Further to amend the Charted Accountants Act, 1949.

BE in enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-sixth year of the Republic of India as follows: -

Short title and commencement.

1. (1) This Act may be called the Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Act, 2005.

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may be, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint:

Provided that different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the commencement of that provision.

Amendment of Section 2.

2. In the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), in section 2,- 38 of 1949.

(I) in sub-section (1), -

(i) after clause(a), the following clauses shall be inserted, namely:-

‘(aa) “Authority” means the Appellate Authority constituted under section 22A;';

(aaa) "Board” means the Quality Review Board constituted under section 28A;';

(ii) after clause (e), the following clause shall be inserted, namely: -

‘(ea) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette;';

(iii) after clause (h), the following clauses shall be inserted, namely: -

‘(ha) “specified” means specified by rules made by the Central Government under this Act;

(hb) “Tribunal” means a Tribunal established under sub-section (1) of section 10B;’

(II) in sub-section (2), in the Explanation, for the words "training of articled clerks", the words "training of article assistants" shall be substituted.

Amendment of section 4.

3. In section 4 of the principal Act, for sub-section (3), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:-

“(3) Every person belonging to any of the classes mentioned in clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of sub-section (1) shall have his name entered in the Register on application being made and granted in the prescribed manner and on payment of such fee, as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees three thousand:

Provided that the Council may, with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees three thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees six thousand.”

Amendment of section 5.

4. In section 5 of the principal Act, for sub-section (3), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely; -

“(3) A member, being an associate who has been in continuous practice in India for at least five years, whether before or after the commencement of this Act, or whether partly before and partly after the commencement of this Act, and a member who has been an associate for a continuous period of not less than five years and who possesses such qualifications as the Council may prescribed with a view to ensuring that he has experience equivalent to the experience normally acquired as a result of continuous practice for a period of five years as a chartered accountant shall, on payment of such fees, as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees five thousand and on application made and granted in the prescribed manner, be entered in the Register as a fellow of the Institute and shall be entitled to use the letters F.C.A. after his name to indicate that he is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees five thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees ten thousand.”

Amendment of section 6.

5. In section 6 of the principal Act, -

(i) for sub section (2) the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely: -

“(2) Every such member shall pay such annual fee for his certificate as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees three thousand, and such fee shall be payable on or before the 1st day of April in each year:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees three thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees six thousand.”.

(ii) after sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely: -

“(3) The certificate of practice obtained under sub-section (1) may be cancelled by the Council under such circumstances as may be prescribed.”

Amendment of section 9.

6. In section 9 of the principal Act, -

(i) for sub section (2), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely: -

“(2) The Council shall be composed of the following persons, namely: -

(a) not more than thirty-two person elected by the members of the Institute from amongst the fellows of the Institute chosen in such manner and from such regional constituencies as may be specified:

Provided that a fellow of the Institute, who has been found guilty of any professional or other misconduct and whose name is removed from the Register or has been awarded penalty of fine, shall not be eligible to contest the election, -

(i) in case of misconduct falling under the first schedule of this Act, for a period of three years;

(ii) in case of misconduct falling under Second Schedule of this Act, for a period six years.

from the completion of period of removal of name from the Register or payment of fine, as the case may be;

(b) not more than eight persons to be nominated in the specified manner, by the Central Government.”;

(ii) after sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely: -

“(3) No person holding a post under the Central Government or a state Government shall be eligible for election to the Council under clause (a) of sub-section (2).

(4) No person who has been auditor of the Institute shall be eligible for election to the Council under clause (a) of sub-section (2), for a period of three years after he ceases to be an auditor.”

Substitution of new section for section 10.

7. For section 10 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely: -

Re-election or re-nomination to Council.

“10. A member of the Council, elected or nominated under sub-section (2) of section 9, shall be eligible for re-election or, as the case may be, re-nomination:

Provided that no member shall hold the office for more than three consecutive terms:

Provided further that a member of the Council, who is or has been elected as president under sub-section (1) of section 12, shall not be eligible for election or nomination as a member of the Council.”

