The Company Secretaries Act, 1980 for L&PL

616

PREAMBLE

(Act No. 56 of 1980)

An Act to make provision for the regulation and development of the profession of Company Secretaries.

Be it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows :-

1. SHORT TITLE, EXTENT AND COMMENCEMENT

[Act No.56 of 1980]

[10th December, 1980]

An Act to make provision for the regulation and development of the profession of Company Secretaries.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

(1) This Act may be called the Company Secretaries Act, 1980.

(2) It extends to the whole of India.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

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1. Came into force on 1st January, 1981, vide S.O. 989(E), dated 27th December, 1980.

2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, –

(a) “Associate” means an Associate Member of the Institute;

(b) “Companies Act” means the Companies Act, 1956, (1 of 1956);

(d) “Council” means the Council of the Institute constituted under section 9;

(e) “dissolved company” means the Institute of Company Secretaries of India registered under the Companies Act;

(f) “Fellow” means a Fellow Member of the Institute;

(g) “Institute” means the Institute of Company Secretaries of India constituted under this Act;

(h) “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made under this Act;

(i) “President” means the President of the Council;

(j) “Register” means the Register of members of the Institute maintained under this Act;

1[(ja) “specified” means specified by rules made by the Central Government under this Act;

(jb) “Tribunal” means a Tribunal established under sub-section (1) of section 10B;]

(k) “Vice-President” means the Vice-President of the Council;

(l) “Year” means the period commencing on the 1st day of April of any year and ending on the 31st day of March of the succeeding year;

(m) Words and expressions used herein and not defined but defined in the Companies Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in that Act.

(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, a member of the Institute shall be deemed “to be in practice” when, individually or in partnership with one or more members of the Institute in practice or in partnership with members of such other recognised professions as may be prescribed, he, in consideration of remuneration received or to be received,-

(a) Engages himself in the practice of the profession of Company Secretaries to, or in relation to, any company; or

(b) Offers to perform or performs services in relation to the promotion, forming, incorporation, amalgamation, reconstruction, reorganization or winding up of companies; or

(i) An authorised representative of a company with respect to filing, registering, presenting, attesting or verifying any documents (including forms, applications and returns) by or on behalf of the company,

(ii) A share transfer agent,

(iii) An issue house,

(iv) A share and stock broker,

(v) A secretarial auditor or consultant,

(vi) An adviser to a company on management, including any legal or procedural matter falling under the Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947, (29 of 1947), the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, (65 of 1951), the Companies Act, 1956 the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, (42 of 1956), any of the rules or bye-laws made by a recognised stock exchange, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969, (54 of 1969), the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973, (46 of 1973), or under any other law for the time being in force.

(vii) Issuing certificates on behalf of, or for the purposes of, a company; or

(d) Holds himself out to the public as a Company Secretary in practice; or

(e) Renders professional services or assistance with respect to matters of principle or detail relating to the practice of the profession of Company Secretaries, or

(f) Renders such other services as, in the opinion of the Council, are or may be rendered by a Company Secretary in practice; and the words “to be in practice” with their grammatical variations and cognate expressions, shall be construed accordingly.

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

3. INCORPORATION OF THE INSTITUTE

(1) All persons whose names are entered in the Register of the dissolved company immediately before the commencement of this Act and all persons who may hereafter have their names entered in the Register to be maintained under this Act, so long as they continue to have their names borne on the Register to be maintained under this Act, are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and all such persons shall be known as members of the Institute.

(2) The Institute shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall have power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, movable or immovable and shall by its name sue or be sued.

4. ENTRY OF NAMES IN THE REGISTER

(1) Any of the following persons shall be entitled to have his name entered in the Register, namely :-

(a) Any person who immediately before the commencement of this Act was an Associate or a Fellow (including an Honorary Fellow) of the dissolved company;

(b) Any person who is a holder of the Diploma in Company Secretary ship awarded by the Government of India;

(c) Any person who has passed the examinations conducted by the dissolved company and has completed training either as specified by the dissolved company or as prescribed by the Council, except any such person who is not a permanent resident of India;

(d) Any person who has passed such examination and completed such training, as may be prescribed for membership of the Institute;

(e) Any person who has passed such other examination and completed such other training without India as is recognised by the Central Government or the Council as being equivalent to the examination and training prescribed under this Act for membership of the Institute :

Provided that in the case of any person belonging to any of the classes mentioned in this sub-section who is not permanently residing in India, the Central Government or the Council may impose such further conditions as it may deem to be necessary or expedient in the public interest.

(2) Every person belonging to the class mentioned in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) shall have his name entered in the Register without the payment of any entrance fee.

1(3) Every person belonging to any of the classes mentioned in clauses (c), (d) and (e) of sub-section (1) shall have his name entered in the Register on application being made and granted in the prescribed manner and on payment of prescribed entrance fee, which shall not exceed four hundred rupees in any case.

(4) The Central Government may take such steps as may be necessary for the purpose of having the names of all persons belonging to the classes mentioned in clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section (1) entered in the Register at the commencement of this Act.

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Council may confer on any person Honorary Fellow Membership, if the Council is of the opinion that such person has made a significant contribution to the profession of Company Secretaries and thereupon the Council shall enter the name of such person in the Register but such person shall not have any voting rights in any election or meetings of the Institute and shall not also be required to pay any fee to the Institute.

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1. Subs. by by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 3, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (3), before substitution, stood as under:

“(3) Every person belonging to any of the classes mentioned in clauses (c), (d) and (e) of sub-section (1) shall have his name entered in the Register on application being made and granted in the prescribed manner and on payment of prescribed entrance fee, which shall not exceed four hundred rupees in any case.”

5. ASSOCIATES AND FELLOWS

(1) The members of the Institute shall be divided into two classes designated respectively as Associates and Fellows.

(2) Any person other than a person to whom the provisions of sub-section (4) apply, shall, on his name being entered in the Register, be deemed to have become an Associate and as long as his name remains so entered, shall be entitled to use the letters “A.C.S.” after his name to indicate that he is an Associate.

1(3) A person, being an Associate who has been in continuous practice in India as a Company Secretary for at least five years and a person who has been an Associate for a continuous period of not less than five years and who possesses such qualifications or practical experience as the Council may prescribe with a view to ensuring that he has experience equivalent to the experience normally acquired as a result of continuous practice for a period of five years as a Company Secretary shall, on payment of the prescribed entrance fee, which shall not exceed four hundred rupees in any case, and on application made and granted in the prescribed manner, be entered in the Register as a Fellow.

Explanation I : For the purposes of this sub-section, a person shall be deemed to have practised in India for any period for which he has held a certificate of practice under section 6, notwithstanding that he did not actually practise during that period.

Explanation II : In computing the period during which a person has been an Associate of the Institute, there shall be included any continuous period during which the person has been an Associate of the dissolved company immediately before he became an Associate of the Institute.

(4) Any person who was a Fellow of the dissolved company and who is entitled to have his name entered in the Register under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 4, shall be entered in the Register as a Fellow.

(5) Any person whose name is entered in the Register as a Fellow shall, so long as his name remains so entered, be entitled to use the letters “F.C.S.” after his name to indicate that he is a Fellow.

————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 4, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (3), before substitution, stood as under:

“(3) A person, being an Associate who has been in continuous practice in India as a Company Secretary for at least five years and a person who has been an Associate for a continuous period of not less than five years and who possesses such qualifications or practical experience as the Council may prescribe with a view to ensuring that he has experience equivalent to the experience normally acquired as a result of continuous practice for a period of five years as a Company Secretary shall, on payment of the prescribed entrance fee, which shall not exceed four hundred rupees in any case, and on application made and granted in the prescribed manner, be entered in the Register as a Fellow.

Explanation I.—For the purposes of this sub-section, a person shall be deemed to have practised in India for any period for which he has held a certificate of practice under section 6, notwithstanding that he did not actually practise during that period.

Explanation II.—In computing the period during which a person has been an Associate of the Institute, there shall be included any continuous period during which the person has been an Associate of the dissolved company immediately before he become an Associate of the Institute.”

6. CERTIFICATE OF PRACTICE

(1) No member of the Institute shall be entitled to practise, whether in India or elsewhere, unless he has obtained from the Council a certificate of practice.

