Restriction of shareholders’ voting rights: common scenario and consequences of restriction
In accordance with provisions of article 65.2 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, the participants of a corporation, including shareholders, shall have the basic right to participate in administration of the corporation’s affairs. In particular, this right shall be exercised through participation in a shareholders’ general meeting with the right to vote on all matters within its competence pursuant to clause 2 of article 31 of the Federal Law “On Joint-Stock Companies”, No.208-FZ, dated 26 December 1995. However, there are instances where the shareholder’s right to vote on the matters relating to management in a joint-stock company may be restricted by internal documents, shareholders’ agreement or by virtue of law and (or) court judgment. Depending on the reason for the said restriction, various legal consequences arise. The said restrictions and their consequences are considered further in greater detail.