What Are Statutory Books?
Statutory books—also known as statutory registers—are legally mandated records that companies must maintain. These include details about shareholders, directors, loans, contracts, charges, and more. They form a core part of corporate compliance under the Companies Act, 2013 and are distinct from regular accounting records.
Practical Highlights
- Preservation Period: Books of account must be preserved for at least eight financial years.
- Format: Can be maintained in paper or electronic form, provided electronic records are accurate, accessible in India, and immutable.
- Inspection: Most registers must be available for inspection during business hours. Fees may apply as per company policy and statutory provisions
- Permanent Retention: Certain records—such as minutes, register of charges, and members’ register—are typically preserved permanently.
Below is a concise list of statutory registers that every company must maintain under the Companies Act, 2013:
|
Register / Record |
Applicable Section & Form |
|
Register of Members |
Section 88 (Form MGT‑1) |
|
Register of Debenture or Other Security Holders |
Section 88 (Form MGT‑2) |
|
Foreign Register for Members/Debenture Holders/Beneficial Owners Residing Outside India |
Section 88 |
|
Register of Significant Beneficial Owners (SBO) |
Section 90 (Form BEN‑3) |
|
Register of Renewed & Duplicate Share Certificates |
Section 46 (Form SH‑02) |
|
Register of Sweat Equity Shares |
Section 54 (Form SH‑03) |
|
Register of Employee Stock Options (ESOP) |
Section 62 (Form SH‑06) |
|
Register of Shares/Securities Bought Back |
Section 68 (Form SH‑10) |
|
Register of Deposits |
Section 74 |
|
Register of Charges |
Section 85 (Form CHG‑07) |
|
Register of Directors & Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) |
Section 17 |
|
Register of Loans, Guarantees, Securities & Acquisition |
Section 186 (Form MBP‑2) |
|
Register of Investments Not Held in Company’s Name |
Section 187 (Form MBP‑3) |
|
Register of Contracts/Arrangements Where Directors Are Interested |
Section 189 (Form MBP‑4) |
|
Annual Return |
Section 92 (Form MGT‑7 / MGT‑8) |
|
Minutes of Meetings (GM, Board, Committees) |
Section 118 |
|
Books of Account & Financial Statements |
Section 128 |