1[(2) A member who desires to be entitled to practise shall make an application in such form and pay such annual fee, for his certificate as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees three thousand, and such fee shall be payable on or before the 1st day of April in each year:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees three thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees six thousand.]

2[(3) The certificate of practice obtained under sub-section (1) may be cancelled by the Council under such circumstances as may be prescribed.]

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 5, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (2), before substitution, stood as under:

“(2) A member who desires to be entitled to practise shall make an application in such form and pay such annual fee, for his certificate as may be prescribed which shall not exceed two hundred rupees in any case, and such fee shall be payable on or before the 1st day of April in each year.”

2. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

7. MEMBERS TO BE KNOWN AS COMPANY SECRETARIES

Every member of the Institute in practice shall, and any other member may, use the designation of a Company Secretary and no member using such designation shall use any other description, whether in addition thereto or in substitution therefore :

Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit any such member from adding any other description or letters to his name, if entitled thereto, to indicate membership of such other institute whether in India or elsewhere as may be recognised in this behalf by the Council or any other qualification that he may possess, or to prohibit a firm, all the partners of which are members of the Institute and in practice, from being known by its firm name as Company Secretaries.

8. DISABILITIES

Notwithstanding anything contained in section 4, a person shall not be entitled to have his name entered in, or borne on, the Register if he –

(a) Has not attained the age of twenty-one years at the time of his application for the entry of his name in the Register; or

(b) Is of unsound mind and stands so adjudged by a competent court; or

(d) Being a discharged insolvent, has not obtained from the court a certificate stating that his insolvency was caused by misfortune without any misconduct on his part; or

(e) Has been convicted by a competent court, whether within or without India, of an offence involving moral turpitude and punishable with imprisonment or of an offence, not of a technical nature, committed by him in his professional capacity unless in respect of the offence committed he has either been granted a pardon or, on an application made by him in this behalf, the Central Government has, by an order in writing, removed the disability; or

(f) Has been removed from membership of the Institute on being found on inquiry to have been guilty of professional or other misconduct :

Provided that a person who has been removed from membership for a specified period shall not be entitled to have his name entered in the Register until the expiry of such period.

9. CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE INSTITUTE

(1) There shall be a Council of the Institute for the management of the affairs of the Institute and for discharging the functions assigned to it by or under this Act.

1[(2) The Council shall be composed of the following persons, namely:—

(a) not more than fifteen persons elected by the members of the Institute, from amongst the Fellows of the Institute chosen in such manner and from such regional constituencies as may be specified:

Provided that a Fellow of the Institute, who has been found guilty of any professional or other misconduct and whose name is removed from the Register or has been awarded penalty of fine, shall not be eligible to contest the election,—

(i) in case of misconduct falling under the First Schedule of this Act, for a period of three years;

(ii) in case of misconduct falling under the Second Schedule of this Act, for a period of six years,

from the completion of the period of removal of name from the Register or payment of fine, as the case may be;

(b) not more than five persons nominated in the specified manner by the Central Government.]

2[(3) No person holding a post under the Central Government or a State Government shall be eligible for election to the Council under clause (a) of sub-section (2).

(4) No person who has been auditor of the Institute shall be eligible for election to the Council under clause (a) of sub-section (2) for a period of three years after he ceases to be an auditor.]

Comments

For the management of the affairs of the Institute of Company Secretaries, there shall be a Council of the Institute. It shall be composed of (i) not more than fifteen persons elected by the members of the institute, from amongst the Fellows of the Institute chosen in specified manner from the specified regional constituencies; (ii) not more than five persons nominated in the specified manner by the Central Government. No person holding a post under the Central Government or a State Government and no person who has been auditor of the Institute shall be eligible for election to the Council.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 6, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 5-9-2006). Sub-section (2), before substitution, stood as under:

“(2) The Council shall be composed of—

(a) not more than twelve persons elected by members of the Institute from amongst the Fellows chosen in such manner and from such regional constituencies as may be notified in this behalf by the Central Government in the Official Gazette; and

(b) not more than four persons nominated by the Central Government.”

2. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 6 (w.e.f. 5-9-2006).

10. Re-election or re-nomination to Council.—

1[10. Re-election or re-nomination to Council.—A member of the Council, elected or nominated under sub-section (2) of section 9, shall be eligible for re-election or, as the case may be, re-nomination:

Provided that no member shall hold the office for more than two consecutive terms:

Provided further that a member of the Council, who is or has been elected as President under sub-section (1) of section 12, shall not be eligible for election or nomination as a member of the Council.]

Comments

A member of the Council, elected or nominated shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination. Provided that no member shall hold office for more than two consecutive terms. A member, who has been elected as President of the Council shall not be eligible for section or nomination.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 7, for sub-section 10 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Section 10, before substitution, stood as under:

“10. Mode of election to the Council.—(1) Elections under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 9 shall be conducted in the prescribed manner.

(2) Where any dispute arises regarding any such election, the matter shall be referred by the Council to a Tribunal appointed by the Central Government in this behalf and the decision of such Tribunal shall be final:

Provided that no such reference shall be made except on an application made to the Council by an aggrieved party within thirty days from the date of the declaration of the result of the election.

(3) The expenses of the Tribunal shall be borne by the Council.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section and in Chapter IX, the Council of the dissolved company shall, on the commencement of this Act, become the Council of the Institute and shall function as such—

(i) for a period of two years from such commencement, or

(ii) till the Council is constituted in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 9,

whichever is earlier.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section the Council shall be deemed to have been constituted in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 9 with effect from such date not being later than thirty days from the date on which the results of the first elections, under clause (a) of the said sub-section (2) are announced as the Central Government may notify in the Official Gazette.”

10A. Settlement of disputes regarding election.—

1[10A. Settlement of disputes regarding election.—In case of any dispute regarding any election under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 9, the aggrieved person may make an application within thirty days from the date of declaration of the result of election to the Secretary of the Institute, who shall forward the same to the Central Government.]

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 8 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

[10B. Establishment of Tribunal.—

1[10B. Establishment of Tribunal.—(1) On receipt of any application under section 10A, the Central Government shall, by notification, establish a Tribunal consisting of a Presiding Officer and two other Members to decide such dispute and the decision of such Tribunal shall be final.

(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment,—

(a) as a Presiding Officer of the Tribunal unless he has been a member of the Indian Legal Service and has held a post in Grade I of the service for at least three years;

(b) as a Member unless he has been a member of the Council for at least one full term and who is not a sitting member of the Council or who has not been a candidate in the election under dispute; or

(c) as a Member unless he holds the post of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central Government carrying a scale of pay which is not less than that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

(3) The terms and conditions of service of the Presiding Officer and Members of the Tribunal, their place of meetings and allowances shall be such as may be specified.

(4) The expenses of the Tribunal shall be borne by the Council.]

Comments

The Central Government is to establish a Tribunal consisting of a Presiding Officer and two of the Members. No person shall be qualified for appointment (i) as a Presiding Officer unless he has been a member of the Indian Legal Service and has held a post in Grade I of the service for at least three years; (ii) as a Member unless he has been a member of the Council for at least one full terms and who is not a sitting member of the Council or who has not been a candidate in the election under dispute; or (iii) as a Member unless he holds the post of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central Government carrying a pay which is not less then that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 8 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

11. NOMINATION IN DEFAULT OF ELECTION

If the members of the Institute fail to elect any member under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 9 from any of the regional constituencies that may be notified under that clause, the Central Government may nominate any duly qualified person from such constituency to fill up the vacancy, and any person so nominated shall be deemed to be a duly elected member of the Council.

12. PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT

(1) The Council at its first meeting shall elect two of its members to be respectively the President and the Vice-President thereof, and so often as the office of the President or the Vice-President falls vacant, the Council shall choose a person to be the President or the Vice-President, as the case may be:

Provided that the President of the Council of the dissolved company shall continue to hold such office after the commencement of this Act, until such time as a President is elected under the provisions of this sub-section.

(2) The President shall be the 1[Head] of the Council.

