and the
negotiable securities, if any, held by the company:
Provided that the valuation of the assets shall be obtained from registered valuers
for this purpose;
(b) amount of capital issued, subscribed and paid-up;
(c) the existing and contingent liabilities of the company including names,
addresses and occupations of its creditors, stating separately the amount of secured
and unsecured debts, and in the case of secured debts, particulars of the securities
given, whether by the company or an officer thereof, their value and the dates on
which they were given;
(d) the debts due to the company and the names, addresses and occupations of
the persons from whom they are due and the amount likely to be realised on account
thereof;
(e) guarantees, if any, extended by the company;
(f) list of contributories and dues, if any, payable by them and details of any
unpaid call;
(g) details of trade marks and intellectual properties, if any, owned by the
company;
(h) details of subsisting contracts, joint ventures and collaborations, if any;
(i) details of holding and subsidiary companies, if any;
(j) details of legal cases filed by or against the company; and
(k) any other information which the Tribunal may direct or the Company
Liquidator may consider necessary to include.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall include in his report the manner in which the company
was promoted or formed and whether in his opinion any fraud has been committed by any
person in its promotion or formation or by any officer of the company in relation to the
company since the formation thereof and any other matters which, in his opinion, it is
desirable to bring to the notice of the Tribunal.
Jurisdiction
of Tribunal.
Submission of
report by
Company
Liquidator.
172 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The Company Liquidator shall also make a report on the viability of the business of
the company or the steps which, in his opinion, are necessary for maximising the value of the
assets of the company.
(4) The Company Liquidator may also, if he thinks fit, make any further report or
reports.
(5) Any person describing himself in writing to be a creditor or a contributory of the
company shall be entitled by himself or by his agent at all reasonable times to inspect the
report submitted in accordance with this section and take copies thereof or extracts therefrom
on payment of the prescribed fees.
282. (1) The Tribunal shall, on consideration of the report of the Company Liquidator,
fix a time limit within which the entire proceedings shall be completed and the company be
dissolved:
Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is of the opinion, at any stage of the proceedings,
or on examination of the reports submitted to it by the Company Liquidator and after hearing
the Company Liquidator, creditors or contributories or any other interested person,
that it will not be advantageous or economical to continue the proceedings, revise the time
limit within which the entire proceedings shall be completed and the company
be dissolved.
(2) The Tribunal may, on examination of the reports submitted to it by the Company
Liquidator and after hearing the Company Liquidator, creditors or contributories or any other
interested person, order sale of the company as a going concern or its assets or
part thereof:
Provided that the Tribunal may, where it considers fit, appoint a sale committee
comprising such creditors, promoters and officers of the company as the Tribunal may
decide to assist the Company Liquidator in sale under this sub-section.
(3) Where a report is received from the Company Liquidator or the Central Government
or any person that a fraud has been committed in respect of the company, the Tribunal shall,
without prejudice to the process of winding up, order for investigation under section 210,
and on consideration of the report of such investigation it may pass order and give directions
under sections 339 to 342 or direct the Company Liquidator to file a criminal complaint
against persons who were involved in the commission of fraud.
(4) The Tribunal may order for taking such steps and measures, as may be necessary,
to protect, preserve or enhance the value of the assets of the company.
(5) The Tribunal may pass such other order or give such other directions as it considers
fit.
283. (1) Where a winding up order has been made or where a provisional liquidator has
been appointed, the Company Liquidator or the provisional liquidator, as the case may be,
shall, on the order of the Tribunal, forthwith take into his or its custody or control all the
property, effects and actionable claims to which the company is or appears to be entitled to
and take such steps and measures, as may be necessary, to protect and preserve the properties
of the company.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), all the property and effects
of the company shall be deemed to be in the custody of the Tribunal from the date of the
order for the winding up of the company.
(3) On an application by the Company Liquidator or otherwise, the Tribunal may, at
any time after the making of a winding up order, require any contributory for the time being
on the list of contributories, and any trustee, receiver, banker, agent, officer or other employee
of the company, to pay, deliver, surrender or transfer forthwith, or within such time as the
Directions of
Tribunal on
report of
Company
Liquidator.
Custody of
company's
properties.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 173
Tribunal directs, to the Company Liquidator, any money, property or books and papers in his
custody or under his control to which the company is or appears to be entitled.
284. (1) The promoters, directors, officers and employees, who are or have been in
employment of the company or acting or associated with the company shall extend full
cooperation to the Company Liquidator in discharge of his functions and duties.
(2) Where any person, without reasonable cause, fails to discharge his obligations
under sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six
months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.
285. (1) As soon as may be after the passing of a winding up order by the Tribunal, the
Tribunal shall settle a list of contributories, cause rectification of register of members in all
cases where rectification is required in pursuance of this Act and shall cause the assets of
the company to be applied for the discharge of its liability:
Provided that where it appears to the Tribunal that it would not be necessary to make
calls on or adjust the rights of contributories, the Tribunal may dispense with the settlement
of a list of contributories.
(2) In settling the list of contributories, the Tribunal shall distinguish between those
who are contributories in their own right and those who are contributories as being
representatives of, or liable for the debts of, others.
(3) While settling the list of contributories, the Tribunal shall include every person,
who is or has been a member, who shall be liable to contribute to the assets of the company
an amount sufficient for payment of the debts and liabilities and the costs, charges and
expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, subject to the following conditions, namely:—
(a) a person who has been a member shall not be liable to contribute if he has
ceased to be a member for the preceding one year or more before the commencement of
the winding up;
(b) a person who has been a member shall not be liable to contribute in respect
of any debt or liability of the company contracted after he ceased to be a member;
(c) no person who has been a member shall be liable to contribute unless it
appears to the Tribunal that the present members are unable to satisfy the contributions
required to be made by them in pursuance of this Act;
(d) in the case of a company limited by shares, no contribution shall be required
from any person, who is or has been a member exceeding the amount, if any, unpaid on
the shares in respect of which he is liable as such member;
(e) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution shall be
required from any person, who is or has been a member exceeding the amount undertaken
to be contributed by him to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound
up but if the company has a share capital, such member shall be liable to contribute to
the extent of any sum unpaid on any shares held by him as if the company were a
company limited by shares.
286. In the case of a limited company, any person who is or has been a director or
manager, whose liability is unlimited under the provisions of this Act, shall, in addition to his
liability, if any, to contribute as an ordinary member, be liable to make a further contribution
as if he were at the commencement of winding up, a member of an unlimited company:
Provided that —
(a) a person who has been a director or manager shall not be liable to make such
further contribution, if he has ceased to hold office for a year or upwards before the
commencement of the winding up;
Obligations
of directors
and
managers.
Promoters,
directors,
etc., to
cooperate
with
Company
Liquidator.
Settlement of
list of
contributories
and
application of
assets.
174 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) a person who has been a director or manager shall not be liable to make such
further contribution in respect of any debt or liability of the company contracted after
he ceased to hold office;
(c) subject to the articles of the company, a director or manager shall not be liable
to make such further contribution unless the Tribunal deems it necessary to require
the contribution in order to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and the
costs, charges and expenses of the winding up.
287. (1) The Tribunal may, while passing an order of winding up of a company, direct
that there shall be, an advisory committee to advise the Company Liquidator and to report to
the Tribunal on such matters as the Tribunal may direct.
(2) The advisory committee appointed by the Tribunal shall consist of not more than
twelve members, being creditors and contributories of the company or such other persons in
such proportion as the Tribunal may, keeping in view the circumstances of the company
under liquidation, direct.
(3) The Company Liquidator shall convene a meeting of creditors and contributories,
as ascertained from the books and documents, of the company within thirty days from the
date of order of winding up for enabling the Tribunal to determine the persons who may be
members of the advisory committee.
(4) The advisory committee shall have the right to inspect the books of account and
other documents, assets and properties of the company under liquidation at a reasonable
time.
(5) The provisions relating to the convening of the meetings, the procedure to be
followed thereat and other matters relating to conduct of business by the advisory committee
shall be such as may be prescribed.
(6) The meeting of advisory committee shall be chaired by the Company Liquidator.
288. (1) The Company Liquidator shall make periodical reports to the Tribunal and in
any case make a report at the end of each quarter with respect to the progress of the winding
up of the company in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The Tribunal may, on an application by the Company Liquidator, review the orders
made by it and make such modifications as it thinks fit.
289. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after making a winding up order, on an application
of promoter, shareholders or creditors or any other interested person, if satisfied, make an
order that it is just and fair that an opportunity to revive and rehabilitate the company be
provided staying the proceedings for such time but not exceeding one hundred and eighty
days and on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit:
Provided that an order under this sub-section shall be made by the Tribunal only when
the application is accompanied with a scheme for rehabilitation.
(2) The Tribunal may, while passing the order under sub-section (1), require the applicant
to furnish such security as to costs as it considers fit.
(3) Where an order under sub-section (1) is passed by the Tribunal, the provisions of
Chapter XIX shall be followed in respect of the consideration and sanction of the scheme of
revival of the company.
(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Tribunal may at any
time after making a winding up order, on an application of the Company Liquidator, make
an order staying the winding up proceedings or any part thereof, for such time and on such
terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
(5) The Tribunal may, before making an order, under this section, require the Company
Liquidator to furnish to it a report with respect to any facts or matters which are in his opinion
relevant to the application.
Submission of
periodical
reports to
Tribunal.
Power of
Tribunal on
application
for stay of
winding up.
Advisory
committee.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 175
(6) A copy of every order made under this section shall forthwith be forwarded by the
Company Liquidator to the Registrar who shall make an endorsement of the order in his
books and records relating to the company.
290. (1) Subject to directions by the Tribunal, if any, in this regard, the Company
Liquidator, in a winding up of a company by the Tribunal, shall have the power—
(a) to carry on the business of the company so far as may be necessary for the
beneficial winding up of the company;
(b) to do all acts and to execute, in the name and on behalf of the company, all
deeds, receipts and other documents, and for that purpose, to use, when necessary,
the company’s seal;
(c) to sell the immovable and movable property and actionable claims of the
company by public auction or private contract, with power to transfer such property to
any person or body corporate, or to sell the same in parcels;
(d) to sell the whole of the undertaking of the company as a going concern;
(e) to raise any money required on the security of the assets of the company;
(f) to institute or defend any suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding, civil or
criminal, in the name and on behalf of the company;
(g) to invite and settle claim of creditors, employees or any other claimant and
distribute sale proceeds in accordance with priorities established under this Act;
(h) to inspect the records and returns of the company on the files of the Registrar
or any other authority;
(i) to prove rank and claim in the insolvency of any contributory for any
balance against his estate, and to receive dividends in the insolvency, in respect of
that balance, as a separate debt due from the insolvent, and rateably with the other
separate creditors;
(j) to draw, accept, make and endorse any negotiable instruments including
cheque, bill of exchange, hundi or promissory note in the name and on behalf of the
company, with the same effect with respect to the liability of the company as if such
instruments had been drawn, accepted, made or endorsed by or on behalf of the
company in the course of its business;
(k) to take out, in his official name, letters of administration to any deceased
contributory, and to do in his official name any other act necessary for obtaining
payment of any money due from a contributory or his estate which cannot be
conveniently done in the name of the company, and in all such cases, the money due
shall, for the purpose of enabling the Company Liquidator to take out the letters of
administration or recover the money, be deemed to be due to the Company Liquidator
himself;
(l) to obtain any professional assistance from any person or appoint any
professional, in discharge of his duties, obligations and responsibilities and for
protection of the assets of the company, appoint an agent to do any business which
the Company Liquidator is unable to do himself;
(m) to take all such actions, steps, or to sign, execute and verify any paper,
deed, document, application, petition, affidavit, bond or instrument as may be
necessary,—
(i) for winding up of the company;
(ii) for distribution of assets;
Powers and
duties of
Company
Liquidator.
176 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(iii) in discharge of his duties and obligations and functions as Company
Liquidator; and
(n) to apply to the Tribunal for such orders or directions as may be necessary for
the winding up of the company.
(2) The exercise of powers by the Company Liquidator under sub-section (1) shall be
subject to the overall control of the Tribunal.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (1), the Company Liquidator shall
perform such other duties as the Tribunal may specify in this behalf.
291. (1) The Company Liquidator may, with the sanction of the Tribunal, appoint one
or more chartered accountants or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal
practitioners or such other professionals on such terms and conditions, as may be necessary,
to assist him in the performance of his duties and functions under this Act.
(2) Any person appointed under this section shall disclose forthwith to the Tribunal in
the prescribed form any conflict of interest or lack of independence in respect of his
appointment.
292. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Company Liquidator shall, in the
administration of the assets of the company and the distribution thereof among its creditors,
have regard to any directions which may be given by the resolution of the creditors or
contributories at any general meeting or by the advisory committee.
(2) Any directions given by the creditors or contributories at any general meeting
shall, in case of conflict, be deemed to override any directions given by the advisory
committee.
(3) The Company Liquidator—
(a) may summon meetings of the creditors or contributories, whenever he thinks
fit, for the purpose of ascertaining their wishes; and
(b) shall summon such meetings at such times, as the creditors or contributories,
as the case may be, may, by resolution, direct, or whenever requested in writing to do
so by not less than one-tenth in value of the creditors or contributories, as the case
may be.
(4) Any person aggrieved by any act or decision of the Company Liquidator may apply
to the Tribunal, and the Tribunal may confirm, reverse or modify the act or decision complained
of and make such further order as it thinks just and proper in the circumstances.
293. (1) The Company Liquidator shall keep proper books in such manner, as may be
prescribed, in which he shall cause entries or minutes to be made of proceedings at meetings
and of such other matters as may be prescribed.
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, subject to the control of the Tribunal, inspect
any such books, personally or through his agent.
294. (1) The Company Liquidator shall maintain proper and regular books of account
including accounts of receipts and payments made by him in such form and manner as may
be prescribed.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall, at such times as may be prescribed but not less than
twice in each year during his tenure of office, present to the Tribunal an account of the
receipts and payments as such liquidator in the prescribed form in duplicate, which shall be
verified by a declaration in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3) The Tribunal shall cause the accounts to be audited in such manner as it thinks fit,
and for the purpose of the audit, the Company Liquidator shall furnish to the Tribunal with
such vouchers and information as the Tribunal may require, and the Tribunal may, at any
Exercise and
control of
Company
Liquidator's
powers.
Books to be
kept by
Company
Liquidator.
Audit of
Company
Liquidator's
accounts.
Provision for
professional
assistance to
Company
Liquidator.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 177
time, require the production of, and inspect, any books of account kept by the Company
Liquidator.
(4) When the accounts of the company have been audited, one copy thereof shall be
filed by the Company Liquidator with the Tribunal, and the other copy shall be delivered to
the Registrar which shall be open to inspection by any creditor, contributory or person
interested.
(5) Where an account referred to in sub-section (4) relates to a Government company,
the Company Liquidator shall forward a copy thereof—
(a) to the Central Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(b) to any State Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(c) to the Central Government and any State Government, if both the Governments
are members of the Government company.
(6) The Company Liquidator shall cause the accounts when audited, or a summary
thereof, to be printed, and shall send a printed copy of the accounts or summary thereof by
post to every creditor and every contributory:
Provided that the Tribunal may dispense with the compliance of the provisions of this
sub-section in any case it deems fit.
295. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after passing of a winding up order, pass an
order requiring any contributory for the time being on the list of contributories to pay, in the
manner directed by the order, any money due to the company, from him or from the estate of
the person whom he represents, exclusive of any money payable by him or the estate by
virtue of any call in pursuance of this Act.
(2) The Tribunal, in making an order, under sub-section (1), may,—
(a) in the case of an unlimited company, allow to the contributory, by way of setoff,
any money due to him or to the estate which he represents, from the company, on
any independent dealing or contract with the company, but not any money due to him
as a member of the company in respect of any dividend or profit; and
(b) in the case of a limited company, allow to any director or manager whose
liability is unlimited, or to his estate, such set-off.
(3) In the case of any company, whether limited or unlimited, when all the creditors
have been paid in full, any money due on any account whatever to a contributory from the
company may be allowed to him by way of set-off against any subsequent call.
296. The Tribunal may, at any time after the passing of a winding up order, and either
before or after it has ascertained the sufficiency of the assets of the company,—
(a) make calls on all or any of the contributories for the time being on the list of
the contributories, to the extent of their liability, for payment of any money which the
Tribunal considers necessary to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and
the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of
the contributories among themselves; and
(b) make an order for payment of any calls so made.
297. The Tribunal shall adjust the rights of the contributories among themselves and
distribute any surplus among the persons entitled thereto.
298. The Tribunal may, in the event of the assets of a company being insufficient to
satisfy its liabilities, make an order for the payment out of the assets, of the costs, charges
Payment of
debts by
contributory
and extent of
set-off.
Adjustment
of rights of
contributories.
Power of
Tribunal to
make calls.
Power to
order costs.
178 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
and expenses incurred in the winding up, in such order of priority inter se as the Tribunal
thinks just and proper.
299. (1) The Tribunal may, at any time after the appointment of a provisional liquidator
or the passing of a winding up order, summon before it any officer of the company or person
known or suspected to have in his possession any property or books or papers, of the
company, or known or suspected to be indebted to the company, or any person whom the
Tribunal thinks to be capable of giving information concerning the promotion, formation,
trade, dealings, property, books or papers, or affairs of the company.
(2) The Tribunal may examine any officer or person so summoned on oath concerning
the matters aforesaid, either by word of mouth or on written interrogatories or on affidavit
and may, in the first case, reduce his answers to writing and require him to sign them.
(3) The Tribunal may require any officer or person so summoned to produce any
books and papers relating to the company in his custody or power, but, where he claims any
lien on books or papers produced by him, the production shall be without prejudice to such
lien, and the Tribunal shall have power to determine all questions relating to that lien.
(4) The Tribunal may direct the liquidator to file before it a report in respect of debt or
property of the company in possession of other persons.
(5) If the Tribunal finds that—
(a) a person is indebted to the company, the Tribunal may order him to pay to the
provisional liquidator or, as the case may be, the liquidator at such time and in such
manner as the Tribunal may consider just, the amount in which he is indebted, or any
part thereof, either in full discharge of the whole amount or not, as the Tribunal thinks
fit, with or without costs of the examination;
(b) a person is in possession of any property belonging to the company, the
Tribunal may order him to deliver to the provisional liquidator or, as the case may be,
the liquidator, that property or any part thereof, at such time, in such manner and on
such terms as the Tribunal may consider just.
(6) If any officer or person so summoned fails to appear before the Tribunal at the time
appointed without a reasonable cause, the Tribunal may impose an appropriate cost.
(7) Every order made under sub-section (5) shall be executed in the same manner as
decrees for the payment of money or for the delivery of property under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908.
(8) Any person making any payment or delivery in pursuance of an order made under
sub-section (5) shall by such payment or delivery be, unless otherwise directed by such
order, discharged from all liability whatsoever in respect of such debt or property.
300. (1) Where an order has been made for the winding up of a company by the
Tribunal, and the Company Liquidator has made a report to the Tribunal under this Act,
stating that in his opinion a fraud has been committed by any person in the promotion,
formation, business or conduct of affairs of the company since its formation, the Tribunal
may, after considering the report, direct that such person or officer shall attend before the
Tribunal on a day appointed by it for that purpose, and be examined as to the promotion or
formation or the conduct of the business of the company or as to his conduct and dealings
as an officer thereof.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall take part in the examination, and for that purpose he
or it may, if specially authorised by the Tribunal in that behalf, employ such legal assistance
as may be sanctioned by the Tribunal.
(3) The person shall be examined on oath and shall answer all such questions as the
Tribunal may put, or allow to be put, to him.
Power to
order
examination
of promoters,
directors, etc.
5 of 1908.
Power to
summon
persons
suspected of
having
property of
company,
etc.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 179
(4) A person ordered to be examined under this section—
(a) shall, before his examination, be furnished at his own cost with a copy of the
report of the Company Liquidator; and
(b) may at his own cost employ chartered accountants or company secretaries or
cost accountants or legal practitioners entitled to appear before the Tribunal under
section 432, who shall be at liberty to put to him such questions as the Tribunal may
consider just for the purpose of enabling him to explain or qualify any answers given
by him.
(5) If any such person applies to the Tribunal to be exculpated from any charges made
or suggested against him, it shall be the duty of the Company Liquidator to appear on the
hearing of such application and call the attention of the Tribunal to any matters which appear
to the Company Liquidator to be relevant.
(6) If the Tribunal, after considering any evidence given or hearing witnesses called by
the Company Liquidator, allows the application made under sub-section (5), the Tribunal
may order payment to the applicant of such costs as it may think fit.
(7) Notes of the examination shall be taken down in writing, and shall be read over to
or by, and signed by, the person examined, a copy be supplied to him and may thereafter be
used in evidence against him, and shall be open to inspection by any creditor or contributory
at all reasonable times.
(8) The Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, adjourn the examination from time to time.
(9) An examination under this section may, if the Tribunal so directs, be held before
any person or authority authorised by the Tribunal.
(10) The powers of the Tribunal under this section as to the conduct of the examination,
but not as to costs, may be exercised by the person or authority before whom the examination
is held in pursuance of sub-section (9).
301. At any time either before or after passing a winding up order, if the Tribunal is
satisfied that a contributory or a person having property, accounts or papers of the company
in his possession is about to leave India or otherwise to abscond, or is about to remove or
conceal any of his property, for the purpose of evading payment of calls or of avoiding
examination respecting the affairs of the company, the Tribunal may cause—
(a) the contributory to be detained until such time as the Tribunal may order; and
(b) his books and papers and movable property to be seized and safely kept until such
time as the Tribunal may order.
302. (1) When the affairs of a company have been completely wound up, the Company
Liquidator shall make an application to the Tribunal for dissolution of such company.
(2) The Tribunal shall on an application filed by the Company Liquidator under
sub-section (1) or when the Tribunal is of the opinion that it is just and reasonable in the
circumstances of the case that an order for the dissolution of the company should be made,
make an order that the company be dissolved from the date of the order, and the company
shall be dissolved accordingly.
(3) A copy of the order shall, within thirty days from the date thereof, be forwarded by
the Company Liquidator to the Registrar who shall record in the register relating to the
company a minute of the dissolution of the company.
(4) If the Company Liquidator makes a default in forwarding a copy of the order within
the period specified in sub-section (3), the Company Liquidator shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which the default continues.
Arrest of
person trying
to leave India
or abscond.
Dissolution of
company by
Tribunal.
180 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
303. Nothing in this Chapter shall affect the operation or enforcement of any order
made by any Court in any proceedings for the winding up of a company immediately before
the commencement of this Act and an appeal against such order shall be filed before such
authority competent to hear such appeals before such commencement.
PART II.—Voluntary winding up
304. A company may be wound up voluntarily,—
(a) if the company in general meeting passes a resolution requiring the company
to be wound up voluntarily as a result of the expiry of the period for its duration, if any,
fixed by its articles or on the occurrence of any event in respect of which the articles
provide that the company should be dissolved; or
(b) if the company passes a special resolution that the company be wound up
voluntarily.
305. (1) Where it is proposed to wind up a company voluntarily, its director or directors,
or in case the company has more than two directors, the majority of its directors, shall, at a
meeting of the Board, make a declaration verified by an affidavit to the effect that they have
made a full inquiry into the affairs of the company and they have formed an opinion that the
company has no debt or whether it will be able to pay its debts in full from the proceeds of
assets sold in voluntary winding up.
(2) A declaration made under sub-section (1) shall have no effect for the purposes of
this Act, unless—
(a) it is made within five weeks immediately preceding the date of the passing of
the resolution for winding up the company and it is delivered to the Registrar for
registration before that date;
(b) it contains a declaration that the company is not being wound up to defraud
any person or persons;
(c) it is accompanied by a copy of the report of the auditors of the company
prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Act, on the profit and loss account
of the company for the period commencing from the date up to which the last such
account was prepared and ending with the latest practicable date immediately before
the making of the declaration and the balance sheet of the company made out as on
that date which would also contain a statement of the assets and liabilities of the
company on that date; and
(d) where there are any assets of the company, it is accompanied by a report of
the valuation of the assets of the company prepared by a registered valuer.
(3) Where the company is wound up in pursuance of a resolution passed within a
period of five weeks after the making of the declaration, but its debts are not paid or provided
for in full, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown, that the director or directors did
not have reasonable grounds for his or their opinion under sub-section (1).
(4) Any director of a company making a declaration under this section without having
reasonable grounds for the opinion that the company will be able to pay its debts in full from
the proceeds of assets sold in voluntary winding up shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to five years or with
fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
306. (1) The company shall along with the calling of meeting of the company at which
the resolution for the voluntary winding up is to be proposed, cause a meeting of its creditors
either on the same day or on the next day and shall cause a notice of such meeting to be sent
Declaration
of solvency in
case of
proposal to
wind up
voluntarily.
Meeting of
creditors.
Appeals from
orders made
before
commencement
of Act.
Circumstances
in which
company may
be wound up
voluntarily.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 181
by registered post to the creditors with the notice of the meeting of the company under
section 304.
(2) The Board of Directors of the company shall—
(a) cause to be presented a full statement of the position of the affairs of the
company together with a list of creditors of the company, if any, copy of declaration
under section 305 and the estimated amount of the claims before such meeting; and
(b) appoint one of the directors to preside at the meeting.
(3) Where two-thirds in value of creditors of the company are of the opinion that—
(a) it is in the interest of all parties that the company be wound up voluntarily,
the company shall be wound up voluntarily; or
(b) the company may not be able to pay for its debts in full from the proceeds of
assets sold in voluntary winding up and pass a resolution that it shall be in the interest
of all parties if the company is wound up by the Tribunal in accordance with the
provisions of Part I of this Chapter, the company shall within fourteen days thereafter
file an application before the Tribunal.
(4) The notice of any resolution passed at a meeting of creditors in pursuance of this
section shall be given by the company to the Registrar within ten days of the passing
thereof.
(5) If a company contravenes the provisions of this section, the company shall be
punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may
extend to two lakh rupees and the director of the company who is in default shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be
less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to two lakh rupees, or with both.
307. (1) Where a company has passed a resolution for voluntary winding up and a
resolution under sub-section (3) of section 306 is passed, it shall within fourteen days of the
passing of the resolution give notice of the resolution by advertisement in the Official
Gazette and also in a newspaper which is in circulation in the district where the registered
office or the principal office of the company is situate.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to five thousand rupees for every day during which such default continues.
308. A voluntary winding up shall be deemed to commence on the date of passing of
the resolution for voluntary winding up under section 304.
309. In the case of a voluntary winding up, the company shall from the commencement
of the winding up cease to carry on its business except as far as required for the beneficial
winding up of its business:
Provided that the corporate state and corporate powers of the company shall continue
until it is dissolved.
310. (1) The company in its general meeting, where a resolution of voluntary winding
up is passed, shall appoint a Company Liquidator from the panel prepared by the Central
Government for the purpose of winding up its affairs and distributing the assets of the
company and recommend the fee to be paid to the Company Liquidator.
(2) Where the creditors have passed a resolution for winding up the company under
sub-section (3) of section 306, the appointment of the Company Liquidator under this section
shall be effective only after it is approved by the majority of creditors in value of the company:
Provided that where such creditors do not approve the appointment of such Company
Liquidator, creditors shall appoint another Company Liquidator.
Publication
of resolution
to wind up
voluntarily.
Commencement
of voluntary
winding up.
Appointment
of Company
Liquidator.
Effect of
voluntary
winding up.
182 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The creditors while approving the appointment of Company Liquidator appointed
by the company or appointing the Company Liquidator of their own choice, as the case may
be, pass suitable resolution with regard to the fee of the Company Liquidator.
(4) On appointment as Company Liquidator, such liquidator shall file a declaration in
the prescribed form within seven days of the date of appointment disclosing conflict of
interest or lack of independence in respect of his appointment, if any, with the company and
the creditors and such obligation shall continue throughout the term of his or its appointment.
311. (1) A Company Liquidator appointed under section 310 may be removed by the
company where his appointment has been made by the company and, by the creditors,
where the appointment is approved or made by such creditors.
(2) Where a Company Liquidator is sought to be removed under this section, he shall
be given a notice in writing stating the grounds of removal from his office by the company or
the creditors, as the case may be.
(3) Where three-fourth members of the company or three-fourth of creditors in value,
as the case may be, after consideration of the reply, if any, filed by the Company Liquidator,
in their meeting decide to remove the Company Liquidator, he shall vacate his office.
(4) If a vacancy occurs by death, resignation, removal or otherwise in the office of any
Company Liquidator appointed under section 310, the company or the creditors, as the case
may be, fill the vacancy in the manner specified in that section.
312. (1) The company shall give notice to the Registrar of the appointment of a
Company Liquidator along with the name and particulars of the Company Liquidator, of
every vacancy occurring in the office of Company Liquidator, and of the name of the Company
Liquidator appointed to fill every such vacancy within ten days of such appointment or the
occurrence of such vacancy.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to five hundred rupees for every day during which such default continues.
313. On the appointment of a Company Liquidator, all the powers of the Board of
Directors and of the managing or whole-time directors and manager, if any, shall cease,
except for the purpose of giving notice of such appointment of the Company Liquidator to
the Registrar.
314. (1) The Company Liquidator shall perform such functions and discharge such
duties as may be determined from time to time by the company or the creditors, as the case
may be.
(2) The Company Liquidator shall settle the list of contributories, which shall be
prima facie evidence of the liability of the persons named therein to be contributories.
(3) The Company Liquidator shall call general meetings of the company for the purpose
of obtaining the sanction of the company by ordinary or special resolution, as the case may
require, or for any other purpose he may consider necessary.
(4) The Company Liquidator shall maintain regular and proper books of account in
such form and in such manner as may be prescribed and the members and creditors and any
officer authorised by the Central Government may inspect such books of account.
(5) The Company Liquidator shall prepare quarterly statement of accounts in such
form and manner as may be prescribed and file such statement of accounts duly audited
within thirty days from the close of each quarter with the Registrar, failing which the Company
Liquidator shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every
day during which the failure continues.
Power to
remove and
fill vacancy
of Company
Liquidator.
Notice of
appointment
of Company
Liquidator to
be given to
Registrar.
Cesser of
Board's
powers on
appointment
of Company
Liquidator.
Powers and
duties of
Company
Liquidator in
voluntary
winding up.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 183
(6) The Company Liquidator shall pay the debts of the company and shall adjust the
rights of the contributories among themselves.
(7) The Company Liquidator shall observe due care and diligence in the discharge of
his duties.
(8) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of this section except
sub-section (5) he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
315. Where there are no creditors of a company, such company in its general meeting
and, where a meeting of creditors is held under section 306, such creditors, as the case may
be, may appoint such committees as considered appropriate to supervise the voluntary
liquidation and assist the Company Liquidator in discharging his or its functions.
316. (1) The Company Liquidator shall report quarterly on the progress of winding up
of the company in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed to the members and
creditors and shall also call a meeting of the members and the creditors as and when necessary
but at least one meeting each of creditors and members in every quarter and apprise them of
the progress of the winding up of the company in such form and in such manner as may be
prescribed.
(2) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of sub-section (1), he
shall be punishable, in respect of each such failure, with fine which may extend to ten lakh
rupees.
317. (1) Where the Company Liquidator is of the opinion that a fraud has been committed
by any person in respect of the company, he shall immediately make a report to the Tribunal
and the Tribunal shall, without prejudice to the process of winding up, order for investigation
under section 210 and on consideration of the report of such investigation, the Tribunal may
pass such order and give such directions under this Chapter as it may consider necessary
including the direction that such person shall attend before the Tribunal on a day appointed
by it for that purpose and be examined as to the promotion or formation or the conduct of the
business of the company or as to his conduct and dealings as officer thereof or otherwise.
(2) The provisions of section 300 shall mutatis mutandis apply in relation to any
examination directed under sub-section (1).
318. (1) As soon as the affairs of a company are fully wound up, the Company
Liquidator shall prepare a report of the winding up showing that the property and assets of
the company have been disposed of and its debt fully discharged or discharged to the
satisfaction of the creditors and thereafter call a general meeting of the company for the
purpose of laying the final winding up accounts before it and giving any explanation therefor.
