Over 40% of ICAI Investigations affirm CA Misconduct Allegations

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) continues to deal with a high level of wrongdoing among its members. According to recent estimates, more than 40% of investigations conducted by ICAI disciplinary authorities have yielded findings of guilt, indicating widespread concern about ethical failings in the profession.

In the previous financial year (FY23), the ICAI reviewed 500 cases of prima facie violations but was only able to conclude hearings in 152.

As of August 31, 2024, 368 matters were still outstanding before the ICAI’s disciplinary committees, awaiting resolution. Notably, during the first five months of FY24, the institute resolved 200 of 257 reported instances.

Despite the ICAI’s rigorous systems for scrutinising violations, the number of cases taken up for review remains a small percentage of India’s total of over 400,000 registered CAs.

The ICAI’s disciplinary record shows that since the establishment of its current enforcement mechanism in 2007, over 2,650 cases have been referred for investigation. Hearings were completed in 2,284 cases, with sanctions imposed in 1,080 cases, for a 40.7% misconduct rate.

Despite amendments to the Chartered Accountants Act in 2022 aimed at increasing responsibility and speeding up disciplinary processes, the new provisions have yet to be notified. The delay in adopting these reforms continues to affect the prompt administration of justice under the ICAI’s disciplinary structure.

The ICAI system for dealing with misconduct accusations includes three distinct bodies: the director (discipline), the Board of Discipline, and the Disciplinary Committee. The Board of Discipline handles less serious breaches under the first schedule of the CA Act, whereas the Disciplinary Committee handles more significant violations under the second schedule.

Speaking on the subject, ICAI President Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal emphasized the institute’s commitment to upholding ethical norms.

“The ICAI has taken proactive action against erring members using a well-defined disciplinary system. It remains committed to upholding ethical values in the profession,” he stated.