1. Regulation 44(5) of the LODR requires top 100 listed entities by market capitalization to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) within a period of five months from the date of closing of the financial year. SEBI vide Circular dated March 26, 2020 had relaxed this requirement by one month for listed entities whose financial year ends on March 31, 2020.
2. Subsequently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide Circular No.18/2020 dated April 21, 2020 has clarified that “…if the companies whose financial year (other than the first financial year) has ended on December 31, 2019 hold their AGM for such financial year within a period of nine months from the closure of the financial year (i.e., by September 30, 2020), the same will not be treated as a violation.”
3. Accordingly, regulation 44(5) of the LODR is relaxed whereby the top 100 listed entities by market capitalization whose financial year ended on December 31, 2019 may hold their AGM within a period of nine months from the closure of the financial year (i.e., by September 30, 2020).
4. This Circular shall come into force with immediate effect.