Admin[Source: Ahmedabad Branch of WIRC of ICAI Newsletter; compiled by CA. Vedant K. Parikh, Ahmedabad]
- Background
Due to the widespread of COVID-19 and consequential restrictions linked to the social distancing norms, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has received several representations to allow companies to hold their Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended on 31st March, 2020 beyond the statutory period provided under the Companies Act, 2013. The provisions with respect to holding Annual General Meeting (AGM) are prescribed under section 96 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Statutory Timeline for holding AGM
| Particulars | Timeline |
| First AGM of the Company | Within a period of nine months from the date of closing of the first financial year. |
| Subsequent AGM of the Company | Within a period of six months, from the date of closing of the financial year. |
It should be noted that time limit between two AGMs shall not exceed fifteen months
- Relaxations:
3.1 Holding of AGM through Audio Visual Modes
A relaxation has been provided by MCA through circular no. 20/2020 dated May 5, 2020 by allowing companies to conduct their AGM through video conferencing (VC) or other audio visual means (OAVM), during the calendar year 2020, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions as mentioned in that circular.
3.2 Extension in timeline of holding AGM
MCA vide General Circular no. 28/2020 dated August 17, 2020 has issued Clarification on Extension of Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the financial year ended on March 31, 2020.
Companies can voluntarily file an application for extension of AGM with the concerned Registrar of Companies following the procedure enumerated below:
3.2.1 Procedure
- Call and Convene a Board Meeting
- Pass a resolution for extension of time limit for holding AGM specifying the reason for extension of AGM.
- File an application to Registrar of Companies (ROC) in E – Form No. GNL-1.
- Attach requisite documents and pay application fees
- Registrar will examine the reason and grant an extension.
3.2.2 Documents Required
- An application seeking extension of time for holding AGM along with reasons and period for which extension is required.
- Certified copy of Board Resolution.
3.2.3 Application Form: E – Form GNL-1
3.2.4 Timeline of filing Application: September 29, 2020
3.2.5 Application Fees
(i) In case of Company having share capital
| Nominal Share Capital | Application Fees (INR) |
| Less than 1,00,000 | 200 |
| 1,00,000 to 4,99,999 | 300 |
| 5,00,000 to 24,99,999 | 400 |
| 5,00,000 to 24,99,999 | 500 |
| 1,00,00,000 or more | 600 |
(ii) In case of Company not having share capital
Rs. 200 per document.
3.2.6 Maximum duration of extension: 3 Months
Registrars of Companies are advised by MCA vide general circular no. 28 dated August 17, 2020 to consider all such applications liberally in view of the hardships faced by the stakeholders and to grant extension for the period as applied for.
