Query

Statutory reserves are maintained for compliance of law. They are not allowed for distribution of dividends. Ex. Debenture redemption reserve. General Reserves are allowed for distribution of dividends.

Statutory reserves means reserves(profit) appropriated for compliance of any law(statute).

For.e.g:-  Sec117(c)(1) of Companies Act, says " A company must create debenture redemption reserve for redemption of debentures" . The amount is appropriated every year until such debentures are redeemed.

Clarification of above provision{117(c)(1)} is given by SEBI vide circular No. 9/2002 dated 18.4.2002

Another example could be reserve required to be maintained by banking companies @ 25% of net demand and time liabilities.

Other lStatutory reserves -:

Development Rebate Reserve

Investment Allowance Reserve

Export Profit Reserve

General Reserve :

When any amount is kept separate by a company out of its profit for future purpose then that is called as general reserves. In other words the general reserves are the retained earnings of a company which are kept aside out of company’s profits to meet future known or unknown obligations. General reserves are the part of Profit and Loss Appropriation Account.

In other words the general reserve is a free reserves which can be utilized for any purpose after fulfilling certain conditions... unlike statutory reserves. hope you are clear now.