Chapter VIII - Supplemental
Section 72
Section 72: Mode of giving public notice
Section 72 specifies how public notice under the Partnership Act is given. For the listed events involving registered firms, notice to the Registrar and both forms of publication are cumulative requirements in the central text.
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Need advice on Section 72?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
A public notice under this Act is given—
(a) where it relates to the retirement or expulsion of a partner from a registered firm, or to the dissolution of a registered firm, or to the election to become or not to become a partner in a registered firm by a person attaining majority who was admitted as a minor to the benefits of partnership, by notice to the Registrar of Firms under section 63, and by publication in the Official Gazette and in at least one vernacular newspaper circulating in the district where the firm to which it relates has its place or principal place of business, and
(b) in any other case, by publication in the Official Gazette and in at least one vernacular newspaper circulating in the district where the firm to which it relates has its place or principal place of business.
Central rule and applicability
Clause (a) covers retirement or expulsion from a registered firm, its dissolution and the stated election by a person attaining majority after admission to partnership benefits as a minor. It requires Section 63 notice to the Registrar plus publication in the Official Gazette and at least one vernacular newspaper circulating in the relevant district. Clause (b) requires the Gazette and vernacular-newspaper publication in other cases.
Limits and related provisions
A private email, amended deed, English-language advertisement alone or Registrar filing alone should not be equated with the complete statutory mode. The underlying provision determines when notice is needed and its liability consequences; Section 72 supplies the method. Confirm State amendments and the applicable Gazette and publication procedure.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical: a retiring partner in a registered firm files the Section 63 notice but has not made either publication. The partner checks Section 72(a) and arranges the Gazette and qualifying vernacular-newspaper notices rather than assuming the filing acknowledgement alone ends every exposure to later firm dealings.
Practical decision flow
Identify the event, registered status and underlying section requiring public notice.
For clause (a) events, complete the Registrar notice as well as both required publications; for other cases assess clause (b) and applicable State law.
Keep the official publication, newspaper copy, circulation/location evidence and filing acknowledgement with the effective dates.
Check the applicable state law
This guide explains the central Section 72 baseline. State amendments, notifications and rules can affect its application. Confirm the law applicable to the firm's location and the relevant partnership agreement before acting.
Practical checklist
Do
- Identify the event, registered status and underlying section requiring public notice.
- For clause (a) events, complete the Registrar notice as well as both required publications; for other cases assess clause (b) and applicable State law.
- Keep the official publication, newspaper copy, circulation/location evidence and filing acknowledgement with the effective dates.
Avoid
- A private email, amended deed, English-language advertisement alone or Registrar filing alone should not be equated with the complete statutory mode. The underlying provision determines when notice is needed and its liability consequences; Section 72 supplies the method. Confirm State amendments and the applicable Gazette and publication procedure.
Glossary
- Vernacular newspaper
- The newspaper category specified by Section 72, with the required circulation in the relevant district.
- Cumulative notice methods
- Methods linked by 'and', requiring the applicable combination rather than a choice of only one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Registrar filing enough when a partner retires from a registered firm?
Under the central clause (a), it must be accompanied by Official Gazette publication and publication in at least one qualifying vernacular newspaper.
Can an internal notice to partners substitute for public notice?
No. Section 72 specifies public-notice channels. Internal communication alone does not meet those channels.
Does every public-notice case require a Registrar filing under this section?
Clause (a) lists the registered-firm events requiring it. Clause (b) prescribes the Gazette and newspaper methods for other cases; check the underlying provision and applicable State law.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026