Chapter XXVII - NCLT AND NCLAT Flashcards
Section 407 of Companies Act 2013
Job description of NCLT and NCLAT
What is the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)?
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is a tribunal established by the Central Government of India to adjudicate matters related to company law.
How is the NCLT constituted?
The NCLT is constituted by a notification issued by the Central Government. It consists of a President, and a number of Judicial and Technical Members deemed necessary by the government. All members are appointed by the Central Government through a notification.
What is the qualification for the President of the NCLT?
The President must be someone who has served as a High Court Judge for at least five years.
Who is qualified to be appointed as a Judicial Member of the NCLT?
A person can be appointed as a Judicial Member if they meet one of the following criteria:
A current or former High Court Judge
A District Judge with a minimum of five years of experience
An advocate with at least ten years of experience
Explanation: The ten years of experience as an advocate can include time spent holding judicial office, working as a tribunal member, or holding a legal position requiring special knowledge acquired after becoming an advocate.
What are the qualifications for a Technical Member of the NCLT?
A person can be appointed as a Technical Member if they meet one of the following criteria:
A member of the Indian Corporate Law Service or Indian Legal Service for at least 15 years, with at least 3 years in a senior position (Joint Secretary pay scale or equivalent)
A chartered accountant with at least 15 years of practice experience
A cost accountant with at least 15 years of practice experience
A company secretary with at least 15 years of practice experience
A person with demonstrably strong abilities, integrity, and relevant experience (minimum 15 years) in law, finance, management, industrial reconstruction, investment, accounting, labor matters, or other disciplines related to company management, operations, revival, rehabilitation, or winding up.
A person who has served as a presiding officer of a Labour Court, Tribunal, or National Tribunal under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 for at least five years.
What does Section 409 of the Companies Act, 2013 specify?
eligibility requirements for the President and Members (both Judicial and Technical) of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). It ensures the NCLT is staffed with qualified individuals with extensive experience in law, finance, or relevant fields.
What is the composition of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)?
The NCLAT consists of a Chairperson and a maximum of eleven Judicial and Technical Members appointed by the Central Government.
What is the function of the NCLAT?
The NCLAT hears appeals against orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
What does Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013 deal with?
empowers the Central Government to establish the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to hear appeals arising from orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
What is the qualification for the Chairperson of the NCLAT?
The Chairperson must be someone who currently holds or has previously held the position of a Judge in the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court.
Who is qualified to be appointed as a Judicial Member of the NCLAT?
A person can be appointed as a Judicial Member if they are:
A current or former Judge of a High Court
A Judicial Member of the NCLT with at least five years of experience
What are the qualifications for a Technical Member of the NCLAT?
Proven ability, integrity, and strong standing
At least 25 years of experience with special knowledge in:
Law
Industrial finance
Industrial management or administration
Industrial reconstruction
Investment
Accountancy
Labor matters
Or other relevant disciplines related to company management, operations, revival, rehabilitation, or winding up
What does Section 411 of the Companies Act, 2013 specify?
eligibility requirements for the Chairperson and Members (both Judicial and Technical) of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
It ensures the NCLAT is staffed with highly qualified individuals with extensive experience in law, finance, or relevant fields to effectively handle appeals from the NCLT.
How are the President of the NCLT, Chairperson, and Judicial Members of the NCLAT chosen?
These appointments are made after consulting with the Chief Justice of India.
How are the remaining Members of the NCLT and Technical Members of the NCLAT chosen?
These appointments are made based on the recommendation of a Selection Committee
Who is on the Selection Committee for NCLT & NCLAT Members (other than President, Chairperson & Judicial Members)?
Chairperson: Chief Justice of India or their nominee
Member: A senior Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court
Member: Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Member: Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice
Member: Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance
Who convenes the Selection Committee meetings?
The Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs acts as the Convener.
Are there specific details about the Selection Committee’s procedure for recommending candidates?
The Act allows the Selection Committee to determine its own procedure for recommending candidates.
What does Section 412 of the Companies Act, 2013 deal with?
the selection process for the President, Chairperson, Members, and Technical Members of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
What is the term and re-appointment eligibility for the President and other Members of the NCLT?
The President and all Members serve a five-year term from their start date. They can be re-appointed for another five years.
What is the age limit for the President and other Members of the NCLT?
The President can serve until age 67.
Other Members can serve until age 65.
There’s a minimum age requirement of 50 years for appointment.
