Companies Act, 1956 Nature & Meaning • An association of like-minded persons formed for the purpose of carrying on some business or undertaking. • It denotes a joint stock enterprise in which the capital is contributed by a large number of people. • A company owes its existence either to a special Act of Parliament or to Company Legislation. • A company is a legal person separate from and capable of surviving beyond the lives of its members. Nature & Meaning • Company means a company formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or under the previous law relating to companies. [Sec 3(1)(ii)] • “An association of many persons who contribute money or money’s worth to a common stock and employ it in some trade or business and who share profit and loss arising there from.” Lord Justice James • It has a distinct legal personality and is capable of enjoying rights and is subject to obligations different from those enjoyed or borne by its members. Characteristics • • • • • • • • • • • Corporate Personality Limited Liability Perpetual Succession Separate Property Transferability of Shares Common Seal Contractual Rights Capacity to sue and be sued Limitation of Action Separate Management Termination of its Existence Types of Business Organisations Non Corporate • Proprietorship • Collective Ownership • HUF • Partnership • Partnership at Will • Joint Ventures Types of Business Organisations Corporate • Reg. Companies • Unlimited Companies • Pvt. Ltd. Companies • Pub. Ltd. Companies • Govt. Companies • Corporation Statutory • Co-op • Trust • Society Classification of Companies On the Basis of Incorporation • Chartered Companies • Statutory Companies • Registered Companies On the Basis of Liability • Unlimited Companies • Companies limited by Guarantee • Companies limited by shares • Companies limited by shares and Guarantee On the Basis of Membership • Private Company • Public Company • Holding Company • Subsidiary Company Private Company • A company which has a min. paid-up capital of Rs.100,000 and by its Articles – • (a) restricts the right to transfer its shares; • (b) limits the number of its members to fifty; • (c) prohibits any invitation to subscribe for any shares in, or debentures of the company; and • (d) prohibits any invitation or acceptance of deposits from public. [Sec 3(1)(iii)] • Must necessarily have its own Articles of Association. • Should have at least two directors. • The word 'Private Limited' must be added at the end of its name. Conversion of a private company into a public company Conversion by default • Where a default is made by in complying with the provisions of Section 3(1)(iii), i.e. • restriction on transfer of shares; • limitation of the number of members to fifty; • prohibition of invitation to the public to buy shares or debentures; and • prohibition of invitation or acceptance of deposits from the public; • The company ceases to enjoy the privileges and exemptions conferred on a private company. Conversion by operation of law • Where not less than 25% of its paid-up capital is held by one or more bodies corporate; or • where the annual average turnover is not less than Rs 25 crores or more for three consecutive financial years; or • where a private company holds 25% of the paid-up capital of a public company; or • where a private company accepts, or renews deposits from the public. • In case a private company becomes a public company, it shall inform the RoC within three months. Public Company • A Public Company means a company which is not a Private Company; • has a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 5 lakhs or such higher capital as may be prescribed; • is a private company which is a subsidiary of a company which is not a private company. [S. 3 (1) (iv)] • It consists of not less than seven members and three directors. • Distinction between a public company and a private company. Holding & Subsidiary Company • A company is deemed to be the holding company of another if, but only if, that other is its subsidiary." [Sec 4(4)] • Where a company controls the composition of Board of Directors of another company, the latter becomes the subsidiary of the former; or • When a company holds more than half of the equity capital of another company, the latter becomes the subsidiary company of the former; or • Where a company is subsidiary of another company which is itself a subsidiary of the controlling company, the former becomes the subsidiary of the controlling company. Government Company • A Government Company means any company in which not less than 51 per cent of the paid-up share capital is held by • (a) the Central Government, or • (b) any State Government or Governments, or • (c) partly by the Central Government and partly by one or more State Governments. • A subsidiary of a Government company is also called a Government company. Statutory Corporations • Formed under an Act of Parliament or State Legislature. • Change in its structure is possible only by a legislative amendment. • Immunity from Parliamentary scrutiny in day-today working. • Freedom in regard to personnel, its employees are not civil servants. • It is a body corporate having characteristics of a corporation. • Independent finances- Obtains funds by borrowing and through revenue derived from sale of goods/services. • Commercial Audit - audit is entrusted to CAG. • Operation on business principles. Foreign Companies • Incorporated in a country outside India and has a place of business in India. • Every foreign company shall, within 30 days, file with RoC the following documents: • A certified copy of the Charter, Statutes, Memorandum and Articles of the company in English. • The full address of the registered