It is everyone’s responsibility to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. This means that directors have a duty to take any action that is necessary to protect the company’s assets or prevent damage to them. Directors are also responsible for monitoring their own conduct and ensuring that they comply with the provisions of the Companies Act – Duties of a Director Under Companies Act, 2013.
If a director commits misconduct, they may face criminal charges under Section 166(5) of the Companies Act. This includes acting dishonestly, making a false statement, or engaging in any other conduct that is likely to result in damage to the company or its shareholders.
Duties and obligations of a Director under Indian Companies Act, 2013
Under the Companies Act, 2013, directors of a company have a number of duties and responsibilities. These include:
1. Duty to act in good faith:
A director’s duty to act in good faith requires them to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. This means that a director must put the interests of the company ahead of their own personal interests and must not engage in self-dealing or other actions that could be seen as benefiting themselves at the expense of the company.
In addition to acting in the best interests of the company, a director’s duty to act in good faith also requires them to disclose any conflicts of interest. This means that a director must disclose any circumstances that could create a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of the company. For example, if a director has a financial interest in a company that is doing business with the company they serve on the board of, they must disclose this interest and take steps to avoid any conflict of interest.
It is important for directors to be aware of their duty to act in good faith and to take steps to ensure that they are acting in accordance with this duty. Failure to do so can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
2. Duty to exercise due care, skill, and diligence:
A director’s duty to exercise due care, skill, and diligence requires them to exercise the care, skill, and diligence that would be exercised by a reasonably diligent person in the same circumstances. This means that a director must be actively involved in decision-making and must be informed about the company’s affairs.
To fulfill this duty, directors should:
- Stay informed about the company’s operations, financial performance, and other important matters.
- Participate in board meetings and contribute to the decision-making process.
- Seek out relevant information and advice as needed.
- Review and consider relevant documents, such as financial statements and reports, before making decisions.
- Monitor the company’s performance and take action as needed to address any issues or concerns.
- By fulfilling their duty to exercise due care, skill, and diligence, directors can help to ensure that the company is well-managed and that its interests are protected. Failure to do so can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
3. Duty to avoid conflicts of interest:
A director’s duty to avoid conflicts of interest requires them to disclose any conflicts of interest and to act in a way that is not likely to create a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of the company. This means that a director must not act in a way that could be seen as benefiting themselves at the expense of the company.
To fulfil this duty, directors should:
- Disclose any conflicts of interest to the board of directors or the appropriate committee as soon as they arise.
- Avoid participating in any decision-making or discussions that could create a conflict of interest.
- Refrain from using their position as a director to gain a personal advantage or benefit.
- Avoid engaging in self-dealing or other actions that could be seen as benefiting themselves at the expense of the company.
By fulfilling their duty to avoid conflicts of interest, directors can help to ensure that the company’s interests are protected and that the company’s operations are transparent and accountable. Failure to do so can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
4. Duty to act within the company’s objects:
A director’s duty to act within the company’s objects requires them to act within the objects and powers of the company as set out in the company’s articles of association. This means that a director must not take actions or make decisions that are outside the scope of the company’s business or that are not authorized by the company’s articles of association.
To fulfill this duty, directors should:
- Familiarize themselves with the company’s articles of association and the objects and powers of the company.
- Ensure that any actions or decisions taken are within the scope of the company’s business and are authorized by the company’s articles of association.
- Seek legal or other advice as needed if there is any uncertainty about whether a particular action or decision is within the company’s objects.
By acting within the company’s objects, directors can help to ensure that the company is properly managed and that its operations are consistent with its legal authority. Failure to do so can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
5. Duty to report and disclose:
A director’s duty to report and disclose requires them to report any matter that affects the company’s ability to pay its debts as and when they become aware of it, and to disclose any material interests in a transaction or arrangement with the company.
To fulfil this duty, directors should:
1. Keep informed about the financial performance of the company and be aware of any issues that may impact the company’s ability to pay its debts.
2. Report any such issues to the board of directors or the appropriate committee as soon as they become aware of them.
3. Disclose any material interests in a transaction or arrangement with the company to the board of directors or the appropriate committee.
4. Ensure that any such disclosures are made in a timely manner and are accurately and fully reported.
By fulfilling their duty to report and disclose, directors can help to ensure that the company’s financial affairs are transparent and accountable. This can help to protect the interests of the company and its shareholders. Failure to report and disclose as required can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
6. Duty to maintain confidentiality:
A director’s duty to maintain confidentiality requires them to keep the company’s affairs confidential, except where required to disclose information by law or in the interests of the company. This means that a director must not disclose confidential information about the company’s operations, finances, or other matters to third parties unless there is a legal requirement to do so or unless it is in the best interests of the company to do so.
To fulfil this duty, directors should:
- Protect confidential information about the company and its affairs from unauthorized disclosure.
- Refrain from discussing confidential information with third parties unless there is a legal requirement to do so or unless it is in the best interests of the company to do so.
- Exercise caution when communicating about the company’s affairs, even with other directors or employees.
- Seek legal or other advice as needed if there is any uncertainty about whether information should be disclosed.
By fulfilling their duty to maintain confidentiality, directors can help to protect the company’s interests and maintain trust in the company. Failure to maintain confidentiality can result in liability for misconduct and may damage the reputation and credibility of the company.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is for general information and educational purposes only. Nothing contained in this blog post should be construed as legal advice from The Aran Law Firm or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.
