The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has officially granted a deadline extension for the filing of Annual General Meeting (AGM) related documents by public limited companies. This relaxation comes in response to numerous representations from industry bodies and company secretaries citing disruptions in audit finalizations and logistical challenges. As per the latest circular, public limited companies whose financial year ended on March 31, 2025, will now have until December 31, 2025, to conduct their AGMs and file corresponding documents such as Form MGT-7 (Annual Return) and Form AOC-4 (Financial Statements) without the levy of additional fees.

The extension applies only to companies that have filed prior applications for AGM extension under Section 96 of the Companies Act, 2013, or that demonstrate valid reasons such as delays in statutory audits, board restructuring, or pandemic-related operational setbacks. MCA clarified that this one-time relief aims to ensure regulatory compliance without penalizing companies for genuine delays, and it will not be repeated in subsequent financial years. Companies failing to meet the extended deadlines without valid justification may face penalties under Sections 137 and 92 of the Act, along with disqualification proceedings for directors in extreme cases.

To support the extended deadline, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) has instructed regional offices to expedite approval of AGM extension applications and issue consolidated lists of compliant entities. Legal experts and compliance professionals have welcomed the move, stating that it offers critical breathing room for corporate boards, auditors, and stakeholders during a period of increased regulatory oversight and reporting complexity. Public limited companies are advised to make full use of the extension to ensure that all statutory documents are accurately prepared, verified, and filed by the revised timelines.