STUDY NOTES
FINAL : PAPER -
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India CMA Bhawan,12, Sudder
Street, Kolkata - 700 016
13
First Edition : April 2013
Published by : Directorate of Studies The Institute of Cost
Accountants of India (ICAI) CMA Bhawan, 12, Sudder Street, Kolkata
- 700 016 www.icmai.in
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Syllabus
Syllabus Structure A Corporate Laws 75% B Corporate Governance and
Responsibilities 25%
B 25%
A 75%
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY There will be written examination paper of
three hours OBJECTIVES To gain an expert knowledge of Corporate
functions in the context of Companies Act & related Corporate
Laws. To be able to assess whether strategies and the organization
is in compliance with established regulatory framework. Learning
Aims The syllabus aims to test the student’s ability to: Understand
the principles of Corporate Laws relevant for compliance and
decision-making Analyze and interpret the impact of allied laws
Evaluate the essence of Corporate Governance for effective
implementation Demonstrate the role of a Corporate in
socio-economic development Skill set required Level C: Requiring
skill levels of knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis,
synthesis and evaluation. Section A : Corporate Laws 75% 1. The
Companies Act,1956 ( as amended from time to time) – rules,
regulations prescribed
there under with special reference to: (a) Company formation and
conversion (b) Procedure for alteration of Memorandum and Articles
(c) Procedure for Issue of Shares and Securities (d) Investment and
loans (e) Audits under Companies Act (f) Dividends (g) Board of
Directors (h) Board Meetings and Procedures (i) Inspection and
investigation (j) Prevention of oppression and mismanagement (k)
Revival and rehabilitation of sick industrial companies (l)
Corporate winding up and dissolution (m) Companies incorporated
outside India (n) Offences and penalties (o) E-governance
2. Laws and Procedures for Corporate Restructuring 3. SEBI Laws and
Regulations 4. The Competition Act, 2002 and its role in Corporate
Governance 5. Laws related to Banking Sector 6. Laws related to
Insurance Sector 7. Laws related to Power Sector Section B :
Corporate Governance and Responsibilities 25% 8. Corporate
Governance 9. Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities
of Business
SECTION A: CORPORATE LAWS [75 MARKS] 1. The Companies Act,1956 ( as
amended from time to time) – rules, regulations prescribed
there
under with special reference to: (a) Company formation and
conversion (i) Incorporation of private companies, public
companies, company limited by guarantee and
unlimited companies and their
conversions/reconversion/re-registration (ii) Nidhi Companies,
Mutual Benefit Funds and Producer Companies – concept,
formation,
membership, functioning, dissolution (iii) Formation of
“Not-for-Profit” making companies (iv) Procedure relating to
Foreign Companies Carrying on Business in India (b) Procedure for
alteration of Memorandum and Articles (i) Alteration of various
clauses of memorandum (ii) Effects of alteration (c) Procedure for
Issue of Shares and Securities (i) Shares – public issue, Rights
Issue, Bonus Shares, Issue of Shares at Par / Premium /
Discount;
issue of shares on preferential or private placement basis (ii)
Issue of Sweat Equity Shares, Employees Stock Option Scheme
(ESOPs), Employees Stock
Purchase Scheme ( ESPS), Shares with differential voting rights
(iii) Issue and redemption of preference shares (iv) Alteration of
share capital – forfeiture of shares, reissue of forfeited shares,
increase,
consolidation, conversion and re-conversion into stock,
subdivision, cancellation and surrender of shares
(v) Buy back of shares (vi) Reduction of share capital (vii) Issue
of debentures and bonds, creation of security and debenture
redemption reserve,
redemption of debentures, conversion of debentures into shares
(viii) Transfer and transmission (d) Investment and loans (i)
Procedure for inter-corporate loans, investments, giving off
guarantee and security (ii) Acceptance of deposits, renewal,
repayment, default and remedies (e) Audits under Companies Act (i)
CARO (ii) Statutory Cost Auditor’s and Statutory Financial Auditors
– appointment, resignation, removal,
qualification, disqualification, rights, duties and liabilities
(iii) Companies (Cost Accounting Record) Rules, 2011 and Companies
(Cost Audit Report) Rules,
2011 (f) Dividends (i) Profits and ascertainment of divisible
profits (ii) Declaration and payment of dividend (iii) Unpaid and
unclaimed dividend – treatment and transfer to Investor Education
and Protection
Fund (g) Board of Directors (i) Directors and Managerial Personnel
– appointment, reappointment, resignation, removal (ii) Payment of
remuneration to Directors and managerial personnel and disclosures
thereof (iii) Power, Managerial remuneration (iv) Obtaining
DIN
(v) Compensation for loss of office (vi) Waiver of recovery of
remuneration (vii) Making loans to Directors, Disclosure of
interest of a Director, Holding of Office or Place of
Profit by a Director/relative (viii) Interested Directors (h) Board
Meetings and Procedures (i) Board Meetings, Minutes and Registers
(ii) Powers of the Board (iii) Corporate Governance & Audit
Committee (iv) Duties and Liabilities of Directors (iv) Powers
related to – political contributions, sole selling agent, loans to
Directors, Interested
Directors, Office or Place of Profit (i) Inspection and
investigation (j) Prevention of oppression and mismanagement (i)
Majority Rule but Minority Protection (ii) Prevention of Oppression
and Mismanagement (k) Revival and rehabilitation of sick industrial
companies (l) Corporate winding up and dissolution – issues related
to winding up, powers of the Court, Official
Liquidator (i) Reconstruction under Members’ Voluntary Winding up [
Sec. 494] (ii) Reconstruction under Creditors’ Voluntary Winding up
[ Sec. 507] (iii) Reconstruction by arranging with Creditors in
Voluntary Winding up [ Sec. 517] (m) Companies incorporated outside
India (n) Offences and penalties (o) E-governance 2. Laws and
Procedures of Corporate Restructuring leading to: (a) Mergers;
Amalgamations, Takeovers / Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, LLPs,
Corporate restructure,
Demerger, Reorganization through compromise or an arrangement (b)
Reconstruction Vs. Amalgamation (c) Sale of undertaking of the
Company [Sec. 391-394] (d) Acquiring Shares in another company
[Sec. 395] (e) Compulsory Amalgamation in public interest [ Sec.
396] 3. SEBI Laws and Regulations: (a) The Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act,1992 – Rules, Regulations and Guidelines
issued
there under (b) The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act,1956 (c)
SEBI ( Issue of Capital and Disclosure Regulations), 2009 (d)
Clause 49 (e) Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover
Regulations 4. The Competition Act, 2002 and its role in Corporate
Governance (a) Competition – Meaning, objectives, extent and
applicability (b) Competition Commission of India (c) Areas
affecting competition (d) MRTP Act vs. Competition Act (e) Other
matters (f) Competition Act, 2002 and Corporate Governance
5. Laws related to Banking Sector: (a) The Banking Regulation Act,
1949; (b) The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act,
2002 (c) The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Role of
Cost Accountants in Anti-Money Laundering
(AML) Audits to check tax evasion and transfer of funds. (d) The
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 6. Laws related to Insurance
Sector: (a) The Insurance Act, 1938; (b) The Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority Act, 1999 7. Laws related to Power
Sector: (a) The Indian Electricity Act, 1910 (b) Role of Central
Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) SECTION B: CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES [25 MARKS] 8. Corporate Governance
(a) Overview-Issues and Concepts (b) Corporate Governance
Practices/Codes in India, UK, Japan, Germany and USA (c) Corporate
governance in family business (d) Corporate governance in
state-owned business – the MOU system 9. Social, Environmental and
Economic Responsibilities of Business. (a) National Voluntary
Guidelines on Social, environmental and Economic Responsibilities
of Business (b) Corporate Social Responsibility – Nature of
activities; Evaluation of CSR projects (c) Whole life costing-
assessment of socio-economic impact of strategic and operational
decisions
of business.
