This book is intended for the following audience:
• Company Secretaries & Practitioners – Practicing professionals will find it indispensable for day-to-day compliance and advisory work
• Students of Company Secretaryship – The section notes, definitions, and clarifications help in grasping the fundamentals and advanced aspects of the Act
• Legal Practitioners & Corporate Professionals – Lawyers, in-house counsels, and governance professionals benefit from the clarity on procedural aspects, disciplinary provisions, and practice regulations
• Academicians & Researchers – An excellent resource for teaching, academic writing, or undertaking detailed research on corporate laws, professional ethics, and disciplinary mechanisms
The Present Publication is the 2025 Edition, covering the amended and updated text of the Company Secretaries Act [Act No. 56 of 1980], with the following noteworthy features:
• [Complete Text of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980] Presents the latest statutory provisions, integrated with amendments up to the year 2025
• [Section-wise Notes & Comments] Offers brief explanations, cross-references, and clarifications under each section
• [Pre-amendment Provisions] Incorporates the text of provisions as they existed prior to the amendment in the respective amendment footnotes, enabling the reader to understand the legal position before the amendment and its applicability during the pre-amendment period
• [Updated with Recent Amendments] Incorporates the latest changes related to disciplinary procedures, penalties, and governance
• [Practical Insights] Highlights relevant case laws, definitions, etc., to aid a more profound understanding
• [User-friendly Layout] demarcated headings, legislative references, and an updated subject index enhance readability and usability
The coverage of the book is as follows:
• Chapter-wise Exposition – Detailed coverage of each chapter of the Company Secretaries Act (Preliminary, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Council, Register of Members, Misconduct, Regional Councils, Penalties, Dissolution of Old Institute, and Miscellaneous)
• Commentaries & Illustrations – Explanation of membership thresholds (Associate vs. Fellow), cost/fee sanctions, corporate usage of company secretaries, and examples (e.g., procedure for re-entry after removal)
• Case Law Digest – Summaries of notable High Court and Supreme Court decisions on membership disputes, firm controversies, disciplinary appeals, and professional misconduct
The structure of the book is as follows:
• Bare Act Text – The complete and unaltered provisions of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980
• Section Notes
o Definitions
o Incorporation & Regulation of the Institute
o Council of the Institute – Composition, Election, Functions
o Registration & Maintenance of Register (for Members & Firms)
o Disciplinary Mechanism & Misconduct
o Quality Review Board
o Regional Councils & Co-ordination Committee
o Penalties, Offences, and Sanctions
o Transitional & Miscellaneous Provisions
• Schedules
o First Schedule – Lists professional misconduct in relation to Company Secretaries in practice, in service, and generally
o Second Schedule – Outlines more serious professional misconduct and penalties thereon
• Subject Index – A helpful index at the end for quick reference to topics, terms, and relevant sections
At the core of Taxmann's commitment to delivering insightful and reliable information is a highly skilled Research & Editorial Team consisting of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. Guided by Editor-In-Chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava, this team upholds Taxmann's role as a leading content provider in the professional knowledge space.
Operating with Six Sigma-inspired precision, the team is driven to eliminate errors and maintain excellence across all content outputs. Their content creation follows strict editorial principles to ensure authority, depth, and insight. Key guidelines include:
• Verified Sourcing – All statutory content is carefully curated from credible, authorized sources, ensuring authenticity and dependability
• Up-to-Date Information – With a commitment to timely updates, the team ensures readers are informed of the latest judicial and legislative changes
• Analytical Depth – Focused on high-impact issues, the team provides deep analysis to help readers understand the implications and nuances of recent developments
• Precise and Accurate Communication – Each publication is crafted for clarity and precision, making complex topics accessible and practical for professionals
• Rigorous Referencing – Analytical insights are thoroughly referenced with relevant sections, circulars, notifications, and rulings, enhancing trustworthiness
• Consistency and Quality – Taxmann adheres strictly to standards of style, grammar, and format, ensuring a smooth and professional reading experience
• Reader-Friendly Design – Both print and digital formats are designed with legibility in mind, enhancing accessibility across platforms
By adhering to these standards, Taxmann's Editorial Team strengthens its position as a trusted content company, empowering professionals with authoritative resources to make informed decisions.