A listed company intends to issue sweat equity shares to its directors and a class of employees. Advise the company about the conditions to be fulfilled for such an issue.

According to Section 54 of the Companies Act, 2013, a company may issue sweat equity shares of a class of shares already issued, if the following conditions are fulfilled, namely:- The issue is authorised by a special resolution passed by the company; The resolution specifies the number of shares, the current market price, consideration, if any, and the class or classes of directors or employees to whom such equity shares are to be issued; Not less than one year has, at the date of such issue, elapsed since the date on which the company had commenced business; and Where the equity shares of the company are listed on a recognised stock exchange, the sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with the regulations made by the Securities and Exchange Board in this behalf and if they are not so listed, the sweat equity shares are issued in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.