For India’s listed companies and those approaching a public offering, live streaming is no longer optional — it is a regulatory requirement. SEBI has mandated that listed companies provide live streaming of their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) to all shareholders, regardless of physical attendance.
SEBI’s AGM Live Streaming Mandate — What the Regulation Requires
Under the Companies Act, 2013, read with MCA Circulars and SEBI’s LODR Regulations, listed companies must provide a two-way audio-visual communication facility for AGMs — meaning shareholders watching remotely must be able to both observe and participate in proceedings.
Key Regulatory Requirements
- Live streaming must be available to all shareholders — every registered shareholder is entitled to observe the AGM proceedings in real time.
- Remote e-voting and Q&A participation — shareholders attending remotely must be able to submit questions and participate in voting.
- Recording and retention — a complete recording of the AGM must be retained by the company.
- Accessibility standards — the stream must be accessible on standard browsers and mobile devices without requiring specialised software downloads.
Live Streaming for IPO Investor Roadshows
A well-produced IPO investor webcast typically includes: management’s presentation of business fundamentals and growth strategy, CFO walkthrough of financial performance and use of proceeds, Q&A session with institutional investors and analysts, and a recorded version made available for investors in different time zones.
Complete Technical Checklist for AGM and IPO Live Streaming
Pre-Event Planning (4-6 Weeks Before)
- Choose a SEBI-compliant streaming platform with e-voting integration
- Confirm venue connectivity — wired broadband plus bonded cellular backup
- Assign technical roles: streaming engineer, audio engineer, camera operator, and technical director
- Prepare branded graphics package: company name, speaker names, agenda slides
- Brief company secretary on remote participation procedures
- Send AGM notice with streaming access link and credentials
On-Site Technical Setup (Day Before)
- Conduct full connectivity test at actual event time of day
- Test all camera positions: CEO, board panel, projection screen
- Verify audio pickup from all microphones including floor Q&A mic
- Run full technical rehearsal with executives and board members
- Test remote shareholder access from an external device
On-Day Checklist (Event Day)
- Arrive minimum three hours before the event
- Bring spare cables, spare microphones, and a backup encoder
- Verify internet speed — minimum 20 Mbps upload for HD streaming
- Confirm recording is active before the meeting is called to order
- Monitor stream health dashboard throughout the meeting
Post-Event
- Confirm recording has been saved and backed up
- Provide recording link to company secretary for retention
- Generate stream analytics report: peak viewers, geographic distribution, average watch time
- Retain all technical logs for potential audit purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AGM live streaming legally mandatory for all companies in India?
SEBI’s LODR regulations mandate AGM streaming for listed companies. Private limited companies are not currently subject to this requirement but are encouraged to adopt it as best practice.
Q: Can shareholders ask questions during an AGM live stream?
Yes. SEBI requires that listed companies provide a facility for remote shareholders to submit questions and participate in voting. This requires a platform with integrated Q&A and e-voting functionality.
Q: What happens if the live stream fails during an AGM?
Companies should have a documented technical contingency plan. In the event of stream failure, the AGM must be paused while the stream is restored, or the meeting must be adjourned and rescheduled.
Q: How long must an AGM recording be retained?
Companies should retain AGM recordings for a minimum of five years as part of their secretarial records. Your company secretary should confirm retention obligations under applicable rules.
Q: How early should we book a streaming service for an AGM?
For listed company AGMs, booking a professional streaming service at least four to six weeks in advance is recommended to allow for platform setup, shareholder communication, and technical rehearsals.
