Chapter XI - Appointment and Qualifications of Directors
Section 171
Section 171: members’ right to inspect
Section 171 deals with access to the register of directors and key managerial personnel kept under section 170(1). Members may inspect it during business hours and get extracts and free copies within thirty days; the register must also be open at every annual general meeting.
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This article is for general information. Refer to the Companies Act, 2013 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) The register kept under sub-section (1) of section 170,—(a) shall be open for inspection during business hours and the members shall have a right to take extracts therefrom and copies thereof, on a request by the members, be provided to them free of cost within thirty days; and (b) shall also be kept open for inspection at every annual general meeting of the company and shall be made accessible to any person attending the meeting. (2) If any inspection as provided in clause (a) of sub-section (1) is refused, or if any copy required under that clause is not sent within thirty days from the date of receipt of such request, the Registrar shall on an application made to him order immediate inspection and supply of copies required thereunder.
Introduction
If inspection is refused or a requested copy is not sent within thirty days, the Registrar, on an application, orders immediate inspection and supply of copies.
Section 171 commenced on 1 April 2014 under S.O. 902(E). The India Code consolidated text shows no amendment, and its text matches the 2013 Gazette.
Key takeaways
Inspection in business hours
Members may inspect the register and take extracts.
Free copies in thirty days
Copies requested by members are provided free of cost within thirty days.
Open at the AGM
The register is kept open at every annual general meeting and is accessible to any person attending.
Registrar can order access
On refusal or delay, the Registrar orders immediate inspection and supply of copies on an application.
Inspection and copies
Under sub-section (1)(a), the register kept under section 170(1) is open for inspection during business hours. Members have a right to take extracts, and copies requested by members are provided to them free of cost within thirty days.
Register at the annual general meeting
Under sub-section (1)(b), the register is also kept open for inspection at every annual general meeting and must be made accessible to any person attending the meeting, not only to members.
Remedy for refusal or delay
Under sub-section (2), if an inspection under clause (a) is refused, or a copy required under that clause is not sent within thirty days from receipt of the request, the Registrar, on an application made to him, orders immediate inspection and supply of the copies.
Defaults under Chapter XI for which no specific penalty is provided fall under the residual penalty in section 172.
Practical preparation
Keep the section 170 register current; log every inspection or copy request with its date of receipt; send free copies within thirty days; place the register at the AGM venue in an accessible spot; keep evidence of compliance in case of a complaint to the Registrar.
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the date each copy request is received, since the thirty days run from receipt.
- Make the register available at the AGM to every attendee.
Avoid
- Do not charge members for copies; the section requires them free of cost.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: member asks for a copy of the register
A shareholder emails a request for a copy of the register of directors and KMP before the AGM.
Request
The company logs the request on the date received.
Supply
It sends the copy free of cost within thirty days.
AGM
The register is kept open at the AGM for any attendee.
Outcome
- Had the company not sent the copy within thirty days, the member could have applied to the Registrar for an order of immediate supply.
Glossary
- Register of directors and KMP
- The register under section 170(1) containing particulars of directors and key managerial personnel, including their shareholding.
- Extract
- A note or copy of part of the register made by the member during inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-members see the register?
Clause (a) gives the inspection and copy rights to members. Clause (b) requires the register to be accessible at the AGM to any person attending the meeting.
What if the company ignores a request?
The member may apply to the Registrar, who orders immediate inspection and supply of the copies under sub-section (2).
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 11 October 2026