The passing of The Companies Bill 2012 by
Rajya Sabha on 8th August,2013, is a step forward towards transformation in
the corporate governance practices of the country. The new bill that requires
President’s assent for it to become law, replaces the Companies Act of 1956. The
bill, when enacted will bring in reforms to enhance corporate governance by
giving voice to the minority investors in India, strengthening the role of
independent directors and expanding the responsibility on auditors.
A key objective of corporate governance in
India has been to strike a balance between the rule of majority shareholders and
the protection of the rights of minority shareholders. The protection of
minority shareholders rights is particularly critical given the often
concentrated ownership of Indian companies.
Unlike in the developed countries
such as US & UK, where ownership of a company is widely dispersed and is generally
separate from the management of the company, In India listed companies are
usually parts of a large business group, characterized by a promoter or a controlling
shareholder. This pattern of ownership gives rise to potential conflict of
interest between the dominant shareholders and the minority investors, since
the controlling shareholders have the power and incentive to monitor corporate
activities closely and influence or control the corporate decisions in a manner
that could be detrimental to the interests of the minority shareholders.
Traditionally the outside
(non-promoter) shareholder participation in the corporate decision in India
making has been low. The regulatory framework in India was till recently by
& large tilted towards redressal of oppression by management and did not
encourage proactive engagement of shareholders on corporate decisions. The new
Companies Bill 2012 seeks to provide investors with effective means to voice
their opinion in corporate matters that may have potential conflict with the
interests of the company and the investors at large.
The bill as passed by
Lok Sabha on 18th December, 2012, has the following key amendments to increase shareholder
participation in corporate decision-making:
Related Party Transactions
Companies Bill 2012 includes the provisions for approval by the Board of Directors for Related Party Transactions with transaction amounts exceeding prescribed limits or transactions which are not on conducted on market terms. Exemptions apply to transactions that are on ‘market terms’ and are conducted in the ordinary course of the business. The Bill also requires Independent directors to ensure that adequate deliberations are held before approving related party transactions and authorize every contract/ arrangement entered into with a related party, while providing with a justification for it. The Bill also says that no member of the company shall vote on such resolutions to approve any contract or arrangement if such member is a related part.
Exit Offer
Another key provision in the new Companies Bill is that if the minority shareholders feel that the funds raised from them are utilized by a company for a purpose other than those stated by the company in its objects, then they shall be given an exit offer by promoters or controlling shareholders. It will allow the minority shareholders to exit at such exit price, and in such manner and conditions as may be specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Class Action
The biggest boost for the small investors comes in the form of the provision in the Companies Bill for class-action lawsuits, which will allow a group of investors with common interest in a matter to sue the management of a firm, its auditors or a section of shareholders in case of suspected wrongdoing. A class action suit is a form of a lawsuit where a large group of people collectively bring a claim to court through a representative. The provision for class action in the Companies Bill 2012, will give shareholders an edge in defend their rights, if they are of the opinion that the management or conduct of the affairs of the company are being conducted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the company or its members.
These measures are in
line with the international practices adopted for empowerment of shareholders
and will pave the way for enhancement of corporate governance system in the
country.
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