Chapter 7: Company Meetings - 1
Select the correct answer from the options given below and rewrite the statement.
The intimation to members stating the day, date, time and place of meeting 13 known as ______.
OPTIONS
Quorum
Agenda
Notice
SOLUTION
The intimation to members stating the day, date, time and place of meeting 13 known as notice.
The notice of the general meeting must be sent to all members ______ clear days before the meeting.
OPTIONS
24
21
14
SOLUTION
The notice of the general meeting must be sent to all members 21 clear days before the meeting.
The person who presides over the meeting is known as ______.
OPTIONS
Secretary
Chairman
Director
SOLUTION
The person who presides over the meeting is known as Chairman.
A proxy can vote only in the case of voting by ______.
OPTIONS
division
show of hand
poll
SOLUTION
A proxy can vote only in the case of voting by poll.
The appointment of an auditor requires ______.
OPTIONS
Resolution requiring special notice
an ordinary resolution
a special resolution
SOLUTION
The appointment of an auditor requires an ordinary resolution.
A ______ is the proposal put before the meeting for discussion and decision.
OPTIONS
Motion
Resolution
Minutes
SOLUTION
A motion is the proposal put before the meeting for discussion and decision.
The right of casting vote is given to the ______.
OPTIONS
Director
Chairman
Secretary
SOLUTION
The right of casting vote is given to the chairman.
Minutes must be recorded within ______ days of the conclusion of the meeting.
OPTIONS
60
21
15
SOLUTION
Minutes must be recorded within 15 days of the conclusion of the meeting.
______ resolutions are not passed in general meeting.
OPTIONS
Ordinary
Special resolution
Resolution by circulation
SOLUTION
Resolution by circulation resolutions are not passed in general meeting.
For passing special resolution ______ Majority is required.
OPTIONS
51%
66%
75%
SOLUTION
For passing special resolution 75% Majority is required.
For alterations in the Articles of Associations ______ is required.
OPTIONS
a special resolution
an ordinary resolution
a resolution requiring a special notice
SOLUTION
For alterations in the Articles of Associations a special resolution is required.
Provisions about resolutions are contained in ______ of a company.
OPTIONS
Articles of Association
Memorandum of Association
Prospectus
SOLUTION
Provisions about resolutions are contained in Articles of Association of a company.
When a poll is demanded it must be taken within ______ Hours.
OPTIONS
48
36
12
SOLUTION
When a poll is demanded it must be taken within 48 Hours.
Match the pairs:
SOLUTION
Write a word or a term or a phrase which can substitute the following statement.
The person who signs the minutes of the meeting.
SOLUTION
Chairman
A method of voting where members can vote in proportion to the number of shares held.
SOLUTION
Voting by poll
A resolution passed by simple majority.
SOLUTION
Ordinary Resolution
A resolution passed by 3/4 majority
SOLUTION
Special Resolution
A company officer who is required to draft the minutes of the meeting.
SOLUTION
Company Secretary
A person who conducts the proceedings of the meeting.
SOLUTION
Chairman
State whether the following statement is True or False.
Minutes are prepared before the meeting.
OPTIONS
True
False
Maximum number of members required to attend the meeting is called as Quorum.
OPTIONS
True
False
Meetings are held only to review the progress of the company.
OPTIONS
True
False
Chairman has right to conduct the meeting.
OPTIONS
True
False
Find the odd one
OPTIONS
Next Business Motion
Previous Question Motion
Special Resolution
OPTIONS
Ordinary Resolution
Resolution requiring special notice
Substantive motion
Complete the sentence.
The authority who can convene the general meeting of shareholders is ______.
SOLUTION
The authority who can convene the general meeting of shareholders is Board of director.
The advance intimation about the day, date, time, etc. of a meeting sent to the members is called as _________ .
SOLUTION
The advance intimation about the day, date, time, etc. of a meeting sent to the members is called as Notice.
The minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting is called as _____.
SOLUTION
The minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting is called as Quorum.
A person who attends a general meeting and votes on behalf of a member is called as ______.
SOLUTION
A person who attends a general meeting and votes on behalf of a member is called as Proxy.
A proposal put before a meeting for consideration and adoption is called as _____.