(3) The President or the Vice-President shall hold office for a period of one year from the date on which he is chosen but so as not to extend beyond his term of office as a member of the Council, and subject to his being a member of the Council at the relevant time, he shall be eligible for re-election 2[under sub-section (1)].

3[(4) On the expiration of the duration of the Council, or of the term of office of the President and the Vice-President thereof, the President and the Vice-President shall continue to hold office until such time as a new President and the Vice-President is elected and takes over charge of their duties.]

(5) In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President elected in accordance with the provisions of this section to fill such vacancy enters upon his office and when the President is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause, the Vice-President shall discharge his functions until the date on which the President resumes his duties.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 9, for “Chief Executive Authority” (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

2. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 9 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

3. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 9, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (4), before substitution, stood as under:

“(4) On the expiration of the duration of the Council, or of the term of office of the President thereof, the President shall continue to hold office until such time as a new President is elected and takes over charge of his duties.”

13. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP AND CASUAL VACANCIES

(1) Any member of the Council may at any time resign his membership by writing under his hand addressed to the President, and the seat of such member shall become vacant when such resignation is notified in the Official Gazette.

(2) A member of the Council shall be deemed to have vacated his seat if he is declared by the Council to have been absent without sufficient excuse from three consecutive meetings of the Council 1[or he has been found guilty of any professional or other misconduct and awarded penalty of fine] or of any of the Committees which has been constituted by the Council and of which he is a member or if his name is, for any cause, removed from the Register under the provisions of section 20.

(3) A casual vacancy in the office of a member of the Council shall be filled by fresh election from the constituency concerned or by nomination by the Central Government, as the case may be, and the person elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office until the dissolution of the Council :

Provided that no election shall be held to fill a casual vacancy occurring within 1one year prior to the date of the expiration of the term of the Council, but such a vacancy may be filled by nomination by the Central Government after consultation with the President of the Council.

(4) No act done by the Council shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Council.

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 10 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

2. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 10, for “six months” (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

14. DURATION AND DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL

(1) The duration of any Council constituted under this Act shall be1 four years from the date of its first meeting.

(2) Notwithstanding the expiration of the duration of a Council (hereafter in this sub-section referred to as the former Council), the former Council shall continue to exercise its functions under this Act until a new Council is constituted in accordance with the provisions of this Act and on such constitution the former Council shall stand dissolved.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 11, for “three years”.

15. FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

1(1) The duty of carrying out the provisions of this Act shall be vested in the Council.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the duties of the Council shall include –

(a) The prescribing of the standards for, and conduct of examinations for enrolment of candidates in the Register and of the fees therefore;

(b) The registration and training of students;

(d) The recognition of foreign qualifications and training for purposes of enrolment;

(e) The granting or refusal of certificates of practice under this Act;

(f) The maintenance and publication of a Register of persons qualified to practice as Company Secretaries;

(g) The levy and collection of fees from members, examinees and other persons;

(h) The removal of names from the Register and restoration to the Register of names which have been removed;

(i) The regulation and maintenance of the status and the standards of professional qualifications of members of the Institute;

(j) The carrying out, by granting financial assistance to persons other than members of the Council or in any other manner, of research in such matters of interest to Company Secretaries as may be prescribed;

(k) The maintenance in the prescribed manner of libraries and the publication in the prescribed manner of books and periodicals relating to management of companies and such allied subjects as may be prescribed;

(l) The granting of such financial or other assistance to students of the Institute as may be prescribed;

(m) The exercise of such disciplinary powers as may be prescribed.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 12, for section 15 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Section 15, before substitution, stood as under:

“15. Functions of the Council.—(1) The duty of carrying out the provisions of this Act shall be vested in the Council.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the duties of the Council shall include—

(a) the prescribing of the standards for, and conduct of examinations for enrolment of candidates in the Register and of the fees therefor;

(b) the registration and training of students;

(d) the recognition of foreign qualifications and training for purposes of enrolment;

(e) the granting or refusal of certificates of practice under this Act;

(f) the maintenance and publication of a Register of persons qualified to practise as Company Secretaries;

(g) the levy and collection of fees from members, examinees and other persons;

(h) the removal of names from the Register and restoration to the Register of names which have been removed;

(i) the regulation and maintenance of the status and the standards of professional qualifications of members of the Institute;

(j) the carrying out, by granting financial assistance to persons other than members of the Council or in any other manner, of research in such matters of interest to Company Secretaries as may be prescribed;

(k) the maintenance in the prescribed manner of libraries and the publication in the prescribed manner of books and periodicals relating to management of companies and such allied subjects as may be prescribed;

(l) the granting of such financial or other assistance to students of the Institute as may be prescribed;

(m) the exercise of such disciplinary powers as may be prescribed.”

15A. Functions of Institute.—

1[15A. Functions of Institute.—The functions of the Institute shall include—

(a) the examination of candidates for enrolment;

(b) the regulation of training of students;

(d) collection of fees from members, examinees and other persons;

(e) subject to the orders of the appropriate authorities under this Act, the removal of names from the Register and the restoration to the Register of names which have been removed;

(f) the maintenance of a library and publication of books and periodicals relating to management of companies and allied subjects;

(g) the conduct of elections to the Council of the Institute; and

(h) the granting or refusal of certificates of practice as per guidelines issued by the Council.]

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 13 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

15B. Imparting education by Universities and other bodies.

1[15B. Imparting education by Universities and other bodies.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, any Universities established by law or any body affiliated to the Institute, may impart education on the subjects covered by the academic courses of the Institute.

(2) The Universities or bodies referred to in sub-section (1) shall, while awarding degree, diploma or certificate or bestowing any designation, ensure that the award or designation do not resemble or is not identical to one awarded by the Institute.

(3) Nothing contained in this section shall enable a University or a body to adopt a name or nomenclature which is in any way similar to that of the Institute.]

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1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 13 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

16. STAFF, REMUNERATION AND ALLOWANCES

1(1) For the efficient performance of its duties and functions, the Council shall appoint a Secretary who shall be a member of the Institute and may –

(a) Appoint such other persons on the staff of the Institute as it deems necessary;

(b) Prescribe the terms and conditions of service and the scales of pay of the Secretary and other employees of the Institute, including persons who have become employees of the Institute under section 33;

(2) The Secretary of the Institute shall be entitled to participate in the meetings of the Council and the Committees thereof but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.

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1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 14, for section 16 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Section 16, before substitution, stood as under:

“16. Staff, remuneration and allowances.—(1) For the efficient performance of its duties and functions, the Council shall appoint a Secretary who shall be a member of the Institute and may—

(a) appoint such other persons on the staff of the Institute as it deems necessary;

(b) prescribe the terms and conditions of service and the scales of pay of the Secretary and other employees of the Institute, including persons who have become employees of the Institute under section 33;

(2) The Secretary of the Institute shall be entitled to participate in the meetings of the Council and the Committees thereof but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.”

17. COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL

(1) The Council shall constitute from amongst its members of the following Standing Committees, namely:—

(a) an Executive Committee;

1[(b) a Finance Committee; and]

(2) The Council may also constitute a Training and Educational Facilities Committee, Professional Research and Publications Committee and such other Committees from amongst its members as it deems necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

2[(3) Each of the Standing Committees shall consist of the President and the Vice-President ex officio, and minimum of three and maximum of five members to be elected by the Council from amongst its members.]

3[***]

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, any Committee formed under sub-section (2) may, with the sanction of the Council, co-opt such other members of the Institute not exceeding 4[one-thirds of the total membership of the Committee] as the Committee thinks fit, and any member so co-opted shall be entitled to exercise all the rights of a member of the Committee.

(7) Every Committee constituted under this section shall elect its own Chairman:

Provided that—

(i) where the President is a member of such Committee, he shall be the Chairman of such Committee, and in his absence, the Vice-President, if he is a member of such Committee, shall be its Chairman; and

(ii) where the President is not a member of such Committee, but the Vice-President is a member, he shall be its Chairman.

(8) The Standing Committees and other Committees formed under this section shall exercise such functions and be subject to such conditions in the exercise thereof as may be prescribed.

