The provisions of sections 205, 205A, 205C and 207 of the
Companies  Act, 1956 (Act), read with relevant rules, require the companies to pay/distribute the dividend declared by them within 30 days of declaration and keep the unpaid/unclaimed dividend, if any, in a Special Bank Accounts for a period up to seven years (for subsequent payment to relevant shareholders claimants).  Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of Corporate Affairs, said that after the expiry of the said period of seven years, the amount is required to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) set up under section 205C of the Act.  The procedural requirements/mechanism with regard to manner of such transfer has been provided under relevant rules.  Non-compliance with these provisions is a punishable offence and necessary action is taken against the companies in appropriate cases.  Further, in order to protect the interests of the investors and create awareness among them about the amounts of un-claimed and unpaid dividend, deposits and debentures lying in Special Bank Accounts of the companies, a web-site based disclosure framework has been notified by the Government. The Companies Bill, 2011 retains these provisions. Further, the said Bill allows refund of these amounts to the claimants even after such amounts have been transferred to IEPF.

            The quantum of un-claimed and unpaid dividend, deposits and debentures lying with the companies transferred to the Government during the last three years, year-wise is given below:

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KKP