In this article, it is discussed about “Reduction of Share Capital” and its procedure under section 66 of the Companies Act, 2013 in line with NCLT Rules, 2016 and recent case law.
On 07th December, 2016, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has vide its Commencement Notification notified various sections of Companies Act, 2013 which includes arbitration, compromise, arrangements and reconstruction and winding up companies which has come into force with effect from 15th December, 2016.
The Section 66 which is the governing provision for Reduction of Share Capital of a company is one amongst those sections notified on 07th December, 2016.
Immediately, thereafter, MCA has further, notified the National Company Law Tribunal (Procedure for Reduction of Share Capital of Company) Rules, 2016 on 15th December, 2016.
What is Reduction of Capital….
Reduction of share capital is regarded as one of the process of decreasing company’s share capital (apart from Redemption of preference shares and Buy Back of shares which are governed by other provisions separately). The Reduction of Share Capital means reduction of issued, subscribed and paid up share capital of the company. In simple words it can be regarded as ‘Cancellation of Uncalled Capital’ i.e. part of subscribed share capital.
The need of reducing share capital may arise in various situations, few are listed below:
Previously, reduction of share capital was governed by section 100 to 104 of the Companies Act, 1956. As per the old act, it was subjected to the confirmation of court, under new Act 2013, the said powers of court has been transferred to Tribunal (NCLT).
Reduction of Share capital can be affected in any of the following manner:
| I | II | III |
| In respect of share capital not paid-up, extinguishing or reducing the liability on any of its shares or | Cancel any paid-up share capital, which is lost, or is not represented by available assets. | Pay off the paid-up share capital, which is in excess of the needs of the company. |
After “Capital Reduction” the number of shares in the company will decrease by the reduction amount.
Points to remember:
2. It should have the power under its Articles of Association to do so. If the articles do not contain any provision for reduction of capital, the articles must first be altered so as to give such power.
3. Reduction is regarded as internal restructuring of company, therefore decision of majority will prevail by way of special resolution.
4. The reduction effected by such resolution must be confirmed by the National Company Law Tribunal (‘Tribunal’)
5. No capital reduction can be undertaken if the company is in arrears in the repayment of any deposits (including interest payable thereon) accepted by it.
6. Reduction takes effect on registration of the documents with the Registrar of Companies.
7. Reduction is different from Diminution of shares which is regarded as cancellation of unsubscribed share capital.
8. Nothing in this section shall apply to buy back of its own securities u/s 68 of the Companies Act, 2013
What are Statutory Provisions….? (As the case may be)
I. Section 66 of the Companies Act, 2013; Reduction by way of cancellation of shares
II. Rule 2 to 6 of the National Company Law Tribunal (Procedure for Reduction of Share Capital of Company) Rules, 2016
III. Section 61 of the Companies Act, 2013; Alteration of share capital involves reduction in authorised share capital by cancellation of shares
IV. Section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013; where tribunal passes order under scheme of compromise or arrangement,
V. Section 242 of the Companies Act, 2013; In the case of oppression and mismanagement
VI. In case of listed company; SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
What does procedure involve….?
i. Copies of the solvency statement
ii. A memorandum setting out details of the share capital MOA
iii. The special resolution
iv. A statement by Director confirming that the solvency statement was made not more than 15 days.
Compliances to be done on NCLT Part
1. Application to NCLT in Form RSC-1, with following documents:
i. List of creditors, indicating their names, address and amount owed to them, class wise; duly certified by Managing Director of Company or by 2 directors in his absence, made on date not earlier than 15 days prior to the date of filing,
ii. Certificates by Auditor to the effect that;
a) the list of creditors referred above is correct as per the records of the company verified;
b) the company is not, as on the date of filing of the application, in arrears in the repayment of the deposits or the interest thereon
c) the accounting treatment proposed by the company for the reduction of share capital is in conformity with the accounting standards specified in section 133 or any other provisions of Act.
iii. Declaration by a director of the company that the company is not, as on the date of filing of the application, in arrears in the repayment of the deposits or the interest thereon;
2. NCLT shall within 15 days of submission of application give notice to ROC and SEBI(if listed) in Form RSC-2 and to every creditor in Form RSC-3
3. Newspaper Advertisement: Form RSC-4 within 7 days of direction by NCLT in leading English and vernacular language newspaper, for seeking their representations and objections. (To be uploaded on company’s website simultaneously).
| ** representations and objections, if any to be made within 3 months from the date of receipt or notice and copy of such representation shall simultaneously be sent to the company |
4. Company to file an affidavit in Form RSC-5 confirming the despatch and publication of the notice within 7 days from the date of issue of such notice.
5. Company shall send the representations and objections, if any received along with responses of the company within 7 days of expiry of period up to which objections were sought.
6. NCLT may hold any enquiry or adjudication or claims or for hearing the objection give such directions as may deem proper with reference to securing the debts or claims of creditors who do not consent to the proposed reduction.
7. The order confirming the reduction of share capital and approving the minute shall be in Form No. RSC – 6 on such terms and conditions as may be deemed fit.
8. Order copy of NCLT to be filed in e-form INC 28 with ROC within 30 days of passing order.
9. ROC shall issue certificate in Form RSC-7 to that effect.
CASE: WRINGLY INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED incorporated under Companies Act, 195 -Petitioner
(In the matter of section 100 to 104 of the Companies act, 1956)
Presently under section 66 of the Companies Act, 2013
Dated: 28 th July, 2017
i. There were only unsecured creditor as on 29/02/2016 and consents have been obtained.
ii. That Petitioner Company is wholly owned subsidiary WM, Wringlley Jr. Company along with two other group/ subsidiary companies a foreign entity, there reduction of capital should simultaneously comply with FEMA/ RBI regulations.
iii. Petitioner Company has incurred in previous financial; years continuously resulting in erosion of net worth and resorted to reduction of capital in Financial year 2010 and 2014 as well.
iv. Company has not filed annual returns for year-end 31 st March, 2016 with ROC
v. Petitioner filed rejoinder affidavit to the above facts.
Taking into consideration all the facts, hence no objections received from concerns in relation to reduction of capital of company, tribunal passed order thereby giving effect.
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(Author-CS Anjali Gorsia, Company Secretary in Practice from Nagpur (Maharashtra) and can be contacted at [email protected])