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Article explains significant procedural differences and exemptions that exist between private limited companies and public limited companies. From the minimum number of subscribers and directors to issues like prospectus, public securities, and quorum requirements, understanding these variations is essential for businesses and stakeholders operating within different company structures.

The distinction between private limited companies and public limited companies extends beyond their ownership structure and capital requirements. Procedural differences and exemptions play a significant role in defining the operations and compliance obligations of these two types of companies. Private limited companies are characterized by a more flexible framework, while public limited companies operate within a more regulated environment to protect the interests of shareholders and the general public.

Private vs. Public Companies

Understanding these procedural differences and exemptions is crucial for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals involved in company formation, management, and governance. This comprehensive analysis aims to shed light on the key variations between private limited companies and public limited companies, covering aspects such as the minimum number of subscribers and directors, the maximum number of members, the issuance of prospectus and securities, quorum requirements, board meetings, rotation of directors, and more.

By delving into these procedural disparities, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions and navigate the legal and regulatory landscape in accordance with the specific requirements of their chosen company structure. Whether considering the formation of a new company or seeking to understand the implications of transitioning from one type of company to another, a clear understanding of the procedural differences and exemptions is essential for compliance, governance, and overall business success.

In the subsequent sections, we will examine each procedural difference and exemption in detail, providing a comprehensive overview of the unique characteristics and obligations associated with private limited companies and public limited companies.

S. No.

Particulars Private Limited Company
(ABC Private Limited)
Public Limited Company
(ABC Limited)
1. Minimum No. of subscribers Two (2) Seven (7)
2. Minimum No. of Directors Two (2) Three (3)
3. Maximum No. of members 200, excluding the following-

a) Persons who are in employment of the company

(Present employees);

b) Persons who have been formerly in the employment of the company & were members of the company and have continued to be members after the employment ceased.

(Past employees).

Unlimited
4. Issue of Prospectus Not Allowed Allowed
5. Public Issue of securities Not Allowed Allowed
6. Quorum required at AGM Two (2) members personally present. Five (5) members personally present if members are upto one thousand.
7. Minimum No. of BM One person Company, Small Company, Dormant Company and a startup private Company-May hold at least 1 BM in each half of its calendar year and minimum gap between 2 BMs shall be 90 days. It shall hold at least 4 BMs in a year and maximum gap between 2 BMs shall not exceed 120 days.
8. Rotation of Directors Not Applicable At least 2/3rd of total no. of directors shall be liable to retire by rotation at every AGM and 1/3rd of them shall be liable to vacate their office
9. Issue period for Rights Issue & dispatch of Letter of offer Not applicable if minimum 90% of members give their written consent or in electronic mode for a shorter period. The issue period for rights issue shall be open for minimum-15 days and maximum – 30 days.

The letter of offer shall be dispatched at least 3 days before the opening of the issue.

10. Issue of ESOPs Shareholder’s may pass Ordinary Resolution for approval at the General Meeting. Shareholder’s approval required by way of Special Resolution at General Meeting
11. Conditions re: acceptance of deposits Deposits upto 100% of (Paid up share capital + Free reserves) may be accepted without following the following compliances-

a) Issue of circular to its members in Form DPT-1

b) Filing of DPT-1 to the registrar within 30 days from the date of Issue.

c) Maintenance of deposit repayment reserve.

d) Deposit repayment Non-Compliance certificate.

If the details are filed with the registrar in a specified manner.

Required to comply with all the following conditions –

a) Issue of circular to its members in Form DPT-1

b) Filing of DPT-1 to the registrar within 30 days from the date of Issue.

c) Maintenance of deposit repayment reserve.

d) Deposit repayment Non‑ Compliance certificate.

12. Notice of General Meeting AOA can overrule the companies act, 2013.

(Notice shall be dispatched at least 21 clear days before the GM if AOA doesn’t provide a higher / lesser limit.)

AOA cannot overrule the companies act,2013.

(Notice shall be dispatched at least 21 clear days before the GM.)

13. Explanation statement u/s 102 AOA may provide for a different provision for annexing explanation statement. Explanation statement shall be
annexed to the notice of a meeting where special business is to be
conducted.
14. Appointment of Proxy at GM AOA of the company may overrule the provision of appointment. If a member is unable to attend a GM, he shall appoint an individual in Form MGT-11 to attend on his behalf.
15. Requirement to file MGT-14 The company is not required to file Form MGT-14 to the Registrar to inform about the following matters-

a) To make calls on unpaid shares;

b) To authorise Buy Back of securities;

c) To issue securities including debentures;

d) To borrow;

e) To invest Company’s funds;

f) To grant loans, give security;

g) To approve financial statements and Board Report;

h) To diversify the business;

i) To approve mergers & takeovers

The company shall mandatorily file MGT-14 when the Board passes resolutions regarding the following matters-

a) To make calls on unpaid shares;

b) To authorise Buy Back of securities;

c) To issue securities
including debentures;

d) To borrow;

e) To invest Company’s funds;

f) To grant loans, give security;

g) To approve financialstatements and Board
Report;

h) To diversify the business; i) To approve mergers & takeovers;

16. Maximum No. of companies where a person can act as Statutory Auditor Maximum 20 companies excluding a private limited company having paid up share capital less than INR 100 Crores. Maximum 20 companies including a public limited company.
17. Appointment of 2 or more Directors via single resolution at GM Applicable.

