CHAPTER IV - SHARE CAPITAL AND DEBENTURES Flashcards
What section of the Companies Act 2013 outlines the types of share capital?
Section 43
According to Section 43, what are the two main kinds of share capital companies may issue?
Equity Share Capital
Preference Share Capital
What are the characteristics of equity share capital? (Section 43)
May have standard voting rights
May have differential rights regarding dividends, voting, etc. (if rules are followed)
Represents standard ownership in a company
What are the characteristics of preference share capital? (Section 43)
Entitled to preferential dividends (fixed amount or rate)
Entitled to preferential repayment of capital in case of winding up
May or may not have voting rights
How does Section 43 define “equity share capital”?
All share capital that is NOT preference share capital.
How does Section 43 define “preference share capital”?
Share capital with a preferential right to:
Dividend payment (fixed amount or rate, may be tax-free or subject to tax)
Repayment of capital upon winding up (may include premium terms)
Can preference share capital have additional participating rights? If so, what are they? (Section 43)
Yes. Even with preferential rights, preference shares may also be entitled to:
Participate in surplus dividends after equity shareholders receive their share
Participate in surplus assets after repayment of all capital during winding up
What are equity shares with differential rights?
Equity shares that have different rights than standard equity shares regarding dividends, voting, or other matters. Companies must follow specific rules to issue them.
Does Section 43 affect the rights of preference shareholders who were entitled to participate in winding-up proceeds before the Act came into effect?
No, their rights are protected.
What does Section 44 of the Companies Act, 2013 establish about shares, debentures, and member interests within companies?
It declares them as movable property, transferable according to the company’s articles of association
What is the main requirement outlined in Section 45 of the Companies Act, 2013 regarding shares?
Every share in a company with share capital must have a unique, distinguishing number.
Why is it important to number shares distinctively, according to Section 45?
Distinctive numbering ensures that each share can be easily tracked, identified, and differentiated during trading, ownership changes, and company actions.
Under what circumstance does the share numbering requirement in Section 45 NOT apply?
When a share is held by a person listed as the beneficial owner of that share in the records of a depository.
What is the focus of Section 46 of the Companies Act of 2013?
Certificate of shares
What does a share certificate represent according to Section 46(1)?
A share certificate, issued correctly, serves as prima facie evidence of a person’s title to the shares it specifies.
How can a company validly issue a share certificate under Section 46(1)?
It must be under the company’s common seal (if they have one), OR
Signed by two directors, OR
Signed by one director and the company secretary (if there is one)
Under what conditions can a company issue a duplicate share certificate according to Section 46(2)?
The original certificate is proven lost or destroyed.
The original certificate is defaced, mutilated, or torn and surrendered to the company.
What serves as primary evidence of ownership for shares held in a depository (electronic form)? (Section 46(4))
The depository’s records of the beneficial owner.
What are the penalties for a company that issues a fraudulent duplicate share certificate under Section 46(5)?
A fine between 5-10 times the face value of the shares involved or a minimum of 10 crore rupees (whichever is higher).
Officers in default can be liable under Section 447 of the Act.
Section 47
Voting rights
Under Section 47 of the Companies Act of 2013, when do equity shareholders in a company limited by shares have voting rights?
Equity shareholders have the right to vote on every resolution placed before the company. (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(1)(a))
In a company limited by shares, how are an equity shareholder’s voting rights determined on a poll?
An equity shareholder’s voting rights on a poll are in proportion to their share in the company’s paid-up equity share capital. (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(1)(b))
: Under Section 47 of the Companies Act of 2013, when do preference shareholders get voting rights?
Preference shareholders have voting rights on the following types of resolutions:
Resolutions directly affecting their preference share rights
Resolutions for winding up the company
Resolutions for repayment or reduction of equity or preference share capital (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(2))
How are preference shareholders’ voting rights determined on a poll?