or principal office of the company. • A list of the directors and secretary of the company. • The names and addresses of any person/s resident in India, authorised to accept notices. Foreign Companies • The full address of the principal place of business in India. • The documents which a foreign company has to file with the Registrar, shall be delivered • to the Registrar of the state where the principal place of business of the company is situated and • also with the Registrar at New Delhi. Section 25 Companies • The object is to promote a social cause. • May earn profits but not allowed to distribute it as dividend to members. • License granted by Central Government. • Not required to use the word Ltd. or Pvt. Ltd. • Registered without paying Memorandum and Articles. stamp duty on • Cannot alter its object without previous approval of Central Government. Incorporation of Companies Steps for formation of a company • Types of Company • Availability of Name • The Memorandum and Articles of Association duly signed, and stamped. • The agreement, if any with any individual for appointment as its Managing or whole-time director. • Consent of directors in Form 29. • Notice of Registered address in Form 18 to be given within 30 days of the date of incorporation. • Particulars of Directors in Form 32. Steps for formation of a company • Payment of Registration Fees. • Power of attorney, to fulfill various legal and other formalities. • Statutory Declaration in Form No. 1 that all requirements of the Companies Act and the rules thereunder have been complied with. • The declaration should be made by either an advocate of Supreme Court / High Court, a practicing Chartered Accountant or a director, or a manager or a secretary named in the Articles of the proposed company. [Section 33 (2)] Promoters • According to SEBI (Substantial Acquisition and Takeover) Regulations, 1997 the term promoters means: • the person or persons who are in control of the company ;or • person or persons named in any offer document as promoters. • a relative of the promoter within the meaning of Section 6 of the Companies Act. • Should be members of HUF only;or • Are husband or wife; or • Related to other as indicated in Schedule IA. Promoters • in case of a corporate body : • i) a subsidiary or a holding company; or • ii) any company in which the promoters hold 10% or more equity capital; or • iii) any body corporate in which a group of individuals or corporate bodies or a combination thereof holds 20% or more of equity capital. Judicial interpretation • Whether one is promoter or not will be determined with reference to the nature of the role he/they play in implementing the objectives for which the company is formed. • The persons who assume the primary responsibility of matters relating to promotion of a company are called Promoters. • One who undertakes to form a company with reference to a given project and to set it going and who takes the necessary steps to accomplish that purpose. Judicial interpretation • Promoter is a term not of law but of business usually summing up in a single word a number of business operations familiar to the commercial; world by which a company is generally brought in to existence. (Bowen L.J., 1880) • Who constitutes a promoter in a particular case is therefore a question of fact. • A promoter may be a natural person or a company. Memorandum of Association • It contains the fundamental rules regarding the constitution of the company. • It lays down how the company is going to be constituted and what work it shall undertake. • It sets out the constitution of the company. • It is a foundation on which the structure of the company stands. • Its purpose is to enable the shareholders, creditors, and those who deal with the company to know what is the permitted range of its enterprise. • It defines as well as confines the power of the company. Contents of the Memorandum • Name Clause • Registered Office / Situation Clause • Object Clause- main objects and other objects • Liability Clause- limited by share or guarantee • Capital Clause. • Association Clause Name Clause • A company not to be registered under a name which is undesirable, identical or too nearly resembles another company. [Section 20] • It must not be misleading or intended to deceive with reference to its object. • A mere similarity of name does not give right to injunction, there should be likelihood of deception or confusion. • The name and address must be printed or affixed outside every office in English and local language. • Inadvertent mistake in name can be changed by passing an ordinary resolution and by obtaining written approval of Central Government. Situation Clause • Only the state in which the Registered Office is situated is mentioned. • Exact address can be filled with RoC separately in Form 18 within 30 days of incorporation. Object Clause • Must divide object clause into two sub-clauses Main Objects and Other Objects. • It determines the purpose and capacity of the company hence carry great importance. • Acts beyond this ambit are ultra vires and hence void. Even the entire body of shareholders cannot ratify such acts. • Subscribers enjoy unrestricted freedom to choose the objects. Doctrine of ultra vires • An act or transaction, which may not be illegal, is beyond company's power by not being within the object of the Memorandum. • An act ultra vires the company is incapable of ratification. • Act which is intra vires the company but outside the authority of directors may be ratified by the company in proper form. • The shareholders can ratify an act ultra vires the directors. Effect of ultra vires transaction • Injunction to restrain the company from