SOLUTION
A proposal put before a meeting for consideration and adoption is called as Motion.
A formal and final decision taken in a meeting is called as ______.
SOLUTION
A formal and final decision taken in a meeting is called as Resolution.
The written records of proceedings of a meeting is called as ______.
SOLUTION
The written records of proceedings of a meeting is called as Minutes.
Select the correct option from the bracket:
OPTIONS
Presides over the meeting
Proxy
An amended Motion
3/4 or 75% majority
OPTIONS
Presides over the meeting
Proxy
An amended Motion
3/4 or 75% majority
OPTIONS
Presides over the meeting
Proxy
An amended Motion
3/4 or 75% majority
OPTIONS
Presides over the meeting
Proxy
An amended Motion
3/4 or 75% majority
Answer in one sentence.
What is minutes?
SOLUTION
Minutes is the statutory record at the business transacted. Decisions taken and resolutions passed in a meeting.
What in Notice?
SOLUTION
A notice is advance intimation to the persons entitled to receive it. About the venue, day, date and time of a meeting and the business to be transacted in it with a request to attend the meeting.
What is Ordinary Resolution?
SOLUTION
A resolution which is passed by a simple majority i.e. more than 50% majority is called 'Ordinary Resolution'.
What is Agenda?
SOLUTION
An agenda is a list of items of business serially arranged, on which discussion is invited in a meeting so as to arrive at certain decisions.
Who is Chairman?
SOLUTION
The person appointed to preside over a meeting is called the Chairman of the meeting.
What is Point of Order?
SOLUTION
A point of order is a question raised by a member regarding some point considered to be irregular in the conduct of the meeting.
Correct the underlined word and rewrite the following sentence.
Minutes are prepared before the meeting.
SOLUTION
Minutes are prepared after the meeting.
Resolution is a proposal before a meeting for discussion.
SOLUTION
Motion is a proposal before a meeting for discussion.
Polling papers are used for voting by show of hands.
SOLUTION
Polling papers are used for Voting by poll.
A Motion is a final decision taken in the meeting.
SOLUTION
A resolution is a final decision taken in the meeting.
Agenda is prepared after the meeting.
SOLUTION
Agenda is prepared before the meeting.
Arrange in proper order:
Drafting Minutes
Sending notice
Confirming quorum
SOLUTION
Sending notice
Confirming quorum
Drafting Minutes
Motion
Resolution
Voting
SOLUTION
Motion
Voting
Resolution
Explain the following term/concept
Ordinary Resolution
SOLUTION
An ordinary resolution is the one which is carried in a meeting by a simple numerical majority, i.e. more than 50% of votes. This means the number of votes in favour of the resolution must exceed the number of votes against it. Normally such resolution need not be filed with the Registrar of Companies. The notice of the meeting need not require to give explanation of the particulars of an ordinary resolution, e.g. approval of Statutory report, Directors report, Auditors report, Profit and Loss account and Balance Sheet. Declaration of dividend, alteration of share capital, election of directors, appointment of secretary and auditor and fix their remuneration, etc.
Agenda
SOLUTION
An agenda is a list of items of business, serially arranged, on which discussion is invited in a meeting so as to arrive at certain decisions. It may be a part of the notice of the meeting or may be sent with the notice. It is drafted by the Secretary in consultation with the Chairman.
As the agenda is sent well in advance to the members, it enables them to study and form opinions on the various matters to be discussed in the meeting. Accordingly they come prepared for participating in the discussion.
Quorum
SOLUTION
A quorum refers to the minimum number of persons legally required to be present at a meeting. The quorum is required from the beginning till end of the meeting. Secretary has to ensure the quorum before the commencement of the meeting. A meeting without a quorum is invalid and the business it transacts is null and void.
As per the new provisions made under Section 103 (1) of the Companies Act 2013, the quorum for the meeting of the Public Limited Company is stated in the following table:
Requisite Quorum for Private Company is minimum 2 members. In the case of a Board Meeting, one-third of the strength of Directors or 2 whichever is more will form the quorum.
Proxy
SOLUTION
A proxy is a person appointed by a shareholder or a member of a public limited company to attend and vote on his behalf at the meeting. Every member of the company who is entitled to attend and vote at the meeting can appoint a proxy. A proxy is appointed by a member who finds it difficult to attend the meeting but wishes to vote at the meeting. A vote given by a proxy is a valid vote. But a proxy can vote only when a poll is taken.
