“Good governance begins where compliance becomes a culture, not merely an obligation”
G.V. and Associates, Company Secretaries & Advisory Solutionz (P) Ltd.
In this Issue (Updates for 01.09.2026 – 30.09.2026):
Compliance Calendar – Post-AGM Filings – Companies Act – Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) – Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Stock Exchanges – Income Tax – Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) – Other Acts
Compliance Calendar For The Month Of October 2026
| Act | Form / Regulation (Reg) No. | Applicability | Due Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companies Act, 2013 | Form AOC-4, Form AOC-4 XBRL Form AOC-4 CFS CSR-2 as linked form, if applicable | All the companies | Within 30 days of AGM (29.10.2026 if AGM is held on 30.09.2026) |
| Companies Act, 2013 | ADT 1 | Appointment of Auditor | Within 15 days from conclusion of AGM |
| Companies Act, 2013 | DIR 12 | Appointment / Change in Designation of Director | Within 30 days from conclusion of AGM |
| Companies Act, 2013 | MGT 15 | Listed Companies | Within 30 days from conclusion of AGM |
| Companies Act, 2013 | MSME-I | Outstanding Payment to Micro or Small Enterprise suppliers for more than 45 days | Within 31.10.2026 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | MGT 14 | 1.Passing of Special Resolution at the AGM 2.AGM held through VC | Within 30 days of Passing of Resolution |
| Companies Act, 2013 | CRA 4 | All the companies, where cost audit applicable | Within 30 days of receipt of the cost audit report |
| Companies Act, 2013 | NDH 3 | All the Nidhi Companies | Within 30.10.2026 |
| Limited Liability Partnerships | Form 08 | All the LLPs | Within 30.10.2026 |
| Securities & Exchange Board of India | Reg 76 | Regulation 76 of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 mandates that every listed company must submit a quarterly Reconciliation of Share Capital Audit report to the stock exchanges | Within 30.10.2026 |
| Securities & Exchange Board of India | Reg 27(2) | Companies listed on the Main Board | Within 21.10.2026 |
| Securities & Exchange Board of India | Reg 31(1)(b) | All the Listed companies | Within 21.10.2026 |
| Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India | Form VL | As may be Applicable | Within 10.10.2026 |
| Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India | Form CP | As may be Applicable | Within 10.10.2026 |
| Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India | Form LIQ | As may be Applicable | Within 10.10.2026 |
| Income Tax | Tax Audit Report | U/s 44AB (Expl. 2 to s.139(1), S.No.2 persons) | Within 21.10.2026 |
Companies Act
NFRA Constitutes Advisory Committee on Audit Quality, Assurance and Technology
In keeping with Rule 15 and Rule 16 of National Financial Reporting Authority Rules 2018, which authorises National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) to form committees, study groups and task forces for effective performance of its functions under the Act, and undertake suitable measures for promotion of awareness and significance of auditing and accounting standards and audit quality, NFRA has constituted an Advisory Committee on Audit Quality, Assurance and Technology, comprising eminent experts from various fields to provide inputs and suggestions on matters that have a significant bearing on audit quality.
The Committee comprises of eminent experts, representing various stakeholder groups of NFRA- Professionals, CFOs, Audit Committees, Independent Directors, Technology Experts, Regulators and Industry. The details of the Advisory Group and Advisory Committee can be found on NFRA website at https://nfra.gov.in/advisory-groups-committees-of-nfra/
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2306815®=48&lang=1
Standard Operating Procedure by NCLAT
In order to streamline the procedure relating to filing of applications and to facilitate expeditious processing thereof, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on 10th September, 2026 which shall be followed at NCLAT, Principal Bench, New Delhi with immediate effect until further orders. The SOP shall govern the filing and consideration of the following requests:
- (a) Applications seeking permission for filing any Application in pending matters;
- (b) Applications for Urgent (Mentioning) Cases for Listing / Accommodation;
- (c) Applications seeking Adjournment;
- (d) Applications seeking Extension of Time for filing Reply, Rejoinder, Process Fee, Additional Documents or any other document permitted by the Tribunal.
All applications covered under this SOP shall be submitted only through e-mail at: principalbench.mentioning@nclat.gov.in
Securities And Exchange Board Of India
SEBI signs MoU with European Securities and Markets Authority on cooperation and exchange of information relating to Central Counterparties
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning cooperation and exchange of information in relation to Central Counterparties (CCPs) regulated and supervised by SEBI. This MoU replaces an earlier MoU between SEBI and ESMA which was entered into on June 21, 2017. The MoU enables SEBI and ESMA to cooperate regarding CCPs, in line with their respective laws and regulations and establishes a framework for ESMA to place reliance on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory activities, while safeguarding the European Union’s financial stability.