doing an ultra vires act. • Personally liability of the directors. • Ultra vires contract are void ab initio. • An ultra vires borrowing does not create a relationship of a debtor and creditor. Liability Clause • The Memorandum of a company limited by shares or by guarantee shall state that the liability of its members is limited. • Where the liability is limited by shares, a member can be called upon to pay only the unpaid balance on his shares. • In case the company is limited by guarantee the members are liable up to the maximum amount which they have guaranteed. • Where the company is limited by both share and guarantee the liability of members is dual. Capital Clause • Shares must be of fixed value. • Nominal, authorised or registered capital. • Not authorised to issue capital beyond its authorised capital unless the Memorandum is altered. • In case of unlimited company having share capital, the liability is unlimited as against creditors only in case of winding up. • In case of going concern, liability is limited to shares subscribed. Association Clause • Must be signed by each subscriber in presence of one witness. • Each subscriber must take at least one share. • A subscriber cannot, after registration of company, repudiate his liability even on the ground that he was induced to sign by misrepresentation. Articles of Association • Articles are by-laws or rules and regulations for the govern the management of its internal affairs and conduct of business. • It also includes regulation contained in Table A of Schedule I. • Deals with the rights of the members inter se. • Articles are subordinate to and controlled by Memorandum. Articles of Association • Unlimited companies, companies limited by guarantee and private companies must have their own Articles of Associations. • Must be printed, divided into paragraphs, numbered consecutively, stamped adequately, signed by each subscriber to Memorandum and duly witnessed. Alteration of Articles • Subject to the provisions of the Act and Memorandum, a company, by special resolution alter the Articles. [Section 31] • The alteration binds members in the same way as original Articles. • A company cannot in any manner deprive itself of the powers to alter its Articles. Limitation on Alteration • Must not exceed the power in the Memorandum. • Must not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Act. • Must not include anything illegal or opposed to public policy. • Must be bona fide for the benefit of the company. • Must not constitute fraud on minority. • Cannot be altered so as to have retrospective effects. • In case of listed companies approval of Stock Exchange is required. Prospectus • "Any document described or issued as a prospectus and includes • any notice, • circular, • advertisement, or • other document • inviting deposits from the public or • for the subscription or purchase of any shares in, or debenture of a body corporate." [(Section 2(36)] What constitute a Prospectus? • An invitation to public. • Invitation be by or on behalf of the company. • Invitation must be to subscribe or purchase. • Must relate to shares / debentures or other instrument. • Judicial Pronouncements Statement in lieu of Prospectus • Promoters are required to prepare a draft prospectus known as statement in Lieu of Prospectus. • A copy of it must be filled with the RoC at least three days before any allotment of shares is made. • It contains similar particulars as are required for a prospectus. • No minimum subscription is required to be stated. Statement in lieu of Prospectus • If the statement contains any misinformation or omission, the liability, civil and criminal, is same as in case of Prospectus - Fine up to Rs 10,000. • The process of issuing securities through a statement in lieu of prospectus is a kind of private placement. Shelf Prospectus • Concept introduced by Amendment Act 2000 by the insertion of Section 60A. • A prospectus issued by any financial institution or bank for one or more issues of securities. • Public Financial Institutes, public sector banks or scheduled banks whose main object is financing shall file a shelf prospectus. • Not required to file prospectus afresh at every stage of offer by it within the period of validity of such prospectus. Information Memorandum (Sec 60B) • "Information Memorandum means • a process undertaken prior to the filling of a prospectus • by which a demand for the securities proposed to be issued is elicited and • the price and terms of issue is assessed • by means of a notice, circular, advertisement or document." Information Memorandum • Companies intend to issue securities may circulate Information Memorandum to public. • Offer a Red-Herring prospectus 3 days before the opening of offer. • "Red-herring prospectus means a prospectus which does not have complete particulars on the price of the securities offered and the quantum of securities offered." Abridged Prospectus • Every application form to contain a prospectus. • The Central Govt. has prescribed that there should be one Abridged Prospectus with every two application forms, • attached by way of a perforated lines containing the information under the following points: Abridged Prospectus • The information in Abridged Prospectus to be given under 9 heads: (a) General Information (b) Capital Structure of the company (c) Terms of the Present Issue (d) Particulars of the Issue (e) Company, Management & Project (f) Financial Performance for last 5 years (g) Payments / Refunds (h) Particulars of Companies under Same Management (i) Management's perception of Risk Factors Share Capital • In relation to a company limited by share it means share capital - in terms of rupees divided into