The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued General Circular No. 03/2025, clarifying that companies can continue to conduct their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) through Video Conferencing (VC) or Other Audio-Visual Means (OAVM) until further notice.
The Ministry has introduced relaxations since 2020, beginning with General Circular No. 20/2020 dated May 5, 2020. The provisions outlined in paragraphs 3 and 4 of that circular remain in effect and will continue to apply.
Highlights of the MCA Circular (No. 03/2025)
- AGMs Permitted Via VC/OAVM: Companies can continue to conduct AGMs by VC or OAVM, as per the existing procedural requirements.
- No Extension of Statutory Deadlines: The circular does not extend the statutory time limits for holding AGMs under the Companies Act, 2013. Companies that do not comply with timelines will encounter legal action.
- EGMs Via VC/OAVM: Companies may conduct EGMs via VC/OAVM or transact items through postal ballot as per previous circulars.
- Validity: Till further orders, the relaxations will remain in force.
The procedure can facilitate compliance and furnish the flexibility for the companies, particularly with large and dispersed shareholder bases, while ensuring compliance with legal provisions under the Companies Act, 2013.
MCA Circular No. 03/2025