Your Company’s Directors have pleasure in presenting before you the 62ndAnnual Report of the Company togetherwith the Audited Financial Statements for the Financial Year (FY) ended 31st March, 2024.
Standalone Financial Performance for the year ended March 31, 2024 is summarized below:
Particulars
Rs. in lakhs
Financial year endedMarch 31, 2024
Financial yearended March 31,2023
Revenue from Operations
1731.94
196.57
Other Income (net)
1228.21
2410.33
Total Income
2960.15
2606.91
Less:Cost of Materials consumed
(318.79)
(83.93)
Less: Operating Expenditure (Employee benefit expenses)
(109.07)
(97.89)
Less: Finance costs
(1437.35)
(1239.38)
Less: Depreciation & amortization expense
(340.31)
(281.82)
Less: Other expenses (net)
(1128.44)
(2070.67)
Profit/ (Loss) before exceptional and Extraordinary itemsand tax
(373.81)
(1166.79)
Exceptional Items
--
Profit/ (Loss) before Extraordinary items and tax
Extraordinary Items
Profit / (Loss) before tax
Tax expenses
76
(274.56)
Profit / (Loss) after tax
(449.81)
(892.23)
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (Comprisingprofit/loss from ordinary activities after tax and othercomprehensive income for the period)
(445.99)
1481.37
Pursuant to the Section 134 of Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Accounts Rules), 2014, the Company hascomplied with requirements and the details of which are as disclosed here under:
(i) Annual Return
As provided under Section 92(3) and 134(3)(a) of Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Return in form MGT-7 for thefinancial year 2023-2024 is available on the website of the Company at www.arunahotels.com
(ii) Number of meetings of the Board
The Board of Directors met 5 (five) times during the financial year 2023-2024. The details of the Board meetingsand the attendance of the Directors are given in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this AnnualReport.
(iii) Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, Board of Directors confirms that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024, the applicable accountingstandards have been followed and that no material departures have been made from the same;
b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates thatare reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end ofthe financial year and of the profits and loss of the Company for that period;
c) they had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance withthe provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing anddetecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and ensured that such Internalfinancial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
(iv) Details in respect of frauds reported by the auditors:
During the year under review, the Auditors have not reported to the audit committee, under Section 143 (12) of theCompanies Act, 2013, any instances of fraud committed against the Company by its officers or employees, the detailsof which would need to be mentioned in the Board’s report.
(v) A statement on declaration given by Independent Directors:
The Company has received necessary declarations from every Independent Director under Section 149(7) of theCompanies Act, 2013, that he / she meets the criteria of independence laid down in Section 149(6) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 and Regulation 25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
(vi) Company’s policy on Director’s appointment and Remuneration:
Company’s policy on directors’ appointment and remuneration including criteria for determining qualifications,positive attributes and independence of a director and other matters as per Section 178(3) of the Act has beendisclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Board’s Report and also is disclosed onCompany’s website www.arunahotels.com
(vii) Explanation of Board on qualification of Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors, if any
The Auditors’ Report for the financial year 2023-2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverseremark. The Report is enclosed with the financial statements in this Annual Report.
As required by the Listing Regulations, the Practicing Company Secretary’s certificate on Corporate Governancefor the financial year 2023-2024 is enclosed as Annexure to this Annual report. The certificate does not contain anyqualification, reservation or adverse remark, except that of few observations.
The Secretarial Auditors’ Report for the financial year 2023-2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation oradverse remarks, except that of few observations. The Secretarial Auditors’ Report is enclosed as Annexure to thisAnnual report.
(viii) Particulars of loans, guarantees or investments given or made by the Company
During the year under review, Company has not given any loan, guarantee or provided any security and made anyinvestments pursuant to section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013. Also, the Company is engaged in the business ofproviding ‘Infrastructural facilities’(under Schedule VI of Companies Act, 2013), the provisions of Section 186 ofthe Companies Act, 2013 pertaining to provision of Loans, Guarantees or Investments shall not be applicable to theCompany.
(ix) Related Party Transactions
In line with the requirements of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, as amended, the Company has formulateda policy on Related Party Transactions for identifying, reviewing, approving and monitoring of Related PartyTransactions and the same can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.arunahotels.com.
