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1 | Introduction |
2 | Purpose of the amendment |
3 | Applicability and effective date of the amendment |
4 | The amendments introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
5 | Filing of extracts of Board Report and Auditors Report |
6 | Conclusion |
7 | Disclaimer |
8 | About Us |
9 | Our Team |
Dear Reader,
The Company Secretary Team at UJA is pleased to present this special feature from the July 2025 edition of Corporate Chronicle, bringing you critical updates in the realm of corporate compliance and governance.
In this edition, we highlight the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, recently notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This regulatory change introduces notable mandates, including electronic filing of key financial disclosures (Forms AOC-1 and AOC-2), mandatory reporting on sexual harassment complaints and maternity benefit compliance and enhanced transparency through extract filings of Board and Auditor Reports. Effective from July 14, 2025, the amendment is a significant step towards digitization, ethical governance and gender inclusivity in the workplace.
Our article offers a comprehensive overview of:
We trust this edition will help you stay informed and better prepared to meet emerging statutory requirements. For queries or topic suggestions for future issues, feel free to write to us at cs@uja.in.
Recently, the MCA has officially notified the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, which bring about important updates to statutory disclosures and digital compliance obligations under the Companies Act, 2013.
The MCA introduced such an amendment to reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to increase accountability, digitize statutory filings and promote a safer and more inclusive work environment.
The objectives behind the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 are multifaceted
The Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 will officially come under effect from 14th July 2025. From this date onwards, companies will be legally bound to comply with the new disclosure requirements and filing mandates.
Electronic filing of Forms AOC-1 and AOC-2-
Under the new rules, MCA has made it mandatory for companies to file Form AOC-1 and AOC-2 electronically. This marks a significant shift from the earlier process, where companies included these disclosures in physical or manually prepared attachments to their Board Reports.
Mandatory disclosure on Sexual Harassment Complaints
Another important update in the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 is the mandatory inclusion of disclosures related to sexual harassment complaints in the Board’s Report. These disclosures have been mandated in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
These additions to the Board Report aim to ensure greater corporate accountability and reinforce safe and respectful working conditions for all employees, particularly women.
Note- This rule shall not apply to a One Person Company or a Small Company.
Compliance with the provisions relating to the Maternity Benefit Act 1961
Another key insertion under the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 is the requirement for the companies to include a compliance statement with the Maternity Benefit Act 1961 in the Board’s Report.
The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 mandates benefits such as paid maternity leave, medical bonus, nursing breaks and provisions of creche facilities.
This rule shall not apply to a One Person Company or a Small Company.
The new amendment also brings in a requirement to file specific extracts electronically. The form documents must be filed electronically-
The Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 signify a progressive step towards better corporate governance, employee welfare and regulatory efficiency. Companies must take proactive steps to implement internal mechanisms that support timely and accurate disclosures. From ensuring workplace safety for women to embracing the digitization of statutory forms, these rules represent a holistic enhancement of the cooperative compliance ecosystem.
With effective planning and strong reporting structures, compliance with the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 will not only help avoid penalties but also boost the company’s reputation in the eyes of regulators and stakeholders alike.
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