(2) The meeting referred to in sub-section (1) shall be called by the Company Liquidator
in such form and manner as may be prescribed.
(3) If the majority of the members of the company after considering the report of the
Company Liquidator are satisfied that the company shall be wound up, they may pass a
resolution for its dissolution.
(4) Within two weeks after the meeting, the Company Liquidator shall—
(a) send to the Registrar—
(i) a copy of the final winding up accounts of the company and shall make
a return in respect of each meeting and of the date thereof; and
(ii) copies of the resolutions passed in the meetings; and
(b) file an application along with his report under sub-section (1) in such manner
as may be prescribed along with the books and papers of the company relating to the
winding up, before the Tribunal for passing an order of dissolution of the company.
Appointment
of
committees.
Company
Liquidator to
submit report
on progress
of winding
up.
Report of
Company
Liquidator to
Tribunal for
examination
of persons.
Final meeting
and
dissolution of
company.
184 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(5) If the Tribunal is satisfied, after considering the report of the Company
Liquidator that the process of winding up has been just and fair, the Tribunal shall pass an
order dissolving the company within sixty days of the receipt of the application under
sub-section (4).
(6) The Company Liquidator shall file a copy of the order under sub-section (5) with
the Registrar within thirty days.
(7) The Registrar, on receiving the copy of the order passed by the Tribunal under subsection
(5), shall forthwith publish a notice in the Official Gazette that the company is
dissolved.
(8) If the Company Liquidator fails to comply with the provisions of this section, he
shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
319. (1) Where a company (the transferor company) is proposed to be, or is in the
course of being, wound up voluntarily and the whole or any part of its business or property
is proposed to be transferred or sold to another company (the transferee company), the
Company Liquidator of the transferor company may, with the sanction of a special resolution
of the company conferring on him either a general authority or an authority in respect of any
particular arrangement,—
(a) receive, by way of compensation wholly or in part for the transfer or sale of
shares, policies, or other like interest in the transferee company, for distribution among
the members of the transferor company; or
(b) enter into any other arrangement whereby the members of the transferor
company may, in lieu of receiving cash, shares, policies or other like interest or in
addition thereto, participate in the profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the
transferee company:
Provided that no such arrangement shall be entered into without the consent of the
secured creditors.
(2) Any transfer, sale or other arrangement in pursuance of this section shall be binding
on the members of the transferor company.
(3) Any member of the transferor company who did not vote in favour of the special
resolution and expresses his dissent therefrom in writing addressed to the Company Liquidator,
and left at the registered office of the company within seven days after the passing of the
resolution, may require the liquidator either—
(a) to abstain from carrying the resolution into effect; or
(b) to purchase his interest at a price to be determined by agreement or the
registered valuer.
(4) If the Company Liquidator elects to purchase the member’s interest, the purchase
money, raised by him in such manner as may be determined by a special resolution, shall be
paid before the company is dissolved.
320. Subject to the provisions of this Act as to overriding preferential payments under
section 326, the assets of a company shall, on its winding up, be applied in satisfaction of its
liabilities pari passu and, subject to such application, shall, unless the articles otherwise
provide, be distributed among the members according to their rights and interests in the
company.
321. (1) Any arrangement other than the arrangement referred to in section 319 entered
into between the company which is about to be, or is in the course of being wound up and its
creditors shall be binding on the company and on the creditors if it is sanctioned by a special
resolution of the company and acceded to by the creditors who hold three-fourths in value
of the total amount due to all the creditors of the company.
Power of
Company
Liquidator to
accept shares,
etc., as
consideration
for sale of
property of
company.
Distribution
of property
of company.
Arrangement
when binding
on company
and creditors.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 185
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, within three weeks from the completion of the
arrangement, apply to the Tribunal and the Tribunal may thereupon amend, vary, confirm or
set aside the arrangement.
322. (1) The Company Liquidator or any contributory or creditor may apply to the
Tribunal—
(a) to determine any question arising in the course of the winding up of a
company; or
(b) to exercise as respects the enforcing of calls, the staying of proceedings or
any other matter, all or any of the powers which the Tribunal might exercise if the
company were being wound up by the Tribunal.
(2) The Company Liquidator or any creditor or contributory may apply to the Tribunal
for an order setting aside any attachment, distress or execution put into force against the
estate or effects of the company after the commencement of the winding up.
(3) The Tribunal, if satisfied on an application under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
that the determination of the question or the required exercise of power or the order applied
for will be just and fair, may allow the application on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit
or may make such other order on the application as it thinks fit.
(4) A copy of an order staying the proceedings in the winding up, made under this
section, shall forthwith be forwarded by the company, or otherwise as may be prescribed, to
the Registrar, who shall make a minute of the order in his books relating to the company.
323. All costs, charges and expenses properly incurred in the winding up, including
the fee of the Company Liquidator, shall, subject to the rights of secured creditors, if any, be
payable out of the assets of the company in priority to all other claims.
PART III.—Provisions applicable to every mode of winding up
324. In every winding up (subject, in the case of insolvent companies, to the application
in accordance with the provisions of this Act or of the law of insolvency), all debts payable
on a contingency, and all claims against the company, present or future, certain or contingent,
ascertained or sounding only in damages, shall be admissible to proof against the company,
a just estimate being made, so far as possible, of the value of such debts or claims as may be
subject to any contingency, or may sound only in damages, or for some other reason may not
bear a certain value.
325. (1) In the winding up of an insolvent company, the same rules shall prevail and be
observed with regard to—
(a) debts provable;
(b) the valuation of annuities and future and contingent liabilities; and
(c) the respective rights of secured and unsecured creditors,
as are in force for the time being under the law of insolvency with respect to the estates of
persons adjudged insolvent:
Provided that the security of every secured creditor shall be deemed to be subject to a
pari passu charge in favour of the workmen to the extent of the workmen’s portion therein,
and, where a secured creditor, instead of relinquishing his security and proving his debts,
opts to realise his security,—
(i) the liquidator shall be entitled to represent the workmen and enforce such
charge;
(ii) any amount realised by the liquidator by way of enforcement of such charge
shall be applied rateably for the discharge of workmen’s dues; and
(iii) so much of the debts due to such secured creditor as could not be realised
by him or the amount of the workmen’s portion in his security, whichever is less, shall
rank pari passu with the workmen’s dues for the purposes of section 326.
Power to
apply to
Tribunal to
have
questions
determined,
etc.
Costs of
voluntary
winding up.
Debts of all
descriptions to
be admitted
to proof.
Application
of insolvency
rules in
winding up of
insolvent
companies.
186 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) All persons under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to prove and receive dividends
out of the assets of the company under winding up, and make such claims against the
company as they respectively are entitled to make by virtue of this section:
Provided that if a secured creditor, instead of relinquishing his security and proving
his debts, proceeds to realise his security, he shall be liable to pay his portion of the expenses
incurred by the liquidator, including a provisional liquidator, if any, for the preservation of
the security before its realisation by the secured creditor.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the portion of expenses incurred
by the liquidator for the preservation of a security which the secured creditor shall be liable
to pay shall be the whole of the expenses less an amount which bears to such expenses the
same proportion as the workmen’s portion in relation to the security bears to the value of the
security.
(3) For the purposes of this section, section 326 and section 327,—
(a) “workmen’’, in relation to a company, means the employees of the company,
being workmen within the meaning of clause (s) of section 2 of the Industrial Disputes
Act, 1947;
(b) “workmen’s dues’’, in relation to a company, means the aggregate of the
following sums due from the company to its workmen, namely:—
(i) all wages or salary including wages payable for time or piece work and
salary earned wholly or in part by way of commission of any workman in respect
of services rendered to the company and any compensation payable to any
workman under any of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947;
(ii) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any workman
or, in the case of his death, to any other person in his right on the termination of
his employment before or by the effect of the winding up order or resolution;
(iii) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely for the
purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation with another company or unless
the company has, at the commencement of the winding up, under such a contract
with insurers as is mentioned in section 14 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act,
1923, rights capable of being transferred to and vested in the workmen, all amount
due in respect of any compensation or liability for compensation under the said
Act in respect of the death or disablement of any workman of the company;
(iv) all sums due to any workman from the provident fund, the pension
fund, the gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the workmen,
maintained by the company;
(c) “workmen’s portion’’, in relation to the security of any secured creditor of a
company, means the amount which bears to the value of the security the same proportion
as the amount of the workmen’s dues bears to the aggregate of the amount of workmen’s
dues and the amount of the debts due to the secured creditors.
Illustration
The value of the security of a secured creditor of a company is Rs. 1,00,000. The total
amount of the workmen’s dues is Rs. 1,00,000. The amount of the debts due from the company
to its secured creditors is Rs. 3,00,000. The aggregate of the amount of workmen’s dues and
the amount of debts due to secured creditors is Rs. 4,00,000. The workmen’s portion of the
security is, therefore, one-fourth of the value of the security, that is Rs. 25,000.
326. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time
being in force, in the winding up of a company,—
(a) workmen’s dues; and
(b) debts due to secured creditors to the extent such debts rank under clause
(iii) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 325 pari passu with such dues,
shall be paid in priority to all other debts:
Overriding
preferential
payments.
14 of 1947.
14 of 1947.
8 of 1923.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 187
Provided that in case of the winding up of a company, the sums towards wages or
salary referred to in sub-clause (i) of clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 325, which are
payable for a period of two years preceding the winding up order or such other period as
may be prescribed, shall be paid in priority to all other debts (including debts due to secured
creditors), within a period of thirty days of sale of assets and shall be subject to such charge
over the security of secured creditors as may be prescribed.
(2) The debts payable under the proviso to sub-section (1) shall be paid in full before
any payment is made to secured creditors and thereafter debts payable under that
sub-section shall be paid in full, unless the assets are insufficient to meet them, in which case
they shall abate in equal proportions.
327. (1) In a winding up, subject to the provisions of section 326, there shall be paid in
priority to all other debts,—
(a) all revenues, taxes, cesses and rates due from the company to the Central
Government or a State Government or to a local authority at the relevant date, and having
become due and payable within the twelve months immediately before that date;
(b) all wages or salary including wages payable for time or piece work and salary
earned wholly or in part by way of commission of any employee in respect of services
rendered to the company and due for a period not exceeding four months within the
twelve months immediately before the relevant date, subject to the condition that the
amount payable under this clause to any workman shall not exceed such amount as
may be notified;
(c) all accrued holiday remuneration becoming payable to any employee, or in
the case of his death, to any other person claiming under him, on the termination of his
employment before, or by the winding up order, or, as the case may be, the dissolution
of the company;
(d) unless the company is being wound up voluntarily merely for the purposes
of reconstruction or amalgamation with another company, all amount due in respect of
contributions payable during the period of twelve months immediately before the
relevant date by the company as the employer of persons under the Employees’ State
Insurance Act, 1948 or any other law for the time being in force;
(e) unless the company has, at the commencement of winding up, under such a
contract with any insurer as is mentioned in section 14 of the Workmen’s Compensation
Act, 1923, rights capable of being transferred to and vested in the workmen, all amount
due in respect of any compensation or liability for compensation under the said Act in
respect of the death or disablement of any employee of the company:
Provided that where any compensation under the said Act is a weekly payment,
the amount payable under this clause shall be taken to be the amount of the lump sum
for which such weekly payment could, if redeemable, be redeemed, if the employer has
made an application under that Act;
(f) all sums due to any employee from the provident fund, the pension fund, the
gratuity fund or any other fund for the welfare of the employees, maintained by the
company; and
(g) the expenses of any investigation held in pursuance of sections 213 and 216,
in so far as they are payable by the company.
(2) Where any payment has been made to any employee of a company on account of
wages or salary or accrued holiday remuneration, himself or, in the case of his death, to any
other person claiming through him, out of money advanced by some person for that purpose,
the person by whom the money was advanced shall, in a winding up, have a right of priority
in respect of the money so advanced and paid-up to the amount by which the sum in respect
of which the employee or other person in his right would have been entitled to priority in the
winding up has been reduced by reason of the payment having been made.
Preferential
payments.
34 of 1948.
8 of 1923.
188 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The debts enumerated in this section shall—
(a) rank equally among themselves and be paid in full, unless the assets are
insufficient to meet them, in which case they shall abate in equal proportions; and
(b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment to general creditors
are insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims of holders of debentures
under any floating charge created by the company, and be paid accordingly out of any
property comprised in or subject to that charge.
(4) Subject to the retention of such sums as may be necessary for the costs and
expenses of the winding up, the debts under this section shall be discharged forthwith so far
as the assets are sufficient to meet them, and in the case of the debts to which priority is
given under clause (d) of sub-section (1), formal proof thereof shall not be required except in
so far as may be otherwise prescribed.
(5) In the event of a landlord or other person distraining or having distrained on any
goods or effects of the company within three months immediately before the date of a
winding up order, the debts to which priority is given under this section shall be a first charge
on the goods or effects so distrained on or the proceeds of the sale thereof:
Provided that, in respect of any money paid under any such charge, the landlord or
other person shall have the same rights of priority as the person to whom the payment is made.
(6) Any remuneration in respect of a period of holiday or of absence from work on
medical grounds through sickness or other good cause shall be deemed to be wages in
respect of services rendered to the company during that period.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “accrued holiday remuneration” includes, in relation to any
person, all sums which, by virtue either of his contract of employment or of any
enactment including any order made or direction given thereunder, are payable on
account of the remuneration which would, in the ordinary course, have become payable
to him in respect of a period of holiday, had his employment with the company continued
until he became entitled to be allowed the holiday;
(b) the expression “employee” does not include a workman; and
(c) the expression “relevant date” means—
(i) in the case of a company being wound up by the Tribunal, the date of
appointment or first appointment of a provisional liquidator, or if no such
appointment was made, the date of the winding up order, unless, in either case,
the company had commenced to be wound up voluntarily before that date; and
(ii) in any other case, the date of the passing of the resolution for the
voluntary winding up of the company.
328. (1) Where a company has given preference to a person who is one of the creditors
of the company or a surety or guarantor for any of the debts or other liabilities of the
company, and the company does anything or suffers anything done which has the effect of
putting that person into a position which, in the event of the company going into liquidation,
will be better than the position he would have been in if that thing had not been done prior
to six months of making winding up application, the Tribunal, if satisfied that, such transaction
is a fraudulent preference may order as it may think fit for restoring the position to what it
would have been if the company had not given that preference.
(2) If the Tribunal is satisfied that there is a preference transfer of property, movable or
immovable, or any delivery of goods, payment, execution made, taken or done by or against
a company within six months before making winding up application, the Tribunal may order
as it may think fit and may declare such transaction invalid and restore the position.
329. Any transfer of property, movable or immovable, or any delivery of goods, made
by a company, not being a transfer or delivery made in the ordinary course of its business or
in favour of a purchaser or encumbrance in good faith and for valuable consideration, if made
within a period of one year before the presentation of a petition for winding up by the
Fraudulent
preference.
Transfers not
in good faith
to be void.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 189
Tribunal or the passing of a resolution for voluntary winding up of the company, shall be
void against the Company Liquidator.
330. Any transfer or assignment by a company of all its properties or assets to trustees
for the benefit of all its creditors shall be void.
331. (1) Where a company is being wound up and anything made, taken or done after
the commencement of this Act is invalid under section 328 as a fraudulent preference of a
person interested in property mortgaged or charged to secure the company’s debt, then,
without prejudice to any rights or liabilities arising, apart from this provision, the person
preferred shall be subject to the same liabilities, and shall have the same rights, as if he had
undertaken to be personally liable as a surety for the debt, to the extent of the mortgage or
charge on the property or the value of his interest, whichever is less.
(2) The value of the interest of the person preferred under sub-section (1) shall be
determined as at the date of the transaction constituting the fraudulent preference, as if the
interest were free of all encumbrances other than those to which the mortgage or charge for
the debt of the company was then subject.
(3) On an application made to the Tribunal with respect to any payment on the ground
that the payment was a fraudulent preference of a surety or guarantor, the Tribunal shall
have jurisdiction to determine any questions with respect to the payment arising between
the person to whom the payment was made and the surety or guarantor and to grant relief in
respect thereof, notwithstanding that it is not necessary so to do for the purposes of the
winding up, and for that purpose, may give leave to bring in the surety or guarantor as a third
party as in the case of a suit for the recovery of the sum paid.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to
transactions other than payment of money.
332. Where a company is being wound up, a floating charge on the undertaking or
property of the company created within the twelve months immediately preceding the
commencement of the winding up, shall, unless it is proved that the company immediately
after the creation of the charge was solvent, be invalid, except for the amount of any cash
paid to the company at the time of, or subsequent to the creation of, and in consideration for,
the charge, together with interest on that amount at the rate of five per cent. per annum or
such other rate as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf.
333. (1) Where any part of the property of a company which is being wound up
consists of—
(a) land of any tenure, burdened with onerous covenants;
(b) shares or stocks in companies;
(c) any other property which is not saleable or is not readily saleable by reason
of the possessor thereof being bound either to the performance of any onerous act or
to the payment of any sum of money; or
(d) unprofitable contracts,
the Company Liquidator may, notwithstanding that he has endeavoured to sell or has taken
possession of the property or exercised any act of ownership in relation thereto or done
anything in pursuance of the contract, with the leave of the Tribunal and subject to the
provisions of this section, by writing signed by him, at any time within twelve months after
the commencement of the winding up or such extended period as may be allowed by the
Tribunal, disclaim the property:
Provided that where the Company Liquidator had not become aware of the existence of
any such property within one month from the commencement of the winding up, the power
Certain
transfers to
be void.
Effect of
floating
charge.
Disclaimer of
onerous
property.
Liabilities
and rights of
certain
persons
fraudulently
preferred.
190 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
of disclaiming the property may be exercised at any time within twelve months after he has
become aware thereof or such extended period as may be allowed by the Tribunal.
(2) The disclaimer shall operate to determine, as from the date of disclaimer, the rights,
interest and liabilities of the company in or in respect of the property disclaimed, but shall
not, except so far as is necessary for the purpose of releasing the company and the property
of the company from liability, affect the rights, interest or liabilities of any other person.
(3) The Tribunal, before or on granting leave to disclaim, may require such notices to
be given to persons interested, and impose such terms as a condition of granting leave, and
make such other order in the matter as the Tribunal considers just and proper.
(4) The Company Liquidator shall not be entitled to disclaim any property in any case
where an application in writing has been made to him by any person interested in the
property requiring him to decide whether he will or will not disclaim and the Company
Liquidator has not, within a period of twenty-eight days after the receipt of the application or
such extended period as may be allowed by the Tribunal, give notice to the applicant that he
intends to apply to the Tribunal for leave to disclaim, and in case the property is under a
contract, if the Company Liquidator after such an application as aforesaid does not within
the said period or extended period disclaim the contract, he shall be deemed to have adopted it.
(5) The Tribunal may, on the application of any person who is, as against the Company
Liquidator, entitled to the benefit or subject to the burden of a contract made with the
company, make an order rescinding the contract on such terms as to payment by or to either
party of damages for the non-performance of the contract, or otherwise as the Tribunal
considers just and proper, and any damages payable under the order to any such person may
be proved by him as a debt in the winding up.
(6) The Tribunal may, on an application by any person who either claims any interest
in any disclaimed property or is under any liability not discharged under this Act in respect
of any disclaimed property, and after hearing any such persons as it thinks fit, make an order
for the vesting of the property in, or the delivery of the property to, any person entitled
thereto or to whom it may seem just that the property should be delivered by way of
compensation for such liability as aforesaid, or a trustee for him, and on such terms as the
Tribunal considers just and proper, and on any such vesting order being made, the property
comprised therein shall vest accordingly in the person named therein in that behalf without
any conveyance or assignment for the purpose:
Provided that where the property disclaimed is of a leasehold nature, the Tribunal shall
not make a vesting order in favour of any person claiming under the company, whether as
under-lessee or as mortgagee or holder of a charge by way of demise, except upon the terms
of making that person—
(a) subject to the same liabilities and obligations as those to which the company
was subject under the lease in respect of the property at the commencement of the
winding up; or
(b) if the Tribunal thinks fit, subject only to the same liabilities and obligations as
if the lease had been assigned to that person at that date,
and in either event as if the lease had comprised only the property comprised in the vesting
order, and any mortgagee or under-lessee declining to accept a vesting order upon such
terms shall be excluded from all interest in, and security upon the property, and, if there is no
person claiming under the company who is willing to accept an order upon such terms, the
Tribunal shall have power to vest the estate and interest of the company in the property in
any person liable, either personally or in a representative character, and either alone or jointly
with the company, to perform the covenants of the lessee in the lease, free and discharged
from all estates, encumbrances and interests created therein by the company.
(7) Any person affected by the operation of a disclaimer under this section shall be
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 191
deemed to be a creditor of the company to the amount of the compensation or damages
payable in respect of such effect, and may accordingly prove the amount as a debt in the
winding up.
334. (1) In the case of a voluntary winding up, any transfer of shares in the company,
not being a transfer made to or with the sanction of the Company Liquidator, and any
alteration in the status of the members of the company, made after the commencement of the
winding up, shall be void.
(2) In the case of a winding up by the Tribunal, any disposition of the property,
including actionable claims, of the company, and any transfer of shares in the company or
alteration in the status of its members, made after the commencement of the winding up,
shall, unless the Tribunal otherwise orders, be void.
335. (1) Where any company is being wound up by the Tribunal,—
(a) any attachment, distress or execution put in force, without leave of the
Tribunal against the estate or effects of the company, after the commencement of the
winding up; or
(b) any sale held, without leave of the Tribunal of any of the properties or effects
of the company, after such commencement,
shall be void.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any proceedings for the recovery of any tax
or impost or any dues payable to the Government.
336. (1) If any person, who is or has been an officer of a company which, at the time of
the commission of the alleged offence, is being wound up, whether by the Tribunal or
voluntarily, or which is subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or which
subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up,—
(a) does not, to the best of his knowledge and belief, fully and truly disclose to
the Company Liquidator all the property, movable and immovable, of the company, and
how and to whom and for what consideration and when the company disposed of any
part thereof, except such part as has been disposed of in the ordinary course of the
business of the company;
(b) does not deliver up to the Company Liquidator, or as he directs, all such part
of the movable and immovable property of the company as is in his custody or under
his control and which he is required by law to deliver up;
(c) does not deliver up to the Company Liquidator, or as he directs, all such
books and papers of the company as are in his custody or under his control and which
he is required by law to deliver up;
(d) within the twelve months immediately before the commencement of the
winding up or at any time thereafter,—
(i) conceals any part of the property of the company to the value of one
thousand rupees or more, or conceals any debt due to or from the company;
(ii) fraudulently removes any part of the property of the company to the
value of one thousand rupees or more;
(iii) conceals, destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or is privy to the concealment,
destruction, mutilation or falsification of, any book or paper affecting or relating
to, the property or affairs of the company;
(iv) makes, or is privy to the making of, any false entry in any book or
paper affecting or relating to, the property or affairs of the company;
Transfers,
etc., after
commencement
of winding up
to be void.
Certain
attachments,
executions,
etc., in
winding up by
Tribunal to be
void.
Offences by
officers of
companies in
liquidation.
192 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(v) fraudulently parts with, alters or makes any omission in, or is privy to
the fraudulent parting with, altering or making of any omission in, any book or
paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company;
(vi) by any false representation or other fraud, obtains on credit, for or on
behalf of the company, any property which the company does not subsequently
pay for;
(vii) under the false pretence that the company is carrying on its business,
obtains on credit, for or on behalf of the company, any property which the
company does not subsequently pay for; or
(viii) pawns, pledges or disposes of any property of the company which
has been obtained on credit and has not been paid for, unless such pawning,
pledging or disposing of the property is in the ordinary course of business of
the company;
(e) makes any material omission in any statement relating to the affairs of the
company;
(f) knowing or believing that a false debt has been proved by any person under
the winding up, fails for a period of one month to inform the Company Liquidator
thereof;
(g) after the commencement of the winding up, prevents the production of any
book or paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company;
(h) after the commencement of the winding up or at any meeting of the creditors
of the company within the twelve months next before the commencement of the winding
up, attempts to account for any part of the property of the company by fictitious
losses or expenses; or
(i) is guilty of any false representation or fraud for the purpose of obtaining the
consent of the creditors of the company or any of them, to an agreement with reference
to the affairs of the company or to the winding up,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years
but which may extend to five years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
but which may extend to three lakh rupees:
Provided that it shall be a good defence if the accused proves that he had no intent to
defraud or to conceal the true state of affairs of the company or to defeat the law.
(2) Where any person pawns, pledges or disposes of any property in circumstances
which amount to an offence under sub-clause (viii) of clause (d) of sub-section (1), every
person who takes in pawn or pledge or otherwise receives the property, knowing it to be
pawned, pledged, or disposed of in such circumstances as aforesaid, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend
to five years and with fine which shall not be less than three lakh rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the expression “officer” includes any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the company
have been accustomed to act.
337. If any person, being at the time of the commission of the alleged offence an officer
of a company which is subsequently ordered to be wound up by the Tribunal or which
subsequently passes a resolution for voluntary winding up,—
(a) has, by false pretences or by means of any other fraud, induced any person
to give credit to the company;
(b) with intent to defraud creditors of the company or any other person, has
Penalty for
frauds by
officers.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 193
made or caused to be made any gift or transfer of, or charge on, or has caused or
connived at the levying of any execution against, the property of the company; or
(c) with intent to defraud creditors of the company, has concealed or removed
any part of the property of the company since the date of any unsatisfied judgment or
order for payment of money obtained against the company or within two months
before that date,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but
which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
but which may extend to three lakh rupees.
338. (1) Where a company is being wound up, if it is shown that proper books of
account were not kept by the company throughout the period of two years immediately
preceding the commencement of the winding up, or the period between the incorporation of
the company and the commencement of the winding up, whichever is shorter, every officer of
the company who is in default shall, unless he shows that he acted honestly and that in the
circumstances in which the business of the company was carried on, the default was excusable,
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year but which
may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to three lakh rupees.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), it shall be deemed that proper books of
account have not been kept in the case of any company,—
(a) if such books of account as are necessary to exhibit and explain the
transactions and financial position of the business of the company, including books
containing entries made from day-to-day in sufficient detail of all cash received and all
cash paid, have not been kept; and
(b) where the business of the company has involved dealings in goods,
statements of the annual stock takings and, except in the case of goods sold by way of
ordinary retail trade, of all goods sold and purchased, showing the goods and the
buyers and the sellers thereof in sufficient detail to enable those goods and those
buyers and sellers to be identified, have not been kept.
339. (1) If in the course of the winding up of a company, it appears that any business
of the company has been carried on with intent to defraud creditors of the company or any
other persons or for any fraudulent purpose, the Tribunal, on the application of the Official
Liquidator, or the Company Liquidator or any creditor or contributory of the company, may,
if it thinks it proper so to do, declare that any person, who is or has been a director, manager,
or officer of the company or any persons who were knowingly parties to the carrying on of
the business in the manner aforesaid shall be personally responsible, without any limitation
of liability, for all or any of the debts or other liabilities of the company as the Tribunal may
direct:
Provided that on the hearing of an application under this sub-section, the Official
Liquidator or the Company Liquidator, as the case may be, may himself give evidence or call
witnesses.
(2) Where the Tribunal makes any such declaration, it may give such further directions
as it thinks proper for the purpose of giving effect to that declaration and, in particular,—
(a) make provision for making the liability of any such person under the declaration
a charge on any debt or obligation due from the company to him, or on any mortgage
or charge or any interest in any mortgage or charge on any assets of the company held
by or vested in him, or any person on his behalf, or any person claiming as assignee
from or through the person liable or any person acting on his behalf;
(b) make such further order as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing
any charge imposed under this sub-section.
Liability
where proper
accounts not
kept.
Liability for
fraudulent
conduct of
business.
194 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) Where any business of a company is carried on with such intent or for such
purpose as is mentioned in sub-section (1), every person who was knowingly a party to the
carrying on of the business in the manner aforesaid, shall be liable for action under
section 447.
(4) This section shall apply, notwithstanding that the person concerned may be
punishable under any other law for the time being in force in respect of the matters on the
ground of which the declaration is to be made.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) the expression “assignee” includes any person to whom or in whose favour,
by the directions of the person liable, the debt, obligation, mortgage or charge was
created, issued or transferred or the interest was created, but does not include an
assignee for valuable consideration, not including consideration by way of marriage,
given in good faith and without notice of any of the matters on the ground of which the
declaration is made;
(b) the expression “officer” includes any person in accordance with whose
directions or instructions the directors of the company have been accustomed
to act.
340. (1) If in the course of winding up of a company, it appears that any person who
has taken part in the promotion or formation of the company, or any person, who is or has
been a director, manager, Company Liquidator or officer of the company—
(a) has misapplied, or retained, or become liable or accountable for, any money
or property of the company; or
(b) has been guilty of any misfeasance or breach of trust in relation to the
company,
the Tribunal may, on the application of the Official Liquidator, or the Company Liquidator, or
of any creditor or contributory, made within the period specified in that behalf in sub-section
(2), inquire into the conduct of the person, director, manager, Company Liquidator or officer
aforesaid, and order him to repay or restore the money or property or any part thereof
respectively, with interest at such rate as the Tribunal considers just and proper, or to
contribute such sum to the assets of the company by way of compensation in respect of the
misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust, as the Tribunal considers just and
proper.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) shall be made within five years from the date
of the winding up order, or of the first appointment of the Company Liquidator in the winding
up, or of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust, as the case may be,
whichever is longer.
(3) This section shall apply, notwithstanding that the matter is one for which the
person concerned may be criminally liable.
341. Where a declaration under section 339 or an order under section 340 is made in
respect of a firm or body corporate, the Tribunal shall also have power to make a declaration
under section 339, or pass an order under section 340, as the case may be, in respect of any
person who was at the relevant time a partner in that firm or a director of that body corporate.
342. (1) If it appears to the Tribunal in the course of a winding up by the Tribunal, that
any person, who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty of
any offence in relation to the company, the Tribunal may, either on the application of any
person interested in the winding up or suo motu, direct the liquidator to prosecute the
offender or to refer the matter to the Registrar.
Power of
Tribunal to
assess
damages
against
delinquent
directors, etc.
Liability
under sections
339 and 340
to extend to
partners or
directors in
firms or
companies.
Prosecution
of delinquent
officers and
members of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 195
(2) If it appears to the Company Liquidator in the course of a voluntary winding up that
any person,who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty of
any offence in relation to the company under this Act, he shall forthwith report the matter to
the Registrar and shall furnish to him such information and give to him such access to and
facilities for inspecting and taking copies of any books and papers, being information or
books and papers in the possession or under the control of the Company Liquidator and
relating to the matter in question, as the Registrar may require.
(3) Where any report is made under sub-section (2) to the Registrar,—
(a) if he thinks fit, he may apply to the Central Government for an order to make
further inquiry into the affairs of the company by any person designated by him and
for conferring on such person all the powers of investigation as are provided under
this Act;
(b) if he considers that the case is one in which a prosecution ought to be
instituted, he shall report the matter to the Central Government, and that Government
may, after taking such legal advice as it thinks fit, direct the Registrar to institute
prosecution:
Provided that no report shall be made by the Registrar under this clause without first
giving the accused person a reasonable opportunity of making a statement in writing to the
Registrar and of being heard thereon.
(4) If it appears to the Tribunal in the course of a voluntary winding up that any
person, who is or has been an officer, or any member, of the company has been guilty as
aforesaid, and that no report with respect to the matter has been made by the Company
Liquidator to the Registrar under sub-section (2), the Tribunal may, on the application of any
person interested in the winding up or suo motu, direct the Company Liquidator to make
such a report, and on a report being made, the provisions of this section shall have effect as
though the report had been made in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (2).
(5) When any prosecution is instituted under this section, it shall be the duty of the
liquidator and of every person, who is or has been an officer and agent of the company to
give all assistance in connection with the prosecution which he is reasonably able to give.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression “agent”, in relation
to a company, shall include any banker or legal adviser of the company and any person
employed by the company as auditor.