specified number of shares of a fixed amount each. • The memorandum must state the amount of capital and its various division. • (a) Nominal, Authorised or Registered Capital • (b) Issued Capital • (c) Subscribed Capital • (d) Called-up Capital • (e) Un-called Capital • (f) Paid-up Capital Meaning and Nature of Shares • "A share means a share in the share capital of a company, and includes stocks except where a distinction between stocks and shares is expressed or implied." [Section 2(46)] • "The interest of a shareholder in a company measured by a sum of money, for the purpose of liability in the first place and of dividend in the second." Farewell J Meaning and Nature of Shares • "An interest measured by a sum of money and made up of diverse rights conferred by Articles." The Supreme Court of India • "A share is right to participate in the profits made by a company, while it is a going concern and declares dividend, and in the assets when it is wound up." Kinds of Shares • Two classes of Shares [Sec 86 as amended in 2002] (A) Equity Share [Sec 85(2)] • "Equity Share Capital means all share capital which is not preference share capital." • The equity shareholders receive dividend out of profits declared in AGMs. • Dividend declared only after depreciation allowance and payment of preference shareholders. • Voting right is in proportion to paid-up equity capital. Kinds of Shares (B) Preference Shares [Sec 85(1)] • Preference shares capital is that part of share capital which fulfills following two conditions: • (i) carries preferential right with respect to dividend- fixed amount or at fixed rate; and • (ii) carries preferential right with respect to repayment of capital on winding up. Sweat Equity Shares [Sec 79A, 1999) • Sweat Equity Shares means equity shares issued to employees or directors • at a discount for consideration other than cash • for providing know-how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual property or • value addition by whatever name called. • Issue must be authorised by a special resolution. • Resolution to specify number, current market price and consideration of shares, and the class or classes of directors or employees. Sweat Equity Shares • One years has, at the date of the issue, elapsed since the company was entitled to commence business. • If shares are listed, the issue must be in accordance with SEBI regulations. • All limitation, restriction and provisions of equity shares are applicable. Sources of Capital From Promoters • Private companies cannot invite general public to subscribe its share capital. • Public companies can raise the necessary capital by private placement without inviting the general public to subscribe. (not made to more than 49 persons at a time) From Public • By issuing a prospectus. • By an offer for sale or by deemed prospectus: • a) Company offers/agrees to allocate shares to a financial institution or an Issue House for sale to public. • (b) The issue house publishes a document called an Offer For Sale at a price higher than what its holder/s had paid or at par. • The document is deemed to be a prospectus u/s 64(1). From Public • By placing of shares: • a) A broker or an underwriter finds persons who wish to buy shares. • (b) The broker acts merely as an agent. • (c) No need to issue a prospectus. From Existing Shareholders • By issue of right shares to existing shareholders [Sec 81] allotted in proportion to their existing holding. Eg. 2 shares for every lot of 5 shares. • Companies are required to issue Letter Of Offer to the existing shareholders of the company. Book Building • A process by which demand for proposed securities is build up and a fair price and quantum of the issue is determined. • The Book Runner Lead Manager (BRLM) maintains a book wherein bids by individual and institutional investors (through syndicate membermerchant banker) are recorded. • Syndicate member have an underwriting agreement with BRLM and BRLM in turn enter into an underwriting agreement with the company. Book Building • Two scheme of book building process - 75% Scheme (i.e. 75% of the issue size is offered by book building process and the balance 25% by fixed price method) and 100% Scheme (i.e. the entire issue size is offered by way of book building process). • SEBI has allowed all companies to make issue through Book Building (earlier upwards of Rs 25 crores issue). • 60% of issue size through Book Building Process be issued to QIBs failing this, the company is required to make maximum public offering of 25%. Issue of Shares at a Premium [Section 78] • Companies may issue shares at premium irrespective of the fact whether the shares are listed or not. • No restriction in Companies Act on issue at premium, the only restriction is on the utilization of premium amount. • Premium cannot be treated as profit as such the amount not available for distribution as dividend. • Premium amount must be kept in separate account called Securities Premium Account. Issue of Shares at a Premium • If premium is received in kind, an amount equal to premium amount must be transferred to Securities Premium Account. • Premium to be used only for the following purposes as mentioned in Section 78(2): • (i) for issuing fully paid bonus shares; • (ii) for writing off preliminary expenses; • (iii) for writing off commission, discount expenses on issue of debentures; and • (iv) for providing for premium payable on redemption of Redeemable Preference Shares or debentures. Further Issue of Shares [Section 81] • Called Right Shares. • May be issued at any time after two years from incorporation or one year from first allotment, whichever is earlier. • Must be offered to the existing shareholders in