Found a Reliance Industries Share Certificate? Here’s What You Can Do Next!

Finding an old share certificate at home can be an exciting yet confusing experience. If you have stumbled upon a Reliance Industries share certificate from 1992, you might be wondering whether it still holds value and how to claim it. With the company’s history of stock splits and bonus issues, those few shares could now be worth a significant sum.

However, before celebrating, it is crucial to check whether the shares are still active or have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Understanding the Value of Your Shares

Reliance Industries has undergone multiple corporate actions over the years, increasing the number of shares issued to shareholders:

• 1997: A 1:1 bonus issue doubled the number of shares.
• 2009: Another 1:1 bonus issue doubled the shares again.
• 2017: A stock split of 10:1 converted each ₹10 share into ten ₹1 shares.

If your certificate originally represented 10 shares of ₹10 each, these adjustments mean you would now own 400 shares. Given that as of 12 March 2025, Reliance Industries’ share price stands at ₹1,257.05, the current value of these shares would be approximately ₹5.02 lakh.

Have Your Shares Been Transferred to IEPF?

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) aims to enhance investor awareness and safeguard their interests. According to regulations, if shares remain inactive for more than 7 years without dividend claims, they may be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). To find out whether your shares are still with Reliance Industries or have been moved to IEPF, follow these steps:

1. Check with Reliance Industries: Visit the company’s website or contact their Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), KFin Technologies Limited.
2. Provide details:  Share the certificate number, shareholder name, and other relevant details to verify ownership status.

Steps to Claim Your Shares

If your shares are still held by Reliance Industries, you will need to convert them into Demat form by opening a Demat account with a registered depository participant. If they have been transferred to IEPF, follow these steps to reclaim them:

• Gather Required Documents

• Original share certificate
• PAN card and Aadhaar card
• Address proof
• Bank details (cancelled cheque)
• Demat account details (if available)

If claiming as a legal heir or nominee, additional documents such as a succession certificate, will, or probate will be required.

• File Form IEPF-5

Visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal and submit Form IEPF-5 online, attaching all required documents. After submission, take a printout of the form and attach copies of the necessary paperwork.

• Submit Documents to Reliance Industries

Send the printed Form IEPF-5 along with supporting documents to Reliance Industries’ IEPF Nodal Officer or KFin Technologies Limited for verification.

• Approval Process

Reliance will verify the claim and forward it to IEPF authorities. If approved, the shares will either be transferred to your Demat account or reissued in physical form, depending on the request.

Important Considerations

• If claiming as a legal heir, you must complete the transmission process with Reliance Industries before filing a claim with IEPF.
• The processing time may vary, often taking a few weeks to months, depending on the documentation and verification process.
• If documents are missing or the case is complex, seeking help from a professional service specialising in share recovery may simplify the process.

Need Assistance? Contact the Right Authorities

For help, you can contact Reliance’s RTA: KFin Technologies Limited via:

• Email:einward.ris@kfintech.com
• Phone: +91 40 6716 2222

Conclusion

If you have discovered an old Reliance Industries share certificate, it is worth investigating its status. With the company’s history of stock splits and bonus issues, what once seemed like a small investment could now be a valuable asset. Whether your shares are still with Reliance or have been transferred to IEPF, following the correct steps can help you reclaim your investment and ensure its rightful ownership. Taking action today could unlock significant financial value.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.