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 15, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Clause (b), before substitution, stood as under:

“(b) a Disciplinary Committee; and”

2. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 15, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Sub-section (3), before substitution, stood as under:

“(3) The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, and the Vice-President, ex officio, and three other members of the Council elected by the Council.”

3. Sub-sections (4) and (5) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 15 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Sub-sections (4) and (5), before omission, stood as under:

“(4) The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of the President, ex-officio, one member to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the members nominated to the Council by that Government and one member to be elected by the Council.

(5) The Examination Committee shall consist of the President or the Vice-President, ex-officio, as the Council may decide, and two other members of the Council elected by the Council.”

4. Sub. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 15, for “two thirds of the total membership of the Committee” (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

18. FINANCES OF THE COUNCIL

(1) There shall be established a fund under the management and control of the Council into which shall be paid all moneys (including donations and grants) received by the Council and out of which shall be met all expenses including any donations made and liabilities properly incurred by the Council.

(2) The Council may invest any money for the time being standing to the credit of the fund in any Government security or in any other security approved by the Central Government.

1(3) The Council shall keep proper accounts of the funds distinguishing capital from revenue.

(4) The annual accounts of the Council shall be subject to audit by a Chartered Accountant in practice within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, (38 of 1949), to be appointed annually by the Council :

(5) The annual accounts of the Council shall be prepared in such manner as may be prescribed and be subject to audit by a Chartered Accountant in practice to be appointed annually by the Council:

Provided that no member of the Council or a person who has been a member of the Council during the last four years or a person who is in partnership with such member shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor under this sub-section:

Provided further that, in the event it is brought to the notice of the Council that the accounts of the Council do not represent a true and fair view of its finances, them the Council may itself cause a special audit to be conducted:

Provided also that if such information, that the accounts of the Council do not represent a true and fair view of its finances, is sent to the Council by the Central Government then, the Council may, wherever appropriate cause a special credit or take such other action as it considers necessary and shall furnish an action taken report on it to the Central Government.]

2[(5A) As soon as may be practicable at end of each year, the Council shall circulate the audited accounts to its members at least fifteen days in advance and consider and approve these accounts in a special meeting convened for the purpose.

(5B) The Council shall cause to be published in the Gazette of India not later than the 30th day of September of the year next following, a copy of the audited accounts and the Report of the Council for that year duly approved by the Council and copies of the said accountants and Report shall be forwarded to the Central Government and to all members of the Institute.]

(6) Subject to such directions as the Central Government may, by order in writing, make in this behalf, the Council may borrow –

(a) Any money required for meeting its liabilities on capital account on the security of the fund or on the security of any other assets for the time being belonging to it; or

(b) For the purpose of meeting current liabilities pending the receipt of income by way of temporary loan or over-draft.

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 16, for sub-sections (3), (4) and (5) (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Sub-sections (3), (4) and (5), before substitution, stood as under:

“(3) The Council shall keep proper accounts of the funds distinguishing capital from revenue.

(4) The annual accounts of the Council shall be subject to audit by a Chartered Accountant in practice within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949), to be appointed annually by the Council:

Provided that no member of the Council who is a Chartered Accountant or a person who is in partnership with such member shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor under this sub-section.

(5) As soon as may be practicable at the end of each year, but not later than the 30th day of September of the year next following, the Council shall cause to be published in the Gazette of India a copy of the audited accounts and the report of the Council for that year and copies of the said accounts and report shall be forwarded to the Central Government and to all the members of the Institute.”

2. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 16 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

19. REGISTER

(1) The Council shall maintain in the prescribed manner a Register of the members of the Institute.

(2) The Register shall include the following particulars about every member of the Institute, namely :-

(a) His full name, date of birth, domicile, residential and professional addresses;

(b) The date on which his name is entered in the Register;

(d) Whether he holds a certificate of practice; and

(e) Any other particulars which may be prescribed.

(3) The Council shall cause to be published in such manner as may be prescribed a list of members of the Institute as on the 1st day of April of each year, and shall, if requested to do so by any such member, send him a copy of such list 1[on payment of such amount as may be prescribed].

2[(4) Every member of the Institute shall, on his name being entered in the Register, pay such annual membership fee as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees five thousand:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees five thousand which shall not in any case exceed rupees ten thousand.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 17 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

2. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 17, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (4), before substitution, stood as under:

“(4) Every member of the Institute shall, on his name being entered in the Register, pay such annual membership fee differing in amount according as he is an Associate or a Fellow as may be prescribed, which shall not exceed three hundred rupees in any case.”

20. REMOVAL FROM THE REGISTER

(1) The Council may remove from the Register the name of any member of the Institute-

(a) Who is dead; or

(b) From whom a request has been received to that effect; or

(d) Who is found to have been subject at the time when his name was entered in the Register, or who at any time thereafter has become subject to any of the disabilities mentioned in section 8, or who for any other reason has ceased to be entitled to have his name borne on the Register.

(2) The Council shall remove from the Register the name of any member in respect of whom an order has been passed under this Act removing him from membership of the Institute.

1[(3) If the name of any member has been removed from the Register under clause (c) of sub-section (1), on receipt of an application, his name may be entered again in the Register on payment of the arrears of annual fee and entrance fee along with such additional fee, as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees two thousand:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees two thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees four thousand.]

Comments

The Council has been empowered to remove the name of any member from the Register of the members of the Institute (i) who is dead; or (ii) from whom a request has been received to that effect; or (iii) who has not paid any prescribed fee required to be paid by him; or (iv) who is found to have been subject at the time where his name was entered in the Register, or who at any time thereafter has become subject to any disabilities mention in section 8, who for any other reason has ceased to be entitled to have his name borne on the Register. If the name of any member has been removed from the Register, on receipt of an application, his name may be entered again in the Register on payment of the arrears of annual fee and entrance fee along with such additional fee as may be determined by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees two thousand.

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 18 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

21. Disciplinary Directorate.

1[21. Disciplinary Directorate.—(1) The Council shall, by notification, establish a Disciplinary Directorate headed by an officer of the Institute designated as Director (Discipline) and such other employees for making investigations in respect of any information or complaint received by it.

(2) On receipt of any information or complaint alongwith the prescribed fee, the Director (Discipline) shall arrive at a prima facie opinion on the occurrence of the alleged misconduct.

(3) Where the Director (Discipline) is of the opinion that a member is guilty of any professional or other misconduct mentioned in the First Schedule, he shall place the matter before the Board of Discipline and where the Director (Discipline) is of the opinion that a member is guilty of any professional or other misconduct mentioned in the Second Schedule or in both the Schedules, he shall place the matter before the Disciplinary Committee.

(4) In order to make investigations under the provisions of this Act, the Disciplinary Directorate shall follow such procedure as may be specified.

(5) Where a complainant withdraws the complaint, the Director (Discipline) shall place such withdrawal before the Board of Discipline or as the case may be, the Disciplinary Committee, and the said Board or Committee, if its is of the view that the circumstances so warrant, permit the withdrawal at any stage.]

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 19, for section 21 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Section 21, before substitution, stood as under:

“21. Procedure in inquiries relating to misconduct of members of the Institute.—

(1) Where on receipt of information by, or a complaint made to it, the Council is prima facie of opinion that any member of the Institute has been guilty of any professional or other misconduct, the Council shall refer the case to the Disciplinary Committee constituted under section 17, and the Disciplinary Committee shall thereupon hold such inquiry and in such manner as may be prescribed and shall report the result of its inquiry to the Council.

(2) If on receipt of such report the Council finds that the member of the Institute is not guilty of any professional or other misconduct, it shall record its finding accordingly and direct that the proceedings shall be filed, or the complaint shall be dismissed as the case may be.

(3) If on receipt of such report the Council finds that the member of the Institute is guilty of any professional or other misconduct, it shall record its finding accordingly, and shall proceed in the manner laid down in the succeeding sub-sections.

(4) Where the finding is that a member of the Institute has been guilty of a professional misconduct specified in the First Schedule, the Council shall afford to the member an opportunity of being heard before orders are passed against him on the case, and may thereafter make any of the following orders, namely:—

(a) reprimand the member;

(b) remove the name of the member from the Register for such period, not exceeding five years, as the Council thinks fit:

Provided that where the Council is of opinion that the case is one in which the name of the member ought to be removed from the Register for a period exceeding five years or permanently, it shall not make any order referred to in clause (a) or clause (b), but shall forward the case to the High Court with its recommendations thereon.

