valid as on 01/11/2024

Section 140. Removal, resignation of auditor and giving of special notice
Effective from 01-04-2014, font in blue from 01-06-2016

(1) The auditor appointed under section 139 may be removed from his office before the expiry of his term only by a special resolution of the , after obtaining the previous approval of the   in that behalf in the

Provided that before taking any action under this sub-section, the auditor concerned shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

 in case of a Specified IFSC public company, where, within a period of sixty days from the date of submission of the application to the Central Government under this sub-section, no decision is communicated by the Central Government to the company, it would be deemed that the Central Government has approved the application and the company shall appoint new auditor at a general meeting convened within three months from the date of expiry of sixty days period.

 in case of a Specified IFSC private company, where, within a period of sixty days from the date of submission of the application to the Central Government under this sub-section, no decision is communicated by the Central Government to the company, it would be deemed that the Central Government has approved the application and the company shall appoint new auditor at a general meeting convened within three months from the date of expiry of sixty days period.

(2) The auditor who has resigned from the company shall file within a period of thirty days from the date of resignation, a statement in the with the company and the , and in case of companies referred to in sub-section (5) of section 139, the auditor shall also file such statement with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, indicating the reasons and other facts as may be relevant with regard to his resignation.

If the auditor does not comply with the provisions of sub-section (2), he or it shall be liable to a penalty of fifty thousand rupees or an amount equal to the remuneration of the auditor, whichever is less, and in case of continuing failure, with further penalty of five hundred rupees for each day after the first during which such failure continues, subject to a maximum of five lakh rupees.

(3) If the auditor does not comply with sub-section (2), he or it shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees  but which may extend to five lakh rupees.

(4)(i) Special notice shall be required for a resolution at an annual general meeting appointing as auditor a person other than a retiring auditor, or providing expressly that a retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed, except where the retiring auditor has completed a consecutive tenure of five years or, as the case may be, ten years, as provided under sub-section (2) of section 139.

(ii) On receipt of notice of such a resolution, the company shall forthwith send a copy thereof to the retiring auditor.

(iii) Where notice is given of such a resolution and the retiring auditor makes with respect thereto representation in writing to the company (not exceeding a reasonable length) and requests its notification to  of the company, the company shall, unless the representation is received by it too late for it to do so,—

(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the fact of the representation having been made; and

(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom notice of the meeting is sent, whether before or after the receipt of the representation by the company, and if a copy of the representation is not sent as aforesaid because it was received too late or because of the company’s default, the auditor may (without prejudice to his right to be heard orally) require that the representation shall be read out at the meeting:

Provided that if a copy of representation is not sent as aforesaid, a copy thereof shall be filed with the Registrar:

Provided further that if the  is satisfied on an  either of the company or of any other aggrieved person that the rights conferred by this sub-section are being abused by the auditor, then, the copy of the representation may not be sent and the representation need not be read out at the meeting.

(5) Without prejudice to any action under the provisions of this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the Tribunal either suo motu or on an  made to it by the Central Government or by any person concerned, if it is satisfied that the auditor of a company has, whether directly or indirectly, acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its   or  , it may, by order, direct the company to change its auditors: 

Provided that if the application is made by the Central Government and the Tribunal is satisfied that any change of the auditor is required, it shall within fifteen days of receipt of such application, make an order that he shall not function as an auditor and the Central Government may appoint another auditor in his place:

Provided further that an auditor, whether individual or firm, against whom final order has been passed by the Tribunal under this section shall not be eligible to be appointed as an auditor of any company for a period of five years from the date of passing of the order and the auditor shall also be liable for action under section 447.

Explanation I.—It is hereby clarified that the case of a firm, the liability shall be of the firm and that of every partner or partners who acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or colluded in any fraud by, or in relation to, the company or its director or officers.

Explanation II.—For the purposes of this Chapter the word “auditor” includes a firm of auditors.

