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Microlesson · 5-min read

Index of Members and Foreign Register

# Index of Members & Foreign Register

## Index of Register of Members (Rule 6)

An Index of names is required so that any particular member's record can be quickly located.

ParameterRule
ApplicabilityCompany having more than 50 members
ExemptionIf the register itself is in such a form that it constitutes its own index, no separate index required
Update timelineWithin 14 days of any alteration in the Register of Members
Place of keepingSame place where Register of Members is maintained

## Foreign Register (Rule 7)

A Foreign Register is maintained in respect of members/debenture-holders/other security holders residing outside India.

### Key Provisions

AspectProvision
Authority to keepCompany may keep a foreign register at any place outside India after Board approval
Notice to ROCWithin 30 days of opening in Form MGT-3
Transmission to ROCopy of every entry in foreign register to be transmitted to RO within 15 days
Duplicate registerDuplicate to be maintained at the Registered Office
Distinguishing entriesEntries in principal register must be distinguished from those in foreign register
RectificationCan be done only with the consent of the proper authority (court/competent authority in that country)
ClosureForeign register can be closed in the same manner as principal register; notice to be advertised in newspaper circulating in that district

### Discontinuance

If a foreign register is discontinued, all entries must be transferred to another foreign register maintained for the same country, or to the principal register. Notice of discontinuance to be given to ROC within 30 days.

Worked example

### Example 1

Example — Index Applicability: PQR Pvt Ltd has 48 members. Is it required to maintain an Index of Members? Solution: No. The Index is mandatory only when the company has more than 50 members. PQR has 48, so it is exempt.

### Example 2

Example — Foreign Register: LMN Ltd opened a foreign register in Singapore on 1st May 2026. Solution: It must file notice with ROC in Form MGT-3 within 30 days, i.e., by 31st May 2026. Every entry must be transmitted to RO within 15 days, and a duplicate kept at RO.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Confusing the 50-member threshold — index is required when members exceed 50, not when they reach 50.
  • Mistaking the 30-day notice to ROC (Form MGT-3) with the 15-day transmission timeline.
  • Believing foreign register can replace the principal register — it is supplementary; a duplicate must always be at the RO.
Reference: Rules 6 & 7 — Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014
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