Government notifies the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017. The Amendment Act amended some provisions of Companies Act, 2013.
Few provisions in the Amendment Act have important bearing on the working of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. They will come into force on date as Government notify in Official Gazette. It aims to help in simplifying procedures, make compliance easy and take stringent action against defaulting companies.

Key Facts

Issuance of shares at a discount: It was prohibited by Section 53 of the Act. The Amendment Act allows companies to issue shares at discount to its creditors when its debt is converted into shares in pursuance of any statutory resolution plan such as resolution plan under IBC or debt restructuring scheme.
Payment of managerial remuneration in excess: It was required for company in general meeting for payment of managerial remuneration in excess of 11% of net profits as per Section 197 of parent Act. The Amendment Act now requires company which has defaulted in payment of dues, prior approval of bank or public financial institution concerned or non-convertible debenture holders or other secured creditor. For such payment of managerial remuneration shall be obtained by company before obtaining approval in general meeting.
Prohibition of registered valuer from undertaking valuation of any assets: Section 247 of Companies Act, 2013 them of any assets in which they have direct or indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time during or after valuation of assets. The Amendment Act now prohibits registered valuer to be appointment as valuer or three years after valuation of assets was conducted by him.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018