AJAY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION LTD.

CODE OF CONDUCT OF DIRECTOR AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

PREAMBLE

This Code of Conduct (the “Code”) sets forth legal and ethical standards of conduct for Directors and employees constituting senior management (comprising all members of core management team one level below the Executive Directors and all functional heads of Ajay Industrial Corporation Limited.

  • Honest, fair and ethical conduct, including ethical handling of conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
  • Protection and Proper Use of Corporate Assets & Confidential Information;
  • Compliance with governmental laws, rules and regulations;
  • Prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code.

All our Directors and Senior Management employees must conduct themselves accordingly and seek to avoid improper behaviour. If one has any questions regarding this Code or its application to him in any situation, one should contact the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s) (appointed by the Company).

 

HONEST AND ETHICAL CONDUCT AND FAIR DEALING

All our Directors and Senior Management employees should endeavour to deal honestly, ethically and fairly with the Company’s suppliers, customers, competitors, employees and shareholders. Statements regarding the Company’s products and services must not be untrue, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent. All our Directors and Senior Management employees must not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair practice.

We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. We seek competitive advantages through superior performance, never through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner’s consent, or inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited.

To maintain the Company’s reputation, compliance with our quality processes and safety requirements is essential. In the context of ethics, quality requires that our products and services reflect our ethical obligations. All operations must be conducted in accordance with all applicable regulations.

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

All of our Directors and Senior Management employees must act in the best interests of the Company. All of our Directors and Senior Management employees must refrain from engaging in any activity or having a personal interest that presents a “conflict of interest.” A conflict of interest occurs when their personal interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company. A conflict of interest can arise whenever our director and senior management employee, take action or have an interest that prevents them from performing the Company duties and responsibilities honestly, objectively and effectively. In order to avoid conflicts of interest, employees, our directors and senior management employees must observe the following restrictions, which are not to be construed as a comprehensive list:

  • No senior management employee, or director or close relative of a senior management employee or director may own any financial interest, a proprietorship interest or a partnership interest in any enterprise exceeding 5% interest (other than Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. affiliates / Joint Venture) which competes with the Company without obtaining prior written consent from the Managing Director in case of senior management employee or his relative and from the Board of Directors of the Company in case of any director or his relative.
  • No senior management employee or director may use Company’s name, property, proprietary or confidential information or goodwill for personal gain or for the gain of others.
  • No senior management employee or director or close relative of a senior management employee or director may engage in any activity as an officer, director, employee, contractor, supplier or consultant with any enterprise (other than Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. affiliates / Joint Venture) that competes with the Company.

A “close relative” means a spouse, dependent child or parents.

Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy. It is responsibility of the individual to disclose any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest to the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s). Conflicts of interest may not always be clear-cut, so if one has a question, one should consult with them. Board of Directors or any authorized Director shall be responsible for determining whether such transaction or relationship constitutes a conflict of interest.

 

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The disclosure of confidential information regarding Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. business, financial, legal, regulatory or scientific operations, whether intentional or accidental, can adversely affect the financial stability and competitive position of Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. and the job security of its employees.

On account of this risk of harm to Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd., individuals must not, during the term of their employment by, service or affiliation with Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. or thereafter, disclose to third parties any confidential information obtained during the course of employment, service or affiliation without confidential disclosure agreement or confidentiality provision.

“Confidential Information” means all non-public information in Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. possession, whether through internal or external development, that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the financial stability or competitive position of Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. if disclosed, including but not limited to:

  • Discoveries, inventions, improvements and innovations, whether patentable or copyrightable or otherwise
  • Methods, processes and techniques, including manufacturing process information
  • Shop practices
  • Formulae, compounds and compositions
  • Personnel data
  • Computer software
  • Equipments
  • Customer lists
  • Financial, pricing and accounting data
  • Supplier data (names of suppliers, pricing, sources of supply, anticipated requirement)
  • Results of regulatory inspections/audits
  • Business plans and updates to business plans
  • Potential acquisitions, licenses or other business deals
  • Potential divestitures
  • Potential equity interests
  • Research, clinical and pharmacological data
  • Regulatory filings and approval data
  • Marketing and sales information

 

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

Directors and Senior Management Personnel shall not exploit for their own personal gain, opportunities that are discovered through their position with the Company, use for themselves corporate information or property unless the same is disclosed prior to use in writing to the managing Director in case of senior management employee and to the Board of Directors in case of any director.

 

OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS

The Company feels that serving on the Boards of Directors of other companies may raise substantial concerns about conflict of interest. Therefore, all Directors and Senior Management Personnel must report / disclose such relationships to the Board, when such relationships are formalised and thereafter, on an annual basis. It is felt that service on the Board of a direct competitor is not in the interest of the Company. In view of this, the prior written consent of the Managing Director in case of senior management employee and to the Board of Directors in case of any director must be obtained before joining the Board of Directors of any Similar Nature company.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

Directors and Senior Management Personnel are required to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. In order to assist the Company in promoting lawful and ethical behaviour,

Directors and Senior Management Personnel must report any violation of law, rules, regulation or the code of conduct to the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s).

 

PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF CORPORATE ASSETS

Executive Directors and Senior Management Personnel should seek to protect the Company’s assets. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s financial performance. Executive Directors and Senior Management Personnel must use the Company’s assets and services solely for legitimate business purposes of the Company and not for any personal benefit or the personal benefit of anyone else. Company equipment should not be used for non-Company business or activity.

The obligation of Directors and Senior Management Personnel to protect the Company’s assets extends to its proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as customer data or information, trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business, marketing and service plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished financial data reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information would violate Company policy and could also be illegal resulting in civil or even criminal penalties.

