28/07/2025
The MCA responded to a question in the Lok Sabha on July 21, 2025, explaining what action is being taken against companies that delay payments to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).
⚖️ What does the law say?
Although the Companies Act, 2013 does not directly deal with settling dues between companies and creditors (like MSMEs), it does require certain companies to report any pending dues to MSMEs.
📝 MSME Form-1 Requirement
Companies that have unpaid bills to micro or small businesses must file a form called MSME-1 with the government.
How often?
Twice a year:
By April 30 (for dues as of March 31)
By October 31 (for dues as of September 30)
What does the form show?
It lists all outstanding payments that are over 45 days old and not yet paid to MSMEs.
🚫 What if companies don’t comply?
If a company fails to file MSME-1 on time:
The company and the responsible officers will be fined:
₹20,000 (one-time penalty)
Plus ₹1,000 per day until they comply (up to a maximum of ₹3,00,000)
🔍 What is MCA doing?
MCA is monitoring companies’ compliance with this rule. If companies delay payments to MSMEs and don’t file the MSME-1, they can face penalties under the law.