Quick facts
- Rule: Section 36-A of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017, added by the 2022 amendment.
- Who: Every shop and establishment in Maharashtra, including offices of Companies and LLPs, whatever the number of employees.
- What: The name board must show the business name in Marathi, in Devanagari script.
- Font size: Marathi letters must not be smaller than letters in any other language on the board.
- Courts: Upheld by the Bombay High Court (February 2022); the Supreme Court asked shops to comply (September 2023).
What the Marathi Signboard rule says
Maharashtra amended its Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 in 2022 and added Section 36-A. It requires every shop and establishment to display its name board in Marathi, written in Devanagari script.
Other languages such as English, Hindi or Gujarati can stay on the board. The only condition is that the Marathi letters must not be smaller than the letters in any other language.
Before the amendment, the rule applied only to establishments with 10 or more workers. Section 36-A removed that exemption, so small shops and offices are covered too.
Who must follow it
- Shops, showrooms and stores across Maharashtra
- Offices, including the registered office of a PVT. LTD. Company, LLP or OPC
- Restaurants, hotels, clinics and private schools
- Proprietorship and Partnership firms operating from any premises
In Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune and every other city, the local municipal corporation enforces the rule.
The correct Marathi Signboard format
| Line | What to show | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (largest) | Business name in Marathi (Devanagari) | रबर स्टॅम्पवाला |
| 2 | Business name in English | RUBBER STAMPWALA |
| 3 | Registered office address (Companies and LLPs) | Full address with PIN code |
| 4 | CIN / LLPIN and GSTIN, where applicable | GSTIN: 27XXXXX0000X1Z5 |
Our Signboards always print the Marathi name in a larger font than the English name, so the board stays compliant even if someone measures the letters. Digits typed in Marathi, such as a PIN code ४०००८०, stay in Marathi on the board.
Companies and LLPs: two laws on one board
A Company's registered office board in Maharashtra has to satisfy two laws together:
- Companies Act, 2013, Section 12(3)(a): the Company Name and registered office address must be displayed outside the office, and in the local language too where it uses a different script. See Importance of Section 12.
- Maharashtra Section 36-A: Marathi in Devanagari, no smaller than any other script.
The same board also appears in the registered office photograph asked for in the annual return (MGT-7 / MGT-7A). A board with the Marathi line missing or too small is easy to spot in that photo.
GST-registered businesses must also show their GSTIN on the board under CGST Rule 18. See GST Signboard Rules.
What the courts have said
- February 2022: The Bombay High Court upheld the Marathi Signboard rule and dismissed a traders' challenge, noting the rule serves a public purpose. (LiveLaw)
- September 2023: The Supreme Court declined to interfere for now and asked the traders' association to comply, pointing out that Karnataka follows a similar rule. (Verdictum)
- 2026: Mumbai has continued enforcement drives against establishments without Marathi boards.
Common mistakes on Marathi Signboards
- Marathi name printed smaller than the English name
- Marathi written in Roman letters (for example "Rubber Stampwala" in English letters) instead of Devanagari
- Spelling errors in the Marathi name made by a printer who does not read Marathi
- Company boards missing the registered office address or CIN
- GST-registered businesses missing the GSTIN
Get your Marathi Signboard right the first time
Type your name in Marathi and English on our Signboard page and see a free live preview instantly. No app, no sign-up. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
- 3-In-1 Compliance Signboard for Companies and LLPs: Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive)
- GST Signboard for Proprietorship and Partnership firms: Rs.1,800/- (All Inclusive)
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Marathi Signboard mandatory in Maharashtra?
Yes. Section 36-A of the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 requires every shop and establishment to display its name board in Marathi, in Devanagari script. The Bombay High Court upheld the rule in 2022.
Can I keep English on my board?
Yes. English and other languages are allowed. The Marathi text must not be smaller than any other language on the board, so most businesses print Marathi on top and larger.
Does the rule apply to a Company's registered office?
Yes. Offices are establishments under the Act. A Company's board must also meet Section 12 of the Companies Act, 2013, which requires the name and registered office address in the local language where it uses a different script.
Does it apply to small shops with fewer than 10 employees?
Yes. The 2022 amendment removed the earlier exemption for establishments with fewer than 10 workers.
How do I get the Marathi spelling right?
Type your name in Marathi on our free Signboard preview and check it before ordering. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
Related reading
- Is a Registered Office Signboard Mandatory for Companies in India?
- Company Signboard Format, Size & Price
- Free Signboard Preview Tool
- Company Stamps & Signboards in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane
- Company Stamps & Signboards in Pune
Visit https://rubberstampwala.in
This article is for general awareness and is not legal advice. Rules and enforcement can change, so please confirm current requirements with your local municipal corporation or a professional.