Study Note 1 : The Companies Act, 1956
1.1 Company Formation and Conversion 1.1 1.2 Procedure for
Alteration of Memorandum and Articles of Association 1.57
1.3 Procedure for Issue of Shares and Securities 1.69
1.4 Investments, Loans 1.136
1.6 Dividends 1.184
1.8 Board Meetings And Procedures 1.258
1.9 Inspection and Investigation 1.299
1.10. Prevention of Oppression and Mismanagement 1.313
1.11 Revival and Rehabilitation of Sick Industrial Companies
1.350
1.12. Issues related to Winding Up and Dissolution 1.362
1.13. Companies Incorporated outside India 1.416
1.14. Offences and Penalties 1.426
1.15. E - Governance 1.434
2.1 Amalgamation/Merger 2.1
2.3. Sale of undertaking of the Company [Sec.391-394] 2.114
2.4. Acquiring Shares in another company [Sec. 395] 2.117
2.5. Compulsory Amalgamation in public interest [Sec. 396]
2.117
Study Note 3 : SEBI Laws and Regulations 3.1 The Securities and
Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 3.1
3.2 The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 3.24
3.3 Sebi (Issue Of Capital And Disclosure Requirements) 3.49
3.4 Clause 49- Corporate Governance 3.107
3.5 Sebi (Substantial Acquisition Of Shares And Takeovers)
Regulations, 2011 3.121
Content
Study Note 4 : The Compitition Act, 2002 and its Role in Corporate
Governance
4.1 Preliminary 4.1
4.2 Prohibition of Certain Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Position
and Regulation of Combinations 4.4
4.3 Compition Commission Of India 4.9
4.4 Duties, Powers And Functions Of Commission 4.12
4.5 Duties Of Director General 4.22
4.6 Penalties 4.22
4.9 Competiton Appellate Tribunal 4.26
4.10 Miscellaneous 4.32
4.11 MRTP Act, 1969 & Competition Act, 2002 4.39
4.12 Competition Act, 2002 And Corporate Governance 4.40
Study Note 5 : Laws Related to Banking Sector 5.1 The Banking
Regulation Act, 1949 5.1
5.2 The Securitisation And Reconstruction of Financial Assests and
Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 5.81
5.3 The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 5.102
5.4 The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 5.114
Study Note 6 : Laws Related to Insurance Sector 6.1 The Insurance
Act, 1938 6.1
6.2 The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999
6.131
Study Note 7 : Laws Related to Power Sector
7.1 The Indian Electricity Act 1910 7.1
Study Note 8 : Corporate Governance
8.1 Overview-Issues and Concepts 8.1
8.2 Corporate Governance Practices/Codes in - UK, Germany, Japan,
India and USA 8.3
8.3 Corporate Governance in Family Business 8.28
8.4 Corporate Governance in State-owned Business - the MOU System
8.35
Study Note 9 : Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities
of Business
9.1 Corporate Social Responsibility: Towards a Sustainable Future
9.1
9.2 CSR: A Commonly Misunderstood Concept 9.4
9.3 Corporate Social Responsibility– Perspectives and Best
Practices 9.12
9.4 Corporate Social Responsibility Voluntary Guidelines 2009 from
Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, Government of India 9.35
9.5 Whole Life Costing - Assessment of Socio-economic impact of
Strategic and 9.39
Operational Decisions of Business
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.1
This Study Note includes 1.1 Company Formation and Conversion 1.2
Procedure for Alteration of Memorandum and Articles of Association
1.3 Procedure for Issue of Shares and Securities 1.4 Investments,
Loans 1.5 Audits under Companies Act, 1956 1.6 Dividends 1.7 Board
of Directors 1.8 Board Meetings and ProcedureS 1.9 Inspection and
Investigation 1.10. Prevention of Oppression and Mismanagement
1.12. Issues related to Winding Up and Dissolution 1.13. Companies
Incorporated outside India 1.14. Offences and Penalties 1.15. E -
Governance
Study Note - 1
1.1 Company Formation and Conversion
The Companies Act, 1956 – Historical Background • The Companies Act
1956 was enacted on the recommendations of the Bhaba Committee
set
up in 1950 with the object to consolidate the existing corporate
laws and to provide a new basis for corporate operation in
independent India. With enactment of this legislation in 1956, the
Companies Act 1913 was repealed.
• The Companies Act, 1956, has since provided the legal framework
for corporate entities in India. The need for streamlining this Act
was felt from time to time as the corporate sector grew in pace
with the Indian economy, with as many as 24 amendments taking place
since 1956. Major amendments to the Act were made through Companies
(Amendment) Act, 1988 after considering the recommendations of the
Sachar Committee, and then again in 1998, 2000 and finally in 2002
through the Companies (Second Amendment) Act 2002, consequent to
the report of the Eradi Committee.
• Many countries faced with the task of economic restructuring in
response to the realities of a changing economic environment, have
undertaken comprehensive revisions of their respective corporate
laws. UK Companies Act was revised during the 1980s. Subsequently,
many countries whose legal systems were derived from UK, such as
Australia, New Zealand, Canada etc also undertook reviews of their
corporate laws and brought about several comprehensive reforms. It
is widely accepted that reform and updation of the basic legal
framework for corporate entities is essential to enable sustainable
economic reform.
• After a hesitant beginning in the 1980s, India took up its
economic reforms programme in the 1990s. Equally, a need was felt
for a comprehensive review of the Companies Act, 1956.
Unsuccessful
1.2 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
attempts were made in 1993 and 1997 to replace the present Act with
a new law. Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2003; containing important
provisions relating to corporate governance was also introduced,
the consideration of which has been held back in anticipation of
the comprehensive review of the Company Law. While piecemeal reform
continued through amendments, it has not yet been possible to bring
about comprehensive, new legislation to replace the existing
Act.
• In the current national and international context, there is a
requirement for simplifying corporate laws so that they are
amenable to clear interpretation and provide a framework that would
facilitate faster economic growth. It is also increasingly being
recognized that the framework for regulation of corporate entities
has to be in tune with the emerging economic scenario, encourage
good corporate governance and enable protection of the interests of
the investors and other stakeholders. In the competitive and
technology driven business environment, while corporates require
greater autonomy of operation and opportunity for self-regulation
with optimum compliance costs, there is a need to bring about
transparency through better disclosures and greater responsibility
on the part of corporate owners and managements for improved
compliance.
• It is appreciated that the Government has taken up this fresh
exercise for a comprehensive revision of the Companies Act 1956 on
the basis of a broad based consultative exercise. As a the first
step in this consultative process, a Concept Paper on Company Law
drawn up in the legislative format was exposed for viewing on the
electronic media so that all interested may not only express their
opinions on the concepts involved but may also suggest formulations
on various aspects of Company Law. This was a laudable step and has
evoked considerable response. Comments and suggestions from a large
number of organizations, professional bodies and individuals have
been received. This consultative process will not only allow ideas,
comments and suggestions to flow in from all quarters, but will
also enable the Government to work out appropriate legislative
proposals to meet the requirements of India's growing economy in
the years to come.
• The Government, therefore, felt it appropriate that the proposals
contained in the Concept Paper and suggestions received thereon be
put to merit evaluation by an independent Expert Committee. The
present Committee was constituted on 2nd December, 2004 under the
chairmanship of Dr. J J Irani, Director, Tata Sons, with the task
of advising the Government on the proposed revisions to the
Companies Act, 1956. The objective of this exercise is perceived as
the desire on the part of the Government to have a simplified
compact law that will be able to address the changes taking place
in the national and international scenario, enable adoption of
internationally accepted best practices as well as provide adequate
flexibility for timely evolution of new arrangements in response to
the requirements of ever-changing business models. It is a welcome
attempt to provide India with a modern Company Law to meet the
requirements of a competitive economy.
• The Expert Committee consists of 13 members and 6 special
invitees drawn from various disciplines and fields including trade
and industry, chambers of commerce, professional institutes,
representatives of Banks and Financial Institutions, Sr. Advocates
etc. Government Ministries as well as regulatory bodies concerned
with the subject were represented through special invitees. The
Committee thus brings to bear a wide range of expertise and
experience on the issues before it. In the exercise taken up by it,
the Committee took the Companies Act, 1956, as amended, as the base
and adopted the following approach:
n Taking note of the Concept Paper and suggestions/objections and
comments on the same received from various quarters, to enable
synthesis of opinion on the desirable features of the new
law;
n Identifying the essential ingredients to be addressed by the new
law, retaining desirable features of the existing framework,
segregating substantive law from the procedures to enable a clear
framework for good corporate governance that addresses the concerns
of all stakeholders equitably.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.3
n Making recommendations to enable easy and unambiguous
interpretation by recasting the provisions of the law so as to
enable easy understanding and interpretation;
n Enabling greater flexibility in procedural aspects through rule
making, so that with the change of time the legal framework may
adapt without amendment of the substantive enactment, which would
be a time consuming process;
n Addressing the concerns arising out of the experience of the
stock market scams of the 1990s, the phenomenon of vanishing
companies and recommendations made by Joint Parliamentary Committee
on Stock Market Scam;
n Enabling measures to protect the interests of stakeholders and
investors, including small investors, through legal basis for sound
corporate governance practices.
n Providing a framework for responsible self-regulation through
determination of corporate matters through decisions by
shareholders, in the background of clear accountability for such
decisions, obviating the need for a regime based on Government
approvals;
n Recognizing the relevance of a climate that encourages people to
set up businesses and make them grow, addresses the practical
concerns of small businesses so that people may deal with and
invest in companies with confidence, promotes international
competitiveness of Indian businesses and provides it the
flexibility to meet the challenges of the global economy.