It is not necessary that a proxy must be a member of the company. He can be an outsider also. He is not allowed to take part in a discussion at the meeting. Under Section 145 of the Companies Act 2013, a proxy cannot speak, discuss any matter or issue in the meeting. He is appointed only for the purpose of voting on behalf of the member.
Amendment
SOLUTION
Amendment implies alteration or modification proposed by a member to the original motion when motion is under
discussion. When the motion is not properly worded or incorrectly worded, it leads to amendment.
An amendment may be made to the main motion. It can be affected in the main motion by
adding or inserting certain words in it
omitting or deleting some words from it
changing or replacing some words by some other words
changing the position of words in the original motion.
Motion
SOLUTION
A motion is a proposal or proposition or concrete suggestion placed before a meeting for discussion and decision. In order to make a discussion healthy, to the point and fruitful, it is customary to move a proposition. This proposition is called a motion.
A motion must be in writing and signed by the proposer. The wording of the motion should be clear, definite and affirmative. It must be within the scope of agenda. Every member can express his views on the motion only once. It can be withdrawn by proposer by following a procedure. A motion is a proposed resolution. A motion becomes a resolution, when adopted by the meeting.
Special Resolution
SOLUTION
(Section 114 (2)) the resolution which is passed by a substantial numerical majority is known as special resolution‘ Special resolution is one which is carried in a meeting by a minimum of 75% majority. The number of votes in favour of motion should be 3 times % of the total votes cast. It is passed for transacting special business of the company. A 21 days prior notice to the members about the special resolution is necessary. The notice of the meeting specifically mentions that it is a special one. A copy of the special resolution must be filed with the Registrar of Companies through e-filing on Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal within 30 days of the date of its passing resolution.
Examples of Special resolution:
(1) Alteration in the Memorandum of Association, like changes in the objects of the company or change in the name of the company (Section 13) or the location/address of the Registered Office of the company (Section 12)
(2) Alterations in the Articles of Association of the company (Section 14) (3) Reduction in the authorised share capital of the company.
Notice
SOLUTION
A notice is a formal and advance invitation in writing given to all the members entitled to attend the meeting. The notice contains information such as
the type and nature of the meeting.
The venue, Day, date. Time of the meeting and also the agenda of the meeting
a statement declaring that a member is entitled to appoint a proxy
special resolution if any is to be passed In the meeting
statutory note of special business.
The notice may be enclosed with the necessary documents. The notice is to be signed by the convening authority he (the Chairman) or a person duly authorised to sign (i.e. the Secretary). A notice of 21 days is necessary to be given to the members for a General Meeting including statutory meeting and for a Board Meeting 7 days notice is required.
Minutes
SOLUTION
Minutes are the systematic written record of the proceedings of a meeting. They represent the summary of the Business transacted, discussions held, resolutions passed and decisions taken in a meeting. The main aim of the minutes is to give a true, impartial and correct analysis of the meeting conducted.
Minutes are always written in the past tense. It is prepared by the Secretary and approved by the members after some discussions and finally confirmed by the Chairman. Keeping the minutes of each and every meeting is one of the statutory responsibilities of a Secretary. Minutes verified and signed by the Chairman act as a prima facie evidence of the proceedings of the meeting. They can be produced as evidence in the court of law.
Point of order
SOLUTION
A point of order is a question raised by a member regarding some point considered to be irregular in the conduct of the meeting. Point of order is raised to draw attention of the Chairman to some irregularity in the procedure or conduct of the meeting. Every member attending the meeting has a right to raise a point of order at any time during the meeting.
The usual occasion for raising a point of order are :
Absence of quorum
Breach of certain rules governing the conduct of the meeting
Misbehavior of a member
Use Of improper language and bad remarks of some speakers.
When a point of order is raised, the person addressing the meeting has to stop his speech for some time and the Chairman has to give his ruling or decision which is final and binding on the members.
Study the following case/situation and express your opinion
XYZ Ltd co. sent notice of its Annual General meeting to its members. In the meeting a resolution is to be passed on altering the Articles of Association.
