The failure to detect internal crisis early on and act in a timely manner to put the organization back on track before difficulties become irreversible engages the attention of analysts the worldwide. In India too, the renewed focus on the functioning of corporate boards along with a debate on the rights and responsibilities of board members followed the disclosure failures at Satyam Computer Services. This paper examines some important policy issues related to board independence based on “lessons of experience” from implementing board reforms across the countries including India. The paper seeks to put in perspective the progress made in India regarding the adoption of international best practices for the constitution and functioning of independent boards. Keywords : Functioning of Independent Board, International best practices