Today marks a significant milestone in the Indian stock market as two major corporate giants, Tata Capital and Meesho, witnessed the expiration of their mandatory share lock-in periods. On January 7, 2026, a massive wave of shares—previously restricted from being traded—became eligible for sale in the open market. This event has put both stocks under the spotlight, drawing intense scrutiny from investors and market analysts alike.
What is a Share Lock-in Period?
In the world of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), a lock-in period is a pre-defined duration during which certain shareholders, typically promoters, anchor investors, and early-stage venture capitalists, are prohibited from selling their shares. The primary goal is to prevent the market from being flooded with an oversupply of shares immediately after listing, which could lead to extreme price volatility.
Meesho: Hits Lower Circuit as Lock-in Ends
Meesho faced immediate pressure as nearly 10.99 crore shares became eligible for trading, pushing the stock 5 per cent lower to Rs 173.13.
Tata Capital: A Test for the NBFC Giant
Tata Capital saw around 71.2 million shares unlocked, valued at Rs 2,573 crore, while the stock remained resilient around Rs 357.
Market Implications
Lock-in expiries often create short-term volatility but also improve liquidity and price discovery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.
Tata Capital & Meesho: What does the share lock-in period expiry mean for investors?