Their voting rights are in proportion to their share of the company’s paid-up preference share capital. (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(2))
What is the key proviso regarding the proportion of voting rights between equity and preference shareholders?
The proportion of voting rights between equity shareholders and preference shareholders must be the same as the ratio of their respective paid-up capital in the company. (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(2) - First Proviso)
Under what specific condition do preference shareholders gain the right to vote on ALL resolutions placed before the company?
If dividends on a class of preference shares have not been paid for two or more years, those preference shareholders gain the right to vote on all resolutions. (Companies Act 2013, Section 47(2) - Second Proviso)
Section 48
Variations of shareholders‘ rights
Under what conditions can the rights attached to a specific class of shares be changed? (Section 48)
With Consent: If at least three-fourths of the issued shares within that class consent in writing.
Special Resolution: A special resolution is passed at a separate meeting of that class of shareholders.
Provision in Articles/Memorandum: The company’s memorandum or articles contain provisions allowing such variations or the terms of the share issue don’t prohibit it.
What happens if a variation in share rights of one class affects the rights of another class of shareholders? (Section 48)
Consent of at least three-fourths of the affected class of shareholders is also required
Can shareholders challenge a variation of share rights? If so, how? (Section 48)
Yes. Shareholders holding at least 10% of the issued shares of the affected class who didn’t consent or vote in favor can apply to the Tribunal to cancel the variation.
What is the time limit for shareholders to apply to the Tribunal to challenge a share rights variation? (Section 48)
Shareholders must apply within 21 days of the date consent was given or the resolution was passed.
Is the Tribunal’s decision on a share rights variation challenge final? (Section 48)
Yes, the Tribunal’s decision is binding on all shareholders.
What must a company do after a Tribunal order regarding a share rights variation? (Section 48)
The company must file a copy of the Tribunal’s order with the Registrar within 30 days of the order’s date.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with Section 48 of the Companies Act of 2013?
Company: Fine between 25,000 and 5 lakh rupees.
Officers in Default: Imprisonment up to six months, or a fine between 25,000 and 5 lakh rupees, or both.
What is the key principle established by Section 49 of the Companies Act of 2013?
When a company makes calls for further share capital on a specific class of shares, those calls must be made on a uniform basis across all shares within that class.
Does Section 49 mean that all shares in a company must have the same level of paid-up capital?
No. The Explanation to Section 49 clarifies that shares with the same nominal value, but different amounts paid-up are not considered to be in the same class. This means calls can be different for shares where shareholders have paid different amounts towards their share value.
Give an example of how Section 49 ensures fairness in a company’s capital calls.
Consider a company with Class A shares. Some shareholders might have paid 50% of the share’s value, others 80%. If the company requires more capital, Section 49 prevents them from asking those who paid 50% to pay more than those who paid 80%. The call amount must be proportionally uniform.
Section 49
Calls on shares of same class to be made on uniform basis
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 allows companies to accept unpaid share capital in advance of calls?
Section 50
Under what conditions can a company accept unpaid share capital from a member, even if no formal call for payment has been made? (Section 50)
The company’s articles of association must explicitly authorize the company to accept such payments.
Can a member contribute funds towards their unpaid share capital at their own initiative? (Section 50)
Yes, a member of a company can choose to pay all or part of the remaining unpaid amount on their shares, even when the company hasn’t made a formal call for that capital.
What restriction applies to voting rights for amounts paid towards shares before a formal call? (Section 50)
A member cannot exercise voting rights on the amount paid in advance until the company makes a formal call for that capital.
Why might a company’s articles allow for accepting unpaid share capital in advance?
Flexibility: It gives the company access to additional capital if needed without going through a formal call process.
Investor Interest: It allows members to demonstrate commitment and potentially gain more influence when calls are made.
What is the standard method for distributing dividends in a company?
The usual practice is to distribute dividends in proportion to the number of shares held by each member, regardless of how much they have paid up on those shares.