(6) If a person fails or neglects to give assistance required by sub-section (5), he shall
be liable to pay fine which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees.
343. (1) The Company Liquidator may—
(a) with the sanction of the Tribunal, when the company is being wound up by
the Tribunal; and
(b) with the sanction of a special resolution of the company and prior approval
of the Tribunal, in the case of a voluntary winding up,—
(i) pay any class of creditors in full;
(ii) make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or persons claiming
to be creditors, or having or alleging themselves to have any claim, present or
future, certain or contingent, against the company, or whereby the company
may be rendered liable; or
(iii) compromise any call or liability to call, debt, and liability capable of
resulting in a debt, and any claim, present or future, certain or contingent,
ascertained or sounding only in damages, subsisting or alleged to subsist
between the company and a contributory or alleged contributory or other debtor
Company
Liquidator to
exercise
certain
powers
subject to
sanction.
196 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
or person apprehending liability to the company, and all questions in any way
relating to or affecting the assets or liabilities or the winding up of the company,
on such terms as may be agreed, and take any security for the discharge of any
such call, debt, liability or claim, and give a complete discharge in respect thereof.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in the case of a winding up
by the Tribunal, the Central Government may make rules to provide that the Company
Liquidator may, under such circumstances, if any, and subject to such conditions, restrictions
and limitations, if any, as may be prescribed, exercise any of the powers referred to in subclause
(ii) or sub-clause (iii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) without the sanction of the
Tribunal.
(3) Any creditor or contributory may apply in the manner prescribed to the Tribunal
with respect to any exercise or proposed exercise of powers by the Company Liquidator
under this section, and the Tribunal shall after giving a reasonable opportunity to such
applicant and the Company Liquidator, pass such orders as it may think fit.
344. (1) Where a company is being wound up, whether by the Tribunal or voluntarily,
every invoice, order for goods or business letter issued by or on behalf of the company or a
Company Liquidator of the company, or a receiver or manager of the property of the company,
being a document on or in which the name of the company appears, shall contain a statement
that the company is being wound up.
(2) If a company contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), the company, and
every officer of the company, the Company Liquidator and any receiver or manager, who
wilfully authorises or permits the non-compliance, shall be punishable with fine which shall
not be less than fifty thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees.
345. Where a company is being wound up, all books and papers of the company and
of the Company Liquidator shall, as between the contributories of the company, be prima
facie evidence of the truth of all matters purporting to be recorded therein.
346. (1) At any time after the making of an order for the winding up of a company by
the Tribunal, any creditor or contributory of the company may inspect the books and papers
of the company only in accordance with, and subject to such rules as may be prescribed.
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall exclude or restrict any rights conferred
by any law for the time being in force—
(a) on the Central Government or a State Government;
(b) on any authority or officer thereof; or
(c) on any person acting under the authority of any such Government or of any
such authority or officer.
347. (1) When the affairs of a company have been completely wound up and it is about
to be dissolved, its books and papers and those of the Company Liquidator may be disposed
of as follows:—
(a) in the case of winding up by the Tribunal, in such manner as the Tribunal
directs; and
(b) in the case of voluntary winding up, in such manner as the company by
special resolution with the prior approval of the creditors direct.
(2) After the expiry of five years from the dissolution of the company, no responsibility
shall devolve on the company, the Company Liquidator, or any person to whom the custody
of the books and papers has been entrusted, by reason of any book or paper not being
forthcoming to any person claiming to be interested therein.
(3) The Central Government may, by rules,—
(a) prevent for such period as it thinks proper the destruction of the books and
Statement
that company
is in
liquidation.
Books and
papers of
company to
be evidence.
Inspection of
books and
papers by
creditors and
contributories.
Disposal of
books and
papers of
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 197
papers of a company which has been wound up and of its Company Liquidator;
and
(b) enable any creditor or contributory of the company to make representations
to the Central Government in respect of the matters specified in clause (a) and to
appeal to the Tribunal from any order which may be made by the Central Government
in the matter.
(4) If any person acts in contravention of any rule framed or an order made under
sub-section (3), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both.
348. (1) If the winding up of a company is not concluded within one year after its
commencement, the Company Liquidator shall, unless he is exempted from so doing either
wholly or in part by the Central Government, within two months of the expiry of such year
and thereafter until the winding up is concluded, at intervals of not more than one year or at
such shorter intervals, if any, as may be prescribed, file a statement in such form containing
such particulars as may be prescribed, duly audited, by a person qualified to act as auditor of
the company, with respect to the proceedings in, and position of, the liquidation,—
(a) in the case of a winding up by the Tribunal, with the Tribunal; and
(b) in the case of a voluntary winding up, with the Registrar:
Provided that no such audit as is referred to in this sub-section shall be necessary
where the provisions of section 294 apply.
(2) When the statement is filed with the Tribunal under clause (a) of sub-section (1), a
copy shall simultaneously be filed with the Registrar and shall be kept by him along with the
other records of the company.
(3) Where a statement referred to in sub-section (1) relates to a Government company
in liquidation, the Company Liquidator shall forward a copy thereof—
(a) to the Central Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company;
(b) to any State Government, if that Government is a member of the Government
company; or
(c) to the Central Government and any State Government, if both the Governments
are members of the Government company.
(4) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory of the company
shall be entitled, by himself or by his agent, at all reasonable times, on payment of the
prescribed fee, to inspect the statement referred to in sub-section (1), and to receive a copy
thereof or an extract therefrom.
(5) Any person fraudulently stating himself to be a creditor or contributory under subsection
(4) shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence under section 182 of the Indian Penal
Code, and shall, on the application of the Company Liquidator, be punishable accordingly.
(6) If a Company Liquidator contravenes the provisions of this section, the Company
Liquidator shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for every
day during which the failure continues.
(7) If a Company Liquidator makes wilful default in causing the statement referred to in
sub-section (1) audited by a person who is not qualified to act as an auditor of the company,
the Company Liquidator shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to six months or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
Information
as to pending
liquidations.
45 of 1860.
198 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
349. Every Official Liquidator shall, in such manner and at such times as may be
prescribed, pay the monies received by him as Official Liquidator of any company, into the
public account of India in the Reserve Bank of India.
350. (1) Every Company Liquidator of a company shall, in such manner and at such
times as may be prescribed, deposit the monies received by him in his capacity as such in a
scheduled bank to the credit of a special bank account opened by him in that behalf:
Provided that if the Tribunal considers that it is advantageous for the creditors or
contributories or the company, it may permit the account to be opened in such other bank
specified by it.
(2) If any Company Liquidator at any time retains for more than ten days a sum
exceeding five thousand rupees or such other amount as the Tribunal may, on the application
of the Company Liquidator, authorise him to retain, then, unless he explains the retention to
the satisfaction of the Tribunal, he shall—
(a) pay interest on the amount so retained in excess, at the rate of twelve per
cent. per annum and also pay such penalty as may be determined by the Tribunal;
(b) be liable to pay any expenses occasioned by reason of his default; and
(c) also be liable to have all or such part of his remuneration, as the Tribunal may
consider just and proper, disallowed, or may also be removed from his office.
351. Neither the Official Liquidator nor the Company Liquidator of a company shall
deposit any monies received by him in his capacity as such into any private banking account.
352. (1) Where any company is being wound up and the liquidator has in his hands or
under his control any money representing—
(a) dividends payable to any creditor but which had remained unpaid for six
months after the date on which they were declared; or
(b) assets refundable to any contributory which have remained undistributed
for six months after the date on which they become refundable,
the liquidator shall forthwith deposit the said money into a separate special account to be
known as the Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account maintained
in a scheduled bank.
(2) The liquidator shall, on the dissolution of the company, pay into the Company
Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account any money representing unpaid
dividends or undistributed assets in his hands at the date of dissolution.
(3) The liquidator shall, when making any payment referred to in sub-sections (1) and
(2), furnish to the Registrar, a statement in the prescribed form, setting forth, in respect of all
sums included in such payment, the nature of the sums, the names and last known addresses
of the persons entitled to participate therein, the amount to which each is entitled and the
nature of his claim thereto, and such other particulars as may be prescribed.
(4) The liquidator shall be entitled to a receipt from the scheduled bank for any money
paid to it under sub-sections (1) and (2), and such receipt shall be an effectual discharge of
the Company Liquidator in respect thereof.
(5) Where a company is being wound up voluntarily, the Company Liquidator shall,
when filing a statement in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 348, indicate the sum of
Official
Liquidator to
make
payments
into public
account of
India.
Company
Liquidator to
deposit
monies into
scheduled
bank.
Liquidator not
to deposit
monies into
private
banking
account.
Company
Liquidation
Dividend and
Undistributed
Assets
Account.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 199
money which is payable under sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section during the six months
preceding the date on which the said statement is prepared, and shall, within fourteen days
of the date of filing the said statement, pay that sum into the Company Liquidation Dividend
and Undistributed Assets Account.
(6) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money paid into the Company Liquidation
Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account, whether paid in pursuance of this section or
under the provisions of any previous company law may apply to the Registrar for payment
thereof, and the Registrar, if satisfied that the person claiming is entitled, may make the
payment to that person of the sum due:
Provided that the Registrar shall settle the claim of such person within a period of sixty
days from the date of receipt of such claim, failing which the Registrar shall make a report to
the Regional Director giving reasons of such failure.
(7) Any money paid into the Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets
Account in pursuance of this section, which remains unclaimed thereafter for a period of
fifteen years, shall be transferred to the general revenue account of the Central Government,
but a claim to any money so transferred may be preferred under sub-section (6) and shall be
dealt with as if such transfer had not been made and the order, if any, for payment on the claim
will be treated as an order for refund of revenue.
(8) Any liquidator retaining any money which should have been paid by him into the
Company Liquidation Dividend and Undistributed Assets Account under this section shall—
(a) pay interest on the amount so retained at the rate of twelve per cent. per
annum and also pay such penalty as may be determined by the Registrar:
Provided that the Central Government may in any proper case remit either in part
or in whole the amount of interest which the liquidator is required to pay under this
clause;
(b) be liable to pay any expenses occasioned by reason of his default; and
(c) where the winding up is by the Tribunal, also be liable to have all or such part
of his remuneration, as the Tribunal may consider just and proper, to be disallowed,
and to be removed from his office by the Tribunal.
353. (1) If any Company Liquidator who has made any default in filing, delivering or
making any return, account or other document, or in giving any notice which he is by law
required to file, deliver, make or give, fails to make good the default within fourteen days after
the service on him of a notice requiring him to do so, the Tribunal may, on an application
made to it by any contributory or creditor of the company or by the Registrar, make an order
directing the Company Liquidator to make good the default within such time as may be
specified in the order.
(2) Any order under sub-section (1) may provide that all costs of, and incidental to, the
application shall be borne by the Company Liquidator.
(3) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of any enactment imposing
penalties on a Company Liquidator in respect of any such default as aforesaid.
354. (1) In all matters relating to the winding up of a company, the Tribunal may—
(a) have regard to the wishes of creditors or contributories of the company, as
proved to it by any sufficient evidence;
(b) if it thinks fit for the purpose of ascertaining those wishes, direct meetings of
the creditors or contributories to be called, held and conducted in such manner as the
Tribunal may direct; and
(c) appoint a person to act as chairman of any such meeting and to report the
result thereof to the Tribunal.
Liquidator to
make returns,
etc.
Meetings to
ascertain
wishes of
creditors or
contributories.
200 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) While ascertaining the wishes of creditors under sub-section (1), regard shall be
had to the value of each debt of the creditor.
(3) While ascertaining the wishes of contributories under sub-section (1), regard shall
be had to the number of votes which may be cast by each contributory.
355. (1) Any affidavit required to be sworn under the provisions, or for the purposes,
of this Chapter may be sworn—
(a) in India before any court, tribunal, judge or person lawfully authorised to
take and receive affidavits; and
(b) in any other country before any court, judge or person lawfully authorised to
take and receive affidavits in that country or before an Indian diplomatic or consular
officer.
(2) All tribunals, judges, Justices, commissioners and persons acting judicially in India
shall take judicial notice of the seal, stamp or signature, as the case may be, of any such
court, tribunal, judge, person, diplomatic or consular officer, attached, appended or subscribed
to any such affidavit or to any other document to be used for the purposes of this Chapter.
356. (1) Where a company has been dissolved, whether in pursuance of this Chapter
or of section 232 or otherwise, the Tribunal may at any time within two years of the date of the
dissolution, on application by the Company Liquidator of the company or by any other
person who appears to the Tribunal to be interested, make an order, upon such terms as the
Tribunal thinks fit, declaring the dissolution to be void, and thereupon such proceedings
may be taken as if the company had not been dissolved.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Company Liquidator or the person on whose application
the order was made, within thirty days after the making of the order or such further time as the
Tribunal may allow, to file a certified copy of the order with the Registrar who shall register
the same, and if the Company Liquidator or the person fails so to do, the Company Liquidator
or the person shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees for
every day during which the default continues.
357. (1) Where, before the presentation of a petition for the winding up of a company
by the Tribunal, a resolution has been passed by the company for voluntary winding up, the
winding up of the company shall be deemed to have commenced at the time of the passing of
the resolution, and unless the Tribunal, on proof of fraud or mistake, thinks fit to direct
otherwise, all proceedings taken in the voluntary winding up shall be deemed to have been
validly taken.
(2) In any other case, the winding up of a company by the Tribunal shall be deemed to
commence at the time of the presentation of the petition for the winding up.
358. Notwithstanding anything in the Limitation Act, 1963, or in any other law for the
time being in force, in computing the period of limitation specified for any suit or application in
the name and on behalf of a company which is being wound up by the Tribunal, the period from
the date of commencement of the winding up of the company to a period of one year immediately
following the date of the winding up order shall be excluded.
PART IV.—Official Liquidators
359. (1) For the purposes of this Act, so far as it relates to the winding up of companies
by the Tribunal, the Central Government may appoint as many Official Liquidators, Joint,
Deputy or Assistant Official Liquidators as it may consider necessary to discharge the
functions of the Official Liquidator.
(2) The liquidators appointed under sub-section (1) shall be whole-time officers of the
Central Government.
(3) The salary and other allowances of the Official Liquidator, Joint Official Liquidator,
Court,
tribunal or
person, etc.,
before whom
affidavit may
be sworn.
Powers of
Tribunal to
declare
dissolution of
company
void.
Commencement
of winding up
by Tribunal.
Exclusion of
certain time in
computing
period of
limitation.
Appointment
of Official
Liquidator.
36 of 1963.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 201
Deputy Official Liquidator and Assistant Official Liquidator shall be paid by the Central
Government.
360. (1) The Official Liquidator shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as
the Central Government may prescribe.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Official Liquidator
may—
(a) exercise all or any of the powers as may be exercised by a Company Liquidator
under the provisions of this Act; and
(b) conduct inquiries or investigations, if directed by the Tribunal or the Central
Government, in respect of matters arising out of winding up proceedings.
361. (1) Where the company to be wound up under this Chapter, —
(i) has assets of book value not exceeding one crore rupees; and
(ii) belongs to such class or classes of companies as may be prescribed,
the Central Government may order it to be wound up by summary procedure provided under
this Part.
(2) Where an order under sub-section (1) is made, the Central Government shall appoint
the Official Liquidator as the liquidator of the company.
(3) The Official Liquidator shall forthwith take into his custody or control all assets,
effects and actionable claims to which the company is or appears to be entitled.
(4) The Official Liquidator shall, within thirty days of his appointment, submit a report
to the Central Government in such manner and form, as may be prescribed, including a report
whether in his opinion, any fraud has been committed in promotion, formation or management
of the affairs of the company or not.
(5) On receipt of the report under sub-section (4), if the Central Government is satisfied
that any fraud has been committed by the promoters, directors or any other officer of the
company, it may direct further investigation into the affairs of the company and that a report
shall be submitted within such time as may be specified.
(6) After considering the investigation report under sub-section (5), the Central
Government may order that winding up may be proceeded under Part I of this Chapter or
under the provision of this Part.
362. (1) The Official Liquidator shall expeditiously dispose of all the assets whether
movable or immovable within sixty days of his appointment.
(2) The Official Liquidator shall serve a notice within thirty days of his appointment
calling upon the debtors of the company or the contributories, as the case may be, to deposit
within thirty days with him the amount payable to the company.
(3) Where any debtor does not deposit the amount under sub-section (2), the Central
Government may, on an application made to it by the Official Liquidator, pass such orders as
it thinks fit.
(4) The amount recovered under this section by the Official Liquidator shall be deposited
in accordance with the provisions of section 349.
363. (1) The Official Liquidator within thirty days of his appointment shall call upon
the creditors of the company to prove their claims in such manner as may be prescribed,
within thirty days of the receipt of such call.
(2) The Official Liquidator shall prepare a list of claims of creditors in such manner as
may be prescribed and each creditor shall be communicated of the claims accepted or rejected
along with reasons to be recorded in writing.
364. (1) Any creditor aggrieved by the decision of the Official Liquidator under section
363 may file an appeal before the Central Government within thirty days of such decision.
(2) The Central Government may after calling the report from the Official Liquidator
either dismiss the appeal or modify the decision of the Official Liquidator.
Powers and
functions of
Official
Liquidator.
Summary
procedure for
liquidation.
Sale of assets
and recovery
of debts due
to company.
Settlement of
claims of
creditors by
Official
Liquidator.
Appeal by
creditor.
202 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(3) The Official Liquidator shall make payment to the creditors whose claims have been
accepted.
(4) The Central Government may, at any stage during settlement of claims, if considers
necessary, refer the matter to the Tribunal for necessary orders.
365. (1) The Official Liquidator shall, if he is satisfied that the company is finally
wound up, submit a final report to—
(i) the Central Government, in case no reference was made to the Tribunal under
sub-section (4) of section 364; and
(ii) in any other case, the Central Government and the Tribunal.
(2) The Central Government, or as the case may be, the Tribunal on receipt of such
report shall order that the company be dissolved.
(3) Where an order is made under sub-section (2), the Registrar shall strike off the
name of the company from the register of companies and publish a notification to this effect.
CHAPTER XXI
PART I.— Companies Authorised to Register under this Act
366. (1) For the purposes of this Part, the word “company” includes any partnership
firm, limited liability partnership, cooperative society, society or any other business entity
formed under any other law for the time being in force which applies for registration under
this Part.
(2) With the exceptions and subject to the provisions contained in this section, any
company formed, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, in pursuance of any
Act of Parliament other than this Act or of any other law for the time being in force or being
otherwise duly constituted according to law, and consisting of seven or more members, may
at any time register under this Act as an unlimited company, or as a company limited by
shares, or as a company limited by guarantee, in such manner as may be prescribed and the
registration shall not be invalid by reason only that it has taken place with a view to the
company’s being wound up:
Provided that—
(i) a company registered under the Indian Companies Act, 1882 or under the
Indian Companies Act, 1913 or the Companies Act, 1956, shall not register in pursuance
of this section;
(ii) a company having the liability of its members limited by any Act of Parliament
other than this Act or by any other law for the time being in force, shall not register in
pursuance of this section as an unlimited company or as a company limited by
guarantee;
(iii) a company shall be registered in pursuance of this section as a company
limited by shares only if it has a permanent paid-up or nominal share capital of fixed
amount divided into shares, also of fixed amount, or held and transferable as stock, or
divided and held partly in the one way and partly in the other, and formed on the
principle of having for its members the holders of those shares or that stock, and no
other persons;
(iv) a company shall not register in pursuance of this section without the assent
of a majority of such of its members as are present in person, or where proxies are
allowed, by proxy, at a general meeting summoned for the purpose;
(v) where a company not having the liability of its members limited by any Act of
Parliament or any other law for the time being in force is about to register as a limited
company, the majority required to assent as aforesaid shall consist of not less than
three-fourths of the members present in person, or where proxies are allowed, by proxy,
at the meeting;
Order of
dissolution of
company.
Companies
capable of
being
registered.
6 of 1882.
1 of 1956.
7 of 1913.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 203
(vi) where a company is about to register as a company limited by guarantee, the
assent to its being so registered shall be accompanied by a resolution declaring that each
member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of its being
wound up while he is a member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for
payment of the debts and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may
have been contracted before he ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and
expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among
themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding a specified amount.
(3) In computing any majority required for the purposes of sub-section (1), when a poll
is demanded, regard shall be had to the number of votes to which each member is entitled
according to the regulations of the company.
367. On compliance with the requirements of this Chapter with respect to registration,
and on payment of such fees, if any, as are payable under section 403, the Registrar shall
certify under his hand that the company applying for registration is incorporated as a company
under this Act, and in the case of a limited company that it is limited and thereupon the
company shall be so incorporated.
368. All property, movable and immovable (including actionable claims), belonging to
or vested in a company at the date of its registration in pursuance of this Part, shall, on such
registration, pass to and vest in the company as incorporated under this Act for all the estate
and interest of the company therein.
369. The registration of a company in pursuance of this Part shall not affect its rights
or liabilities in respect of any debt or obligation incurred, or any contract entered into, by, to,
with, or on behalf of, the company before registration.
370. All suits and other legal proceedings taken by or against the company, or any
public officer or member thereof, which are pending at the time of the registration of a
company in pursuance of this Part, may be continued in the same manner as if the registration
had not taken place:
Provided that execution shall not issue against the property or persons of any individual
member of the company on any decree or order obtained in any such suit or proceeding; but,
in the event of the property of the company being insufficient to satisfy the decree or order,
an order may be obtained for winding up the company.
371. (1) When a company is registered in pursuance of this Part, sub-sections (2) to
(7) shall apply.
(2) All provisions contained in any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time being
in force, or other instrument constituting or regulating the company, including, in the case of
a company registered as a company limited by guarantee, the resolution declaring the amount
of the guarantee, shall be deemed to be conditions and regulations of the company, in the
same manner and with the same incidents as if so much thereof as would, if the company had
been formed under this Act, have been required to be inserted in the memorandum, were
contained in a registered memorandum, and the residue thereof were contained in registered
articles.
(3) All the provisions of this Act shall apply to the company and the members,
contributories and creditors thereof, in the same manner in all respects as if it had been
formed under this Act, subject as follows:—
(a) Table F in Schedule I shall not apply unless and except in so far as it is
adopted by special resolution;
(b) the provisions of this Act relating to the numbering of shares shall not apply
to any company whose shares are not numbered;
Certificate of
registration of
existing
companies.
Vesting of
property on
registration.
Saving of
existing
liabilities.
Continuation
of pending
legal
proceedings.
Effect of
registration
under this
Part.
204 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) in the event of the company being wound up, every person shall be a contributory,
in respect of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before registration, who is
liable to pay or contribute to the payment of any debt or liability of the company contracted
before registration, or to pay or contribute to the payment of any sum for the adjustment of
the rights of the members among themselves in respect of any such debt or liability, or to
pay or contribute to the payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up the
company, so far as relates to such debts or liabilities as aforesaid;
(d) in the event of the company being wound up, every contributory shall be
liable to contribute to the assets of the company, in the course of the winding up, all
sums due from him in respect of any such liability as aforesaid; and in the event of the
death or insolvency of any contributory, the provisions of this Act with respect to the
legal representatives of deceased contributories, or with respect to the assignees of
insolvent contributories, as the case may be, shall apply.
(4) The provisions of this Act with respect to—
(a) the registration of an unlimited company as a limited company;
(b) the powers of an unlimited company on registration as a limited company, to
increase the nominal amount of its share capital and to provide that a portion of its
share capital shall not be capable of being called-up except in the event of winding up;
(c) the power of a limited company to determine that a portion of its share capital
shall not be capable of being called-up except in the event of winding up,
shall apply, notwithstanding anything in any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time
being in force, or other instrument constituting or regulating the company.
(5) Nothing in this section shall authorise the company to alter any such provisions
contained in any instrument constituting or regulating the company as would, if the company
had originally been formed under this Act, have been required to be contained in the
memorandum and are not authorised to be altered by this Act.
(6) None of the provisions of this Act (apart from those of section 242) shall derogate
from any power of altering its constitution or regulations which may be vested in the company,
by virtue of any Act of Parliament or any other law for the time being in force, or other
instrument constituting or regulating the company.
(7) In this section, the expression “instrument” includes deed of settlement, deed of
partnership, or limited liability partnership.
372. The provisions of this Act with respect to staying and restraining suits and other
legal proceedings against a company at any time after the presentation of a petition for
winding up and before the making of a winding up order, shall, in the case of a company
registered in pursuance of this Part, where the application to stay or restrain is by a creditor,
extend to suits and other legal proceedings against any contributory of the company.
373. Where an order has been made for winding up, or a provisional liquidator has
been appointed for, a company registered in pursuance of this Part, no suit or other legal
proceeding shall be proceeded with or commenced against the company or any contributory
of the company in respect of any debt of the company, except by leave of the Tribunal and
except on such terms as the Tribunal may impose.
374. Every company which is seeking registration under this Part shall,—
(a) ensure that secured creditors of the company, prior to its registration under
this Part, have either consented to or have given their no objection to company's
registration under this Part;
(b) publish in a newspaper, advertisement one in English and one in vernacular
language in such form as may be prescribed giving notice about registration under this
Part, seeking objections and address them suitably;
Power of
Court to stay
or restrain
proceedings.
Suits stayed
on winding up
order.
Obligations
of companies
registering
under this
Part.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 205
(c) file an affidavit, duly notarised, from all the members or partners to provide
that in the event of registration under this Part, necessary documents or papers shall
be submitted to the registering or other authority with which the company was earlier
registered, for its dissolution as partnership firm, limited liability partnership, cooperative
society, society or any other business entity, as the case may be.
(d) comply with such other conditions as may be prescribed.
PART II.—Winding up of unregistered companies
375. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, any unregistered company may be
wound up under this Act, in such manner as may be prescribed, and all the provisions of this
Act, with respect to winding up shall apply to an unregistered company, with the exceptions
and additions mentioned in sub-sections (2) to (4).
(2) No unregistered company shall be wound up under this Act voluntarily.
(3) An unregistered company may be wound up under the following circumstances,
namely:—
(a) if the company is dissolved, or has ceased to carry on business, or is carrying
on business only for the purpose of winding up its affairs;
(b) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(c) if the Tribunal is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up.
(4) An unregistered company shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be
unable to pay its debts—
(a) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whom the company is indebted in
a sum exceeding one lakh rupees then due, has served on the company, by leaving at
its principal place of business, or by delivering to the secretary, or some director,
manager or principal officer of the company, or by otherwise serving in such manner as
the Tribunal may approve or direct, a demand under his hand requiring the company to
pay the sum so due, and the company has, for three weeks after the service of the
demand, neglected to pay the sum or to secure or compound for it to the satisfaction
of the creditor;
(b) if any suit or other legal proceeding has been instituted against any member for
any debt or demand due, or claimed to be due, from the company, or from him in his
character as a member, and notice in writing of the institution of the suit or other legal
proceeding having been served on the company by leaving the same at its principal
place of business or by delivering it to the secretary, or some director, manager or
principal officer of the company or by otherwise serving the same in such manner as the
Tribunal may approve or direct, the company has not, within ten days after service of the
notice,—
(i) paid, secured or compounded for the debt or demand;
(ii) procured the suit or other legal proceeding to be stayed; or
(iii) indemnified the defendant to his satisfaction against the suit or other
legal proceeding, and against all costs, damages and expenses to be incurred by
him by reason of the same;
Winding up
of
unregistered
companies.
206 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(c) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any Court or
Tribunal in favour of a creditor against the company, or any member thereof as such, or
any person authorised to be sued as nominal defendant on behalf of the company, is
returned unsatisfied in whole or in part;
(d) if it is otherwise proved to the satisfaction of the Tribunal that the company
is unable to pay its debts.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this Part, the expression "unregistered company"—
(a) shall not include—
(i) a railway company incorporated under any Act of Parliament or other
Indian law or any Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom;
(ii) a company registered under this Act; or
(iii) a company registered under any previous companies law and not
being a company the registered office whereof was in Burma, Aden, Pakistan
immediately before the separation of that country from India; and
(b) save as aforesaid, shall include any partnership firm, limited liability partnership
or society or co-operative society, association or company consisting of more than
seven members at the time when the petition for winding up the partnership firm, limited
liability partnership or society or co-operative society, association or company, as the
case may be, is presented before the Tribunal.
376. Where a body corporate incorporated outside India which has been carrying on
business in India, ceases to carry on business in India, it may be wound up as an unregistered
company under this Part, notwithstanding that the body corporate has been dissolved or
otherwise ceased to exist as such under or by virtue of the laws of the country under which
it was incorporated.
377. (1) The provisions of this Part, with respect to unregistered companies shall be in
addition to and not in derogation of, any provisions hereinbefore in this Act contained with
respect to the winding up of companies by the Tribunal.
(2) The Tribunal or Official Liquidator may exercise any powers or do any act in the
case of unregistered companies which might be exercised or done by the Tribunal or Official
Liquidator in winding up of companies formed and registered under this Act:
Provided that an unregistered company shall not, except in the event of its being wound
up, be deemed to be a company under this Act, and then only to the extent provided by this Part.
378. Nothing in this Part, shall affect the operation of any enactment which provides
for any partnership firm, limited liability partnership or society or co-operative society,
association or company being wound up, or being wound up as a company or as an
unregistered company, under the Companies Act, 1956, or any Act repealed by that Act:
Provided that references in any such enactment to any provision contained in the
Companies Act, 1956 or in any Act repealed by that Act shall be read as references to the
corresponding provision, if any, contained in this Act.
CHAPTER XXII
COMPANIES INCORPORATED OUTSIDE INDIA
379. Where not less than fifty per cent. of the paid-up share capital, whether equity or
preference or partly equity and partly preference, of a foreign company is held by one or
more citizens of India or by one or more companies or bodies corporate incorporated in India,
or by one or more citizens of India and one or more companies or bodies corporate incorporated
in India, whether singly or in the aggregate, such company shall comply with the provisions
of this Chapter and such other provisions of this Act as may be prescribed with regard to the
business carried on by it in India as if it were a company incorporated in India.
Power to
wind up
foreign
companies,
although
dissolved.
Provisions of
Chapter
cumulative.
Saving and
construction
of enactments
conferring
power to wind
up partnership
firm,
association or
company, etc.,
in certain
cases.
Application
of Act to
foreign
companies.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 207
380. (1) Every foreign company shall, within thirty days of the establishment of its
place of business in India, deliver to the Registrar for registration—
(a) a certified copy of the charter, statutes or memorandum and articles, of the
company or other instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company
and, if the instrument is not in the English language, a certified translation thereof in
the English language;
(b) the full address of the registered or principal office of the company;
(c) a list of the directors and secretary of the company containing such particulars
as may be prescribed;
(d) the name and address or the names and addresses of one or more persons
resident in India authorised to accept on behalf of the company service of process and
any notices or other documents required to be served on the company;
(e) the full address of the office of the company in India which is deemed to be its
principal place of business in India;
(f) particulars of opening and closing of a place of business in India on earlier
occasion or occasions;
(g) declaration that none of the directors of the company or the authorised
representative in India has ever been convicted or debarred from formation of companies
and management in India or abroad; and
(h) any other information as may be prescribed.
(2) Every foreign company existing at the commencement of this Act shall, if it has not
delivered to the Registrar before such commencement, the documents and particulars specified
in sub-section (1) of section 592 of the Companies Act, 1956, continue to be subject to the
obligation to deliver those documents and particulars in accordance with that Act.
(3) Where any alteration is made or occurs in the documents delivered to the Registrar
under this section, the foreign company shall, within thirty days of such alteration, deliver to
the Registrar for registration, a return containing the particulars of the alteration in the
prescribed form.
381. (1) Every foreign company shall, in every calendar year,—
(a) make out a balance sheet and profit and loss account in such form, containing
such particulars and including or having annexed or attached thereto such documents
as may be prescribed; and
(b) deliver a copy of those documents to the Registrar:
Provided that the Central Government may, by notification, direct that, in the case of
any foreign company or class of foreign companies, the requirements of clause (a) shall not
apply, or shall apply subject to such exceptions and modifications as may be specified in that
notification.
(2) If any such document as is mentioned in sub-section (1) is not in the English
language, there shall be annexed to it a certified translation thereof in the English language.
