Sec.45 reads as : "Every share in a company aving a share capital shall be distinguished by its distinctive number ...."
I do not see any issue in giving fresh distinctive numbers to shares in continuation if you follow following procedure:
- Get back share certificates from ALL shareholders with a request to issue new certificates
- Pass Board resolution for cancellation of old certificates and issue of new certificates with distinctive numbers in continuation
- Cancel ALL old certificates and issue new certificates giving reference of old certificates in exchange of which new certifictes are issued
- Make entry of new certificates in register of members
You have to ensure that all shareholders return their share certifictes and see that same distinctive numbers are not given to two shareholders. Section 45 does not prohibit this procedure.