New Delhi: Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra has clarified that the Companies Act, 2013, does not apply to Sikkim, reaffirming the state’s unique legal framework in corporate governance.
His remarks came in response to questions raised by Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP D T Lepcha regarding challenges faced by stakeholders in the state while registering companies, filing statutory returns and meeting compliance requirements on the MCA21 portal, largely due to connectivity issues and the absence of facilitation centres.
MP Lepcha had further sought details on whether the Centre planned to set up a dedicated MCA facilitation centre in Sikkim to support start-ups, MSMEs and other corporate entities, and whether any special exemptions were under consideration.
Malhotra, however, stated that since the Companies Act, 2013, is “not applicable” to the state, the questions “do not arise.”
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Rajya Sabha returned the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the Lok Sabha after a short discussion.
The bill was subsequently passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session, even as opposition parties demanded an immediate debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.