What are qualifications of an Independent Director (ID)? Describe provisions under Companies Act, 2013 about separate meetings of Independent Directors (IDs).

Qualification of an Independent Director Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 provides that an independent director shall possess appropriate skills, experience and knowledge in one or more fields of finance, law, management, sales, marketing, administration, research, corporate governance, technical operations or other disciplines related to the company's business. Separate meetings of the Independent Directors Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 provides the following regarding separate meeting of the Independent Directors: The independent directors of the company shall hold at least one meeting in a year, in absence of non-independent directors and members of management. All the independent directors of the company shall strive to be present at such meeting. The meeting shall: review the performance of non-independent directors and the Board as a whole; review the performance of the Chairperson of the company, taking into account the views of executive directors and non-executive directors; assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the company management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform their duties.