Overview of Director Appointment and Resignation

Directors are the ‘brain’ of a company, responsible for governance and strategic direction. This guide covers eligibility, ineligibility, types of directors, and detailed procedures for appointment (including at incorporation) and resignation under the Companies Act, 2013.

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Role & Evolution of the Board

Directors steer a company’s strategic direction and ensure compliance. Over time, the Board’s composition evolves through new appointments and resignations to maintain a balanced and skilled governance team. Shareholders appoint directors, while the Board accepts resignations. All changes must be reported to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to remain compliant.

Short Note: Appointment & Resignation Framework

Section 168 of the Companies Act, 2013 provides a clear framework for appointing and resigning directors. Since a company is a legal entity without physical form, it relies on directors—individuals responsible for managing its operations. Directors are chosen based on skills and company needs, and any change must follow statutory procedures.

1. For Appointment of Director

● Passport‑size photograph of the proposed director

● Self‑attested PAN card

● Proof of residential address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)

● Government‑issued identity proof (Passport, Election Card, Aadhaar, or Driving License)

● Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the incoming director

● Mobile number and email ID (personal and official)

● For foreign/non‑resident directors: All documents must be apostilled or notarized

2. For Resignation of Director

● Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the outgoing director

● Resignation letter/notice submitted by the director

● Proof of dispatch of the resignation notice (e.g., acknowledgment of delivery)

● Acknowledgment copy of the ROC filing (Form DIR‑11), if received

Appointment of First Directors at Incorporation

● When incorporating via SPICe+ Form, include up to three individuals’ details without pre‑obtained DINs; DINs are allotted automatically during incorporation.

● If no director is specified, initial subscribers to the MOA become first directors.

● The master data of appointed directors is updated on the MCA portal upon incorporation.

Provisional Appointment under Section 152

● Section 152(1): In an OPC, the sole member is its first director until a formal appointment.

● Section 149(1): Minimum directors—Public Company 3, Private Company 2, OPC 1; max 15 by default (exceed via special resolution).

● Transitional: Individuals holding >20 directorships (or >10 public) before the Act must resign from excess within one year and notify ROC.

● Mandatory Woman Director: Listed or public companies with paid‑up capital ≥₹100 crore or turnover ≥₹300 crore must appoint one woman director within one year of meeting thresholds.

Fundamental Process for Director Appointment

1. Review AOA (Section 161(1)): Ensure Articles permit additional directors; amend AOA via shareholders’ resolution if needed.

2. Prepare Documents: Collect identity proofs, consent (Form DIR‑2), and non‑disqualification declaration (Form DIR‑8) from proposed director.

3. Director’s Consent: Obtain Form DIR‑2 (written consent to act as director).

4. File Forms with ROC:

• DIR‑2 – Consent to act as director

• DIR‑8 – Declaration of non‑disqualification

• DIR‑12 – Particulars of appointment (to be filed within 30 days of appointment)

5. Shareholder Approval (if required): Convene a General Meeting to pass resolution approving appointment.

Subsequent Compliance for Director Appointment

1. Hold a Board Meeting: Propose and pass resolution for appointment; issue a formal appointment letter.

2. Convene a General Meeting: Obtain shareholders’ approval if required by AOA or Act.

3. Pass Board Resolution: Record resolution in board minutes.

4. Issue Appointment Letter: Provide Letter of Appointment to the new director.

5. File DIR‑12: Submit Form DIR‑12 with ROC within 30 days of appointment, attaching DIR‑2, DIR‑8, and board resolution.

6. Update Statutory Registers: Enter details in the Register of Directors & Key Managerial Personnel.

7. Update Other Registrations: Notify GST, ESIC, and other statutory authorities of the new director (if applicable).

8. MCA Update: New director’s details appear on the MCA portal once filings are accepted.

Resignation of Director under Section 168

1. Submission of Written Resignation: Director submits a written notice to the company.

2. Board Acknowledgment: Board passes a resolution acknowledging resignation.

3. File DIR‑11 with ROC: Company files Form DIR‑11 within 30 days of acceptance, including the resignation notice and reasons.

4. Submit Resignation Notice: Attach the resignation letter to DIR‑11 for ROC records.

5. Disclosure in Board’s Report: Record the resignation in the next Board’s Report.

6. Effective Date: Resignation takes effect from the date the company receives notice or a later date specified by the director.

7. Resignation of All Directors: If all directors resign simultaneously, promoters or Central Government appoint interim directors until new directors are elected in a general meeting.

Manner of Resignation (Detailed Steps)

● Board Resolution & DIR‑11: Pass board resolution accepting resignation; file Form DIR‑11 with ROC, stating reasons.

● Timely Filing: Submit DIR‑11 within 30 days of resignation.

● Resignation Notice: Include a copy of the resignation notice when filing DIR‑11.

● Required Documents:

– Notice of Resignation submitted by the director

– Proof of Dispatch of the notice

– Acknowledgment copy of DIR‑11 (if available)

Ensuring these steps prevents legal issues and maintains accurate ROC records.

Listicles

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Director

  • Natural Person: Only an individual (not an entity) may be appointed as a director.
  • Age: No general age limit. For Managing, Whole‑Time, or Independent Directors in a public company, age must be 21–70 years (exceptions via special resolution).
  • Nationality: No restriction, but at least one director must be an Indian resident.
  • DIN: Must obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) from the MCA to prevent identity fraud.
  • Directorship Limits: An individual can serve as director in up to 20 companies, of which only 10 can be public companies (including alternate directorships).

Ineligibility to Become a Director

  • Declared of unsound mind by a court or mentally incapable persons (e.g., minors).
  • Undischarged insolvents or individuals who have filed for bankruptcy.
  • Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment of seven years or more.
  • Persons whose companies failed to file annual returns or financial statements in any preceding years.

Types of Directors & Board Composition Requirements

  • Managing Director: Oversees overall management and strategy under board authority.
  • Executive Director: Handles day‑to‑day operations as a full‑time executive.
  • Non‑Executive Director: Provides objective oversight without daily operational involvement.
  • Nominee Director: Appointed by external entities (PE/VC investors, banks) to represent their interests.
  • Independent Director: Ensures corporate governance, transparency, and unbiased board decisions.
  • Minimum/Maximum Directors: Public Company – min 3; Private Company – min 2; OPC – min 1; Max 15 directors by default (more via special resolution).
  • Mandatory Woman Director: Every listed company and public company with paid‑up capital ≥₹100 crore or turnover ≥₹300 crore must appoint at least one woman director within one year of meeting these thresholds.
  • Transitional Provision: Individuals holding directorships exceeding permissible limits before the Act’s commencement have one year to resign from excess directorships and notify ROC.

Reasons to Appoint or Replace Directors

  • Infusion of New Talent & Expertise: To bring fresh skills onto the Board.
  • Regulatory/Statutory Requirements: E.g., mandatory woman director or DIN compliance.
  • Underperformance/Incompetence: Replace directors who fail to add value.
  • Strategic Restructuring: Realign board composition with business goals.

Reasons Behind Director Resignation

  • Dispute with the Board: Conflicts or disagreements limiting contribution.
  • Better Career Opportunities: Accepting positions aligned with personal goals.
  • Involvement in Unethical/Illegal Practices: Resign to avoid personal liability.
  • Suspension Due to Violations: Non‑compliance may lead to forced resignation.
  • Recession of Nomination: Nominee directors step down when their nominating party withdraws or engagement ends.

Frequently Asked Questions