With reference to information given in Para D, analyse the issues involved and give your views as to whether or not the auditor, DRT & Co.,…

Facts Which Become Known to the Auditor After the Date of the Auditor's Report but Before the Date the Financial Statements are Issued: As per SA 560, “Subsequent Events”, the auditor has no obligation to perform any audit procedures regarding the financial statements after the date of the auditor's report. However, when, after the date of the auditor's report but before the date the financial statements are issued, a fact becomes known to the auditor that, had it been known to the auditor at the date of the auditor's report, may have caused the auditor to amend the auditor's report, the auditor shall: (i) Discuss the matter with management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance. (ii) Determine whether the financial statements need amendment and, if so, (iii) Inquire how management intends to address the matter in the financial statements. If management amends the financial statements, the auditor shall carry out the audit procedures necessary in the circumstances on the amendment. Further, the auditor shall extend the audit procedures and provide a new auditor's report on the amended financial statements. However, the new auditor's report shall not be dated earlier than the date of approval of the amended financial statements. In the instant case, MTL received an amount of rupees 20crore on account of incentives pertaining to year 2023-24 in the month of May 2024 i.e. after finalisation of financial statements and signing of audit report. The management of MTL amended the accounts, approved the same and requested DRT & Co. (auditor) to consider this event and issue a fresh audit report on the financial statements for the year ended on 31.03.2024. After applying the conditions given in SA 560, DRT & Co. can issue new audit report subject to date of audit report which should not be earlier than the date of approval of the amended financial statements.