2(20) Company means a company incorporated under this Act or under any previous company law
1.  Supersession of Notification S.O 1352 (E) vide  notification S.O. 4090(E)

2. Delegation of power to Regional Directors at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Shillong vide notification S.O. 4090(E). To view the notification,Click Here

Refer 7 and Form No. ADT-2 of the Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules,2014.

To view the rule,Click Here

Inserted vide Exemption Notification to specified IFSC Public Companies, GSR 08 (E) dated 04.01.2017. To view the notification Click Here
Inserted vide Exemption Notification to specified IFSC Private Companies, GSR 09 (E) dated 04.01.2017. To view the notification Click Here
Refer 8 and Form No. ADT-3 of the Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules,2014. To view the rule,Click Here
2(75) Registrar means a Registrar, an Additional Registrar, a Joint Registrar, a Deputy Registrar or an Assistant Registrar, having the duty of registering companies and discharging various functions under this Act
Substituted vide the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019 dated 31.07.2019 w.e.f., 02.11.2018. To view the Amendment Act, Click Here
Substituted vide Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 28.09.2020 with effect from 21.12.2020. To view the Act, Click Here. To view the commencement notification, Click Here.
Substituted vide Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 dated 03.01.2018 effective from 09.02.2018. To view the notification,Click Here
2(55) Member in relation to a company, means—

(i) the subscriber to the memorandum of the company who shall be deemed to have agreed to become member of the company, and on its registration, shall be entered as member in its register of members;

(ii) every other person who agrees in writing to become a member of the company and whose name is entered in the register of members of the company;

(iii) every person holding shares of the company and whose name is entered as a beneficial owner in the records of a depository

2(90) Tribunal” means the National Company Law Tribunal constituted under section 408
Refer Rule 78 National Company law Tribunal Rules 2016.To view the rule,Click Here
Refer Rule 88 National Company law Tribunal Rules 2016.To view the rule,Click Here
2(34) Director means a director appointed to the Board of a company
2(59) Officer includes any director, manager or key managerial personnel or any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the Board of Directors or any one or more of the directors is or are accustomed to act
vide notification S.O 1934(E). To view the notification,Click Here

10.1.7-Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules,2014

7.Removal of the auditor before expiry of his term. —

(1) The application to the Central Government for removal of auditor shall be made in  and shall be accompanied with fees as provided for this purpose under the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.

(2) The application shall be made to the Central Government within thirty days of the resolution passed by the Board.

(3) The company shall hold the general meeting within sixty days of receipt of approval of the Central Government for passing the special resolution.

Substituted vide, the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Amendment Rules, 2018 dated 16.02.2018. To view the notification,Click Here. To view the return,Click Here

10.1.8-Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules,2014

8. Resignation of auditor. —

For the purposes of sub-section (2) of section 140, when an auditor has resigned from the company, he shall file a statement in 

 

To view the return Click Here

27.3.78 National Company Law Tribunal Rules, 2016

78. Application under Section 140.

(1) An application may be filed by the director on behalf of the company or the aggrieved auditor to the Tribunal in  and shall be accompanied by such documents as are mentioned in .

(2) Where the Tribunal is satisfied on an application of the company or the aggrieved person that the rights conferred by the provisions of section 140 are being abused by the auditor, then, the copy of the representation need not be sent and the representation need not be read out at the meeting.

(3) If the application is made by the Central Government and the Tribunal is satisfied that any change of the auditor is required, it shall within fifteen days of receipt of such application make an order that the auditor shall not function as an auditor and the Central Government may appoint another auditor in his place.

 

To view the return,Click Here
To view the annexure,Click Here

27.3.88 National Company Law Tribunal Rules, 2016

88. Reference to the Tribunal.-

Any reference to the Tribunal by the Registrar of Companies under section 441 of the Act, or any reference to the Tribunal by the Central Government under proviso to sub-section (5) of section 140, 221, sub-section (2) of section 224, sub-section (5) of section 224, sub-section (2) of section 241 of the Act, or reference under sub-section (2) of section 75 or any complaint by any person under sub-section (1) of section 222, or any reference by a company under clause (c) of sub-section (4) of section 22A of the Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956 shall be made by way of a petition or application in  in Annexure A and shall be accompanied by documents mentioned in .

