MoS Harsh Malhotra confirms Companies Act 2013 not applicable in Sikkim

Guwahati: Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra clarified that the Companies Act, 2013, does not apply to Sikkim, reaffirming the state’s unique legal status in corporate matters.

Malhotra’s statement came in response to an unstarred question raised by Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP D. T. Lepcha, who had highlighted challenges faced by stakeholders in the state regarding company registration, statutory return filings, and compliance under the MCA21 portal. MP Lepcha cited connectivity issues and the absence of dedicated facilitation centres in Sikkim as obstacles for start-ups, MSMEs, and corporate entities.

The MP also inquired whether the Centre had any plans to establish an MCA facilitation centre in Sikkim to support businesses and provide exemptions or other assistance to strengthen corporate operations.

Responding to the query, MoS Malhotra stated that since the Companies Act, 2013, is not applicable in Sikkim, the questions raised by the MP were not relevant.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha returned the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2025, to the Lok Sabha after a brief discussion. The Lok Sabha later passed the bill on the first day of the Winter Session amid protests by opposition members demanding immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

During the Rajya Sabha debate, opposition members staged a walkout over their demand for SIR discussions. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ease of doing business and minimizing unnecessary disputes.

The bill had been moved in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary for consideration and return to the Lok Sabha.