Can a company choose to pay dividends differently? If so, under what conditions? (Section 51)
Yes, a company can pay dividends in proportion to the amount paid-up on each share, but only if its articles of association specifically authorize this method.
Give an example of how dividend distribution would work under Section 51.
Consider two shareholders:
Shareholder A: Holds 100 shares, 50% paid-up
Shareholder B: Holds 100 shares, 80% paid-up
If the company uses Section 51, Shareholder B would receive a larger dividend than Shareholder A, as they have paid up a greater portion of their share value.
Why might a company choose to use the dividend distribution method outlined in Section 51?
Rewarding Early Investment: It incentivizes shareholders who have paid more upfront for their shares.
Financial Flexibility: It can help the company manage cash flow if significant portions of share capital remain unpaid.
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 allows companies to pay dividends based on the amount paid-up on shares?
Section 51
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 governs the application of share premiums?
Section 52
What happens when a company issues shares at a premium? (Section 52)
The premium amount (the excess above the share’s face value) must be transferred to a special reserve account called the “Securities Premium Account.”
How does the law treat the Securities Premium Account? (Section 52)
For most purposes, it’s treated similarly to paid-up share capital, including being subject to the rules governing the reduction of share capital.
List the permitted uses of the Securities Premium Account. (Section 52)
Issuing fully paid bonus shares to existing members
Writing off preliminary company expenses
Writing off expenses, commissions, or discounts related to share or debenture issues
Funding the redemption premium of redeemable preference shares or debentures
Buying back the company’s own shares (under Section 68)
Are there companies with additional flexibility in using the Securities Premium Account? (Section 52)
Yes, certain prescribed companies whose financial statements comply with specific accounting standards (under Section 133) can also use the premium to:
Issue fully paid bonus equity shares
Write off equity share issue expenses, commissions, or discounts
Why does the Companies Act have strict rules about the use of share premiums?
To protect the company’s creditors and maintain the integrity of its stated capital. The premium is viewed as contributed capital, not freely distributable profit. .
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 prohibits the issue of shares at a discount?
Section 53
What is the main rule established by Section 53 of the Companies Act of 2013?
A company cannot issue shares at a discount to their face value (with an exception covered in Section 54).
What is the consequence of a company issuing shares at a discount in violation of Section 53?
Any shares issued at a discount are considered void (invalid).
What are the penalties for a company violating the provisions of Section 53?
Company: Fine between 1 lakh and 5 lakh rupees.
Officers in Default: Potential imprisonment up to six months, a fine between 1 lakh and 5 lakh rupees, or both.
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 specifically allows the issuance of sweat equity shares?
Section 54
What are sweat equity shares? (Section 54)
Sweat equity shares are a form of compensation given to directors or employees. They are issued at a discount or for a consideration other than cash, in recognition of intellectual property, know-how, or value addition provided.
Under what conditions can a company issue sweat equity shares? (Section 54)
Special Resolution: The company passes a special resolution authorizing the issuance.
Resolution Details: Specifies the number of shares, market price, any consideration, and the eligible directors/employees.
One-Year Operation: The company has been in operation for at least one year.
Listing Status: If listed, the issuance follows SEBI regulations. If unlisted, it follows prescribed rules.
What rights do holders of sweat equity shares have? (Section 54)
They have the same rights, limitations, and restrictions as holders of regular equity shares. They rank pari passu (on equal footing) with other equity shareholders
Why is Section 54 important within the Companies Act?
It provides a key exception to Section 53’s prohibition on issuing shares at a discount. Sweat equity allows companies to:
Attract and retain talent
Reward employees/directors for non-monetary contributions
Conserve cash while still providing compensation
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 deals with the issuing and redemption of preference shares?
Section 55
Can a company issue irredeemable preference shares under the Companies Act of 2013? (Section 55)
No. Section 55 explicitly prohibits the issuance of irredeemable preference shares after the commencement of the Act.
Under what conditions can a company issue redeemable preference shares? (Section 55)
Authorization: The company’s articles of association must allow it.
