2024-12-31
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued this circular to implement recommendations from an Expert Committee aimed at facilitating ease of doing business for listed entities. It introduces an Integrated Filing system for quarterly governance and financial disclosures, updates eligibility and service restrictions for Secretarial Auditors, and establishes guidelines for disclosing Employee Benefit Scheme documents. Additionally, the circular mandates system-driven disclosures for shareholding patterns and credit ratings while incorporating consequential changes to the SEBI Master Circular on LODR compliance.
Page 1 of 44 CIRCULAR SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-2/CIR/P/2024/185 December 31, 2024 To, All listed entities that have listed their specified securities All Recognized Stock Exchanges All Depositories The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) Madam / Sir, Sub: Implementation of recommendations of the Expert Committee for facilitating ease of doing business for listed entities
1 Expert Committee for facilitating ease of doing business and harmonization of the provisions of the ICDR and LODR Regulations. The report of the Expert Committee can be accessed here.
Page 2 of 44 Sr. No. Regulation / circular Periodic Filing Revised Timeline Frequency Integrated Filing (Governance)
Page 3 of 44 c. Updates on ongoing tax litigations or disputes in terms of the provisions of Para B(8) of Part A of Schedule III of LODR read with the corresponding provisions of Annexure 18 of the Master Circular. 6. In terms of the provisions of Regulation 23(2) of LODR, details of ratification of RPTs are required to be disclosed along with the half-yearly disclosures of RPTs. Accordingly, the value of ratified RPTs shall be disclosed in the format specified for disclosure of RPTs as part of the Integrated Filing (Financial) (refer Table D under the format for quarterly Integrated Filing (Financial) given in Annexure 1). Secretarial Auditor 7. Clause (a) of regulation 24A(1A) of the LODR Regulations inter-alia states that a person shall be eligible for appointment as a Secretarial Auditor of the listed entity only if such person is a Peer Reviewed Company Secretary and has not incurred any of the disqualifications as specified by the Board. Accordingly, disqualifications for appointment or continuation of a Secretarial Auditor of the listed entity is given in Annexure 2 of this circular. 8. Further, as per regulation 24A(1B) of the LODR, a Secretarial Auditor appointed under the regulations shall provide to the listed entity only such other services as are approved by the board of directors but which shall not include any services as specified by SEBI in this behalf. Accordingly, the services that a Secretarial Auditor cannot render to the listed entity are specified in Annexure 3 of this circular. 9. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of all its members, including Practising Company Secretaries (PCS). Guidelines for disclosure of Employee Benefit Scheme related documents 10. Regulation 46(2)(za) of the LODR requires listed entities to disclose Employee Benefit Scheme Documents, excluding commercial secrets and such other information that would affect competitive position, framed in terms of SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 20212 . Further, redaction of information from such documents shall be approved by the board of directors and shall be in compliance with guidelines as may be specified by SEBI.
2 SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021
Page 4 of 44 11. Listed entities shall, therefore, comply with the following requirements for disclosure of Employee Benefit Scheme Documents in terms of regulation 46(2)(za) of the LODR: a. The scheme document shall be uploaded on the website of the listed entity after obtaining shareholder approval as required under SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2021. b. The documents uploaded on the website shall mandatorily have minimum information to be disclosed to shareholders as per SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2021. c. The rationale for redacting information from the documents and the justification as to how such redacted information would affect competitive position or reveal commercial secrets of the listed entity shall be placed before the board of directors for consideration and approval. The secretarial compliance report issued by a Peer Reviewed Company Secretary under regulation 24A(2) of the LODR Regulations shall include a confirmation on compliance with the aforesaid requirements by the listed entity. Single Filing System 12. The facility of single filing by listed entities has already been put in place by BSE and NSE w.e.f. October 1, 2024, beginning with the filing of statement on redressal of investor grievances under regulation 13(3) of the LODR Regulations and subsequently extended to corporate governance report under regulation 27(2), reconciliation of share capital audit report and disclosure of voting results under regulation 44(3). Details of other filings to be brought under the single filing system shall be communicated by Stock Exchanges from time to time. System driven disclosure of certain filings 13. Stock Exchanges, in consultation with SEBI, shall specify the process, procedure and timelines for system driven disclosure of the following filing / disclosure requirements applicable to listed entities under the LODR Regulations: Sr. No. Regulation Filing
Page 5 of 44 Changes to the Master Circular 14. In order to give effect to certain recommendations of the Expert Committee, changes have been carried out to the provisions of the Master Circular as detailed in Annexure 4 of this circular. Major changes to the Master Circular include the following: a. The formats for corporate governance report, financial results, statement of deviation, RPT etc. have been deleted as relevant formats have been incorporated in Annexure 1 of this circular as part of the new Integrated Filing. b. Introduction of fines for non-compliance with the timelines specified in regulation 31A(3)(a) of the LODR for reclassification of promoter / promoter group entity as public. c. Changes to the provisions relating to Group Governance Unit in order to bring in clarity. d. Annexure 18A of the Master Circular on timelines for disclosure of material events / information shall stand substituted by Annexure 5 to this circular. 15. The Recognized Stock Exchanges and Depositories are directed to: a. bring the contents of this circular to the notice of the all the stakeholders; b. put in place necessary systems and infrastructure for monitoring and implementation of this circular. 16. This Circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read with regulations 101 and 102 of the LODR Regulations. 17. This Circular is available at www.sebi.gov.in under the link “Legal->Circulars”. Yours faithfully, Raj Kumar Das Deputy General Manager Corporation Finance Department Policy and Development – 2 +91-22-26449253 rajkd@sebi.gov.in
Page 6 of 44 Annexure 1 FORMAT FOR QUARTERLY INTEGRATED FILING (GOVERNANCE) A. Compliance Report on Corporate Governance to be submitted by a listed entity on a quarterly basis
Page 7 of 44 $PAN number of any director would not be displayed on the website of Stock Exchange &Category of directors means executive/non-executive/independent/Nominee. If a director fits into more than one category write all categories separating them with hyphen
Page 8 of 44 IV. Meeting of Committees Name of the Committee Date(s) of meeting of the committee in the relevant quarter Whether requirement of Quorum met (details)* Number of Directors present* Number of independent directors present* Date(s) of meeting of the committee in the previous quarter Maximum gap between any two consecutive meetings in number of days** Yes / No
Page 9 of 44 B. INVESTOR GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL REPORT Investor Grievance Redressal Report No. of investor complaints pending at the beginning of Quarter No. of investor complaints received during the Quarter No. of investor complaints disposed off during the Quarter No. of investor complaints those remaining unresolved at the end of the Quarter C. DISCLOSURE OF ACQUISITION OF SHARES OR VOTING RIGHTS IN UNLISTED COMPANIES The details of acquisition of shares or voting rights in unlisted companies during the quarter in terms of sub-para 1 of para A of Part A of Schedule III are given below: S. No. Name of the unlisted company in which shares or voting rights have been acquired Date of acquisition Aggregate holding (% shares or voting rights) as at the end of the previous quarter % shares or voting rights acquired during the quarter Aggregate holding (% shares or voting rights) as at the end of the quarter
Page 10 of 44 D. DISCLOSURE OF IMPOSITION OF FINE OR PENALTY The details of imposition of fine or penalty during the quarter in terms of sub-para 20 of para A of Part A of Schedule III are given below: S. No. Name of the authority Nature and details of the action(s) taken or order(s) passed Date of receipt of direction or order, including any ad-interim or interim orders, or any other communication from the authority Details of the violation(s)/ contravention(s) committed or alleged to be committed Impact on financial, operation or other activities of the listed entity, quantifiable in monetary terms to the extent possible E. DISCLOSURE OF UPDATES TO ONGOING TAX LITIGATIONS OR DISPUTES The updates on tax litigations or disputes in terms of sub-para 8 of para B of Part A of Schedule III read with corresponding provisions of Annexure 18 of the Master Circular are given below: S. No. Name of the opposing party Date of initiation of the litigation / dispute Status of the litigation / dispute as per last disclosure Current status of the litigation / dispute
Page 11 of 44 F. DISCLOSURE OF LOANS / GUARANTEES / COMFORT LETTERS / SECURITIES ETC. (applicable only for half-yearly filings i.e., 2 nd and 4th quarter) HALF YEAR ENDING - ……………… I. Disclosure of Loans / guarantees / comfort letters / securities etc. refer note below (A) Any loan or any other form of debt advanced by the listed entity directly or indirectly to: Entity Aggregate amount advanced during six months Balance outstanding at the end of six months Promoter or any other entity controlled by them Promoter Group or any other entity controlled by them Directors (including relatives) or any other entity controlled by them KMPs or any other entity controlled by them (B) Any guarantee/ comfort letter (by whatever name called) provided by the listed entity directly or indirectly, in connection with any loan(s) or any other form of debt availed by: Entity Type (guarantee, comfort letter etc.) Aggregate amount of issuance during six months Balance outstanding at the end of six months (taking into account any invocation) Promoter or any other entity controlled by them Promoter Group or any other entity controlled by them Directors (including relatives) or any other entity controlled by them KMPs or any other entity controlled by them (C) Any security provided by the listed entity directly or indirectly, in connection with any loan(s) or any other form of debt availed by:
Page 12 of 44 Entity Type of security (cash, shares etc.) Aggregate value of security provided during six months Balance outstanding at the end of six months Promoter or any other entity controlled by them Promoter Group or any other entity controlled by them Directors (including relatives) or any other entity controlled by them KMPs or any other entity controlled by them II. Affirmations: All loans (or other form of debt), guarantees, comfort letters (by whatever name called) or securities in connection with any loan(s) (or other form of debt) given directly or indirectly by the listed entity to promoter(s), promoter group, director(s) (including their relatives), key managerial personnel (including their relatives) or any entity controlled by them are in the economic interest of the company. Name & Designation CEO / CFO Note
Page 13 of 44 G. AFFIRMATIONS ON COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR AGM (applicable only for the first half-year filing i.e., 2nd quarter) I Affirmations Regulation Number Compliance status (Yes/No/NA)refer note below Copy of the annual report including balance sheet, profit and loss account, directors report, corporate governance report, BRSR & BRSR core, if applicable, displayed on website 46(2) Presence of Chairperson of Audit Committee at the Annual General Meeting 18(1)(d) Presence of Chairperson of the nomination and remuneration committee at the annual general meeting 19(3) Presence of Chairperson of the Stakeholder Relationship committee at the annual general meeting 20(3) Disclosure of the Secretarial Audit Report of the listed entity and the material subsidiaries in the Annual Report 24A(1) Compliance with the conditions laid down for Secretarial Auditor or the person signing the Secretarial Compliance Report 24A(1A), 24A(1B), 24A(1C) Submission of Annual Secretarial Compliance Report 24A(2) Whether “Corporate Governance Report” disclosed in Annual Report 34(3) read with para C of Schedule V Note 1 In the column “Compliance Status”, compliance or non-compliance may be indicated by Yes/No/N.A. For example, if the Board has been composed in accordance with the requirements of LODR Regulations, "Yes" may be indicated. 2 If status is “No” details of non-compliance may be given here. 3 If the Listed Entity would like to provide any other information the same may be indicated here. Name & Designation Company Secretary / Compliance Officer / Managing Director / CEO / CFO
Page 14 of 44 H. WEBSITE AFFIRMATIONS (applicable only for Annual Filing i.e., 4th quarter) I. Disclosure on website in terms of LODR Regulations Item Compliance status (Yes/No/NA)refer note below If Yes provide link to website. If No / NA provide reasons As per regulation 46(2) of the LODR: a) Details of business aa) Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association ab) Brief profile of board of directors including directorship and full-time positions in body corporates b) Terms and conditions of appointment of independent directors c) Composition of various committees of board of directors d) Code of conduct of board of directors and senior management personnel e) Details of establishment of vigil mechanism/ Whistle Blower policy f) Criteria of making payments to non-executive directors g) Policy on dealing with related party transactions h) Policy for determining ‘material’ subsidiaries i) Details of familiarization programmes imparted to independent directors j) email address for grievance redressal and other relevant details k) Contact information of the designated officials of the listed entity who are responsible for assisting and handling investor grievances l) Financial results m) Shareholding pattern n) Details of agreements entered into with the media companies and/or their associates o) (i) Schedule of analyst or institutional investor meet (ii) Presentations prepared by the listed entity for analysts or institutional investors meet, post earnings or quarterly calls prior to beginning of such events. oa) Audio recordings, video recordings, if any, and transcripts of post earnings or quarterly calls, by whatever name called, conducted physically or through digital means
Page 15 of 44 p) New name and the old name of the listed entity q) Advertisements as per regulation 47(1) r) Credit rating or revision in credit rating obtained s) Separate audited financial statements of each subsidiary of the listed entity in respect of a relevant financial year t) Secretarial Compliance Report u) Materiality Policy as per Regulation 30(4) v) Disclosure of contact details of KMP who are authorized for the purpose of determining materiality as required under regulation 30(5) w) Disclosures under regulation 30(8) x) Statements of deviation(s) or variations(s) as specified in regulation 32 y) Dividend distribution policy as specified in regulation 43A(1) z) Annual return as provided under section 92 of the Companies Act, 2013 za) Employee Benefit scheme documents framed in terms of SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2021 Confirmation that the above disclosures are in a separate section as specified in regulation 46(2) Compliance with regulation 46(3) with respect to accuracy of disclosures on the website and timely updation I. AFFIRMATIONS W.R.T. COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PROVISIONS (applicable only for Annual Filing i.e., 4 th quarter) II Annual Affirmations Particulars Regulation Number Compliance status (Yes/No/NA)refer note below Independent director(s) have been appointed in terms of specified criteria of ‘independence’ and/or ‘eligibility’ 16(1)(b) Board composition 17(1), 17(1A), 17(1C), 17(1D) & 17(1E) Meeting of Board of directors 17(2) Quorum of Board meeting 17(2A) Review of Compliance Reports 17(3) Plans for orderly succession for Appointments 17(4)
Page 16 of 44 Code of Conduct 17(5) Fees/compensation 17(6) Minimum Information 17(7) Compliance Certificate 17(8) Risk Assessment & Management 17(9) Performance Evaluation of Independent Directors 17(10) Recommendation of Board 17(11) Maximum number of directorships 17A Composition of Audit Committee 18(1) Meeting of Audit Committee 18(2) Role of Audit Committee and information to be reviewed by the audit committee 18(3) Composition of nomination & remuneration committee 19(1) & (2) Quorum of Nomination and Remuneration Committee meeting 19(2A) Meeting of nomination & remuneration committee 19(3A) Role of Nomination and Remuneration Committee 19(4) Composition of Stakeholder Relationship Committee 20(1), 20(2)and 20(2A) Meeting of stakeholder relationship committee 20 (3A) Role of Stakeholders Relationship Committee 20(4) Composition and role of risk management committee 21(1),(2),(3),(4) Meeting of Risk Management Committee 21(3A) Quorum of Risk Management Committee meeting 21(3B) Gap between the meetings of the Risk Management Committee 21(3C) Vigil Mechanism 22 Policy for related party Transaction 23(1), (1A), (5) ,(6),& (8) Prior or Omnibus approval of Audit Committee for all related party transactions 23(2), (3) Approval for material related party transactions 23(4) Disclosure of related party transactions on consolidated basis 23(9) Composition of Board of Directors of unlisted material Subsidiary 24(1) Other Corporate Governance requirements with respect to subsidiary of listed entity 24(2),(3),(4),(5) & (6) Alternate Director to Independent Director 25(1) Maximum Tenure 25(2) Appointment, Re -appointment or removal of an Independent Director through special resolution or the alternate mechanism 25(2A)
Page 17 of 44 Meeting of independent directors 25(3) & (4) Familiarization of independent directors 25(7) Declaration from Independent Director 25(8) & (9) Directors and Officers insurance 25(10) Confirmation with respect to appointment of Independent Directors who resigned from the listed entity 25(11) Memberships in Committees 26(1) Affirmation with compliance to code of conduct from members of Board of Directors and Senior management Personnel 26(3) Policy with respect to Obligations of directors and senior management 26(2) & 26(5) Approval of the Board and shareholders for compensation or profit sharing in connection with dealings in the securities of the listed entity. 26(6) Vacancies in respect Key Managerial Personnel 26A(1) & 26A(2), 26A(3) Note
Page 18 of 44 FORMAT FOR QUARTERLY INTEGRATED FILING (FINANCIAL) A. FINANCIAL RESULTS Formats for unaudited / audited quarterly financial results i.e., Statement of Profit and Loss and the unaudited / audited half-yearly balance sheet to be submitted by listed entities shall be as per the formats for balance sheet and statement of profit and loss (excluding notes and detailed subclassification) as prescribed in Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013, as amended from time to time. Listed banking and insurance companies shall follow the formats as prescribed under the respective Acts / Regulations and / or as specified by the sectoral regulators. While publishing the quarterly financial results, listed entities shall also publish the figures relating to the periods as mentioned in para 5 of section III-A of SEBI Master Circular dated November 11, 2024. B. STATEMENT ON DEVIATION OR VARIATION FOR PROCEEDS OF PUBLIC ISSUE, RIGHTS ISSUE, PREFERENTIAL ISSUE, QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONS PLACEMENT ETC. Statement on deviation / variation in utilisation of funds raised Name of listed entity
Mode of Fund Raising Public Issues / Rights Issues / Preferential Issues / QIP / Others Date of Raising Funds Amount Raised Report filed for Quarter ended Monitoring Agency applicable / not applicable Monitoring Agency Name, if applicable Is there a Deviation / Variation in use of funds raised Yes / No
Page 19 of 44 If yes, whether the same is pursuant to change in terms of a contract or objects, which was approved by the shareholders
If Yes, Date of shareholder Approval Explanation for the Deviation / Variation Comments of the Audit Committee after review Comments of the auditors, if any Objects for which funds have been raised and where there has been a deviation, in the following table
Original Object Modified Object, if any Original Allocation Modified allocation, if any Funds Utilised Amount of Deviation/Variation for the quarter according to applicable object Remarks if any
Deviation or variation could mean: (a) Deviation in the objects or purposes for which the funds have been raised or (b) Deviation in the amount of funds actually utilized as against what was originally disclosed or (c) Change in terms of a contract referred to in the fund raising document i.e. prospectus, letter of offer, etc.
Name of Signatory Designation
Page 20 of 44 C. FORMAT FOR DISCLOSING OUTSTANDING DEFAULT ON LOANS AND DEBT SECURITIES S. No. Particulars in INR crore
Page 21 of 44 D. FORMAT FOR DISCLOSURE OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (applicable only for half-yearly filings i.e., 2nd and 4 th quarter) Additional disclosure of related party transactions - applicable only in case the related party transaction relates to loans, inter-corporate deposits, advances or investments made or given by the listed entity/subsidiary. These details need to be disclosed only once, during the reporting period when such transaction was undertaken. S. No Details of the party (listed entity /subsidiary) entering into the transaction Details of the counterparty Type of related party transaction (see Note 5) Value of the related party transaction as approved by the audit committee (see Note 6a) Value of the related party transaction ratified by the audit committee (see Note 6b) Value of transaction during the reporting period (see Note 6c) In case monies are due to either party as a result of the transaction (see Note 1) In case any financial indebtedness is incurred to make or give loans, inter-corporate deposits, advances or investments Details of the loans, inter-corporate deposits, advances or investments Name PAN Name PAN Relationship of the counterparty with the listed entity or its subsidiary Opening balance Closing balance Nature of indebtedness (loan/ issuance of debt/ any other etc.) Cost (see Note 7) Tenure Nature (loan/ advance/ intercorporate deposit/ investment Interest Rate (%)Tenure Secured/ unsecured Purpose for which the funds will be utilised by the ultimate recipient of funds (endusage) Tota l (of Note 6b)
Page 22 of 44 Notes:
Page 23 of 44 8. PAN will not be displayed on the website of the Stock Exchange(s). 9. Transactions such as acceptance of fixed deposits by banks/NBFCs, undertaken with related parties, at the terms uniformly applicable /offered to all shareholders/ public shall also be reported. E. STATEMENT ON IMPACT OF AUDIT QUALIFICATIONS (FOR AUDIT REPORT WITH MODIFIED OPINION) SUBMITTED ALONGWITH ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS (Standalone and Consolidated separately) (applicable only for Annual Filing i.e., 4th quarter) Statement on Impact of Audit Qualifications for the Financial Year ended March 31, ........ (See regulation 33 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015) I. Sl. No. Particulars Audited Figures (as reported before adjusting for qualifications) Adjusted Figures (audited figures after adjusting for qualifications)
Page 24 of 44 6. Total Liabilities - - 7. Net Worth - - 8. Any other financial item(s) (as felt appropriate by the management)
- II.
Audit Qualification (each audit qualification separately): a. Details of Audit Qualification: b. Type of Audit Qualification: Qualified Opinion / Disclaimer of Opinion / Adverse Opinion c. Frequency of qualification: Whether appeared first time / repetitive / since how long continuing d. For Audit Qualification(s) where the impact is quantified by the auditor, Management's Views: e. For Audit Qualification(s) where the impact is not quantified by the auditor: (i) Management's estimation on the impact of audit qualification: (ii) If management is unable to estimate the impact, reasons for the same: (iii) Auditors' Comments on (i) or (ii) above: III. Signatories: • CEO/Managing Director • CFO • Audit Committee Chairman • Statutory Auditor Place: Date:
Page 25 of 44 Annexure 2 DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR A SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Page 26 of 44 ii. in case of a firm, either itself or through any of its partners or through its parent, subsidiary or associate entity or through any other entity, whatsoever, in which the firm or any partner of the firm has significant influence or control, or whose name or trade mark or brand is used by the firm or any of its partners. f) a person whose relative is a director or is in the employment of the listed entity as a director or key managerial personnel; g) a person who is in full time employment elsewhere or a person or a partner of a firm holding appointment as its secretarial auditor, if such persons or partner is at the date of such appointment or reappointment holding appointment as secretarial auditor of 15 or more than 15 companies; h) a person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving fraud and a period of ten years has not elapsed from the date of such conviction; i) a person who, directly or indirectly, renders any service prohibited under subregulation (1B) of regulation 24A to the listed entity or its holding or its subsidiary entities.
Page 27 of 44 Annexure 3 SERVICES NOT TO BE RENDERED BY THE SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Page 28 of 44 Annexure 4 CHANGES TO SEBI MASTER CIRCULAR DATED NOVEMBER 11, 2024 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular Changes pursuant to implementation of Integrated Filing Chapter II, Section II-B and Annexures 3, 4, 5 and 6
Page 29 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular d) Annexure 6 – on a half yearly basis. 4. Listed entities shall submit the compliance report on corporate governance as per the formats specified above. In case of nonapplicability of the corporate governance provisions, the listed entity shall submit a declaration to that effect, duly signed by the compliance officer or the chief executive officer accompanied by a certificate from a PCA or a PCS, to the Stock Exchange(s), at the beginning of every financial year. Chapter III, Section III-A, Para 3 3. Therefore, the formats for unaudited / audited quarterly financial results i.e., Statement of Profit and Loss and the unaudited / audited half-yearly balance sheet to be submitted by listed entities shall be as per the formats for balance sheet and statement of profit and loss (excluding notes and detailed subclassification) as prescribed in Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013, as amended from time to time. Listed banking and insurance companies shall follow the formats as prescribed under the respective Acts / Regulations and The formats shall be as specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). 3. Therefore, listed entities shall follow the formats specified in Integrated Filing (Financial).
Page 30 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular / or as specified by the sectoral regulators. Chapter III, Section III-A, Para 8 8. The financial results published in the newspapers in terms of regulation 47(1)(b) of the LODR Regulations shall be in the format as specified in Annexure 9 to this circular. The banking and insurance companies may include additional disclosures, if any, specified by the sectoral regulators. Reference to the regulations to be updated based on the recent amendments. 8. The detailed financial results published in the newspapers in terms of regulation 47(1) of the LODR Regulations shall be in the format as specified in Annexure 9 to this circular. The banking and insurance companies may include additional disclosures, if any, specified by the sectoral regulators. Chapter III, Section III-A, Para 18 and Annexure 12 18. Therefore, every listed entity shall submit the Statement on Impact of Audit Qualifications, for audit report with modified opinion, in the format specified at Annexure 12 to this circular. The management of the listed entity shall have the option to explain its views on the audit qualifications. The recognized stock exchange(s) shall review the aforesaid statement in terms of regulation 95 of the LODR Regulations and monitor it as part of its regular monitoring as specified in regulation 97 of the LODR Regulations. Reference to be given to the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). Annexure 12 to be omitted. 18. Therefore, every listed entity shall submit the Statement on Impact of Audit Qualifications, for audit report with modified opinion, in the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). The management of the listed entity shall have the option to explain its views on the audit qualifications. The recognized stock exchange(s) shall review the aforesaid statement in terms of regulation 95 of the LODR Regulations and monitor it as part of its regular monitoring as specified in regulation 97 of the LODR Regulations. Chapter III, Section III-B, para 2 and Annexure 13 2. Accordingly, listed entities shall make RPT disclosures in the format specified in Annexure 13 to this circular. Reference to be given to the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). Annexure 13 to be omitted. 2. Accordingly, listed entities shall make RPT disclosures in the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial).
Page 31 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular Chapter III, Section III-C, para 2, 3 & 4 and Annexure 14 2. A common format for such reporting will aid the monitoring of the end use of issue proceeds raised by listed entities through public issue, rights issue, preferential issue, QIP etc. by Stock Exchanges. Hence, for the purpose of compliance with regulations 32(1), 32(2) and 32(3) of the LODR Regulations, listed entities shall follow the format specified at Annexure 14 to this circular. Reference to be given to the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). Annexure 14 to be omitted. 2. A common format for such reporting will aid the monitoring of the end use of issue proceeds raised by listed entities through public issue, rights issue, preferential issue, QIP etc. by Stock Exchanges. Hence, for the purpose of compliance with regulations 32(1), 32(2) and 32(3) of the LODR Regulations, listed entities shall follow the format specified in Integrated Filing (Financial). 3. The salient features of the format are as under: 3.1) Applicability: The format shall be applicable for funds raised by listed entities through public issue, rights issue, preferential issue, QIPs etc. 3.2) Frequency of Disclosure: The disclosure to the Stock Exchange(s) shall be made by listed entities on quarterly basis along with the declaration of financial results (within 45 days of end of each quarter / 60 days from the end of the last quarter of the financial year) until such funds are fully utilised or the purpose for which these proceeds were raised has been achieved. …. Timeline to be omitted. The timeline for Integrated Filing (Financial) would be applicable. 3. The salient features of the format are as under: 3.1) Applicability: The format shall be applicable for funds raised by listed entities through public issue, rights issue, preferential issue, QIPs etc. 3.2) Frequency of Disclosure: The disclosure to the Stock Exchange(s) shall be made by listed entities on quarterly as part of the Integrated Filing (Financial) until such funds are fully utilised or the purpose for which these proceeds were raised has been achieved. 3.3) Role of the Audit Committee: The statement of deviation report shall be placed before audit committee of the listed entity for review on quarterly basis and after such review, the comments of audit committee along with the report shall be
Page 32 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular disclosed/submitted to the stock exchange, as part of the format. In cases where the listed entity is not required to have an audit committee under the provisions of LODR Regulations or the Companies Act, 2013, the word ‘Audit Committee’ shall be replaced with ‘Board of Directors’. 4. A NIL report shall be submitted by listed entities that do not have any deviation or variation in the funds raised. To be omitted. [***] Chapter V, Section V-B, Para 5.2 5.2 Disclosures specified in the table below shall be made by listed entities, if on the last date of any quarter: a. Any loan including revolving facilities like cash credit from banks / financial institutions where the default continues beyond 30 days or b. There is any outstanding debt security under default. ….. The above disclosure shall be made within 7 days from the end of each quarter. The format for quarterly disclosure of outstanding default on loans / debt securities has been made part of the Integrated Filing (Financial). Therefore, the existing timeline mentioned in the circular to be omitted. 5.2 Disclosures specified in the table below shall be made by listed entities, if on the last date of any quarter: a. Any loan including revolving facilities like cash credit from banks / financial institutions where the default continues beyond 30 days or b. There is any outstanding debt security under default. S. N o. Particulars in INR crore
Page 33 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular B Of the total amount outstanding, amount of default as on date 2. Unlisted debt securities i.e. NCDs and NCRPS A Total amount outstanding as on date B Of the total amount outstanding, amount of default as on date 3. Total financial indebtedness of the listed entity including short-term and long-term debt The above disclosure shall be part of the quarterly Integrated Filing (Financial) of the listed entity. Changes required for implementation of System driven disclosure of certain filings Chapter II, Section II-A para 6 of the Master Circular. 6. All listed entities shall also disclose details pertaining to foreign ownership limits indicating the board approved limits and utilization in the format prescribed in Table VI of Annexure 2 to this circular. The provision needs to be modified to take into account system driven disclosure of shareholding pattern. 6. All listed entities shall also ensure disclosure of details pertaining to foreign ownership limits indicating the board approved limits and utilization in the format prescribed in Table VI of Annexure 2 to this circular. Chapter II, Section II-A para 8.3 of the Master Circular. 8.3 The Depositories shall provide the shareholding data to listed entities in the requisite categorization as specified in this Section. Under system driven disclosure, data needs to be made available by depositories to Stock Exchanges also as dissemination would happen at the Stock Exchanges’ end after obtaining necessary 8.3 The Depositories shall provide the shareholding data to listed entities and / or Stock Exchanges in the requisite categorization as specified in this Section.
Page 34 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular confirmations from the listed entity. Chapter II, Section II-A para 9 of the Master Circular. 9. Listed entities shall disclose the shareholding pattern in the formats specified above for the purpose of compliance with regulation 31(1)of the LODR Regulations. The provision needs to be modified to take into account system driven disclosure of shareholding pattern. 9. Listed entities shall ensure disclosure of the shareholding pattern in the formats specified above for the purpose of compliance with regulation 31(1)of the LODR Regulations. Changes pursuant to other recommendations of the Expert Committee Chapter VII, Section VII-A, para 6.1, sl. No. 19 of the Master Circular Regulation 31A(3)(a) Non-compliance pertaining to delay in submission of reclassification application to stock exchanges Rs. 5,000 per day Fines to be imposed for noncompliance with the timelines specified for various events relating to reclassification of promoter / promoter group into public. Regulation 31A(3)(a)(ii) / (iii) / (v) / (vii) Non-compliance with the requirements for reclassification of promoter / promoter group entity Rs. 5,000 per day Chapter VI, section VI-H, para 2.1 of the Master Circular. 2.1 Group Governance Unit: 2.1.1 Where the listed entity has a large number of unlisted subsidiaries: i. The listed entity may monitor their governance through a dedicated group governance Bringing in clarity on the provisions relating to composition of Group Governance Unit as suggested by the Expert Committee. 2.1 Group Governance Unit: 2.1.1 Where the listed entity has a large number of unlisted subsidiaries: i. The listed entity may monitor their governance through a dedicated group
Page 35 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular unit or Governance Committee comprising the members of its board of directors. ii. A strong and effective group governance policy may be established by the entity. iii. The decision of setting up of such a unit/committee or having such a policy shall lie with the board of directors of the listed entity. governance unit or Governance Committee. ii. A strong and effective group governance policy may be established by the entity. iii. [***] Annexure 18, Para A, sub-para 1 of the Master Circular.
Page 36 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular (viii)percentage of shareholding / control by the listed entity and / or number of shares allotted. Annexure 18, Para B, sub-para 8 of the Master Circular. 8. Pendency of any litigation(s) or dispute(s) or the outcome thereof which may have an impact on the listed entity: The listed entity shall notify the stock exchange(s) upon it or its director or its key management personnel or its senior management or its promoter or its subsidiary becoming party to any litigation, assessment, adjudication, arbitration or dispute in conciliation proceedings or upon institution of any litigation, assessment, adjudication, arbitration or dispute including any adinterim or interim orders passed against or in favour of the listed entity, the outcome of which can reasonably be expected to have an impact. In case the amount involved in ongoing litigations or disputes with an opposing party become material on a cumulative basis, then the same shall also be required to be disclosed to the stock exchange(s). The manner of disclosure of tax litigation or dispute based on application of materiality criteria to be specified under sub-para 8 of Para B of Annexure 18 of the Master Circular. 8. Pendency of any litigation(s) or dispute(s) or the outcome thereof which may have an impact on the listed entity: The listed entity shall notify the stock exchange(s) upon it or its director or its key management personnel or its senior management or its promoter or its subsidiary becoming party to any litigation, assessment, adjudication, arbitration or dispute in conciliation proceedings or upon institution of any litigation, assessment, adjudication, arbitration or dispute including any adinterim or interim orders passed against or in favour of the listed entity, the outcome of which can reasonably be expected to have an impact. In case the amount involved in ongoing litigations or disputes become material on a cumulative basis, then the same shall also be required to be disclosed to the stock exchange(s). Explanation - Tax litigations or disputes, including demand notices, penalties, etc., shall be disclosed under sub-para 8 of Para B based on application of criteria for materiality in the following manner: (i) Disclosure of new tax litigations or disputes within twenty-four hours from the receipt of notice by the listed entity. (ii) Quarterly updates on ongoing tax litigations or disputes in the format as may be specified.
Page 37 of 44 Chapter / section number and para number of the Master Circular Existing provision Changes proposed to the existing provision Revised provision of the Master Circular (iii) Tax litigations or disputes, the outcomes of which are likely to have a high correlation, should be cumulated for determining materiality. Annexure 18A of the Master Circular. TIMELINE FOR DISCLOSING EVENTS GIVEN IN PART A OF SCHEDULE III OF THE LODR REGULATIONS ….. Annexure 18A of the Master Circular on timelines for disclosure of material events or information is being modified in line with the amendments to the LODR Regulations and changes to Annexure 18 of the Master Circular. Annexure 18A of the Master Circular to be substituted by Annexure 5 to this circular. Please refer Annexure 5 of this circular on ‘Timeline for disclosing events given in Part A of Schedule III of the LODR Regulations.’
Page 38 of 44 Annexure 5 TIMELINE FOR DISCLOSING EVENTS GIVEN IN PART A OF SCHEDULE III OF THE LODR REGULATIONS
Page 39 of 44 Para / subpara Events Timeline for disclosure disclosed quarterly as part of Integrated Filing (Governance). 2. Issuance or forfeiture of securities, split or consolidation of shares, buyback of securities, any restriction on transferability of securities or alteration in terms or structure of existing securities including forfeiture, reissue of forfeited securities, alteration of calls, redemption of securities etc. Within 12 hours * 3. New Ratings(s) or Revision in Rating(s). Within 24 hours 4. Outcome of Meetings of the board of directors As specified in clause (i) of Regulation 30(6) of LODR. 5. Agreements (viz. shareholder agreement(s), joint venture agreement(s), family settlement agreement(s) (to the extent that it impacts management and control of the listed entity), agreement(s)/treaty(ies)/contract(s) with media companies) which are binding and not in normal course of business, revision(s) or amendment(s) and termination(s) thereof. Within 12 hours * (for agreements where listed entity is a party); Within 24 hours (for agreements where listed entity is not a party). 5A. Agreements entered into by the shareholders, promoters, promoter group entities, related parties, directors, key managerial personnel, employees of the listed entity or of its holding, subsidiary or associate company, among themselves or with the listed entity or with a third party, solely or jointly, which, either directly or indirectly or potentially or whose purpose and effect is to, impact the management or control of the listed entity or impose any restriction or create any liability upon the listed entity, shall be disclosed to the Stock Exchanges, including disclosure of any rescission, amendment or alteration of such agreements thereto, whether or not the listed entity is a party to such agreements: Provided that such agreements entered into by a listed entity in the normal course of business shall not be required to be disclosed unless they, either directly or indirectly or potentially or whose purpose and effect is to, impact the management or control of the listed entity or they are required to be disclosed in terms of any other provisions of these regulations. Within 12 hours * (for agreements where listed entity is a party); Within 24 hours (for agreements where listed entity is not a party).
Page 40 of 44 Para / subpara Events Timeline for disclosure 6. Fraud or defaults by a listed entity, its promoter, director, key managerial personnel, senior management or subsidiary or arrest of key managerial personnel, senior management, promoter or director whether occurred within India or abroad. Within 24 hours 7. Change in directors, key managerial personnel (Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary etc.), senior management, Auditor and Compliance Officer. Within 12 hours * (except in case resignation); Within 24 hours (in case of resignation) 7A. In case of resignation of the auditor of the listed entity, detailed reasons for resignation of auditor, as given by the said auditor. Timeline as specified in sub-para 7A of Para A of Schedule III. 7B. Resignation of independent director including reasons for resignation. Timeline as specified in sub-para 7B of Para A of Schedule III. 7C. Letter of resignation along with detailed reasons for the resignation as given by the key managerial personnel, senior management, Compliance Officer or director. Timeline as specified in sub-para 7C of Para A of Schedule III. 7D. In case the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer of the listed entity was indisposed or unavailable to fulfil the requirements of the role in a regular manner for more than forty five days in any rolling period of ninety days, the same along with the reasons for such indisposition or unavailability, shall be disclosed to the stock exchange(s). Within 12 hours * 8. Appointment or discontinuation of share transfer agent. Within 12 hours * 9. Resolution plan/ Restructuring in relation to loans/borrowings from banks/financial institutions. Within 24 hours 10. One time settlement with a bank. Within 24 hours 11. Winding-up petition filed by any party / creditors. Within 24 hours 12. Issuance of notices, call letters, resolutions and circulars sent to shareholders, debenture holders or creditors or any class of them or advertised in the media by the listed entity. Within 12 hours * 13. Proceedings of annual and extraordinary general meetings of the listed entity. Within 12 hours * 14. Amendments to memorandum and articles of association of listed entity, in brief. Within 12 hours *
Page 41 of 44 Para / subpara Events Timeline for disclosure 15. (a) Schedule of analysts or institutional investors meet and presentations made by the listed entity to analysts or institutional investors. (b) Audio or video recordings and transcripts of post earnings/quarterly calls, by whatever name called, conducted physically or through digital means. Timeline as specified in sub-para 15 of Para A of Schedule III. 16. Events in relation to the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) of a listed corporate debtor under the Insolvency Code. Within 24 hours 17. Initiation of Forensic audit: In case of initiation of forensic audit, (by whatever name called), the following disclosures shall be made to the stock exchanges by listed entities: (a) The fact of initiation of forensic audit along-with name of entity initiating the audit and reasons for the same, if available; (b) Final forensic audit report (other than for forensic audit initiated by regulatory / enforcement agencies) on receipt by the listed entity along with comments of the management, if any. Within 12 hours * (if initiated by the listed entity); Within 24 hours (if initiated by external agency). 18. Announcement or communication through social media intermediaries or mainstream media by directors, promoters, key managerial personnel or senior management of a listed entity, in relation to any event or information which is material for the listed entity in terms of regulation 30 of these regulations and is not already made available in the public domain by the listed entity. Within 24 hours 19. Action(s) initiated or orders passed by any regulatory, statutory, enforcement authority or judicial body against the listed entity or its directors, key managerial personnel, senior management, promoter or subsidiary, in relation to the listed entity, in respect of the following: (a) search or seizure; or (b) re-opening of accounts under section 130 of the Companies Act, 2013; or (c) investigation under the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Companies Act, 2013; Within 24 hours
Page 42 of 44 Para / subpara Events Timeline for disclosure 20. Action(s) taken or orders passed by any regulatory, statutory, enforcement authority or judicial body against the listed entity or its directors, key managerial personnel, senior management, promoter or subsidiary, in relation to the listed entity, in respect of the following: (a) suspension; (b) Imposition of fine or penalty; (c) settlement of proceedings; (d) debarment; (e) disqualification; (f) closure of operations; (g) sanctions imposed; (h) warning or caution; or (i) any other similar action(s) by whatever name called; Within 24 hours Imposition of fine or penalty which are lower than the monetary thresholds specified under Para A(20) of Part A of Schedule III of LODR shall be disclosed quarterly as part of Integrated Filing (Governance). 21. Voluntary revision of financial statements or the report of the board of directors of the listed entity under section 131 of the Companies Act, 2013. Within 12 hours * B. Events which shall be disclosed upon application of the guidelines for materiality referred subregulation (4) of regulation (30)
Page 43 of 44 Para / subpara Events Timeline for disclosure (for agreements where listed entity is not a party). 6. Disruption of operations of any one or more units or division of the listed entity due to natural calamity (earthquake, flood, fire etc.), force majeure or events such as strikes, lockouts etc. Within 24 hours 7. Effect(s) arising out of change in the regulatory framework applicable to the listed entity. Within 24 hours 8. Pendency of any litigation(s) or dispute(s) or the outcome thereof which may have an impact on the listed entity. Within 24 hours (except as provided under Regulation 30(6) of LODR) Updates on ongoing tax litigations or disputes shall be disclosed quarterly as part of Integrated Filing (Governance). 9. Frauds or defaults by employees of the listed entity which has or may have an impact on the listed entity. Within 24 hours 10. Options to purchase securities including any ESOP/ESPS Scheme. Within 12 hours * 11. Giving of guarantees or indemnity or becoming a surety, by whatever name called, for any third party. Within 12 hours * 12. Granting, withdrawal, surrender, cancellation or suspension of key licenses or regulatory approvals. Within 24 hours 13. Delay or default in the payment of fines, penalties, dues, etc. to any regulatory, statutory, enforcement or judicial authority. Within 12 hours * C. Any other information/event viz. major development that is likely to affect business, e.g. emergence of new technologies, expiry of patents, any change of accounting policy that may have a significant impact on the accounts, etc. and brief details thereof and any other information which is exclusively known to the listed entity which may be necessary to enable the holders of securities of the listed entity to appraise its position and to avoid the establishment of a false market in such securities. Within 24 hours D. Without prejudice to the generality of para (A), (B) and (C) above, the listed entity may make disclosures of event/information as specified by the Board from time to time. Timeline as specified by the Board.
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