INTRO
Every year, under the Companies Act, 2013, any dividend—or associated shares—unclaimed for seven consecutive years is transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). The IEPF ultimately ends up with holdings across numerous public companies. Here are five major Indian corporates whose unclaimed shares and dividends make them top contenders in the IEPF portfolio:
Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL)
HDFC Bank Ltd. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) JSW Steel Ltd. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Let's dive into each company's story behind unclaimed investment, the investor implications, and how shareholders can reclaim their assets.
1. Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL)
Why It Tops the List
As of August 1, 2024, the IEPF held 35.97 million RIL shares, valued at nearly ₹10,906.64 crore Moneylife.
In May 2025, the IEPF’s unclaimed stake in RIL exceeded ₹11,000 crore, marking it as the single largest pile of dormant equity ❗ The Economic Times.
A number of unpaid dividends and left out investments are the cause of this collection. RIL’s long market presence, stock splits, bonus issues, demergers, and high retail investor base create pathways for wealth to become stranded.
Recent Notice and Recovery Window
In May 2025, RIL issued a public notice alerting shareholders to claim unpaid dividends from the past seven years before they—and the linked shares—are transferred to IEPF. The newspaper was given a three-month window after the notice. Another update promoted a last chance to stop Angel One from sending assets and set a deadline for claims of August 4, 2025.
How to Reclaim RIL Shares
Visit the RIL shareholder services portal, check “Equity Shares Liable for Credit to IEPF Authority” with your DP ID, folio number, or PAN Angel One.
Use the official IEPF portal to file IEPF-5 if shares are already with IEPF.
Prepare and send supporting documents (PAN, Aadhaar, proofs, their documentation) to both RIL’s nodal officer and the IEPF Authority.
Allow 3–10 months for processing. Reports suggest claim approvals are slow—some take 8–10 months—and sometimes incomplete documentation leads to delays Reddit+1.
Real-Life Success Stories & Community Advice
Reddit users have shared their experiences:
“Shares get transferred to IEPF after 7 years of inactivity… It took 8-10 months.” Reddit
“Found old RIL shares worth lakhs… contact RTA via email—rilinvestor@kfintech.com.” Reddit
A member of Chandigarh discovered 1988 shares valued at approximately ₹11 lakh!. These examples highlight how family-held paper shares—even decades old—can still be valuable and recoverable.
2. HDFC Bank Ltd.
IEPF’s Stake in HDFC Bank
A 2019 Value Research report states that, based on a 0.13% control stake, IEPF owned about ₹743 crore in HDFC Bank.
While exact present-day figures may have changed, HDFC’s large and diverse investor base continues to result in significant unclaimed holdings.
Claiming Process for HDFC Bank
The process aligns with standard IEPF procedures:
Shareholders should contact KFin Technologies, HDFC Bank’s Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA), requesting an “Entitlement Letter”.
To submit Web-Form IEPF-5 with the important PAN, ID, and mobile OTP, use the IEPF portal.
Send physical documentation to the nodal officer as instructed.
3. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL)
Unclaimed Assets Held by IEPF
HUL is among the top companies with unclaimed holdings in IEPF. Value Research estimates these holdings at about ₹614 crore (0.16% stake) Value Research Online.
Claim Procedure
HUL provides explicit guidance for investors:
Visit HUL’s “Unclaimed and Unpaid Dividend” webpage for details as of March 31, 2024 Unilever.
File IEPF-5 using IEPF’s online system.
Communicate with HUL’s nodal officers:
Mr. Dev Bajpai (Nodal Officer) – levercare.shareholder@unilever.com
Claimants should ensure their PAN and KYC are updated through a secure mobile/app process required for IEPF-5.
4. JSW Steel Ltd.
Extent of Unclaimed Dividends
While precise share value is not published, as of March 31, 2023, JSW Steel had ₹11,53,078 (₹11.5 lakh) in unclaimed dividends from earlier years, now sitting with IEPF Share Samadhan.
Given the company’s size, it’s reasonable to assume the queues of unclaimed assets accumulate slowly but certainly.
Claim Process
Reach out to Karvy Computershare Pvt. Ltd., JSW’s RTA, for entitlement details.
File IEPF-5 on the official portal.
Send documents to the company’s nodal office, as per IEPF guidelines.
5. Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
IEPF’s Investment in L&T
L&T ranks among companies with sizable unclaimed holdings via IEPF; Value Research lists it as a significant stake-holder, though specific numbers are not stated MoneylifeValue Research Online.
How to Proceed with Claims
Shareholders can file claims following L&T’s process:
For a benefit letter, send an email to einward.ris@kfintech.com to reach KFin Technologies Limited, L&T’s RTA.
Submit IEPF-5 using PAN + OTP.
Mail required documents to:
Mr. Subhodh Shetty
Deputy Nodal Officer, Larsen & Toubro Limited
L&T House, N. M. Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai–400 001 investors.larsentoubro.com
Wider IEPF Landscape
As of August 2024, IEPF held shares in 1,561 companies, with a total estimated value of ₹82,199 crore Moneylife.
Common causes of unclaimed assets include forgotten physical shares, outdated contact or demat info, succession issues, or broken communication during corporate restructuring and bonuses.
