Non Compliance in the use of KMP designation by private companies



Quick Summary
The Companies Act, 2013 defines Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) as the executive management of a company. While private companies aren't mandated to appoint specific KMPs like MDs or CEOs, they must follow strict procedures if they voluntarily designate officers as KMPs. This includes obtaining Board approval via resolution and filing Form DIR-12 within 30 days. Failure to comply can result in penalties, as demonstrated by a case where a company wrongly designated a director as CEO without following the correct process.

The executive management of a company is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the company. The Companies Act, 2013 has used the term key managerial personnel to define executive management. The key managerial personnel are the point of first contact between the company and its stakeholders.

According to Section 2(51) "Key Managerial Personnel" ("KMP"), in relation to a company, means -

  • The Chief Executive Officer or the Managing Director or the Manager;
  • The Company Secretary;
  • The Whole-Time Director;
  • The Chief Financial Officer;
  • Such other officer, not more than one level below the directors who is in whole-time employment, designated as key managerial personnel by the Board; and
  • Such other officer as may be prescribed
KMP Designation: Private Company Compliance Guide

Provisions governing the appointment of KMP

  • Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 8 of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 provides that the every listed company and every other public company having a paid-up share capital of ten crore rupees or more shall have whole-time key managerial personnel i.e. MD or CEO or Manager and in their absence a WTD, CS and CFO.
  • Further, Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 8A of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 provides that every private company which has a paid up share capital of ten crore rupees or more shall have a whole-time company secretary.
  • Section 196 and 197 read with schedule V of the Companies Act, 2013 provides for conditions for appointment and remuneration of Managing Director, Wholetime director or Manager
 

APPOINTMENT OF KMP BY PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANIES

The Companies Act, 2013 does not mandate a Private Company to appoint a Managing director, Whole-Time Director or Manager. It also does not prohibit the voluntary appointment of KMPs by Private Companies for efficient management of their businesses.

If appointed then the Company has to file DIR-12 for appointment and change in Designation of Director or KMP, within 30 days of such appointment or change. [(Section 170(2)]

It is observed that most private companies mention the designation of their Directors or Officers as KMPs voluntarily in their official documents. However, they do not comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

In the case of M/s. LANDOMUS REALITY PRIVATE LIMITED, the ROC Karnataka imposed penalty on the Company and its Directors who were in default, for violation of Section 170 sub-section (2), wherein the Company had designated one of its Directors as CEO without approval of Board of Directors by way of Board Resolution and filling of return in Form DIR-12 for change in designation.

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From the order issued by ROC, the following observations can be derived:

  • For a Company including a Private Company to designate its Director or any officer as CEO, or MD or Manager or CS and CFO, the authority lies with the BOARD of the Company who by way of passing the Boards Resolution may appoint or change designation of any Director or KMP and ensure filing of return of such appointment or change in designation in Form DIR-12.
  • A Director cannot Sign any official Document of the Company in the capacity of KMP without having complied with the above procedure.

FAQ :

Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) refers to the executive management of a company, including the CEO or MD or Manager, Company Secretary, Whole-Time Director, Chief Financial Officer, and other designated officers not below director level who are in whole-time employment.

No, the Companies Act, 2013 does not mandate private companies to appoint a Managing Director, Whole-Time Director, or Manager. However, if they choose to appoint KMPs voluntarily, they must adhere to the Act's provisions.

If a private company appoints or changes the designation of a KMP, the Board of Directors must pass a Board Resolution for the appointment or change. Subsequently, Form DIR-12 must be filed with the Registrar of Companies within 30 days of the appointment or change.

Non-compliance with the provisions for appointing or changing KMP designations can lead to penalties imposed by the Registrar of Companies on the company and its defaulting directors. This includes failing to obtain Board approval or file the required forms.

No, a director cannot sign any official document of the company in the capacity of a KMP without having complied with the required procedure, which includes obtaining Board approval and filing the necessary returns.


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