(a) ROC Imposes Penalty for Failure to Appoint Independent Directors After Crossing Rs. 100 Crore Turnover

The Registrar of Companies (ROC), Delhi imposed penalties on Absolute Projects (India) Limited and its directors for failing to appoint the required independent directors after the company crossed the Rs. 100 crore turnover threshold, making such appointments mandatory under the Companies Act, 2013. Despite becoming liable in April 2018, the company complied only in November 2025, resulting in a delay of over seven years. Rejecting the company's explanation of lack professional guidance and absence of a qualified Company Secretary, the ROC imposed the maximum statutory penalty, underscoring the importance of timely compliance with corporate governance requirements.

ROC Imposes Penalty for Failure to Appoint Independent Directors After Crossing Rs. 100 Crore Turnover

(b) Failure to Appoint Woman Director Within Time Limit Attracts Rs. 5 Lakh Penalty

The Registrar of Companies (ROC), Kolkata imposed a Rs. 5 lakh penalty on Jupiter International Limited and its directors for failing to appoint a woman director within the prescribed time despite crossing the turnover threshold that made such appointment mandatory. Rejecting the company's justification for the delay, the ROC held that operational challenges cannot excuse non-compliance, reaffirming the importance of timely adherence to corporate governance and board diversity requirements.

Failure to Appoint Woman Director Within Time Limit Attracts Rs. 5 Lakh Penalty