proportion to their holding. • For listed company, information on quantum and proportion shall be supplied to the concerned stock exchange. • Company must give notice of offer and the number of shares offered to existing shareholders. Further Issue of Shares • Give shareholders 15 days to decide. • The notice must state the shareholder's right to renounce the offer in whole or in part in favour of some other person. • The board may dispose of the shares in a manner beneficial to the company. • Condition of issue of shares to persons other than existing shareholders. • [Section 81 (1A)]: • 1. Pass a special resolution in general meeting, and • 2. In case of ordinary resolution Central Govt.'s approval must be obtained. Bonus Issue • When company accumulates large distributable profits it convert it into capital. • Divide the capital among the existing shareholders in proportion to their entitlement. • Members do not have to pay for such shares. • Bonus issue is a machinery for capitalizing distributable profits. • Bonus shares is not income and hence not taxable. Bonus Issue • Paid-up capital increases. • Conversion of free reserves, like general reserve, capital redemption reserve, development rebate reserve, securities premium account, etc. • Must be authorised by the Articles. • Must be sanctioned in the AGM on the recommendation of the board. • Authorised capital must be increased wherever necessary. Employee Stock Option Scheme • "Employee Stock Option means • the option given to the whole-time directors, officers or employees of a company, • which gives such directors, officers or employees the benefit or right to purchase or subscribe • at a future date, • the securities offered by the company at a predetermined price." [Section 2(15A)] Employee Stock Option Scheme • The offer is subject to approval of shareholders by a special resolution. • Minimum one year period is prescribed between the grant of offer and its vesting. • After the lapse of one year the period would be determined by the company. • ESOP Scheme to be under the superintendence and direction of Compensation Committee of the board. Prohibition on Buy Back • A company cannot buy its own shares as it amounts to reduction of share capital without court's consent. [Section 77(1)] • A company may not get another person to buy its share on its behalf, indirectly. • A public company or its subsidiary must not finance the purchase, directly or indirectly, of its own shares or of its holding company. Exceptions • Company may redeem redeemable preference shares u/s 80. • A banking company may lend money in the ordinary course of business to buy shares. • Financial assistance for purchase of fully paid shares by trustee of or for share held for the benefit of employees of the company. • Loan may be advanced to the bona fide employee other than directors, or managers to purchase fully paid shares for amount not exceeding six months' salary / wages. • Company may buy its share from a member under a Court order under Section 402. Buy back of own share u/s 77A • Subject to provision of Sub section (2) of Section 77A & 77B a company may purchase its own shares or other specified securities, out of: • Its free reserve, securities premium account, or proceeds of any shares or specified securities. • Buy back may be in one of the following modes: • From existing security holder on proportionate basis (tender method). Buy back of own share u/s 77A • From the open market (through Stock Exchanges). • From odd lot holders. • From employees securities issued under ESOP or Sweat Equity. • All shareholders must have same right of participating in the buy-back. Conditions of Buy-back • Must be authorised by the Articles. • Special resolution is AGM authorizing Buyback. • Buy-back is, or less than, 25% of paid-up capital or free reserves in that financial year. • Debts owned by company is not more than twice its capital and free reserves after such buy-back. (Central Govt. may relax the ratio) • Buy-back should complete within 12 months from passing of special resolution. Conditions of Buy-back • Declaration of solvency (Form 4A) signed by the MD and one director must be filled with the RoC and SEBI. • After buy-back is complete the securities must be physically destroyed within 7 days. • Company shall not make a further issue of shares / securities for 6 months, except by way of bonus shares. • Prescribed return in Form 4C to be filled with RoC and SEBI within 30 days. Conditions of Buy-back • The company must maintain a register of buyback mentioning the consideration paid, date of cancellation / destruction of securities. • Contravention of Section 77A would make the company or officer punishable with fine up to Rs 50,000 and /or imprisonment up to 2 years. • If buy-back is out of free reserve, a sum equal to the nominal value of shares be transferred to securities premium account and disclose in the balance sheet. Prohibition for Buy-back [Sec 77B] • No company shall directly or indirectly purchase its own securities: • Through any subsidiary including its own subsidiary or, • Through any investment company. • If any default in repayment of deposit, interest thereon, redemption of debenture / preference shares, payment of dividend, repayment of any term loan is subsisting. • If company has not complied with provisions of Sections 159, 207 and 211 of the Act. Board of Directors • The Board of Directors of a company is a nucleus selected according to the procedure prescribed in the Act and the Articles of Association, out of the entire mass of shareholders and even non-shareholders. • Acting collectively as a Board of Director, they can exercise all the powers of the company except