Time Limit: Redeemable within 20 years from issue (longer allowed for infrastructure projects).
Prescribed Conditions: As specified by regulations.
What are the special provisions for preference shares issued for infrastructure projects? (Section 55)
Extended Redemption Period: They can have a redemption period exceeding 20 years.
Mandatory Redemption: A prescribed percentage of shares must be redeemed annually, at the option of the preference shareholders.
What are the sources of funds a company can use to redeem preference shares? (Section 55)
Profits Available for Dividend:
Proceeds of a Fresh Share Issue: Specifically made for redemption purposes.
What additional requirements apply to the redemption of preference shares? (Section 55)
Fully Paid: Shares must be fully paid-up before redemption.
Capital Redemption Reserve Account: When redeeming from profits, an equal amount must be transferred to this reserve.
Accounting for Redemption Premium: Rules vary based on the company’s class and accounting standards.
Redeemable preference shares
a type of share that allow a company to repurchase the shares from shareholders at a specified date or on the company’s discretion. The company can redeem the shares for cash or convert them into ordinary shares, or both.
considered hybrid securities because they have characteristics of both debt and equity
What happens if a company cannot redeem preference shares or pay dividends as per the terms of issue? (Section 55)
With Consent: The company can issue further redeemable preference shares with the consent of holders representing 3/4th of the value of unredeemed shares.
Tribunal Approval: The company needs approval from the Tribunal.
Mandatory Redemption: The Tribunal will order the redemption of shares held by those who didn’t consent.
What is the Capital Redemption Reserve Account used for? (Section 55)
Redeeming Preference Shares: Its primary purpose.
Issuing Bonus Shares: Can be used to pay up unissued shares issued as fully paid bonus shares.
What is the general rule for registering a transfer of securities in a company? (Section 56)
The company must receive the following within 60 days of execution:
A properly executed and stamped instrument of transfer
Details of the transferee (name, address, occupation)
The relevant share certificate or letter of allotment
What happens if the transfer instrument is lost or not delivered in time? (Section 56)
The company may still register the transfer, but they can decide on indemnity terms to protect themselves from potential liability.
What is the process for registering transmission of securities by operation of law? (Section 56)
The company can register the transmission upon receiving notice of the transmission of rights to the securities. This doesn’t require a formal transfer instrument.
What happens if only the transferor applies for the registration of partly paid shares? (Section 56)
Notice: The company must notify the transferee as prescribed.
Objection: The transfer cannot be registered if the transferee objects within two weeks of the notice.
What are the timelines for a company to deliver security certificates after allotment, transfer, or transmission? (Section 56)
Subscribers: 2 months from incorporation
Allotment: 2 months from allotment date
Transfer/Transmission: 1 month from receipt of documents
Debenture Allotment: 6 months from allotment date
How are transfers of securities from a deceased person handled? (Section 56)
Transfers made by the deceased person’s legal representative are valid, even if the representative isn’t a security holder themselves.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the provisions of Section 56?
Company: Fine between 25,000 and 5 lakh rupees.
Officers in Default: Fine between 10,000 and 1 lakh rupees.
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 governs the transfer and transmission of securities?
Section 56
Which section of the Companies Act of 2013 specifically addresses punishment for shareholder personation?
Section 57
Describe the offense of shareholder personation under Section 57 of the Companies Act of 2013.
Deceitfully impersonating the owner of any of the following:
Company securities or interests
Share warrants or coupons issued under the Companies Act
What are the consequences of shareholder personation under Section 57?
The offender can receive any of the following:
Obtaining or attempting to obtain securities, share warrants, or coupons
Receiving or attempting to receive money that is rightfully due to the actual shareholder
What are the penalties for shareholder personation under Section 57 of the Companies Act of 2013?
Imprisonment: Minimum of one year, extendable up to three years.
Fine: Minimum of 1 lakh rupees, extendable up to 5 lakh rupees.