SEBI to review Settlement Price methodology for Derivative Contracts in the light of CAS rollout
Having considered the experience of the initial period of Closing Auction Session (CAS) implementation and the feedback received from various stakeholders, SEBI may propose certain changes in the methodology for determination of settlement prices of derivative contracts for which a consultation paper will be issued. SEBI, vide circular dated January 16, 2026, had introduced the CAS in the Equity Cash Segment with effect from August 3, 2026, for determination of the closing price of securities. As stipulated in the said circular, the closing price determined through CAS also serves as a basis for determination of settlement prices for derivative contracts on expiry. Since its implementation, SEBI had closely engaged with various stakeholders with a view to facilitating smooth implementation and addressing operational and other issues arising during the initial period of adoption.
Relaxation in timeline with respect to Accredited Investor mandate for Angel Funds
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012 were amended and notified on September 09, 2025, to prescribe the revised regulatory framework for Angel Funds which was later subsumed in Chapter 8 of the SEBI Master Circular for AIFs dated June 03, 2026 (the AIF Master Circular). In terms of para 8.1.2 of the AIF Master Circular, Angel Funds registered with SEBI on or before September 10, 2025, have been provided a transitional period to comply with the Accredited Investor mandate to be complied with on or before September 08, 2026. Based on representation from the AIF industry requesting additional time for the then existing Angel Funds to meet the Accredited Investor mandate, SEBI vide its circular dated September 07, 2026 has extended the aforesaid timeline till March 31, 2027. The circular came into force with immediate effect.
Ease of regulatory compliances for FPIs investing only in Government Securities
SEBI vide circular dated September 10, 2025 amended the “Master Circular for Foreign Portfolio Investors, Designated Depository Participants and Eligible Foreign Investors” to facilitate ease of regulatory compliances for ‘FPIs investing only in Government Securities’. With a view to provide greater ease of investment to FPIs, Reserve Bank of India vide circular dated June 05, 2026, has inter alia withdrawn the requirement for FPIs investing in Government Securities through the General Route to comply with the prescribed concentration limit. Consequently, the requirement for identification of investor group by an FPI investing only in Government Securities is no longer relevant and is therefore removed by SEBI vide its Circular dated September 07, 2026. The circular came into force with immediate effect.
Reserve Bank Of India
Reserve Bank of India Invited Comments on Draft KYC (Amendment) Directions, 2026 on Money Mule Accounts
The Reserve Bank of India released the draft Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026 for public consultation. The proposed amendments, issued pursuant to a Supreme Court order dated August 4, 2026, sought to insert a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) into the KYC Directions, 2025 guiding banks on placing temporary debit holds on accounts/amounts linked to money-mule activity and cyber-enabled financial fraud. For the purpose of public consultation / feedback, a consolidated draft Amendment Directions applicable to all Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Local Area Banks) and Urban Cooperative Banks is being issued. Upon examination of the feedback received, final Directions will be issued separately for the above type of regulated entities. The comments / feedback on the draft Amendment Directions may be submitted by the regulated entities and other stakeholders / members of public on or before October 2, 2026.
Source: https://rbi.org.in/scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=63587
Stock Exchanges
NSE empanels Augmont as key partner for promotion of Electronic Gold Receipts
Augmont Enterprises Limited’s (BSE: 544888 | NSE: AUGMONT) subsidiary, Augmont Gold Tech Private Limited has been empanelled by National Stock Exchange of India Limited as a key partner for the promotion of Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR). This is strategic partnership designed to simplify the process of EGR creation and extinguishment, and to promote trading in EGRs, further deepening India’s gold ecosystem. Under this partnership, Augmont will bring its rich experience across the gold value chain to enhance the digital framework, together with providing the necessary technical and on-the-ground support for the development of the EGR product. The partnership is expected to facilitate the seamless conversion of physical gold into EGRs, and of EGRs back into physical gold, within the regulated ecosystem. EGRs are dematerialized securities that represent ownership of physical gold, which is securely stored in SEBI accredited vaults and held electronically through depositories. Each EGR is fully backed by physical gold and is tradable on the exchange, seamlessly integrating gold into the formal financial system.
Source: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com//web/pressrelease/202609/PR_cc_26092026_20260926125056.pdf
Income Tax
Income-tax (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026
CBDT has notified the Income-tax (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, (September 17, 2026) extending registration deadlines for valuers and authorised income-tax practitioners until 31st March 2027, revising application forms and omitting certain tax recovery provisions.
Key Points:
- Extends the registration deadline for existing valuers and authorized income-tax practitioners from 30th September 2026 to 31st March 2027.
