In case of private company also, an interested director can not vote or take part in the discussion relating to any matter in which he/she is interested.
10 December 2013
Thanks for the reply Sir, but the question rises that normally the Companies where there are 2-3 directors and shareholders who are mostly relatives, how can they initiate their decisions.
03 August 2024
Under the new Companies Act, 2013, which governs the regulation of companies in India, there are specific provisions related to the disclosure of interest by directors. Here’s how these provisions apply to private companies:
### 1. **Provisions Related to Interested Directors:**
Yes, the Companies Act, 2013 does include provisions for the disclosure of interest by directors for both private and public companies. The relevant sections are:
- **Section 184: Disclosure of Interest by Directors:** - **Disclosure Requirement:** Directors are required to disclose their interest in any contract or arrangement with the company in which they are directly or indirectly interested. This disclosure should be made at the first meeting of the Board of Directors in which the director participates and also at every meeting of the Board. - **Register of Directors' Interests:** Companies must maintain a register of directors' interests and such register must be kept at the registered office of the company and be open for inspection by members.
### 2. **Managing Interest in Private Companies:**
In private companies, especially where directors and shareholders are often related or closely associated, managing interests and conflicts can be challenging. Here’s how it can be managed:
- **Disclosure and Compliance:** - **Proper Disclosure:** Ensure that all directors disclose their interests in accordance with Section 184. This transparency helps in identifying any potential conflicts of interest. - **Documentation:** Maintain proper records and documentation of all disclosures and declarations in the register of directors’ interests.
- **Board Meetings and Resolutions:** - **Recusal from Decision Making:** A director with an interest in a contract or arrangement should recuse themselves from participating in discussions and decisions related to that matter. This is to ensure that decisions are made impartially. - **Majority Decisions:** In cases where decisions involve interested directors, ensure that decisions are made by the majority of directors who are not interested in the matter. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the decision-making process.
- **Shareholders’ Decisions:** - **General Meetings:** For decisions requiring shareholders’ approval, interested shareholders should disclose their interest and may need to abstain from voting on resolutions where they have a conflict of interest. - **Minority Protections:** Ensure that minority shareholders’ rights are protected and that decisions are not unduly influenced by the interests of a few.
### 3. **Challenges and Practical Solutions:**
- **Small Board Dynamics:** In small private companies where directors and shareholders are closely related, it may be challenging to manage conflicts. However, adhering to the principles of disclosure and recusal helps in managing potential issues. - **Conflict of Interest Management:** Implement internal policies and procedures to manage conflicts of interest. This could include independent review processes or appointing an independent director if feasible.
### **Summary of Key Points:**
1. **Yes, the Companies Act, 2013 includes provisions for the disclosure of interest by directors for both private and public companies.** 2. **In private companies, where directors are often related, compliance involves proper disclosure, maintaining registers, recusal from decision-making where there is an interest, and ensuring majority decisions are made by disinterested directors.** 3. **Management of conflicts of interest can be challenging in closely-held companies, but adherence to disclosure and recusal practices is essential for maintaining transparency and fairness.**
If specific issues arise or there are complexities in your company’s situation, consulting with a legal advisor or a company secretary can provide tailored guidance and ensure compliance with the Companies Act.