Individuals with duplicate-multiple DINs can retain only Oldest DIN, Later ones have to be surrendered

Individuals with duplicate-multiple DINs can retain only Oldest DIN. Later DINs have to be surrendered.

MCA has issued an advisory in respect of DIN Surrender.

It has been stated that an individual who is in possession of Duplicate/Multiple Director Identification Numbers (DINs), can retain the Oldest DIN only. DINs obtained later have to be surrendered.

Further it has been stated that DIN once associated is NOT eligible for surrender.

MCA is conducting KYC of all Directors of all companies through a new eform viz. DIR-3 KYC for every Director who has been allotted DIN on or before 31st March, 2018 and whose DIN is in ‘Approved’ status. Such directors are mandatorily required to file form DIR-3 KYC on or before 15th Sep, 2018. 

In 2014, MCA acknowledged that in MCA database, there were  7135 individuals holding multiple Director Identification Numbers (DINs) dating back to the period prior to June, 2011 when validation of application for DIN with the Income Tax PAN data was made compulsory.

Section 155 of the Companies Act, 2013 prohibits obtaining or possessing duplicate Director Identification Numbers. Section 159 of the Companies Act, 2013 prescribes punishment for holding duplicate DIN.

The cancellation or surrender procedure has been prescribed in Rule 11 of  the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.