(3) Every foreign company shall send to the Registrar along with the documents
required to be delivered to him under sub-section (1), a copy of a list in the prescribed form
of all places of business established by the company in India as at the date with reference to
which the balance sheet referred to in sub-section (1) is made out.
382. Every foreign company shall—
(a) conspicuously exhibit on the outside of every office or place where it carries on
business in India, the name of the company and the country in which it is incorporated,
in letters easily legible in English characters, and also in the characters of the language or
one of the languages in general use in the locality in which the office or place is situate;
Accounts of
foreign
company.
Display of
name, etc., of
foreign
company.
Documents,
etc., to be
delivered to
Registrar by
foreign
companies.
1 of 1956.
208 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) cause the name of the company and of the country in which the company is
incorporated, to be stated in legible English characters in all business letters, billheads
and letter paper, and in all notices, and other official publications of the company;
and
(c) if the liability of the members of the company is limited, cause notice of that
fact—
(i) to be stated in every such prospectus issued and in all business letters,
bill-heads, letter paper, notices, advertisements and other official publications of
the company, in legible English characters; and
(ii) to be conspicuously exhibited on the outside of every office or place
where it carries on business in India, in legible English characters and also in
legible characters of the language or one of the languages in general use in the
locality in which the office or place is situate.
383. Any process, notice, or other document required to be served on a foreign company
shall be deemed to be sufficiently served, if addressed to any person whose name and
address have been delivered to the Registrar under section 380 and left at, or sent by post to,
the address which has been so delivered to the Registrar or by electronic mode.
384. (1) The provisions of section 71 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a foreign company.
(2) The provisions of section 92 shall, subject to such exceptions, modifications and
adaptations as may be made therein by rules made under this Act, apply to a foreign company
as they apply to a company incorporated in India.
(3) The provisions of section 128 shall apply to a foreign company to the extent of
requiring it to keep at its principal place of business in India, the books of account referred to
in that section, with respect to monies received and spent, sales and purchases made, and
assets and liabilities, in the course of or in relation to its business in India.
(4) The provisions of Chapter VI shall apply mutatis mutandis to charges on properties
which are created or acquired by any foreign company.
(5) The provisions of Chapter XIV shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Indian business
of a foreign company as they apply to a company incorporated in India.
385. There shall be paid to the Registrar for registering any document required by the
provisions of this Chapter to be registered by him, such fee, as may be prescribed.
386. For the purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Chapter,—
(a) the expression “certified” means certified in the prescribed manner to be a
true copy or a correct translation;
(b) the expression “director”, in relation to a foreign company, includes any
person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Board of Directors of
the company is accustomed to act; and
(c) the expression “place of business” includes a share transfer or registration
office.
387. (1) No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering
to subscribe for securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
whether the company has or has not established, or when formed will or will not establish, a
place of business in India, unless the prospectus is dated and signed, and—
(a) contains particulars with respect to the following matters, namely:—
(i) the instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company;
Service on
foreign
company.
Debentures,
annual return,
registration of
charges,
books of
account and
their
inspection.
Fee for
registration of
documents.
Interpretation.
Dating of
prospectus
and
particulars to
be contained
therein.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 209
(ii) the enactments or provisions by or under which the incorporation of
the company was effected;
(iii) address in India where the said instrument, enactments or provisions,
or copies thereof, and if the same are not in the English language, a certified
translation thereof in the English language can be inspected;
(iv) the date on which and the country in which the company would be or
was incorporated; and
(v) whether the company has established a place of business in India and,
if so, the address of its principal office in India; and
(b) states the matters specified under section 26:
Provided that sub-clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of clause (a) of this sub-section shall not
apply in the case of a prospectus issued more than two years after the date at which the
company is entitled to commence business.
(2) Any condition requiring or binding an applicant for securities to waive compliance
with any requirement imposed by virtue of sub-section (1), or purporting to impute him with
notice of any contract, documents or matter not specifically referred to in the prospectus,
shall be void.
(3) No person shall issue to any person in India a form of application for securities of
such a company or intended company as is mentioned in sub-section (1), unless the form is
issued with a prospectus which complies with the provisions of this Chapter and such issue
does not contravene the provisions of section 388:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply if it is shown that the form of application
was issued in connection with a bona fide invitation to a person to enter into an underwriting
agreement with respect to securities.
(4) This section —
(a) shall not apply to the issue to existing members or debenture holders of a
company of a prospectus or form of application relating to securities of the company,
whether an applicant for securities will or will not have the right to renounce in favour
of other persons; and
(b) except in so far as it requires a prospectus to be dated, to the issue of a
prospectus relating to securities which are or are to be in all respects uniform with
securities previously issued and for the time being dealt in or quoted on a recognised
stock exchange,
but, subject as aforesaid, this section shall apply to a prospectus or form of application
whether issued on or with reference to the formation of a company or subsequently.
(5) Nothing in this section shall limit or diminish any liability which any person may
incur under any law for the time being in force in India or under this Act apart from this
section.
388. (1) No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering
for subscription in securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
Provisions as
to expert’s
consent and
allotment.
210 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
whether the company has or has not been established, or when formed will or will not
establish, a place of business in India,—
(a) if, where the prospectus includes a statement purporting to be made by an
expert, he has not given, or has before delivery of the prospectus for registration
withdrawn, his written consent to the issue of the prospectus with the statement
included in the form and context in which it is included, or there does not appear in the
prospectus a statement that he has given and has not withdrawn his consent as
aforesaid; or
(b) if the prospectus does not have the effect, where an application is made in
pursuance thereof, of rendering all persons concerned bound by all the provisions of
sections 33 and 40, so far as applicable.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a statement shall be deemed to be included in a
prospectus, if it is contained in any report or memorandum appearing on the face thereof or
by reference incorporated therein or issued therewith.
389. No person shall issue, circulate or distribute in India any prospectus offering for
subscription in securities of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India,
whether the company has or has not established, or when formed will or will not establish, a
place of business in India, unless before the issue, circulation or distribution of the prospectus
in India, a copy thereof certified by the chairperson of the company and two other directors of
the company as having been approved by resolution of the managing body has been delivered
for registration to the Registrar and the prospectus states on the face of it that a copy has
been so delivered, and there is endorsed on or attached to the copy, any consent to the issue
of the prospectus required by section 388 and such documents as may be prescribed.
390. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Central Government may make rules applicable for—
(a) the offer of Indian Depository Receipts;
(b) the requirement of disclosures in prospectus or letter of offer issued in
connection with Indian Depository Receipts;
(c) the manner in which the Indian Depository Receipts shall be dealt with in a
depository mode and by custodian and underwriters; and
(d) the manner of sale, transfer or transmission of Indian Depository Receipts,
by a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside India, whether the company has or
has not established, or will or will not establish, any place of business in India.
391. (1) The provisions of sections 34 to 36 (both inclusive) shall apply to—
(i) the issue of a prospectus by a company incorporated outside India under
section 389 as they apply to prospectus issued by an Indian company;
(ii) the issue of Indian Depository Receipts by a foreign company.
(2) The provisions of Chapter XX shall apply mutatis mutandis for closure of the
place of business of a foreign company in India as if it were a company incorporated in
India.
392. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 391, if a foreign company
contravenes the provisions of this Chapter, the foreign company shall be punishable with
fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to three lakh rupees
and in the case of a continuing offence, with an additional fine which may extend to fifty
Registration
of prospectus.
Offer of
Indian
Depository
Receipts.
Application
of sections 34
to 36 and
Chapter XX.
Punishment
for
contravention.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 211
thousand rupees for every day after the first during which the contravention continues and
every officer of the foreign company who is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not be less than twentyfive
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.
393. Any failure by a company to comply with the provisions of this Chapter shall not
affect the validity of any contract, dealing or transaction entered into by the company or its
liability to be sued in respect thereof, but the company shall not be entitled to bring any suit,
claim any set-off, make any counter-claim or institute any legal proceeding in respect of any
such contract, dealing or transaction, until the company has complied with the provisions of
this Act applicable to it.
CHAPTER XXIII
GOVERNMENT COMPANIES
394. (1) Where the Central Government is a member of a Government company, the
Central Government shall cause an annual report on the working and affairs of that company
to be—
(a) prepared within three months of its annual general meeting before which the
comments given by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and the audit report
is placed under the proviso to sub-section (6) of section 143; and
(b) as soon as may be after such preparation, laid before both Houses of Parliament
together with a copy of the audit report and comments upon or supplement to the audit
report, made by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(2) Where in addition to the Central Government, any State Government is also a
member of a Government company, that State Government shall cause a copy of the annual
report prepared under sub-section (1) to be laid before the House or both Houses of the
State Legislature together with a copy of the audit report and the comments upon or
supplement to the audit report referred to in sub-section (1).
395. (1) Where the Central Government is not a member of a Government company,
every State Government which is a member of that company, or where only one State
Government is a member of the company, that State Government shall cause an annual report
on the working and affairs of the company to be—
(a) prepared within the time specified in sub-section (1) of section 394; and
(b) as soon as may be after such preparation, laid before the House or both
Houses of the State Legislature together with a copy of the audit report and comments
upon or supplement to the audit report referred to in sub-section (1) of that section.
(2) The provisions of this section and section 394 shall, so far as may be, apply to a
Government company in liquidation as they apply to any other Government company.
CHAPTER XXIV
REGISTRATION OFFICES AND FEES
396. (1) For the purposes of exercising such powers and discharging such functions
as are conferred on the Central Government by or under this Act or under the rules made
thereunder and for the purposes of registration of companies under this Act, the Central
Government shall, by notification, establish such number of offices at such places as it
thinks fit, specifying their jurisdiction.
Company's
failure to
comply with
provisions of
this Chapter
not to affect
validity of
contracts,
etc.
Annual
reports on
Government
companies.
Annual
reports where
one or more
State
Governments
are members
of
companies.
Registration
offices.
212 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) The Central Government may appoint such Registrars, Additional, Joint, Deputy
and Assistant Registrars as it considers necessary for the registration of companies and
discharge of various functions under this Act, and the powers and duties that may be
exercisable by such officers shall be such as may be prescribed.
(3) The terms and conditions of service, including the salaries payable to persons
appointed under sub-section (2), shall be such as may be prescribed.
(4) The Central Government may direct a seal or seals to be prepared for the
authentication of documents required for, or connected with, the registration of companies.
397. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
any document reproducing or derived from returns and documents filed by a company with
the Registrar on paper or in electronic form or stored on any electronic data storage device or
computer readable media by the Registrar, and authenticated by the Registrar or any other
officer empowered by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed, shall be
deemed to be a document for the purposes of this Act and the rules made thereunder and
shall be admissible in any proceedings thereunder without further proof or production of the
original as evidence of any contents of the original or of any fact stated therein of which
direct evidence is admissible.
398. (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, and without
prejudice to the provisions contained in section 6 of the Information Technology Act, 2000,
the Central Government may make rules so as to require from such date as may be prescribed
in the rules that—
(a) such applications, balance sheet, prospectus, return, declaration,
memorandum, articles, particulars of charges, or any other particulars or document as
may be required to be filed or delivered under this Act or the rules made thereunder, shall
be filed in the electronic form and authenticated in such manner as may be prescribed;
(b) such document, notice, any communication or intimation, as may be required
to be served or delivered under this Act, in the electronic form and authenticated in
such manner as may be prescribed;
(c) such applications, balance sheet, prospectus, return, register, memorandum,
articles, particulars of charges, or any other particulars or document and return filed
under this Act or rules made thereunder shall be maintained by the Registrar in the
electronic form and registered or authenticated, as the case may be, in such manner as
may be prescribed;
(d) such inspection of the memorandum, articles, register, index, balance sheet,
return or any other particulars or document maintained in the electronic form, as is
otherwise available for inspection under this Act or the rules made thereunder, may be
made by any person through the electronic form in such manner as may be prescribed;
(e) such fees, charges or other sums payable under this Act or the rules made
thereunder shall be paid through the electronic form and in such manner as may be
prescribed; and
(f) the Registrar shall register change of registered office, alteration of
memorandum or articles, prospectus, issue certificate of incorporation, register such
document, issue such certificate, record the notice, receive such communication as
may be required to be registered or issued or recorded or received, as the case may be,
under this Act or the rules made thereunder or perform duties or discharge functions or
exercise powers under this Act or the rules made thereunder or do any act which is by
this Act directed to be performed or discharged or exercised or done by the Registrar
in the electronic form in such manner as may be prescribed.
Admissibility
of certain
documents as
evidence.
Provisions
relating to
filing of
applications,
documents,
inspection,
etc., in
electronic
form.
21 of 2000.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 213
Explanation.— For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that the rules made
under this section shall not relate to imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties or
demand or payment of fees or contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or punishment
therefor.
(2) The Central Government may, by notification, frame a scheme to carry out the
provisions of sub-section (1) through the electronic form.
399. (1) Save as otherwise provided elsewhere in this Act, any person may—
(a) inspect by electronic means any documents kept by the Registrar in
accordance with the rules made, being documents filed or registered by him in pursuance
of this Act, or making a record of any fact required or authorised to be recorded or
registered in pursuance of this Act, on payment for each inspection of such fees as
may be prescribed;
(b) require a certificate of the incorporation of any company, or a copy or extract
of any other document or any part of any other document to be certified by the
Registrar, on payment in advance of such fees as may be prescribed:
Provided that the rights conferred by this sub-section shall be exercisable—
(i) in relation to documents delivered to the Registrar with a prospectus in
pursuance of section 26, only during the fourteen days beginning with the date of
publication of the prospectus; and at other times, only with the permission of the
Central Government; and
(ii) in relation to documents so delivered in pursuance of clause (b) of subsection
(1) of section 388, only during the fourteen days beginning with the date of the
prospectus; and at other times, only with the permission of the Central Government.
(2) No process for compelling the production of any document kept by the Registrar
shall issue from any court or the Tribunal except with the leave of that court or the Tribunal
and any such process, if issued, shall bear thereon a statement that it is issued with the leave
of the court or the Tribunal.
(3) A copy of, or extract from, any document kept and registered at any of the offices
for the registration of companies under this Act, certified to be a true copy by the Registrar
(whose official position it shall not be necessary to prove), shall, in all legal proceedings, be
admissible in evidence as of equal validity with the original document.
400. The Central Government may also provide in the rules made under section 398
and section 399 that the electronic form for the purposes specified in these sections shall be
exclusive, or in the alternative or in addition to the physical form, therefor.
401. The Central Government may provide such value added services through the
electronic form and levy such fee thereon as may be prescribed.
402. All the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 relating to the electronic
records, including the manner and format in which the electronic records shall be filed, in so
Inspection,
production
and evidence
of documents
kept by
Registrar.
Electronic
form to be
exclusive,
alternative or
in addition to
physical form.
Provision of
value added
services
through
electronic
form.
Application of
provisions of
Information
Technology
Act, 2000.
21 of 2000.
214 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
far as they are not inconsistent with this Act, shall apply in relation to the records in electronic
form specified under section 398.
403. (1) Any document, required to be submitted, filed, registered or recorded, or any
fact or information required or authorised to be registered under this Act, shall be submitted,
filed, registered or recorded within the time specified in the relevant provision on payment of
such fee as may be prescribed:
Provided that any document, fact or information may be submitted, filed, registered or
recorded, after the time specified in relevant provision for such submission, filing, registering
or recording, within a period of two hundred and seventy days from the date by which it
should have been submitted, filed, registered or recorded, as the case may be, on payment of
such additional fee as may be prescribed:
Provided further that any such document, fact or information may, without prejudice to
any other legal action or liability under the Act, be also submitted, filed, registered or recorded,
after the first time specified in first proviso on payment of fee and additional fee specified
under this section.
(2) Where a company fails or commits any default to submit, file, register or record any
document, fact or information under sub-section (1) before the expiry of the period specified
in the first proviso to that sub-section with additional fee, the company and the officers of
the company who are in default, shall, without prejudice to the liability for payment of fee and
additional fee, be liable for the penalty or punishment provided under this Act for such
failure or default.
404. All fees, charges and other sums received by any Registrar, Additional, Joint,
Deputy or Assistant Registrar or any other officer of the Central Government in pursuance of
any provision of this Act shall be paid into the public account of India in the Reserve Bank
of India.
CHAPTER XXV
COMPANIES TO FURNISH INFORMATION OR STATISTICS
405. (1) The Central Government may, by order, require companies generally, or any
class of companies, or any company, to furnish such information or statistics with regard to
their or its constitution or working, and within such time, as may be specified in the order.
(2) Every order under sub-section (1) shall be published in the Official Gazette and may
be addressed to companies generally or to any class of companies, in such manner, as the
Central Government may think fit and the date of such publication shall be deemed to be the
date on which requirement for information or statistics is made on such companies or class
of companies, as the case may be.
(3) For the purpose of satisfying itself that any information or statistics furnished by
a company or companies in pursuance of any order under sub-section (1) is correct and
complete, the Central Government may by order require such company or companies to
produce such records or documents in its possession or allow inspection thereof by such
officer or furnish such further information as that Government may consider necessary.
(4) If any company fails to comply with an order made under sub-section (1) or subsection
(3), or knowingly furnishes any information or statistics which is incorrect or
incomplete in any material respect, the company shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to twenty-five thousand rupees and every officer of the company who is in default,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine
which shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to three lakh
rupees, or with both.
(5) Where a foreign company carries on business in India, all references to a company
in this section shall be deemed to include references to the foreign company in relation, and
only in relation, to such business.
Fee for filing,
etc.
Fees, etc., to
be credited
into public
account.
Power of
Central
Government
to direct
companies to
furnish
information
or statistics.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 215
CHAPTER XXVI
NIDHIS
406. (1) In this section, “Nidhi” means a company which has been incorporated as a
Nidhi with the object of cultivating the habit of thrift and savings amongst its members,
receiving deposits from, and lending to, its members only, for their mutual benefit, and which
complies with such rules as are prescribed by the Central Government for regulation of such
class of companies.
(2) Save as otherwise expressly provided, the Central Government may, by notification,
direct that any of the provisions of this Act shall not apply, or shall apply with such exceptions,
modifications and adaptations as may be specified in that notification, to any Nidhi or
Nidhis of any class or description as may be specified in that notification.
(3) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (2), shall be
laid in draft before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty
days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if,
before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses
agree in making any modification in the notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as
the case may be, shall be issued only in such modified form as may be agreed upon by both
the Houses.
CHAPTER XXVII
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL AND APPELLATE TRIBUNAL
407. In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,—
(a) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Appellate Tribunal;
(b) “Judicial Member” means a member of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
appointed as such and includes the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be;
(c) “Member” means a member, whether Judicial or Technical of the Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal and includes the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be;
(d) “President” means the President of the Tribunal;
(e) “Technical Member” means a member of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
appointed as such.
408. The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute, with effect from such
date as may be specified therein, a Tribunal to be known as the National Company Law
Tribunal consisting of a President and such number of Judicial and Technical members, as
the Central Government may deem necessary, to be appointed by it by notification, to exercise
and discharge such powers and functions as are, or may be, conferred on it by or under this
Act or any other law for the time being in force.
409. (1) The President shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court for
five years.
(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judicial Member unless he—
(a) is, or has been, a judge of a High Court; or
(b) is, or has been, a District Judge for at least five years; or
(c) has, for at least ten years been an advocate of a court.
Explanation.—For the purposes of clause (c), in computing the period during
which a person has been an advocate of a court, there shall be included any period
during which the person has held judicial office or the office of a member of a tribunal
or any post, under the Union or a State, requiring special knowledge of law after he
become an advocate.
(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Technical Member unless he—
(a) has, for at least fifteen years been a member of the Indian Corporate Law
Service or Indian Legal Service out of which at least three years shall be in the pay
Power to
modify Act in
its
application to
Nidhis.
Definitions.
Constitution
of National
Company
Law Tribunal.
Qualification
of President
and Members
of Tribunal.
216 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
scale of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent or above in that
service; or
(b) is, or has been, in practice as a chartered accountant for at least fifteen years;
or
(c) is, or has been, in practice as a cost accountant for at least fifteen years; or
(d) is, or has been, in practice as a company secretary for at least fifteen years; or
(e) is a person of proven ability, integrity and standing having special knowledge
and experience, of not less than fifteen years, in law, industrial finance, industrial
management or administration, industrial reconstruction, investment, accountancy,
labour matters, or such other disciplines related to management, conduct of affairs,
revival, rehabilitation and winding up of companies; or
(f) is, or has been, for at least five years, a presiding officer of a Labour Court,
Tribunal or National Tribunal constituted under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
410. The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute, with effect from such
date as may be specified therein, an Appellate Tribunal to be known as the National Company
Law Appellate Tribunal consisting of a chairperson and such number of Judicial and Technical
Members, not exceeding eleven, as the Central Government may deem fit, to be appointed by
it by notification, for hearing appeals against the orders of the Tribunal.
411. (1) The chairperson shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme
Court or the Chief Justice of a High Court.
(2) A Judicial Member shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court or
is a Judicial Member of the Tribunal for five years.
(3) A Technical Member shall be a person of proven ability, integrity and standing
having special knowledge and experience, of not less than twenty-five years, in law, industrial
finance, industrial management or administration, industrial reconstruction, investment,
accountancy, labour matters, or such other disciplines related to management, conduct of
affairs, revival, rehabilitation and winding up of companies.
412. (1) The President of the Tribunal and the chairperson and Judicial Members of
the Appellate Tribunal, shall be appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
(2) The Members of the Tribunal and the Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal
shall be appointed on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of—
(a) Chief Justice of India or his nominee—Chairperson;
(b) a senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of High Court—
Member;
(c) Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs—Member;
(d) Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice—Member; and
(e) Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance—
Member.
(3) The Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs shall be the Convener of the Selection
Committee.
(4) The Selection Committee shall determine its procedure for recommending persons
under sub-section (2).
(5) No appointment of the Members of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be
invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or any defect in the constitution of the Selection
Committee.
413. (1) The President and every other Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as
such for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, but shall be
eligible for re-appointment for another term of five years.
14 of 1947.
Constitution
of Appellate
Tribunal.
Selection of
Members of
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Term of office
of President,
chairperson
and other
Members.
Qualifications
of chairperson
and
Members of
Appellate
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 217
(2) A Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as such until he attains,—
(a) in the case of the President, the age of sixty-seven years;
(b) in the case of any other Member, the age of sixty-five years:
Provided that a person who has not completed fifty years of age shall not be eligible
for appointment as Member:
Provided further that the Member may retain his lien with his parent cadre or Ministry
or Department, as the case may be, while holding office as such for a period not exceeding
one year.
(3) The chairperson or a Member of the Appellate Tribunal shall hold office as such for
a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, but shall be eligible for
re-appointment for anonther term of five years.
(4) A Member of the Appellate Tribunal shall hold office as such until he attains,—
(a) in the case of the Chairperson, the age of seventy years;
(b) in the case of any other Member, the age of sixty-seven years:
Provided that a person who has not completed fifty years of age shall not be eligible
for appointment as Member:
Provided further that the Member may retain his lien with his parent cadre or Ministry
or Department, as the case may be, while holding office as such for a period not exceeding
one year.
414. The salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the Members
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of
service of the Members shall be varied to their disadvantage after their appointment.
415. (1) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President or
the Chairperson by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the senior-most Member
shall act as the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be, until the date on which a
new President or Chairperson appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill
such vacancy enters upon his office.
(2) When the President or the Chairperson is unable to discharge his functions owing
to absence, illness or any other cause, the senior-most Member shall discharge the functions
of the President or the Chairperson, as the case may be, until the date on which the President
or the Chairperson resumes his duties.
416. The President, the Chairperson or any Member may, by notice in writing under
his hand addressed to the Central Government, resign from his office:
Provided that the President, the Chairperson, or the Member shall continue to hold
office until the expiry of three months from the date of receipt of such notice by the Central
Government or until a person duly appointed as his successor enters upon his office or until
the expiry of his term of office, whichever is earliest.
417. (1) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Chief Justice of
India, remove from office the President, Chairperson or any Member, who—
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central
Government, involves moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as such President, the
Chairperson, or Member; or
(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially
his functions as such President, the Chairperson or Member; or
Salary,
allowances
and other
terms and
conditions of
service of
Members.
Acting
President and
Chairperson
of Tribunal or
Appellate
Tribunal.
Resignation
of Members.
Removal of
Members.
218 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial
to the public interest:
Provided that the President, the Chairperson or the Member shall not be removed on
any of the grounds specified in clauses (b) to (e) without giving him a reasonable opportunity
of being heard.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the President, the Chairperson
or the Member shall not be removed from his office except by an order made by the Central
Government on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after an inquiry made by a
Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice of India on a reference made to
him by the Central Government in which such President, the Chairperson or Member had
been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being
heard.
(3) The Central Government may, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of India,
suspend from office, the President, the Chairperson or Member in respect of whom reference
has been made to the Judge of the Supreme Court under sub-section (2) until the Central
Government has passed orders on receipt of the report of the Judge of the Supreme Court on
such reference.
(4) The Central Government shall, after consultation with the Supreme Court, make
rules to regulate the procedure for the inquiry on the ground of proved misbehaviour or
incapacity referred to in sub-section (2).
418. (1) The Central Government shall, in consultation with the Tribunal and the
Appellate Tribunal, provide the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be,
with such officers and other employees as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers
and discharge of the functions of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal.
(2) The officers and other employees of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall
discharge their functions under the general superintendence and control of the President, or
as the case may be, the Chairperson, or any other Member to whom powers for exercising
such superintendence and control are delegated by him.
(3) The salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of the officers
and other employees of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be such as may be
prescribed.
419. (1) There shall be constituted such number of Benches of the Tribunal, as may, by
notification, be specified by the Central Government.
(2) The Principal Bench of the Tribunal shall be at New Delhi which shall be presided
over by the President of the Tribunal.
(3) The powers of the Tribunal shall be exercisable by Benches consisting of two
Members out of whom one shall be a Judicial Member and the other shall be a Technical
Member:
Provided that it shall be competent for the Members of the Tribunal authorised in this
behalf to function as a Bench consisting of a single Judicial Member and exercise the powers
of the Tribunal in respect of such class of cases or such matters pertaining to such class of
cases, as the President may, by general or special order, specify:
Provided further that if at any stage of the hearing of any such case or matter, it
appears to the Member that the case or matter is of such a nature that it ought to be heard by
a Bench consisting of two Members, the case or matter may be transferred by the President,
or, as the case may be, referred to him for transfer, to such Bench as the President may deem
fit.
Staff of
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Benches of
Tribunal.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 219
(4) The President shall, for the disposal of any case relating to rehabilitation,
restructuring, reviving or winding up, of companies, constitute one or more Special Benches
consisting of three or more Members, majority necessarily being of Judicial Members.
(5) If the Members of a Bench differ in opinion on any point or points, it shall be
decided according to the majority, if there is a majority, but if the Members are equally
divided, they shall state the point or points on which they differ, and the case shall be
referred by the President for hearing on such point or points by one or more of the other
Members of the Tribunal and such point or points shall be decided according to the opinion
of the majority of Members who have heard the case, including those who first heard it.
420. (1) The Tribunal may, after giving the parties to any proceeding before it, a
reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it thinks fit.
(2) The Tribunal may, at any time within two years from the date of the order, with a
view to rectifying any mistake apparent from the record, amend any order passed by it, and
shall make such amendment, if the mistake is brought to its notice by the parties:
Provided that no such amendment shall be made in respect of any order against which
an appeal has been preferred under this Act.
(3) The Tribunal shall send a copy of every order passed under this section to all the
parties concerned.
421. (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the Tribunal may prefer an appeal to the
Appellate Tribunal.
(2) No appeal shall lie to the Appellate Tribunal from an order made by the Tribunal
with the consent of parties.
(3) Every appeal under sub-section (1) shall be filed within a period of forty-five
days from the date on which a copy of the order of the Tribunal is made available to the
person aggrieved and shall be in such form, and accompanied by such fees, as may be
prescribed:
Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the
said period of forty-five days from the date aforesaid, but within a further period not exceeding
forty-five days, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from
filing the appeal within that period.
(4) On the receipt of an appeal under sub-section (1), the Appellate Tribunal shall,
after giving the parties to the appeal a reasonable opportunity of being heard, pass such
orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed
against.
(5) The Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the Tribunal
and the parties to appeal.
422. (1) Every application or petition presented before the Tribunal and every appeal
filed before the Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with and disposed of by it as expeditiously
as possible and every endeavour shall be made by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as
the case may be, for the disposal of such application or petition or appeal within three
months from the date of its presentation before the Tribunal or the filing of the appeal before
the Appellate Tribunal.
(2) Where any application or petition or appeal is not disposed of within the period
specified in sub-section (1), the Tribunal or, as the case may be, the Appellate Tribunal, shall
record the reasons for not disposing of the application or petition or the appeal, as the case
may be, within the period so specified; and the President or the Chairperson, as the case may
be, may, after taking into account the reasons so recorded, extend the period referred to in
sub-section (1) by such period not exceeding ninety days as he may consider necessary.
423. Any person aggrieved by any order of the Appellate Tribunal may file an appeal
to the Supreme Court within sixty days from the date of receipt of the order of the Appellate
Tribunal to him on any question of law arising out of such order:
Orders of
Tribunal.
Appeal from
orders of
Tribunal.
Expeditious
disposal by
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
Appeal to
Supreme
Court.
220 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that the Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented
by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a
further period not exceeding sixty days.
424. (1) The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall not, while disposing of any
proceeding before it or, as the case may be, an appeal before it, be bound by the procedure
laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of
natural justice, and, subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules made
thereunder, the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have power to regulate their own
procedure.
(2) The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging
their functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code
of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him
on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act,
1872, requisitioning any public record or document or a copy of such record or document
from any office;
(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(f) dismissing a representation for default or deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any representation for default or any
order passed by it ex parte; and
(h) any other matter which may be prescribed.
(3) Any order made by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal may be enforced by that
Tribunal in the same manner as if it were a decree made by a court in a suit pending therein,
and it shall be lawful for the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal to send for execution of its
orders to the court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,—
(a) in the case of an order against a company, the registered office of the company
is situate; or
(b) in the case of an order against any other person, the person concerned
voluntarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain.
(4) All proceedings before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to
be judicial proceedings within the meaning of sections 193 and 228, and for the purposes of
section 196 of the Indian Penal Code, and the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall be
deemed to be civil court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXVI of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973.
425. The Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal shall have the same jurisdiction, powers
and authority in respect of contempt of themselves as the High Court has and may exercise,
for this purpose, the powers under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971,
which shall have the effect subject to modifications that—
(a) the reference therein to a High Court shall be construed as including a
reference to the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal; and
(b) the reference to Advocate-General in section 15 of the said Act shall be
construed as a reference to such Law Officers as the Central Government may, specify
in this behalf.
Procedure
before
Tribunal and
Appellate
Tribunal.
5 of 1908.
5 of 1908.
1 of 1872.
Power to
punish for
contempt.
45 of 1860.
2 of 1974.
70 of 1971.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 221
426. The Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal may, by general or special order, direct,
subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, any of its officers or
employees or any other person authorised by it to inquire into any matter connected with
any proceeding or, as the case may be, appeal before it and to report to it in such manner as
may be specified in the order.
427. The President, Members, officers and other employees of the Tribunal and the
Chairperson, Members, officers and other employees of the Appellate Tribunal shall be
deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
428. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Tribunal, the
President, Member, officer or other employee, or against the Appellate Tribunal, the
Chairperson, Member, officer or other employees thereof or liquidator or any other person
authorised by the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal for the discharge of any function under
this Act in respect of any loss or damage caused or likely to be caused by any act which is in
good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act.
429. (1) The Tribunal may, in any proceeding relating to a sick company or winding up
of any other company, in order to take into custody or under its control all property, books of
account or other documents, request, in writing, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief
Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector within whose jurisdiction any such property,
books of account or other documents of such sick or other company, are situate or found, to
take possession thereof, and the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or
the District Collector, as the case may be, shall, on such request being made to him,—
(a) take possession of such property, books of account or other documents; and
(b) cause the same to be entrusted to the Tribunal or other person authorised
by it.