Insertion of new sections 10A and 10B.

8. After section 10 of the principal Act, the Following section shall be inserted namely:-

Settlement of dispute regarding election.

“10A. In case of ay dispute regarding any election under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 9, the aggrieved person may make an application within thirty days from the date of declaration of the result of election to the Secretary of the Institute, who shall forward the same to the Central Government.

Establishment of Tribunal.

10B. (1) On receipt of any application under section 10A, the Central Government shall, by notification establish a Tribunal consisting of a Presiding Officer and two other Members to decide such dispute and the decision of such Tribunal shall be final.

(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment, -

(a) as a President officer of the Tribunal unless he has been a member of the Indian legal service and has held a post in Grade I of the service for at least three years;

(b) as a Member unless he has been a member of the Council for at least one full term and who is not a sitting member of the Council or who has not been a candidate in the election under dispute; or

(c) as a Member unless he holds the post of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central Government carrying a scale of pay which is not less than that of a Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

(3) The terms and condition of service of the Presiding Officer and Members of the Tribunal, their place of meeting and allowance shall be such as may be specified.

(4) The expenses of the Tribunal shall be borne by the Council.”

Amendment of section 12.

9. In section 12 of the principal Act, -

(i) in sub-section (3) after the words “he shall be eligible for re-election”, the words brackets and figure “under sub-section (1)” shall be inserted;

(ii) in sub-section (4), -

(a) for the word “President” occurring at both the places, the words “President and the Vice-President” shall be substituted;

(b) for the words “charge of his duties”, the words “Charge of their duties” shall be substituted.

Amendment of section 13.

10. In section 13 of the principal Act, -

(i) in sub section (2), after the words “meeting of the Council”, the words “or he has been found guilty of any professional or other misconduct and awarded penalty of fine,” shall be inserted;

(ii) in the proviso to sub-section (3), for the words “six months”, the words “one year” shall be substituted.

Substitution of new section for section 15.

11. For section 15 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely: -

Functions of Council.

“15. (1) The Institute shall function under the overall control, guidance and supervisions of the Council and the duty of carrying out the provisions of this Act shall be vested in the Council.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, the duties of the Council shall include –

(a) to approve academic courses and their contents;

(b) the examination of candidates for enrolment and the prescribing of fees therefore;

(c) the regulation of the engagement and training of articled and audit assistants;

(d) the prescribing of qualifications for entry in the Register;

(e) the recognition of foreign qualifications and training for the purposes of enrolment;

(f) the granting of refusal of certificates of practice under this Act;

(g) the maintenance and publication of a Register of persons qualified to practice as Chartered Accountants;

(h) the levy and collections of fees from members, examinees and other persons;

(i) subject to the orders of the appropriate authorities under the Act, the removal of names from the Register and the restoration to the Register of names which have been removed;

(j) the regulations and maintenance of the status and standard of professional qualifications of members of the Institute;

(k) the carrying out, by financial assistance to persons other than members of the Council or in any other manner, of research in accountancy;

(l) the maintenance of a library and publication of books and periodicals relating to accountancy;

(m) to enable functioning of the Director (Discipline), the Board of Discipline, the Disciplinary Committee and the Appellate Authority constituted under the provisions of this Act;

(n) to enable functioning of the Quality Review Board;

(o) consideration of the recommendations of the Quality Review Board made under clause (a) of section 28B and the details of action taken thereon in its annual report; and

(p) to ensure the functioning of the Institute in accordance with the provisions of this Act and in performance of other statutory duties as may be entrusted to the Institute from time to time.

Insertion of new section 15A.

12. After section 15 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: -

Imparting education by Universities and other bodies.

“15A. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, any University established by law or any body affiliated to the Institute, may impart education on the subjects covered by the academic courses of the Institute.

