With the implementation of the MCA21 V3 platform, access to statutory information relating to Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in India has become largely digitised, centralised, and user-friendly. Stakeholders can now verify key registration particulars, statutory master data, and charge-related details directly from the MCA portal without physical inspection at the Registrar of Companies (ROC) office.
This facility is widely used for due diligence, compliance verification, lending decisions, vendor onboarding, and corporate governance checks.
Basic Requirement for Search
To initiate any search on the MCA portal, at least one of the following identifiers is required:
- Company name or Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
- LLP name or LLP Identification Number (LLPIN)
Most services also allow name-based searches without knowing the identification number in advance.
Verification of Registered Name and CIN/ LLPIN
The MCA portal provides a public search facility to verify:
- Registered name of the Company or LLP
- CIN / LLPIN
- Date of incorporation
- State and ROC jurisdiction
- Entity status (Active, Strike Off, Amalgamated, Dormant, etc.)
This search is particularly useful where:
- Only the entity name is available
- Verification of legal existence is required
- CIN / LLPIN needs to be traced for statutory filings or compliance checks
Verification of Company/ LLP Master Data
Scope of Master Data
The Master Data section on the MCA portal provides core statutory information filed by the entity under the Companies Act, 2013 or LLP Act, 2008. Key particulars include:
- Registered office address and email ID
- Date of incorporation
- Category, class, and sub-category
- Authorised capital and paid-up capital
- Current status of the entity
- Filing status and compliance position
- Details of directors (Company) or designated partners (LLP)
- Whether the entity is under CIRP or other special status
- Summary of charges registered
While LLPs can create charges, the requirement to register charges with MCA is not mandatory under the LLP Act (unlike companies).
Practical Relevance
Master Data verification is commonly relied upon for:
- Statutory compliance checks
- KYC verification
- Credit appraisal and risk assessment
- Corporate due diligence
- Verification of management structure
It is important to note that Master Data reflects information as per statutory filings made with MCA and does not validate internal governance approvals or contractual authority.
Verification of Charges Created on Assets of the Company or LLP
Legal Framework
Charge registration is governed by:
- Sections 77 to 87 of the Companies Act, 2013
- Applicable provisions of the LLP Act, 2008
Companies are required to file:
- Form CHG-1 – for creation or modification of charge
- Form CHG-4 – for satisfaction of charge
Information Available on MCA Portal
The Index of Charges section reflects:
- Nature of charge (mortgage, hypothecation, etc.)
- Date of creation or modification
- Amount secured
- Name of charge holder
- Whether the charge is open or satisfied
Importance for Stakeholders
Charge verification is crucial for:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Investors and acquirers
- Creditors and business partners
It helps in assessing:
- Existing encumbrances on assets
- Priority of secured creditors
- Overall creditworthiness of the entity
Non-registration or delayed registration of charges can have legal consequences and affect enforceability against third parties.
Verification of Directors, Designated Partners and Signatory Details
The MCA portal allows verification of:
- Directors of a Company
- Designated Partners of an LLP
- DIN / DPIN status
- Date of appointment or cessation
Important Clarification
The MCA database reflects statutory office-holders only. Authority to sign contracts, documents, or financial instruments is governed by board resolutions or internal authorisations, which are not available on the MCA portal. Therefore, verification of directors or designated partners should be read along with:
- Board resolutions
- Powers of attorney
- Contractual authorisations
Accessibility and Cost Structure
- Free services:
- Name search
- CIN / LLPIN search
- Basic Master Data
- Director / DP search
- Paid services:
- Certified copies
- Public documents
- Charge documents
- Financial statements and annual filings
Reliability and Limitations of MCA Data
Information available on the MCA portal is:
- Statutory in nature
- Based on filings made by the entity
- Presumed to be authentic unless proven otherwise
However:
- MCA records do not substitute internal approvals
- Incorrect or delayed filings may affect accuracy
- Commercial authority must be independently verified
Conclusion
The MCA21 V3 platform has significantly improved transparency and accessibility of corporate information in India. Verification of registration details, master data, and charge records through the MCA portal has become an essential compliance and due diligence tool for regulators, professionals, lenders, and businesses alike.
While MCA data provides a reliable statutory snapshot, it should always be supplemented with internal governance documents for complete legal and commercial assurance.
Please visit MCA Portal and select applicable MCA Services