Annexure B

S.No.Section of the ActNature of PetitionEnclosures to the Petition
1.Sec. 2 (41)Application for change in financial year1.Copy of the memorandum and articles of association.
2. Copy of balance sheet of companies.
3. Affidavit verifying the petition.
4. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
5. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
2.Sec. 7 (7)Application to Tribunal where company has been incorporated by furnishing false or incorrect info or by any fraudulent action.1. Copy of the memorandum and articles of association.
2. Document in proof of false or incorrect information or fraudulent action.
3. Affidavit verifying the petition.
4. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
5. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
3.Sec. 14 (1)Conversion of public company into a private company.1.Copy of the memorandum and articles of association.
2. Copy of the documents showing that the company ceased to become a public
company.
3. Affidavit verifying the petition.
4. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
5. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
4.Sec. 55 (3)Application for issue further redeemable preference shares.1. Copy of the memorandum and articles of association.
2. Documents showing the terms of issue of the existing preference shares.
3. Copy of the Board Resolution and resolution of general meeting for issue of further redeemable preference shares.
4. Copy of the latest audited balance sheet with the profit and loss account of the company with auditor’s report and director’s report.
5. Affidavit verifying the petition.
6. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
7. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
5.Sec. 58 (3) or 59Appeal against refusal of registration of shares; or
Appeal for rectification of register of member.
Where the company is the petitioner.
1. Copy of the memorandum and articles of association
2. Latest audited balance-sheet and profit and loss account, auditor’s report and director’s report.
3. Authenticated copy of the extract of the Register of Members.
4. Copy of the resolution of the Board or Committee of Directors (where applicable)
5. Any other relevant documents.
6. Affidavit verifying the petition.
7. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
8. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
9. Two extra copies of the petition. Where the petition is made by any other person.
1. Documentary evidence in support of the statements made in the petition including the copy of the letter written by the petitioner to the company for purpose of registering the transfer of, or the transmission of the right to, any share, or interest in, or debentures as also a copy of the letter of refusal of the company.
2. Copies of the documents returned by the company.
3. Any other relevant document.
4. Affidavit verifying the petition.
5. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
6. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board’s Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
7. Two extra copies of the petition.
6.Sec. 61 (1)Application to Tribunal for consolidation and division of share capital.1. Copies of memorandum and articles of association;
2. Copies of audited balance sheets for past 3 years;
3. Resolution for allowing such consolidation or division and providing justification for the same;
4. Documents in proof of new capital structure and class of shares being consolidated or divided;
5. Affidavit verifying the petition.
6. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
7. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board’s Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
8. Two extra copies of the application
9. Any other relevant documents.
7.Sec. 73 (4)Application by deposition (substituted vide NCLT Amendment Rules,2016) depositor for
repayment of deposit or
interest.
1. Copy of the deposit receipt
2. Copy of the correspondence exchanged with the company.
3. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
4. Any other relevant document.
8.Sec. 74 (2)Application to allow further time as considered reasonable to the company to repay deposits.1. Names and addresses of the officers of the company.
2. Full details of small (omitted vide NCLT Amendment Rules,2016) depositors such as names, addresses, amount of deposits, rate of interest, dates of maturity and other terms and conditions of deposits.
3. Reasons for nonpayment or late payment.
4. Annual Reports for the last three years.
5. Projection and cash flow statement for the next three financial years duly certified by Statutory Auditors of the company.
6. Any other relevant document
9.Sec. 97 (1)Application for calling of
Annual General meeting.
1. Affidavit verifying the petition.
2. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
3. Any other relevant document.
10.Sec. 98 (1)Application for calling of
general meeting of company other than annual general meeting
1. Documentary evidence in proof of status of the applicant.
2. Affidavit verifying the petition.
3. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
4. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board’s Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
5. Any other relevant document
11.Sec. 119 (4)Petition to pass an order
directing immediate inspection of minutes books or directing a
copy thereof be sent forthwith to person requiring it.
1. Documentary evidence, if any, showing the refusal of the company to give inspection to the petitioner.
2. Affidavit verifying the petition.
3. Bank draftevidencing payment of application fee.
4. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board’s Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
5. Any other relevant document.
12.Sec. 131 (1)Application by company for
voluntary revision of financial
statement on Board's report.
1. Audited Financial statements of relevant period;
2. Copies of memorandum and articles of association.
3. The details of the Managing Director,
Chief Financial Officer, directors, Company Secretary and officer of the company responsible for making and maintaining such
books of accounts and financial statement.
3. Where such accounts are audited, documents in proof of the name and contact details of the auditor or any former auditor who audited such accounts.
4. Copy of the Board resolution passed by
the Board of Directors.
5. Affidavit verifying the petition.
6. Bank draft evidencing payment of application fee.
7. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board’s Resolution or the executed Vakalatnama, as the case may be.
8. Any other relevant document.
12. A
(Inserted vide NCLT Amendment Rules,2020 dated 03.02.2020)
Sec 230 (12)Application in cases of
takeover offer of companies which are not listed.
1. Affidavit verifying the petition
2. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board's Resolution or the executed vakalatnama, as the case may be.
3. Documents in support of the grievance against the takeover.
4. Any other relevant
document.
13. (Inserted vide NCLT Amendment Rules,2016)-Wherever no document is prescribed to be attached with the application or petition, documents as mentioned in next column may be attached, as applicable.1. Document and/or other evidence in support of the statement made in the application or
appeal or petition, as are reasonably open to the petitioner(s);
2. Documentary evidence in proof of the eligibility and status of the petitioner(s) with the voting power held by each of them, wherever applicable;
3. Where the petition is presented on behalf of members, the letter of consent given by them, if applicable;
4. Statement of particulars, showing names, address, number of shares held, and whether all calls and other monies due on shares have been paid in respect of members who have given consent to the petition being presented on their behalf;
5. Where the petition is presented by a member or members authorised by the Central Government, the order of the Central Government authorising the officer(s) or member or members to present the petition shall be similarly annexed to the petition;
6. Affidavit verifying the petition;
7. Evidence regarding payment of fee;
8. Memorandum of appearance with copy of the Board Resolution or the vakalatnama, as the case may be;
9. Three copies of the petition; and
10. Any other documents in support of the case.

