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Home / Company Law & Secretarial Services / MCA Adjudication Proceedings Proceedings
Last updated: 2 October 2026
Many defaults under the Companies Act are now dealt with through penalties imposed by an adjudicating officer rather than prosecution. Our team helps you respond to adjudication notices, make submissions and, where needed, prepare an appeal.
Under section 454 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Central Government appoints officers of the Registrar of Companies as adjudicating officers to impose penalties for defaults that attract a penalty rather than imprisonment.
Many offences under the Act were moved from prosecution to this in-house penalty system by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Based on the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made under it. Last updated: 27 September 2026.
Provision on adjudication of penalties
Proceedings conducted on the MCA platform since 2024
Starts the proceedings
To appeal to the Regional Director
To pay the penalty before prosecution risk
Moved many offences to penalty adjudication
Ignoring a notice is the costliest mistake.
No reply is filed and the penalty is imposed in full.
The underlying filing is still pending during proceedings.
The 60-day window for appeal passes.
Related remedies for past defaults.
For compoundable offences.
Late filings.
Tribunal proceedings.
Find gaps early.
Notice and alleged default reviewed.
Default made good where possible.
Written submissions prepared.
Representation at the hearing by authorised professionals.
Penalty paid or appeal considered.
Appeal to the Regional Director within 60 days, if suitable.
Close the matter properly.
Penalty paid within the time allowed.
Payment filed on the MCA portal.
Appeal to the Regional Director within 60 days.
Compliance calendar to avoid repeat defaults.
Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.
A process under section 454 where an adjudicating officer imposes penalties for certain defaults under the Companies Act.
On the MCA e-adjudication platform, since August 2024.
Yes, to the Regional Director within 60 days of the order.
Non-payment within 90 days can lead to prosecution.
No. Adjudication imposes penalties for civil defaults; compounding settles offences punishable with fine or imprisonment.
ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd
Adjudication matters are handled by Expertvuw’s team. Representation before the adjudicating officer and the Regional Director is made through independent practising professionals authorised to appear.