Companies Act, 2013
216.
Investigation
of ownership of company.
1. Where it appears to
the Central Government that there is a reason so to do, it may appoint one or
more inspectors to investigate and report on matters relating to the company,
and its membership for the purpose of determining the true persons—
a.
who
are or have been financially interested in the success or failure, whether real
or apparent, of the company; or
b.
who
are or have been able to control or to materially influence the policy of the
company.
1.
2. Without prejudice to
its powers under sub-section (1 ), the Central Government shall appoint
one or more inspectors under that sub-section, if the Tribunal, in the course
of any proceeding before it, directs by an order that the affairs of the
company ought to be investigated as regards the membership of the company and
other matters relating to the company, for the purposes specified in
sub-section (1 ).
3. While appointing an
inspector under sub-section (1 ), the Central Government may define the
scope of the investigation, whether as respects the matters or the period to
which it is to extend or otherwise, and in particular, may limit the
investigation to matters connected with particular shares or debentures.
4. Subject to the terms
of appointment of an inspector, his powers shall extend to the investigation of
any circumstances suggesting the existence of any arrangement or understanding
which, though not legally binding, is or was observed or is likely to be
observed in practice and which is relevant for the purposes of his investigation.