Should agenda also be sent with Notice?
What type of resolution is needed to alter the Articles?
Should the resolution for altering articles be filed with registrar of companies?
SOLUTION
Agenda should also be sent with notice to the members.
Special resolution is needed to alter the Articles of the company (Section 14).
The Copy of resolution for alteration of Articles of Association must be filed with the Registrar of Companies through e-tiling within E 30 days of passing resolution.
A General meeting of public limited company is to be held. State the provision of quorum for:
Meeting of the company which has less than 1000 members
Meeting of the company which has more than 5000 members
Meeting of the company which has 2500 members.
SOLUTION
A quorum of 5 members is required for a meeting of the company which has less than 1000 members.
A quorum of 30 members is required for a meeting of the company which has more than 5000 members.
A quorum of 15 members is required for a meeting of the company which has 2500 members.
Mr. P is elected as Chairman of General Meeting. Please advise him on the following matters:
What should be done if the votes cast in favour and against the motion are equal?
How many votes can a member cast under poll method?
What should Mr. P do if any point of order is raised by a member?
SOLUTION
If votes cast in favour and against the motion are equal, Mr. P, a Chairman of General Meeting should cast one additional vote either in favour of the motion or against the motion.
Under poll method of voting a member can vote in proportion to the number of shares held by him, e.g. if 10 shares are held by a member. he can cast 10 votes.
If any point of order is raised by a member. Mr. P has to decide whether the point of order is correct or not. If he accepts it, the irregularity. is to be rectified and if he does not agree to the point of order, the business of the meeting is to be continued as before. Before giving the ruling Mr. P can consult an expert or an experienced person in the meeting. Mr. P’s ruling is final and binding on the members.
Distinguish between the following:
Agenda and Minutes
SOLUTION
Motion and Resolution
SOLUTION
Voting by show of hands and Voting by poll.
SOLUTION
Answer in brief.
State the importance of company meetings.
SOLUTION
Opportunities for members to come together: Meetings provide a common platform and an opportunity to the members who are scattered all over different areas to come together. Discuss the matters and working of the company and arrive at decisions.
Minutes of the previous meeting: During the meeting the Secretary has to read the notice. The agenda of the meeting and minutes of the last meeting held. After reading the minutes, he has to get them confirmed and signed by the Chairman. This enables the members to get clear ideas about the matters discussed in the previous meeting.
Fixation and implementation of policies: Plans and programmes 2 Management determines the policies, plans and programmes in the Board Meetings. It also decides ways and means of implementation of policies, plans and programmes in the meetings of the Board and conveys them to members for their approval in the General Meetings of the company.
Analysis of problems: Meetings are essential to discuss the nature of problems faced by the organisation and to find solutions.
Legal requirements: Meetings are necessary to comply with statutory (legal) requirements as per the provisions made in the Companies Act. Legal formalities in relation to convening and conducting various meetings of the company are completed by organising and conducting the meetings.
Business : Meetings are essential to declare dividend, to appoint auditors, to elect directors, to study and give approval to annual report, auditors’ report, statements of accounts and to review the progress made by the company.
State the legal provisions regarding Proxy.
SOLUTION
Appointment: Every member of the company who is entitled to attend and vote at the meeting can appoint a proxy. It is to be noted that the Central Government may prescribe certain companies whose members are not entitled to appoint another person as proxy. Directors cannot appoint proxy for a Board Meeting. A minor cannot be appointed as proxy.
Right: .A proxy is not allowed to speak at the meeting. He has no right to move a motion or to second a motion. He cannot demand a poll. He cannot vote except on a poll.
Membership: A proxy need not be a member of the company. A proxy can be outsider also.
Proxy Form: The duly completed proxy form must be deposited (submitted) in the registered office of the company at least 48 hours before the meeting is held. A separate proxy form is required for each meeting.
Inspection: A proxy has no right to inspect the proxy forms or the minutes of the meetings. A member can inspect the proxy form by giving not less than 3 days notice to the company.
When can point of order be raised?
SOLUTION
A point of order is a question raised by a member regarding some point considered to be irregular in the conduct of the meeting. Point of order is raised to draw attention of the Chairman to some irregularity in the procedure or conduct of the meeting. Every member attending the meeting has a right to raise a point of order at any time during the meeting.
