# Register of Members — Section 88
Every company must maintain statutory registers of its members and security holders. The Register of Members (ROM) is the primary record of ownership and forms the legal basis for determining membership rights.
## Registers Required (Section 88)
| Register | Form |
|---|---|
| Register of Members | MGT-1 |
| Register of Debenture Holders | MGT-2 |
| Register of any other security holders | MGT-2 (similar) |
## Contents of Register of Members
- Name, address and occupation of member
- Number of shares held; distinguishing numbers
- Date of entry as member / cessation
- PAN, CIN (if member is a body corporate)
- Father's/Mother's/Spouse's name
- Status, nationality
- Nominee details
## Place of Maintenance
- Default: Registered Office (RO)
- Alternative: Any other place within the same city/town/village where RO is situated — requires:
- Special Resolution (SR) passed in General Meeting
- Notice to ROC
## Time for Entry
- General entries: within 7 days of Board approval
- Event-based entries (transfer, allotment, etc.): within 15 days of such event
## Authentication
The register shall be authenticated by the Company Secretary or any person authorised by the Board.
## Closure of Register (Section 91)
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum closure in a year | 45 days in aggregate |
| Maximum at one time | 30 days |
| Prior public notice | Not less than 7 days by advertisement (in vernacular + English newspaper) |
Penalty for closure without notice: Company and every officer in default — fine up to ₹5,000 per day during which default continues.
## Inspection
- Members/Debenture holders: No fee
- Non-members: After payment of prescribed fee
- Notice: not less than 2 hours per day for inspection
- Right to take extracts free of charge
## Penalty for Non-Maintenance
Company — fine ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh; continuing default — ₹1,000 per day. Every officer in default — same.