those, which are prescribed by the Act to be specifically exercised by the company in the general meeting. • Directors, as a body, frame the general policy of the company, direct its affairs, appoints the company officers, ensures that they carry out their duties and recommend to the share holders regarding distribution of dividend. Board of Directors • There are mainly two types of company directors Executive Directors or Whole-Time Directors (MD, Technical Directors) and, Non-executive or part-time Directors who are professionals and serve on the board of many companies. • Executive directors have employment stake in the company. They wield substantial power, enjoy maximum remuneration, perquisites, fees, commission and allowances. • Part-time directors get only sitting fees for the board meetings attended by them and wield little or no powers. Board of Directors • "A director includes any person occupying the position of director by whatever name called." [Section 2(13)] • Only individual, and not a body corporate, association or firm, shall be appointed as director. [Section 253] • "An individual who direct, control, manage, superintend the affairs of the company in the form of the board of directors." Types of Directors • • • • • • Professional Directors Specialist in different fields of management. Income derives principally from sitting fees. Nominee Directors Appointed by FIs, or Banks Powerful tool of project supervision, monitoring and control. • Executive Directors • Is a full time employee of the company. • May not be members of the board, as such not a director in strict sense. Types of Directors • Independent Directors • Do not have any material pecuniary relationship or transaction with the company. • Entitle to receive director's remuneration. • Government Directors (Section 408) • Appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the CLB. • To safeguard the interest of the company or its shareholder or in public interest. • When the operations of the company are conducted in such a manner as to oppress any member of the company or in a manner prejudicial to the company. Types of Directors • Whole-time Directors [Section 269(1)] • Includes a director in the whole time employment of the company. • Technical director, legal director, works director sales director if appointed on full time basis. • A whole-time director is also a managerial person. [Section 268(1)] • They cannot accept the office of executive or wholetime director in any other company. • There is no restriction on the period of appointment of a whole time director, he may be appointed for a longer period. Types of Directors • There are mainly two types of company directors Executive Directors or Whole-Time Directors (MD, Technical Directors) and, Non-executive or part-time Directors who are professionals and serve on the board of many companies. • Executive directors have employment stake in the company. They wield substantial power, enjoy maximum remuneration, perquisites, fees, commission and allowances. • Part-time directors get only sitting fees for the board meetings attended by them and wield little or no powers. Managing Director • A director who, by virtue of an agreement, or of a resolution passed in the general meeting or board meeting or by virtue of the Memorandum or Articles, is entrusted with substantial power of management and includes a director occupying the position of MD, by whatever name called. [Section 2(26)] • Powers exercised subject to the superintendence, control, and direction of the company's board of directors. • A person who is not a director of the company must be first appointed as an additional director in accordance with Section 260 to be appointed as MD. Managing Director • He must sign and file his consent to act as a director pursuant to the provisions of Section 264 and obtain qualification shares u/s 270. • He may have dual capacity that of an employee and agent. • It obligatory for public companies having paid up capital of Rs 5 crore or more to appoint a MD or whole-time director. • Appointment of MD or whole-time director in a public company only with the prior approval of the central govt. Legal Position of Directors • Public companies must have at least three directors. [Section 252] • The Act does not lay down any qualification, but it lays down disqualifications. • Directors are the agent of the company. • A single director has no authority to bind the company unless such powers are delegated to him by the board. • To some extent directors are also trustee of the company's properties. Legal Position of Directors • Barring directors in the whole time employment, directors are not in the employment of the company and are not entitled to any remuneration beyond what is allowed by the Act, i.e. sitting fees. • They are not also required to hold any shares in the company on whose board they serve. • A director can hold an office or place of profit in the company in addition to his usual directorship. [Section 314] Qualification of Directors • According to Sec 274 a person shall not be capable of being appointed as director if: • found to be of unsound mind; • an un-discharged insolvent; • applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent; • convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced for not less than six months and a period of 5 years has not elapsed; Qualification of Directors • has not paid any call in respect of shares and six months have elapsed; • an order u/s 203 is passed by a court disqualifying him; • is already a director of a public company which • has not filled annual returns for three years, or • has failed to repay the deposits or interest thereon or redeemed its