The usual occasion for raising a point of order are:
absence of quorum
Breach of certain rules governing the conduct of the meeting
Misbehavior of a member
use of improper language and bad remarks of some speakers.
When a point of order is raised, the person addressing the meeting has to stop his speech for some time and the Chairman has to give his ruling or decision which is final and binding on the members.
Explain any four methods of Voting?
SOLUTION
Voting by Voice : under this method. The Chairman requests the members in favour of a motion to say 'Yes' and the members against the motion to say ‘No’. The volume of voice indicates the sense of the meeting. The main defect of this method is that it is not possible to trace the votes expressed by the members. Moreover, the voice of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ may not always give the correct idea about the majority of votes in the meeting. This method of voting is not secret.
Voting by Division: Under this method. The Chairman requests the members in favour of a proposition to go in one room and those against the proposition to another. The number of members in the two rooms is counted by the ‘teller'. If more members are in favour of the proposal the proposal is accepted. This method is rarely used in company meetings as the voting does not remain secret.
Voting by show of hands (Companies Act 2013 Section 107) this is the most popular method of ascertaining the sense of a meeting. The members in favour of a proposition are first asked to raise their one hand. Thereafter similar procedure is adopted for those who are against the proposition. After counting the hands in both the cases the majority of votes are easily known. If the number of hands raised in favour of the proposal exceeds the number of hands raised against the proposal, the proposal is accepted.
Voting by Ballot: Under this method, every member is given a ballot paper (voting paper). The paper does not provide for writing the name of the voter. The voter has to record his vote and drop the paper in the ballot box. The Chairman appoints scrutinizers to count the votes. The result is declared by the Chairman on the basis of the counting. This method ensures complete secrecy. In this method, every member can cast only one vote.
Voting Electronically (Companies Act 2013, Section 108): Electronic voting is voting that uses electronic means to take care of casting and counting votes. In this method, electronic voting machine or computer connected to internet is used. Members view ballot on a screen and make choice using device such as button or touch screen. Now Central Government prescribe certain Companies for having compulsory electronic voting in general meeting. Chairman declares the result by studying output data and result shown by the voting machine.
Voting by Postal Ballot (Section 110) : Postal ballot is a system of voting in which members get ballot papers sent to them through post. Members have to record vote on the ballot paper and send their vote by post when they cannot be present at the meeting. Election officials count the votes by processing the mailed in ballots through electronic means or may count the votes manually. Now Central Government prescribe certain companies for having voting by postal ballot.
Voting by Poll : This method is similar to the secret ballot method with the only change that every member is entitled to cast his votes in proportion to the number of shares held by him. A member or their proxies are given polling papers to record their votes. The result of poll is anal and not be challenged. A poll can be demanded at any time before or immediately after the declaration of results by other voting methods. If the demand is valid, the Chairman accepts it and fixes the time and the place for taking the poll. In any case, the Poll must be taken within 48 hours of the demand made by the members.
State the importance of Minutes.
SOLUTION
Authentic Record: The minutes make official record of business transacted, decisions taken and resolutions passed in each meeting. Thus, minutes are the most official and authentic record of the individual opinions and views of the members taking part in the discussions.
Evidence: In a court of law, minutes can be produced as a legal evidence of the proceedings of a meeting. Its importance and utility are well understood and recognised in the court of law.
Record for future reference : Since minutes are a permanent record. They remove the difficulty of memorising the decisions and resolutions passed in the meeting. The minutes are useful to the top management for taking managerial decisions.
Legal provisions: Section 118 and 119 of the Companies Act, 2013, has made it compulsory for all the companies to keep the minutes of the company meetings. Hence, the main objective of keeping minutes is to fulfil this statutory requirement.
Information to absent members : Members who remain absent at the meeting can get a complete idea of the proceedings of the meeting from its minutes.
Information about resolution : The discussion on the motion is reflected in the resolution. Sometimes, the details and intricacies in oral discussions at the meetings may not be fully understood in the right sense. But when the minutes are finalized and ready. One can go through the same carefully and understand the Implications of the decisions taken.
