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Voluntary or Regulatory Removal from the Register of Companies
A Strike Off refers to the formal removal of a company’s name from the Register of Companies (ROC) by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Once struck off, the company ceases to legally exist, though it may still be liable for past dues or liabilities.
⚖️ Legal Basis for Strike Off
The process is governed by:
Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013
Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Rules, 2016
A company can be struck off either voluntarily by the directors or by the ROC for non-compliance or inactivity.
🔄 Types of Strike Off
Type
Description
Voluntary Strike Off
Company voluntarily applies for closure when it has no liabilities and is inactive.
ROC-Initiated Strike Off
ROC removes company for non-filing of returns, non-operation, or violations.
📋 Common Reasons for Strike Off
Not carrying on any business for two or more years
Failure to file Annual Returns (MGT-7) or Financial Statements (AOC-4)
Non-response to notices issued by the ROC
Voluntary application from directors/shareholders when business is no longer operational
🧭 Procedure for Voluntary Strike Off – Step-by-Step
Hold Board Meeting
Pass a resolution to apply for strike off and authorize a director to proceed.
Clear Liabilities
Ensure the company has no outstanding liabilities (debts, dues, taxes).
Special Resolution / Consent
If applicable, hold a general meeting and pass a special resolution.
Alternatively, obtain consent from 75% shareholders in paid-up capital.
File Form STK-2 with ROC
Attach supporting documents like:
Board and shareholder resolutions
Statement of accounts (not older than 30 days)
Indemnity Bond (Form STK-3)
Affidavit from directors (Form STK-4)
PAN, Aadhaar, ID Proofs
Review by ROC
ROC may request clarifications and issue a public notice inviting objections.
Publication & Final Strike Off
After no objections are raised, ROC strikes off the company and publishes the notice in the Official Gazette.
🧾 Documents Required
Board Resolution & Special Resolution
Indemnity Bond (STK-3)
Affidavit by Directors (STK-4)
Statement of Accounts certified by a CA
Copy of PAN, Aadhaar, and identity proofs
NOC from regulatory authorities (if applicable)
⏱️ Timeline
The strike-off process generally takes 2 to 4 months, depending on document readiness, ROC processing time, and publication in the Gazette.
⚠️ Important Notes
A company must have no assets or liabilities to apply for strike-off voluntarily.
Ongoing legal proceedings or regulatory issues may block the strike-off.
After strike-off, the company cannot operate or hold assets, and directors lose all authority.
ROC can strike off a company suo-moto if it is non-compliant for two consecutive years.
📘 When Should You Consider Strike Off?
✅ The company is not active or operational
✅ You want to legally close a dormant or unused business
✅ No future plans to operate or revive the business
✅ You wish to avoid unnecessary compliance burdens
🧠 Consequences of Strike Off
The company legally ceases to exist
Directors may still be liable for any undisclosed liabilities
Revival is only possible through NCLT within 3 years
Assets (if any) may vest with the government
🛠️ How KLS Advisors Can Help
At KLS Advisors, we provide expert assistance for strike-off filings and closure compliance:
Strike Off is a clean and legal way to shut down a company that is no longer in use.
Whether done voluntarily or by the ROC, the process must be handled with proper legal documentation and compliance.
Let KLS Advisors help you complete the strike-off process smoothly, quickly, and 100% legally.