(2) The Universities or bodies referred to in sub-section (1) shall, while awarding degree, diploma or certificate or bestowing any designation, ensure that the award or designation do not resemble or is not identical to one awarded by the Institute.

(3) Nothing contained in this section shall enable a University or a body to adopt a name or nomenclature which is in any way similar to that of the Institute.”.

Substitution of new section for section 16.

13. For section 16 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely: -

Officers and employees, salary, allowance, etc.

“16. (1) for the efficient performance of its duties, the Council shall –

(a) appoint a Secretary to perform such duties as may be prescribed;

(b) appoint a Director (Discipline) to perform such functions as are assigned to him under this Act and the rules and regulations framed thereunder;

(2) The Council may also –

(a) appoint such other officers and employees as it considers necessary;

(b) require and take from the Secretary or from any other officer or employee such security for the due performance of his duties, as the Council considers necessary;

(c) prescribe the salaries, fees, allowances of the officers and employees and their terms and conditions of service;

(d) with the previous sanction of the Central Government, fix the allowances of the President, Vice-President and other members of the Council and members of its Committees;

(3) The Secretary of the Council shall be entitled to participate in the meetings of the Council but shall not be entitled to vote thereat.”

Amendment of section 17.

14. In section 17 of the principal Act, -

(a) in sub-section (1), for clause (iii), the following clause shall be substituted, namely: -

“(iii) a Finance Committee.”;

(b) for sub-section (2) and (3), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:-

“(2) The Council may also form such other committees from amongst its members as it deems necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act, and any Committee so formed may, with the sanction of the Council , co-opt such other members of the Institute not exceeding one-third of the members of the committee as it thinks fit, and any members so co-opted shall be entitled to exercise all the rights of a member of the committee.

(3) Each of the Standing Committees shall consist of the President and the Vice-President ex officio, and minimum of three and maximum of five members to be elected by the Council from amongst its members.”

Amendment of section 18.

15. In section 18 of the principal Act, -

(i) for sub-section (3), (4) and (5), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely: -

“(3) The Council shall keep proper accounts of the fund distinguishing capital from revenue in the manner prescribed.

(4) The Council shall prepare in the manner prescribed and approve, prior to the start of the financial year, an annual financial statement (the budget) indicating all its anticipated revenues as well as all proposed expenditures for the forthcoming year.

(5) The annual accounts of the Council shall be prepared in such manner as may be prescribed and be subject to audit by a chartered accountant in practice to be appointed annually by the Council:

Provided that no member of the Council or a person who has been a member of the Council during the last four years or a person who is in partnership with such member shall be eligible for appointment as an auditor under this sub-section:

Provided further that, in the even it is brought to the notice of the Council that the accounts of the Council do not represent a true and fair view of its finance, that the Council may itself cause a special audit to be conducted:

Provided also that, if such information, that the accounts of the Council do not represent a true and fair view of its finance, is sent to the Council by the Central Government, then, the Council may, wherever appropriate cause a special audit or the such other action as it considers necessary and shall furnish an action taken report on it to the Central Government";

(ii) after sub-section (5), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely: -

(5A) As soon as may be practicable at the end of each year, the Council shall circulate the audited accounts to its members at least fifteen days in advance and consider and approve these accounts in a special meeting convened for the purpose.

(5B) The Council shall cause to be published in the Gazette of India not later than the 30^th day of September of the year next following, a copy of the audited accounts and the Report of the Council for that year duly approved by the Council and copies of the said accounts and Report shall be forwarded to the Central Government and to all the members of the Institute.”

Amendment of section 19.

16. In section 19 of the principal Act, -

(i) in sub-section (3), the words “on payment of such amounts as may be prescribed” shall be inserted at the end;

(ii) for sub-section (4), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely: -

“(4) Every member of the Institute shall, on his name being entered in the Register, pay such annual membership fees as may be determined, by notification, by the Council, which shall not exceed rupees five thousand:

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees five thousand, which shall not in any case exceed rupees ten thousand.”

Amendment of section 20.

