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Microlesson · 5-min read

Service of Documents - Section 20

# Service of Documents (Sec 20)

## Service on a Company or Officer

A document may be served on a company or any officer by:

1. Registered post or speed post

2. Courier service

3. Leaving it at the company's registered office

4. Electronic mode or other prescribed modes

## Depository Records

Where securities are held with a depository:

  • Records of beneficial ownership may be served electronically or by other prescribed mode.

## Service on Registrar or Members

### Modes

  • Post, registered post, speed post, courier
  • Delivered at the office/address
  • Electronic or other prescribed mode

### Member's Right to Choose

A member may request delivery of documents via a specific mode.

  • The member must pay fees determined by the company at the AGM.

## Summary Table

RecipientModes Available
Company / OfficerRegistered/speed post, courier, leaving at RO, electronic
Registrar / MemberPost (registered/speed), courier, delivery at address, electronic
Depository security holdersElectronic or prescribed mode

Worked example

### Example 1

Example 1: A member of XYZ Ltd wants the annual report to be sent to him by courier instead of by post. Is this permissible?

Answer: Yes. Sec 20(2) entitles a member to request delivery in a specific mode — provided he pays the fees determined by the company at the AGM.

### Example 2

Example 2: Can a notice be served on the company by leaving it at a branch office?

Answer: No. Sec 20(1) requires the document to be left at the registered office, not any branch office.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Believing service can be made at any office of the company — Sec 20 specifies registered office.
  • Forgetting that members can demand a specific mode of delivery (and must pay the fee for it).
Bare-Act text Section 20 · Companies Act, 2013 · click to expand
Sec 20(1): A document may be served on a company or an officer thereof by sending it to the company or the officer at the registered office of the company by registered post or by speed post or by courier service or by leaving it at its registered office or by means of such electronic or other mode as may be prescribed.
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