Missed physical share transfer deadline? SEBI opens new 6-month window

Markets regulator SEBI has provided a six-month special window for investors to re-lodge transfer requests for physical shares that were originally lodged before April 1, 2019, but were rejected or returned due to deficiencies.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, SEBI said the window will be open from July 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026, as part of its efforts to ease difficulties faced by investors who had missed the earlier re-lodgement deadline.

Transfer of securities in physical form had been discontinued with effect from April 1, 2019.

However, SEBI had permitted re-lodgement of transfer deeds lodged before this date if they had been rejected earlier due to incomplete documents. The re-lodgement window was initially available only till March 31, 2021.

SEBI said it received representations from investors, listed companies and Registrar & Share Transfer Agents (RTAs) seeking another opportunity for those who could not meet the previous deadline.

A panel comprising RTAs, listed companies and legal experts recommended opening a fresh window to protect investors’ rights in securities they had purchased.

“Thus, in order to facilitate ease of investing for investors and to secure the rights of investors in the securities which were purchased bythem, it has been decided to open a special window only for re-lodgement of transfer deeds, which were lodged prior to the deadline of April 01, 2019 and rejected/returned/not attended to due to deficiency in the documents/process/or otherwise, for aperiod of six months from July 07, 2025 till January 06, 2026,” the circular read.

During this six-month period, securities re-lodged for transfer will be issued only in demat mode.

SEBI directed RTAs, listed companies and stock exchanges to publicise the facility through print and social media every two months, and to maintain dedicated teams to process such requests efficiently.

The circular added that monthly reports on publicity and transfer-cum-demat status must be submitted to SEBI in the prescribed format.