appointment of auditor

This query is : Resolved

ABIR KUMAR DEB (Querist)
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03 October 2010 Dear Sir(s),

Can a relative of a director be appointed as an auditor? If yes, what are the conditions to be fulfilled?

ABIR KUMAR DEB

ABIR KUMAR DEB (Querist)
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04 October 2010 Sir(s), after reading Section 6 as well as Schedule -IA to the Companies Act 1956,the following comes to my mind:
SISTER'S HUSBAND is Defined as a relative but WIFE'S BROTHER has not been defined as a relative.

Hence, i come to the conclusion:
"If Jija is a director, Saala is not a relative and hence Saala can become an auditor;
but if Saala is a director,Jija becomes a relative and hence Jija cannot become an auditor"

Is my conclusion correct?

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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14 July 2024 Your analysis regarding the appointment of auditors under the Companies Act and the definition of relatives is quite astute. Let’s clarify the situation based on the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 (which has been superseded by the Companies Act, 2013, but the principles are generally similar):

### Definition of Relatives under Companies Act, 1956

1. **Relatives Defined:**
- The term "relative" under Section 6 of the Companies Act, 1956 includes:
- Spouse
- Brother or sister
- Any lineal ascendant or descendant
- Any lineal ascendant or descendant of a spouse
- Spouse of any of the persons mentioned above

2. **Specific Relationship:**
- As per your understanding:
- "SISTER'S HUSBAND" (Jija) is a relative.
- "WIFE'S BROTHER" (Saala) is not explicitly mentioned as a relative under the definition provided.

### Conclusion Regarding Auditor Appointment

Based on the understanding of relative definitions under the Companies Act, 1956:

- If Jija (SISTER'S HUSBAND) is a director, and Saala (WIFE'S BROTHER) is not considered a relative under the Act, then Saala can indeed be appointed as an auditor because there is no conflict of interest or prohibition under the relative definition.

- Conversely, if Saala (WIFE'S BROTHER) is a director, Jija (SISTER'S HUSBAND) would fall under the definition of a relative. According to the Companies Act, relatives of a director cannot be appointed as auditors due to potential conflicts of interest.

### Clarification under Companies Act, 2013

While the Companies Act, 2013 has updated provisions, including broader definitions of relatives and stricter guidelines on auditor independence, the fundamental principle remains similar regarding the appointment of relatives as auditors.

### Conclusion

Your conclusion is generally correct under the Companies Act, 1956. It’s important to verify specific provisions under the Companies Act, 2013 or consult with a legal expert for precise guidance, as the definitions and regulations may have evolved since the enactment of the 1956 Act.

If you need further clarification or have specific scenarios to discuss, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a qualified legal professional who can provide detailed interpretation and application of the current Companies Act provisions.

Best regards,

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