Definition of a Company As per Section 3(1)(i) of the Companies
Act,1956, “ a “company” means a company formed and registered under
this Act or an existing company as defined in clause
3(1)(ii)”.
Section 3(1)(ii) states as follows:
(ii) “ existing company” means a company formed and registered
under any of the previous companies laws.
Company - Classification The Companies Act, 1956 provides for a
variety of companies that may be promoted and registered under the
Act. The two common types of companies which may be registered
under the Act are:—
(a) Private companies
(b) Public companies
These companies may be incorporated either as limited liability
companies or as unlimited liability companies.
Private company By virtue of section 3(1)(iii) [as amended by the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000], a private company means a company
which has a minimum paid-up capital of one lakh rupees or such
higher paid-up capital, as may be prescribed, and by its
articles:
(a) restricts the right to transfer its shares, if any;
(b) limits the number of its members to 50, not including :—
(i) persons who are in the employment of the company, and
(ii) 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; and
1.4 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
where two or more persons hold one or more shares in a company
jointly, they shall, for the purposes of membership, be treated as
a single member.
(c) prohibits invitation to the public to subscribe for any shares
in or debentures of, the company;
(d) prohibits any invitation or acceptance of deposits from persons
other than its members, directors or their relatives.
In view of the aforesaid definition, a private company must, in its
articles, incorporate the said restrictions, limitations and
prohibitions. Sub-section (3) of section 27 further endorses this
point by stating that a private company limited by shares must have
articles containing restrictions, limitations and prohibitions
required by section 3(1)(iii) and other private companies (i.e.,
not having share capital) must have in its articles the limitations
and prohibitions contained in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of section
3(1)(iii).
Other requirements relating to a Private Company: 1. There should
be at least two persons to form a private company. As per section
12, for forming a
private company, two or more persons are required to subscribe
their names to a Memorandum of Association. The subscribers to the
Memorandum may, however, be nominees of a single person and
subscribing their names may be merely a formality.
Any person who is competent to contract can be a subscriber. A
company being a legal person can subscribe but a partnership firm
cannot do so.
A minor cannot be a signatory to the Memorandum since he is not
competent to contract. The guardian of a minor who subscribes to a
memorandum on behalf of the minor will be deemed to have subscribed
in his personal capacity.
Again, a Joint Hindu Family, being not a person, cannot be a
subscriber. A ‘Karta’ or manager of the Joint Hindu Family may
however sign on its behalf.
In the case of an illiterate subscriber, the thumb impression or
mark duly attested by the person writing for him may be
given.
2. The words ‘private limited’ or any acceptable abbreviation
thereof, such as ‘Pvt. Ltd.’ must be added at the end of the name
of a private limited company.
Public company [Section 3(i)(iv)] A public company, as per the
Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000 means a company which:
(a) is not a private company;
(b) has a minimum paid-up capital of ` 5 lakhs or such higher
paid-up capital, as may be prescribed;
(c) is a private company which is a subsidiary of a company which
is not a private company.
Procedure for Incorporation/Registration of a Company Pre-
Registration Requirements The directors must have a valid Director
Identification Number (DIN), allotted by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs. DIN is a unique identification number for an existing
director or a person intending to become a director of a company.
As per a recent amendment to the Companies Act 1956, DIN has become
mandatory for all the directors. DIN is unique and specific to an
individual therefore only one DIN is allotted per individual even
if the individual serves as director at multiple companies.
Application for the allotment of Director Identification Number
(DIN) can be obtained online on MCA’s website. Duly completed DIN
Application Form must be mailed to MCA DIN Cell, along with a proof
of identity and a proof of residence with coloured photo. The photo
affixed on the form and the proofs attached must be certified by a
Public Notary or Gazetted Officer or any certified
professionals.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.5
At least one of the directors should have a valid Digital Signature
Certificate issued by the Certifying Authorities (CA) and approved
by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The Information Technology
Act, 2000 provides for use of Digital Signatures on the documents
submitted in electronic forms, in order to ensure the security and
authenticity of the documents filed electronically. Every document
prescribed under the Companies Act, 1956, is required to be filed
with the digital signature of the managing director or director or
manager or secretary of the company. Therefore at least one of
directors must have a digital signature. Any person may make an
application to the Certifying Authority for the issue of a Digital
Signature in such form as may be prescribed by the Central
Government. Digital Signatures are typically issued with one year
validity and two year validity. The issuance cost varies depending
on the CA. Digital Signatures can be obtained within an hour.
Name Approval The first step in the process of formation is the
application for MCA’s approval of the desired name for the proposed
company. Once, Company name is allotted, company registration
documents are filed with respective ROC for registration.
Application for name approval can be made online via MCA’s portal
MCA 21.
The following particulars are required to complete the form:-
Select, at least four names (a maximum of Six names can be listed),
and indicate the order of preference. Ensure that the company name
is in accordance to the guidelines of the MCA, and also ensure the
name is unique and does not resemble the name of any existing
company in India. The company name must end with the words ‘Private
Limited’ or ‘PVT Ltd’. In order to have specific key words in the
name such as corporation, International, Hindustan, Industries,
India etc., the proposed company should satisfy a minimum
authorized capital criteria. Duly completed Form 1A for name
approval must be submitted to the concerned ROC along with a fee of
`500.
As per the amended rule 4A, upon due receipt of the application in
Form 1A, the ROC shall examine whether the proposed name is
undesirable within the meaning of section 20 of the Act. If it is
not found to be undesirable, the ROC will intimate the applicants
for the company about approval and availability of the proposed
name and shall allow sixty days time from the date of approval of
the name for registration of the company. In case the applicants
fail to act within aforesaid time period,
1.6 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
they may seek extension of the period by another thirty days, with
half the fee originally paid, before the expiry of the first sixty
days. If within the extended period the applicants fail to act on
the approved name, the same shall lapse. In the event , the ROC
finds the name proposed in the initial application as undesirable
,hence cannot be approved, shall intimate his finding to the
applicants ordinarily within three days of receipt of the
application and ask for either any further information that he may
need in the matter or for resubmission of the application with new
name.
Corporate Identity number-ROC is to allot a CIN to each company
registered on or after November 1, 2000.Vide Circular No. 12/2000,
dated 25-10-2000.
Preparation of Documents After obtaining name approval from the ROC
the following documents must be prepared to incorporate the
company:
The Memorandum of Association is a document that sets out the
constitution of the company. It contains, amongst others, the
objectives and the scope of activity of the company and also
describes the relationship of the company with the outside
world.
The Articles of Association contain the rules and regulations of
the company for the management of its internal affairs. While the
Memorandum specifies the objectives and purposes for which the
Company has been formed, the Articles lay down the rules and
regulations for achieving those objectives and purposes. It also
states the authorized share capital of the proposed company and the
names of its first / permanent directors.
Professional help is to be sought in the drafting of the MOA and
AOA, as it contains the governing policies, rules and by-laws of
the proposed venture. The draft must be carefully vetted by the
promoters before printing and stamping.
The MOA and AOA must be signed by at least two subscribers in his
own hand, along with father’s name, occupation, address and the
number of shares subscribed for and witnessed by at least one
person, who shall attest the signature and shall likewise add his
address, description and occupation, if any.
Then the MOA and AOA are required to be stamped & filed with
the ROC. A stamp duty is required to be paid on the MOA and on the
AOA. The stamp duty depends on the authorized share capital and
varies between states as per the Stamp Act applicable to the State
where the company is incorporated.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.7
Submission of Documents The following documents are to be submitted
to the office of Registrar of Companies(ROC) with the filing fee
and the registration fee:
Payment of Registration Fees The fees payable to the Registrar at
the time of registration of a new company varies according to the
authorized capital of a company proposed to be registered. The
amount of registration fee and filing fee payable are given in
Schedule X to the Companies Act.
Obtaining Certificate of Incorporation The ROC will issue a
Certificate of Incorporation after careful review of documents
submitted. Section 34(1) cast an obligation on the Registrar to
issue a Certificate of Incorporation, normally within 7 days of the
receipt of documents. A Private Limited Company or a Company having
no share capital may commence its business and exercise its powers
immediately after it is incorporated.
The Public Company having share capital, on the other hand, in
addition to the steps followed by a Private Limited Company has to
obtain a certificate of Commencement of Business before they can
commence the business or exercise its borrowing powers.
In order to obtain this certificate, the company must comply with
the provisions of section 149 of the Companies Act and has
to:
• File a declaration of compliance with the provisions of Section
149(2)(b) of the Act in Form No.20 and attach the statement in lieu
of the prospectus(schedule III)
OR • File a declaration of compliance with the provisions of
Section 149 (1)(a),(b),(c) of the Act in Form
No.19 and attach the prospectus (Schedule II) to it.
