Question
Explain briefly the procedure for the issue of debentures.
A Company’s Secretary is mainly responsible to supervise the process of issue of the debenture. As the employee of the company, the secretary has to look into the matter that company complies with all the provisions.
Procedure for Issue of Debentures:
1. Board Meeting and Resolution:
2. EOGM and Shareholder’s Approval:
If the issue of debenture exceeds the limit of paid-up capital and free reserve, then the company needs to conduct extraordinary general meetings. An extraordinary General Meeting is held for passing a special resolution and getting the shareholder’s approval related to the increase in the issue of debentures.
3. Filing with Registrar of Companies:
Secretary has to file the special resolution and copy of the prospectus with the Registrar of Companies. It has to be filed within 30 days of the board meeting.
4. Approval and Permission:
Permission of SEBI is compulsory, in case the issue of debenture exceeds ₹ 1 crore or more. Simultaneously, approval of the stock exchange is required to be taken before a prospectus is issued to the public. It is mandatory to list the debentures on the recognized stock exchange before issuing them to the public.
5. Credit Rating:
As per SEBI guidelines, the company has to get its debenture rated by two recognized credit rating agencies such as CRISIL, CARE, ICRA, etc.
6. Underwriting contract:
The company may enter into an underwriting agreement with underwriters for its public issue of debentures. The appointment of underwriters must be mentioned in the prospectus.
7. Trust Deed:
The Trust Deed has to be executed between the company and trustees. Trustees give a guarantee of protection of debenture holder’s interest.
8. Issue of Prospectus/Letter of Offer/Offer Letter:
Company issues prospectus, if it is inviting the general public. An offer letter is issued if the company makes a private placement. Letter of Offer is issued for Right Issue (Offer to exist shareholders).
9. Appointment of Banker:
Issuing Company must appoint a ‘Scheduled Bank’ as a banker of the company. The company must open a separate account in the name of the company. This account is opened to receive the money from the applicants.
10. Receiving and Allotment of debenture:
A board meeting is held to decide and approve the allotment of debentures. Board also approves the creation of charges on the company assets. The company must make the arrangement to receive the application with application money. After Board Meeting, the company allows debentures to the applicants.
11. Issue of Debenture Certificate:
The allotment procedure has to be completed within 60 days from the receipt of application money. Debenture certificates are prepared by the secretary and issued to the debenture holders within 180 days from the date of allotment.
12. Entries in Register of Debenture:
If the debentures are issued in DEMAT form, the company does not maintain the Register of Debenture holders. After allotment, all details of debenture holders are entered in the register of the debenture. In case of debenture holders exceed 50, the company should maintain the ‘Index of Debenture holders.
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