The related party transactions entered into with related parties during the year under review were in the ordinarycourse of business and at arm’s length basis and in compliance with the applicable provisions of theCompanies Act,2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. All transactions entered intowith the related parties were approved by the Audit Committee.
None of the transactions with related parties are material in nature or fall under the scope of Section 188 (1) of theCompanies Act, 2013. The information on transactions with related parties pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Actread with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended, in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to theCompany for the financial year 2023-2024 and hence the same is not provided.
(x) State of Affairs
The Company has successfully launched its hotel operations under the brand name “Pharos Hotels,” a unit of ArunaHotels Limited. The initial phase of operations has seen the establishment of essential services and facilities, settinga strong foundation for future growth. During the year under review, the Company reported a loss before tax of Rs.(373.81) lakhs, a notable improvement compared to the loss of Rs. (1166.79) lakhs in the previous year.
This reduction in losses reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline operations, optimize costs, and enhance revenuestreams. While the Company is still in the process of stabilizing its operations, we are confident that these effortswill yield healthier financial results in the coming quarters. Our strategic initiatives, including targeted marketingcampaigns and operational efficiencies, are expected to further strengthen our market presence and improveprofitability. The management remains focused on achieving operational excellence and creating long-term valuefor our shareholders
(xi) Transfer to Reserves
Due to Loss, the Company has not transferred or proposed to transfer any amount to the Reserves for the year underreview.
(xii) Dividend
As the Company has incurred loss in the year under review, after considering the relevant circumstances, the Boardof Directors has decided that it would be prudent, not to recommend Dividend to its shareholders.
(xiii) Material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the company which haveoccurred between the end of the financial year of the company to which the financial statements relate and thedate of the report
There are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end ofthe financial year i.e., 31st March, 2024 and the date of this report.
(xiv) Conservation Of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
Considering the nature of activities in which the Company operates, energy consumption is in accordance to thenormal business practices and does not require any specific installations. In its regular course of business, theCompany is always vigilant to conserve the resources and continuously implements measures required to saveenergy.
The business activities of the Company are not specific to any technology requirements. Hence disclosures pertainingto conservation of energy and technology absorption are not applicable to your Company during the year underreview.
There were no foreign exchange inflows or outflowsduring the year under review.
(xv) Risk Management Policy
Internal compliance and control policies and procedures of the Company and policies for monitoring and evaluationof risk management systems to assess the effectiveness of those systems in minimizing risks that may impactadversely on the business objectives of the Company were established.At present, the Company has not identified any
element of risk which may threaten the existence of the Company. However, the Constitution of a Risk ManagementCommittee as per Regulation 21 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015,is not applicable to the Company.
(xvi) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
During the year under review, the provisionsof Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 pertaining to the CorporateSocial Responsibility arenot applicable to the Company.
(xvii) Board Evaluation
Your Company has a structured framework for evaluation of the Individual Directors, Chairperson and Board as awhole and its Committees. The Independent Directors at their Meeting held on 12.02.2024evaluated the performanceof Non-Independent Directors, Board as a whole, Chairperson and assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness offlow of information between the Company Management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to effectivelyand reasonably perform their duties.
The Board of Directors at their Meeting held on 13.11.2023 evaluated the performance of all Independent Directorsand the Board as a whole and its Committees and assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of informationbetween the Company Management and the Board through circulation of questionnaires, to assess the performanceon select parameters relating to roles, responsibilities and obligations of the Board and functioning of the Committees.
The evaluation criteria were based on the participation, contribution and guidance offered and understanding of theareas etc., which are relevant to the Directors in their capacity as Members of the Board/Committees.
xix) Change in the nature of Business:
There is no change in the nature of Business during the year under review.
(xx) Directors and Key Managerial Personnel:
Directors:
The Board of Directors of Aruna Hotels Limited currently comprises of 5 (five) Directors with a balanced combinationof a. Executive, b. Non-Executive (Non-Independent) and c. Independent Directors.