(5) Where the misconduct in respect of which the Council has found any member of the Institute guilty is a misconduct specified in the Second Schedule, it shall forward the case to the High Court with its recommendations thereon.

(6) On receipt of any case under sub-section (4) or sub-section (5), the High Court shall fix a date for the hearing of the case and shall cause notice of the date so fixed to be given to the member of the Institute concerned, the Council and to the Central Government, and shall afford such member, the Council and the Central Government an opportunity of being heard and may thereafter make any of the following orders, namely:—

(a) direct that the proceedings be filed, or dismiss the complaint, as the case may be;

(b) reprimand the member;

(d) refer the case to the Council for further inquiry and report.

(7) Where it appears to the High Court that the transfer of any case pending before it to another High Court will promote the ends of justice or tend to the general convenience of the parties, it may so transfer the case, subject to such conditions, if any, as it thinks fit to impose, and the High Court to which such case is transferred shall deal with it as if the case has been forwarded to it by the Council.

Explanation I.—In this section, “High Court” means the highest civil court of appeal, not including the Supreme Court, exercising jurisdiction in the area in which the person whose conduct is being inquired into is in service or carries on his profession or has his principal place of profession at the commencement of the inquiry:

Provided that where the cases relating to two or more members of the Institute have to be forwarded by the Council to different High Courts, the Central Government shall, having regard to the ends of justice and the general convenience of the parties, determine which of the High Courts to the exclusion of others shall hear the cases against all the members.

Explanation II.—For the purposes of this section, “member of the Institute” includes a person who was a member of the Institute on the date of the alleged misconduct although he has ceased to be a member of the Institute at the time of the inquiry.

(8) For the purposes of any inquiry under this section, the Council and the Disciplinary Committee referred to in sub-section (1), shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;

(b) the discovery and production of any document; and

1A. Board of Discipline.

1[21A. Board of Discipline.—(1) The Council shall constitute a Board of Discipline consisting of—

(a) a person with experience in law and having knowledge of the disciplinary matters and the profession, to be its presiding officer;

(b) two members one of whom shall be a member of the Council elected by the Council and the other member shall be the person designated under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section (16);

(2) The Board of Discipline shall follow summary disposal procedure in dealing with all the cases before it.

(3) Where the Board of Discipline is of the opinion that a member is guilty of a professional or other misconduct mentioned in the First Schedule, it shall afford to the member an opportunity of being heard before making any order against him and may thereafter take any one or more of the following actions, namely:—

(a) reprimand the member;

(b) remove the name of the member from the Register up to a period of three months;

(4) The Director (Discipline) shall submit before the Board of Discipline all information and complaints where he is of the opinion that there is no prima facie case and the Board of Discipline may, if it agrees with the opinion of the Director (Discipline), close the matter or in case of disagreement, may advise the Director (Discipline) to further investigate the matter.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 20 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

21B. Disciplinary Committee.

1[[21B. Disciplinary Committee.—(1) The Council shall constitute a Disciplinary Committee consisting of the President or the Vice-President of the Council as the Presiding Officer and two members to be elected from amongst the members of the Council and two members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy:

Provided that the Council may constitute more Disciplinary Committees as and when it considers necessary.

(2) The Disciplinary Committee, while considering the cases placed before it, shall follow such procedure as may be specified.

(3) Where the Disciplinary Committee is of the opinion that a member is guilty of a professional or other misconduct mentioned in the Second Schedule or both the First Schedule and the Second Schedule, it shall afford to the member an opportunity of being heard before making any order against him and may thereafter take any one or more of the following actions, namely:—

(a) reprimand the member;

(b) remove the name of the member from the Register permanently or for such period, as it thinks fit;

(4) The allowances payable to the members nominated by the Central Government shall be such as may be specified.]

————

[1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 20 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

21C. Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and Director (Discipline) to have powers of civil court.

1[21C. Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and Director (Discipline) to have powers of civil court.—For the purposes of an inquiry under the provisions of this Act, the Authority, the Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and the Director (Discipline) shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;

(b) the discovery and production of any document; and

Explanation.—For the purposes of sections 21, 21A, 21B, 21C and 22, “member of the Institute” includes a person who was a member of the Institute on the date of the alleged misconduct although he has ceased to be a member of the Institute at the time of the inquiry.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 20 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

21D. Transitional provisions.—

1[21D. Transitional provisions.—All complaints pending before the Council or any inquiry initiated by the Disciplinary Committee or any reference or appeal made to a High Court prior to the commencement of the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2005 shall continue to be governed by the provisions of this Act, as if this Act had not been amended by the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2005.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 20 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

22. PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT DEFINED

For the purposes of this Act, the expression, “professional misconduct” shall be deemed to include any act or omission specified in any of the Schedules, but nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or abridge in any way the power conferred or duty cast on the Council under sub-section (1) of section 21 to inquire into the conduct of any member of the Institute under any other circumstances.

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 21, for section 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Section 22, before substitution, stood as under:

‘22. Professional misconduct defined.—For the purposes of this Act, the expression “professional misconduct” shall be deemed to include any act or omission specified in any of the Schedules, but nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or abridge in any way the power conferred or duty cast on the Council under sub-section (1) of section 21 to inquire into the conduct of any member of the Institute under any other circumstances.’

22A. Constitution of Appellate Authority.—

1[22A. Constitution of Appellate Authority.—(1) The Appellate Authority constituted under sub-section (1) of section 22A of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949), shall be deemed to be the Appellate Authority for the purposes of this Act subject to the modification that for clause (b) of said sub-section (1), the following clause had been substituted, namely:—

“(b) the Central Government shall, by notification appoint two part-time members from amongst the persons who have been members of the Council of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India for at least one full term and who is not a sitting member of the Council.”]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

22B. Term of office of members of Authority.—

1[22B. Term of office of members of Authority.—A person appointed as a member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

[22C. Procedure, etc., of Authority.—

1[22C. Procedure, etc., of Authority.—The provisions of section 22C, section 22D and section 22F of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (38 of 1949), shall apply to the Authority in relation to allowances and terms and conditions of service of its Chairperson and members, and in the discharge of its functions under this Act as they apply to it in the discharge of its functions under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

22D. Officers and other staff of Authority.—

1[22D. Officers and other staff of Authority.—(1) The Council shall make available to the Authority such officers and other staff members as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Authority.

(2) The salaries and allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other staff members of the Authority shall be such as may be prescribed.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

22E. Appeal to Authority.

1[22E. Appeal to Authority.—(1) Any member of the Institute aggrieved by any order of the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee imposing on him any of the penalties referred to in sub-section (3) of section 21A and sub-section (3) of section 21B, may within ninety days from the date on which the order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the Authority:

Provided that the Director (Discipline) may also appeal against the decision of the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee to the Authority if so authorised by the Council, within ninety days:

Provided further that the Authority may entertain any such appeal after the expiry of the said period of ninety days, if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing the appeal in time.

(2) The Authority may, after calling for the records of any case, revise any order made by the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee under sub-section (3) of section 21A and sub-section (3) of section 21B and may—

(a) confirm, modify or set aside the order;

(b) impose any penalty or set aside, reduce, or enhance the penalty imposed by the order;

(c) remit the case to the Board of Discipline or Disciplinary Committee for such further enquiry as the Authority considers proper in the circumstances of the case; or

(d) pass such other order as the Authority thinks fit:

Provided that the Authority shall give an opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned before passing any order.]

Comments

Any member of the Institute aggrieved by the order of the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee imposing on him the penalties may within ninety days from the date on which the order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the Authority.

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 22 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

23. CONSTITUTION AND FUNCTIONS OF REGIONAL COUNCILS

For the purpose of advising and assisting it on matters concerning its functions, the Council may constitute such Regional Councils as and when it deems fit for one or more of the regional constituencies that may be notified by the Central Government under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 9.