17. In section 20 of the principal Act, after sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely: -

“(3) If the name of any member has been removed from the Register under clause (c) of sub-section (1), on receipt an application, his name may be entered against in the Register on payment of the arrears of annual fee and entrance fee along with such additional fee, as may be determined, by notification, by the Council which shall not exceed rupees two thousand.”.

Provided that the Council may with the prior approval of the Central Government, determine the fee exceeding rupees two thousand, which shall not any case exceed rupees four thousand.”

Substitution of new section for section 21.

18. For section 21 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be substituted, namely; -

Disciplinary Directorate.

“21. (1) The Council shall, by notification, establish a Disciplinary Directorate headed by an officer of the Institute designated as Director (Discipline) and such other employees for making investigations in respect of any information or complaint received by it.

(2) On receipt of any information or complaint along with the prescribed fee, the Director (Discipline) shall arrive at a prima facie opinion on the occurrence of the alleged misconduct.

(3) Where Director (Discipline) is of the opinion that a member is guilty of any professional or other misconduct mentioned in the First Schedule, he shall place the matter before the Board of Discipline and where the Director (Discipline) is of the opinion that a member is guilty of any professional or other misconduct mentioned in the second Schedule or in both the Schedules, he shall place the matter before the Disciplinary Committee.

(4) In order to make investigations under the provisions of this Act, the Disciplinary Directorate shall follow such procedure as may be specified.

(5) Where a complainant withdraws the Complaint, the Director (Discipline) shall place such withdrawal before the Board of Discipline or, as the case may be, the Disciplinary Committee, and the said Board or Committee may, if it is of the view that the circumstances so warrant, permit the withdrawal at any stage."

Insertion of new sections 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D.

19. After section 21 of the principal Act the following sections shall be inserted, namely: -

Board of Discipline.

“21A. (1) The Council shall constitute a Board of Discipline consisting of –

(a) a person with experience in law and having knowledge of disciplinary matters and the profession, to be its presiding officer;

(b) two members one of whom shall be a member of the Council elected by the Council and the other member shall be the nominated by the Central Government from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy;

c) the Director (Discipline) shall function as Secretary of the Board.

(2) The Board of Discipline shall follow summary disposal procedure in dealing with all cases before it.

(3) Where the Board of Discipline is of the opinion that a member is guilty of a professional or other misconduct mentioned in the First Schedule, it shall afford to the member an opportunity of being heard before making any order against him and may thereafter take any one or more of the following actions, namely: -

(a) reprimand the member;

(b) remove the name of the member from the Register up to a period of three months;

(c) impose such fine as it may think fit which may extend to rupees one lakh.

(4) The Director (Discipline shall submit before the Board of Discipline all information and complains where he is of the opinion that there is no prima facie case and the Board of Discipline may, if it agrees with the opinion of the Director (Discipline), close the matter or in case of disagreement, may advice the Director (Discipline) to further investigate the matter.

Disciplinary Committee.

21 B. (1) The Council shall constitute a Disciplinary Committee consisting of the President or the Vice-President of the Council as the Presiding Officer and two members to be elected from amongst the members of the Council and two members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the filed of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy:

Provided that the Council may constitute more Disciplinary Committees as and when it considers necessary.

(2) The Disciplinary Committee, while considering the cases placed before it shall follow such procedure as may be specified.

(3) Where the Disciplinary Committee is of the opinion that a member is guilty of a professional or other misconduct mentioned in the Second Schedule or both the First and the Second Schedule, it shall afford to the member an opportunity of being heard before making any order against him and may thereafter take any one or more of the following actions, namely: -

(a) reprimand the member;

(b) remove the name of the member from the Register permanently or for such period, as it thinks fit;

(c) impose such fine as it may think fit, which may extend to rupees five lakhs.

(4) The allowance payable to the members nominated by the Central Government shall be such as may be specified.

Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and Director (Discipline) to have powers of civil court.

