30 November 2009
A limited company had no money to pay directors’ fees. The directors thereupon paid into company’s bank account the amount remaining unpaid on their shares and retook the amount as fees. Does this give a discharge to directors’ liability to pay their shares?
30 November 2009
By director's fees, I mean sitting fees payable to directors for attending board meetings.
I am also of the view that calls is in the nature of trust and must be exercised bona fide for the benefit of the company.
In the given case, directors making calls only to enable them to draw their sitting fees is not at all bonafide and in the best interest of the company. So, in my view, the directors will not stand discharged from the liability to pay on their calls (unpaid dues) on shares.