Board Meetings ๐ข
Definition (Section 173): Meeting of the Board of Directors to discuss company's management and policy.
Different from General Meetings: Only directors attend (not shareholders).
Frequency & Timing โฐ
Minimum Meetings: 4 times a year (at least one per quarter). Maximum Gap: 120 days between two meetings.
Notice: 7 days (in writing to all directors). Shorter Notice: Allowed if at least 1 Independent Director is present.
Quorum for Board Meetings ๐ฅ
Quorum = 1/3rd of total strength OR 2 directors, whichever is higher.
Examples:
- 6 directors โ Quorum = 6/3 = 2 โ
- 5 directors โ Quorum = 5/3 = 1.67 โ 2 (round up) โ
- 9 directors โ Quorum = 9/3 = 3 โ
Interested Directors: If a director has personal interest in agenda item, he must not participate in that item (recuses himself). He won't be counted for quorum for that item.
Powers of Board ๐ผ
Can Decide:
- Business Strategy: Future plans, expansion.
- Appoint/Remove key personnel (CEO, CFO below MD level).
- Borrowing (within limits).
- Investments: Where to invest company funds.
- Issue of Securities (shares/debentures) as per authorization.
- Declare Interim Dividend.
Cannot Decide (Need Shareholders' Approval):
- Issue of shares beyond authorized capital.
- Alteration of Articles/Memorandum.
- Reduction of share capital.
- Sale of whole/substantial part of business.
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Minutes of Board Meetings ๐
Must Record (within 30 days):
- Decisions taken.
- Dissent by any director (if any).
- Who attended, who recused.
Preserved for: 8 years.
Types of Board Meetings ๐
- Regular Board Meetings: Scheduled quarterly meetings.
- Special Board Meetings: Called for urgent mattres (e.g., response to hostile takeover).
- Committee Meetings: Sub-committees (Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee) also meet separately.
Penalty for Non-Compliance ๐ซ
Not holding required Board meetings:
- Company: Fine up to โน1 Lakh.
- Every director: Fine up to โน25,000.
Not maintaining minutes:
- Fine up to โน25,000 (company) + โน5,000 (each officer).
Quiz Time! ๐ฏ
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๐ก Final Wisdom: "Board meetings are where strategy is set and oversight happens. Directors must show up and participate!" ๐ฏ
๐ UNIT IV COMPLETE! You have mastered Company Management & Meetings. From Directors to Resolutions!
Final Unit: Unit V: Winding Up of Companies - The End Game! ๐