Inspection of Minutes (Section 119): As per the provisions made in Section 119 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company is required to keep its minute’s book at its registered office. Every member has right to inspect the minutes book of the general meetings.
Justify the following statement.
Meeting must be duly convened and properly constituted.
SOLUTION
A company meeting is defined as an “Assembly or gathering of persons connected with the company who wish to discuss and decide the matters related to it.” A meeting becomes a valid meeting when it is duly convened and properly constituted. A meeting is said to be duly convened when it is convened by proper authority. It must be convened in accordance with the Provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Articles of Association of the company.
A meeting is said to be properly constituted only when requisite quorum is physically present at the meeting. The ‘quorum’ implies the minimum number of members legally required to remain present at the beginning and during the course of meeting. There must be proper person in the chair. A meeting becomes valid when it is properly conducted. Pr0per rules for discussion and order in debate must be observed to make the meeting meaningful. The proceedings of the meeting must be recorded properly in the proper minute’s book.
Chairman is responsible for proper conduct of meeting.
SOLUTION
It is the responsibility of the Chairman to see to it that the meeting over which he is presiding is properly convened and duly constituted. To see that the proper quorum is present in the meeting and to adjourn the meeting if there is no proper quorum. To preside over the meeting and to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner. To conduct the business of the meeting according to the agenda already circulated and to confirm the discussion to the items listed on the agenda.
It is the responsibility of the Chairman to ensure that the proceedings of the meeting are conducted according to the rules and regulations of the meeting. To give equal opportunities to all to express themselves and to give an adequate opportunity to the minority groups. To conduct the proceedings fairly and impartially. To ascertain the sense of the meeting by pulling questions and to grant poll if demanded properly.
Motion can be amended.
SOLUTION
A motion is a proposal or proposition or concrete suggestion placed before a meeting for discussion and decision. During the discussion of the motion, it may be found necessary to make alterations or modifications in the text of the motion. The motion proposing alterations or modifications is called an amendment.
Amendment may be made to the main motion by adding some new words in it, deleting some words from the motion, replacing some words by some other words and by changing the position of words in the motion. The amendment may be accepted or rejected. If accepted, the amended motion is considered for discussion. If it is approved by the meeting, it is incorporated in the original motion. If it is rejected or lost the original motion is continued for discussion.
Proxy can not speak in the meeting.
SOLUTION
A proxy is a person appointed by a shareholder or a member of a public limited company to attend and vote on his behalf at the meeting. Every member of the company who is entitled to attend and vote at the meeting can appoint a proxy. A proxy is appointed by a member who finds it difficult to attend the meeting but wishes to vote at the meeting. A vote given by a proxy is a valid vote. But a proxy can vote only when a poll is taken.
It is not necessary that a proxy must be a member of the company. He can be an outsider also. He is not allowed to take part in a discussion at the meeting. Under Section 145 of the Companies Act 2013, a proxy cannot speak, discuss any matter or issue in the meeting. He is appointed only for the purpose of voting on behalf of the member.
Notice is issued to members for a meeting along with agenda.
SOLUTION
A notice is an advance intimation to the persons entitled to receive it, about the venue, day, date and time of a meeting and the business to be transacted in it with a request to attend the meeting. The notice may be sent with the necessary documents.
An agenda is a list of items of business. Serially arranged, on which discussion is invited in a meeting so as to arrive at certain decisions. It may be a part of the notice of the meeting or may be sent with the notice. It is drafted by the Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The Chairman takes up for discussion the items usually in the same order as on the agenda. He can change the order with the consent of the house.
Answer the following question.
Explain the powers of a chairman.
SOLUTION
To maintain order and peace at the meeting : For the smooth conduct of the meeting, the Chairman has power to take necessary steps like preventing a member from misbehavior or stopping a member making an irrelevant point.
To decide priority of speakers: Every member has right to speak in the meeting and express his opinion. In this respect, the Chairman has power to decide priority of speakers considering the importance of the issues.
To maintain order at debate: The chairman has power to decide the order of the members to debate or speak in the meeting He can also decide the time limit for every speaker.
To prevent the use of improper language and behaviour of the member : Chairman has a power to stop a speaker from using improper language and making Indecent remarks. He has power to remove a member for his improper behaviour. He also has power to remove disorderly members and non-members from the meeting.
