Clarification with regard to voting through electronic means

General Circular No. 20/2O14

No. 1/34/2013-cL-V

Government of India

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

5th Floor, A Wing, Shastri Bhavan

Dr R.P. Road, New Delhi

Dated 17th June, 2014

Section 108 of tlle Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 20 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 deal with theexercise of right to vote by members by electronic means (e-means), The provisions seek to ensure wider shareholders participation in the decisionmaking process in companies. Corporates and other stakeholders while appreciating the new approach have drawn attention to some practical difltculties in respect of general meetings to be held in the next few months.

2. "the suggestions received from the stakeholders have been examined. It isnoticed that compliance with procedural requirements, engagement ofDepository Agencies and the need for clarity on matter like demand for poll/postal ballot etc will take some more time. Accordingly, it has been decided notto treat the relevait provisions as mandatory till 31st December, 2014. "the relevant notifrcation in this regard is being issued separately

3. To provide clarity and ensure uniformity in the e-voting procedure,clarilications on certain issues raised by the stakeholders are provided in theAnnexure to this circular for quidance of all concerned.