Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is one of India's largest and most valuable companies. Many shareholders of RIL may find that their physical shares have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) due to inactivity or non-claiming of dividends for seven consecutive years. If your RIL shares have been moved to IEPF, you can still reclaim them by following a specific legal process outlined by the IEPF Authority under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This guide explains the step-by-step process to reclaim Reliance Industries Limited physical shares from IEPF, including the necessary documents, timelines, and important tips to ensure a smooth claim process.
What is an IEPF and Why RIL Shares Get Transferred?
The full form of IEPF is Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), is a regulatory body set up to protect unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, and shares that have remained inactive for seven consecutive years. As per Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, companies must transfer unclaimed shares to the IEPF account.
Why RIL Physical Shares Moved to IEPF?
1. Unclaimed Dividend: If a shareholder has unclaimed dividends for seven consecutive years, the underlying shares are transferred to IEPF.
2. Lost Contact: If the company cannot reach the shareholder due to an outdated address or communication details.
3. Dematerialization Issues: If shareholders hold physical share certificates and have not converted them into demat form, they may lose access to corporate benefits, leading to shares being transferred to IEPF. Key Legal Provisions:
-Section 124(5) & 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013
-IEPF (Accounting, Audit, Transfer, and Refund) Rules, 2016
Process to Reclaim Reliance Industries Physical Shares from IEPF
Step 1: Check Whether Your RIL Shares Are in IEPF
Before filing a claim, you need to verify if your RIL shares have been transferred to IEPF.
Steps to Check on RIL Website:
-Visit Reliance Industries Limited's investor section on their official website.
-Find the IEPF Section and enter your details (Name, PAN, DP ID, Folio No.).
-If your name appears in the list, your shares are in IEPF.
Alternative Check on MCA IEPF Portal:
-Visit the IEPF Authority website (www.iepf.gov.in).
-Click on "Search Unclaimed Shares" and enter your Folio Number or DP ID-Client ID.
Step 2: Obtain Required Documents for the Claim
To initiate the refund process, you must submit documents proving your ownership of physical shares in Reliance Industries Limited.
List of Documents Required:
-IEPF-5 Form (Generated Online)
-Original Share Certificate (Physical Copy)
-PAN Card (Self-attested copy)
-Aadhaar Card (Self-attested copy)
-CML (Client Master List) from Your Demat Account
-Indemnity Bond (On Non-Judicial Stamp Paper of Required Value)
-Advance Stamped Receipt (ASR) Duly Signed
-Cancelled Cheque (For Bank Verification)
-Bank Statement Showing Your Name & Account Details
-Copy of Acknowledgment from MCA Portal
-Self-attested Mobile Number & Email Proof
Note: If shares are in the name of a deceased person, additional documents like a Death Certificate, Legal heir Certificate, Succession Certificate, or Will may be required.
Step 3: File IEPF-5 Form Online
Now, you need to file the IEPF-5 Form on the IEPF Authority Website. Steps to Fill and Submit IEPF-5 Form
1. Visit MCA IEPF Website: Go to www.iepf.gov.in.
2. Click on "IEPF-5 Form" and download it.
3. Fill in the Details:
-Company Name: Reliance Industries Limited
-CIN: L17110MH1973PLC019786
-Folio Number or DP ID
-Number of Shares & Dividend Details
-Demat Account Details
4. Upload the Form and generate an Acknowledgment Number.
5. Take a Printout of the Form & Acknowledgment.
Step 4: Submit Physical Documents to RIL Nodal Officer
After filing IEPF-5, you must send the physical documents to Reliance Industries Limited’s IEPF Nodal Officer.
How to Send Documents?
1. Prepare a Cover Letter addressed to the Nodal Officer of Reliance Industries Limited requesting the refund of shares.
2. Attach Self-Attested Copies of All Required Documents.
3. Courier or Speed Post the Documents to RIL’s Nodal Officer.
Step 5: Verification by Reliance Industries Limited
Once your claim is received, RIL will verify the documents:
-Match your claim with IEPF records.
-Check the validity of physical share certificates and ownership proof.