(2) The Regional Councils shall be constituted in such manner and exercise such functions as may be prescribed.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, each Regional Council of the dissolved company shall, on the commencement of this Act, become the Regional Council of the Institute for the area for which it was functioning as a Regional Council immediately before such commencement and shall function as such –

(i) For a period of two years from such commencement, or

(ii) Till a Regional Council is constituted for such area in accordance with the provisions of this section, whichever is earlier.

24. PENALTY FOR FALSELY CLAIMING TO BE A MEMBER, ETC.

Subject to the provisions of section 7, any person who, –

(a) Not being a member of the Institute, –

(i) Represents that he is a member of the Institute; or

(ii) Uses the designation “Company Secretary”; or

(iii) Uses the letters “A.C.S.” or “F.C.S.” after his name; or

(b) Being a member of the Institute, but not having a certificate of practice, represents that he is in practice or practices as a Company Secretary,

Shall be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

25. PENALTY FOR USING NAME OF THE COUNCIL, OR AWARDING DEGREE OF COMPANY SECRETARY

(1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, no person shall –

(a) Use a name or a common seal which is identical with the name or the common seal of the Institute or so nearly resembles it as to deceive or as is likely to deceive the public;

(b) Award any degree, diploma or certificate or bestow any designation which indicates or purports to indicate the position or attainment of any qualification or competence in Company Secretary ship similar to that of a member of the Institute; or

(2) Any person contravening the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other proceedings which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

(3) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to any University or other institution established by law or to any body affiliated to the Institute.

1[***]

—————

1. Sub-section (3) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 23 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (3), before omission, stood as under:

“(3) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to any University or other institution established by law or to any body affiliated to the Institute.”

26. COMPANIES NOT TO ENGAGE IN COMPANY SECRETARY SHIP

(1) No company, whether incorporated in India or elsewhere, shall practice as Company Secretaries.

(2) Any company contravening the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

Comments

No company, whether incorporated in India or elsewhere, can practice as Company Secretaries. Contravention shall be punishable on first conviction with fine upto one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with fine upto five thousand rupees.

27. UNQUALIFIED PERSONS NOT TO SIGN DOCUMENTS

(1) No person other than a member of the Institute shall sign any document on behalf of a Company Secretary in practice or a firm of such Company Secretaries in his or its professional capacity.

1(2) Any person contravening the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice, to any other proceedings which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 24, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (2), before substitution, stood as under:

“(2) Any person contravening the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other proceedings which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.”

28. OFFENCES BY COMPANIES

(1) If the person committing an offence under this Act is a company, the company as well as every person in charge of, and responsible to, the company for the conduct of its business at the time of the commission of the offence shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly :

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or that the commission of the offence is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

Explanation : For the purposes of this section, –

(a) “Company” means any body corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals; and

(b) “Director”, in relation to a firm, means a partner in the firm.

29. SANCTION TO PROSECUTE

No person shall be prosecuted under this Act except on a complaint made by or under the order of the Council or of the Central Government.

29A. Establishment of Quality Review Board.

1[29A. Establishment of Quality Review Board.—The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a Quality Review Board consisting of a Chairperson and four other members.

(2) The Chairperson and members of the Board shall be appointed from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy.

(3) Two members of the Board shall be nominated by the Council and other two members shall be nominated by the Central Government.]

Comments

The Central Government has been empowered to constitute a Quality Review Board consisting of a Chairman and four other members. The Chairman and members of the Board shall be appointed from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy. Two members of the Board shall be nominated by the Council and other two members shall be nominated by the Central Government.

—————

1. Section 29A ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 25 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

29B. Functions of Board.

1[29B. Functions of Board.—The Board shall perform the following functions, namely:—

(a) to make recommendations to the Council with regard to the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute;

(b) to review the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute including secretarial services; and

(c) to guide the members of the Institute to improve the quality of services and adherence to the various statutory and other regulatory requirements.]

Comments

The Quality Review Board has (i) to make recommendations to the Council with regard to the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute; (ii) to review the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute including secretarial services; and (iii) to guide the members of the Institute to improve the quality of services and adherence to the various statutory and other regulatory requirements.

—————

1. Section 29B ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 25 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

29C. Procedure of Board.

1[29C. Procedure of Board.—The Board shall meet at such time and place and follow in its meetings such procedure as may be specified.]

—————

1. Section 29C ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 25 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

[29D. Terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and members of Board and its expenditure.

1[29D. Terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and members of Board and its expenditure.—(1) The terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and the members of the Board, and their allowances shall be such as may be specified.

(2) The expenditure of the Board shall be borne by the Council.]

—————

1. Section 29D ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 25 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

30. APPEAL

1[30. Appeal.—[Rep. by the Company Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 2006 (8 of 2006), sec. 26 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).]]

—————

1. Section 30, before repeal, stood as under:

‘30. Appeal.—(1) Any member of the Institute aggrieved by any order of the Council imposing on him any of the penalties referred to in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 21, may, within thirty days of the date on which the order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the High Court:

Provided that the High Court may entertain any such appeal after the expiry of the said period of thirty days, if it is satisfied that the member was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal in time.

(2) The High Court may, on its own motion or otherwise, after calling for the records of any case, revise any order made by the Council under sub-section (2) or sub-section (4) of section 21 and may—

(a) confirm, modify or set aside the order;

(b) impose any penalty or set aside, reduce, confirm or enhance the penalty imposed by the order;

(c) remit the case to the Council for such further enquiry as the High Court considers proper in the circumstances of the case;

(d) pass such other order as the High Court thinks fit:

Provided that no order of the Council shall be modified or set aside unless the Council has been given an opportunity of being heard and no order imposing or enhancing a penalty shall be passed unless the person concerned has been given an opportunity of being heard.

Explanation.—In this section, “High Court” and “member of the Institute” have the same meanings as in section 21.’

31. DISSOLUTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF COMPANY SECRETARIES OF INDIA REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT

On the commencement of this Act –

(a) The company known as the Institute of Company Secretaries of India registered under the Companies Act shall stand dissolved and thereafter no person shall make, assert or take any claims or demands or proceedings against the dissolved company or against any officer thereof in his capacity as such officer except in so far as may be necessary, for enforcing the provisions of this Act;

(b) The right of every member to, or in respect of, the dissolved company shall be extinguished, and thereafter no member of that company shall make, assert or take any claims or demands or proceedings in respect of that company except as provided in this Act.

32. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE DISSOLVED COMPANY TO THE INSTITUTE

(1) On the commencement of this Act, there shall be transferred to and vested in the Institute all the assets and liabilities of the dissolved company.

(2) The assets of the dissolved company shall be deemed to include all rights and powers, and all property, whether movable or immovable, of that company, including in particular, cash balances, reserve funds, investments, deposits and all other interests and rights in or arising out of such property as may be in the possession of the dissolved company and all books of accounts, papers or documents of the dissolved company; and the liabilities shall be deemed to include all debts, liabilities and obligations of whatever kind then existing of that company.

(3) All contracts, debts, bonds, agreements and other instruments of whatever nature to which the dissolved company is a party, subsisting or having effect immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall be of as full force and effect against or in favour of the Institute, as the case may be, and may be enforced as fully and effectively as if instead of the dissolved company, the Institute had been a party thereto.

(4) If, on the commencement of this Act, any suit, appeal or other legal proceeding of whatever nature by or against the dissolved company is pending, the same shall not abate, be discontinued or be in any way prejudicially affected by reason of the transfer to the Institute of the assets and liabilities of the dissolved company or of anything contained in this Act, but the suit, appeal or other proceeding may be continued, prosecuted and enforced by or against the Institute, in the same manner and to the same extent as it would or may be continued, prosecuted and enforced by or against the dissolved company if this Act had not been passed.

33. PROVISIONS RESPECTING EMPLOYEES OF THE DISSOLVED COMPANY

(1) Every person employed in the dissolved company and continuing in its employment immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, as from such commencement, become an employee of the Institute, shall hold his office or service therein by the same tenure and upon the same terms and conditions and with the same rights and privileges as to pension and gratuity as he would have held the same under the dissolved company if this Act had not been passed, and shall continue to do so unless and until his employment in the Institute is terminated or until his remuneration, terms and conditions of employment are duly altered by the Institute.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, (14 of 1947), or in any other law for the time being in force, the transfer of the services of any employee of the dissolved company to the Institute shall not entitle any such employee to any compensation under that Act or other law, and no such claim shall be entertained by any court, tribunal or other authority.