21C. For the purpose of an inquiry under the provisions of this Act, the Authority, the Disciplinary Committee, Board of Discipline and the Director (Discipline shall have the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters namely : -

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;

(b) the discovery and production of any document; and

(c) receiving evidence on affidavit.

Explanation. – For the purposes of section 21, 21A, 21B, 21C and 22, “member of the Institute” includes a person who was a member of the Institute on the date of the alleged misconduct although he has ceased to be a member of the Institute at the time of the inquiry.

Transitional provisions.

21D. All complaints pending before the Council or any inquiry initiated by the Disciplinary Committee or any reference or appeal made to a High Court prior to the commencement of the Chartered Accountants (Amendment.) Act, 2005, shall continue to be governed by the provisions of this Act, as if this Act had not been amended by the Charted Accountant (Amendment) Act, 2005.”

Substitution of new section for section 22.

20. For section 22 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be substituted, namely: -

Professional or other misconduct defined.

"22. For the purpose of this Act, the expression"professional or other misconduct" shall be deemed to include any act or omission provided in any of the Schedules, but nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or abridge in any way the power conferred or duty cast on the Director (Discipline) under sub-section (1) of section 21 to inquire into the conduct of any member of the Institute under any other circumstances.'

Substitution of new sections for section 22A.

21. For Section 22A of the principal Act, the following sections shall be substituted, namely:-

Constitution of Appellate Authority.

“22A (1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute an Appellate Authority consisting of –

(a) a person who is or has been a judge of a High Court, to be its chairperson;

(b) two members to be appointed from amongst the person who have been members of the Council for at least one full term and who is not a sitting member of the Council;

(c) two members to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst person having knowledge and practical experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or a accountancy.

(2) The Chairperson and other members shall be part-time members.

Term of office of Chairperson and members of Authority.

22B. (1) A person appointed as Chairperson shall hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.

(2) A person appointed as a member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-two years, whichever is earlier.

Allowances and conditions of Chairperson and members of Authority.

22C. (1) The allowance payable to, and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chairperson and members and the manner of meeting expenditure of the Authority by the Council and such other authorities shall be such as may be specified.

Procedure to be regulated by Authority.

22D. (1) The office of the Authority shall be at Delhi.

(2) The Authority shall regulate its own procedure.

(3) All orders and decision of the Authority shall be authenticated by an officer duly authorised by the Chairperson in this behalf.

Officers and other staff of Authority.

22E. (1) The Council shall make available to the Authority such officers and other staff members as may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Authority.

(2) The salaries and allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other staff members of the authority shall be such as may be prescribed.

Resignation and removal of Chairperson and members.

22F. (1) The Chairperson or a member may, by notice in writing under his hand addressed to the Central Government, resign his office:

Provided that he Chairperson or a member shall, unless he is permitted by the Central Government to relinquish his office sooner, continue to hold office until the expiry of three months from the date of receipt of such notice or until a person duly appointed as his successor enters upon his office or until the expiry of term of office, whichever is earlier.

(2) The chairperson or a member shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the central Government on the ground of proved misbehavior of incapacity after an inquiry made by such person as the Central Government may appoint for this purpose in which the Chairperson or a member concerned has been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of such charges.

Appeal to Authority.

22G. (1) Any member of the Institute aggrieved by any order of the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee imposing on him any of the penalties referred to in sub-section (3) of section 21A and sub-section (3) of section 21B, may within ninety days of the date on which the order is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the Authority:

Provided that the Director (Discipline) may also appeal against the decision of the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee to the Authority, if so authorized by the Council, within ninety days:

Provided further that the Authority may entertain any such appeal after the expiry of the said period of ninety days, if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing the appeal in time.

(2) The Authority may, after calling for the records of any case, revise any order made by the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Committee under sub-section (3) of section 21A and sub-section (3) of section 21B and may –

(a) confirm, modify or set aside the order;

(b) impose any penalty or set aside reduce, or enhance the penalty imposed by the order;

(c) remit the case to the Board of Discipline or Disciplinary Committee for such further enquiry as the Authority considers proper in the circumstances of the case; or

(d) pass such other orders as the Authority thinks fit;

Provided that the Authority shall give an opportunity of being heard to the parties concerned before passing any order.”;

Amendment of section 24A.