Name of Directors
Designation
Mr. Suyambu Narayanan
Chairperson (Non-Executive - Independent Director)
Mr. Radhaswamy Venkateswaran
Executive Director
Mr. Muralidharan Ramasamy
Non-Executive - Non Independent Director
Mr. R Rajkumar
Ms. Freeda Gnanaselvam Kanagiah
Non-Executive - Independent Director
In accordance with provisions of Section 152 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Articles of Association ofthe Company, Mr.Radhaswamy Venkateswaran (DIN:09532159) of the Company, retires by rotation at the ensuingAnnual General Meeting and being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
Key Managerial Personnel:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Companyas on March 31, 2024 are:
a. Mr. Nagaraj P, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
b. Ms. K. Lakshmi, Company Secretary (upto 31.05.2024)
c. Ms.N.Sornalatha , Company Secretary( w.e.f . 11.07.2024)
*Ms. N.Sornalatha has been appointed as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer with effect from July 11, 2024.Declaration of Independent Director
All the Independent Directors have furnished necessary declaration under Section 149(7) of the Act and underRegulation 25(8) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. As per the said
declarations, they meet the criteria of Independence as provided in Section149 (6) of the Act and the SEBI ListingRegulations. All of them have confirmed that they have registered themselves with the Indian Institute of CorporateAffairs under Rule 6 of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 as amended.
(xxi. Statement regarding opinion of the Board with regard to integrity, expertise and experience of theIndependent Directors appointed during the year
During the year under review, no Independent Directors were appointed
Your Company has no subsidiary during the year or at any time after the closure of the year and till the date ofthisreport. Hence, a statement containing the salient features of financial statements of the Company’s subsidiariesin Form AOC-1 is not applicable.
Associates and Joint Ventures
Your Company has no Associates or Joint Ventures during the year or at any time after the closure of the year andtill the date of thisreport.
(xxii) Deposits
The Company has not invited or accepted any deposits during the year under review and there are no depositscovered under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 during the year 2023-2024, the details of which are requiredto be furnished.
(xxiii) Details of significant and material orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting thegoing concern status and company’s operations in future:
During the year under review and as on date of the Report, the following are/were the material orders passed bythe Regulators and fine(s) that was/were imposed on the Company. No impact on the going concern status andcompany’s operations in future.
• As on the date of this report, the following shareholders of the Company were alleged to have violatedprovisions of Regulation 3(2) read with Regulation 13 (1), Regulation 29 (2) read with 29(3) and Regulation10(5), 10(6) and 10(7) of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations, 2011 (SASTRegulations).
1. Balasubramanian Sivanthi Adityan
2. Sri Devi Agencies Private Limited
3. Chandramohan R
4. Anita Kumaran
5. Jayanthi Natarajan
6. Gay Travels Private Limited
7. Subasri Realty Private Limited
8. Rani Printers Private Limited
9. Sovereign Media Marketing Private Limited
10. Chithan V
The Said shareholders had availed the benefit of settlement process with SEBI in respect of the Show Cause Notice(SCN) issued dated 20.09.2022 under Rule 4(1) of SEBI (Procedure for Holding Inquiry and Imposing Penalties)Rules, 1995 in the matter of Aruna Hotels Limited by the Chief and General Manager & Adjudicating Officer, SEBI.
In relation thereto, the Company had submitted disclosures under Regulations 10(5), 10(6), 29(1) and 29(2) of SEBISAST Regulations for the inter se transfer as per Memorandum of Compromise among the Promoters pertaining tothe financial year 2015-2016.
Referring to the Application for availing settlement in terms of SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018,during the year under review, SEBI on 23.05.2023 accepted the settlement proposal which was filed by the saidshareholders. The said application along with the Revised Settlement Terms proposed by the said shareholderswere examined by the Independent High Powered Advisory Committee (HPAC) and recommended the specified
proceedings be settled upon payment ofRs.2,32,05,000/-.Upon consideration of the recommendation of theSEBI has in principle agreed to accept the terms of settlement recommended by the HPAC.
In acceptance thereof by SEBI, the shareholder M/s Subasri Realty Private Limited on its behalf and on behalf of theother shareholders has accordingly paid amount of Rs.2,32,05,000/- (Rupees Two Crores Thirty Two Lakhs and FiveThousand only) towards Settlement fees.