1.8 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Section 149 of the Act, states the Restrictions on the commencement
of Business:-
Where the company has issued a prospectus-Section 149(1) provides
that if a company having a share capital has issued a prospectus,
it shall not commence any business or exercise any borrowing
powers, unless -
(a)shares up to the amount of the minimum subscription have been
allotted by the com- pany;
(b)every director of the company has paid to the company, on each
of the shares taken or contracted to be taken by him and for which
he is liable to pay in cash, the same proportion as is payable on
application and allotment on the shares, offered for public
subscription;
(c)no money is, or may become, liable to be repaid to applicants
for any shares or deben- tures offered for public subscription, for
failure to obtain permission for the shares to be dealt in on any
recognized stock exchange.
Where the company has not issued a prospectus-Section 149(2)
requires that if a public company having share capital has not
issued a prospectus,it shall not commence business or exercise any
borrowing powers unless every director of the company has paid to
the company, on each of the shares taken or contracted to be taken
by him and for which he is liable to pay in cash, a proportion
equal to the proportion payable on application and allotment on the
shares payable in cash. Registration of Companies without share
capital The Act provides for registration of companies which need
not have share capital. However, with the requirement of minimum
paid-up share capital for a public company and a private company,
the concept of companies without share capital has become
redundant. No doubt, in terms of sub- section (6) of section 3 the
minimum paid-up capital requirement is not applicable to a company
registered under section 25 of the Act which belongs to the
category of the companies not having share capital.
Limited liability companies The discussion on limited liability
companies may be divided under the following three heads:—
(i) Companies limited by shares;
(ii) Companies limited by guarantee;
(iii) Companies limited by guarantee having share capital.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.9
(i) Companies limited by shares - 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 is termed “a company
limited by shares” [Sec. 12(2)(a)]. Such a company is commonly
called limited liability company although the liability of the
company is never limited, it is the liability of its members which
is limited. The liability of members can be enforced at any time
during the existence and also during the winding-up of the company.
Such a company must have share capital as the extent of liability
is determined by the face value of shares. However, except where
the articles otherwise provide, there is no liability to pay any
balance amount due on the shares, except in pursuance of calls duly
made in accordance with law and the articles while the company is a
going concern or of calls made in the event of winding up of the
company.
(ii) Companies limited by guarantee - A company limited by
guarantee may be defined as a company having liability of its
members limited by the memorandum to such amount as the members may
respectively undertake by the memorandum to contribute to the
assets of the company in the event of its being wound up [Section
12(2)(b)]. The liability of a member in the case of a company
limited by guarantee, where the company has no share capital, is
limited to the amount which he has undertaken by the memorandum of
association to contribute to the assets of the company in the event
of its being wound up.
(iii) Companies limited by guarantee having share capital- The
liability of remember of a guarantee company having share capital
is not merely limited to the amount guaranteed; he may be called
upon to also contribute to the extent of any sums remaining unpaid
on the shares held by him [Sec. 426(2)]. Such companies have been
exempted from minimum paid-up share capital requirement introduced
vide Com panies (Amendment) Act, 2000.
Unlimited Liability Company A company having no limit on the
liability of its members is an unlimited company [Sec. 12(2)(c)].
Thus, in the case of an unlimited liability company, the liability
of each member extends to the whole amount of the company’s debts
and liabilities. It may be seen that the liability of members of an
unlimited company is similar to that of the partners but unlike the
liability of partners, the members of the company cannot be
directly proceeded against. Company being a separate legal entity,
the claims can be enforced only against the company. Thus,
creditors shall have to institute proceedings for winding-up of the
company for their claims. But the official liquidator may call upon
the members to discharge the debts and liabilities without
limit.
An unlimited company may or may not have share capital. The
articles of association of an unlimited company must state the
number of members with which the company is to be registered and,
if the company has share capital, the amount of share capital with
which the company is to be registered [Sec. 27(1)].
As the capital, if any, is stated in the articles and not in the
memorandum, it may be varied, increased or reduced, by passing a
special resolution.
An unlimited company is not subjected to any restrictions regarding
purchase of its own shares [Sec. 77]. Accordingly, such a company
may purchase its own shares or advance monies to any person to
purchase its shares. Under section 32, a company registered as an
unlimited company may subsequently convert itself into a limited
liability company, subject to the provision that any debt,
liabilities, applications or contracts in regard to or entered
into, by or on behalf of the unlimited liability company before
such conversion are not affected by such conversion.
1.10 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Conversion of a Private company into a Public company The
discussion on conversion of a private company into a public company
may be grouped under the following heads :—
1. Conversion by default [Sec. 43]- Where a private company makes a
default in compliance with the statutory requirement as laid down
in sec. 3(1)(iii) of the Act (i.e., if its membership exceeds 50 or
it permits free transferability of shares or extends invitation to
public to subscribe to shares or debentures or to make deposit), it
becomes a public company automatically. As a consequence, the
company shall cease to enjoy the privileges and exemptions
conferred on a private company and the provisions of the Companies
Act shall apply to it as if it were a public company. However, the
Company Law Board (now Central Government1) on being satisfied that
the failure to comply with the conditions was accidental or due to
inadvertence or to some other sufficient cause, may grant relief
from such consequence as aforesaid. The relief may be granted on
grounds which the Company Law Board (now Central Government1) feels
are just and equitable.
It may be noted that the provisions of section 43 are very general.
A departure from the conditions of section 3(1)(iii) invites such
penalty as may be applicable to a public company for contravention
of the provisions of the Companies Act. The section does not fix
any time limit or impose any special penalty.
Petition praying for relief is required to be made in Form No. 1 of
Annexure II to the CLB Regulations, 1991 along with prescribed
application fee accompanied by the following documents:
1. Copy of memorandum and articles of association;
2. Copy of document showing that the default has been committed in
complying with the conditions laid down in sec. 3(1)(iii);
3. Affidavit verifying the petition;
4. Bank draft evidencing the payment of prescribed fee;
5. Memorandum of appearance.
2. Conversion by operation of law (Deemed Public Company) [Sec.
43A]- Section 43A was introduced in 1960 (and was further amended
in 1965, 1974 and 1988) to check misuse of private company status.
Since private companies were conferred certain privileges and
exemptions under the Companies Act, 1956, certain manage ments
incorporated their companies as private companies but employed
substantial public funds. Section 43A introduced certain criteria2
according to which such private companies were treated as ‘deemed
public companies’. The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000 has, by
introducing sub-section (11) to section 43A, made the section
inoperative except sub-section (2A) [again added by the Companies
(Amend ment) Act, 2000]. The effect of introduction of sub-section
(11) is that, on and after commencement of
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.11
the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000, a private company will not
automatically become a public company on account of shareholding or
turnover. Acceptance of deposit criterion has been shifted to
section 3(1)(iii) whereby a private company accepting deposits from
public shall become a public company.
Sub-section (2A) allows an existing deemed public company to opt to
become a private company by complying with the (new) requirements
of section 3(1)(iii). In such a case, the sub-section requires the
company to inform the Registrar that it has become a private
company and thereupon the Registrar shall substitute the words
“private company” for the words “public company” in the name of the
company upon the register and shall also make the necessary
alterations in the certificate of incorporation issued to the
company and in its memorandum of association within four weeks from
the date of application made by the company.*
Note:
1. Vide Companies (Second Amendment) Act, 2002.
2. According to section 43A, before amendment, a private company
was deemed to be a public company in the following cases:
(i) If 25% or more of its paid-up share capital is held by a public
company or a deemed public company except where the said percentage
is held by a banking company as a trustee or executor/administrator
for any individual(s).
(ii) If its average annual turnover for last three financial years
is ` 25 crores or more,
(iii) If it holds 25% or more of the paid-up share capital of a
public company,
(iv) If it invites, accept or renews deposits from public.
‘No time limit has, however, been set for the company to inform the
Registrar. Accordingly, the company shall continue to be treated as
a public company till the said information to the Registrar.
The Department of Company Affairs, vide its Circular No. 3/2002,
dated 24-7-2002, has stated that fixing of time limit for getting
conversion by deemed public company to private limited company
under section 43A(2A) may not be feasible. If a private company
which became a deemed public company under section 43A when it was
in force does not approach for reconversion, it is deemed to have
chosen to remain as a public company.
3. Conversion by choice [Sec. 44] - A private company may, of its
own choice, become a public company.
