Companies Act · Share Transfer

Share Transfer and Transmission Under Section 56: Private Company Checklist

Finin2min Compliance Desk·June 2026·7 min readSH-4

Share transfer is not a cap-table edit. Section 56 creates a documentary control around instrument of transfer, share certificate/letter of allotment, timing, board approval and register update.

Section 56 base

Section 56 says a company shall not register a transfer of securities unless a proper instrument of transfer, duly stamped, dated and executed by or on behalf of transferor and transferee, has been delivered within the prescribed period along with the certificate or letter of allotment where applicable.

Transfer vs transmission

CaseControl file
Voluntary sale/gift/transferInstrument of transfer, stamp duty, board approval, share certificate and register update.
Transmission due to death/successionDeath certificate, succession/probate/legal heir documents and board note.
Partly paid sharesTransferee notice and objection control should be checked.
Demat sharesDepository records and beneficial-owner records drive transfer mechanics.

Private company controls

Finin2min warning

Do not change the cap table before legal transfer is complete. MCA records, registers and share certificates must support ownership.
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Official sources used

This article is intentionally source-limited to official India Code / MCA material. Verify final filing positions with the latest Act, Rules, MCA forms and portal advisories before publishing.

FAQs

Which section covers share transfer?

Section 56 covers transfer and transmission of securities.

Is board approval relevant for private company share transfer?

Yes, the Articles and company process should be checked before registering transfer.

Is transmission the same as transfer?

No. Transmission generally arises by operation of law such as death/succession, and needs different evidence.