debentures. • Only individuals can be a director. [Sec 253] Appointment of Directors • First directors may be named in the Articles or subscriber to the memorandum shall be first directors. • One third of the total directors are liable to retire by rotation every year and are eligible for re-appointment in the General Meeting. [Section 256] • Directors who have been longest in the office to retire first. • Directors nominated by financial institutions or by the Central Govt. u/s 408 are not liable to retirement. • MD and Whole-time director shall not be liable to retire by rotation. Appointment of Directors • A retiring director may be re appointed at the same AGM, some other person may also be appointed in his place. [Section 256(3)] • At the adjourn meeting, if the vacancy is not filled and it was not expressly resolved not to fill the vacancy, the retiring director shall be deemed to have been reappointed, provided: Appointment of Directors • Any person other than the retiring director may give a notice not less than 14 days before an AGM about his candidature as a director or any member may give such notice signifying his intention to propose him as a candidate for that office. • Two or more directors should not be appointed en bloc or by single resolution. [Sec 263(1)] unless a resolution to do so has first been agreed by the meeting without any vote given against it. Small Shareholder's Director • A public company having a paid up capital of Rs.5 crore or above may have a director from amongst small shareholders. • Shareholders not less than 1/10th (or 100) of the total shareholders may elect suo-moto or upon a notice served at least 14 days before the AGM. • Listed company shall elect small shareholder's director through postal ballot while an unlisted company on the recommendation of the majority of small shareholders. Small Shareholder's Director • Hold office for a maximum period of three years. • Same person may be reappointed for another term if so decided. • He is treated as director for all purposes but cannot be appointed as MD or whole-time director. • No individual can hold office of Small Shareholder's Director at the same time in more than 2 companies. Managerial Remuneration • Not defined in the Act but reference to be found in Sections 198, 309, 311 and 387 suggesting that director and managerial personnel are entitled to receive managerial remuneration. • Managerial Remuneration may take the form of monthly payment, say, salary or a specified percentage of net profits or a commission and /or by way of a fee for each meeting of the board, besides any or all of the following: • Rent free accommodation; • Any other amenity provided free of charge or at concessional rate; and Managerial Remuneration • Any insurance, annuity, or gratuity. • Payment received for holding an office/place of profit is not managerial remuneration. [Section 309(1)] • The overall Managerial Remuneration payable not to exceed 11% of the net profit. [Section 198 (1)] • MD and Whole-time directors may be paid a monthly salary or specified percentage of net profit. [Section 309 (3)] Remuneration to Non-Exe Directors • Non-executive directors may be paid remuneration either: • Monthly, quarterly or annual payment with approval of Central Govt.; • By way of commission authorised by special resolution. • In either case remuneration shall not exceed: • 1% of net profit if company has MD or wholetime director; • 3% of net profit in any other case. Remuneration to Non-Exe Directors • The company with the approval of Central Govt. in an AGM authorise a higher commission than 1% or 3%. • Such resolution shall remain in operation for five years, though renewable. • If a director is paid sitting fees for attending board meeting it shall not be considered for computing overall Managerial Remuneration u/s 198 • Provisions of Sections 309 and 198 shall not apply to a private company. Co. having no or Inadequate Profits • Capital of company • Less than 1 crore • B/wn Rs 1 and Rs 5 cr • B/w Rs 5 and Rs 25 cr • B/w Rs. 25 and Rs 100 cr • Above Rs 100 crore • Monthly Remuneration • 75,000 • 1,00,000 • 1,25,000 • • 1,50,000 2,00,000 Managerial Remuneration • In addition, the managerial personnel shall also be eligible for: • Contribution to PF, Superannuation Fund or annuity fund to the extent not taxable under Income Tax Act, 1961; • Gratuity @ not exceeding half a month's salary for each completed year; • Encashment of leave at the end of tenure. • In case of an expatriate managerial person: Managerial Remuneration • Children education allowance - maximum Rs 5000 per month per child; • Holiday passage for children, spouse and members of family; and • Leave travel concession. • All remuneration payable aforesaid shall be subject to approval by a resolution in AGM. Company Meetings • A company being an artificial person expresses its will or takes its decision through resolutions passed at regularly convened meeting of the general body of the shareholders, and the directors. • The companies Act provide the shareholders a forum of self-protection, which is general meeting of shareholders. • The shareholders can use the forum to appoint directors as well as auditors of their own choice who may safeguard them from the possible manipulation. • The business of the meeting is conducted in the form of resolutions proposed and passed. Types of Company Meetings • Shareholders Meetings: – Statutory Meeting under Section 165; – Annual General Meetings under Section 166; – Extraordinary General Meetings: – Convened by directors suo moto between two AGMs. – Convened by directors on requisition under Sec 169. Types of Meetings… • Meetings of the Board of Directors. • Meetings of the Board Committee. • Class Meetings of Shareholders. • Meetings of the Debenture holders. • Meetings of the Creditors. • Meetings of the Contributories in winding up. Statutory Meetings [Section 165] • Companies limited by guarantee and share shall, within one month and not more than six months from the date of commencement of business, hold a general meeting of the members to be called the Statutory Meeting. • Failure to hold Statutory Meeting renders the company liable to be wound up u/s 433(b). • This provision is not applicable to a private company. [Section 165(10)] • The board shall, at least 21 days before the day on which the meeting is held, forward a report to every member of the company called Statutory Report. Annual General Meeting [Section 166] • Every company must, in each calendar year, hold an annual general meeting so specified in the notice calling it, provided that not more than 15 months shall elapse between two AGMs. • First AGM may be held within 18 months from the date its incorporation. • Subsequent AGM should be held on the earliest of the following: [Sec 166 & 210] • 15 months from the last AGM; • The last day of the calendar year; or • 6 months from the close of the financial year. AGM… • In case of difficulty in holding meeting the Registrar may extend time by not more than 3 months. • Application for extension of time should be made before the due date of holding AGM. • Any delay including extension by RoC, shall make the officer in default punishable with fine extending up to Rs 50,000 and Rs 2,500 for every day of the default. • Delay in completion of audit or annual accounts do not constitute a special reason justifying extension of time for holding of AGM. Time and Place of holding AGM • Every AGM called after giving 21 days notice must be held on a day other than a public holiday. • Should be held on a working day, during business hours, at the Registered Office of the company, or • a place within the city, town, or village in which registered office is situated. • An adjourned meeting accidentally comes to be held on a public holiday does not contravenes the provisions of Section 166 (2). • Time of subsequent AGMs may be fixed by the Article or by a resolution in the AGM. Business Transacted at an AGM [Section 173] • Ordinary business relating to: • Consideration of accounts, Balance Sheet and report of board and auditor; • Declaration of dividend; • Appointment of director in place of those retiring; and • Appointment and fixing of remuneration of the auditors. • Every other business is a special business. EGM [Sec 169] • Every general meeting of company with exception to Statutory Meeting and AGM is called an EGM. • Every business at an EGM is a special business, which arises between two AGMs being urgent, and cannot be deferred to the next AGM. • Usually the Articles contain provisions empowering the board for calling an EGM. • If there are not within India directors capable who are not sufficient in number to form a quorum any director or two members may call an EGM. Calling of EGM on Requisition • The board shall on requisition of members holding 1/10th of the paid up capital or voting right, forthwith call an EGM. • The requisition shall set the matters for consideration, duly signed and deposited at the registered office of the company. • If the EGM is not called within 21 days of the requisition the meeting may be called on a day not later than 45 days from the date of deposit of requisition: – By requisitionists themselves; or – By 1/10th of the shareholders or members holding 1/10th of voting right. Calling of EGM by CLB [Sec186] • If, for any reason it is impracticable to call an EGM, the CLB may, either of its own or on an application of any director ort member: • order a meeting of the company; • and give such ancillary or consequential directions as the CLB thinks expedient. • A meeting so called shall be deemed to be a meting of the company duly called, held and conducted. • The CLB will interfere very sparingly, and only when the application of a meeting is made bona fide in the larger interest of the company. Meeting of Board of Directors • A meeting of the Board of directors shall be held at least once in every three months and at least four such meetings shall be held in one year. • As long as four meetings are held in a calendar year, the interval between two meetings may be more than three months. • Listed companies are required to hold at least four board meetings in a year with a maximum time gap of four months between two meetings. (LA - Clause 49) • Notice of every meeting of the board shall be given in writing to every director for the time being in India, and at his usual address in India to every director. Board Meetings… • Failure would make the officer in default punishable with a fine extending up to Rs 1000. • The notice should contain the time date and place of meeting. • There is no provision for minimum days for giving notice. It is generally prescribed by the Articles. • If the notice of the meeting is not given to even one director the meeting and any resolution passed thereat would be invalid. • Notice of the adjourned meeting should be given to the directors who did not attend the original meeting. Board Meetings… • For sine die adjournment and to transact new business a fresh notice would be required. • The meeting of the director may be held at any time and place convenient to directors, outside the business hours and even on public holiday unless Articles provides otherwise. • Good practice demands that the agenda containing business to be transacted is circulated preferably along with the notice at least a week before the date of meeting.