Linde India Notifies Shareholders: Claim Unpaid Dividend Shares by June 5, 2026

Linde India Limited has formally notified shareholders that shares linked to unclaimed dividends will be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This mandatory process applies to shares where dividends have gone unclaimed for seven consecutive financial years. The notice covers dividends declared from the 64th Dividend (FY 2018) up to the 70th Dividend (FY 2024-25), ensuring the company's compliance with the Companies Act, 2013.

This process is vital for corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Funds and shares unclaimed for extended periods are directed towards investor protection and education initiatives managed by the IEPF. For shareholders, this serves as a crucial reminder to check their holdings. Failure to act by the deadline means losing not only unpaid dividends but also ownership of the associated shares, along with any future benefits.

Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, requires companies to transfer shares linked to dividends unpaid or unclaimed for seven consecutive years to the IEPF. This measure aims to safeguard investor interests and use these unclaimed assets for their welfare. Shareholders can still reclaim their shares from the IEPF, provided they follow the necessary procedures.

What changes now:

• Shareholders with unclaimed dividends from FY 2018 to FY 2024-25 must claim their dues and shares.
• The deadline for all claims is June 5, 2026.
• After this date, Linde India will transfer eligible shares and benefits to the IEPF.
• Shareholders missing the deadline must follow the IEPF's procedures to reclaim their assets.

Risks to watch

The main risk is for shareholders who are unaware of their unclaimed dividends or miss the June 5, 2026 deadline. These shareholders risk losing ownership of their shares and any future benefits like bonuses or stock splits, as these will also transfer to the IEPF.

Peer comparison

All listed Indian companies must follow similar regulations for transferring unclaimed dividends and shares to the IEPF. This is a standard compliance procedure across the market, adhering to Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Linde India's current process is part of this broader regulatory requirement for all companies.

What to track next

• Look for company communications detailing the exact procedures for shareholders to claim their unpaid dividends and shares.
• Shareholders should proactively contact Linde India or the IEPF Authority to submit claims before the June 5, 2026 deadline.
• Watch for Linde India's filings after June 5, 2026, which will confirm the completion of the share transfer to the IEPF.