The following steps are necessary for this purpose:
(i) Special Resolution - A private company desiring to become
public company must pass a special resolution deleting from its
articles the requirements of section 3(1)(iii). A copy of the
special resolution so passed must be filed with the Registrar of
Companies within 30 days thereof;
(ii) Increase in membership- If the number of members is less than
seven, it must be raised to not less than seven (Sec. 12).
(iii) Increase in number of directors - If the number of directors
is less than three, it must be raised to not less than three (Sec.
252).
(iv) Raising of paid-up capital to the minimum prescribed for
public companies (presently, ` 5 lakhs).
(v) Within 30 days from the passing of the special resolution, a
prospectus or a statement in lieu of prospectus in the prescribed
form must be filed with the Registrar [Sec. 44(1)(b)].
1.12 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Every prospectus filed under sub-section (1) shall state the
matters specified in Part I of Schedule II and set out the reports
specified in Part II of that Schedule [Sec. 44(2)(a)].
Every statement in lieu of prospectus filed shall be in the form
and contain particulars set out in Schedule IV [Sec.
44(2)(b)].
If default is made in complying with sub-section (1) or (2), 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 the default continues.
Where any prospectus or statement in lieu of prospectus filed under
this section includes any untrue statement, any person who
authorised the filing of such prospectus or statement shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two
years, or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or
with both, unless he proves either that the statement was
immaterial or that he had reasonable ground to believe, and did up
to the time of filing of the prospectus or statement believe, that
the statement was true.
Fact of a company becoming a public limited company is of no
consequence insofar as rights and obligations of company are
concerned, nor does it render defective any legal proceedings by or
against it - Wasava Tyres v. Printers (Mysore) Ltd. [2008] 86
SCL171(Kar.).
Where by passing resolutions a final decision had been taken by the
company to convert itself into a public company with immediate
effect; Form No. 23 had been filed along with said resolutions and
statement in lieu of prospectus, which is required to be filed by a
private company when it has converted itself into a public company,
had been filed on behalf of the company, it was sufficient for the
purpose of arriving at a prima facie conclusion that the company
had altered its status and had become a public company even though
the necessary alterations had not been effected in the records of
the Registrar of Companies - Ram Purshotam Mittal v. Hillcrest
Realty Sdn. Bhd, [2009] 94 SCL 120 (SC).
Conversion of a public company into a private company No express
provision exists in the Companies Act except the reference in the
proviso to sec. 31 (1) and (2 A) for converting a public company
into a private company.
Conversion of a public company into a private company will require:
(i) Passing of a special resolution authorising the conversion and
altering the articles so as to contain
the matters specified in sec. 3(1)(iii).
(ii) Changing the name of the company by omitting the word
‘Private’. As per section 21, it does not require special
resolution to be passed,
(ii) Obtaining the approval of the Central Government as required
by section 31: Proviso to section 31(1) provides that no alteration
made in the articles which has the effect of converting a public
company into a private company shall have effect unless such
alteration has been approved by the Central Government.
(iv) Filing of printed copy of the articles as altered within one
month of the receipt of the approval of the Central Government
[Sec. 31(2A)].
RE-REGISTRATION Is it possible to re-register a private limited
company to a public limited company and then back to a private
limited company? Are there any restrictions? Unlike the restriction
imposed when a limited company intends to re-register as an
unlimited company, [see Sections 102-104 of the Companies Act 2006
(the Act)], there are no restrictions in law as to the number of
times a private limited company can re-register as a public company
and then re-register back to a private company.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.13
However, the commercial justification for undertaking multiple
re-registrations is something the board should consider very
carefully. Depending on the number of shareholders in the company
one may find it difficult to re-register on multiple
occasions.
The intention to re-register as a public company may be to offer
shares to the public and obtain a Listing or admission to trading
on AIM or PLUS. Or it might be to gain a perceived degree of
commercial respectability by having the status of a public
company.
Re-registration back to a private company may be required if the
company is acquired by another company or the directors feel there
is no benefit in remaining a public company. There may also be
legal reasons, for example if, following a court order confirming a
reduction of capital, the nominal value of the allotted share
capital falls below the authorised minimum (Sec.650).
Re-registration can also be used to circumvent some of the more
onerous obligations imposed on public companies. The cost
implications involved in multiple re-registrations should be
considered. For example, in preparing balance sheets and obtaining
unqualified audit reports as required by Sec.92 of the Act when re-
registering from private to public.
1.1.2. Nidhi Companies, Mutual Benefit Funds and Producer Companies
Nidhi Companies For over a century Nidhis, with the objective of
cultivating the habit of thrift, were promoted by public spirited
men drawn from affluent local persons, lawyers and professionals
like auditors, educationists, etc., including retired persons. The
area of operation was local – within municipalities and panchayats.
Some Nidhis on account of their financial and administrative
strength opened branches within the respective revenue district and
even outside. The principle of mutual benefit was fundamental – to
get savings from members and lend only to members and never have
dealing with Non-members.
The primary object of Nidhis has been to carry on the business of
accepting deposits and lending money to member-borrowers only
against jewels, etc., and mortgage of property. Nidhis were not
expected to engage themselves in the business of Chit Fund, hire
purchase, insurance or in any other business including investments
in shares or debentures. As stated these Nidhis do their business
only with Members. Such Members are only individuals. Bodies
Corporate or Trusts are never to be admitted as Members.
In the history of Nidhis, there have been some failures but what
hit the headlines recently is the failure of leading Nidhis
involving crores of rupees and lakhs of depositors, caused by
imprudent lending and mismanagement by those in control. On account
of these startling failures there is a tendency to condemn Nidhis
as a whole. The facts, are that a large number of Nidhis, many of
them 100 years old, have been functioning without giving room for
any complaint and their financial resources mobilisation and
service oriented practices have been commendable. Nidhis play a
very useful role in helping middle and lower middle classes by
providing quick financial services with minimum formalities and
should, therefore, be allowed to grow with supervision.
Nidhi is a company governed by the provisions of the Companies Act,
the MCA has all along taken into consideration the objective of the
Nidhi and has, therefore, sanctioned concessions by way of
exempting the Nidhis from certain provisions of the Companies
Act.
Nidhi according to Section 620A of Companies Act 1956 means: 1. In
this section, “Nidhi “ or “ Mutual Benefit Society “ means a
company which the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to
be a Nidhi or Mutual Benefit Society, as the case may be.
2. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, direct that any of the provisions of this Act specified in
the notification 356
1.14 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
a) Shall not apply to any Nidhi or Mutual Benefit Society, or
b) Shall apply to any Nidhi or Mutual Benefit Society with such
exceptions, modifications and adaptations as may be specified in
the notification.
3. A copy of every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall
be laid as soon as may be after it is issued, before each House of
Parliament.
Procedure for Incorporation of Nidhis 1. At the outset it would be
pertinent to mention that there is no Government Notification
defining
the word ‘Nidhi’. The companies doing Nidhi business, viz.
borrowing from members and lending to members only against
security, go under different names such as Nidhi, Permanent Fund,
Benefit Funds, Mutual Benefit Funds and Mutual Benefit Company. In
view of the above situation the Committee feels that it is
imperative that a precise definition and meaning should be given to
the word Nidhi. Taking into consideration the manner of functioning
of Nidhis at present and the recommendations of the Committee in
this report and also to prevent unscrupulous persons using the word
‘Nidhi’ in their name without being incorporated by Department of
Company Affairs and yet doing Nidhi business, the Committee
suggests the following definition:
“Nidhi is a company formed with the exclusive object of cultivating
the habit of thrift, savings and functioning for the mutual benefit
of members by receiving deposits only from individuals enrolled as
members and by lending only to individuals, also enrolled as
members, and which functions as per Notification and Guidelines
prescribed by the DCA. The word Nidhi shall not form part of the
name of any company, firm or individual engaged in borrowing and
lending money without incorporation by DCA and such contravention
will attract penal action.”
2. The Committee also recommends that any company desirous of doing
Nidhi business as defined above should have the word ‘Nidhi’ added
to the company’s name. In so far as the existing companies
functioning as Nidhis, they should be required to add the word
‘Nidhi’ after their name within a period of three months.
The present procedure to incorporate a Nidhi company is as follows:
• Name of the Company:- To get approval of the name by which the
company will be known.
The promoters propose three names to ROC. After verification the
ROC is able to either identify one name or else calls for a panel
of fresh names. Following this exercise a name is finally allotted
by ROC to the promoters which will be used as the name of the
company. But the word ‘Nidhi’ cannot be used as a part of the name
at this stage.
• Submission of MOA & AOA: - The promoters submit the
Memorandum and Articles of Association to ROC who after examination
registers the company and issues a Certificate of
Incorporation.
• Submission of other documents:- The company submits to the ROC
documents such as a Statement in lieu of Prospectus, declaration by
the promoters etc., specified under Section 149 of the Companies
Act. ROC registers these documents after corrections if any and
issues a Certificate of Commencement of Business.
