Parliament Question: Corporate political donations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2766 ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026 Phalguna 26, 1947 (Saka) Corporate political donations QUESTION

2766. Shri Saket Gokhale:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of companies investigated for violating Section 182 limits on political contributions through shell companies during the last two years;

(b) the details of companies that exceeded the limit of 7.5 per cent of average profits for political donations and the action taken thereon; and

(c) whether beneficial ownership disclosure rules apply to companies making political donations? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

(a) The term "shell company" is not defined under the Companies Act, 2013. Therefore, the question of such an investigation does not arise.

(b) The Annual filings of the Financial Statements were extended by the Ministry vide

Circular No. 8/2025 dated 30.12.2025 upto 31.01.2026. Companies are still filing their financial statements with late fees. Hence, no action has been taken at this stage.

(c) Yes, Sir. *****