July 10, 2025
4 mins read
When you first hear the term "DVR shares," it sounds a little too technical, doesn't it? It really just means shares that have different voting rights. They are equity shares, but they don't give you as much ability to vote as conventional ones.
So what do you really get? It's the same thing when it comes to money: dividends, ownership, and a share of the profits. The only thing that is different is who is in charge. DVR shares can be issued by Indian companies under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI rules.
And here's the catch: Indian laws only let DVR shares with less voting rights, not more. That's how promoters keep getting money while yet holding control. For you as an investor, it's about owning a piece of growth without having a lot of voting power.
DVR shares are like conventional stock shares, except with one big difference: you can't vote on them. You still get dividends and own a share, but your voice is a little less loud when it comes to board concerns.
A corporation can't give out more than 25% of its capital as DVR shares by law. That keeps the balance in check. It's a way for firms to get money without giving up too much control.
DVR shares are great for investors who don't care about going to AGMs or voting on resolutions. It's less about what managers decide and more about making money.
Tata Motors is the most talked-about case in India. They sold DVR shares in 2008, which let investors buy a piece of the company at a lower price. What do you have to give up? Compared to a regular share, each share had one-tenth of the voting rights.
The corporation should have a history of giving out profits for at least three years. This gives investors confidence that dividends will keep coming in.
The company shouldn't have failed to pay back deposits, debentures, or dividends. Investors can feel safer about DVR shares as a good investment if the company has a clean background.
Companies that are going through winding-up processes, fraud investigations, or defaults on payments can't issue DVR shares. This protection keeps small investors from taking on dangers they don't need to.
The law says that DVR shares can only be issued for up to 25% of the total share capital. This discourages promoters from getting too carried away while yet letting businesses get money.
The regulatory rules for DVR Shares in India are defined by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and the Companies Act, 2013. The concept of DVR shares—particularly those with superior voting rights (SVRs)—was formally recognised in July 2019, when SEBI allowed tech-driven companies to issue them under strict conditions.
Initially, only promoters with a net worth of ₹500 crore or less were eligible to issue superior voting rights. However, in 2021, SEBI increased this cap to ₹1,000 crore, allowing more entrepreneurs, especially in the startup ecosystem, to retain control while accessing capital.
SEBI also eased the listing rules. Earlier, companies had to wait six months after issuing DVR shares before filing for an IPO. This cooling-off period was reduced to three months, making it easier for startups to go public without losing momentum.
These updates show SEBI’s effort to support innovation-led businesses while protecting stakeholder interests. As someone considering DVR shares, understanding these rules is key. It helps you assess how voting rights, control, and timing influence your position as a stakeholder in a listed company.
DVR shares normally sell for less than regular equity shares, which means you may get a piece of a firm for less money.
DVR shares are a straightforward, hands-off solution for passive investors to invest without having to make management decisions.
Companies sometimes offer somewhat bigger dividends to make up for the fact that investors have less voice in boardroom voting.
You don't have much say in corporate choices because your voting rights are weaker. If you care about involvement, you won't be very happy with DVR shares.
They don't always have as much liquidity. It's hard to sell your investment at the proper time when there aren't as many buyers and sellers.
Promoters who keep a tight grip on things may abuse their authority and make decisions that don't necessarily benefit lesser shareholders.
Parameters | DVR Shares | Ordinary Shares |
Voting Rights | Limited or decreased voting rights | One vote is worth one share |
Rate of Dividend | Can be more or less | Usually set for equity class |
Suitability | Good for small investors and promoters | More common for big stakeholders |
Price of Issuance | Often at a lower price | Usually given out at fair market value |
Additional Read: What Are Ordinary Shares: Meaning & Example
In the end, DVR shares are all about making choices. You still put money into the company and enjoy its growth, but you give up some control over decisions.
This could not even matter to long-term, passive investors. But the concerns, such as limited liquidity or too much control by promoters, are genuine. DVR shares can be a great addition to your portfolio if you're okay with that balance.
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A DVR share is a type of equity share that offers limited voting rights. You become a stakeholder in the company but don't get the same say in decisions as ordinary shareholders.
DVR shares have fewer voting rights and may trade at lower prices. Ordinary shares come with full voting power—one share, one vote.
Companies issue DVR shares to raise funds while keeping control. It allows promoters to bring in capital without losing decision-making power.
DVR shares are usually cheaper and can offer higher dividends. They're useful if you're looking to invest passively in a business.
Yes. DVR shares often have lower liquidity and limited voting rights. You may also face challenges if promoters misuse their control powers.
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