A Section 8 company is a company formed for charitable, educational or similar purposes, and it runs under a licence from the central government. Striking it off means removing its name from the register of companies. The usual route is an application under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013, filed in Form STK-2. Whether a Section 8 company can use that route depends on its current status and the rules, so confirm the position before you file.
Who needs this
- Section 8 companies that have stopped their charitable activity
- Promoters who want to close a dormant non-profit company
- Trustees or directors who have been asked to clear the company from the register
- Advisers who need to confirm whether a dormant company is eligible
What it is
Striking off removes a company that is no longer operating from the register. It is different from winding up through a liquidator. The Registrar of Companies publishes a notice, and objections can be raised within the notice period. If none are upheld, the company is struck off.
Eligibility
- All liabilities are cleared and no statutory dues remain
- No prosecution or inspection is pending against the company
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| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Board resolution to apply for strike-off | Authorisation |
| Special resolution or consent of members | Shareholder approval |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | Financial position |
| Bank account closure or confirmation | Account status |
| Digital signature of the director | Signing the form |
Step-by-step
- Confirm the company's status and check whether it meets the eligibility rules.
- Settle all liabilities and file pending annual returns.
- Pass a board resolution and a shareholder resolution as the rules require.
- Respond to any objection or query from the Registrar.
- Watch for the notice. If the company is struck off, the Registrar issues the final order.
Government fee vs professional fee
| Item | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return catch-up | Late fee per form | Depends on the number of forms |
Renewal
Not applicable. A struck-off company cannot be revived except through a restoration process that has its own rules.
Common mistakes
- Filing for strike-off while the company still has pending annual returns
- Assuming a Section 8 company follows the same route as a private limited company
- Not clearing liabilities before filing
- Forgetting to close the bank account and the GST registration
Advocate's Note
For a Section 8 company, the eligibility question is the first thing to settle. If the route is not open to your company, a different closure or merger path may be needed. Verify that position in writing before paying a filing fee.
Soft CTA: A short eligibility review before filing can save a rejected application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the strike-off process the same as winding up?
No. Winding up involves a liquidator. Strike-off is a simpler route for dormant companies, where eligible.
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