To adjourn the meeting : To adjourn means to postpone the hearing or proceedings of the meeting until a future date or to put off (a problem, discussion, etc.) for later consideration. On account of certain limitation, the Chairman has power to adjourn the meeting.
To exercise casting vote : The Chairman has power to exercise casting vote, if there is tie. Tie means the votes cast in favour of the proposal are equal to the votes cast against the proposal. The Chairman has power to break tie by exercising casting vote either in favour or against the proposal.
To declare the result of voting: Voting enables the meeting to take final decision. The Chairman has power to put to vote the proposed resolution after sufficient discussion. He has power to order a poll, if he is not satisfied with the result of the voting by other methods. He has power to declare the result of voting. Otherwise, the result becomes invalid.
To give ruling on a point of order : Point of order points out an irregularity in the procedure of the meeting. It is raised to draw attention of the Chairman to that irregularity. When a point of order is raised, discussion on original motion is stopped for some time. The Chairman has power to allow discussion and then to give his ruling on the point of order which is final and binding on the members.
Explain the duties of a chairman.
SOLUTION
To see to it that the meeting is duly convened and properly constituted.
To ensure that the proceedings of the meeting are conducted according to the rules and regulations of the meeting.
To conduct the business of the meeting & according to the agenda already circulated and to coniine the discussion to the items listed on the agenda of the meeting.
To preside over the meeting and to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner. To conduct proceedings fairly and impartially and to maintain overall discipline at the meeting.
To grant a poll if demanded properly. To appoint two scrutinizers to count voting on poll. To declare the result of voting.
To ensure that proper and correct minutes are drafted in the minutes book and to sign the minutes book.
To act in the best interest of the members attending the meeting.
To solve or to find best solutions all the incidental questions that arises at a meeting.
Explain the different methods of voting.
SOLUTION
Voting by Voice : Under this method, the Chairman requests the members in favour of a motion to say ‘Yes' and the members against the motion to say ‘No’. The volume of voice indicates the sense of the meeting. The main defect of this method is that it is not possible to trace the votes expressed by the members. Moreover, the voice of ‘Yes‘or 'No‘ may not always give the correct idea about the majority of votes in the meeting. This method of voting is not secret.
Voting by Division : Under this method, the Chairman requests the members in favour of a proposition to go in one room and those against the proposition to another. The number of members in the two rooms is counted by the ‘teller'. If more members are in favour of the proposal the proposal is accepted. This method is rarely used in company meetings as the voting does not remain secret.
Voting by show of hands (Companies Act 2013. Section 107): This is the most popular method of ascertaining the sense of a meeting. The members in favour of a proposition are first asked to raise their one hand. Thereafter similar procedure is adopted for those who are against the proposition. After counting the hands in both the cases. The majority of votes are easily known. If the number of hands raised in favour of the proposal exceeds the number of hands raised against the proposal, the proposal is accepted.
Voting by Ballot: Under this method. Every member is given a ballot paper (voting paper). The paper does not provide for writing the name of the voter. The voter has to record his vote and drop the paper in the ballot box. The Chairman appoints scrutineers to count the votes. The result is declared by the Chairman on the basis of the counting. This method ensures complete secrecy. In this method, every member can cast only one vote.
Voting Electronically (Companies Act 2013. Section 108) : Electronic voting is voting that uses electronic means to take care of casting and counting votes. In this method, electronic voting machine or computer connected to internet is used. Members view ballot on a screen and make choice using device such as button or touch screen. Now Central Government prescribe certain Companies for having compulsory electronic voting in general meeting. Chairman declares the result by studying output data and result shown by the voting machine.
Voting by Postal Ballot (Section 110) : Postal ballot is a system of voting in Which members get ballot papers sent to them through post. Members have to record vote on the ballot paper and send their vote by post when they cannot be present at the meeting. Election officials count the votes by processing the mailed in ballots through electronic means or may count the votes manually. Now Central Government prescribe certain companies for having voting by postal ballot.
Voting by Poll : This method is similar to the secret ballot method with the only change that every member is entitled to cast his votes in proportion to the number of shares held by him. Members or their proxies are given polling papers to record their votes. The result of poll is anal and not be challenged. A poll can he demanded at any time before or immediately after the declaration of results by other voting methods. If the demand is valid the Chairman accepts it and fixes the time and the place for taking the poll. In any case, the poll must be taken within 48 hours of the demand made by the members.
