Kotak Mahindra Bank Recovery of Shares from IEPF

CCl- Compliance Calendar LLP

Volume

1

Rate

1

Pitch

1

The recovery of shares from Kotak Mahindra Bank is an important part of investor protection under Indian company law. Many shareholders do not claim their dividends for a long time or fail to update their address, bank details or contact information. Because of this their shares become unclaimed. Under the Companies Act, 2013, such unclaimed shares are transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This transfer is done to maintain transparency and to protect the interests of investors. Kotak Mahindra Bank, as a leading private sector bank strictly follows these legal requirements and keeps proper records of its shareholders.

Even after the shares are transferred to the IEPF the original shareholders or their legal heirs do not lose their ownership rights. They can recover their shares by following the prescribed legal process. This process includes submitting necessary documents, verification of details and coordination with Kotak Mahindra Bank and its Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA). Understanding this recovery process helps investors safeguard their financial interests and exercise their legal rights effectively. 

Company Background and History

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited began its journey in 1985 as Kotak Capital Management Finance Limited founded by Uday Kotak. In its early years, the company operated as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and mainly dealt with bill discounting and corporate finance. With time it expanded into various financial services such as investment banking, stock broking, asset management and insurance.

A major milestone came in 2003, when the Reserve Bank of India granted the company a banking licence. This led to its conversion into Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, making it the first NBFC in India to become a commercial bank. This transformation allowed the bank to offer full banking services including savings and current accounts, deposits and loan facilities. 

After becoming a bank Kotak Mahindra expanded its branch and ATM network across India and strengthened its operations in retail banking, corporate banking and wealth management. The bank is known for its strong corporate governance, careful risk management and use of modern technology. Today Kotak Mahindra Bank is recognised as a reliable and well-capitalised private sector bank playing an important role in India’s financial system. 

Financial Performance of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited has demonstrated consistent growth in profits, asset quality, and capital adequacy over the years. The bank’s prudent risk management practices, diversified revenue streams, and focus on digital innovation have contributed to its strong market reputation. Its steady dividend declarations make it a preferred choice for long-term investors seeking stability and value creation. Despite strong investor awareness, unclaimed dividends continue to arise due to procedural or communication gaps, making the IEPF recovery mechanism highly relevant for shareholders of Kotak Mahindra Bank. 

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Annual Report 2024–25 shows the Bank is growing in a planned and responsible way. Its main aim is to focus on customers while maintaining strong rules, safety and profits. During the year the Bank faced global uncertainty and temporary RBI restrictions but it improved its technology systems and risk controls to overcome these challenges. Kotak achieved steady growth in loans and deposits without taking unnecessary risks. Its wide range of financial businesses helped it stay stable. By using digital tools AI and data the Bank made services faster and easier. The report also highlights care for employees, society and long-term sustainable growth. 

Process to Recover Shares or Dividends from IEPF

(Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited) 

Step 1: Check Unclaimed Dividend or Share Status

The first step is to verify whether any dividend amount or shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited have been transferred to the IEPF.

You can check the status through the following options:

Option 1: Kotak Mahindra Bank – Investor Relations Website
Visit the Investor Relations section of the bank’s official website and check the details under the  “IEPF” section.

Option 2: IEPF Authority Website
Visit the official IEPF portal and enter your Folio Number (for physical shares) or DP ID–Client ID (for demat shares) to verify whether any amount or shares have been transferred to the IEPF.

This step confirms the exact number of shares and dividend amount eligible for recovery. 

Step 2: Contact Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Registrar (RTA)

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited has appointed a Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (RTA) to handle shareholder-related matters.

KFin Technologies Ltd,

Karvy Selenium,

Tower- B, Plot No. 31 & 32,

Financial district, Nanakramguda,

Serilingampally Mandal,

Hyderabad,Telangana,500032 

Email id- einward.ris@kfintech.com

Tel. :040 - 6716 2222 / 040-3321 1000 

You must contact the RTA to request an Entitlement Letter which confirms:

  • Number of shares transferred to the IEPF

  • Unclaimed dividend amount

  • Your identity as the rightful shareholder

  • List of supporting documents required 

Documents generally required at this stage:

  • PAN Card and Aadhaar Card

  • Shareholding details (Folio Number or DP ID–Client ID)

  • Cancel cheque of the bank (link with DEMAT account)

  • Client Master list (CML)

  • Contact details (email ID and mobile number)

  • Old dividend warrants, if available

  • Death certificate of Deceased Shareholder

Once the RTA verifies your record it issues the Entitlement Letter which is mandatory for filing the IEPF claim. 

Step 3: File IEPF Form-5 on MCA Website

After obtaining the Entitlement Letter, the claimant must file IEPF Form-5 online through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website.

Steps to Access & File IEPF-5:

  • Go to MCA Portal: Visit the MCA website (mca.gov.in).

  • Login: Log in with your registered credentials.

  • Navigate: Go to "MCA Services".

  • Find IEPF-5: Under IEPF Services select IEPF-5 Web Form - Claiming unpaid amounts & shares.

  • Fill Online: Complete the web form with your details, PAN, Aadhaar card, bank details, and claim specifics.