(More than 1 director can be appointed via single resolution without holding a prior meeting.)

Applicable subject to condition.

(A single resolution cannot be passed at a GM for appointment of 2 or more directors unless a proposal to move such motion has been agreed upon at a prior meeting without even a single vote casted against it.)

18. Appointment of MD/WTD / Manager Only Board Approval is required. Mandatory approval of all the following-a) BOD;b) Shareholders at a GM;c) CG (If appointment is invariance to conditions u/s
196)
19. Validity of acts of MD/WTD/Manager. Valid even if Shareholder’s approval not obtained. Invalid if appointment not approved by shareholders at GM.
20. Requirement of Special Resolution to exercise the powers of Board under section 180 of The Companies Act,2013 Special Resolution not mandatory. Special Resolution is mandatory.
21. Applicability of Section 185 of The Companies Act,2013 i.e., Loan to directors Not Applicable to the following private companies-

a) in whose share capital no other body corporate has invested any money;

b) if the borrowings of such company from banks or financial institutions or any Body corporate is less than twice of its paid-up share capital or fifty crore rupees, whichever is lower;

c) such a company has no default in repayment of such borrowings subsisting at the time of making
transactions under Sec 185.

Applicable and the company shall abide by sec 185.
22. Participation of related member in a GM u/s 188 Not Applicable.

(A related member can vote on resolutions in a GM.)

If a member is a related party to any contract or arrangement, he shall not vote for such resolution in a GM.
23. Participation of Interested Director in BM u/s 184 An interested director may –

a) participate in a Board Meeting where a
resolution of his interest is passed if,

b) he discloses in interest in such BM.

An interested director shall –

a) Disclose the nature of his interest at a BM, and

b) Shall not participate in a BM where the resolution of his interest is being passed.

24. Inclusion of interested director in Quorum of a Board Meeting 174 (3) Interest director may be counted in quorum of a BM if he gives notice of his interest at or before the BM. Interested director cannot be counted in quorum of a BM.
25. Nomination & Remuneration Committee Voluntary Applicable on the following public companies-

a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 10 Crore;

b) Turnover is equal/more than INR 100 Crore;

c) Aggregate of outstanding loans, debentures and deposits exceeds INR 50 Crore.

26. Audit Committee Voluntary Applicable on the following public companies-

a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 10 Crore;

b) Turnover is equal/more than INR 100 Crore;

c) Aggregate of outstanding loans, debentures and deposits exceeds INR 50 Crore.

27. Appointment of Woman Director Not Applicable Applicable on the following public companies-

a) Paid up share capital equal
/more than INR 100 Crore;

b) Turnover is equal/more than INR 300 Crore;

28. Appointment of Independent Director Not Applicable Applicable on the following public companies-

a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 10 Crore;

b) Turnover is equal/more than INR 100 Crore;

c) Aggregate of outstanding loans, debentures and deposits exceeds INR 50 Crore.

29. Appointment Statutory Auditor Mandatory Mandatory
30. Secretarial Audit Applicable only if-

a) Outstanding loans or borrowings from banks or public financial institutions are more than INR 100 Crore.

Applicable on the following public companies-

a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 50 Crore;

b) Turnover is equal/more than INR 150 Crore;

c) Outstanding loans or borrowings from banks or public financial institutions are more than INR 100 Crore.

31. Appointment of CS Applicable only if- Applicable only if-
a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 10 Crore. a) Paid up share capital equal /more than INR 10 Crore.

Conclusion: Understanding the procedural differences and exemptions between private limited companies and public limited companies is crucial for businesses and stakeholders. These differences impact aspects such as the minimum number of subscribers, directors, and members, issuance of prospectus and securities, quorum requirements, board meetings, rotation of directors, and various compliance obligations. By grasping these variations, companies can navigate the legal framework effectively and make informed decisions based on their specific company structure.

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Author Bio

Muskan Aggarwal has secured AIR -24 in Company Secretary exams and she is an avid reader. She has graduated from Miranda House, Delhi University and is currently pursuing LLB. During the course of her CS management training , she has developed fascination towards reading daunting provisions of vario View Full Profile

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