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Overview

Appointment or Resignation of Directors

Appointment or Resignation of Directors refers to the process of inducting a new director into the Board or removing an existing one due to resignation or disqualification. Governed by the Companies Act, 2013, it involves legal and procedural formalities, such as board approvals, shareholder resolutions, and filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Directors are the key managerial personnel responsible for the company’s governance and strategic direction. Their appointment or resignation impacts the company's structure and operations. Proper compliance ensures transparency and adherence to the law.

Important

1. Governance : Ensures the company has competent leadership for effective decision-making.

2. Regulatory Compliance : Meets legal requirements for board composition under the Companies Act.

3. Transparency : Keeps shareholders and regulators informed about changes in the company’s management.

4. Flexibility : Enables restructuring the board based on operational or strategic needs.

5. Avoids Penalties : Prevents legal consequences and ensures compliance with MCA filing requirements.

Applicability

1. Private Limited Companies : Can appoint directors as per their Articles of Association (AOA).

2. Public Limited Companies : Must maintain the minimum prescribed number of directors (three) and follow appointment criteria.

3. Listed Companies : Additional regulations under SEBI’s guidelines, including the requirement for independent directors.

Key Requirements for Appointment or Resignation

1. Director Identification Number (DIN) : Mandatory for individuals being appointed as directors.

2. Board and Shareholder Approval : Board resolution for appointment or resignation; shareholder approval for specific appointments.

3. Intimation to MCA : Filing necessary forms like DIR-12 for changes in directors.

4. Update Statutory Registers : Record changes in the Register of Directors and KMP.

5. Minimum and Maximum Directors : Ensure compliance with the minimum (2 for private, 3 for public companies) and maximum limit (15 without special resolution).



Documents Required

For Appointment


For Resignation




Features

Features & Benefits of Appointment or Resignation of Directors

DIN Requirement
Mandatory for all directors under Section 152 of the Companies Act.
Board and Shareholder Oversight
Ensures proper approval process for appointments and resignations.
Regulatory Filing
DIR-12 filing with the MCA is mandatory for all changes.
Transparency
Maintains updated records for stakeholders and regulators.
Resignation Formalities
Requires formal resignation letter and board acceptance.

Appointment or Resignation of Directors

Statutory Register Updates
Essential for compliance with Section 170 of the Companies Act.
Minimum Director Requirements
Private companies (minimum 2), public companies (minimum 3).
Independent Directors
Mandatory for listed and certain unlisted public companies.
Timely Filing
Avoids penalties for late filings with MCA.
Flexibility for Restructuring
Facilitates board restructuring based on business needs.



Comparison with Related Services

Feature Appointment/Resignation Change in Share Capital Annual Return Filing
Objective Change in Board composition Alter share capital structure Report company operations
Regulatory Body MCA MCA MCA
Filing Frequency Event-based Event-based Annually
Forms Required DIR-12, DIR-3, DIR-8 SH-7, PAS-3 MGT-7
Penalty for Non-Compliance High High High



Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Director Identification Number (DIN) mandatory for appointment?

Yes, DIN is mandatory for any individual being appointed as a director.

Can a director resign without board approval?

A director can resign by submitting a resignation letter, but the board must formally acknowledge and file DIR-12 with MCA.

What is Form DIR-12?

Form DIR-12 is used to notify the MCA about the appointment or resignation of a director.

How many directors can a company appoint?

A company can appoint up to 15 directors. Beyond this, a special resolution is required.

What is the penalty for not filing DIR-12 on time?

Companies may face penalties of ₹500 per day of delay.

Can a director be reappointed after resignation?

Yes, a resigned director can be reappointed following the same legal procedure.