To view the return,Click Here
To view the annexure scroll down.
Amended vide National Company Law Tribunal (Amendment) Rules, 2016 notification dated 20.12.2016, 2016. To view the notification,Click Here

Commencement Notification dated 09.02.2018


Commencement Notification under Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 21.12.2020


Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020 dated 28.09.2020


Delegations of Powers to Regional Directors S.O. 4090(E) dated 19/12/2016


Enforcement Notification S.O. 1934(E) dated 01/06/2016


Enforcement Notification S.O. 902(E) dated 26/03/2014


Exemption to Specified IFSC Private company [GSR 09(E)] dated 04/01/2017


Exemption to Specified IFSC Public company [GSR 08(E)] dated 04/01/2017


National Company Law Tribunal (Amendment) Rules, 2020 dated 03.02.2020


Powers delegated to Regional Director [S.O 1352 (E)] dated 21/05/2014


The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Effective from 03.01.2018)


The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019 dated 31.07.2019


The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 dated 02.11.2018 [repealed vide the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019]


The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 dated 12.01.2019 w.e.f., 02.11.2018


The companies (Audit and Auditors) Amendment Rules, 2018 dated 16.02.2018


Form NCLT 1-Original Application / Reply / Rejoinder / Interlocutory Application or filing of additional documents under directions of the Bench

Inserted vide the National Company Law Tribunal (Amendment) Rules,2020 notification dated 03.02.2020. To view the notification,Click Here

Form NCLT 9- General Application to the tribunal


Form No. ADT-2 (w.e.f., 16.02.2018)


FORM NO. ADT-2 Application for removal of auditor(s) from his/their office before expiry of term


FORM NO. ADT-3 Notice of Resignation by the Auditor


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