Hindustan Unilever Limited/Recovery of Shares from IEPF

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Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is one of India’s largest and most trusted fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. With a history of over 90 years, HUL has become a part of daily life for millions of Indians. People across the country use its well-known brands every day whether they are bathing with Lux or Dove, washing clothes with Surf Excel or Rin, cleaning utensils with Vim, enjoying a cup of Brooke Bond Red Label tea, or using skincare products like Glow & Lovely or Ponds. HUL’s wide range of products covers home care, personal care, food, beverages, and health & hygiene, giving it a strong presence in both urban and rural areas. This article provides a simple overview of HUL’s business, its major achievements, and explains how shareholders can claim their unclaimed dividends through the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).

History and Background HUL

HUL is a subsidiary of the British Dutch multinational company Unilever. It began operations in India in 1933 as Lever Brothers and later became Hindustan Lever Limited. In 2007, it was renamed Hindustan Unilever Limited. HUL has a deep reach in India, serving both urban and rural markets. With a wide distribution network and digital innovation, the company has adapted quickly to changing consumer habits. HUL has consistently focused on sustainable and inclusive growth. Its "Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP)" targets environmental footprint reduction and promotes health and well-being.

Financial Performance

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Over the years, the company has shown steady and strong financial growth, making it one of the most reliable companies for investors. HUL regularly declares and pays dividends to its shareholders as a part of its consistent performance.

However, many shareholders fail to collect their dividend payments on time. When dividends remain unclaimed for a certain period, the amount is transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This article also explains how such shareholders can recover their unclaimed dividends through the IEPF process.

Step-by-Step Process to Claim Dividend from IEPF

Step 1: Check Your Unclaimed Dividend Status

First, visit the HUL website under the “Investor Relations” section or go to the IEPF website. Enter your folio number or DP ID/Client ID, and the website will show whether any of your dividends or shares have been marked as unclaimed and transferred to the IEPF.

Step 2: Send Physical Documents to HUL’s Registrar 

Send the following to HUL’s Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (RTA): 

  • Reach out to the company’s Registrar or Nodal Officer to confirm that you are eligible to claim the shares or dividends transferred to the IEPF.

  • Request an Entitlement Letter, which will specify the number of shares or dividend amount transferred to the IEPF and Confirmation that you are the rightful claimant

  • Send your request along with the following documents to einward.ris@kfintech.com along with Identity proof (such as PAN and Aadhaar), Shareholding details (Folio number or Demat account details), Any old dividend warrants or supporting evidence (if available)

Step 3: Prepare IEPF Form-5 on MCA Website

Go to the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) website. Log-in or register yourself under the MCA Services section. Select and fill Form IEPF-5 with the required details, including: 

  • Following document are required 
  1. Personal Information: PAN, Aadhaar, Address, Email ID, Contact Number

  2. Company Details: Name of the company (e.g., Hindustan Unilever Limited)

  3. Claim Details: Number of shares and/or unpaid dividends

  4. Demat Account Information: DP ID and Client ID

  • Once completed, submit the form online. After submission, download the filled IEPF Form-5 along with the acknowledgement receipt (SRN number) for future reference. 

Step 4: Prepare Document Set for Submission to Company

Send a hard copy of the IEPF-5 Form and supporting documents to the company's Nodal Officer. List of Required Documents- 

  • Signed printout of IEPF-5 and acknowledgement

  • Indemnity bond (on non-judicial stamp paper, as per IEPF rules)

  • Advance stamped receipt (with claimant’s and witness’s signature)

  • Entitlement Letter (from company)

  • Self-Attested copies of: PAN and Aadhaar, Cancelled Cheque Leaf and Client Master List (CML) from your DP.

  • Original share certificate (if physical shares) 

Additional Documents (For Legal Heir Claims)- 

  • Death certificate of original shareholder

  • Legal Heir/Succession Certificate or Registered Will

  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from other heirs (if required)

  • ID and address proof of all legal heirs. 

Step 5: Submit Documents to Company Nodal Officer

Send the complete set to the Nodal Officer of the company by speed post or courier.

Details of HUL Nodal Officer-

Ms. Uma Rajagopalan

Hindustan Unilever Limited,
Unilever House,
B. D. Sawant Marg,
Chakala, Andheri (E),
Mumbai - 400 099.

Tel.: +91 22 5043 2790

Email: HUL.IEPF@unilever.com 

Step 6: Verification by the Company

After receiving your documents, the company reviews them to confirm that your claim is genuine and complete. Once the verification is done, HUL prepares a Verification Report and sends it to the IEPF Authority. This process usually has to be completed within 30 days. Only after the company submits this report can the IEPF Authority start processing your refund.

Step 7: Approval by IEPF Authority

The IEPF Authority reviews the application and if everything is in order or correct, shares are transferred to claimant’s Demat Account and unpaid dividends (if any) are credited to the bank account.

Recovering shares from IEPF is a step-by-step process that requires proper documentation. With careful compliance and timely follow-up, rightful shareholders or their heirs can successfully reclaim their shares and dividends.

Final Word

Recovering unclaimed dividends or shares from the IEPF may seem complicated, but with the right steps and proper documentation, the process becomes much easier to follow. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), being one of India’s most trusted companies, has a transparent system in place through its Registrar and Nodal Officer to help shareholders and their families reclaim what rightfully belongs to them. By checking unclaimed dividend status, obtaining the necessary confirmations, filing Form IEPF-5, and submitting the required documents, shareholders can smoothly complete the claim process.

HUL’s long-standing reputation, strong financial performance, and commitment to responsible governance ensure that investor interests are well protected. With timely action and careful attention to each step, shareholders or legal heirs can successfully recover their shares and dividend amounts from the IEPF Authority, restoring valuable investments and securing their financial rights.

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