22. In section 24A of the principal Act, sub-section (3) shall be omitted.

Amendment of section 26.

23. In section 26 of the principal Act, for sub-section (2), the following shall be substituted, namely: -

“(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall, without prejudice to any other proceedings, which may be taken against him, be punishable on first conviction with a fine not less than five thousand rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees, and in the even of a second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine not less ten thousand rupees but which may extent to two lakh rupees or with both.”

Insertion of new Chapter VIIA.

24. After Chapter VII of the principal Act, the following Chapter shall be inserted, namely: -

CHAPTER VII A

QUALITY REVIEW BOARD

Establishment of Quality Review Board.

28A. (1) The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a Quality Review Board consisting of a Chairperson and ten other members.

(2) The Chairperson and members of the Board shall be appointed from amongst the persons of eminence having experience in the field of law, economics, business, finance or accountancy.

(3) Five members of the Board shall be nominated by the Council and other five members shall be nominated by the Central Government.

Functions of Board.

28B. The Board shall perform the following functions, namely: -

(a) to make recommendations to the Council with regard to the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute;

(b) to review the quality of services provided by the members of the Institute including audit services; and

(c) to guide the members of the Institute to improve the quality of services and adherence to the various statutory and other regulatory requirements.

Procedure of Board.

28C. The Board shall meet at such time and place and follow in its meetings such procedure as may be specified.

Terms and conditions of services of Chairperson and members of Board and its expenditure.

28D. (1) The terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and the members of the Board, and their allowance shall be such as may be specified.

(2) The expenditure of the Board shall be borne by the Council”.

Insertion of new section 29A.

25. After section 29 of the principle Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely: -

Power of Central Government to make rules.

"29A. (1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, such rules may provided for all or any of the following matters, namely: -

(a) the manner of election and nomination in respect of members to the Council under sub-section (2) of section 9.

(b) the terms and conditions of service of the Presiding Officer and Members of the Tribunal, place of meeting and allowance to the paid to them under sub-section (3) of section 10B;

(c) the procedure of investigation under sub-section (4) of section 21;

(d) the procedure while considering the cases by the Disciplinary Committee under sub-section (2), and the fixation of allowances of the nominated members under sub-section (4) of section 21B;

(e) the allowance and terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and members of the Authority and the manner of meeting expenditure by the Council under section 22C;

(f) the procedure to be followed by the Board in its meetings under section 28C; and

(g) the terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and members of the Board under sub-section (1) of section 28D.”

Amendment of section 30.

26. In section 30 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), the words “and a copy of such regulations shall be sent to each member of the Institute” shall be omitted.

Substitution of new section for section 30B.

27. For section 30B of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely: -

Rules, regulations and notifications to be laid before Parliament.

“30B. Every rule and every regulation made and every notification issued under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made or issued, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if , before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule, regulation or notification, or both House agree that the rule, regulation or notification should not be made or issued, the rule, regulation or notification in the rule, regulation or notification, or both Houses agree that the rule, regulation or notification should not be made or issued, the rule, regulation or notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule, regulation or notification.”

Insertion of new sections 30C, 30D and 30E.

28. After section 30B of the principal Act, the following sections shall be inserted, namely: -

Power of Central Government to issue directions.

“30C.(1) in the event of non-compliance by the Council of any provision of this Act, the Central Government may give to the Council such general or special directions as it considers necessary to ensure compliance and the Council shall, in the discharge of its functions under this Act, comply with such directions.

