Using the word limited instead of pvt limited

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aman (Querist)
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05 September 2014 I have recently joined a company which is named as 'XYZ Limited'. I joined it thinking of it as Public limited company. But when i went through the balance sheet of company i came to know it is pvt limited company. Can a private company operate without using the word 'pvt ltd' in its name..??

CS Divesh Goyal

CS Divesh Goyal (Expert)
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06 September 2014 no it.cant

aman

aman (Querist)
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06 September 2014 But it is there sir...

CS Mitesh Mehta

CS Mitesh Mehta (Expert)
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06 September 2014 it might possible that company is converted into public from private.

Check MOA & Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.

In case Section 8 company (under Companies Act, 2013 ) & Section 25 Company ( under Companies Act, 1956) name of the company will not end with the last word “Limited” in the case of a public limited company, or the words “Private Limited” in the case of a private limited
company.

aman

aman (Querist)
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12 September 2014 what i came to know is company is closely held company. so it has not used the word private in its name. But i donot know thw logic behind this.

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma (Expert)
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02 August 2025 Got it! Here’s a quick clarification:

**Under the Companies Act (both 1956 and 2013), a Private Limited Company *must* have “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” in its name.**
Similarly, a Public Limited Company uses “Limited” or “Ltd” at the end of its name.

If your company is showing just **“XYZ Limited”** but is actually a private (closely held) company, then:

* It’s unusual and possibly **not compliant** with the law.
* Sometimes, old companies registered before the rules were strictly enforced might have legacy names.
* Or there could be a confusion — check the **Certificate of Incorporation** and **Memorandum of Association (MOA)** to confirm the actual status.
* Section 8 companies (non-profit companies) are exempt from using “Limited” or “Private Limited” at the end of their names.

**So, the company either:**

* Has converted from private to public but not updated its records properly, or
* Is violating the naming requirements under the Companies Act, or
* Is a special kind of company like a Section 8 company which has different rules.

**Recommended:**
Check the official MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal for the company’s registration details to know the exact status. This will clear the confusion.

If you want, I can guide you on how to check MCA records!

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