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Removal of Director - MCA Compliance with YathraFin


The removal of a director from a company in India is a significant corporate action governed by the Companies Act, 2013. This process is essential for ensuring proper corporate governance and maintaining the integrity of the board of directors. It requires adherence to legal provisions, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).


Governing Act and MCA Rules

The Companies Act, 2013 outlines the framework for the removal of directors. Key provisions include:

  • Section 169: Governs the removal of directors from the company.
  • Section 172: Addresses the powers and penalties related to the removal of directors.
  • Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014: Details the process and requirements for the removal of directors.

Eligibility Criteria for Removal of a Director


  • Shareholder Approval: The removal of a director must be approved by the shareholders of the company through an ordinary resolution.
  • Notice Requirement: A special notice must be given to the company by shareholders proposing the removal of a director.
  • Opportunity to be Heard: The director being removed must be given a chance to present their case before the shareholders.
  • No Ongoing Proceedings: The director should not be subject to any ongoing legal proceedings that would impede the removal process.

Step-by-Step Process for Removal of a Director


  • Step 1

    Special Notice

    A member(s) of the company must send a special notice of intention to remove the director to the company.

  • Step 2

    Board Meeting

    Convene a board meeting to discuss the special notice received. The board should pass a resolution to call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for the removal of the director.

  • Step 3

    Issue Notice for EGM

    Notify all members about the EGM, stating the purpose of the meeting and the director's removal as an agenda item.

  • Step 4

    Hold the EGM

    Conduct the EGM, allowing the director an opportunity to present their case. A vote must be conducted to pass the ordinary resolution for the removal of the director.

  • Step 5

    File Form DIR-12

    If the resolution is passed, file Form DIR-12 with the MCA within 30 days of the removal, along with any necessary documents. Update the Register of Directors to reflect the removal.

  • Step 6

    Inform the Director

    Send a formal communication to the removed director regarding their removal and the decisions made at the EGM.

  • Step 7

    Disclosure

    Ensure that the removal is disclosed in the next board report and in any relevant filings with the MCA.

Documents Required for Removal of a Director


  • Special Notice: The notice from shareholders proposing the removal.
  • Board Resolution: A certified copy of the board resolution calling for the EGM.
  • Minutes of the EGM: Record of proceedings, including details of the vote on the removal.
  • Form DIR-12: Filed with MCA for official registration of the removal.
  • Director’s Statement: If the director chooses to present their statement, it should be recorded and filed.

Types of Directors and Their Removal


  • Executive Director: Can be removed based on performance issues or breach of duties.
  • Non-Executive Director: Generally subject to similar removal procedures as executive directors.
  • Independent Director: Removal requires special attention due to their role in governance and compliance.
  • Additional Director: Typically removed by shareholders as per the provisions of the Companies Act.

Consequences of Removal


  • Loss of Position: The removed director ceases to hold any position within the company.
  • Legal Implications: Depending on the circumstances, a removed director may seek legal recourse if they believe the removal was unjust.
  • Impact on Company Image: Frequent removals can affect stakeholder trust and the company's reputation.

Benefits of Proper Removal Process


  • Enhanced Governance: Ensures that the board of directors remains accountable and effective.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to the legal process helps prevent penalties and maintains the company's integrity.
  • Improved Board Dynamics: Facilitates a more functional board by addressing performance or ethical issues.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs cover essential details like eligibility, required documents, process steps, and benefits. It helps clarify common queries about setup, compliance, costs, and timelines.

The process involves obtaining a special notice from shareholders, holding an EGM, and passing an ordinary resolution.
Yes, the director must be given an opportunity to present their case at the EGM.
Required documents include special notice, board resolution, minutes of the EGM, and Form DIR-12.
A director can be removed without specifying a reason, as long as the procedure under the Companies Act is followed.
A special notice is a written notice given by shareholders proposing the removal of a director.
Form DIR-12 must be filed within 30 days of the director's removal.
The removal process may be challenged legally, and the company could face penalties.
No, an EGM must be convened to discuss and vote on the removal.
There is no specific limit, but each removal must follow the proper procedures as outlined in the Companies Act.
Grounds may include poor performance, misconduct, or a breach of duties.
Yes, a director can choose to resign at any time, which would prevent the removal process.
The company may face legal challenges, penalties, and damage to its reputation.
Yes, a removed director can be reappointed if the shareholders approve it in the future.
No, only the voting shareholders need to be present or represented for the EGM to proceed.
Independent directors play a key role in ensuring that the removal process is fair and complies with corporate governance standards.
The removed director may lose their entitlement to salary unless otherwise specified in the company's policies or agreements.
Yes, if a director believes the removal was unjust, they may seek judicial review.
It can lead to operational disruptions, especially if the director held significant responsibilities.
YathraFin provides guidance on compliance, documentation, and filing with the MCA.
A formal communication regarding their removal and the decisions made at the EGM should be sent.


With YathraFin’s support, companies can navigate the removal of directors process efficiently, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, and maintaining effective corporate governance.