(2) If, in the opinion of the Central Government, the Council has persistently made default in giving effect to the directions issued under sub-section (1), it may, after giving an opportunity of being heard to the Council, by notification, dissolve the Council, whereafter a new Council shall be constituted in accordance with the provisions of this Act with effect from such date as may be decided by the Central Government:

Provided that the Central Government shall ensure constitution of a new Council in accordance with the provisions of this Act within a period of one year from the date of its dissolution.

(3) Where the Central Government has issued a notification under sub-section (2) dissolving the council, it shall, pending the constitution of a new Council in accordance with the provisions of this Act, nominated any person or body of persons not exceeding five members to manage the affairs and discharge all or any of the functions of the Council under this Act.

Protection of action taken in good faith.

30D. No suit prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or the Council or the Authority or the Disciplinary Committee or the Tribunal or the Board or the Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Directorate or any officer of that Government, Council, Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Tribunal, Board, Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Directorate, for any thing which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or any rule, regulation, notification, direction or order made thereunder.

Members, etc., to be public servants.

30E. The Chairperson, Presiding Officer, members and other officers and employees of the Authority, Disciplinary Committee, Tribunal, Board, Board of Discipline or the Disciplinary Directorate shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.”

Substitution of new Schedules for First Schedule and second Schedule.

29. For the first Schedule and the second schedule to the principal Act, the following Schedules shall be substituted, namely: -

THE FIRST SCHEDULE
[See section 21(3), 21A(3) and 22]

PART I

Professional misconduct in relation to chartered accountants in practice

A chartered accountant in practice shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he –

(1) allows any person to practice in his name as a chartered accountant unless such person is also a chartered accountant in practice is in partnership with or employed by him;

(2) pays or allows or agrees to pay or allow, directly or indirectly, any share, commission or brokerage in the meets or profits of his processional business to any person other than a member of the Institute or a partner or a retired partner or the legal representative of a deceased partner or a member of any other professional body or with such other persons having such qualification as may be prescribed for the purpose of rendering such professional service from time to time in or outside India;

Explanation. – In this item, “partner” includes a person residing outside India with whom a chartered accountant in practice has entered into partnership, which is not in contravention of item (4) of this (Part);

(3) accept or agrees to accept any part of the profits of the professional work of a person who is not a member of the Institute:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting a member from entering into profit sharing or other similar arrangements, including receiving any share commission or brokerage in the fees, with a member of such professional body or other person having qualifications, as is referred to in item (2) of this Part;

(4) enters into partnership, in or outside India, with any person other than a chartered accountant in practice or such other person who is a member of any other professional body having such qualifications as may be prescribed, including a resident who but for his residence abroad would be entitled to the registered as a member under clause (v) of sub-section (1) of section 4 or whose qualifications are recognized by the Central Government or the Council for the purpose of permitting such partnerships;

(5) secures, either through the service of a person who is not an employee of such chartered accountant or who is not his partner or by means which are not open to a chartered accountant, any professional business:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting any arrangement permitted in terms of items (2), (3) and (4) of this Part;

(6) solicits clients or professional work either directly or indirectly by circular advertisement, personal communication or interview or by any other means:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing or prohibiting –

(i) any chartered accountant from applying or requesting for or inviting or securing professional work from another chartered accountant in practice; or

(ii) a member from responding to renders or enquiries issued by various users of professional services or organization from time to time and securing professional work as a consequence;

(7) advertises his professional attainments or services, or uses any designation or expressions other than chartered accountant on professional documents, visiting cards letter heads or sign boards, unless it be a degree of a University established by law in India or recognize by the Central Government or a title indicating membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or of any other institution that has been recognized by the Central Government or may be recognized by the Council:

Provided that a member in practice may advertise through a write up setting out the service provided by him or his firm and particulars of his firm subject to such guidelines as may be issued by the Council;

(8) accept a position as auditor previously held by another chartered accountant or a certified auditor who has been issued certificate under the Restricted Certificate Rules, 1932 without first communicating with him in writing ;

(9) accepts an appointment as auditor of a company without first ascertaining from it whether the requirements of such 225 of the Companies Act, 1956 in respect of such appointment have been duly complied with; 1 of 1956.