 

GIFTS AND GRATUITIES

The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create goodwill and sound working relationships, not to gain unfair advantage with suppliers and customers. No gift or other favours should ever be offered, given, provided or accepted by any Director and Senior Management Personnel, or close relative of Director and Senior Management Personnel unless it

  • Is not a cash gift
  • Is consistent with customary business practices
  • Cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff and
  • Does not violate any laws or regulations.

 

This policy does not bar acceptance of courtesies or invitations to social or sports events which are customary and proper under the circumstances and in keeping with good business ethics so long as no obligation is involved in such acceptance. Any gifts should not be accepted and shall be returned immediately and be reported to supervisor / reporting authority. If immediate return is not practical, they should be given to the Head, Human Resources or any of the Compliance Officer(s) for charitable use or such other use as the Company believes appropriate in its sole discretion.

Common sense and moderation should prevail in business entertainment engaged in on behalf of the Company. Director and Senior Management Personnel should provide, or accept, business entertainment to or from anyone doing business with the Company only if the entertainment is infrequent, modest and intended to serve legitimate business goals.

 

ELECTRONIC MEDIA USAGE

Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. provides access to and use of electronic mail, voicemail, the intranet, the Internet, and other electronic media for business purposes. This is provided to make it easier for Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. employees to communicate with each other and with appropriate outside.

Parties – including contractors, suppliers, customers, shareholders and government agencies.

Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. electronic media is not to be used for any purposes that violate applicable laws, rules and regulations and Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. standards, policies or procedures. This includes transmission of threatening, obscene or harassing materials. Incidental personal use of electronic media that does not interfere with Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. business or an employee’s performance of his or her abilities is acceptable, as long as such use does not include illegal, unethical or otherwise offensive subject matter.

Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, no officer or employee has any right to privacy regarding use of or access to any electronic media provided by or through Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd may monitor or access employee use of its electronic media at any time in accordance with applicable law.

 

NON DISCRIMINATION

We regard the diversity of our employees as a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment of any kind including but not limited to derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances. Discrimination in employment is illegal under Indian laws and a violation of Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd policies. It is Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd policy to recruit, hire, promote, assign, compensate and train qualified persons without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. An employee engaging in discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and / or liable to indemnify the Company for the loss incurred by the Company on account of such action / inaction and / or forfeiture of the termination benefits, if any (or to say to the extent of the loss suffered by the Company on account of his engaging in discrimination).

 

HEALTH, SAFETY, DRUG & ALCOHOL USE

The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthy work environment. Each employee has responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions.

Violence and threatening behaviour are not permitted. Employees should report to work in a condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. The use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace is absolutely prohibited.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is illegal under Indian laws and a violation of the Company’s policies. An employee engaging in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or liable to indemnify the Company for the loss incurred by the Company on account of his such action/inaction and/or forfeiture of the termination benefits, if any (or to say to the extent of the loss suffered by the Company on account of his engaging in sexual harassment).

 

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ADHERENCE TO THE CODE

Directors and Senior Management Personnel are responsible for decision-making and for adherence to this Code.

  • Internal Investigations: Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd will promptly investigate all alleged violations and potential violations of this Code, or of any related Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd standard, policy or procedure. Any allegations will be treated confidentially, to the extent consistent with Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd interests and its legal obligations. All are expected to cooperate in the investigation of an alleged violation of the Code. If Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd determines that corrective action is necessary to fix a problem and avoid the likelihood of its recurrence, Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd will promptly decide what steps to take, including legal proceedings when appropriate.
  • Disciplinary Action. To the extent legally permissible under applicable law, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, in relation to this Code or any related Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd standard, policy or procedure.
  • Certification. All Directors and Senior Management Personnel must certify, in writing or electronically, that they have received, read, understood and shall abide by this Code.

 

DUTY TO REPORT VIOLATIONS

Directors and Senior Management Personnel are responsible for reporting in good faith to the Company any circumstances that he believe may constitute a violation of this Code, as well as any other Company policies. One should direct policy violations to the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s), in writing and only the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s) will know about his identity. The Company will investigate any matter so reported and will take appropriate corrective action. There will be no retribution against individuals for reporting in good faith of policy violations. However, individuals will not be protected from possible disciplinary action if matter reported is with a malicious intent (bad faith) or if the individual has otherwise engaged in misconduct.

 

WAIVERS OF THIS CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

While some of the policies contained in this Code must be strictly adhered to and no exceptions can be allowed, in other cases exceptions may be possible.

Any Director who seeks an exception to any of these policies must contact the Managing Director of the Company. Any Senior Management Personnel who seeks an exception to any of these policies must contact the Head, Human Resources or the Compliance Officer(s). Any waiver of this Code or any change to this Code may be made only by the Board of Directors or such designated authorities of the Company.

 

DISSEMINATION, ANNUAL REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Code shall be distributed to Directors and Senior Management Personnel of the Company upon commencement of his or her employment or other relationship with the Company and shall also be distributed whenever any change is effected to the Code, and each Director and Senior Management shall certify that he or she has received, read and understood the Code and has complied with its terms every year.

The Company reserves the right to amend, alter or terminate this Code at any time without giving any reason. The Company will make public disclosure as and to the extent required by applicable laws, rules and regulations, of amendments of this Code.

This document is not an employment contract between the Company and any of its Director and Senior Management and does not alter Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd. employment policy.

 

CERTIFICATION

I, do hereby certify that: (Print Name here)

  • I have received and carefully read the Code of Conduct of Ajay Industrial Corporation Ltd.
  • I understand the Company’s Code of Conduct.
  • I have complied and will continue to comply with the terms of the Code of Conduct and have reported or will report any known violations of the Code according to the procedures outlined in the Code.

 

Date: (Signature)

 

CERTIFICATIONS

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