34. ALTERATION IN THE REGISTER AND CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE

(1) Where an order is made under this Act reprimanding a member, record of the punishment shall be entered against his name in the Register.

(2) Where the name of any member is removed, the certificate of practice granted to him under this Act shall be recalled and cancelled.

35. DIRECTIONS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

(1) The Central Government may, from time to time, issue such directions to the Council as in the opinion of the Central Government are conducive to the fulfillment of the objects of this Act and in the discharge of its functions, the Council shall be bound to carry out any such directions.

(2) Directions issued under sub-section (1) may include directions to the Council to make any regulations or to amend or revoke any regulations already made.

(3) If, in the opinion of the Central Government, the Council has persistently committed default in giving effect to the directions issued under this section, the Central Government may, after giving an opportunity to the Council to state its case, by order, dissolve the Council, where after a new Council shall be constituted in accordance with the provisions of this Act with effect from such date as may be specified by the Central Government.

(4) Where the Central Government passes an order under sub-section (3) dissolving the Council, it may, pending the constitution of a new Council in accordance with the provisions of this Act, authorise any person or body of persons to take over the management of the affairs of the Institute and to exercise such functions as may be specified in this behalf by the Central Government.

36. PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or the Council in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any regulations or orders made there under.

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 27, for section 36 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006). Section 36, before substitution, stood as under:

“36. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or the Council in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any regulations or orders made thereunder.”

36A. Members, etc. to be public servants.—

1[36A. Members, etc. to be public servants.—The Chairperson, Presiding Officer, members and other officers and employees of the Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Tribunal, Board, Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Directorate shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 28 (w.e.f. 17-11-2006).

37. MAINTENANCE OF BRANCH OFFICES

(1) Where a Company Secretary in practice or a firm of such Company Secretaries has more than one office in India, each one of such offices shall be in the separate charge of a member of the Institute :

Provided that the Council may in suitable cases exempt any Company Secretary in practice or firm of such Company Secretaries from the operation of this sub-section.

(2) Every Company Secretary in practice or firm of such Company Secretaries maintaining more than one office shall send to the Council a list of offices and the persons in charge thereof and shall keep the Council informed of any changes in relation thereto.

38. RECIPROCITY

(1) Where any country, notified by the Central Government in this behalf in the Official Gazette, prevents persons of Indian domicile from becoming members of any institution similar to the Institute established under this Act or from practicing the profession of Company Secretary ship or subjects them to unfair discrimination in that country, no subject of any such country shall be entitled to become a member of the Institute or practice the profession of Company Secretaries in India.

(2) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), the Council may prescribe the conditions, if any, subject to which foreign qualifications relating to Company Secretary ship shall be recognised for the purposes of entry in the Register.

39. POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS

(1) The Council may, by notification in the Gazette of India, make regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:—

(a) the professions that may be recognised under sub-section (2) of section 2 and 1[items (2)] and (4) of Part I of the First Schedule;

(b) the examinations and training for the purposes of clauses (c), (d) and (e) of sub-section (1) of section 4;

(c) the manner of making an application and granting thereof under sub-section (3) of section 4 or sub-section (3) of section 5;

(d) the fees payable under sub-section (3) of section 4, sub-section (3) of section 5, sub-section (2) of section 6, 2[***] sub-section (3) of section 15, sub-section (4) of section 19 and clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 20;

(e) the qualifications and practical experience for the purposes of sub-section (3) of section 5;

(f) the form in which an application may be made under sub-section (2) of section 6;

3[***]

(h) the transaction of business by the Council for the discharge of its functions under section 15 and other provisions of this Act, the place at which and the intervals at which the Council shall hold its meetings for the transaction of such business, the procedure to be followed at such meetings and all other matters connected therewith;

(i) the regulation and maintenance of the status and standards of professional qualifications of members of the Institute, as required by 4[clause (g)] of sub-section (2) of section 15;

(j) the carrying out of research in matters of interest to Company Secretaries as required by 5[clause (h)] of sub-section (2) of section 15;

(k) the maintenance of libraries and publication of books and periodicals relating to management of companies and allied subjects, as required by 6[clause (f) of section 15A];

7[***]

(m) the transaction of business by the Standing Committees and other Committees referred to in section 17, the places at which and the intervals at which such Committees shall hold their meetings for the transaction of such business, the procedure to be followed at such meetings and all other matters connected therewith;

(n) the manner in which the Register may be maintained under sub-section (1) of section 19;

(o) the other particulars to be included in the Register, as required by clause (e) of sub-section (2) of section 19;

(p) the manner in which the annual list of members of the Institute may be published under sub-section (3) of section 19;

8[***]

(r) the manner in which Regional Council may be constituted under sub-section (2) of section 23 and the functions thereof;

(s) the conditions subject to which foreign qualifications may be recognised under sub-section (2) of section 38;

(t) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, prescribed under this Act.

(3) All regulations made by the Council under this Act shall be subject to the conditions of previous publication and to the approval of the Central Government.

9[***]

—————

1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30, for “items (1), (3)” (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

2. The words “clause (a) of” Omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

3. Clause (g) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Clause (g), before omission, stood as under:

“(g) the manner in which an election to the Council may be conducted under section 10”.

4. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30, for “clause (i)” (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

5. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30, for “clause (j)” (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

6. Subs. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30, for “clause (k) of sub-section (2) of section 15” (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

7. Clause (l) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Clause (l), before omission, stood as under:

“(l) the exercise of disciplinary powers, as required by clause (m) of sub-section (2) of section 15”.

8. Clause (q) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Clause (q), before omission, stood as under:

“(q) the inquiries to be held under sub-section (1) of section 21”.

9. Sub-section (4) omitted by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 30 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006). Sub-section (4), before omission, stood as under:

“(4) Every regulation shall, as soon as may be after it is made by the Council, be forwarded to the Central Government and that Government shall cause a copy of the same to be laid before each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days, which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that regulation.”.

40. Rules, regulations and notifications to be laid before Parliament.

1[40. Rules, regulations and notifications to be laid before Parliament.—Every rule and every regulation made and every notification issued under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made or issued, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule, regulation or notification, or both Houses agree that the rule, regulation or notification should not be made, or issued, the rule, regulation or notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule, regulation or notification.]

—————

1. Ins. by Act 8 of 2006, sec. 31 (w.e.f. 8-8-2006).

SCHEDULE I

41. THE FIRST SCHEDULE

1[THE FIRST SCHEDULE

[See Sections 21(3), 21-A(3) and 22]

Part I

Professional misconduct in relation to Company Secretaries in practice

A Company Secretary in practice shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he-

(1) allows any person to practice in his name as a Company Secretary unless such person is also a Company Secretary in practice and is in partnership with or employed by him;

(2) pays or allows or agrees to pay or allow, directly or indirectly, any share, commission or brokerage in the fees or profits of his professional business, to any person other than a member of the Institute or a partner or a retired partner or the legal representative of a deceased partner, or a member of any other professional body or with such other person having such qualifications as may be prescribed, for the purpose of rendering such professional services from time to time in or outside India.