  • Submit & Get SRN: Submit the form online to generate a Service Request Number (SRN) and acknowledgement.

  • Download & Print: Print the filled Form IEPF-5 and the acknowledgement. 

Details to be filled in IEPF Form-5:

  • Full name, address, PAN, and Aadhaar

  • Details of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

  • Number of shares claimed

  • Year-wise dividend details

  • Bank account details

  • Demat account details (DP ID and Client ID)

After successful submission:

  • Download the filled IEPF Form-5

  • Download the acknowledgment containing the SRN number

Both documents must be printed, signed, and included in the physical document set. 

Step 4: Prepare the Document Set for Physical Submission

The claimant must prepare a complete set of documents and send them to Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited’s Nodal Officer (IEPF).

Mandatory Documents:

  • Signed IEPF Form-5

  • IEPF SRN Acknowledgment

  • Indemnity Bond (on non-judicial stamp paper as per IEPF Rules)

  • Advance Stamped Receipt (duly signed by the claimant and witnesses)

  • Entitlement Letter issued by the RTA

  • Self-attested copies of PAN and Aadhaar

  • Cancelled cheque

  • Client Master List (CML) issued by the Depository Participant

  • Original share certificates (if shares were held in physical form) 

If the Applicant Is a Legal Heir / Successor

In case the original shareholder has passed away, the legal heir or successor must submit additional documents:

  • Death certificate of the original shareholder

  • Legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / registered will

  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from other legal heirs, if applicable

  • Identity and address proof of all legal heirs

Such cases usually involve enhanced scrutiny and may require additional time for processing. 

Step 5: Submission to Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Nodal Officer

The complete document set must be sent by Speed Post or Courier to the Nodal Officer (IEPF) of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited at the registered office address of the bank.

Details to be mentioned:

All documents should be properly signed, arranged and indexed to avoid rejection or delay.

Name: Ms. Avan Doomasia
Email : avan.doomasia@kotak.com

Address: 27BKC, C 27,

G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex,

Bandra (E), Mumbai - 400051. 

Telephone No: 022-6204 2120 

Step 6: Verification by Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Upon receipt of the documents, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited:

  • Verifies the claimant’s details with historical records

  • Confirms authenticity and completeness of documents

  • Ensures compliance with IEPF Authority requirements

After verification, the bank prepares a verification report and submits it to the IEPF Authority generally within 30 days. 

Step 7: Approval by IEPF Authority

The IEPF Authority reviews the verification report and documents submitted by the bank. If all requirements are satisfied:

  • Shares are credited directly to the claimant’s demat account

  • Dividend amount is transferred to the claimant’s bank account

This marks the successful completion of the IEPF recovery process. 

Conclusion

The transfer of unclaimed dividends and shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) serves as an important statutory mechanism to protect investor interests while ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. In the context of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, a well-established and financially sound private sector bank, unclaimed dividends may still arise due to factors such as non-updation of shareholder details, procedural delays or lack of awareness among investors. 

The detailed recovery process from checking the unclaimed status and obtaining the entitlement letter from the Registrar to filing Form IEPF-5 and securing approval from the IEPF Authority provides a transparent and legally structured pathway for shareholders and their legal heirs to reclaim their rightful shares and dividend amounts. Although the procedure is documentation-intensive it ensures authenticity, minimizes the risk of fraudulent claims and upholds strong standards of corporate governance. 

Therefore, shareholders are encouraged to regularly review their investment records keep their KYC and demat details updated and promptly claim dividends to avoid transfer to the IEPF. Where such transfer has already occurred timely compliance with the prescribed IEPF recovery process enables successful restoration of ownership and reinforces confidence in India’s investor protection framework. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is IEPF?

Ans. IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund) is a government fund where unclaimed dividends and shares are transferred if they remain unpaid for 7 years.

Q2. Why were my Kotak Mahindra Bank shares transferred to IEPF?

Ans. Your shares were transferred because the dividends linked to them were not claimed for seven continuous years.

Q3. Can I get my shares and dividends back from IEPF?

Ans. Yes, shareholders or their legal heirs can recover shares and dividends by following the IEPF claim process.

Q4. How can I check if my shares are with IEPF?

Ans. You can check on Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Investor Relations website or on the official IEPF Authority website using your folio number or demat details.

Q5. What happens after my IEPF claim is approved?

Ans. Once the IEPF Authority approves your claim, the shares are credited directly to your demat account and the dividend amount is transferred to your bank account.

Q6. What is an Entitlement Letter?

Ans. It is a confirmation letter issued by the RTA stating the number of shares and dividends transferred to IEPF and allowing you to file the claim.

Q7. What is IEPF Form-5?

Ans. IEPF Form-5 is an online form filed on the MCA website to claim unpaid dividends and shares from IEPF.

Q8. Do I need to submit physical documents after filing Form-5?

Ans. Yes, signed documents must be sent to Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Nodal Officer for verification.

Q9. Can legal heirs claim shares if the shareholder has died?

Ans. Yes, legal heirs can claim by submitting death certificates and legal heir or succession documents.

Q10. How long does the IEPF recovery process take?

Ans. The process usually takes a few months, depending on document verification and approval by the IEPF Authority.

You may also like