(10) charges or officer to charge, accepts or offers to accept in respect of any professional employment, fees which are based on a percentage of profits or which are contingent upon the finding, or results of such employment, except as permitted under any regulation made under this Act;

(11) engage in any business or occupation other than the profession of chartered accountant unless permitted by the Council so to engage:

Provided that nothing contained herein shall disentitle a chartered accountant from being a director of a company (not being a managing director or a whole time director) unless he or any of his partners is interested in such company as an auditor;

(12) allows a person not being a member of Institute in practice, or a member not being his partner to sign on his behalf or on behalf of his firm, an balance-sheet, profit and loss account, report or financial statement.

PART II

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute in service

A member of the Institute (other than a member in practice) shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he being an employee of any company, firm or person –

(1) pays or allows or agrees to pay directly or indirectly to any person any share in the emoluments of the employments undertaken by him;

(2) accept or agrees to accept any part of fees, profits or gains from a lawyer a chartered accountant or broker engaged by such company, firm or person or agent or customer of such company, firm or person by way of commissioner or gratification.

PART III

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he –

(1) not being a fellow of the Institute acts as a fellow of the Institute;

(2) does not supply the information called for, or does not comply with the requirements asked for, by the Institute, Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline, Disciplinary Committee, Quality Review Board or the Appellate Authority;

(3) while inviting professional work from another chartered accountant or while responding to tenders or enquiries or while advertising through a write up, or anything as provided for in items (6) and (7) of part I of this schedule gives information knowing it to be false.

PART IV

Other misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of other misconduct, if he-

(1) is held guilty by any civil or criminal court for an offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months;

(2) in the opinion of the Council brings disrepute to the profession or the institute as a result of his action whether or not related to his professional work.

THE SECOND SCHEDULE
[See section 21(3), 21B(3) and 22]

PART I

Professional misconduct in relation to chartered accountants in practice

A chartered accountant in practice shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he –

(1) discloses information acquired in the course of his professional engagement to any person other than his client so engaging him, without the consent of his client or otherwise than as required by any law for the time being in force;

(2) certifies or submits in his name, or in the name of his firm, a report of an examination of financial statements unless the examination of such statements and the related records has been made by him or by a partner or an employee in his firm or by another chartered accountant in practice;

(3) permits his name or the name of his firm to be used in connection with an estimate of earning contingent upon future transactions in a manner which may lead to he belief that he vouches for the accuracy of the forecast;

(4) expresses his opinion on financial statement of any business or enterprise in which he, his firm, or a partner in his firm has a substantial interest;

(5) fails to disclose a material fact known to him which is not disclosed in a financial statement, but disclosure of which is necessary in making such financial statement where he ins concerned with that financial statement in a professional capacity;

(6) fails to report a material misstatement known to him to appear in a financial statement with which he is concerned in a professional capacity;

(7) does not exercise due diligence, or is grossly negligent in the conduct of his professional duties;

(8) fails to invite attention to any material departure from the generally accepted procedure of audit applicable to the circumstances;

(9) fails to invite attention to any material departure from the generally accepted procedure of audit applicable to the circumstances;

(10) fails to keep moneys of his client other than fees or remuneration or money meant to be expended in a separate banking account or to use such moneys for purpose for which they are intended within a reasonable time.

PART II

Professional misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct, if he –

(1) contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations made thereunder or any guidelines issued by the Council;

(2) being an employee of any company, firm or person, discloses confidential information acquired in the course of his employment except as and when required by any law for the time being in force or except as permitted by the employer;

(3) includes in any information, statement, return or from to be submitted to the Institute, Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline, Disciplinary Committee, Quality Review Board or the Appellate Authority any particulars knowing them to be false;

(4) defalcates or embezzles money received in his professional capacity.

PART III

Other misconduct in relation to members of the Institute generally

A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty off other misconduct, if he is held guilty by any civil or criminal court for an offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term exceeding six months.’