At this stage there is no stipulation as to the membership strength
of the company nor any restriction regarding capital for doing
business. The company can receive deposits and lend without any
restriction on rates of interest and for any period of time.
Consequently, the functioning of such companies is not restricted
or supervised by the authorities. During this period authorities
are expected to know the functioning of this type of companies and
place restrictions on receipt of deposits.
Nidhi Companies are Companies notified by the Central Government as
such under Section 620A of the Companies Act, 1956.These Companies
mainly engage in the business of collecting deposits in the form of
Savings Deposit, Recurring Deposit etc. And also lend the same to
the members of the Company. One of the important feature of a Nidhi
Company is that it deals only with members (share holders). Thus if
you want to deposit any amount in a Nidhi Company or want to avail
a loan from
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.15
a Nidhi Company, first you have to become a member by subscribing
to shares of the Company. Moreover, Nidhi Companies can open SB
Accounts for its members. Moreover, there are certain restrictions
like a Director can hold office for a continuous period of 10 years
only and an Auditor for a period of 5 years.
Nidhi is a company formed with the exclusive object of cultivating
the habit of thrift, savings and functioning for the mutual benefit
of members by receiving deposits only from individuals enrolled as
members and by lending only to individuals, also enrolled as
members, and which functions as per Notification and Guidelines
prescribed by the DCA. The word Nidhi shall not form part of the
name of any company, firm or individual engaged in borrowing and
lending money without incorporation by DCA and such contravention
will attract penal action. First you have to register your company
under the Companies Act, 1956. Then you have to get approval from
Registrar of Chits for Chits company incorporation. For NBFC you
have to get prior approval from RBI to commence business.
MUTUAL BENEFIT FUNDS Introduction Out of the different investment
avenues are available to investors. Mutual funds also offer good
invest- ment opportunities to the investors. Like all investments,
they also carry certain risks. The investors should compare the
risks and expected yields after adjustment of tax on various
instruments while taking in- vestment decisions. The investors may
seek advice from experts and consultants including agents and
distributors of mutual funds schemes while making investment
decisions.
Mutual Fund Mutual fund is a mechanism for pooling the resources by
issuing units to the investors and investing funds in securities in
accordance with objectives as disclosed in offer document.
Investments in securities are spread across a wide cross-section of
industries and sectors and thus the risk is reduced.
Diversification reduces the risk because all stocks may not move in
the same direction in the same proportion at the same time. Mutual
fund issues units to the investors in accordance with quantum of
money invested by them. Investors of mutual funds are known as unit
holders.
The profits or losses are shared by the investors in proportion to
their investments. The mutual funds nor- mally come out with a
number of schemes with different investment objectives which are
launched from time to time. A mutual fund is required to be
registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) which
regulates securities markets before it can collect funds from the
public.
History of Mutual Funds in India and role of SEBI in mutual funds
industry Unit Trust of India was the first mutual fund set up in
India in the year 1963. In early 1990s, Government allowed public
sector banks and institutions to set up mutual funds.
In the year 1992, Securities and exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act
was passed. The objectives of SEBI are – to protect the interest of
investors in securities and to promote the development of and to
regu- late the securities market.
As far as mutual funds are concerned, SEBI formulates policies and
regulates the mutual funds to pro- tect the interest of the
investors. SEBI notified regulations for the mutual funds in 1993.
Thereafter, mutual funds sponsored by private sector entities were
allowed to enter the capital market. The regulations were fully
revised in 1996 and have been amended thereafter from time to time.
SEBI has also issued guidelines to the mutual funds from time to
time to protect the interests of investors.
All mutual funds whether promoted by public sector or private
sector entities including those promoted by foreign entities are
governed by the same set of Regulations. There is no distinction in
regulatory requirements for these mutual funds and all are subject
to monitoring and inspections by SEBI. The risks associated with
the schemes launched by the mutual funds sponsored by these
entities are of similar type.
1.16 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Set up of Mutual Funds A mutual fund is set up in the form of a
trust, which has sponsor, trustees, asset management com- pany
(AMC) and custodian. The trust is established by a sponsor or more
than one sponsor who is like promoter of a company. The trustees of
the mutual fund hold its property for the benefit of the unit
holders. Asset Management Company (AMC) approved by SEBI manages
the funds by making invest- ments in various types of securities.
Custodian, who is registered with SEBI, holds the securities of
various schemes of the fund in its custody. The trustees are vested
with the general power of superintendence and direction over AMC.
They monitor the performance and compliance of SEBI Regulations by
the mutual fund.
SEBI Regulations require that at least two thirds of the directors
of trustee company or board of trustees must be independent i.e.
they should not be associated with the sponsors. Also, 50% of the
directors of AMC must be independent. All mutual funds are required
to be registered with SEBI before they launch any scheme.
NAV of Scheme The performance of a particular scheme of a mutual
fund is denoted by Net Asset Value (NAV). Mutual funds invest the
money collected from the investors in securities markets. In simple
words, Net Asset Val- ue is the market value of the securities held
by the scheme. Since market value of securities changes every day,
NAV of a scheme also varies on day to day basis. The NAV per unit
is the market value of securities of a scheme divided by the total
number of units of the scheme on any particular date. For example,
if the market value of securities of a mutual fund scheme is ` 200
lakhs and the mutual fund has issued 10 lakhs units of ` 10 each to
the investors, then the NAV per unit of the fund is ` 20. NAV is
required to be disclosed by the mutual funds on a regular basis -
daily or weekly - depending on the type of scheme.
Different types of Mutual Fund Schemes
Mutual Funds
Equity
Money Market
Index Fund
Open Ended
Close ended
The different schemes are detailed hereunder: Schemes according to
Maturity Period: A mutual fund scheme can be classified into
open-ended scheme or close-ended scheme depending on its maturity
period.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.17
Open-ended Fund/ Scheme An open-ended fund or scheme is one that is
available for subscription and repurchase on a continu- ous basis.
These schemes do not have a fixed maturity period. Investors can
conveniently buy and sell units at Net Asset Value (NAV) related
prices which are declared on a daily basis. The key feature of
open-end schemes is liquidity.
Close-ended Fund/ Scheme A close-ended fund or scheme has a
stipulated maturity period e.g. 5-7 years. The fund is open for
sub- scription only during a specified period at the time of launch
of the scheme. Investors can invest in the scheme at the time of
the initial public issue and thereafter they can buy or sell the
units of the scheme on the stock exchanges where the units are
listed. In order to provide an exit route to the investors, some
close-ended funds give an option of selling back the units to the
mutual fund through periodic repurchase at NAV related prices. SEBI
Regulations stipulate that at least one of the two exit routes is
provided to the investor i.e. either repurchase facility or through
listing on stock exchanges. These mu- tual funds schemes disclose
NAV generally on weekly basis.
Schemes according to Investment Objective: A scheme can also be
classified as growth scheme, income scheme, or balanced scheme
considering its investment objective. Such schemes may be
open-ended or close-ended schemes as described earlier. Such
schemes may be classified mainly as follows:
Growth / Equity Oriented Scheme The aim of growth funds is to
provide capital appreciation over the medium to long- term. Such
schemes normally invest a major part of their corpus in equities.
Such funds have comparatively high risks. These schemes provide
different options to the investors like dividend option, capital
appreciation, etc. and the investors may choose an option depending
on their preferences. The investors must indicate the option in the
application form. The mutual funds also allow the investors to
change the options at a later date. Growth schemes are good for
investors having a long-term outlook seeking appreciation over a
period of time.
Income / Debt Oriented Scheme The aim of income funds is to provide
regular and steady income to investors. Such schemes gener- ally
invest in fixed income securities such as bonds, corporate
debentures, Government securities and money market instruments.
Such funds are less risky compared to equity schemes. These funds
are not affected because of fluctuations in equity markets.
However, opportunities of capital appreciation are also limited in
such funds. The NAVs of such funds are affected because of change
in interest rates in the country. If the interest rates fall, NAVs
of such funds are likely to increase in the short run and vice
versa. However, long term investors may not bother about these
fluctuations.
Balanced Fund The aim of balanced funds is to provide both growth
and regular income as such schemes invest both in equities and
fixed income securities in the proportion indicated in their offer
documents. These are appropriate for investors looking for moderate
growth. They generally invest 40-60% in equity and debt
instruments. These funds are also affected because of fluctuations
in share prices in the stock markets. However, NAVs of such funds
are likely to be less volatile compared to pure equity funds.
