A short note which I posted today in "Files" Section in reproduced hereunder:
ISSUE OF SHARES AT DISCOUNT
Section 78
Approvals Required
Ø A company may issue its share at premium that is, at a value higher than the face value of the share.
Ø The power to issue shares at premium need not be given in the Articles of Association.
Ø However, according to recent guidelines issued by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), a new company set up by entrepreneur without any track record can issue capital to public only at par.
Other Requirements
Ø The amount of share premium received shall be transferred by the company to the Securities Premium Account.
Ø The Securities Premium Account may be applied by the company only for the following purposes:
ü For the issue of fully paid bonus shares to the members of the company.
ü For writing off preliminary expenses of company.
ü For writing off the expenses of or the commission paid or discount allowed on any issue of shares or debentures of the company.
ü For providing premium payable on the redemption of any redeemable preference shares or debentures of the company.
Hope the same is useful.