Form No. 20 Companies Act 1956 - Free PDF/Word Template India

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Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956

Are you a company director or compliance officer in India searching for a reliable Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 format to obtain prior approval from the Central Government? Download our free, ready-to-use legal template in PDF or Word format today and ensure seamless compliance with Section 204A requirements.

What is Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956?

Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 is a prescribed statutory form under the Companies (Central Government's) General Rules and Forms, 1956. It is specifically designed for companies to apply to the Central Government for previous approval before appointing or continuing the services of a former managing agent or secretaries and treasurers. This form became crucial after the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1974, which imposed restrictions under Section 204A to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure corporate governance. Even though the Companies Act, 1956 has been largely replaced by the 2013 Act, this form remains relevant for legacy companies, historical compliance, or specific transitional matters in India.

Using a professionally drafted Form No. 20 format helps avoid penalties, delays in approvals, and legal disputes. Our customizable template mirrors the exact structure required by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), making it ideal for businesses handling older corporate structures.

Why is Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 Important?

Compliance with Section 204A is mandatory to appoint or retain certain individuals in key managerial roles post-1975. Failure to file Form No. 20 can lead to fines, disqualification of directors, or invalidation of appointments. In today's regulatory environment, having an accurate Form No. 20 sample ensures:

Quick processing by the Regional Director or MCA.
Protection against ROC scrutiny during audits.
Adherence to court/company requirements for governance.

This legal template saves time and resources, allowing you to focus on business growth while meeting statutory obligations in India.

Key Elements of Form No. 20 Format

A standard Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 should include the following essential sections:

Company Particulars: Name, registration number, date of incorporation, registered office address, and authorized capital.
Applicant Details: Name and position of the person submitting the application (e.g., director or secretary).
Proposed Appointment/Continuance Details: Name, address, and qualifications of the managing agent or secretaries and treasurers; proposed terms, remuneration, and tenure.
Justification: Reasons for the appointment, including benefits to the company and compliance with Section 204A.
Supporting Documents: Copies of board resolution, MoA/AoA extracts, financial statements, and any prior approvals.
Declaration: Signed statement affirming the accuracy of information and no defaults.
Fee Details: Prescribed filing fee as per Companies Rules.

Our ready-to-use Form No. 20 template includes all these elements, formatted precisely for e-filing or manual submission.

Who Should Use Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956?

This form is essential for:

Private and public companies under the 1956 Act framework.
Businesses transitioning from managing agency system.
Firms in industries like manufacturing, trading, or services needing specialized secretarial services.
Compliance teams handling legacy filings with ROC or Central Government.

Whether for civil compliance, business restructuring, or statutory audits, this sample proves invaluable.

Download Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 Now!

Ready to simplify your compliance? Get instant access to our free download of Form No. 20 of the Companies Act, 1956 in PDF/Word format. Customize it effortlessly using AI tools or professional legal help. Paid options available for premium editable versions with guided customization.

Important Note

While this Form No. 20 format is a customizable legal template designed for convenience, it is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Consult a company secretary or lawyer in India to tailor it to your specific situation and ensure compliance with current MCA guidelines. Explore related resources like other Companies Act 1956 forms, ROC filing templates, Section 204A applications, free Indian legal documents, and business agreement samples for comprehensive support.

FORM NO. 20 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

FORM NO. 20

Registration No. of the Company Nominal Capital: Rs

THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Declaration of compliance with the provisions of section 149(2)(b) of the Companies Act, 1956

[pursuant to section 149(2)?]

(To be used by a company which has delivered to the Registration of a Companies a statement in lieu of prospectus.)

Name of the company Limited

Presented by

I of being a director/the secretary of Limited, do solemnly and sincerely declare:--

The amount of the share capital of the company subject to the payment of the whole amount thereof in cash is Rs.
That the company has not issued a prospectus inviting the public the subscribe for its shares, and that it has filed with the Registrar a statement in the lieu of prospectus.
That shares held subject to the payment of the whole amount thereof in cash have been allotted to the amount if Rs.
*That every director of the company has paid to the company on each of the shares taken or contracted to be taken by him, and for which he is liable to pay in cash, a proportion equal to the proportion payable on application and allotment on the shares payable in cash expect the following directors, namely,

Who has./have not taken or contracted to take any shares, for which he is/they are liable to pay in cash.

*That no director of the company has taken or contracted to take any shares for which he is liable to pay in cash.

The statement in paragraphs above are true to my knowledge and those in the remaining are true to the best of my information and belief.

Dated this Day of 19

Signature

Designation: Director/Secretary

*Delete paragraphs not applicable.

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Important Guidelines

Guidelines for Drafting FORM NO. 20 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Form No. 20 is a document used under the Companies Act, 1956, for filing a declaration of compliance with the provisions of the Act. Follow these guidelines for effective drafting:

Accurate Information: Provide precise details about the company, its directors, and the specific provisions of the Companies Act with which the company is declaring compliance.

Comprehensive Details: Include comprehensive information about the sections and provisions of the Companies Act that are being complied with. Clearly articulate the nature of the compliance.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that the form adheres to the legal requirements specified in the Companies Act, 1956, and any other applicable regulations. Seek legal advice to confirm compliance.

Board Resolution: Include a board resolution supporting the declaration of compliance. Document the resolution in compliance with legal formalities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Incomplete Information: Fill out all sections of Form No. 20 thoroughly. Any omissions or incomplete information may lead to rejection or delays in processing.

Mismatched Information: Ensure consistency across the form. Information in different sections should align to avoid discrepancies.

Failure to Attach Necessary Documents: Include all required supporting documents, such as the board resolution and any other documents specified in the form. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance.

Ignoring Legal Formalities: Be aware of the specific legal formalities and timelines associated with filing the declaration of compliance. Failure to comply may result in legal complications.

Form No. 20 is crucial for companies declaring compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act. Adherence to these guidelines ensures a comprehensive and accurate filing, minimizing the risk of legal complications and promoting regulatory compliance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Form No. 20 under the Companies Act, 1956?→

Form No. 20 is a statutory form used by Indian companies to notify the Registrar of Companies (ROC) about the appointment or cessation of a receiver or manager, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, 1956.

Is Form No. 20 still legally valid in India under the Companies Act, 2013?→

Form No. 20 from the 1956 Act has been replaced by updated forms like CHG-7 under the Companies Act, 2013. Verify with ROC or a legal expert for current validity and use.

In what format can I download Form No. 20?→

You can download Form No. 20 in editable Word or non-editable PDF format, ideal for Indian company filings and easy customization.

Does Form No. 20 require stamp duty or any fees?→

No stamp duty is applicable on Form No. 20 itself, but standard ROC filing fees must be paid as per the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules.

Can I edit or customize Form No. 20 after downloading?→

Yes, the Word version of Form No. 20 is fully customizable. Tailor it to your company's details before submitting to the ROC in India.

Who should use Form No. 20 and when?→

Indian companies appointing or removing a receiver or manager must file Form No. 20 with the ROC within 30 days of the event for legal compliance.