(2) For the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of sub-section (1), the
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or the District Collector may take or
cause to be taken such steps and use or cause to be used such force as may, in his opinion,
be necessary.
(3) No act of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or the
District Collector done in pursuance of this section shall be called in question in any court or
before any authority on any ground whatsoever.
430. No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect
of any matter which the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal is empowered to determine by or
under this Act or any other law for the time being in force and no injunction shall be granted
by any court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of
any power conferred by or under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, by the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal.
431. No act or proceeding of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall be questioned
or shall be invalid merely on the ground of the existence of any vacancy or defect in the
constitution of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
432. A party to any proceeding or appeal before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be, may either appear in person or authorise one or more chartered accountants
or company secretaries or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any other person to
present his case before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
Delegation of
powers.
President,
Members,
officers, etc.,
to be public
servants.
Protection of
action taken
in good faith.
Power to seek
assistance of
Chief
Metropolitan
Magistrate,
etc.
Civil court
not to have
jurisdiction.
Vacancy in
Tribunal or
Appellate
Tribunal not
to invalidate
acts or
proceedings.
Right to legal
representation.
45 of 1860.
222 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
433. The provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 shall, as far as may be, apply to
proceedings or appeals before the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may
be.
434. (1) On such date as may be notified by the Central Government in this
behalf,—
(a) all matters, proceedings or cases pending before the Board of Company
Law Administration (herein in this section referred to as the Company Law Board)
constituted under sub-section (1) of section 10E of the Companies Act, 1956,
immediately before such date shall stand transferred to the Tribunal and the
Tribunal shall dispose of such matters, proceedings or cases in accordance with
the provisions of this Act;
(b) any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Company Law
Board made before such date may file an appeal to the High Court within sixty
days from the date of communication of the decision or order of the Company Law
Board to him on any question of law arising out of such order:
Provided that the High Court may if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented
by sufficient cause from filing an appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within
a further period not exceeding sixty days;
(c) all proceedings under the Companies Act, 1956, including proceedings
relating to arbitration, compromise, arrangements and reconstruction and winding
up of companies, pending immediately before such date before any District Court
or High Court, shall stand transferred to the Tribunal and the Tribunal may proceed
to deal with such proceedings from the stage before their transfer.
(d) any appeal preferred to the Appellate Authority for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction or any reference made or inquiry pending to or before
the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction or any proceeding of
whatever nature pending before the Appellate Authority for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction or the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
under the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 immediately
before the commencement of this Act shall stand abated:
Provided that a company in respect of which such appeal or reference or
inquiry stands abated under this clause may make a reference to the Tribunal
under this Act within one hundred and eighty days from the commencement of
this Act in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided further that no fees shall be payable for making such reference
under this Act by a company whose appeal or reference or inquiry stands abated
under this clause.
(2) The Central Government may make rules consistent with the provisions
of this Act to ensure timely transfer of all matters, proceedings or cases pending
before the Company Law Board or the courts, to the Tribunal under this section.
CHAPTER XXVIII
SPECIAL COURTS
435. (1) The Central Government may, for the purpose of providing speedy trial of
offences under this Act, by notification, establish or designate as many Special Courts
as may be necessary.
(2) A Special Court shall consist of a single judge who shall be appointed by the
Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court within
whose jurisdiction the judge to be appointed is working.
Limitation.
Transfer of
certain
pending
proceedings.
36 of 1963.
1 of 1956.
Establishment
of Special
Courts.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1986.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 223
(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a judge of a Special Court unless
he is, immediately before such appointment, holding office of a Sessions Judge or an Additional
Sessions Judge.
436. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,—
(a) all offences under this Act shall be triable only by the Special Court established
for the area in which the registered office of the company in relation to which the
offence is committed or where there are more Special Courts than one for such area, by
such one of them as may be specified in this behalf by the High Court concerned;
(b) where a person accused of, or suspected of the commission of, an offence
under this Act is forwarded to a Magistrate under sub-section (2) or sub-section (2A)
of section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, such Magistrate may authorise
the detention of such person in such custody as he thinks fit for a period not exceeding
fifteen days in the whole where such Magistrate is a Judicial Magistrate and seven
days in the whole where such Magistrate is an Executive Magistrate:
Provided that where such Magistrate considers that the detention of such person
upon or before the expiry of the period of detention is unnecessary, he shall order such
person to be forwarded to the Special Court having jurisdiction;
(c) the Special Court may exercise, in relation to the person forwarded to it under
clause (b), the same power which a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try a case may
exercise under section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 in relation to an
accused person who has been forwarded to him under that section; and
(d) a Special Court may, upon perusal of the police report of the facts constituting
an offence under this Act or upon a complaint in that behalf, take cognizance of that
offence without the accused being committed to it for trial.
(2) When trying an offence under this Act, a Special Court may also try an offence
other than an offence under this Act with which the accused may, under the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 be charged at the same trial.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Special Court may, if it thinks fit, try in a summary way any offence under this Act which is
punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years:
Provided that in the case of any conviction in a summary trial, no sentence of
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year shall be passed:
Provided further that when at the commencement of, or in the course of, a summary
trial, it appears to the Special Court that the nature of the case is such that the sentence of
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year may have to be passed or that it is, for any other
reason, undesirable to try the case summarily, the Special Court shall, after hearing the
parties, record an order to that effect and thereafter recall any witnesses who may have been
examined and proceed to hear or rehear the case in accordance with the procedure for the
regular trial.
437. The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, all the powers conferred
by Chapters XXIX and XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a High Court, as if a
Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of
Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court.
438. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 shall apply to the proceedings before a Special Court and for the purposes
of the said provisions, the Special Court shall be deemed to be a Court of Session and the
person conducting a prosecution before a Special Court shall be deemed to be a Public
Prosecutor.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974. Offences
triable by
Special
Courts.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
Appeal and
revision.
Application
of Code to
proceedings
before
Special Court.
224 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
439. (1) Notwithstanding anything in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, every
offence under this Act except the offences referred to in sub-section (6) of section 212 shall
be deemed to be non-cognizable within the meaning of the said Code.
(2) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act which is alleged to
have been committed by any company or any officer thereof, except on the complaint in
writing of the Registrar, a shareholder of the company, or of a person authorised by the
Central Government in that behalf:
Provided that the court may take cognizance of offences relating to issue and transfer
of securities and non-payment of dividend, on a complaint in writing, by a person authorised
by the Securities and Exchange Board of India:
Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a prosecution by a
company of any of its officers.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
where the complainant under sub-section (2) is the Registrar or a person authorised by the
Central Government, the presence of such officer before the Court trying the offences shall
not be necessary unless the court requires his personal attendance at the trial.
(4) The provisions of sub-section (2) shall not apply to any action taken by the
liquidator of a company in respect of any offence alleged to have been committed in respect
of any of the matters in Chapter XX or in any other provision of this Act relating to winding
up of companies.
Explanation.—The liquidator of a company shall not be deemed to be an officer of the
company within the meaning of sub-section (2).
440. Any offence committed under this Act, which is triable by a Special Court shall,
until a Special Court is established, be tried by a Court of Session exercising jurisdiction over
the area, notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973:
Provided that nothing contained in this section shall affect the powers of the High
Court under section 407 of the Code to transfer any case or class of cases taken cognizance
by a Court of Session under this section.
441. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,
any offence punishable under this Act (whether committed by a company or any officer
thereof) with fine only, may, either before or after the institution of any prosecution, be
compounded by—
(a) the Tribunal; or
(b) where the maximum amount of fine which may be imposed for such offence
does not exceed five lakh rupees, by the Regional Director or any officer authorised by
the Central Government,
on payment or credit, by the company or, as the case may be, the officer, to the Central
Government of such sum as that Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised
by the Central Government, as the case may be, may specify:
Provided that the sum so specified shall not, in any case, exceed the maximum amount
of the fine which may be imposed for the offence so compounded:
Provided further that in specifying the sum required to be paid or credited for the
compounding of an offence under this sub-section, the sum, if any, paid by way of additional
fee under sub-section (2) of section 403 shall be taken into account:
Provided also that any offence covered under this sub-section by any company or its
officer shall not be compounded if the investigation against such company has been initiated
or is pending under this Act.
2 of 1974.
Offences to
be noncognizable.
2 of 1974.
Transitional
provisions.
Compounding
of certain
offences.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 225
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to an offence committed by a company or its
officer within a period of three years from the date on which a similar offence committed by
it or him was compounded under this section.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(a) any second or subsequent offence committed after the expiry of a period of
three years from the date on which the offence was previously compounded, shall be
deemed to be a first offence;
(b) “Regional Director” means a person appointed by the Central Government as
a Regional Director for the purposes of this Act.
(3) (a) Every application for the compounding of an offence shall be made to the
Registrar who shall forward the same, together with his comments thereon, to the Tribunal or
the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central Government, as the case may
be.
(b) Where any offence is compounded under this section, whether before or after the
institution of any prosecution, an intimation thereof shall be given by the company to the
Registrar within seven days from the date on which the offence is so compounded.
(c) Where any offence is compounded before the institution of any prosecution, no
prosecution shall be instituted in relation to such offence, either by the Registrar or by any
shareholder of the company or by any person authorised by the Central Government against
the offender in relation to whom the offence is so compounded.
(d) Where the compounding of any offence is made after the institution of any
prosecution, such compounding shall be brought by the Registrar in writing, to the notice of
the court in which the prosecution is pending and on such notice of the compounding of the
offence being given, the company or its officer in relation to whom the offence is so
compounded shall be discharged.
(4) The Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central
Government, as the case may be, while dealing with a proposal for the compounding of an
offence for a default in compliance with any provision of this Act which requires a company
or its officer to file or register with, or deliver or send to, the Registrar any return, account or
other document, may direct, by an order, if it or he thinks fit to do so, any officer or other
employee of the company to file or register with, or on payment of the fee, and the additional
fee, required to be paid under section 403, such return, account or other document within
such time as may be specified in the order.
(5) Any officer or other employee of the company who fails to comply with any order
made by the Tribunal or the Regional Director or any officer authorised by the Central
Government under sub-section (4) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to six months, or with fine not exceeding one lakh rupees, or with both.
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,—
(a) any offence which is punishable under this Act, with imprisonment or fine, or
with imprisonment or fine or with both, shall be compoundable with the permission of
the Special Court, in accordance with the procedure laid down in that Act for
compounding of offences;
(b) any offence which is punishable under this Act with imprisonment only or
with imprisonment and also with fine shall not be compoundable.
(7) No offence specified in this section shall be compounded except under and in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
2 of 1974.
226 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
442. (1) The Central Government shall maintain a panel of experts to be called as the
Mediation and Conciliation Panel consisting of such number of experts having such
qualifications as may be prescribed for mediation between the parties during the pendency
of any proceedings before the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal
under this Act.
(2) Any of the parties to the proceedings may, at any time during the proceedings
before the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, apply to the Central
Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, in such form along
with such fees as may be prescribed, for referring the matter pertaining to such proceedings
to the Mediation and Conciliation Panel and the Central Government or Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, shall appoint one or more experts from the panel
referred to in sub-section (1).
(3) The Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal before which any
proceeding is pending may, suo motu, refer any matter pertaining to such proceeding to such
number of experts from the Mediation and Conciliation Panel as the Central Government or
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be, deems fit.
(4) The fee and other terms and conditions of experts of the Mediation and Conciliation
Panel shall be such as may be prescribed.
(5) The Mediation and Conciliation Panel shall follow such procedure as may be
prescribed and dispose of the matter referred to it within a period of three months from the
date of such reference and forward its recommendations to the Central Government or the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be.
(6) Any party aggreived by the recommendation of the Mediation and Conciliation
Panel may file objections to the Central Government or the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be.
443. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Central Government may appoint generally, or for any case, or in any case, or for any specified
class of cases in any local area, one or more persons, as company prosecutors for the
conduct of prosecutions arising out of this Act and the persons so appointed as company
prosecutors shall have all the powers and privileges conferred by the Code on Public
Prosecutors appointed under section 24 of the Code.
444. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the
Central Government may, in any case arising under this Act, direct any company prosecutor
or authorise any other person either by name or by virtue of his office, to present an appeal
from an order of acquittal passed by any court, other than a High Court, and an appeal
presented by such prosecutor or other person shall be deemed to have been validly presented
to the appellate court.
445. The provisions of section 250 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall apply
mutatis mutandis to compensation for accusation without reasonable cause before the
Special Court or the Court of Session.
446. The court imposing any fine under this Act may direct that the whole or any part
thereof shall be applied in or towards payment of the costs of the proceedings, or in or towards
the payment of a reward to the person on whose information the proceedings were instituted.
CHAPTER XXIX
MISCELLANEOUS
447. Without prejudice to any liability including repayment of any debt under this Act
or any other law for the time being in force, any person who is found to be guilty of fraud,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but
which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than the
amount involved in the fraud, but which may extend to three times the amount involved in
the fraud:
Mediation and
Conciliation
Panel.
Power of
Central
Government
to appoint
company
prosecutors.
Appeal
against
acquittal.
Compensation
for accusation
without
reasonable
cause.
Application
of fines.
Punishment
for fraud.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
2 of 1974.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 227
Provided that where the fraud in question involves public interest, the term of
imprisonment shall not be less than three years.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section—
(i) “fraud” in relation to affairs of a company or any body corporate, includes
any act, omission, concealment of any fact or abuse of position committed by any
person or any other person with the connivance in any manner, with intent to deceive,
to gain undue advantage from, or to injure the interests of, the company or its
shareholders or its creditors or any other person, whether or not there is any wrongful
gain or wrongful loss;
(ii) “wrongful gain” means the gain by unlawful means of property to which the
person gaining is not legally entitled;
(iii) “wrongful loss” means the loss by unlawful means of property to which the
person losing is legally entitled.
448. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, if in any return, report, certificate, financial
statement, prospectus, statement or other document required by, or for, the purposes of any
of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, any person makes a statement,—
(a) which is false in any material particulars, knowing it to be false; or
(b) which omits any material fact, knowing it to be material,
he shall be liable under section 447.
449. Save as otherwise provided in this Act, if any person intentionally gives false
evidence—
(a) upon any examination on oath or solemn affirmation, authorised under this
Act; or
(b) in any affidavit, deposition or solemn affirmation, in or about the winding up
of any company under this Act, or otherwise in or about any matter arising under this
Act,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years
but which may extend to seven years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
450. If a company or any officer of a company or any other person contravenes any of
the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, or any condition, limitation or
restriction subject to which any approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition,
direction or exemption in relation to any matter has been accorded, given or granted, and for
which no penalty or punishment is provided elsewhere in this Act, the company and every
officer of the company who is in default or such other person shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to ten thousand rupees, and where the contravention is continuing one,
with a further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for every day after the first
during which the contravention continues.
451. If a company or an officer of a company commits an offence punishable either
with fine or with imprisonment and where the same offence is committed for the second or
subsequent occasions within a period of three years, then, that company and every officer
thereof who is in default shall be punishable with twice the amount of fine for such offence
in addition to any imprisonment provided for that offence.
452. (1) If any officer or employee of a company—
(a) wrongfully obtains possession of any property, including cash of the
company; or
(b) having any such property including cash in his possession, wrongfully
withholds it or knowingly applies it for the purposes other than those expressed or
directed in the articles and authorised by this Act,
Punishment
for false
evidence.
Punishment
for false
statement.
Punishment
where no
specific
penalty or
punishment is
provided.
Punishment
for wrongful
withholding
of property.
Punishment
in case of
repeated
default.
228 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
he shall, on the complaint of the company or of any member or creditor or contributory
thereof, be punishable with fine which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may
extend to five lakh rupees.
(2) The Court trying an offence under sub-section (1) may also order such officer or
employee to deliver up or refund, within a time to be fixed by it, any such property or cash
wrongfully obtained or wrongfully withheld or knowingly misapplied, the benefits that have
been derived from such property or cash or in default, to undergo imprisonment for a term
which may extend to two years.
453. If any person or persons trade or carry on business under any name or title, of
which the word “Limited” or the words “Private Limited” or any contraction or imitation
thereof is or are the last word or words, that person or each of those persons shall, unless
duly incorporated with limited liability, or unless duly incorporated as a private company
with limited liability, as the case may be, punishable with fine which shall not be less than five
hundred rupees but may extend to two thousand rupees for every day for which that name or
title has been used.
454. (1) The Central Government may, by an order published in the Official Gazette,
appoint as many officers of the Central Government, not below the rank of Registrar, as
adjudicating officers for adjudging penalty under the provisions of this Act in the manner as
may be prescribed.
(2) The Central Government shall while appointing adjudicating officers, specify their
jurisdiction in the order under sub-section (1).
(3) The adjudicating officer may, by an order impose the penalty on the company and
the officer who is in default stating any non-compliance or default under the relevant provision
of the Act.
(4) The adjudicating officer shall, before imposing any penalty, give a reasonable
opportunity of being heard to such company and the officer who is in default.
(5) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the adjudicating officer under
sub-section (3) may prefer an appeal to the Regional Director having jurisdiction in the
matter.
(6) Every appeal under sub-section (5) shall be filed within sixty days from the date on
which the copy of the order made by the adjudicating officer is received by the aggrieved
person and shall be in such form, manner and be accompanied by such fees as may be
prescribed.
(7) The Regional Director may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of
being heard, pass such order as he thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order
appealed against.
(8) (i) Where company does not pay the penalty imposed by the adjudicating officer or
the Regional Director within a period of ninety days from the date of the receipt of the copy
of the order, the company shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than twentyfive
thousand rupees but which may extend to five lakh rupees.
(ii) Where an officer of a company who is in default does not pay the penalty within a
period of ninety days from the date of the receipt of the copy of the order, such officer shall
be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which shall not
be less than twenty-five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with
both.
455. (1) Where a company is formed and registered under this Act for a future project
or to hold an asset or intellectual property and has no significant accounting transaction,
such a company or an inactive company may make an application to the Registrar in such
manner as may be prescribed for obtaining the status of a dormant company.
Punishment
for improper
use of
“Limited” or
“Private
Limited”.
Adjudication
of penalties.
Dormant
company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 229
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,—
(i) “inactive company” means a company which has not been carrying on any
business or operation, or has not made any significant accounting transaction during
the last two financial years, or has not filed financial statements and annual returns
during the last two financial years;
(ii) “significant accounting transaction” means any transaction other than—
(a) payment of fees by a company to the Registrar;
(b) payments made by it to fulfil the requirements of this Act or any other law;
(c) allotment of shares to fulfil the requirements of this Act; and
(d) payments for maintenance of its office and records.
(2) The Registrar on consideration of the application shall allow the status of a dormant
company to the applicant and issue a certificate in such form as may be prescribed to that
effect.
(3) The Registrar shall maintain a register of dormant companies in such form as may
be prescribed.
(4) In case of a company which has not filed financial statements or annual returns for
two financial years consecutively, the Registrar shall issue a notice to that company and
enter the name of such company in the register maintained for dormant companies.
(5) A dormant company shall have such minimum number of directors, file such
documents and pay such annual fee as may be prescribed to the Registrar to retain its
dormant status in the register and may become an active company on an application made in
this behalf accompanied by such documents and fee as may be prescribed.
(6) The Registrar shall strike off the name of a dormant company from the register of
dormant companies, which has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.
456. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government or
any officer of the Government or any other person in respect of anything which is in good
faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any rules or orders made
thereunder, or in respect of the publication by or under the authority of the Government or
such officer, of any report, paper or proceedings.
457. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Registrar, any officer of the Government or any other person shall not be compelled to
disclose to any court, Tribunal or other authority, the source from where he got any information
which—
(a) has led the Central Government to order an investigation under section 210;
or
(b) is or has been material or relevant in connection with such investigation.
458. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, and subject to such conditions,
limitations and restrictions as may be specified therein, delegate any of its powers or functions
under this Act other than the power to make rules to such authority or officer as may be
specified in the notification:
Provided that the powers to enforce the provisions contained in section 194 and
section 195 relating to forward dealing and insider trading shall be delegated to Securities
and Exchange Board for listed companies or the companies which intend to get their securities
listed and in such case, any officer authorised by the Securities and Exchange Board shall
have the power to file a complaint in the court of competent jurisdiction.
(2) A copy of every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall, as soon as may be
after it is issued, be laid before each House of Parliament.
Protection of
action taken
in good faith.
Nondisclosure
of
information
in certain
cases.
Delegation by
Central
Governemnt
of its powers
and
functions.
230 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
459. (1) Where the Central Government or the Tribunal is required or authorised by
any provision of this Act—
(a) to accord approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or recognition to, or in
relation to, any matter; or
(b) to give any direction in relation to any matter; or
(c) to grant any exemption in relation to any matter,
then, the Central Government or the Tribunal may in the absence of anything to the contrary
contained in that provision or any other provision of this Act, accord, give or grant such
approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption, subject to
such conditions, limitations or restrictions as it may think fit to impose and may, in the case
of a contravention of any such condition, limitation or restriction, rescind or withdraw such
approval, sanction, consent, confirmation, recognition, direction or exemption.
(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, every application which may be, or is
required to be, made to the Central Government or the Tribunal under any provision of this
Act—
(a) in respect of any approval, sanction, consent, confirmation or recognition to
be accorded by that Government or the Tribunal to, or in relation to, any matter; or
(b) in respect of any direction or exemption to be given or granted by that
Government or the Tribunal in relation to any matter; or
(c) in respect of any other matter,
shall be accompanied by such fees as may be prescribed:
Provided that different fees may be prescribed for applications in respect of different
matters or in case of applications by different classes of companies.
460. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,—
(a) where any application required to be made to the Central Government under
any provision of this Act in respect of any matter is not made within the time specified
therein, that Government may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the
delay; and
(b) where any document required to be filed with the Registrar under any provision
of this Act is not filed within the time specified therein, the Central Government may,
for reasons to be recorded in writing, condone the delay.
461. The Central Government shall cause a general annual report on the working and
administration of this Act to be prepared and laid before each House of Parliament within one
year of the close of the year to which the report relates.
462. (1) The Central Government may in the public interest, by notification direct that
any of the provisions of this Act,—
(a) shall not apply to such class or classes of companies; or
(b) shall apply to the class or classes of companies with such exceptions,
modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the notification.
(2) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (1), shall be
laid in draft before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty
days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if,
before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions
aforesaid, both Houses agree in disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses
agree in making any modification in the notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as
the case may be, shall be issued only in such modified form as may be agreed upon by both
the Houses.
Condonation
of delay in
certain cases.
Annual
report by
Central
Government.
Power to
exempt class
or classes of
companies
from
provisions of
this Act.
Powers of
Central
Government
or Tribunal
to accord
approval,
etc., subject
to conditions
and to
prescribe fees
on
applications.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 231
463. (1) If in any proceeding for negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust against an officer of a company, it appears to the court hearing the case that
he is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust, but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all
the circumstances of the case, including those connected with his appointment, he ought
fairly to be excused, the court may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from his liability on
such term, as it may think fit:
Provided that in a criminal proceeding under this sub-section, the court shall have no
power to grant relief from any civil liability which may attach to an officer in respect of such
negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or breach of trust.
(2) Where any such officer has reason to apprehend that any proceeding will or might
be brought against him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or
breach of trust, he may apply to the High Court for relief and the High Court on such
application shall have the same power to relieve him as it would have had if it had been a
court before which a proceedings against that officer for negligence, default, breach of duty,
misfeasance or breach of trust had been brought under sub-section (1).
(3) No court shall grant any relief to any officer under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)
unless it has, by notice served in the manner specified by it, required the Registrar and such other
person, if any, as it thinks necessary, to show cause why such relief should not be granted.
464. (1) No association or partnership consisting of more than such number of persons
as may be prescribed shall be formed for the purpose of carrying on any business that has for
its object the acquisition of gain by the association or partnership or by the individual
members thereof, unless it is registered as a company under this Act or is formed under any
other law for the time being in force:
Provided that the number of persons which may be prescribed under this sub-section
shall not exceed one hundred.
(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to—
(a) a Hindu undivided family carrying on any business; or
(b) an association or partnership, if it is formed by professionals who are governed
by special Acts.
(3) Every member of an association or partnership carrying on business in contravention
of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and
shall also be personally liable for all liabilities incurred in such business.
465. (1) The Companies Act, 1956 and the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act,
1961 (hereafter in this section referred to as the repealed enactments) shall stand repealed:
Provided that the provisions of Part IX A of the Companies Act, 1956 shall be applicable
mutatis mutandis to a Producer Company in a manner as if the Companies Act, 1956 has not
been repealed until a special Act is enacted for Producer Companies:
Provided further that until a date is notified by the Central Government under subsection
(1) of Section 434 for transfer of all matters, proceedings or cases to the Tribunal, the
provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 in regard to the jurisdiction, powers, authority and
functions of the Board of Company Law Administration and court shall continue to apply as
if the Companies Act, 1956 has not been repealed:
Provided also that provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 referred in the notification
issued under section 67 of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 shall, until the relevant
notification under such section applying relevant corresponding provisions of this Act to
limited liability partnerships is issued, continue to apply as if the Companies Act, 1956 has
not been repealed.
Power of
court to grant
relief in
certain cases.
Prohibition
of association
or
partnership
of persons
exceeding
certain
number.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
1 of 1956.
6 of 2009.
Sikkim Act
8 of 1961.
Repeal of
certain
enactments
and savings.
232 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal under sub-section (1) of the repealed enactments,—
(a) anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken,
including any rule, notification, inspection, order or notice made or issued or any
appointment or declaration made or any operation undertaken or any direction given
or any proceeding taken or any penalty, punishment, forfeiture or fine imposed under
the repealed enactments shall, insofar as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act, be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of
this Act;
(b) subject to the provisions of clause (a), any order, rule, notification, regulation,
appointment, conveyance, mortgage, deed, document or agreement made, fee directed,
resolution passed, direction given, proceeding taken, instrument executed or issued,
or thing done under or in pursuance of any repealed enactment shall, if in force at the
commencement of this Act, continue to be in force, and shall have effect as if made,
directed, passed, given, taken, executed, issued or done under or in pursuance of this
Act;
(c) any principle or rule of law, or established jurisdiction, form or course of
pleading, practice or procedure or existing usage, custom, privilege, restriction or
exemption shall not be affected, notwithstanding that the same respectively may have
been in any manner affirmed or recognised or derived by, in, or from, the repealed
enactments;
(d) any person appointed to any office under or by virtue of any repealed
enactment shall be deemed to have been appointed to that office under or by virtue of
this Act;
(e) any jurisdiction, custom, liability, right, title, privilege, restriction, exemption,
usage, practice, procedure or other matter or thing not in existence or in force shall not
be revised or restored;
(f) the offices existing on the commencement of this Act for the registration of
companies shall continue as if they have been established under the provisions of this
Act;
(g) the incorporation of companies registered under the repealed enactments
shall continue to be valid and the provisions of this Act shall apply to such companies
as if they were registered under this Act;
(h) all registers and all funds constituted and established under the repealed
enactments shall be deemed to be registers and funds constituted or established
under the corresponding provisions of this Act;
(i) any prosecution instituted under the repealed enactments and pending
immediately before the commencement of this Act before any Court shall, subject to
the provisions of this Act, continue to be heard and disposed of by the said Court;
(j) any inspection, investigation or inquiry ordered to be done under the
Companies Act, 1956 shall continue to be proceeded with as if such inspection,
investigation or inquiry has been ordered under the corresponding provisions of this
Act; and
(k) any matter filed with the Registrar, Regional Director or the Central
Government under the Companies Act, 1956 before the commencement of this Act and
not fully addressed at that time shall be concluded by the Registrar, Regional Director
or the Central Government, as the case may be, in terms of that Act, despite its repeal.
(3) The mention of particular matters in sub-section (2) shall not be held to prejudice
the general application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 with regard to the effect
of repeal of the repealed enactments as if the Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act, 1961
were also a Central Act.
1 of 1956.
10 of 1897.
Sikkim Act 8
of 1961.
1 of 1956.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 233
466. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 465, the Board of Company
Law Administration constituted under the Companies Act, 1956 (hereafter in this section
referred to as the Company Law Board) shall stand dissolved on the constitution of the
Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided that until the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal is constituted, the Chairman,
Vice-Chairman and Members of the Company Law Board immediately before the constitution
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal, who fulfil the qualifications and requirements
provided under this Act regarding appointment as President or Chairperson or Member of
the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, shall function as President, Chairperson or Member
of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal:
Provided further that every officer or other employee, who had been appointed on
deputation basis to the Company Law Board, shall, on such dissolution,—
(i) become officer or employee of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal, if he
fulfils the qualifications and requirements under this Act; and
(ii) stand reverted to his parent cadre, Ministry or Department, in any other case:
Provided also that every officer and the other employee of the Company Law Board,
employed on regular basis by that Board, shall become, on and from such dissolution the
officer and other employee, respectively, of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal with the
same rights and privileges as to pension, gratuity and other like benefits as would have been
admissible to him if he had continued to serve that Board and shall continue to do so unless
and until his employment in the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal is duly terminated or until
his remuneration, terms and conditions of employment are duly altered by the Tribunal or the
Appellate Tribunal, as the case may be:
Provided also that notwithstanding anything contained in the Industrial Disputes Act,
1947 or in any other law for the time being in force, any officer or other employee who
becomes an officer or other employee of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal under the
preceding proviso shall not be entitled to any compensation under this Act or under any
other law for the time being in force and no such claim shall be entertained by any court,
tribunal or other authority:
Provided also that where the Company Law Board has etablished a provident fund,
superannuation fund, welfare fund or other fund for the benefit of the officers and other
employees employed in that Board, the monies relatable to the officers and other employees
who have become officers or employees of the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal shall, out
of the monies standing to the credit of such provident fund, superannuation fund, welfare
fund or other fund, stand transferred to, and vest in, the Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal,
as the case may be, and such monies which stand so transferred shall be dealt with by the
Tribunal or the Appellate Tribunal in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The persons holding the offices of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members, and
officers and other employees of the Company Law Board immediately before the constitution
of the Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal who are not covered under proviso to sub-section
(1) shall vacate their respective offices on such constitution and no such Chairman, Vice-
Chairman and Members and officers or other employees shall be entitled to claim any
compensation for the premature termination of the term of his office or of any contract of
service, if any.
467. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Central Government may, by
notification, alter any of the regulations, rules, Tables, forms and other provisions contained
in any of the Schedules to this Act.
14 of 1947.
Power of
Central
Government
to amend
Schedules.
Dissolution
of Company
Law Board
and
consequential
provisions.
1 of 1956.
234 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(2) Any alteration notified under sub-section (1) shall have effect as if enacted in this
Act and shall come into force on the date of the notification, unless the notification otherwise
directs:
Provided that no such alteration in Table F of Schedule I shall apply to any company
registered before the date of such alteration.
(3) Every alteration made by the Central Government under sub-section (1) shall be
laid as soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session
for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more
successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the
session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification
in the alteration, or both Houses agree that the alteration should not be made, the alteration
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be;
so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of anything previously done in pursuance of that alteration.
468. (1) The Central Government shall, make rules consistent with the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 providing for all matters relating to the winding up of companies, which by
this Act, are to be prescribed, and may make rules providing for all such matters, as may be
prescribed.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—
(i) as to the mode of proceedings to be held for winding up of a company by the
Tribunal;
(ii) for the voluntary winding up of companies, whether by members or by
creditors;
(iii) for the holding of meetings of creditors and members in connection with
proceedings under section 230;
(iv) for giving effect to the provisions of this Act as to the reduction of the
capital;
(v) generally for all applications to be made to the Tribunal under the provisions
of this Act;
(vi) the holding and conducting of meetings to ascertain the wishes of creditors
and contributories;
(vii) the settling of lists of contributories and the rectifying of the register of
members where required, and collecting and applying the assets;
(viii) the payment, delivery, conveyance, surrender or transfer of money, property,
books or papers to the liquidator;
(ix) the making of calls; and
(x) the fixing of a time within which debts and claims shall be proved.
(3) All rules made by the Supreme Court on the matters referred to in this section as it
stood immediately before the commencement of this Act and in force at such commencement,
shall continue to be in force, till such time the rules are made by the Central Government and
any reference to the High Court in relation to winding up of a company in such rules shall be
construed as a reference to the Tribunal.
469. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the
provisions of this Act.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the Central
Government may make rules for all or any of the matters which by this Act are required to be,
or may be, prescribed or in respect of which provision is to be or may be made by rules.
Powers of
Central
Government
to make rules
relating to
winding up.
5 of 1908.
Power of
Central
Government
to make
rules.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 235
(3) Any rule made under sub-section (1) may provide that a contravention thereof
shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees and where the
contravention is a continuing one, with a further fine which may extend to five hundred
rupees for every day after the first during which such contravention continues.
(4) Every rule made under this section and every regulation made by Securities and
Exchange Board under this Act, shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each
House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of
the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both
Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or regulation or both Houses agree that
the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule or regulation shall thereafter have effect
only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously
done under that rule or regulation.
470. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central
Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for
removing the difficulty:
Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of five years from
the date of commencement of section 1 of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid
before each House of Parliament.
Power to
remove
difficulties.
236 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE I
(See sections 4 and 5)
TABLE -A
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited / Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of...................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited and this liability is limited to the amount
unpaid, if any, on the shares held by them.
5th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each.
6th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association, and we
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
Names, addresses, No. of shares taken Signature of Signature, names,
descriptions and by each subscriber subscriber addresses, descriptions
occupations of and occupations of
subscribers witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
Total shares taken:
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 237
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th Shri/Smt.................., son/daughter of ......................., resident of............ aged............ years
shall be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of
one person company)
Dated........................................ the day of ..........................
TABLE -B
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY
GUARANTEE AND NOT HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited/Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited.
5th Every member of the company undertakes to contribute:
(i) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a
member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts
and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may have been
contracted before he ceases to be a member; and
(ii) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding up (and for the adjustment of the
rights of the contributories among themselves),
such amount as may be required, not exceeding..................................rupees.
6th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association.
Names, addresses, descriptions Signature of Signature, names, addresses,
and occupations of subscriber descriptions and occupations
subscribers of witnesses
A.B. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of................Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
238 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association (Applicable in case of one person
company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th Shri/Smt............., son/daugther of .................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated............................ the day of ..............................
TABLE -C
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY
GUARANTEE AND HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Limited/Private Limited’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is limited.
5th Every member of the company undertakes to contribute:
(i) to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he is a
member, or within one year after he ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts
and liabilities of the company or of such debts and liabilities as may have been
contracted before he ceases to be a member; and
(ii) to the costs, charges and expenses of winding up (and for the adjustment of the
rights of the contributories among themselves),
such amount as may be required, not exceeding..................................rupees.
6th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each
7th We, the several persons, whose names, addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association and we
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 239
Names, addresses, No. of shares taken Signature of Signature, names,
descriptions and by each subscriber subscriber addresses, descriptions
occupations of and occupations of
subscribers witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
8th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of subscriber description and occupation
of witness
A.B. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
9th Shri/Smt.............., son/daughter of .................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated............................ the day of...........................
TABLE -D
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY
AND NOT HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Company’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of..................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is unlimited.
5th We, the several persons, whose names and addresses are subscribed are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association.
240 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Names, addresses, descriptions Signature of subscriber Signature, names, addresses,
and occupations of descriptions and occupations
subscribers of witnesses
A.B. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature......................
6th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association (Applicable in case of one person
company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of description and occupation
subscriber of witness
A.B. .......Merchant Signed before me:
Signature.....................
7th Shri/Smt.........., son/daughter of ....................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated...................... the day of....................
TABLE -E
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY
AND HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1st The name of the company is ‘‘..................................Company’’.
2nd The registered office of the company will be situated in the State of...................................
3rd (a) The objects to be pursued by the company on its incorporation are:—
(b) Matters which are necessary for furtherance of the objects specified in clause 3(a)
are:—
4th The liability of the member(s) is unlimited.
5th The share capital of the company is..................................rupees, divided
into..................................shares of..................................rupees each.
6th We, the several persons, whose names, and addresses are subscribed, are desirous of
being formed into a company in pursuance of this memorandum of association and we
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 241
respectively agree to take the number of shares in the capital of the company set
against our respective names:—
Names, addresses, No. of shares Signature of Signature, names, addresses,
descriptions and taken by each subscriber descriptions and
occupations of subscriber occupations of witnesses
subscribers
A.B. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
C.D. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
E.F. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
G.H. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
I.J. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
K.L. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
M.N. of........Merchant .............. Signed before me:
Signature......................
7th I, whose name and address is given below, am desirous of forming a company in
pursuance of this memorandum of association and agree to take all the shares in the
capital of the company (Applicable in case of one person company):—
Name, address, description Signature of subscriber Signature, name, address,
and occupation of description and occupation
subscriber of witness
A.B. ........Merchant Signed before me:
Signature.....................
8th Shri/Smt..........., son/daughter of ...................., resident of............ aged............ years shall
be the nominee in the event of death of the sole member (Applicable in case of one
person company)
Dated.............................. the day of .............................
TABLE -F
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES
Interpretation
I. (1) In these regulations—
(a) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2013,
(b) “the seal” means the common seal of the company.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in these
regulations shall bear the same meaning as in the Act or any statutory modification thereof
in force at the date at which these regulations become binding on the company.
Share capital and variation of rights
II. 1. Subject to the provisions of the Act and these Articles, the shares in the capital of
the company shall be under the control of the Directors who may issue, allot or otherwise
dispose of the same or any of them to such persons, in such proportion and on such terms
and conditions and either at a premium or at par and at such time as they may from time to
time think fit.
242 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
2. (i) Every person whose name is entered as a member in the register of members shall
be entitled to receive within two months after incorporation, in case of subscribers to the
memorandum or after allotment or within one month after the application for the registration
of transfer or transmission or within such other period as the conditions of issue shall be
provided,—
(a) one certificate for all his shares without payment of any charges; or
(b) several certificates, each for one or more of his shares, upon payment of
twenty rupees for each certificate after the first.
(ii) Every certificate shall be under the seal and shall specify the shares to which it
relates and the amount paid-up thereon.
(iii) In respect of any share or shares held jointly by several persons, the company
shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate, and delivery of a certificate for a share
to one of several joint holders shall be sufficient delivery to all such holders.
3. (i) If any share certificate be worn out, defaced, mutilated or torn or if there be no
further space on the back for endorsement of transfer, then upon production and surrender
thereof to the company, a new certificate may be issued in lieu thereof, and if any certificate
is lost or destroyed then upon proof thereof to the satisfaction of the company and on
execution of such indemnity as the company deem adequate, a new certificate in lieu thereof
shall be given. Every certificate under this Article shall be issued on payment of
twenty rupees for each certificate.
(ii) The provisions of Articles (2) and (3) shall mutatis mutandis apply to debentures
of the company.
4. Except as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the company as holding
any share upon any trust, and the company shall not be bound by, or be compelled in any
way to recognise (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or
partial interest in any share, or any interest in any fractional part of a share, or (except only as
by these regulations or by law otherwise provided) any other rights in respect of any share
except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the registered holder.
5. (i) The company may exercise the powers of paying commissions conferred by
sub-section (6) of section 40, provided that the rate per cent. or the amount of the commission
paid or agreed to be paid shall be disclosed in the manner required by that section and rules
made thereunder.
(ii) The rate or amount of the commission shall not exceed the rate or amount prescribed
in rules made under sub-section (6) of section 40.
(iii) The commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or the allotment of fully
or partly paid shares or partly in the one way and partly in the other.
6. (i) If at any time the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights
attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that
class) may, subject to the provisions of section 48, and whether or not the company is being
wound up, be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of three-fourths of the issued
shares of that class, or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting
of the holders of the shares of that class.
(ii) To every such separate meeting, the provisions of these regulations relating to
general meetings shall mutatis mutandis apply, but so that the necessary quorum shall be at
least two persons holding at least one-third of the issued shares of the class in question.
7. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with
preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue
of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares
ranking pari passu therewith.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 243
8. Subject to the provisions of section 55, any preference shares may, with the sanction
of an ordinary resolution, be issued on the terms that they are to be redeemed on such terms
and in such manner as the company before the issue of the shares may, by special resolution,
determine.
Lien
9. (i) The company shall have a first and paramount lien—
(a) on every share (not being a fully paid share), for all monies (whether presently
payable or not) called, or payable at a fixed time, in respect of that share; and
(b) on all shares (not being fully paid shares) standing registered in the name of
a single person, for all monies presently payable by him or his estate to the company:
Provided that the Board of directors may at any time declare any share to be
wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this clause.
(ii) The company’s lien, if any, on a share shall extend to all dividends payable and
bonuses declared from time to time in respect of such shares.
10. The company may sell, in such manner as the Board thinks fit, any shares on which
the company has a lien:
Provided that no sale shall be made—
(a) unless a sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable; or
(b) until the expiration of fourteen days after a notice in writing stating and
demanding payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is
presently payable, has been given to the registered holder for the time being of the
share or the person entitled thereto by reason of his death or insolvency.
11. (i) To give effect to any such sale, the Board may authorise some person to transfer
the shares sold to the purchaser thereof.
(ii) The purchaser shall be registered as the holder of the shares comprised in any such
transfer.
(iii) The purchaser shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money,
nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings
in reference to the sale.
12. (i) The proceeds of the sale shall be received by the company and applied in
payment of such part of the amount in respect of which the lien exists as is presently payable.
(ii) The residue, if any, shall, subject to a like lien for sums not presently payable as
existed upon the shares before the sale, be paid to the person entitled to the shares at the
date of the sale.
Calls on shares
13. (i) The Board may, from time to time, make calls upon the members in respect of any
monies unpaid on their shares (whether on account of the nominal value of the shares or by
way of premium) and not by the conditions of allotment thereof made payable at fixed times:
Provided that no call shall exceed one-fourth of the nominal value of the share or be
payable at less than one month from the date fixed for the payment of the last preceding call.
(ii) Each member shall, subject to receiving at least fourteen days’ notice specifying
the time or times and place of payment, pay to the company, at the time or times and place so
specified, the amount called on his shares.
(iii) A call may be revoked or postponed at the discretion of the Board.
244 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
14. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the
Board authorising the call was passed and may be required to be paid by instalments.
15. The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in
respect thereof.
16. (i) If a sum called in respect of a share is not paid before or on the day appointed for
payment thereof, the person from whom the sum is due shall pay interest thereon from the
day appointed for payment thereof to the time of actual payment at ten per cent. per annum
or at such lower rate, if any, as the Board may determine.
(ii) The Board shall be at liberty to waive payment of any such interest wholly or in
part.
17. (i) Any sum which by the terms of issue of a share becomes payable on allotment
or at any fixed date, whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of
premium, shall, for the purposes of these regulations, be deemed to be a call duly made and
payable on the date on which by the terms of issue such sum becomes payable.
(ii) In case of non-payment of such sum, all the relevant provisions of these regulations
as to payment of interest and expenses, forfeiture or otherwise shall apply as if such sum had
become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.
18. The Board—
(a) may, if it thinks fit, receive from any member willing to advance the same, all
or any part of the monies uncalled and unpaid upon any shares held by him; and
(b) upon all or any of the monies so advanced, may (until the same would, but for
such advance, become presently payable) pay interest at such rate not exceeding,
unless the company in general meeting shall otherwise direct, twelve per cent.
per annum, as may be agreed upon between the Board and the member paying the sum
in advance.
Transfer of shares
19. (i) The instrument of transfer of any share in the company shall be executed by or
on behalf of both the transferor and transferee.
(ii) The transferor shall be deemed to remain a holder of the share until the name of the
transferee is entered in the register of members in respect thereof.
20. The Board may, subject to the right of appeal conferred by section 58 decline to
register—
(a) the transfer of a share, not being a fully paid share, to a person of whom they
do not approve; or
(b) any transfer of shares on which the company has a lien.
21. The Board may decline to recognise any instrument of transfer unless—
(a) the instrument of transfer is in the form as prescribed in rules made under
sub-section (1) of section 56;
(b) the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the certificate of the shares to
which it relates, and such other evidence as the Board may reasonably require to show
the right of the transferor to make the transfer; and
(c) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares.
22. On giving not less than seven days’ previous notice in accordance with section 91
and rules made thereunder, the registration of transfers may be suspended at such times and
for such periods as the Board may from time to time determine:
Provided that such registration shall not be suspended for more than thirty days at
any one time or for more than forty-five days in the aggregate in any year.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 245
Transmission of shares
23. (i) On the death of a member, the survivor or survivors where the member was a
joint holder, and his nominee or nominees or legal representatives where he was a sole
holder, shall be the only persons recognised by the company as having any title to his
interest in the shares.
(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall release the estate of a deceased joint holder from any
liability in respect of any share which had been jointly held by him with other persons.
24. (i) Any person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or
insolvency of a member may, upon such evidence being produced as may from time to time
properly be required by the Board and subject as hereinafter provided, elect, either—
(a) to be registered himself as holder of the share; or
(b) to make such transfer of the share as the deceased or insolvent member could
have made.
(ii) The Board shall, in either case, have the same right to decline or suspend registration
as it would have had, if the deceased or insolvent member had transferred the share before
his death or insolvency.
25. (i) If the person so becoming entitled shall elect to be registered as holder of the
share himself, he shall deliver or send to the company a notice in writing signed by him
stating that he so elects.
(ii) If the person aforesaid shall elect to transfer the share, he shall testify his election
by executing a transfer of the share.
(iii) All the limitations, restrictions and provisions of these regulations relating to the
right to transfer and the registration of transfers of shares shall be applicable to any such
notice or transfer as aforesaid as if the death or insolvency of the member had not occurred
and the notice or transfer were a transfer signed by that member.
26. A person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or insolvency of the
holder shall be entitled to the same dividends and other advantages to which he would be
entitled if he were the registered holder of the share, except that he shall not, before being
registered as a member in respect of the share, be entitled in respect of it to exercise any right
conferred by membership in relation to meetings of the company:
Provided that the Board may, at any time, give notice requiring any such person to
elect either to be registered himself or to transfer the share, and if the notice is not complied
with within ninety days, the Board may thereafter withhold payment of all dividends, bonuses
or other monies payable in respect of the share, until the requirements of the notice have
been complied with.
27. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) on the death of the sole member, the person nominated by such member shall
be the person recognised by the company as having title to all the shares of the
member;
(ii) the nominee on becoming entitled to such shares in case of the member’s
death shall be informed of such event by the Board of the company;
(iii) such nominee shall be entitled to the same dividends and other rights and
liabilities to which such sole member of the company was entitled or liable;
(iv) on becoming member, such nominee shall nominate any other person with
the prior written consent of such person who, shall in the event of the death of the
member, become the member of the company.
246 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Forfeiture of shares
28. If a member fails to pay any call, or instalment of a call, on the day appointed for
payment thereof, the Board may, at any time thereafter during such time as any part of the call
or instalment remains unpaid, serve a notice on him requiring payment of so much of the call
or instalment as is unpaid, together with any interest which may have accrued.
29. The notice aforesaid shall—
(a) name a further day (not being earlier than the expiry of fourteen days from
the date of service of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice
is to be made; and
(b) state that, in the event of non-payment on or before the day so named, the
shares in respect of which the call was made shall be liable to be forfeited.
30. If the requirements of any such notice as aforesaid are not complied with, any
share in respect of which the notice has been given may, at any time thereafter, before the
payment required by the notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the Board to
that effect.
31. (i) A forfeited share may be sold or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in
such manner as the Board thinks fit.
(ii) At any time before a sale or disposal as aforesaid, the Board may cancel the
forfeiture on such terms as it thinks fit.
32. (i) A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a member in
respect of the forfeited shares, but shall, notwithstanding the forfeiture, remain liable to pay
to the company all monies which, at the date of forfeiture, were presently payable by him to
the company in respect of the shares.
(ii) The liability of such person shall cease if and when the company shall have
received payment in full of all such monies in respect of the shares.
33. (i) A duly verified declaration in writing that the declarant is a director, the manager
or the secretary, of the company, and that a share in the company has been duly forfeited on
a date stated in the declaration, shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as
against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share;
(ii) The company may receive the consideration, if any, given for the share on any sale
or disposal thereof and may execute a transfer of the share in favour of the person to whom
the share is sold or disposed of;
(iii) The transferee shall thereupon be registered as the holder of the share; and
(iv) The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money,
if any, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the
proceedings in reference to the forfeiture, sale or disposal of the share.
34. The provisions of these regulations as to forfeiture shall apply in the case of nonpayment
of any sum which, by the terms of issue of a share, becomes payable at a fixed time,
whether on account of the nominal value of the share or by way of premium, as if the same
had been payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.
Alteration of capital
35. The company may, from time to time, by ordinary resolution increase the share
capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amount, as may be specified in the
resolution.
36. Subject to the provisions of section 61, the company may, by ordinary resolution,—
(a) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger
amount than its existing shares;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 247
(b) convert all or any of its fully paid-up shares into stock, and reconvert that
stock into fully paid-up shares of any denomination;
(c) sub-divide its existing shares or any of them into shares of smaller amount
than is fixed by the memorandum;
(d) cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have
not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person.
37. Where shares are converted into stock,—
(a) the holders of stock may transfer the same or any part thereof in the same
manner as, and subject to the same regulations under which, the shares from which the
stock arose might before the conversion have been transferred, or as near thereto as
circumstances admit:
Provided that the Board may, from time to time, fix the minimum amount of stock
transferable, so, however, that such minimum shall not exceed the nominal amount of
the shares from which the stock arose.
(b) the holders of stock shall, according to the amount of stock held by them,
have the same rights, privileges and advantages as regards dividends, voting at
meetings of the company, and other matters, as if they held the shares from which the
stock arose; but no such privilege or advantage (except participation in the dividends
and profits of the company and in the assets on winding up) shall be conferred by an
amount of stock which would not, if existing in shares, have conferred that privilege or
advantage.
(c) such of the regulations of the company as are applicable to paid-up shares
shall apply to stock and the words “share” and “shareholder” in those regulations
shall include “stock” and “stock-holder” respectively.
38. The company may, by special resolution, reduce in any manner and with, and
subject to, any incident authorised and consent required by law,—
(a) its share capital;
(b) any capital redemption reserve account; or
(c) any share premium account.
Capitalisation of profits
39. (i) The company in general meeting may, upon the recommendation of the Board,
resolve—
(a) that it is desirable to capitalise any part of the amount for the time being
standing to the credit of any of the company’s reserve accounts, or to the credit of the
profit and loss account, or otherwise available for distribution; and
(b) that such sum be accordingly set free for distribution in the manner specified
in clause (ii) amongst the members who would have been entitled thereto, if distributed
by way of dividend and in the same proportions.
(ii) The sum aforesaid shall not be paid in cash but shall be applied, subject to the
provision contained in clause (iii), either in or towards—
(A) paying up any amounts for the time being unpaid on any shares held by such
members respectively;
(B) paying up in full, unissued shares of the company to be allotted and
distributed, credited as fully paid-up, to and amongst such members in the proportions
aforesaid;
248 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(C) partly in the way specified in sub-clause (A) and partly in that specified in
sub-clause (B);
(D) A securities premium account and a capital redemption reserve account
may, for the purposes of this regulation, be applied in the paying up of unissued
shares to be issued to members of the company as fully paid bonus shares;
(E) The Board shall give effect to the resolution passed by the company in
pursuance of this regulation.
40. (i) Whenever such a resolution as aforesaid shall have been passed, the Board shall—
(a) make all appropriations and applications of the undivided profits resolved to
be capitalised thereby, and all allotments and issues of fully paid shares if any; and
(b) generally do all acts and things required to give effect thereto.
(ii) The Board shall have power—
(a) to make such provisions, by the issue of fractional certificates or by payment
in cash or otherwise as it thinks fit, for the case of shares becoming distributable in
fractions; and
(b) to authorise any person to enter, on behalf of all the members entitled thereto,
into an agreement with the company providing for the allotment to them respectively,
credited as fully paid-up, of any further shares to which they may be entitled upon
such capitalisation, or as the case may require, for the payment by the company on
their behalf, by the application thereto of their respective proportions of profits resolved
to be capitalised, of the amount or any part of the amounts remaining unpaid on their
existing shares;
(iii) Any agreement made under such authority shall be effective and binding on such
members.
Buy-back of shares
41. Notwithstanding anything contained in these articles but subject to the provisions
of sections 68 to 70 and any other applicable provision of the Act or any other law for the time
being in force, the company may purchase its own shares or other specified securities.
General meetings
42. All general meetings other than annual general meeting shall be called extraordinary
general meeting.
43. (i) The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, call an extraordinary general meeting.
(ii) If at any time directors capable of acting who are sufficient in number to form a
quorum are not within India, any director or any two members of the company may call an
extraordinary general meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which
such a meeting may be called by the Board.
Proceedings at general meetings
44. (i) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
(ii) Save as otherwise provided herein, the quorum for the general meetings shall be as
provided in section 103.
45. The chairperson, if any, of the Board shall preside as Chairperson at every general
meeting of the company.
46. If there is no such Chairperson, or if he is not present within fifteen minutes after
the time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as chairperson of the
meeting, the directors present shall elect one of their members to be Chairperson of the
meeting.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 249
47. If at any meeting no director is willing to act as Chairperson or if no director is
present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present shall choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
48. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) the resolution required to be passed at the general meetings of the company
shall be deemed to have been passed if the resolution is agreed upon by the sole
member and communicated to the company and entered in the minutes book maintained
under section 118;
(ii) such minutes book shall be signed and dated by the member;
(iii) the resolution shall become effective from the date of signing such minutes
by the sole member.
Adjournment of meeting
49. (i) The Chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is
present, and shall, if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and
from place to place.
(ii) No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business
left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(iii) When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.
(iv) Save as aforesaid, and as provided in section 103 of the Act, it shall not be
necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an
adjourned meeting.
Voting rights
50. Subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any class or
classes of shares,—
(a) on a show of hands, every member present in person shall have one vote;
and
(b) on a poll, the voting rights of members shall be in proportion to his share in
the paid-up equity share capital of the company.
51. A member may exercise his vote at a meeting by electronic means in accordance
with section 108 and shall vote only once.
52. (i) In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote, whether in
person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders.
(ii) For this purpose, seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names
stand in the register of members.
53. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any
court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his
committee or other legal guardian, and any such committee or guardian may, on a poll, vote
by proxy.
54. Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be
proceeded with, pending the taking of the poll.
55. No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all calls or other
sums presently payable by him in respect of shares in the company have been paid.
56. (i) No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered, and every
vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all purposes.
250 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairperson of the
meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
Proxy
57. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power-of-attorney or other authority,
if any, under which it is signed or a notarised copy of that power or authority, shall be
deposited at the registered office of the company not less than 48 hours before the time for
holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument
proposes to vote, or, in the case of a poll, not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for
the taking of the poll; and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.
58. An instrument appointing a proxy shall be in the form as prescribed in the rules
made under section 105.
59. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid,
notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or the revocation of the
proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the shares in
respect of which the proxy is given:
Provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer
shall have been received by the company at its office before the commencement of the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
Board of Directors
60. The number of the directors and the names of the first directors shall be determined
in writing by the subscribers of the memorandum or a majority of them.
61. (i) The remuneration of the directors shall, in so far as it consists of a monthly
payment, be deemed to accrue from day-to-day.
(ii) In addition to the remuneration payable to them in pursuance of the Act, the
directors may be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them—
(a) in attending and returning from meetings of the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof or general meetings of the company; or
(b) in connection with the business of the company.
62. The Board may pay all expenses incurred in getting up and registering the company.
63. The company may exercise the powers conferred on it by section 88 with regard to
the keeping of a foreign register; and the Board may (subject to the provisions of that
section) make and vary such regulations as it may thinks fit respecting the keeping of any
such register.
64. All cheques, promissory notes, drafts, hundis, bills of exchange and other negotiable
instruments, and all receipts for monies paid to the company, shall be signed, drawn, accepted,
endorsed, or otherwise executed, as the case may be, by such person and in such manner as
the Board shall from time to time by resolution determine.
65. Every director present at any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof shall
sign his name in a book to be kept for that purpose.
66. (i) Subject to the provisions of section 149, the Board shall have power at any time,
and from time to time, to appoint a person as an additional director, provided the number of
the directors and additional directors together shall not at any time exceed the maximum
strength fixed for the Board by the articles.
(ii) Such person shall hold office only up to the date of the next annual general meeting
of the company but shall be eligible for appointment by the company as a director at that
meeting subject to the provisions of the Act.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 251
Proceedings of the Board
67. (i) The Board of Directors may meet for the conduct of business, adjourn and
otherwise regulate its meetings, as it thinks fit.
(ii) A director may, and the manager or secretary on the requisition of a director shall,
at any time, summon a meeting of the Board.
68. (i) Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, questions arising at any
meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(ii) In case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Board, if any, shall have a
second or casting vote.
69. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company, but for no other purpose.
70. (i) The Board may elect a Chairperson of its meetings and determine the period for
which he is to hold office.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors
present may choose one of their number to be Chairperson of the meeting.
71. (i) The Board may, subject to the provisions of the Act, delegate any of its powers
to committees consisting of such member or members of its body as it thinks fit.
(ii) Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated, conform
to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Board.
72. (i) A committee may elect a Chairperson of its meetings.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
73. (i) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks fit.
(ii) Questions arising at any meeting of a committee shall be determined by a majority
of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall
have a second or casting vote.
74. All acts done in any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof or by any
person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it may be afterwards discovered that
there was some defect in the appointment of any one or more of such directors or of any
person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if
every such director or such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a
director.
75. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, a resolution in writing, signed by
all the members of the Board or of a committee thereof, for the time being entitled to receive
notice of a meeting of the Board or committee, shall be valid and effective as if it had been
passed at a meeting of the Board or committee, duly convened and held.
76. In case of a One Person Company—
(i) where the company is having only one director, all the businesses to be
transacted at the meeting of the Board shall be entered into minutes book maintained
under section 118;
252 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) such minutes book shall be signed and dated by the director;
(iii) the resolution shall become effective from the date of signing such minutes
by the director.
Chief Executive Officer, Manager, Company Secretary or Chief Financial Officer
77. Subject to the provisions of the Act,—
(i) A chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief financial officer
may be appointed by the Board for such term, at such remuneration and upon such
conditions as it may thinks fit; and any chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer so appointed may be removed by means of a
resolution of the Board;
(ii) A director may be appointed as chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer.
78. A provision of the Act or these regulations requiring or authorising a thing to be
done by or to a director and chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting both
as director and as, or in place of, chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer.
The Seal
79. (i) The Board shall provide for the safe custody of the seal.
(ii) The seal of the company shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the
authority of a resolution of the Board or of a committee of the Board authorised by it in that
behalf, and except in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or such other
person as the Board may appoint for the purpose; and those two directors and the secretary
or other person aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the seal of the company is so
affixed in their presence.
Dividends and Reserve
80. The company in general meeting may declare dividends, but no dividend shall
exceed the amount recommended by the Board.
81. Subject to the provisions of section 123, the Board may from time to time pay to the
members such interim dividends as appear to it to be justified by the profits of the company.
82. (i) The Board may, before recommending any dividend, set aside out of the profits
of the company such sums as it thinks fit as a reserve or reserves which shall, at the
discretion of the Board, be applicable for any purpose to which the profits of the company
may be properly applied, including provision for meeting contingencies or for equalising
dividends; and pending such application, may, at the like discretion, either be employed in
the business of the company or be invested in such investments (other than shares of the
company) as the Board may, from time to time, thinks fit.
(ii) The Board may also carry forward any profits which it may consider necessary not
to divide, without setting them aside as a reserve.
83. (i) Subject to the rights of persons, if any, entitled to shares with special rights as
to dividends, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid or
credited as paid on the shares in respect whereof the dividend is paid, but if and so long as
nothing is paid upon any of the shares in the company, dividends may be declared and paid
according to the amounts of the shares.
(ii) No amount paid or credited as paid on a share in advance of calls shall be treated
for the purposes of this regulation as paid on the share.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 253
(iii) All dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid
or credited as paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of
which the dividend is paid; but if any share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for
dividend as from a particular date such share shall rank for dividend accordingly.
84. The Board may deduct from any dividend payable to any member all sums of
money, if any, presently payable by him to the company on account of calls or otherwise in
relation to the shares of the company.
85. (i) Any dividend, interest or other monies payable in cash in respect of shares may
be paid by cheque or warrant sent through the post directed to the registered address of the
holder or, in the case of joint holders, to the registered address of that one of the joint holders
who is first named on the register of members, or to such person and to such address as the
holder or joint holders may in writing direct.
(ii) Every such cheque or warrant shall be made payable to the order of the person to
whom it is sent.
86. Any one of two or more joint holders of a share may give effective receipts for any
dividends, bonuses or other monies payable in respect of such share.
87. Notice of any dividend that may have been declared shall be given to the persons
entitled to share therein in the manner mentioned in the Act.
88. No dividend shall bear interest against the company.
Accounts
89. (i) The Board shall from time to time determine whether and to what extent and at
what times and places and under what conditions or regulations, the accounts and books of
the company, or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of members not being directors.
(ii) No member (not being a director) shall have any right of inspecting any account or
book or document of the company except as conferred by law or authorised by the Board or
by the company in general meeting.
Winding up
90. Subject to the provisions of Chapter XX of the Act and rules made thereunder—
(i) If the company shall be wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a
special resolution of the company and any other sanction required by the Act, divide
amongst the members, in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the
company, whether they shall consist of property of the same kind or not.
(ii) For the purpose aforesaid, the liquidator may set such value as he deems fair
upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division
shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members.
(iii) The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of such
assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the contributories if he considers
necessary, but so that no member shall be compelled to accept any shares or other
securities whereon there is any liability.
Indemnity
91. Every officer of the company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the company
against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal,
in which judgment is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in which relief is
granted to him by the court or the Tribunal.
Note: The Articles shall be signed by each subscriber of the memorandum of association
who shall add his address, description and occupation, if any, in the presence of at
least one witness who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his address,
254 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
description and occupation, if any, and such signatures shall be in form specified
below:
Names, addresses, descriptions Witnesses (along with names, addresses,
and occupations of subscribers descriptions and occupations)
A.B. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
C.D. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
E.F. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
G.H. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
I.J. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
K.L. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
M.N. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
Dated the……..day of ………20……
Place: ................................
TABLE – G
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND
HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, register an increase of members.
2. All the articles of Table F in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
TABLE - H
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE AND NOT
HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
Interpretation
I. (1) In these regulations—
(a) “the Act” means the Companies Act, 2013;
(b) “the seal” means the common seal of the company.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in these
regulations shall have the same meaning as in the Act or any statutory modification thereof
in force at the date at which these regulations become binding on the company.
Members
II. 1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, whenever the company or the
business of the company requires it, register an increase of members.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 255
2. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the Board shall
admit to membership shall be members of the company.
General meetings
3. All general meetings other than annual general meeting shall be called extraordinary
general meeting.
4. (i) The Board may, whenever it thinks fit, call an extraordinary general meeting.
(ii) If at any time directors capable of acting who are sufficient in number to form a
quorum are not within India, any director or any two members of the company may call an
extraordinary general meeting in the same manner, as nearly as possible, as that in which
such a meeting may be called by the Board.
Proceedings at general meetings
5. (i) No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.
(ii) Save as otherwise provided herein, the quorum for the general meetings shall be as
provided in section 103.
6. The Chairperson, if any, of the Board shall preside as Chairperson at every general
meeting of the company.
7. If there is no such Chairperson, or if he is not present within fifteen minutes after the
time appointed for holding the meeting, or is unwilling to act as Chairperson of the meeting,
the directors present shall elect one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
8. If at any meeting no director is willing to act as Chairperson or if no director is
present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present shall choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
Adjournment of meeting
9. (i) The Chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is
present, and shall, if so directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and
from place to place.
(ii) No business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business
left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
(iii) When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.
(iv) Save as aforesaid, and as provided in section 103 of the Act, it shall not be
necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an
adjourned meeting.