Explain the types of resolution
SOLUTION
Ordinary Resolution (Section 114) : An ordinary resolution is the one which is carried in a meeting by a simple numerical majority i.e. more than 50% of votes. This means the number of votes in favour of the resolution must exceed the number of votes against it. Normally such resolution need not be filed with The Registrar of Companies. The notice of the meeting need not require to give explanation of the particulars of an ordinary resolution. E.g. approval of statutory report, Directors report, Auditors report, Profit and Loss account Balance Sheet, declaration of dividend. Alteration of share capital, election of directors, appointment of secretary and auditor and fix their remuneration etc.
Special Resolution : (Section 114 (2)) The resolution which is passed by a substantial numerical majority is known as special resolution. Special resolution is one which is carried in a meeting by a minimum of 75% majority. That number of votes in favour of motion should be 74 of the total votes cast. it is passed for transacting special business of the company. A 21 days' prior notice to the members about the Special resolution is necessary. The notice of the meeting specifically mentions that it is a special one. A copy of the special resolution must be filed with the Registrar of Companies through e-fling on Ministry Of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal within 30 days of the date of its passing resolution.
Examples of Special resolution:
(1) Alteration in the Memorandum of Association. Like changes in the objects of the company or change in the name of the company (Section 13) or the location/address of The Registered Office of the company (Section 12)
(2) Alterations in the Articles of Association of the company (Section 14)
(3) Reduction m the authorised share capital of the company.
Resolution requiring a Special Notice (Section 115) : Resolution requiring a special notice is a special mode of passing certain resolutions. Such a resolution may be passed either by a special majority or ordinary majority as per the requirements of the Companies Act or Articles of Association of the Company. With respect to the resolution requiring a special notice, Section 190 of the Companies Act, 1956, provides that if. a member intends to move a resolution requiring a special notice, he must give 14 days notice to the company. Once such a notice is received, the company issues a similar notice to all the members at least 7 days before the meeting. The notice may be given either individually or by advertisement in newspapers having appropriate circulation. The Articles of Association specify the purposes for Which such a special notice is required. This resolution may be similar to an ordinary or a special resolution. The following matters call for such a resolution:
(a) Not to reappoint the retiring auditors
(b) Appointment of a person as an auditor other than the retiring auditor
(c) Removal of a Director before the expiry of his term
(d) Appointment of another person as a Director in place of the Director so removed
(e) For getting approval for the appointment as Director of a person who is disqualified.
Resolution requiring Registration (Section 117) : The resolutions Which are required to be filed with the Registrar due to provisions made under the Companies Act, 2013 are called Resolution requiring Registration. These resolutions are to be filed along with the explanatory statements with the Registrar of Companies within 30 days from the date of passing such resolutions. These resolutions are :
(i) All special resolutions.
(ii) Resolution of the Board Meeting in connection with the appointment or reappointment of a Managing Director.
(iii) Resolution for the voluntary winding-up of the company under Section 484 of the Companies Act.
Resolution by Circulation : Resolution by Circulation means a draft resolution is prepared by the Managing Director or by the Board and forwarded to all the Directors to pass. It is a resolution which is passed by circulating among the Directors or the members of the Board. Generally, resolution by circulation is passed when there is urgency and Board of Directors do not have sufficient time to call a meeting. Sometimes resolution by circulation is preferred to avoid the lengthy procedural requirements of convening the physical Board Meeting.
Balbharati Solutions for Secretarial Practice 11th Standard HSC Maharashtra State Board Chapter-wise List - Free
Chapter 2: Joint Stock Company
Chapter 3: Formation of a company
Chapter 4: Documents related to formation of a company
Chapter 5: Members of a company
Chapter 6: Directors and Key Managerial personnel of a company
Chapter 7: Company Meetings - 1
Chapter 8: Company Meetings - 2
Chapter 9: Business Communication Skills of Secretary
Chapter 10: Correspondence with Directors
Chapter 11: Correspondence with Banks
Chapter 12: Correspondence with Statutory Authorities
