The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has sent a strong message to the Chartered Accountant (CA) community by upholding a ₹50,000 penalty against CA Vijay Bora for failing to notify the Registrar of Companies (ROC) after resigning as statutory auditor. This case highlights the critical nature of compliance responsibilities for CAs, especially regarding timely statutory filings post-resignation. The incident serves as a wake-up call for professionals to avoid procedural lapses that can lead to significant penalties.
The Case at a Glance
- Who was penalized and why: CA Vijay Bora, from Mumbai-based M/s Doogar & Associates, served as statutory auditor for Maheep Marketing Pvt. Ltd., a West Bengal-registered company. After his resignation, he failed to file the mandatory Form ADT-3 with the ROC, as required under Section 140(2) of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Timeline of events:
ü January 2023: MCA issued a notice regarding the non-filing.
ü July 2023: With no response received, the ROC levied a ₹50,000 fine.
ü October 2023–May 2025: Bora appealed, but the hearings saw repeated adjournments.
ü May 5, 2025: At the final hearing, Bora’s representative could not establish any procedural flaw in the ROC’s order.
- Outcome: The MCA confirmed the penalty, emphasizing that no valid reason was given for cancellation. The order warned that non-payment within 90 days could lead to stricter consequences, including further fines or prosecution under Section 454(8)(ii).
Legal Framework—Section 140(2) of Companies Act, 2013
- Obligations of Auditors: Section 140(2) mandates that any auditor who resigns must file a statement in Form ADT-3 with the ROC within 30 days of resignation.
- Consequences of Non-compliance: Failure to comply attracts a penalty of ₹50,000 or the auditor’s remuneration (whichever is less), plus ₹500 per day for continued default, up to a maximum of ₹5 lakh.
- Additional risks: Persistent non-payment can result in prosecution and even higher penalties under Section 454(8)(ii).
Why This Matters—Implications for CAs and Firms
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The MCA’s action signals increased vigilance and a zero-tolerance approach to compliance failures.
- Professional Reputation: Non-compliance can damage a CA’s standing and may trigger disciplinary action by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
- Financial Risks: Penalties can be substantial, and unresolved cases may escalate to legal proceedings.
Auditor Resignation Compliance Checklist
Step-by-step guide for CAs:
- File Resignation Statement (Form ADT-3) with ROC within 30 days of resignation.
- Clearly state the reasons for resignation and all relevant facts in the filing.
- For companies under Section 139(5) (e.g., government companies), also file with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
- Ensure timely filing to avoid penalties.
- Maintain documentation: resignation letter, ADT-3 acknowledgment, and all related correspondence.
- If appealing a penalty, prepare thoroughly and avoid repeated adjournments.
Lessons Learned and Best Practices
- Proactive Compliance: Maintain a compliance calendar and regularly review statutory obligations.
- Documentation: Keep thorough records of all filings and correspondence.
- Professional Development: Stay updated on MCA notifications and regulatory changes.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult legal or compliance experts when in doubt.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of strict compliance with statutory requirements for CAs. The MCA’s decisive action serves as both a warning and a lesson—timely, accurate filings are not optional. Chartered Accountants must prioritize compliance to protect their professional standing and avoid costly penalties.
Quick Facts:
- Penalty of lesser of Rs. 50,000 or amount of remuneration
- Penalty increases by ₹500 per day after the initial fine
- Maximum penalty for non-filing ADT-3: ₹2 lakh
- Appeals require timely, well-prepared representation