Claiming from IEPF: Step-by-Step
Search for Unclaimed Shares
– Visit the IEPF portal and search by PAN, folio, or company name.
– Alternatively, check with the company’s RTA or investor services site (e.g., RIL portal) Crystal Peak WealthAngel One.
Obtain Entitlement Letter
– Request from RTA to proceed with claim investors. larsentoubro comUnilever.
File Web-Form IEPF-5
PAN and mobile OTP are needed. Use IEPF’s form portal
Submit Physical Documents
– Include identity, address, proof of ownership, succession certificates (if needed). Send it to the company nodal officer.
Await Processing
– Expect processing times from several weeks to nearly a year, depending on case complexity and documentation completeness Reddit+1.
Convert to Demat & Monitor
Upon approval, shares and dividends are credited to your Demat account.
Real Investor Voices
“Shares get transferred to IEPF after 7 years… it took nearly two years to claim former RPL shares.” Reddit
“Reliance shares transferred… I’m being quoted 20% upfront fees—avoid such agents. Contact RTA directly.” Reddit
“A Chandigarh resident discovered RIL shares from 1988 worth ₹11 lakh.” Reddit
These firsthand insights remind us that while reclaiming is possible, better success comes from DIY diligence rather than paid middlemen.
Final Thoughts
Why This Matters
These unclaimed holdings represent real, recoverable wealth—often forgotten by heirs or inactive investors.
Major companies like RIL, HDFC Bank, HUL, JSW Steel, and L&T together make up a large chunk of IEPF’s value.
What You Should Do
Check IEPF holdings for your name or folio.
Stay alert to company notices (like RIL’s 2025 alert).
Avoid intermediaries—filing yourself is free and protected via documentation.
Keep your details updated with RTAs, nominee info, and demat/KYC.
Summary Table
Company
IEPF Exposure (Est.)
Key Action Required
Reliance Industries
₹10,900–11,000 crore+
Check via RIL portal → IEPF-5
HDFC Bank
~₹743 crore (2019)
Contact KFin → IEPF-5
HUL
~₹614 crore (2019)
Use IEPF-5 → nodal officer
JSW Steel
₹11.5 lakh in unclaimed dividends
Contact Karvy → IEPF-5
L&T
Significant but unspecified
Contact KFin → IEPF-5
"Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Your Shares and Dividends from IEPF in 2025"
This blog will give readers actionable steps, common pitfalls, and real-life examples so it complements your existing post about which companies have high unclaimed holdings.
Proposed Outline & Key Details to Include
- Introduction — Why 2025 is a Key Year for IEPF Claims
Bring up the growing amount of unclaimed assets (₹82,000+ crore in 2024).
Highlight that major companies (like RIL, HDFC Bank, HUL) have issued public notices in 2025.
Emphasize the 7-year rule under Section 124(5) of Companies Act, 2013.
- Understanding IEPF — The Basics
Explain what IEPF is.
How shares/dividends end up there.
Role of MCA & IEPF Authority.
Time limits for claiming.
How to Make an IEPF Claim in 2025: A Full Guide
Step 1 — Check if You Have Unclaimed Holdings
Use IEPF’s “Search” feature by PAN, folio number, or company name.
Alternative: company RTA portals (KFin, Link Intime, etc.).
Step 2 — Get Your Entitlement Letter
Contact the RTA for your company.
Example:
RIL: rilinvestor@kfintech.com
HUL: levercare.shareholder@unilever.com
Step 3 — File Web-Form IEPF-5
Available on MCA’s IEPF portal.
Requirements: PAN, Aadhaar, mobile OTP.
Enter details exactly as per entitlement letter.
Step 4 — Submit Physical Documents
Send it to the company’s nodal officer.
Include:
Self-attested ID proofs
Address proof
Original share certificates (if in physical form)
Indemnity bond & advance stamped receipt (downloaded from portal)
Death & succession certificates if applicable.
Step 5 — Wait for Processing
Timeline: 3–12 months.
Complex succession cases may take longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mismatched Names: Name on PAN vs share records.
Expired Claim Forms: IEPF-5 valid for only 30 days after online filing.
Missing Original Share Certificates: For old paper shares.
Wrong RTA Contact: Sending docs to MCA instead of the company nodal officer.
Using Agents Who Charge Fees: Claims are free.
Real-Life Case Studies
A person found old RIL shares in father’s name, worth ₹8 lakh, claimed in 10 months.
Heir claimed HUL shares using a succession certificate after 15 years.
Failed claim case: mismatch in Aadhaar DOB & share records.
Tips for Faster Processing
Ensure KYC is updated with depositories (NSDL/CDSL).
Keep email & phone updated with RTA.
Send documents by speed post with tracking.
Follow up every 30–45 days.
Preventive Measures — Avoid Future Transfers to IEPF
Keep dividend bank mandates active.
Dematerialize physical shares.
Nominate a family member.
Respond to company reminders.
Final Thoughts
Encourage proactive checking.
Remind readers that wealth recovery is possible even decades later.
Emphasize DIY filing for safety and zero cost.
If you want, I can now go ahead and write the full 1,000-word detailed blog in the same professional style as your previous “Top 5 Companies” article so you have a complete ready-to-publish draft.