Voting rights
10. Every member shall have one vote.
11. A member of unsound mind, or in respect of whom an order has been made by any
Court having jurisdiction in lunacy, may vote, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, by his
committee or other legal guardian, and any such committee or guardian may, on a poll, vote
by proxy.
12. No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting unless all sums presently
payable by him to the company have been paid.
13. (i) No objection shall be raised to the qualification of any voter except at the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the vote objected to is given or tendered, and every
vote not disallowed at such meeting shall be valid for all purposes.
256 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(ii) Any such objection made in due time shall be referred to the Chairperson of the
meeting, whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
14. A vote given in accordance with the terms of an instrument of proxy shall be valid,
notwithstanding the previous death or insanity of the principal or the revocation of the
proxy or of the authority under which the proxy was executed, or the transfer of the shares in
respect of which the proxy is given:
Provided that no intimation in writing of such death, insanity, revocation or transfer
shall have been received by the company at its office before the commencement of the
meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy is used.
15. A member may exercise his vote at a meeting by electronic means in accordance
with section 108 and shall vote only once.
16. Any business other than that upon which a poll has been demanded may be
proceeded with, pending the taking of the poll.
Board of Directors
17. The number of the directors and the names of the first directors shall be determined
in writing by the subscribers of the memorandum or a majority of them.
18. (i) The remuneration of the directors shall, in so far as it consists of a monthly
payment, be deemed to accrue from day-to-day.
(ii) In addition to the remuneration payable to them in pursuance of the Act, the
directors may be paid all travelling, hotel and other expenses properly incurred by them—
(a) in attending and returning from meetings of the Board of Directors or any
committee thereof or general meetings of the company; or
(b) in connection with the business of the company.
Proceedings of the Board
19. (i) The Board of Directors may meet for the conduct of business, adjourn and
otherwise regulate its meetings, as it thinks fit.
(ii) A director may, and the manager or secretary on the requisition of a director shall,
at any time, summon a meeting of the Board.
20. (i) Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, questions arising at any
meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(ii) In case of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Board, if any, shall have a
second or casting vote.
21. The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board; but,
if and so long as their number is reduced below the quorum fixed by the Act for a meeting of
the Board, the continuing directors or director may act for the purpose of increasing the
number of directors to that fixed for the quorum, or of summoning a general meeting of the
company, but for no other purpose.
22. (i) The Board may elect a Chairperson of its meetings and determine the period for
which he is to hold office.
(ii) If no such chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the Chairperson is not present
within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the directors present
may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
23. (i) The Board may, subject to the provisions of the Act, delegate any of its powers
to committees consisting of such member or members of its body as it thinks fit.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 257
(ii) Any committee so formed shall, in the exercise of the powers so delegated,
conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Board.
24. (i) A committee may elect a Chairperson of its meetings.
(ii) If no such Chairperson is elected, or if at any meeting the chairperson is not
present within five minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members
present may choose one of their members to be Chairperson of the meeting.
25. (i) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper.
(ii) Questions arising at any meeting of a committee shall be determined by a majority
of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall
have a second or casting vote.
26. All acts done by any meeting of the Board or of a committee thereof or by any
person acting as a director, shall, notwithstanding that it may be afterwards discovered that
there was some defect in the appointment of any one or more of such directors or of any
person acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified, be as valid as if
every such director or such person had been duly appointed and was qualified to be a director.
27. Save as otherwise expressly provided in the Act, a resolution in writing, signed
by all the members of the Board or of a committee thereof, for the time being entitled to
receive notice of a meeting of the Board or committee, shall be as valid and effective as if it
had been passed at a meeting of the Board or committee, duly convened and held.
Chief Executive Officer, Manager, Company Secretary or
Chief Financial Officer
28. Subject to the provisions of the Act,—
(i) A chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief financial
officer may be appointed by the Board for such term, at such remuneration and upon
such conditions as it thinks fit; and any chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer so appointed may be removed by means of a
resolution of the Board.
(ii) A director may be appointed as chief executive officer, manager, company
secretary or chief financial officer.
29. A provision of the Act or these regulations requiring or authorising a thing to be
done by or to a director and chief executive officer, manager, company secretary or chief
financial officer shall not be satisfied by its being done by or to the same person acting
both as director and as, or in place of, chief executive officer, manager, company secretary
or chief financial officer.
The Seal
30. (i) The Board shall provide for the safe custody of the seal.
(ii) The seal of the company shall not be affixed to any instrument except by the
authority of a resolution of the Board or of a committee of the Board authorised by it in
that behalf, and except in the presence of at least two directors and of the secretary or
such other person as the Board may appoint for the purpose; and those two directors and
the secretary or other person aforesaid shall sign every instrument to which the seal of the
company is so affixed in their presence.
Note: The Articles shall be signed by each subscriber of the memorandum of association
who shall add his address, description and occupation, if any, in the presence of at
least one witness who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his address,
258 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
description and occupation, if any, and such signatures shall be in form specified
below:
Names, addresses, descriptions Witnesses (along with names, addresses,
and occupations of subscribers descriptions and occupations)
A.B. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
C.D. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
E.F. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
G.H. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
I.J. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
K.L. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
M.N. of………….Merchant Signed before me
Signature…………….
Dated the……..day of ………20……
Place: ................................
TABLE – I
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY AND
HAVING A SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, register an increase of members.
2. All the articles of Table F in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
TABLE - J
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF AN UNLIMITED COMPANY AND
NOT HAVING SHARE CAPITAL
1. The number of members with which the company proposes to be registered is
hundred, but the Board of Directors may, from time to time, whenever the company or the
business of the company requires it, register an increase of members.
2. The subscribers to the memorandum and such other persons as the Board shall
admit to membership shall be members of the company.
3. All the articles of Table H in Schedule I annexed to the Companies Act, 2013 shall be
deemed to be incorporated with these articles and to apply to the company.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 259
SCHEDULE II
(See section 123)
USEFUL LIVES TO COMPUTE DEPRECIATION
PART ‘A’
1. Depreciation is the systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of an asset over
its useful life. The depreciable amount of an asset is the cost of an asset or other amount
substituted for cost, less its residual value. The useful life of an asset is the period over
which an asset is expected to be available for use by an entity, or the number of production
or similar units expected to be obtained from the asset by the entity.
2. For the purpose of this Schedule, the term depreciation includes amortisation.
3. Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of paragraph 1,—
(i) In case of such class of companies, as may be prescribed and whose financial
statements comply with the accounting standards prescribed for such class of
companies under section 133 the useful life of an asset shall not normally be different
from the useful life and the residual value shall not be different from that as indicated
in Part C, provided that if such a company uses a useful life or residual value which is
different from the useful life or residual value indicated therein, it shall disclose the
justification for the same.
(ii) In respect of other companies the useful life of an asset shall not be longer
than the useful life and the residual value shall not be higher than that prescribed in
Part C.
(iii) For intangible assets, the provisions of the Accounting Standards mentioned
under sub-para (i) or (ii), as applicable, shall apply.
PART ‘B’
4. The useful life or residual value of any specific asset, as notified for accounting
purposes by a Regulatory Authority constituted under an Act of Parliament or by the Central
Government shall be applied in calculating the depreciation to be provided for such asset
irrespective of the requirements of this Schedule.
PART ‘C’
5. Subject to Parts A and B above, the following are the useful lives of various tangible
assets:
Nature of assets Useful Life
I. Buildings [NESD]
(a) Buildings (other than factory buildings) RCC Frame Structure 60 Years
(b) Buildings (other than factory buildings) other than RCC Frame Structure 30 Years
(c) Factory buildings -do-
(d) Fences, wells, tube wells 5 Years
(e) Others (including temporary structure, etc.) 3 Years
II. Bridges, culverts, bunders, etc. [NESD] 30 Years
III. Roads [NESD]
(a) Carpeted roads
(i) Carpeted Roads-RCC 10 Years
(ii) Carpeted Roads-other than RCC 5 Years
260 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) Non-carpeted roads 3 Years
IV. Plant and Machinery
(i) General rate applicable to plant and machinery not covered under
special plant and machinery
(a) Plant and Machinery other than continuous process plant not
covered under specific industries 15 Years
(b) continuous process plant for which no special rate has been
prescribed under (ii) below [NESD] 8 Years
(ii) Special Plant and Machinery
(a) Plant and Machinery related to production and exhibition of
Motion Picture Films
1. Cinematograph films—Machinery used in the production and
exhibition of cinematograph films, recording and reproducing
equipments, developing machines, printing machines, editing
machines, synchronizers and studio lights except bulbs 13 Years
2. Projecting equipment for exhibition of films -do-
(b) Plant and Machinery used in glass manufacturing
1. Plant and Machinery except direct fire glass melting furnaces —
Recuperative and regenerative glass melting furnaces 13 Years
2. Plant and Machinery except direct fire glass melting furnaces —
Moulds [NESD] 8 Years
3. Float Glass Melting Furnaces [NESD] 10 Years
(c) Plant and Machinery used in mines and quarries—Portable
underground machinery and earth moving machinery used in
open cast mining [NESD] 8 Years
(d) Plant and Machinery used in Telecommunications [NESD]
1. Towers 18 Years
2. Telecom transceivers, switching centres, transmission and
other network equipment 13 Years
3. Telecom—Ducts, Cables and optical fibre 18 Years
4. Satellites -do-
(e) Plant and Machinery used in exploration, production and
refining oil and gas [NESD]
1. Refineries 25 Years
2. Oil and gas assets (including wells), processing plant and facilities -do-
3. Petrochemical Plant -do-
4. Storage tanks and related equipment -do-
5. Pipelines 30 Years
6. Drilling Rig -do-
7. Field operations (above ground) Portable boilers, drilling tools,
well-head tanks, etc. 8 Years
8. Loggers -doSEC.
1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 261
(f ) Plant and Machinery used in generation, transmission and distribution
of power [NESD]
1. Thermal/ Gas/ Combined Cycle Power Generation Plant 40 Years
2. Hydro Power Generation Plant -do-
3. Nuclear Power Generation Plant -do-
4. Transmission lines, cables and other network assets -do-
5. Wind Power Generation Plant 22 Years
6. Electric Distribution Plant 35 Years
7. Gas Storage and Distribution Plant 30 Years
8. Water Distribution Plant including pipelines -do-
(g) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of steel
1. Sinter Plant 20 Years
2. Blast Furnace -do-
3. Coke ovens -do-
4. Rolling mill in steel plant -do-
5. Basic oxygen Furnace Converter 25 Years
(h) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of non-ferrous metals
1. Metal pot line [NESD] 40 Years
2. Bauxite crushing and grinding section [NESD] -do-
3. Digester Section [NESD] -do-
4. Turbine [NESD] -do-
5. Equipments for Calcination [NESD] -do-
6. Copper Smelter [NESD] -do-
7. Roll Grinder 40 Years
8. Soaking Pit 30 Years
9. Annealing Furnace -do-
10. Rolling Mills -do-
11. Equipments for Scalping, Slitting , etc. [NESD] -do-
12. Surface Miner, Ripper Dozer, etc., used in mines 25 Years
13. Copper refining plant [NESD] -do-
(i) Plant and Machinery used in medical and surgical operations [NESD]
1. Electrical Machinery, X-ray and electrotherapeutic apparatus and
accessories thereto, medical, diagnostic equipments, namely,
Cat-scan, Ultrasound Machines, ECG Monitors, etc. 13 Years
2. Other Equipments. 15 Years
(j) Plant and Machinery used in manufacture of pharmaceuticals and
chemicals [NESD]
1. Reactors 20 Years
2. Distillation Columns -do-
3. Drying equipments/Centrifuges and Decanters -do-
4. Vessel/storage tanks -do262
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(k) Plant and Machinery used in civil construction
1. Concreting, Crushing, Piling Equipments and Road Making Equipments 12 Years
2. Heavy Lift Equipments—
Cranes with capacity of more than 100 tons 20 Years
Cranes with capacity of less than 100 tons 15 Years
3. Transmission line, Tunneling Equipments [NESD] 10 Years
4. Earth-moving equipments 9 Years
5. Others including Material Handling /Pipeline/Welding
Equipments [NESD] 12 Years
(l) Plant and Machinery used in salt works [NESD] 15 Years
V. Furniture and fittings [NESD]
(i) General furniture and fittings 10 Years
(ii) Furniture and fittings used in hotels, restaurants and boarding houses,
schools, colleges and other educational institutions, libraries; welfare
centres; meeting halls, cinema houses; theatres and circuses; and
furniture and fittings let out on hire for use on the occasion of marriages
and similar functions. 8 Years
VI. Motor Vehicles [NESD]
1. Motor cycles, scooters and other mopeds 10 Years
2. Motor buses, motor lorries, motor cars and motor taxies used in
a business of running them on hire 6 Years
3. Motor buses, motor lorries and motor cars other than those used
in a business of running them on hire 8 Years
4. Motor tractors, harvesting combines and heavy vehicles -do-
5. Electrically operated vehicles including battery powered or fuel
cell powered vehicles 8 Years
VII. Ships [NESD]
1. Ocean-going ships
(i) Bulk Carriers and liner vessels 25 Years
(ii) Crude tankers, product carriers and easy chemical carriers with or
without conventional tank coatings. 20 Years
(iii) Chemicals and Acid Carriers:
(a) With Stainless steel tanks 25 Years
(b) With other tanks 20 Years
(iv) Liquified gas carriers 30 Years
(v) Conventional large passenger vessels which are used for cruise
purpose also -do-
(vi) Coastal service ships of all categories -do-
(vii) Offshore supply and support vessels 20 Years
(viii) Catamarans and other high speed passenger for ships or boats -doSEC.
1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 263
(ix) Drill ships 25 Years
(x) Hovercrafts 15 Years
(xi) Fishing vessels with wooden hull 10 Years
(xii) Dredgers, tugs, barges, survey launches and other similar ships
used mainly for dredging purposes 14 Years
2. Vessels ordinarily operating on inland waters—
(i) Speed boats 13 Years
(ii) Other vessels 28 Years
VIII. Aircrafts or Helicopters [NESD] 20 Years
IX. Railways sidings, locomotives, rolling stocks, tramways and
railways used by concerns, excluding railway concerns [NESD] 15 Years
X. Ropeway structures [NESD] 15 Years
XI. Office equipment [NESD] 5 Years
XII. Computers and data processing units [NESD]
(i) Servers and networks 6 Years
(ii) End user devices, such as, desktops, laptops, etc. 3 Years
XIII. Laboratory equipment [NESD]
(i) General laboratory equipment 10 Years
(ii) Laboratory equipments used in educational institutions 5 Years
XIV. Electrical Installations and Equipment [NESD] 10 years
XV. Hydraulic works, pipelines and sluices [NESD] 15 Years
Notes.—
1. "Factory buildings" does not include offices, godowns, staff quarters.
2. Where, during any financial year, any addition has been made to any asset, or
where any asset has been sold, discarded, demolished or destroyed, the depreciation on
such assets shall be calculated on a pro rata basis from the date of such addition or, as the
case may be, up to the date on which such asset has been sold, discarded, demolished or
destroyed.
3. The following information shall also be disclosed in the accounts, namely:—
(i) depreciation methods used; and
(ii) the useful lives of the assets for computing depreciation, if they are different
from the life specified in the Schedule.
4. Useful life specified in Part C of the Schedule is for whole of the asset. Where cost
of a part of the asset is significant to total cost of the asset and useful life of that part is
different from the useful life of the remaining asset, useful life of that significant part shall be
determined separately.
5. Depreciable amount is the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for cost, less
its residual value. Ordinarily, the residual value of an asset is often insignificant but it should
generally be not more than 5% of the original cost of the asset.
264 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
6. The useful lives of assets working on shift basis have been specified in the Schedule
based on their single shift working. Except for assets in respect of which no extra shift
depreciation is permitted (indicated by NESD in Part C above), if an asset is used for any time
during the year for double shift, the depreciation will increase by 50% for that period and in
case of the triple shift the depreciation shall be calculated on the basis of 100% for that
period.
7. From the date this Schedule comes into effect, the carrying amount of the asset as
on that date—
(a) shall be depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset as per this
Schedule;
(b) after retaining the residual value, shall be recognised in the opening balance
of retained earnings where the remaining useful life of an asset is nil.
8. ‘‘Continuous process plant’’ means a plant which is required and designed to operate
for twenty-four hours a day.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 265
SCHEDULE III
(See section 129)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF BALANCE SHEET AND
STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS OF A COMPANY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Where compliance with the requirements of the Act including Accounting Standards
as applicable to the companies require any change in treatment or disclosure including
addition, amendment, substitution or deletion in the head or sub-head or any changes,
inter se, in the financial statements or statements forming part thereof, the same shall be
made and the requirements of this Schedule shall stand modified accordingly.
2. The disclosure requirements specified in this Schedule are in addition to and not in
substitution of the disclosure requirements specified in the Accounting Standards prescribed
under the Companies Act, 2013. Additional disclosures specified in the Accounting Standards
shall be made in the notes to accounts or by way of additional statement unless required to
be disclosed on the face of the Financial Statements. Similarly, all other disclosures as
required by the Companies Act shall be made in the notes to accounts in addition to the
requirements set out in this Schedule.
3. (i) Notes to accounts shall contain information in addition to that presented in the
Financial Statements and shall provide where required (a) narrative descriptions or
disaggregations of items recognised in those statements; and (b) information about items
that do not qualify for recognition in those statements.
(ii) Each item on the face of the Balance Sheet and Statement of Profit and Loss shall
be cross-referenced to any related information in the notes to accounts. In preparing the
Financial Statements including the notes to accounts, a balance shall be maintained between
providing excessive detail that may not assist users of financial statements and not providing
important information as a result of too much aggregation.
4. (i) Depending upon the turnover of the company, the figures appearing in the
Financial Statements may be rounded off as given below:—
Turnover Rounding off
(a) less than one hundred crore rupees To the nearest hundreds, thousands, lakhs
or millions, or decimals thereof.
(b) one hundred crore rupees or more To the nearest lakhs, millions or crores, or
decimals thereof.
(ii) Once a unit of measurement is used, it shall be used uniformly in the Financial
Statements.
5. Except in the case of the first Financial Statements laid before the Company (after its
incorporation) the corresponding amounts (comparatives) for the immediately preceding
reporting period for all items shown in the Financial Statements including notes shall also be
given.
6. For the purpose of this Schedule, the terms used herein shall be as per the applicable
Accounting Standards.
266 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Note:—This part of Schedule sets out the minimum requirements for disclosure on the face
of the Balance Sheet, and the Statement of Profit and Loss (hereinafter referred to as
“Financial Statements” for the purpose of this Schedule) and Notes. Line items,
sub-line items and sub-totals shall be presented as an addition or substitution on
the face of the Financial Statements when such presentation is relevant to an
understanding of the company’s financial position or performance or to cater to
industry/sector-specific disclosure requirements or when required for compliance
with the amendments to the Companies Act or under the Accounting Standards.
PART I — BALANCE SHEET
Name of the Company…………………….
Balance Sheet as at ………………………
(Rupees in…………)
Particulars Note Figures as at the Figures as at the
No. end of current end of the previous
reporting period reporting period
1 2 3 4
I. EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
(1) Shareholders’ funds
(a) Share capital
(b) Reserves and surplus
(c) Money received against share
warrants
(2) Share application money pending
allotment
(3) Non-current liabilities
(a) Long-term borrowings
(b) Deferred tax liabilities (Net)
(c) Other Long term liabilities
(d) Long-term provisions
(4) Current liabilities
(a) Short-term borrowings
(b) Trade payables
(c) Other current liabilities
(d) Short-term provisions
TOTAL
II. ASSETS
Non-current assets
(1) (a) Fixed assets
(i) Tangible assets
(ii) Intangible assets
(iii) Capital work-in-progress
(iv) Intangible assets under development
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 267
(b) Non-current investments
(c) Deferred tax assets (net)
(d) Long-term loans and advances
(e) Other non-current assets
(2) Current assets
(a) Current investments
(b) Inventories
(c) Trade receivables
(d) Cash and cash equivalents
(e) Short-term loans and advances
(f) Other current assets
TOTAL
See accompanying notes to the Financial Statements.
Notes
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF BALANCE SHEET
1. An asset shall be classified as current when it satisfies any of the following criteria:—
(a) it is expected to be realised in, or is intended for sale or consumption in, the
company’s normal operating cycle;
(b) it is held primarily for the purpose of being traded;
(c) it is expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting date; or
(d) it is cash or cash equivalent unless it is restricted from being exchanged or
used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
All other assets shall be classified as non-current.
2. An operating cycle is the time between the acquisition of assets for processing and
their realisation in cash or cash equivalents. Where the normal operating cycle cannot be
identified, it is assumed to have a duration of twelve months.
3. A liability shall be classified as current when it satisfies any of the following criteria:—
(a) it is expected to be settled in the company’s normal operating cycle;
(b) it is held primarily for the purpose of being traded;
(c) it is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting date; or
(d) the company does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the
liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Terms of a liability that
could, at the option of the counterparty, result in its settlement by the issue of equity
instruments do not affect its classification.
All other liabilities shall be classified as non-current.
4. A receivable shall be classified as a “trade receivable” if it is in respect of the amount
due on account of goods sold or services rendered in the normal course of business.
5. A payable shall be classified as a “trade payable” if it is in respect of the amount due
on account of goods purchased or services received in the normal course of business.
6. A company shall disclose the following in the notes to accounts.
1 2 3 4
268 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
A. Share Capital
For each class of share capital (different classes of preference shares to be
treated separately):
(a) the number and amount of shares authorised;
(b) the number of shares issued, subscribed and fully paid, and subscribed
but not fully paid;
(c) par value per share;
(d) a reconciliation of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning
and at the end of the reporting period;
(e) the rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of shares
including restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of
capital;
(f) shares in respect of each class in the company held by its holding
company or its ultimate holding company including shares held by or by
subsidiaries or associates of the holding company or the ultimate holding
company in aggregate;
(g) shares in the company held by each shareholder holding more than
5 per cent. shares specifying the number of shares held;
(h) shares reserved for issue under options and contracts/commitments
for the sale of shares/disinvestment, including the terms and amounts;
(i) for the period of five years immediately preceding the date as at which
the Balance Sheet is prepared:
(A) Aggregate number and class of shares allotted as fully paid-up
pursuant to contract(s) without payment being received in cash.
(B) Aggregate number and class of shares allotted as fully paid-up
by way of bonus shares.
(C) Aggregate number and class of shares bought back.
(j) terms of any securities convertible into equity/preference shares issued
along with the earliest date of conversion in descending order starting from the
farthest such date;
(k) calls unpaid (showing aggregate value of calls unpaid by directors and
officers);
(l) forfeited shares (amount originally paid-up).
B. Reserves and Surplus
(i) Reserves and Surplus shall be classified as:
(a) Capital Reserves;
(b) Capital Redemption Reserve;
(c) Securities Premium Reserve;
(d) Debenture Redemption Reserve;
(e) Revaluation Reserve;
(f) Share Options Outstanding Account;
(g) Other Reserves–(specify the nature and purpose of each reserve and
the amount in respect thereof);
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 269
(h) Surplus i.e., balance in Statement of Profit and Loss disclosing
allocations and appropriations such as dividend, bonus shares and transfer to/
from reserves, etc.;
(Additions and deductions since last balance sheet to be shown under
each of the specified heads);
(ii) A reserve specifically represented by earmarked investments shall be termed
as a “fund”.
(iii) Debit balance of statement of profit and loss shall be shown as a negative
figure under the head “Surplus”. Similarly, the balance of “Reserves and Surplus”,
after adjusting negative balance of surplus, if any, shall be shown under the head
“Reserves and Surplus” even if the resulting figure is in the negative.
C. Long-Term Borrowings
(i) Long-term borrowings shall be classified as:
(a) Bonds/debentures;
(b) Term loans:
(A) from banks.
(B) from other parties.
(c) Deferred payment liabilities;
(d) Deposits;
(e) Loans and advances from related parties;
(f) Long term maturities of finance lease obligations;
(g) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) Borrowings shall further be sub-classified as secured and unsecured. Nature
of security shall be specified separately in each case.
(iii) Where loans have been guaranteed by directors or others, the aggregate
amount of such loans under each head shall be disclosed.
(iv) Bonds/debentures (along with the rate of interest and particulars of
redemption or conversion, as the case may be) shall be stated in descending order of
maturity or conversion, starting from farthest redemption or conversion date, as the
case may be. Where bonds/debentures are redeemable by instalments, the date of
maturity for this purpose must be reckoned as the date on which the first instalment
becomes due.
(v) Particulars of any redeemed bonds/debentures which the company has power
to reissue shall be disclosed.
(vi) Terms of repayment of term loans and other loans shall be stated.
(vii) Period and amount of continuing default as on the balance sheet date in
repayment of loans and interest, shall be specified separately in each case.
D. Other Long-term Liabilities
Other Long-term Liabilities shall be classified as:
(a) Trade payables;
(b) Others.
E. Long-term provisions
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Provision for employee benefits;
270 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(b) Others (specify nature).
F. Short-term borrowings
(i) Short-term borrowings shall be classified as:
(a) Loans repayable on demand;
(A) from banks.
(B) from other parties.
(b) Loans and advances from related parties;
(c) Deposits;
(d) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) Borrowings shall further be sub-classified as secured and unsecured. Nature
of security shall be specified separately in each case.
(iii) Where loans have been guaranteed by directors or others, the aggregate
amount of such loans under each head shall be disclosed.
(iv) Period and amount of default as on the balance sheet date in repayment of
loans and interest, shall be specified separately in each case.
G. Other current liabilities
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Current maturities of long-term debt;
(b) Current maturities of finance lease obligations;
(c) Interest accrued but not due on borrowings;
(d) Interest accrued and due on borrowings;
(e) Income received in advance;
(f) Unpaid dividends;
(g) Application money received for allotment of securities and due for
refund and interest accrued thereon. Share application money includes advances
towards allotment of share capital. The terms and conditions including the number
of shares proposed to be issued, the amount of premium, if any, and the period
before which shares shall be allotted shall be disclosed. It shall also be disclosed
whether the company has sufficient authorised capital to cover the share capital
amount resulting from allotment of shares out of such share application money.
Further, the period for which the share application money has been pending
beyond the period for allotment as mentioned in the document inviting application
for shares along with the reason for such share application money being pending
shall be disclosed. Share application money not exceeding the issued capital
and to the extent not refundable shall be shown under the head Equity and share
application money to the extent refundable, i.e., the amount in excess of
subscription or in case the requirements of minimum subscription are not met,
shall be separately shown under “Óther current liabilities”;
(h) Unpaid matured deposits and interest accrued thereon;
(i) Unpaid matured debentures and interest accrued thereon;
(j) Other payables (specify nature).
H. Short-term provisions
The amounts shall be classified as:
(a) Provision for employee benefits.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 271
(b) Others (specify nature).
I. Tangible assets
(i) Classification shall be given as:
(a) Land;
(b) Buildings;
(c) Plant and Equipment;
(d) Furniture and Fixtures;
(e) Vehicles;
(f) Office equipment;
(g) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Assets under lease shall be separately specified under each class of asset.
(iii) A reconciliation of the gross and net carrying amounts of each class of
assets at the beginning and end of the reporting period showing additions, disposals,
acquisitions through business combinations and other adjustments and the related
depreciation and impairment losses/reversals shall be disclosed separately.
(iv) Where sums have been written-off on a reduction of capital or revaluation of
assets or where sums have been added on revaluation of assets, every balance sheet
subsequent to date of such write-off, or addition shall show the reduced or increased
figures as applicable and shall by way of a note also show the amount of the reduction
or increase as applicable together with the date thereof for the first five years subsequent
to the date of such reduction or increase.
J. Intangible assets
(i) Classification shall be given as:
(a) Goodwill;
(b) Brands /trademarks;
(c) Computer software;
(d) Mastheads and publishing titles;
(e) Mining rights;
(f) Copyrights, and patents and other intellectual property rights, services
and operating rights;
(g) Recipes, formulae, models, designs and prototypes;
(h) Licences and franchise;
(i) Others (specify nature).
(ii) A reconciliation of the gross and net carrying amounts of each class of
assets at the beginning and end of the reporting period showing additions, disposals,
acquisitions through business combinations and other adjustments and the related
amortization and impairment losses/reversals shall be disclosed separately.
(iii) Where sums have been written-off on a reduction of capital or revaluation
of assets or where sums have been added on revaluation of assets, every balance
sheet subsequent to date of such write-off, or addition shall show the reduced or
increased figures as applicable and shall by way of a note also show the amount of the
reduction or increase as applicable together with the date thereof for the first five years
subsequent to the date of such reduction or increase.
272 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
K. Non-current investments
(i) Non-current investments shall be classified as trade investments and other
investments and further classified as:
(a) Investment property;
(b) Investments in Equity Instruments;
(c) Investments in preference shares;
(d) Investments in Government or trust securities;
(e) Investments in debentures or bonds;
(f) Investments in Mutual Funds;
(g) Investments in partnership firms;
(h) Other non-current investments (specify nature).
Under each classification, details shall be given of names of the bodies corporate
indicating separately whether such bodies are (i) subsidiaries, (ii) associates,
(iii) joint ventures, or (iv) controlled special purpose entities in whom investments
have been made and the nature and extent of the investment so made in each such
body corporate (showing separately investments which are partly-paid). In regard to
investments in the capital of partnership firms, the names of the firms (with the names
of all their partners, total capital and the shares of each partner) shall be given.
(ii) Investments carried at other than at cost should be separately stated specifying
the basis for valuation thereof;
(iii) The following shall also be disclosed:
(a) Aggregate amount of quoted investments and market value thereof;
(b) Aggregate amount of unquoted investments;
(c) Aggregate provision for diminution in value of investments.
L. Long-term loans and advances
(i) Long-term loans and advances shall be classified as:
(a) Capital Advances;
(b) Security Deposits;
(c) Loans and advances to related parties (giving details thereof);
(d) Other loans and advances (specify nature).
(ii) The above shall also be separately sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful loans and advances shall be disclosed
under the relevant heads separately.
(iv) Loans and advances due by directors or other officers of the company or
any of them either severally or jointly with any other persons or amounts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a
member should be separately stated.
M. Other non-current assets
Other non-current assets shall be classified as:
(i) Long-term Trade Receivables (including trade receivables on deferred
credit terms);
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 273
(ii) Others (specify nature);
(iii) Long term Trade Receivables, shall be sub-classified as:
(A) (a) Secured, considered good;
(B) Unsecured, considered good;
(C) Doubtful.
(b) Allowance for bad and doubtful debts shall be disclosed under
the relevant heads separately.
(c) Debts due by directors or other officers of the company or any of
them either severally or jointly with any other person or debts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a
director or a member should be separately stated.
N. Current Investments
(i) Current investments shall be classified as:
(a) Investments in Equity Instruments;
(b) Investment in Preference Shares;
(c) Investments in Government or trust securities;
(d) Investments in debentures or bonds;
(e) Investments in Mutual Funds;
(f) Investments in partnership firms;
(g) Other investments (specify nature).
Under each classification, details shall be given of names of the bodies corporate
[indicating separately whether such bodies are: (i) subsidiaries, (ii) associates,
(iii) joint ventures, or (iv) controlled special purpose entities] in whom investments
have been made and the nature and extent of the investment so made in each such
body corporate (showing separately investments which are partly paid). In regard to
investments in the capital of partnership firms, the names of the firms (with the names
of all their partners, total capital and the shares of each partner) shall be given.
(ii) The following shall also be disclosed:
(a) The basis of valuation of individual investments;
(b) Aggregate amount of quoted investments and market value thereof;
(c) Aggregate amount of unquoted investments;
(d) Aggregate provision made for diminution in value of investments.
O. Inventories
(i) Inventories shall be classified as:
(a) Raw materials;
(b) Work-in-progress;
(c) Finished goods;
(d) Stock-in-trade (in respect of goods acquired for trading);
(e) Stores and spares;
(f) Loose tools;
274 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(g) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Goods-in-transit shall be disclosed under the relevant sub-head of inventories.
(iii) Mode of valuation shall be stated.