Explanation.-In this item, “partner” includes a person residing outside India with whom a Company Secretary in practice has entered into partnership which is not in contravention of Item (4) of this Part;

(3) accepts or agrees to accept any part of the profits of the professional work of a person who is not a member of the Institute:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting a member from entering into profit sharing or other similar arrangements, including receiving any share commission or brokerage in the fees, with a member of such professional body or other person having qualifications, as is referred to in Item (2) of this part;

(4) enters into partnership, in or outside India, with any person other than a Company Secretary in practice or such other person who is a member of any other professional body having such qualifications as may be prescribed, including a resident who but for his residence abroad would be entitled to be registered as a member under clause (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 4 or whose qualifications are recognised by the Central Government or the Council for the purpose of permitting such partnerships;

(5) secures, either through the services of a person who is not an employee of such Company Secretary or who is not his partner or by means which are not open to a Company Secretary, any professional business:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting any arrangement permitted in terms of Items (2), (3) and (4) of this Part;

(6) solicits clients or professional work, either directly or indirectly, by circular, advertisement, personal communication or interview or by any other means:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing or prohibiting-

(i) any Company Secretary from applying or requesting for or inviting or securing professional work from another Company Secretary in practice; or

(ii) a member from responding to tenders or enquiries issued by various users of professional services or organisations from time to time and securing professional work as a consequence;

(7) advertises his professional attainments or services, or uses any designation or expressions other than Company Secretary on professional documents, visiting cards, letterheads or sign boards, unless it be a degree of a University established by law in India or recognised by the Central Government or a title indicating membership of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India or of any other institution that has been recognised by the Central Government or may be recognised by the Council:

Provided that a member in practice may advertise through a write up setting out the services provided by him or his firm and particulars of his firm subject to such guidelines as may be issued by the Council;

(8) accepts a position as a Company Secretary in practice previously held by another Company Secretary in practice without first communicating with him in writing;

(9) charges or offers to charge, accepts or offers to accept, in respect of any professional employment, fees which are based on a percentage of profits or which are contingent upon the findings, or results of such employment, except as permitted under any regulation made under this Act;

(10) engages in any business or occupation other than the profession of Company Secretary unless permitted by the Council so to engage:

Provided that nothing contained herein shall disentitle a Company Secretary from being a director of a company except as provided in the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956);

(11) allows a person not being a member of the Institute in practice, or a member not being his partner to sign on his behalf or on behalf of his firm, anything which he is required to certify as a Company Secretary, or any other statements relating thereto.

Part II

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute in service A member of the Institute (other than a member in practice) shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he, being an employee of any company, firm or person-

(1) pays or allows or agrees to pay, directly or indirectly, to any person any share in the emoluments of the employment undertaken by him;

(2) accepts or agrees to accept any part of fees, profits or gains from a lawyer, a Company Secretary or broker engaged by such company, firm or person or agent or customer of such company, firm or person by way of commission or gratification.

Part III

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he-

(1) not being a Fellow of the Institute, acts as a Fellow of the Institute;

(2) does not supply the information called for, or does not comply with the requirements asked for, by the Institute, Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline, Disciplinary Committee, Quality Review Board or the Appellate Authority;

(3) while inviting professional work from another Company Secretary or while responding to tenders or enquiries or while advertising through a write up, or anything as provided for in items (6) and (7) of Part I of this Schedule, gives information knowing it to be false.

Part IV

Other misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of other misconduct, if-

(1) he is held guilty by any civil or criminal court for an offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months;

(2) in the opinion of the Council, he brings disrepute to the profession or the Institute as result of his action whether or not related to his professional work.]

1. First Schedule Subs. by Act No. 8 of 2006 w.e.f. 17-3-2006.

Schedule II

42. THE SECOND SCHEDULE

1[THE SECOND SCHEDULE

[See Sections 21(3), 21-B(3) and 22]

Part I

Professional misconduct in relation to Company Secretaries in practice

A Company Secretary in practice shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he-

(1) discloses information acquired in the course of his professional engagement to any person other than his client so engaging him, without the consent of his client, or otherwise than as required by any law for the time being in force;

(2) certifies or submits in his name, or in the name of his firm, a report of an examination of the matters relating to company secretarial practice and related statements unless the examination of such statements has been made by him or by a partner or an employee in his firm or by another Company Secretary in practice;

(3) permits his name or the name of his firm to be used in connection with any report or statement contingent upon future transactions in a manner which may lead to the belief that he vouches for the accuracy of the forecast;

(4) expresses his opinion on any report or statement given to any business or enterprise in which he, his firm, or a partner in his firm has a substantial interest;

(5) fails to disclose a material fact known to him in his report or statement but the disclosure of which is necessary in making such report or statement, where he is concerned with such report or statement in a professional capacity;

(6) fails to report a material misstatement known to him and with which he is concerned in a professional capacity;

(7) does not exercise due diligence, or is grossly negligent in the conduct of his professional duties;

(8) fails to obtain sufficient information which is necessary for expression of an opinion or its exceptions are sufficiently material to negate the expression of an opinion;

(9) fails to invite attention to any material departure from the generally accepted procedure relating to the secretarial practice;

(10) fails to keep moneys of his client other than fees or remuneration or money meant to be expended in a separate banking account or to use such moneys for purposes for which they are intended within a reasonable time.

Part II

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he-

(1) contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations made thereunder or any guidelines issued by the Council;

(2) being an employee of any company, firm or person, discloses confidential information acquired in the course of his employment, except as and when required by any law for the time being in force or except as permitted by the employer;

(3) includes in any information, statement, return or form to be submitted to the Institute, Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline, Disciplinary Committee, Quality Review Board or the Appellate Authority any particulars knowing them to be false;

(4) defalcates or embezzles moneys received in his professional capacity.

Part III

Other misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of other misconduct, if he is held guilty by any civil or criminal court for an offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding six months.]

1. Second Schedule Subs. by Act No. 8 of 2006 w.e.f. 17-3-2006.

Legal Disputes

Business Registrations

Legal Drafting services

Intellectual Property

TAXES

Licenses

The Company Secretaries Act, 1980 for L&PL

The Company Secretaries Act, 1980 for L&PL

PREAMBLE

1. SHORT TITLE, EXTENT AND COMMENCEMENT

2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

3. INCORPORATION OF THE INSTITUTE

4. ENTRY OF NAMES IN THE REGISTER

5. ASSOCIATES AND FELLOWS

6. CERTIFICATE OF PRACTICE

7. MEMBERS TO BE KNOWN AS COMPANY SECRETARIES

8. DISABILITIES

9. CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE INSTITUTE

10. Re-election or re-nomination to Council.—

10A. Settlement of disputes regarding election.—

[10B. Establishment of Tribunal.—

11. NOMINATION IN DEFAULT OF ELECTION

12. PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT

13. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP AND CASUAL VACANCIES

14. DURATION AND DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL

15. FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

15A. Functions of Institute.—

15B. Imparting education by Universities and other bodies.

16. STAFF, REMUNERATION AND ALLOWANCES

17. COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL

18. FINANCES OF THE COUNCIL

19. REGISTER

20. REMOVAL FROM THE REGISTER

21. Disciplinary Directorate.

1A. Board of Discipline.

21B. Disciplinary Committee.

21C. Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and Director (Discipline) to have powers of civil court.

21D. Transitional provisions.—

22. PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT DEFINED

22A. Constitution of Appellate Authority.—

22B. Term of office of members of Authority.—

[22C. Procedure, etc., of Authority.—

22D. Officers and other staff of Authority.—

22E. Appeal to Authority.

23. CONSTITUTION AND FUNCTIONS OF REGIONAL COUNCILS

24. PENALTY FOR FALSELY CLAIMING TO BE A MEMBER, ETC.

25. PENALTY FOR USING NAME OF THE COUNCIL, OR AWARDING DEGREE OF COMPANY SECRETARY

26. COMPANIES NOT TO ENGAGE IN COMPANY SECRETARY SHIP

27. UNQUALIFIED PERSONS NOT TO SIGN DOCUMENTS

28. OFFENCES BY COMPANIES

29. SANCTION TO PROSECUTE

29A. Establishment of Quality Review Board.

29B. Functions of Board.

29C. Procedure of Board.

[29D. Terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and members of Board and its expenditure.

30. APPEAL

31. DISSOLUTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF COMPANY SECRETARIES OF INDIA REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT

32. TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE DISSOLVED COMPANY TO THE INSTITUTE

33. PROVISIONS RESPECTING EMPLOYEES OF THE DISSOLVED COMPANY

34. ALTERATION IN THE REGISTER AND CANCELLATION OF CERTIFICATE

35. DIRECTIONS OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

36. PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH

36A. Members, etc. to be public servants.—

37. MAINTENANCE OF BRANCH OFFICES

38. RECIPROCITY

39. POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS

40. Rules, regulations and notifications to be laid before Parliament.

SCHEDULE I

41. THE FIRST SCHEDULE

Schedule II

42. THE SECOND SCHEDULE