Strike-off is not always final. Section 252 of the Companies Act, 2013 lets the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order the Registrar to restore a company's name to the register. Once restored, the company is treated as if it had never been struck off.
Two ways to restore
| Appeal, s.252(1) | Application, s.252(3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Any person aggrieved by the RoC's order striking the company off | The company, a member, a creditor or a workman who feels aggrieved |
| Time limit | Within 3 years of the RoC's order | Before 20 years from the STK-7 notice in the Official Gazette |
| Test | The removal was not justified | The company was carrying on business or in operation when struck off, or it is otherwise just to restore it |
The RoC can also apply to the NCLT within 3 years under section 252(2), if it struck a company off by mistake on the basis of incorrect information.
What the NCLT usually asks for
Restoration orders commonly require the company to file all overdue financial statements and annual returns, with additional fees, and may impose costs. Evidence that the company was trading (bank statements, GST returns, invoices, tax filings) is central to an application under section 252(3).
When restoration takes effect
The company must file a copy of the NCLT order with the RoC in Form INC-28 within 30 days of receiving it. Once the RoC records the order, the company's status on the MCA portal changes from Strike Off back to Active, and the company is deemed to have continued in existence as if its name had not been struck off.
How to confirm a vendor has been restored
- Check the current status on the MCA portal (Master Data → View Company or LLP Master Data). It should show Active.
- Ask the vendor for a copy of the NCLT order and the INC-28 filing receipt.
- Keep both on file with the STK-7 notice that listed the company, so the audit trail shows strike-off and restoration.
Updated 19 October 2026. A general guide based on the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Rules, 2016, as amended. It is not legal advice; check the current text on the MCA website or with your professional adviser before acting.