12 April 2013
Period for redemption of preference shares:
Section 80(5A) of the Act provides that w.e.f. 1-3-1997, a company cannot issue preference shares which is irredeemable or redeemable after the expiry period of 20 years from the date of its issue. If a company fails to comply with the provisions of section 80A, the company, and every officer of the company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000 for every day during which such default continues and every officer of the company in default shall be punishable for a term which may extend to 3 years and shall also be liable to fine.
For debentures, the maximum period is not defined.