-May request additional documents if required.
Step 6: Submission to IEPF Authority & Refund Approval
-If RIL verifies your claim, they forward the documents to the IEPF Authority (MCA).
-The IEPF Authority reviews and processes your request.
-If approved, shares are transferred to your demat account & dividend is credited to your bank.
Important Points & Common Mistakes to Avoid
-Ensure Your Demat Account is Active – Shares are credited in demat form only
-Double-Check PAN and Aadhaar Details – Any mismatch can delay processing.
-Use a Valid Email & Mobile Number – Required for updates & OTP verification.
-Keep a Copy of All Submitted Documents for future reference.
-Follow Up with RIL & IEPF Authority if processing exceeds 90 days.
Conclusion
Reclaiming Reliance Industries Limited’s physical shares from IEPF is a simple but time-consuming process requiring careful documentation and adherence to legal procedures. By verifying share status, preparing correct documents, filing IEPF-5, and coordinating with RIL’s Nodal Officer, shareholders can successfully recover their shares.
If you have any queries regarding how to claim the physical shares from IEPF then you can book a consultation with our expert through mail us at info@ccoffice.in or call/whatsapp us at +91 9988424211.
FAQs
Q1. What is the process to claim Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) physical shares from the IEPF?
Ans. To claim RIL physical shares from the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), follow these steps:
-Gather the necessary documents, including PAN, Aadhaar, share certificates, and bank details.
-Download Form IEPF-5 from the IEPF website and fill it out with the required details.
-Submit the form online and take a printout.
-Send the printed form along with supporting documents to Reliance Industries Limited’s Nodal Officer/RTA.
-Once verified, the company will forward your request to IEPF.
-IEPF processes the request, and if approved, the shares will be transferred to your Demat account.
Q2. How do I know if my Reliance Industries Limited shares have been transferred to IEPF?
Ans. You can check whether your RIL shares are transferred to IEPF by:
-Visiting the IEPF Authority’s website and searching under the "View Your Unclaimed and Unpaid Amount" section.
-Checking the list of shareholders whose shares have been transferred on the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) website.
-Contacting Reliance’s Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), KFin Technologies Limited, for confirmation.
Q3. What documents are required to claim Reliance Industries Limited physical shares from IEPF?
Ans. The documents required include:
-Duly filled and signed IEPF-5 form
-Original share certificates (or indemnity bond if lost)
-PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of the claimant
-Cancelled cheque and bank passbook statement for account verification
-Self-attested copies of Demat account details
-Indemnity bond on non-judicial stamp paper
-Advance stamped receipt signed by the claimant
-Death certificate and legal heir documents (if applicable)
Q4. How long does it take to reclaim physical shares from IEPF?
Ans. The process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the verification of documents and processing time at both Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and IEPF Authority. Delays may occur if there are discrepancies in documents or incomplete submissions.
Q5. What should I do if I lost my original Reliance Industries Limited share certificates?
Ans. If you have lost the original share certificates, you must:
-File an FIR/Police complaint regarding the lost share certificates.
-Obtain a notarized affidavit and indemnity bond on non-judicial stamp paper.
-Apply for a duplicate share certificate from RIL’s Registrar & Transfer Agent (RTA), KFin Technologies.
-Once the duplicate certificate is issued, follow the IEPF claim process.
Q6. Can legal heirs claim Reliance Industries Limited shares from IEPF?
Ans. Yes, legal heirs or nominees can claim RIL shares from IEPF if the original shareholder is deceased.
They need to submit:
-Death certificate of the shareholder
-Legal heir certificate or succession certificate
-Notarized indemnity bond and NOC from other legal heirs
-Affidavit confirming relationship with the deceased
-KYC documents of legal heirs
Q7. What happens if my IEPF claim for RIL shares is rejected?
Ans. If your claim is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice specifying the reasons (e.g., missing documents, incorrect details, or signature mismatch). You must:
-Correct the discrepancies and resubmit the claim.
-Contact Reliance Industries Limited’s Nodal Officer or RTA for guidance.
-If required, file a fresh IEPF-5 form with the corrected details.