Company · Debt & charges
We missed the 30-day window to register a charge — is it fatal?
The short answer
Missing the 30-day CHG-1 window is serious but not always fatal — Section 77 gives a structured condonation ladder. The Registrar can allow registration up to 60 days with additional fees, then a further 60 days with ad-valorem fees. Once the 120-day condonable period under Section 77(1) has lapsed, you need NCLT condonation through CHG-8 under Section 87.
What gets filed with MCA
Within 30 days of creation or modification. Condonable up to 60 days with additional fee; up to 120 days with a further fee under Section 77(1).
Section 77, Companies Act 2013; Rule 3, Companies (Registration of Charges) Rules 2014
Filed when the 120-day condonable period under Section 77(1) has lapsed. NCLT has discretion on timeline.
Section 87, Companies Act 2013
The sequence
- 1Confirm when the charge was created and how many days have elapsed
- 2File CHG-1 immediately if still within the initial 30-day window
- 3Apply for Registrar condonation with additional fees if within the extended 60-day window
- 4Pay ad-valorem fees and seek the further 60-day extension if still within Section 77(1)
- 5File CHG-8 with the NCLT if the 120-day condonable period has lapsed
Do it with us — or check it yourself first
Questions founders actually ask
We are at day 45 — can we still register?
Yes, within the statutory condonation structure. The Registrar can allow registration beyond 30 days — up to 60 days with additional fees, and then a further 60 days with ad-valorem fees under Section 77(1).
When do we need CHG-8?
CHG-8 is the NCLT application for condonation of charge delay under Section 87. File it when the 120-day condonable period under Section 77(1) has lapsed.
Is an unregistered charge enforceable?
An unregistered charge is void against the liquidator and other creditors — which is why lenders push hard on the 30-day CHG-1 deadline. Treat condonation as urgent, not optional.
Last verified 2026-08-24 against MCA V3 records and ICSI reference material. Form-level deadlines and penalties live on the linked form pages and update there.