Compounding of Offences (Sec. 441)

Compounding is a settlement mechanism where companies and officers can settle defaults by paying a fee instead of facing prosecution. It allows businesses to rectify non-compliances like delayed filings without criminal proceedings. The offender admits the default, pays the prescribed amount, and gets discharged from prosecution, making it a quick resolution method.

Offences punishable with "fine only" are compounded by the NCLT or RD. Offences punishable with "fine or imprisonment or both" can also be compounded, but require permission of the Special Court. Offences punishable with "imprisonment only" or "imprisonment and fine" are strictly non-compoundable under any circumstances.

A company, through its authorised director and officers in default, can file compounding applications. The board must pass a resolution authorising a director to file Form GNL-1. Officers in default include whole-time directors, KMPs, and other designated personnel under Section 2(60). Joint applications by the company and officers for the same offence are permitted.

The Regional Director (RD) can compound offences where the maximum fine prescribed for that offence does not exceed ₹25 lakhs. If the statutory maximum fine for the violation is above ₹25 lakhs, the application must be filed with the NCLT. This threshold limit pertains to the offence, not the number of applicants involved.

Yes, making good the default is a prerequisite before filing compounding applications. You must file overdue returns, pay pending fees, or complete missed compliances first. Evidence of rectification, like SRN of filed forms or payment receipts, must be attached to Form GNL-1. This shows commitment to compliance before seeking relief.

No, different types of offences require separate applications. Non-filing of annual returns (Section 92) and non-filing of financial statements (Section 137) need a separate Form GNL-1. However, the same offence committed over multiple years can be combined in one application as per the NCLAT ruling in the Pahuja Takii Seeds case.

Section 441(2) bars compounding if a similar offence was compounded within the previous 3 years. The company or officer must wait for 3 years from the date of the previous compounding. After 3 years have expired, any subsequent similar offence is deemed a "first offence" and becomes eligible for compounding again under the Act.

Form GNL-1 is filed electronically with ROC along with Rs. 1,000 fee for compounding applications. Maximum eight persons can be included per form. If more persons are involved, additional details are provided as an optional attachment. The form is forwarded by ROC to NCLT or the Regional Director based on the fine amount involved.

Key documents include board resolution authorising the application, detailed petition explaining the offence, affidavit verifying contents, MOA/AOA, evidence of rectified default, financial statements, ROC notices and replies if any. A comprehensive application with all annexures ensures smooth processing by the compounding authority.

The fee is decided by the NCLT/RD based on the offence's nature, default period, intent, and company's financials, but cannot exceed the maximum statutory fine. Fees paid under Sec 403 to regularise delayed filings are for rectifying the default and are not adjusted against the final compounding amount decided.

While no specific timeline is prescribed, ROC typically takes 1-4 weeks to scrutinise Form GNL-1, calculate maximum fine, seek clarifications if needed, and forward to the appropriate authority with comments. The time varies based on the completeness of documents and the ROC workload. Prompt responses to queries expedite the process.

Yes, NCLT/RD generally provides a personal hearing before passing orders. The authorised representative (director/CS/CA/advocate) must appear, admit the contravention, and explain the circumstances. The authority considers all factors, including the gravity of the offence, period of default, and financial condition, before deciding the compounding amount

The compounding order specifies the time limit for fee payment, typically 30-60 days. Payment is made online through the MCA portal. Proof of payment must be submitted to the authority. Non-payment within the prescribed time may result in the order becoming void, and prosecution proceedings may continue against the defaulters.

Form INC-28 must be filed with the ROC within 7 days from the date of receiving the compounding order. Attach certified copy of the order with the form. This intimation updates official records and prevents future prosecution for the compounded offence. The 7-day period is calculated from when the order is made available to the applicant.

No, offences cannot be compounded if an investigation against the company has been initiated or is pending under the Companies Act as per Section 441(1) proviso. This restriction ensures serious violations under investigation aren't settled through compounding. Wait for the investigation completion before applying for compounding of the offence.

Compounding offers quick resolution without criminal proceedings, saves time and legal costs, avoids court appearances, prevents business disruption, and provides honourable discharge. The fee paid isn't treated as a penalty, so directors avoid disqualification. It's a practical solution for technical defaults and promotes ease of doing business.

Offences involving fraud under Section 447 prescribe imprisonment and fine, making them non-compoundable. This includes fraudulent conduct of business, false statements, or tampering with documents. These serious violations must go through prosecution as they affect public interest and cannot be settled through a compounding mechanism.

No, Form GNL-1 compounding applications don't become public documents on the MCA portal. They're part of internal regulatory compliance proceedings. However, companies must disclose compounded offences in offer documents and annual reports for 3 years. Access may be obtained through RTI or a direct request to the company.

Once the order is passed and the fee is paid, the company/officers are discharged from prosecution. If prosecution was pending, ROC informs the court, leading to case closure. No further action is taken for that offence. The defaulter is no longer treated as in default, and the compliance record is cleared for the compounded violation.

Yes, directors and officers in default are jointly liable with the company for violations. They can file composite applications together since facts leading to non-compliance are usually same. This avoids multiple proceedings and conflicting orders. Joint liability ensures management accountability for corporate compliance under the Act.

