Background
Section 100(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, as amended ("Companies Act") provides that the board of directors of a company shall call a shareholders' meeting within 21 days from the date on which a requisition is made by shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up share capital of the company carrying the right to vote.
When Zee failed to comply with the Requisition, Invesco and OFI filed a petition before the
Simultaneously, Zee filed a civil suit before the
On appeal, the Division Bench of the
Pertinently, Invesco and OFI chose to withdraw the Requisition after a six-month long battle before the
Board's Obligation to Call a Meeting
The Division Bench held that the usage of the expression 'shall' in Section 100(2) of the Companies Act makes it mandatory for the board of directors of the company to call a shareholders' meeting upon the receipt of a 'valid requisition'. The Division Bench further held that a 'valid requisition' can be adjudged only by looking at the "numerical and procedural compliance and nothing further".
Keeping in mind the protection of the rights of shareholders and corporate democracy, the Division Bench clarified that the word 'valid' has no reference to the object of the requisition and even if the requisition was illegal or invalid, the board of directors is still obligated to call a shareholders' meeting. According to the Division Bench, the board of directors cannot sit in judgment to consider any matter for which the meeting is sought to be requisitioned.
Jurisdiction over Corporate Law Matters
Another interesting issue which was raised in the dispute related to the jurisdiction of a civil court in relation to corporate law matters. Section 430 of the Companies Act provides that no civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter which the NCLT or
Given the absolute bar set out under Section 430 of the Companies Act, the Division Bench held that the Single Judge of the
Regulatory Approval Subsequent to Appointment of Director
Under the MIB Guidelines, a company is required to take prior permission from the MIB before effecting any change in the CEO/Board of Directors. With respect to the appointment of the six independent directors as proposed by Invesco and OFI, the Division Bench held that there is no requirement to obtain the permission of the MIB prior to such directors being appointed at a shareholders' meeting. The permission of the MIB can be sought following the appointment of the directors subsequent to the EGM. Following the receipt of such permission, the appointed persons can start acting as directors of the company.
Zee also argued that it is obligatory to obtain the permission of the MIB for removal of directors as the MIB Guidelines stated such permission is required for effecting 'any change in the CEO/Board of Directors'. On this issue, the Division Bench held that the permission of the MIB is only required in case of appointments, and such permission would not be needed for removal or resignation of a CEO or director.
Conclusion
The Division Bench of the
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It mandatory for the board of directors of the company to call a shareholders' meeting upon the receipt of a shareholders' requisition, which satisfies the procedural and numerical requirements set out in the Companies Act. The board of directors would need to call such meeting even if it believes that the proposals in such requisition are illegal or invalid.
- Given the bar set out under Section 430 of the Companies Act, a civil court does not have the jurisdiction to grant an injunction restraining shareholders from calling a shareholders' meeting.
The judgment of the Division Bench also suggests that regulatory approvals required in relation to appointment of directors (such as the permission of the MIB under the MIB Guidelines) can be obtained following their appointment at a shareholders' meeting. The appointed persons can start acting as directors only after the receipt of the relevant regulatory approvals.
Footnotes
1. (2021) 229 CompCas 540 (Bom)
2. 2022 SCCOnline Bom 630
This insight/article is intended only as a general discussion of issues and is not intended for any solicitation of work. It should not be regarded as legal advice and no legal or business decision should be based on its content.
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