Money Market or Liquid Fund These funds are also income funds and
their aim is to provide easy liquidity, preservation of capital and
moderate income. These schemes invest exclusively in safer
short-term instruments such as treasury bills, certificates of
deposit, commercial paper and inter-bank call money, government
securities, etc. Returns on these schemes fluctuate much less
compared to other funds. These funds are appropriate for corporate
and individual investors as a means to park their surplus funds for
short periods.
1.18 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Gilt Fund These funds invest exclusively in government securities.
Government securities have no default risk. NAVs of these schemes
also fluctuate due to change in interest rates and other economic
factors as is the case with income or debt oriented schemes.
Index Funds Index Funds replicate the portfolio of a particular
index such as the BSE Sensitive index, S&P NSE 50 index
(Nifty), etc These schemes invest in the securities in the same
weightage comprising of an index. NAVs of such schemes would rise
or fall in accordance with the rise or fall in the index, though
not exactly by the same percentage due to some factors known as
“tracking error” in technical terms. Necessary disclosures in this
regard are made in the offer document of the mutual fund
scheme.
There are also exchange traded index funds launched by the mutual
funds which are traded on the stock exchanges.
Sector specific funds/schemes These are the funds/schemes which
invest in the securities of only those sectors or industries as
speci- fied in the offer documents. e.g. Pharmaceuticals, Software,
Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Petroleum stocks, etc. The
returns in these funds are dependent on the performance of the
respective sectors/industries. While these funds may give higher
returns, they are more risky compared to diversi- fied funds.
Investors need to keep a watch on the performance of those
sectors/industries and must exit at an appropriate time. They may
also seek advice of an expert.
Tax Saving Schemes These schemes offer tax rebates to the investors
under specific provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 as the
Government offers tax incentives for investment in specified
avenues. e.g. Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). Pension schemes
launched by the mutual funds also offer tax benefits. These schemes
are growth oriented and invest pre-dominantly in equities. Their
growth opportunities and risks associ- ated are like any
equity-oriented scheme.
Fund of Funds (FoF) scheme A scheme that invests primarily in other
schemes of the same mutual fund or other mutual funds is known as a
FoF scheme. An FoF scheme enables the investors to achieve greater
diversification through one scheme. It spreads risks across a
greater universe.
Load or no-load Fund A Load Fund is one that charges a percentage
of NAV for entry or exit. That is, each time one buys or sells
units in the fund, a charge will be payable. This charge is used by
the mutual fund for marketing and distribution expenses. Suppose
the NAV per unit is ` 10. If the entry as well as exit load charged
is 1%, then the investors who buy would be required to pay ` 10.10
and those who offer their units for repurchase to the mutual fund
will get only ` 9.90 per unit. The investors should take the loads
into con- sideration while making investment as these affect their
yields/returns. However, the investors should also consider the
performance track record and service standards of the mutual fund
which are more important. Efficient funds may give higher returns
in spite of loads.
A no-load fund is one that does not charge for entry or exit. It
means the investors can enter the fund/ scheme at NAV and no
additional charges are payable on purchase or sale of units.
Sales or repurchase/redemption price The price or NAV a unit holder
is charged while investing in an open-ended scheme is called sales
price. It may include sales load, if applicable.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.19
Repurchase or redemption price is the price or NAV at which an
open-ended scheme purchases or redeems its units from the unit
holders. It may include exit load, if applicable.
Assured return scheme Assured return schemes are those schemes that
assure a specific return to the unit holders irrespective of
performance of the scheme.
A scheme cannot promise returns unless such returns are fully
guaranteed by the sponsor or AMC and this is required to be
disclosed in the offer document.
Investors should carefully read the offer document whether return
is assured for the entire period of the scheme or only for a
certain period. Some schemes assure returns one year at a time and
they review and change it at the beginning of the next year.
Change in asset allocation while deploying funds of investors
Considering the market trends, any prudent fund managers can change
the asset allocation i.e. he can invest higher or lower percentage
of the fund in equity or debt instruments compared to what is
disclosed in the offer document. It can be done on a short term
basis on defensive considerations i.e. to protect the NAV. Hence
the fund managers are allowed certain flexibility in altering the
asset al- location considering the interest of the investors. In
case the mutual fund wants to change the asset allocation on a
permanent basis, they are required to inform the unit holders and
giving them option to exit the scheme at prevailing NAV without any
load.
Procedure to invest in a scheme of a mutual fund Mutual funds
normally come out with an advertisement in newspapers publishing
the date of launch of the new schemes. Investors can also contact
the agents and distributors of mutual funds who are spread all over
the country for necessary information and application forms. Forms
can be deposited with mutual funds through the agents and
distributors who provide such services. Presently, even, the post
offices and banks also distribute the units of mutual funds.
However, the investors may please note that the mutual funds
schemes being marketed by banks and post offices should not be
taken as their own schemes and no assurance of returns is given by
them. The only role of banks and post offices is to help in
distribution of mutual funds schemes to the investors.
Investors should not be carried away by commission/gifts given by
agents/distributors for investing in a particular scheme. On the
other hand they must consider the track record of the mutual fund
and should take objective decisions.
Investment by Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in mutual funds
Non-resident Indians can also invest in mutual funds. Necessary
details in this respect are given in the offer documents of the
schemes.
Quantum one should invest in debt or equity oriented schemes An
investor should take into account his risk taking capacity, age
factor, financial position, etc. As al- ready mentioned, the
schemes invest in different type of securities as disclosed in the
offer documents and offer different returns and risks. Investors
may also consult financial experts before taking decisions. Agents
and distributors may also help in this regard.
Filling up of application form of Mutual Funds An investor must
mention clearly his name, address, number of units applied for and
such other infor- mation as required in the application form. He
must give his bank account number so as to avoid any fraudulent
encashment of any cheque/draft issued by the mutual fund at a later
date for the purpose of dividend or repurchase. Any changes in the
address, bank account number, etc at a later date should be
informed to the mutual fund immediately.
1.20 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
Contents of Offer Document An abridged offer document, which
contains very useful information, is required to be given to the
prospective investor by the mutual fund. The application form for
subscription to a scheme is an inte- gral part of the offer
document. SEBI has prescribed minimum disclosures in the offer
document. An investor, before investing in a scheme, should
carefully read the offer document. Due care must be given to
portions relating to main features of the scheme, risk factors,
initial issue expenses and recur- ring expenses to be charged to
the scheme, entry or exit loads, sponsor’s track record,
educational qualification and work experience of key personnel
including fund managers, performance of other schemes launched by
the mutual fund in the past, pending litigations and penalties
imposed, etc.
Time within which the investor gets certificate or statement of
account after investing in a mutual fund Mutual funds are required
to dispatch certificates or statements of accounts within six weeks
from the date of closure of the initial subscription of the scheme.
In case of close-ended schemes, the investors would get either a
Demat Account Statement or unit certificates as these are traded in
the stock ex- changes. In case of open-ended schemes, a statement
of account is issued by the mutual fund within 30 days from the
date of closure of initial public offer of the scheme. The
procedure of repurchase is mentioned in the offer document.
Duration for transfer of units after purchase from stock markets in
case of close-ended schemes According to SEBI Regulations, transfer
of units is required to be done within thirty days from the date of
lodgment of certificates with the mutual fund.
As a unitholder, time taken to receive dividends/repurchase
proceeds A mutual fund is required to dispatch to the unit holders
the dividend warrants within 30 days of the declaration of the
dividend and the redemption or repurchase proceeds within 10
working days from the date of redemption or repurchase request made
by the unit holder.
In case of failures to dispatch the redemption/repurchase proceeds
within the stipulated time period, Asset Management Company is
liable to pay interest as specified by SEBI from time to time (15%
at present).
Change in the nature of the scheme from the one specified in the
offer document A mutual fund can change the nature of the scheme
from the one specified in the offer document. However, no change in
the nature or terms of the scheme, known as fundamental attributes
of the scheme e.g., structure, investment pattern, etc. can be
carried out unless a written communication is sent to each
unitholder and an advertisement is given in one English daily
having nationwide circula- tion and in a newspaper published in the
language of the region where the head office of the mutual fund is
situated. Apart from it, many mutual funds send quarterly
newsletters to their investors. The unitholders have the right to
exit the scheme at the prevailing NAV without any exit load if they
do not want to continue with the scheme. The mutual funds are also
required to follow similar procedure while converting the scheme
form close-ended to open-ended scheme and in case of change in
sponsor.
At present, offer documents are required to be revised and updated
at least once in two years. In the meantime, new investors are
informed about the material changes by way of addendum to the offer
document till the time offer document is revised and
reprinted.