What is the term and re-appointment eligibility for the Chairperson and other Members of the NCLAT?
The Chairperson and all Members serve a five-year term from their start date. They can be re-appointed for another five years.
What is the age limit for the Chairperson and other Members of the NCLAT?
he Chairperson can serve until age 70.
Other Members can serve until age 67.
There’s a minimum age requirement of 50 years for appointment.
Can NCLT/NCLAT Members retain a connection with their previous positions?
Yes, NCLT/NCLAT Members can retain a lien (maintain a claim to a position) with their previous ministry, department, or cadre for up to one year while serving in the Tribunal/Appellate Tribunal.
What does Section 413 of the Companies Act, 2013 specify?
This section lays out the term lengths, re-appointment eligibility, and age limits for the President, Chairperson, Members, and Technical Members of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
What is Section 414 of the Companies Act, 2013?
A section of Indian law outlining the framework for determining the salary, allowances, and other terms of service for members of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
How are salaries and allowances determined for NCLT and NCLAT members?
These are prescribed (set) by the Indian government.
Can the conditions of service for NCLT and NCLAT members be changed after their appointment?
Yes, but changes cannot be made to their disadvantage (i.e., they cannot receive reduced salaries, allowances, or less favorable terms).
What is Section 415 of the Companies Act, 2013?
This section addresses the procedures for appointing acting officials within the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in case of vacancy or absence of the President or Chairperson.
Under Section 415, what happens if the office of the NCLT/NCLAT President or Chairperson becomes vacant?
The senior-most Member of the respective Tribunal will act as the President or Chairperson until a new official is appointed according to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
According to Section 415, what happens if the NCLT/NCLAT President or Chairperson is temporarily unable to perform their duties?
The senior-most Member takes over as acting President or Chairperson until the incumbent resumes their duties.
What is the difference between “vacancy” and “absence” as the terms might be used in Section 415?
“Vacancy” implies a permanent opening in the position (death, resignation). “Absence” suggests a temporary inability to fulfill duties (illness, leave).
What does Section 416 of the Companies Act, 2013 address?
It outlines the process and conditions for the resignation of the President, Chairperson, or any Member of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) or National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
How does a member of the NCLT or NCLAT officially resign according to Section 416?
They must submit a written notice of resignation addressed to the Indian Central Government
After submitting a resignation notice under Section 416, does the resigning NCLT/NCLAT official leave their post immediately?
No. They remain in office for the earliest of these three conditions:
Three months after the Central Government receives the notice
A successor is appointed and takes over
Their original term of office ends
Section 417, Companies Act, 2013
Deals with the Removal of Members (President, Chairperson, or any Member) of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
Grounds for Removal of NCLT Members (under Section 417, Subsection 1)
Adjudged insolvent
Convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude
Physically or mentally incapable
Acquired financial/other interest affecting their functions
Abused position in a way detrimental to public interest
Can an NCLT member be removed without being heard?
No. The proviso in Section 417 (1) mandates a reasonable opportunity for the member to be heard before removal on grounds specified in clauses (b) to (e).
After consultation with CJI
Procedure for removal on grounds of misbehavior or incapacity? (Section 417, Subsection 2)
Central Government makes an order for removal.
Inquiry by a Supreme Court Judge (nominated by Chief Justice of India).
The member is informed of charges and given a chance to be heard.
Can an NCLT member be suspended during an inquiry?
Yes. Section 417 (3) allows suspension by the Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of India, pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Responsibility for Regulating Inquiry Procedure for NCLT Member Removal (Misbehaviour/Incapacity)
Central Government, after consultation with the Supreme Court, makes rules to regulate the procedure for the inquiry.
Section 418, Companies Act, 2013
Deals with the staff of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
Who provides staff to the NCLT and NCLAT?
The Central Government, in consultation with the NCLT and NCLAT, provides necessary officers and employees.
Under whose supervision do NCLT and NCLAT staff work?
Under the general superintendence and control of:
The President (of the NCLT)
The Chairperson (of the NCLAT)
Any other Member to whom such powers are delegated
Who determines salaries, allowances, and conditions of service for NCLT and NCLAT staff?
The Central Government (as may be prescribed by rules).
Section 419, Companies Act, 2013
Deals with the composition and structure of Benches within the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
Who determines the number of NCLT Benches? (Section 419(1))
The Central Government, by notification.