Section 293A(1) was substituted by the Companies Amendment Act 1985 seeking to continue the existing blanket ban against political contributions in case of (1) Government Companies, (2) Companies which have been in existence for less than three financial years. Section 293A(2) permits all other companies to make political contributions directly or indirectly for any political party or any political purpose to any persons.
But the amount of contribution by a company in a financial year shall not exceed
five percent (5%) of its average profits. Authorization to contribute money for
political purpose should be authorized by passing Resolution in the Board
Meeting by the Board of Directors.
A donation or subscription or payment cased to be given by a company on its
behalf or on its account to a person who, to its knowledge, is carrying on any
activity which, at the time at which such donation or subscription or payment
was given or made, can reasonably be regarded as likely to effect public support
for a political party shall also be deemed to be contribution of the amount of
such donation, subscription or payment to such person for a political purpose;
the amount of expenditure incurred by a company on advertisement in any
publication by or on behalf of a political party or for its advantage shall also
be deemed where such publication is by on behalf of a political party to be a
contribution of such amount to such political party, and Where such publication
is by or on behalf of but for the advantage of a political party to be a
contribution for a political purpose to person publishing it.
Section 293(4) of the Indian Companies Act has provision for mandatory
disclosure in its profit and loss account, the amount of contribution made a
political party or for any political purpose to any person during the financial
year to which the accounts relates. The details should include (1) particulars
of the total amount contributed and (2) The name of the party or person to which
or to whom such amount has been contributed.
Statutory limit of Political Contributions by Companies
The ceiling of political contribution is 5% of the average Net Profit
determined in accordance with the Provisions of Section 349 and 350 during the
three immediately preceding financial years. The limit would benefit only to
larger companies as the contribution will increase according to the increase in
profit.
Disclosure of Political Contribution in Profit and Loss Account
As per Section 293A(4) of the Indian Companies Act, it is mandatory for every
company to disclose in its profit and loss account any amount or amounts
contributed by it to any political party or any political purpose.
Authority to make political contributions
Decision for political donation is to be taken in the Meeting of Board of
Directors of the company. The decision will be taken by the board of directors,
but to which party the contribution is to be made will depend on the political
thinking of the board of directors.
Contravention of Section 293A of Indian Companies Act and its Punishment
As per Section 293A(5) if a company make any political contribution in
contravention of the provisions of Section 293(A) of the Act.
(a) The Company shall be punishable with fine which may be extend to three times
the amount so contributed and
(b) Every officer of the company who is in default shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable
to fine.
Charitable Contribution by Companies
According to Section 293(1)(e) of the Indian Companies Act, 1956 the Board of
Directors of a Public Company or a Private Company which is a subsidiary of a
public company, shall not except with the consent of such public company or
subsidiary in general meeting contribute after the commencement of the Act,
charitable or other funds not directly relating to the business of the company
or welfare of its employee, any amounts the aggregate of which will, in any
financial year, exceed Fifty Thousand Rupees or five percent (5%) of its average
net profits as determined in accordance with the provisions of section 349 and
350 during the three financial year immediately preceding is greater.
Contribution to National Defense by companies
As per Section 293B of the Indian Companies Act, 1956 companies
may make contribution for the purpose of National defense
uninhibited by the limits and conditions imposed by section
293(1)(e) of the Act or Memorandum of Association of the
Company. But it is mandatory to disclose the amount of
contribution made during the year in the Profit and Loss Account
for year in which it relates