Number of delisted companies on the rise; bourses may see more exits

The NSE delisted 100-odd companies in the past one year

Despite a record line-up of debuts on the bourses this year, India’s listed universe is shrinking, and shrinking fast.

Around 1,000 companies were compulsorily delisted in the past two years on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). And, by some estimates, another 1,000-2,000 may be shown the door, effectively contracting the universe of listed shares by 30-50 per cent.

Around 5,900 companies were listed on the BSE on March 31, 2016. The number has now reduced to 5,035. A majority on the list have been compulsorily delisted, sources said.

The NSE delisted 100-odd companies in the past one