In this regard, SEBI vide its Settlement order dated June 07, 2023 passed an Order such that, in view of acceptanceof the settlement terms and receipt of the Settlement amount as above by SEBI, an instant adjudication proceedingsinitiated against the Applicants (as above mentioned) vide SCN dated September 20, 2022 is disposed off in terms ofSection 15JB of the SEBI Act read with Regulation 23(1) of the Settlement Regulations on the basis of the settlementterms.
(xxiv) Internal Financial Control
The Company has a proper and adequate internal control system to ensure that all the assets of the Company aresafeguarded, to prevent and detect frauds and any other irregularities, proper application of appropriate accountingpolicies and procedures to ensure completeness of the accounting records, compliance with policies, rules andregulations, timely preparation of reliable financial information and prevention or timely detection of unauthorizedacquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have material effect on the financial statements
The Company has engaged a firm of external consultants for the internal audit function to continuously monitor theeffectiveness of internal controls.
(xxv) Maintenance of Cost Records
Maintenance of cost records and the requirement of Cost Audit under the provisions of Section 148 (1) of theCompanies Act, 2013are not applicable to the Company.
(xxvi) Internal Complaints Committee
The Company has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee to prevent and prohibit any form of sexualharassment at workplace and provide redressal for woman employees as required under Sexual Harassmentof Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. During the year, there was no eventaffecting any of the women employees on account of any sexual harassment at the work place.
(xxvii) Proceedings under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
As on date of this report, The following are pending before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.
Comp App (AT) (CH) (Ins) No. 52/2023, 63/2023, 64/2023 & 68/2023
(xxviii) the details of difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of one time settlement and thevaluation done while taking loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions along with the reasons thereof - Notapplicable
(xxviii) Capital Structure
During the financial year 2023-2024, there was no change in the Authorised Share Capital of the Company and stoodat Rs. 75 Crores divided into 6,70,00,000 (Six crores seventy lakhs) equity shares of face value of Rs.10/- each and8,00,000 (Eight lakhs) Preference shares of Rs.100/- each constituting Redeemable Preference share capital of theCompany.
Paid Up Share Capital
During the financial year under review 2023-2024, the paid-up share capital of the Company is Rs. 36,94,00,000(Rupees Thirty Six Crores Ninety Four Lakhs Only) comprising of 3,39,00,000 equity shares of Rs.10/- each and2,99, 00,000 Redeemable Preference Shares of Rs.100/- each.
During the year under review, the Company has transferred a sum of Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakhs), beingredemption amount of preference shares that remained unclaimed to the Investor Education and Protection Fund(IEPF) Account. The Redemption amount of preference shares remaining unpaid or unclaimed from parties will betransferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund under section 205 of Companies Act, 2013.
During the year under review, the Company has neither issued any shares with differential voting rights nor issuedany sweat equity shares.
(xxix) Meetings of the Board
During the financial year under review, 5 (Five) Board Meetings were held and the gap between two meetings didnot exceed one hundred and twenty days. The said meetings were held on 25.05.2023, 11.08.2023, 25.10.2023,13.11.2023 and 12.02.2024. Necessary quorum was present for all the meetings. Other details including thecomposition of the Board and the Committee Meetings thereof held during the year under review (FY 2023- 2024)are given in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Report.
Meeting of the Independent Directors:
During the year, one Meeting of Independent Directors was held on 12.02.2024. All the Independent Directors werepresent.
Committees of the Board
A detailed note on the composition of the Board and its committees is provided in the Corporate Governance Reportsection which forms part of this Annual Report.
(xxx) Familiarization Programs for Independent Directors
In accordance with the requirements of Listing Regulations, 2015 and Schedule IV of the Act, as amended, theCompany has a programme to familiarize the Independent Directors of the Company including in relation to thenature of industry in which the Company operates and the roles, rights and responsibilities of the IndependentDirectors.
The Programme aim at enabling the Independent Directors to understand and keep them updated on an ongoing basisabout the significant changes which occur in the industry. Due to this familiarization programs, it was concluded thatthe Board is able to take active participation in the decision-making process and is equally involved in the affairs ofthe Company.
The information required pursuant to Section 197 read with Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975, inrespect of employees of the Company and Directors is furnished hereunder:
S.No
Ratio
1.