- Amends Rule 176 to facilitate electronic authentication of records by various units under the faceless tax regime.
- Removes provisions under Rule 225 relating to recovery of tax arrears through arrest, detention and civil imprisonment of tax defaulters.
- Revises Form 169 for registration of valuers, requiring detailed eligibility, qualification and experience disclosures. A ₹10,000 fee applies, except for valuers already registered under the Wealth-tax Act, 1957.
- Substitutes Form 171 with a revised application form for registration of authorised income-tax practitioners, seeking details of qualifications, registration status, eligibility and disqualification.
Source: https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/documents/d/guest/notification-no-120-2026-pdf
CBDT extends due date for furnishing Return of Income for AY2026-27 in respect of persons subject to audit under the Income-tax Act, 1961
The due date for furnishing Return of Income for Assessment Year 2026-27is 31st October, 2026 in the case of persons mentioned at S. No. 2 in the Table below Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has decided to extend the aforesaid due date of furnishing of Return of Income from 31st October, 2026 to 21st November, 2026. Accordingly, the 'specified date' for furnishing of the report of audit under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for Assessment Year 2026-27, in the case of persons referred to at S. No. 2 in the Table below Explanation 2tosub- section (1) of section 139 of the Act, stands extended from 30th September, 2026 to 21st October, 2026.
Insolvency And Bankruptcy Board Of India
Due diligence by Insolvency Professionals regarding misuse of IBC framework
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has received information from law enforcement and regulatory agencies that, in certain cases, the framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is being misused for purposes other than insolvency resolution or liquidation of the corporate debtor (CD). The IBBI vide circular dated 09th September, 2026 has advised the Insolvency Professionals (IPs) to remain vigilant to circumstances that may indicate misuse of the insolvency process including the following indicators:
- (a) CIRP initiated by, or debt assigned shortly before initiation to, a single creditor (other than a scheduled bank or a public financial institution as defined in section 2(72) of the Companies Act, 2013), who then dominates the CoC;
- (b) a cluster of CDs with common promoters, addresses, directors, or inter-lending, taken into CIRP within a proximate timeframe with overlapping CoC composition;
- (c) minimal competitive participation in the resolution process, or a common resolution applicant recurring across connected CDs;
- (d) realisation to creditors grossly disproportionate to admitted claims, unsupported by a proper valuation exercise;
- (e) linkage of the CD or its group to an order or ongoing proceeding of another regulator, enforcement or investigating agency concerning fraud;
The above indicators are illustrative and not exhaustive. An indicator assumes significance when, upon a holistic and contextual assessment, it suggests that the CIRP or liquidation may be serving a fraudulent or malicious purpose other than the resolution of insolvency or liquidation of the CD. Where, upon such review, the IP forms a view, on reasonable grounds, that the process may be serving a fraudulent or malicious purpose other than the resolution of insolvency or liquidation of the CD, the IP shall make an application before the Adjudicating Authority (AA), setting out the relevant facts and materials and seeking such directions as the AA may consider appropriate under the IBC. The application should identify the indicators noticed, the material relied upon by the IP, and the reasons for forming such a view.
Source: https://ibbi.gov.in/uploads/whatsnew/832e58d2371048cebf5c2a43a55e7dfc.pdf
Commencement of levy of fee for delayed filing of Forms under Regulation 47B of the Liquidation Process Regulations (24th September 2026)
In continuation of Circular No. IBBI/LIQ/91/2026 dated 05.01.2026 regarding the revised liquidation forms and in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 47B of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016, it is hereby notified that each form which is due on or before 30.09.2026 and are submitted after the due date, whether by correction, updation, or otherwise, shall be accompanied by a fee of ₹500/- (Rupees five hundred only) with applicable GST per month for the period of delayed filing.
Source: https://ibbi.gov.in/legal-framework/circulars
Other Acts
UPI Continues to Remain Free for Peer to Peer Transactions and 96% of Merchant
Transactions
The new UPI framework introduced has no impact on any person to person transactions. UPI will continue to remain completely free for all person-to-person transactions, irrespective of the amount transferred. Payments to merchants up to ₹2,000, along with transactions covered under the zero-MDR framework for small merchants, will also remain free. Consequently, approximately 96% of all P2M transactions will remain unaffected. MDR will apply only to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000. It is clarified that MDR is neither a tax nor a charge collected by the Government or NPCI. It is distributed among payment ecosystem participants, including banks and payment application providers, to support the operation and continued expansion of the UPI ecosystem.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2310586®=48&lang=1
Disclaimer: This newsletter is prepared by G.V. and Associates, Company Secretaries & Advisory Solutionz (P) Ltd. for knowledge sharing and compliance awareness. It does not constitute legal opinion or formal advisory.