Chapter VI - Registration of Charges
Section 81
Section 81: register of charges kept by the Registrar
The Registrar keeps, for every company, a register of the charges registered under Chapter VI, which any person may inspect on paying the prescribed fee.
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Need advice on Section 81?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Companies Act, 2013 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) The Registrar shall, in respect of every company, keep a register containing particulars of the charges registered under this Chapter in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) A register kept in pursuance of this section shall be open to inspection by any person on payment of such fees as may be prescribed for each inspection.
Introduction
Section 81 creates the public record that gives section 80 its effect. The form and manner of the register and the inspection fee are prescribed by rules.
Key takeaways
One register per company
The Registrar maintains particulars of all charges registered under the Chapter.
Public inspection
Any person may inspect it on payment of the prescribed fee for each inspection.
Rules govern detail
Form, manner and fees are prescribed, mainly in the Companies (Registration of Charges) Rules, 2014 and the applicable fee rules.
What the Registrar records
The register contains particulars of charges registered under Chapter VI, in the prescribed form and manner. Entries of satisfaction and release under sections 82 and 83 and receiver particulars under section 84 are also made in the register of charges.
Inspecting the register
Any person may inspect the register on paying the prescribed fee for each inspection. Lenders, buyers and investors use this to verify existing security interests before dealing with a company.
Practical preparation
Identify the company correctly; pay the prescribed inspection fee; download or note open and satisfied charges; compare with the company’s own section 85 register.
Practical checklist
Do
- Compare the Registrar’s record with the company’s own register.
- Repeat the search close to completion of a transaction.
Avoid
- Do not assume an old search is still current.
Illustrative example
Hypothetical: supplier credit check
A supplier considering large credit terms wants to know whether the buyer’s receivables are already charged.
Inspect
Inspect the Registrar’s register for the buyer company.
Review
Note any open charges over book debts.
Decide
Price or secure the credit accordingly.
Outcome
- The supplier makes a credit decision using the public register.
Glossary
- Register of charges
- The Registrar’s record of particulars of charges registered for a company.
Frequently asked questions
Who can inspect the Registrar’s register of charges?
Any person, on payment of the prescribed fee for each inspection.
Is this the same as the company’s register?
No. Section 81 is the Registrar’s register; section 85 requires the company to keep its own register at its registered office.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 11 October 2026