# Service of Documents — Section 20 of the Companies Act, 2013
Section 20 prescribes the modes by which documents may be served on a company, on its members, and on the Registrar.
## 1. Service on a Company or its Officer
Documents may be served on the company or any officer by sending it to the registered office of the company by any of the following modes:
- Registered post
- Speed post
- Courier service
- Leaving it at the registered office
- Electronic or other prescribed mode
### Special Provision — Depositories
Where securities are held with a depository, the records of beneficial ownership may be served by such depository on the company by electronic or other mode.
## 2. Service on the Registrar or a Member
Documents may be served on the Registrar or any member by sending it to him by:
- Post / Registered post
- Speed post
- Courier service
- Delivering at his office or address
- Electronic or other prescribed mode
### Member's Right to Choose Mode
A member may request delivery through a particular mode. In such a case, the member shall pay such fees as may be determined by the company in its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
## 3. Key Definitions
- Courier: A person or agency that delivers the document and provides proof of delivery.
- Electronic transmission: A communication that creates a record capable of retention, retrieval (recovery) and review, and which may thereafter be rendered into clearly legible tangible form. It includes:
- Facsimile (fax) or email provided by the company/officer for sending communications;
- Posting on an electronic message board or network designated by the Registrar/member for such communication, with valid delivery upon posting;
- Other means of electronic communication where the company/officer has reasonable systems to verify the sender's identity.
## 4. Deemed Time of Service — Delivery by Post (Sub-section 2)
In case of delivery by post, service is deemed to have been effected as follows:
| Type of Document | Deemed Time of Service |
|---|---|
| Notice of a meeting | On expiration of 48 hours after the letter is posted |
| Any other case | At the time the letter would be delivered in ordinary course of post |
## 5. Exception — Nidhi Company
For a Nidhi company, documents may be served only on members who hold shares of:
- More than ₹1,000 in face value, OR
- More than 1% of the total paid-up share capital of the Nidhi,
whichever is less.
For other shareholders, the document may be served by:
- Public notice in a newspaper circulated in the district where the registered office of the Nidhi is situated, AND
- Publication on the notice board of the Nidhi.