1. Introduction – Meetings & Resolutions
Corporate decisions are made collectively through meetings and formalized using resolutions. The Companies Act, 2013 lays down the framework for conducting meetings, passing resolutions, and ensuring transparency in decision-making.
Contents
1. Introduction – Meetings & Resolutions2. Types of Company MeetingsA. Shareholders’ MeetingsB. Board Meetings3. Notice & QuorumA. Notice (Section 101 & 173):B. Quorum:4. ResolutionsTypes of Resolutions:Resolutions Requiring Special Majority:5. Circulation of Resolutions (Section 175)6. Filing with Registrar of Companies (RoC)7. Minutes of MeetingStatutory Requirement (Section 118):8. E-Voting & Postal Ballot (Sections 108 & 110)9. Penalties for Non-Compliance
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2. Types of Company Meetings
A. Shareholders’ Meetings
Meeting Type | Description |
---|---|
Statutory Meeting | First meeting of shareholders (Section 165) – now omitted in 2015 amendment. |
Annual General Meeting (AGM) | Mandatory for all companies except OPCs. First AGM within 9 months of the end of the first financial year. Thereafter, every year within 6 months of F.Y. end (Sec. 96). |
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) | Called for urgent matters requiring shareholder approval outside AGM. Can be called by Board, requisitionists, or tribunal. |
Class Meeting | Held with shareholders of a specific class (e.g., preference shareholders) for matters affecting their rights. |
B. Board Meetings
Meeting Type | Details |
---|---|
Board Meeting | Key decision-making meeting of directors. First meeting within 30 days of incorporation. Minimum 4 meetings every year (Sec. 173). |
Committee Meetings | Meetings of committees like Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, etc., as per SEBI and company regulations. |
3. Notice & Quorum
A. Notice (Section 101 & 173):
- General Meetings: At least 21 clear days’ notice in writing.
- Board Meetings: Minimum 7 days’ notice to all directors.
B. Quorum:
Meeting Type | Quorum Required |
---|---|
General Meeting | 2 members (Private Co.), 5 members (Public Co. with <1000 members), or as per Sec. 103. |
Board Meeting | 1/3rd of total strength or 2 directors, whichever is higher (Sec. 174). |
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4. Resolutions
A resolution is the formal decision passed at a meeting. It becomes binding on the company.
Types of Resolutions:
Type | Required Approval | Examples |
---|---|---|
Ordinary Resolution (Sec. 114(1)) | >50% of votes cast | Appointment of directors, declaration of dividend, etc. |
Special Resolution (Sec. 114(2)) | ≥75% of votes cast | Alteration of Articles, reduction of share capital, etc. |
Board Resolution | Passed by directors | Approval of accounts, issue of shares, borrowings, etc. |
Resolutions Requiring Special Majority:
- Change in company name
- Alteration of MoA/AoA
- Buy-back of shares
- Removal of auditor/director before expiry
- Conversion of a private company into public and vice versa
5. Circulation of Resolutions (Section 175)
- Resolution by Circulation: Certain board decisions can be passed without a formal meeting.
- Must be circulated in draft to all directors and approved by majority.
- Not valid for matters requiring formal deliberation (e.g., approval of financials).
6. Filing with Registrar of Companies (RoC)
Certain resolutions must be filed with RoC in Form MGT-7/MGT-14 within 30 days:
Filed Resolutions Include |
---|
Special resolutions |
Resolutions for change in name, capital |
Appointment or reappointment of MD/WTD |
Borrowing in excess of limits |
7. Minutes of Meeting
Statutory Requirement (Section 118):
- Every company must maintain Minutes Book for recording proceedings.
- Signed by Chairman of the meeting and stored permanently.
- Board minutes: within 30 days of meeting.
- Shareholder minutes: kept at registered office.
8. E-Voting & Postal Ballot (Sections 108 & 110)
- Listed and certain prescribed companies must provide e-voting facility.
- Matters requiring postal ballot: alteration of objects, issue of shares via private placement, buy-back, etc.
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Offence | Penalty |
---|---|
Failure to hold AGM (Sec. 99) | Fine up to ₹1,00,000 + ₹5,000/day |
No notice of meeting | Meeting deemed invalid |
Non-maintenance of minutes | Fine of ₹25,000 for Co. + ₹5,000 for officer |