ROC Chennai Imposes Zero Penalty on Company for Delayed MGT-7A Filing

The Registrar of Companies (ROC), Chennai, imposed zero penalties on the company named M/s Bellani Workforce Private Limited and its officers in default, even after it held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) late.

The company conducted its Annual General Meeting for FY 2023-2024 on December 31, 2024. Unfortunately, it failed to file its annual return with the Registrar of Companies within the required time limit mentioned under Section 92(4).

The company also submitted that it qualifies as a small company under Section 2(85) of the Companies Act, 2013. Therefore, it requested the ROC to consider this factor and reduce or completely waive the penalty.

The Adjudicating Authority issued a notice. Replying to this, the company stated that it had already filed Form MGT-7A on June 04, 2025, though with a delay of 95 days, and that this filing was completed before the adjudication notice was issued.

During the e-hearing, a representative appeared on behalf of the company. He requested that the adjudication process be handled in accordance with Section 454(2) of the Companies Act, 2013.

The ROC observed that the company had filed MGT-7A prior to the issuance of the notice by the adjudicating officer, which was dated February 2, 2026. Therefore, considering Section 454(2), the ROC levied zero penalty.