Exemptions given to certain unlisted public companies under the companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors)Rules,2014 from the appointment of independent directors

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The Ministry of Corporate Affairs,  Government of India has issued a   General Circular No.09/2017 dated 5th September, 2017 to all Regional Directors, all Registrar of Companies, all Stakeholders regarding exemptions given to certain unlisted public companies under the companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors)Rules,2014 from the appointment of independent directors

The Notification is as follows:

This Ministry, vide notification number G.s.R. 839(E) dated 5th July, 2017 issued the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Amendment Rules, 2017 inter-alia amending rule 4 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. The said amended Rule 4 inter-alia provides that an unlisted public company which is a joint venture, a wholly owned subsidiary or a dormant company will not be required to appoint Independent Directors. Stakeholders have sought clarifications with regard to the meaning of joint venture for the purposes of availing exemption under Rule 4 of the aforesaid Rules as such a term is not defined in the Companies Ac! 2013.

2. The matter has been examined and it is hereby clarified that a “joint venture,, would mean a joint arrangement, entered into in writing, whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement, have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. The usage of the term is similar to that under the Accounting Standards.

3. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority.