Massachusetts § 54 - Surrender of certificate of incorporation; notice

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 54 — Surrender of certificate of incorporation; notice, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 54. Surrender of certificate of incorporation; notice

Section 54. If a petition, signed and sworn to by a majority in interest of the stockholders of a railroad or street railway company organized under general laws or by a majority in number or interest of the members of any other corporation organized under the general laws, except a corporation created for the purpose of business or profit having a capital stock divided into shares or which is under the supervision of the commissioner of insurance, has, with the certificate of incorporation, been filed in the office of the state secretary, stating that such members desire to surrender the certificate of incorporation and to have the corporation dissolved and giving their reasons therefor, the state secretary, if he considers such reasons sufficient, shall require the petitioners to publish a notice in one or more newspapers in the county where the corporation is located stating that, for reasons which appear to him sufficient, the certificate of incorporation of the corporation therein named is annulled. Upon the filing by the petitioner with the state secretary of a copy of each newspaper in which the notice of dissolution was ordered to be published, the corporation shall be dissolved, subject to the three preceding sections.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 54

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 54 cover?

Section 54 ("Surrender of certificate of incorporation; notice") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 54?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 54" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 54 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.