Performance of a Mutual Fund Scheme The performance of a scheme is
reflected in its net asset value (NAV) which is disclosed on daily
basis in case of open-ended schemes and on weekly basis in case of
close-ended schemes. The NAVs of mutual funds are required to be
published in newspapers. The NAVs are also available on the web
sites of mutual funds. All mutual funds are also required to put
their NAVs on the web site of Association of Mutual Funds in India
(AMFI) and thus the investors can access NAVs of all mutual funds
at one place
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.21
The mutual funds are also required to publish their performance in
the form of half-yearly results which also include their
returns/yields over a period of time i.e. last six months, 1 year,
3 years, 5 years and since inception of schemes. Investors can also
look into other details like percentage of expenses of total assets
as these have an affect on the yield and other useful information
in the same half-yearly format.
The mutual funds are also required to send annual report or
abridged annual report to the unitholders at the end of the
year.
Various studies on mutual fund schemes including yields of
different schemes are being published by the financial newspapers
on a weekly basis. Apart from these, many research agencies also
publish research reports on performance of mutual funds including
the ranking of various schemes in terms of their performance.
Investors should study these reports and keep themselves informed
about the per- formance of various schemes of different mutual
funds.
Investors can compare the performance of their schemes with those
of other mutual funds under the same category. They can also
compare the performance of equity oriented schemes with the bench-
marks like BSE Sensitive Index, S&P CNX Nifty, etc.
On the basis of performance of the mutual funds, the investors
should decide when to enter or exit from a mutual fund
scheme.
Disclosure as to how mutual fund scheme has invested money
mobilised from the investors The mutual funds are required to
disclose full portfolios of all of their schemes on half-yearly
basis which are published in the newspapers. Some mutual funds send
the portfolios to their unitholders.
The scheme portfolio shows investment made in each security i.e.
equity, debentures, money market instruments, government
securities, etc. and their quantity, market value and % to NAV.
These portfolio statements also required to disclose illiquid
securities in the portfolio, investment made in rated and unrated
debt securities, non-performing assets (NPAs), etc.
Some of the mutual funds send newsletters to the unitholders on
quarterly basis which also contain portfolios of the schemes.
Difference between investing in a mutual fund and in an initial
public offering (IPO) of a company IPOs of companies may open at
lower or higher price than the issue price depending on market
senti- ment and perception of investors. However, in the case of
mutual funds, the par value of the units may not rise or fall
immediately after allotment. A mutual fund scheme takes some time
to make investment in securities. NAV of the scheme depends on the
value of securities in which the funds have been de- ployed.
Choosing a scheme if schemes in the same category of different
mutual funds are available Some of the investors have the tendency
to prefer a scheme that is available at lower NAV compared to the
one available at higher NAV. Sometimes, they prefer a new scheme
which is issuing units at ` 10 whereas the existing schemes in the
same category are available at much higher NAVs. Investors may
please note that in case of mutual funds schemes, lower or higher
NAVs of similar type schemes of dif- ferent mutual funds have no
relevance. On the other hand, investors should choose a scheme
based on its merit considering performance track record of the
mutual fund, service standards, professional management, etc. This
is explained in an example given below.
Suppose scheme A is available at a NAV of 15 and another scheme B
at 90. Both schemes are diver- sified equity oriented schemes.
Investor has put ` 9,000 in each of the two schemes. He would get
600 units (9000/15) in scheme A and 100 units (9000/90) in scheme
B. Assuming that the markets go up by 10 per cent and both the
schemes perform equally good and it is reflected in their NAVs. NAV
of scheme A would go up to ` 16.50 and that of scheme B to ` 99.
Thus, the market value of investments would be ` 9,900 (600* 16.50)
in scheme A and it would be the same amount of ` 9900 in scheme B
(100*99).
1.22 I CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE
The Companies Act, 1956
The investor would get the same return of 10% on his investment in
each of the schemes. Thus, lower or higher NAV of the schemes and
allotment of higher or lower number of units within the amount an
investor is willing to invest, should not be the factors for making
investment decision. Likewise, if a new equity oriented scheme is
being offered at ` 10 and an existing scheme is available for ` 90,
should not be a factor for decision making by the investor. Similar
is the case with income or debt-oriented schemes.
On the other hand, it is likely that the better managed scheme with
higher NAV may give higher re- turns compared to a scheme which is
available at lower NAV but is not managed efficiently. Similar is
the case of fall in NAVs. Efficiently managed scheme at higher NAV
may not fall as much as inef- ficiently managed scheme with lower
NAV. Therefore, the investor should give more weightage to the
professional management of a scheme instead of lower NAV of any
scheme. He may get much higher number of units at lower NAV, but
the scheme may not give higher returns if it is not managed
efficiently.
Choosing a scheme for investment from a number of schemes available
As already mentioned, the investors must read the offer document of
the mutual fund scheme very carefully. They may also look into the
past track record of performance of the scheme or other schemes of
the same mutual fund. They may also compare the performance with
other schemes having similar investment objectives. Though past
performance of a scheme is not an indicator of its future perform-
ance and good performance in the past may or may not be sustained
in the future, this is one of the important factors for making
investment decision. In case of debt oriented schemes, apart from
look- ing into past returns, the investors should also see the
quality of debt instruments which is reflected in their rating. A
scheme with lower rate of return but having investments in better
rated instruments may be safer. Similarly, in equities schemes
also, investors may look for quality of portfolio. They may also
seek advice of experts.
Companies having names like mutual benefit vis-a-vis mutual funds
schemes Investors should not assume some companies having the name
“mutual benefit” as mutual funds. These companies do not come under
the purview of SEBI. On the other hand, mutual funds can mo- bilise
funds from the investors by launching schemes only after getting
registered with SEBI as mutual funds.
Higher net worth of the sponsor a guarantee for better returns In
the offer document of any mutual fund scheme, financial performance
including the net worth of the sponsor for a period of three years
is required to be given. The only purpose is that the investors
should know the track record of the company which has sponsored the
mutual fund. However, higher net worth of the sponsor does not mean
that the scheme would give better returns or the sponsor would
compensate in case the NAV falls.
Information on mutual funds Almost all the mutual funds have their
own web sites. Investors can also access the NAVs, half-yearly
results and portfolios of all mutual funds at the web site of
Association of mutual funds in India (AMFI). AMFI has also
published useful literature for the investors.
Investors can log on to the web site of SEBI and go to “Mutual
Funds” section for information on SEBI regulations and guidelines,
data on mutual funds, draft offer documents filed by mutual funds,
ad- dresses of mutual funds, etc. Also, in the annual reports of
SEBI available on the web site, a lot of infor- mation on mutual
funds is given.
There are a number of other web sites which give a lot of
information of various schemes of mutual funds including yields
over a period of time. Many newspapers also publish useful
information on mu- tual funds on daily and weekly basis. Investors
may approach their agents and distributors to guide them in this
regard.
CORPORATE LAWS AND COMPLIANCE I 1.23
Appointment of a nominee for investment in units of a mutual fund
The nomination can be made by individuals applying for / holding
units on their own behalf singly or jointly. Non-individuals
including society, trust, body corporate, partnership firm, Karta
of Hindu Undi- vided Family, holder of Power of Attorney cannot
nominate.
Winding up of scheme In case of winding up of a scheme, the mutual
funds pay a sum based on prevailing NAV after adjust- ment of
expenses. Unitholders are entitled to receive a report on winding
up from the mutual funds which gives all necessary details.
Redressal of complaints Investors would find the name of contact
person in the offer document of the mutual fund scheme whom they
may approach in case of any query, complaints or grievances.
Trustees of a mutual fund monitor the activities of the mutual
fund. The names of the directors of asset management company and
trustees are also given in the offer documents. Investors should
approach the concerned Mutual Fund / Investor Service Centre of the
Mutual Fund with their complaints,
If the complaints remain unresolved, the investors may approach
SEBI for facilitating redressal of their complaints. On receipt of
complaints, SEBI takes up the matter with the concerned mutual fund
and follows up with it regularly. Investors may send their
complaints to:
Securities and Exchange Board of India Office of Investor
Assistance and Education (OIAE) Plot No.C4-A , “G” Block, 1st
Floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400 051. Phone:
26449199-88-77 Procedure for registering a Mutual Fund with SEBI An
applicant proposing to sponsor a mutual fund in India must submit
an application in Form A along with a fee of ` 25,000. The
application is examined and once the sponsor satisfies certain
conditions such as being in the financial services business and
possessing positive net worth for the last five years, having net
profit in three out of the last five years and possessing the
general reputation of fairness and integrity in all business
transactions, it is required to complete the remaining formalities
for setting up a mutual fund. These include inter alia, executing
the trust deed and investment management agree- ment, setting up a
trustee company/board of trustees comprising two- thirds
independent trustees, incorporating the asset management company
(AMC), contributing to at least 40% of the net worth of the AMC and
appointing a custodian. Upon satisfying these conditions, the
registration certificate is issued subject to the pay