No limit exists on the number of compounding applications a company can file. However, the same offence cannot be compounded again within 3 years. Different offences can be compounded simultaneously through separate applications. Regular compounding indicates a poor compliance culture, and authorities may view repeated applications unfavourably.

NCLT/RD considers the nature and gravity of the offence, default period, whether intentional or technical, financial condition, past compliance record, prejudice to stakeholders, prompt rectification, and cooperation shown. First-time technical defaults get a lenient view compared to repeated willful violations affecting public interest significantly.

Compounding involves voluntary admission and settlement, so appeal provisions don't typically apply. However, NCLT has power under Section 420(2) to rectify mistakes apparent from the record. NCLAT generally doesn't entertain appeals against compounding orders as it's a consensual remedy accepted by the applicant willingly.

Yes, board resolution is essential before filing Form GNL-1. The board must acknowledge the offence, approve compounding application, authorise a director to sign documents, and appoint professionals to appear before authority. This ensures proper corporate authorisation and fixes accountability for the compounding process undertaken.

While Section 446B provides lesser penalties for small companies defined under Section 2(85), compounding fees are decided case-by-case. Small companies may receive sympathetic consideration from authorities given their limited resources. However, no automatic reduction applies, and each case is evaluated on merit by NCLT/RD.

Some defaults, like not holding required board meetings in past, cannot be rectified. Such irremediable defaults can still be compounded. The application should clearly state that the default is non-remediable with reasons. Authority considers the circumstances and may allow compounding with an appropriate fee for such technical violations.

Form GNL-1 can accommodate details of the applicant company plus up to 8 officers in default (a total of 9 applicants). If more than eight officers are involved, their details must be provided as an optional attachment to the same e-form. A single form can therefore cover the company and all its defaulting officers together.

28. Is compounding allowed for Listed Companies? Yes, listed companies can compound offences like other companies. However, they face additional scrutiny given the public interest involved. SEBI regulations may apply in parallel. Listed companies must also disclose compounded offences in annual reports and other public documents as per regulatory requirements for transparency.

Practising CS/CA/advocates play a crucial role in preparing applications, ensuring compliance rectification, drafting petitions, and representing before authorities. Their expertise ensures proper documentation, legal compliance, and effective presentation. Board resolution must specifically authorise the professional to act on the company's behalf.

Filing a compounding application doesn't automatically stay prosecution. However, courts generally adjourn proceedings awaiting a compounding outcome. If compounding is allowed and a fee is paid, prosecution ends with discharge. If compounding is rejected or the fee is not paid, prosecution continues. Timely completion prevents dual proceedings.

Yes, offences punishable with "imprisonment only" or "imprisonment and fine" are always non-compoundable. This includes serious violations like fraud (Section 447), furnishing false information, destroying documents, or offences affecting public interest. These require mandatory prosecution regardless of admission or willingness to pay.

Form GNL-1 filing fee is Rs. 1,000 as prescribed under NCLT Rules, 2016. This is just the application fee. The actual compounding fee is decided by NCLT/RD based on the offence and circumstances. ROC fees for rectifying defaults under Section 403 are separate and must be paid before filing a compounding application.

Yes, foreign companies registered in India can file compounding applications by selecting "Foreign Company" category in Form GNL-1. They must provide Foreign Company Registration Number (FCRN). The process remains the same, including board authorisation from the competent authority of a foreign company for Indian violations.

While Section 621A of the Companies Act 1956 implied admission of guilt, Section 441 of the 2013 Act doesn't explicitly state this. Legally, it's viewed as a settlement mechanism rather than a guilty admission. It's acquittal by paying composite fee. However, factually, the applicant accepts that a contravention occurred while seeking relief.

Companies under liquidation can file compounding applications through liquidator. Court/tribunal permission may be needed depending on the liquidation stage. Past defaults affecting the company's assets or creditor interests get special scrutiny. The liquidator must justify how compounding benefits stakeholders and doesn't prejudice the liquidation process.

Petition must include company profile, incorporation date, main objects, detailed facts of default, period of violation, steps taken to rectify, reasons for non-compliance, prayer for compounding, and supporting documents. Clear, honest disclosure helps the authority understand the circumstances and decide fairly on the compounding application submitted.

The major benefit of compounding is that fees paid aren't treated as penalties under the law. This helps directors avoid disqualification under Section 164(2), which applies to companies having unpaid penalties. Compounding provides a clean slate and protects directors from consequential disqualifications arising from technical company defaults.

ROC can seek clarifications or additional documents, but doesn't reject Form GNL-1 outright. They scrutinise completeness, calculate the maximum fine, and forward it to the appropriate authority with comments. Rejection happens at the NCLT/RD level based on merits. Incomplete forms may be marked for resubmission with deficiencies highlighted.

Compounding is available only for penal provisions under the Companies Act 2013. Not all non-compliances have penal consequences. Some sections prescribe only consequences like striking off. Check if the section being violated prescribes a fine or imprisonment. If yes, evaluate if it falls under the compoundable category per Section 441.

Providing false information in a compounding application is a serious offence under Section 448, punishable with imprisonment and a fine. It defeats the purpose of compounding, which requires honest disclosure. If discovered later, the compounding order may be void, prosecution may resume, and fresh proceedings for false information may be initiated.