The ratio of the remuneration of each director to the median remuneration of theemployees of the company for the financial year
(i) Mr. Radhaswamy Venkateswaran
0.60:0
2.
The percentage increase in remuneration of each director, Chief Financial Officer,Chief Executive Officer, Company Secretary, or Manager, if any, in the financial year
8%
3.
The percentage increase in the median remuneration of employees in the financial year
0.80
4.
The number of permanent employees on the rolls of the company
17 employees
5.
Average percentile increase already made in the salaries of employees other than themanagerial personnel in the last financial year and its comparison with the percentileincrease in the managerial remuneration and justification thereof and point out if thereare any exceptional circumstances for increase in the managerial remuneration
Nil
*The ratio of the remuneration of Mr. Radhaswamy Venkateswaran, Managing Director to the median remunerationof the employees calculated for a period of 12 months during the FY 2023-2024
It is affirmed that the Remuneration is as per the Remuneration policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personneland other employees adopted by the Company.
(xxxi) Policy on Vigil Mechanism (Whistleblower Policy)
The Company has formulated and established the necessary Vigil Mechanism (Whistleblower Policy) for employeesincluding Directors of the Company in confirmation with Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 to report genuine concerns about unethicalbehaviour. The details of the policy have been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which is a part of thisreport and is also available on the website at www.arunahotels.com
(xxxii) Auditors:
At the 58thAGM held on 21st day of September, 2020, the members approved appointment of M/s Bala & Co.,Chartered Accountants, Chennai (Firm Registration No.: 000318S) as Statutory Auditors of the Company to holdoffice for a term of five years from the conclusion of 58thAGM till the conclusion of 63 rd AGM (AGM 2025). TheStatutory Auditors Report for the financial year 2023-2024 on the financial statement of the Company, forms part ofthis Annual Report.
The Statutory Auditors’ Report on the financial statements of the Company for the financial year 2023-2024does notcontain any qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimer.
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors of the Company have not reported any fraud as specified underSection 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013
In accordance with the provisions of Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013 M/s. GSPU & Associates, charteredAccountants (FRN :011266S), were appointed as the Internal Auditors of the company for the financial year 2023¬2024.
Mr.B.Prabhakar, Practicing Company Secretaries (CPNo.7870), Chennai, were appointed as secretarial auditors ofthe Company for the financial year 2023-2024, as required under Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 to conductthe Secretarial Audit of records and documents of the Company for financial year 2023-2024. The Secretarial AuditReport in form no. MR-3 issued by the Secretarial Auditor for the financial year 2023-2024 is annexed hereunder.
For the financial year 2023-2024, the Company does not have any material unlisted Indian subsidiaries. As such therequirement to attach secretarial audit reports of material unlisted Indian subsidiaries pursuant to Regulation 24A (1)of SEBI Listing Regulations is not applicable to the Company.
(xxxiii) Compliance with Secretarial Standards:
The Company has devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable mandatorySecretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and that such systems areadequate and operating effectively.
(xxxiv) Listing Requirements:
Your Company’s Equity shares are listed on the BSE Limited, Mumbai. Listing fees have been paid to this StockExchange for the financial year 2023-2024.
(xxxv) Dematerialization of Shares
The Company’s shares are compulsorily traded in dematerialized form on the BSE Stock Exchange. Equity Shares ofthe Company representing 91.58% of the Company’s equity share capital are dematerialized as on March 31, 2024.Under the Depository system, the International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) allotted to the Company’sshares is INE957C01019.
(xxxvi) Corporate Governance
As per SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Corporate GovernanceReport with Auditors’ Certificate thereon and Management Discussion and Analysis Report are attached, whichform part of this report.
(xxxvii) Management Discussion & Analysis Report
Management Discussion & Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated under Regulation 34(2) of SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 is annexed as annexure to this report.
Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their gratitude to Company’s Bankers, Suppliers, GovernmentDepartments and other business associates for their unstinted support extended to the Company. Your Directors wishto place on record, their appreciation of the efficient and dedicated services rendered by the employees at all levelsacross the Company. We are sincerely grateful to all the shareholders for their confidence, faith and support in theendeavours of the Company.
Place: Chennai Sd/- Sd/-