P. Trade Receivables
(i) Aggregate amount of Trade Receivables outstanding for a period exceeding
six months from the date they are due for payment should be separately stated.
(ii) Trade receivables shall be sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful debts shall be disclosed under the relevant
heads separately.
(iv) Debts due by directors or other officers of the company or any of them
either severally or jointly with any other person or debts due by firms or private
companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a member
should be separately stated.
Q. Cash and cash equivalents
(i) Cash and cash equivalents shall be classified as:
(a) Balances with banks;
(b) Cheques, drafts on hand;
(c) Cash on hand;
(d) Others (specify nature).
(ii) Earmarked balances with banks (for example, for unpaid dividend) shall be
separately stated.
(iii) Balances with banks to the extent held as margin money or security against
the borrowings, guarantees, other commitments shall be disclosed separately.
(iv) Repatriation restrictions, if any, in respect of cash and bank balances shall
be separately stated.
(v) Bank deposits with more than twelve months maturity shall be disclosed
separately.
R. Short-term loans and advances
(i) Short-term loans and advances shall be classified as:
(a) Loans and advances to related parties (giving details thereof);
(b) Others (specify nature).
(ii) The above shall also be sub-classified as:
(a) Secured, considered good;
(b) Unsecured, considered good;
(c) Doubtful.
(iii) Allowance for bad and doubtful loans and advances shall be disclosed
under the relevant heads separately.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 275
(iv) Loans and advances due by directors or other officers of the company or
any of them either severally or jointly with any other person or amounts due by firms
or private companies respectively in which any director is a partner or a director or a
member shall be separately stated.
S. Other current assets (specify nature)
This is an all-inclusive heading, which incorporates current assets that do not fit
into any other asset categories.
T. Contingent liabilities and commitments (to the extent not provided for)
(i) Contingent liabilities shall be classified as:
(a) Claims against the company not acknowledged as debt;
(b) Guarantees;
(c) Other money for which the company is contingently liable.
(ii) Commitments shall be classified as:
(a) Estimated amount of contracts remaining to be executed on capital
account and not provided for;
(b) Uncalled liability on shares and other investments partly paid;
(c) Other commitments (specify nature).
U. The amount of dividends proposed to be distributed to equity and preference
shareholders for the period and the related amount per share shall be disclosed
separately. Arrears of fixed cumulative dividends on preference shares shall also be
disclosed separately.
V. Where in respect of an issue of securities made for a specific purpose, the
whole or part of the amount has not been used for the specific purpose at the balance
sheet date, there shall be indicated by way of note how such unutilised amounts have
been used or invested.
W. If, in the opinion of the Board, any of the assets other than fixed assets and
non-current investments do not have a value on realisation in the ordinary course of
business at least equal to the amount at which they are stated, the fact that the Board
is of that opinion, shall be stated.
PART II – STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS
Name of the Company…………………….
Profit and loss statement for the year ended ………………………
(Rupees in…………)
Particulars Note Figures as at the Figures as at
No. end of current the end of
reporting period the previous
reporting
period
1 2 3 4
I. Revenue from operations xxx xxx
II. Other income xxx xxx
III. Total Revenue (I + II) xxx xxx
276 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
IV. Expenses:
Cost of materials consumed
Purchases of Stock-in-Trade
Changes in inventories of
finished goods xxx xxx
work-in-progress and xxx xxx
Stock-in-Trade xxx xxx
Employee benefits expense xxx xxx
Finance costs
Depreciation and amortisation
expense
Other expenses
Total expenses xxx xxx
V. Profit before exceptional and xxx xxx
extraordinary items and tax
(III - IV)
VI. Exceptional items xxx xxx
VII. Profit before extraordinary items xxx xxx
and tax (V - VI)
VIII. Extraordinary items xxx xxx
IX. Profit before tax (VII- VIII) xxx xxx
X. Tax expense:
(1) Current tax xxx xxx
(2) Deferred tax xxx xxx
XI. Profit (Loss) for the period from xxx xxx
continuing operations (VII-VIII)
XII. Profit/(loss) from discontinuing xxx xxx
operations
XIII. Tax expense of discontinuing xxx xxx
operations
XIV. Profit/(loss) from Discontinuing xxx xxx
operations (after tax) (XII-XIII)
XV. Profit (Loss) for the period (XI + XIV) xxx xxx
XVI. Earnings per equity share:
(1) Basic xxx xxx
(2) Diluted xxx xxx
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
1 2 3 4
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 277
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF STATEMENT OF
PROFIT AND LOSS
1. The provisions of this Part shall apply to the income and expenditure account
referred to in sub-clause (ii) of clause (40) of section 2 in like manner as they apply to a
statement of profit and loss.
2. (A) In respect of a company other than a finance company revenue from operations
shall disclose separately in the notes revenue from—
(a) Sale of products;
(b) Sale of services;
(c) Other operating revenues;
Less:
(d) Excise duty.
(B) In respect of a finance company, revenue from operations shall include revenue
from—
(a) Interest; and
(b) Other financial services.
Revenue under each of the above heads shall be disclosed separately by way of notes
to accounts to the extent applicable.
3. Finance Costs
Finance costs shall be classified as:
(a) Interest expense;
(b) Other borrowing costs;
(c) Applicable net gain/loss on foreign currency transactions and translation.
4. Other income
Other income shall be classified as:
(a) Interest Income (in case of a company other than a finance company);
(b) Dividend Income;
(c) Net gain/loss on sale of investments;
(d) Other non-operating income (net of expenses directly attributable
to such income).
5. Additional Information
A Company shall disclose by way of notes additional information regarding aggregate
expenditure and income on the following items:—
(i) (a) Employee Benefits Expense [showing separately (i) salaries and wages,
(ii) contribution to provident and other funds, (iii) expense on Employee Stock Option
Scheme (ESOP) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), (iv) staff welfare expenses].
(b) Depreciation and amortisation expense;
(c) Any item of income or expenditure which exceeds one per cent. of the revenue
from operations or Rs.1,00,000, whichever is higher;
(d) Interest Income;
278 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(e) Interest expense;
(f) Dividend income;
(g) Net gain/loss on sale of investments;
(h) Adjustments to the carrying amount of investments;
(i) Net gain or loss on foreign currency transaction and translation (other than
considered as finance cost);
(j) Payments to the auditor as (a) auditor; (b) for taxation matters; (c) for company
law matters; (d) for management services; (e) for other services; and (f) for
reimbursement of expenses;
(k) In case of Companies covered under section 135, amount of expenditure
incurred on corporate social responsibility activities;
(l) Details of items of exceptional and extraordinary nature;
(m) Prior period items;
(ii) (a) In the case of manufacturing companies,—
(1) Raw materials under broad heads.
(2) goods purchased under broad heads.
(b) In the case of trading companies, purchases in respect of goods traded in by
the company under broad heads.
(c) In the case of companies rendering or supplying services, gross income
derived from services rendered or supplied under broad heads.
(d) In the case of a company, which falls under more than one of the categories
mentioned in (a), (b) and (c) above, it shall be sufficient compliance with the requirements
herein if purchases, sales and consumption of raw material and the gross income from
services rendered is shown under broad heads.
(e) In the case of other companies, gross income derived under broad heads.
(iii) In the case of all concerns having works in progress, works-in-progress
under broad heads.
(iv) (a) The aggregate, if material, of any amounts set aside or proposed to be set
aside, to reserve, but not including provisions made to meet any specific liability,
contingency or commitment known to exist at the date as to which the balance sheet is
made up.
(b) The aggregate, if material, of any amounts withdrawn from such reserves.
(v) (a) The aggregate, if material, of the amounts set aside to provisions made for
meeting specific liabilities, contingencies or commitments.
(b) The aggregate, if material, of the amounts withdrawn from such provisions,
as no longer required.
(vi) Expenditure incurred on each of the following items, separately for each
item:—
(a) Consumption of stores and spare parts;
(b) Power and fuel;
(c) Rent;
(d) Repairs to buildings;
(e) Repairs to machinery;
(f) Insurance;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 279
(g) Rates and taxes, excluding, taxes on income;
(h) Miscellaneous expenses,
(vii) (a) Dividends from subsidiary companies.
(b) Provisions for losses of subsidiary companies.
(viii) The profit and loss account shall also contain by way of a note the following
information, namely:—
(a) Value of imports calculated on C.I.F basis by the company during the
financial year in respect of—
I. Raw materials;
II. Components and spare parts;
III. Capital goods;
(b) Expenditure in foreign currency during the financial year on account of
royalty, know-how, professional and consultation fees, interest, and other matters;
(c) Total value if all imported raw materials, spare parts and components
consumed during the financial year and the total value of all indigenous raw
materials, spare parts and components similarly consumed and the percentage
of each to the total consumption;
(d) The amount remitted during the year in foreign currencies on account
of dividends with a specific mention of the total number of non-resident
shareholders, the total number of shares held by them on which the dividends
were due and the year to which the dividends related;
(e) Earnings in foreign exchange classified under the following heads,
namely:—
I. Export of goods calculated on F.O.B. basis;
II. Royalty, know-how, professional and consultation fees;
III. Interest and dividend;
IV. Other income, indicating the nature thereof.
Note:— Broad heads shall be decided taking into account the concept of materiality and
presentation of true and fair view of financial statements.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Where a company is required to prepare Consolidated Financial Statements, i.e.,
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of profit and loss, the company shall
mutatis mutandis follow the requirements of this Schedule as applicable to a company in the
preparation of balance sheet and statement of profit and loss. In addition, the consolidated
financial statements shall disclose the information as per the requirements specified in the
applicable Accounting Standards including the following:
(i) Profit or loss attributable to “minority interest” and to owners of the parent in
the statement of profit and loss shall be presented as allocation for the period.
(ii) “Minority interests” in the balance sheet within equity shall be presented
separately from the equity of the owners of the parent.
280 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
2. In Consolidated Financial Statements, the following shall be disclosed by way of
additional information:
Name of the Net Assets, i.e., total Share in profit
entity in the assets minus total liabilities or loss
As % of Amount As % of Amount
consolidated consolidated
net assets profit or loss
1 2 3 4 5
Parent
Subsidiaries
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Minority
Interests in
all subsidiaries
Associates
(Investment
as per the equity
method)
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Joint Ventures
(as per proportionate
consolidation/
investment
as per the
equity method)
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 281
Indian
1.
2.
3.
.
.
Foreign
1.
2.
3.
.
.
TOTAL
3. All subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (whether Indian or foreign) will be
covered under consolidated financial statements.
4. An entity shall disclose the list of subsidiaries or associates or joint ventures which
have not been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements along with the reasons
of not consolidating.
1 2 3 4 5
282 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE IV
[See section 149(8)]
CODE FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Code is a guide to professional conduct for independent directors. Adherence to
these standards by independent directors and fulfilment of their responsibilities in a
professional and faithful manner will promote confidence of the investment community,
particularly minority shareholders, regulators and companies in the institution of independent
directors.
I. Guidelines of professional conduct:
An independent director shall:
(1) uphold ethical standards of integrity and probity;
(2) act objectively and constructively while exercising his duties;
(3) exercise his responsibilities in a bona fide manner in the interest of the company;
(4) devote sufficient time and attention to his professional obligations for informed
and balanced decision making;
(5) not allow any extraneous considerations that will vitiate his exercise of objective
independent judgment in the paramount interest of the company as a whole,
while concurring in or dissenting from the collective judgment of the Board in its
decision making;
(6) not abuse his position to the detriment of the company or its shareholders or for
the purpose of gaining direct or indirect personal advantage or advantage for
any associated person;
(7) refrain from any action that would lead to loss of his independence;
(8) where circumstances arise which make an independent director lose his
independence, the independent director must immediately inform the Board
accordingly;
(9) assist the company in implementing the best corporate governance practices.
II. Role and functions:
The independent directors shall:
(1) help in bringing an independent judgment to bear on the Board’s deliberations
especially on issues of strategy, performance, risk management, resources, key
appointments and standards of conduct;
(2) bring an objective view in the evaluation of the performance of board and
management;
(3) scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives
and monitor the reporting of performance;
(4) satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial information and that financial
controls and the systems of risk management are robust and defensible;
(5) safeguard the interests of all stakeholders, particularly the minority shareholders;
(6) balance the conflicting interest of the stakeholders;
(7) determine appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors, key
managerial personnel and senior management and have a prime role in appointing
and where necessary recommend removal of executive directors, key managerial
personnel and senior management;
(8) moderate and arbitrate in the interest of the company as a whole, in situations of
conflict between management and shareholder’s interest.
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 283
III. Duties :
The independent directors shall—
(1) undertake appropriate induction and regularly update and refresh their skills,
knowledge and familiarity with the company;
(2) seek appropriate clarification or amplification of information and, where necessary,
take and follow appropriate professional advice and opinion of outside experts
at the expense of the company;
(3) strive to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Board committees
of which he is a member;
(4) participate constructively and actively in the committees of the Board in which
they are chairpersons or members;
(5) strive to attend the general meetings of the company;
(6) where they have concerns about the running of the company or a proposed
action, ensure that these are addressed by the Board and, to the extent that they
are not resolved, insist that their concerns are recorded in the minutes of the
Board meeting;
(7) keep themselves well informed about the company and the external environment
in which it operates;
(8) not to unfairly obstruct the functioning of an otherwise proper Board or
committee of the Board;
(9) pay sufficient attention and ensure that adequate deliberations are held before
approving related party transactions and assure themselves that the same are in
the interest of the company;
(10) ascertain and ensure that the company has an adequate and functional vigil
mechanism and to ensure that the interests of a person who uses such mechanism
are not prejudicially affected on account of such use;
(11) report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation
of the company’s code of conduct or ethics policy;
(12) acting within his authority, assist in protecting the legitimate interests of the
company, shareholders and its employees;
(13) not disclose confidential information, including commercial secrets, technologies,
advertising and sales promotion plans, unpublished price sensitive information,
unless such disclosure is expressly approved by the Board or required by law.
IV. Manner of appointment:
(1) Appointment process of independent dir ectors shall be independent of the
company management; while selecting independent directors the Board shall ensure
that there is appropriate balance of skills, experience and knowledge in the Board
so as to enable the Board to discharge its functions and duties effectively.
(2) The appointment of independent director(s) of the company shall be approved
at the meeting of the shareholders.
(3) The explanatory statement attached to the notice of the meeting for approving
the appointment of independent director shall include a statement that in the
opinion of the Board, the independent director proposed to be appointed fulfils
the conditions specified in the Act and the rules made thereunder and that the
proposed director is independent of the management.
284 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
(4) The appointment of independent directors shall be formalised through a letter of
appointment, which shall set out :
(a) the term of appointment;
(b) the expectation of the Board from the appointed director; the Board-level
committee(s) in which the director is expected to serve and its tasks;
(c) the fiduciary duties that come with such an appointment along with
accompanying liabilities;
(d) provision for Directors and Officers (D and O) insurance, if any;
(e) the Code of Business Ethics that the company expects its directors and
employees to follow;
(f) the list of actions that a director should not do while functioning as such in
the company; and
(g) the remuneration, mentioning periodic fees, reimbursement of expenses for
participation in the Boards and other meetings and profit related commission,
if any.
(5) The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors shall be
open for inspection at the registered office of the company by any member
during normal business hours.
(6) The terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors shall also be
posted on the company’s website.
V. Re-appointment:
The re-appointment of independent director shall be on the basis of report of
performance evaluation.
VI. Resignation or removal:
(1) The resignation or removal of an independent director shall be in the same
manner as is provided in sections 168 and 169 of the Act.
(2) An independent director who resigns or is removed from the Board of the
company shall be replaced by a new independent director within a period of not
more than one hundred and eighty days from the date of such resignation or
removal, as the case may be.
(3) Where the company fulfils the requirement of independent directors in its Board
even without filling the vacancy created by such resignation or removal, as the
case may be, the requirement of replacement by a new independent director shall
not apply.
VII. Separate meetings:
(1) The independent directors of the company shall hold at least one meeting in a
year, without the attendance of non-independent directors and members of
management;
(2) All the independent directors of the company shall strive to be present at such
meeting;
(3) The meeting shall:
(a) review the performance of non-independent directors and the Board as a
whole;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 285
(b) review the performance of the Chairperson of the company, taking into account
the views of executive directors and non-executive directors;
(c) assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the
company management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to
effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
VIII. Evaluation mechanism:
(1) The performance evaluation of independent directors shall be done by the entire
Board of Directors, excluding the director being evaluated.
(2) On the basis of the report of performance evaluation, it shall be determined
whether to extend or continue the term of appointment of the independent director.
286 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE V
(See sections 196 and 197)
PART I
CONDITIONS TO BE FULFILLED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A MANAGING OR
WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR OR A MANAGER WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
APPOINTMENTS
No person shall be eligible for appointment as a managing or whole-time director or a
manager (hereinafter referred to as managerial person) of a company unless he satisfies the
following conditions, namely:—
(a) he had not been sentenced to imprisonment for any period, or to a fine
exceeding one thousand rupees, for the conviction of an offence under any of the
following Acts, namely:—
(i) the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (2 of 1899);
(ii) the Central Excise Act, 1944 (1 of 1944);
(iii) the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 (65 of 1951);
(iv) the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (37 of 1954);
(v) the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955);
(vi) the Companies Act, 2013;
(vii) the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (42 of 1956);
(viii) the Wealth-tax Act, 1957 (27 of 1957);
(ix) the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961);
(x) the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962);
(xi) the Competition Act, 2002 (12 of 2003);
(xii) the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999);
(xiii) the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (1 of 1986);
(xiv) the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992);
(xv) the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1922 (22 of 1922);
(xvi) the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003);
(b) he had not been detained for any period under the Conservation of Foreign
Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (52 of 1974):
Provided that where the Central Government has given its approval to the appointment
of a person convicted or detained under sub-paragraph (a) or sub-paragraph (b), as the case
may be, no further approval of the Central Government shall be necessary for the subsequent
appointment of that person if he had not been so convicted or detained subsequent to such
approval.
(c) he has completed the age of twenty-one years and has not attained the age
of seventy years:
Provided that where he has attained the age of seventy years; and where his
appointment is approved by a special resolution passed by the company in general meeting,
no further approval of the Central Government shall be necessary for such appointment;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 287
(d) where he is a managerial person in more than one company, he draws remuneration
from one or more companies subject to the ceiling provided in section V of Part II;
(e) he is resident of India.
Explanation I.—For the purpose of this Schedule, resident in India includes a person
who has been staying in India for a continuous period of not less than twelve months
immediately preceding the date of his appointment as a managerial person and who has come
to stay in India,—
(i) for taking up employment in India; or
(ii) for carrying on a business or vacation in India.
Explanation II.—This condition shall not apply to the companies in Special Economic
Zones as notified by Department of Commerce from time to time:
Provided that a person, being a non-resident in India shall enter India only after
obtaining a proper Employment Visa from the concerned Indian mission abroad. For this
purpose, such person shall be required to furnish, along with the visa application form,
profile of the company, the principal employer and terms and conditions of such person’s
appointment.
PART II
REMUNERATION
Section I.— Remuneration payable by companies having profits:
Subject to the provisions of section 197, a company having profits in a financial year
may pay remuneration to a managerial person or persons not exceeding the limits specified in
such section.
Section II.— Remuneration payable by companies having no profit or inadequate profit
without Central Government approval:
Where in any financial year during the currency of tenure of a managerial person, a
company has no profits or its profits are inadequate, it may, without Central Government
approval, pay remuneration to the managerial person not exceeding the higher of the limits
under (A) and (B) given below:—
(A):
(1) (2)
Where the effective capital is Limit of yearly remuneration
payable shall not exceed (Rupees)
(i) Negative or less than 5 crores 30 lakhs
(ii) 5 crores and above but less than 42 lakhs
100 crores
(iii) 100 crores and above but less than 60 lakhs
250 crores
(iv) 250 crores and above 60 lakhs plus 0.01% of the effective
capital in excess of Rs. 250 crores:
Provided that the above limits shall be doubled if the resolution passed by the
shareholders is a special resolution.
Explanation.—It is hereby clarified that for a period less than one year, the limits shall
be pro-rated.
(B) In the case of a managerial person who was not a security holder holding securities
of the company of nominal value of rupees five lakh or more or an employee or a director of
the company or not related to any director or promoter at any time during the two years prior
to his appointment as a managerial person, — 2.5% of the current relevant profit:
288 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Provided that if the resolution passed by the shareholders is a special resolution, this
limit shall be doubled:
Provided further that the limits specified under this section shall apply, if—
(i) payment of remuneration is approved by a resolution passed by the Board and, in
the case of a company covered under sub-section (1) of section 178 also by the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee;
(ii) the company has not made any default in repayment of any of its debts (including
public deposits) or debentures or interest payable thereon for a continuous period
of thirty days in the preceding financial year before the date of appointment of such
managerial person;
(iii) a special resolution has been passed at the general meeting of the company for
payment of remuneration for a period not exceeding three years;
(iv) a statement along with a notice calling the general meeting referred to in clause (iii)
is given to the shareholders containing the following information, namely:—
I. General Information:
(1) Nature of industry
(2) Date or expected date of commencement of commercial production
(3) In case of new companies, expected date of commencement of activities as
per project approved by financial institutions appearing in the prospectus
(4) Financial performance based on given indicators
(5) Foreign investments or collaborations, if any.
II. Information about the appointee:
(1) Background details
(2) Past remuneration
(3) Recognition or awards
(4) Job profile and his suitability
(5) Remuneration proposed
(6) Comparative remuneration profile with respect to industry, size of the
company, profile of the position and person (in case of expatriates the
relevant details would be with respect to the country of his origin)
(7) Pecuniary relationship directly or indirectly with the company, or
relationship with the managerial personnel, if any.
III. Other information:
(1) Reasons of loss or inadequate profits
(2) Steps taken or proposed to be taken for improvement
(3) Expected increase in productivity and profits in measurable terms.
IV. Disclosures:
The following disclosures shall be mentioned in the Board of Director’s report
under the heading “Corporate Governance”, if any, attached to the financial
statement:—
(i) all elements of remuneration package such as salary, benefits, bonuses,
stock options, pension, etc., of all the directors;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 289
(ii) details of fixed component and performance linked incentives along with
the performance criteria;
(iii) service contracts, notice period, severance fees;
(iv) stock option details, if any, and whether the same has been issued at a
discount as well as the period over which accrued and over which
exercisable.
Section III.— Remuneration payable by companies having no profit or inadequate profit
without Central Government approval in certain special circumstances:
In the following circumstances a company may, without the Central Government
approval, pay remuneration to a managerial person in excess of the amounts provided in
Section II above:—
(a) where the remuneration in excess of the limits specified in Section I or II is paid by
any other company and that other company is either a foreign company or has got
the approval of its shareholders in general meeting to make such payment, and
treats this amount as managerial remuneration for the purpose of section 197 and
the total managerial remuneration payable by such other company to its managerial
persons including such amount or amounts is within permissible limits under
section 197.
(b) where the company—
(i) is a newly incorporated company, for a period of seven years from the date of
its incorporation, or
(ii) is a sick company, for whom a scheme of revival or rehabilitation has been
ordered by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction or National
Company Law Tribunal, for a period of five years from the date of sanction of
scheme of revival,
it may pay remuneration up to two times the amount permissible under Section II.
(c) where remuneration of a managerial person exceeds the limits in Section II but the
remuneration has been fixed by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction
or the National Company Law Tribunal:
Provided that the limits under this Section shall be applicable subject to meeting all the
conditions specified under Section II and the following additional conditions:—
(i) except as provided in para (a) of this Section, the managerial person is not
receiving remuneration from any other company;
(ii) the auditor or Company Secretary of the company or where the company has
not appointed a Secretary, a Secretary in whole-time practice, certifies that all
secured creditors and term lenders have stated in writing that they have no
objection for the appointment of the managerial person as well as the quantum
of remuneration and such certificate is filed along with the return as prescribed
under sub-section (4) of section 196.
(iii) the auditor or Company Secretary or where the company has not appointed a
secretary, a secretary in whole-time practice certifies that there is no default on
payments to any creditors, and all dues to deposit holders are being settled on
time.
(d) a company in a Special Economic Zone as notified by Department of Commerce
from time to time which has not raised any money by public issue of shares or
debentures in India, and has not made any default in India in repayment of any of its
debts (including public deposits) or debentures or interest payable thereon for a
continuous period of thirty days in any financial year, may pay remuneration up to
Rs. 2,40,00,000 per annum.
290 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
Section IV.— Perquisites not included in managerial remuneration:
1. A managerial person shall be eligible for the following perquisites which shall not be
included in the computation of the ceiling on remuneration specified in Section II and
Section III:—
(a) contribution to provident fund, superannuation fund or annuity fund to the extent
these either singly or put together are not taxable under the Income-tax Act, 1961
(43 of 1961);
(b) gratuity payable at a rate not exceeding half a month’s salary for each completed
year of service; and
(c) encashment of leave at the end of the tenure.
2. In addition to the perquisites specified in paragraph 1 of this section, an expatriate
managerial person (including a non-resident Indian) shall be eligible to the following
perquisites which shall not be included in the computation of the ceiling on remuneration
specified in Section II or Section III—
(a) Children’s education allowance: In case of children studying in or outside India,
an allowance limited to a maximum of Rs. 12,000 per month per child or actual
expenses incurred, whichever is less. Such allowance is admissible up to a maximum
of two children.
(b) Holiday passage for children studying outside India or family staying abroad:
Return holiday passage once in a year by economy class or once in two years by
first class to children and to the members of the family from the place of their study
or stay abroad to India if they are not residing in India, with the managerial person.
(c) Leave travel concession: Return passage for self and family in accordance with the
rules specified by the company where it is proposed that the leave be spent in home
country instead of anywhere in India.
Explanation I.— For the purposes of Section II of this Part, “effective capital” means
the aggregate of the paid-up share capital (excluding share application money or advances
against shares); amount, if any, for the time being standing to the credit of share premium
account; reserves and surplus (excluding revaluation reserve); long-term loans and deposits
repayable after one year (excluding working capital loans, over drafts, interest due on loans
unless funded, bank guarantee, etc., and other short-term arrangements) as reduced by the
aggregate of any investments (except in case of investment by an investment company
whose principal business is acquisition of shares, stock, debentures or other securities),
accumulated losses and preliminary expenses not written off.
Explanation II.— (a) Where the appointment of the managerial person is made in the
year in which company has been incorporated, the effective capital shall be calculated as on
the date of such appointment;
(b) In any other case the effective capital shall be calculated as on the last date of the
financial year preceding the financial year in which the appointment of the managerial person
is made.
Explanation III.— For the purposes of this Schedule, ‘‘family’’ means the spouse,
dependent children and dependent parents of the managerial person.
Explanation IV.— The Nomination and Remuneration Committee while approving the
remuneration under Section II or Section III, shall—
(a) take into account, financial position of the company, trend in the industry,
appointee’s qualification, experience, past performance, past remuneration, etc.;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 291
(b) be in a position to bring about objectivity in determining the remuneration
package while striking a balance between the interest of the company and the
shareholders.
Explanation V.— For the purposes of this Schedule, “negative effective capital” means
the effective capital which is calculated in accordance with the provisions contained in
Explanation I of this Part is less than zero.
Explanation VI.— For the purposes of this Schedule:—
(A) “current relevant profit” means the profit as calculated under section 198 but
without deducting the excess of expenditure over income referred to in sub-section 4
(l) thereof in respect of those years during which the managerial person was not an
employee, director or shareholder of the company or its holding or subsidiary
companies.
(B) “Remuneration” means remuneration as defined in clause (78) of section 2
and includes reimbursement of any direct taxes to the managerial person.
Section V. —Remuneration payable to a managerial person in two companies:
Subject to the provisions of sections I to IV, a managerial person shall draw remuneration
from one or both companies, provided that the total remuneration drawn from the companies
does not exceed the higher maximum limit admissible from any one of the companies of which
he is a managerial person.
PART III
Provisions applicable to Parts I and II of this Schedule
1. The appointment and remuneration referred to in Part I and Part II of this Schedule
shall be subject to approval by a resolution of the shareholders in general meeting.
2. The auditor or the Secretary of the company or where the company is not required to
appointed a Secretary, a Secretary in whole-time practice shall certify that the requirement of
this Schedule have been complied with and such certificate shall be incorporated in the
return filed with the Registrar under sub-section (4) of section 196.
PART IV
The Central Government may, by notification, exempt any class or classes of companies
from any of the requirements contained in this Schedule.
292 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—
SCHEDULE VI
(See sections 55 and 186)
The term “infrastructural projects” or “infrastructural facilities” includes the
following projects or activities:—
(1) Transportation (including inter modal transportation), includes the
following:—
(a) roads, national highways, state highways, major district roads, other
district roads and village roads, including toll roads, bridges, highways, road
transport providers and other road-related services;
(b) rail system, rail transport providers, metro rail roads and other railway
related services;
(c) ports (including minor ports and harbours), inland waterways, coastal
shipping including shipping lines and other port related services;
(d) aviation, including airports, heliports, airlines and other airport related
services;
(e) logistics services.
(2) Agriculture, including the following, namely:—
(a) infrastructure related to storage facilities;
(b) construction relating to projects involving agro-processing and supply of
inputs to agriculture;
(c) construction for preservation and storage of processed agro-products,
perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables and flowers including testing facilities for
quality.
(3) Water management, including the following, namely:—
(a) water supply or distribution;
(b) irrigation;
(c) water treatment.
(4) Telecommunication, including the following, namely:—
(a) basic or cellular, including radio paging;
(b) domestic satellite service (i.e., satellite owned and operated by an Indian
company for providing telecommunication service);
(c) network of trunking, broadband network and internet services.
(5) Industrial, commercial and social development and maintenance, including the
following, namely:—
(a) real estate development, including an industrial park or special economic
zone;
(b) tourism, including hotels, convention centres and entertainment centres;
(c) public markets and buildings, trade fair, convention, exhibition, cultural
centres, sports and recreation infrastructure, public gardens and parks;
(d) construction of educational institutions and hospitals;
SEC. 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 293
(e) other urban development, including solid waste management systems,
sanitation and sewerage systems.
(6) Power, including the following:—
(a) generation of power through thermal, hydro, nuclear, fossil fuel, wind and
other renewable sources;
(b) transmission, distribution or trading of power by laying a network of new
transmission or distribution lines.
(7) Petroleum and natural gas, including the following:—
(a) exploration and production;
(b) import terminals;
(c) liquefaction and re-gasification;
(d) storage terminals;
(e) transmission networks and distribution networks including city gas
infrastructure.
(8) Housing, including the following:—
(a) urban and rural housing including public / mass housing, slum rehabilitation,
etc;
(b) other allied activities such as drainage, lighting, laying of roads, sanitation
and facilities.
(9) Other miscellaneous facilities/services, including the following:—
(a) mining and related activities;
(b) technology related infrastructure;
(c) manufacturing of components and materials or any other utilities or facilities
required by the infrastructure sector like energy saving devices and metering devices;
(d) environment related infrastructure;
(e) disaster management services;
(f) preservation of monuments and icons;
(g) emergency services (including medical, police, fire and rescue).
(10) such other facility service as may be prescribed.
SCHEDULE VII
(See sections 135)
Activities which may be included by companies in their Corporate Social
Responsibility Policies
Activities relating to:—
(i) eradicating extreme hunger and poverty;
(ii) promotion of education;
(iii) promoting gender equality and empowering women;
(iv) reducing child mortlity and improving maternal health;
(v) combating human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency
syndrome, malaria and other diseases;
(vi) ensuring environmental sustainability;
(vii) employment enhancing vocational skills;
(viii) social business projects;
(ix) contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or any other
fund set up by the Central Government or the State Governments for
socio-economic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled
Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women; and
(x) such other matters as may be prescribed.
————
P.K. MALHOTRA,
Secretary to the Govt. of India.
PRINTED BY DIRECTORATE OF PRINTING AT GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS, MINTO ROAD,
NEW DELHI AND PUBLISHED BY THE CONTROLLER OF PUBLICATIONS, DELHI, 2013.
GMGIPMRND—2434GI(S3)—30-08-2013.
294 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II— SEC. 1]
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